PERIODICAL INDEX Letters to the Editor...... A2 People...... A4 Immigration...... A28 Business...... A24 Community...... A35 Magazine...... M1 Sports...... A32 Friday, April 6, 2012 Vol. XLII No.27 www.rediff.com (Nasdaq: REDF) NEW YORK EDITION $1 Pages: 44+12+4=60 International Weekly Newspaper Chicago/Dallas Los Angeles NY/NJ/CT New York Toronto Time of Trials Divyendu Sinha’s family awaits justice Rajat Gupta wins some, loses some

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CIRCULATION questions CONTACT THE CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT Call: 212-645-2369 Fax: 212-627-9503 E-mail: [email protected] The recent conviction of Dharun Ravi This is an extremely sad incident and should be treated as such. Subscription toll free number: 1-877-INDIA-ABROAD (1-877-463-4222) in the spycam case is disturbing and affecting two families. The Clementis It is noteworthy to mention how Anjali S Maniam Associate Vice President, Marketing & Special Events puzzling on many fronts because there have lost their son and the Ravis are much care was exercised to maintain THE INDIA BUSINESS TEAM Nikita Pai, Deputy Chief Manager. Call: 91-22-24449144, extension 320 are so many unanswered questions. having to deal with their son facing a the privacy of MB, a 30-year-old man The jury convicted Ravi on all 15 jail term and possible deportation. who came to a public college dorm to REDIFF.COM EDITORIAL TEAM Saisuresh Sivaswamy, Senior Editorial Director. Sheela Bhatt, Senior Editorial counts of spying on his roommate, Ravi invaded Clementi’s privacy and have sex with an 18-year-old kid on Director, News Ivan Crasto, Editorial Director, Sports including for a hate crime. Even though should be punished for that. But, to more than one occasion in a room that Prithviraj Hegde, Editor, News, Nandita Malik, Editor, Business Ravi was not charged with Tyler convict him of bias intimidation and a also belonged to another student. He Shobha Warrier, Savera R Someshwar, Archana Masih, Syed Firdaus Ashraf, Managing Editors Clementi’s suicide soon after being hate crime and the way the jury arrived should have known better. Rajesh Karkera, Joint Creative Head spied on, it surely influenced the jury’s at that conclusion is puzzling. The jury If he wanted privacy, he could have A Ganesh Nadar, Indrani Roy Mitra, Seema Pant, Ronjita Kulkarni, Swarupa Dutt, Associate Managing Editors verdict. supposedly got inside Clementi’s mind gone to a motel. Ravi also had rights to Prasanna D Zore, Vikash Nanjappa, Deputy Managing Editors Because of the countrywide publicity and concluded he felt intimidated by that room. Was not Clementi insensi- Rupali S Nimkar, Senior Assistant Managing Editor Onkar Singh, Sanaya Dalal, Assistant Managing Editors through out the news media and the Ravi’s actions. There is an urgent need tive to expect Ravi to float around N V Reuben, Senior Art Director Uday Kuckian, Art Director misinformation in circulation before to better define what constitutes a ‘hate somewhere to provide him privacy? Puja Banta, Chief Features Editor the case even came to trial, one won- crime.’ Colleges should do a better job of on- Vipin Vijayan, Sanchari Bhattacharya, Chief News Editors Harish Kotian, Deputy Sports Editor ders how it was possible to assemble an When asked by the lawyers, every campus room assignment and also Patcy Nair, Bikash Mohapatra, Chief Features Editors impartial and unbiased jury. The pros- witness categorically said ‘no’ to the include in their freshman orientation Abhishek Mande, Meghana Biwalkar, Senior Associate Editors Rajorshi Sanyal, Deputy News Editor ecution was successful in suppressing question whether Ravi had expressed curriculum, the guidelines for accept- Gauri Ghadi, Senior Assistant Editor vital information that would have clear- any hatred towards Clementi for his able behavior and respect towards each Sonil Dedhia, Principal Correspondent Mahipal Soni, Director, Operations (Editorial) ly established there was no real connec- sexual orientation. How can the jury other. College campuses should be a Aslam Hunani, Joint Director, Operations (Editorial) tion between Ravi’s action and conclude otherwise? Was the verdict place for learning, not a place for sexu- Ashish Narsale, Associate Director, Operations (Editorial) Rajesh Alva, Manager, Operations (Editorial) Clementi’s suicide. based on an overzealous jury deter- al adventures. Manisha Deshpande, Senior Visuals Coordinator Anant Salvi, Visuals Coordinator As was reported, there is reason to mined to make an example of him and Today’s freshman college kids of India Abroad Publications, Inc believe that Clementi was depressed send a message in support of gay Ravi’s age use powerful social network- A subsidiary of Rediff.com India Ltd. and had many psychological issues. He rights? ing tools and gadgets everyday every Ajit Balakrishnan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer took pictures of George Washington Making a scapegoat out of a stupid minute of their life through tweets and EDITORIAL & CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Bridge even before he met Ravi. He also immature 18 year old will not enhance other means to let every one know what 42 Broadway, 18th floor, New York, NY 10004 felt rejected by his mother after he told that cause. Many notable gay rights they are doing at every instant without MAIN OFFICE: Call: 646-432-6000 his family he was gay. None of these advocates have expressed the sentiment Fax: 212-627-9503 aspects were explored during the trial. that Ravi’s crime was a youthful prank Page A3 Web site: http://ia.rediff.com/index.html India Abroad April 6, 2012 LETTERS A3

Page A2 It is a long letter and has a lot of material that has nothing Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists? This practice will divide communi- to do with ‘Ravi’s rights.’ Unless one is a trained lawyer and is ties. The colonial British rulers purposely did that, resulting in even realizing the consequences of some of their actions. thoroughly familiar with Ravi’s case, one should be careful unprecedented violence and the partition of the country. Ravi’s action must be judged in that context. The spying was about addressing a legal question pertaining to one’s rights. The Congress government seems to have forgotten history in the territory of a youthful prank which unfortunately She thinks that our justice system is ‘corrupt and has gone and is playing with fire. It is doing this for the short-term gain turned extremely sour due to Clementi’s suicide. If Clementi berserk,’ but the fact remains that we are talking about a legal of securing vote banks for itself with the probable conse- had not commit suicide, the incident probably would not have case the outcome of which is decided by our justice system, as quence being repeating a sad history. Grants should be been reported to anyone outside the college authorities. good or bad as it may be, whether we like the result or not. given based on need and never according to community. The punishment for Ravi’s actions should fit the crime. The I was especially appalled by her statement regarding a ‘stu- Modi was absolutely right, both morally and constitutional- punishment should be educational and corrective. Sending pid invasion of privacy charge.’ Invasion of privacy is a serious ly, in sending back the ill-advised grant. Instead of condemn- him to jail and possible deportation for the unfortunate event charge. There is nothing stupid about it. ing him, he should be commended. that transpired is extreme. Pradeep Srivastava Ram Kirpalani Ravi’s interview revealed puzzling details about the plea Detroit Allentown, New Jersey deal offered to him to spare him jail time with community service for 600 hours. The deal required Ravi to admit he intentionally targeted Clementi for the reason that he was gay. Ravi never admitted that he hated Clementi for his sexual IV orientation, a view supported by witnesses questioned during After reading all the news about Dharun Ravi’s conviction, No refuge from caste the trial. Why that was a required part of the plea deal is not I cannot conclude who is wrong and who is right, but I am This is in response to Dharma Kodali’s comment (India clear. That is supposedly why Ravi was not willing to accept sure about one thing . If Ravi was the victim in place of Abroad, March 23). such a deal. Clementi, this case would not have been important news and Yes, we should certainly ditch the caste system. This case should be appealed. the culprit would not even been arrested or punished. The Unfortunately, even if every temple priest is replaced by a A P Bhattacharjee reason? Very simple. He is an Indian, a minority. Dalit, India will be rooted in caste as long as there are caste- Audubon, Pennsylvania Roni George based quotas. Caste has become an Indian thing and will out- New York, New York live Hinduism. We should shift as soon as possible to a need- based quota. Let us reserve 40 percent for socially and economically II backward Indians, 15 percent for economically backward I would like to commend Usha Nellore on her thoughtful, Indians, 15 percent for socially backward Indians, and 30 per- erudite opinion on the Ravi-Clementi incident (India Abroad, Don’t divide and rule cent based purely on merit. The quota system is divisive and March 30). I also thank the editors for publishing such letters. A letter (India Abroad, March 30) criticized Gujarat Chief lets the creamy layer of people belonging to reserved castes Her letter was bold and most important She was not afraid to Minister Narendra Modi for returning Rs 10,000 crores continue to enjoy benefits at the cost of those who have yet to have a different opinion. So many of us, comment and act ($1.95 billion) sanctioned by Prime Minister Manmohan progress. Groups do everything in India to be enlisted as with an eye on the white guy – What will he think of us if we Singh. The money was for scholarships for Muslim youth. I do backward classes. Just imagine, former Karnataka chief min- do this? - rather than speak our minds. not see how Modi could have done anything otherwise. ister B S Yediyurappa got his powerful Lingayat community of No one is saying Ravi was innocent, but the other criminal How can a prime minister, sworn to uphold the constitution Karnataka declared a backward class. party in this case, religious-inspired bigotry, got away scot- of secular India and practice equality towards all, approve Koti Sreekrishna free. We Indians continuously mock our country and think funds for a particular religious group? Has his government By e-mail the US is far more advanced than us but when it comes to ever given any money to other religious groups — Hindus, religion, this country is so backward it is unbelievable. Ravi’s foolisheness was not to envelop himself in a religious garb; if he had, maybe he could have used his religion as a II cover, saying his religion implores him to act against homo- This so-called ‘time to ditch the caste system’ has been sexuality. The Sankaracharya was arrested in India, but have called for innumerable times since time immemorial. you seen even one high official detained over the child abuse All the innumerable temples built in US have been by scandal, here in the US? Both Obama and Nikki Haley hav- Hindu immigrants of all castes. The respective temple boards ing to defend and announce their religious affiliations, kow- employ these priests according to the wishes of their devotees. towing to fundamentalists – Sonia Gandhi to this day, has It would be foolish to disregard those views. never had to announce that she is Hindu. Hinduism is all about ‘Shruti’ (scriptures) and ‘Smruti’ (tra- Hitler once divided people based on religion — he made dition). It is about ‘Agamas’ (heritage) and ‘Achara’ (practice Jews wear armbands signifying their religious affiliation and of tradition). The Vedas, from time immemorial, have been then tried to brutally exterminate its members. We all agree propagated by oral transmission directly from teacher to stu- he is evil, but how many of us protest when religious bigots dent – and that is the only reason why Brahmins are respect- run around saying their ‘God’ will separate us from the rest ed for dedicating their lives to this cause. because of our religious affiliation, and then send us to Hell Brahmins in other professions are merely ‘Brahmana for eternity? Torture us for eternity? Why does the latter fall Bandhus.’ It is faith alone that determines our religion and under free speech? Freedom of religion? Because the West say not contemporary rationalization. The spirit and the faith in so? the Vedas were the driving force for them being transmitted This is clearly hate speech, but we lack the will and pride to orally. stand up and do the right thing. So many of us remain second Max Mueller’s work on them inspired great men like citizens of this world. Aurobindo to start the movement to find greater meaning in The West says you must assimilate into this new country them. The caste system has survived attempts by but there is one exception to the rule — religion. Few of us Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and the Ayyappa and Sai Baba move- pause to ask why religion is exempted. Why should I let go of ments to do away with it only because dedicated Brahmins my culture, food, dress, language etc but keep my religion? have power because they orally pass on the scriptures. The former are tangible things — things I can touch, see and There is no doubt that many of the evils that have crept into feel .-But religion is intangible. It is but a belief system. If the caste system have been nullified, and that, ultimately, the assimilation is supposed to bring us together as a society, sentiments of devotees alone will prevail. shouldn’t giving up one’s religion also be beneficial? Udayshanker Kasinadhuni We need to think outside the box — stop thinking that Great work! By e-mail everything the West says and does is the glorious truth — as This was the best Magazine ever (‘Out of India,’ India Ms Nellore has done. Abroad, March 30). Also, the photographs of the lady Vanamali Thotapalli photographer from a couple or more issues ago (Soul By e-mail Sisters, March 23) had very beautiful photographs of THREADERS animals and birds. WANTED! Some more of those please. III Maya Rao Seva® located within Walmart!® seeks Threaders for Employment and I read with interest Usha Nellore’s letter (India Abroad, By e-mail Ownership opportunities! Phone: 877-SEVA-BEAUTY (877-738-2232 ext. 2). March 30). Email: [email protected] A4 Mindy Kaling Dr Atul Gawande Aziz Ansari

PEOPLE

India Abroad April 6, 2012

PARESH GANDHI MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS ave all you tweeples out there checked health and science. How a public health Anita Desai out Time magazine’s ‘The 140 Best expert, an endocrine surgeon and a staff H Twitter Feeds of 2011’ list? It comes as writer at The New Yorker also maintain an no surprise that comedian-actor Aziz Ansari, ‘active, well-curated Twitter feed’ will probably writer-producer-director-actor Mindy Kaling, continue to remain a mystery to us, but his surgeon and writer Dr Atul Gawande, GigaOm varied Twitter feed — ranging from politics to founder Om Malik and ContentNextMedia Inc REM lyrics — is certainly interesting. As are founder Rafat Ali have made it to the list. The Ali’s — tweets ‘in line with the latest news good folks at Time divvied up the list into cat- straight from Silicon Valley, with a dash of egories, with Ansari and Kaling under come- snark to taste’ — and Malik’s who ‘knows a dians. Kaling, the editors tell us, ‘keeps her hot topic when he sees one.’ The two entrepre- followers amused with replies to her famous neurs have been listed under technology. friends, jokes about celebrity gossip and While Ansari has 772k followers, Ali and insights on what it’s like to be a member of the Gawande are hovering at about 8k each and team behind one of the most successful come- Malik boasts of 1.2 million. However, with dies on the air,’ while Ansari is the fellow to over 1.3 million followers, Kaling scores the follow ‘if you’re a comedy fan — or, oddly, a highest. Take a bow, girl. fan of rap music.’ Gawande is listed under — Abhishek Mande

PARESH GANDHI Desai’s loss Are you nita Desai’s The Artist of Disappearance was cho- A sen as a PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction finalist from following more than 350 books, but didn’t make the final cut. The award, it was announced last week, went them? to Julie Otsuka’s The Buddha in Om Malik Rafat Ali the Attic. Billed as ‘America’s largest peer juried prize for fic- MAX MORSE/REUTERS COURTESY: OLIVIER EZRATTY/CREATIVE COMMONS HTTP://TWITTER.COM/#!/RAFAT tion,’ it will be given out May 5 in Washington, DC. While Otsuka will receive $15,000, the Sameer Gadhia Like daddy, like daughter? other finalists — Desai, Russell Banks (Lost Memory of Skin), o matter how Don DeLillo (The Angel good his daughter Esmeralda) and Steven N Milan Xai sound- Millhauser (We Others) — will ed in Ma, which is part of receive $5,000 each. his last album Cinema, Karsh Kale doesn’t expect his daughter to follow in his footsteps. Or five or six times. intend to impose his The desi in At the same time, expectations on her. ‘I I see America think she’s going to do the American here. My parents her own thing and make aren’t that way. her own path,’ he tells the ince Young The They’re Indian. Bombay Times. ‘If she Giant released its self-titled For me, I appre- chooses to (follow in his S album in January last year, ciate this lifestyle, footsteps), that’s her own the California band has come a this individual choice. Milan being on long way. They have gone from power and the album was just her being an obscure band to a major prowess in the coming into the studio radio hit. They have gone from States that isn’t and insisting that she be barely having a tour manager to really allowed in on the song. Gaurav travelling with a full support other places. I (Raina of Midival team. They have gone from per- think it’s beauti- Punditz) told her, “Ok, forming at small club venues to ful. At the same you want to be on track, theaters to even bigger platforms time, it makes me then you must audition.” (they were the only rock act at COURTESY: FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/SAMEER-GADHIA very aware of So, he just auditioned the MTV Video Music Awards last year). In all this, how different people can be depending upon where her, and she was great on it is interesting to learn how his desi roots have they’re from. I think me being able to be from two the song. That (her vocals influenced frontman Sameer Gadhia, right, above. completely different places has allowed me to see on the track) was her The vocalist tells The A V Club, ‘I’m a first-genera- things more objectively about where people come audition.’ Are all the desi tion American citizen. I’m an Indian American. I from and how that affects their normal day and daddies out their listen- have a lot of old-world traditions. I’ve been to India what they believe in. It’s just fascinating to me.’ ing? Karsh Kale COURTESY: KARSHKALE.COM India Abroad April 6, 2012 PEOPLE A5

Sachin S Kukke, second from left, enjoys a Zero-G flight with the five other regional winners and the three global winners of the YouTube Space Lab 2012

ndia’s Sachin S Kukke, Space odyssey along with five other teens, I is ready to make waves in outer space. He is one of the six COURTESY: BRYAN RAPOZA/YOUTUBE BRYAN COURTESY: regional winners of the YouTube Space Lab 2012 — a worldwide challenge issued to students between 14 to 18 years of age by YouTube, Lenovo, Space Adventures, the National Katy at Aeronautics and Space COURTESY: INDIAN EMBASSY Administration, the European Sachin with India’s Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao Space Agency and the Japan the crease Aerospace Exploration Agency. The came from India — were announced challenge was to design a new scien- by astronaut Sunita Williams in ricket lovers just got another tific experiment that could be per- Washington, DC, March 22. Sachin reason to tune into the Indian formed in outer space, and the followed that up with a meeting with C Premier League opening cere- Bengaluru-based mechanical engi- Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao mony, April 3. Katy Perry, we hear, neering student came up with an the next day. Saying that ‘students will perform at the Chennai event, experiment that explores transfer of like Sachin symbolize the hopes and which will also include the likes of heat in ferrofluid, a liquid that gets the potential of a dynamic, resurgent Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachhan, magnetized when subjected to a India and it’s young population,’ the Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan. magnetic field. The study can benefit ambassador encouraged him to pur- That’s some line-up! development of advanced cooling and sue his goals and interests in the spe- heat transfer systems. The winners — cialized area of aerospace engineer- incidentally 40 percent of the entries ing.

Kal Penn Kal in the Frieda vs Dev ovebirds and former co-stars (Slumdog House? Millionaire for readers previously resident L on another planet) Freida Pinto and Dev f House producers have their Patel are facing off at the box office these days, and way, says Entertainment for once it’s Dev who is winning. A few good I Weekly, several former cast reviews did not prevent Freida’s Trishna from members will appear in the final turning into a flop in the United Kingdom. The episode of the long-running med- movie collected a pitiable $215,000 in two weeks ical drama. ‘The most exciting and could be out of the theatres in the next name on the producers’ wish list: two. The film is based on the Thomas Hardy clas- Kal Penn, whose popular character sic, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, but transported from committed suicide during the 19th century England to modern India. No one show’s fifth season. How would Dr expected Trishna to do the business Freida’s previ- Lawrence Kutner return to House, ous release, The Immortals, did, but it might find exactly? Flashback? Dream it difficult to even recover the cost. On the other sequence? Alternate reality? Dr hand, Dev’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which PARESH GANDHI House goes to heaven?’ EW says. is partly set in Rajasthan, is turning into a solid hit ‘We don’t know (and if we did, we’re not telling).’ Well whatever happens in the UK. It is on the way to a bumper $30 mil- on that front, with him starring in ABC’s comedy pilot Prairie Dogs lion harvest, even before its arrival in America (India Abroad, March 2), we are fairly sure that we will be seeing a lot of next month. the actor next fall, too. — Arthur J Pais FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS A6 COVER STORY/THE CASE AGAINST RAJAT GUPTA India Abroad April 6, 2012

A brilliant mind,a senseless murder

Dr Divyendu Sinha with wife Alka ivyendu Sinha, an Indian Institute of Technology- DKharagpur graduate who earned his PhD in computer science from the Stevens Institute of A community condolence meeting for Divyendu Sinha in New Jersey last year MOHAMMED JAFFER-SNAPSINDIA Technology, was severely beaten up by five young men the night of June 25, 2010, while he was on an after- A family awaits justice Page A7

Nearly two years after computer scientist Divyendu Sinha was beaten to death in front of his family, trials set to start. Suman Guha Mozumder reports

• European Medical Universities which are Public Institutions, established and well recognized for over a half century. English early two years after Old Bridge, New Jersey- language curriculum comparable to major American medical based computer scientist Divyendu Sinha was schools. over the last 60 years, our affiliated universities beaten to death, the trial of one of the five have trained more than 40,000 Physicians. accused begins this month at the Superior Court • Programs for both High School and College Graduates. N • Smaller class sizes with traditional European style education. in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Excellent hands-on participation for extensive training and The jury selection for the trial of Steven Contreras, who experience building. drove the vehicle carrying the other four accused, is slated • Unmatched research opportunities available on campus to help students enhance potential choice of residency. to begin April 10. The four other accused — all five were • Clinical Rotations/Clerkship available at ACGME approved and underage at the time of Sinha’s murder, all five are being accredited hospitals in USA or at hospitals in Europe. tried as adults — will be prosecuted separately. Contreras • Universities recognized by major State Medical Boards, including gave a statement to the police implicating the other four. California & New York; two states with the most stringent rules for accreditation and the most residency positions in the USA. Sinha, 49, was beaten to death when he was taking an Graduates currently practicing across the USA, Canada, Europe after-diner walk with his family near his Fela Drive home and throughout the world. in Old Bridge. The unprovoked attack occurred in front of • Financial Aid is available for qualified students through federal his wife Alka and two teenaged children, Aashish and loan programs. Ravi, who suffered injuries when they tried to save their father. The attackers punched and kicked Sinha, who died two days later in hospital of blunt force trauma to the head. At the time, Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J Kaplan and acting Old Bridge Police Chief Robert

Page A7 India Abroad April 6, 2012 COVER STORY/THE CASE AGAINST RAJAT GUPTA A7 A family awaits justice

Page A6 the criminals are punished.” Asked why it took so much time for the trial to Bonfante said preliminary findings indicated start, Assistant Public Prosecutor Christopher that the assault was not racially motivated as Kuberiet said, “Probably it is attributable to lack many Indian Americans alleged. Sinha, accord- of judges and the priority that judges, consistent ing to prosecutors, was the victim of a random with our state law, unlike the federal law, give to attack. those who are already sitting in jails. The accused are also charged with chasing Regrettably, these five defendants are out on the after a motorist, Anthony Martino, prior to the street.” attack on the Sinha family. Prosecutors charac- Sources said the administration is optimistic terized that as road rage. The accused twice tried that the jury will see the truth in this case. “I am to attack Martino, but he escaped. sure they can’t miss it. No way,” said a friend of Besides Contreras, the other four — charged the family. with murder, conspiracy, criminal mischief, Many Indian Americans in New Jersey rued three counts of aggravated assault and riot, etc that thanks to the Dharun Ravi trial that attract- — are Julian Daley, Cash Johnson, Christian ed national and international media attention, Tinli and Christopher Conway. All of them were Sinha’s murder has almost been forgotten. freed on bail bonds in July 2010. “Both the media and the members of the com- Sources said Contreras had told investigators munity, except a few, seem to have forgotten that that his friends ‘were looking for a fight’ as they an innocent man was killed for no fault of his cruised the township that night after binge- and justice needs to be delivered,” said a New drinking. He said he let them out of the car after Jersey resident who did not want to be identi- Conway saw ‘three dudes and a chick’. The four fied. teens allegedly punched Sinha to the ground and On the Web site created in Sinha’s memory then fled. (www.divyendusinha.com), Alka Sinha posted a ‘I heard this woman screaming, “No, no, no”,’ message September 24, 2010, in which she out- Contreras is believed to have told the prosecu- lined her ordeal and thanked the community for tors. ‘I saw some guy fall on the grass.’ In text its support. messages, Conway and Daley allegedly discussed She wrote: ‘No one should ever have to experi- how much they enjoyed beating Sinha up. ence such horrific acts of violence. We are com- While Sinha’s wife Alka did not want to com- pletely devastated and are trying to put our lives ment on the case as she will be a witness at the back together, but it’s very, very difficult. I stay trials, sources close to the family said the past awake at night trying to comprehend what hap- two years have been very difficult for her and her pened to our lives and why. My children seem to children. have recovered physically from the blows they “She was a devoted wife and homemaker,” a received, but emotionally they are forever friend of the family, who did not want to be iden- scarred. The last image of my loving husband tified, told India Abroad. “Her husband’s murder and my children’s father being beaten will forev- left her unprepared to take on the day to day er be imprinted in our memory of him. Our loss responsibilities of the household and her chil- can never be repaired in our lifetimes… We have dren. She has focused her energy on bringing up full faith in the justice system and are now look- her young children, and has been fully engaged ing forward to a speedy trial. My husband would in the proceedings of the case. She feels she and always say, “No one is above the law”. My family her children can move on with their lives as best and I are confident that in his death, the five as they can after justice is meted out to them and assailants will be brought to justice.’

