November 2008 NRI PULSE 1

The Southeast’s P r e m ier South Asian Newspaper November 2008 414 Druid Oaks Dr. Atlanta, GA 30329 Tel: 404-235-4998 Free Copy Resolution 1248 On Indo-Georgia Friendship What Obama A Dream Comes True Presidency BY MAHADEV DESAI and other services but also promoting “cultural, Means For India commercial, educational, and scientific links Atlanta: Diwali on October 28, 2008 lit up and between Georgia and India. Our relationship is New Delhi: (IANS) With Democrat Barack further sweetened the growing close relationship burgeoning. We are just starting to realize the Obama winning the White House, India is hopeful between the State of Georgia and the Republic of potential. Everything points to a very robust that its multi-faceted ties with the US, India as Ambassador Ronen Sen accepted the relationship. Atlanta was chosen for a consulate revolutionized by a landmark nuclear deal during Resolution 1248 on Indo-Georgia friendship amidst in part because of its strong Indian-American the Bush tenure, will acquire new force. thunderous ovation in community and its “The real strategic partnership between India and the historic Senate strategic location in the the US will begin with Chamber of Georgia. U.S. It’s a hub, a a new government in Resolution 1248 which transportation hub,” Sen Washington and New was moved by said. He added, “Delta Delhi next year,” Lalit Senators Judson Hill Air Line’s new direct Mansingh, former of the 32nd district and flight between Atlanta ambassador of India to Chip Pearson of the and Mumbai was also a the US, told IANS 51st and adopted on favorable factor.” soon after it became March 28, 2008, Sen reiterated the clear that Obama had essentially underscores depth of the bond rewritten American the endeavors for between India and USA, history by becoming cultural, economic and as evidenced by the the first African educational cooperation Gov. Sonny Perdue, Ambassador Ronen recent Indo-US nuclear American to win the and further cementing of deal and the growing White House. the bond of friendship Sen with community members at the State trade and commerce Trade and between Georgia and Capitol. between the two investment, defence and agriculture - all those areas India. countries. Ambassador which were sidetracked by nuclear deal would now The efforts of the Asian American Chamber appreciated the efforts by Senator Judson Hill, come to the fore, said Mansingh. of Commerce of Georgia and the Gandhi Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the “Indians should celebrate change in the political Foundation of USA paid dividends when their Gandhi Foundation of USA in passing of the structure of the US. Obama’s presidency begins a new respective petitions transformed their dreams into Resolution #1248 which is bound to open up chapter in America’s political history, a new chapter in realities. The architect for the draft of the new vistas for bi-lateral trade, cultural America’s engagement with the world and a great Resolution 1248, Subash Razdan, President of opportunities, and educational exchanges between opportunity for India to combat terrorism in its region,” the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and India said Chintamani Mahapatra, professor of American Georgia said, “It was a befitting and logical “Indo-Georgian cooperation has been studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. conclusion for the efforts underway over the past gradually evolving with frequent exchange visits “I visualise a very bright future for India-US three years when two petitions were formally by dignitaries from Georgia and India. Indian relations. He would be the first Democratic presented to the Indian Minister of Non Resident Embassy has been working very closely with their president in the White House after Bill Clinton India affairs, Hon.Vylar Ravi at a luncheon American counterparts to broaden the scope of who began the path-breaking turnaround in India- organized by the Gandhi Foundation of USA at mutual interaction of multi-nationals such as The US ties during his visit to India in 2000. He will the Haveli Restaurant in Atlanta. One petition Coca Cola Co, Delta, et al. Today, India and the build upon that legacy,” Mahapatra told IANS. sought for a direct flight from Atlanta to India Peach State share a robust economic and Less than a fortnight ago, the 47-year-old and the second petition sought for an India educational relationship, a fact made clear during Obama had promised in an exclusive interview to Consulate in Atlanta. Fortunately for the Indian the recent passage of this resolution. Additionally, IANS to make strong strategic partnership with community in Georgia, we had a devoted friend recently there was a proposal to inter-twine India a “top priority” of his presidency and in Ambassador Ronen Sen, who also saw merit to Atlanta and Ahmedabad as Sister Cities,” described New Delhi as “a natural strategic these petitions and worked relentlessly to make remarked Razdan, who also serves as the partner” for Washington in the 21st century. this dream a reality.” Chairman of the Gandhi Foundation of USA. Obama, who liked to keep Mahatma Gandhi’s India’s U.S.Ambassador, Ronen Sen, Antony Thaliath, Executive Director of portrait in his Senate office, is also known among who was appreciated in the Resolution 1248 for GFUSA said, “This is an appropriate resolution Indian Americans for his fondness for Indian dal. his efforts to promote peace and growth of between two entities that have two of the greatest “Bush was more muscular in his approach to cultural, academic, economic, and educational ties apostles of peace, Gandhiji and M.L. King Jr. what he called the Global War on Terror. Obama is between India and the USA, told the gathering whose legacies are cherished by the majestic life likely to broaden the alliance against terror and use a celebrating Indo-Georgia friendship in the Senate size Gandhi Statue and the King Center.” combination of diplomacy and force that may be better Chambers, that the Indian Consulate in Atlanta suited for India’s interests in the region,” said Mahapatra. will be a full consulate, not only handling visas Continued on Pg20..... Full report on Pg10..... November 2008 2 NRI PULSE October 2008 November 2008 ...... City News ...... NRI PULSE 3 Jewelry Business Lacks Convenience

414 Druid Oaks Dr NE Store Clerk Atlanta GA 30329 Luster This Festive Season Tel: 404-235-4998 Email: [email protected] Sag In Economy; Hike In Duty Affect Sales Shot To Death www.NRIPulse.com BY MUBASHRA SIDDIQUI deterred customers from buying gold. With gas prices BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE having hit highs of $4 per gallon, the average customer Atlanta: An Indian convenience store clerk, Babu Publisher Atlanta: Despite the major festivals of the is hesitant to uptake the cost of travel to spend about Augustine, was shot to death at the Matt’s Food Mart NRIPulse Media Inc. Indian-subcontinent being celebrated so close the same amount on gold itself, Bhura said. together, gold sales across the city remained slow. where he worked, located on 400 block of North Broad Editor Traditionally, Indian women often flock to buy at Street in Monroe, a little after quarter past twelve on Veena Rao least a modest piece of jewelry during Eid, Diwali and Thursday, October 23, The Atlanta Indian Jewelers Association plans [email protected] the upcoming Christmas. This year, however, jewelers 2008. He was 56 and hailed saw a substantial reduction in their customer base, which to lobby against the 5.5 per cent import duty and from Adoor city in Kerala. Correspondents many say was almost halved. With Eid and the major to make India a part of the Generalized System As per Walton Mubashra Siddiqui occasion of Diwali already having passed by, they don’t of Preferences (GSP) again... Tribune, the police have \ Jyothsna Hegde have much hope for December sales either. arrested and charged Maithili Bhat Nicholas Laron Crawford According to Sikander Chandrani, owner of Shameem K., a potential gold customer in Alabama, 22, of 1120 Fairview Drive, Columnists Meena Jewelers based in Decatur, there are two main agreed with Bhura’s assessment saying that the gas prices Monroe for the murder. Kavita Chhibber reasons for this downward slump that has left major did make her rethink her decision to invest in gold, “I had Crawford remains in Dr. Mala Chakravorty retailers like him worried: the current sag in the set aside a budget for some gold purchase for the festive Walton County Jail and has been charged with felony murder, Ravi R. Ponangi economy and the recent imposition of a 5.5 per cent season but decided it would not be worth the hassle to armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted Mahadev Desai duty on almost all gold pieces imported from India. travel all the way especially with how the gas prices have felon. Additional charges are pending. Narender Reddy been.” According to sources, an African American male Chandler Sharma Additionally, say the jewelers, dressed in black allegedly entered the store with a Dr. Narsi Narasimhan since the gold market is so volatile at pistol in his hand while Babu Augustine was re- Maya Nair the moment, many customers are stocking. Babu turned around when he heard a noise P.S. Lakshmi Rao rethinking their decision to buy gold to find a gun pointed at him. It is said that the two got until prices fall or somewhat Art Director into a verbal altercation and Babu was shot one time, stabilize. Indeed, many are adopting Sonu Patel Crawford then went to the cash counter and on his a ‘wait-and-watch’ attitude. Those [email protected] way back shot Babu two more times. Babu was later considering travel back home are far admitted to Walton Regional Medical Center and Marketing Associate/ more in favor of purchasing gold eventually pronounced dead. Monroe Police Correspondent where they can at least avoid the Department identified Crawford as the suspect and Lopa D. Chowdhury import duty charge. brought him in for questioning. He eventually Phone: 404-934-2291 For Haritha Manda, a home- confessed to the crime and was arrested. Fax: 678-395-5919 maker, this is very much the scenario. “Babu was one of the most spiritual and Email: [email protected] She explains, “Normally, during courageous people I knew”, Mathew Jacob, a friend Diwali or Dussehra, we usually buy of Babu Augustine told this reporter. Babu belonged NRIPulse News Magazine is some gold - mostly as coins. This to the Saint Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church the monthly print edition of year, however, I haven’t bought any. in Atlanta and his Parish Priest Fr. Kurian Thomas www.NRIPulse.com, and is Since I know I shall be traveling to fondly talked about how much Babu had done in his published by NRIPulse Media India next month, I shall consider “Initially, duty was imposed on some gold short life span. He also said that the courage that Inc. All rights reserved. No part buying gold back home.” Babu displayed may have caused his death, but he of this publication may be re- pieces in July 2007 but since this year, almost all Currently, the Atlanta Indian Jewelers Association gold imported from India has a 5.5 per cent duty. And died knowing he was doing the right thing. Babu’s produced, duplicated, reprinted plans to lobby against the 5.5 per cent import duty and brother who lives in NY arrived in Atlanta for his or stored in a retrieval system while gold prices have quadrupled in the past few to make India a part of the Generalized System of years, the 5.5 per cent import duty has remained funeral. Babu also has two sisters. or transmitted in any form or Preferences (GSP) again thereby making them exempt Babu Augustine, according to Mathew came to by any means, electronic, pho- unchanged... This means that from around 44 cents from it. Bhura, who is the chairperson and treasurer of per gram, today the import duty charge is roughly $ the US about three years ago to create a better life for tocopy, recording or otherwise, the association, said that they would start their petition his family. An American dream shattered, met with without the written permission 1.6 per gram today. This is huge for a value-added process before the end of the year. industry,” Chandrani explained, adding that most gold tragedy no one anticipated. Sometimes, “Man proposes, of the publisher. Chandrani explained the significance of such God disposes,” as Fr. Kurian Thomas put it. retailers just don’t have that kind of a profit margin. immediate action, “Usually, an import duty is charged Disclaimer: Any views or opin- Naturally then, the charge of this import duty, on foreign goods to give the local market an edge. But ions published in this newspa- or at least a part of it, is passed on to the customer here in the US, there is virtually zero production of 22 per are solely those of the au- thereby further increasing the price of gold jewelry. or 24 carat gold jewellery that is favored by Indians. So thor and do not necessarily rep- The current economic slump, however, also cannot be there is hardly a need for such an high import duty.” resent those of the publisher. ignored. Says Parag Shah, manager at Legacy Jewels, “Gold For the time being, however, like many of their NRIPulse News Magazine ac- jewellery is not a necessity but rather a luxury item. With customers, the jewelers too have taken on a cautious cepts no liability for the errors people having to budget for other things, they are rethinking and watchful approach. “It is very difficult at this and content of advertisements their spending on gold. Asians - Indians in particular - do point to predict what’s going to happen. Once we in the newspaper. have disposable income for gold, but rather than say, for have a new president, new economic policies in place, example, spending $100 that they had prior budgeted for let’s see. For now, it’s all just a game,” said Shah. Subscriptions: NRIPulse News gold, they would now spend $50.” Magazine is available FREE at Dharmesh Bhura, an owner of Veeraj Jewelers, And one unvarying factor in this game, to the major retail locations in Atlanta. also acknowledged the significant impact of the jewelers, is that whatever the cost all the jewellery Want NRIPulse at home? Only downturn in the economy. Elaborated Bhura, that while must be imported from India. While other manufacturing $10 for six issues. Mail us a Atlanta remains the major hub for gold purchase in the nations such as Oman are exempt from the import check/M.O (see address above) South-Eastern region for Asian immigrants with duty, jewelers in Atlanta would not consider turning to along with your mailing address. customers driving in from Tennessee, Alabama, North them. “The Indian karigari (skill-work) remains Carolina, etc. the recent hikes in gas prices further unmatched,” they all unanimously conclude. November 2008 4 NRI PULSE ...... City News...... United Central Bank Opens New Branch At Global Mall BY VEENA RAO Ward said he was confident that the economic downturn would be resolved soon and the future Atlanta: United Central Bank, a Texas based would be bright for the economy and for the bank. community bank opened its full service facility Speaking to this reporter, UC Bank founder at the Global Mall off Jimmy Carter Boulevard and chairman of the board James D. Yoo said the in Norcross on October 3rd. The bank first bank’s philosophy was simple and fundamental.

