US Affairs 9 Op Ed 19 Lifestyle 27 SpiritualCommunity Awareness 15 30

TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 14-20, 2011 ThePSG College South of Technology, Asian Coimbatore Times NEW celebratesYORK EDITION diamond jubileeExcellence in New In Journalism Jersey Vol. 4he | No.12 Diamond | July Jubilee9-15, 2011visiting | 60 dignitariesCents of PSG PSG College of Technology and its Celebrations of PSG Management Mr. G. Rangaswamy- growth into an University accredi- TheSouthAsianTimes.info TCollege of Technology, Managing Trustee, Mr. C.R. tation which will be honored upon Coimbatore, Indian-AmericanIndia was held at Swaminathan - the ChiefJAINA’sPSG 16th next year. It emphasized the Deadlock over Parsi community Chutney Marybroadcaster restaurant files in ageExecutive, Dr. R. RudramoorthyConvention – importance in Houston of PSG Tech Corpus separate Telangana, created modern Monmouth Junction,discrimination New Jersey suit Principal PSGCT, Dr– a huge P. Fund, success which will help in education protests hot up India: Amitav Ghosh on Saturday May 7, 2011. The Radhakrishnan - Director, of 200 deserving students every gathering wasNational attended Community, by 50 PSGIAS, Dr. R. NandagopalJAINA – Convention,year. The PSG Trust already helps India Newswire, Features, alumni from variousPage 7 fields of PSG Director, PGSIM, Dr.Pages G. 16-18250 students each year for their Page 12 Page 26 College of Technology. The alumni Ranganathan - President, Alumni education. came from Boston, Virginia, Association, Dr R. Nadarajan, Some of the alumni honored by Pennsylvania, New York and New Head/Maths & Computer Mr. Rangaswamy were - Mr. Jack Jersey. PakistanIncluded were, the oldest Applications, turns PSGCT, Dr A. Poola 2G for his donations scam to PSG claims another graduate Mr. Shanmugam from Kandaswamy, Head/Biomedical Tech, Mr. SampathKumar, Mr. 1959 batch and the youngest grad- Engineering, PSGCT. Marthuchala Moorthy, Mr. Selvam uate from‘new 2010 batch. frontThe slide line’ show presentation and Mr. Vijay for planning the The college's Managing Trustee Mr Rangswamy presenting a plaque minister:to Jack PoolaMaran (left) in recognition of hisquits donation to PSG Tech. Theof meeting war was presided onby highlighted terror various departments in meeting in New Jersey.

Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran is second DMK minister to exit Manmohan government in the spectrum scam. 53 percent of terror plots worldwide since 2004 involved jihadists, like Tehrik-e-Taliban and LeT cadres, trained in Pakistan. New Delhi/Chennai: Union While the government and the showed complicity in the scam. Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Ma- Congress party did not comment on Thursday’s turn of events is Mg Trustee Mr Rangaswamy presenting a plaque to Sampath Kumar, Mr C R Swaminathan Chief Executieve (in white) and Dr Radhakrishnan Toronto: Pakistan is now the resistance to the country’s govern- ran resigned Thursday following the big political development, an likely to impact both the shape of organizer of the event Past Principal (in blue) with students new front in the war on terror as it ment, the draconian imposition of allegations of involvement in the emboldened opposition described impending cabinet shuffle and deli- has become a new safe haven for al- Sharia law and the waging of war 2G spectrum scam, becoming the it as “too little too late” and sought cately poised relations between the Qaeda, says the Canadian media a against NATO forces in Afghanistan. second DMK minister after A. resignation of Home Minister P. Congress and the DMK. day after the country blacklisted the Because of these militant outfits Raja to exit the cabinet. Chidambaram, who they alleged 2G scam continued on page 4 Pakistani Taliban and started with- Pakistan has become “the main drawal from Afghanistan Tuesday. staging area for terrorist plots “The war on terror has shifted, around the world and - despite the Kerala temple and Pakistan is its new front line,” United States’ assassination of Osa- said the daily National Post. ma bin Laden in Abbotabad - a new treasure could be “These two events (blacklisting safe-haven for al-Qaeda.” of the Pakistani Taliban and the Quoting a study by the New worth $100 billion start of withdrawal from Afghani- America Foundation, the paper stan) encapsulate a shift, not only said 53 percent of terror plots New Delhi: The billion), believes former chief sec- for Canada, but for all other na- worldwide since 2004 involved valuables found in retary of Kerala CP Nair. tions on the front lines of the war jihadists trained in Pakistan, com- the secret cellars of As per a report, Thursday, the on terror. For a number of years, pared to six percent in Yemen and Kerala’s famous Sree former bureaucrat claims that the those lines have been shifting three percent in Iraq. Pakistani ji- Padmanabhaswamy estimated market value of the trea- southeast, from Afghanistan to hadi groups have directed 44 per- Temple in Thiru- sures unearthed from the temple Pakistan,” the paper said. cent of the terror plots since then, makes it the richest temple in the Only five of the six secret cellars of Padmanab- v a n a n t h a p u r a m haswamy Temple have been opened, yielding It Mg. said Trustee the Tehrik-e-Taliban Mr. Rangaswamy is presentingaccording a to plaque the paper. to Dr Rudramurthy, Principal, speaking.world. Mg Trustee and could be worth Rs GoldThe idols, alumni ornaments at the event and other valuables. very dangerous as Selvam,its “stated master goal” isof ceremonyWar on terror continued on page 4 5Selvam lakh are crore also ($100 seen in Keralathe picture. treasure continued on page 4

Tristate Community 3

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 Dirtier air and higher power bills Another accolade for for NY if nuclear plant closes Dr Leena Doshi Gov. Cuomo is determined to close the Indian Point plant but Mayor Bloomberg has said it cannot be shut down for the next 4-5 years.

New York: Shuttering the Indian down “for the next four or five deter the governor. He reiterated a Point nuclear power plant, 35 miles years.” That position could leave statement from last month that said north of Manhattan, would lead to him at odds with Gov. Andrew M. that “the governor’s longstanding significantly dirtier air and higher Cuomo, who has told executives of position with respect to closing In- electric bills for New York City res- Indian Point’s owner, Entergy, that dian Point has been clear, and this idents, according to a report com- he was determined to close the administration intends to follow missioned by the city. plant, which stands along the Hud- through with implementing that The report concludes that, for the son River about 35 miles north of policy.” next several years, there probably Midtown. Three projects are under way that will not be enough new power gen- The licenses for the plant’s reac- could replace some of the power erated to replace the 2,000 MW pro- tors are scheduled for renewal in that would be lost if Indian Point duced by the two reactors at Indian 2013 and 2015. Together, the reac- closed. But even after the comple- Point. That shortfall could leave the tors produce as much as 25 percent tion of all three — power plants in city with a less reliable supply of of the power consumed in Consoli- Astoria, Queens, and Bayonne, N.J., electricity and a greater risk of dated Edison’s service area, which and a transmission cable from New brownouts, the report finds. includes New York City and Jersey to Manhattan — there would Dr Leena Doshi, the founder of Doshi Diagnostic Imaging Services, Those findings reinforce the stat- Westchester County. not be enough power to meet the receiving Award for Leadership and Community Service from former ed views of Mayor Michael R. Asked for a response to the report, standards for reliability required in President of India APJ Abdul Kalam on June 23, 2011 Bloomberg, who has said that Indi- Josh Vlasto, a spokesman for Mr. the city, the report says. in a Convention at Hotel Hilton, New York. an Point probably cannot be shut Cuomo, indicated that it would not When demand for electricity rises in the summer of 2016, the first er from up north into the city, but Point’s output would require more peak period after the reactors could it’s four or five years before they get fuel-burning plants. be retired, “given the current here.” A shutdown also would drive up prospects for new capacity in New On another issue important to the the wholesale cost of electricity in York, resource adequacy will fall mayor, the report says that a shut- the city and state by about 10 per- below acceptable levels at that down of Indian Point “would sub- cent, or a total of $1.5 billion a year, point,” it says. stantially reduce the possibility” of it says. That would translate to a rise Last week, the mayor addressed achieving the goals for reducing the of 5 percent to 10 percent in the that potential problem in a radio in- city’s carbon emissions that were amount residential customers pay terview. “If you want to shut down laid out in Mr. Bloomberg’s long- Con Edison for the electricity they Indian Point, you probably cannot term plan known as PlaNYC. It es- consume. Those consumers also do it for four or five years anyways timates that the amount of carbon would most likely bear some of the because we don’t have alternative emissions and nitrogen oxides in the costs of the subsidies that would be power sources,” Mr. Bloomberg air in the city and state would in- necessary to entice developers to A view of the Indian Point nuclear power plant, 35 miles said. “Now, there are plants being crease by at least 5 percent to 10 build new power plants, the report north of Manhattan. built and power lines bringing pow- percent because replacing Indian says. Shri Sanatan Mandir, Rameshbhai Oza holds Speed up visas for Parsippany, NJ, organ- ized a three day religious discourses in NJ Indians in US: Punjab discourse on Shrimad New Delhi: The Punjab govern- the backlog. Bhagawat Dasham ment has asked the external affairs Bath told reporters here soon af- Skandh “Bal Krishna ministry to remove hurdles faced ter his meeting with Kaur that she Lila” by world renowned by people of Indian origin ( PIO) in assured to address the PIOs' issue, the US in obtaining visa to visit In- not just of the US, but from other saint Rameshbhai dia. Punjab Non-Resident Indian countries too. “Bhaishri” Oza. The (NRI) Affairs Minister Captain He said during his recent visit to Katha offered the atten- Balbir Singh Bath, who met Union the US, several PIOs from Punjab dees a unique opportuni- Minister of State for External Af- had brought to his notice the delay ty to learn and under- fairs Preneet Kaur here, also asked in getting visas to visit India for stand the life of Lord the central government to expedite both business purposes and to meet the visa applications from PIOs in their family members and rela- Krishna in Gokul & the US from his state and to clear tives. Vrindavan 4 Community

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Tristate Community 5

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011

5 Indians in Carnegie Corporation’s IRS revives amnesty program “Americans by Choice” list for foreign accounts holders New York: Forty-five women from Temple University. Desai the Center for Advanced Study New York: The Internal Revenue and men from around the world graduated from the Indian in the Behavioral Sciences. He Service (IRS) is reviving an amnesty have been selected “Americans Institute of Technology (IIT), has served as a Trustee of program for people with unreported by Choice” by the Carnegie Mumbai, with a Bachelor’s Vassar College, where he foreign accounts. The 2011 volun- Corporation of New York, a degree in Chemical received the Distinguished tary disclosure initiative imposes philanthropic foundation creat- Engineering. Achievement Award from the somewhat higher penalties than the ed by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 He is followed by Alumnae & Alumni of Vassar prior voluntary disclosure initiative and The New York Times. Each Harmit.S.Malik who is in the College. which ended in 2009 but still allows year, this list, declared on biomedical field. He arrived at Ramani Ayer, 63 was appoint- qualifying participants to obtain cer- 5% for certain inherited accounts); Independence Day salutes their the University of Rochester in ed as a director of XL Group in tainty about avoiding criminal prose- 2. Payment of any U.S. income tax founder Andrew Carnegie’s 1993 with an undergraduate February 2011. Previously, cution. due on unreported income for an legacy, by celebrating an ideal degree in chemical engineering Ayer served as the Chairman of To qualify, individuals with for- unreported account during the calen- he held so dearly: citizenship. from IIT Mumbai and was soon the board and CEO of Hartford eign accounts must disclose any dar years 2003 through 2010; and, The Americans celebrated in assigned to teach an introducto- Financial Services Group Inc. unreported income from 2003 on 3. Payment of a 20% penalty on the list, which includes 5 ry genetics course. Although from February 1997 to October and pay all taxes, interest and penal- any U.S. income tax due under num- Indians this year, emigrated to Malik had started taking biolo- 2009. In addition, Ayer is the ties due on the understatement. The ber two. the United States from six con- gy courses in India after read- former Chairman of the initiative is currently set to expire on Participants accepted into the ini- tinents and range in occupation ing The Selfish Gene by American Insurance August 31, 2011. tiative must file amended returns and from opera singer and NASA Richard Dawkins, he had never Association, the Property & For taxpayers seeking to partici- make an arrangement for payment of astronaut to circuit court judge formally studied genetics. Casualty CEO Roundtable and pate in the initiative, the IRS will all taxes, interest, and penalties on or and university president. Biology was a shift for Malik. the Insurance Services Office. require the participant to agree with before August 31, 2011. They also include a celebrity Malik studies the battlefield of He is currently a member of the the following terms if the participant Taxpayers accepted into the initia- chef, MVP baseball player, evolutionary conflict and board and past chairman of the otherwise qualifies (i.e., is not cur- tive must also agree to surrender cer- artist and comedian. The first describes the biological forces Hartford Hospital, as well as a rently under an IRS investigation or tain defenses in order to participate Indian on the list is Dinesh R that shape essential DNA ele- board member of the Maharishi audit): in the initiative. The surrender of Desai - the Chairman of DARR ments as well as the ongoing University of Management and 1. Payment of a 25% penalty on these defenses could result in a sig- Global Holdings, Inc. He struggle between pathogens and the David Lynch Foundation. the highest aggregate annual balance nificant reduction in the above mon- founded the firm in 1986. Desai their hosts. The last but not the least is fed- for the unreported international etary penalties. The decision regard- spent 12 years with American Another Indian included in eral chief information officer account during calendar years 2003 ing whether to participate in the vol- Can and Arco Chemical in vari- the list is Jamshed Barucha, Vivek Kundra who recently through 2010 (reduced to 12.5% untary disclosure initiative depends ous management positions, President of Cooper Union. His quit the position for Harvard when the balance in all international on a participant’s facts and circum- including marketing, manufac- research is in cognitive psy- Fellowship. accounts does not exceed $75,000 stances as well as the participant’s turing, finance, planning, and chology and neuroscience, Economist Raj Patel from UK during these years, and reduced to risk tolerance with theIRS. research and development. He focusing on the cognitive and and entrepreneur- came to America from India in neural basis of the perception philanthropist 1972. He also holds a Master's of music. Safi Qureshey degree in Chemical He was editor of the interdis- from Pakistan are Engineering from Montana ciplinary journal Music other South State University and an MBA Perception and was a Fellow at Asians in the list. Brooklyn Shanti’s new track gets Bipasha Bapu tweeting New York: Former vocalist of the acclaimed Dum Dum Project, Brooklyn Shanti has released a new track whose melodic Caribbean harmony sets a base for his eased Bengali vocals on “Rani Rani.”The track focuses on seeking real love and the patience it takes to find one. “Rani Rani” literally translates to “my princess, my queen”, mentioned Brooklyn Shanti about his track. This is the first sin- gle off of Brooklyn Shanti’s EP, which will release sometime this year. The music video features stills of Bipasha Basu and what’s more, it caught the attention of the superstar herself. The Bollywood hottie tweeted, "Saw a cute bengali song by Brooklyn Shanti called ' Rani Rani' with my pix as Brooklyn Shanti’s song ‘Rani Rani’ visuals for the video! Liked the song:)." features stills of Bipasha Basu Gayatri Chetna Center holds free health camps in NJ New Jersey: About 160 week prior to the camp and by the patients and their people without adequate were checked by doctors relatives who participated insurance coverage bene- based on their diagnosis. A in the camp. fitted from a health camp large team of volunteers The group will also cele- organized by the Gayatri from Gayatri Chetna brate the birth centenary of Chetna Center of New Kendra with a medical its founder – Pandit Jersey, in Piscataway June background, worked hard Shriram Sharma Acharya 19. Participants were asked to support the camp and in the Piscataway campus to provide blood samples a their effort was appreciated July 28 to 31. 6 Tristate Community

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Kushagra Bajaj gifts $2.5 million to Jalaram Mandir Carnegie Mellon for endowment chair raises $65,000 for Pittsburgh, PA: Kushagra Nayan Mellon president Jared L. Cohon. Bajaj, vice chairman of Mumbai- “Through his generosity, (Bajaj) is expansion project based Bajaj Group, has made a $2.5 further strengthening the connection Hoffman Estates, Ill: Over 800 Jalaram’s blessings for the commu- million gift to endow a professorship between Carnegie Mellon and devotees helped raise some $65,000 nity. at Carnegie Mellon University’s India…We are pleased to partner with at a June 11 fundraiser for the In his opening remarks, Chirayu Tepper School of Business. The gift him through this professorship." Jalaram Mandir here. All the money Parikh, president of the temple’s will be used to establish the Bajaj Carnegie Mellon’s main campus in raised at the event at India House in executive committee, thanked Family Chair, which will be held by a the U.S. is in Pittsburgh, Pa. It also Schaumburg, Ill., will benefit the trustees, donors and volunteers for Tepper School professor to be named has campuses in Silicon Valley and temple expansion project, according their support. by the university’s president and Qatar, and programs in Asia, to a press release. He praised Don Class, construc- provost. The chair recipient will select Australia, Europe and Mexico. The The event began with lamp-light- tion superintendent of the village of the field of teaching and research. university’s $1 billion Inspire ing ceremony led by priest C.L. Hoffman Estates, Hemant Purohit, Bajaj graduated from the Tepper Innovation campaign aims to build its Shastri, who also delivered the the project architect, and all those School in 1997 with a degree in eco- K N Bajaj is vice chairman of endowment, support faculty and benediction. Mafat Patel was the who had contributed to the project. nomics, political philosophy and Mumbai-based Bajaj Group research, and enhance the physical chief guest and Hoffman Estates Madhusudan Thakker, chairman finance. He is providing the gift Inspire Innovation campaign. More campus with equipment and facility Mayor William McLeod was the of the temple’s executive commit- through his family foundation, the than 30 percent of Carnegie Mellon improvements. guest of honor. tee, gave a PowerPoint presentation Kamalnayan Jamnalal Bajaj students are from outside the U.S., The Bajaj Group is one of India’s In his brief remarks, McLeod on the life and times of Jalaram Foundation. and most of them are from India, the top 10 business conglomerates. It has appreciated the community’s contri- bapa. “I am proud to strengthen my asso- university said, adding that the largest interests in power generation, con- butions to diversity in the village The event culminated with a clas- ciation with Carnegie Mellon concentration of CMU alumni outside sumer goods, coal mining, sugar man- and praised the temple expansion as sical dance presentation by children, University and this endowment is a of the U.S. live in India. ufacturing, ethanol production and a valuable addition to the landscape. choreographed by Mrugakshi Desai. gesture of appreciation for my alma “On behalf of Carnegie Mellon, I real estate. The group’s revenues are Rajendra Prasad, who flew from Other children recited the Hanuman mater,” he said in a statement. “I wish thank Kushagra Bajaj and his family more than $1 billion with a gross mar- India especially to attend the event, Chalisa and Jolly Mukherjee and the university the very best with its for this wonderful gift," said Carnegie ket cap of over $1.5 billion. gave the benediction seeking Lord group also performed. Pam Kwatra named Dr Abdul Razzaque Ahmed receives President at 2011 Annual prestigious Pan Arab League award Dubai, UAE: The Pan Arab League of Dermatologists Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, in SABAN Awards honored Dr. Abdul Razzaque Ahmed of Boston, Dermatology at the University of Buffalo, and in Massachusetts with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the University of The Award was given at a joint meeting of the Pan California at Los Angeles. Dr. Ahmed was on the Arab League of Dermatologists and Dubai Derm 2011 Faculty of Medicine at UCLA for six years before held at the International Convention Center in Dubai. moving to Harvard University in Boston. He began The patron of the Meeting was HRH Crown Prince of molecular research and earned a Doctorate of Science Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al degree from the Harvard University Faculty of Maktoum, who presided over the session. In announc- Medicine, and a Master’s degree in Public ing the Award, Dr. Omar Al Sheikh of Riyadh, KSA, Administration (MPA) from the Kennedy School of Secretary General, stated: “In recognition of his 35 Government at Harvard University. years of dedication and commitment to treating Dr. Ahmed is one among a handful of blistering dis- patients with severe autoimmune blistering diseases ease specialists in the world. and for the discovery of new and novel ther- apies to treatment them. In addition, in recognition of his numerous landmark and milestone contributions enhancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of their pathogenesis, the Pan Arab League of Dermatologists present this Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Abdul Razzaque Ahmed.” The Pan Arab League of Dermatologists Chief Guest Congresswomen Judy Chu of California 32nd has been in existence since 1979. It consists District honored Kwatra with the proclamation of 23 Arab countries which have a cumula- Los Angeles: The South Asian Pam Kwatra their national tive population of over 8700 dermatologist Business Alliance Network President. The gala event started that constitute the League. It meets every (SABAN) held its 5th annual busi- with the opening speech by three years in a different Arab country. This ness showcase, gala award and Kwatra. is the first time in its 33 years of existence entertainment night on June 24, Kwatra is a community leader that it has bestowed such an award. 2011 at the Grand Wilshire Hotel and Founder/President of Kripari Dr. Ahmed is originally from a small town here. Marketing, recipient of the presti- called Wani in the District Yavatmal in The theme of this year’s event gious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Maharashtra in Central India. He studied was “the emerging South Asian Award and President of Indian medicine at the All-India Institute of Medical Americans.” National Overseas Congress, New Sciences in New Delhi. Shortly thereafter he At this event SABAN named Jersey. went to the United States where he trained in National Community 7

