Bollywood 16 Diaspora 20 Health 27 Spiritual Awareness 30

NEW YORK EDITION

Vol.4 No.2 April 30 - May 6, 2011 60 Cents TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Why Mahadevan Prominent NRIs Mahendra Kumar Teenager coronated opted for online honored with Light Trivedi: Guru for titular Maharaja of music academy: of India awards scientific age Jaipur Interview Tristate Music, Community, Profile, Heritage & Travel, Page 2 Page 5 Page 15 Page 18 Glittering royal wedding With Sai Baba gone, captivates the world Puttaparthy faces uncertainty London: With a smile that lit up TV Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh: A sense of screens around the world, Kate Middleton uncertainty looms large among people over swept down the aisle to marry Prince the future of this town following the demise William in a union expected to revitalize of Sathya Sai Baba, who transformed this the British monarchy. Hundreds of thou- once remote and faceless village into a thriv- sands then cheered as the royal couple rode ing pilgrim centre. an open carriage to Buckingham Palace. From petty traders and hotel owners to More than 180 countries picked up the real estate developers, everyone seems BBC feed of the royal nuptials in what is apprehensive. They are not sure if the town expected to be the biggest TV event in his- Prince William and Kate Middleton will continue to attract the number of pil- tory. exchange marriage vows grims it used to when Sai Baba was alive. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Even with millions of people tuning in Her ivory-and-white satin dress — with its all over the country and even abroad used to to watch, the couple managed to appear at plunging neckline, long lacy shoulders and flock for Sai Baba's 'darshan' every year. times in their own private world Friday, sleeves and a train over 2-meters long — See more Sathya Sai stories on pages 10-11. The number would swell on occasions like both at Westminster Abbey and on the bal- was designed by Sarah Burton at the godman's birthday and festivals. Baba, flowers and other items, are also a cony of Buckingham Palace. William Alexander McQueen. Middleton's hair was As thousands of devotees left this town worried lot. whispered to Kate, who radiated content- half-up, half-down, decorated with dramat- after having their last 'darshan' of Sai Baba, They recall that every day 2,000 to 3,000 ment and joy, as they pledged their lives to ic veil and a tiara on loan from Queen the locals are not sure if they will ever come people used to visit the town, in Anantapur one another at the church with the simple Elizabeth II. again. district, for Sai Baba's darshan. This figure words "I will." William, second-in-line to the throne "We don’t know what will happen now. used to go up to 20,000 on Thursdays. The The biggest secret of the day — after his father, Prince Charles, wore the The business may not be the same as it used more auspicious days would attract 300,000 Middleton's wedding gown — prompted scarlet tunic of an Irish Guards officer, to be earlier," said M. Raj Kumar, who runs to 500,000 men, women and children. swoons of admiration as she stepped out of reinforcing his new image as a dedicated a grocery shop. Sai Baba, who was born here in 1926 and a Rolls-Royce with her father at the abbey. military man. Small traders, who sold pictures of Sai Continued on page 4..... Roemer quits after failed Pak. nudges aircraft deal Afghans closer Calcutta : US Ambassador to to China India Timothy Roemer is to quit his post in June for "personal rea- Kabul: With Afghan discussions sons" and "family considerations", under way about the future the announcement coming one day involvement of the US in the rav- after India ended negotiations with aged country and the prospect of American companies in a $10 bil- long-term military bases, the lion contract to supply 126 fighter Pakistani government has urged jets for the Indian Air Force. Kabul to distance itself from the Speculation on relating the two West and tie its future more tightly events may not be apt, sources to that of China and Pakistan, close to Roemer say he has been according to the New York Times. Naveen Jain, founder and CEO of Intelius, was conferred People’s Choice mulling his step for a couple of During a landmark April 16 Award in Business Leadership category at the Light of India Awards cere- The outgoing US ambassador to months now, notes the Economic meeting between the leaders of mony in New York on April 22. The awards recognize exemplary achieve- India, Timothy Roemer Times. Afghanistan and Pakistan here, for ments by NRIs in corporate leadership, political leadership, science and “When I accepted this job two that I would serve for two years but which the most powerful figures in technology, journalism and literature, and arts and entertainment. years ago, I told President Obama Continued on page 4..... Continued on page 4..... See story on page 5. 2 Music

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

By Swathi AK

e held the breath of an entire ‘Breathless’ man’s next act -- nation and conquered the Hhearts of many with his first pop song “Breathless”. Shankar Online music academy Mahadevan has crooned numerous Shankar Mahadevan, who attained fame overnight with his hit numbers ever since and lent his ‘Breathless’ number and is one-third of the ‘Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’ voice as a playback singer to a string of dashing heroes serenading their Midas touch music makers, has reached yet another milestone with heroines on screen. As the ‘Shankar- the launch of his online music academy in North America. Ehsaan-Loy” trio continue to enthrall their audience with their rocking music, this national-award Shankar Mahadevan winning playback singer and music composer has reached yet another Q: How much time you will be milestone with the launch of his spending in the US on this project? online music academy in North SM: I’ve been here for 10-12 days America. The Academy is a joint now. In fact I’m on my way back to venture between Mahadevan and India now. Clood On, a provider of virtual Q: The academy website says, the learning software founded by execu- virtual classes and courses are flex- tives from Yahoo and Dell. The ible and is different from other reg- SATimes had a quick chat with the ular courses because of the fun ele- singer during his recent trip to the ment, but how flexible is the acade- US on various topics like why he my for rescheduling the course if a opted for an online academy and not student cannot make it regularly a brick and mortar setup. and how you’ll work on grouping Q. When did you first come up people from different time zones in with the Idea of launching Shankar the same class? Mahadevan Music Academy in the SM: If a student for some reason this part of world? has missed out on a class, the classes Shankar Mahadevan: Well, US are recorded for their convenience and Canada has always been a part and they can always go back and of the thought process and I thought refer to their notes and do self learn- US is a better place to start since ing. In regards to the time zones, people here are more accustomed to people sign up for the course at a this type of medium and payment time comfortable for them. So it through internet and education does not matter where they live or through internet is a known taste difference in time zones. here. First we thought of starting it Q: In general, what if a person here and later open up in the rest of has discontinued learning music the world. because of prior commitments and Q: Why an Online academy and at certain stage in life, they decide not a real music academy? As in, to pursue it again, can they poten- why didn’t you think of starting a tially be good singers, even after music academy first and then have that gap of many years? virtual courses as well, in that way SM: Of course, once a singer you people would have had a wider are always a singer. Singing is like choice? learning how to cycle. You might get Shankar Mahadevan enjoys teaching music to students SM: I understand in a “brick and rusty if you have been out of touch style and there is so much music in sing that song in a different lan- group we have fights and discus- mortar setup”, the mental frame of a but if you brush up those skills you front of you and everything and guage? sions. Without difference of opinion person will be different but restrict- can always become good at it again. every form teaches you something SM: Of course, once you under- you cannot come out with a certain ing the course to a geographical In this course there are different lev- new. stand the overall mood of the song, product. In a group creative clashes location, say if I open a music acade- els to choose from, if a person has Q: You’ve sung songs in different whether it’s happy or sad, stress of will exist. my in New York or New Jersey, I do discontinued at a level and does not languages too, apart from Hindi certain words which you will be Q: How popular is the trio in US? not want people in Detroit and other want to start from scratch, there are and Tamil. How difficult is it to sing helped by language supervisors, it’s SM: I don’t know how popular parts of the US or for that matter in certain requisites to be met and after in a language you are unfamiliar easy to adapt yourself to the lan- we are but one thing I know for sure, Canada also to be deprived of this that they’ll be assessed and put at the with? Is language been a barrier in guage and it’s also personal talent our music is very popular here and opportunity. By making use of this right level. any way? Q: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy repre- we did a stage show in the US last virtual medium, we can cater to Q: Who was your inspiration as a SM: It’s definitely not been a barri- sent the first trio of music com- year. more people, even eliminating the singer? Who is your all time er, I’ve sung songs in 10 different lan- posers to entertain “Bollywood Q: Any projects in the pipeline concept of time and space. The stu- favorite singer? guages and I’m very comfortable. It’s audience” with “chart- topping this year? dent can learn as in a real class and SM: My inspiration will always be a matter of getting used to it and it’s music”. Though you’ll contribute SM: We have lots of films in the get the feedback and assessment my guru Mrs. Balamani but singing- all in the mind, once you pay more your own talents and experience to kitty, we are doing both Bollywood from teachers in this audio-visual wise I will be mistaken if I mention attention to it you can sing not only in the group, as a group have you all and non-film music, launching pri- medium of teaching. The only thing just one name because I’ve looked different languages but also different had any insecurities creep up or vate albums, record labels of our they will lose in return is feel and up to and learnt from hundreds of dialects of the same language. ego clashes among yourselves? own and I’m also into music educa- touch of a person, but I promise they them, be it singers or music com- Q: Do you insist on knowing the SM: We never have ego clashes tion now. We are pretty much will gain ten times more. posers. As each one brings his own meaning of the lyrics before you but we have creative clashes, as a booked unto next year. Tristate Community 3

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6 2011 Violence at Sikh Center in Queens, eight arraigned New York: Eight people were ar- concentrated in Queens. bers of the center. The suit sought to raigned on riot and assault charges The Baba Makhan Shah Lubana change the center’s governing struc- Monday for their roles in a vicious Sikh Center was born out of con- ture and allow more worshipers a turf battle at the Baba Makhan Shah flict. It was founded by a splinter role in electing officers, said the Lubana Sikh Center in Richmond group in 1998, amid a power strug- president, Jarnail Singh. Hill, Queens. gle marked by fights at another Sikh Justice Augustus C. Agate issued Assailants wielding cricket bats gurdwara in Richmond Hill. a temporary restraining order that and small swords disrupted prayer The founders agreed to take turns kept Jarnail Singh and other execu- services Sunday morning police and serving as president in two-year tive officers in power while the case witnesses said. terms, told Mohinder Singh, the or- was reviewed. Several of the defendants were ganization’s first president to The In the ensuing weeks, Sunday charged with disrupting a religious New York Times. In 2007, the lead- prayer services were often inter- service. ership decided to shorten the terms rupted by arguments that sometimes Temple President Jarnail Singh to one year, and for about three devolved into pushing and shoving, said the melee was caused by a dis- years the organization appeared to several worshipers said. sident group of followers who don't run smoothly. Mohinder Singh said he was re- want to see membership rolls The Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center But last December, as the 2010 cently ambushed on the doorstep of opened at the 101st Ave. temple. The dispute is at the center of a judge mete out justice instead of re- presidential term was coming to an his house in Ozone Park, Queens, "We tried to open membership, pending lawsuit in Queens Supreme sorting to violence. end, the sitting president and others by two unidentified men who hit and a group didn't want it," he said.. Court. The temple president said he The incident clearly shook the filed a lawsuit in State Supreme him in the face with a baseball bat "They want to fight it." hopes the warring factions will let a city’s Sikh population, which is Court in Queens against other mem- and fled. OFBJP-USA pays homage to Satya Sai Baba New York Indian Film Fest New Jersey: Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) USA has bakam to the world, it said in a press release. to partner with film schools conveyed profound condolences on death of Sadguru Shri True to that spirit, the disciples and volunteers of Baba Satya Baba. This marks the end of an era as we know it in has rendered humanitarian services in more than 160 coun- New York: The oldest festival for to see the quality of their work," the spiritual world of India and the world. Baba has en- tries and provided drinking water to the entire district of Indian cinema in the United says Subhash Ghai, founder and lightened the world with four principles of Hindu philoso- Ananthapur including Puttaparthi. The Satya Sai trust has States will partner with three chairman of Whistling Woods. phy - “Satya”, “Dharma”, “Shanti” and “Prem” and prop- built world class hospitals, universities, and schools for prestigious film schools in New For the last two years, NYIFF agated the gospel of ancient India, Vasudaiva Kutum- free of cost. It is indeed a great loss to Bharat Mata. York and India to help directors to has teamed up with the Tisch have their stories reach a wider School of the Arts at New York NJCU to host 25 Mumbai students as part of platform. University with students of Pro- The partnerships aimed at help- fessor Karl Bardosh creating one- 11 day Global Village Program ing foster a new generation of minute cell phone films on filmmakers are with award-win- themes at the film festival. New Jersey: Twenty-five students Rising Tide Capital, and Dress for ning filmmaker Subhash Ghai's This program will continue for from H.R. College of Commerce and Success; and participate in a historical Whistling Woods International a third year and Richard Allen, Economics in Mumbai will partici- tour of Jersey City. (WWI)in Mumbai, The Depart- Professor of Cinema Studies at pate in a unique immersion program Dr. Carlos Hernández, NJCU presi- ment of Cinema Studies at Tisch, Tisch School of the Arts, will co-sponsored by New Jersey City dent, commented, “As president of New York University, and the once again host post-screening University as part of its Gateway to one of this nation’s most diverse insti- New York Film Academy. discussions with key filmmakers the Global Village Program and tutions of higher education as well as Organized by the Indo-Ameri- during the five-day festival. Friends of India in collaboration with one which is located in Jersey City, can Arts Council (IAAC), the "The Department of Cinema H.R. College. home of a vibrant Indian community, 11th annual New York Indian Studies at Tisch, NYU, again The 11-day program which will The students from HR College of I am delighted to welcome this stu- Film Festival will run from May looks forward to collaborating be held Wednesday, May 11 through Commerce and Economics will dent delegation from H.R. College of 4 to May 8 in Manhattan. with the NYIFF in its cutting Saturday, May 21, will expose stu- live on NJCU campus Commerce and Economics. This will WWI, an institute for film, tele- edge program of screenings and dents to the dynamic business, educa- be a tremendous opportunity for intel- ities, including the University’s Busi- vision, animation, and media arts, events which brings the best of tional, scientific, cultural, and entre- lectual and cultural interaction be- ness Development Incubator. awards the top short films from the New Indian Cinema to New preneurial environment of the New tween NJCU and HRCCE students, Off campus, the H.R. College stu- its film students each year. York City by staging a series of Jersey metropolitan area. faculty, and staff.” dents will visit Jersey City’s water- These award-winning shorts in-depth discussions with key di- Accompanied by Dr. Indu Shahani, “This exchange is also part of the front financial district, Ellis Island, the will now travel to New York and rectors and actors in the indus- principal of H.R. College, and two University’s ongoing commitment to Statue of Liberty, Newark Museum, screen at NYIFF each year allow- try," Allen said. faculty members from the Indian in- the internationalization of its curricu- Liberty Science Center, Liberty Har- ing emerging filmmakers to reach In addition, the New York Film stitution, the students will live on the lum, which broadens students’ under- bor, Jersey City Medical Center, New- audiences and industry profes- Academy has offered a one-week NJCU campus, where they will inter- standing of the world and prepares port Mall, and Jersey City’s Indian sionals in the US. scholarship valued at $1,575 for act with NJCU students; attend an ori- them to be competent in the global Business District, where they will also This year's line-up includes "In- film study to an emerging film- entation, receptions, lectures by marketplace,” Dr. Hernández added. attend lectures on such topics as oper- certo", "Flip", "Punha", "Daily maker whose work will be NJCU faculty on such topics as the The project is an outgrowth of ating a museum, running an entertain- Soap", "Kalapaani", and "Uss screened at the film festival. impact of the world wide web on in- Friends of India, a group founded in ment complex, women in publishing, Paar". "These graduates will be "The New York Film Academy vestigative journalism, cyber security, 2004 that aims to build linkages be- and fundraising; attend meetings and part of India's next generation of is proud to associate with the social media and marketing, the im- tween women entrepreneurs in the receptions with the mayors of Jersey filmmakers and have commenced New York Indian Film Festival; pact of outsourcing to India on the United States and India, explore av- City and Englewood, the Jersey City their filmmaking journey with we share a deep passion for film," U.S. economy, and ethical issues in enues of higher education in India, fa- Asian Merchants Association, Hud- these films. I am extremely happy said NYFA's Jack Newman. U.S. business; and a debriefing ses- cilitate already-established linkages, sion. They will also tour NJCU facil- son County Chamber of Commerce, and demonstrate support for India. 4 Community