Photos by Krish Photography us. Our customers need money. Small communities Koreans do business and shop in the area. An need small community banks to support them.” example, he said, is the newly opened Hong expanded its services into Georgia over three years “We have a $100 million portfolio even as we “Our bank offers all the high-tech facilities of Kong mall, a Chinese supermarket at Jimmy ago with a branch in Duluth. Over 200 people, open our doors,” he said. “Our philosophy is to larger banks, plus the advantages of language, Carter. including Norcross Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Allen, get to know the market, build a network and build culture, relationship and personal service,” he “If the communities unite, he added, they Georgia State Senator Curt Thompson (D-5) and business. We finance more hotels and gas stations added. will prosper,” he added. the top management brass of the bank attended than any other bank. We get repeat Indian and Kaushik (Keith) Patel, VP and Regional At the grand opening, Mayor Pro Tem Jeff the grand opening ceremony at the Ashiana Pakistani business.” Manager, Georgia, said the location at the Global Allen extended the bank and its staff his Banquet Hall. Yoo said the UC Bank was truly a community Mall is suitable for a multi-cultural, diversified bank. welcome to the city of Norcross. Georgia State UC Bank president & CEO Keith Ward said bank that caters to the Asian communities. “We are not “Different communities use the Global Mall. It is Senator Curt Thompson (D-5) read out a the bank would work hard towards exceeding an Indian, Pakistani, Korean or Chinese bank. We cater easily accessible from Buford Highway and I-85. proclamation on behalf of the Georgia Senate customer expectations in Georgia. “We cater to a to all the Asian communities.” Also, Jimmy Carter Boulevard is a very busy and Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel diverse customer base. We speak 25 different He said the economic downturn did not area.”He said, apart from the Indian and Pakistani honoring James D. Yoo with honorary languages in the bank,” he said. worry him. “The recession has nothing to do with communities that visit the mall, the Chinese and citizenship of Georgia. Moving Memorial Service For Dr. Aruna Prasad Kancherla BY MAHADEV DESAI on the responsibility as President of the Temple. He said that like many in the audience he has Atlanta: A very dignified and moving Memorial pleasant recollections of cordial interactions with Service attended by community dignitaries, cross him and has nothing but fond memories of his section of friends, family, colleagues and friends was inspiring life “It is with that sense of gratitude held in the Banquet Hall of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, and responsibility that I am standing before you Riverdale, Georgia, on November 1 to honor and today on behalf of the Kancherla family who has celebrate the life of the well known, well respected and contributed so much to the community.” well loved Madhu welcomed all on behalf of his mother community Smt.Parvathy, his sister Sree Ratna, his wife veteran Dr.Aruna Madhuri, sons Sohan Arun and Devin, Aunt Rupa Prasad Kancherla, and other family members and thanked everyone who passed away for their love and prayers during his father’s on October 25, at illness. In his moving eulogy, he paid an eloquent the age of 64. tribute to his father and his friends, “You are the The somber greatest generation in our culture for your love and ceremony started sacrifice. My dad was born in a small village in L to R: Madhu, Parvathy, Sree Ratna and Sohan Arun. Photo by Mahadev Desai. with a recital of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on March 4, 1944. shlokas and He lost his parents at an early age. He married my Valley, Alabama and resided in West Point, Georgia. only that, but despite his success and rewarding prayers for mom Parvathy in 1964 and graduated from Guntur He had his solo practice for over 20 years and also professional career, he never forgot his roots, and ever ‘Atma- Shanti Medical College as an MD in 1967. He trained in became Board Certified in Pain Management in 1998. so generous, he not only helped me and my sister for ‘by Pandit Phani plastic surgery for three years in Patna University He practiced in his Pain Management Clinic for a few education and my marriage but also many relatives in Kumar, the Chief Priest of the Temple and Priest and was a Professor at Guntur Medical College from years and moved to Atlanta in 2003 where he joined India. My dad was bald but good looking. He Ranga Chari. Many glowing and touching eulogies 1970-1972. He had big dreams, aspirations and comprehensive Pain Management Clinic and was an avid tennis and chess player, a well-read and loving tributes were delivered at the Service. ambition so he, my mom and I came to the U.S. in worked till 2007. man and a great philosopher. He enjoyed The President of the Temple, Dr.Ravi 1972. He completed his residency in Anesthesia at Throughout the years, my dad enjoyed serving the traveling. He was a wonderful father to me and Sharma welcomed all and requested the gathering Illinois Masonic Center in Chicago and practiced community in numerous positions. He was on the Board my sister, meaningful in conversation and a great to observe two minutes of silence in respect of anesthesia for three years during which time my of Directors for George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital, a mentor. He passed away but I have such the departed soul. He said that it was a privilege younger sister Sree Ratna was born. In 1979, my founding trustee and also President of the Hindu Temple overwhelming love for him that I do not feel for him to work alongside Dr. Kancherla and family moved to the South, where he set up his of Atlanta, President of Telugu Association of Metro sadness. He will always be in our hearts.” following him over a long period and later in taking practice at George H.Lanier Memorial Hospital in Atlanta(TAMA),and President of Guntur Alumni. Not Continued on Pg20..... November 2008 ...... City News ...... NRI PULSE 5 Sri Sri Breathes New Energy Dr. Ravindra Kumar Comes At Art Of Living Seminar Close to Unseating Long Time Incumbent in County Race BY VEENA RAO said that I lost the race due to a low voter turnout. Atlanta: Democrat Dr. Ravindra Kumar, who In the 2004 Presidential election the voter turnout gained recognition as the first Indian-American was 80%, and this election the Secretary of State in Georgia to win a primary election, came within had predicated a 90-92% turnout. Unfortunately, 1200 votes of unseating long the actual voter turnout this time time incumbent, Republican was 67%.” Louise Radloff in a close, Dr. Kumar also felt that a few exciting race for the Gwinnett more volunteers and financial County Board of Education support from the Indian (District 5). Around 700 votes communities would have helped were yet to be counted at the change the outcome of the election. time of going to the press. While his opponent Radloff, In a county race that (who has been on the Gwinnett was a complete sweep for County School Board for over 36 Republicans, Dr. Kumar has years), was highly visible at Indian been credited with creating a community events, Dr. Kumar’s real challenge for the opponent. fresh outlook gained the support of The spirited fight put up by the Gwinnett County Association Dr. Kumar, a complete of Educators and the United School BY VEENA RAO politics, socialize business and secularize political novice, gained the Employees Association, which The Art of Living Foundation, an educational religion.” appreciation of the Democratic Party officers, and represent teachers and bus drivers respectively. and humanitarian nonprofit, hosted a meditation The reason for the world’s financial crisis: the notice of Republican Party workers. Dr. Kumar is a faculty member and and yoga seminar ‘MY2008" with the organization’s “Greed, greed and greed. America’s greed has taken “The party president has suggested that I researcher at the Morehouse School of Medicine founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at AmericasMart in over the world.” consider running in the 2010 elections at the state in Atlanta. downtown Atlanta on Oct. 25-26 . To a question on the efficacy of Vedanta, he level,” said Dr. Kumar. He lives with his wife Mina and teenage sons The seminar was part of Sri Sri’s six-city said: “Vedanta and science are parallel. The Art Analyzing reasons for his narrow loss, Dr. Ritesh and Saket in Gwinnett County’s District tour to promote a “Violence-Free, Stress-Free of Living is open to scientific understanding. Both Kumar said: “The Democratic Party President 5 area. America.” Vedanta and Science stress on experiencing first, The spacious exhibit hall at AmericasMart’s believing later. Religion, on the other hand, newly opened Building Two West Wing was filled expects you to believe first- then you might, some with ardent Art of Living followers and curious day, experience.” first timers who wanted to meet Sri Sri and adopt “Knowledge of “what it is” is Science. his pranayama, yoga and meditation techniques. Knowledge of “who I am” is spirituality,” he Sri Sri got the participants acquainted with added. his rhythmic breathing techniques like aalom To a question on overcoming short temper, vilom, bhramari and kapal bhati. He then guided Sri Sri said: “Leave a little room for imperfection.” them into Yoga nidra, which he said, is a useful Sri Sri even took up a question on whether tool in bringing relaxation to the mind and body. he liked being treated by his followers like god. “Remember the three sutras of meditation,” He said, seeing god in each other is a cultural he said. “I am nothing, I want nothing, and I am thing. “In India, the mother, father, teacher and not going to do anything.” guests are treated like God. It is common to touch “Meditation is the food for the soul. When your parents’ feet or the teacher’s feet as greeting.” you meditate, you become aware of your intellect, “But many times I tell my followers to greet and a new life begins,” he added. me with folded hands,” he added. The highlight of the first day’s program was The morning session began with Michael the Q&A session with the spiritual master. Fischman, who leads the foundation in the US. Participants wrote their question on a flash card, He got the participants to break the ice with each which was then dropped into a basket. Out of the other, to make for a more informal, relaxed hundreds of questions, Sri Sri picked out a few atmosphere. Each participant had to partner with a interesting ones, which he then proceeded to answer complete stranger and talk about himself. Then the with his trademark wit and depth of wisdom. group was expanded to include another pair. Each To the question- what is the purpose of life- person had to then introduce his partner to the new he replied: “The one who knows will not tell pair with details he had just learned about him. you. The one who tells you does not know. He The fun game made way to an intense yoga said basic questions like where am I going, what and breathing exercise with Gaurav. The afternoon is the purpose of my life can be answered through session started with fun games conducted by meditation.” Poonam, before Sri Sri took over. With characteristic humor, he said The seminar was a place to recharge and enlightenment is easier than the US presidential reinvigorate. For many, it was the compelling elections: “No money or talent is required. It is presence of Sri Sri and his words of wisdom that within the reach of anyone with focus.” was the main draw. Many curious first timers His advice to an American born teenager: said they would continue to practice the yoga “Deepen your roots and broaden your vision.” and breathing techniques they had learned. The To a question on how to fix the corrupt and ocean of prana (energy), as Sri Sri would say, was corrupting political system, he said: “Spiritualize certainly a vibrant one! November 2008 6 NRI PULSE ...... City News...... Asian Procurement Meet Explores Business Match-Making BY RAVI R. PONANGI infrastructure facilities for any business to come and thrive in the city. She asserted that we are Atlanta: The seventh annual Asian quite open and all procedures are quick and procurement symposium organized by the Asian smooth. The Mayor concluded her address by American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) of inviting all to the city of Sandy Springs. Georgia was was held on October 7, in the A panel consisting of Andrew Gentile, Arkwright auditorium, Georgia Power Corporate Managing Director of Prudential Finances, Tony Office, down town, Atlanta. Subash Razdan, Greene from Georgia Department of Economic president of Asian American Chamber of Development and Ken Compton of Georgia Commerce of Georgia, in his opening remarks spiritedly discussed on the theme of the symposium informed the participants that Asian American “Business Match-Making”. Rosemary Jones of chamber was founded by Josephine Tan and others in 1995 and has now become well known Turner Broad Casting Station moderated the not only in Georgia but in the entire nation. He proceedings of the panel discussion. The panel has also stated that the annual procurement presented their views in a question and answer symposiums are drawing the attention of more format. All the speakers were experts in the field of and more businesses with every passing year and small business certifications, business relationships, providing one platform to bring together minority business development, supply diversity, businesses, private, public sectors and procurement etc., Panel speakers were drawn from government agencies. private, public and Government sectors and they Honorable Mayor Eva Galambos, ‘City of are all well respected in their respective fields. Sandy Springs’ in her key note address presented At the commencement of the symposium, an overview of the city of Sandy Springs and William Rainwater, C&ED of Georgia Power remarked Sandy Springs is home to 98,000 welcomed the gathering and stated Georgia Power residents who make this Georgia as the sixth is proud to associate itself in a symposium that largest city and the second largest in the metro Photo by Ravi R. Ponangi is being held to promote the interests of small Atlanta area. The city has several homely business owners. restaurants, shopping arcades, historic sites and Dr. Josephine Tan of Georgia Power, founder picturesque local and national park sites. The city encourages small business owners and claimed also informed that we are having strong bonds president of AACC/ Governor’s Asian American is home to Fortune 500 companies and world- there many businesses run by immigrants and with China and others. The atmosphere in the Commission for a new Georgia, proposed a vote class health care facilities. She said the city they do business with many other countries. She city administration is conducive and having of thanks. Families Throng Global Indian Culture & Food At Mall For Weekend Of Fun Centennial Olympic Park BY VEENA RAO including Kruti Dance Academy, Nritya Natya Kala BY VEENA RAO Bharti, Anupa Thakurta, the Silent Killers and the Atlanta: Over 6000 people thronged the Georgia Tech Bhangra group showcased local talent to Atlanta: For the third year in a row, Global Mall in Norcross on October 18 and 19 an appreciative audience. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, for the sixth annual Global Mela; a celebration of Several non-profits like Raksha, Ekal Atlanta Chapter, celebrated Diwali at the Diwali and Eid. The weekend long fair was a fun Vidyalaya and others had set up booths at the Centennial Olympic Park in downtown event for the whole family and included cultural venue. The Art of Living conducted a one-hour Atlanta on October 12th. Several hundred programs, kids activities, special deals on seminar that was attended by over 70 people. people joined in the ‘free for the public’ shopping and plenty of specially priced food. Aggarwal thanked the community and the celebrations that included cultural “The mela was well appreciated by the host of volunteers for their support. programs and free lunch. community,” said a happy Shiv Aggarwal, owner “Every year, the mela is getting more recognition,” Families could be seen enjoying their of Global Mall. “People visited on Saturday, and he said. “The economy being slow, the retailers may day out- appreciating the cultural program told their friends about the mela. Hence, the crowd have had a lower volume on sales this year, but and the delicious vegetarian lunch, while was even better on Sunday,” he said. overall, the response was tremendous.” children bustled about getting henna on The family affair included free games, cotton their hand and their face painted. Several candy, popcorn, people brought their mainstream American balloons, face painting friends along, to acquaint them with a dose of Indian Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Hindu and arts & crafts for kids. culture and food. A raffle draw served as a fundraiser Swayamsevak Sangh, Ekal Vidyalaya foundation, Also, there were four for VHP. The winner, Vidushi Gupta, took home a Jai Mata Di Group, Global Mall, Sandeep Savla, magic shows each day. gold pendant from Malani Jewelers. ACG, BAPS temple, Shakti Mandir and others. “People got Incredibly talented students from several VHP Atlanta Chapter president Kusum bargains on shopping,” Atlanta groups like Andaaz entertainment, Tarang Khurana said the objective of the Diwali program said Aggarwal. “At school of Music & Arts, Bal Vihar and others was to unite all Hindus- “bring all Indian other melas, vendors showcased their talents on the outdoor stage. communities together and to expose our culture hike their prices. At the The variety program included patriotic songs, to mainstream Americans and tell them more about Global Mela, vendors classical Indian dances from different parts of Diwali.” slashed their prices for India, Bollywood inspired songs and dances- “We have a lot of temples and associations here,” the special occasion.” even Bharat Natyam on roller skates by Adithya she said. “The VHP provides a platform for everybody The cultural Prem, a young dancing prodigy! Free henna and to come together. We also take up causes like programs at the Impact face painting added color to the event. misrepresentation of Hinduism in textbooks here.” Conference Center on Rachana Gupta and Ashok Goyal were the Khurana said she hoped the program would Sunday were well emcees for the event. get exposure, considering that it was held at attended. Atlanta dance The program was supported by Atlanta Centennial Olympic Park, which is right opposite schools and groups associations like the Gujarati Samaj, Sanatan Mandir, CNN Center- both prime Atlanta locations...... City News ...... Gandhi Foundation Celebrates Mahatma Discover Human Glory With Swami Gandhi’s 139th Birth Anniversary Nirbhayananda National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) - the largest grassroots national umbrella organization in the USA, with the support of the Embassy of India, the Government of India, the City of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, the King Center, and the Georgia Human Relations Commission, along with a number of Indian-American, Asian-American, African-American and other mainstream community organizations all came together in harmony and enthusiasm for this memorial to fructify. The dream became a reality with the installation and dedication of the statue of the Mahatma on the cold and windy morning of January 24, 1998 by the Honorable Andrew BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE Young.” He exhorted the visiting guests to spend Atlanta: Swami Nirbhayananda Saraswathi, some time in the Visitor Center, Ebenezer Baptist the president of Ramakishna Vivekananda Church, the crypts of Dr.King and Coretta Scott Ashrams in Bijapur and Gadag in Karnataka, India King, the Freedom Hall, including the Gandhi has been touring USA and other parts of the world Photo by Ravi R. Ponangi. Room and Dr.King’s Birth Home. spreading the message of Swami Vivekananda and One of the visitors, Johannah Duffy, a will be in Atlanta between Nov 3rd and Dec 1st working day. Razdan welcomed some out of research Fellow and a lecturer at the University BY MAHADEV DESAI 2008. He is the also the leading force behind ashrams country visitors to join in the celebrations at the of Nottingham, England said that she was very in Dharwar, Hubli, Ranebennur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Atlanta: The Gandhi Foundation of USA Statue. He narrated a brief history of the dedication happy to participate in today’s Gandhi Birthday Shimoga and Chitradurga in Karnataka. (GFUSA), a national organization based in Atlanta of the Gandhi Statue and the endeavor to make anniversary celebrations. “It has been a very rewarding Universal Peace Federation (www.upf.org), committed to spreading the message of peace and the dream come true, adding, “The installation and inspiring experience for me and I will always cherish an organization in consultative status with the non-violence of the two greatest apostles of peace and dedication of the Gandhi Statue in the M.L. the memory,” she said. Economic and Social Council of the United Gandhi and King, celebrated Mahatma Gandhi’s King. Jr., National Historic Site is significant and GFUSA Board member, John Naugle, commented th Nations has conferred the “Ambassador of Peace” 139 Birth Anniversary at the MLK Jr.National important because it is the first time that the U S about how Atlanta can be the world’s biggest Global Historic Site on a beautiful clear, sunny afternoon, Department of the Interior, which administers title upon Swamiji. Peace Garden with the triangle formed by the Carter Swamiji was invited to the UPF Assembly Thursday, October 2. “October 2, Gandhi’s the National Park Service and historic sites, has Center, King Center and the Gandhi Center in the larger in New York Sept 10-23, 2007 to present a prayer Birthday, has a special significance to the world”, permitted such a memorial on Federal lands. The Continued on Pg20..... said Subash Razdan, Chairman of GFUSA. on behalf of Hinduism for the departed souls in Razdan added, “Today, Presidential candidate the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001. Obama issued a commemoration tribute from his B4U ‘S Dazzling ‘Bapushahi In July 2007, he was in Seoul to act as campaign office honoring Gandhi.” Senator religious advisor from Hinduism for Inter- Obama, in his tribute wrote, Quote: “Gandhi’s religious cultural festival. Swamiji participated significance is universal. Countless people around Dairo’ Wows Atlanta Community in the 4th World Parliament of Religions in Barcelona and spoke on the subject ‘India’s the world have been touched by his spirit and Bhanu Vora and six members of his troupe.” BY MAHADEV DESAI Educational Initiatives’. example – his victory in turn inspired a generation Swarkinnari Group is no stranger to Atlanta. The 21 He has addressed crowds in Genoa & Turin of young Americans to peacefully wipe out a Atlanta: Atlanta’s well known B4U entre- year old Group has traveled to many parts of the Universities of Italy. In 2008, Swamiji was invited system of overt oppression that had endured for preneur Nadir Jiwani organized his first ever scin- world. This year, it has performed over 40 shows in to participate in WAVES(World Association for Vedic a century, and more recently led to velvet tillating ‘Bapushahi Dairo’, by Bhanubhai Vora’s the U.S. It has a wide ranging repertoire including Studies)2008-7th International Conference(Jun27- revolutions in Eastern Europe and extinguished famed Mumbai based Swarkinnari Group, at the raas-garba, Jain Stavans, bhajans, wedding songs, 29)at University of Central Florida in Olando,FL. apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela, the Sardar Patel Bhavan, Gujarati Samaj Hall on Sun- Gujarati and Hindi songs, ghazals and quawwali, Swamiji, as a guest speaker has talked about the Dalai Lama and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke and hasya-ras(jokes). It has Indian Education System on FM radio under Indira of their great debt to Gandhi. His portrait hangs Photo by Mahadev Desai also produced DVDs of up- Gandhi National Open University. in my office to remind me that real change will lifting bhajans. Thanks to He is a regular speaker in Chandana and eTV not come from Washington - it will come when Nadirbhai for organizing this channels. To learn more about Swamiji you may the people, united, bring it to Washington.” event’ Please sit back and en- log on to http://www.humanglory.org. Unquote. joy.’ Swamiji’s main focus of discourses The Executive Director, GFUSA, Antony After extending his hearty during his stay in Atlanta will be on Power Thaliath who succeeded Late Giriraj Rao, welcome and thanking Nadirbhai, of Positive thinking, Glory that was India welcomed all gathered in reverence for the Vora said, “We have always en- and Karmayoga. Mahatma, especially the representatives of joyed visiting and performing in He will also hold bhajans and lectures Georgia Organizations, social and community Atlanta, because the audience regularly. Those interested are welcome to call activists, university students and visitors from here is very warm-hearted, ap- for details. Please contact Bala or Nagu Inamdar outside Georgia, and officers of GFUSA. Thaliath preciative and receptive. at 770.795.0801 for any further information. gave a brief background about the vision of and Through our ‘dairo’ we try not the struggle to get the Statue of a foreign leader in only to entertain but also to keep the USA. Adding, “The Statue is proving to be a day evening, October 19.The event was graced by alive our sweet mother-tongue Gujarati and also our big magnet as more than 800,000 visitors come to the attendance of President of Gujarati Samaj, national language Hindi and offer glimpses of our rich Have an event to report? the King Historic site annually to marvel and pay Navin Patel, past President Vinodbhai Patel, Board culture and heritage We thank Nadirbhai, homage to the invaluable bond between MLK Jr. members Navin Shah, Amit Shah, Nadirbhai’s fam- Mustafabhai,Gujarati Samaj and you all for inviting us. and the Mahatma.” ily and friends and leading community dignitaries. “ Submit Press Releases at Razdan, thanked all those who had taken After a sumptuous Kathiawadi dinner of Tripti Chhaya began with a beautiful recita- valuable time off from their busy schedules to khichdi and kadhi, Atlanta’s performing arts icon tion of ‘vigneshwaraya vardaaya surapriyaya.’ Vora [email protected] attend the homage at the majestic Statue on a Mustafa Ajmeri, welcomed all and introduced Continued on Pg20..... November 2008 8 NRI PULSE ...... NRI News ...... NJ Sikhs Demand ‘Chandrayaan Brings Indian Youth Indicted Action Against Hate For Killing Two After Crime Incidents Science, Faith Together’ Drunken Driving Jersey City (New Jersey): (IANS) Agitated Jersey City (New Jersey): (IANS) A New New York: (IANS) Chandrayaan is on its Varadarajan is a professor of business at New by two incidents of hate crime in less than a month, Jersey grand jury recently indicted an Indian youth way to the moon, regarded by many Indians as a York University and the opinion editor at the Sikh community of New Jersey has demanded of killing his two roommates in a case of drunken god, but “devout Hindus - many of them, no Forbes.com. immediate action by police to nab the attackers. driving in July this year. doubt, rocket scientists - see no disharmony He notes that the Hindu astrological system A delegation of Sikh community met the Mayor If convicted, Kapil Goel, 24, face between ancient Vedic beliefs and contemporary is predicated on lunar movements, but clarifies: of Carteret City in New Jersey where the incident imprisonment that could last as much as 60 years. scientific practice”, “The genius of modern happened, urging him to take a comprehensive response The police said the incident occurred on July according to a New York Hinduism lies in its comfort to the two incidents 3 when Kapil Goel Times opinion article. with, and imperviousness of hate crime was drunk and A week before to, science.” against them. speeding his car India’s moon mission He relates how days In a meeting with two of his with Mayor Daniel was launched Oct 22, after Apollo 11 landed on roommates, J Reiman early this millions of Hindu women the moon, a model of the Amarinder Cheema week, Sikh embarked on a lunar module was placed in and Karam community customary daylong fast a courtyard of the most Bhandari. of Karva Chauth, meant venerable temple in Ajit Singh Chima members feared Kapil lost such incidents to ensure a husband’s Varanasi, the holy city. control of his car and could increase if no action is taken against those welfare, broken at night “The Hindu faithful crashed into a utility responsible for it. on the first sighting of the were hailing man-on-the- pole in Edison, an The first incident was reported Oct 8 when moon’s reflection in a moon; there was no Indian-American Gagandeep Singh, a grade five student, was bowl of oil, Tunku suggestion that the neighborhood in New Jersey, resulting in the death attacked by an unidentified assailant who Varadarajan wrote in the Americans had committed of both Amarinder and Karam. Kapil suffered an according to the victim was wearing a mask. NYT recently. sacrilege,” Varadarajan elbow injury. Several punches were knocked at him. Reverence for the writes, adding - with a caveat All the three shared an apartment in The second incident occurred on Oct 30 when, moon, he said, extends to against exaggeration - that Highland Park. While Kapil worked on a Ajit Singh Chima, 69, was again hit by punches the website of the Indian science sometimes struggles temporary visa at the time of the accident, several times on his face and other parts of the body Space Research to co-exist with faith in the Amarinder and Karam were graduate by an unidentified assailant. Cheema suffered several Organisation (ISRO), US in ways that would engineering students at Rutgers University fractures around his eyes and jaw. which carries this verse disconcert many Indians. in New Jersey. Police said both the incidents are being from the Rig Veda, a sacred Hindu text that dates The opinion piece writer then also concedes Following investigation, police found that investigated as hate crimes. No arrest has been made back some 4,000 years: “O Moon! We should be that India’s first lunar mission is no doubt a grand the blood alcohol count of Kapil was 0.164 - so far; which has agitated the Sikh community. able to know you through our intellect,/ You political gesture - space exploration in the service more than double the permissible limit. During their meeting with the Carteret mayor early enlighten us through the right path.” of national pride. A Middlesex grand jury recently indicted this week, the community leaders alleged the incidents The seeming contradiction between religion and “This kind of excursion may provoke yawns Kapil on two counts of aggravated manslaughter of hate crime against them have increased in recent science, between reason and superstition is resolved at NASA, but judging from round-the-clock local and vehicular homicide. months. However, only a few of them have been in India by its “modernity of tradition”, Varadarajan coverage it has received, the mission has clearly Kapil, who worked as an assistant scientist reported as people are afraid of registering a case and writes, borrowing the phrase from the political inflamed the imagination and ambition of Indians. with a biotechnology company, has pleaded not reporting to the police, they said. scientists Lloyd and Susanne Rudolph. Yes, even moon-worshipping ones.” guilty. Carteret has an estimated population of 1,000 Sikhs, while there are about 25,000 Sikhs in New Jersey. Prof Rajan Named Washington-based Sikh American Legal US To India: Accept Conditions Defense and Education Fund has said that they Manmohan Singh’s intend to take up the issue with the Federal Bureau For Sale Of Military Equiptment of Investigation. Economic Advisor New York: (IANS) India would have to said: “...not directly. I do not think it is quid pro New Delhi:(IANS) Raghuram Rajan, US Jobless Rate Rises agree to “certain conditions” if it wants to one for one. There are second or third order effect professor of economics at the University of purchase equipment from the US military, a top to this signal event - the nuclear deal.” Chicago, was recently named honorary economic To 6.5 Percent American official said here without specifying He said there are some areas where the US advisor to India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Washington: (DPA) Unemployment in the what they would be. military was still working with India. Singh. United States rose to 6.5 percent in October, after “They (India) would have to agree certain Keating acknowledged that the military Rajan, a former chief economist of the remaining steady for two months at 6.1 percent, conditions that we think are very important,” relationship between the two countries had International Monetary Fund (IMF), will hold the US Labor Department reported Friday. Admiral Timoty Keating, commander of the US improved during the last eight years, which he the rank of secretary, Government of India. The figure meant that another 603,000 Pacific Joint Command, asserted during his said had been the goal of the Bush administration. He was earlier the chairman of a high- people were out of work, and represented the interaction with foreign correspondents in New “We have got a very strong relationship with the powered committee the prime minister set up on loss of 240,000 non-farm jobs. York recently. Indian military.” financial reforms, that was tasked to frame a series Over the past 12 months, the number of US Keating, however, refrained from elaborating “The spirit of cooperation, the degree of of recommendations to make India a financial unemployed has increased by 2.8 million and the further on the “conditions” and said the issue mutual engagement opportunities, the exchange powerhouse over the next five years. unemployment rate has risen by 1.7 percentage points, comes under the jurisdiction of the US State of personnel, participation of military exercises Rajan secured a doctorate from the in another sign of continuing economic decline. Department, which is currently conducting is significantly better today from our perspective Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in The total number of unemployed in US now negotiations with India on the matter. than it was eight years ago. I am assured that the 1991 after a master’s in business administration stands at 10.1 million, the bureau said. The government Referring to the tender floated by India to Indian leaders feel the same way,” he said. from the Indian Institute of Management at said the US economy contracted by 0.3 percent in the purchase fighter planes, Keating said: “They want Keating appreciated India’s response to the Ahmedabad and a bachellor’s degree in electrical third quarter of 2008, the sharpest decline in seven to replace their aging fighters. The United States has recent terror attacks and termed them “balanced engineering from the Indian Institute of years amid the global financial crisis that has blocked two fighters in the program, but the decision has not and matured”. Technology in New Delhi. credit access and severely depressed consumer spending. been made yet. We are cautiously hopeful.” Keating, who visited India for the first time He was also a visiting professor of finance International Monetary Fund (IMF) drastically When asked what impact the India-US in the mid 1980s when he was in the staff of the at the Kellogg School, Northwestern University, cut its global economic forecasts and predicted a civilian nuclear deal would have on the military Pacific Command, is planning to visit India in the and Fischer Black visiting professor at MIT’s recession in the United States and the world in 2009. relationship between the two countries, Keating next five to six months. Sloan School of Management. November 2008 ...... NRI News...... NRI PULSE 9 Obama Picks Indian Political Aspirations Of “Indian Techie Killed American Sonal Wife, Two Children” New York: (IANS) Unemployed Indian Shah As Adviser computer programmer Lakshminivasa Rao Nerusu Indian-Americans Rise has been charged with the murder of his wife and Washington: (IANS) US President-elect two children, a week after their bodies were found Barack Obama has picked Indian-American Sonal in their apartment near Detroit. Shah, an eminent