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 Nikki Haley’s memoir to hit Indian-American broadcaster stands in 2012 files age discrimination suit New York: South Carolina’s Houston: Veteran former minority workers in a depart- Indian-American Governor Indian-American broadcaster ment, and women over 40 Nikki Haley is all set to pub- Sue Manteris has filed a feder- only; not in this millennium, lish her memoir just shy of al discrimination and harass- not in this country," Manteris her 40th birthday. Her book, ment lawsuit against her for- said, adding, "unfortunately, “Can’t is Not an Option”, is mer employer KSNV/Channel some businesses still need to expected to hit shelves in 3. learn that." January 2012 and will be Varanasi-born Sunanda The lawsuit, which was filed published by Sentinel, a con- "Sue" Tripathi-Manteris, filed with US Equal Employment servative imprint within the lawsuit against station Opportunity Commission, owner Valley Broadcasting names Valley Broadcasting Penguin Group. Sue Manteris has filed case Co, Intermountain West Co, the owner of KSNV. It also At 39, Haley maybe the against KSNV/Channel 3 youngest politician in Communications, other corpo- names news director Bob America but her profile is no rate entities and KSNV station managers and Stoldal, general manager Lisa Howfield, and less. executives in US District Court for Nevada. KSNV attorney Douglas Roman Hill. Haley’s fight to prove that Manteris, who had been with the NBC Las "This case is about principles, ethics and women can rock, provided Vegas affiliate for 22 years before her final the law of our land," Manteris said in a state- inspiration when it seemed broadcast on June 9, claims that KSNV's let ment. In her complaint, Manteris alleged that impossible that a relatively her go because she was too old and from the station "has failed to ensure a workplace inexperienced, deeply con- an ethnic minority. free from discrimination and employment." servative woman could win She had been told her contract was not "Despite being a large and highly visible being renewed because of cost-cutting meas- organization, the station has no company a bid to govern the state South Carolina’s Indian American Governor Nikki Haley where the Civil War began. ures at NBC-owned KSNV-TV station. diversity training program... (nor) Human She has built a governorship election as South Carolina’s nominee in every race since But Manteris, who is in her mid 40s, Resource Department involvement in the on aggressive budget cut- chief executive, how she 1980. claims she was picked on because she was handling of discrimination complaints, she ting, a relentless pursuit of handled the state’s rough- Legislators say her admin- she considered too old to read the news. She said. job growth and a cheer- and-tumble politics and her istration is a refreshing also alleges that her contract was not Manteris is one of the first Asian- leader’s enthusiasm for a life as a first-generation change from the tumultuous renewed because she was a minority worker, American broadcasters in Las Vegas. She state that often finishes American, days of her predecessor, and said other staff from ethnic minorities moved to the city to work in Channel 3 as a toward the back of the pack postandcourier.com said. Mark Sanford, whose unco- had been replaced by white reporters. reporter in 1989. She eventually became in education, economics and “A lot of people wanted to operative relations with She called the lawsuit "a fight, I couldn't news anchor and in recent years, was being health. know what happened in the elected officials is legend run away from." promoted by the station on-air as 'Anchor In March, Haley said in a campaign,” she was quoted around the Statehouse. She "Cost-cutting measures cannot target all Mom.' published interview that in as telling The Post and has also received good her memoir “she would Courier in April. marks for fighting to lower cover everything from grow- During the primary season, Medicaid costs and for many ing up in rural South Haley, a married mother of of her cabinet appointments. Carolina to her contentious two, also shouldered accusa- Though the governor’s 2010 campaign, when she tions of marital infidelity. strict approach to limiting faced - and denied - allega- The book also is expected to spending hit a wall with law- tions of infidelity.” cover Haley’s vision for the makers, who this week over- Though the Republican country and the Republican rode most of the vetoes she governor says she’s not Party, according to her pub- issued on a $6 billion gener- seeking higher office, her lit- lishing house. al fund budget. erary agent Robert Barnett’s A parade of Republican Still, governing the way past clients include presidential candidates has she wants to seems to give Presidents Barack Obama, passed through her office in her the biggest thrill. “You George W. Bush and Bill the Capitol here, seeking her can feel the energy. You can Clinton. advice and, more important, feel the buzz,” she said. “It’s Haley’s new book will her endorsement. South because people are incredi- give the first-term Carolina, which holds the bly excited about their gov- Republican a chance to South’s first primary, has ernment and elected officials reveal behind-the-scenes correctly picked the are incredibly scared and it’s details of her once unlikely Republican presidential a beautiful thing.” Indian forum welcomes easing of passport surrender rules Washington, DC: The Global nity for the government of India but can Organization of People of Indian Origin also reduce workload at the consulates', (GOPIO International) has welcomed a said Inder Singh, GOPIO International relaxation of rules requiring former Indian chairman. citizens to produce a surrender certificate 'Now that the work load will be less, of their old passports when seeking Indian Indian missions in western countries and visas. Travisa should finish off all the backlogs The relaxation incorporates two of the soon and make the process of getting an GOPIO demands: elimination of surrender OCI card and entry visa to India easier for certificate requirement from those who the Indian community,' said Thomas became naturalized citizens more than 10 Abraham, former chairman of GOPIO years ago and an OCI (Overseas International. Citizenship of India) application need not 'This is a welcome action that removes be accompanied by an original US pass- an undue burden on former citizens of port. India and improves goodwill towards The change 'will not only stop the India,' said Ashook Ramsaran, executive decline of goodwill in the Indian commu- vice president of GOPIO International. 8 National Community

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Vikram Buddhi held beyond jail term Doctor to pay $ 5.7 Father seeks justice New York: The father of jailed vene in the case of Krittika who mn in false claim case Indian researcher and lecturer was jailed for one day. But, in Boston: An Indian-American radiation oncology services when Vikram Buddhi has sought Indian Vikram's case there was no sincere physician will pay more than $5 a different, less expensive service prime minister Manmohan Singh's help or intervention from the million to the US government to should have been billed and urgent intervention, seeking justice Indian government in the last four- settle allegations that he submit- claimed money back for medical- for his son who has been jailed in and-half years.'' ted false claims to health-care ly unnecessary radiation oncolo- the US despite completing his 57- Vikram, a National Science programs. gy services. month jail term on May 6. Buddhi Talent Scholar in India, is an MSc Rakesh Nathu, a Las Vegas "We expect that physicians who was jailed for allegedly threatening in mathematics from IIT-B. He physician, has agreed to pay pay participate in federal health care to kill former president George W worked for a year at the Tata 5.7 million dollars plus interest as programs will bill for their servic- Bush. Institute of Fundamental Research settlement, the Justice es accurately and honestly," Buddhi has already served the at Mumbai and then joined the Department has announced. Assistant Attorney General for full 57-month jail term, but he is mathematics department of Purdue The government alleges that the Department s Civil Division still held behind bars by the immi- University in the US in 1996. At Nathu submitted improper claims Tony West said. gration department which has the Father Captain B K Subbarao Purdue he received the MS degree to health-care programs "This case is about stealing mil- power to deport him. Speaking to with son Vikram Buddhi’s picture in mathematics and had been pur- Medicare, TRICARE and the lions of dollars from taxpayers," Indian media, his father Captain B police lock-up and forced to con- suing PhD degrees simultaneously Federal Employees Health Inspector General of the K Subbarao pointing at the recent fess about sending obscene emails in pure and applied mathematics. Benefits Plan from 2007 to 2009 Department of Health and Human case of 18-year-old Krittika to her school teacher in New York. At Purdue University Vikram in which he double billed for sev- Services Daniel Levinson said. Biswas, daughter of an Indian However, it was all the more sur- received two times Best Teaching eral procedures affiliated with "We will continue to fight this diplomat in New York, said: prising how top MEA officials Award from the Department of radiation treatment plans, billed kind of unconscionable abuse of "Krittika was pushed into a US worked through the night to inter- Mathematics. for certain high reimbursement our Medicare program." Construction of Texas Hundreds mourn Indian origin marine Guruvayurappan Temple killed in Afghanistan California: Hundreds mourned the moves ahead death of U.S. Marine Corporal Houston: Construction of Sri Kanippayyur Krishnan Gurpreet Singh at Mount Vernon Guruvayurappan Temple here has Nampoothiripad and thanthri Memorial Home in Fair Oaks entered second phase. Karianur Divakaran Nampoothiri Saturday morning. According to reports, the temple are reportedly associated with it. The Oakmont High School alum- organizers are aiming to build this Sasidharan Nair, Somarajan Nair, nus and former Antelope resident grand temple based on the archi- Sathyan Pillai, and Muralee died from wounds received in com- tectural and ritual features of Kesavan are President, Vice bat June 22 in the Helmand Guruvayur Devaswom of Kerala President, Secretary and Treasurer province of Afghanistan. by summer 2013 and claim that respectively of the Temple Board. Singh, who migrated at the age of when completed, it will be the Guruvayur Devaswom, abode of 11 from Punjab to the United States first of a kind Guruvayurappan Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan at with his family in 2000, died on his temple in western world. Second Bhoolokavaikundam, about 29 second tour of duty in Afghanistan. phase will also include a commu- kilometers from Thrissur in Family members said he didn't have nity center. Kerala, is a well known pilgrim- to go on the second tour but decided US Marine Corps carry remains of Cpl Gurpreet Singh at It recently conducted age site in India, where the presid- to go in a friend and fellow Dover Air Force Base Shadhadhara Prathishta, a ritual ing deity is Mahavishnu. Marine's place, instead. service took place, was lined with honors included the firing of three milestone, and buried a time cap- According to the legends, the idol Singh decided to join the Marines scores of Patriot Guard Riders -- a volleys each by seven service mem- sule. Phase three will bring more worshipped here is more than when he was 17 years old. Family collective of motorcycle clubs and bers. The body was then cremated accomplishments. 5000 years old. members said it was important to supporters who attend funerals of according to Sikh ritual. Kerala Hindu Society, a non- Guruvayur is a form of Krishna. him that he served in Afghanistan, service members killed in combat. Singh is survived by his parents, profit organization established in Another $6 million where he could help protect both his A hall of riders bearing the Nirmal Singh and Satnam Kaur, his 1983 but whose history goes back Guruvayurappan Temple is also country and the innocent Afghan American flag greeted those who sister, Manpreet Laur; his grand- to 1979, has acquired 4.8 acres for planned in Brampton, Ontario, people. The entrance to the Mount attended the funeral service. mother, Nasib Kaur, and grandfa- this project and architect Canada. Vernon chapel, where the funeral Shortly after the service, military ther, Ajit Singh. Mandeep Chahal thanks supporters First Punjabi charter in her valedictory address school to open in Washington, DC: Last week, just Mandeep told the story of how she was California hours before Mandeep Chahal and her saved from deportation. She asked Fremont: Country's first garten to grade six, along mother were scheduled to be deported elected leaders to ensure that no family Punjabi charter school will with enrichment programs, to India, the immigration officials ever has to go through the anguish that be set up in West Punjabi language educa- changed their minds and canceled the she endured, and said: Sacramento, California in tion, school uniform, free deportation. At the last minute, she was As a student, I work hard. I’m in the August next year. vegetarian lunch and given a one year stay of deportation. honors program at one of the country’s With a mission to pro- refreshments, free trans- This was no doubt thanks to the thou- top public universities, and I’m on track mote "a culture of strong portation. sands of supporters who took action to to go to medical school. I plan to spend social and family values" The school will have keep her at home in California. my life working for the public good in and provide a "rigorous" Michael Ettner reporting as Mandeep was the featured speaker at the United States of America. If it took curriculum the "Sacramento the principal of this pub- Mandeep Chahal and her mother’s the U.S. Capitol in front of Senators all this for me to stay in my country, Valley Charter School" licly funded school granted deportation was stayed at last minute and hundreds of youth like herself, who then something is wrong. It shouldn’t aims at meeting "academic, by the Washington Unified after a Facebook campaign last week only want the opportunity to live in the be this hard. social and emotional needs" School District. Dave country they love without the fear of people to earn their citizenship through In a room full of fellow undocument- of the children. Westin and Dr. Dayton deportation. This event comes on the either two years of college or military ed students and Members of Congress, This school located on the Gilleland are Board heels of an important Senate hearing on service. As she stood before a crowd of she said that President Obama can stop property of Sikh Temple of President and the DREAM Act, which is legislation hundreds in the historic Kennedy the deportations of people like her even Sacramento, will provide Superintendent respectively that would enable these talented young Caucus Room on Capitol Hill, if Congress fails to act. free education from kinder- of the District. US Affairs 9

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 End of space shuttle, end to US dominance of space? Washington: The flight into space "There's uncertainty in NASA and As a nation, we are in "the final by NASA's space shuttle Atlantis among the general public." part of the second great era of this Friday will mark end of the After this NASA shuttle flight, space exploration," similar to what shuttle era, but many believe it private companies will be in charge we went through in the 1970s after may also mean the end of US hege- of developing the technology for the last Apollo mission, the pro- mony in the space. future space vehicles. gram that succeeded in putting men Although NASA has led many This will enable the US space on the moon, he added. manned flights into space for three agency to focus on other projects, NASA took almost a decade to decades, no additional such flights like working out the logistics of a dvelop and launch the shuttle pro- are planned for the moment. manned Mars mission or traveling gram, and it was not until April 12, Top officials at the space agency, to an asteroid, two of the goals 1981 - 20 years after Russian cos- however, maintain this isn't the end President Barack Obama set out in monaut Yuri Gagarin became the of this country's manned effort in his new space strategy, says NASA first man to travel into space - that space, rather just the beginning of a director Charles Bolden . Columbia was sent into orbit, fol- new chapter. Although, the companies with lowed by Challenger (1983), "I don't think this means the end which NASA has signed agree- Discovery (1984), Atlantis (1985) of US crewed flights, but we're in a ments to develop new spacecraft and Endeavour (1992). period of uncertainty and we don't "are making some optimistic pre- Neal, whose museum will know for how long," Valerie Neal, dictions" about when the new receive the Discovery to exhibit to the official in charge of the shuttle Space Shuttle Atlantis, docked to the International Space Station. space vehicles will be ready, Neal the public in April 2012, said that area at the National Air and Space "I think that what's a little disap- a clear vision of what it is that's said, "the truth is that they have the shuttles had been great Museum in Washington, said. pointing is that we really don't have going to come after," Neal said. still not been prepared". spacecraft. President working at Still a case for trying Strauss-Kahn New York: What is so wrong with the original plan to broader deal on deficit cuts hold a trial for Dominique Strauss-Kahn to decide if Washington: With a he committed an act of sexual violence against a hotel crucial negotiating ses- housekeeper? sion on a budget deal After all, it’s not as if the case against Strauss-Kahn, Thursday, President the former head of IMF, has simply dissolved with the Obama wants to strike discovery that the woman who accused him has lied a far-reaching agree- about her past, and had shady connections and a bank ment on cutting the account with irregular cash deposits, argues Jim federal deficit as Dwyer in the New York Times. Republican Speaker To begin with, there is evidence in the case that John A. Boehner has other people can provide, notably, crime lab results signaled new willing- that show the semen of Strauss-Kahn was found on Dominique Strauss-Kahn, with his wife, Anne ness to bargain on rev- her clothing. Sinclair, could leave his temporary residence in enues. Besides, in the moments after the encounter between Manhattan on Saturday after case Mr. Obama, who is Strauss-Kahn and the housekeeper, four employees at against him crumbled. to meet at the White President Obama had a one-on-one with the Sofitel New York each spoke to her, one after the week’s revelations about the housekeeper, the lawyers House with the biparti- Speaker John A. Boehner on the deficit issue. other, and each was convinced that she was “shook for Mr. Strauss-Kahn have said the case should be dis- san leadership of Congress in an The intensifying negotiations up” and “in distress,” according to a person involved missed. effort to work out an agreement to between the president and the with that part of the investigation. “You had two for- There is little question that the police and Manhattan raise the federal debt limit, wants speaker have Congressional mer police officers who didn’t think she was making it prosecutors had probable cause to arrest Strauss- to move well beyond the $2 trillion Democrats growing anxious, wor- up,” the person said. Kahn: they believed a crime had been committed, and in savings sought in earlier negoti- ried they will be asked to accept a His lawyers maintain that whatever happened he had been involved. ations and seek perhaps twice as deal that is too heavily tilted between Strauss-Kahn and the housekeeper did not Prosecutors do not have to abandon criminal cases much over the next decade, toward Republican efforts and pro- involve force or criminal behavior. They have also simply over problems with witnesses’ backgrounds, according to Democratic officials, duces too little new revenue rela- said that videotape of him at lunch, just after he left said Bruce Green, a law professor at Fordham and an reported the New York Times. tive to the magnitude of the cuts. the hotel, would show a calm demeanor. With last authority on legal ethics. The president’s renewed efforts Congressional Democrats said follow what knowledgeable offi- they were caught off guard by the Fewer Americans are filing for bankruptcy cials said was an overture from Mr. weekend White House visit of Mr. New York: After steadily climb- Epiq Systems, which tracks bank- amount of outstanding consumer Boehner, who met secretly with Boehner — a meeting the adminis- ing for several years, the number ruptcy filings. debt. Mr. Obama last weekend, to con- tration still refused to acknowledge of Americans filing for bankrupt- There was one additional day to Access to credit, however, can sider as much as $1 trillion in on Wednesday — and Senate cy is on the decline, though that is file in June compared with May. influence the bankruptcy rate over unspecified new revenues as part Democrats raised concerns at a pri- not necessarily an indicator of an Average daily filings are down the shorter term: as lenders tight- of an overhaul of tax laws in vate party luncheon on Wednesday. improving economy. nearly 10 percent from June of en their standards, filings tend to exchange for an agreement that House Democrats have their own The number of bankruptcy fil- last year. rise because struggling consumers made substantial spending cuts, fears about the negotiations, which ings in June was 120,623, or an Though economic factors like can no longer rely on credit cards including in such social programs they expressed in an hour long average of 5,483 a day, a drop of foreclosures and unemployment or other loans to get them through as Medicare and Medicaid and meeting Wednesday night with 6.2 percent from May, when fil- play a role in bankruptcy, over the a rough period. But when more Social Security — programs that Treasury Secretary Timothy F. ings totaled 122,775, or 5,846 a long run, the filing rate tends to be new loans are being made, filings had been off the table. Geithner. day, according to a report from more closely tethered to the tend to fall — at least for a while. 10 FeTNA Convention