April 30 - May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Sai Baba story Some residents are optimistic in the meeting, China as a coun- from page 1 that Puttaparthi will continue to try, as an emerging economic attract pilgrims in the same manner power, and that maybe we should HAF alleges bias in claimed at age 14 that he was an as Shirdi in Maharashtra does - for reach out to a new global econom- avatar of god, put Puttaparthi on Shirdi Sai Baba. Sathya Sai Baba ic power,'' said an Afghan official US putting India on the pilgrim map by building his had claimed to be a reincarnation knowledgeable about the meeting. ashram Prashanti Nilayam. of the celebrated saint of 19th cen- ''And there was the suggestion As he became famous, pilgrims tury. that Afghanistan and Pakistan religious freedom from India and abroad started should strengthen relations.'' flocking to the town for his dis- Roemer story Though Pakistan has denied courses. The town's economy wit- from page 1 moving away from its alliance watch list nessed an upswing, with hotels, with Washington, the focus on Washington, D.C.: The Hindu HAF was the only organiza- lodges, restaurants and shops com- that family considerations would China makes sense because it is a American Foundation (HAF) tion invited to testify by ing up in a big way. be front and centre after that,” said great power that would be accept- has criticized the listing of USCIRF that demanded India’s The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust , Roemer in a statement released by able to Afghanistan as an ally in India, the world’s largest secu- removal from the watch list, formed by Sai Baba in 1972, ran the US Embassy. “The US-India ways that Russia never could be lar democracy, with the likes of and its arguments were echoed schools, a university, a super spe- relationship -- what my friend because of its history as a hated Russia, Afghanistan, and Cuba, by the two commissioners in ciality hospital and other institu- President Obama calls the defining occupier of Afghanistan during on a US State Department advi- their public dissent. Prof. tions, providing free education and partnership of the 21st century – the 1980s. And, from the sory group’s “watch list” of Ramesh Rao, the author of medical treatment. has progressed to the global stage.” Pakistani point of view, China violators of religious freedom. HAF’s annual Hindu human The US Embassy in India was provides a counterbalance to The United States Commission rights report, and Suhag officially notified Wednesday that India, its archenemy. on International Religious Shukla, Esq., HAF’s Managing Lockheed Maritn’s F-16 and The effort to draw Afghanistan Freedom (USCIRF) announced Director and Legal Counsel, Boeing’s 18 Super Hornet were away from the United States and its censure of India for the third testified before the USCIRF rejected. Though not official, toward China was first reported in consecutive year at the Commissioners in Washington, Indian officials have stated in pri- The Wall Street Journal, and it National Press Club Thursday. D.C. last month, arguing that vate conversation that they prefer was one of several proposals India’s inclusion came India did not belong on the France’s Dassault Aviation and a floated by Pakistan at the meeting, despite spirited testimony by watch list due to its robust four-nation European consortium, according to the Afghan news HAF in support of India’s track human rights mechanisms and the European Aeronautic Defence media. subject. record on religious freedom. independent judiciary that and Space Company (EADS) in the On Tuesday, the Pakistani gov- Although USCIRF reported comprehensively probed inci- final round of discussions. ernment released a statement say- Some who know Roemer believe ing that it rejected the ''baseless that measures to improve reli- dents of inter-religious vio- that the six-term Indiana assertions'' made in the Wall gious freedom are ongoing in lence. They insisted that the Congressman wanted to get back Street Journal article and that ''it India, it argued India should be “predatory proselytizing” sup- into mainstream politics by assist- fully supports an Afghan-led, kept on the watch list “because ported by many American ing in Obama’s 2012 reelection Afghan-owned process for peace justice for past communal vio- churches vitiates inter-religious campaign. and reconciliation,'' as well as ''the lence continues to be slow and harmony in India as well as key role of the United States in ineffective and because of con- other countries and must be Pak Nudges story promoting stability, peace and cerns about the state ‘Freedom considered in any comprehen- from page 1 harmony in Afghanistan.'' of Religion Act(s).’” sive analysis of international The statement noted that a trilat- The USCIRF decision, how- religious freedom. the Pakistani government flew to eral meeting of Afghanistan, ever, was not unanimous. The Hindu American Kabul, Prime Minister Yousaf Pakistan and the United States Commissioners Felice Gaer Foundation is a non-profit, Raza Gilani suggested that was scheduled to be held in and William Shaw dissented, non-partisan organization pro- Afghanistan needed to look to Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, describing the listing of India moting the Hindu and China, a power in ascendance, early next month, with the pur- on the watch list as “ill- American ideals of understand- rather than hew closely to the US. pose of having ''strategic coher- advised” and “inappropriate.” ing, tolerance and pluralism. ''There was a mention of China ence and clarity.'' Tristate Community 5

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011 Prominent NRIs conferred Light of India Awards Actor Shabana Azmi felicitates Meera Shankar, Indian Ambassador to the U.S.. (L to R) Avijit Nanda, Meera Shankar, Shabana Azmi, Etihad Airways flight attendant, Nina Manuel, Jitin Hingorani

Salman Rushdie and (Photos : Nan Melville.) Etihad Airways VP Geert Boven Vinod Dham and Ajay Banga New York: To recognize exemplary achieve- Raghav Sachar, wowed the audience with his Banga, President Power of Influence Award – Narasimha ments by NRIs in the fields of business lead- patriotic tunes, and actor and comedian Aasif and Chief Operating Officer – MasterCard, Chari, Chief Technology Officer & Founder ership, corporate leadership, political leader- Mandvi, of The Daily Show with Jon People’s Choice Award - Vikram Pandit, of Tropos Networks; Extraordinary ship, science and technology, journalism and Stewart fame, entertained the crowd with his Chief Executive Officer – Citigroup; Contribution in Research & Innovation in literature, and arts and entertainment, the anecdotes of being a first-generation Recognition in Business Leadership: Jury Medical Sciences - Shiladitya Sengupta, Times Group has instituted Light of India American. The show was co-hosted by TV Award - Vinod Khosla, Chief Executive Assistant Professor of Medicine and Health awards and held the first awards ceremony at presenter and model Nina Manuel and TV Officer - Khosla Ventures, People’s Choice Sciences at Harvard Medical School; NewYork’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel on personality Jitin Hingorani. Award - Naveen Jain, Founder of InfoSpace Recognition in Journalism & Literature: Jury April 22. Over 200 of the South Asian com- The event marked Times Group service, and Intelius; Recognition in Political Award - Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni, Writer munity’s who’s who in New York, as well as Remit2India’s ten years in the money trans- Leadership: Jury Award - Dr. Ruby Dhalla, & Novelist, People’s Choice Award - Vikram special dignitaries and performers from fer business. The event will be broadcast at a Member of Canadian House of Commons, Seth, Poet, Novelist, Travel Writer, & India, packed the event. later date on Sony Entertainment Television, People’s Choice Award - Swati Dandekar, Biographer; Power of Influence Award - Chief guest Meera Shankar, India’s Asia, in more than 150 countries around the IOWA State Senator; Recognition in Science Salman Rushdie, Writer & Novelist; Ambassador to the US, was honored by leg- world. & Technology: Jury Award & People’s Recognition in Arts & Entertainment: Jury endary Indian film and stage actor Shabana And the winners are: Recognition in Choice Award - Vinod Dham, Chief Award & People’s Choice Award - Mira Azmi at the event. Musician and singer, Corporate Leadership: Jury Award - Ajay Executive Officer of Silicon Spice Inc.; Nair, Film Director & Producer Bridgewater Township sued for not allowing Domestic Harmony establishment of mosque Foundation hosts 3rd annual Alleges township broke law, stifled religious freedom fundraiser New York, NY: The Al Falah Center brought suit Falah Center worked with township officials to New York: On Saturday April 9, violence. against Bridgewater Township (NJ), seeking to com- develop a suitable plan to renovate the building, 2011, the Swan Club in Roslyn, NY Following Ms. Singas, the cele- pel the town to allow Al Falah to move forward with which was located in a zone permitting houses of was alit with beautifully attired brated Salman Ahmad took the stage plans to renovate an existing building so it could be worship, into a mosque to serve the surrounding area ladies and gentlemen, all supporting and the audience’s hearts. Mr. used as a mosque and community center. These as a house of worship, day care, religious school, and the dire cause of domestic violence Ahmad is the founder of the plans were derailed recently when the Township sud- community center. victims. The Domestic Harmony Pakistani rock band Junoon and the denly altered its zoning laws, transforming the appli- But then — following an anti-Muslim internet Foundation (DHF) successfully non-profit organization, the Salman cable zoning for the proposed mosque property to campaign — hundreds of people showed up to hosted its 3rd Annual Fundraiser and Samina Global Wellness prohibit rather than permit development of a house protest the mosque project at a Planning Board meet- Dinner with the backdrop of the Initiative (SSGWI), which works on of worship. ing to consider the proposal, and the Township sud- charming gardens of the country interfaith dialogue, wellness aware- The complaint, which was filed in federal district denly changed course. The complaint alleges that in club. ness and music education, to name a court in New Jersey, alleges that the new zoning changing the law to exclude the mosque Bridgewater There were approximately 190 few. The musical part of the ordinance prevents members of the Muslim commu- violated the Al Falah Center’s federal constitutional guests in attendance that night. evening was followed by a brave nity from freely exercising their religion and dis- rights under the First Amendment and the Equal The evening’s program began woman who related to the audience criminates against them on the basis of religion. Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as with an introduction by DHF her story and experiences dealing After a year-long search to find a suitable location to well as the corresponding protections of New Executive Director Shaida Khan. with domestic abuse. The survivor’s establish a mosque and Islamic community center, Jersey’s Constitution. A number of federal and state Ms. Khan spoke of DHF’s inception story brought home this issue for the Muslims from Bridgewater and surrounding commu- statutory claims are also alleged in the complaint, and events that brought to light the awestruck audience. nities finally identified an ideal location — a former including multiple violations of the Religious Land need for organizations such as DHF DHF member Yasmin Wasti banquet hall in Bridgewater. For months the Al Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000. to exist. She highlighted the activi- shared an inspirational poem reflect- ties of the organization and stressed ing the emotions of a domestic vio- upon the importance of community lence victim. Long-time DHF mem- Camden County lad makes it to involvement in eradicating domestic ber and counselor Dr. Kushalata violence. Jayakar Ahmed skillfully sang a few nationals of Scripps Spelling Bee Two of the evening’s speakers, songs during dinner to depict the Nassau County District Attorney feelings of uncertainty and strength New Jersey: Preet Raval, the win- to fight 38 other contestants, for Kathleen Rice and Dr. Sujata survivors of domestic violence can ner of the Scripps National the first place prize which was the Warrier, Director of the NYC encounter. Later, two young ladies Spelling Bee for Camden County only way he could make it to the Program of the Office for the representing the organization NJ, will be participating in the nationals. However, Preet’s deter- Prevention of Domestic Abuse, were Khadijah’s Caravan, a spiritually nationals held in Washington D.C., mination to win did not falter. He unable to attend. The District based activist group, presented on June 1, 2011. Preet is a 13-year- beat his competition by spelling the Attorney’s place was taken by poems and pieces written by mem- old boy who goes to Glen Landing word bobbejaan and championship Madeline Singas, Chief of the bers of a young generation working Middle School in NJ. He was word wedel correctly. Preet likes to Special Victims Bureau at the to raise awareness on women’s determined to win the Camden hang out with his friends and play Nassau County DA’s office, who issues. Individual donors and County Spelling Bee in March hockey as a hobby. He is hoping to illustrated the types of crimes the organizations such as The South 2011 after he came in, surprisingly, become an actor when he grows Bureau is faced with on a regular Asian Times, Weekly Pakistan fourth in his school bee, and study- up, or look for his career in basis. The audience was given a Voice, and TVOne Global, as well ing every night up to the day of the finance, like his dad, Saumil Raval, glimpse into life at the Special as Habib American Bank, the bee, he finally got a chance to who is his role model. Victims Bureau and the responsibili- Islamic Center of Long Island, and prove himself. ties Ms. Singas and her colleagues the Mukhopadhyay Foundation, On the day of the bee, Preet had Preet Raval face each day in their battle against support DHF. 6 Tristate Community