economist who heads Google’s The warrant issued Monday charges Nerusu, 42, philanthropic arm, as one of the advisers to help With Obama Win with three counts of him assemble his White House team. Chandigarh: (IANS) Democrat Barack “I hope in my old age, before I die, I get to first degree murder of Shah, 40, is part of an advisory board Obama’s election as the first African American see an Indian American elected as president. It his wife Jayalakshmi, comprising individuals with significant private president of the US has ignited hope among was very enriching, exciting and, at times, a trying 37; daughter Tejasvi, and public sector experience who will offer their Americans of Indian origin who dream of either experience to run for the US senate. It will be an 14; and son Siva expertise in their respective fields to Obama’s pursuing political careers or having members of experience I will always remember,” said Kathuria. Kumar, 12. transition team, according to US media reports. the diaspora represent them in the political arena. Rajwant Singh, national president of the Sikh The three were Meanwhile, reports suggest that India-born Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), said: found dead Oct 27 in Preeta Bansal, a “Obama’s election represents their apartment in Harvard-educated dynamic America at ease with its Novi township, 20 km from Detroit, after lawyer who was part diversity. Nerusu’s brother told the police that he had not of Obama’s team of “We Sikhs are proud of this heard from the family for several days. The cause advisers during his nation, and this election brings new of death was extensive head and neck trauma. election campaign, hope to 500,000 Sikhs who have been A charge of murder in the first degree includes may be a potential here for the last 100 years. This premeditation and deliberation, Novi Police said candidate for the office victory will certainly inspire many in a statement. If convicted, Nerusu faces a life of the Solicitor Sikh Americans to aspire for the term with no possibility of parole. General, a post yet to highest office in this country and will While Nerusu’s exact whereabouts remain be filled by a woman not deter them due to their unknown, Novi Police said investigators have in US. appearance,” he added. confirmed that he left the US shortly after the Sonal Shah along While Obama’s victory has given murders were committed. with other members of the advisory board will a boost to the political aspirations of Investigators had said Nerusu, who hails from help the transition team headed by former White many immigrants, for minority Andhra Pradesh in south India, lost his job House chief of staff John Podesta, longtime communities such as the Sikhs, who recently and the family car was repossessed Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, and Pete Rouse, have been victims of hate crimes post about a month ago. But there was no record of the President-elect’s Senate chief of staff. “The election of Obama is encouragement for 9/11 because some Americans have mistaken them domestic violence against him. Others on the list include former any American Indian. It shows us that anything is for Arab Muslims, the victory is a definite sign of The family had lived in Michigan for about Environmental Protection Agency administrator possible. I hope it motivates American Indians to change. two years, and had previously lived in Texas and Carol Browner, Obama friend and former run for elected offices. In fact, it has encouraged me Jasbir Singh Kang of the Punjabi American Illinois, according to the police. Commerce Secretary William Daley, University to think of running again,” American entrepreneur Heritage Society from Yuba City said: “This is a The murder charges against Nerusu come of California-Berkeley law school dean of Indian origin Chiranjeev Singh Kathuria told historic day for all Americans. A son of an even as his family members in Hyderabad believe Christopher Edley and Obama law school friends IANS on telephone from Chicago. immigrant has become president-elect. This can he was also killed. and advisers Michael Froman and Julius A physician from Brown’s University (Rhode only happen in a great country like America. Genachowski. Island) and MBA from Stanford (California), “This is a great cultural and a historical shift Shah, who was named the ‘Person of the Kathuria made an unsuccessful bid to be a in American politics, and we Sikhs look forward Techie Arpana Was Year 2003’ by India Abroad publication, currently Republican candidate against Obama from Illinois. to working with President Obama,” said Satinder works for Google.org on their Global However, he hailed Obama’s victory as “path Singh Rekhi, CEO of a company in California’s Strangulated: Police Development team, where she is engaged in breaking for second generation immigrants”. Sacramento city and chairman of SCORE’s board New York: (IANS) Arpana Jinaga, a defining their global development strategy and software professional from Hyderabad who was promoting the firm’s philanthropy work. working with a major IT company in Seattle, was Before joining Google, she was vice president India-Born Renu Khator Is strangulated to death in her apartment recently, an at Goldman, Sachs and Co. and developed and autopsy report has revealed. implemented its environmental strategy. She has In the autopsy report, also served as the Associate Director for Economic the cause of Arpana’s and National Security Policy at the Centre for Head Of Houston Varsity death is listed as asphyxia American Progress, where she worked on trade, Washington: (IANS) As she formally took “We pledge that, as a system of higher due to ligature outsourcing and post-conflict reconstruction the helm of a major US research institution, Renu education, we will provide access to students from strangulation and the issues. Khator, the first India-born president of the all backgrounds, living in any part of the region manner of her death as Earlier, she worked for eight years at the University of Houston (UH), has outlined a bold and the state, and having any level of educational homicide. Preliminary Department of Treasury on various economic new vision declaring student success aspirations,” Khator said. police investigation has issues and regions of the world. as its first priority. “We pledge that their corroborated the report. She was the director of the office Khator, who began her tenure in educational experience will be top- City police covering sub-Saharan Africa, worked in January, was formally endowed with the tier and their training will be globally spokesperson Jim Bove said the front door of Arpana’s Bosnia and Kosovo after the war, and served powers and responsibilities of the office at competitive.” apartment in Redmond Woodinville was forced open, as the senior adviser to the Under Secretary an inspiring investiture ceremony recently Khator dedicated the investiture shattering the door jam.“There is indication of a physical at the Department of Treasury during the at Cullen Performance Hall of the “to our students and their dreams, struggle by the victim,” Bove told IANS. Asian financial crisis. university in Houston, according to a and (we) pledge to raise $100 million Arpana, 24, lived alone in the apartment in Shah is the co-founder of the US-based university release. toward the goal of student success”. Redmond, a suburb of Seattle. She worked with non-profit organisation Indicorps, which offers The event, attended by an Illustrating the university’s the EMC Corporation in Seattle. Redmond police one-year fellowships for Indian-origin estimated 1,500 members of the resolve on this issue, as well as the registered a case of homicide and launched a Americans to work on specific development university community and a host of generosity of its donors, alumni and massive manhunt to nab the assailant. projects in India. international, federal, state and local dignitaries, friends, Khator announced that $1 million toward Besides working with the IT Company, Arpana Her father moved from Gujarat to New York marked her entrance onto the academic stage of this goal already has been raised through a single was also pursuing her MS degree at Seattle. Her family in 1970 and she along with her sister and mother national and global leadership as the UH System’s scholarship event - unprecedented in the history members in Hyderabad said she was among the top-20 joined him in 1972. She also has a brother. eighth chancellor and UH’s 13th president. of the university. professionals of embedded systems in the world. November 2008 10 NRI PULSE ...... Perspectives...... What Obama Presidency Global Recession Is Also Means For India An Opportunity For India BY MANISH CHAND IANS to make strong strategic partnership with BY PRASANTO K. ROY has now accelerated. Telecom is a huge growth India a “top priority” of his presidency and market in Asia, and especially India and China. The near recession in the US and the global New Delhi: (IANS) With Democrat Barack described New Delhi as “a natural strategic Has the slowdown hit Indian tech exporters? meltdown will, of course, have its impact on India’s Obama winning the White House, India is hopeful partner” for Washington in the 21st century. Of course, it has, though not dramatically. Here’s high-tech industry, as it is one of the greatest financial that its multi-faceted ties with the US, Obama, who liked to keep Mahatma Gandhi’s what, and why: crises of our globalised times. But it also presents revolutionized by a landmark nuclear deal during portrait in his Senate office, is also known among - A very few large institutions have melted an opportunity for Indian services vendors to the Bush tenure, will Indian Americans for his away. They were outsourcing to India, directly improve their market share, while forcing them to acquire new force. fondness for Indian dal. as well as through other US-based services majors diversify and de-risk across sectors and geography. “The real strategic Experts and diplomats see who had delivery centres in India. This has of Lehman Brothers went bankrupt Sep 15. A partnership between India Obama’s promise to restore course meant some impact on business day earlier, Merrill Lynch had announced that and the US will begin with America’s moral standing in the - For some time now, new deals have slowed Bank of America was acquiring it. A week earlier, a new government in world, especially in the Muslim down, and turnaround time for signing contracts US mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Washington and New Delhi world, that was damaged by has increased went into federal receivership. next year,” Lalit Mansingh, military intervention in Iraq and - There is increasing pressure on companies And with each news flash, the Indian Sensex former ambassador of India his more nuanced policy on to minimize their “bench” - or the currently idle swung wildly downward, partly in sympathy, partly to the US, told IANS soon combating terrorism working to employees. Recruitments with foreign funds pulling out after it became clear that the advantage of India in the thus slowed, and campus because they needed the cash. Obama had rewritten region. This will deflect some offers stayed pending American history by of the hostility the US attracts And the jitters echoed in the hallways of a host of tech becoming the first African American to win the among India’s 140 million Muslims. However: services companies - who were White House. “Bush was more muscular in his approach - Most of the stars of servicing any of these firms, or Trade and investment, defence and to what he called the Global War on Terror. Obama the Wall Street collapse are their US-based suppliers. agriculture - all those areas which were sidetracked is likely to broaden the alliance against terror and not going away. They will This was bad news. The by nuclear deal would now come to the fore, said use a combination of diplomacy and force that continue - after either Indian tech and business Mansingh. may be better suited for India’s interests in the Chapter 11 filing, or process outsourcing (BPO) “Indians should celebrate change in the region,” said Mahapatra. acquisition (Merrill Lynch), services industry is strongly political structure of the US. Obama’s presidency Agreed Mansingh: “Obama believes in or federal receivership dependent on North America, and specifically on begins a new chapter in America’s political exercising smart power. Obama will be less (Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae). These will generate the sector that we call “BSFI” - banking, financial history, a new chapter in America’s engagement inclined to use military force.” new opportunities for low cost high quality services, and insurance. with the world and a great opportunity for India The 94-page Democratic Party document services, especially the mergers Yes, the US financial services slump has come to combat terrorism in its region,” said Chintamani entitled “Renewing America’s Promise” adopted - A recession is all the more reason to cut as a wake-up call for Indian exporters of Mahapatra, professor of American studies at at its convention in Denver eschews using the costs and become more competitive on quality. technology and BPO services. But for them, this is Jawaharlal Nehru University. phrase “Global War on Terror” and focuses on Hence, more need to outsource and offshore. no sudden crash. They have been through a longer “I visualise a very bright future for India-US ending the war in Iraq, stablising Afghanistan and - The US Congress approved a revised $700 billion crisis, though arguably, one that wasn’t as severe, as relations. He would be the first Democratic “combating violent extremism”. package to bail out the US financial sector. This means the result of the weakening dollar in 2007. So, that president in the White House after Bill Clinton Obama has, in fact, accused Pakistan of major opportunity for India-based services companies have had some time to prepare. In 2006-07, the who began the path-breaking turnaround in India- misusing funds for the war against terror and India is not de-linked from the world, and the dollar averaged Rs.45.05 to a dollar. In 2007-08, it US ties during his visit to India in 2000. He will allegedly using it to fund militancy against India - financial meltdown has certainly impacted us. While averaged Rs.40.4, which meant a 10 percent decline build upon that legacy,” Mahapatra told IANS. remarks which were hailed in India’s diplomatic some of the impact is real and direct - like foreign in rupee earnings for the same dollar billings. Less than a fortnight ago, the 47-year-old and strategic circles. institutional investors pulling out funds, which they Accordingly, many of the Indian tech/BPO Obama had promised in an exclusive interview to needed back home, and thus causing havoc with the Continued on Pg20..... services exporters looked harder beyond North rupee - a lot of it is wild overreaction. America, which used to account for most of our For instance, the day Infosys announced a great services exports three years ago. They went to quarter and a 30 percent rise in net earnings, the Sensex Obama & India- Cheers & Caution Europe, and Asia, and an adventurous few Indian saw one of its worst crashes ever. The market is not New Delhi: (IANS) What cheers India and what makes it cautious about Obama presidency: companies even “came” to the India market. reacting to fundamentals, but is overreacting in panic. India is a tech services market dominated by What Cheers India: Yet, Indian services vendors have an IBM and HP, with very few Indian services majors Natural Ally: Obama says building strategic partnership with India top priority and sees India as opportunity waiting. There are factors in their - mainly Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro a natural strategic ally of the US in the 21st century. favour. The dollar has swung very hard in the - active in this market. Others, such as Infosys and Terrorism and Pakistan: More focused on ending terrorism and Al Qaeda by concentrating on other direction now. India’s brand image and Satyam, have a negligible presence in India. finishing Al Qaeda sanctuaries in Pakistan and bringing stability in Afghanistan. Plans to increase reputation of services expertise in a range of areas, So here’s the impact one sees of the dollar aid to Afghanistan. beginning with financial services but now weakening in 2007, followed by the US financial Iraq and Muslim world: Promises withdrawal of troops in Iraq within 18 months - a fountainhead extending to telecom, engineering services and services-led slump in 2008: of hostility against the US in the Muslim world. Makes it easier for India to deal with a US with - Indian services exporters look harder beyond medicine and more is on the rise. better standing in the Middle East. the US: to Europe, and Asia, including Japan An economic downturn is like a mild ice age, Economy: Favours greater regulation of financial institutions. - They all work out an India market strategy, with the survival of the fittest. Take the airlines Backs immigration reform and H1B visa programme. if they did not have one already industry shakeout today: the fittest will survive. - Financial services drops from nearly 60-40 The outlook for IT and BPO services is a lot What makes India cautious: percent of our entire services exports brighter than it is for the airlines, and brighter CTBT: Obama has strong views on non-proliferation. May try to force India to accept CTBT - Other areas like telecom and engineering than it was post the dot.com bust. (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) and provoke a fresh debate in India on this sensitive issue. services pick up rapidly Even so, it will mean belt tightening, and Shouldn’t be a problem after the US, China come on board. - Overall, there’s increased diversification, more focus on efficiency. Just as the fuel crisis Kashmir: May try to play peace-keeper in Kashmir, a tendency that is likely to be resented and across geography, sector and type of business and cost is forcing us toward more efficient opposed by India which sees Kashmir as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and one that Financial services have been the mainstay of transport. The global financial meltdown will mean does not need third-party intervention. Indian software and BPO services exports. This some tough times for its suppliers, but the fittest Outsourcing: India fears global financial meltdown may force Obama to turn protectionist. Obama began to change a few years ago, with telecom will survive - and emerge stronger. And many will has promised tax incentives for US companies that create new jobs. and engineering services picking up. That process find opportunity in the crisis. November 2008 ...India Pulse ... NRI PULSE 11 Indian Spacecraft Enters Lunar Orbit, Makes History Bangalore: (IANS) India Saturday made The TMC was operated twice to take “We must recognise: In the last four years, “We are on track to achieve 7.5 (percent history by firing its first unmanned spacecraft pictures first of the earth and then moon. companies have made 50-60 percent profits. In growth) and excess of 7.5 (percent) this year,” Chandrayaan-1 into the lunar orbit, breaking away In the past 18 days, the liquid engine motor the West and in the other parts of the world Kamal Nath added. from the earth’s gravitational field for a onboard was fired five times at opportune they are struggling with 5-10 percent profits,” rendezvous with the moon. moments to increase the apogee height, first to he said. SC To Hear Plea “The complex lunar 37,900 km, then to “So if these profits are coming (down) to 30 orbit insertion maneuver 74,715 km, 164,600 km, percent, Indian industry must live with these 30 Seeking Probe was conducted perfectly. 267,000 km and finally percent profits. You cannot have those huge We have created space 380,000 km. profits forever,” he said. Against Thackeray history by doing it for the Chandrayaan “I don’t believe that this gloom, which has New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Supreme Court first time. It shows our carries 11 scientific settled in the West, is permanent. It is transitory. will hear a petition seeking a judicial probe into the planning was precise and all instruments, including Let’s face it, let’s address it, and move on.” killing of two youngsters from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh calculations were on dot,” six foreign payloads — When interviewer Karan Thapar asked for in Maharashtra amid a “hate campaign” launched by a beaming Indian Space two from the US, three the minister’s comment on tiny, small and medium Raj Thackeray’s Maharashta Research Organisation from the European Space industries - the backbone of Indian industry - Navnirman Sena (ISRO) chairman G. Agency (ESA) and one being under enormous pressure, the minister (MNS).Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Madhavan Nair told from Bulgaria. The promised to help them tide over the crisis. an advocate, filed the public reporters here after the remaining five are “The small and medium sectors have been interest petition and sought the successful operation. indigenously designed helped by the appreciation of the dollar and court’s direction for providing With this successful and developed by depreciation of the rupee. So, that is the one security to people from north maneuver, India becomes various centres of the benefit they have got. We are looking at other India staying in Maharashtra. the fifth country to send a state-run ISRO. benefits where we can give them some sops,” he He said the central and spacecraft to the moon after The spacecraft was said. state governments had failed to take proper action against those instrumental in the US, former Soviet blasted off Oct 22 The minister also maintained that India’s propagating the “hate campaign” against people from Union, Japan and China. onboard the 316-tonne services sector will continue to play a major role outside the state. The European Space polar satellite launch in expanding the gross domestic product (GDP) The petitioner sought a judicial inquiry into Agency (ESA), a vehicle (PSLV-C11) from despite the country facing a major gloom. the killings of Rahul Raj from Patna and Dharam consortium of 17 nations, also sent a spacecraft the Satish Dhawan space center at Sriharikota “Services will have its role in our growth,” Dev Rai of Gorakhpur alleging there was a total to the moon. spaceport, about 80 km north of the Tamil Nadu Kamal Nath said, adding that he believed they failure of the constitutional machinery in Chandrayaan was put into an elliptical lunar capital Chennai. could still grow at double-digit levels. “They will Maharashtra. Raj, 25, was killed in a shootout with orbit when its liquid engine onboard was fired at achieve it. They are achieving it. There has been police in Mumbai Oct 27. A day later Rai, 25, was 4.51 p.m. IST for about 817 seconds (13.6 Indian Govt Will no slowdown,” he said. beaten to death in a suburban train near Mumbai. minutes) from the space agency’s telemetry, tracking and command network (Istrac) on the Spend Rs.250 Bn To outskirts of Bangalore. Freebies Like Mercedes, BMW Failing “The liquid engine was fired when the Pump-Prime Economy spacecraft was cruising at about 500 km from the To Push House Sales moon to reduce its velocity and enable lunar New Delhi: (IANS) The government will New Delhi: (IANS) Even freebies like million/Rs.40 lakhs for mid segment housing gravity to capture it into an orbit around the pump-prime the economy by investing Rs.250 Mercedes, BMW and gold medallions are failing which was quite unrealistic. moon,” ISRO said in a statement later. billion (Rs.25,000 crore) in areas like to lure home buyers this season, resulting in a “Sales are just not picking up. Compared The Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at infrastructure but without worsening the 50 percent dip in purchases in both premium to last year, the figure has gone down by 50 Byalalu, about 40 km from this tech hub of India, country’s fiscal deficit situation, Commerce percent, even when they are selling at 20-30 supported the crucial task of transmitting commands Minister Kamal Nath has said. percent below the earlier market prices,” said and monitoring the vital event with two dish antennas “We will Punit Saxena of the real estate consultants of 18 meter and 32 meter in diameter. definitely have to Axiom Estates. “All operations to insert the spacecraft pump in close to “This is alarming. If the situation doesn’t into the lunar orbit have been completed. The Rs.10,000 crore improve, there could be distress sales in six months.” ground stations have also proved that all (Rs.10 billion) on an According to Anil Chawla, private equity head systems are working normal. It will take five annual basis in with .E. Shaw and Company, India’s realty days to stabilize the operations and the moon definitive projects. In industry was heading for a slowdown much before impact probe (MIP) onboard Chandrayaan will the power sector, the current economic slump. “Increasing demand be released to hit the lunar surface Nov 15, Rs.1,000 crore; in had pushed up prices with speculators and when the Indian tri-color will also be lowered,” roads, Rs.1,000 investors jumping in to inflate the market. Nair said. crore,” the minister Eventually the situation became grim as The spacecraft is spinning in an elliptical said. speculators withdrew and buyers refused to pay orbit, passing over the polar regions of the moon. “Totally, I think, we would need to and mid segments, with experts predicting unrealistically high prices,” Chawla said. The nearest orbit (periselene) is 504 km from the pump in Rs.25,000 crore in the next six distress sales in six months. Developers, however, blamed the high moon’s surface, while the farthest (aposelene) is months to keep this oiled, to keep the The high cost of home loans, land home-loan rates for the situation. at 7,502 km. It takes 11 hours to go around the machine moving,” Kamal Nath told CNN- acquisitions at high prices, a dip in demand from “Certainly with interest rates at an all-time moon once in this orbit. IBN’s “Devil’s Advocate” program. non-resident Indians and the general liquidity high, the middle-segment people cannot afford “The performance of all the systems The minister also said that the crunch are also compounding the woes of realty to buy new homes. I feel that the prices must be onboard is normal. Over the next two-three days, government would continue to remain cautious majors, the experts added. reasonable enough. Builders cannot just quote the height of the spacecraft’s orbit will be reduced in printing currency notes, so as not to add to the “It is not that demand has declined,” said Santhosh anything,” Kumar said. in steps to achieve a final polar orbit of about 100 fiscal deficit while making the huge investment. Kumar, deputy chief executive officer of Jones Lang “Due to a liquidity crunch, the entire real estate km height from the moon’s surface,” the statement Funds will be found by reallocating revenues. LaSalle Meghraj, a global real estate consultant and industry looks to be in depression.” noted. “So it’s going to happen within the confines brokerage firm. “There is a lot of demand in the middle For the premium segment, the main worry The terrain mapping camera (TMC) onboard of good financial management.” segment but the prices quoted by developers are very is over loss of interest among non-resident will continue to take pictures of the moon from Speaking about the current turmoil in the global high,” Kumar told IANS. Indians (NRIs), who had fuelled the boom in the the spacecraft. The remaining nine instruments financial system, Kamal Nath said while companies In places like Lucknow and Meerut, he said, past few years. And incentives like Mercedes onboard will be switched on by the month-end in will not have to live with lower profits, the situation realty developers were quoting as much as Rs.4 cars and gold coins have not helped. tune with the normal phase of the moon. was bound to change in the near future. November 2008 12 NRI PULSE ...... InVogue ...... Elegant Fall Birthstones Fashions With A Sunny The fashion trend this fall leans towards warm, western elegance. Indian outfits with an American feel are Disposition great for Thanksgiving Day lunches and dinners. Leave With fallen leaves swirling on chill winds, which, combined with its expense, may be why behind the bling of the Indian festive season to make way November marks our last fond farewell to warmer days. many people with November birthdays prefer for the classy look. As trees turn color and citrine. Yellow topaz is the symbol of friendship. Warm, reversible quilted jackets in raw silk, short people get cozy with It is the state gemstone of Utah. Blue topaz is the silk (with dhoop chaaon effect) or brocade will not only spiced cider, the gemstone of the state of Texas. The gemstone is create a fashion statement, but will also keep you warm gemstones for this found in Ural Mountain, Sri-lanka, Afghanistan, through a cool November evening. The jacket typically month are bound to Brazil, Germany, has a Chinese or band neck. Wear it over a tank top or bring seasonal cheer. Italy and few more tunic in solid colored silk. Pair with tight fitting, straight Citrine and yellow countries. Topaz pants in raw silk with lining or leggings in bold prints. topaz are November’s color ranges from Stylish prints will break the muted elegance of the jacket. birthstones, heralding transparent to BY RANI SHARMA A banarasi, ikat or batik scarf around your neck will the harvest with their blue, green, yellow stand out against the jacket. Scarves are narrower and warm and sunny hues. and reddish Citrine color ranges from yellow to orange yellow. Topaz is brown. Natural Citrine is pale yellow in color. Citrine associated with is found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, France, Jupiter in Romans. Brazil and Madagascar .Citrine is a type of quartz. I do not have Citrine is a powerful cleanser. Citrine helps to heal a project in this spiritually as well as the physical self. Citrine helps issue but will continue in the next month. to have a positive attitude and relieves you off the stress and gives you energy to perform with an Happy Holidays! increase in self esteem. Citrine is the lucky ‘Merchants stone” and the stone of success. If you have any questions/comments/ Topaz is derived from the Greek word Topazios. Topaz will not scratch because it is suggestions you are always welcome to extremely hard (rating an 8 on the Mohs scale), contact: Meena Iyer, Roma Creations but it also has what is known as “perfect [email protected] Create a fashion statement in warm, reversible quilted jackets in raw silk, short silk or cleavage.” This means that it can chip easily, 770-9043135 brocade. Pair with brocade, banarasi or silk pinstriped scarves. Right: This custom created salwar is created out of old bits of traditional waste materials like banarasi, jamdani, embroidered silk etc. The pieces are seamed together with elegant gold piping. The salwar is then embellished with mirror work, stone work and patra work. Pair with plain kurta and a transparent scarf. shorter than the conventional winter shawl. They typically measure two yards in length and are 20-inches wide. Complete the ensemble with a soft silk self- material purse in matching color and open-toes shoes. Accessorize with a pair of elegant studs and a kada. Formal jackets are typically knee length and measure 40-inches in length. Wedding jackets are longer and measure 48-inches long. Another fashion trend this season is the flowing cape tunic in crushed pin tucks, faded georgette. The yolk has a brocade border, and the neckline has beautiful stone work embroidery. Pair with tights. There’s good news for ladies with a wardrobe full of silk saris of yesteryears. Time-honored saris like the eternal kanjeevaram and banarasi are back in vogue. Pair with traditional gold jewelry for the classic look. Men’s fashion trend is to pair regular pants with a silk quilted jacket in jamdani or raw silk material, as the occasion demands. The groom can create his memories of a lifetime in a raw silk suit. This fall, don’t fall back on fashion. Stay ahead! Rani Sharma is the owner of Raneez Boutique. Email:[email protected]. November 2008 NRI PULSE 13 November 2008 14 NRI PULSE ...... Bollywood Pulse ...... I’ve Worked Very Hard Getting Slapped Was On My Body: Priyanka Humiliating: Preity Zinta New Delhi: (IANS) After flaunting her curves Aamir Khan and Ram Gopal Varma, but added New Delhi: (IANS) She’s already bagged an husband, what the turning point in her relationship and earning rave reviews for her performance in that she couldn’t take to it due to lack of time. award for her power-packed performance as a was and she said, ‘I told my husband if you want “Fashion”, Priyanka Chopra is all set to show “It’s such a great way to get closer to your battered wife in “Heaven On Earth”, but to beat me, beat me in a room. But don’t beat me off her svelte figure in swimsuits and beachwear fans. But I don’t know how they find time to Bollywood star Preity Zinta says she was in front of the family.’ in forthcoming film “Dostana”. blog because I hardly sleep for more than four humiliated when co-star Vansh Bhardwaj, who She says she had to work really hard to get hours. I really want to do it at some point because plays her abusive husband, the right shape for the romantic comedy. slapped her while shooting “For ‘Fashion’, I had to put a scene. on six kilos and later had to shed “When we were chip by chip as the character shooting the film, there was progressed in the film. My body a scene where my co-star structure in ‘Dostana’ is more toned had to slap me and, of than in ‘Fashion’ as it is a course, it was a mistake as completely beach film. I’ve worked he took one step forward very hard on my body,” Priyanka and actually went smack told IANS in an interview. across my face. It was the After a hectic schedule with most humiliating experience six films in a row this year, of my life because everyone Priyanka said shooting for saw me getting slapped,” “Dostana” with Abhishek Preity told IANS in an Bachchan and John Abraham was interview. like a vacation and a rejuvenating Preity got the Silver experience for her. Hugo Award for best actress Entirely shot in Miami, in the Feature Film Florida, “Dostana” comes as a Competition section at the 44th Chicago breather for the actress whose International Film Festival Oct 29. “I could never understand that. Beating flagging career was given a new lease The mishap on the sets of director Deepa someone is bad and it doesn’t matter if it’s alone of life with “Fashion” after a series Mehta’s film brought Preity closer to reality and or in front of others. It’s terrible. I really didn’t of duds - “Love Story 2050”, “God made her understand the character better. know what it was to be in a situation like this till Tussi Great Ho”, “Chamku” and “It changed my whole perception towards I did the film.” “Drona”. my role and I realised that it’s so terrible to strip Preity has of late been accepting non- “‘Dostana’ was like a vacation. It was so Karan (Johar) was also telling me it’s great... may a woman of her spirit. It’s better to die than to let commercial projects, including the recently much fun. We were in Miami for two months and be in a while when my schedule eases a little bit. your spirit die. This film took me to another zone; released “The Last Lear” and Jahnu Barua’s “Har I was so fresh and rested when I came back. It “I’ve had six releases this year, so it’s been it just shattered me because I am someone who Pal”. was like a really relaxed outdoor and (I had a) insane for me.” would immediately stand up for myself,” she said. Why the sudden interest in off-beat films? great time because everybody got along well with Priyanka is currently shooting for Vishal Known for her chirpy, bubbly and garrulous “I did ‘Heaven on Earth’ because I thought each other,” Priyanka said. Bharadwaj’s “Kaminay” and Ashutosh Gowariker’s image in Bollywood, Preity would be seen at the if a commercial actor like me ventured into Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma “What’s Your Raashee”, which she calls a “very receiving end in Mehta’s film, which she says something like this, it would provide a broader Productions and directed by Tarun Mansukhani, complicated and difficult romantic comedy”. “completely broke” her heart. platform. It was something that really inspired the romantic comedy will release Nov 14. She also has sequels to Farhan Akhtar’s “Don She explained: “It was the most difficult film me and I was very excited about. I always played Priyanka plays a fashion journalist who - The Chase Begins Again” and Goldie Behl’s of my career. It’s also a film that completely broke stronger roles so this was a change for me. shares her apartment with Abhishek and John. “Drona”, apart from an item number opposite my heart. I remember asking a woman, who was “I’m happy that the film will get more The two dupe her to rent her apartment on the Shah Rukh Khan in Priyadarshan’s “Billo Barber” a victim of domestic violence and had left her eyeballs thanks to the recognition it has got. To pretext of being a gay couple. me, I’ll be ultimately happy if every family will “John, Abhishek and I are best friends in the I Wanted Indians To See James Bond see the film, especially the men,” said Preity. film who do everything together. It’s a romantic The actress said that while the movie did comedy and a fun film about what happens in not have “the trappings of music and song and their lives,” the actress said. Before Americans: Daniel Craig dance”, it was still very close to her heart “because Asked if she had any apprehensions working New Delhi: (IANS) “Quantum of Solace” is the movie in India a week before even the United it tackles immigration; it tackles domestic violence with a debutant director, specially after a string opening in India a week before its US release. States,” he said. Asked about Indian movies and actors, - topics that we like to brush under the carpet”. of flops this year, Priyanka said: “Tarun is a Lead actor Daniel Craig says he said: “Personally I don’t know The year so far has brought her much critical fabulous friend of mine and an incredible director. “Bond films have been a huge any Indian actor since we are very acclaim as her performances in both “The Last When I first met him, I was a little scared. hit in India and that’s why we apart from each other in terms of Lear” and “Heroes” were widely appreciated. “I am a kind of person who asks a lot of wanted to give Indian subjects and scripts. But we do The actress added that she would return to questions. I test directors. I like asking and Tarun audiences the thrill of seeing get to meet our counterparts from her trademark girl-next-door image only if she knew the answer to every question I asked. He the spy movie before the other countries at film festivals. was offered a role with “substance”. blew my mind with his confidence and the Americans do”. Most definitely I would love to “I will do masala movies for sure, but I would commitment he had towards the film. By the end “India has got really work in an Indian movie but till like to have substance in them. I can’t do just the of the film, he’s become a really close friend of enthusiastic movie lovers,” now I have not received any offers. glam chick any longer. I’ve been there, done that. mine and I admire him as a filmmaker.” Craig told IANS. “No, I have not been to It just doesn’t inspire me any more. I have to “Bond films have always The former Miss World also says: “I India, but I certainly think that leave that for the other girls to do. That’s the way been a hit here (India) and the definitely want to try singing. I might start with, it’s a fabulous country with one grows,” she said. character of James Bond is lots of colour and diverse maybe, a song in one of my films but I’m not sure hugely popular in India, so Preity’s “Heaven on Earth” will have its cultural backgrounds. It would when. But I definitely want to do it.” keeping his Indian mass fan worldwide commercial release in November end surely be a great experience if The actress said she admired the blogging following in mind, the and she will also be seen in “Har Pal” and “Main rage among celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, producers decided to release I get a chance to come to India.” Aur Mrs. Khanna”. November 2008 NRI PULSE 15 November 2008 16 NRI PULSE ...... Business Pulse...... Tech Pulse...... Slowdown Will Last 15 Microsoft Says Malware Months: Nasscom Chief Threats Rise 43 Percent Ahmedabad: (IANS) The economic slowdown resulting from the San Francisco: (DPA) Worldwide threats from malicious software global financial crisis is expected to last not more than 15 months. that cripple computers with spy programs, viruses and worms have However, additional jobs will get created in India during the period, a increased 43 percent over the past year, Microsoft said recently in its senior official said. Security Intelligence Report. “This slowdown will last for another 12 to 15 months and yet we The software giant said that the rise occurred despite a significant will add jobs,” chairman of India’s apex IT body Nasscom Ganesh improvement in the security of its operating systems, as hackers targeted Natarajan said. individual programs and naive users. He said only 200,000 jobs were created this year against the expected Microsoft said that 90 percent of new vulnerabilities over the past 270,000 jobs due to the slowdown. year targeted programs, while only 10 percent honed in on operating systems. “What this slowdown in effect means for India is that the domestic The report indicated that malware infection rates are generally higher in developing countries Ganesh Natarajan companies would be a little more watchful when they recruit. The next than in developed ones. Infection rates range from 1.8 for every 1,000 computers in Japan to above six months would be difficult for IT companies,” he said. 76.4 for every 1,000 in Afghanistan. “IT industry growth would be 22 percent as compared to last year’s 29 percent. This seven The US had an infection rate of 11.2 infected computers for every 1,000 scanned - an increase of percent drop is not because there is no demand. It only means that the demand is not being translated 25.5 percent in the last six months. into business. India’s economic growth could come down to seven percent yet opportunities will still Microsoft recommended a number of protective steps that computer users should take: Checking be there,” said Natarajan, who is also the Global CEO of Zensar. for security updates from Microsoft and third-party software providers, installing up-to-date firewalls He said serious work is being done through IT solutions and the global companies cannot afford and antivirus and anti-spyware programs, and exercising extreme caution in opening links and to lose Indian services. “As far as IT or BPOs are concerned there is nothing to worry.” attachments embedded in emails, even if the email is from a trusted source. On the global financial crisis which has hit the US extensively, Natarajan said: “The US companies These links can direct users to phony websites in a technique called phishing, which then combs went a bit extreme in outsourcing. However, the US will still maintain its global leadership.” users’ computers for sensitive information. To a question, he said the rupee will stabilise at 42 to 43 a dollar in a year or two though it could China has the highest rate for these so-called browser-based exploits, which comprised 46.6 reach 56 before that. percent of all security incidents there, compared to 23.3 percent in the US, Microsoft said. Bill Gates Has Faith In Indian Pharma Cos Microsoft Unveils Windows 7, A Fix For Vista New Delhi: (IANS) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might Los Angeles: (DPA) Microsoft released key details recently of the doubt some Indian pharmaceutical majors’ quality parameters but Microsoft next generation of software that it hopes will run the world’s computers. founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has full faith in them and would continue The software giant, whose dominance is under threat, said Windows 7 to do business with them. will replace the disappointing Windows Vista in January 2010. “The science of Indian pharmaceuticals is quite strong. We will continue Microsoft said the new operating system was designed to function our involvement with them. The cheap drugs (sourced from India) are benefiting like a tighter version of Vista, which launched in 2006 but was widely many countries,” Gates told reporters here. derided as a “system hog” that slowed down computers with features that “We have association with many companies like the Ranbaxy and Dr. Reddy’s most users never accessed. Lab,” he said adding that beyond drug procurement, he is engaged with them for Speaking to participants at a Microsoft developers’ conference in vaccine development. “In the near future, you will listen from me more about Los Angeles, Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president of Windows, said vaccine developments for diseases like malaria, pneumonia, AIDS, and child and maternal mortality. “Here, Microsoft was learning its lessons from Vista, by making sure that Windows 7 would be fully we have a very good collaboration with India. We need to reduce the burden,” Gates told IANS. compatible with all relevant devices and applications on launch. He noted that an Indian researcher was recently funded to pursue an innovative genetic approach Among the innovations unveiled by Microsoft was a touch-screen capability that will allow to fighting HIV/AIDS as part of the Grand Challenges Explorations initiative, a $100 million Gates users to select folders and control programs without using a mouse. Foundation program to support cutting-edge health research. Windows 7 will also feature faster boot-up times, an updated task bar that includes previews of Earlier, the US FDA has doubted the processes followed at some of Ranbaxy’s manufacturing open windows, a new desktop look and a set of features optimized for laptops. The new operating facilities. Ranbaxy had announced that it had provided all necessary data to US FDA on all the system also makes it easier to coordinate and access files over networks and to automatically configure ongoing inquiries against its products and process followed. settings for different networks. Gates, the co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is currently in India to discuss The new software will ditch some prominent features included in Vista including Calendar, several healthcare issues with a focus on polio eradication. Windows Mail, Movie Maker, Contacts and Photo Gallery, which will now be available for free download from the Microsoft website. Microsoft has been hit by the growing success of Apple’s American Express To Cut India Jobs Mac computers and by the long-term switch of many computing functions to mobile phones and the internet. Google is threatening Microsoft’s cash cow, the Office Suite of programs, with online word New Delhi: (IANS) US credit card and banking giant American processors, spreadsheets and presentation programs. Express Monday confirmed that the company would cut jobs in India but said it cannot give a specific number. “Approximately 7,000 jobs are being eliminated company-wide Researchers Working On Fuels From which translates into about 10 percent of the company’s worldwide workforce,” the company said in a press statement in response to Water, Sunshine And ‘Ice That Burns’ queries from IANS. Washington: (IANS) Researchers are outlining key advances “While we cannot give you a specific number for India market, in developing new fuels to help supply a future energy-hungry we can tell you that we are not the main focus of the restructuring. world. The advances include green gasoline, designer hydrocarbons The reductions will occur throughout the company and across business units, markets and staff and “ice that burns”. groups, primarily focusing on management and other positions that do not interact directly with Automobile pioneer Henry Ford foresaw that cars of the customers,” the statement said. future would run on ethanol. Researchers are now looking at grass “While we cannot get into specifics around business units and departments, we can tell you that to produce ethanol that would be more sustainable than corn- the reductions will occur across business units, markets and staff groups focusing on management and based ethanol. other positions that do not interact directly with customers,” the statement said. “The ice that burns” or gas hydrates also offer a potential Earlier, on Oct 30 the company had announced in New York that it would take company-wide new bonanza of natural gas, with rich deposits in the US and reengineering initiatives to produce cost benefits of approximately $1.8 billion in 2009. elsewhere, according to an American Chemical Society (ACS) release. The reengineering plan includes: reducing staffing levels and compensation expenses, cutting Another segment explores artificial photosynthesis and describes researchers’ efforts to split operating costs and scaling back investment spending. water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen in order to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel. The company has taken on its books a restructuring charge of approximately $370 to $440 million pre-tax The ACS podcast also highlights how scientists are continuing to make strides toward less (approximately $240 to $290 million after-tax) in the fourth quarter, the company statement said. expensive but more efficient solar cells and safer nuclear power. November 2008 ...... Health Pulse ...... NRI PULSE 17 Zzz: Are You Snoring? Grapes May Be Answer To BY PRASAD S. GARIMELLA, M.D. stress hormones. These hormones in turn cause Lower Blood Pressure: Study FELLOW, AMERICAN BOARD OF SLEEP the rise of heart rate and blood pressure. This increased MEDICINE. workload on the heart occurs when there is lowered Washington: (IANS) Grapes could be a palatable, healthy way of fighting blood pressure caused by a salty diet, besides keeping the GWINNETT PULMONARY GROUP oxygen supply. Thus, chronic untreated obstructive sleep apnea puts the person at risk for hypertension, heart in fine fettle, an experiment on laboratory mice has suggested. Snoring is common, annoying and unhealthy. congestive heart failure and arrythmias. It is a cumulative A new University of Michigan (U-M) Cardiovascular Center There is a myth that snoring means deep sleep. effect over a period of years. study has thrown up tantalizing clues to the potential of grapes in That is far from the truth. The other major consequence of sleep- reducing cardiovascular risk, inherent in phytochemicals, antioxidants in disordered breathing is on the brain. If you observe grapes.The study was performed on laboratory mice, to study the effect of Why do we snore? When sleep onset occurs, most a child after full night sleep, you notice that there regular table grapes (a blend of green, red, and black grapes) that were mixed of the muscles in the are energetic, fresh and rejuvenated. This is in mice diet in a powdered form, as part of either a high or low-salt diet. They performed many comparisons body relax. If a because they get a high amount of deeper stages between the mice consuming the test diet and the control mice receiving no grape powder - including some that person’s airway is of sleep called delta sleep. As we age, the amount received a mild dose of a common blood-pressure (BP) drug. narrow, the of delta sleep wanes and if there OSA, it is All the rats were from a research breed that develops high blood pressure when fed a salty diet. relaxation of the suppressed further. The frequent arousals and In all, after 18 weeks, the rats that received the grape-enriched diet powder had lower BP, better muscles in sleep heart function, reduced inflammation throughout their bodies, and fewer signs of heart muscle damage cause more than the rats that ate the same salty diet but didn’t receive grapes. narrowing of the Take home messages The rats that received BP medicine, hydrazine, along with a salty diet also had lower BP, but their hearts were airway. The air not protected from damage as they were in the grape-fed group, according to an UM press release. -Snoring does not mean deep flowing through Mitchell Seymour, who led the research as part of his doctoral work in nutrition science at these narrowing sleep. Michigan State University said: “These findings support our theory that something within the grapes airway, vibrates -Snoring, hypopnea and apnea themselves has a direct impact on cardiovascular risk, beyond the simple blood pressure-lowering the floppy are on the spectrum called impact that we already know can come from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.” structures like soft Obstructive Sleep Apnea palate etc, thus producing the snoring sound. -Untreated OSA has slow but Epilepsy Drug Spells Hope For Alzheimer’s sure long time consequences Toronto: (IANS) Canadian researchers have found that a drug used to Apnea and Hypopnea treat epilepsy and bipolar disorders can also be effectively used in treating Visualise the airway as the collapsible tube. on the heart, brain and overall Alzheimer’s disease. With deepening sleep and more relaxation, the heath and well being. In their study on animal models, researchers at Vancouver-based narrowing of the airway worsen and airflow -OSA is easily diagnosed and University of British Columbia have found that Valproic Acid (VPA), used to drops below a critical point, oxygen content in treated. treat epilepsy and bipolar disorders, can also block the formation of plaques the blood drops steadily. The longer the duration that cause Alzheimer’s disease (AD). of obstruction; more is the drop in the oxygen If the drug is used in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, it can help content. This is called hypopnea. When there is suppressed delta sleep are the main reasons for reverse memory loss, the study says.It says Valproic Acid inhibits the activity the decreased daytime functioning commonly seen of an enzyme that produces a neurotoxic protein called beta Amyloid. In with OSA. The decreased daytime functioning turn, this stops the formation of plaques since beta Amyloid proteins are the Talk to your doctor may manifest as excessive daytime sleepiness, main component of plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease. non restorative sleep, lack of concentration, mood “We found that if we used VPA in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, in model mice, it if you snore and changes and increased risk of accidents etc.. reduced plaque formation and further prevented brain cell death and axon damage,” a university statement quoted Weihong Song, study leader and Canada Research Chair in Alzheimer’s disease at have one of these: How is the diagnosis of OSA made? the university, as saying. “The drug also improved performance in memory tests,” he said, adding that Now that we learnt that sleep disordered breathing the results will help them design human clinical trials. -Daytime sleepiness is unhealthy, what can we do about it? Every one who -Not feeling fresh after full night has snoring along with one of the other symptoms like Credit Crunch Threatens Discovery Of Drugs sleep excessive sleepiness, non refreshing sleep, memory, mood or concentration problems need evaluation by a Washington: (IANS) The current global financial crunch could nix the discovery -Waking up with gasping for air physician. The physician will assess the probability of and production of many new life-saving medicines, experts have warned. -Hypertension OSA based on the symptoms, examination and other Investment into research for new drugs - which runs into billions of -Problems with concentration, risk factors. If the clinical suspicion is high, then a sleep dollars - is now seriously under threat as former investors in pharmaceuticals are shying away as a result of the meltdown. memory or mood. study is ordered which records the brain, heart activity along with airflow and oxygenation during sleep. David Wield, director of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) -Obesity Edinburgh-based Innogen Centre, delivered a stark warning prior to the gathering of Treatment of OSA over 200 experts at conference in London, an ESRC press release said. Wield said: complete stopping of air flow for more than ten Depending on the degree of the sleep “Investing in biotech companies is now seen as risk-taking, and will not be for the seconds, it is called Apnea. disordered breathing, the treatment options vary. timid. What will happen to investment in biotech research if finance cannot even be found for relatively everyday The three major treatment options include expenses which are increasingly becoming more of a struggle? Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure); “Drug discovery depends on long-term finance with high risk of failure - and lots of it. Financing Depending on the degree of obstruction of surgery or dental appliances. The CPAP is the most of biotechnology companies hit $50 billion in 2007. And overall, these biotechs only made profits for the upper airway; snoring, hypopneas and apneas effective and the most commonly used treatment. the very first time last year, amounting to $1 billion on revenues of $59 billion.” occur. This condition is termed as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. As the hypopneas and apneas occur, oxygen How does CPAP work? Kids Safer With Grandparents Around content in the blood drops. This leads to an arousal CPAP is a machine that delivers air with pressure. Washington: (IANS) Kids are safe, secure and protected from injuries when grandparents are of the brain from sleep. With each arousal, there is The tubing from the machine transmits the pressure to around, a boon for working parents, according to a new study. Compared to organized daycare or care increase in the tone of the muscle which decrease the mask which is secured on to the face over the nose by the mother or other relatives, having a grandmother watch a child was associated with a decreased the obstruction and thereby snoring. or mouth. The pressure prevents the upper airway to risk of injury for the child. According to researchers, the odds of injury were significantly greater narrow or collapse and keeps the oxygen content in the among children whose parents never married, compared with children whose mothers stayed married. Consequences of OSA blood steady. Once placed on the CPAP machine, the Similarly, odds of injury were greater for children living in homes in which the father did not co-reside. These There are many consequences of OSA on person has to use it with all sleep times, day or night. associations were independent of family income, according to a Bloomberg press release. the health of the individual. The heart and the After few weeks of regular CPAP use, daytime “Recent growth in the number of grandparents providing childcare has some observers concerned brain get the brunt of this problem. The cyclical functioning of most patients improve. This is most they don’t adhere to modern safety practices,” said co-author David Bishai, professor at Bloomberg drop in the oxygen in turn leads to the release of profoundly seen in severe cases. School’s Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health. November 2008 18 NRI PULSE ...... Movie Review ...... Book Review ...... A Wednesday: Thought Unadorned Portrait Of India BY MAHADEV DESAI of the rich and growing a big belly. He makes money on the side-siphoning gas, taking a cut from Provoking Drama Chennai born author Aravind Adiga’s debut novel mechanics, using his master’s car as a taxi, and re- has been awarded the prestigious 2008 Man Booker selling his master’s empty whiskey bottles. But BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE discuss the story without giving away the climax, Prize for Fiction. 34 year old Adiga is the second that is not enough for him, so he murders Ashok, it needs to be said that the reasoning behind the youngest author ever to win the Prize and also the and escapes to Bangalore with a huge pot of cash. A Wednesday is a movie that is truly thought ending of the movie leaves room for conflicting fourth India- born author to win the Award after Sir He ends up as a successful entrepreneur, nursing a provoking. The debutant director Neeraj Pandey ideologies. The name of the anonymous caller is Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, and Kiran Desai. The dream of opening a school which would turn out brings together two of the most talented actors of never revealed in the movie so that a religion is not novel was sold instantly in sixteen countries. It has many white tigers like him. our times, Anupam Kher and Naseruddin Shah at affiliated to actions and events that follow. It how- garnered profuse praise from the “Unlike almost any This fast moving novel takes the form two ends of the moral spectrum in the most pow- ever does makes you wonder if the end is justified other Indian novel you might have read in recent years, erful premise of terrorism and its unlikely ramifi- morally, ethically and ideologically even if it was this page-turner offers a completely cation on the common man. A movie set with the done for all the right reasons and by a stupid com- bald,angry,unadorned portrait of the country as seen The White Tiger: A Novel by background of this intensity also manages to mon man, as the anonymous caller identifies him- from the bottom of the heap…even more impressive is Aravind Adiga sprinkle subtle humor along the way. The director the nitty-gritty of Indian life that Adiga unearths: the Free Press New York Paperback skillfully steers the younger ac- corruption, the class system, the sheer petty vicious- tors Jimmy Sheirgill and Aamir ness.” writes Andrew Holgate, in The Sunday 288 pages Bashir towards the action se- Times(London), while the Indian Express comments,” quences and lets the senior ac- An intelligent and ruthless portrait of the India in the of seven letters addressed by Balram to the Chinese tors take over the thrilling, making-shining or rising, but always sinking-shot Premier on the eve of his state visit to India, wherein chilling drama. The movie ends through with wit and he narrates his riveting story of his escape from with a rather unforeseen turn black humor that rural darkness to the city of light where he becomes which actually is the part of match the author’s a successful entrepreneur. Adiga is a brilliant story- the movie that fuels food for economy with teller with uncommon talent. He has a sharp eye for discussion but is hard to do words.” USA detail and captures the sights, sounds and smells of without giving away the plot. Today’s reviewer both rural and urban landscapes. He reveals that The movie begins with has this to say, under the hype about India being a rising super- Prakash Rathod (Anupam “Aravind Adiga’s power with a rising middle class, there is a large Kher), the Commissioner of The White Tiger is number still living in shadows, in utter poverty and Police on the verge of retire- one of the most neglect. State has failed this poor majority in educa- ment reflecting on the most challenging case of his self. The two protagonists meet only once powerful books I’ve tion, healthcare and law and order. Poor cooks, clean- career. And his mind quickly and clearly takes him throughout the movie but compliment each other read in decades…But ers, drivers, nannies, are all trapped in a ‘rooster to the case that has no track record and the Wednes- fabulously all the way. Tiger isn’t about race coop’. They can’t breathe and yet they don’t es- day it all happened. The Wednesday when the The crisp fast paced thriller with an embedded or caste in India. It’s cape. Family values, ties, identity and concern for Commissioner was dealing with a reel hero who is social genre flaunts luminosity in various aspects of its about the vast eco- the safety of their families prevent them from steal- petrified at the fact that someone has harassed story telling process. Fuwad Khan’s camera brilliantly nomic inequality between the poor and the wealthy ing, disloyalty or committing other crimes against him over the phone. Your funny bone is tickled at captures the rapid change of events and the streets of elite. …This is an amazing and angry novel about injus- their superiors or the system. Adiga also rails against the way the hero who was thrashing the bad guys Mumbai at its rawest. Editing of the movie deserves a tice and power.” sham elections, corrupt politicians and police, pol- one minute turns into a zero the minute he hears special mention as it matches the pace of the movie and The first person narrator Balram Halwai lution in rivers and cities and other ills “Despite all someone threatening him over the phone, which is effectively brings together the happenings of a day is an uneducated son of an impoverished rickshaw- this, Balram teaches us that religion doesn’t create actually a prank played on the him. Prakash Rathod which change drastically and the description of various puller in a village in Bihar. Impressed by his abil- knows it is a prank and assures the ity to read and write the school inspector names hero he will be safe and just as you him White Tiger (an exceptional student). To help finish smiling, the pace of the movie the family pay off the debts, he drops out from picks up and simply takes off. school and joins his brother to work in a tea shop. Prakash Rathod receives a phone The owners of tea shops are known to exploit call from an anonymous caller illiterate child labor(Even birth certificates are (Naseruddin Shah) warning him of manipulated). Balram soon gets fed up being just bombs planted in various Mumbai one of the human spiders, smashing coals, wiping locations. To assure the Commis- floors and tables with dirty rags and serving rude sioner that this is no crank call, he customers. He is street smart, patient and obser- leads him to the bomb he planted vant. Above all, as he says, “I am not an original earlier at the police station right thinker, but I am an original listener’. He quits across the Commissioner’s head working in the tea house and with a little financial Aravind Adiga quarters on the pretext of lodging a help from his granny learns to drive and moves to complaint. We are also introduced Delhi. He is hired as a chauffer by Stork (his virtue-and money doesn’t solve every problem-but simultaneously to the aggressive ATS Officer Arif Khan characters as a coherent cohesive whole. Sanjoy village’s wealthy but corrupt businessman), who decency can still be found in a corrupt world and (Jimmy Sheirgill), a composed Police lnspector Jai Chowdhary’s background music is harmonious with has two sons, Mukesh and Ashok (who has re- you can get what you want out of life if you eaves- Pratap Singh (Aamir Bashir), and a news hungry TV the story. Neeraj Pandey as a director has arrived and turned from U.S.with his Christian wife Pinky drop on the right conversations. …the voice of its journalist Naina Roy (Deepal Shaw). The anonymous makes his mark. He is definitely here to stay. madam). Initially, like many chauffeurs he not only narrator- utterly amoral, irreverent, deeply en- caller demands the release of four terrorists and wants The story and direction by Neeraj Pandey drives the car but also does odd jobs like sweeping dearing and altogether unforgettable.” them all delivered to a particular location and the chase provide a gleaming platform for two the indus- the courtyard, cooking, shopping, washing and Adiga’s exquisitely crafted novel is begins. Prakash Rathod gets a young hacker to trace the tries’ finest to showcase their best performance drying two Pomerian dogs, and massaging his crackling, witty, angry and with blistering sus- anonymous caller. Naina Roy also receives a call from and they deliver with passion, restraint and sim- master’s legs. He lives in squalor with other ser- pense. It is highly entertaining as well as thought the anonymous caller leading her to the Police HQ and plicity. Neeraj Pandey breaks off the regular rou- vants in the basement of his master’s palatial build- provoking. It has a Reading Group Guide and also the location where the terrorists are demanded to tine and treads a different path – while the jour- ing. Slowly he picks up tricks of the trade. While Author Q&A .The novel is definitely a must read. be delivered. He wants to see his demands put into ney itself is riveting, compelling and exhilarating, driving, he listens to and observes his employers Aravind Adiga was born in Madras (now action through her television channel. the destination provides ample food for thought bribing ministers for tax concessions, boozing hard Chennai), India in 1974 and raised partly in and debate. It is not that the end leaves questions The series of events that follow after the ter- liquor, visiting prostitutes and indulging in other Sydney, Australia. He attended Columbia and rorists are handed over to the anonymous caller unanswered, but makes you wonder if it is justi- shady practices. He learns that in the city there Oxford Universities. A former correspondent for sets the movie apart from the regular stories told fiable or acceptable under any circumstances, are only two castes-men with big bellies and men Time magazine, he has also been published in the about terrorism in Bollywood. While it is hard to watch the movie and decide for yourself. with small bellies. He too dreams of enjoying life Financial Times. He lives in Mumbai, India. November 2008 ...... Features ...... NRI PULSE 19 stiff dough. Knead the dough for three minutes with oily hands. Make 8 Why WHAT’S COOKING? balls. Roll each ball in to six- inch diameter circles. Cut them into one- BY P.S. LAKSHMI RAO inch diamonds. Leaves Heat 1½ cups oil in a frying pan in low heat and fry handful of Change An Ojibwe story diamonds until they become light Nanabozho is considered the great uncle of brown and crispy. Remove them to a Ojibwe people. He is part man and part Sweet & Hot paper towel to absorb oil. After all the diamonds KIDS ZONE Color are fried separate half the diamonds for sweet manito (spirit) and is capable of silly mischief MAITHILI BHAT Diamonds and half the diamonds for hot or spicy snack. In Fall as well as great deeds. Turn the heat off and add curry leaves and When Nanabozho was a boy, earth was new. “Come here. I want to make you beautiful”, (Two-In-One) fry. Remove leaves from the oil. Blot with paper His Grandmother Nokomis made him some said Nanabozho. towel and save them. paints. She mixed dyes out of Moonlight, Sparrow flew higher and peeked down. 2 Cups all purpose flour (maida) Shadows, Snowflakes and Sand. She made Silky Nanabozho climbed lower branches. He 1-Tablespoon rice flour Sweet diamonds blues from night, Soft greens from Reindeer Moss. reached out to grab Sparrow, but it darted away. 1-Tablespoon hot oil She squeezed sparkle out of Shooting Stars. All Nanabozho lost balance and tumbled backward. ½ Cup water In a large pan mix brown sugar and water. the colors were put in a pot, which was enclosed His shirt snagged and there Nanabozho hung from the 1 Pinch of salt Boil for three minutes to make sugar syrup. Put a in a pouch. tree branch. But paints and dyes spilled everywhere. 1 1/2 Cups oil for frying (depending upon the drop of syrup in little water. When the drop “Make beauty, Nanabozho” she said, “Paint The trees shrieked “Look what you have size of the frying pan) becomes a hard ball the syrup is done. Remove the flowers today”. done to our lovely green leaves”. 2 Stems curry leaves the pan from the heat. Add the diamonds and Namabozho skipped off to the field full of “I am sorry”, said Nanabozho “It was an pale white flowers. He dipped his brush into accident”. purple paint pot and carefully painted the petals. “Oh”, the trees groaned and said “You need He saw lady bugs crawling. In those days, to scrub us clean”. lady bugs were plain red. He painted a black dot He looked around trees and the colors were on that ladybug and thought it looked very everywhere. interesting. He ran around and dotted every All the birds and animals were gathered. ladybug he could find. “Oooh…” said Owl. Nanabozho caught bee in his hand. At that “Ahh…” said Raven. time, bees did not have stingers and stripes. “Beautiful” croaked the Frog. He painted stripes around the bee’s body. “So pretty, so pretty!” twittered Chickadee. “What else can I decorate”, he wondered. The trees hushed and wondered if they were Raccoon’s plain, gray tail was hanging from prettier now? a tree. He quickly painted the stripes around it. Oak blushed deep red. Aspen’s leaves glowed He caught Heron and painted him blue. with golden yellow. Maple whispered “Do not feel He grabbed Fox and painted her red. bad Nanabozho. I like my new colors”. He put spots on Salamander and painted red Soon other trees forgave Nanabozho too. cap on Woodpecker and black cap on Chikadee. Now every year, we remember how Then he noticed a sparrow. “Poor Sparrow”, Nananozho spilled his paints and made the trees he cried “Neither sparkly feather nor a bright look beautiful. Since Maple was the first forgive, color”. But Sparrow hopped up. it is the prettiest of all.