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

FeTNA meet in South Carolina showcases Tamil culture Charleston, SC: FeTNA – the edy actor, but is also a knowledge- Federation of Tamil Sangams of able person who holds an M.Phil North America organized the 24th degree. The skit which he and his annual Tamil Convention during two friends played made every- the July 4 weekend at Gaillard body laugh for a long time. Municipal Auditorium, The dance programs by the local Charleston, SC. kids were extraordinary. The way FeTNA is an umbrella organiza- they danced with perfect speed, tion of Tamil Sangams in North beauty and the timing were all just America. It provides for develop- awesome. ing connectivity among the Tamil The program of Dr. Syed from communities in the continent Trichy did show the enormous tal- aimed at preservation and growth ent that one can have. Almost all Dindugal Sakthi folk artist group performed "Thappattam". of Tamil language, culture, and the audience praised him for his community. performance. FeTNA has been principally Programs like Silambattam (a responsible for bringing together kind of Martial arts), Thappattam 40 Tamil Sangams to celebrate Actor Nasser and other guests (a kind of rural folk art), glued the annually a festival in which the lighting the traditional lamp at audience to their seats and at the individuals and groups from mem- the inaugural ceremony of end – the crowd went berserk and ber Sangams have presented artis- FeTNA 2011. the artists received standing ova- tic programs or interacted in one arrangements with many strategic tion for their superlative perform- of many activities organized dur- partners. ances. These kind of ancient, cul- ing the convention weekend. Most prominent participants this turally rich forms of arts are con- FeTNA have so far sponsored year were Rathika Sitsabaiesen, tinuously introduced to the new 24 Tamil Scholars in the past 15 Actors Nassar, Charlie, Lyricist generations by FeTNA. years to visit the US and the vari- Na.Muthukumar, and Singer Also, programs like Tamil liter- ous members Tamil Sangams. The Devan. ary quiz, Special debate, Poetry other accomplishments of FeTNA Rathika gave a beautiful, down reading involved active participa- include the project for a Tamil to earth speech, which was appre- tion from the attendees and tested Actor Nasser releasing the FeTNA Souvenir 2011. (from left) Dr. chair and hence the support ciated by everybody. Her speech their oratory skills as well. The Udhya Kumar, Dr.Dhandapani (Convention Co-ordinator & Vice FeTNA has provided to the was enthusiastic and displayed her age group that attended these pro- President), Dr. S. Palaniappan, Dr.Mu. Elangovan, Actor Nasser and University of California, Berkeley self-confidence and leadership grams was a wide one – ranging Dr. Pazhani Sundaram (President) Tamil Chair Project. skills. Actor Nassar gave a won- from just 8 to 80. Prizes were dis- ered the ancient literary books of The convention also saw some Dr. Pazhani Sundaram the derful speech which showed his tributed for the winners of the Tamil literature. The beauty of the brilliant speakers like Prof. President and Dr. Dhandapani enormous literary knowledge. He contests. program is that the questions are Punitha Ekambaram, Prof. Kuppuswamy Vice President of is so simple, humble and beautiful One of the highlight of the con- designed graphically including Ilangovan, Prof Palaniappan, Mr. FeTNA and co-ordinator of the person to talk with. vention every year is the Tamil audio, video and presentation Abdul Jabbar, cricket commenta- convention, made elaborate Actor Charlie is not only a com- Literary Quiz. The questions cov- modes. tor among others.

Viswanathan Ruthra Kumaran, Karen Parker, Comedian Charlie and the Puthugai Poobalam group Bharathanatayam dance by Kodai Mazhai Vidya Human rights activist and Dr. Dhandapani, performed a comedy program. and group. Convention Co-Ordinator & Vice President. TANA Conference 11

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 8,000 Telugus throng 18th TANA meet Santa Clara, CA: More than the country’s rural parts and not Gummadi Gopalakrishna, 8,000 people descended on urban like in the past”. Murali Mohan, AVS, Santa Clara to be part of the 18th Galla Arunakumari, the Jonnavittula, Sana, Jyothi, TANA (Telugu Association of Minister for Mines, said as expa- Surekha Vani and Ganesh North America) Conference triates, everyone should give received a huge applause from from the continent around the something back to the home the audience. Comedy Dhamaka world. In one of its kind event, country and requested every by AVS and group also received the historic convention attracted individual to contribute in their their share of applause. The famous cine actors, community own way to the country and to dance performances by local stalwarts and politicians. the great state of Andhra artists and artists from India Presided over by TANA Pradesh. She also asked NRIs to were a huge success. “Krishna President Jayaram Komati, take care of their parents and Mukunda” dance ballet by small Conference Convener Sateesh ensure that they are happy. kids got standing ovation by the Chilukuri, Chief guest India’s The inauguration was followed audience. minister of state for Defense by 20-minute theme songs and Exhibit stalls were sold out a Pallam Raju, Govt. of Andhra cultural programs organized month before the kick off of the Pradesh ministers Aruna Kumari under the leadership of Vijaya event. Over 120 exhibitors par- Galla, Pitani Satya Narayan, Aasuri, cultural committee chair. ticipated this year with participa- Members of Parliament Convener Steesh Chilukuri, tion from Jewelry, Diamonds, Rayapati Sambasiva Rao, deputy conveners Veeru clothing, real estate, non-profits Madhu Yashki, N Venugopal Vuppala, Jayaprasad Vejendla and media and community serv- Kalaptapasvi K. Viswanadh receiving lifetime Reddy, Political leaders includ- directed more than 300 volun- ices. Government and NGOs achievement award. ing Raghavulu, Narayana, media teers in putting the 3-day pro- also added to the group. big-wigs Radhakrishna, Ravi gram. Phoenix, Manjeera, Ramky, Prakash, Yuva Ratna Nadamuri TANA organized a series of APIIC and Basava Tharakam BalaKrishna were among the events for day one and day two Indo-American Cancer Hospital key dignitaries who were present of the conference. The major were there. “We have broken all during the traditional lamp light- attractions include Business con- the records in TANA history and ing and inaugural ceremony. clave, Film & Photography, we had the best exhibition till TANA Board member Dr. Praja prathinidula vedika, date”, said Ramesh Mandalapu, Chowdary Jampala was the Encounter with Raviprakash, chair of exhibits committee. emcee of the event. Open heart with RK, Women’s Jayaram Komati and Sateesh The Union Minister Pallam forum, Alumni meetings, Chilukuri thanked the tireless Raju highlighted the economic Investment seminars, Religious work of over 300 volunteers in growth of India, especially ris- talks and Cultural programs. All putting together the 3-day pro- ing standards of rural India, tier- the programs drew lot of atten- gram. two cities and asked NRIs to dees filling the halls. They joined TANA leadership support their motherland in While Inauguration and Music in thanking all the delegates, developmental activities. Citing concert by Indian Idol Sreeram sponsors, donors, volunteers and the Indian cricket team that won Chandra, Kousalya, Pranavi and all people who attended the con- the World Cup, the minister said, Deepu were highlights on the vention. “We would not have “The best highlight of the victo- stage, the second day, The socio done without your support”, ry was that many of the team fantasy “Raja Raja Narendra” by Komati said adding that the con- members who brought home the Nandamuri Balakrishna, ference surpassed all yardsticks World Cup to India represented Parachuri Gopala Krishna, in making history. Mahishasura Mardini dance drama

Shriya Saran addressing the Mr Sateesh Chilukuri, Mr. Jayaram Komati felicitating Volunteers felicitating Mr Jayram Komati (TANA President) convention. AP Speaker Mr. Manohar. 12 India Newswire

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Deadlock over Telangana, protests on New Delhi/Hyderabad: The deadlock over New Delhi that they were optimistic the cen- Telangana continued as Congress leaders tral government would initiate the process returned from New Delhi without an assur- immediately by taking note of their views. ance from the central leadership while Soon after his return to Hyderabad, protests rocked the region on the second day Congress MP from Karimnagar Ponnam of a 48-hour shutdown. Prabhakar lashed out at his own party Despite the resignation of 13 MPs and 100 describing it as accused number one in legislators from the region, the central gov- Telangana and blamed it for the present cri- ernment said it was not thinking of imposing sis. Life remained paralyzed across President's Rule in Andhra Pradesh. Telangana on the second day of the 48-hour "There is no move to impose President's shutdown called by the Telangana Joint Rule," Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Action Committee (JAC). in New Delhi. Public transport remained crippled in He said the central government had also Hyderabad and nine other districts of the not taken any final decision on whether or region while shops, business establishments, not to give statehood to Telangana, saying hotels, petrol bunks as well as educational the "consultation process is still in progress". institutions were shut for a second straight Telangana leaders demanded that the day. process for formation of a separate state be Coal production in Singareni Collieries initiated with a fixed time frame and made it was affected for the second day as a majority clear that any delay would not be good for of nearly 100,000 employees in the mines, the party. Claiming that their talks have not spread over four Telangana districts, refused failed, state minister K. Jana Reddy said in People take to the streets protesting for a separate Telangana state, in Hyderabad. to work. ‘2011 most peaceful Marching on: Rahul takes on Mayawati Aligarh/Lucknow: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a decade’ recently completed the second day of his 'padyatra' (march) against land acquisition in Uttar Pradesh, attack- Greater Noida: So far this year, ing the Mayawati government, even as the Supreme India has witnessed the lowest Court came down heavily against the state's acquisition levels of violence in a decade policy. But while the landowners were welcoming the thanks to the paramilitary forces, apex court order on returning the acquired lands, political Home Minister P. Chidambaram tempers were rising with the Mayawati-led state govern- said. ment imposing prohibitory orders in Aligarh district, ban- "In the first six months of 2011, ning any assembly of five or more people. we have seen the lowest levels of As the organizers of the yatra, mostly village leaders, violence in the country in the last did not make any announcement of the schedule for decade, whether it is terrorism in Thursday, officials in Aligarh hinted that the administra- Rahul's march to support the farmers began from Kashmir or insurgency in the tion, despite the ban orders, may not be stopping the the violence-hit villages of Bhatta-Parsaul. northeast or the Maoists," Home Minister march. "We will see the situation Thursday. But one fact five or more people under Section 144 of the Criminal Chidambaram told reporters here P. Chidambaram. is clear, the villagers are supporting Rahulji," Iqbal Singh, Procedure Code. In Aligarh, district police chief at an event to lay the foundation thetic towards the lakhs of central a village leader accompanying Gandhi said. Satyendra Vir Singh said: "Section 144 is in force all over stone of an Indo-Tibetan Border armed police force personnel who Gandhi's surprise padyatra to support the farmers' cause the district since June 12 and in this background Rahul Police (ITBP) referral hospital. face frost bite in one posting and began from the violence-hit twin villages of Bhatta- Gandhi's padyatra will be a clear violation." "The credit goes to the paramili- unbearable heat in the other. Parsaul. Singh, however, clarified that if there is no apprehen- tary forces of our country who are "These brave men and women Political watchers view the yatra as a strategy to take on sion of breach in law and order, the authorities might doing all the dirty work so that we are fighting a battle everyday in the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and to revive the choose not to prevent Rahul's padyatra. can sleep peacefully at night," he some part of the country or other Congress for the assembly polls due next year. Meanwhile, the Gandhi padyatra got a boost with the added. to serve us… please show empa- Gandhi's padyatra was scheduled to culminate in a Supreme Court upholding an Allahabad High Court ver- According to the minister, the thy towards them," said 'kisan mahapanchayat' (farmers' rally) in Aligarh town. dict and quashing the acquisition of land in Shahberi vil- people of India should be empa- Chidambaram. The district authorities have prohibited any gathering of lage of Greater Noida. $20 Billion temple treasure in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Will the made the temple the world's rich- temple customs have suffered," only remaining locked chamber of est. While many are wondering if said a source attached to the tem- the 16th century Sree Chamber B too will throw up ple. The main temple deity, Padmanabhaswamy temple be priceless treasures, others are Padmanabhaswamy, is a form of opened? Suddenly, there is grow- wary of misfortune befalling those Vishnu in Anananthasayanam ing talk that opening it may cause who dare to open it. posture, or in eternal sleep. misfortune. According to the royal family The temple has a 100-foot, One of the chambers that was that takes care of the shrine, open- seven-tier 'gopuram' or temple opened after over 150 years ing Chamber B could be a bad tower besides a corridor with 365 revealed mind boggling rubies, omen for the state and also for and one-quarter granite stone pil- diamonds, idols of gods and gold those involved in the exercise. lars with elaborate carvings. The coins of a bygone era, estimated A member of the family is likely foundation of the present gopuram to be worth more than a lakh crore to be in Delhi this week to brief was laid in 1566. rupees. But the revered shrine the Supreme Court about the tem- The temple has been maintained here still has one last locked room ple and its traditions, a top source by the royal family of Travancore - now the object of much said. whose headquarters are situated curiosity. "Numerous stories are there, near the residence of the Kerala Will this secret "Chamber B" be though no one knows their veraci- governor. opened by the seven-member ty. But not many are willing to While four of the temple cham- People are wondering if Chamber B of Padmanabhaswamy Temple too Supreme Court committee ignore them either. bers are opened during special will throw up priceless treasures. entrusted to prepare an inventory The deity is believed to have occasions, Chamber A and B of the temple? been making headlines after the in Chamber A. It is one of six at immense powers and many who remained unopened for over 150 Since June 27, the shrine has discovery of eye popping treasure the temple. The discovery has have done things not in tune with years. India Newswire 13

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 2G scam: Maran India, Pak foreign resigns from Cabinet ministers may meet New Delhi: A day after he New Delhi: The foreign ministers of was nailed by the CBI in the India and Pakistan are expected to meet 2G spectrum allocation scam, in New Delhi on July 27 to review Union textile minister progress in the bilateral peace process Dayanidhi Maran met Prime that was revived earlier this year, accord- Minister Manmohan Singh ing to a media report. and handed over his resigna- Pakistan will have to appoint a full- tion. Maran's resignation fledged foreign minister before expected came minutes after the cabi- meeting and Minister of State for Foreign net meeting ended. Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar is among the According to Times Now, front-runners for the slot, The News daily Dayanidhi Maran was the quoted its sources as saying. first to leave 7 Race Course Before the meeting of the foreign min- Road, Prime Minister's resi- isters, two working groups will meet by The foreign ministers will meet after the dence, soon after the meeting The CBI in its status report has pointed finger at Federal the middle of this month to discuss pro- completion of talks on eight ended. He is scheduled to fly Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran (left) for sitting on posals on confidence-building measures, separate issues. Aircel's application for a spectrum license. out to Chennai later this including the expansion of cross-Line of Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Salman evening. left the cabinet. responsibility and the Prime Control movement and trade and nuclear Bashir will travel to New Delhi a day Maran's resignation comes Earlier in the day, BJP Minister should simply drop confidence building measures, the report ahead of the minister, the report said. ahead of a cabinet reshuffle leader Arun Jaitley had said him. said. "Some tangible outcome could be expect- that may happen as early as that Dayanidhi Maran had On Wednesday, the CBI The Pakistani delegation for talks on ed" from the talks of the foreign ministers next week. Prime Minister run out of options and he told the Supreme Court that cross-LoC CBMs will be led by Zehra H as "the atmosphere between the two Manmohan Singh was under should quit. He further added its preliminary inquiry into Akbari, director General (South Asia) countries has reportedly turned con- pressure to drop him to signal that the Prime Minister can- the allegation of while Irfan Yusuf Shami, director general ducive", the daily quoted diplomatic a tough stance against a raft not look away after the devel- Sivasankaran, a serial entre- (disarmament division) will head the sources as saying. of graft cases that have opments in connection with preneur known as Siva in team for talks on nuclear CBMs. The foreign ministers will meet after emerged in recent months. the 2G scam. business circles, suggested The two foreign secretaries, who held the completion of talks on eight separate Maran declined to make AIADMK too had said that that Maran starved Aircel of talks in Islamabad during June 23-24, issues, including the Kashmir dispute, any comment when television there was no use expecting new licences to bully him will meet again in New Delhi ahead of trade and commerce and counter- reporters asked him if he had Dayanidhi Maran to take into selling out. the ministerial meeting. terrorism. Cash-for-vote scam: Justice Hegde to abstain from SC seeks report Lokpal draft Bangalore: Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hedge expressed disappointment at the Union government's attitude towards the drafting of Lokpal Bill and said that he has decided to stay away from the issue. Sources said that he knew earlier what would tran- spire with the joint committee on drafting the Lokpal Bill. Once he decided to submit his resignation from the joint committee, the request from Anna Hazare and others made him remain with the committee. Hegde is also in a dilemma on attending a meeting called by civil society office bearers on July 15 at Delhi. He was reportedly frustrated with the politicizing of the Lokpal issue. When contacted, Justice Hegde told Express that he is in close contact with the mem- bers of the civil society and Anna Hazare. "Now I am very busy on preparing the final report on illegal Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hedge. The nation was shocked by the spectacle of three BJP MPs mining, which is an important task before me. displaying wads of currency notes in Parliament as bribe money to vote Hence, I will abstain from the Lokpal Bill issue for a He did not use his current office for attending meet- in favor of the UPA during the 2008 trust vote. while," he added. ings in Delhi. He utilized only the airfair allowance Knowing the government's attitude, Justice Hegde but not the daily allowance of `3,500 and vehicle and New Delhi: The Supreme Court General Gopal Subramanium said decided not to take a single penny of its allowances. food facility. has directed the Delhi Police to that the status report will be filed place before it the status report on within the stipulated period in a 40 die as train the probe conducted by it in the sealed envelope before the court. A V A I L A B L E “cash-for-vote” scam during the The court passed the order on a rams into bus trust vote faced by the UPA gov- petition filed by former Chief New Delhi: At least 40 people ernment in July 2008. Election Commissioner J.M. were killed and 35 others injured * PRIME LOCATION Not satisfied with the Center's Lyngdoh seeking its directions to when a train rammed into a bus contention that an FIR has been the government to take action at an unmanned crossing near DOWNTOWN NEWARK* lodged in the case and probe will against politicians involved in the here in Uttar Pradesh in the wee be completed within two months, scam. The petition alleges that hours on July 7. Building + Sneaker store for sale a bench headed by Justice Aftab though the entire nation was The accident occurred at Alam ordered the police to file the shocked by the spectacle of three around 2.20 AM when the train ONLY $1.5 Million for status report by July 15. BJP MPs displaying wads of cur- on its way from Mathura to “Two months is a long time. Tell rency notes in Parliament as bribe Chapra in Bihar rammed into the The Building & Business us about the present status of the money to vote in favor of the UPA bus carrying a marriage party All major accounts ready to transfer probe,” the bench said, while during the 2008 trust vote, no from Adupura village at the Contact: Michael 201-253-7277 posting the matter for further action has so far been taken crossing in Dariyawganj area in Joseph 201-838-3584 hearing on July 15. Solicitor against those guilty. this district 14 Diaspora