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Rajaratnam jury replays Goel gave 'bizarre' testimony: wiretaps of Indian Americans Rajaratnam's lawyer New York: Lawyers of Raj Rajaratnam "Mr Goel testified he didn't pay taxes on New York: As they weigh the evidence At one point, Kumar states: "[Y]ou've got have dubbed the testimony of former Intel money he kept in offshore bank accounts," against hedge fund tycoon Raj Rajaratnam to have the right insights. I mean, that's all treasury official Rajiv Goel, who pleaded Dowd said. "If you gave Rajiv Goel $5, in the biggest insider trading case in the that really matters in the end." guilty to passing tips to the hedge fund would you trust him to pay it back? If the US, jurors again listened to nine secret Jurors also requested to hear a tape in tycoon, as "bizarre". answer is no, you cannot convict Raj." wiretaps, including conversations with two which Rengan Rajaratnam tells his brother Closing arguments in the biggest insider Accusing the prosecution of mischarac- Indian Americans. Raj, "Scumbag, everyone's a scumbag," trading trial in US history Thursday terizing witnesses' testimony to mislead the Prosecutors have submitted more than 40 regarding Kumar and another McKinsey defence attorney John Dowd accused the jury by giving it "a snippet" of the full wiretaps into evidence against Sri Lankan employee whom they are plying for infor- government of using "worthless" testimony story, he said the prosecution had failed to born Rajaratnam, claiming they prove the mation. from witnesses to railroad Sri Lankan-born prove Rajaratnam had broken insider-trad- Galleon hedge fund co-founder gave and In another call, recorded March 24, 2008, Galleon Group founder Rajaratnam. ing laws. received inside tips about major technology Kumar discussed a possible transaction Turning to Goel's testimony that he gave Asserting that the alleged insider tips companies and banks. between Fujitsu Ltd. and Lenovo Group inside information to Rajaratnam about his Rajaratnam got were common knowledge, Defence attorneys have contended that Ltd. company's quarterly earnings and a $1bil- Dowd, presented the court with dozens of the recordings only show "snippets" of "They are very, very far in discussion," lion investment, he said: e-mails, trading records and excerpts from "out-of-context" conversations between Kumar could be heard saying as jurors sat "Mr Goel 'pointed the finger at Raj so he trial testimony to argue that his client had Rajaratnam and his friends or associates. in silence in the jury box in Manhattan fed- could get a free pass on crimes that had made trades based on public reports, not on Among the conversations replayed eral court. nothing to do with Raj.'" insider tip-offs. Tuesday, one shows Anil Kumar, a former Defence attorney John Dowd repeatedly Indian American executive for the called Kumar who has testified that McKinsey & Co. consulting firm, talking to Rajaratnam paid him more than $1 million Desi filmmaker's 'Patang' Rajaratnam about "confidential work." to provide tips about his high-profile They also capture the men speaking at clients, a "liar" and said Rajaratnam hired premieres in Tribeca length about unrelated business and person- the executive for legitimate consulting New York: New York based experience the annual kite al matters. services. Indian-American filmmaker festival, the largest in India. At one point, Rajaratnam speaks sympa- In yet another call replayed Tuesday, Prashant Bhargava is having "When I first witnessed thetically about a "lost soul," but that soul's Rajaratnam is heard chatting with his friend the North American pre- the entire city on their identity is unclear before the conversation Rajiv Goel , who was an executive at Intel miere of his new film "The rooftops, staring up at the gets minimized. before he pleaded guilty and testified for Kite (Patang)" at the 2011 sky, their kites dueling fero- The unedited tapes also show details of prosecutors. Tribeca Film Festival here ciously, dancing without the hefty Rajaratnam ordering a Diet Coke, Jurors also reheard a recording of this week. inhibition, I knew I had to and the world-travelling Kumar complain- Rajaratnam talking to Krish Panu, a direc- The film is one of 12 fea- make this film," Bhargava ing about a lost taxi driver in Japan. tor of PeopleSupport Inc. ture films in the world narra- said."I would sit on a street tive competition. The 2011 corner for hours at a stretch Tribeca Film Festival slate and just observe. Over time, was chosen from a total of Prashant Bhargava I connected with shopkeep- 5,624 submissions, a record Queen) alongside actors ers and street kids, gangsters number for the festival. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and grandmothers. This "Patang" is the sole narrative (Peepli Live, Dev D. Firaaq) process formed the founda- feature film representing and Sugandha Garg (Tere tion for the characters, story India in the festival. Bin Laden, My Name is and my approach to shooting "Patang" recently celebrat- Khan, Janne Tu Ya Janne the film," he said. ed its world premiere at the Na), Mukund Shukla, Six years in the making, Berlin Film Festival in their Aakash Maherya and Hamid "Patang" is Bhargava's first Forum program. Shaikh. feature film. His short film "Patang" features award In 2005, director Prashant "Sangam" premiered at the winning actress Seema Bhargava traveled from Sundance Film Festival, gar- Biswas (Water, Bandit Brooklyn to Ahmedabad to nering several awards. New Santhigram Wellness Center inaugurated in White Plains New York: On Sunday April 10, over 100 friends, family, community mem- bers and customers celebrat- ed the grand opening of the new Santhigram Wellness Center in White Plains. This is the sixth center opened by Santhigram Kerala Ayurvedic Co of USA and the first currently open in New York. The center offers tradi- tional Kerala Ayurvedic therapies for a variety of ail- ments and is open seven days a week. A formal bless- ing was conducted by Dr. Yakob Mar Irenaios, Dr.Yakob Mar Irenaios, Dr Gopinathan Nair and Metropolitan of the Kochi Alex Koshy were present at the occasion Diocese in India who was President of Santhigram Association also lent their visiting from Kerala. Dr. USA, and Mr. Alex Koshy voices in support of the new Gopinathan Nair, the of the World Malayalee venture. National Community 7

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011 Community on 36-hour fast to protest Indian embassy rules Washington, DC: Indian- repeal the retroactive 2010 surren- free travel and creates overall passports. TX; Sardar Patel Bhavan, Atlanta, Americans across the United der certificate rule, investigate the security risks. The surrender certificate rule has GA; Hindu Temple, Tampa, FL; States are protesting recent Indian fee charges and where possible, Several months prior, on May created chaos in the Indian Mangal Mandir, Silverspring, embassy rules. Many will partici- return monies unfairly collected. 30, 2010, the Government of India embassy workings. Indian- MD; Devon St. Chicago, IL, pate in a 36-hour silent fast on Furthermore, Indian-Americans had imposed a bureaucratic rule Americans have stood in endless XXX, Columbia, SC; XXXX, April 30. Protesters will carry are uncomfortable with the Indian retroactively requiring a Surrender lines and missed multiple work- Dallas, TX;. See attachment for banners, get signatures on a peti- government sequestering their or Renunciation Certificate for days simply to get a certificate specific list of locations. People tion for the Prime Minister of passports for 6-months in order to naturalized US citizens to demon- indicating they have canceled their are asked to support the protest by India, and send letters to their US issue an OCI-visa. strate that they are no longer citi- old (often expired) Indian pass- joining the fast for a few hours, representatives. The community On March 15, 2011, the Indian zens of India. The Indian govern- ports. Since the surrender certifi- signing the online petition to the seeks respect, accountability, and government ruled that US citizens ment has collected millions of dol- cate is a prerequisite for any visas Prime Minister of India, and writ- transparency from the Indian gov- applying for an Overseas lars in fees to cancel invalid Indian to India, many who were unable to ing to their US representatives for ernment with regard to processes Citizenship of India (OCI) lifetime passports for naturalized US citi- navigate the Indian bureaucracy support. dealing with the diaspora. In a visa must deposit their US pass- zens. Even those naturalized US missed family events and business For more information, contact P press statement, the representa- port with the Indian consulate for citizens whose Indian passports opportunities. V Patel, [email protected]; tives of the Indian diaspora has the 6-month duration of the visa- expired 20+ years ago had to pay a April 30 protest locations Mobile 832-754-7596 or send urged the Indian government to processing. This rule prohibits fee to “cancel” their old Indian include VPSS Haveli, Houston, email to [email protected]. Salil Mehta appointed Nan Melville’s documentary on to key position Nrityagram to show at the Newport at NBC Universal Beach Film Festival California: The recent es,” says Melville. “I’ve even put up dancers on my appointment of Salil sofa when hotels were overflowed.” Mehta as the COO of Nrityagram: For the Love of Dance debuted in NBC Universal’s January 2010 as an official selection of the Film Entertainment and Digital Society of Lincoln Center and Dance Films Networks is another sign Association, Dance on Camera Festival in New York of the growing clout of City. The New York Times’ chief dance critic Alistair South Asians in the US Macaulay said, “Many intelligent points are made, and media and entertainment much of the dance footage, not least during the closing industry. credits, is spellbinding. I wanted the film to be twice Mehta will now oversee as long.” day-to-day operations incl. “Alastair echoes my intent to expand the film into a business affairs, business feature length documentary,” says Melville. My mis- development and strategic sion is to capture the story of the dance village and the planning for the division's dancers and how they promote and develop the Odissi extensive entertainment dance form for posterity.” business portfolio, includ- New York: Dance photojournalist Nan Melville, a ing Bravo Media, freelance photographer for several arts institutions Telemundo, mun2, including The Julliard School, Carnegie Hall, and The Appeal Oxygen Media and digital New York Times, specializes in photographing and properties iVillage, filming the performing arts, primarily dance. Her short DailyCandy, Swirl and documentary film Nrityagram: For the Love of Dance Vote for Akshaya Patra in Salil Mehta was named COO Fandango. Prior, Salil will be screened at the prestigious Newport Beach of NBC Universal’s Entertainment and Chase Community Giving served as President of Film Festival on May 3, 2011, in Newport Beach, Digital Networks Business Operations and California. challenge on Facebook Strategy at NBCU, and led the channels such as Syfy and USA. Melville first met the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble New York: In a Facebook challenge, Chase will company's high profile Comcast UCP's programs include Law & in 1996, when she was assigned by The New York donate $25,000 to the top 100 charities who receive integration. Order/Criminal Intent, Psych, Times to photograph their U.S. debut performance in the most votes and enter them into a final round for This announcement comes on and summer hits such as Royal New York. After visiting the Nrityagram dance village a chance to receive up to $500,000. The Akshay the heels of NBC Universal hir- Pains. Her prior roles include (www.nrityagram.org) in Bangalore, India, at the invi- Patra Foundation is competing as well and your ing Reena Singh away from serving as a producer at ABC tation of the late Protima Bedi, she began working on vote can help feed more number of children daily Disney Channel to serve as VP or Network News and work with her documentary. meals so that their education doesn’t suffer. To vote program development and pro- Conde Nast's Bon Appetit before She subsequently returned to India to film life in the click www.vote4TAPF.org. If you are not connect- gramming for Universal Cable attending the USC Annenberg dance village, and research archival materials. “I’ve ed to Chase Community Giving, you will have to Productions (UCP) which creates School for Communication and become a great friend of the members of Nrityagram, "Like" them to view the page. shows for hugely successful Journalism. photographing many of their New York performanc- 8 National Community

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info IIFA announces the 2011 Chicago’s young Christians Technical Award winners enact ‘Good Friday’ play Michigan: The Indo- Band Baaja Baaraat, Dabangg American Christian Children and Robot lead the tally bagging of Chicago presented a large scale ‘Good Friday’ play at three awards each the Cross of Christ Lutheran Mumbai: The gories for the IIFA in Toronto, Canada. Band Church in Bloomfield Hills, International Indian Film Awards 2011. The tro- Baaja Baaraat, Dabangg Michigan on Saturday, April Academy (IIFA) today phies will be presented to and Robot led the techni- 16, 2011 attracting the atten- dance of families from sev- announced the winners of the winners during the cal winners tally with eral states including New the technical awards cate- Videocon IIFA Weekend three awards each. Jersey, Ohio, Philadelphia, Florida, Illinois and Michigan. This 25th milestone pas- sion-play presentation dra- matically showcased the baptism and crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ with a The passion-play dramatically showcased the baptism and large cast of young members crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ presenting a dramatic account of one of the most Gorre, T. Cherril, Jothsna Polepaka. significantly central events Seesala, Jerusha Seesala and Earlier, Mr. Vijay Kodi in the Christian history a host of other young chil- and Mr. Jeeva Ratnam which culminates in the dren whose stellar perform- Pakerla Chairperson and Co- The nominations for votes for those they con- at the Rogers Centre, Resurrection of Christ on the ances manifested the depth Chair of Christian the popular categories of sider deserving. The Toronto. In its twelfth Easter day. of the characters each por- Community in state of The play’s huge cast line- trayed. The play production Michigan praised the India the IIFA Awards 2011 votes from the online year, IIFA will make its up was headed by Dheeraj team was led Mrs. Rita Paul, Christian Children of will open for public vot- polling will be tallied by North American debut in Charles who portrayed the Executive Producer with a Chicago for their faith and ing on the 10th of May. PWC and will only be Ontario, Canada from the main character displaying team of coordinators includ- commitment in serving Indian Cinema fans announced on the night 23rd to the 25th of June, solemnity and the intensity ing Dr. Reena Paul- through drama ministry at worldwide can vast their of the IIFA Awards 2011 2011. of Christ in playing the cen- Polepaka, Rachel Dwaram, such a young age. Mr. Sam tral role; while Rohit Paul Josthna Charles, Dr. P. Reddi Pogu of Michigan showed amazing flair as Thomas, Vijendra Doma, Telugu Christian Pontius Pilate. Nikhil Jeeva Gorre, Jyothi Bhasker Fellowships served as Charles played the character and Smitha Mathews. Masters of Ceremony. of Caiphas with zestful con- The original ‘live’ music In closing remarks, Regi viction; while Rev. Paul for Passion Play was provid- Paul praised the outstanding Gorre, Arun Polepaka, ed by music director Pravin hospitality of Michigan’s Karun Charles, Josh Charles and digital effects Christian community and for Thomas, Jenica Doma, for each scene was designed providing the platform to Rachel Kadamandla, by Technical Directors showcase this outstanding Adriana Gorre, Melanie James Mitra and Arun passion play.