Fall Leaf Rubbings Autumn Word Search Craft Materials: *Paper cardamom powder. Mix gently so that the *Autumn leaves diamonds are not broken. *Colored pencils or crayons For Sweet Diamonds *Poster paint and brushes 1 1/2 Cups brown sugar Hot (spicy) diamonds Time needed: Under 1 Hour 1/ 2 Cup water *1. To make leaf rubbing cards, fold a sheet of paper in ½ Teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds Mix second half of the fried diamonds, half widthwise and place a leaf, vein side up, inside ground red pepper, cumin powder, salt, and also the folded sheet. You will now have a card with a leaf For Hot Diamonds the fried curry leaves. Add more salt and red hidden inside. pepper according to your taste. 1 Teaspoon red pepper (ground) 2. Use colored pencils or crayons to gently rub ½ Teaspoon crushed cumin seeds Keep the diamonds in separate over the leaf so that the shape becomes visible on ¾ Teaspoon salt or to taste containers with tight lids. If you pack them the cover of the card (switch colors midway to create in decorative jars, you can give them as a variegated leaf). Remove the leaf, then repeat with Dough: holiday gifts. other leaves and colors. Find these autumn words: Mix all purpose flour, rice flour and salt with hot oil. Add water, and mix until it becomes Have a Happy Thanksgiving holiday. 3. To make painted leaf prints, first cover the work apple fall maple rice area with newspaper. Place a leaf vein side up on the brown farmer migrate scarecrow newspaper and dab paint onto the leaf. (To create a chilly fruit November September multicolored effect, dab other colors onto the same cold grain October sweater Have a cooking tip to share with our readers? leaf.) Carefully picking up the leaf, place it paint side colors harvest orange vegetables down on the front of the card and press down on it to corn hay pear yellow make a print (try a few test prints to figure out the country leaf pumpkin Email tip to [email protected]. right amount of paint.) Repeat with other leaves. crops leaves red November 2008 20 NRI PULSE ...... Flow ...... Memorial For Dr. to name a few. Ravi recited Mahamrityunjaya in the UN, while advising a wait and watch policy Thunderous applause greeted each member Mahamantra invoking the God’s blessings to towards the Obama administration. of the troupe introduced by Vora;viz.; Deepak Kancherla... shower His Choicest blessings and to take K. Subrahmanyam, however, counseled that Bhavsar(keyboard);Sujit Vandur(tabla);Pramod