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Indian diaspora's beginnings to be recorded for posterity New Delhi: Indentured migration The Memory of the World interest and help with the conserva- that took thousands of poor Indians Program is meant to safeguard doc- tion of documentary heritage across the seas to the new British umentary heritage against loss, which helps us to understand our plantation colonies to meet the decay or destruction by any means. society in all its complexities'. shortage of labour after the aboli- It was launched in 1992 and has The submission by the four gov- tion of slavery and that formed the about 238 items from around the ernments stated that the 'Indian beginnings of the vast Indian dias- world listed in the Register. indentured immigration was first pora spread across the world, is to Inscription in the Memory of the accounted for in the 1830s and be recorded for posterity in the World Register is recognition of over a period of roughly hundred Memory of the World register. the historical importance of the years, 1,194,957 Indians were relo- The governments of Fiji, items and beginning of steps to cated to 19 colonies. These records Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad preserve them and make them are the only documents for ances- and Tobago had made a joint sub- accessible to scholars and other tral and lineage research for the mission to Unesco in 2010 for the interested parties. numerous descendants of those Indentured Indian labors working in sugarcane fields records of Indian indentured labor- Indian indenture documents are Indian laborers'. Their deterioration in South Africa. ers to be inscribed in the among the 45 new documents and or loss would leave a void in the stored in the archives of many labour against the backdrop of International Register of Memory documentary collections that were memory of many former colonies, receiving colonies around the colonialism and the concept of 'em- of the World Program. recommended earlier this year by and erode the sense of belonging of world. pire', according to the submission. The indentured migration took the International Advisory many of the descendants of the As a result, the documents relat- These records hold considerable thousands of poor Indians across Committee of the Memory of the original laborers. ing to the Indian indentured labor- social and historical value and are the seas to the new plantation World Program and endorsed by The arrival of large groups of ers, dispersed all over the world, among the most requested and used colonies to meet the shortage of the director general of Unesco, Indian laborers in the receiving offer a unique perspective of colo- documents in the National labor after slavery was abolished in Irina Bokova. colonies had immense repercus- nialism as a major phenomenon in Archives of the former colonies Britain. It is a forgotten period of According to the Unesco web- sions, many of which are still being the unfurling of world history. The which received indentured labor. colonial history, though it formed site, 'Listing of items such as these felt today. This mass movement of loss of such records would deprive They capture a unique migration the beginnings of the large Indian on the Memory of the World labor was meticulously recorded humanity of the enduring knowl- history of Indian communities diaspora. Register is intended to generate by former colonial powers and edge of the legacy of indentured around the world. Hindus in Canadian city oppose Indian student leader Muslim prayers at school gets Australian award Toronto: Friday namaz at a school in the Toronto taking place in public schools,” according to Melbourne: The leader of the asso- suburb of North York has angered Hindu advocacy Banerjee. ciation of Indian-origin students in groups here, who want it stopped. He says his group is writing letters to the Toronto Australia who protested attacks The noon-time prayers for 400 Muslim students of District School Board (TDSB) to intervene to stop against Indians in Melbourne has the Valley Park Middle School were introduced three the practice being allowed by the school manage- been given the 2011 Young years ago. Angry Hindu advocacy groups want the ment. The school has the responsibility for ensuring Victorian of the Year award. 40-minute prayers, which are conducted by an imam secular education for students, the Hindu advocacy Amit Menghani, a 24-year-old specially brought from a mosque, to be stopped leader adds. aerospace engineering graduate, is immediately. Banerjee says upset parents of Hindu students at president of the Federation of Indian The local Canadian Hindu Advocacy, led by Ron the Valley Park Middle School have brought this Students of Australia (FISA), The Banerjee, is roping in various Hindu organizations to practice to their notice. Age reported Saturday. hold protests outside the school to pressure manage- He said Hindu groups will also raise objections to The Victorian of the Year Award is ment to stop the Friday prayers. “the serving of halal meat within TDSB schools. Our awarded for outstanding public and “This is alarming and unacceptable. We respect the organization is determined to ensure all Hindu stu- community services. separation of church and state,” Banerjee has said in dents are provided non-halal meat alternatives”. Menghani had led a rally of 2,000 interviews to the media. Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus are the biggest non- Indian students in 2009 protesting a “There’s not supposed to be any religious classes white communities of the Toronto area. spate of violent attacks against peo- Amit Menghani, president, ple from the community in Federation of Indian Students of Melbourne. Australia led rally of 2000 stu- Canada’s Ontario govt. funds expansion The rally was called after a stu- dents in 2009 protesting violent dent was stabbed in the head with a attacks on Indians of Hindu temple screwdriver. His middle-class family had taken "There lacked a channel between a loan of $100,000 to educate him. Toronto: Ontario province in repairs, renovation and installation Cultural Sabha and claims to the media and the students, so I In his acceptance speech Friday, Canada is reportedly helping of the solar panel roof system. propagate “the teachings of decided to make people aware that Meghani said he had learnt much cover the costs of the expansion of Funds are said to be coming from Sanatan Dharma through Puja, these things were happening," from his family's sacrifice. Devi Mandir in Pickering Ontario’s Community Capital Pravachans (discourses) and Menghani said. He said he owed a lot to Victoria, (Ontario). Fund. Bhajans.” Its aim is “to ensure that Born in Jaipur in Rajasthan, and and hoped it would one day become The reports suggest that the Devi Mandir, whose tagline is the youth of today are well raised in the United Arab Emirates, "a world leader in multi-ethnic co- Mandir organization will receive "More than a place of worship", is equipped to propel Hinduism into Menghani came to Australia when habitation"., especially Keralites, over $422,000 for upgrades, run by Satya Sanatan Dharma the future.” he was 18. stay in the building.

16 JAINA Convention JAINA Convention 17

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011

D.R. Mehta receiving JAINA Award for his contribution to Jaipur Foot and social service. Dr Neal Barnard, Keynote speaker, being felicitated by Dr. Sushil Jain (l) Award presented by Dr. Manoj Dharamsi and JAINA Past President, Lata Champsee. and Dr. Manoj Dharamsi (r). JAINA 16th biennial Convention in Houston – a huge success By Shashank Jain torn between their desire to attend Photos: Sunil Chaudhary, multiple sessions in the same time Swapna Patel slots. The evening entertainment program included a beautiful stage Houston: Over 2,800 Jains attended program called "Swagatam" by Jain the 16th Biennial JAINA Convention Society of Houston and cultural pro- in Houston. JAINA, founded in grams by various US Jain Centers. 1983, is a federation of over 80 In parallel to these programs, North American Jain centers. The youths were having their own pro- event was held at the George Brown grams which included Jainism 101, Convention Center from July 1st to Jain Networking Forum, Govern- JAINA Convention opening ceremony inauguration Evening program with Bhoomi Trivedi July 4th during the US Independence ment Activism, Comparative World by Dr. Sushil Jain (from left), of Indian Idol fame Day weekend. The conference Religion, Easy Jain Cooking, and Udai Jain, D.R. Mehta, and Mukesh Turakhia theme was "Live and Help Live." more. In the evening, Jain Network- The events started on Friday with ing Forum had dinner and social blessings from many scholars, evening and mixer. Such networking monks, and nuns followed by dinner events in the past conventions have and then ‘Gandhi Before Gandhi’ Exhibits of over 40 "Innovative Jain Projects" in North America. led to many marriages. drama, a tribute to Veerchand R. Also, in a first, this JAINA conven- Gandhi, a Jain scholar. Mohandas K. temporary temple was built with two In the afternoon, many parallel ses- tion had displays of "Innovative Jain Gandhi lived with VR Gandhi for muftis (idols), and officially opened sions took place including lectures Projects in North America." Over 40 several years and during those times for prayers. Then a grand procession on Basic principles of Jain Dharma, project posters described how Jains MK Gandhi learned much about took place in the large hallways of Community Service, ABCD on En- are channeling their energy in Living Jainism and Non-Violence as a phi- the convention center with each Jain trepreneurship, Yoga for Seniors, and Sharing a Jain Way of Life. Proj- losophy and practice. Sangh carrying their flag. The con- Jain Way of Entrepreneurship, Prac- ects included Jain Mentorship Pro- After late evening of Raas Garbha, vention was officially inaugurated by ticing Ecology in Daily Life, Jainism gram, New Brochures on JAINA and the next morning started with ses- lighting of the candles by Lata and Sustainability, Social Challenges Jainism, Jain Way of Life Handbook A scene from SWAGATAM - A signature performance by Jain Society of Houston - with over sions on Yoga, Meditation, and Champsee, D.R. Mehta, Sushil Jain, for Seniors, Animal Rights, Vegan – Guide to Compassionate Happy 170 performers it depicted Jains all around the world. Pratikraman (meaning going back to and Dr. Neal Barnard, Udai Jain, and Diet and more. With so many paral- and Healthy Living, Jain Food Book, Humanitarian Projects, Mangalam tion to Jainism, JAINA, and his local Sushila Jain, Rajeev & Nita Daga, path of purification). A beautiful other sanghpatis. lel sessions, the attendees were often Pathshala Material (Sunday School), Jain TV Show, JAINA Interfaith Ac- Jain Sangh. JANA Recognition Dr. Rajniben & Dinesh Lakhia, and tivities, Overcoming Fundamental- Awards were presented to Hasendra Nimmi and Mukesh Amritlal Tu- ism, Boy Scouts of America, Jain Shah CA, Mukesh Doshi IL, Padma rakhia. Religion Emblem Awards Program. Shah CA, Paresh Shah VA, Ramesh The convention board team and This event was co-sponsored by Jain Doshi Amdavad India, Sunil Jain IL, over 100 volunteers from Houston Center of Greater Boston. Yogesh Shah CA, Ajay Dagli MI, and other centers worked over a year The Sunday activities were similar Hemang Srikishan IL, Kritka Jain, to make this event possible. to Saturday’s and included many CA, Saahil Jain CA, Shardule Shah The Convention Board members new sessions. Topics included Sig- MA. JAINA Presidential Award include Dr. Sushil Jain Convener, nificance of Pooja, Doctrine of were given to Jain Center of South- Udai Jain Co-Convener, Himanshu Karma, Jain Way of Running a Busi- ern California, Institute of Jainology, Ajmera, Co-Convener, Lata ness, Academic Studies and Strate- D.R. Mehta from India, Hasmukh Champsee, Ashish Bhandari, Dr. gies for Growth, Preventing Heart Shah, Shantilal Mutha from Pune, Nitin Shah, Dipak Doshi, Dr. Manoj Diseases, Significance of Charity India. Dharmasi, Riddhi Desai, Jainesh and more. Following dinner, the The attendees were entertained Mehta and Arpan Shah. The new JAINA committee for the next two years was sworn in and is headed by Dr. Sushil Jain President, evening entertainment was highlight past midnight by Jains Got Talent The host center was Jain Society of Mr. Prem Jain First VP, Mr. Ashok Domadia Secretary, Mr. Dipak Doshi Treasurer, Mr. Yogendra Jain VP of the conference. An award cere- and concert by Indian Idols Bhoomi Houston. North East, Mr. Haresh Shah VP Mid East, Dr. Deepika Dalal South East, Mr. Uday Jain VP South West, mony took place in the evening Trivedi and Sreeram Chandra. The convention came to a close on Dr. Manish Mehta VP Mid West, Mr. Rajen Dhami VP West, and Mrs. Lata Champsee Past President. where Girish Shah of San Francisco Such a large event was made pos- Monday with the closing ceremonies was awarded the JAINA Ratna sible by many contributors including and blessings from the monks and Jains Got Talent & Indian Idol night JAINA 2011 Convention Board Members posing with Jain Society of Houston volunteers. Award for his 30 years of contribu- Sanghpatis , Shri Udai Jain & nuns. 18 JAINA Convention

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Jain Diaspora meet emphasizes greater communication and collaboration By Dr. Manish Mehta Chairman, JAINA Diaspora Committee

t the 16th Biennial JAINA Convention in Houston from July 1 to 4, nearly A3,000 Jains from North America, India and other countries availed of many opportuni- ties to learn and reinforce their knowledge of Jain Way of Life by listening to lectures by Jain religious and academic scholars. The Jain Diaspora Conference is also held at each JAINA Convention since 2007, attracting Jain community leaders from several coun- Shanti Muttha, with microphone, and Shri Dilip V Shah, Past JAINA President, tries where significant populations of Jains responding to questions from the audience, as other panelists look on (from left): Dr DR reside. JAINA is leveraging its brand, key Mehta, Dr. Natubhai Shah, Nirmal K. Sethi Jain, and Shri Kamlesh C. Mehta. UN and NGO relationships and social media objective is to create an integrated platform to other amputees by changing their lives for the well as declining sex ratio among Indian technologies to organize and facilitate an share, celebrate and advance JAINA’s vision better and enabling them to perform normal Jains, problems of match-making, divorces, intercontinental network of global Jain com- of The Global Jain – an individual committed work and household duties. BMVSS is now etc, which prevents rural Jains from finding munity leaders committed to a better world. to making a positive difference in the world. collaborating with Stanford University to help suitable matches given the decrease in num- This year, under the Chairmanship of Dr. The 2011 Jain Diaspora Conference was improve and implement the new Jaipur Knee ber of girls, education, nuclear family etc. He Manish Mehta (JAINA’s Vice-President for held on July 3, attracting a large audience to so as to benefit the masses world over. Dr. said these problems will increase manifold in Midwest USA), a dozen community and busi- hear multi-media presentations and talks by Mehta was honored by JAINA. the coming decades. BJS has scientifically ness leaders gathered to identify common visiting community leaders such as: * Dr. Natubhai K. Shah (Chairman of Jain researched, designed, developed and imple- needs, share best practices, and synthesize * Dr. Devendra R. Mehta (Founder and Network, London), who was the main force in mented practical, replicable modules to collaborative solutions to address concerns, Chief Patron of Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang the development of the Jain Center of address these issues for the last 26 years with ranging from instilling common Jain identity Sahayata Samiti, Jaipur): Using a multi-media Leicester in the 1980s, and is now involved in substantial results following the Jain way of in new Diasporic generations, to promoting presentation, he spoke of the tremendous suc- developing a new Jain Center in London for life. Some of these modules are being plugged awareness of non-violence and interfaith har- cess and potential of a family of low-cost the welfare of UK’s Jains while making an into government systems on an experimental mony on the world stage, as well as to broad- prosthetic limbs and joints promoted world- impact on the mainstream and politicians in basis. Muttha and BJS were recognized at the en participation in humanitarian, environmen- wide since the 1970s as Jaipur Foot, which the UK. He shared the plans for establishing a Convention. tal and disaster relief programs in affected has benefitted free-of-cost nearly 1.4 million multi-purpose Jain temple and community * Mahendra and Asha Mehta (Founder of countries including India. The long-term sufferers of polio, landmine explosions, and center in London that makes innovative use of Ratna Nidhi Trust, Mumbai): Shri Mehta was social entrepreneurship to become self-sus- unable to attend the Diaspora Conference, but taining. his contributions to advancing humanitarian * Nirmal Kumar Sethi Jain (President of projects in India, Africa and some Asian coun- All India Digambar Jain Mahasabha, New tries through partnership with JAINA and Delhi): In a spirited speech he emphasized other NGOs were recognized. five areas where Jains need to be united and * Kamlesh C. Mehta (Founder and pub- work closely with the Indian Government: (a) lisher of The South Asian Times as well as a Preservation of Jain antiquities, artifacts and serial entrepreneur) challenged North temples which are in disrepair; (b) American Jains to more visibly promote and Recognition of the distinct religious identify disseminate fundamental Jain teachings and of Jains as separately evolved from Hinduism; moral/spiritual/ethical values such as Ahimsa, (c) Need for greater research in Jain history to multiplicity of viewpoints and non-attachment create a strong body of religious and cultural to mainstream business and social communi- texts; (d) Empowerment of women, youth and ties across America and the world. He felt that weaker sections of Jain society through edu- ancient Jain principles are more relevant today cation so as to encourage greater civic than ever in guiding the world to follow the engagement; and (e) Making the Jain commu- high moral and ethical road. nity strong and influential despite its small * Stephanie Londono, a recent graduate of numerical strength (there are about 5 million classes taught by Jain Samanijis at Florida Jains amongst India’s 1.2 billion population), International University (which hosts the US’ by obtaining minority status in more Indian first Bhagwan Mahavir Endowed states than the present 11 states. Professorship in Jain Studies): Stephanie * Shantilal G. Muttha (Founder and showed excerpts of a new YouTube documen- Chairman of Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana, tary she prepared after interviewing over a Pune): India is witnessing a quantum jump in dozen Jain business and industry leaders about issues like decline in values and resultant how they incorporate Jain ethics in their busi- increase in traits of arrogance, aggression, ness enterprises. intolerance and violence among children, as Continued on page 23...