MOHAMMED JAFFER-SNAPSINDIA Sinha’s family and friends have thanked the community for its support and urged them to attend the court A brilliant mind,a senseless murder hearings and get involved

Page A6 dinner walk with his wife and children. He died in hospital June 28, 2010. AwesomeMath 2012 He immigrated to the United States from Bihar in 1982, and co-authored books on computer imaging and computational mathematical morphology. His at the University of Texas at Dallas (6/4 - 6/16), Cornell friends described him as a man with a brilliant mind and a warm heart. “He cared for the community and Indian culture and tradition,” said a friend. University (6/25 - 7/15), and University of California, Santa At the time of his murder, Sinha was working as a consultant for Siemens Cruz (7/23 - 8/12) prepares Healthcare Diagnostics in Westchester County, New York. He had earlier taught at the Staten Island College for almost a decade where he was assistant bright middle and high school professor of computer science. students for mathematics Friends of the Sinha family have urged Indian Americans to show their sup- port by attending the court hearings and getting involved. competitions. ‘We have to ensure that justice is done to the family and the community can World-class faculty and play a big role in showing support,’ one person wrote on the Web site created in Sinha’s memory. ‘Many times these cases are diluted with the affected getting mentors teach participants little support in the end. This case has to be pursued effectively in both the great problem-solving skills. criminal and civil courts.’ www.divyendusinha.com Please visit www.awesomemath.org A8 COVER STORY/THE CASE AGAINST RAJAT GUPTA India Abroad April 6, 2012

Suman Guha Mozumder reports on the corporate leader’s pretrial Rajat Gupta wins

uring the pretrial motions and arguments late some, loses some last month, Rajat Gupta, former global head of McKinsey & Company, who goes Don criminal trial May 21 for ‘That separate government agencies have alleged securities fraud and conspiracy, overlapping jurisdiction will cooperate in the seemed to win some and lose some. factual investigation of the same alleged mis- United States District Court Judge Jed conduct makes perfect sense; but that they Rakoff ruled in favor of the prosecution, can then disclaim such cooperation to avoid saying the government can use wiretapped their respective discovery obligations makes evidence containing the conversations no sense at all,’ Judge Rakoff ruled. between Gupta and convicted former hedge The judge also ordered Lloyd C Blankfein, fund manager Raj Rajaratnam. chief executive of Goldman Sachs, to sit for an ‘Gupta offers no arguments different from extra two hours of depositions that will be the arguments Judge Holwell considered in taken by Gupta’s lawyers. the Rajaratnam case. He argues instead Reportedly, Blankfein made a deposition that Judge Holwell’s conclusions are in for 7 hours in February and is expected to be error. The court disagrees,’ the ruling reads. a witness at Gupta’s trial. 'So long as the government acts in good A New York Times report said the dispute faith with respect to informing the court of over Blankfein’s testimony arose when during the crimes it is investigating and learning of the February deposition, Gupta’s lawyer in connection with the wiretap, as Judge asked Blankfein who he met with to prepare Holwell and this court conclude was done for the deposition. He responded that he met here, the government is free to use evidence with federal prosecutors, SEC lawyers and a obtained from an unauthorized wiretape in Federal Bureau of Investigation agent. When the prosecution of a crime.’ Gupta’s lawyer asked Blankfein what the gov- Insider trading, Judge Rakoff ruled, often ernment asked at these meetings, the SEC cannot be detected, let along being prose- objected, citing work product protections. cuted, without the aid of wiretaps. Many Judge Rakoff ruled that Blankfein must saw it as a setback for Gupta. answer these questions by Gupta’s lawyers. The high-profile Indian American corpo- Reuters columnist Reynolds Holding main- rate star won a ruling in his favor after the tained that recent cases like the corruption judge ordered the Securities and Exchange trial against the late Alaska Senator Ted BRENDAN MCDERMID/REUTERS PARESH GANDHI Commission to turn over their notes to fed- The court has ruled that wiretapped conversations between Rajat Gupta,left, and convicted hedge fund manager Raj Stevens show prosecutors often withhold eral prosecutors handling the case against Rajaratnam, right, can be produced as evidence against Gupta information helpful to the defense. Gupta. ‘It’s significant that Judge Jed Rakoff issued ‘The SEC is hereby ordered to turn over to the USAO (US notes through two avenues. ‘First, in a motion made in the the ruling,’ Holding wrote. ‘When the slayer of big-bank Attorney’s Office) the SEC memoranda relating to the 44 criminal case, he argued that the USAO has an obligation settlements opens his mouth, Uncle Sam tends to listen. joint witness interviews, and the USAO is hereby ordered to review the SEC’s memoranda and notes and turn over And the judge told prosecutors that their refusal to review to review the memoranda and promptly disclose any Brady any exculpatory evidence,’ according to the court docu- Securities and Exchange Commission jottings for poten- material to defendant,’ the judge said. He also said that ment. ‘Second, Gupta argued that he is entitled to produc- tially exculpatory evidence ‘makes no sense at all.’ Although prosecutors must review the SEC’s notes about the 44 tion of the memoranda and notes as matter relevant to the it was not a complete victory for Gupta and the SEC notes interviews of witnesses during Gupta’s investigation. subject matter involved in the action.’ may not contain anything useful to the defense, he added, Gupta, through his lawyer, has argued that he is entitled The USAO argued that it has no obligation to review the the ruling is a ‘welcome example of a judge holding prose- to disclosure of some or all of the SEC memoranda and SEC’s materials. Judge Rakoff disagreed. cutors’ feet to the fire.’ What the defense is likely to be

SUMAN GUHA MOZUMDER Gupta traded any inside information. The is likely to argue that Gupta never did room during the Rajaratnam trial but defense will likely argue that the case any insider trading and neither did he that may not relate to the charges in he date for the trial of Rajat Gupta, against Gupta is based entirely on cir- receive any money or share any profit. Gupta’s case because Rajaratnam did not former global head of McKinsey & cumstantial evidence. The line of argu- The prosecution led by Preet Bharara, do any trading based on that. And there TCompany charged with five counts ment may be that just because Gupta United States Attorney for the Southern is nothing confidential or secret in the of securities fraud, has been moved from spoke to Rajaratnam does not necessarily District of New York, has charged Gupta brief conversation between them.” April 9 to May 21 due to the superseding establish that Gupta violated any securi- with five counts of securities fraud and Earlier this year, Gupta’s lawyer Gary charges filed against him by the prosecu- ties law. one count of conspiracy. Gupta, who has Naftalis said in a media statement, ‘There tion in February. Second, it has been brought out been associated with many nonprofit and were a host of legitimate reasons for any During last month’s pre-trial motions through media reports that during the charitable groups, has not been charged communications between Mr Gupta and and arguments, the defense unsuccessful- time Gupta was alleged to have been tip- with directly profiting from alleged sus- Mr Rajaratnam — not the least of which ly sought to preclude wiretap evidence ping Rajaratnam off, there was a rift in pect trades. was Mr Gupta’s attempt to obtain infor- from being presented in Gupta’s trial. the relationship between them and Gupta To buttress the argument the defense mation regarding his $10 million invest- The defense strategy seems to rely on lost $10 million in investments he had will likely try to establish that Gupta did ment in the GB Voyager fund managed three arguments. One is that unlike in made with Rajaratnam. Why would a not have any motive for doing what he is by Rajaratnam. In fact, Mr Gupta lost his the case of Raj Rajaratnam, the former person tip off someone who had made accused of. entire investment in the fund, negating hedge fund manager sentenced to 11 him lose money, the defense is likely to “There is one tape of Gupta,” a source any motive to deviate from a lifetime of years in prison for conspiracy and securi- ask. close to the proceedings told India probity, integrity and distinguished serv- ties fraud, there is no direct evidence that Third and most important, the defense Abroad, “which was played in the court- ice.’ India Abroad April 6, 2012 SPECIAL/POLL BUZZ A9 Upendra Chivukula runs for Congress

GEORGE JOSEPH came to the US from a village that is now in Bangladesh. “We should all work hard nationally to get him ew Jersey Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula will (Chivukula) elected,” Prasad said, “with campaign dona- run for the United States Congress from New tions and more importantly volunteer our time for this NJersey’s 7th District. important campaign. Our young people need to get He was persuaded by the Democratic Party, especially involved and take an active role. I cannot think of anyone Peg Schaffer, chair, Somerset County Democratic better suited to represent New Jersey in Congress. It is very Committee, to contest the election. The party found a important for the Indian-American community to register viable candidate in the veteran New Jersey lawmaker and to vote and get out and vote. We are a substantial voter pressured him to take up the challenge against incumbent group that needs to mobilize in support of Chivukula.” two-term US Representative Leonard Lance, a Republican. Chivukula has served in the New Jersey Assembly for 10 The five county chairs of the Democratic Party in the area years. One of the few scientists in the 120-member New endorsed Chivukula. Unlike his opponent Lance, Jersey legislature, he has emerged as the legislature’s go-to Chivukula does not expect any challenge in the primary. lawmaker on complex technical issues. He has sponsored “The chances of winning the election is 50:50 as there are legislation to fund clean energy technologies, incentivize two candidates,” the ever cautious Chivukula said. energy efficiency, and reduce the production of carbon The 7th District, has become more Republican-friendly dioxide. after the redistricting in December, reports said. “Well, He lives with his wife Dayci, who is of Cuban origin. They unless you try, you never know,” was Chivukula’s response. have two children, son Suraj and daughter Damianty, and ‘I know Upendra to be one of the smartest people in the two grandchildren. legislature and an exceptional public servant who has Looking back at life on his 60th birthday last year, served Somerset County well,’ Schaffer said. ‘He is a tech- Chivukula said, “My goal was to engage the South Asian nocrat whose expertise is needed in Washington. He will be American population in electoral politics. That’s why I a formidable adversary in the 7th who could help take back started grassroots politics to reach out to the community to the House seat for Democrats.’ register them for voting and voter outreach campaigns to “This is great news that we have been waiting for a long increase their participation. During that process, I partici- time,” said Rajiv Prasad, councilman at large and former pated in various election campaigns volunteering my time deputy mayor of New Jersey’s Franklin Township, positions at the local. Eventually, my approach opened doors for me held by Chivukula earlier. “It is about time that New Jersey to head the Democratic Party in Franklin Township had an Indian American in the House of Representatives.” (Somerset County) in 1993 and lead it to victory in 1995. I Calling Lance a good man, Chivukula said it is “not about Upendra Chivukula got an opportunity to successfully run for Franklin Leonard Lance. It’s about me and whether I can do a bet- Township Council in 1997, subsequently becoming a mayor ter job.” tion that has helped catapult New Jersey to a national in 2000.” He said he wants to be a problem solver, not an obstruc- leader in clean energy, which has generated thousands of Due to his efforts, the assembly sessions were opened tionist. “The current Congress has only a 10 percent clean jobs.” with Hindu and Sikh prayers. approval rating. Whether it’s health care, education, the The district is 78 percent Caucasian, through the Asian He advanced a proclamation declaring January 26 as jobs or the environment, we have fantastic opportunities to population is growing. India Day in New Jersey and a resolution recognizing solve issues, but there are simply too many naysayers in The campaign may cost almost a million dollars. He Diwali in the state. Congress,” he said. expects the support of the Indian-American community as Born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, Chivukula came to the “I believe my track record as a problem solver who has he is considered a viable candidate. If elected, he will be the United States in 1974 to pursue a master’s degree in elec- helped incentivize business in New Jersey and generate third Indian American after Dalip Singh Saund trical engineering from the City College of New York. jobs, makes me a viable candidate. I know I can make a dif- (Democrat-California) and Bobby Jindal (Republican- He met his wife Dayci at City College. ference in Washington that would improve our national Louisiana) in the US Congress. He has worked for CBS Television, Electronic Associates, economy. It has been my privilege to work collaboratively Currently US Representative Hansen Clark, Democrat- Leeds and Northrop, AT&T Bell Labs and AT&T with stakeholders on a bipartisan basis to steward legisla- Michigan, is the only South Asian in Congress. His father Technologies.

cians. He is a professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, Davis Slowly, the buzz builds Medical School. He is also the only Indian-American AZIZ HANIFFA Campaign Committee has marked Congressional candidate to garner the sup- their campaigns for support — and port of a Super PAC (Political Action here is growing excitement that includes funding from the Committee) called The American Values among Indian-American party’s coffers. Coalition, of which one of the protagonists Tpolitical activists that a poten- In Bera’s and Trivedi’s cases, it will is Anil Mammen of the Mammen Group, tial winner or two will emerge from be a rematch against longtime GOP Inc, one of the most senior and seasoned community candidates vying for a incumbents Dan Lungren and Jim Indian-American political operatives. seat in the United States House of Gerlach respectively. Chivukula The AVC is devoted to independently Representatives. takes on two-term incumbent supporting candidates who advocate Their optimism is buoyed by the Leonard Lance. responsible government policies that create fact that the Democratic establish- The DCCC has classified Trivedi’s economic opportunity for all American ment has come out in strong sup- bid as an ‘Emerging Race’ — where families. port of two second-generation the Democratic Party believes its In 2010, Bera was one of the strongest Indian-American candidates — Dr candidates are making themselves Democratic challengers in the nation and Ami Bera and Dr Manan Trivedi in Dr Ami Bera Dr Manan Trivedi competitive by running smart cam- even during that Republican wave year, California’s 7th and Pennsylvania’s paigns. Lungren barely won, despite enjoying a 6th Districts respectively. District. Bera is on the DCCC’s Red to Blue list of Republican registration advantage and Veteran New Jersey lawmaker Upendra All three have their work cut out in races — where candidates are seen to have having the support of Republican Super Chivukula, despite jumping into the fray at defeating their well-entrenched Republi- a good chance of defeating incumbents. PACs that spent heavily in support of his the last minute, has been receiving ringing can incumbents. The Democratic Party California-born and raised Bera lives in campaign. endorsements for his bid to capture the hierarchy believes they are viable candi- Elk Grove, a constituency he seeks to repre- seat from the state’s 7th Congressional dates. The Democratic Congressional sent. Both he and his wife Janine are physi- Page A14 A10 SPECIAL/POLL BUZZ India Abroad April 6, 2012

IF INDIA WEREN’T AS PROMINENT AS IT WAS THE REPUBLICANS ARE BETTER SUITED IN TERMS ON THE WORLD STAGE, WE WOULDN’T EVEN OF THEIR POLICY COMMITMENTS TO GETTING DONE BE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION ABOUT INDIA WHAT MUST BE DONE IN ORDER TO SHOCK THIS PLAYING A ROLE WITH REGARD TO IRAN NATION INTO A HIGHER SENSE OF CONFIDENCE

politicians in the business today, not to mention In my foreign policy speech, when I declared as a candi- his foreign policy expertise, especially when it date for President, I called for a much closer US engage- comes to China but also India, where he has visit- ment with India — military to military and economically. I ed multiple times, including leading a state trade also called for strong US support for a UN Security Council delegation in 2007. seat (for India) that isn’t by word alone, but I believe by deed. The Security Council ought to be more of a direct What are your views today in terms of New Delhi reflection of the evolving world in which we live. as a global player, considering that India and There is always the constant comparison of the authori- China are dubbed as the emerging powers? tarian China and the democratic India. But with China’s I’ve followed India’s trajectory for almost 30 economy and growth, can India even be compared to China years, since my first visit. And, the world is awak- in terms of being a significant global player and having the ening to the fact that the order of things, econom- kind of impact Beijing has had in this emerging world order ically, and in terms of traditional global power, is and is certainly expected to have going forward? changing. You have to look into differences in the two models and Certainly, the United States maintains 25 per- they are quite different. China’s challenges are quite unique cent of the world’s GDP, China is second. But and different. Their greatest challenge and concern is with- everybody knows that India will be a significant in their own population as to the prospects for domestic player and has come leaps and bounds in recent instability. years. And credit to policymaking in India, and a With the rise of the social-network generation and 500 credit to leadership and a credit to India’s increas- million connected to the Internet and 90 million bloggers ing commitment to free markets based on democ- who are blogging messages that would have landed anyone racy. in prison a few short years ago, this is among the most I see nothing but blue skies ahead for India’s prominent concerns in China these days. development, now already putting in solid eco- How do you deal with the speed with which technology is nomic growth rates of 7 and 8 percent. So, the developing and is placed in the hands of ordinary citizens? world is paying more and more attention to the India doesn’t need to face this problem. It is an open, new contours, which certainly include China and vibrant, transparent democracy. It’s a participatory democ- India, and our commercial plans, our foreign pol- racy. True, you have other elements of concern and other icy, our national security strategies, will all have to vulnerabilities, but they are not based on the same basic be based and built upon that new global reality. concern that China has with its domestic population. President Obama has said that India is no longer So, given India’s commitment to open markets increas- an emerging power, but an emerged power. Do you ingly given the success of India’s Diaspora, well known and concur? famous throughout the world, I would have to say that the It depends on what data you base that on. In India model has sustenance. I believe it has longevity. terms of per capita numbers, you would have to Although both Washington and Delhi have strongly say that India is in the rapidly developing catego- denied such a containment policy or encirclement of ry. In terms of prestige and clout on the world China, the recent envisaged trilateral agreements stage and India’s ability to influence world events, between the US-India-Japan, US-India-Australia and the I would agree with what the President has said — US and India’s close cooperation with the East Asian Jon M India has already arrived. states can lead to some expected paranoia in Beijing. But it also has almost 400 million of its people What is your take? living in abject poverty. My take on this is that you generally create alliances with That’s correct. And that’s why I say when you those nations that are like-minded and that share your val- look at the per capita numbers, you have to look at ues. With India we have not only a relationship shared on Huntsman it slightly differently. But you can address econom- interests, but we have a relationship shared on values. ic development and international economic If you want permanence in a relationship, durability, you opportunities by being a global player — by need shared values. In conversation with Aziz Haniffa, the attracting more investment, by expanding your On our relationship with China — now 40 years old trading opportunities. That’s how you bring more this last month — is certainly based on shared interests. cerebral Republican leader discusses in the way of opportunity and better lives to the The challenge going forward will be whether we are able world’s poor. to make it a relationship based on shared values. Beijing, the November elections, and more I would have to argue that India is very well posi- So, in the Asia-Pacific region, our alliances naturally tioned in the years to come to be able to expand its are going to take us to like-minded countries, those that economic base based upon its clout in the world — believe in the dignity of the individual, open markets, hen President Barack Obama appointed two-term to bring in more investment, to offer more in the way of human rights, liberty and democracy. Republican Utah governor Jon M Huntsman as opportunities because India is the center of innovation. Some might call that containment, as I know many do Wthe ambassador to China in 2009, it was more It’s the center of ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship in China. I call it reaching out and expanding your net- than a rumor it was a strategic move to get a potential — increasingly. And, yes, you have a very large percentage of work of like-minded countries, who naturally from and highly cerebral— opponent out of the way from his re- its population that is poor, but that is the only way to move alliances for the purposes of enhancing trade, economic election bid in November 2012. beyond that and that’s through economic expansion. prosperity and security, and I believe that policy should After returning to the US — he served in Beijing till April Don’t you think President Obama should use his bully pul- and will continue despite some of Beijing’s paranoia 30, 2011 — Huntsman did run for the GOP nomination, pit to push for India as a permanent United Nations about the idea that they are somewhat hemmed in by it. but just couldn’t get any traction in a polarized party that Security Council member, instead of saying that it can only Do you believe Iran can be a damper on US-India relations? had veered to the extreme right. After a poor showing in happen with the reform of the Security Council and that a I believe it will be a very significant point of discussions, as New Hampshire, he withdrew from the race. But there is US push for a permanent seat for India are dependent on it should be. Again, we get back to the whole conversation of no denying he is probably one of the most experienced these reforms? Page A11 India Abroad April 6, 2012 SPECIAL/POLL BUZZ A11

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shared values. And those shared values take on more of a global dimension sometimes. I also believe that it gets to the heart and soul of India’s emergence on to the world stage and the sense of responsi- bility that goes with that. It logically means that the US and India will be paired up more and more, not just on tradi- tional bilateral issues on trade and investment, and securi- ty and cultural and education, but rather on some thorny global issues. Sometimes we’ll agree, sometimes we’ll disagree, but it speaks to the rise of India more than anything else — the fact that we are even having this conversation. But I do believe that Iran is a terribly destabilizing presence in the Middle East — their threats towards Israel specifically, their support for terrorist networks through Syria, Hamas, Hezbollah. To address this properly, it can’t always be done unilater- ally, it must be done multilaterally. And that will require the help of India. If India weren’t as prominent as it was on the world stage, we wouldn’t even be having this conversa- tion about India playing a role with regard to Iran. Do you believe that (Chinese Vice President) Xi Jinping and the hardliners in Beijing will compel a change in for- eign policy, given that Xi’s biggest allies are in the People’s Liberation Army? I believe that Xi Jinping, first of all, has done a very suc- cessful job in winning over the power centers of political influence in China, which is never an easy thing to do. He’s been able to strike up a relationship with the PLA that is decades old, going back to when he served as an assistant to the former defense minister in the early 1980s. He’s been DAVID GRAY/REUTERS successful in cultivating the party cadre and he’s also been Vice President Xi Jinping, right, China's likely next leader, with President Hu Jintao, center, and Premier Wen Jiabao, left, at the National People's Congress in successful in cultivating the princeling population. Beijing, March 9. Jon Huntsman, a former US ambassador to China, believes Xi enjoys better support in the People's Liberation Army than Hu does, and has time From here on, it will be a function of Xi Jinping’s consol- to consolidate his power base idating his power base, which will take a little bit of time. He’ll be installed in power in October and from there it will leveling the playing field and taking Beijing to the World is embarrassed by the current crop of Republican candi- take probably six months for him to successfully consoli- Trade Organization for unfair trade practices, etc. So, isn’t dates. Do you share that view, or do you subscribe to the date his power base and to vet his own priorities. Romney right in that the President has jumped on the anti- contention by all of them that any one of them would be bet- I believe he will have three or more very good years of China bandwagon after vacillating earlier and not taking ter than President Obama? relationship building with the outside world that could actions on issues like China’s manipulation of its currency? Based on the prevailing needs of our nation right now, very well be within his grasp, depending upon how he You have to wait and see how the statements change — or which are fundamentally based on tax policy, regulatory wants to pull the levers of power. But the evidence is the approaches change — after November. You had Bill policy, energy independence more than anything else, I already there that he will have a more solid footing with the Clinton who talked about the ‘butchers of Beijing’ before would have to say that the Republicans are better suited in PLA than did his predecessor and that will be an important his election. You had Ronald Reagan’s comments with- terms of their policy commitments to getting done what part of strategic stability, regional stability. drawing our diplomatic relationship with Beijing and re- must be done in order to shock this nation into a higher In the last couple of years, there’s been a not altogether recognizing Taipei, which of course, shifted even under sense of confidence. Because we have both a crisis of confi- healthy disconnect between civilian leadership and the mil- Jimmy Carter. dence, but we also have some very real structural barriers itary leadership in China. Once they got in office, the rhetoric changed and the out- that stand in the way of our creative class taking off once Xi Jinping’s in a position to be able to iron out some of reach changed because the reality was such that you need- again. those differences. ed to coexist. We will be stalled until they have confidence in their What do you make of the Bo Xilai (sacked by the You needed to find some ways to cooperate in order to direction and into their future, and I believe that Communist Party because of his alleged scheme to solve not just bilateral issues, but increasingly regional and Republicans, as governors but also during the campaign, remove his police chief and impede a corruption inves- global issues as well. have expressed the kind of policies that would do what tigation involving his family) controversy? Do you think I would be hesitant first of all to take any statements on needs to be done to get the US moving again. the transition of power that you talked about will be China too seriously during an election year — it’s typically Could someone like (former US senator from amenable to all of the factions and powers that be in China, not a reflection of what will take place after November. Pennsylvania) Rick Santorum, with his extreme right particularly to the old guard? Though you endorsed Romney when you withdrew from social conservatism, be an acceptable GOP nominee for Again, the Bo Xilai incident is an example of the way in the race, you have not had the most congenial relationship President? What do you think he is playing for? Can he hurt which politics plays out in China. Politics are local, whether with your fellow Mormon. Do you still strongly endorse the party? in the United States, India or China, and in all cases, they him? I don’t know if he’s the most electable candidate. He’s a can be pretty vicious, and clearly we are seeing positioning I didn’t ask for anything. Typically candidates, when they good man. I like him and he’s a friend. He appeals very going on for the highest bodies in China. are getting out of the race, ask for something when they get strongly to one end of the Republican Party, but if you do When you stop to think that in October probably 70 per- out. I don’t do that. I don’t believe in political favors. I the math, you will soon find that in order to win an elec- cent of the top 200 leaders will be turning over, this is would never do anything like that. I haven’t asked for any- tion, any Republican is going to have to be successful in probably the most significant and comprehensive leader- thing or it wasn’t my intention to ask for anything. winning over a big chunk of the independents. ship transition since 1949. I simply thought he was the best situated as I still do to The fastest-growing party in America today is the unaffil- Seven of the nine members of the Standing Committee of deliver on a strong economy, which we desperately need in iated party and that suggests that either a Democrat or a the Politbureau — the senior board of directors, if you will the US. Republican able to gain a winning strategy will include — will be turning over and the rise of the first generation. People have made too much of our relationship. The fact some level of outreach and a message that the independ- So the stakes are extremely high and what we are seeing of the matter is, I don’t know him well and he doesn’t know ents find appealing. That ultimately allows you to bring play out is a manifestation of politics at the localest of all me well. We’ve briefly overlapped as governors and I didn’t them over. Or, you won’t win the election. levels as the final decisions are being made in Beijing. know Romney before I was elected (Utah) governor, even Do you fear that it could be a brokered convention in You have pilloried (Mitt) Romney on his China policies though our families knew each other 100 years ago. So, Tampa, Florida? and said it’s much easier to talk about China in terms of the people tend to want to make a little bit more of that than I don’t think it will be a brokered convention. I know fear factor than the opportunity factor. But President actually is fact-based. there’s some talk of that. It’s mostly fantasy talk as far as I Obama— obviously realizing he’s not doing very well in the (National security adviser in the Carter administra- polls — is also talking tough against China for what he calls tion) Zbigniew Brzezinski has said that as an American he Page A14 A12 Response Feature India Abroad April 6, 2012 India Abroad April 6, 2012 A13 A14 SPECIAL/POLL BUZZ India Abroad April 6, 2012

Page A11 When, in fact, our nation has been lions of dollars to cancer research. things that would be better than what I’ve given life and sustenance and strength You could be an asset to any administra- already done. But I will always be willing, am concerned. from our very beginning because of the tion in promoting trade relations with any ready and able to serve my country if there I believe Mitt Romney will have enough infusion of energy and vitality that immi- country or countries and political and is reason to do so. in the way of delegates to have the nomina- grants bring. diplomatic ties. How about ambassador to India? tion wrapped up. Besides, governor, you were deputy US If the Republicans capture the White (Laughs heartily). How I would love that! But what he’ll have to focus is the level of trade representative, trade ambassador, House, would you like to have a cabinet Simply because I love India and the beauti- enthusiasm, once he gets to the convention deputy assistant secretary of commerce, portfolio? ful culture of India and to say nothing of and then beyond that, what to do about the ambassador to China, ambassador to I’ve had the best job in government. I my Indian daughter, who is fascinated by independent vote. But you got to take each Singapore. Not to mention your private sec- have been a governor twice-elected. I’ve India and who is longing to visit and I one; a step at a time. tor experience as chairman and CEO of the been an ambassador in what I believe to be promised her a visit sometime soon. The Republican candidates’ anti-immi- Huntsman Corporation and president and the most sensitive and challenging rela- Your fondness for India is almost leg- grant fervor has disturbed many minorities, CEO of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation tionship we have in the world right now endary. particularly the Hispanics and Asian at the University of Utah that donates mil- (with China). I can’t think of too many You were the first governor in US history Americans. Won’t this cost the GOP the to host a Diwali celebration in the gover- November election? nor’s mansion. We must be able to talk about the immi- You also have several close Indian- gration issue in ways that don’t scare peo- American friends who are leading entrepre- ple. neurs and venture capitalists like Dinesh Recent elections would suggest that we In love with India Patel and Ragula Bhaskar. have not found the right kind of language he is six years now and she is a fluent Chinese speaker,” said Jon M What’s your take on both the Indian- with which to deal with the immigration Huntsman about Asha Bharati, the daughter he and his wife Mary Kaye American community’s progress in Utah issue. “SHuntsman adopted in December 2006 from western Gujarat. and more generally in the US? They are But if you look at the numbers, I like to It was the moment in the interview when the former Utah governor and ambas- now also entering the political sphere — remind people that we don’t have the sador to China seemed the most excited. holding two governorships, as well as immigration problem now that we did sev- When I told him that he would have to get her to be fluent in Hindi and some some of the most senior administration eral years ago. People aren’t just coming other Indian languages too, Huntsman said, “We would like to make that possible positions. And the second generation is across the border — because there aren’t as well as soon as we can. She picked up the language in China, very, very quickly. really coming into its own, particularly in jobs. In fact, we are now running at a 40- She went to the Indian embassy school in Beijing, which was wonderful for her. terms of public service. year-low in terms of immigration. So, we And then on the side, she learned Chinese and I say already at age 6, she’s beauti- It’s a wonderful success story and every- need to face the facts. ful, she’s brilliant, and she’s ready to take over the world!” where I go, in every facet of life — whether We need to deal with the reality that it In April 2008, when I interviewed Huntsman and asked him what made him it is business, whether it is education, isn’t the issue that it has been in years past. adopt a child from India, he said, “We had five kids of our own, and we have a lit- whether it is politics — I run into Indian The policy question will be: How do you tle adopted girl from China because of the time we’ve spent — I have done three Americans, who are among the most capa- deal with those who are here in the United tours of duty over in Asia, mostly in the Chinese-speaking world—and my wife has ble human beings I’ve every met. States? And, how do you deal with those been over there a couple of times with me, and that was just kind of a natural out- Not only capable in an innate sense, but who are here in the US in ways that don’t growth of our great affection for East Asia. But my life has also taken me back to also having been brought up either partial- send negative signals to every other immi- India many times and adopting this little girl from India — from the Matruchhaya ly in India and partially here in the US or grant community, whether the Indian- Orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity in Nadiad — was in many ways a natural here in the US of Indian parents, with what American community or the Asian- outgrowth of this love of India and its people, and this familial tie makes it even I mentioned earlier, that is, the all-impor- American community? more deep and meaningful.” tant shared values. I’ve had my friends tell me that they’ve Huntsman said they named her Asha Bharati because asha means hope and I believe that’s the cement, that’s the glue heard the discussion on immigration Bharati means India(n). “As our youngest child, she’s the hope of India.” that will inherently hold the Indian and the directed mostly toward those coming in American people together for as far as the from Mexico, but the message is the same — Aziz Haniffa eye can see. And it makes for a very, very to their ears — and that is being one of anti- hospitable environment naturally for immigrant. Indian Americans in the US.