Continued from Pg4..... the departed soul to highest lokas and to grant India should not overreact. “Obama is a flexible More(Dholak)Bindesh Pande(Side rhythm) and Friends of Aruna Prasad were asked to speak and his soul permanent peace. He concluded by intellectual. Let’s wait and watch”. singers Tripti Chhaya and Manish Joshi. his oldest friend Dr. Kamath was the first. He recalled assuring Smt.Parvathy of full support. Mahatma Gandhi A Dream Comes True... his close association with Dr.Kancherla at the George Past President of Hindu Temple, H. Lanier Memorial Hospital since 1979. He said that Dr.G.V.Raghu, who knew Dr.Kancherla for the Anniversay Celebrations... Continued from Pg1..... he had very strong work ethics. He was devoted to his past 15 years, said that he tried to introduce Continued from Pg7..... Antony Thaliath, Executive Director of work and had a calming influence in meetings and spiritual content in Temple activities and events Historic District. He reminded the gathering that last GFUSA said, “This is an appropriate resolution discussions. He confided in him on important career geared for the young generation. The image of the year, United Nations had declared 2nd October as an between two entities that have two of the greatest and family matters and above all his great work, what Temple grew under his leadership. He said that ‘International Day of Non-Violence’, so he felt happy apostles of peace, Gandhiji and M.L. King Jr. he always remembers the most is Dr. Kancherla’s smile in the last days he feels Aruna Prasad practiced to be celebrating not only Mahatma’s birthday whose legacies are cherished by the majestic life and his endearing way with patients. detachment and was one pointedly with God. anniversary but also second anniversary of size Gandhi Statue and the King Center.” Dr.Kancherla’s Secretary, Paula Humphrey Aruna Prasad’s brother-in-law, Chandra ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ and that too at the In the Senate Chamber, Razdan thanked called his boss a caring and patient instructor. He Mohan, came from India said he was a generous most revered Statue. Senator Judson Hill for his tireless efforts to pass taught her how to use a computer. He was very man and in fact he helped him raise funds in the Following the floral homage to Gandhiji at the Resolution. Senator Hill welcomed all and fond of Mercedes cars, and he had a few, she U.S. to build an Old Age home in India. He thanked the resplendent Mahatma Gandhi Statue, recognized the centuries-old close relationship said(laughter).” I was his chauffer, secretary, Parvathy for taking good care of her husband while Arunaben Patel and Raju Gokarn led the gathering with India, and then read the contents of the shopper, and a friend. He was a large part of my he was ill. into singing Gandhi’s favorite bhajans’ Raghupati Resolution before presenting it to the Ambassador life and I will miss him dearly.” She recited a very Sree Ratna who was overcome with emotion Raghav’ and ‘Vaishanava Janato’ Sen. Accepting the Resolution, Sen said, “I moving poem with words of comfort for the spoke a few words about her father whom she On this occasion, the gathering also appreciate this special gesture and feel privileged family. described as a ‘sage in disguise’ “Many times I asked remembered and paid tributes to Late Giriraj Rao to accept this on behalf of the Government of Dr.Mangaraja Vanapalli said Dr.Kancherla my father advice, and at the end of our conversations for his selfless service to promote the awareness India and the Indian American community. was a dear friend and a colleague. He introduced he would always reply, “Life is so simple. Don’t of the message of Gandhiji. “This is the first time In his thought provoking keynote speech, him to a wide circle of physicians. He was a very complicate it. Just be happy.” Ratna went on to Giribhai has not been with us for Gandhi Birthday Sen lauded the work done by Razdan and his lively, fun-loving friend. He recited a very poignant recite the poetic lines she had written to her dad on celebrations”, said Thaliath. colleagues in cementing the bond between the poem. Fathers Day, June 18,2000. She then invited the Razdan led a moment of silence and prayers to peoples of United States and India and also legacies Madhu’s father-in-law Dr. Subbiaha from gathering to watch a video picture montage of her remember Hon. Terrell Slayton, former Asst. of Gandhi and Dr. King. There is a broad range of St.Louis, said that he had known Aruna Prasad dad’s journey through a rich life, well lived. Secretary of State of Georgia and Chair of the 100 cooperation going on between India and the USA, for over 12 years. He was very genial, kind hearted A few more eulogies by family friends were Black Men who had passed away a few days earlier. especially in the agricultural sector. and loving. He treated his daughter(Madhu’s wife delivered reiterating the life-enriching qualities and ”Hon. Terrel Slayton Jr. had an enviable track record Razdan had everyone laughing when he of selfless and uplifting social and community Madhuri )just like Madhu’s sister Sree Ratna. persona of Dr Kancherla. joked, “Today history was made in Georgia, and service. He was very cheerful, inspiring and humble. Dr. Bhaskar Rao said that Aruna Prasad A well recognized community activist it is probably one for the Guinness book of world He was a great friend of the Indian-American was his partner during 1968 to 1970. and the Chairman of the Gandhi Foundation of record as well, that Indian cuisine was allowed to community and also Gandhi Foundation of USA. Dr.Kancherla was in plastic surgery whereas he USA,(GFUSA) Subash Razdan in his tribute be served for the first time in the State Capitol. He will be greatly missed. He and his family will be was in general surgery. He was a great listener as said, “My prayers go out to the Kancherla family. Maybe, instead of Peach State, we could now Dr. Kancherla was a lion of a man, who lived his in our thoughts and prayers. May God rest his soul call Georgia a Chutney State!” well as giver of good advice. He recited a Stanza by in peace,” prayed Razdan. Sri Ramana Maharshi, with words of solace, “Body life with courage and compassion. As he would Sen also mentioned about India’s Moon is a karmic prison, so do not despair. Just bless your tell his children, ‘ Life is simple, do not complicate Bapushahi Dairo... Mission, “As I speak, we are halfway to the loved one-wish him bon voyage for onward journey it’, he really believed in simplicity and practiced moon. So even the sky is not the limit for us. We what he preached. Thank you Aruna Prasad for a Continued from Pg7..... are carrying two US payloads-NASA John Hopkins to eternity with all your heart and all your love. You and Manish Joshi followed with ‘Jai,Jai Garavi life well lived. We shall miss you but always and NASA Brown. We are carrying modern are still in my total love. All is forgiven. Nurture this Gujarat’ and ‘Halo bhai aapna malakma.’ Tripti remember your legacy.” equipment to map areas not mapped before.” love which is God itself. Be happy that you had sang an old time Gujarati favorite ‘Chhanu re A delicious dinner catered by Swapna Senator Hill thanked Ambassador Sen for such a wonderful person in your life and be grateful chhapnu’ while Manish sang another vintage song Restaurant was served to all on behalf of the being instrumental in setting up of the Consulate to God for everything.” ‘pankhidaane aa pinjaroo’.Requests for more Past President of Hindu Temple Dr.Sujatha Kancherla family. of India in Atlanta and encouraging Delta to Dr.Aruna Prasad will be remembered as a caring choice songs began pouring in from the audience. venture direct flights into Mumbai. Reddy recounted her close association with But it was ‘Dama Dam Masta Kalandar’ that Dr.Kancherla and his family. She called him very physician, loving husband, father, father-in-law and Razdan then invited members of the GFUSA grandfather. He was an outstanding community leader rocked the audience. In between songs, Vora and AACC, the two organizations who had honest, generous, determined and focused on the cracked a few rib tickling jokes. Few more songs improvement of the Temple and its role in the whose legacy will continue to inspire others. persevered for the successful passing of the followed. After the most welcome tea break, Resolution 1248 to step up near the podium and community. “Just as a butterfly is released from its What Obama Presidency Nadirbhai thanked Vora and his troupe for pre- accept the Resolution from its author Senator Hill. cocoon, the soul departs from the physical body, senting the riveting dairo. He further thanked The event, which was hosted by Georgia free of pain, fears and worries,” she concluded. Means For India... Kalpeshbhai Patel of Patel Bros.for the delicious Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Judson Hill, Asian One of the Founding Trustees, Continued from Pg10..... dinner and indefatigable volunteers Ghanshyam American Chamber of Commerce, The Gandhi Dr.B.K.Mohan who has been a long time friend With the global financial crisis affecting Patel, Mrs.Prafula Patel, Ramesh Foundation of USA and members of the Indian and associate of Dr.Kancherla said that over 30 emerging economies like India, Obama’s advocacy Pandya,Mahendra Shah, Amit Shah, Rambhai, American Diaspora and sponsored by Perimeter years they traveled together many times and attended of a stricter oversight on the financial institutions Arunaben Patel,Mayoor Patel(for sound);Sanjay CID, highlighted the state’s deep connection with many parties including 25th anniversary party and and greater state interventionism also inspires Patel, Sanjay Pandya,Anwarbhai, Mustafa Ajmeri, the international community, especially with India, Sree Ratna’s Graduation party. He assured the family greater confidence in this country, said Mahapatra. and all the sponsors of the event. He finally with the announcement of opening of the Indian of his full support in days ahead. Not all are so enthusiastic about the Obama thanked the audience and the media for support- Consulate in Atlanta in the very near future. India Tribune Atlanta Bureau Chief Ravi R. presidency in India though. The diplomatic ing the event and making it a memorable one. Earlier, the Ambassador met with Georgia Ponangi who spoke in Telugu.said, “Dr.Kancherla establishment and strategic circles are treading With unbounding zest and joy, Vora, Tripti Gov. Sonny Perdue in the Governor’s Chamber had qualities of dedication, commitment and cautiously, especially after Obama’s recent and Manish regaled the audience with old gems like along with Kenneth Stewart, Commissioner Trade truthfulness in plenty, so essential for public remarks on Kashmir, which they see as a ‘kasumbi no rang’, a quawwali ‘Shirdi wale Saibaba, & Commerce, Mayor Eva Galamboss of Sandy service. He always listened to view of others and throwback to American postures 10 years ago. aaye hai tere dar pe’; ‘ajeeb dastaan hai ye’, and .famed Springs and Senator Judson Hill. thought highly of volunteers of the temple. He In an interview to MSNBC, Obama had said: Gujarati composer Avinash Vyas’s song ‘Dada ho dikri’. During the social hour, Ambassador Sen was deeply spiritual and as president, he organized “We should probably try to facilitate a better Vora’s narration of a mother’s love for her children and patiently mingled with the prominent community several outstanding events like Sahasra understanding between Pakistan and India and try to his heart rending song of a blind mother’s letter express- members, business and political leaders while the Lingarchana, Temple kumbhabhishekam, etc. and resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focused ing her concern and unconditional love for his son,toiling organizers ensured warm hospitality, by catering invited so many enlightened persons and scholars not on India, but on the situation with those militants.” away in Mumbai had many listeners teary- eyed. snacks and also distributing traditional box of sweets like Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Swami Dayananda, “It is ill-advised and outdated and reflects his Manish and Tripti sang few more Bollywood in the spirit festooned with Diwali. “This is the Swami chidatmananda, Swami Sukhabodhananda, advisers have not kept up with the times,” said Arundhati songs like ‘tadap tadapke is dil se.’ The musicians too best Diwali gift for Georgia and the community,” Swami Adhyatmananda, Sri Karunamayi Amma, Ghose, a former Indian diplomat who represented India performed with gusto, displaying amazing teamwork.. exclaimed one enthusiastic participant...... 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November 2008 NRI PULSE 21 EVENTS Fourth Annual NOVEMBER 14 University Student Center CLASSIFIEDS Regional Conference Contact: Courtney Raines 404-413-7267 Of U S P A A C C-SE Rahat Fateh Ali Email us at [email protected] to book your classified ad today! Event Agenda: NOVEMBER 21 Khan Live in Concert 8:00 - 9:00 Registration and Networking When: Friday, Nov 21 FREE BIRTH CHART 9:00 - 9:10 Welcome MARKETING ASSOCIATES Where: Impact Conference Center, Global Mall 9:10 - 9:50Panel ‘How to Bring Ideas & Pandit Vishnu Astrologer and Hindu Contact: Mustafa Ajmeri at 678-463-6613 NRI Pulse Newspaper is looking for Innovation to Market’, with Dave Savage, of priest Call 404-444-5284. Investors Association, and team marketing associates to work on Harinam And Lord NOVEMBER 21 commission basis. 9:50 -10:00Break Krishna Bhajans DEBT HELP NOW! 10:00 -10:40The Dollars and Sense for Small organized by Hare Call us at 404-235-4998 or email us at Businesses, with SBA Office and Bankers Krishna Temple, Atlanta at Global Mall on [email protected]. Bankruptcies: Chapters 7 & 13. 10:40 -12:10 How to Supercharge Your November, Friday the 21st and every third Sundeep Kothari, Esq. Business and Yourself with Boaz Rauchwerger Friday of each month. All are invited to 678-353-3232. www.klfpc.com. 12:10 - 12:50 Lunch participate. Please contact Balabhadra Das Tel FREELANCE WRITER 12:50 - 1:40 Keynote - ‘How Your Business 404 296 5209, Madanmohan, No. 770 979 CALL NOW!” Can Survive and Thrive In the Midst of Rising 6679. NRI Pulse Newspaper is looking for Energy Costs’, with GE When: Nov 21, 2008, Time: 7.30 p.m to 9.00 p.m freelance reporters to work on HOME FOR SALE 1:40 - 1:50 Closing Remarks Where: Global Mall, 5675 Global Mall, commission basis. Home for sale in Norcross area 3 bed 2:00 - 4:00 Trade Show Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA-30076 When: Nov 14, 2008, Time: 8:00 a.m till 4:00 Contact: Mohanlal Fatania,Tel : 770 979 6679 Call us at 404-235-4998 or email us at and 2 bath four side brick, Call p.m Email: [email protected] [email protected]. Mohammed 678-914-9927 Where: GE Energy Building, 4200 Wildwood Web Link: http:// atlantaharekrishnas.org Pkwy. (Auditorium), Atlanta,GA-30339 Contact: Fify Manan Tel: 770-381-9616 83rd Birthday NOVEMBER 22 Email: [email protected] Celebrations Of Sathya Sai Baba When: Nov 22, 2008, Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 Saakar presents Taj ADVERTISE HERE NOVEMBER 15 p.m. Mahal Ka Tender Where: 827 Village Manor Place, Suwannee, Awarded Best Hindi Play GA 30024 When: Sat Nov 15 at 3 pm at North Atlanta Place your classified ad here Contact: Rao Damaraju,Tel: (404)-931-5327 High School, 2875 Northside Dr., NW, Atlanta Web Link: http://www.atlsaiseva.org GA 30305 for just $15 a month for the Sun Nov 16 at 3 pm North Atlanta High Art of Living NOVEMBER 11-23 School, 2875 Northside Dr., NW, Atlanta GA Foundation first 20 words. Each additional 30305 Free Seminars (pre-register at http:// word 50 cents. and Sun Nov 23 at 5 pm at Meadowcreek High secure.artofliving.org; ages 18+) School, 4455 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross November 11, 18, (Tuesday) 6pm - 8pm GA 30093 Venue: Borders Bookstore, 605 Ernest W Contact: Mini: 770-270-1758 or email Barrett Parkway NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Call us at 404-235-4998 to [email protected] Ph (678)581.1243 book your ad today! Gospel Musical NOVEMBER 15 Art of Living Foundation Evening at Atlanta Free Seminars (pre-register at http:// Tamil Church secure.artofliving.org; ages 18+) By Sis. Esther Baby. November 15, 22 (Saturday) 4 pm – 5 pm When: Nov 15, 2008 at 6.00PM Venue: Art of Living Atlanta Center, 7730 Where: Atlanta Tamil Church, 2534 Duluth Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA, 30350 Highway, Duluth, GA-30093 Want NRI Pulse at Home? Contact: Rev. Palmer Paramadhas, Tel: 770 Art Of Living Course 723-1711 Dates: Nov 11 – 16, 2008 (6 sessions: Tuesday to Email: [email protected] Sunday) Web Link: http://www.atlantatamilchurch.org Times: Tu, We, Th, Fr: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Sa, Su: Subscribe Today for Just $10 a Year! 10 AM – 4 PM Homage To Lord NOVEMBER 16 Place: Art of Living Atlanta Center, 7730 Roswell Just mail in this completed form with a check for $10 made Nataraja Road, Atlanta, GA, 30350 7th Annual Dance Course Fee : $450 general, $275/students, seniors payable to NRI Pulse Media Inc. Program On ‘ Karanas’ . Free Admission. ($75 discount on all registrations received a week Name: Donations Towards HTA Siva Temple. before the course start date) When: Nov 16, 2008 at 2.00PM Register online at http://secure.artofliving.org Where: Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Address: 5851 GA HIGHWAY, RIVERDALE Art Of Living Course GA-30274 Dates: Nov 18 – 23, 2008 (6 sessions: Tuesday to Contact: Sujaya Dixit, 770-955-1881 Sunday) City: Times: Tu, We, Th, Fr: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Sa, Su: Financial Turmoil NOVEMBER 19 10 AM – 4 PM And Regional Place: Studioplex Lofts, 659 Auburn Ave, Atlanta, Tel: Email: Growth Prospects GA 30312 Quarterly Forecasting Conference by Dr. Course Fee : $450 general, $275/students, seniors NRIPulse Media Inc. Rajeev Dhawan. $75 discount on all registrations received a week When: Nov 19, 2008, Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. before the course start date) 414 Druid Oaks Dr NE, Atlanta GA 30329 Where: Speaker’s Auditorium, Georgia State Register online at http://secure.artofliving.org 404-235-4998 [email protected] November 2008 22 NRI PULSE ...... Features ...... Help! I Hate My Job! HOROSCOPES Dear Deep Essence, As far as the business idea goes, why wait for it to happen Monthly Forecast for November 2008 I am deeply dissatisfied with someday, why not start today? For weekly forecast, visit www.NRIPulse.com my job. Let’s face it, I hate That doesn’t mean you get a loan, getting up in the morning and starting selling your product BY DR. PREM KUMAR SHARMA because I know I have to go to or services today. It does mean work. I have a great business that you take a few minutes out ARIES: This month you would be able to bring success at workplace with the help of idea but I don’t have enough per day to allow yourself time your sharp mind and ability to understand any intricate problem. Some dazzling beauty savings to start it. With the and space to define your vision. or a handsome personality will attract you and your will begin a romantic ride. You will current economy, I don’t even Then, start to develop a business get rid of your prolonged illness after strict monitoring. know if starting a business is plan. As you start feeling a good idea. I know this job passionate about your business TAURUS: In mid of the month monotonous work could affect professional charm. Keep your provides for me but I am idea, you may start to have a frustration under control and don’t let it affect work. Try to concentrate on reaching an ambitious irritated all the time. I am different perspective on your job goal. This way you can make enormous progress in a short time. There are chances that you may taking out my anger on my situation. You may start to view get attracted towards someone special at your workplace and you will fall in love towards the family and friends. I feel AQSA ZAREEN your job as a stepping stone middle of the month. However, it will be in your interest to keep the relationship a secret for the stuck and unmotivated about FAROOQUI towards your future goals. You time being. This month overweight persons need to be more conscious about their health. life. Is there a solution to do need your job at this time this problem? to help you pay your bills. GEMINI: Your dream to be a fighter pilot is likely to materialize this month as you get success Dear Deep Essence Try to start saving every in your entrance examination. Time has come when you will have to devote yourself fully Dear Deeply Dissatisfied, month, so you can start your to make it a reality. Behave decently with your partner as during this month you might business. Life requires confront with your worst time in romance as your highly impolite behavior can ruin your The good news is you have several options money and passion and you deserve to enjoy love affair. Expectant mothers could suffer stress problem this month. available to you. But the bad news is the only the best of both worlds. way you can start feeling better is to accept your CANCER: This month you may face tough situations at workplace but your ability to sort current situation. Don’t fight, resist, or argue that **The advice may be helpful but is not intended them out with your sharp mind would help you to grow professionally. This month there are it be different. Because guess what? It’s not. As as a substitute for professional care. Aqsa Zareen chances that you will spend some quality time with your partner that will help both of you in long as you are in denial of your reality, you Farooqui is a Licensed Professional Counselor. understanding each other well. Overweight people may have to suffer this month so follow this won’t be able to make a decision that works for To send her a question about stress, depression, weight control mantra i.e. just make it a habit to avoid spicy & junk food. you because you will be spending too much time parenting, relationship or career concerns, email feeling sorry for yourself. Once you can accept her at [email protected] All inquiries will LEO: Promising month for professionals engaged in the field of architecture, as they things just as they are, you will experience clarity be kept strictly confidential. For more information are likely to get an offer from abroad. Your dull life will get brighten this month as there and that will motivate you in the right direction. log on to: www.deepesssence.com.** are strong chances of meeting long-separated beloved/lover. Good month for the persons suffering from digestive problems as they are likely to find a remedy for their ailment.