Former President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was the keynote speaker at BAPS conference “Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders” held at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois on April 24. ASF Dance Co to celebrate Tagore’s 150th birthday Illinois: Anil Sinha Foundation has organ- artists are Madhumita Roy from Kolkata, ized an event titled ‘Prakriti-O-Nayika’ – India and and Kiran Chouhan with the Kathak choreography based on artists of ASF Dance Company. Rabindranath Tagore’s poems in celebra- The event is on May 20th at 7 pm at tion of his 150th birthday along with Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, Kathak solo and Jugalbandi. The presenting IL. National Community 9

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30 - May 6, 2011 UNGA should set Entrepreneurs returning to China, India find better opportunity global agenda: India New York: There has long been US. The scholars used the profes- town hall event about the country's United Nations: India wants the anecdotal evidence that highly edu- sional social network LinkedIn to budget debate, Obama said he United Nations General Assembly cated Indian and Chinese entrepre- track down highly educated natives backed reforms that would make it (UNGA) to take the lead in setting neurs are choosing to leave tech of those countries who returned easier for highly educated immi- the global agenda and restore the hubs like Silicon Valley to launch home after living in the U.S. for grants to remain in the U.S. and start centrality of the UN in formulating startups in their home countries. A several years. companies here. To an approving multilateral approaches to resolving new report by scholars tracking Wadhwa's research several years audience at Facebook, Obama said transnational issues. Ambassador those entrepreneurs says the ago had found that 52 percent of it was important that the U.S. find a Manjeev Singh Puri, Deputy returnees have found that economic Silicon Valley startups were way to make sure people like former Permanent Representative of India opportunity truly is better in India launched by immigrants, many of Intel CEO Andy Grove, a native of at the UN, reiterated India’s consis- and China. them highly educated products of Hungary, build their companies here tent view that the General Assembly "I was surprised at how over- Stanford, Berkeley and other rather than returning to their home can be revitalized only when its whelmingly positive people were schools. The fact that large numbers countries. position as the chief deliberative, General Assembly, Puri said, “First, about being back home. The num- of those Chinese and Indian entre- "We want more Andy Groves here policy-making and representative we, the member-states need to make bers were just astonishing," said preneurs who are returning home in the United States," Obama said. organ of the UN is respected both in the Assembly and its work more rel- Vivek Wadhwa, a visiting scholar at are pleased about their decision sev- "We don't want them starting com- letter and in spirit. evant to the evolving international the University of California eral years later, and are broadcasting panies -- we don't want them start- Amb. Puri was speaking at the system, in other words, the presence Berkeley, who co-authored the study those feelings back to other Indian ing Intel in China or starting it in Meeting of the Adhoc Working of political will to take concrete along with AnnaLee Saxenian, dean and Chinese entrepreneurs who France. We want them starting it Group on the Revitalization of the measures to reinforce the role and of the school of information at remain here, is bad news for the val- here." General Assembly April 28. He authority of the Assembly. We need Berkeley, and scholars from Duke ley's economic future, Wadhwa said But Wadhwa said Obama's call to cited the role intended for the to properly appreciate and then cor- and Harvard. "The numbers are like in an interview. do that as part of comprehensive Assembly in Article 10 of the UN rectly situate the Assembly within a slap in the face for these politi- "It means we're going to have that immigration reform is ducking the Charter, namely that it discuss any the plurality of multilateral mecha- cians who are downplaying the rise many fewer startups in Silicon problem. questions or matters within the nisms that deal with global issues. of a new India and China." Valley, less vitality, less energy, "His words were not backed by scope of the present Charter or relat- “Second, there are a number of The survey found that 72 percent because they are all going back," any action," Wadhwa said. "This ing to the powers and functions of best practices available in this of Indian and 81 percent of Chinese Wadhwa said. Because of that comprehensive immigration reform any organs provided for in the regard in various international returnees found the opportunities to "reverse brain drain," he believes is an excuse not to do anything, Charter, i.e. the Security Council, organizations, albeit on a smaller start their own businesses were bet- less than half of the valley's startups because that's not going to pass. the ECOSOC, Trusteeship Council, scale. Such best practices could be ter in their home countries. Just 14 are being launched by immigrants There is no way in the world. We ICJ as well as the Secretariat. used as a guide to promote visibility percent of Indians and 5 percent of now. couldn't agree on health care, how Regarding visibility and enhanced and enhanced public awareness of Chinese who had returned felt the When President Barack Obama can we agree on amnesty for ille- public awareness of the work of the the work of the General Assembly.” opportunities had been better in the visited Facebook last week for a gals? It ain't going to happen." Call to prosecute Congress leaders for anti-Sikh riots New York: Human Rights senior political figures, none needs a law that will provide Watch (HRW) has sought the have yet been convicted for maximum protection against prosecution of leaders of the 1984 killings,’ she said. orchestrated attacks on India’s Congress party who ‘The discovery of more minorities. allegedly organized attacks Sikh massacre victims after ‘The government should on Sikhs after Indira nearly three decades shows listen to all suggestions that Gandhi’s assassination in the reluctance of successive could strengthen the commu- 1984. Indian governments, despite nal violence bill so that these Sikhs were attacked and numerous commissions of outrages never happen killed ‘with the complicity of inquiry, to get to the truth and again.’ senior members of (then prosecute those responsible A case against Congress prime minister) Gandhi’s for the anti-Sikh violence,’ party has been filed in a New Congress party,’ said HRW Ganguly said. York court by the US based South Asia director Referring to the recent dis- Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) along Meenakshi Ganguly. covery of mass graves in with several Sikh individuals ‘Although there is evidence Hondh-Chillar in Haryana, from different states and that at least some of the she said: ‘The Haryana mas- cities of India who witnessed attacks were orchestrated by sacre is a reminder that India and survived attacks in 1984. Deepa Iyer to get community leadership award New York: The Asian Americans Leading Pacific American Institute Together) direction since for Congressional Studies 2004 when it became a (APAICS) will honor staffed organization. SAALT's Executive Since then, SAALT has Director, Deepa Iyer with been actively engaged in the Community Leadership advocacy around civil Award and immigrant rights on May 4 in Washington, issues, including the DC. The Community impact of the September Leadership Award recog- 11th backlash, working nizes leaders within the with partners and allies Asian American and Pacific in building strong coali- SAALT’s Executive Director Islander community, who tions, producing impor- have served as role models and mentors, and tant reports and resources to strengthen the have worked to enhance community empow- South Asian community's infrastructure, and erment and engagement. helping to develop stronger leaders for the Deepa has guided SAALT's (South Asian future. 10 Sathya Sai Baba

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sathya Sai Baba passes away HYDERABAD: Iconic spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba passed away at Puttaparthi in Anantapur The future district of Andhra Pradesh on fter the passing of Sai such as the former Chief Justice April 24, leaving behind millions Baba, a vast empire of India, P.N. Bhagwati; the for- of mourning devotees in India and Aspread across Puttaparthi, mer Central Vigilance abroad, and a sprawling system of Bangalore, Kodaikanal, Commissioner, S.V. Giri; former educational, medical and philan- Hyderabad, Chennai and IAS officer K. Chakravarthi, who thropic services that has huge Mumbai, and overseas centers, is the Trust Secretary since 1994; resources at its command. He was needs to be administered as and the former CII president, V. 85. effectively as before. The spiritu- Srinivasan, has now to select an He had bravely battled compli- al guru was the Chairman of the eminent person acceptable to the cations of the heart, lung and kid- Sathya Sai Central Trust that devotees to chair the Trust. ney for four weeks. manages funds pouring in from This is no mean task, consider- The end came at 7.40 a.m., after devotees across the globe, as well ing numerous reports of internal 28 days of intense anxiety among as the affairs of a string of serv- differences between Sai Baba's his followers and frenetic activity Devotees paying their last respect to the Body of Sri Sathya Sai Baba ice and spiritual organizations. relatives, particularly his nephew by doctors of the Sathya Sai at the Ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The Trust, which has as its R.J. Ratnakar, a member of the Institute of Higher Medical with us physically. He left his km away. The mortal remains members well-known persons Trust, and some other Trustees. Sciences (SSIHMS). earthly body due to cardio-respi- were kept in this huge and ornate- The formal announcement was ratory failure.” ly decorated hall, regularly used hall on April 27 around 8 a.m. declared State mourning for four made by SSIHMS Director Dr. A few hours later, the body was for congregations and for Sai Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister days and a holiday in Anantapur A.N. Safaya. shifted in an ambulance from the Baba's elaborate birthday celebra- N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who flew district on April 27. He said Sai He declared in a statement that hospital to the Sai Kulwant Hall tions. into Puttaparthi along with Baba would be given State honors the spiritual leader “is no more in Prashanthi Nilayam, about 7 The body was interred in the Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, at the funeral. “A leader who Tearful adieu to Baba Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh): inspired millions” Hundreds of thousands bid a tear- ful farewell to Sathya Sai Baba on April 27 as the spiritual leader was laid to rest with state honors at his Prashanti Nilayam ashram, his base from where he presided over a mass global following. The coffin of the 85-year-old was lowered into a grave during the nearly two-hour ceremony at Sai Kulwant Hall, where the god- man gave "darshan" to his devo- tees and delivered discourses for decades. The burial was in keeping with the practice for Hindu spiritual Police place India's national flag on a glass coffin containing the gurus. body of Sathya Sai Baba during his funeral on April 27. Amid chanting of Vedic hymns and Sai mantras, a team of 18 priests led by Kandukoori Kondavadhani performed the ritu- als. While nearly half the ceremony Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia was open to those present in the Gandhi at Sathya Sai Baba’s funeral. hall, including a litany of politi- cians and bureaucrats, the burial NEW DELHI: The Vice- values, was an iconic figure for was performed by only a handful President, the Lok Sabha Speaker, over five decades. He endeared of relatives and disciples besides the Prime Minister, the Leader of himself to the people through var- priests. the Opposition and the Congress ious institutions, with headquar- Outside Prashanti Nilayam and president were among those who ters at Prashanthi Nilayam, that across the town, despite the sear- condoled the death of Sri Sathya promoted egalitarian values, edu- ing weather, hundreds of thou- Sai Baba at Puttaparthi in Andhra cation and public health,” Dr. sands of men, women and chil- Pradesh on April 24. Singh said. dren watched the last rites on In his message, Vice-President Congress president Sonia giant screens. Many broke down, Devotees wail as they watch the funeral of Sathya Sai Baba on a big Hamid Ansari said the Baba's Gandhi said the news greatly knowing they would never again screen outside the guru's ashram in Puttaparti. message of love should be the pained her. “He was a spiritual see in flesh and blood a man they performing the last rites. Sai These included Bharatiya Janata guiding light in this trying hour. person in whom lakhs of people viewed as god. Baba's caregiver Satyajit was seat- Party (BJP) star and former Expressing “deep and profound had faith. In his lifetime, he Sai Baba's nephew R.J. ed near the coffin. deputy prime minister L.K. sadness” over the death of the 86- inspired the people of this country Ratnakar sprinkled holy water Later, the godman was laid to Advani, Punjab Governor Shivraj year-old Baba, the Prime Minister and those abroad towards spiritu- brought from seven rivers on the rest in a 3 by 6 by 4.5 ft deep pit Patil, Karnataka Chief Minister said he was a spiritual leader who alism and religion,” she said in mortal remains. He also per- at a private ceremony behind cur- B.S. Yeddyurappa, Andhra inspired millions to lead a moral her condolence message. formed 'dasha danam' or donation tains. The pit was filled with Pradesh Governor E.S.L. and meaningful life even as they Bharatiya Janata Party leader of 10 items including cow, land Kurukshethra soil, salt, silver, Narasimhan, Chief Minister N. followed the religion of their L.K. Advani and Nitin Gadkari, in and clothes as per the Hindu cus- gold and navaratnas, symbolizing Kiran Kumar Reddy, former chief choice. separate messages, expressed their toms. nine planets. minister N. Chandrababu Naidu “Sri Sathya Sai Baba, as a grief and sorrow at the passing Ratnakar, son of Sai Baba's The event was bristling with and several ministers from Andhra preacher of the highest human away of the Baba. brother, became emotional while VIPs. Pradesh and Karnataka. Sathya Sai Baba 11

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011 Succession war hots up for Sai Trust No govt interference in trust: Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh): Andhra CM Even as spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, 85, died on April 24, a fresh round of intense speculation began over his potential successor. At the moment, his personal assistant, Satyajit, and nephew, RJ Ratnakar, are being viewed as the leading con- tenders to head the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT), chaired by Sai Baba. The trust, which runs a railway station and an airport in this pilgrim town, is believed to have assets worth Rs 40,000 crore. RJ Ratnakar, Swami's nephew and trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba A relative of Sai Baba said, Central Trust, performing the last rites of Baba. "Satyajit and Ratnakar are the two Security personnel try to control followers as they throng to the ashram candidates who could head the trust. to pay their last respects to Baba. The trustees are also not averse to HYDERABAD: Even as there are bers and the allegations of diversion this." Satyajit, 33, a post-graduate in question marks over the future of of funds. The minister also refused business administration, is associat- Sathya Sai Central Trust, Andhra to answer any queries. ed with Sai Baba since the age of Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar The trust, which runs several hos- five and had exclusive access to him Reddy announced that his govern- pitals, educational institutions, at the hospital where he was being ment will not interfere in the work- drinking water projects and under- treated since March 28. ing of the trust. take other charitable works in India Sai Baba indicated last year that "The trust will run as it is," Reddy and abroad, is estimated to have Satyajit should be part of the trust. said at a press conference at movable and immovable assets of Ratnakar, 39, a cable network Puttaparthi hours after Baba passed Rs.40,000 crore. operator and a petrol pump dealer, away on April 24. The trust members include former found place in the trust in 2005 after Speculation in recent days have chief justice P.N. Bhagvati, former his father, Janakiramaiah's death. been that the government would IAS officers K. Chakravarthi and Leaders of various religions prepare to pray ahead of the final rituals. Sai Baba is known to have earlier take over the trust after Sai Baba's S.V. Giri, chartered accountant thwarted attempts by his relatives to clear of the succession row. However, Satyajit is chosen by Baba death. turned entrepreneur Indulal Shah, participate in the trust's activities. "After all, the trustees have to take to serve him," LV Subrahmanyam, Reddy's statement came amid Venu Srinivasan of TVS Motors and The state government has steered a decision (on the successor). principal secretary, finance, told HT. reports of a rift among trust mem- the Baba's nephew R.J. Ratnakar. Bollywood bereaved at Baba's passing Mumbai: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has mourned the death of spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba who blessed him with "vibhuti" after his "Coolie" accident, Shilpa Shetty's mother is devastated, and Sonu Sood says Baba will continue to be an integral part of his life. Sathya Sai Baba died Sunday at age of 85 at a hos- pital in his home town of Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh after a prolonged ill- Hundreds of devotees gather to attend the funeral ness. Here is what ceremony of Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparti. Bollywood celebrities had to to be put on my tongue dur- dancing. I've heard so much say on his passing: ing the time I was struggling about his good work. He was Amitabh Bachchan posted for my life after the Coolie a great soul.He has done so messages on both Twitter accident. When I recovered, much for the needy! The and his blog remembering I went across to his ashram faith that people had in him the time when he visited near Chennai. He met me in was unbelievable. I am sure Baba after recovering from a side small chamber and he will come back in some his "Coolie" accident. blessed me by procuring avatar. "Very sad to hear of the more 'vibhuti' virtually from Shilpa Shetty: My mother passing of Sathya Sai the air,” Big B posted on his is a huge bhakt of Sai Baba. baba...sent me 'vibhuti' at the blog. She is in New York right time of 'Coolie' accident... Aishwarya Rai: Shri Satya now. She is devastated by on getting well visited him," Sai Baba...deep sadness on the news. Unfortunately I Amitabh Bachchan posted his demise...He remains with never met him. on Twitter. us...Prayers...Aum Sai Ra. Raveena Tandon: I didn't "Satya Sai Baba passed Hema Malini: I met him follow him. But I learnt a lot away. A saint, a generous once. It was an encounter from him. He funded many soul, a builder of society. I etched in my mind and heart schools, hospitals and chari- had opportunity to be with forever. table causes. He enriched him on an occasion. It was my ardent wish to lives with his spiritual guid- He had graciously sent me dance in his presence. He ance. It was a life well some of his famed 'vibhuti' loved the fine arts including lived." 12 India Newswire