Veterans’ Alliance for Security and Democracy’s president Justin Ford said, ‘We are proud to make Manan Trivedi our Slowly, the buzz builds first endorsement of the 2012 election cycle. Without ques- tion, Trivedi will strengthen our national security and Page A9 ensure that America is a leader around the world by spreading peace and democracy.’ Redistricting has made the seat three points more Returning the compliment, Trivedi said, ‘As an Iraq war Democratic and 21 percent of the district is new territory veteran who served on the frontlines as a battalion surgeon for Lungren. Democrats now have the registration advan- with the Marines, I know first-hand of the dedication our tage in this Sacramento County district, and experts agree men and women in uniform have given to our nation.’ that high presidential year turnout will further imperil Meanwhile, longtime candidate Peter Mathews, who Lungren. made his first Congressional bid in the 1990s and since The Republican Party has put Lungren at the top of their then ran unsuccessfully on and off in California for the past protection list, ensuring that GOP donors and right wing two decades, has thrown his hat into the ring again from Super PACs will give him all the support they can. the state’s new 47th Congressional District. In the 2010 mid-term election, Trivedi lost to Gerlach by Political novice K P George is also making a bid for more than 33,000 votes, but Democrats are hopeful that Congress for the seat in Texas held for two decades by with a fast-growing dissatisfaction with Republicans in Republican Tom DeLay, former House Majority Leader, Washington and the expected higher turnout levels of a K P George Peter Matthews and has received the local Democratic Party’s endorsement presidential election year will help Trivedi, also a physician against his primary Democratic opponent Kesha Rogers. and an Iraq War veteran. couldn’t let the scheme that Jim Gerlach supports to essen- In a rare primary endorsement, the Fort Bend County Trivedi said he had decided to contest again because “I tially end Medicare as we know it actually happen. It Democratic Party’s executive committee and the Bay Area just couldn’t sit on the sidelines. It is not in my nature to wouldn’t be right.” New Democratic Party backed George for the 22nd watch what the Republicans in Washington are doing to Trivedi said after discussing with his wife Surekha, he District. George said, “I am humbled and blessed to earn our country and pretend that it is Ok. It’s not. After the had “decided to jump into the race and I want to get my this historic endorsement. I know parties do not usually 2010 election wrapped-up, I went back to work at Reading campaign built fast and make sure we gain momentum endorse in primary races with more than one candidate but Hospital and began doing a job I love — helping people get early so that we can win in 2012.” they made the right choice.” well. But in the short time since then, the concerns of many His campaign also got an early boost when he received George’s primary is scheduled for May; Mathews’s for of my patients who rely upon Medicare have grown. I the first VetPAC endorsement for the 2012 cycle. The June. India Abroad April 6, 2012 US NEWS A15 Will continue raising my voice, says India’s friend Gary Ackerman

AZIZ HANIFFA acknowledged that Delhi’s reticence to embrace the US-led efforts to isolate Iran was a major concern. nited States Representative Gary Ackerman, New Delhi, he said, must be part of the US-led interna- New York Democrat, one of the closest and tional community’s efforts to thwart “the long-going threat Utime-tested friends of India and the Indian- of Iran, especially as they seek top develop a nuclear American community on Capitol Hill, has pledged to weapon.” continue his support for United States-India relations Ackerman, a staunch ally of Israel, said for a state like and to maintain his close ties with the community India, subjected to terrorism for decades, should even after he retires from Congress at the end of this empathize with Israel’s concerns over what a nuclear Iran, year. which already sponsors terrorism in Israel, could do to a He has served for more than three decades in the US fellow democracy. House of Representatives, many of them as one of the “India and Israel have been fighting terrorism since the senior-most members of the House Foreign Affairs time they were both born,” he said. “They were both born Committee. within a nine-month period — the world’s largest democ- Ackerman, who has been one of the most acerbic racy and the world’s smallest democracy. From the first critics of Pakistan — for its double-game in the US-led instance of the birth of either of these countries, they have war on terror and for its sponsoring of terrorist groups been threatened by terrorists — they have been subject to like the Lakshar-e-Tayiba — told India Abroad that he KIRAN JAGGA terrorist attacks and have been constantly bombarded, will also be unrelenting in his efforts in taking sometimes almost on a daily basis by those who seek to US Representative Gary Ackerman, left, with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Islamabad to book and in questioning the continuing right, and community activist Swadesh Chatterjee in 2005 destroy them.” massive American military and economic largesse to “We’ve come late to this battle against terrorism — since Pakistan sans any tough conditions. September 11, 2001. And now the strongest democracy and “As you know,” he said, “I was one of the founder and American community would be unflinching. “These,” he the oldest democracy has joined with the largest and small- long-term chairman of the country caucus in the Congress said, “are issues that I intend to continue to follow. I don’t est democracies to face the same challenge… Being a on India and Indian Americans — a very prestigious cau- know about professionally, but I will continue raising my staunch ally and friend of Israel and the Israel-US relation- cus. I was the last Democrat to chair the full Asia and voice on these issues of justice and against the kinds of ship as I am of the India-US relationship, this is part my Pacific Subcommittee (of the House Foreign Affairs things that go on with some of the groups (like Lakshar).” life and I will continue in one capacity or another to do Committee, which has jurisdiction over affairs pertaining Ackerman, who continued to refer to Pakistan and Iran that.” to South Asia).” as “rogue states,” said countries like Pakistan can’t pick and Ackerman, who some say is likely to get a major foreign Ackerman, whose term ends January 2, 2013, said he was choose terror groups that attack “India as well as other policy position if there is a second Obama administration, into India and Asian affairs “before most Asians had dis- places in the world and have to not only stand up against while noting that “people were shocked that I made this covered Flushing, believe it or not, or Bayside. I followed the terrorists that threaten it, but against all terrorism.” decision (to retire) and why,” acknowledged: “I have not the issues and I was lucky to have these constituencies Washington, he said, also has to make sure it goes after ruled anything out, I have not ruled anything in. I don’t move into the district, and I am very familiar with the eth- “the terrorist organizations in rogue nations” that threaten want to get on a plane continuously to fly back and forth to nic communities.” America’s friends like India and also “the interests of the Washington. But that doesn’t mean if there’s something The lawmaker, who is fond of saying he is part of the United States and our national security interests.” that has to do with the things that I love and where I think broader Indian family because his daughter-in-law is The lawmaker, one of the most cerebral and strategic I can still be helpful that I won’t do that once in a while. But Indian American, reiterated that his commitment toward thinkers on foreign policy, a regular visitor to India and a there’s no job I have in mind, there’s no employer, there’s no US-India relations and his immersion in the Indian- conspicuous presence at Indian-American events, industry in my mind.” Infighting in Indian National Overseas Congress comes to the fore

A CORRESPONDENT mittee. Chakot Radhakrishnan and Dr dition of one person, one post, the execu- The new officials dismissed Malhotra’s Nagender Rao Mandavaram were also tive committee members cannot take up views and said the AICC would issue hough the Indian National Overseas appointed as vice presidents. Kanwal Sra other posts like chapter president, Karan statement about the new officials. Congress’s executive committee has is the new treasurer. The other executive Singh said. In his letter, Karan Singh lamented that Tbeen reconstituted with George committee members include Dr Najma Malhotra questioned Karan Singh’s much energy and time had been wasted Abraham as the new president, Dr Sultana, Kalathil Varghese, Pam Kwatra, power to appoint the committee. on internecine conflicts. Surinder Malhotra, the current president, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Karamjit Singh “I have not called Dr Karan Singh,” “We will continue to rely on him remained defiant. Dhariwal and Phuman Singh. Malhotra told India Abroad. “I did not see (Malhotra) for his wisdom, knowledge Malhotra, who has served as president Karan Singh named Malhotra as chair- it necessary. I don’t think he has any and experience guiding this organization of the INOC — the Diaspora wing of man emeritus. In an e-mailed statement, power to appoint the leaders of INOC.” forward,” Abraham said. “I must acknowl- India’s ruling Congress party — for the Karan Singh said Malhotra would not be He expressed doubts over whether the edge the role of a true statesman played by last 12 years, claimed there is no change in involved in the INOC’s administration, letter from Karan Singh was genuine. Shudh Prakash Singh, who had wide sup- the organizational setup. but Malhotra should always be invited to When pointed out that the earlier com- port here in the US and India for the posi- The committee was reconstituted by Dr major functions and given due regard. mittee was also appointed by Karan Singh tion of president. But he chose to step Karan Singh, chairman, foreign affairs com- Malhotra is also authorized to deal with for a one-year term, Malhotra said there is aside and proposed my name which was mittee, All India Congress Committee. any litigation/legal matters that may have no such thing as end of term. “There is no gladly accepted by the high command. Shudh Jasuja, the current INOC vice arisen during his tenure as president. change in the organization. I am not con- The sacrifice made by Shudh to bring president, has been promoted as senior The appointment is for one year starting cerned about the claims of some people,” change for better will always be remem- vice president in the reconstituted com- March 31. Under the Congress party’s tra- he said. bered in the INOC.” A16 US NEWS India Abroad April 6, 2012 Study reveals racial profiling, discrimination and legal abuse in New York

ARTHUR J PAIS contacted the New York Police Department, the Sikh man recalled hen he was arrested by a school in the study, and said there was a safety agent in Flushing, Queens, possible terror alert. They were WNew York, in 2009, an 18-year-old escorted out and detained by 12 Hindu student found out that it is not only policemen and three undercover Muslims and Sikhs mistaken for Muslims detectives. who were put under surveillance, ques- A 32-year-old Sikh man recalled: ‘I tioned at random on their beliefs and at took off my kara (religiously man- times cajoled or even threatened to spy on dated iron bracelet) to avoid a sec- family members, acquaintances and friends ondary check (at JFK airport). It’s in America. not something I like doing, but, to The student, who is quoted in In Our Own avoid being profiled, it’s something I Words, a study of racial profiling and sur- do.’ veillance of South Asian communities in The findings and recommenda- New York, does not say why he was arrested. tions of In Our Own Words are based But he says his friend, whose religion or on the analyses of 628 surveys, 25 nationality is not revealed, was present at interviews, and four focus groups the questioning. conducted with South Asian com- ‘The tone of the conversation was aggres- munity members primarily in sive and hostile,’ the Hindu student is quot- Brooklyn and Queens between ed as saying. ‘I was scared … and I thought, August 2010 and August 2011, said I am gonna get arrested. (A)ll of (this) SAALT. affected my school work, family life, and ‘The report also draws extensively relationship with my friend. So, now, when- from secondary data sources,’ the ever I get stopped by cops, they’ll notice (the PARESH GANDHI organization noted. ‘It is important arrest) after they run my name. Also, my An anti-New York police protest at City Hall in February to note that the documentation proj- friend and family don’t talk to me anymore. ect does not claim to be a statistical My family thinks I am a criminal. I told my family mem- Peoples Organization, coordinated by South Asian analysis of profiling. Rather, the purpose was to gather bers about this incident, but they take the (government’s) Americans Leading Together. Though it is a New York qualitative evidence of the impact of profiling on South word over mine, so they don’t believe or trust me. It (also) study, the vivid stories it contains, the discrimination, Asians in New York City, to document individual stories, impacted my school life because I failed that marking peri- racial profiling and legal abuse it documents and the rec- and to make recommendations to policymakers and stake- od.’ ommendations it makes in fighting the system are relevant holders.’ The study, published last month, is a project by the New for South Asians across the United States. New York City, which serves ‘as the quintessential York City Profiling Collaborative with Desis Rising Up and A 23-year-old Sikh security agent who went to see Iron emblem of the vibrant diversity within the United States Moving, The Sikh Coalition, United Sikhs, South Asian Man 2 was shocked when a couple started calling his friend and the gateway to the American Dream,’ the report Youth Action, Coney Island Avenue Project, and Council of and him names referring to his turban. The theater’s staff asserts, soon after.9/11 became ‘one of the epicenters of sys- temic racial and religious profiling against these (Muslim and Sikh) communities…’ ‘This occurred through arrests, Some major findings of the study questioning, surveillance, and detention… Such sanctioned dis- crimination carried out by law outh Asians are frequently fellow community members. threats have to be countered at ‘know your rights’ brochures to enforcement has fostered stereo- questioned about their Among the subset of question- various levels and also involves constituents regularly. Writing types that cast community mem- Sfaith or national origin by naire respondents who provided coalition building with commu- letters to the editor or op-eds in bers as terrorists based on religion, government officials. details on interactions with law nities such as Latinos and media outlets that have an anti- national origin, and ethnicity. Even Among the subset of question- enforcement, 85 percent report- African Americans who have a surveillance attitude also helps. 10 years after September 11, back- naire respondents who provided ed being questioned about their longer history of fighting the The federal, state and local lash continues to thrive in the form details on interactions with law immigration status and 42 per- authorities, the report added. government agencies should of hate crimes in neighborhoods, enforcement, 73 percent report- cent of those interactions South Asians, it said, should work towards strengthening and bias-based bullying of students in ed being questioned about their involved entities other than also ‘speak out against speech implementing existing anti-pro- classrooms, and discrimination at national origin and 66 percent immigration officials. and actions motivated by bias filing policies, the study said. the workplace… Premised on the reported being questioned about Respondents also reported and hatred against communities This includes the Department of faulty presumption that these com- their religious affiliation. being asked by law enforcement of color… This includes xeno- Justice amending its June 2003 munities are more prone to ‘radi- Similarly, among question- to report the activities of friends phobic and racist rhetoric, dis- Guidance Regarding the Use of calization’ leading to homegrown naire respondents who reported and colleagues in order to obtain crimination, and hate crimes Race by Federal Law terrorism, interrogations of com- being subjected to additional immigration benefits. that occur in both public and Enforcement to include national munity members and infiltration of screening at ports-of-entry, 41 Such findings are especially private spheres.’ origin and religion as bases for places of worship by the New York percent indicated that airport startling in light of New York Socially active individuals and prohibiting profiling; remove City Police Department.’ government agents inquired City’s Executive Order 41, the community organizations, the the national security and border Recently, it was revealed that the about their religious or political report said, which sets forth dis- study urged, should publicize exceptions within the guidance; NYPD had been spying not only on beliefs. closure protections relating to incidents of profiling and publi- ensure its application to state Muslim students in New York state South Asians are often ques- individuals’ immigration status cize them through government and local law enforcement agen- — even sending undercover agents tioned by government officials for city agencies, including local complaint mechanisms. cies; and require all federal, to spy on them at picnics — but also about their immigration status police. Community organizations state, and local agencies to in neighboring states. The police which is used as leverage to The fight against discrimina- could also host ‘know your report on their compliance with brass and Mayor Michael pressure individuals to spy on tion and racial profiling and rights’ trainings and disseminate the guidance. Bloomberg justified the action as precautionary. MAGAZINE India Abroad April 6, 2012

The International Weekly Newspaper

DEFENDINGDEFENDING one of the world’s most volatile borders

RAJESH KARKERA M2 SPIRITUAL DIARY THE MAGAZINE India Abroad April 6, 2012

alism and sugar) are getting a bit used to us. Maybe more than two if you count the tempo- The rary visitors to this cult of dharma. It’s become so bad that some of us even fit in, looking like we’re regulars at the local mandir — except in the eyes of the new guys from the motherland. To them we don’t belong and the oft-answered questions might arise again: ‘So how did you temple-goer get interested in this?’ I stare blankly and think, not this again, but then reconsider, since it’s an honest question from an honest looking man. ‘Well, it’s a long story,’ I begin, hoping this man has little time to spare. But unfortunate- ly he appears interested — either that or I can’t decode the Indian body language. All those variations of head nods do get confusing. I’m hungry for the Sunday rice and curry over in the cultural hall, so I go with, ‘Let’s just say it was good luck.’ What I really mean is it was good karma, but that might sound preten- tious. He’s now grasping the body language that I’m really not into the explanation. Besides that, my nose has an invisible rope attached to it — the ancient pull of garam masala (spice mix). But as we enter the food palace together, we begin to chat. I ask of his hometown, his fam- ily, and how he arrived here in this desolate God-forbidden cruel cold place, Canada. In broken English, he explains he’s from Gujarat. I nod, pretending to let on I might know more than that there is a state named Gujarat on the west side of the sub-continent. Soon we are smacking lips of salty sambar, and right into the reasons I’ve arrived here as well: at this temple today, together, two souls on the same yet dissimilar path. Eventually he understands my arrival was a result of a ridiculous variety of karmic turns and circumstances, combined with fruitful searching.

—————— Jai Murugan, a white On the road to Tiruchendur Canadian, on his tryst arlier in this lifetime, I never figured I’d with Hinduism and be heading south from Madurai on the Enew four-lane Kanyakumari to Kashmir passion for visiting National Highway 7. The Trans-Canada Highway seems ridiculously dull by compari- temples from the son, with its endless stream of long haul truckers with Canadian names like Bison. scorching Tamil Nadu Canada’s longest road doesn’t have cattle, plains to the cornfields pedestrians, rickshaws, and crossing goats every few miles or less, like this one. Thirty of Omaha. years ago it would be a 12-hour trip, now we expect to arrive in four hours, says Senthil, my Illustration: driver, who himself was still something I was- n’t used to. Dominic Xavier As we approach a pedestrian bridge near the middle of a village, Senthil slows down to miss the pedestrians crossing on the road. I notice a goat making its way across the bridge. I won- der if this was intended as a goat bridge. Back home on highways there are only three How it came to pass motel on some lonely desolate prairie road — the only driving decisions a day. More like three per second here. I Indian in town — the only Indian for 100 miles. felt sympathy for Senthil. In Canada he’d die from bore- here are those embodied jivas (beings) that like The Sikhs are an exceptional exception with regard to dom. to say it’s impossible for a Canadian prairie farming. Those guys came from the Punjab. Farming, We settle in, my daughter in the back seat looking more farmer raised on meat, fresh milk, potatoes, and maybe not the cold Saskatchewan variety, is in their blood. comfortable than usual. The Murugan at Tiruchendur a dash of atheism to become a Hindu. Fact of the But you don’t hear Canadian farmers saying, ‘You have to beckons. The flat empty plains slowly turn to slightly more matter is that the opposite is more unlikely. Nah, be born an atheist Canadian farmer in order to be one.’ In occasional lushness. The ever-familiar fresh coconut stands Tthat’s entirely impossible. How could some guy from fairness, the likelihood of Hindus insisting on having to be or peddlers seem to have thinned out. I’m thinking perhaps Varanasi, Kolkata, Madurai, or Pune survive farming, let born one to be one any more is diminishing just as the diya it has to do with population, but am not sure. Everything is alone atheism, in this brutally cold land we call Canada? (lamp) light slowly burns out as its oil bowl gets shallow. outside my box, except for the call of God. He wouldn’t even know enough to chew gum just to pre- This is because the White Hindus are increasing. Soon another a now familiar sight appears: ‘Road Under vent frostbite. The closest thing you might get is a guy The Indian Hindus (not to mention the Fijians, named Patel who can speak Kannada or Gujarati owning a Trinidadians, and so many others thanks to British imperi- M3 THE MAGAZINE SPIRITUAL DIARY M3 India Abroad April 6, 2012

The Murugan at Tiruchendur beckons. the afternoon, over 37 degrees or more and after The ever-familiar fresh coconut stands spending several hours Googling for pictures in the or peddlers seem to have thinned out. weeks prior, we came upon Trichy. I was determined I’m thinking perhaps it has to do with to give it a go for the Uchi Pillaiyar shrine at the top population, but am not sure. of the rocky butte in the center of the south side. Everything is outside my box, except My driver and daughter opted for shady rest for the call of God whilst my will dragged the bag of nine holes out to the streets. At the archana booth near the entrance to the steps, the attendant couldn’t quite figure me out. After a few moments of confused stares, he relented and gave me the Rs 3 (less than a dollar) ticket. It was either the veshti or the lack of a cam- era that was the final straw. But certainly I wasn’t about to traipse up the long steps twice, once too many times just to retrieve a ticket. The first while was along the edge of the rock, cut into steps centuries before, a labyrinth of shaded passages. The butte itself provided shade and spots for respite, as dehydration could enact its ugly role. Upon exiting the shade I noticed a slight (sarcasm) problem. The rocks were ridiculously hot, and the white crazy Canadian had bare feet. I figured the temperature difference between shade and sun was approximately 50 degrees. My feet danced in and out of the shade, getting brief moments of respite. Looking ahead, near the corner were some tables and trees set out beside some refreshment stands. One mad 30 metre dash and I was there, but the dancing continued. The steps ahead and up to the crescent looked formidable indeed. I closed the eyes and reminded myself that I didn’t come all the way to the subcontinent and three-fourths the way up WIKI COMMONS this hill just to chicken out from some minor heat. I said a couple of quick mantras to Him for guidance. When M2 Keep on rolling eyes opened I spotted them, small doormat sized bits of Construction next 10 kilometers (6 miles),’ so Senthil, slow- cloth, islands in the sea of heat, every six or seven steps all ly transforming from driver to companion/friend, wears he temperature was 37 degree Celsius (98.6 degree the way to the top. out more brake before deftly navigating boulders, oncom- Farenheit), which would have been an all time record I danced along, not merrily, but determinedly, trying as I ing trucks that don’t care, potholes that can hold cars, and Tback home. The fresh pavement was tar black, and might to not touch the rocks at all. The children heading smiling pedestrians. One thing I never seem to ever get is I’m sure you could have fried an egg, maybe even set a down laughed at me, showing little mercy, as their own cal- the constant smiling. Happy pill: made in India, where can world record. As we passed each little temple on the side of loused soles had long ago lost the ability to feel heat at all. I get some of those? That’s definitely outside my box. the road heading east from Trichy, I prayed for the car’s air I used my imaginary universal translator to decipher the conditioner to keep working. Yama (Hindu god of death) Tamilian giggles. ‘What’s that crazy man doing? Look at —————— being near, I envisioned vultures, and almost prayed to be him. He’s no dancer.’ transported back to a minus 40 day in Canada. Heat. The After ten more minutes of excruciating knee jerking half- Serendipity unbearable April Tamil Nadu heat. Culture shock just gets baked jigs and hops from one cloth island to the next, I emotions rolling, controllable with a few deep breaths, but arrived at the sanctity of the shrine. The lord of Mirth and o the right I see a temple, another one just like the heat shock is physical, not controllable at all. His caretaker Brahmins seemed happy to see me, as I pre- ones I’ve already seen from Bangalore via Salem, Around a curve and we see people marching toward us. sented my archana ticket, before pradakshina and sightsee- TPalani, and Madurai. Big deal. The guy inside my Old ones, young ones, toted ones, toting ones, a throng of ing to the west. head whispers, ‘Don’t you think you’ve seen enough green veshtis and saris marching along, mostly barefoot, To my feet’s dismay, as I rounded the corner at the back, already?’ But my Guru’s words reverberate, ‘Never lose the seemingly waterless. Befuddled I look to Senthil the driver there stood a camera laden tourist, socks and all. opportunity to enter a Hindu temple.’ for some rational explanation. I had no choice. ‘Stop the car. Turn around. I want to go ‘They’re walking to Palani,’ he states matter-of-factly. —————— to that temple.’ I restrain myself from screaming, ‘What?’ and politely Senthil looks at me oddly, but since I’m the boss for these say, ‘Really?’ instead. Convincing a child I belong two weeks, he reluctantly turns around and negotiates the ‘Yup. It’ll take them four or five more days. Probably the 200 meters (656 feet) back to the quaint but newer shrine whole group is from the same village. Maybe they started hildren are special in that they often don’t hold words — concrete, not stone. The half-asleep now only slightly the day before yesterday, maybe today. Who knows? back. ‘White people don’t worship Hindu Gods,’ the more comfortable daughter stays in the car. After all, it’s my Tonight they’ll be fed at some temple in Trichy.’ Ceight year old not-so-shy girl told me, in no uncertain Hindu adventure. Hers is more an Indian road trip with I’m speechless so I pull out the crude road map from the terms. Her father looked embarrassed as he removed his dad. That, culture shock and learning how to deal with glove compartment to have a gander. I figure it’s about 200 shoes in the temple foyer. being templed out. But Senthil climbs out to join me. kilometers (124 miles). That’s 40 to 50 kms (24-30 miles) ‘Can I take her for a walk in there?’ I asked him politely, Not long after I’m inside prostrating to my beloved friend per day. Given the idea I couldn’t stand still outside for nodding my head in the direction of the main worship area. Ganesha, but not before plucking a flower from across a more than ten minutes without collapsing, it’s clearly ‘Sure,’ he smiled. Something about me gave him a sense of barbed-wire fence. Ganesha is protecting me now, and for- beyond my scope of reality. So I just don’t bother to men- trust. Maybe it was the dhoti. She looked at him anxiously, ever. Soon the withered old caretaker, owner priest arrives, tion it again, and focus on the next temple on my travel-in- then back at me. ‘Let’s go then,’ I whispered, ‘but first you smiling. ‘Archana (offering)?’ he asks, even before I reach to total-luxury pilgrimage, if you can even call it a pilgrimage. have to tell me your name.’ ‘Ambika,’ she replied, still the pocket full of rupees. Months later, back home, when who I am is a bit clearer, unsure. After the aarti and prasadam is done with, we begin the I decide to roll around my temple. At least it’s something. At that particular temple Ganesha is in the middle, but friendly chat, in broken English, occasional Tamil and Maybe next lifetime I can compete with those aliens. it’s a large temple with shrines to all the major deities scat- Kannada. Soon the old man, looking more the part of a tered about. So I prostrated full out in front of He who has beggar, is all smiles, as we have common friends and —————— One Tusk. My friend did the same, only the female version. acquaintances. The small world cliché is reconfirmed – I didn’t stand right back up, but stayed on my knees at her again. The dancer level. ‘What’s the name of this God?’ I asked. As I climb into the car, I tell the serendipity story to my ‘You tell me,’ she said, pertly. It was her way of testing. daughter, she isn’t surprised. She’s getting used to it. ometimes I’m convinced Indian children must think ‘Ganesha. I worship him before starting any project. we non-Indians are bananas, although I suppose they —————— Shave a different fruity slang term for it. It was two in M4 M4 SPIRITUAL DIARY THE MAGAZINE India Abroad April 6, 2012

M3 on Nebraska fields are filled with corn: for cattle feed and ethanol. I think what a ridiculous unethical waste this is. That’s why he’s the first God you see here. He’s pretty One breaks ahimsa and vegetarianism whilst the other friendly looking, don’t you think?’ shows poor stewardship for Mother Earth. Then again She stared in to the shrine a moment before answering. there’s always that big picture called Advaita to ease the ‘Yes, I think so too.’ annoyance. Out of the corners of my eyes, I noticed a few people gen- I’m homesick for Ganesha. Fortunately, he’s not too many tly watching. Just as we approached the Venkateswara miles ahead. In late afternoon rush hour we enter the city, shrine a priest came out with the flame for a young couple small by United States city standards, but foreboding all who’d bought an archana. He offered it to us as well. the same. We are strange and cheap Canadians with no Ambika watched as I took it three times to my eyes. Then common sense to buy maps. The January cold took away she did the same. Again we prostrated together before hav- my common sense years ago. I forgot to Google the temple’s ing another brief discussion about the merits of worship- location. Not only that, but Omaha isn’t exactly pilgrim ping Vishnu. friendly Madurai. I can’t stop and ask, ‘Where’s the tem- We continued on around the temple, stopping at each ple?’ expecting any logical answer at all. Just stares. We get shrine to talk. At the Shiva corner, I sat cross-legged and to a phone book but there is no listing for any Hindu tem- chanted ‘Aum’ three times just loud enough for Ambika to ple. But being wise, I know the Internet never lies. If it says hear, but not so loud as to disturb others in their worship. COURTESY: HIMALAYANACADEMY.COM so then it must be true. ‘I’ll do it again, if you’ll join me,’ I said. She nodded, and the Jai Murugan, second from right, his wife Ganga, right, and daughter When in doubt, no temple about, head to a library. God’s two of us, a mismatched pair, chanted the sacred but sim- Gayatri with their guru, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, spiritual picture will be there, even if there are no directions to a ple mantra together. Then I moved forward to where the head of Kauai Aadheenam in Hawaii temple. The backup plan and motto of a pilgrim. We can vibhuthi (sacred ash) was set out, took some, and swiped it always go home, filters through my conscious mind, if but on my forehead. She followed suit. Fifty miles south of town we realise we’ve forgotten our momentarily. Half an hour and many smiles later we were back at the passports. That tragedy in New York sure makes border The librarian is a gentle embodied deva (benevolent foyer. She gave her Dad a warm hug. crossing more difficult. At one time I would have been mad being). Looking dazed and confused, she points us to the I bent down. ‘Do you still think white people can’t wor- at myself, but now it’s just a 50-mile tiny obstacle. Two computer. Omaha Hindu temple is six blocks away. Three ship Hindu Gods?’ I asked. hours later we’re back to where we were when that realisa- blocks further is a Patel hotel. The homesick feeling dissi- ‘Nope. I guess some can,’ she said. tion came in. In terms of yugas (eras), it’s not even half a pates. It’s always good to be home. But it’s late; we’re tired blink. so one car pradakshina (circumambulation) of the temple —————— We take the back roads on these trips. More scenic and is all we can muster in the way of worship. Mr Patel’s less all the same. Once you’ve driven one interstate, you’ve Hindu-friendly hotel beckons us. That and sleep from three On the road to Omaha driven them all. The border isn’t much more than a single days of driving. building, like a McDonalds, with a drive through on either wo weeks before we leave my brother asks why I’m side. The guard must be hungry because she confiscates my —————— going to Omaha, three or four days drive away, two oranges we snarfed from the continental breakfast Tdepending on how hurried a life you live. I tell him back in Medicine Hat. For a moment I’m upset, but the White lies about temples in Utah the obvious, ‘There’s a Hindu temple there I want to see.’ mantra sets into a mind trained to chant when these feel- He doesn’t understand. He never will. Well, maybe he will, ings occur. Soon the annoyance dissipates. ‘Just feeding the ot being noticed as a Hindu is far easier when you in a few lifetimes, or a couple of mind-bending transcen- Lord,’ I think. ‘For He/She is everywhere, and in all beings.’ inhabit a western body. The gas station attendant, dent experiences — whichever comes first. The western Nthe hotelier, and the pit-stop cafe waitress never mind has a difficult time grasping Hinduness. It makes no —————— notice. You’re traveling incognito. Regardless, I’ve chosen sense because it’s outside that box. Still there’s hope, as I not to wear my Hinduness on my sleeve. (Perhaps more am living proof. Others may take steps like trying Tofu, or The lord of navigation lives in Omaha appropriately, on my forehead) I’m not afraid of ridicule or buying a fat Buddha for art on the mantel, or even more anything negative; I just don’t like having to explain it over giant ones than me, turning up on the banks of Varanasi, n the way to Omaha, we see Shiva dancing every- and over again. only a pit stop in the wanderings of a sadhu. Now there’s a where in the form of the pronghorn antelope in Some time back we made a pilgrimage by car from here real life. If my brother doesn’t comprehend me now, I won- OWyoming. My brother takes care to not have me in cold old Edmonton, Canada, straight south through der what he’d think if I’d have chosen the sadhu path. break my ahimsa (non-violence) vow by hitting one. Later Montana, a chunk of Idaho, then northern Utah, to Salt Lake City —Mormon country. The little Ganesha temple isn’t hard to find — about a mile west of I-15 in the southwest quadrant of the city. The While in Salt Lake, besides the five visits city fathers even renamed the access lane to Hindu Temple over three days to the Ganesha temple, we Lane, which I consider is a decent act towards harmony. also did the obligatory drive and stroll by the Besides that, the Mormon Church actually gave the last beautiful shrine to Mormonism, right near 10% towards the temple’s fundraising goal. the state capitol. Non-Mormons are not allowed to enter, but the place’s architec- Of many Christian varieties, Mormonism has one note- ture is marvellous enough from the outside worthy thing in common with us: we both call our worship palaces temples. So while in Salt Lake, besides the five vis- its over three days to the Ganesha temple to sponsor abhishekhams, enjoy the bliss of the place, and seek his blessings, we also did the obligatory drive and stroll by the beautiful shrine to Mormonism, right near the state capi- tol. Non-Mormons are not allowed to enter, but the place’s architecture is marvellous enough from the outside. The dedication to build reminded me of the same levels of com- mitment for magnificent stone edifices of Hindu India. Of course, me being what I am in religion, the small Ganesha temple outweighed any magnificence. At the final resting place for the day, the small town of Challis, Idaho, the motel receptionist sees that I’m tired. ‘Where did you start the day?’ she asks. ‘In Salt Lake City,’ I respond, not pretending. ‘Oh, did you see The temple?’ ‘Yes. Indeed, very beautiful,’ I respond, winking to myself somewhere deep inside.