Members of the second discussion panel at the Jain Diaspora Conference, (from left): Harnish Jani, Dr. Mamta Shaha, Lata Champsee (JAINA President), Dr. Manish Mehta (Chair of JAINA Diaspora Committee), Namrata Lisa Abrams, Nirali Becky Kleinschmidt, Dr. Vidula Bavishi and Dr. Mukesh Bavishi. Op Ed 19

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 Anti-graft bill: The corrupt are afraid By Arvind Kejriwal are very high chances of the government's and Kiran Bedi lokpal turning corrupt. It is also being alleged that the jan lokpal t is being alleged that the jan lokpal is a 'Frankenstein's monster'. Barring pow- will become a parallel government — ers to recommend dismissal of a corrupt Isince it would not come under the gov- officer, no other power has been suggested ernment — and will be a threat to parlia- for the lokpal that is not already vested in mentary democracy. Both these assump- the CBI. The lokpal would obviously need tions are wrong. The government will re- these powers if he has to do any worth- main powerful. The jan lokpal will only while investigation. Vested interests want a keep a check on it from becoming arbi- weak and ineffective lokpal. We should de- trary, unjust and corrupt. mand a strong lokpal but with adequate Several independent institutions such as checks and balances. In contrast, the gov- the Supreme Court, the Comptroller and ernment is offering us just the opposite. Auditor General (CAG), the Chief Elec- It is being alleged that if the lokpal has tion Commission (CEC), the Central Vigi- jurisdiction over the PM, judges, MPs and lance Commission (CVC), the National officers, it will become a superpower. This Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and is wrong. the Chief Information Commission (CIC) An income tax officer has powers to already exist. Some of these institutions scrutinize the returns of the chief justice of were created through law and some India, the prime minister, the president, through the Constitution. Are they parallel ministers and MPs. He even has powers to governments or a threat to democracy? No. When Anna Hazare sat on a fast for the lokpal bill, he received tremendous support impose taxes and penalties on them. Does Similarly, the jan lokpal will be one such from the people. The government hopes that its misinformation campaign that mean that he will become a superpow- independent institution. Instead of being a will decrease his popularity. er? No. Likewise, an investigative officer threat to democracy, it will be a threat to years. What if the jan lokpal staff becomes cor- in the lokpal would only — and only — in- the corrupt. Compare this with the level of accounta- rupt? We had suggested several measures vestigate any allegation of corruption Another important question that is being bility provided in the Jan Lokpal Bill. It to address this issue like complete trans- against these authorities. asked is this: who would be the jan lokpal will be directly accountable to the citizens, parency in the lokpal's functioning, an in- When Anna Hazare sat on a fast for the accountable to? To answer this, we must as per the drafted provisions, contrary to dependent complaints authority to receive lokpal bill, he received tremendous sup- see who are the existing independent insti- the one provided by the government's bill. complaints against the lokpal staff, time- port from the people. The government tutions accountable to. What can a citizen Under the people's bill, an ordinary citizen bound investigation of complaints against hopes that its misinformation campaign do if a judge, the CAG, CEC, CIC or CVC can complain against a jan lokpal member the staff and their summary removal if will decrease his popularity. People should is corrupt? He can do nothing. In some cas- to the Supreme Court. And if found guilty, found guilty, social audits, annual financial guard against such propaganda because it es, Parliament can impeach the wrongdo- the court can remove the member. The and performance audits by CAG, annual is only being done to protect vested inter- ers. But despite strong and credible evi- Supreme Court will also have the power to performance appraisal by a parliamentary ests and will hurt the general public. dence of corruption in so many cases, no punish complainants who make frivolous committee. The government has rejected (Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi are one has been impeached in the last 62 or malicious complaints… all these proposals, thus ensuring that there part of Team Anna Hazare.) Passport rule relaxation welcomed by NRIs By Kul Bhushan seek a service, all Missions/Posts the MEA issuing the directives ac- have been advised to register the cordingly. ules regarding surrender of surrender certificate, electronical- The elimination of surrender Indian passports upon ac- ly or otherwise, at the first occa- certificate requirement from peo- Rquisition of US citizenship, sion it is presented. Such a record ple who have obtained foreign cit- introduced by India's Ministry of will ensure that PIOs will no izenship more than 10 years ago External Affairs in May 2010, longer be required to produce the will not only stop the decline of have been relaxed from June 1, certificate on every occasion of goodwill in the Indian community 2011 after strong pressure by approaching the Mission/Post for for the government of India but NRIs. consular assistance. can also reduce workload at the Indian consulates charged (ii) 'Deemed surrender' cases: In consulates," said Inder Singh. US$175 as fee for the surrender of order to deal with instances where "Now that the work load will be old Indian passports and addition- a Person of Indian Origin was in less, Indian missions in western al penalties for various "viola- possession of an Indian passport countries and Travisa should finish tions". Now the fee is reduced to that expired more than 10 years off all the backlogs soon and make just $20. ago, and where in the intervening the process of getting an OCI card The Global Organization of Peo- period, he/she has acquired for- and entry visa to India easier for ple of Indian Origin (GOPIO In- eign citizenship, all the Indian community," said Dr. ternational) welcomed this step in Missions/Posts have been advised Thomas Abraham, former chair- a statement received in New Del- year alone, there have been That is: (1) Elimination of sur- to treat such cases as 'Deemed sur- man of GOPIO International, who hi. GOPIO had expressed strong demonstrations, hunger strikes render certificate from those who render.' has been involved in this issue objections and collected over and thousands of emails to the In- became naturalized citizens more On the production of documents from the beginning. 30,000 petitions and sent its objec- dian consulates, GOPIO and the than 10 years ago, and (2) An OCI showing the acquisition of foreign "Finally, MEA has taken some tions with the petitions to the government of India, and yet the (Overseas Citizenship of India) nationality more than 10 years steps to remove the difficulties Prime Minister of India. issue never got the full attention of application need not be accompa- ago, such persons will be issued faced by many who became citi- A statement issued by GOPIO the government of India for a com- nied by an original US passport. 'deemed surrender' certificates, zens of other countries and are de- chairman Inder Singh said, "Nev- prehensive solution as promised." The MEA has issued a circular without causing the additional sirous of visiting India or applying ertheless, the removal of burden- It is heartening to know that two to all Indian Missions/Posts that burden of producing passports for OCI cards. some procedures and fees on Indi- of the demands in the GOPIO says, "(i) Registration of surrender which may not be in the posses- This is a welcome action that re- ans who became citizens of other memorandum have been accepted certificate: Since visa and other sion of the Person of Indian Ori- moves an undue burden on former countries was not addressed in a and have been implemented by the applicants (for consular services) gin." citizens of India and improves coherent, consistent and equitable MEA with directives to all Indian of Indian origin are being put to "We compliment the MEA high goodwill towards India", said way. high commissions and consulates, discomfort by the request for sur- level delegation in accepting some Ashook Ramsaran, Executive Vice As a result, during the last one said the statement. render certificate every time they of GOPIO's recommendations and President of GOPIO International. The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times. 20 Ultimate Bollywood

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info DK Bose lands Censor Board in trouble iving a go ahead to the other member of the committee remains impervious to such Delhi Belly song DK was present for the screening of widespread dissatisfaction. GBose seems to have the same, informed a source. "It When contacted, she said, "The landed the censor board in a lot is enough to have just one mem- I&B Ministry sent us a com- of trouble. Though producer ber present for any screening," plaint that was filed on their Aamir Khan and actor Imran the source added. website. Khan are happy about the deci- Now, this decision has sparked And we have replied back. And sion, the masses aren't. off more than just controversies yes, we have also received a few The Information and within the industry. A source complaints from people. But Broadcasting Ministry and the close to the censor board that's okay. We even received Censor Board have been receiv- informed, "Parents are really objections to Sheila Ki Jawaani ing letters from the angry masses angry with the song. It's a part of (Tees Maar Khan) and Munni demanding an 'explanation' for trailers that are screened in the- Badnaam Hui (Dabangg) as having passed a song with a atres along with U certified well." word that sounds obscene when films, though Delhi Belly itself Aamir's spokesperson defend- played in loop. has received an A certification. ed, "DK Bose is just a name. Surprisingly, it was the sole It's also running on national tele- Some people are capable of see- decision of the CEO of the cen- vision.” ing abusive language in every- sor board, Pankaja Thakur to The CEO of the censor board, thing. It depends on how your give the song a go ahead. No Actor Imran Khan in a still from the song DK Bose. Pankaja Thakur seemingly, mind works. We can't help it." 'Delhi Belly' - Wicked Aamir Khan embarrasses voice of new India Ashutosh en years have passed and very keen on having Amitabh as the nobody knew that the narrator. He had no doubts about it. TLagaan director Ashutosh Without any discussion with his Gowariker was not too keen on director, Aamir approached senior Amitabh Bachchan's booming actor who agreed to do it immedi- voice to narrate his magnum opus ately. For him to have an idea what that created history in Bollywood the film was all about, Aamir and found entry at the Academy showed Amitabh (and Jaya) the Awards as well. rough cut without the climax. But It was revealed only at the cele- Ashutosh completely refused to bration of the completion of 10 have his voice for the film and years of the film recently and one made Aamir go back to Amitabh saw Ashutosh going red with and tell him that. embarrassment. Hesitatingly Aamir went back to The reason being Ashutosh's Bachchan who gracefully accepted good pal and Lagaan's producer the change. and lead actor Aamir disclosed this But again after two months in the presence of Big B who was Ashutosh changed his mind and A scene from Delhi Belly. sitting right next to the director on decided to have Bachchan's voice t is a cliché as old as this nation - neither is it Ram Sampath's catchy the stage and had to face the ques- for the narration. And poor Aamir of the many Indias that breathe music that beats to the rhythm of the tioning look of the towering per- had to do the dirty work once again. Iunder one India, Indian cinema film, or the slick, seamless direc- sonality. Aamir and Ashutosh: The hit He went to Bachchan who said yes has hardly been representative of tion, or its immaculate casting and The story goes that Aamir was pair of Lagaan. to Aamir. even a few of these. Yet, one would performance or even its wickedly have expected, after globalization witty dialogues. and the emergence of a new bold, The true beauty of the film is in RGV lodges complaint against urban India, that at least this class all these elements together creating would get representation in com- a madcap image of a new, mercial cinema. unabashed, even shameless section Hindu groups Though there have been success- of India. ilmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has decided to ful attempts in the past, it is with Though Delhi is referred to in its lodge a complaint against BJP's youth wing "Delhi Belly" that the urban, title, it is not the real Delhi that after latter threatened filmmakers and televi- money-is-everything, foul-mouthed Dibakar Banerjee captures with F sion channels against casting Kannada actress India has been captured with satirical reality in his films. Instead, Maria Monica Susairaj, who was convicted for the aplomb. And that, depending upon it is the image of a Delhi populated murder of a television executive. your morality, is good or bad. by young, educated, newly 'liberat- "Am on my way to Oshiwara police station to Tashi (Imran Khan), a Delhi- ed' urbanites. In that it is the split- lodge a complaint against BJP Yuva Morcha presi- based journalist living filthily with ting image of that young urban India dent for threatening me with dire consequences two roommates, winds up with a anywhere perpetually churning like (sic)," the director posted on the microblogging site bunch of 'desi' goons chasing him the stomach of a character in the Twitter. and his mates after a mix-up. The film, a showcasing of this nations The Mumbai units of the Bharatiya Janata Party three are forced to navigate the dark new neo-liberal underbelly. (BJP), Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena underbelly to survive, while However, the other Indias might (MNS) had reacted following reports that filmmak- encountering one situation after not take kindly to the film. er Ram Gopal Verma wanted to hire Maria for his another and one idiosyncratic Indian Hypocritical Indians okay with Ram Gopal Varma: Courting trouble. next film and that Susairaj could be invited to join after another. female infanticide and dowry would the next season of reality show Bigg Boss. opposition in case any filmmaker or TV channel The beauty of Abhinav Deo's film be aghast at how almost every 'bad' Mumbai BJP youth wing general secretary Amit hired Susairaj. is not its smooth story, loosely word that they know is spoken Satam had warned filmmakers and TV channels Panse said there had been a trend to cast people inspired by the type of films made everywhere on the streets and in against casting Susairaj in any of their ventures. with shady or criminal backgrounds on TV reality famous by Guy Ritchie, 'Lock homes, finds a place in the usually He even threatened to unleash "Shiv Sena style" shows. Stock..' and 'Snatch' among others, moralistic Bollywood. Ultimate Bollywood 21

Thesouthasiantimes.info July 9-15, 2011 It's the Big B through and through in 'Bbuddah...' olklore has it that wherever the Big B Though the narration seems to leap before stands, the queue begins. It's time to it looks, the director actually manages to Fqueue up for a film that reads like a create a controlled atmosphere of plot running commentary on the Bachchan leg- development within the chaos of Mumbai's end. Blessed are the generations that get to streets clogged with scampering gangsters, see India's most iconic and enduring cops and their minions. screen-hero play a variation on all his most "Buddah…Hoga Tera Baap" offers a cherished roles. pleasurable romp into the star-power of the And then some more to the angry Vijay Big B. The rapport that his character builds persona that the Big B created through up through some lovely actresses of several those brilliantly-written films of Salim- generations (Hema Malini, Raveena Javed in the 1970 and 80s, the actor still Tandon, Sonal Chauhan, Charmee) is so sprightly enough to make all the bachcha- bloody robust and funny, you are left won- log of Bollywood look like performing dering how much of the sly subtle foxy flir- midgets, adds dollops of wry cynicism that tatiousness comes from the star and how goes well with our times. much of it was there in the screenplay. Make no mistake Telugu cinema's most Undoubtedly well-written and directed successful director Puri Jagannath is not with sure-handedness that cannot hide Puri just a Bachchan fan. He's also a master sto- Jagannath's boundless admiration for the ryteller. Bachchan phenomenon, "Bbuddah…Hoga It's a skillfully written yarn that doesn't Tera Baap" is one of those garam-masala stray into the yawn zone for even a second. products that's far clever than the outward Every character, even the relatively minor Amitabh in a still from the movie 'Bbuddah...' flamboyance of the main character and exe- ones like the Bachchan's landlady who keeps jabbering to an unseen husband in Dubai, adds sheen of zing to the shindig. cution suggest. Ash pregnant, Bhandarkar in depression Notice to Big B, Sony TV fter Heroine, his "most ambitious for insulting Netaji project", was put A he Bombay high court has issued notices to on the backburner indefi- Amitabh Bachchan and Sony Television in nitely following the news response to a PIL which challenges a promo of his lead actress T in Kaun Banega Crorepati claiming it has insulted Aishwarya Rai's pregnancy, and maligned the slogan 'Tum mujhe khoon do, acclaimed filmmaker main tumhe azadi doonga', coined by Subhash Madhur Bhandarkar says Chandra Bose. he went into depression and The notices were issued by Chief Justice Mohit that he's upset that the Shah and Justice G S Godbole who asked the "truth was hidden" from Bollywood actor, anchor of the show, and Sony TV him. "This decision of Channel to file a reply by July 28. pulling the plug had a dev- Of the six scenes from the promo, five are insult- astating effect on me … It ing and derogatory to Netaji's slogan. was like an avalanche col- Bhandarkar and Aish in Some scenes in the promo show that people were lapsing on me… I was in a happier times. unaware about the slogan and Netaji's role in free- state of total shock and depres- "It was a collective decision of dom struggle, the PIL said. sion," Bhandarkar posted on his the producers of the film to pull off On the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bachchan blog recently. the plug on the current assembled asks a child "who said this? -- You give me blood The filmmaker, who has given project…I am still reeling in a state KBC host Amitabh Bachchan. and I will give you freedom" and the child replies hits like “Page 3”, "Chandni Bar" of shock…. But still chose to "just now you said it" and then stops in a confused men from the start I have been saying that any and "Fashion", remained silent so remain silent all these days; but state of mind. Bachchan tells him, "Somewhere question cannot be small." far, ever since producers UTV took was coerced into breaking my you have heard this". The petitioner said he was immensely hurt by the the decision to stall the movie for silence… as I realized that the truth The actor then tells viewers, "Ladies and gentle- promo which is being telecast on Sony TV channel. the sake of Aishwarya's health. deserved to be told," he added. Anushka engaged to Ranveer? Marriage not troubled: nushka Sharma, who Shilpa Shetty is rumored to be dat- ollywood actress Aing her Band Baaja Shilpa Shetty has Baaraat co-star Ranveer Brefuted reports that Singh, was spotted with a her marriage is in trouble, ring in the engagement fin- saying that she and her hus- ger at the screening of one of band Raj Kundra are holiday- the recent film releases. ing in the US. She also says There were reports about a that she is not pregnant. spat between Anushka and "First I hear am preggars. Ranveer during IIFA Awards, Now I hear my husband’s the reason being Ranveer's having an affair from the growing camaraderie with press. Sonakshi Sinha during It is common for papers to rehearsals. So has Ranveer stoop low to sensationalize Anushka-Ranveer: Time for another resolved her insecurities with false stories," Shilpa posted Band Baaja Baaraat? a band on her finger? on her Twitter page. All’s well between Raj and Shilpa. Earlier, the duo reportedly However, the actor's manag- or engaged to clear the air,” There were reports that locked lips during Shahid er denied all the reports. the manager said. Is wedding Kundra had met a gorgeous in London and later gifted the holiday. But, the 36-year-old Kapoor's birthday bash. “Anushka isn’t going around on the cards? Time will tell! lady at a hair-transplant clinic clinic assistant a European actress has denied the reports. 22 Subcontinent