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Chaos in PAC meet Hazare to address UP rallies New Delhi: Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) descended into chaos on April 28 after the UPA managed to secure the support of BSP and SP to obtain a surprising majority which "rejected" the draft report on the 2G scam that was sharply critical of Prime Minister, his office and others. Seven Congress MPs, supported by two from DMK, attacked the Chairman of the 21-member committee and veteran BJP leader M M Joshi over leakage of the report prepared by him which had made headlines. The draft report had criticized Prime Minister Manmohan Singh personally for his "desire" to keep the PMO at "arm's length" on the issue of 2G allocation that Public Accounts Committee Chairman Murli allowed the then telecom minister A Raja to execute his Manohar Joshi. "dubious designs" and was also critical of the then Anna Hazare will address a people's rally in Lucknow on Finance Minister P Chidambaram and officials of the cation of 2G and 3G spectrum." May 1 via phone. PMO with regard to handling the scam. Finding the going tough, Joshi adjourned the meeting For over three hours, these MPs sought to put the for lunch at around 2 PM and fixed the next session at 4 Lucknow: Activists of the non-gov- said Rajiv Aggarwal, who heads the Chairman on the mat, accusing him of presenting a PM. ernmental organization 'India NGO's Lucknow chapter "one-sided" report with "malafide" intention and As soon as the meeting re-convened, senior Congress Against Corruption', which is head- The Uttar Pradesh Government demanded his resignation. leader Saifuddin Soz moved a resolution demanding ed by veteran social activist Anna has put a curb on public functions These nine MPs found surprise support in one mem- that the Chairman's draft be rejected. He pressed for a Hazare, has said all anti-corruption and demonstrations, making it ber each of SP and BSP who were expected to go along vote on it and was supported by other MPs from meetings and rallies would be held mandatory to take prior permission with rest of the Opposition comprising 6 of BJP exclud- Congress and DMK as also from the SP and BSP. as scheduled, even if the Uttar from the district administration. ing Joshi and one each from BJD, JD(U) and AIADMK. While Joshi claimed that he had "adjourned" the meet- Pradesh Government does not grant According to reports, Hazare will The UPA members alleged that Joshi had "out- ing as there was "no order", UPA members said the them permission. not be able to attend the Uttar sourced" the drafting of the report. Chairman had "walked out" and "run away". Along with "The rally will be organized. Pradesh leg of the nation-wide 'India The ruling MPs, who had come with a strategy, insist- him, Opposition members also left the hall. Whether the government permits it Against Corruption' (IAC) rallies on ed in writing that the report be rejected and a vote be In unprecedented dramatic scenes, 11 members of the or not, the meeting will be held. All health grounds, but will address taken. UPA and BSP and SP held their own meeting and "elect- the meetings that are planned will be them over the phone. In identical written request, the 11 MPs, including SP ed" Soz as their "Chairman for the sitting". They also held. If they want to arrest us then The anti-corruption rallies would and BSP, said "I vote to reject the draft report circulated "unanimously" passed the "resolution" rejecting the they are welcome, whatever they be organised in Varanasi, Sultanpur by the Chairman, PAC, on recent developments on allo- draft report. want to do they are most welcome,” and Lucknow on May 1. Two SC judges withdraw Left Front questions UPA on from Dinakaran case Purulia arms drop New Delhi: The hearing on a peti- Kolkata: West Bengal's ruling Left tion by Sikkim High Court Chief Front on April 28 asked the Central Justice P.D. Dinakaran, facing an government to explain why it impeachment motion, was remained inactive despite having deferred on April 28 as two advance information about the Supreme Court judges withdrew massive arms drop in Purulia in themselves from the matter. 1995. Justice D.K. Jain and Justice "The latest revelations on the H.L. Dattu of the two-member arms drop are further confirmation apex court bench withdrew from of the fact that there was a well the hearing on Justice Dinakaran's planned conspiracy to use violence plea seeking a stay on the inquiry to destabilize the Left Front at that proceedings against him under the time," LF chairman Biman Bose impeachment motion and removal told mediapersons. He was reacting Justice Dinakaran is facing charges of counsel P.P. Rao from a com- to an interview given by arms drop of corruption, land-grab and abuse mittee probing charges of miscon- case prime accused Kim Davy who of judicial office. duct against him. claimed the arms were dropped to Justice Dinakaran has sought the people who had pleaded with the "destabilize" the state government Left Front chairman Biman Bose. removal of Rao on the grounds then chief justice of India K.G. and the then central government that he was prejudiced against him Balakrishnan against his elevation had played the role of a facilitator. a "serious assault on India's sover- against the then Left front govern- as he (Rao) was one of the several to the apex court. Bose described the arms drop as eignty" and a "diabolical plot ment". Kalmadi arrested, Kanimozhi chargesheeted New Delhi: Suresh Kalmadi, who oversaw most influential political families in a coun- men who head large private corporations the graft-tainted and disastrously managed try where dynasties still play a critical role. were also locked up after being charged in Commonwealth Games held in Delhi last Her DMK party is a key partner in the gov- the second-generation (2G) mobile license fall, was remanded in police custody erning coalition. scam. Pictures of white-shirt-wearing, Tuesday on charges of cheating, conspiracy She is charged for her role in the ongoing smartphone-toting business and political and corruption related to tenders for time- drama of India’s mobile phone licence sale leaders being led into courtrooms or jail- keeping equipment worth millions of dol- scandal, which cost the country an estimat- houses are becoming a staple of the Indian lars. He was detained Monday night and ed $39-billion, not including millions of front pages. then suspended by the ruling Indian dollars in bribes that Kanimozhi is alleged All of these criminal charges might National Congress party, of which he was a to have helped funnel to private companies appear to indicate that Mr. Singh’s govern- senior member. through her close relationship with the ment is cracking down on corrupt officials The same day, another high-flying politi- then-telecommunications minister, without regard for their level of power or cian was charged with corruption: member Andimuthu Raja. prestige. But in fact it’s the Central Bureau of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. Mr. Raja is now in jail, and last week five of Investigation, acting on orders from the Kanimozhi, who goes by one name, is the Supreme Court – which has given itself daughter of the chief minister of the state of Kanimozhi, Karunanidhi’s daughter, control over the 2G scam investigation – Tamil Nadu and a member of one of the is implicated in 2G scam that is running the show. India Newswire 13

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011 Air India: Pilots strike, fliers strive New Delhi: Despite contempt erstwhile Indian Airlines, had pairs of special trains -- New notices by the Delhi High Court, struck work since April 27, Delhi to Kolkata and New Delhi the strike by some 600 Air India demanding parity in pay with to Mumbai -- on April 28 while pilots entered the third day on their counterparts in Air India a pair was planned from April 29, forcing at least 95 and other issues related to work Mumbai to Hyderabad by flights to be canceled, even as conditions. Central Railway on April 29. grounded fliers faced steep fare Meanwhile, the Railway min- "These trains are Rajdhani- hikes by other airlines. istry has said it would run spe- type fully air-conditioned super With both the management cial trains to clear the rush of special trains and will have first, and the agitating union members passengers following the strike second and third air-conditioned hardening their positions, the by Air India pilots. coaches," the ministry said in a airline has suspended bookings Northern Railway planned two statement. on domestic and regional inter- national destinations till May 1. "Fresh bookings will only start from May 4," an Air India A 'disappointed' US to keep spokesperson said. up defence ties with India The Delhi High Court had asked the pilots to immediately Washington: Though disappoint- Lapan said after New Delhi end their agitation, while initiat- ed at India's rejection of informed US of its decision.The ing contempt proceedings and Washington's bid to supply a new US, he said, "remain convinced threatening to attach the proper- generation of fighter jets, the US that the United States offers our ties of the their union if they Passengers queue up outside Air India counters at the Indira Gandhi has said it would continue to grow defence partners around the globe failed to do. International airport as members of the Indian Commercial and develop its defence partner- the world's most advanced and But passengers, who were Pilots Association went on strike in the Capital on April 27. ship with India. The New York reliable technology."India earlier stranded after their Air India Times described the decision as a informed manufacturers of US flights were canceled, started Passengers were complaining airlines -- resulting in a total "blow" for President Obama. "We Lockheed Martin F 16 IN and facing another dilemma -- that that the base fare on a Delhi- one-way cost of Rs.11,500 are deeply disappointed by this Boeing F/A 18 In that they have of shelling out between 50 per- Mumbai flight, which goes up to including various levies. news but we look forward to con- not made it in the technical evalu- cent and 75 percent more money Rs.2,400-Rs.3,000 for last- Members of the Indian tinuing to grow and develop our ation trials for a Multi-Role on bookings with other airlines. minute bookings had gone up to Commercial Pilots Association defence partnership with India," Combat Aircraft (MRCA) for the as much as Rs.7,500 on some (ICPA), once on the rolls of the Pentagon spokesperson Col Dave Indian Air Force. 12 India Newswire

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Mamata promises her own ‘global’ Nandigram Nandigram: The wheel seemed Special Economic Zone with a Jellingham in Nandigram and a to have turned a full circle as “petrochemical hub” at its core rail link to Nandigram, too. Her Mamata Banerjee addressing her considering its proximity to “international market” would be first election rally in Nandigram Haldia where several petrochemi- one that would showcase “the on April 29— it goes to the polls cal factories are already in opera- zari and jewellery works” of hun- on May 3 — unfolded her blue- tion including the Haldia refinery dreds of local, skilled artisans print for the region that was complex, Mitsubishi Chemicals who are “forced to migrate to remarkably similar, in objective, and Tata Chemicals. Jobs for other states like Maharashtra and to what her rival Buddhadeb locals was also his rallying cry. Gujarat.” Bhattacharjee had said once upon Aware of this, Mamata under- Nayachar, a river island — that a time. With a distinctive Mamata lined that her industrial blueprint was earmarked by the Left Front twist, of course. for Nandigram was such that government as the alternative Promising to transform “agricultural land will not be venue for the chemical hub — Nandigram into an “industrial forcibly taken away and both will be an eco-friendly industrial park and international market” to industry and agriculture will zone revolving round fishermen create thousands of jobs, Mamata flourish simultaneously.” How and tourism, she said. offered residents a comprehen- she planned to do this was, of “Your sons and family mem- sive industrial “package” that course, too complicated to bers will no more have to travel would ensure the development of explain in an election rally. out of your homes,” said what she called the “land of free- She mentioned plans of a coach Mamata. “In fact, I am going to dom.” factory in Haldia, a Burn give employment to 10 lakh Three years ago, Bhattacharjee Standard Railway factory in youths across West Bengal when had talked of his proposal to turn I come to power,” she said, to this poor, backward region into a Mamata Banerjee. thunderous applause. J&K seeks more security Anti-endosulfan hartal hits Kerala forces for Amarnath Thiruvananthapuram: The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Jammu: Amid fears of CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala another summer of demanding countrywide ban on riots and violence, the pesticide endosulfan disrupted nor- Jammu and Kashmir mal life across the state on April government has requi- 29. sitioned additional Early reports from across the forces from New Delhi state said public modes of trans- to provide security port like buses, taxis and autorick- during the upcoming shaws were off the road, crippling Amarnath pilgrimage. the mobility of the people. The state has asked Pro-Left unions in the transport for nearly 70 compa- sector have extended their support nies, or an estimated to the hartal. 7,000 personnel, for The annual Amarnath Yatra is an important The hartal did not affect the train security of the pil- part of the Hindu pilgrimage calendar. services but people who arrived at grims, official sources major stations by long-distance Children from coastal belt in Thiruvananthapuram stage a demonstration said on April 29. "We are making all arrangements trains faced difficulty due to the demanding a ban on Endosulfan. This would be in addition to the for the pilgrimage," he had told absence of city buses, taxis and forces that the state has spared for reporters Thursday. autos. The Left parties want India to chronic health problems in parts of the pilgrimage that starts June 29. The annual Amarnath Yatra is an The protest coincided with the join the nations pressing for the Kasargode district. The forces would have to be important part of the Hindu pilgrim- last day of the current round of global ban of the pesticide. Though Congress in Kerala sup- deployed from the first week of age calendar. Thousands take part in meeting of the Stockholm For quite some time, Kerala has ported the demand, the party has June. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah the trek, organised by the state gov- Convention on Persistent Organic been pressing for a nationwide ban criticized the LDF’s hartal call said the state government was doing ernment, to the 14,000 ft high Pollutants in Geneva, where the on the deadly pesticide, whose use dubbing it as a political move to everything for the security and facil- Amarnath Cave dedicated to Lord question of global ban on endosul- over the years left scores dead and cast the UPA Government in poor ity of the pilgrims. Shiva. fan has figured prominently. forced several hundreds to live in light. Godhra commission to hear Bhatt in-camera AHMEDABAD: There will be no Bhatt has made statement on the commission can summon public hearing before the oath before the Supreme Court Modi for questioning. Nanavati-Mehta commission on that he was present in the meeting The hearing of this plea is kept May 16, when IPS officer Sanjiv that was held on February 27, on May 2. Bhatt is scheduled to depose. The 2002 evening, wherein chief min- Meanwhile, the Gujarat govern- proceeding will be in-camera, as it ister Narendra Modi ordered the ment on April 28 withdrew the was during the questioning of for- higher ups to allow the Hindus to security cover of Bhatt. Bhatt had mer state home minister Gordhan express their anger against the been recommended Y-category Zadaphia. Muslims. security, which comprises a secu- Commission's secretary CG He has also accused the SC- rity team of 11 personnel. Patel said that the police officer appointed special investigation Reacting to this withdrawal has been called by the probe panel team (SIT) of shielding the Modi- Bhatt said, “The DG yesterday for the purpose of some clarifica- government. issued an order in which he asked tion by the members and whatever Following this revelation, civil all the people, who were in my questioning takes place will hap- rights organisation - Jan security ring, to report back to pen in the judges' chamber only. Sangharsh Manch filed an appli- Junagarh. I have replied to the "It will not be a public hearing," cation before the commission order requesting for the security he said adding that the summons seeking his cross-examination so cover. The DG will be the best does not mention under which that material evidence could come person to tell you why the order provision he has been summoned. Gujarat CM Narendra Modi. on record, on the basis of which was passed.” Interview 15