Edmonton-based Jai Murugan is a retired teacher who loves to write and go on pilgrimages to temples. He official- ly adopted Hinduism in 1980. WIKI COMMONS THE MAGAZINE BEHIND THE MUSIC M5 India Abroad April 6, 2012

n 1999, Shekhar Ravjiani — then a musician, singer for commercials, was hired to compose two songs for Vishal Dadlani, left, the film Pyaar Mein Kabhi, Kabhi. One day at the Shekhar Ravjiani of and Shekhar Ravjiani recording studio he ran into a musician friend, Vishal Dadlani, who had also been hired to compose songs for the same film. They ended up working together the Vishal-Shekhar Ion one song and that resulted in one of the most successful music partnerships in the last decade in Bollywood. duo,one of Vishal-Shekhar, as the duo are known, have worked on nearly 50 films — composing music, sometimes writing Bollywood’s most lyrics (Vishal does that), even singing. Their music credits include Jhankaar Beats, Salaam Namaste, Dus, successful music Bluffmaster, Om Shanti Om, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Dostana, RA.One, Tees Maar Khan, The Dirty Picture and the recent partnerships,speaks indie hit Kahaani. Their current projects include Dibakar Banerjee’s much-awaited Shanghai and Karan Johar’s to Aseem Chhabra Student of the Year. Shekhar, who was on a personal visit in New York when about recent and Kahaani opened to a strong response in India, sat down for a chat with India Abroad in the Kew Gardens neighbor- past hits hood of Queens — where he is often recognized because of the many South Asian immigrants.

Kahaani’s music is a departure from your previous work. What was the experience of working on a small film like? This is a film where we got the scope of working for an original soundtrack that keeps the vibe of the film, keeping the character in mind. You actually travel with the protag- onist. Just as the audience travels with her, the music also had to travel with her. Only two songs from the album are in the film, but when you hear the soundtrack, you get the mood of the film. It’s like a companion piece to the film. It’s not an album on its own. It can only be seen from the Kahaani point of view. That was really challenging and a lot of fun, since there were no situations where we would know what would happen immediately before or after the song. When you work on a film like Om Shanti Om… …Everything is well scripted, in the sense that after this scene there will be a song… In the last year, we worked on RA.One which was a commercial film. After that, we did The Dirty Picture, which was also commercial. Then we got Kahaani. But what Sujoy told us was differ- ‘We‘We likelike toto ent. In Kahaani, if you read the script, you cannot pinpoint where the songs should be placed. He basically gave us the script and said, ‘I don’t know where to fit the songs. Just design the songs and we will see.’ So, we sat with Sujoy and decided to make five songs… focusfocus onon oneone Kahaani is one of my favorite Vishal-Shekhar albums. I am really excited about it… There was no one lip-synching the songs. And yet the CDs are selling, there are a lot of downloads happening. That is so encouraging. Watching the film in New York (at the AMC in Times filmfilm atat aa time’time’ Square) was interesting. The audience couldn’t take their eyes of the screen. That’s the power of good cinema. As compared to Kahaani, how was the experience of FILMITADKA/CREATIVE COMMONS working on Om Shanti Om reflecting the 1970s or The And you have the lyrics? small towns in India. And our arranger Abhijit Nilani put Dirty Picture, which was set in the 1980s? Not necessarily. Vishal writes beautifully. Sometimes he this entire loop together and Vishal wrote the song over that. You have to get into the vision of the music directors who pens a few lines. Most of the times what happens is that we Did you have a sense of how big a hit you had? worked in the 1970s and 1980s. For instance, we got in the first compose the music and lyrics are written to the com- Yes, we sensed it. Farah went crazy. It’s like a process. You vision of Pyarebhai (Pyarelal Ramprasad Sharma — one positions. are composing and writing, someone comes in and says it’s half of the duo Laxmikant Pyarelal) and even had him How were the lyrics of some of the songs from Kahaani good. All your engineers in studio are dancing to the music. arrange one song Dhoom Taana. That was our first song developed? Friends walk in and say they like it. And friends don’t bull- with 180 musicians. Usually, we have maximum 50 or 60 While we were working on Kahaani, Sujoy would often shit, they are usually frank. musicians. Watching him — the way he designed the song say Aami Shotti Bolchi. He came up with the idea, Vishal How many films do you take a year? — was a learning experience. wrote the song and we worked on a jazz and metal compo- We take our time. We like to focus on one film at a time. With The Dirty Picture, we went into the mood of Bappi sition. We had Usha (Uthup) ji to sing. So, we take three or four films — with six songs per film. (Lahiri) da. He rocked in the 1980s. So, there we designed Tell me about composing Sheila Ki Jawani? And we never overlap projects. To keep the creativity, we the songs in such a way that they sounded like from that That was crazy. Farah (Khan, the director) comes to the also need to chill. We want to enjoy sitting and making era. There was a touch of the disco sensibility inspired by studio, but before we discuss the song she always says ‘Let’s music. ABBA and Boney M. go to lunch.’ She is so much fun to work with and she is So, what is happening in Hindi cinema in terms of trends? How do you and Vishal work together? actually a good friend. She has instant reactions — ‘Yes I What is happening is that a lot of new people are coming, We compose together. We sit together for the narration of like it,’ or ‘No it’s horrible.’ She won’t say let’s try and make a lot of young blood. Interesting screenplays are coming. the script. Once we get the narration, we start jamming this happen; let’s change this line. People are trying to do new things, trying new ways of story together. He brings in a couple of ideas. I take the keyboard (In this song) Katrina (Kaif) is acting in a film called telling. And that automatically — for every department in and he plays guitar. Sheila Ki Jawani. So, we had those three words and Vishal the film — it becomes an interesting new challenge. And Before we present the song to the director, we create five wrote the lyrics. there are really cool producers who are making it happen. or six options. But we only present one that both of us like. We decided to get the sound of a Nasik band to play the Also the audience right now reacts very well to something We actually trash the others. rhythm, the drum beat — the type you hear on streets in that is new and fresh. „ M6 SALUTE GuardingGuarding oneone ofof thethe worldworld’’ss mostmost volatilevolatile bordersborders

From the border posts along the 460 mile-long Line of Control, India’s soldiers keep a strict watch — 24x7x365

Facing an enemy as old as the Indian nation,soldiers at the Line of Control face a war every day to hold the peace.Archana L Masih reports from the frontline Photographs: Rajesh Karkera

“Line of Control — what comes From these border posts, soldiers keep a strict watch — Says one officer, who prefers field postings to peace sta- to your mind when you think 24x7x365 — defending the LoC, and watching out for tions and has been stationed in the area since last year, about it?” asks Major Anurag Pakistani infiltrators trying to cross into India. “When the winter fog comes in, you won’t be able to make Chaturvedi, sitting in the front In the distance, across the landscape scattered with mine out whether you are seeing a rock or a man if it is stationery, seat of the Maruti Gypsy as we fields, one can see the Pakistani posts — on a hill, or anoth- and still this area is better. It keeps getting worse if you go drive towards a forward post er on a pointed tip, among a grove of trees under a star and higher in the Kashmir valley.” guarding the LoC in Jammu and crescent flag. Adds another officer, “People ask you guys are there at the Kashmir. “He is watching us. As we are moving, he is observing us at border and still infiltration is taking place? This is a physi- The officer, a native of Rajasthan, is stationed at a place places. He must know we have visitors,” says an officer cally-manned border, and you can’t have a man on every that does not have a name, only a number indicating its whose unit is in-charge of manning a chunk of the ridge inch of land. You will be at tactically important places, but location from sea level. along the LoC and the electric fencing that lies behind the that does not guarantee he’ll come to those places; he’ll This morning he has left at 4.30 am to pick us up — sol- LoC on the Indian side, constructed in 2004. come to any place.” diers at the LoC say their day begins at night when infiltra- Officers here often refer to the enemy as ‘he’ and the LoC Last year, 15 Indian soldiers lost their lives in counter infil- tors often use the shroud of darkness to cross into Indian as “LC.” They say they have to know the LoC like the back of tration/counter-terrorism operations; 45 others were seri- territory. their hand. ously injured defending the border in Jammu and Kashmir. But that hardly means that the day is any better and to On the map it is another thing, but on the ground, this is One of them, Lieutenant Navdeep Singh, who was award- “prove this the commanding officer of one of the battalions no physical boundary drawn by a painted line. In this ed the Ashok Chakra, the highest gallantry award in peace- guarding the LoC stops the car en route and asked, “Can you famously treacherous terrain, the LoC is identified by phys- time this Republic Day, was just 25. see anything beyond the periphery of this forest?” ical features — “that tree, that hill, that rock, it runs between The posts are small, almost makeshift structures, but are You can’t. those hills with tall trees, through that river...” formidable and crucial to India’s defenses. Some have seen It is early afternoon and it is calm. There is a stillness in “If you are posted here you have to know the LoC with bloody action in every war with Pakistan, where men have the wooded landscape flecked with hills, the last village is your eyes closed, even if you are blind,” says Colonel Rakesh had to fight to the last man and the last bullet in the face of left 9 miles behind; ahead lies the India-Pakistan Ceasefire Nair, a proud second generation soldier from the Gorkha enemy attack. Line, famously known as the LoC. Rifles who has served with the Rashtriya Rifles, fighting “The post was attacked by Pakistan At one point in this area the enemy post lies just 76.5 yards insurgency in the Kashmir valley, the Siachen Glacier and in again and again over three days during M8 away; here ‘eyeball to eyeball’ is not just a figure of speech. Lebanon on a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. the 1971 war, but it did not fall,” a  THE MAGAZINE India Abroad April 6, 2012

In this famously treacherous terrain, the LoC is identified by physical features — “that tree, that Soldiers walk through a trench used for communication and transporting hill, that rock, it runs between those hills with tall reinforcements during war trees, through that river...”

Above, mine fields are laid to stop infiltration bids, while the fencing is made of menacing sharp metal

A river without a road bridge, where a big vehicle carries smaller vehicles across. M8 SALUTE THE MAGAZINE India Abroad April 6, 2012

Military Academy and into his first posting. His post is almost breathing distance from the enemy. “The listening drill is most important for us. We can hear Guarding one of the world’s them talk, listen to their vehicle movements,” says the enthusiastic officer from the Grenadiers Regiment. At the LoC, “where even moonlight does not reach some places,” the men begin to trust their ears more than their most volatile borders eyes. “This corridor between these two famous rivers is very young officer entrusted with defend- important from the military point of view since King Porus’ M7 ing that post explains. “If this post time. It has seen every war with Pakistan,” says Colonel  goes, the battleground is lost. It will be Kulvir Singh, who has been awarded the Sena Medal for gal- very difficult to recapture it.” lantry twice. A different infantry battalion now mans this post. Most of He commands a bird’s eye view of a beautiful landscape its soldiers were not even born in 1971, but speak with great that goes into Pakistan. Through binoculars, the enemy admiration of the soldiers who held on to it unrelentingly 40 posts are visible and in the distance are poles that flash years ago. A small memorial salutes the men who died fight- when the electricity is switched on. ing there. “500 meters (546 yards) beyond those flashes lies Pakistan Up ahead, in the precincts of another post that gives us a and this side is us. We have to dominate these heights,” says bird’s eye view of the LoC and Pakistan, is another memori- Colonel Singh as he explains the strategic points on the LoC. al to those who died defending this front. The men manning the border say winter has largely been Apart from saluting our martyrs, it also extends solemn incident free. But peace lies behind a thin veil on the LoC, tribute to the fallen Pakistani soldiers — ‘Homage also to something that can be shattered any time, for across lies an enemy soldiers killed’ reads the last line of the plain marble old adversary, as old as the Indian nation, whose mind can’t plaque. be judged. ‘We are Indian soldiers, we maintain decency even in war,’ “He can open fire anytime. Hell breaks lose when things Amitabh Bachchan, playing Colonel Damle in the film Lak- start,” says an officer, “Though it looks very calm, it can shya set during the Kargil war, had said — but here a few explode any time and the soldier has to be ready for that.” hundred meters from a border that has seen many young Down the road traversed by soldiers, two IED blasts have men sacrifice their lives every year, everything is for real. taken place in the last two years. In 2001, five soldiers going Here, even simple things like taking photographs of the home on leave were killed in an explosion. landscape can pose serious security threats. You may won- Guarding a hostile border is a tough task, more so with the der how anyone can make out anything from a thicket of shortage of officers and men in the Indian Army. An trees or a hill, which could be located anywhere, but when infantry battalion in a field area is authorized 22 officers across sits a hostile neighbor and guarding the border is a matter of life and death, these young men can never let their guard down. Left, a welcome sign spelled out with stones by soldiers at a forward post. For “I will have to delete the pictures you have taken of the the men stationed here, their post is their home, and they guard it zealously enemy post,” a company commander tells my colleague Rajesh. “If it starts floating on the Net, a person who has served in that area on the other side will know the position At one point in this from which this picture is taken.” area, the enemy To the lay-eye, all posts may look almost alike. Some on post lies just 76.5 towers, some in bunkers, with sandbags and narrow win- yards away dows armed with sophisticated rifles aimed in readiness. Men in bullet-proof jackets and helmets, carrying guns as easily as we carry shoulder bags. But says Major Anurag Chaturvedi, a tough officer who has served on the China border, “You could take a picture of my post from anywhere — aerial view, bottom view, side view, sky view — any which view and I will be able to tell you the line of sight from where you’ve taken it.”

aising a curtain made of bamboo logs stringed together, Major Neeraj Sundaram — a second-gen- R eration soldier, also from the Gorkha Rifles — points to the enemy posts across and in the direction from where Pakistani attacks have come in the past. “That river that you see, we have to keep a watch on it because it has been used by infiltrators in the past,” he says. “The difference between them and us is that they have vil- lages upfront. They bring their cattle to the forward slopes to graze and these guys come along with them, have a look and go back. If five guys come, four may go back and one may stay back, so we have to keep a constant watch.” The men here guard their territory zealously. Away from family, human habitation, cell phone communication, theirs is a 24x7x365 job, which comes with no weekend or festival breaks. Their post is their home. a laugh. including a doctor, but due to the shortfall, battalions carry At another forward post, reached after trekking through a A stray dog is another dependable alarm that also serves on their duties with fewer officers. trench, Junior Commissioned Officer Pandey nods when as a stress buster for men at the border. At every post there introduced as the post commander responsible for detecting is one — in one battalion it is named dhaai, Hindi for two- ife is hard at the border. To get to the forward areas is any intrusion and defending that post with his men at all and-a-half, which is a location within the post periphery. a four-wheel drive, through dry river beds, up hilly cost — to the last man, last round. In fact, each team comprises an army dog and when the L tracts where for vast stretches, the narrow road is A marigold bed leads to their small gate festooned with soldiers speak about the number of men stationed here, they only made of small round stones, and through rivers with- empty beer bottles that clink together when the gate is make it a point to include the dog, a soldier in his own right. out bridges where the vehicle has to be mounted on to a big pushed open. A basic, yet dependable early warning system. Behind a ditch-cum-bandh (an embankment to stop truck to get across. “You may have all your technological aids and alarm sys- enemy advances), to counter an enemy tank attack, stands In the rains, it is worse when scorpi- M9 tems alright, but this will never fail you,” says an officer with young Lieutenant K Navin Kumar, just out of the Indian ons and snakes come out to prey.  THE MAGAZINE SALUTE M9 India Abroad April 6, 2012

Food is made in a two other brothers serving in the army. any of the soldiers here haven’t men,” says Colonel Nair, slapping the back M8 cook house at a larg- The jawans discuss their state politics seen a conventional war. Some of a jawan, “But the difference is that I will  er post or sent to with the officers who do not come from M were school boys during the give my life for him and I know he will do other posts from what is called a langar. their home state, sharing an easy bon- 1999 Kargil conflict and soon may come a the same for me — 200 per cent and with- The jawans get meals according to a stip- homie that comes from having tested the time when there will be generals in the out a doubt. When the fire comes, I will ulated calorie count, and because of the odds together. The jawans have seen the Indian Army who would not have seen a stand in front of him and he will stand in difficulties of the terrain, ration is often officers grow up in the paltan and the offi- war. front of me. That is the kind of faith we transported on mules. cers are expected to give them their due. But here at the LoC, these men fight an have.” „ “Things that are taken for granted are a Young officers who serve with the unconventional war — far more difficult, privilege here,” says an officer. Gorkha Rifles learn Gorkhali, the lan- battling an unseen enemy, not knowing At one post, there is no electricity — a guage that they converse in with their which side he can come from. generator is expected only by May. men. Some officers are also sent to Nepal “How can you say fighting insur- The men stay in bunkers, their bags to better acquaint themselves with the gency is not a war! It is a full scale hanging on the wall carrying few belong- culture of the men they command, since war. It is a war every day!” says an ings; magazine cut-outs of Hindi film 70 percent of Gorkha Rifles jawans come officer forcefully. “How can I tell actresses pasted by their small beds. There from that country. my soldier at the sentry post are common bathrooms and toilets, while There are jawans who carry on the tra- that it is not a war because he is there is a recreation room for off duty dition after their fathers have retired from facing live situations every day?” hours in the evening. the army, like the young Gorkha sepoy Indian soldiers lose fellow sol- Subedar Gabbar Singh, the post com- whose father was a drill instructor and diers every year in this war at the mander at one post, will retire this year, gave march-past training to the athletes in frontlines of the 460 mile-long LoC. after 30 years in the army. “I’ve served all the 1982 Delhi Asian Games and was As units alternate between peace and 30 years in J&K,” says the soldier from the called ‘Jhandey Saheb.’ field postings, their profession lies “here Garhwal hills. The officers are expected to know their in the field,” says an officer, where they He hopes to get a job in one of the men by name, even by their number; also have seen comrades die in the line of duty. Uttrakhand government projects when he know their families and solve their prob- “We have lost course mates in front of gets home, but at the moment he and his lems — human factors that go on to build our eyes and we could do nothing about men are upset about retired Major lasting trust. it. You may buckle with grief, but you General and former chief minister B C Far from the comfort and security of our can’t show you are buckling. Life has to Khanduri’s defeat in the assembly elec- homes, these men live by a separate creed. go on,” says the officer. tion. Where a decision gone wrong can mean Just the day before arrived an intelli- “He was an army man and laid down the death, where trust has no frivolous inter- gence report about a group of infiltrators law like a fauji, which people did not like,” pretation; it can simply mean ‘I will die for waiting to cross over, and every day the adds Lance Naik Dalbir Singh, who has you.’ soldiers’ guard has to be up. “I can’t tell my boys, “Bacche (kid), you relax, it is not going to happen today,’” adds the officer. An officer who has seen a friend die in front of him fighting terrorists in Srinagar says, “Can you trust the person across? Never! Since ’48, we have not been able to trust him. There is a ceasefire on, but despite that you don’t know what he will do next.” In the face of harsh weather, tough ter- rain and a hostile enemy, these soldiers hold the peace against tremendous odds. Young men — in their 20s and 30s — who ‘stand on the wall,’ keeping the watch as they defend one of the world’s most volatile borders. “You can call us the CEOs of 800 Pakistani artillery shells on display at a post. Apart from saluting their own martyrs, the Indian Army extends tribute to fallen Pakistani soldiers with memorials GuardingGuarding oneone ofof

Soldiers posted here have to the know the LoC thethe worldworld’’ss mostmost with their eyes closed volatilevolatile bordersborders M10 ZODIAC THE MAGAZINE India Abroad April 6, 2012

TAURUS skies. Try a malachite for easy scheduling of your vacation April 20 to May 20 time. What makes you daring and different is your ability to Astrology know when to race and when to slow your pace. SCORPIO Professionally, this new found confidence comes handy as October 23 to November 21 you make quick decisions pushing ahead with your plans Holding back? Then this April, let your feelings show to achieve your goals. What you learn this month is vital as Scorpions! Work-wise a buildup of plans is now going to many changes are afoot, and discussions with partners and push your career story ahead with great intensity and peers provide the breakthrough. Socially, you are now quick momentum. Changes are afoot and be ready to pooling your activities around personal and professional watch yourself being dazzled as you walk into the spot- links and networks, maximizing impact and new intriguing light. Team-mates and associates are proud of your developments come your way. Love life is brilliant as a new achievements and back you without any unease! Socially, partnership and alliance proves spicy and enjoyable. your star is on the rise as new and old friends rally to cele- Travel Tip: Emeralds add activity to your action plans. Light Monisha Dudaney guides you through brate your astounding success. blue will take them to happiness and fruition. Travel Tip: Purple brings in the best opportunities towards the stars this month... you especially as you travel across the world. Zircons add GEMINI unexpected surprises and pleasure tips! May 21 to June 20 It’s a time to reflect. Professionally, important matters April forecast SAGITTARIUS that you may have scuttled under the carpet will now November 23 to December 21 emerge as discussions; exchanges build up towards the playing the realty/stock markets are advised. Love skies Whizzing by. That’s what April will do as you dig deep end of the month. Socially, you will be demanding much are hued with happiness and warmth especially towards into your reserves of energy and patience. Deal-making, more of your close-knit group than ever before relying on the end of the month. cracking tough nuts and bringing your team on the same their humour and affection to see you through. Finances Travel Tip: Yellow keeps you practical in the face of any page will be the big task. Allow yourself weekends of will need constant monitoring especially as friends and adversity. Tourmalines keep you open to new ideas and sug- much rest and restoration, so you can manage this drill family have no control over what they demand of you. The gestions. with ease. Love for the single results in much laughter and single decide to take a breather from the dating merry-go- happiness as dates are full of surprises and mischief. round. VIRGO Those in relationships, spend time sharing common ideals Travel tip: Wear green to flow with change in plans and August 23 to September 22 and ideas. action. Silver will help you find new people and pursue Looking at making money? Then this is a great month to Travel Tip: Saffron brings with it your desire to communicate friendships. set the wheels in motion. Signing contracts, paperwork, the big and small. Wear it along with bronze to seal a win- wheeling and dealing will keep this month in motion. win situation. CANCER Professionally, it could also give you wings as you consider June 21 to July 22 choices you would not have dared to otherwise. On the CAPRICORN Life’s good. Things maybe moving too fast to think and social circuit, the good life is coming in slowly but steadily December 22 to January 19 with much less plan but the frenzy of the pace is now forc- as you are surrounded by indulgent mates. Love is heaven, A month for many a career victory is now upon you and ing you to live in the now, one day at a time. At work, big especially for the single who find their match. Those in it would be wise to take all that April has to offer with breakthroughs come your way as it reaches a frenzied love make staying power their mantra in more ways than both hands. Work-wise these new opportunities could pitch. Saving plans now need more than number crunch- one! turn your world around giving you the power and the ing, and will lead you to rethink many factors in your Travel Trip: Black wards off the evil eye as travel brings with position you desire. A socially active month is also lifestyle. Love life brings up remarkably happy times it envy! A garnet adds a touch of royalty and direction to indicated with much travel and holiday with your close involving rewarding pursuits/hobbies with those you love, your journies inner group indicated. Cash is a part of that harmonious creating exactly the balance that you seek and desire. equation as you make more than you give away to many a Travel tip: Hues of blue bring good luck and fortune on your LIBRA charitable cause. The single will find themselves confused travels. Diamonds help you bond together as a family on your August 23 to September 22 about their choices as you have many options on your sojourns. April brings with it a dose of unprecedented luck. And mind. you Librans will not stop smiling this month. Social skies Travel tip: Maroon adds lushness and enriches your jaunts. LEO look apt for meeting long-lost friends, networking amidst Gold brings you in the spotlight wherever you go! July 23 to August 22 like-minded groups and much chitter chatter! Cash comes Get ready for the unexpected this month Leos. Being open in handy as some of you plan renovations and refurbish- AQUARIUS minded not only lifts your spirits, it prepares you for excit- ments to your home or work space. Single Librans will be January 20 to February 18 ing, if unexpected, encounters that revolutionize your smitten this month like no other. Those in relationships Push yourself to your limit – that’s the vibe of April for the thinking and your life. Professionally, you will find your- have travel to exotic locations on their mind adding depth waterbearers. Hard work, perseverance and patience this self thinking in an offbeat and innovative fashion bringing to their equations! month will be the corner stone of your success in the next you the results you desire. It’s a time to take risks and Travel Tip: A hue of blue makes you bloom amidst the sunny few months. Motivating, engaging and driving your teams will keep you busy as you make the most of all the resources and talent at your disposal. Socially, you burn the candle at both ends playing as hard with pals as you work during the day! Money improves allowing you time ARIES to experiment, explore and decipher what you want to March 21 to April 19 spend it on. Elements of your career-lifestyle need a rethink and Travel tip: Orange makes you a great organizer of any tours. that’s no secret. This month, changed circumstances Turquoise adds calmness to it! make you look at familiar habits and push you to experiment… with surprisingly great results. April PISCES remains all about exploration as you discover a fresh February 19 to March 20 new perspective. Innovation, improvisation will be You are likely to mark April as a month of transition in key to your success as you win new found respect your calendar this year. It will be a month of inner confu- from mates and peers. Socially, close relationships sion leading to big transformations by the end of the year. are undergoing transitions and spending time out of Socially, you maybe moody about who you choose to the box in working them out will be needed. Your spend time with and it would be wise to pick close mates investment now multiplies and you add your own to surround you. And those who are single splurge it on risky edge making a difference! Love life for the sin- their friends with ease attracting many hanger-ons. Those gle is relaxing as your circle of friends makes your in love desire a connection with their mate which they dating sprees fun. Those in relationships extend their cannot define and go all out to win their loved ones over! new eye on life to their personal space freeing them Travel Tip: Red adds a touch of energy to your travels. A Enjoy! from tensions, ending some and speeding others glimmer of turquoise allows you to stay fluid in thought Travel tip: Scarlet empowers you with energy even on a lazy along. and plans vacation! Tourmaline worn on Mondays makes you doubly inspired! THE MAGAZINE ALTERNATE HEALING M11 India Abroad April 6, 2012