VIRGO: This month you would not be able to achieve a strong position at workplace Letters to the Editor due to your lack of self confidence and quick decision making power. You are likely to Email your thoughts/opinions to [email protected]. Selected emails will be published face some disappointment on wasting valuable time in one-sided affair. Health related in the forthcoming issue of NRI Pulse. problems could cause some concerns.

LIBRA: Your unique quality of adaptability i.e. to adjust in all situations will bring benefits and you will get recognition of your seniors. This month you might get the SuDoku Challenge support from a caring, sensitive & understanding friend who would fit into your romantic dreams. Don’t slip the golden opportunity from your hand. Good month on health front as you get rid of mental stress and physical illness. Rules: 1.The 3 x 3 sub grids are called 8 7 9 5 regions SCORPIO: Your mental stress and unplanned activities will not bring good results at professional 2.Numbers already filled in the grid are called front and you will fail to achieve set professional targets by month end. A promising month when givens 172 9 you have ample time to enjoy the company of partner. The opportunity would not only recreate 3.The goal of the player is to fill the blank some romantic memories but also brighten life, as you are successful in understanding each other grids of 3 better. Headache could trouble especially at the end of the month. · Every row · Every column and 5 9 1 2 · Every 3 x 3 box SAGITTARIUS: For those seeking change in job, this is a good month as you will get the most · With the numbers 6 3 awaited interview call. This month you may have to suffer with the separation of your partner or 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 beloved as he/she may have to go out of the town or country for some reason. Disabled people will However: All rows and columns and regions 2 1 4 8 be benefited this month as they use their tremendous potentials to fight their disability. (3 x 3) should contain numbers 1 to 9 without being repeated. 6 CAPRICORN: Chances are that you are likely to suffer from excess workload on the