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30 - May 6, 2011

Affectionately called Guruji, Mahendra Trivedi is making waves in the US since he shifted here from India in 2009. There is demand among people for his ‘blessings’, in which he does energy transmission. He talks of experiments showing the same energy works for improving crop production and to kill cancerous cells in this interview with The SATimes where he recounts his fantastic journey from a village boy in Madhya Pradesh and his ambitious mission to usher in a new science. A Guru for the scientific age By Parveen Chopra densed as a male place, nothing is found that chlorophyll B and A in these or female deity, pleasant, as if cashew trees was 100 and 32 percent higher. SATimes: Tell us about your early life. which gave me drained of life: Increasing chlorophyll B is an impossible Mahendra Kumar Trivedi: I was born in the message ‘I am fruits and crops phenomenon because B decides the absorp- 1963 in Betul district in Madhya Pradesh, going on vacation, are poor, cows tion of the sun energy. I was able to increase India. My father was a teacher. In my child- you take charge!’ are sad, they are this quantity up to 100 percent. hood, every year I used to stay for months at (laughs). not giving milk, Then we did lots of experiments with my maternal grandparents’ farm near Unfortunately, for not conceiving Dapoli university—on alphonso mangoes, Kanpur. There I had the opportunity to see me, in the super- on time. and then at Banaras Hindu University and the creation--farmers sow the seed and soon consciousness, no Everything is several other places. This energy has the the seed loses its existence and transforms deity or angel the same other- ability to change the soil, it can increase the into plant. I started enjoying the beauty of appeared. For wise, but some- useful bacteria in the soil nine times, and the universe, would watch stars at night till me, it was a thing is miss- decrease harmful bacteria. In many crops, sleep came. I was also comfortable with process, not an ing—that is after energy transmission, there is up to 500 much older people. I started thinking why event. The your presence.” percent more production—organic, higher people come to this planet, what is the pur- process had start- I started think- nutrition, and more shelf life. The mango pose, why they struggle and suffer a lot, ed at birth. ing, this is the trees I blessed one time in 2005, till today why they have disorders, physical, emotion- SATimes: So situation in the the same kind of results are there every al disorders? Some people who are gifted in your mission absence of year: Vitamin C in mango pulp is 40% high- every other way, they still have a problem— started in 1995…. Krishna con- er, sugar 40% less. So this is not a tempo- boredom--because they are disconnected Trivedi: Next sciousness, that rary effect. from the Source. morning I started energy. So I Then, inspired, I wanted to know the lim- Born with a photographic memory, I blessing people-- Mahendra Kumar Trivedi communicated its of this energy. We chose one of the three never needed to study much and still always seeing the effect to my Divine, best laboratories in India—Hindujas, which topped in my class. I earned my mechanical of this energy on humans. In 1996, the film and got the reply that yes, I can use the has accreditation from the American engineering degree from government col- industry people heard about me and I went same energy. I went to that dairy, saw the Pathologists Association. We did hundreds lege in Ujjain. I held many jobs in good to Bombay, where I met people from film cows, did not touch, just from the computer of experiments on microbes, to see the companies like Birla White, but on the very stars to technicians. I changed my appear- screen, getting them together, blessed all effect of this energy on viruses like HIV, first day at work I would get the feeling: ance—looked like a swami with long hair 350 of them. We observed for two years. Hepatitis B, Herpes virus, and on pathogen- “This job is not for me.” I would also get and robes. I met thousands of swamis and Mortality rate fell to zero, milk production ic bacteria, even on superbugs (like mul- inner guidance that my purpose in life was babas and visited many temples in the four improved by 30%, conceiving rate 100% tidrug resistant TB bacteria). Next, the sci- something else though I had to wait to find corners of the country. In 2000, I started and female-male calves ratio altered to 60- entists gave me cancer cells in a petri dish. I what that was. thinking, so many other babas and swamis 40. This was a miracle, very promising for blessed them and converted them into non- Bactracking, ever since the age of six, I also claimed the same thing, that through me. In 2002 the same group of people came cancerous cells within 10 days. started enjoying trance. I started sleeping in their blessing they are able to affect change and said they have purchased 106 acres of Next I went to Bombay IIT, and I was a trance like state. Trance (samadhi) is a gift in people. I asked myself: ‘What am I land on Goa-Maharashtra border and were told, “Guruji, the atomic bond in living of Divine, it comes but you cannot induce doing, what are my credentials, who will planning cashew plantation. I visited there beings is weaker but in non-living things it. The primary stage of trance is medita- decide? No, not people, they will give testi- and blessed the empty land, where they later like metals, ceramics, polymers, and chem- tion—thoughtlessness. But stopping mony, and they come up with legal-illegal planted 9000 cashew saplings. After two icals, it is very strong, you cannot twist thoughts is impossible. Those who claim so expectations, and all the time it is not possi- years, when I was in Canada, I got the news that.” I said let us try. So we did many are liars, because as long as your CSF (cere- ble to fulfill those, then they get angry. So that those cashew trees’ growth was five experiments at different temperatures from - bro-spinal fluid) is moving, brain is func- your credibility depends on people. So who times higher, they did not need pesticide nor -170 degree C to 1000 degrees C. tioning, thoughts are produced. Samadhi is will decide that I am different from these chemical fertilizer. The mortality rate was Successfully. a billion times higher than thoughtlessness. people. almost negligible. SATimes: So how do you bless people? And you are connected to Divine, Soul. If this energy is real, why is it limited to SATimes: So this is the Trivedi effect… Trivedi: There is no ritual or dogma. I SATimes: When did the turning point humans, why this blessing is limited to Trivedi: Next, in 2005, I visited this farm, tell people to close their eyes and start their come? humans while Hindu scriptures proclaim: and went to the university, Dapoli, and met prayer to the God of their understanding. Trivedi: One night in November 1995, in “Kan kan mein bhagwan” (God exists the Vice Chancellor there and showed him During the prayer you have to request your trance my brain started processing that this everywhere, even in the smallest possible pictures of plants I had blessed. He was God to give you what you want that will was the time of calling, of action. A mes- particle in this universe)? Why God is thrilled and he sent two scientists—heads of make you happy. And it works, for every sage came that I should quit my job and not working just on humans? If something is department of botany and of plant patholo- person, for human cells, in labs on metals have sentiments for my family (I was mar- working in just humans, it is placebo effect. gy to this orchard, and after 30 seconds, and ceramics. It takes three minutes, one ried at that time and in a 14-year celibacy Then I would not like to stay in this line. I they said this is the biggest miracle we have person or one million, long distance also. period). Being sentimental is to have feeling am educated, I will go back to my career, ever seen in our career. On analysis they People come on a conference call from 35- only for family and friends. After Samadhi and not live this fake life. It was very 40 countries, and they receive the blessing. you should have same kind of feelings for important for me to understand limitations They enjoy transformation of their lives –in known and unknown people—that is of this energy which was transforming the terms of physical, emotional, sexual and Oneness. lives of people at every level. finally the connection to Divine—spiritual Anyway, next morning I quit my job, but Then, in 2000, a group of people consciousness. This energy improves the was to wait for instructions on course of approached me, they had a dairy farm in finances, relationships, everything. For action. Anyway, for the first time in my life Satara district in Maharashtra with 350 humans, one time is enough, but for them at age 32 I became happy because I now cows and it was making losses: mortality sky is the limit, they need more and more, had a communication with Divine. rate 10-15%, milk production low, cows not they are more greedy. SATimes: What exactly happened that conceiving on time and 80 per cent calves SATimes: Don’t you teach any technique night of transformation? male. I was first disinclined, but then a which people can practice on their own? Trivedi: Very important. The story com- Surdas poem read in childhood came to me: Trivedi: We do not have any technique, mon in West is: I was in kind of coma, then it is about Lord Krishna, his brother Balram but we raise the consciousness of people is going from Vrindavan to Dwarka, and I heard the message, ‘the world needs this Trivedi has been having trance experiences through this blessing and in time people gopis corner him to convey their message to and you do this or that’. In the East the story since childhood, but had a transformative reach the state of superconsciousness. Lord Krishna: “Since the day you left this is: my bedroom filled with light, which con- experience in 1995. Continued on page 28.... 16 Ultimate Bollywood

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 'Dum Maaro Dum', an edgy thriller y the end of it all, only Sippy displays a tremendous pain-lashed soul of the charac- one love story comes to a partiality for restless visuals. The ters, the underage boy played by Bhappy ending in "Dum characters are always on the Pratik Babbar (vulnerable, Maro Dum". Maybe one is not move though their destination is again!) who gets caught in the allowed to say which. What one a mystery even to themselves. airport while trying to smuggle can safely say without the risk of Maybe their aspirations are over- out drugs. sounding like a spoilsport is that run by their greed. The musician Rana Daggubati love is not a popular emotion in Some of the characters sneak in (striking debut, this) who loses the world that Rohan Sippy's a warm regard for their individual love to crime. The crime-lord's edgy thriller encompasses. space in unguarded moments of mistress, Bipasha Basu (fetching This film is certainly not a ride vulnerability. To the cop in her trauma), who in a haze of for the squeamish. Violence dom- Kamath's role Abhishek infuses a numbing alcohol and drugs, won- inates the proceedings. Ladies kind of supple laconism that ders when she lost her innocence. and Gentleman, welcome to the makes this suffering cop remark- That is a question that runs Other Goa. The one that we don't ably free of self-guilty, not to through the plot. And runs too see in Hindi cinema. mention the khaki uniform. fast. In DMD the characters in Goa A still from 'Dum Maaro Dum'. Has the film been edited (by On some deeply ironic level are constantly up to something sells his soul for a scholarship uneasy nexus between crime and Aarif Shaikh) too tightly, sacri- "Dum Maaro Dum" celebrates self-destructive. You really can't and the third a musician trapped conscience in hedonistic Goa, ficing the need to let the charac- that loss of innocence which afford to take your eyes off the in discordant notes -- converge in without taking sides. ters space for emotional growth haunts the beaches of many screen as the lives of three most unexpected ways. But then Abhishek Bachchan's cop's role for the sake of getting on with the touristic paradise. And yet we see unlikely 'heroes' -- one a redemp- the 'unexpected' is only expected as ACP Kamath acquires an inter- process of cracking the case? glimmers of stark humanity in tive cop, the other a student who in a film that addresses the esting moral ambivalence. Yup, Very often we want to enter the Rohan Sippy's characters.