Shameem Akthar on therapies to help your eyes

Yoga ye health is not just about plain seeing. Crystal therapy Yoga offers several remedies Alternative therapies believe it can be linked back Crystal therapy too connects which find concurrence with other Eto several psychosomatic issues. with yoga suggesting that eye therapies as well. Interestingly, even biologically the eye has some inter- problems may be linked to the In fact, most therapies for the eye estingly emotional links that makes you wonder if intellectual psychic center called For alternative therapies may not be so far off the mark! A in naturopathy, acupressure, the ajna chakra. This is also the ayurveda all hark back to exercise neurological study suggests that fear can affect visual center for intuition and inner and practices encouraged by yoga. areas in the brain and affect sight dramatically. Tension vision. Lying back, to place pre- Suggestions common to all these can hit peripheral vision, for instance. scribed crystals at this center, alternative therapies include neck On the intuitive level, alternative therapist Louise L which lies between the two eye- exercises (to release tension, and your Hay has several suggestions for each type of eye brows to meditate is said to heal encourage lymphatic drainage issue/ailment. For instance, she suggests dry eyes could eye-related problems. around the eye area), eye exercises be also reflect hidden anger at what one is seeing. Of Soft tinted and cooling green (trataka), sun gazing, palming, eye course, these days dry eyes are created by our lifestyle — ones are recommended for healing washes, jal neti (nasal cleansing long hours in front of the computer, living continuous- eyes. All green stones are highly practice), eating more fruits and ly in an air-conditioned, and therefore dehydrating, regarded for this purpose: the vegetables which are orange, red, eyes environment, amongst others factors. sharp green malachite, the shim- green. What if the other way around was also true? That mering green-blue fire-ice tints of In yoga regular practice of trata- having dry eyes from environmental factors could make opal, sparkling green of variscite, ka is said to tone the muscles that us unnecessarily tense? So, perhaps we need to take to name a few. Beautiful pink hold the eye ball within the socket. proper care of our eyes, if only to keep out unwanted stones, also linked to self-love are Sun gazing allows for the eyes to get only emotions from weighing us down! recommended, perhaps to tone used to different tones of light, down inner anger at oneself. while eye washes (using rose water Among the pink stones some are or plain water splashed onto closed the soft pink quartz and the deep eyelids) is believed to encourage pink of rhodochrosite. blood circulation in this region. Certain poses which involve stretching the upper back (releas- Ayurveda ing the tension lodged there), like Harish Johari’s Ayurvedic the cobra (bhujangasana) is also Massage prescribes the use of kajal said to be useful for maintaining (traditional eyeliner made from good sight. burning ghee and camphor). Apart from the aesthetic value of highlighting the eyes, Johari says Naturopathy kajal can strengthen and cool the It recommends yogic exercises eyes. and certain good habits as part of a good eye health regime. Additionally orange and red fruits, Chinese therapy like apples, peaches, plums, cher- Uses moxibustion eye treatment, ries are recommended. Green veg- which is a sort of heat treatment etables like lettuce, cabbage, involving burning of certain herbs. spinach, green peas too. The main This is said to relax stressed eyes, vote of course goes to carrots for reduce dark circles, eye bags, their high vitamin A content, need- crow’s feet and any sagging around ed for good sight. Sun-gazing, the eyes. palming, splashing water on the eyes (to promote blood circulation) is also advised. Acupressure In acupressure the eye points are on the back of the hand, at the Mudra therapy third digit of the index and the In mudra therapy certain hand middle finger respectively. gestures are suggested for different Pressure has to be applied (by vision problems. But for dry eyes using an acupressure pencil or the (which can lead to other sight dis- thumb of the other hand) for a orders) jal mudra and kapha minute or so. Since the master kaarak is advised. To do jal mudra, gland pituitary is also involved in you need to bring the tips of the lit- overall health, similar pressure on tle finger and the tip of the thumb the pituitary point at the back of together. Do this with both your the thumb, under the nail, must be hands. Sit in a meditative fashion similarly manipulated. An acu- for about three minutes or more. It pressure therapist may also guide is said to hydrate the body by you as to how you may learn to increasing its water element. For apply pressure on the socket of kapha kaarak you need to bring the eye, for relief from sight disor- the tips of the little finger and the ders. „ ring finger in contact with the tip of the thumb. This increases the water and earth element in the body. The Shameem Akthar is a yogacharya earth element is regarded as trained with the Sivananda Yoga increasing the natural healing Vedanta Center Catch Shameem's yoga capacity of the body. AMIT DAVE/REUTERS tips on: jaisivananda.blogspot.com M12 STAYING ON THE MAGAZINE India Abroad April 6, 2012

I think I have made a place for myself in been doing ever since he married Izabela in 2006. They speaking populace. Mumbai,” says Tobias Megerle easily. met in 1999 while studying at Cologne University and were “As soon as I began to speak English I started visiting art His confidence in his abilities, even friends for a time but the friendship did not blossom into a museums and galleries to acquaint myself with the art though they are limited being a non-Hindi relationship. They didn’t meet much in the next five years scene here,” says Tobias. speaking, English-learning German — as each went about following his/her own calling — . During his little sojourns through Mumbai’s streets he migrant to the Maximum City, is infectious. despite living in the same city. But when they met again often came across handcart pushers, lugging along a load, Hailing from a quiet, south German village of after all those years at a common friend’s house they began doing backbreaking work, eating out in the open under the Immendingen, and then Cologne, where he learnt the fine to discover their feelings for each other. hot sun, sleeping on the rough wooden surface of the hand- arts, painting, photography, sculpting at Cologne Who proposed? “I did,” says Tobias playfully, “and within cart when it was not loaded. Tobias wanted to make a dif- University, and worked as an arts teacher in a secondary three months we were a couple.” ference to the way these people rested and lunched. school for around seven years, the transition to India and Now midway through his wife’s five-year contract in/with The work of art that Tobias created for the handcart staying on was not a conscious decision but an event dic- India, Tobias has begun to love his adopted city. His affec- pushers, though aesthetically done, had no utilitarian value tated by fate: he followed his wife Izabela — now a vice tion for the city, however, came along gradually. for them. It came with a roof over it, lungis to cover its president and head of human resources with a German “The first year was the toughest for me and Izabela,” he coarse wooden surface and four legs — two in the front and “multinational company in India — when she moved to confides. “New employees, new work ethic and unorgan- two in the rear — to convert it into a cozy bed. It had the India on a five-year contract from Shanghai where she had ised people,” he says about the problems faced by Izabela at capacity to awe the pushers but would it make them feel it worked for almost a year. work. As for him, he would come across people trying to was an attempt to mock their lowly lives? “I agree that the Having never set foot in India before, the couple decided humour him into influencing officials at the local consulate concept of having a roof over one’s head is western in its to come on a “look-and-see” trip first, before they made up to expedite their visa to Germany. origin, but the effort is only to highlight the plight of these their minds. They had done the same before moving to The other Indian habit that at times angered Tobias were people who do backbreaking work through the day and Shanghai. the promises his acquaintances made when Tobias asked sleep on the pavements at night,” explains Tobias. “It was early April 2009; the city was hot and humid, the them for simple favors. “People here are very friendly. But To make it a mainstream issue — there are 18,000 regis- traffic chaotic; and the gloom of 26/11 terror attacks still when they agree to do a job in a day nothing much happens tered handcarts in Mumbai and many more that are unreg- weighed heavily on the city’s psyche,” says Tobias about his even after 15 days,” he laughs mockingly, more at his own istered — Tobias has plans to publish a 50 to 100 page pic- maiden visit to Mumbai. Though a bit nervous about the naiveté at trusting people in his very first year than any- ture book highlighting the lives of handcart pushers. His kind of life — traffic chaos compared to the clockwork pre- thing else. Now that he has seen three monsoons in the city empathy with handcart pushers of Mumbai led to having cision of Shanghai — that awaited them, the couple packed he has learnt the way the city, and the people that inhabit people call him Tobias the Handcartwallah, a moniker he their bags and moved to the city in August 2009. it, work. at times seems to enjoy. Following his wife around the world is what Tobias has When the couple moved to Mumbai the very first hurdle “This piece of art,” says Tobias, pointing towards two for Tobias was communication. Having studied in bedecked handcarts placed under the shade of a huge tree Germany he wasn’t very inside 13, Altamount Road, an old bungalow owned by a Prasanna Zore meets up with fluent in English. The city-based art collector Geeta Khandelwal, in one of the smattering of Cantonese hippest neighborhoods of south Mumbai, “is now more a a German handcartwallah that he had picked up in work to honour the work done by handcart pushers of Shanghai was quite Mumbai.” who makes his home in obviously of not much During his interviews with the handcart pushers Tobias use in the city. So realized, that like them, he too was a migrant to the city. India’s largest Tobias began taking “But I am a luxurious, rich migrant, unlike these people English lessons, who earn no more than Rs 300 on a good day. My art sells city twice a week and or not I have money to eat,” says Tobias in a self-flagellating that sort of tone. opened the doors Over the weekends the couple attend business parties or to city’s English- they stroll down to the nearby iconic Babulnath Temple or the Banganga water tank at Walkeshwar. “In fact, we go to the Babulnath temple every second week not for any reli- gious reasons but just to soak in the early morning ambi- Three monsoons in ence of the place,” says Tobias. And what does Tobias do over the weekdays when he is not painting or visiting art galleries and museums? “I prepare food for my wife,” he quips. “I am an expert in making dal, rice, sabzi,” he says without any hesitation. “Being vegetarians we mostly eat pasta, spaghetti, steamed vegetables, lots of salads and fruits mostly in the Mumbai morning, soups

but no onions,” Tobias rattles off the menu he rustles up for his beloved wife. It is this understanding between the couple that has helped them negotiate a tricky new city in another continent as well as the pressures that befall the lives of a couple where the woman earns and husband takes care of the household. “My wife supports me,” says Tobias without a trace of hurt that sometimes dogs men who depend on their wives for their living. “I have to say thanks to her for everyday for all her support,” he adds for good measure. So what happens to the artist in Tobias in a situation when he has to choose between his wife and his artistic inclinations? “My first priority is my wife. Art comes next.” „ India Abroad April 6, 2012 A17

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SUMAN GUHA MOZUMDER District of New York. lowing his arrest at his home in Queens, since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge New York, in September that year on a sep- Prosecutors could not say if separate pro- Patrick Nayyar, an Indian citizen who has Sweet, September 25. arate charge. ceedings would commence Nayyar for been living illegally in the United States for According to the superseding indictment According to the original complaint filed immigration rules violation, nor could they more than two decades, was last week con- filed in the court and the evidence present- by an FBI agent, he applied for a temporary throw light on his background. victed of trying to provide support to the ed at trial, between July 2009 and resident status with the Immigration and “I guess you will have to check with ICE Lebanon-based Hezbollah, a US-designat- September 2009, Nayyar and his co-con- Naturalization Service in 1988, but the on that count. As far as we are concerned, it ed foreign terrorist organization. spirator, Conrad Stanisclaus Mulholland, application was denied in 2006. Since then all relates to Nayyar’s violation of the law Nayyar, 48, who faces a maximum sen- 45, had a series of meetings with a Federal he did not have any legal immigration sta- relating to seeking to provide support to a tence of 75 years in prison, was found guilty Bureau of Investigation informant, who tus. designated terrorist organization,” a in a Manhattan federal court of all five represented himself as someone capable of Nayyar, according to the complaint, also spokeswoman for the US attorney’s office counts related to his crime after a seven- delivering materials to the Hezbollah. They ‘unlawfully and willfully’ possessed a Colt told India Abroad. day jury trial before US District Judge provided him with a handgun, a box of Delta Elite Auto Handgun, 48 Winchester Mulholland, who is not a US citizen, left Robert W Sweet, according to Preet ammunition and a pick-up truck. and automatic subsonic jacketed hollow the country before charges were filed and Bharara, US Attorney for the Southern Nayyar was charged in October 2009, fol- point bullets. He has been in detention remains at large.

University of Michigan to Unrest in Punjab echoes collaborate with AIIMS on trauma care

in California SUMAN GUHA MOZUMDER The University of Michigan Health System will RITU JHA collaborate with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi to foster Hundreds of Sikhs gathered exchange of medical personnel and ideas focus- outside the Indian consulate in ing on trauma care. San Francisco, March 23, to “I returned from New Delhi as part of a dele- protest against Balwant Singh gation after signing a memorandum of under- Rajoana’s death sentence. standing with the top hospital there and we do Rajoana was to be hanged hope that things will move forward in terms of March 31 in Patiala for his role trauma care research and collaboration,” Dr in former Punjab chief minis- Krishnan Raghavendran, associate professor, ter Beant Singh’s assassination surgery division, at the UM Medical School, in 1995, but the Indian govern- told India Abroad. ment stayed the execution after The delegation comprising Dr Steven clemency appeals from the Kunkel, senior associate dean for research and Punjab government. Dr Kevin Chung, assistant dean for instruc- Singh who served as Punjab tional faculty at UM, toured the Jayaprakash chief minister when the Khali- Narayan Trauma Center at AIIMS and met stan separatist movement was with government officials. at its peak 1992 to 1995 had Dr Raghavendran said although India has been unsympathetic to the grown rapidly, its medical infrastructure has cause. In 1995 Dilawar Singh not kept pace with its increasingly packed Babbar, a serving police officer highways and motor vehicle crashes kill many in the Punjab police, blew him- people each year. self up killing Singh. Rajoana, ‘It is a monumental problem and we are a constable, who was a backup eager to help AIIMS and the government of suicide bomber, surrendered in India to develop a network of more than 140 1997. trauma centers around the country,’ he said. “It’s an expression of outrage. “Both sides have a lot to gain from this ven- The protest is to highlight the ture.” reality of the 1984 anti-Sikh Dr Raghavendran added UM would manage riots, the pain of which is still the cost of the project from local sources. YVES HERMAN/REUTERS alive,” Amandeep Singh Gill, Sikhs from several countries in Europe participate in a demonstration outside the European Parliament AIIMS would not have not to pay anything for member, Sikh Students in Brussels, March 29 summer visits by doctors for sharing medical Federation at the University of protocols and knowledge. California, Berkeley, and one of Michael W Mulholland, chair, department of the main organizers of the rally, told India Abroad. this judgment exposed that the Indian legal system was a farce. surgery said, ‘India is more than three times as Gill said it was a global movement for Rajoana and added that “Those responsible for the mass murder of Sikhs in 1984 have populous as the US and sees a different mix of though India’s judiciary was often praised for its commitment not only ever been brought to justice, but have actually been cases than we see — which presents a great to liberal values and the supposedly secular grounds on which it given high government posts which they continue to enjoy till opportunity for research collaboration.’ adjudicates between different religious communities, he alleged day.” India Abroad April 6, 2012 INDIA SPECIAL/ARMY CHIEF VERSUS GOVERNMENT A19 Army chief versus government, India the loser

NEERJA CHOWDHURY dled the confrontation between then army chief General K S Thimayya and then defense he very public spat between Indian army Indian Army chief General minister V K Krishna Menon deftly. On the Vijay Kumar Singh chief General Vijay Kumar Singh and one hand, he urged Thimayya to take back TIndia’s defense ministry, which played his resignation, and on the other side he out in recent months over the issue of his age, chose to stand by his defense minister. Of intensified last week over his allegations about course, those were the days when the army the country’s lack of defense preparedness and chief, groomed in the traditions of deferring corruption in procurements. to political authority, swallowed it and con- It has sent shockwaves in the country’s polit- tinued to serve the army. ical establishment and aroused all-round con- More recently, in 1998, the National cern about the manner in which the army chief Democratic Alliance government handled is publicly taking on the civilian authority confrontation differently. It sacked the navy under which the army has functioned for over chief, Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, because he six decades. India is the only country in Asia refused to appoint the person chosen by the where the army has remained totally apolitical. cabinet as vice chief and wanted this right to The fat was in the fire when in an uncharac- be vested in him. teristic move, General Singh granted an inter- Now, the Chief of Army Staff has cocked a view to the English daily The Hindu that he snook at the defense minister, in public. The was offered a Rs 140 million ($2.8 million) government, at least at press time, seemed to bribe if he sanctioned substandard Tatra be disinclined to show him the door. This is trucks, and that he had brought this to Indian not just because only two months are left for Defense Minister A K Antony’s notice. Antony, General Singh’s retirement May 31, though Singh said, had responded by only putting his many suspect that he has more ammunition hand to his forehead. against the government up his sleeve and will What Singh did not disclose, and was not fade into the sunset. revealed by Antony to parliament, was that The government is caught between a rock General Singh had told Antony that he did ‘not and a hard place, essentially because of the want to pursue’ the matter. Antony said he environment that prevails in the country. The could not have moved in the matter without a last two years have seen growing anger written complaint from the army chief. against corruption in high places. And the While Antony announced a probe, the ques- issues that the general has focused on, direct- tion being widely debated in Delhi’s drawing ly and indirectly, have related to corruption. rooms — the issue has divided public opinion Though he does not spell it out in those more than on other issues in the recent past — terms, the lack of India’s defense prepared- is why General Singh took one-and-a-half ness, which he mentions in his leaked letter years to disclose this information, why he did to the prime minister, is also an extension of not immediately file a First Investigation B MATHUR/REUTERS how the huge sums of money allocated for Report (the first step of a criminal investiga- defense purposes is being spent. These are tion) against the person — a retired general — who tried to the prime minister, not through the defense minister. And issues with the potential to agitate people at large, if he was bribe him. he forwarded the lawmaker’s letter to the CBI — again — or is — given the sack. It could compound a situation It is equally perplexing why Antony did not move in the bypassing the defense minister. which is anyway difficult for the government. matter suo motu even without a written complaint from The timing of these actions, coming in the last one week, The government has to be mindful of the impact on the General Singh. Both Antony and General Singh are known was curious. They hugely embarrassed the defense min- morale of the armed forces. The army chief is not just an for their integrity. istry. Panic buttons were pressed. The political class react- individual, but also an institution. Sacking the general Before this controversy could settle down came the leak ed strongly, and this was one instance of the lawmakers could widen the gap between the army and the civil author- of the letter the army chief wrote to the Indian prime min- across parties closing ranks, many calling for the immedi- ity, something the government would like to avoid. That is ister March 12 — about India’s less than adequate state of ate sacking of General Singh. Laloo Prasad Yadav of the why though there were many political voices raised in favor defense preparedness, the obsolete spare parts and the dis- Rashtriya Janata Dal declared that the general was getting of sacking — and most of them came from the leaders of mal state of the equipment with the Indian army. This was ready to fight elections. the Samajwadi Party, RJD and Janata Dal-U with the a bombshell, coming in the midst of the critical BRICS It seemed the government was shooting off parliament’s Bharatiya Janata Party leaders taking a more nuanced (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) conference shoulders and preparing the ground for action against position — the government is treading very carefully. going on, with heads of state from those countries in Delhi. General Singh — if he pushed the government to the wall. Antony is believed to have ruled out any precipitous The leak of the army chief’s letter to the prime minister action against the army chief — at least for now — when caused consternation in political and policy circles. Many he three episodes have come in the wake of the age some of his Congress colleagues wanted the government to in government suspect that it came from General Singh’s row and the general losing that battle in India’s act tough. Antony was non-committal about the nature of office. Though the defense minister has ordered a probe, it Tsupreme court. Was the general hitting back to vindi- action that might be taken against the army chief, but he will be very difficult to prove this. Antony called it an ‘anti- cate his honor in what might be seen by some as a public said the government had confidence in all the three chiefs. national’ act. Denying that he had leaked the letter, General humiliation of the defense chief in so trivial a matter as his At press time, the government was working on two Singh called it an act of ‘high treason’. age? Or was he hitting back at his opponents who he felt options — either to let things be and face any further offen- The general also suddenly decided last week to refer to had conspired to get him out of the way? sive General Singh might have up his sleeve, or to ask him the Central Bureau of Investigation the letter written by General Singh’s backers allege that the arms lobby was to go on leave till he retires. Ambika Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress party member of responsible for the age row and wanted him out, and that it The bigger point is that the confrontation and the man- parliament, to the prime minister and defense minister in is the arms lobby which is now determining who will be the ner of handling the crisis has once again underscored the May 2011. It talked about widespread scams in the pro- army chief and for long. Or, was he also positioning himself weakening of the Indian state. It has showed how sick and curement process in the secret Special Frontier Force. It for a post-retirement role as a champion against corrup- corrupt the system has become, and it has not left a disci- caught the government unawares again. tion? plined force such as the army untouched. The whole affair The general’s recent actions raised eyebrows also because Spats between Indian defense ministers and the chiefs of points to a weak leadership at the top — unable to inter- they represented a breach of protocol. He wrote directly to the army or the navy are not new. Jawaharlal Nehru han- vene effectively, or to carry authority. A20 Twist to hostage crisis The hostage crisis in Odisha took a new turn when Maoists kidnapped a Biju Janata Dal party lawmaker March 24 and released MAOIST MENACE one of the two Italians they had abducted 11 days ago in the state’s Kandhamal district. THE WEEK THAT WAS India Abroad April 6, 2012

Landmine blast in Maharashtra Twelve Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed and 28 others injured March 28 when Maoists triggered a landmine blast near Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli dis- trict and blew up the bus they were traveling in.

Paramedics rush an injured policeman to a hospital in Nagpur, STRINGER/REUTERS March 27 Freed Italian Claudio Colangelo, who was taken hostage by Maoist March 14, said he was unharmed and denied reports that he and his compatriot were photographing tribals when the rebels captured them

STRINGER/REUTERS

Tibetan dies after Five killed in makers voting in its favor. who labeled the move as an Jammu bus mishap ‘attack on democracy and self-immolation Court reserves free thinking of readers’ Protesting against Five people were killed order on plea Chinese President Hu and 33 injured in a road FIR against former Jintao’s visit to New accident in Jammu’s against gay sex Delhi for the BRICS Ramban district March 24. After a hearing spanning Karnataka summit, a 26-year-old The bus was on its way to over a month, India’s Lokayukta Tibetan man set him- Srinagar from Jammu supreme court reserved its Former Karnataka self on fire March 26 when it skidded off the road verdict March 27 on peti- Lokayukta Justice in the capital. He was and fell into a gorge. tions by anti-gay right Santhosh Hegde, whose rushed to a hospital, activists against the 2009 report on illegal mining but died two days Indian President’s Delhi high court verdict rocked the state’s politics, later. that decriminalized gay sex was booked by the police $4 million foreign between consenting adults. March 29 for falsifying trips charges against an Indian Indian President Indian student Police Service officer. Pratibha Devsingh Patil’s jailed in Australia in foreign tours have cost the Court raps public exchequer $4 mil- bribery scam lion, surpassing the record An Indian student was clemency politics of her predecessors. Since sentenced to 14 months in India’s supreme court assuming office in July jail March 27 for his expressed concern over pol- 2007, Patil, whose term involvement in a bribery itics playing a role in mercy ends July 24, has undertak- scam in which the English petitions, indirectly refer- en 12 foreign trips covering test scores used for granti- ring to the Punjab govern- 22 countries across four ng Australian permanent ment’s involvement in seek- continents. residency and visas were ing clemency for Balwant falsified. Singh Rajoana, a convict on Congress party death row in then Punjab Mamata’s chief minister Beant wins trust vote in Singh’s assassination. Uttarakhand newspaper ban in The apex court’s remarks The Congress party-led West Bengal followed the federal gov- government in Uttara- West Bengal Chief ernment’s stay on Rajoana’s khand, which had strug- Minister Mamata Banerjee March 31 execution after gled to gain a majority after banned all English newspa- Punjab Chief Minister the recent assembly elec- pers from the 2,500 state- Parkash Singh Badal met tion, comfortably won a funded libraries. The deci- Indian President Pratibha trust vote March 29 in the sion sparked angry reac- state assembly with 39 law- tions with intellectuals, Page A21 STRINGER/REUTERS India Abroad April 6, 2012 THE WEEK THAT WAS A21

Page A20

Patil, seeking clemency for Rajoana. Sikhs have been protesting against Rajoana’s likely execution. Curfew was imposed in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district after one person was killed and two injured in police firing. Norway NRI children custody row Norway’s Child Welfare Service has rec- ommended that the two non-resident Indian children, who were taken away from their parents on grounds of negligence and put in foster care, be handed to their pater- nal uncle. A district court will make the final decision April 17. Anna Hazare fasts again Social activist Kisan Baburao ‘Anna’ Hazare fasted for a day March 25 at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to demand protec- tion for whistleblowers fighting against corruption. His agitation stemmed from the killing of an Indian Police Service offi- Slaying the cer by the sand mafia in Madya Pradesh and the death of a youth in Tamil Nadu who was mowed down by a truck for protesting against transportation of illegal- corruption ly quarried sand. demon

VIVEK PRAKASH/REUTERS A boy dressed as social activist Kisan Baburao ‘Anna’ Hazare points a bow and arrow towards a man dressed as Ravana during the Gudi Padwa festival in Mumbai, March 23

Jaya’s former aide wants to make peace Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jaya- lalithaa’s former aide Sasikala Natarajan, who was expelled from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the chief minister’s home last year, said she had sev- ered ties with her relatives who had betrayed Jayalalithaa and wanted to dedi- cate her life to the AIADMK leader’s serv- ice. ADNAN ABIDI/REUTERS Social activist Anna Hazare addresses supporters during his day-long fast in New Delhi, March 25 Swine flu resurfaces Fresh outbreaks of swine flu in Maharashtra and Rajasthan have taken the Court allows Italian vessel to figure of people affected from the H1N1 virus to 309, with 21 deaths in the last three sail out months. Cases have been reported from The Kerala high court ruled that the Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat. Italian ship MT Enrica Lexie detained off The federal health ministry, which is taking Kochi February 15, after marines on board steps to check the spread of the disease, killed two Indian fishermen, would be said there was no cause for panic or alarm. allowed to sail on furnishing a $600,000 dollar bond and meeting other conditions. Ousted Maldives president to visit India Cops get life term for fake Nearly two months after he was ousted as encounter Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed A court in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, said he would visit India in April to seek sentenced 16 policemen to life imprison- support for early elections and restore a Spring blooms ment March 29 for a staged shootout in democratically-elected government in his 1992. The policemen were convicted of country. Nasheed, who came to power in FAYAZ KABLI/REUTERS killing an alleged Sikh militant Jaivender October 2008, had resigned February 7 Schoolgirls at Kashmir's Siraj Bagh, after its opening in Srinagar, March 29. The garden houses around two million Singh Jasna in the encounter. after a reported coup. tulips of 23 varieties and is Asia's largest tulip garden A22 EYE ON PAKISTAN India Abroad April 6, 2012 The fountainhead of radical Islam Dana Rohrabacher, once Pakistan’s best friend in Congress, explains his bill calling for Baluchistan’s independence. Aziz Haniffa reports

epublican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Racknowledged that he was once Pakistan’s best friend in Congress and an acerbic critic of India, but in a cathartic confession at the National Press Club last week accused the Pakistan government as being the fountainhead of radical Islam. ‘I was Pakistan’s best friend in Congress when I was elect- ed back in 1988,’ said Rohrabacher, who was meeting with journalists to explain the bill he has introduced in Congress calling for the independence of Baluchistan from Pakistan, said. ‘I have been involved with Pakistan and with the ISI (Inter Services Intelligence) and with the government of Pakistan during the (President Ronald) Reagan years, and I was also, of course, deeply involved with the mujahideen during their struggle against the Soviet occupation.’ But, he confessed, ‘During that time, I was operating under false pretences. I was not operating — they were. But I had no idea that NASEER AHMED/REUTERS the Pakistanis were so much personally involved in promoting radical Islam and did Islam, he added, was analogous to those A boy walks past burning tyres set ablaze by protesters in reaction to a not support the democratic principles that I who argued before World War II that it shootout by unidentified gunmen in Quetta, Baluchistan, Pakistan, March 29. thought were binding us during the Cold War. would be counterproductive to take on Dana Rohrabacher, inset, says the the Baluchi people are an oppressed population In fact, at that time, when we should have Adolf Hitler, because it would lead to the known, when the United States provided assis- Germans becoming more radicalized. tance to the mujahideen, a lion’s share of it Rohrabacher, chairman, House Foreign rather than a friend, so, we are moving forward to try to were channeled by the ISI into Hekmatyar Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and restructure.’ Gulbuddin and to the worst, most radical, Investigations, said, now was the time to Then in a mea culpa vis-à-vis India, he acknowledged, tyrannical form of Islam. And there was no reassess what America’s position was ‘During that time period, when I was the best friend to excuse for that.’ going to be in South Asia. Pakistan, I was probably not too friendly with the Indians.’ He said, ‘So, people like myself spent a lot of ‘We started paying attention to the He added that it ‘behooves the United States today to time lying to ourselves, while just ignoring this JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS Baluchis because the Baluchi people are understand that the Cold War is over and we can no longer — ignoring that was clearly contrary to the an oppressed population, just as the lie to ourselves about the horrible crimes that are being interests of freedom and liberty and in the interests of the Kurds have been an oppressed population and they have a committed by Pakistan in their support for terrorism as well people of the United States.’ right to their own country and the United States should be as their oppression of other peoples like the Baluchis. We Saying you can’t do anything to correct the situation with on their side,’ he said. ‘Pakistan has now proven itself to be should position ourselves so that we have a much closer the Pakistani government, because it might help radical an enemy of the United States and an enemy of freedom, relationship with India.’