professional front. This month you are likely to face some volatile time in your love 7 1 9 4

affair. There are even chances that it could force you to snap ties. In mid month there SuDoku Solutions

1 5 4 7 2 3 9 8

are chances that pain around the eyes, forehead or temples could trouble. 6 9 54 6 9 6 8 3 7

1

2 5

AQUARIUS: This month you may have to suffer with the crisis at workplace but support of 4

4 8 2 6 7 3 9 5

colleagues will save you this time and help you maintain your position. A little misunderstanding 1

9 8 4 5 6 7 2 3 1 NRI Pulse Online Magazine

with your partner will take a big shape this month and you have to handle this situation very

8 7 4 5 6 9 3 2

tactfully. The good news is that your cheerfulness would enable you to enjoy a sound health. 1 The Complete Portal for NRIs

2 7 6 4 9 5 8 3 1 www.NRIPulse.com

9 4 5 7 3 8 6 2 PISCES: This month you have to suffer at workplace as one golden opportunity will slip from 1 News, Views, Blogs, Features, Perspectives,

8 9 2 5 1 6 4 7 your hands due to lack of your communication skills. You are likely to fall in love but there are 3 Debates, Community Profiles, Immigration, Health,

chances that it will not last long because your partner probably does not think of you as a long- Business, Youth, Fashion, Entertainment, 7 6

1 3 4 9 5

8 term prospect. This month there are possibilities that you could suffer minor health problems. 2 Bollywood, Cookery, Free Classifieds and more... November 2008 NRI PULSE 23 November 2008 24 NRI PULSE