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info LeT a formidable terror threat to India: US Washington: The US considers Pakistan In South Asia LeT, "the organization based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taeba (LeT), responsible for the rampage in Mumbai in held responsible for 2008 Mumbai terror 2008 that killed over 100 people, including attacks, as a formidable terrorist threat to six Americans-constitutes a formidable ter- Indian, US, and other Western interests in rorist threat to Indian, US, and other Western South Asia and potentially elsewhere. interests in South Asia and potentially else- In Afghanistan, the US military and NATO where", it said. are committed to preventing Al Qaeda's US counter-terrorism efforts against LeT return and disrupting any terrorist networks will continue to focus on ensuring that the located there that have the ability to plan and group lacks the capability to conduct or sup- launch transnational terrorist attacks, the port operations detrimental to US interests or White House said in its new counter-terror- regional stability, including escalating ten- ism strategy. sions between Pakistan and India, the strate- "But even if we achieve the ultimate defeat gy said. Much of US effort against LeT "will of Al Qaeda in the Afghanistan-Pakistan the- continue to centre on coordinating with, atre, an expanded and diverse network of ter- enabling, and improving the will and capa- rorist groups determined to focus beyond bilities of partner nations-including in South their local environments is likely to persist," Asia, Europe, and the Arabian Gulf-to count- said the strategy essentially focused on er the group and its terrorist activities", it destroying Al Qaeda. LeT was responsible for the rampage in Mumbai that killed over 100 people. said. Manmohan to go on ISI ordered Shahzad's killing: US ther details. The disclosure of the information 'charm Dhaka' trip could further aggravate the badly fractured relationship between the US and Pakistan, which worsened significantly with the American commando raid two months ago that killed Osama bin Laden in a Pakistan safehouse and deeply embarrassed the Pakistani govern- ment, military and intelligence hierarchy. Another senior official said there was enough other intelli- gence and indicators immediately A file photo of slain journalist Saleem Shahzad. after Shahzad's death for the Islamabad: Pakistan's powerful criticism; The New York Times Americans to conclude that the ISI Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) reported quoting two senior offi- had ordered him killed. agency had ordered the killing of cials. The 40-year-old journalist Shahzad's body was retrieved Pakistani journalist Saleem had disappeared from Islamabad from a canal 60 miles from A file photo of Indian PM Manmohan Singh with his Bangladesh Shahzad, a media report quoted US May 29. Islamabad. The ISI publicly denied counterpart Sheikh Hasina. officials as saying. The intelligence, which several accusations in the Pakistani news New Delhi/Dhaka, July 4: working towards making the visit New classified intelligence administration officials said they media that it had been responsible, Downplaying the row over by the Indian Prime Minister a shows that Shahzad, who had writ- believed was reliable and conclu- calling them "totally unfounded". remarks of the Indian prime minis- successful and a fruitful one," the ten scathing reports about the infil- sive, showed that the actions of the Shahzad was the 37th journalist ter about anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh government said. tration of militants in the country's ISI, as it is known, were "barbaric killed in Pakistan since the 9/11 Bangladesh, New Delhi The announcement of the prime military, was killed on the directive and unacceptable", one of the offi- attacks, according to the announced Manmohan Singh's minister's visit by both sides on of the ISI in an effort to silence cials said without disclosing fur- Committee to Protect Journalists. visit to Dhaka Sept 6-7 and under- the same day indicated their con- lined its commitment to "forging a scious effort to play down the con- stronger and enduring relation- troversy triggered by Manmohan Lanka frees 14 fishermen ship" with its eastern neighbor. Singh's off-the-record remarks in Manmohan Singh's visit is an interaction with Indian editors poised to be a landmark trip, dur- last week about 25 percent of after warning ing which New Delhi is expected Bangladeshis being under the Ramanathapuram: The Sri to unveil a raft of concessions, influence of the "anti-Indian" Lankan navy apprehended 14 including a further easing of tex- Jamaat-e-Islami, a rightwing fishermen from Rameswaram tile imports, signaling a new phase Islamist political party. These mid-sea for allegedly trespassing in improving bilateral ties. remarks created a storm in the international maritime bound- In New Delhi, Vishnu Prakash, Bangladesh and were splashed in ary line recently. They were, how- the spokesperson of the external all Bangladeshi dailies. ever, released after a stern warn- affairs ministry, disclosed the Ahead of Manmohan Singh's ing. dates for the visit in a tweet on the visit, External Affairs Minister Some outboard engine-fitted micro-blogging site. Later, the S.M. Krishna will travel to Dhaka country boats had set out to sea external affairs ministry made it July 6 on a three-day trip that is from Rameswaram on recently. official, saying the Indian prime expected to pacify hurt feelings in However, the fishermen were sub- minister "would be paying an offi- Bangladesh and set the stage for sequently surrounded by the cial visit to Bangladesh from Sep the prime minister's visit. Lankan navy. 6 to 7". This will be Manmohan Singh's Fourteen fishermen were appre- In Dhaka, the Bangladesh gov- second visit to Dhaka. He visited hended by the Lankan navy, ernment also announced the visit, Bangladesh to attend the South which took them its country along saying it "is expected to infuse Asian Association for Regional with their country boats. A Sri Lankan fisherman. fresh dynamism into the multi- Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Boats’ owner Kani told fisheries in sea. and the Indian Coast Guard. The faceted, multi-dimensional rela- 2005. July promises to be an officials about it, who said there The fishermen had gone beyond fishermen were released with a tionship between the two coun- intense month for India's diplo- was a restriction on country boats the restricted distance, despite stern warning against trespassing tries". "The two sides have been matic thrusts in Bangladesh. on the distance they could travel surveillance by the Indian navy into Lankan waters. Business 23

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 Montblanc to take over Boeing's Dreamliner Indian operations? will fly to India Mumbai: Montblanc, one of the first luxury New Delhi: Amid growing brands to be sold in India through the organ- uncertainty whether its ized retail format in the post liberalization biggest customer in India period, is evaluating steps to wrest control of Air India would be able to its Indian operations from Dilip Doshi-pro- afford the Boeing 787 moted Entrack International, its Indian dis- Dreamilner, the US aircraft tributor. major is going to fly in the Montblanc is expected to take over the aircraft to the country next operations of the 17 stores that Entrack runs week. The plane , which last in India and enter this time through a majori- Sunday made its first flight ty-owned subsidiary. If all goes well, this to Asia when it landed in could happen well before the Diwali season Montblanc is expected to take over the Tokyo ,will fly to Delhi and kicks in. Sources in the know say that Dilip operations of the 17 stores that Entrack Mumbai before winging Doshi, may get anywhere between $25 and International runs in India. back to Boeing headquarters $50 million to cede control. in Seattle , US . Doshi, however, is expected to continue his ury brand in a new market moves from one AI had ordered The Boeing 787 Dreamilner. relationship with Montblanc either through a business cycle to the other they are bound to 27Dreamliners in 2005 as minority stake or as an advisor. The details change partners and acquire new ones. In part of the 68 Boeings er's financially broke status been delayed by over three are currently being finalized. Doshi brought 2006, Gucci entered India through a fran- ordered along with IA's has forced the government years , are either deferment in the brand more than a decade ago and pop- chise agreement with Murjanis but then went order for 43 Airbus . Jet to rethink over what to do or cancellation . ularized the German luxury brand in India on to float a subsidiary with 51 % stake, the with its order for 10 787s is with Dreamilner order that Boeing now says the air- through stores in 5 star hotels. Though large- maximum allowed for foreign companies the only other Indian cus- will cost around $4 billion . craft delivery to AI will ly known for its pens, Montblanc also sells under the single brand retail format. The lux- tomer for this plane . Among the options avail- begin by this year-end , con- an entire range of products and accessories ury market, currently estimated at around $4 While AI was supposed to able to the government for tinue for three to four years which include watches, eye wear, cuff links billion, is growing at a compounded annual be the second customer the Dreamliners , which and that the national carrier and leather products like belts and wallets. rate of 25% and is expected to touch $14.72 after Japan's All Nippon were supposed to start join- will get compensation for Luxury retail watchers say that when a lux- billion by 2015. Airways , the national carri- ing AI in 2008 but have the delay . Google suffers in Nortel FDI inflow to India at $4.66 bn patent loss New Delhi: Inflow of foreign direct investment to make the FDI policy more liberal and investor- (FDI) in India surged 111 percent to $4.66 billion in friendly. Significant rationalization and simplifica- Toronto: Google, May, the second highest monthly equity inflow in 11 tion of the policy has, therefore, been carried out in which initiated the years, as the government reiterates its commitment the recent past," the commerce and industry ministry bidding war for pre- to liberalize norms, official data showed. said in a statement. Recent investments are an indi- cious Nortel patents The total FDI inflows in the first two months of the cator of this positive trend, it said. in April, has suf- current fiscal rose to $7.78 billion as compared to The proposed tie-up between British Petroleum fered a huge blow $4.39 billion in the corresponding period of last year, (BP) and Reliance Industries, with a likely FDI of with an Apple-led registering a growth of 77 percent. over $7 billion, could possibly be the single largest consortium walking "There has been a continuing and sustained effort FDI into the emerging market. away with 6,000 patents for $4.5 bil- lion last week. Apple pushes BlackBerry The bidding process for 6,000 patents and patent to third spot applications began Toronto: There is more bad news cent of US smartphone sub- in April, with Google An Apple-led consortium won 6,000 Nortel patents for $4.5 billion. for slipping BlackBerry maker scribers, up 5.1 percent, offering a $900-mil- Research In Motion (RIM). ComScore said. Apple bumped lion stalking horse more than 45 patent lawsuits - the According to the latest smart- BlackBerry from number two bid. Apart from Apple, biggest against any major player - phone market data, BlackBerry is position with 26.6 percent of the BlackBerry maker Research In it wanted Nortel patents badly to at third place as Google Android market share, up 1.4 percent. Motion (RIM), Microsoft, protect itself against such lawsuits and Apple iPhone have further BlackBerry was relegated to the Ericsson, Sony and EMC make up in the future. increased their share in the US. third rank with 24.7 percent, slip- the winning consortium. Since Nortel-patented technolo- Market research leader ping 4.2 percent during the period. According to analysts, the gy is used in RIM's BlackBerry, ComScore reported Tuesday that The share of Microsoft also patent auction is a big blow to Apple's iPhone and Google Google Android devices have shrank to 5.8 percent, down Google as the search engine was Android smart phones, the buyer carved out as much as 38.1 per- almost two percent, the report willing to pay any price to beef up of these patents now get the rights cent of the market share during said. its bank of patents - which is the to license this technology to the past three months. RIM is currently valued at about smallest among major wireless secure royalties and gain market During this period ending May, $14 billion, down from $83 bil- players. influence in the multi-trillion-dol- Google Android ranked as the top lion in June 2008 when its stock As Google is also involved in lar technology field. operating system with 38.1 per- touched the $150-mark.

Jain Diaspora Meet accelerating the learning of 4.5 million health and other socially challenging con- niques as taught by Jain Acharyas Continued from page 18 Gujarati words. The Lexicon is ideal for ditions (often arising from crimes com- Gurudev Chitrabhanu and Pramoda diaspora Gujaratis who want to learn mitted against mentally handicapped Chitrabhanu. * Dr Mamta Shaha, * Harnish Jani, a popular writer and their mother-tongue in a fun and enter- women) pervasive in rural populations of Founder and Chair narrator, delivered a talk on behalf of taining manner. IOJ was presented a India. of JAINA Media Publications * Namrata Lisa Abrams and Nirali Shri Ratilal K. Chandaria, Chairman of JAINA Presidential Award at the Committee: She announced the achieve- Becky Kleinschmidt, Institute of Jainology, London. He high- Convention. office-bearers of ment of a milestone of the first 100 com- * Dr. Mukesh Bavishi lighted the visionary contributions of Shri (a leading gyne- Lighthouse Center, Ann Arbor, MI) plete Mangalam TV episodes on YouTube Chandaria, patriarch of a large family cologist and cancer surgeon from described the activities of nearly 100 and encouraged Jain NGOs and temple scattered in a dozen countries, in devel- Ahmedabad), described the use of ‘stitch- non-Jain individuals who have adopted congregations to be more proactive in oping and deploying the Gujarati Lexicon less surgeries’ pioneered by him and his the Jain Way of Life and vegan diets to reaching out to help the communities – an online translator, guide and tool for wife Dr. Vidula Bavishi to resolve critical practice Jain meditation and healing tech- they reside in. 24 International

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info US warns of terror attacks Gaddafi to step on airlines down? Washington: The US government has warned domestic Moscow: Libyan and international airlines that some terrorists are consid- leader Muammar ering surgically implanting explosives into humans to Gaddafi has said he carry out attacks, according to sources. would step down if There is no intelligence pointing to a specific plot, but his security is guar- the US shared its concerns last week with executives at anteed, according to domestic and international carriers. a Russian official. People traveling to the US from overseas may experi- "The colonel ence additional screening at airports because of the (Gaddafi) is sending threat, according to the Transportation Security signals that he is Administration. "These measures are designed to be prepared to relin- unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see quish power in the same activity at every international airport," TSA exchange for securi- spokesman Nick Kimball said. "Measures may include ty guarantees," the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. interaction with passengers, in addition to the use of Airport security has increased markedly since 9/11. unnamed Russian official told the said it was in talks with opposi- other screening methods such as pat-downs and the use abroad. Last December, the US received intelligence Kommersant daily. tion leaders, but the rebels contin- of enhanced tools and technologies." that Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch was considering hiding The Russian newspaper ue to demand that Gaddafi stand Placing explosives and explosive components inside explosives inside insulated beverage containers to carry described him as a high-level down and leave Libya. humans to hide bombs and evade security measures is them on airplanes. That warning was shared with source in the Russian leadership. The Interfax news agency quot- not a new idea. But there is new intelligence pointing to domestic and foreign airlines so that security could be France was willing to provide ed Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, head of a fresh interest in using this tactic, a US security official on the lookout, even though there was no specific plot. these guarantees, the official said. the world chess federation FIDE, said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to Airport security has increased markedly since the Sept Gaddafi wants his son Saif al- as saying that Gaddafi's oldest son discuss sensitive security information. 11, 2001, terror attacks. But terrorists remain interested Islam to be allowed to run in elec- Muhammad Gaddafi told him that When the US government receives information sug- in attacking aviation and continue to adapt to the new tions if he steps down, the Western forces were stationed in gesting terror tactics that could threaten commercial avi- security measures by trying to develop ways to circum- Kommersant said. the capital Tripoli to kill the ation, the TSA alerts companies domestically and vent them. The Libyan government has Libyan leader. Thousands fete Dalai Dawood, LeT in Russia's terror list Moscow: Russia has iden- The first part of the list in Lama on birthday tified underworld don English is compiled by the Dawood Ibrahim , and Russian foreign ministry on Pakistan-based terror out- the basis of UN and other fits LeT, HuJI and data and includes about 600 Lashkar-e-Jhangvi as fin- foreign companies, outfits anciers of terrorism and individuals. through money laundering, The second part compiled telling people to exercise by Russian justice ministry caution while entering into identifies 48 organizations financial deals. and over 1,500 individuals, The comprehensive list whose illegal activities also recognizes Jamaat-ud- against Russia were estab- Dawa , led by Mumbai ter- lished in court or whose Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. ror attack accused Hafiz activities on Russian territo- Saeed , as a cover used by Lashkar-e-Taiba. ry were officially terminated. The list was published by the Russian government This part also names LeT, whose activities were put daily 'Rossiiskaya Gazeta', which said the purpose of to an end in Russia and banned by the court order. This publishing it was to help banks and general public is for the first time Russia has put the comprehensive while they are entering into normal financial and other list of terror financiers in the public domain, albeit, the deals, because the money launderers often use the nor- list of organizations and individuals under suspicion of On his 76th birthday, Dalai Lama urged followers to mal channels in their activities like sale and purchase of money laundering to finance terrorism will remain clas- practice compassion. a house. sified, Rossiiskaya Gazeta writes. Washington: Thousands of peo- tions. I always say, the best gift to ple flocked to a Washington arena me is to practice compassion," the Tehran: Iran has successfully test- to celebrate the 76th birthday of Dalai Lama said, advising the Iran test fires fired several anti-ship missiles at sea Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai crowd to look into their minds and as part of a 10-day military exercise Lama, who urged followers to hearts. surface-to-sea missiles that began last week. mark the occasion by practicing "Happiness -- it is not money, it State news reports say the coun- compassion. is not material things, it is not try's elite Revolutionary Guards The Verizon Center in the US power," he said. "It is (inside), full fired two missiles capable of hitting capital's Chinatown was trans- of self-confidence." targets at a distance of 300 kilome- formed into little Tibet, with ven- Nepal, Tibet's neighbor which is ters and a third "land-to-sea" missile dors selling handicrafts from the eager not to upset China, banned with a range of up to 200 kilome- Himalayan land and intricate public celebrations of the Dalai ters. The reports say the tests took mandalas hanging incongruously Lama's birthday, with riot police place on Wednesday (July 6) near underneath advertisements for fast arresting three Tibetan exiles and the port city of Bandar Jask in an food. preventing hundreds more from area close to the Strait of Hormuz. Tibetan monks and nuns folded attending a party. Iran says the military exercises, their hands with reverence and But the Dalai Lama enjoyed which ended Wednesday, were American supporters broke into shows of support at his birthday designed to preserve the country's an impromptu song of "Happy party. "readiness against enemy strikes." Birthday to You" as the Dalai Desmond Tutu, South Africa's The United States and other Lama came on stage to mark the former archbishop who fought Western nations suspect Iran is plan- start of a 10-day ritual known as a non-violently against the ning to build nuclear warheads for kalachakra. apartheid regime, saluted the its missiles. Iran says its missiles are "Some people ask me for some Dalai Lama as a friend in a video- Iranian revolutionary Guards personnel, foreground, watch the launch conventional and designed for the message for my birthday celebra- taped message. of a Zelzal missile outside the city of Qom. nation's protection. Sport 25