No superhero role Anurag, Kalki to tie the knot ilmmaker Anurag Kashyap for Salman will wed his live-in girl- ollywood star Ffriend of two years Kalki Salman Khan Koechlin on April 30 at the lat- Bhas clarified ter's home in Ooty. that he is not playing "They have invited just 40 of a superhero in Kabir their close friends for their mar- Khan's next. riage. They will throw a big party "I am not doing any once they return to Mumbai superhero film. I where the whole Bollywood will don't want to be bit be invited," said a source close to by a spider and the couple. become Spiderman. I Kalki, 28, confirmed the news don't want to wear that she is marrying Kashyap, 38, red underwear out- this year, but she had refused to side and become reveal the wedding date as she Superman. I just wanted to keep it a private affair. want to be Sal-man," "Yes, we are getting married the 46-year-old witti- this year. ly said. I am not going to tell anyone Salman Khan. the date, but I am getting married The news that was Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin. doing the rounds was that Salman will play a spy who also has super soon," said Kalki, who made her will be doing an espionage thriller abilities that are hidden from others. Bollywood debut with Kashyap's This is second marriage for to his college sweetheart Aarti on the lines of "X-Men" where he But the star has labeled this as false. 'Dev D'. Kashyap who was earlier married and has daughter Aaliya with her. Obama is the bomb: Mallika Preity to play a gangster! o, it's not Sanjay Dutt or ow does she do it! After Emraan Hashmi playing getting up close and per- Nthe underworld goon. It Hsonal with most of is, in fact, the bubbly-faced Preity Hollywood A listers like Johnny Zinta who will be seen essaying Depp, Salma Hayek, Halle Berry the role of a gangster! The actress to name a few, Mallika Sherawat has reportedly said 'yes' to Jai met the US President Barack Ramji, to be directed by filmmak- Obama himself! er Tigmanshu Dhulia. The actress was invited for tea "Preity Zinta liked the script and with Barack Obama during his has agreed to work in the film. campaign stop in Los Angeles However, I have not yet formally recently. Post the meeting, the signed her, as she is busy with IPL actress described it as, "It was and is not in Mumbai. The for- electric! Obama is the bomb." malities should be completed Mallika is said to have dis- once she is back in the city," cussed her stay in LA and spoken Dhulia told Mumbai Mirror. about her upcoming film `Politics Other stars in the film include of Love, Barack' with the Arjun Rampal, Irrfan Khan and President. Surprisingly, Obama Randeep Hooda. The film is even told Mallika to ensure she reportedly going on floors in July invites him for the premiere of her and should be complete by film. Mallika Sherawat with Barack Obama. December-January. Preity Zinta. Ultimate Bollywood 17

Thesouthasiantimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011 Juhi’s not insecure he competed with other have crossed. That time I didn't girl. "really pretty" girls for the know her. I had met her very Juhi is also the co-owner of the Sbest roles, songs and the briefly. But now, when I worked Indian Premier League team maximum box office hits in her with her, we were very much at Kolkata Knight Riders and runs prime, but 43-year-old Juhi ease with each other," she added. production company Red Chillies Chawla says she has long crossed After being in commercial cine- Entertainment with Shah Rukh the stage of insecurity and is not in ma for 15 years and giving hits Khan. the rat race. like "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak", Out of Onir's three films, Juhi In fact, Juhi says she gelled well "Darr" and "Ishq", in 2003, the has played important roles in two - with her one-time rival, Manisha former beauty queen moved to art "My Brother Nikhil" and "Bas Ek Koirala, who co-stars with her in house movies with "3 Deewarein". Pal". His "I AM" is a collection of the new film "I AM". In so many "I AM" is slated to hit the four stories running parallel to years, this is the first time they are screens on April 29 and also stars each other. working together. Sanjay Suri, Purab Kohli, Rahul "I was quite happy with my role "Manisha is a very sweet and Bose, Nandita Das and others. because the casting for this film is chilled out person; so it was great This is the first time Juhi is very right. For instance, no one working with her. Also, we are not working with Manisha who had will be able to imagine me in in any kind of rat race now. We debuted in Bollywood just five Afia's role (Nandita Das's charac- have crossed that stage when there Juhi Chawla in ‘I AM’. years after the former in 1991. In ter) because Nandita is perfect for were comparisons and you your- girl vying for the same roles," Juhi pare who has got better songs, Onir's fourth directorial debut, it," said Juhi, who is married to self felt a little insecure because said. who has got better and more suc- Juhi is playing a Kashmiri Pandit, businessman Jai Mehta and has there was this other really pretty "At that time, you used to com- cessful films, but all that stage we while Manisha essays a Muslim two children with him. Saif-Bebo to get I'm obsessed with Madhuri: Bhansali ilmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali confesses that hitched? he is “obsessed” with Bollywood diva Madhuri t's the wedding season... After FDixit. Lara Dutta and Mahesh “In my every film, right from Khamoshi, I wanted IBhupathi, Anurag Kashyap and to direct Madhuri. I am obsessed with her. No other Kalki are all set to tie the knot on director is as obsessed as me about Madhuri,” said April 30. That leaves us asking the Bhansali. question, when are the much-in-love Madhuri essayed the role of Chandramukhi in Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Bhansali’s film Devdas (2002). going to tie the knot. “During Khamoshi, I waited for two-and-half years Speculations are rife that an at her door, to ask her to read the script; but I couldn’t announcement will be made post the get through to her. So I made the film without her. release of 'Agent Vinod', a project During Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, I tried to rope in that is very close to Saif's heart. Madhuri, but it did not happen. Then I ensured that in However, we also hear that Saif has Devdas, she was there,” the 48-year-old director said. already popped the marriage ques- “When we were doing the film, Madhuri called in tion to Kareena. We are told, "Saif is to say she was getting married and asked if I (still) ready. Saif is waiting for Kareena to wanted her in the film. I told her, even if you are mar- get ready. She has to revert to him ried or have a child, I want you to play Sanjay Leela Bhansali had to wait for four years to with the date and time!" Apparently, Chandramukhi,” he said. get Madhuri Dixit to play Chandramukhi in Devdas. Kareena has managed to get close to But Bhansali had to wait for four years to get busy schedules. But we did speak on the phone. She Saif's family. And while love is in Madhuri in Devdas. While the star was in India for watched Guzaarish and called me, saying she loved the air, all are only waiting for the Saif Ali Khan and the TV show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Bhansali couldn’t it. It meant a lot to me,” he said. announcement to be made. Kareena Kapoor. meet her. He says, “We couldn’t meet up due to our Katrina to outdo Sheila Ki Jawani Hero worshipping not es, you read it right. Katrina Kaif, who's all set in vogue : Abhishek Yto sizzle in another item number for Mere Brother Ki bhishek Bachchan Dulhan, is leaving no stone tries to don differ- unturned to go beyond her Sheila Aent avatars in all number. his films since he feels Katrina told Mid Day, "Yes, I audiences will get bored if am shooting a full-on tapori num- he keeps doing just one ber. It's earthy and sensuous not thing because now people suggestive. I'm supposed to be don't hero worship actors. dancing at a roadside dhaba." "You have to do some- Will she try to break her Sheila thing different. It will be image? Katrina shrugs, "That's terribly boring if you have become the new benchmark for to do the same thing every all my dance numbers. I was told day. Today's generation to better Sheila Ki Jawani. And will get really bored if I'm trying my best." they see actors doing the According to onlookers, the same thing again and actress is sporting a hot new look again. for the song. "They want to see their Aditya Chopra reportedly asked Katrina Kaif in Sheila Ki Jawani. actors doing new things. I Abhishek Bachchan. Kat to "keep it original and go isn't so much about one-upman- exceeding) the expectations audi- think the time of hero wor- gone. beyond Sheila". ship over Kat's last calling card as ences would have from an item shipping actors and being content Today, audiences want to see The source tells the tabloid, "It much as it is to living up to (if not number featuring the actress)." with just one image of theirs has variety," the actor said. 18 Travel & Heritage

April 30 - May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Teenager coronated Jaipur Maharaja By Prakash Bhandari/ SATimes

he 13-year-old prince is the king now. Maharaj Kumar TPadmanabh Singh, a student of sixth standard, has emerged as the heir apparent of the Jaipur royal family following the death of Maharaja Brig. Bhawani Singh at the age of 80. Brig. Singh had adopted Padmanabh, son of his daughter Diya Kumari, as the heir to the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty in 2002. On Wednesday, after the end of the mandatory 12-day mourning, Padmanabh’s coronation (Raj The Raj Purohit performing the Raj Tilak of Tilak) ceremony took place at the Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singhji of Jaipur. City Palace. He is now the new His Maharaj Kumar Padmanabh Singh.. Highness, the titular king of Jaipur. Dholpur, Alwar, Kishangarh, mantras. Holy men of Hinduism, As per the tradition of the royal Jaisalmer, Sonpur, Santrampur, Sikhism, Islam, Christanity and family, the Raj Tilak was held at Sirohi, Loharu and Nahan were Jainism then blessed HH Maharaja the City Palace and the regal cere- present at the ceremony. As were Sawai Padmanabh Singh ji. The mony was attended by members of the Rajasthan’s Health Minister, A flag on the Chandra Mahal which the erstwhile princely states, for- A Khan; Speaker of Rajasthan was on half mast was fully hoisted mer Nobles and landlords, busi- Assembly, Dipendra Singh again on the Palace. Drums beating nessmen, prominent citizens of Shekhawat; former cine star and at the Nakkarkhana resumed again. Jaipur and well wishers of the fami- former Union Minister Vinod The members of royal families, for- ly. The solemn but elegant and Khanna. During the day the Union mer nobles and invitees paid their graceful ceremony took place in the Minister of State for respect to the new Maharaja as packed Darbar Hall of the palace. Telecommunication Sachin Pilot, Nazarana (gift). The dress code specified for the Rajasthan Tourism Minister Bina After the Raj Tilak, the young select invitees was all white and the Kak, former Chief Minister Maharaja came out in the courtyard invitees turned up in white turbans.. Vasundhara Raje and the former to acknowledge greetings of the The young Maharaj Kumar, clad Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh public. He also inspected the Guard A view of the elegant Darbar Hall during the Raj Tilak ceremony. in white achkan and traditional Digvijay Singh also visited the of Honor and went inside the safa, walked in a procession from palace. Zanana to seek the blessings of the The rang ka dastoor (the ceremo- invitees changed their turbans the Chandra Mahal and went to the The Raj Tilak ceremony was per- ladies of the royal family. Later, he ny marking an end of the mourning from white to more colourful ones. Darbar Hall for the Raj Tilak cere- formed by Rajpurohit Shri Brijraj went to the Govind Devji temple period) took place at the courtyard After this the invitees joined in mony. The former royal families of Kishan ji and Acharya Shri Dilip and the family deities to seek their of Chandra Mahal later in the feasting on the lawns of the City Kashmir, Patiala, Jodhpur, Karauli, Sharma amid the chanting of Vedic blessings. evening. In this ceremony, the Palace. Japanese stoicism and love for nature By Geetika Jain icism that helps this nation survive Japan. My friend and I were invited whatever nature throws at it." to lunch with Akebono, a six foot, s I watch the cherry trees eight inches tall, five-hundred bloom in London, my Rich culture pound sumo wrestler. He had been Aenjoyment is tinged with There is so much from the the yokozuna or grand champion for sadness. The gardens of Tokyo, Japanese culture that has permeated three years. "Sumo has become canals of Kyoto and in the country- our lives. As a child, I learned origa- even more popular outside Japan, side everywhere, the Japanese mi, folding paper into interesting particularly in Mongolia," Akebono hearts would have been stirring, for shapes. In Japan, when someone is said over lunch. I was curious to see it is time to sit under the blooms and unwell, friends send paper cranes, what all he would order for lunch, enjoy their picnics. This spring, symbolic of good health and but he had already eaten. He sat however, they are weighed down by longevity. Over the years we've read next to me so the table was pushed the recent tragedies. What is most Haiku poetry by Basho and other so far out to make room for him that apparent while visiting Japan is the poets, plunged ourselves into I could barely reach my chopsticks. people’s deep appreciation for Haruki Murakami's novels and nature. They enjoy not just the beau- watched Akira Kurosawa's movies. Kyoto tiful light and painted sunsets, but We've admired ikebana flower Over the next few days, we took even the dark clouds, autumn's arrangements and the art of bonsai, the Shinkansen bullet train to storms and winter's snow. It was in where trees are trimmed to minia- Kyoto, where we stayed at a tradi- Tokyo that I first noted the beauty of ture size. tional ryokan with sliding, rice uneven, handmade pottery and People all over the world have paper room dividers. Our meals admired the character in the cracked developed a taste for Yakatori, were served by demure ladies in glaze. The Japanese call it wabi sabi Tempura and Sushi, and it was in Kimonos, who taught us to drink -- finding beauty in imperfection. Tokyo that I discovered the flavor- macha, their special green tea, in While reeling from the recent ful, spicy powder, shichimi, which exactly three and a half sips. There tsunami, earthquake and toxic has me addicted. The delicious and was so much to absorb and appreci- fumes, the Japanese have been nutritious silken tofu is now a regu- ate that the words Arigato admirably strong. Ben Macintyre in lar at our table. Karaoke and Sumo Gozaimasu, thank you very much, The Times talks about gaman, a wrestling are two things that have remained on our lips and minds for This is the cherry blossom season in Japan when parties to view the Japanese trait, "the unflappable sto- become more popular even outside a very long while. overflowing cherry blossom are traditionally held. US Affairs 19