eficiary of the pro-Baluchistan lobby’s Rohrabacher supports the same for Kashmiris funding, he joked, ‘Everybody knows that my personal finances are really bad. So, no, we receive no financing from anybody. The AZIZ HANIFFA Kashmir, fine. Just realize, I am the author that, is not doing the cause of justice or trips that I have taken have been CODELs of several pieces of legislation to recognize truth a good service.’ (Congressional delegations)… They were Republican Congressman Dana Rohraba- their right to vote, and to recognize the At the time he was arguing for independ- financed by the United States taxpayers cher, author of a bill in Congress calling for crimes that have been committed against ence for Kashmir, Rohrabacher was covet- because we are then fulfilling our responsi- Baluchistan’s independence from Pakistan, them in order to prevent them from having ed by Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, executive direc- bility.’ says he strongly supports independence for that vote. But, I am incensed that this is tor, Kashmiri American Council, who was Rohrabacher also dismissed the Pakistan Kashmir, too. the tactic being used… Don’t try to use it in to be sentenced March 30 after being foreign office’s complaint that with this A Pakistani journalist at the National the middle of a discussion of Baluchistan charged last year of being an Inter Service resolution, the US Congress was imping- Press Club — where the House Foreign in order to deflect attention away.’ Intelligence agent, carrying out its lobby- ing on Pakistan’s sovereignty. Affairs Committee member was speaking He added, ‘The fact is, I have given many ing activities on Capitol Hill and contribut- ‘Let me put it this way — we believe the about his resolution calling for the right to speeches on Kashmir. You could check the ing to the campaign coffers of lawmakers sovereignty is within the people. So, if you self-determination for the Baluchi people record. Check the actual bill numbers... sympathetic to the Kashmiri cause for are murdering your people in order to keep — brought up the question of self-determi- that I introduced recognizing that (inde- independence. power over them and someone else com- nation for the Kashmiri people. pendence for Kashmir). No, I don’t have a Rohrabacher, whose resolution was plains about it, the person who is com- Rohrabacher lashed out at the journalist, double standard, but I think anybody in introduced in February, has hardly had any plaining about it, wherever it is, is not vio- saying, ‘I find it despicable that this tactic here who’s suggesting that they are for traction and attracted only a handful of co- lating the sovereignty of that country. The is being used that, “Oh, let’s not talk about freedom, who then in the middle of a dis- sponsors, also denied that he was being people who are violating the sovereignty of Baluchistan, let’s talk about Kashmir.”’ cussion of the crimes against Baluchis, funded by the pro-Baluchistan lobby. the country are a vicious regime that mur- He said, ‘If anybody wants to ask about tries to steer people’s attention away from Reacting to the charge that he was a ben- ders its own people to stay in power.’ India Abroad April 6, 2012 A23

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A new kind of Amrut The kudos In 2010, whisky writer Jim Murray rated Amrut Fusion as the third best whisky in the India’s first single malt whisky is ready to introduce a new product in the American world in his Whisky Bible. The rating stunned the whisky establishment. Admitting his No 3 market, reports George Joseph choice could come as a surprise to some peo- ithin two years of entering ple, Murray had said, ‘The fact that it is the United States, Amrut, Indian? Irrelevant, from distillation to matu- WIndia’s first single malt ration this is a genius whisky from whichever whisky, made by the Bengaluru- continent.’ based Amrut Distilleries, has In February 2011, Amrut Fusion was named become a hit here. Not only have World Whisky of the Year at the Malt connoisseurs termed it one of the Advocate Whisky Awards. best whiskies in the world, it has In December 2011, Amrut Fusion was also scooped up my industry named Grand Master of World Whisky at The awards. Spirits Business Awards in London. John Now — encouraged by the suc- Hansell, editor, Malt Advocate magazine, had cess of the Amrut Single-Malt, said, ‘India’s Amrut distillery changed the way Amrut Single-Malt Peated, Amrut many think of Indian whisky... Amrut is mak- Single-Malt Peated Cask Strength, ing whisky, and it’s very good.’ Amrut Two Continents and Amrut Amrut Two Continents — which the Whisky Fusion (ranging from $45 to $100 Advocate called a ‘rich, complex, unique, and for a 750 ml bottle) in the US mar- exciting oral explosion’ — recently won the ket — the company is ready to New World Whisky title at WhiskyFest at the introduce Amrut Kadhambam. Hyatt Regency, Chicago. Kadhambam, the Tamil word for A few weeks ago, at Whisky Magazine’s mixture, is matured in a variety of Right, Ashok Chokalingam, general Icons of Whisky in London, Ashok containers — sherry butts, brandy manager, international operations, Chokalingam of Amrut was named ‘Whisky Amrut, and Raj Sabharwal, managing director, Purple Valley Imports Ambassador of the Year.’ Page A31 India Abroad April 6, 2012 BUSINESS A25 ‘We are here as part of the solution, not the problem’

om Mittal, president, India’s National Association of that adds to technology adoption and transformation Software and Services Companies last month launched In a conversation with Aziz Hannifa, through IT, but is also seen as a responsible industry. Sa major lobbying effort in Washington to counter some Som Mittal of National Association But in terms of the whole outsourcing bogey — particular- of the misperceptions about outsourcing of thousands of ly during election season and the fervor is now being highly-skilled American jobs to India, thus allegedly com- of Software and Services Companies whipped up — how do you get your message out into the pounding the unemployment problem. heartland, because that’s where these misperceptions gain a Besides unveiling a report — quantifying the trends and counters the popular rhetoric hold? benefits behind the investments by India-based information on outsourcing While we’ve been extremely focused at the Washington technology and business process outsourcing firms in the level, assuming everything happens here, it’s really the sen- Untied States — at the Center for Strategic and timents there (in the heartland, which matters)… For us, the International Studies under the aegis of its Wadhwani Chair next phase of connection has to be in those states, (pointing for United States-India Policy Studies, Mittal also was up on out) that we are creating employment and work with the Capitol Hill holding over 15 meetings with Congressional local legislators and so on. NASSCOM alone may not be offices, focusing primarily on members who represent the able to do it, companies who are there should be saying this, six US states and districts where majority of the Indian IT too. companies investment and job creation and employment We have created a chapter within the US and we are, with has occurred. the help of our colleagues here in Washington, taking our Mittal and his team also met senior officials at the State message out to the states. Even with this visit, we are not Department and other federal agencies to discuss the report only meeting with people on the Hill, who are in the judici- in an effort to get the message across that these Indian com- ary or immigration committees and so on, but actually peo- panies were creating thousands of jobs in the US. ple who represent those states where we have done this The NASSCOM report (India Abroad, March 30) said, because they should know what’s happening… ‘Three out of every four jobs supported by Indian companies It’s a long task, but I must also say, it’s not a one-time are constituted by locals in the US,’ and that Indian IT com- issue. We just kick-started it, but our long-term agenda has panies ‘support more than 280,000 jobs in the US, growing to be to continue to get this message across. even in a weak economic environment.’ India’s Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, in his meetings It added, ‘Based on updated employment multipliers of with senior officials in Washington raised India’s concerns the Economic Policy Institute model, for every one direct over looming US protectionist and other discriminatory job, approximately 1.6 indirect jobs have been supported in action against the Indian IT sector in terms of a denial of H- the ecosystem.’ 1B and L-1 intra-company transferee visas, etc. How do you The report also pointed out, “The direct workforce get this issue resolved? employed in the US has almost doubled in the last five It’s gotten political. Immigration is an issue that is politi- years,’ and said several leading Indian IT companies operat- cal everywhere in the world, and it has to be separated out ing here had very aggressive hiring plans. by saying what kind of immigration you want. In an interview with India Abroad, Mittal said that unfor- What we are really talking about is highly skilled immi- tunately much of the rhetoric on outsourcing had gotten gration. In our own country, we have the same issue — we politicized and in the process drowned out the insourcing don’t want labor to be moving in because we have issues. and job creation and employment generated by scores of But we as a country have to open up… Governments know NASSCOM members in the US. He also discussed how how to control products — movement of products and so on NASSCOM had countered fraud allegations against Indian — but in terms of people, they have to differentiate that this companies, how it would try to get the message about job is not about immigration, this is about trade. creation across, and the need for comprehensive immigra- While we will try to get our message across, it also tion reform. becomes important that many of these things are really han- dled at the government level. So, at every trade discussion, What was the basic thrust and purpose of your visit and in the visa issue is being taken up, and we think that between terms of the unveiling of this report, how much of an impact our two countries there are so many more strategic things do you believe it will have? that have to be done that we have to demystify this matter We come to the US about three to four times a year The Business Interview and take it beyond a political issue. because for us in technology, the US is always in leadership At this point, we are not looking at increasing the number and will remain so… it just makes sense for us to be here. We Som Mittal of visas, because we think that given the current political have a large number of US companies working with our environment, it’s not the right thing. But we are saying, how members, so it’s important to be here. For us, our visits to do you make things easier within the current provisions. Washington are normal, and we partner with think tanks, cious — becomes very important. But as we are doing it, we Currently, we are facing very large rejection rates and our chambers of commerce and also take our position up to are not only adding value through the work we do, the assessment is that it’s only happening with Indians. It’s not Capitol Hill. nature of our work is such that we are adding jobs here. We only Indian companies, it’s US companies that are being tar- This particular report was very important because the are creating high-value jobs; we are indirectly supporting geted (when they attempt to employ Indians on H-1B visas general perception is that jobs are moving out, but people economies here. Where we set up our centers, buildings or situate an Indian worker in the US on an intra-company tend to forget that there are jobs getting created here and come up, our people spend money and that’s the contribu- L visa). And, nothing has changed from the US side — there these are high-value jobs. And, it’s not only jobs that get cre- tion that we make to the exchequer. are no legislative directions given. So, it’s an implementa- ated, it’s also about the value that you are adding to the Our industry evolved over the years from common people tion issue. It is the administration of the visas, which is economy — the work that we do has helped governments and for them what contributions they make to the society is becoming a problem right now, and if it is so, even in the (federal and state), colleges, corporations, become more effi- very important. Hence, you see each one of our companies political environment as it is, it is solvable because it is cient, more competitive, which is extremely important. working with communities nearby, colleges, schools, univer- about the administration’s will to resolve it. And, if it is The fact that we are able to use all the capabilities and sities, setting up chairs — contributing like local citizens becoming such an irritant between the two countries, it is skills — today, just like everything else is fungible, so is tal- and communities would do. For us, it is very important that ent and time to market products and solutions being so pre- this message is received that we are not only some industry Page A26 A26 BUSINESS India Abroad April 6, 2012

From left, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Russian Why India must President Dmitry Medvedev, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chinese President stand up for itself Hu Jintao and South African President Jacob Zuma at the BRICS Summit in amid BRICS New Delhi, March 29

he term BRICS is the ultimate double-edged sword of global political economy. It connotes a set of fast- Tgrowing and increasingly influential economies (also described as ‘rising powers’ or the ‘second world’ — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). But it imputes to them a sense of unity that on closer inspection may not really exist. Last week’s BRICS summit in New Delhi reveals the potential and flaws of both aspects of the term — and why India ultimately has to be self- reliant. India well deserves to be considered one of the world’s highest potential economies given its population, democra- cy, growing domestic market, outsized role in global infor- mation technology and investments in other sectors from energy to biotechnology. At the same time, being a member of the BRICS hasn’t helped India avoid being the only major emerging market B MATHUR/REUTERS to experience declining for- border disputes that China that the UN is a legal body). eign investment in the past has categorically stated won’t One can be in the group, but that doesn’t guarantee that two years, and a Moody’s be resolved anytime soon. one will be influential or even that the group as a whole will downgrading of its banking On the trade front, India be effective. sector debt. has initiated anti-dumping Brazil is not a member of the UNSC either, but managed On the question of BRICS PARAG measures against China, to attempt mediation in the Iran nuclear dispute, has host- unity, the long-term signifi- while Brazil has joined the ed the most crucial environmental summits and is consid- cance of the hand-holding KHANNA US and EU in a WTO dispute ered a ‘sustainable superpower’ given its massive invest- that goes on at such summits against Chinese trade prac- ments in agriculture and economic diversification. is laughable at best. The rise tices as well. For its part, India’s substantial and consistent investments in cross-currency denominated trade that the BRICS have We, therefore, have to be much more rigorous and ana- in its naval power and strategic geography mean that it begun (Russia and China started almost two years ago, and lytical in assessing the importance of the BRICS as a con- should be leading in crafting a security framework for the the United Arab Emirates and China this year) is a very cept and a gathering. Indian Ocean sea-lanes. important trend, and speaks to their common interest in As Sanjaya Baru of the International Institute of India should make clear that it is captain of the Maritime diversifying away from the Untied States dollar depend- Strategic Studies has written, the ‘BRICS are in search of Silk Road. ence. cement.’ It is at best just another coalition-of-the-willing in But the simmering suspicions and even hostility between a world of constantly shifting multi-alignment. Parag Khanna is senior research fellow, the BRICS themselves is a far larger story. Russia is boost- Being in the BRICS ultimately may not mean much more New America Foundation; visiting fellow, ing its military investments to defend its sovereignty from, than being in the Untied Nations Security Council or any London School of Economics IDEAS; and senior fellow, of all countries, China. India and China have outstanding other high-status grouping (despite the obvious difference European Council on Foreign Relations.

ees. None of our companies qualify for it… Page A25 We have to fight this, provided they are will- ‘We are here as part of ing to listen. possible to resolve it because it doesn’t need Have you’ll pushed this service visa con- legislative intervention. cept? There is a contention in some quarters the solution, not the problem’ Yes, but you know, that service visa has to that this apparent discrimination against be legislated and has to be part of compre- Indians could be due to the fact that there hensive reform. Comprehensive reform gets are allegations being pushed by the likes of New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ. visa is used to hire a professor, to get a doc- stuck up with all kinds of things — illegal the Richard Durbins (Illinois Democrat) And, so, for us to be complying is very tor, to hire a student who’s studying here immigration, family and seasonal and so on. and Charles Grassleys (Iowa Republican) of important. and you want to employ him, plus for peo- But we were really happy when the govern- the world of fraud being perpetrated by The question is, what is a visa category ple who are coming on transfers. So, if that ment this time put up stuff about saying Indian companies in obtaining H-1 and L-1 and why did you create it. So many of the is the broad category, you need to simplify how they want to streamline the green card visas. There are the likes of Charles Schumer visa rules were made in 1991. Now, their that matter… process. For an ordinary Indian, who may (New York Democrat) calling even venerable perception is that for the reason we made So that every Indian who comes here on a not be a techie, by just sheer waiting line, it companies like Infosys chop-shops, etc. As a the visa rules then, is not what these visas work visa is not out to ultimately get a green would now take him 70 years to get a green result, consular officers, may be erring on are being used for. But you didn’t change for card and permanent residency? card. So, this whole quote system, etc is the side of caution and not issuing these the last 20 years, and the world has Absolutely. And the other thing is, the faulted. There is a need for them to review visas to Indian applications… changed. So, we have been saying that if this USCIS’s (US Citizenship and Immigration things in the light of what’s happening and We don’t condone any breaching of US is the issue, then please come out with a Service) own studies have shown that if now believe stories. If the data shows that law, or for that matter, Indian law. So, based service visa, which does now allow immigra- there were fraud, large numbers of fraud, as unemployment in the tech and at the col- on what Senators Schumer, Durdin and tion. The UK has it; Switzerland has it; they termed it, it has been with small com- lege graduate level is 3.5 to 4 percent, then Grassley said, we have had enough conver- Germany has it; India has it. Every other panies, who were less than $25 million in that’s not your problem. So, we are here as sations about this. These are listed compa- country has a work permit. So, you please revenue. They were less than 10 years in part of the solution, not the problem. We nies — they are companies listed on the have a work permit. Today, the same H-1B operation and they had less than 25 employ- have to be seen in that light. India Abroad April 6, 2012 BUSINESS A27 Understanding Fortis’s global sprawl arly last month, India’s leading private hos- extent in India now with C-Doc (diabetes) and pital chain, Fortis Healthcare — in which Malvinder Singh has orchestrated a frenetic Rencare (dialysis). All in all, that makes it six Ebrothers Malvinder and Shivinder Singh are countries,” Malvinder Singh explains, listing sev- promoters — consummated the acquisition of acquisition spree for Fortis International eral other businesses in West Asia and Sri Lanka. Singapore-based Fortis International for $665 The idea, he says, is to cross pollinate its million, an entity which the brothers own in its strengths in different health care verticals and go entirety. deep into those markets where they are not cur- However, the deal, which catapulted Fortis into rently present. becoming the largest corporate hospital entity in Global presence the developing world, did not impress the markets From being a leading Indian player with 38 much. Fortis Healthcare’s share price plummeted, owned, managed and planned hospitals within the a few months after the acquisition announce- country in 2009, Fortis today boasts of 74 health- ment. care facilities around the world that offers a bou- “The worth, the soundness, and the profitability quet of services like primary care, diagnostics, spe- of the acquired businesses remain unclear,” stated cialty day care centers, secondary and tertiary hos- a Mumbai based stock market analyst, reacting to pitals, a model very similar to Parkway’s. It has the announcement. significant investments in nine countries versus The sentiment remains much the same even Parkway’s seven. today if a investor note from Citi is any indication. “Each of these acquired businesses is a market “The (Fortis) stock has taken a beating after its leader in itself. They have been growing during the decision to buy Fortis International and valua- last three to four quarters. The margins are also tions appear undemanding. However, any materi- growing. The geographic footprint Fortis has cre- al re-rating is unlikely till investors get more ated today covers almost three billion people,” says details on financial and operating parameters of Vishal Bali, Global chief executive officer, Fortis, the acquired overseas assets,” Prashant Nair, a Citi who was instrumental in building Fortis’ interna- analyst, points out. tional business from scratch. What analysts are referring to are a dizzying B MATHUR/REUTERS Bali feels that the investment community is array of diverse acquisitions in health care that Malvinder Singh, chairman, Fortis. Last month, Fortis Healthcare consummated the acquisition of bound to respond more positively once detailed Fortis has made all over the globe, from Hong Singapore-based Fortis International. The deal made Fortis the largest corporate hospital entity in the disclosures are made on the performance of the Kong to Sri Lanka, within a span of a year and a developing world combined entity during the March quarter results. half. “We have to look at (the soundness of the Why would Fortis want to put money down in acquired businesses) from the context of emerging far flung entities in the first place? trends in global healthcare market,” he adds. “Health care assets in emerging economies are Despite the frenetic speed of recent acquisitions, seen as a safe bet by sovereign funds and pension Malvinder Singh says he’s in no great hurry for all funds from the developed countries. Aggregation of his investments to begin firing simultaneously. of quality healthcare assets can thus add tremen- “It will take time because each of these coun- dous value. Fortis attempts to acquire healthcare tries, the markets are different,” he says. “So, the assets in Asia Pacific should be seen in this con- pace of doing this will also be different. Developed text,” said an investment banker. markets like Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong This strategy of aggregating assets, while new, are already corporatized. So, we will be fast to go ultimately has its roots in the company’s there with verticals (such as daycare specialties). ‘Singapore obsession,’ a strategy that didn’t in fact You will have to identify and assess the market, the go according to plan, but ended up giving birth to need, the demand and supply and what the envi- the current one. ronment is and decide what you want to do. So, Vaulting ambition you will not blindly do it everywhere.” With annual revenues close to Rs 10 billion The company will continue to have Singapore as ($200.33 million), Fortis Healthcare was a min- its global operations hub. now in March 2010, when for a brief period, it Consequently, Fortis is in the process of building acquired management control over Singapore’s up scale in several verticals it owns in diverse Parkway Holdings, one of Asia’s prestigious and geographies today. Quality Healthcare, a wholly biggest hospital chains, with revenues four times owned Fortis subsidiary, is a leader in primary bigger than that of Fortis. Fortis’ 24 percent con- health and daycare services in Hong Kong, where trolling stake in Parkway also saw its promoter according to Bali the company will be looking at a Malvinder Mohan Singh shifting to Singapore as hospital opportunity in the city to integrate its Parkway chairman leaving the company’s pre- healthcare businesses in that region. It is also hop- dominantly India business in the hands of ing to have a close watch on the Chinese health- younger brother Shivinder in April that year. right, there is a need, there is an opportunity, it makes care market for a footprint in the future. Fortis also recent- The romance with Parkway lasted just three months as sense, and we can do it. And if we do it, we will have a head ly opened daycare specialties in India under two brands C- Parkway’s second largest shareholder — Malaysian govern- start.” Doc (for diabetes care) and Rencare (dialysis), ment owned investment fund, Khazanah — outbid Fortis’ This meant reconciling with being pipped at the tape by which reveals the manner in which it intends to unlock statutory open offer to acquire Parkway shares it did not Khazanah and focusing on another plan, which, two years synergies. own. By July-end that year, Fortis sold its stake in Parkway and a string of acquisitions later, has boosted the estimat- Making smart investing bets in health care is one thing. to Khazanah for a premium, pocketed a profit of roughly ed combined revenues of the Group to close to Rs 50 billion Growing and managing them is an entirely different cup of Rs 4 billion ($80.12 million), and snapped its ties with ($1 billion), marginally lower than Parkway’s estimated tea, especially if your businesses are a global sprawl that Singapore’s prestigious health care entity. revenues of Rs 55 billion ($1.10 billion). consists of a plethora of different cultures, business prac- But that was not the end of its Singapore links — in fact, These revenues come from what appears to be an tices, rules and regulations and operating environments. it was just the beginning. “To me, my experience with unwieldy global sprawl of businesses that could have Singh’s cross pollination plans, therefore, are easier said Singapore really started with Parkway,” says Fortis chair- tremendous synergies with each other. than done. man Malvinder. “When I was there as the Chairman of “We have capability in primary healthcare, which is driv- Yet, considering Singh’s tenacity in deal-making and Parkway, I began to understand Asian healthcare opportu- en out of Hong Kong, a little bit in Vietnam and with eagerness to extract maximum value from his companies nities, the supply and demand gaps, the needs, the markets, Radlink acquisition even in Singapore. We also have sec- and investments, he just might pull it off. the segments, the mix of the emerging and developed ondary health care —day care or specialty care as I would (health care) markets within that area. I realized that I am call — in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and to some By arrangement with Business Standard A28 India Abroad April 6, 2012 Filing of H-1B visa petitions begins ALLEN E KAYE www.uscis.gov or call the National Customer Service Center United States Citizenship and Immigration Services began at (800) 375-5283. accepting petitions for H-1B visas on April 2, subject to the cap Proposal would reduce time that US citizens are on approvals for fiscal year 2013. separated from immediate relatives: USCIS posted a Cases will be considered accepted on the date that USCIS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register that takes possession of a properly filed petition with the correct would reduce the time US citizens are separated from their fee. USCIS will not rely upon the date that the petition is post- spouses, children, and parents (ie, immediate relatives) who marked. must obtain an immigrant visa abroad to become lawful per- The Congressionally mandated numerical limitation on H- manent residents. 1B petitions for FY 2013 is 65,000. Additionally, the first This rule would allow certain immediate relatives of US cit- 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals who have izens to apply for a provisional waiver of the unlawful-pres- earned a US master’s degree or higher are exempt from the ence ground of inadmissibility while still in the United States fiscal year cap. if they can demonstrate that being separated from their US USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received and citizen spouse or parent would cause that US citizen relative will notify the public of the date on which USCIS received the extreme hardship. The proposed rule will not alter how USCIS necessary number of petitions to meet the H-1B cap. If the determines eligibility for a waiver of inadmissibility or how an number of applications received exceeds the numerical cap, individual establishes extreme hardship. USCIS will randomly select the number of petitions required ‘The law is designed to avoid extreme hardship to US citi- to reach the numerical limit from the pool of petitions zens, which is precisely what this proposed rule will more received on the final receipt date. effectively achieve,’ said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions that are not selected, "The current process can subject US citizens to months of sep- as well as those received after the final receipt date. aration from family members who are waiting for their cases Petitions for new H-1B employment are exempt from the to be processed overseas. The proposed change will have annual cap if the beneficiaries will work at institutions of high- tremendous impact on families by significantly reducing the er education or related or affiliated nonprofit entities, non- time of separation.’ profit research organizations or governmental research USCIS also proposes creating a new form for immediate rel- organizations. Petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries who atives of US citizens who choose to apply for a provisional will work only in Guam or the Commonwealth of the unlawful-presence waiver. Once in effect, this form would be Northern Mariana Islands are exempt from the cap until used for individuals filing an application for a provisional December 31, 2014. Employers may continue to file petitions unlawful-presence application before he or she departs the for these cap-exempt H-1B categories seeking work dates United States to complete the immigrant visa process at a US starting in FY 2012...ccoomm embassy or consulate abroad. The streamlined process would HHPetitions11BB filed11 on behalf of current H-1B workers who have only apply to immediate relatives who are otherwise eligible been counted previously against the cap also do not count for an immigrant visa based on an approved immediate-rela- toward the congressionally mandated H-1B cap. Accordingly, tive petition. USCIS will continue to process FY 2012 petitions filed to: The proposed process outlined above is not in effect and is • extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may not available until USCIS publishes a final rule with an effec- remain in the United States; tive date in the Federal Register. USCIS will consider all pub- • change the terms of employment for current H-1B work- lic comments on the proposed rule announced today before ers; publishing the final rule in the coming months. Individuals at • allow current H-1B workers to change employers; or this time should not to submit an application for a provision- • allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a sec- al unlawful-presence waiver, or allow anyone to submit one ond H-1B position. on their behalf because it will be rejected. First World Immigration Services, Inc. H-1B petitioners should follow all statutory and regulatory USCIS seeks public comment on revisions to Immigration to Canada & U.S.A. requirements as they prepare petitions to avoid delays in pro- employment eligibility verification Form I-9: USCIS Canada-416.226.7341 cessing and requests for evidence. USCIS has developed published a notice in the Federal Register inviting public com- NY-212.244.1872/1873, Chicago-773.338.9934 detailed information, including a processing worksheet, to ment on a revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility OFFICES AT CANADA, CHICAGO, NEW YORK, assist in the completion and submission of FY 2013 H-1B peti- Verification. Employers must complete Form I-9 for all David Morris, LLB CALIFORNIA, LONDON, INDIA, PAKISTAN, AUSTRALIA Attorney at Law Canada Rana Qaisar, LLB tions. newly-hired employees to verify their identity and authoriza- US businesses use theAmerican H-1B program Life to employ Inc foreign tion to work in the United States. The public is invited to com- workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or ment on the revisions until May 29, 2012. ANIL JETHMALANI technical expertise in specialized fields, such as scientists, Key revisions to the form include: ATTORNEY AT LAW 212.695.5506 engineers, or computer programmers. • Expanded Form I-9 instructions and a revised layout. 875 Ave. of Americas, Suite # 801 For more information on the H-1B nonimmigrant visa pro- • New, optional data fields to collect the employee’s e-mail All Immigration Matters (31st St, between 6th & 7th Avenues) New York, NY 10001 gram and current Form I-129 processing times, visit address and telephone number. • New data fields to collect the foreign passport number and country of issuance. Only aliens authorized to work in