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 Doping shame: Four NIS officials removed Patiala/New Delhi: A day after Sports he has never prescribed any steroids to the Minister Ajay Maken vowed to clean up the athletes. system in the wake of the doping scandal, "Every athlete has their food supplement heads have started rolling. The Sports plan. I have not given any anabolic steroids. Authority of India (SAI) removed four offi- I am a professional. I have prohibited these cials of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) substances 20 years ago. It is a bad anabolic. in Patiala. I am not stupid to advise these substances to SAI's executive director L.S. Ranawat said athletes. I am being set up," said the steps are being taken to make NIS drug-free. Ukrainian, who has been associated with the The local administration also cracked the Indian athletics for over a decade. whip, sleuths of the state drugs authority The National Anti Doping Agency conducting surprise raids at medical stores (NADA) asked the dope tainted athletes to near the NIS campus. submit their food supplements for testing as Earlier, the sports ministry, the Indian they claimed innocence. Olympic Association (IOA) and the Athletics Ranawat said a first information report Federation of India (AFI) indulged in a (FIR) has been filed to initiate action against blamegame over rampant doping after local chemists, who were selling banned Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogorobonik, who drugs without prescriptions. Ranawat also trained six of the eight athletes who tested said that Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogorodnik, positive, was sacked. who has been sacked, has been asked to stay Sports Minister Maken held former AFI on in the country to complete investigations. president Suresh Kalmadi and secretary gen- Sini Jose, Mandeep Kaur, Manjeet Kaur and Ashwini C. Akkunji after winning the gold in Indian sports was rocked by eight athletes eral Lalit Bhanot responsible for the mess Women's 4 x 400m Relay Final at the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010. testing positive for banned drugs. India's the sport is in. Stand-in IOA president Vijay refused to accept that training in Ukraine unsavory episode, and Malhotra blamed the golden girls Sini Jose, Mandeep Kaur and Kumar Malhotra took exception to the min- was the sole reason for the doping cases. ministry for not acting swiftly when the first Ashwini Akkunji, who won gold medals in ister's remark and blamed the Sports Maken, at a hurriedly called media confer- doping case surfaced and the IOA com- the 4x400 meters relay in the Authority of India (SAI) which is responsi- ence in the morning, ordered the firing of plained to the government. Commonwealth and Asian Games, along ble for the appointment of coaches and doc- Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogorobonik and insti- Ogorobonik, who is in Patiala, told the with five other athletes have flunked dope tors. On his part, AFI chief M.L. Dogra tuted a high-level inquiry into the entire electronic media that he was being framed as tests conducted by WADA and NADA. Rain wrecks Windsor Sangakkara slams Lankan cricket board London: Sri Lanka's senior batsman Kumar Sangakkara has lashed out at Park Test debut the cricket administration back home, saying their "corrupt" prac- tices have tarnished the image of the sport in the island nation. Sangakkara said the loyal fans in Sri Lanka are becoming increasing- ly disillusioned. Sangakkara, while delivering the MCC Spirit of Cricket Lecture at the historic Lord's Monday, made startling claims about the dirty board politics prevailing in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that, he said, has also involved the players from Kumar Sangakkara. time to time. The stylish southpaw, the end of a 30-year-old civil war. would lead to corruption and wan- who resigned from captaincy after "After 1996 the cricket board has ton waste of cricket board finances the 2011 World Cup, chose the been controlled and administered by and resources." occasion also to inform the audience a handful of well-meaning individu- Sangkkara's comments came after about the history of Sri Lankan als either personally or by proxy, Sri Lanka's sports ministry dis- cricket, its "most powerul moment rotated in and out, depending on solved the SLC's interim committee of unity" in 1996 when they won appointment or election," said last week following allegations of Members of the Indian cricket team at Windsor’s Park. their maiden World Cup crown and Sangakkara. "Unfortunately, to con- financial mismanagement against it Roseau (Dominica): West Indies lunch. how sport, if run properly, can be a solidate and perpetuate their power, during the last World Cup which Sri were offered temporary reprieve in They were still together after the tool of reconciliation between the they opened the door of the admin- Lanka co-hosted alongside India the third and final cricket Test interval, when the rain swept Tamil and Sinhala community after istration to partisan cronies that and Bangladesh. against India after persistent rain across the ground, adding 40 - wrecked Windsor Park's inaugura- unbroken - for the fourth wicket, tion. and both getting into their stride Novak’s win good for tennis: Federer The hosts found themselves in an with crisp drives through the cov- Bern: Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic's rise to all-too-familiar position having ers off Praveen Kumar. become the top-ranked player in the world is good for been sent in to bat, reaching 75 for West Indies had run into trouble tennis, according to the only player who has beaten three in their first innings, after early again, Ishant Sharma under- him this year. rain allowed just 31.1 overs on the mining their feeble top-order bat- Roger Federer said that Djokovic - whose record is opening day at Test cricket's ting before lunch with two wickets 48-1 in 2011 - has earned his success. newest outpost. for 23 runs from eight overs. "He deserves to become No 1 after an immense start The weather interrupted about 15 The lanky Sharma, the most suc- to the year," said third-ranked Federer, who defeated minutes after West Indies contin- cessful of all bowlers in the series, the 24-year-old Serb in the French Open semifinals. ued from their lunch-time total of has now taken 18 wickets over the "When you lose so rarely, your confidence carries you 64 for three, and the players never three matches. a long way." returned to the field. The hosts decision to give left- The 29-year-old Federer said it wasn't a big surprise Novak Djokovic with Wimbledon trophy. To the rich applause of a modest hander Kieran Powell and middle- that Djokovic dethroned Rafael Nadal after having crowd, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, order batsman Kirk Edwards their beaten the former top-ranked Spaniard in four previ- good for tennis that it happened." becoming the most capped player Test debuts failed to bring stability ous finals in 2011. Federer lost in the quarter-finals to Jo-Wilfried for West Indies with 133 Tests, to their batting, and West Indies "And he's proved before at Wimbledon that he can Tsonga of France. The five-set defeat was the first joined fellow left-hander Darren soon sunk to 35 for three inside the play on grass," Federer said ahead of this weekend's time he wasted a two-set lead in a Grand Slam singles Bravo about 45 minutes before first one and a half hours. Switzerland's Davis Cup tie against Portugal. "It's match, and just the third such reverse in his career. 26 Features

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Parsi community has created modern India: Amitav Ghosh New Delhi: The Parsi community is an amazing pool of talent, hav- "The number of Parsis ing created modern India as we in the country may know it, says one of the country's foremost novelists and chronicler have dwindled but Amitav Ghosh, who tails his Parsi they continue to be protagonist, Bombay merchant one of the most illus- Bahramji Naurozji Modi to China trious communities in in his new novel, "River of India. After all, our Smoke" - the second book in the Ibis trilogy. ruling family is Parsi, The first book of the trilogy, some of the biggest "Sea of Poppies", a saga of migra- industrial houses are tion of indentured laborers from Parsi, leading lawyers, --Amitav Ghosh , who tails his Kolkata aboard the Ibis in the Parsi protagonist, Bahramji early 19th century and India's doctors and profes- Naurozji Modi to China in his new early opium trade, was shortlisted sionals are Parsi." novel, "River of Smoke" for the Man Booker prize in 2008. "The number of Parsis in the Ghosh said, "To a quite signifi- Smoke", which picks up its thread described (1839) at least six or shopkeepers". country has dwindled and the rea- cant degree, Mumbai was a Parsi from his earlier book, "Sea of seven major Bombay merchants The writer, who shares a deep sons are perhaps well-known. But city, formed and shaped with the Poppies", is built around India's were traveling regularly to connect with Kolkata where he the Parsis continue to be one of Parsi world view which is reflect- opium trade with China, the Canton. Their letters, public state- spent his holidays as a child, said the most illustrious communities ed in the incredible number of Opium wars, the fortunes of a ments and many joint letters they the long reign of the CPI-M had in India. philanthropic institutions in medley of people who had board- signed are available - there is put Kolkata behind on the After all, our ruling family is Mumbai". ed a ship, Ibis, carrying indentured nothing obscure about it," Ghosh progress map. Parsi, some of the biggest industri- "It is something we don't have in laborers from Calcutta to said. "Their approach was ham-fisted, al houses are Parsi, leading Kolkata," he said. Mauritius and a botanist in search The writer said in many ways, antediluvian and in the end they lawyers, doctors and professionals The writer, who has won the of the elusive Golden Camellia China was just like India. ended up dividing the state and are Parsi. It is an amazing pool of Sahitya Akademi award, is known blossom in China. "Wherever you see a banyan leading it with an incredible bur- talent," Ghosh said. for research-based fiction and China is important in Ghosh's tree, someone will build a little den of debt. They did do a couple "They (Parsis) have essentially non-fiction like "The Hungry novel. shrine, every shop has a 'pooja of good things like land reforms. created modern India - as we Tide", "The Shadow Lines", "The "I am following the life of a ghar’ (prayer room) - it is just like But for the city (Kolkata), they know it. Who introduced cricket Circle of Reason", "The Calcutta character like in the first book. India," he said. had no vision, no interest," he into India? The Parsis. Who Chromosone" and "The Glass Canton (Guangzhou) - is where he The writer said one of the most said. invented the style of singing and Palace". (Bahram) made so much money, remarkable things in China "was "Let us hope there is a fresh dancing in India that is now He was honored with the Padma came into his own and received the participation of women at wind blowing through Kolkata. It Bollywood? It was the Parsis," the Shri in 2007. his inspiration," he said. every level of the labor force - as won't be easy to change a place 55-year-old writer said. Ghosh's novel, "River of "Exactly in this period of time I truck drivers, as taxi drivers, as like Kolkata overnight," he said. Train to Pakistan - a journey not so pleasant Jodhpur: It’s Sunday morning. The Bhagat that kind of money?” Bhagat ki Kothi is Friday 10.30 p.m.; passen- ki Kothi railway station here is ready to Added Raghvir Singh Sodha, who migrated gers are told to assemble at the station-turned receive its weekly train from Pakistan. Stall to Jodhpur from Pakistan only a decade ago: fortress at 9 p.m, but the train rarely departs owners outside are stocked with food and “Though the government gives visa exten- before 1.30 a.m. drinks of all hues and tints; they know the sion to tourists for marriages, when they There is no water or food supply in the 250-odd passengers must be hungry and come here, they confiscate their wedding train; the luggage is kept in a separate coach. thirsty. trousseau.” After loading passengers from Jodhpur, the Unlike the better known Samjhauta Rajputs often travel to India for train does not make any single halt until Express that links Lahore and Delhi, the Thar bride/groom hunting as most Rajputs living Munabao, the Indian checkpost near the bor- Express — named after the vast expanse of in Pakistan are part of extended families — der. Though there are food stalls at the desert on both sides of the frontier — is being and they can’t marry among themselves. Munabao station, they run out of stock in no termed a “torture train” by frequent travelers. Sodha narrates another incident. time. Unlike the better known Samjhauta Express Connecting the desert town of Jodhpur to “A man was migrating to India after selling Add to that the dry desert heat and the between Lahore and Delhi, the Thar Sindh province in Pakistan, thirst is not the off his land in Pakistan. His Rs.8 lakh worth intense security checks and it is clear why the Express — connecting Jodhpur to Sindh only problem for the passengers here - the of gold was taken away at the customs and he passengers feel violated. The immigration province in Pakistan-- is being termed a more pressing issue, they say, is harassment got back gold worth only Rs.3.5 lakh after 35 checks, the passengers say, are more orderly “torture train” by frequent travelers. by customs officials. percent custom duty and a penalty of 15 per- and efficient. There are two broad categories of people tance of no more than 700 km, which should cent. Now, how will he start life anew?” While these checks go on, the train changes traveling to India from Pakistan. Those who not consume more than 12 hours normally. Then there’s Khoob Chand who alleges that platform for onward journey. Once in come for pilgrimage and those on personal Why the delay? his relative’s ‘mangalsutra’ was cut open to Pakistani territory, passengers from India visits. It is generally the latter who are at the In the words of harried passengers, Indian see if it was 24-carat gold. shift to the Pakistani train. receiving end, they say, of the customs. officials strip open each and every bag “in “The tax is on the gold you carry, it is not The train service, suspended during the The journey itself is no easy one. search of articles on which custom duty to be applied on the jewelry you wear. Do 1965 India-Pakistan war, reopened service in Leaving Karachi at 11 p.m. every Friday, could be levied”. they do the same thing at airports?” Khoob February 2006, making it the second bilateral the train’s scheduled arrival in Jodhpur is Fateh Singh, half of whose family lives in Chand rued “It’s only because we are poor rail link. 9.30 p.m. Saturday. Pakistan, describes one such incident on his and helpless that they do this.” Passengers say the situation was not always But thanks to marathon customs checks on recent return to India. A journey from Jodhpur to Karachi costs like this. “It has worsened over the last one both sides of the border (passengers say it is “There was a woman coming to India to get around Rs.450. For six months, the Indian year,” says Sodha. Some cases of smuggling more intense in India), the train doesn’t make her three daughters married. The customs train crosses over the border and the of fake currency notes had been reported in it to Jodhpur before 7 a.m. Sunday - a good confiscated all their gift packs, saris, jewelry, Pakistani train does that for the other six the past. 10 hours late. gold and asked for a 35 percent tax to get it months. (Some names have been changed on That makes it a 32-hour journey for a dis- freed… How can you expect someone to pay The train’s scheduled departure from request.) Lifestyle 27

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011 Why Exercise Makes Us Feel Good hy does exercise make us happy After two weeks of cohabitation, many of been firing often and rapidly in recent weeks, and calm? Almost everyone agrees these weaker mice were nervous wrecks. as had neurons in other, linked parts of the Wthat it generally does, a conclusion When the researchers tested them in a series brain, including the amygdala, which is supported by research. A survey by of stressful situations away from the cages, known to handle feelings of fear and anxiety. Norwegian researchers published this month, the mice responded with, as the scientists call The animals that had not run before moving for instance, found that those who engaged in it, “anxiety-like behavior.” But that was not in with the mean mice showed much less neu- any exercise, even a small amount, reported true for a subgroup of mice that had been ronal activity in these portions of the brain. improved mental health compared with allowed access to running wheels and nifty, Dr. Lehmann said that he believed that the Norwegians who, despite the tempting near- explorable tubes in their cages for several running was key to the exercised animals’ ness of mountains and fjords, never got out weeks before they were housed with the ability to bounce back from their unpleasant and exercised. A separate study, presented last aggressive mice. These mice, although wisely housing conditions. month at the annual meeting of the American submissive when confronted by the bullies, Of course, as we all know, mice are not peo- College of Sports Medicine, showed that six rallied nicely when away from them. They ple. But the scientists believe that this particu- weeks of bicycle riding or weight training didn’t freeze or cling to dark spaces in unfa- lar experiment is a fair representation of eased symptoms in women who’d received a miliar situations. They explored. They human interpersonal relations diagnosis of anxiety disorder. The weight appeared to be, Dr. Lehmann said, “stress- Perhaps best of all, Dr. Lehmann does not training was especially effective at reducing resistant.” believe that hours of daily exercise are needed feelings of irritability, But just how, at a were strong and aggressive; the others were “In people, we know that repeated applica- or desirable to achieve emotional resilience. deep, cellular level, exercise affects anxiety less so. The alpha mice got private cages. tions of stress can lead to anxiety disorders The mice in his lab ran only when and for as and other moods has been difficult to pin Male mice in the wild are territorial loners. So and depression,” Dr. Lehmann said. “But one long as they wished, over the course of several down. The brain is physically inaccessible and when then the punier mice were later slipped of the mysteries” of mental illness “is why weeks. Other animal experiments have inti- dauntingly complex. But a recent animal study into the same cages as the aggressive rodents, some people respond pathologically to stress mated that too much exercise could contribute from researchers at the National Institute of separated only by a clear partition, the big and some seem to be stress-resistant.” to anxiety, and Dr. Lehmann agrees that that Mental Health provides some intriguing new mice acted like thugs. They employed every To discern what was different, physiologi- outcome is possible. Moderate levels of exer- clues into how exercise intertwines with emo- animal intimidation technique and, during cally, about the stress-resistant mice, the sci- cise seem to provide the most stress-relieving tions, along with the soothing message that it daily, five-minute periods when the partition entists looked at brain cells using stains and benefits, he said. Dr. Lehmann does not have a may not require much physical activity to pro- was removed, had to be restrained from harm- other techniques. They determined that neu- car and walks everywhere, and although he vide lasting emotional resilience. ing the smaller mice, which, in the face of rons in part of the rodents’ medial prefrontal lives in Washington, a cauldron of stress For the experiment, researchers at the insti- such treatment, became predictably twitchy cortex, an area of the brain involved in emo- induction, he describes himself as a “pretty tute gathered two types of male mice. Some and submissive. tional processing in animals and people, had calm guy.” How to get through the holidays Supportive House Husbands he proverb that without gaining weight behind every suc- e all try to turn into the weather turns nippy may be Tcessful man is a creative geniuses hard-wired into the human woman may need to be Waround this time of genome, but it’s not the healthi- reversed as there has been year. That includes you if you est or happiest tradition. Time a rise of stay-at-home dads can roll out a pie crust, coax rib- spent with family or in spiritual while their ambitious bon into curlicues and juggle pursuits nets the most holiday wives reach the top in work, shopping, family obliga- joy, say scientists who study their professions. Helena tions, cooking, decorating, cock- these things. Get everybody Morrissey, a successful tail parties and holiday buffets. for everything in cash — you’ll together — away from the table businesswoman, said that Our gift to you? Seven creative spend 12 to 18 per cent less, — to hang decorations, take a women who want to reach ways to outsmart the deluge of experts say. walk, play board games and so the top need a husband button-popping, waistline- • Create a kitchen safety zone. on. who is prepared to stay at enlarging calories starting right Piling up holiday baddies (we • Don’t skip exercise. Just home and look after the now. can’t call ‘em goodies because make it short and sweet. Take children. • Cross as much stress as you they’re killers) in plain sight can two 15-minute walks or three The mother-of-nine is have a family and friends have agreed to take a back can off your to-do list. Ever rip prompt you to eat twice as 10-minute ones a day. As long as reliant on her househus- and hold down a difficult, seat to their successful into a box of cookies at 3 a.m. much, twice as fast. Instead, it totals at least 30 minutes, band Richard as he runs high-octane job when both wives. after busting your hump to hit a keep the true goodies — juicy you’re good. the family home and cares partners work full-time - The husband of the work deadline, then fighting little Clementine oranges, ruby- •Splurge a little at parties, then for their children, while that is a very tall order,” world’s most powerful traffic at the mall, then wrapping red pomegranates, walnuts, pis- eat like your normal, healthy self she manages nearly 50 bil- the Daily Mail quoted her businesswoman Indra presents until the wee hours? tachios, cinnamon-spice tea — the rest of the time. Get the lion pounds as chief exec- as saying. Nooyi, chief executive of Take a few minutes to insert in easy reach. Stash traditional skim-milk latte at your coffee utive of Newton Morrissey also urged PepsiCo, left his full-time more serenity in the season: temptations (waist-enlargers like shop, not the fancy holiday-spice Investment Management. any ambitious woman job and became a consult- Shop online instead of at the leftover potato pancakes, gift coffee drink. Tote fruit and nuts, Morrissey, who has set a with her heart set on a ant so that he could care mall. Put together gift baskets of boxes of candy and all those gin- or veggies and hummus, to work target for the 100 biggest directorship to discuss for the couple’s children. nuts, figs and fruit from the gro- gerbread men from the neigh- for so it’s easy to bypass the lat- companies to ensure with her husband the When Burberry chief cery instead of tins of home- bourhood cookie swap) far back est cookie mountain in the break women hold 30 per cent of prospect of him giving up executive Angela Ahrendts made cookies. If you need to in a cabinet or foil-wrapped in room. With moves like these, directorships by 2015, or scaling back his career. needed to move to London bring dessert to a party, buy one the freeze you’ll wake up after a vacation went on to say that women And she claims she is just to take up her post, her on the way so you can’t eat any • Start some new traditions. wearing the same size, or even could not have it all. “The one of many high-powered husband wound up his in advance. Oh, and try to pay Gathering together to eat when one smaller—and a big smile. idea that a woman can women whose husbands own business. 28 Humor