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Indra Nooyi made $17 million in 2011 PepsiCo’s India-born Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi received $17.1 million in compensa- tion in 2011, a 5.8 percent increase from her 2010 pack- age, according to a regulatory filing. The increase was driven largely by changes in the value of her retirement benefits at PepsiCo, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Mallya may sell UB stake to save Kingfisher Vijay Mallya is in talks with Heineken to sell a portion of the 40.57 percent stake owned by United Breweries Holdings, the main promoter company in United Breweries, as Kingfisher Airlines’ cash crunch continues to worsen and banks refuse to lend more money without B MATHUR/REUTERS equity support from the promoter. Mallya is reportedly Commerce Secretary John Bryson at a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry conference in also open to selling a small stake in United Spirits, the The New Delhi, March 26. On his first India visit as commerce secretary, he pitched for American companies to participate in India’s infrastructure projects, but warned that India’s high import tariffs could hurt long-term ties. makers of McDowell whisky. In Mumbai, he invited corporate India to invest in the United States, and promised a more investor-friendly tax Beginning regime. Bryson’s delegation also visited Jaipur, the first-ever US commerce secretary visit to Rajasthan Bengaluru: Costliest Indian city to live in World Bank President Robert Zoellick crosses the river Bhitarkanika to visit the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project and Odisha Rural A analysis of the Reserve Bank of India’s Consumer Livelihoods Project at Gupti village, Odisha, March 28. He was on his fourth visit to India — and likely last as the World Bank head honcho — to take Price Index reveals that Bengaluru is a couple of notches stock of the efforts to overcome poverty and other development-related projects before the beginning of the 12th Five Year Plan higher than the all-India cost-of-living average, with financial capital Mumbai just a shade behind. In the price race, Delhi is placed very low in the table. The Farewell Narayana Murthy among world’s greatest entrepreneurs Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy is among the 12 ‘greatest entrepreneurs of our time,’ according to a Fortune list that is topped by Apple’s late chief Steve Jobs. The magazine Murthy built ‘one of the largest companies in India, helping to transform that economy and put it on the world stage.’ It’s raining jobs in India The next three months are likely to offer solid opportu- nities for job seekers as 39 percent of Indian employers are expected to increase their headcount, says a MyHiringClub.com survey. Employers in all four regions predicted a strong employment market in the first quarter of financial year 2013, with the South being the most optimistic, followed by the North, West and East. Facebook makes big offer to Allahabad student Facebook has hired an engineering student from Allahabad for an annual pay package of Rs 1.34 crore ($262,500), one of the biggest offers made to the alum- nus of any Indian technical institution. According to P Chakravarti, director, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, a student from the institute, who has request- ed that his name be withheld for ‘security reasons,’ SHARMA REUTERS/PARIVARTAN received a letter March 27 from Facebook confirming his appointment and the pay package. India to become world’s largest India lifts freeze on private Execs in India to get higher salary economy by 2050 carriers flying abroad than Asian peers According to Wealth Report 2012 by Knight Frank & After a lull, the Indian civil aviation ministry has Executives in India are likely to take home a fatter Citi Private Bank, the Indian economy will reach $85.97 allowed increasing utilization of foreign bilateral rights for salary than their peers across Asia this year as average trillion size in terms of purchasing power parity by 2050, Indian carriers to 40 percent from the summer schedule, base pay for heads of organizations in the country are while the Chinese gross domestic product will be $80.02 starting April. This is roughly equal to the utilization by likely to rise by 8.3 per cent, according to report by global trillion during the same period. The US — currently the foreign carriers, and comes at a time when Indian carriers staffing consultancy Mercer. India is followed by China at world’s largest economy — is expected to have a GDP of were utilizing only 22.7 percent of the total foreign bilat- 6.5 percent. $39.07 trillion by 2050. eral rights and foreign carriers were much ahead. India Abroad April 6, 2012 BUSINESS A31 Equity investments vs fixed income products

1. My wife and I have been working in the United States I am worried about the dollar-rupee exchange rate. I am since last year. Are we now non-resident Indians? If we are looking at transferring some money to India to make an not NRIs, when we will get this status? Do we require to get investment. But given the macro-economic picture and the some paperwork done? high inflation, I fear another round of rupee depreciation, 2. Since we are on independent visas, do we require inde- thereby reducing the repatriable amount of my funds. What pendent non-resident external accounts or we can open a is your view on this? joint one. — Coelho 3. We understand that we can send unlimited money to Foreign exchange markets have an old adage — either our parents’ account in India. Is there any monthly limit as predict a rate or a date, but never both! That being said, we they have ordinary resident savings account? believe that the danger of the rupee depreciating is per- 4. Since we are paying taxes in the US, are we subject to ceived to be more severe than it really is. Also, this concern pay taxes in India for the money we are earning here? If yes, A N SANDEEP emanates out of the fact that the rupee has fallen by around what would be the way out? 14 percent in FY 11-12. — Jatin Daga SHANBHAG SHANBHAG However, the long-term trend suggests otherwise. For 1. If you have spent 182 days or more in India in a finan- example, the 10 year depreciation rate is 1.36 percent, the cial year you will qualify as Indian residents. Else you five-year rate is around 3.2 percent and the three-year would be NRIs. You may apply this principle to your per- depreciation is just 0.47 percent. In fact, rupee has actual- sonal situation in order to determine your respective NRI 4. If the income chargeable to tax is less than the tax ly appreciated by around 3.50 percent in the first three statuses. threshold, there is no need to file the returns. The gap months of current calendar year. 2. You may have independent accounts or joint accounts would not matter as legally a person with income below the Lastly, as has been elaborated in a query that appears and this has nothing to do with the status of your visas. tax threshold isn’t liable to file a tax return. elsewhere in this column, fixed income investing offers an Independent accounts will enable you to keep track of your inflation arbitrage to NRIs/PIO. To top it all, India offers independent incomes better. I was always under the impression that India investments extremely attractive interest rates in a market that has got 3. The unlimited amount that can be remitted by you were all about equity — with the emerging market story, etc. reasonable depth and is also well regulated. does not have any monthly limits. However, on a recent visit, I found that an NRI friend of 4. The income earned abroad (in relation to India) by an mine invests heavily in the fixed income space. Do fixed Readers who wish to ask A N Shanbhag a question can NRI and also the interest income on NRE or foreign cur- income instruments in India offer distinct advantage to fill in the following details and mail the coupon to: The rency non resident accounts in India is tax-free in India. NRIs? Business Editor, India Abroad, 42 Broadway, 18th Floor, — Mihir New York, NY 10004 1. If my earnings in India is more than Rs 100,000 While equity investments in India have always been the Or fax it to 212-727 9730 ($2,000), do I have to file tax returns in India? focus, few realize the hidden benefit of investing in the 2. I am also given to understand that tax will be deducted fixed income products. The advantage flows from the fact Your question: at source for the interest earned in non-resident ordinary that the NRI gets inflation-adjusted return without having accounts. Does it mean that I need file tax returns in India? to bear the domestic inflation. In other words, interest 3. Is there a way I can file tax returns online? rates on most fixed income products (bank fixed deposit, 4. Due to my NRI status (with no Indian income), I will etc) are, at the end of the day, a function of the prevailing not be filing tax returns. If, say after a year, I earn rent interest rate in the economy. For example, currently, the income or profit from stock trades and if I have to file tax interest rate on a bank FD is around 9 percent per annum, returns, does it matter that there is a gap in tax filing? because inflation is around 7 percent p.a., thereby making Name: — Govadia the real rate of return 2 percent p.a. 1. You are legally obliged to file a tax return only if your However, for an NRI/person of Indian origin, inflation in Address: Indian taxable income is above Rs 180,000 ($3,500 for FY India is of little significance; it is the inflation rate in coun- 2011-2012) and Rs 200,000 ($3,900 for FY 12-13) try of residence that matters. And more often than, the 2. If your Indian income is more than the above discussed same is much lower, thereby jacking up the real rate of limits, you have to mandatorily file a tax return, regardless return. of the amount of tax deducted at source. You get credit for Also, in order to attract foreign capital as well as to arrest A N Shanbhag is an investment consultant and author of In the the tax deducted from your final tax liability. If your Indian rupee depreciation, recently the Indian government has Wonderland of Investment; How to Convert a Taxpayer into a income is lesser, you need not file a tax return unless you deregulated NRE interest rates (hitherto linked to London Taxsaver; NRI Investment Guide. This article does not constitute wish to claim refund of any extra tax deducted at source. Interbank Offered Rate ). Consequently, NRE term tax or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisor before making 3. Yes, you can file your tax return online. For details deposits offer about 9 percent p.a. to 9.5 percent p.a. that any tax- or legally-related investment decisions. The authors may please see https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in too on a tax-free basis. be contacted at [email protected]

requirements of the European Union. Yes, we are competing against an industry A new kind of Amrut which is 400 years old, but Indian malt has its own character and is different. If India can buy and consume a lot of Scotch, then Page A24 The company follows a natural process Scotland. Due to this fast maturation, in we, too, can sell Indian spirits worldwide.’ and the products can be termed hand- fact, age is not shown on the Amrut bot- His whiskies lived up to the hype. casks and rum barrels — for different made, unlike the more large scale produc- tles. Raj Sabharwal, managing director, lengths of time. It captures a range of char- tions around the world. It is made from “Due to the climate, half the product in Purple Valley Imports, which imports acteristics from this mix of maturation 100 percent Indian barley grown in the cask is lost in evaporation. It does not Amrut’s whiskies from India, says currently methods. Punjab and Rajasthan, which is aged in happen in Scotland. Due to such factors, about 3,500 cases of whisky are sold in the “The products target middle and upper Bengaluru. The casks are kept 3,000 feet the cost of production is also high,” he US, and he expects the numbers to grow class consumers who care about quality above sea level for maturation. adds. soon. and taste,” says Ashok Chokalingam, general Chokalingam says what makes the Amrut is the brainchild of Rakshit Amrut Distilleries Limited, the liquor seg- manager, international operations, Amrut. product unique is that it comes from a Jagdale, who stumbled upon the idea of ment of the Bengaluru-based N R Jagdale While most ordinary whiskies contain tropical city like Bengaluru, where whisky developing a sub-continental single malt Group, also produces some of the finest 40 percent spirit, Amrut whiskies are ages faster than in colder places like while studying in Britain. While launch- brandies and rums in India, including stronger with 46 percent strength to 60 Scotland. One year in casks in this south ing it in Scotland in 2004, he had said, MaQintosh Premium Malt Whisky, MaQ percent alcohol. Indian city could be equal to four years in ‘Amrut is the first Indian malt to meet the Scotch Whisky and Bejois Napoleon Brandy. A32 SPORTS India Abroad April 6, 2012

Sachin Tendulkar arrives with his wife Anjali at a party hosted in his honor by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani March 26. The event was a star-studded affair with Bollywood stars and the legendary Lata Mangeshkar gracing the occasion

‘I don’t have any other dream now’

PRADEEP BANDEKAR

HARISH KOTIAN doing well, you don’t worry. But even a bad didn’t look back after that and it’s been a the World Cup was. I don’t regularly follow phase will pass by and you will overcome all fantastic journey. what people are saying about me. I feel I achin Tendulkar who achieved the his- these obstacles. In my school days I learned The 100th hundred (against should have a clear mind while making toric milestone of scoring 100 interna- a lot and those things help. Above all, the Bangladesh), of course, I started off really those decisions. I am not in the Indian Stional tons, March 16, spoke to media most important thing is to respect the well and then I felt the ball was coming off team to prove people wrong. in Mumbai about personal records, the game. the track a bit slower than I would have I play this game because I love playing pressure before the much-awaited ton and Compare your feelings after your first liked. And during my partnership with this game. Nobody forced me into it and it’s fenced questions about his retirement. hundred and the 100th. Virat (Kohli) we both kept discussing what my choice. Excerpts from the interaction: I remember during my first hundred, I would be a good target and we both My friends don’t discuss these things and went in to bat when the team was 118 for 4 thought 275, 280 would be a good total. I the same holds true for my family. They What do personal records mean in a team (against England) and the senior players was patient and just focused on building also understand that to perform well I need game? had got out, the only thing that I had in my partnerships. At the same time there were a clear mind. My mind cannot be occupied When you contribute towards the team, mind was I should stay on the crease. I spells during which they really bowled well. with all these thoughts. trying to achieve the team’s cause, that is managed to string a good partnership with It was an unbelievable game. You just There is an unwritten rule that no one when records are created. Before any game, Manoj Prabhakar and had to be careful in have to remain a student and learn so many discusses what is happening. But when you the team has a goal, and while chasing that my shot selection that day. At the same things. When I got to my hundred, I looked meet people on a flight, reception of a hotel goal, if certain records are set, it becomes a time I was prepared to put the bad balls at the bat and looked upwards towards god or room service, they tell you in a good way landmark. In our team meetings we never away. I was there with an open mind. and said, ‘It’s been a tough time for me. that we are praying for you to score a hun- discuss records. We discuss how to win the I remember when I was batting on 87 or Why? Where did I lack in my commit- dred today. match and what’s the best way to do it. 88, I ducked into a bouncer from Angus ment?’ How do you escape that? You have no Along the way, if somebody is able to break Fraser (the England bowler) and the ball hit Finally it had happened and I was really choice, but to appreciate and acknowledge records and do something special, then we the back of the bat and flew to fine leg. I thrilled and I looked at the dressing room every little effort that they have made. always feel good about it. was glad it didn’t go to the keeper or lob to and I pointed my bat to the players and also After my hundredth century, my wife Is a sportsperson’s life cruel? People for- any other fielder. to the Indian flag that I have on my helmet. Anjali told me that many of my friends had got what you have done for over 22 years in After the hundred, Madhav Mantri, our This is what I have done for the nation and gone walking to the Siddhivinayak Temple cricket and focused on your 100th ton. manager at that time, told me I had to everyone has been part of it. (in Mumbai) before the tour. A couple of I remember my coach (Ramakant address a press conference. I was confused Describe the pressure before the 100th ton senior citizens had also prayed for me at a Achrekar) telling me that this game can be as I had not attended a press conference and the passion that you’ve played with, for Dargah. People did it because they wanted cruel at times and not to worry, as everyone before and was very scared. He told me not the last 23 years. goes through rough patches. When you are to worry and he would be there with me. I 100 hundreds wasn’t my purpose. To win Page A34 India Abroad April 6, 2012 A33 A34 SPORTS India Abroad April 6, 2012

Page A32 me to achieve the 100th hundred. As much as I value and appreciate that, it stays in your mind. Thankfully, she said all this after I had reached the milestone. ‘I don’t have any other What about fighting issues like age and fitness? It is about enjoyment, it is about feeling motivated enough, it is about the desire to dream now’ deliver and how passionate I feel about the game. I am madly in love with the sport. At this stage, I enjoy every little moment. I know it is a different body from what it was 20 years ago and that is never to be going be the same. But possibly what a 17-year-old mind could not do, a 37-year-old mind could do, so somewhere it balances out. I always looked at the positive side. I have not been vocal, but aggression need not always be vocal. It can be within. If you look in the bowler’s mind he will know whether you are aggressive enough or not. Sometimes it can be your body language, maybe in the way you just leave the ball. And then the way you respond to the bowler, the eye-to-eye contact that conveys a lot of things. Also, when you are doing well, when you are putting in a lot of hard work and you see the results, it helps. It helps to push your training sessions and also on-field net sessions and off-field gym sessions and take that to a new level. I have done that. While India is celebrating your achieve- ment, it is one of the team’s worst overseas performances in Test cricket since you started playing. People are fascinated by this number game. I remember a long time ago, in 2003, John Wright (then, the Indian coach) had told me that you should be the first player to score 100 international hun- dreds... and that was way back, during the HITESH HARISINGHANI/REDIFF.COM 2003 World Cup. 100 hundreds wasn’t my purpose. To win the World Cup was. I don’t regularly follow what people are saying about me. I The coach’s job is to give the players’ that feel I should have a clear mind while making those decisions, said Tendulkar at a media briefing March 24 high and make sure that they are in the and what not, I don’t know. It is because of frame of mind to deliver and possibly John my children that I know these names. It is was looking to do that. thank god. Have you always been god-fear- out that it doesn’t happen. not about just me and my music, but about Yes, it has been a tough phase for all of us ing or has this belief strengthened over the I don’t like to compare and I respect every what everyone is enjoying. Otherwise, we in Test cricket. That is something we need years? individual, who has achieved something. do the same things. to definitely look at. Right from the day I started playing You are a national icon. How does it affect There are youngsters who want to react I felt the conditions were different. What cricket, there was this Ganpati Mandir at your personal life and family? to things immediately. I keep telling them you personally call the home advantage, I Shivaji Park (Mumbai) and during our There are sometimes complaints that I don’t worry, after sometime you will have a felt the teams played good cricket. England breaks whenever I got thirsty, I would go don’t respond to various things and I different opinion about that. were wanting to get to the number spot and there and drink water from the tap there. I should be reacting more to spend quality With age, your thoughts change, the way Australia were also looking good. used to always feel that it was a kind of time with my family. you react changes. It is part of growing up. If you look at the Australian series, in blessing and a positive energy going Anjali has been with me, right from the What you do when you are 17, you don’t every Test there was just one partnership, through my body. start of my international career, and she do at 35. It is a time-consuming process. It which changed the game; otherwise the I used to watch my father and mother understands the pressures and demands of happens to everyone. records were more or less the same. pray at home, that is the way I have been an international sportspersons. I think You have not answered questions about Looking back at the Australian series, brought up. without her support things would have your retirement completely. how did you take the rotation policy? How do you personally compare your been different. I have answered. Maybe you guys have It was discussed between the senior play- 100th ton to all the other milestones? Do If my family didn’t understand what the not understood properly. I have always said ers, the captain and the management. It you believe any other player can break this demands were, then to manage all these that when I decide to retire I will let you was clear that we wanted all the guys to record? things would have been really difficult. My know. Where is the question of not answer- play because in a tournament like that I don’t like comparisons. I think getting family has played a huge role in where I am ing? when there are no long breaks between the to 800 wickets (by Muttiah Muralitharan) at the moment. Do you see yourself playing Test cricket in games, then you also need to look at is a great thing, absolutely fabulous. All the Right from the start it was an unwritten four years’ time? injuries. other players who have done well and have law that I only play cricket; I don’t think of I don’t know. When I started playing I am not saying that the players were been successful at the international level, anything else. Everything else will be cricket I didn’t see myself playing for 22 injured, but then there are some borderline they have made huge sacrifices. looked after by my family. So I focused on years either. I don’t know what is in store. It cases, which you need to look up and that is There has been lot of discipline, commit- the game and nothing else at all. is in god’s hands. what we were looking to do. ment and dedication in their life to serve You have been a bridge between the senior Any unfulfilled dreams? It was not a question of dropping some- the nation. I respect all of them and I also and junior cricketers. How do you adjust I don’t have any other dream now. There one, but it was a question of taking care of respect the guys who have not been suc- with the new generation? were two big dreams: One was playing for those borderline cases. cessful, because to play for your nation you The difference has been only the choice of India and the second was to lift the World After every hundred you look up and still have to go through the rigors and with- music. That is where the problem is. Pitbull Cup. That was my biggest dream. T1 NY/NJ/CT India Abroad April 6, 2012 New York consulate launches NRI outreach program SUMAN GUHA MOZUMDER Sometimes, they, for lack of communica- n a major step to address problems relating tion, either do not follow up on their issues to consular services as well as other issues or do not provide right kind of documenta- Ithat may require consular intervention, the tions necessary to process passports,’ Dayal New York consulate has decided to have an said. ‘Sometimes it is possible that some- ‘Open Day’ for non-resident Indians every week body’s relative may be detained wrongfully beginning next week. and that person may be in need of urgent The outreach initiative has been launched in help for his or her relative, about which we the wake of a directive from the Indian govern- would not know unless we are informed. ment asking consulates to have regular interac- But once this ‘Open Day’ initiative takes off tion with Indian nationals to understand their we will be able to contact US authorities problems and come up with solutions. and render necessary assistance in situa- ‘The external affairs minister himself is very tions like this.’ keen to have this open day and it is his initia- Asked if the initiative was coming some- tive. The Indian government has started ‘pass- what late in the day, Dayal said the initiative port adalats (courts)’ and the open day at the to meet community members had always consulate is a furtherance of that policy,’ said been there. “It is just a step further in terms Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, India’s consul gen- of outreach,” he said. eral in New York. At the briefing, the consul said that begin- ‘The minister feels that the consulates should ning April 16, the New York consulate send signals to the Indian community that they would outsource all passport services to should feel free to contact the consulates to get VFS Global, which has been selected based help. The idea is to encourage them to come to on a tender by the Indian embassy. the consulate and tell us about their problems.’ Visa services have been outsourced since Under the initiative, which is expected to be September 2007, while services related to launched by other consulates as well, a desig- the Overseas Citizenship of India, Person of nated consular official will have one-on-one Indian Origin card and passport surrender meetings with NRIs — only those holding have been outscored since February 2011. Indian passports — every Thursday between 2 The passport services have been out- pm and 4 pm. PARESH GANDHI sourced mainly because of space constraints ‘People have passport-related issues. Prabhu Dayal, India’s consul general in New York, at the announcement of the initiative at the New York consulate, Dayal said. India Abroad April 6, 2012 NY/NJ/CT T2 New York honors Shabana Azmi SUMAN GUHA MOZUMDER

ndian actor, and activist Shabana Azmi was honored with a proclamation March 23 for her commitment to the arts Iand contributions to New York City’s film industry by the Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development. Hosted by the Indo-American Arts Council, the event kicked off the countdown to the 12th annual New York Indian Film Festival, slated to be held at Tribeca Cinemas in Manhattan May 23 through May 27. Azmi was also the special guest of honor at a fundraiser and art auction March 22, benefitting AmeriCares humanitarian aid programs in India, with which she has been involved for a long time. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart correspondent and comedian Aasif Mandvi served as the celebrity auctioneer at the event attended by some 200 people at the Aicon Gallery in the East Village. The AmeriCares India Foundation responds to emergency medical needs and supports long-term humanitarian assis- tance programs in India and throughout the region. Last year, AmeriCares India delivered $1.4 million worth of free med- ical assistance in 20 Indian states. It has an office and a ware- house in Mumbai. At the IAAC event, Azmi, who is an advisory board member of the festival, said, ‘We have proven ourselves as a legitimate and successful festival year after year, and the fact that we are still struggling to find sustained funding is surprising.’ Pat Kaufman, executive director, Motion Picture and Television Development, noted that Azmi’s talent has gar- nered international acclaim, helping to shape the Indian film industry and build awareness of Indian cinema in North America. ‘Shabana has been a friend and advisory board member of the IAAC since its inception, using her talent, activism, and energy to help NYIFF stay the course of true, Independent and Diaspora cinema,’ said Aroon Shivdasani, IAAC’s founder and executive director. ‘We are thrilled to toast her Padma Bhushan (honor) from India and applaud her proclamation PARESH GANDHI from the state of New York.’ Shabana Azmi, right, with Aasif Mandvi at the AmeriCares India fundraiser, March 22 He has donated 13 gallons of blood

GEORGE JOSEPH Currently, he uses social media like Facebook to encourage about 3,000 of his rjun Prasad Mainali has donated listed friends to donate blood at least once blood 103 times — a total of 13 gal- a year on their birthday. He has also print- Alons. The Hicksville, New York, ed ‘I donate blood 3 to 6 times in a year’ on native plans to continue donating blood six both sides of his car. times a year as long as he can. “I know from personal conversations with A citation presented to him by the Town the people who saw it, that it encourages Board of Oyster Bay in Long Island noted, them to donate blood,” Mainali said. ‘Blood donors are silent heroes. They vol- After coming to US in 2000, he contin- untarily show up at blood drives, roll up ued donating blood even though he had no their sleeves and give blood to someone job and lived at a shelter. He now works at they may never meet. And many donate a Geico office in Woodbury, Long Island, regularly, every time they are eligible… where he serves twice a year as a blood Arjun Mainali is one such individual… He drive captain, collecting about 500 units of has donated blood 102 times in 24 years blood annually. and helped to sponsor 46 blood drives.’ “Many people fear donating blood think- As a college student in Kathmandu, ing that it will have an adverse effect on Nepal, Mainali had read an essay on blood Arjun Prasad Mainali their health,” Mainali said. “Many others donation and later stumbled up on a blood find excuses. Still others do not even know drive organized by the Kathmandu Bishal He was 19 then. help to increase the availability of blood.” that there is a big shortage of blood in the Bazzar Lions Club in 1987. “I encountered many people who came He joined awareness programs to encour- blood bank. Blood donation does not ham- “This event raised my curiosity about the there to find blood for their relatives and age others to donate blood. So far, Mainali per healthy human body. I am raising two blood donation,” Mainali, 44, explained. friends,” he said. “I realized that there was a said, he has organized/participated in more kids, am running my family with limited “Ever since, I have been donating blood big shortage of blood, and an active partic- than 150 awareness campaigns in Nepal, resources, and am still able to find time to three to six times every year.” ipation of more people would definitely India, Switzerland, and the US. donate blood.” India Abroad NY/NJ/CT April 6, 2012 T3 BUSINESS/SERVICES DIRECTORY NEW JERSEY ACCOUNTANTS/CPA ACCOUNTANTS/CPA ASTROLOGY DEGREE EVALUATION/GREEN CARD ACCOUNTANTS/CPA MS ACCOUNTING MRS. KAMAL ASTROLOGER\ FOREIGN DEGREE EVALUATION, SOLUTIONS CPA P.C. Your Tax Advisors PSYCHIC Solve All Problems 100 FULL SERVICE US/CANADIAN IMMIGRATION, (20 years of Tax Experience in USA) LANGUAGE TRANSLATION/INTERPRETATION, Business Licenses, Tax, Accounting, Percent 40 years experience. ADMISSION IN US COLLEGE, BRING STAFF Auditing, monthly or quarterly review Experienced CPA will manage your case Call: (347) 279-1468 062912AY FROM INDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS. of your books & full book keeping Businesses / Individuals services with all kinds of business Any Tax Problems: BEAUTY Call: (718) 445-2790 A tax filing Certified Quick books Pro • TAX AUDITS OR VISIT WWW.DEGREEEVALUATION.COM 062912 advisor & a professional having over • CURRENT& PRIOR YEAR TAX ISSUES PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL 20 years experience. • FOREIGN BANK ACCT REPORTINGS PERMANENT MAKE-UP DENTIST

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On view through May 6

Guest curators William Dalrymple and Yuthika Sharma explore the crucial period when Delhi moved from being the heart of the late Mughal Empire to becoming the jewel in the crown of the British Raj. AsiaSociety.org/PrincesandPainters

Ghulam Ali Khan.