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai Driving a stick shift isn’t automatic tried to warn her. I tried to tell such simple instructions. I tried to said, "Oh no, it's a stop sign. How trouble of sticking her left foot out. my wife, Malathi, that learning help, of course: "It's a Japanese car. do I stop this thing?" But what she really wanted to know Ito drive a stick shift is much What's the Japanese word for 'go'?" I had to remind her that stick was which gear to stop in. She didn't harder than an automatic, but did Growing weary of my snide shifts, just like automatic cars, are care for my answer: "Any gear, dear. she listen? Nope, she was too busy remarks, she tried to hire a profes- equipped with brakes, saving her the Just make sure you stop." drooling over the burgundy Subaru sional instructor, but couldn't find Legacy wagon in a dealer'sn lot, one who taught stick shift. She was convinced that THIS was the car for stuck with me -- in a way that even Laughter is the Best Medicine her, never mind that it had an extra those wedding vows couldn't have pedal and a gear stick that went in prepared her. I was ready to answer more directions than Don King's a great way to get rid of telemar- all her questions, even if I had to be hair. keters: "If you don't stop calling me blunt. "Why is it called a manual trans- at home, I'm going to send my wife Malathi: "Why is the car making mission?" she asked, and I tried to over there with her semiautomatic. that awful grinding noise? think of a simple but effective It's got four cylinders!" Did I forget to do something?" explanation: I tried to tell Malathi that it might Me: "Yes. Clutch! Clutch! "Because every time you drive take weeks, even months, for her to Clutch!" this car, you'll have to consult the drive the car smoothly. "Stick shifts Malathi (gripping steering wheel manual. Now what do you say we aren't easy," I said. But she had seen tightly): "I'm clutching! look for an automatic?" me handle a stick shift -- I've never I'm clutching." The salesman was no help. He owned an automatic -- and she Actually, she wasn't quite that bad. told Malathi that he once taught a thought, "If clumsy can do it, why I'm proud to say that my wife female customer to drive a stick can't I?" improved steadily, day by day, and shift in 10 minutes. Ten minutes? She was soon signing the purchase in just two weeks, with a smile on That's how long it took Malathi to agreement, beaming from ear to ear, her face, she was ready to try second realize she'd have to use both feet. almost as thrilled as the salesman. gear. The salesman, of course, would And so began one of the most frus- It wasn't long before she was trating periods of her life, as she by Mahendra Shah have said just about anything to get cruising down the road, switching Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, attempted, bravely, to tame the Malathi to buy the car. Considering gears with ease, wondering why her artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording stick-shift monster. "Go! Go! Go!" it had power locks and windows, I'm husband had made such a fuss. Then the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. surprised he didn't call it a semiau- she would yell, as the car jerked and the inevitable happened: She spotted Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. tomatic. That would have given me shook and stalled, unable to grasp something red in the distance and Tech Life Can the Internet help you Mobiles: New study finds no brain cancer risk LONDON: Using mobile phones may not dence, this report is clear that any risk lose weight? increase the risk of brain cancer, according appears to be so small that it is very hard NEW YORK: People tend to lose a researchers, headed by Hirohito Sone to a new analysis of scientific evidence pub- to detect, even in the masses of people little more weight with online help of the University of Tsukuba Institute lished a month after a World Health now using mobile phones." than with traditional weight loss pro- of Clinical Medicine in Ibaraki, Organization agency said the technology The committee included scientists from grams, a Japanese study said -- but Japan. may cause tumors. the UK, Sweden, Australia and the U.S. combining the Internet with in-person Overall, patients involved in pro- Studies from several countries have failed The International Commission on Non- contact appears to be the most effec- grams with a web component lost an to show an increase in brain tumors as Ionizing Radiation Protection sets guide- tive in keeping extra kilograms at bay. average of 3.3 kg (1.5 lbs) more than many as 20 years after mobile phones were introduced lines for exposure limits to radiation including radio-fre- With obesity on the rise, there have participants in traditional weight-loss and 10 years after the technology became widespread, the quency fields emitted by mobile phones. been many attempts to take advantage programs, the group found. International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation The panel reviewed all published studies that have of the Internet to help people lose The Internet was used in a variety Protection's committee on epidemiology wrote in examined the potential link between mobile-phone use weight, mainly because it's thought to of ways in the weight control pro- Environmental Health Perspectives, a monthly journal of and brain tumors, including the largest epidemiological be easier and less expensive. grams, including individualized the US National Institute of Environmental Sciences. study to date, known as Interphone. Anthony Swerdlow, a But while the study, which involved instruction, communication with The findings undermine those of an International professor of epidemiology at the Institute of Cancer a review of 23 previous studies and lifestyle instructors, counseling and Agency for Research on Cancer review. Concerns that the Research in London who led the review, also oversaw was published in the International keeping a record of food intake. technology might be harmful to the health of the 4.6 bil- one of the UK teams involved in the Interphone study, Journal of Obesity, did find a positive In addition, the programs varied in lion people who use cell phones aren't likely to be put to which was published last year and failed to find a definite impact from online involvement, the the how much the participants used rest soon, because data is limited and researchers can't link between mobile-phone use and certain types of brain overall effect was small. the Internet. prove the complete absence of an impact, the panel said. tumors. "Web-based treatment programs are But the researchers found that the "This is a really difficult issue to research," David Other studies in people and animals, along with trends attractive in primary care because of most effective approaches were those Spiegelhalter, the University of Cambridge's Winton pro- in the incidence of brain tumors, suggest no increase in their ability to reach numerous indi- that combined both Internet and more fessor of the public understanding of risk, said in an e- the risk, although the possibility can't be ruled out, viduals at low cost," wrote the conventional in-person methods. mailed statement. "Even given the limitations of the evi- Swerdlow said in a statement. Astrology 29

TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 9-15, 2011

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma 2648 9899; [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com

Stars Foretell: July 9-15, 2011 Annual Predictions: For those born in this week Aries:Be careful not to get roped into dubi- to be a favorable period to send your resumes and July 09: rimonial alliances for some lovebirds seem certain to- ous financial deals. Family members appear for interviews. New business opportunities Ruled by number 9 and the planet Mars, you are active, wards the yearend. Businessmen would benefit from would be upset with you because of your spend- for some, but don’t make any thoughtless or rash aggressive, dashing and enthusiastic and trustworthy new contacts. Garment, hardware, provisions traders thrift behaviour. Time spent with friends would be statements that could effect your relationship with person. You are fond of reading and acquiring new and suppliers would prosper. The months of March, highly entertaining and filled with pleasure, don’t others. A pleasure jaunt or outing with friends will skills and techniques, which you ultimately use to your June, October and November will prove highly signif- reveal information that is personal and confiden- do good to you. benefit. You possess a charming and charismatic per- icant. July 13: tial. Travelling would be good for building new Scorpio: Sudden problem on the work sonality, but you loose many great opportunities due to contacts and alliances. A friend might seek some front may arise upsetting your entire week. your erratic and impatient behaviour. You could be Influenced by number 4 and the planet Uranus, you are very dissatisfied with your employer, but do not leave energetic, creative, trustworthy, systematic, reliable financial help. New growth plans will take con- Although financial gains through speculation and your present job till you have another one in hand. You and studious person. In school or at work, you always crete shape. Keep exercising to stay physically fit. investment cannot be ruled out, but you need to Taurus: need to remain very conservative, especially this year hold position of immense importance and responsibil- This week there would be an curb your expenses. It would be a busy week, lots and try to save as much as possible. This year your ro- ity, but you need to control your tendency to behave important development on your personal of social functions and events to attend to, but mantic relationship would suffer because of your pre- moody, stubborn and jealous at times. You would im- front, which will bring jubilation for you and your don’t forget responsibilities towards family mem- occupation with other important work. Although you mensely enjoy the work you do this year, but your busy entire family. You will be highly impressive and bers. New ventures will be alluring, but invest would spend little time with each other, but your un- schedule would leave you with very less time for so- your confidence will be at its peak. Spend some after consulting experts. Auspicious week for derstanding would strengthen and you would appreci- cial activities. You would also plan new projects to in- quality time with children and family members. housewarming or starting a new construction. ate each other’s concerns. Frequent travel would be crease your income, but it would not be possible to im- Health related problems might cause some dis- Sagittarius: This seems to be very active undertaken by most of you, which would bring desired plement your plans without the support of others. You comfort. Partnership opportunities look good, but and highly social week for the dashing results. Good period for investment in real estate and would develop new and trustworthy friendships that put everything in black and white before you lay Sagittarius. People would look up to you for your selected stocks. The months of February, July and Oc- would provide financial and moral support at times of your money on the table. advice and would simply agree with anything that tober would be highly eventful. need. The latter half of the year could bring in oppor- Gemini: Your creativity will amaze peo- comes out of your mouth. Your determination July 10: tunities for some of you to travel overseas for business ple around you and win you immense would set an example for others to follow. Good Ruled by number 1 and the Sun. You are independent, or pleasure. Some good news can be expected from appreciation. A week full of happiness when week for some serious planning and starting new confident, intelligent and highly enthusiastic person. friend’s circle towards the last quarter of the year. The spouse or partner will make sincere efforts to ventures. Searching for the best real estate deal in You have a knack for negotiating things to your ad- months of February, April and August would prove to bring you joy. Money gains are certain, but don’t the market would be worthwhile. Don’t forget vantage. People in your group consider you an asset, be highly significant. but you need to check your tendencies to behave, July 14: enter any agreement/contract in haste. Romance family obligations. moody, extravagant and reckless at times. This year Ruled by number 5 and the planet Mercury, you are ac- is in the air, just waiting to become a physical Capricorn: Your charms and generosity you would be opposing many of your employer’s poli- tive, energetic, honest, systematic and highly coura- reality! So prepare yourself for some exciting would bring new friends and romantic cies and methods. It would be extremely difficult for geous person. You are true sportsman and you play moments. Sheer pleasure and enjoyment for you, opportunities. However, your domestic life would you to keep your thoughts to yourself, which would every game in the right spirit. You have excellent lead- as you set about to enjoy life to the fullest. suffer if you spend extra time at office. create problems for you at times. You need to behave ership qualities, but you need to curb your tendency to Cancer: Your high energy should be put Investment in real estate and selective stocks in a very tactful manner to avoid arguments and con- behave vindictive, jealous and reckless at times. This to productive use, or frustrations would would be beneficial. Travelling during this period frontations. Your earnings would increase but you need year you would develop very strong opinions on how occur. Speculation will generate good profits, but would be fun and entertaining. A spiritual person to control your spending. You and your beloved would important work should be completed. Some of your you should be extra careful while carrying cash. showers blessings and brings peace of mind. reach a new level of understanding. You would also ac- supporters however would not agree to your methods Those traveling outstation need to be careful Minor changes around the house would be under- complish a lot together which would bring happiness of doing things. You should put your thoughts in front about their luggage and important documents. Not taken to improve the look of it. and peaceful atmosphere at home. Health of someone of them in a positive manner to win their confidence. a very favourable week for making important Aquarius: Don’t evade important issues. close in the family would be a matter of serious con- You would also increase your income through work, decisions. Attend business-related seminars to You would be full of good ideas and your cern. The months of April, September and July would which you would complete at home. New romance collect the latest market information. Spiritual work would impress others. Relationship with your be productive. could develop for some during this period. Relation- July 11: gains are certain for some. beloved would also improve. Stick to your goals ship with your spouse would be healthy and highly Leo:This week your strong determination for long term benefits. Renew old contacts and Ruled by number 2 and the Moon, you are imagina- cordial. Some tension and anxiety due to health of your tive, warm-hearted, friendly and hard working person. parents may mar the peace at home. Your brother or and willpower will impress seniors. seek advice from friends if necessary. Don’t sign You are of very fond of arts and artistic things and your sister would be very helpful in finishing your pending Financial support will be extended towards your up for too many activities or you’ll have trouble talents usually bring you lot of appreciation and re- tasks. The months January, May, October and Novem- ongoing projects from banks and other institu- fulfilling your obligation. Meeting with a very wards, but you lose out the good opportunities because ber would be significant. tions. Not a good period for investments, espe- influential person would bring desired results. of your introvert and arrogant behavior at times. July 15 Pisces: cially speculation. An unexpected message from a Your competitive nature would Businessmen would get new opportunities but they Ruled by number 6 and the planet Venus, you are en- distant relative brings excitement for the complete help you stay ahead of others. Social activ- need to be extremely judicious while lending credit. ergetic, smart, attractive, accommodating, diplomatic family. Children need to concentrate more on ities would be highly encouraging. Transfer and New job opportunities for professionals would bring & highly practical person. Your greatest assets are your studies and plan for the future. It will be benefi- promotion for some employees cannot be ruled higher earnings and better working environment. Reli- confidence and determination. You do not shy away cial but tiring week, so don’t exhaust yourself out. Business transactions need to be tackled very gious ceremonies and functions would be performed from challenges and fight till the end, but you need to beyond a point or minor health problems will set carefully. Stick to your budget to avoid financial quite frequently. A sudden influence of a person from control your tendency to behave outspoken and spend- in. constraints. The need is to be vigilant as someone the opposite sex will give a new and interesting twist thrift at times. This year your career seems to move to- Virgo:When it comes to doing important at office might try to harm your interest or reputa- to your life. Do not share your business secrets with wards some most unexpected direction. Although re- work, expenses would not bother you. Of tion. Call friends you haven’t seen for a long time. your colleagues or casual friends. Avoid lending and sults would be slow but should prove beneficial in the course, the less you spend to achieve your results, Drive carefully, especially two wheelers. borrowing money. The months of January, April, Au- long run. You would have new set of responsibilities. the happier you would be. You should work on gust and September will prove to be highly significant. Your seniors would depend a lot on your performance July 12: projects, which have long-term benefits. Your Before you consult... and if you fail their expectations, things would prove Ruled by number 3, and the planet Jupiter, you are am- difficult for you. Wonderful period to put efforts to- energy level and confidence would be high. You i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date, bitious, dignified, philosophical, methodical and sys- wards creative works. Your ideas will be helpful to would generate new business opportunities, Time and Place of birth is accurate. tematic person. You are very devoted to the one you those around you. The months of January, May and through old contacts. Romance is in the air, how- ii) Careful: love and you go out of your way to please and keep the October would prove to be highly important. ever be careful not to let this affect your work. Did you check background of the astrologer before disclosing your secrets. person happy. You are smart and talented, but you need Avoid discussing confidential matters with col- to check your tendency to behave jealous, extravagant Free Consultation leagues who could deceive at the last minute. iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, don’t feel and moody at times. Bad phase of your career seems Learn about the fair value of Libra: It’s another high-energy week for shy. It’s his business. to be getting over, but you are advised to take every diamonds & precious stones. lucky Libra! Unexpected gains are fore- iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the out- step with extreme precaution. Some of you could also seen. An important message would bring in happi- To the readers of The South Asian Times come is not as desired, never give up. consider a change in job, later in the year. Financially ness for the entire family. Pleasure trips and social this seems to be a very rewarding period and most of by an expert gems dealer. get-togethers would add to your joy. If you have v) Consult: Take second opinion before your investments would multiply and yield good prof- For appointment, please call 516 390 7847 or been considering a job overseas, then this seems spending thousands on cure/remedies. its. Romantic relationship would strengthen and mat- email [email protected] 30 Spiritual Awareness

July 9-15, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Reality resides within begin taking stock of what is the pangs of separation from the happens to us with a grain of salt. truly important. People start to deer. The pain of his broken heart We know that it is not the true realize that the most important was so great that the king died reality. Then, we can focus within If we cling things in life are love of their shortly after. The attraction for through meditation and find the family, love of their fellow the deer was so great that in his true reality. to the idea beings, love of God, and one’s next life King Bharat reincarnat- Thus, when we find that those spirituality. As a result, people ed as a deer, known as Jar things upon which we relied and that we begin to turn inward. They realize Bharata. set our hearts are taken from us, the value of faith in God, love This story from the Indian tra- we won’t be devastated. This will live and spiritual truths. dition is a graphic example to realization that the permanency If we cling to the idea that we show us that our love for an of life is but an illusion turns our forever, will live forever, we will not impermanent beauty is going to attention to finding something focus on what is important in life lead us nowhere. This story illus- that is lasting and permanent. we will not and we will be unprepared when trates that we become so identi- Saints and mystics have been our end comes. The nature of this fied with things of the world that telling us for thousands of years focus on world is to make us think it is real we do not discover our true that the only things that are last- and permanent. This illusion has essence, the soul. This fascination ing and permanent are God, the By Sant Rajinder Singh what is us believing that our body, our with the world’s alluring beauties soul which is a part of God, and Ji Maharaj mind, and this world are perma- does not give us true and lasting the holy Word of God. God is important hen people face mas- nent and real. Thus, we go after love. Instead, it brings us back to spirit and eternal. sive tragedies in life, things that will not lead us to God the world again and again, life God’s Word is another name for in life and Wthey often turn their but to deeper and deeper entan- after life, until we learn the les- the Light and Sound of God, two attention to the questions of why glement in the world. son of Truth and what is really divine principles that emanated are we here, what is important in There is a story that illustrates lasting. from God when God wanted to we will be life, and where do we go when this. The name for India is Trials and tribulations are a nat- be many from One. The soul, we die. People who have been Bharat, named for King Bharat. ural part of life. We cannot let being of the same essence as unprepared intensely striving to make more He was an ascetic who renounced them get us down to the point God, is also permanent and ever- money, to rise up the corporate the world to spend all his time in that we cannot function. Instead, lasting. when ladder, to amass as much name meditation. Although he lived in through meditation on the Light So, let us not be attracted to the and fame and wealth as they can, seclusion from people, he raised and Sound, we can remain alluring impermanence of this our end suddenly take a step back to see a small deer after its mother died. detached from the outer pains of world. Let us instead focus our if those goals are truly important The deer stayed with King Bharat life. When we rise above body- attention on what is real and last- comes in life. When we witness mass all the time. consciousness, our pain in the ing. We can do so by spending tragedies either due to natural As a result the king came to body is limited. When we see that time daily in meditation. We can within. Let us sit in meditation to disasters or human-made disas- love the deer as a companion. He this life is but a play or a drama, do so by developing love for God see the various vistas of Light ters on this planet, in which sud- felt so much love for the deer that and the real life is that of our soul and our fellow beings. and Sound within. Let us soar on denly thousands of people wake he thought of it all the time. One reunited with God, then the world Let us not be captivated by the the wings of the Naam until we up to go to work only to find that day, the deer disappeared. Bharat does not have such a great effect colors of the setting sun. Let us attain ultimate communion of our it is their last day on earth, people became deeply heartbroken from on us. We are able to take what instead look to the rising sun soul with God. The only support we need By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj By spending y contemplating God’s Name or sit- ting in meditation, we come in con- time daily in Btact with a divine Power that fills our soul with love and ecstasy. It is not a meditation, story of mechanical exercises; it is a story of love between the soul and God. we will come There is an account from India of two farmers named Machhar and Ramditta. They were both steeped in the love of their in contact spiritual Master. They would not start their daily duties until they had sat in meditation with spiritual for several hours and had seen the radiant form of the spiritual Master within. One realms of love, day, their faith was tested. It was the corn season. It was their turn light, as farmers to get their share of irrigation water. But on that particular day, they sat in and peace meditation for a long time and were unable to see the radiant form of their spiritual within. Master within. As they kept sitting they felt pulled in two directions. One part of them said that they had to do their duty to collect seeing the spiritual Master within. I don’t tion and faith in God, they returned to their the competition. the irrigation water, and the other part want to get up until we see the radiant meditation and suddenly, the radiant form A businessperson is constantly aware of wanted to keep meditating until they had form, but if we do not get the water our of the spiritual Master appeared to both of what moves will result in profit. A profes- seen the radiant form. crops will die!” They sat silently for a them. sional in any field is focused on doing what They were in a bind as to what to do. As moment wondering what to do, when How many of us sit with such devo- is necessary to achieve success in his or her they sat, one of them quietly said, Ramditta spoke out and said, “Then let the tion, not wanting to leave off our medita- field. Similarly, an awakened person is “Machhar, what should we do. I am not yet crops die, for they belong to our spiritual tions until we have achieved success? A continually aware of what must be done to seeing the spiritual Master within today.” Master and God. professional athlete is continually aware of achieve spiritual attainment The other replied, “I too am having trouble It is all in their hands.” With this convic- those actions that will help him or her win For more visit www.sos.org