 

 









 
 
 
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NY INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL CAREERS NURSE AIDE $549 EKG TECHNICIAN $350 PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN $350 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN $699 EKG & PHLEBOTOMY $550 Licensed by NYS Education Dept. MEDICAL ASSISTANT $3500 WE ACCEPT WORKFORCE VOUCHERS April Open House • Open 7 Days • Job Placement Assistance • Easy Paymnet Plan • National and State Exams on premises Lower, Middle and Upper School Open House Call: (718) 565-9500 Pre-K (3 and 4 year olds) - Grade 12 Thursday, April 12, 2012 RETAIL SALES 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Rutgers Preparatory School cordially invites you to participate in our upcoming Admission Open House Event. Learn about our school community by touring the campus, visiting classrooms and meeting with Rutgers Prep students, teachers and parents. Globe USA Inc. FURNITURE RSVP to the Admission Office FREE DELIVERY, 732-545-5600, ext 261 LAY AWAY Bedroom, Dining, Living Room Sets, Dinettes Sets, Mattress & Boxes We speak Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali & Spanish RUTGERS PREPARATORY SCHOOL We sell Commercial & Residential carpets and do installation. OPEN 7 DAYS 1345 Easton Avenue Somerset, NJ 08873 t www.rutgersprep.org 180-14 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432 Tel: 718.206.4440 • Fax: 718.206.4441 Scan here to visit The Oldest Independent School in New Jersey A35 Aparna Hande honored in

COMMUNITY California Assembly

India Abroad RITU JHA April 6, 2012 t was a proud moment for Aparna Hande when she walked along with California Assemblyman Tony Mendoza to receive the ICalifornia 56 Assembly District Woman of the Year award, in a cer- emony held on the floor of the California state assembly, Sacramento, March 26. Hande, who has a master’s degree in health-care administration and has worked in nursing management, was chosen for the honor for her community efforts and her commitment to the promotion of health and wellness through nursing. Hande, who was awarded the National Association of Indian Nurses of America’s Nurse Excellence of the Year Award in 2008, is also co- founder, Indian Nurses Association of Southern California; co- founder, Indo-American Universal Senior Association; and president, Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California. Herself a victim of domestic abuse, she helps Indian women who face such abuse. Hande described herself as a nurse and a community worker helping abused Indian women. She has also worked with the Indian army in its peacekeeping missions in Africa, said Hande, who migrated to the United States in 1974. “I lost my father at a very young age and I had to feed my whole fam- ily,” recalled Hande about her journey from her native village in Maharashtra. She said girls in her village were not allowed to go to school after elementary school, but her schoolteacher insisted that her mother continue her schooling. “My mother wanted me to get married. I wanted to become a doctor — an impossible dream,” Hande said. She moved to Mumbai and stayed with an uncle while studying nursing. “It was the first time I saw electric bulbs in my life.” She later helped her niece and nephew get educated and become a doctor and engineer, respectively. “Nothing can stop you if you are determined,” said Hande, who offers motivational speeches at schools in her district. “I made myself from scratch; I want to give that dream to the people. I am definitely happy (at being honored), but not just for the award but for getting our com- munity recognized in America.” Assemblymember Mendoza called her ‘an inspiration to me. She is a role model for all women in the 56th Assembly District and through- California Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, right, escorts Aparna Hande out the state.’ Chiman Delwadia uses technology to help his village in Gujarat

ARTHUR J PAIS ”I was pained to see that education in gov- ernment schools was pathetic,” he said. “In ears ago, Chiman Delwadia, who was vis- India, there is a free education but it is not iting Ajab, the Gujarat village he grew up quality education and there is a quality educa- Yin, was reminiscing with a fellow Indian tion but it is not free. At the same time I also American about their school days and the knew that one did not need a whole of lot of influence of Mansukh Upadhyay, a teacher money and time to help these children, who who paid individual attention to the students invariably came from poor families.” Setting and urged them to succeed despite the poor up the television monitor and related costs facilities at the school. came under $1,000, he said, adding that two “My friend also said that we have prospered other educators who have joined him also abroad and the foundation that was laid out in offer free services. our village by dedicated teachers played a big “We stay with the class for at least two role in our progress in America,” Delwadia years,” he explained. “We have also been recalled in a phone interview from teaching English and physics, and we hope to Birmingham, Alabama. “My friend then asked increase the number of subjects taught over me if people like us were doing enough for the the next few years when we have more volun- towns and villages that gave us the education.” teers.” The answer to the question came about two Like Delwadia, Alabama-settled research years ago when Delwadia, 58, who works as a associate Kalyani Jani, and medical technolo- system engineer for utility company Southern gist Tara Roy each spend about four hours a Company Services, began teaching math to week preparing for the class, supervising the nearly 36 students at the Shri Krishna Vidya tests and teaching over an hour every week. Mandir in Ajab through the Web. He helps stu- Delwadia and associates have provided a dents solve problems and he gives them home- Chiman Delwadia takes a class work to boost their knowledge of math. Page A36 A36 COMMUNITY NEWS India Abroad April 6, 2012 Harmeet Dhillon to run Chiman Delwadia uses from California District 11 technology to help

RITU JHA was chair of Dartmouth Students for Jack his village in Gujarat Kemp, the former secretary for Housing. At ust a few days before the final nomina- Dartmouth College, she was editor-in-chief Page A35 For testing their knowledge, we are pro- tion date, attorney Harmeet K Dhillon, of The Dartmouth Review and was featured ducing individualized quizzes and exer- Jchair, San Francisco Republican Central on 60 Minutes, and in The New York Times, wireless microphone to the students so cises for each student for each chapter Committee, was at the state registrar’s office The New Republic, The Wall Street Journal they can ask questions to the teacher using computer programs.” to see who was running from where in and other national publications for her con- and a small writing board so the stu- His team will change one of the terms California. She was surprised to learn that servative views at a liberal elite educational dents can write answers on it and point of each text exercise by multiplying (or nobody was running against state Senator institution. to the Web camera. adding) it with student ID. Thus, a stu- Mark Leno, a Democrat from the newly She moved to the University of Virginia ‘The students are always eager to dent will not be able to copy an answer redistricted Senate District 11. So, Dhillon Law School after working as a journalist for attend online classrooms as it provides a from the other student or from the decided to run. about a year. At the university she served on new and innovative approach to their answers in the back of the text book, he “I gathered 80 signatures. It all happened the editorial board of the Virginia Law study,’ Ashvin Ratanpara, who helps to added. within four days,” Dhillon, who had an Review and was president of the nation’s run the program in the village, told The Each student will work on his/her work unsuccessful run in the 2008 assembly elec- largest chapter of the Federalist Society. After Times of India. Several children inter- assignment separately and submit it to working as a law clerk for a year in Baltimore, viewed by the Times said their math the administrator. The administrator will Maryland, in 2003 she moved to San scores have gone up considerably, and record each student’s progress on the Francisco and soon got involved in politics. they enjoy the challenge of online learn- progress sheet with a color code — green In 2008, she unsuccessfully ran against ing. = finished without anybody’s help; yellow Assemblyman Tom Ammiano for the Delwadia said the students will contin- = finished with some help from others; California state assembly. In a district with ue to be vigorously challenged and tested red = finished but did not understand. A only 8 percent registered Republicans, she and there will be solid efforts to stop student who has a problem can call a garnered nearly 17 percent of the vote. them from cheating in the tests. group member or the teacher and learn This time too, Dhillon faces a tough battle; The plans to make the project more from them, Delwadia said. the district has more registered Democrats effective include dividing a class into “Nobody should left behind and than Republicans. Her rival Leno has half a small groups, with each group of five to each and everyone must learn and city of younger people, gays and other liberal 10 students with the same skill level. progress at his/her own pace,” he added. minorities. He is on less sure ground with the “Teach these groups a lesson and then “Allow parents to watch the progress Chinese, Filipinos, home owners and small to produce a video of this lesson on the report of their child on the learning cen- businesses on the western half of the city. He YouTube public site,” he suggested. ter Web site.” has also never represented Daly City before. “Students can watch these videos later Where would he like the project go in “I will be focusing on those cities,” said at their convenient time and learn at three or four years? “With more volun- Dhillon, who, if elected, will be the first their own pace. Then, students have to teers,” he said, “we would like to collabo- Harmeet Dhillon Indian-American California state senator. record their learning experience on the rate with other schools and private insti- She said she will focus on the rising higher progress sheet with a color code — red = tutions and set up similar groups at their tion, told India Abroad. education cost in California. Democratic mis- didn’t understand, yellow = partially schools and institutions teaching them She has hired a full-time campaign manag- management in Sacramento, she said, had understood, green = fully understood. with our new concept. Ultimately, recruit er. She filed for the nomination March 8, and raised the cost of tuition. She also hopes to This helps us to schedule a class of the students from low-income families into was endorsed by the California Republican argue against a government-mandated students of the yellow and red color such groups at our learning centers and Party March 11. She faces Leno in the June 5 health policy. codes to bring them at the green level. get free quality education.” primary. “As a private citizen and business owner I Her sudden decision to run, while handling want to decide on our own health-care choic- about 36 cases a year and managing her es,” Dhillon said, arguing that instead of Sanjiv Arora, India’s responsibility as chair of the San Francisco imposing a cost on employers she favors tax consul general in Republican Central Committee, made life credits for private individuals to purchase Houston, called on Texas Governor Rick Perry at the more challenging, she said. “But I am very health insurance and employers getting tax state capitol and active and I can handle business litigation credit for the health premium they pay. discussed issues related and I have promised my law partner I will be “Private management programs are always to cooperation between fully active,” she added. less expensive than when the government India and Texas. Consul General Arora “Politics and job is a team effort,” she said. manages them.” thanked the governor for “I am not a superstar who does everything. I She argued against government funds his commitment to have a team. I have hired more than one being used to support illegal immigrants who promoting friendship and (staffer) for the first time. I have ran a cam- cannot work in the US. “It makes no sense to cooperation between India and Texas and paign before and know the process; this time educate them on public dime when they are agreed that there was I intend to actively use social media.” subject to deportation,” she said. “They can vast potential for Her campaign Web site is expected to be have straight A’s but they cannot work. I can- expanding collaborations accepting contributions online by next week. not hire them at my law firm. Until the feder- in business, education, research, health care and Dhillon came to the United States as a child al government fixes the illegal immigration other areas. with her parents. After living in New York issue, we are just flushing our tax dollars Arora highlighted India’s and North Carolina she moved to San down the drain.” advantages as a business Francisco, which she calls home. She said California’s high unemployment destination/partner and suggested that Perry She is the founder and partner at Dhillon & rate is a result of the state killing jobs consider leading a Smith LLP, a law firm that focuses on busi- through regulations and paperwork that business mission to ness law, elections and campaign law, the push companies out of California. India. The governor, First Amendment and civil rights law for reli- “They are moving to Texas as it has a more it was said, responded positively to the gious minority plaintiffs. business-friendly environment,” Dhillon said. suggestion. During their She won Trilochan Oberoi’s tough discrim- “We have to stop pushing business out of 45-minute meeting, ination lawsuit against the state of California California.” Perry appreciated the last year. Unlike some other Republicans, Dhillon achievements of the Indian-American Dhillon’s political involvement began dur- supports same-sex marriage, a hot-button community in Texas. ing the 1988 presidential election when she issue in earlier California elections. India Abroad April 6, 2012 COMMUNITY NEWS A37 $307,000 raised for Deepak South Asian heart research Kumar heads hope to take it out to other physicians Ohio State A snapshot from the event as well,” Mathur said. “Such a big turnout demonstrates the interest,” said Claudia Coleman, chair, Medical El Camino Hospital Foundation. In his speech at the overcrowded event, Mathur asked those who have Association been affected by heart disease, includ- ing through a family member or close friend, to stand up. Nearly everyone did. Scarlet Night was co-chaired by Rita Sharma and Poornima Kumar. Sharma’s father had a heart attack on an international flight and died two days later. “What shocked me was that he — a heart doctor — had no idea that he himself had heart disease,” she explained. The evening keynote speaker was Abraham Verghese, the best-selling author and Stanford physician, who spoke of how the center’s ‘science- based’ approach won his support. RITU JHA can work with the center to ensure the ‘If South Asians were to follow the diet better health of the community. through which Bill Clinton has achieved carlet Night, the annual fundraising “We are here to reduce the epidemic of such exceptional results — extremely low gala of the South Asian Heart Center heart disease in the South Asian commu- in fat and carbs — it would be completely Sat El Camino Hospital in Mountain nity, (members of which) are at four times wrong for them as that type of diet is not View, California, raised over $307,000 at risk of heart problem as compared to suitable for the South Asian genetic from 800 guests March 24. the general population,” said Mathur. makeup. That is why a place like the The proceeds, along with corporate The SAHC, he said, has to do what the South Asian Heart Center is so critical,’ he sponsorships, will help to support the American Heart Association has done said. Dr Deepak Kumar prevention program put together at the with heart disease in this country. “We Emmy Award-winning NBC news center, a nonprofit to combat the growing need to impress upon individuals, that anchor Raj Mathai was the emcee at the epidemic of heart disease among people this (the threat) is real,” noted Mathur. event. GEORGE JOSEPH from the Indian subcontinent. Ten percent of those who attended were ‘What the South Asian Heart Center is Ashish Mathur, executive director and physicians. If they carry out the message, doing for the Bay Area South Asian com- Dayton-based colon and rectal surgeon Dr co-founder of the South Asian Heart like Dr Abraham Verghese does for the munity is tremendous,’ Mathai said. ‘It’s Deepak Kumar took over as president of the Center, said he had asked all restaurants, SAHC, it makes a difference, Mathur said. now our responsibility to get tested.’ Ohio State Medical Association for 2012-2013. including many Indian ones, to work with Dr Verghese is the SAHC’s global ambas- At the event, there was entertainment, He served as president-elect for the past year the center on the initiative. sador. including a casino, a silent auction of col- after being voted into the office by the OSMA “We can always provide them with Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, lection-worthy wines and autographed membership. (healthier food) alternatives,” he said, SAHC works with doctors and patients in copies of Verghese’s bestselling novel ‘Ohio is in a unique position to lead the adding that the center was focusing most- many states. Cutting for Stone, and music, dance and nation in reforming an unsustainable health- ly on Indian restaurants, particularly “In our database there are 1,500 physi- comedy acts. Chef Vittal Shetty of the care delivery system,’ said Kumar. ‘Physicians those serving Samosas, to see how they cians, most of them in the Bay Area. We Amber restaurant provided the food. must be at the center of those discussions. As such, and with health care an important issue paired with Ohio as an important battleground state, the OSMA intends to invite the major presidential candidates to Ohio in the fall for a Cartoonist Thomas Kodenkandath wins Kerala honor debate on health care. I look forward to work- ing with Ohio’s physicians and our patients on this and other OSMA efforts to improve the A CORRESPONDENT ‘Kings of Piravom’ won the third prize in a delivery of care in our state.’ competition conducted by the Janayugam Kumar works at the Dayton Colon and Rectal Colorado-based cartoonist Dr Thomas A newspaper. He has donated the prize money Center, where he serves as the president and is Kodenkandath, also known as Thommy, has for a case involving a cartoonist. The late a senior partner, a position he has held since won a prize for his cartoon headlined ‘Indian cartoonist Missy’s family and the Kerala 1976. From 2003 to 2008, he was a member of Rupee gets a Symbol’ from the Kerala Cartoon Academy are fighting a case against the Medical Board of Ohio, serving as presi- Lalithakala Akademi. a publisher who allegedly published several dent of the board in 2007. His sister accepted the prize, which includ- of Missy’s cartoons without permission. He is a life member of the American ed Rs 5,000 ($100), from Kerala’s Minister Kodenkandath, a material science scien- Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and for Culture K C Joseph at an event held in tist by profession, believes cartooning keeps of the Ohio Valley Society of Colon Rectal Kochi. This was the first time an overseas car- him creative in science. He earned his PhD Surgeons, servings as that organization’s presi- toonist was honored by the Akademi. at IIT-Madras and received a UNESCO dent in 1991. Kodenkandath decided to draw cartoons award for Promising Young Scientists. He The Ohio State Medical Association, which after meeting legendary Indian cartoonist R was a fellow at Imperial College in the was started in 1846, is a statewide association K Laxman at the Indian Institute of United Kingdom. He has authored over 75 representing 20,000 Ohio physicians, resi- Technology-Madras. Kodenkandath’s cartoon Dr Thomas A Kodenkandath scientific publications and holds 12 patents. dents, medical students and practice man- agers. A38 COMMUNITY SPECIAL India Abroad April 6, 2012 ‘Hindi cinema has Tejaswini Ganti gained a certain cultural legitimacy’ In conversation with Arthur J Pais, Tejaswini Ganti discusses her book on the changing Bollywood

nlike many intellectuals who take a disparaging in the US over the last decade. I spent the bulk of my time view of Bollywood films, Tejaswini Ganti has writ- on film sets, (in) filmmakers’ offices, editing studios, dub- Uten a book that is a fond, but also critical, assess- bing studios, outdoor shoots, and other sites of production; ment of how films are made and marketed in Mumbai. I also worked as an assistant on two films. I carried out Producing Bollywood: Inside the Contemporary Hindi formal, taped interviews with about a hundred people in Film Industry (Duke 2012), examines the social and insti- the industry over many years, but the daily conversations tutional transformations of the Hindi film industry from and interactions that I had with industry members play a 1994 to 2010. central role in my analysis of the Hindi film industry. Ghanti has watched hundreds of Bollywood films and What are some of the most surprising things you came also worked as an assistant director on a Yash Raj film, Dil across? To Pagal Hai, directed by veteran Yash Chopra. First, I was quite surprised at how open people were to Ganti, associate professor in the anthropology depart- my research project. Of course, I went to Bombay armed ment and its program in culture & media at New York with a few key contacts — people who had I met in I won’t use the term Bollywood to refer to all of the peri- University, is a visual anthropologist specializing in South Philadelphia and New York who had close connections to ods of Hindi cinema. If you look at the history of Hindi cin- Asia. the film world — but I was quite struck by how approach- ema, it has been marked by a tremendous amount of cul- She has been conducting ethnographic research about able most people in the industry were, from stars like Shah tural diversity. Not only were members of the Hindi film the social world and filmmaking practices of the Hindi film Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to directors like Raakesh industry from every region in South Asia, but they were industry since 1996 and has also written Bollywood: A Roshan and Subhash Ghai. from Europe and Australia as well. Guidebook to Popular Hindi Cinema (Routledge 2004). In fact, when I first started my research I was quite taken For example, Bombay Talkies, which was one of the She produced the documentary, aback by the immediacy with which prominent studios of the 1930s, had Germans working in Gimme Somethin’ to Dance to! people were willing to grant an inter- key positions as directors and cinematographers. One of (1995) which explored the signifi- view, especially on film sets! I learned the top stars of the 1930s was Fearless Nadia, the screen cance of bhangra music for South very quickly that I always needed to name of Mary Evans who was originally from Australia. Asians in the United States. carry my tape-recorder and lists of Ardeshir Irani who made the first sound film in Hindi Ganti is an alumna of the questions with me because I never also made the first Farsi language film for the Iranian mar- University of Pennsylvania and New knew when a chance meeting could ket, so an important strand of Iranian film history can be York University. result in an interview. traced back to Bombay. ‘This is the first book on I also learned how the set was really When we move from production to circulation, we find Bollywood,’ wrote Arjun Appadurai, a very public space where much of the that Hindi films have circulated all across the world since professor at NYU, ‘to combine a industry’s business gets conducted, the 1950s — Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Israel, deep knowledge of the dynamics of from interviews with journalists to Tanzania, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Indonesia, script, song, stars, and style in this deals with distributors. Soviet Union, Peru, China, and many more countries with- cinematic world with an equally Second, I was quite struck by how out any significant (Indian) Diasporic community — with- keen sense of the unique nature of members of the industry themselves out any marketing effort on the part of their producers. the politics, finance, and cultural were so critical of their work culture, These films circulated far and wide and cultivated loyal prejudices of the film industry.’ production practices, and quality of audiences and the producers sitting in Bombay had no How did this project start and how filmmaking. idea. Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Mithun did you go around researching it? Throughout my fieldwork, I Chakraborty were all very popular among vast numbers of I have grown up with Hindi cine- encountered filmmakers criticizing non-South Asian audiences. ma. It had always been my primary every aspect of the industry — from You also said, ‘The Indian government has also finally mode of entertainment from the the working style to the sorts of films woken up to this and sees it as something to be promoted time I was a young child. Although I being made. It seemed as if filmmak- now.... (Bollywood) has become part of the Indian package thoroughly enjoyed Hindi cinema, I ers had internalized all of the criti- of a contemporary, emerging global power, which is very never thought it would become a cisms leveled against them by journal- different from 15 years ago.’ part of my professional life. I had ists, government officials, intellectu- I think what is quite remarkable is how despite years of advisers in graduate school who became aware of my long- als, and anyone else who frequently commented upon film- hostile or indifferent government policies, high rates of tax- standing interest and personal passion for Hindi cinema making in India. ation, complete disinterest by much of the organized sec- and encouraged me to pursue research about it. In the early However, the more I thought about it and paid attention tor, scarcity of capital, and a very decentralized structure, 1990s, cultural anthropology was undergoing a great deal to their criticisms, I realized that these criticisms served a the Hindi film industry managed to survive and continue of transformation and becoming open to the study of top- crucial function, which I discuss in the book, of trying to to make films that were successful, touched people’s hearts, ics such as mass media and popular culture. erect symbolic boundaries in a context where anyone with and were seen by millions of people all over the world. In anthropology our main research method is what we large sums of money has been able to make a film. What are the welcome changes in the production of call ‘participant observation’, which means that we derive Unlike many other industries, the Hindi film industry for Bollywood films apart from better high tech? our information about a particular community, society, or much of its history has been characterized by porous First, the fact that there are more women involved in the group, from immersing ourselves in that particular social boundaries and very few barriers to entry, and that has production process. When I first began my research, apart world and observing and interacting with people within it. been a source of anxiety and criticism for the government from a few choreographers, costume designers, hair- To carry out this project, I lived in Bombay (Mumbai) for and filmmakers alike. dressers and Sharmishta Roy, the art director, there were a year in 1996 and then I did subsequent fieldwork in You told the Christian Science Monitor that Bollywood 2000, 2005, 2006. I have also observed Hindi film shoots has always been global. Please elaborate. Page A39 India Abroad April 6, 2012 COMMUNITY SPECIAL A39 400 attend Unity Dinner in Fremont RITU JHA am hosting this and they said, ‘Let’s first talk about Kashmir’. But they do not under- bout 400 people from various ethnic stand that this dinner is not about Kashmir. groups gathered to celebrate Unity I tried a lot, but I haven’t had enough ADinner 2012, hosted by the Indo- luck.” American Community Federation in The Friday evening looked more like a Fremont, California, March 23. Fremont political event, given the number “There are a lot of people in the commu- of local elected officials on view. Also pres- nity who believe in promoting diversity and ent were N Parthasarathi, India’s consul come and express their support,” said general in San Francisco, and his consular Jeevan Zutshi, founding member of the staff. Others included Dr Romesh Japra, Dr Romesh Japra, Jeevan Zutshi and Ajay Jain Bhutoria Unity Dinner and president, IACD. president, Federation of Indian Asso- Zutshi, who has been celebrating the ciations, and Anil Yadav, executive vice Unity Dinner for the past 11 years under the president, National Federation of Indian IACD banner, said the concept emerged Associations. after 9/11. The theme of this year’s Unity Dinner was The scenes of destruction, he said, ‘Job Creation in California’, a hot-button reminded him of the violence in his native issue given that unemployment is still Jammu and Kashmir. He said he was wor- above 10 percent in the state. ried about a possible backlash against the Carl Guardino, president and chief exec- Indian community. utive officer of the Silicon Valley So, November 1, 2001, he approached a Leadership Group, lauded United States few friends in politics and suggested that, Congressman Mike Honda for helping instead of mourning the September 11 bring in a $900 million grant commitment attacks, it made sense to celebrate it as a from the Federal Transit Administration reason to remain united. for the Bay Area Rapid Transit’s Silicon The Unity Dinner is meant to be a bridge Valley Berryessa Extension Project. between ethnic communities and the main- Ro Khanna, former White House com- stream, Zutshi said. The first Unity Dinner merce official who for the past year A cultural performance was held in 2002 and has been held every has been aiming to replace US year since. Congressman Pete Stark from the 13th Zutshi said he had succeeded in bringing Congressional district, also acknowledged the entire United States Congress who The evening was co-sponsored by the along people from all communities, except Honda’s efforts. takes up the issue concerning the Asian Global Organization of People of Indian Pakistanis. ‘Congressman Mike Honda is, of course, Indian community. If the administration Origin. Ajay Jain Bhutoria, the new presi- Says Zutshi, “I once approached them an outstanding representative of this area,’ wants to know about Asian Americans, dent of GOPIO’s Silicon Valley chapter, was (Pakistani Americans), saying it is for you I Khanna said. ‘He is also the one person in they go to Congressman Honda.’ present at the event. ‘Hindi cinema has gained a certain cultural legitimacy’

Page A38 and get their working capital at one go. There was a time academics dismissed popular cinema. With a steady and reliable source of finance, films are A few people are now looking at Bollywood without being no women working behind the camera. also being completed in a shorter amount of time. judgmental. What kind of progressive elements have you In fact, if the heroine or dancers were not present for a What has been your movie-going experience over the years? found in some of the more popular films? shoot, I was often the only woman on a film set. I have always managed to watch Hindi films in a movie Actually, my whole book is about how Hindi cinema When I worked briefly as an assistant on Dil To Pagal theater, no matter where I have lived in the US, whether has gained a certain cultural legitimacy that was unan- Hai in 1996, I was such an anomaly that Madhuri Dixit it is suburban Houston, suburban Philadelphia, or sub- ticipated when I first began my research in 1996. struck up a conversation with me. She told me that she urban Connecticut. I keep a diary of where I watch Hindi If you think about Hindi cinema’s obsession with hadfilms, which has become a great record of the remarkable romantic love, that is quite socially radical, especially never encountered a female assistant in all her years of itineraries followed by Hindi films in this country. since Hindi films have for most of their history promot- shooting. My most memorable Hindi film experiences are the ed love across social barriers of class, caste, or religion. Second, the business side of the industry is willing to ones where the show is sold out and hundreds of people Hindi films have also been concerned with questions of support filmmaking that does not always appear conven- are partaking in a collective experience of entertain- social justice for a really long time — whether they were tional — in terms of genre, theme, or use of music. The ment. films starring Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, or Amitabh changes in distribution and exhibition structures have I remember going to see Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Bachchan. enabled a greater variety of films to reach audiences. Jayenge in New York in 1995 at the Gramercy Twin on Ironically, the time when films start to be less looked down Bollywood used to depend on open market financing, 23rd Street and the line for the film snaked around the upon by academics, intellectuals, and journalists is the same borrowing at very high rates from financiers and at times block. time they start losing their progressive elements. from the underworld. Has the financing become more It was incredible to see so many people waiting in line to see All of the really popular films from the 1990s to 2001 like responsible and streamlined? a Hindi film in Manhattan! It suddenly appeared as if a little Hum Aapke Hain Koun! Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Dil Definitely, with the entry of companies like UTV, part of India was transplanted in the middle of New York City, to Pagal Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and others are Reliance Big, Sahara, Percept, Shree Ashtavinayak that and I remember the traffic slowing down and people trying to much more conservative than what came earlier. Neither is are collectively referred to as the ‘corporates’, as well as figure out what was happening. there rebellion, nor is there concern with social justice. established banners like Mukta Arts becoming publicly A more recent experience that was great fun was watching In fact, there are also no more poor or working class traded companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange, rais- Rockstar in the AMC Empire 25 at Times Square in New York people in these films. ing finance for the established filmmakers is no longer on a Saturday night; during the Sadda Haq song, all of the I discuss this in my book, about how Hindi films in the late the piecemeal process it used to be. Tibetans in the audience gave out a loud cheer and clapped 1990s became ‘gentrified,’ and thereby became more cultural- Producers usually just sell the all-India and/or global jubilantly when they saw the sequences in the song shot with ly legitimate from the point of view of the state, English-lan- distribution rights to a company like UTV or Reliance the Tibetan community in India. guage media, and middle-class audiences in India. A40 India Abroad April 6, 2012 India Abroad CALL (800) 822-3532 Fax: (212) 691-0873 Email: [email protected] Classifieds Website: www.indiaabroad.com/classifieds

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AMEX technician needed for a cell phone SECRETARY Wanted Req computer, Card no. store.Must have experience in a cell bookkeeping and strong phone store in the US. Call: (212) 365- communication skills. For 6 days Mon- Room For Rent Exp Date: 4823. John Sat Tel. (718) 545-0500 ELMHURST: 1 Furnished rooms.
CURRY chef, South Indian chef, WAITER (FULL-TIME) for Karahi Bathroom no kitchen. Call (718) Change Please attach the mailing label from the front page Tandoor, waiters for Indian restaurant. Restaurant (30 seats). Call (212) 965- 760-7944/(718) 69 9-6129 of address for subscription renewal. Write in the address above (484) 686-6366 1515 after 12.30pm Mon - Sat. & renewal for change of address. KEW GARDENS/ RICHMOND HILL CURRY cook wanted near Boston. WAITERS established Restaurant in NORTH: Large 1BR for rent. Call Ajay (401) 641-4063 Virginia, Tips, salary, food , $1495/per month. Close to Mail to: INDIA ABROAD, 42 Broadway, Suite 1836, New York NY 10004. MOTEL front desk North New Jersey. accommodation provided. transportation. Call (718) 850-4868/ Tel: 1.877.463.4222 • Fax: 212.627.9503 • Email: [email protected] Call for info (718) 909-7761 Call John (540) 255-2486 (917) 538-1052 Place your ad online www.indiaabroad.com/classifieds India Abroad April 6, 2012 A43 FRIDAY, April 6, 2012 INDIA ABROAD www.indiaabroad.rediff.com HELP WANTED Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, a large Hindu temple in suburbs of Wash DC is looking for a Cashier/Manager, Check Cashing & GENERAL MANAGER to run the day to Gas Station/C-Store day operations of the temple. Candidate will need to Washington, PA. Great opportunity, legality must. have extensive experience in a managerial position, preferably in a religious institution. Must be a Contact (724) 328-3139 practicing Hindu. Must have good customer service BBuulllleettiinn BBooaarrdd Curry Chef & Kitchen Help skills and ability to manage all employees on a fair and consistent basis. Salary and benefits are highly With proper papers TANDOOR & CURRY competitive and negotiable. If interested, To advertise in the Bulletin Board call toll free (800) 822-3532 1730 S MILITARY TRAIL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33415 please send your resume to [email protected] TEL: (561) 965-7885 ext 300 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FAX: (561) 965-5482 HELP WANTED EB5 INVESTORS VISA Gas Station C-Store EMAIL: [email protected] RETAIL JEWELRY Bring Family! Syracuse, NY. $799,000 includes property. Immediately Hiring Night Shift Clerk David Dhillon Jim (315) 415-1244 Seeks Sales Executive for [email protected] Motel, West Virginia Mall Jewelry Store in Florida Liquor Store Sale Ionia, Michigan Salary & accommodation. Energetic, presentable, jewelry experience not necessary. (760) 353-6666 90K monthly without EBT. Independent house (606) 375-1944 H-1 possible. $40K year. www.dsdconsulting.info 2BR’s $599K. Owner Financing right buyer. www.daviddhillon.com (310) 251-2433 Indian Pakistani (727) 331-2399 [email protected] New 30 Room 6 Suite Motel (Sale) Busy Indian Restaurant (Sale) Restaurant in Buffalo Need Experienced North/South Indian w/conference & party room & indoor pool, Iowa. Fort Myers, Florida (Only One There) Successfully running for 11 years requires Cook Tandooria & Waiter Asking 650,000. 12 years old, 130 seats, full bar. Curry/Tandoori cooks 3/4 years experience. for Indian restaurant. (510) 825-5131 (239) 939-2323 Contact Tahir (716) 565-3822 Mr Singh (414) 581-3784/(414) 218-0437 SSMMAARRTT LLOOTTTTAA AP12040 | Lender Ordered Gas Station/Convenience Store/Mini-Mart Still using toilet paper???

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