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30 - May 6, 2011

Obama releases birth Shocking details from Guantanamo leaks Washignton: "Impotence-promot- nappings as well as pistol and com- details, critics rake Ivy ing" drugs. The threat of a "nuclear puter training."· Khalid Sheikh hellstorm." Prisoners leashed like Mohammed told his interrogators League issue dogs and forced to urinate on them- that Al Qaeda had hidden a nuclear selves. bomb in Europe which will unleash These are just a few of the shock- a "nuclear hellstorm" if Osama bin ing revelations found among the Laden is captured or killed. The ter- cache of over 700 classified mili- ror group also planned to make a tary documents detailing the 779 9/11 style attack on London's people who have been detained at Heathrow airport by crashing a the Guantanamo Bay prison in hijacked airliner into one of the ter- Cuba. minals, the files showed. Provided by WikiLeaks, the docu- * Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the ments reveal that most of the 172 alleged planner of the USS Cole remaining detainees at the contro- Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in his attack, "received injections to pro- versial facility have been rated as a early days in Gitmo prison. mote impotence" to avoid being dis- "high risk" of posing a threat to the rogation techniques in the early tracted by women, and "recom- US and its allies if released without stages of detention," his confessions mended the injections to others so adequate rehabilitation and supervi- "appear to be true and are corrobo- more time could be spent on the President Obama’s birth certificate from a Honolulu hospital sion. The documents also offer rated in reporting from other jihad." Washington: President Obama questions that are unanswered some glimpses into the top-secret sources." * Gitmo authorities named may have released his birth certifi- about our president.” operations of Osama bin Laden and * The documents describe a major Pakistan's ISI a "terrorist organiza- cate on Wednesday, but Donald Like everything Trump says other Al Qaeda officials. gathering of some of Al Qaeda's tion" along with Hamas and other Trump and others on the far right about Obama lately, his comments * Mohammed Qahtani -- a Saudi most senior operatives in early international militant networks, have already moved on to a new got lots of media play. But conspir- believed to have been an intended December 2001. They included according to leaked documents. ISI conspiracy: how he got into the Ivy acy theories about Obama’s educa- participant in 9/11 -- was subject to Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the self- is part of a list that includes more League. Trump accused him of tion have been around the far right coercive questioning and other described mastermind of the Sept than 60 international militant net- being a “terrible student” who since his presidential campaign. In abuses during his interrogation. The 11 attacks; Abd al-Rahim al- works, as well as Iran's intelligence shouldn’t have gotten into September 2008, The Wall Street cables describe Qahtani as being Nashiri, the alleged planner of the services, that are "terrorist" entities Columbia University or Harvard Journal said in an editorial, “Some leashed like a dog, sexually humili- USS Cole attack; and Abu Faraj al- or associations and say detainees Law School. “I’m thinking about think his transcript, if released, ated and forced to urinate on him- Libbi, a key facilitator for bin linked to them "may have provided it, I’m certainly looking into it. Let would reveal Mr. Obama as a self. His file says, "Although pub- Laden. After returning to Karachi, support to Al Qaeda and the him show his records.” He contin- mediocre student who benefited licly released records allege Mohammed "put together a training Taliban, or engaged in hostilities ued darkly, “There are a lot of from racial preference.” detainee was subject to harsh inter- program for assassinations and kid- against U.S. and coalition forces." Reshuffle at top in Pentagon Obama Campaign II: back Washington: President retirement of Defense Afghanistan, which seeks to Obama is expected to reshuf- Secretary Robert M. Gates, build up that country’s politi- fle his national security team are the most significant cal and administrative insti- to grassroots on Thursday, naming Leon E. realignment yet in Mr. tutions. By Swathi AK one conversations with Panetta, the head of the Obama’s war council. They Mr. Panetta is viewed as friends, colleagues and Central Intelligence Agency, could have far-reaching favoring a more limited resident Barrack using Twitter feedbacks as defense secretary and Gen. implications for the approach, focused on coun- Obama and his and harnessing David H. Petraeus, the top American strategy in terterrorism operations. At Pcampaign office is Facebook to spread the American commander in Afghanistan, as well as for its the C.I.A., he has overseen gearing up in his bid to message. People could Afghanistan, as the C.I.A. troubled relations with clandestine drone strikes in return to the White House also build teams by director, administration offi- Pakistan. Pakistan, which have been a in November 2012 elec- organizing local house cials said Wednesday. General Petraeus is a lead- recurring source of tension tion. His campaign man- meetings and planning The appointments, set in ing advocate of the ambitious between the US and ager Jim Messina has local sessions and have motion by the impending counterinsurgency strategy in Islamabad. shared ont eh campaign discussions with them website their strategic and recruiting and train- Real estate remains in distress as framework and overall ing volunteer teams to approach to the cam- educate others. A campaign button home prices slide paign. They have chalked The campaign manger out how the race will shape up and the also says, they need to measure their New York: Housing prices slid back in kind of challenges that may be encoun- progress by holding each and everyone February to their lowest level of the down- tered during the campaign. “We have cer- accountable and keep the campaign met- turn, fresh proof that real estate remains one tain beliefs and sheer values that bind us rics-driven. It is necessary to set certain of the most troubled sectors of the economy. together and we need to build an unprece- goals and adapt ourselves to learn together The Standard & Poor’s Case-ShillerHome dented grassroots campaign to win”, he and grow and track our progress, he says. Price Index for 20 metropolitan areas wrote. Working for every vote is also vital as dropped 1.1 percent from January, S.& P. To propel Obama for another thumping the campaign could be won or lost by sin- said Tuesday. victory, his strategic plan entails gle vote. It is essential to value every vote By the barest of margins, the index failed ‘Expanding the Electorate”. For this and keep in mind what is at stake if we fail to plumb new depths. It is now at 139.27, Messina advises that people build some- to organize. At this stage it is important not essentially the same as the low of 139.26 thing new and sleeker, using new tech- to act like an incumbent but as an insur- that it reached in April 2009. nologies to run a new campaign and per- gent and scratch and claw for that vote— Housing prices are falling even though suade others to come on their side and get according to Messina. banks have been pulling back on foreclo- more new voters and first time voters and As the election draws closer it is time, sures, which generally drive neighborhood cities in the index, including Atlanta, inspire them to join the cause. Messina wants people to get involved by prices down. They are falling despite low Charlotte, Chicago, New York and Seattle, As any political campaign is only as signing up to be in on the campaign on interest rates, which make houses more hit a low for the cycle during the month. strong as the grassroots, Messina empha- Facebook and taking the conversation affordable. And they are falling even though That was one fewer than January. sizes the importance of building the grass- offline by having ‘door to door ‘and ‘per- they have already dropped by a third from For the 20 cities, prices are down 3.3 per- roots by reconnecting with long time sup- son to person ‘discussions in a bid to win their heady peaks in mid-decade. cent in the last 12 months. porters, calling your neighbors and empha- the elections for Obama and be a part of Washington was the only city where prices That is not much compared to the precipi- sizing the importance of the campaign and the biggest grassroots campaign in went up over the last year. But even it tous drops of 2008 and 2009 but some see what President means and having one on American History. dropped slightly in February. Ten of the the declines accelerating. 20 Diaspora

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Canada promises faster immigration, more student visas Toronto: Just days before Canadian parlia- friendlier policies on visa and work. Canada alleged involvement in the 1984 riots. mentary elections on May 2, political leaders currently gets about 3,500 Indian students Bengali-origin Rana Sarkar, who is contest- are wooing Indo-Canadians by promising compared to over 40,000 going to Australia ing for parliament for the first time from the less waiting time for immigration and more each year. Toronto constituency of Scarborough Rouge students visas from India. Rob Oliphant, MP from the Toronto con- River, said that based on past history, his Speaking at a roundtable organized by the stituency of Don Valley West, said his party Liberal Party has 'the DNA for dealing with Canada-India Foundation (CIF) here, top had identified Gujarat as a great business India and now there is need for India 2.0 leaders of the opposition Liberal Party prom- destination 20 years ago. He said he was engagement strategy.'' ised a comprehensive relationship with India. happy that the current Canadian government Maria Minna, MP from the Toronto con- They said their party government will take has recognized the importance of Gujarat by stituency of Beaches-East York, emphasized the bilateral ties beyond trade to increase being a partner country at this year's Vibrant the need for serious engagement of the Indian immigration and tourism from India and fos- Gujarat Summit. diaspora for deepening Canada-India rela- ter deeper education and research coopera- Canada currently gets about 3,500 Indian Since Canada still doesn't have any official tions. tion. students compared to over 40,000 going to presence in Gujarat, he favoured a full con- Canada-India Foundation leaders Aditya Top Liberal Party leader and Toronto MP Australia each year sular office in the state. Jha and Ramesh Chotai, said the Indian dias- Bob Rae reminded Indo-Canadians the role tinue to push for stronger nuclear ties with Oliphant promised that his party govern- pora was pleased that the Liberal Party rec- played by his party leader and former prime India. ment would reduce wait times for the family ognizes its role in shaping Canadian policies. minister Paul Martin in ushering in G20 to Suggesting more visas for Indian students class immigration category from 11-13 years Representatives of the Indo-Canada include India and other developing to study in Canada, John McCallum, MP now to five to six years. He also said his Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario economies for wider consultation on global from the Toronto suburb of Markham- party government would be more careful in Chamber of Commerce, IIT Alumni of economic issues. He said Canada should Unionville, said Australia was 'eating addresses sensitive issues like the visit of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Hindu focus on its core competencies in engaging Canada's lunch'' in attracting Indian students union minister Kamal Nath here last year Civilization also quizzed Canadian politi- with India and leverage its expertise to con- and the federal government must usher in which led to protests by Sikh groups for his cians about India. Malaysian-Indian hockey star Britain to allow those who know conferred higher royal title Indian languages to be jury Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's Sultan LONDON: The inability to under- jury". of Perak has con- stand, read or write English language Criminologists and MPs, however, ferred a higher would no longer be a hindrance to said they were worried about inclusion royal title on N. serve as a British jury member deciding of those with poor English in juries. Sri immigration cases. People who only Douglas Carswell, Tory MP, said: "The Shanmuganathan, know Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu or Gujarati jury system is founded on the idea that an ethnic Indian are equally welcome. we are all tried by our peers. If your who captained The Her Majesty's Courts and peers cannot speak English, or read or the country's Tribunals Service has confirmed that write it properly, how can you have World Cup hock- jurors who cannot read English are now Arabic. In Wales , jurors are also sent confidence you will get justice?" ey team in 1975. being invited to decide the outcome of information in Welsh. David Green, of the Civitas think- Earlier made a (2nd from left) N Sri Shanmuganathan immigration trials. Even those who cannot understand tank, said: "If you can't even read the Around 200,000 people are sum- letter summoning you for jury service, Datuk, akin to the March 14, 1975 at Kilat spoken English "could be asked" to sit moned every year for jury duty. you are not fit to be a juror." British knighthood, Club,' Balasingam wrote. in trials of those accused of crime, it Now, they would be called with let- The tribunal said multi-language Shanmuganathan was award- India won the World Cup said. ters printed in seven languages as well summonses were introduced to allow ed the Darjah Datuk Paduka that year, defeating Pakistan. The tribunal, part of the ministry of as English to "encourage" non-English those who do not read English avoid Mahkota Perak (DPMP) title It was the only time India justice, said the language addendum "is speakers, the Daily Mail reported. the risk of being prosecuted for failing Tuesday by the Sultan, who is won, while Pakistan, which aimed at people who cannot read The languages are Urdu, Punjabi, to reply. Ignoring a summons can bring both the royal and constitu- conceived the idea of the English very well but can speak Hindi, Gujarati, Polish, Cantonese, and on a 1,000 pound fine. tional head. Hockey World Cup has won English so would be able to serve on a He was Thursday feted by four times. his 1975 teammate K. 'I am very honored to have Trinidad and Tobago mourns Sai Baba's death Balasingam, who recalled been in that team and we Port-of-Spain: Thousands in Trinidad and Tobago have The chairman of the San Fernando Sai Centre, Anand Shanmuganathan's 'tremen- played really well under mourned the death of Sathya Sai Baba. Chatoorgoon, said Sai Baba had been 'a saga of love and sac- dous contributions to the Shan's guidance and that of Acting Prime Minister Winston Dookeran said that Sai rifice, and he has touched the hearts of people everywhere.' game, as a player, manager our late coach Datuk Ho Koh Baba's work in the spiritual, social, healthcare and humani- Minister of Foreign Affairs Surujattan Rambachan has and coach'. Chye. The latter would have tarian fields were well documented and worthy of emulation. been instructed to send condolences to the government of 'I am proud that his contri- been very proud of Shan (as 'His message of peace, concord, harmony, truthfulness, India. Hundreds of temples and other places of worship bution has been finally recog- Shanmuganathan was popu- spirituality and benevolence might well remain unmatched organised Sai Baba bhajans. Several prominent members of nized,' Balasingam wrote in larly known). for generations to come,' he said in a statement. the Sai Baba leadership here are now in India to attend his the New Straits Times. 'We were the best assem- 'Sai Baba's message is much needed in today's social, polit- funeral. Sai Baba has been firmly entrenched in the religious 'As the captain, especially bled team and we delivered ical and moral environment. Indeed, his life was his message landscape here for more than 40 years. A few years ago, in the 1975 World Cup, he led the results. as he strove to set new standards which politicians should attempts were made to have him visit Trinidad and Tobago the team exceptionally well. Anyone who talks about emulate. He was a deeply spiritual person.' but it did not materialize. And who can forget the win- hockey refers to the 1975 Since Sai Baba's death Sunday, there have been nightly Trinidad and Tobago Indians account for 44 percent of the ning goal he scored against World Cup team with pride,' satsangs at several Sai Baba Centres scattered across the country's 1.3 million people, with about 24 percent being Holland, the reigning World Balasingam, also an ethnic country. The five East Indian radio stations have hosted spe- Hindus. People of all ethnic, social and financial standings Cup champion at the time, on Indian, wrote. cial programs in tribute to him. form part of the Sai Baba movement here. Subcontinent 21

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011 Tibetan exiles get new PM in Dalai Lama's old role Dharmsala: Harvard legal scholar Lobsang for his vocal resistance to China's heavy-hand- "On one side we'll have the Dalai Lama, Sangay will be the next prime minister of the ed rule over Tibet — would be less complicat- who has historical legitimacy and global pop- Tibetan government-in-exile, officials ed under another Tibetan figurehead. ularity," he told The Associated Press in an announced Wednesday, a role that will see Sangay, a senior fellow at Harvard Law interview in March. him take over political leadership from the School with extensive experience in interna- "And on the second, we have a democratic Dalai Lama. tional law and conflict resolution, won the government functioning in exile. We are The Dalai Lama had said he would give up election with 55 percent of the votes cast by showing China that, if Tibetans are allowed to politics but remain the spiritual leader for tens of thousands of Tibetans around the choose, they are capable of forming a stable Tibetan Buddhists. The change, yet to be writ- world, chief election commissioner Jamphel democratic government." ten into the community's constitution, reverses Choesang said in Dharmsala in India, where The exiled Tibetan community in 300 years of tradition in which the top monk the exile government is based. Dharmsala said it would not celebrate Harvard legal scholar Lobsang Sangay is guided the Tibetan government. Sangay has said he would move to Wednesday's election results as it was protest- Tibet's new PM The Nobel Peace Prize winner has said, Dharmsala from Boston if he won the elec- ing a Chinese crackdown on a Tibetan however, that in the 21st century it is correct He also has suggested that negotiations with tion. It was not immediately clear when Buddhist monastery high in the Himalayan for leaders to be elected and representative. Beijing — which has vilified the Dalai Lama Sangay would take office. foothills of China's western Sichuan province. 'Bilawal to take up political US indictment of four responsibility in Sept' Pakistanis in Mumbai Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal's education, Zardari would chairman Bilawal Bhutto will "take run the party affairs as a co-chair- attack significant' up some political responsibility in man. Washington: The indictment of Indian anti-terrorism officials September", said his father and Benazir was assassinated Dec 27, four alleged Pakistani master- and Indian court documents President Asif Ali Zardari. 2007, as she was leaving Liaqat minds of the 2008 Mumbai ter- allege that Iqbal was a serving Zardari made the announcement Bagh in a motorcade after address- ror attacks, including two men officer in Pakistan's Inter- of Bilawal taking up political ing an election rally in Rawalpindi, linked to Islamabad's security Services Intelligence (ISI) responsibility at a meeting with the twin city of Islamabad. forces, is seen by US media as a agency. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, party lawmakers Wednesday. "We have had no smooth sailing... "major development" in the He allegedly acted as 3rd generation Bhutto Farhatullah Khan Babar, the presi- (but) we have not only survived but case. Headley's main handler, one of to rise in power dent's spokesperson, did not elabo- waded through gigantic challenges The indictment filed Monday at least three ISI officers sus- rate on what "political responsibili- man after his mother Benazir Bhutto successfully and achieved signifi- never mentions the Pakistani pected of involvement in ty" would be given to Bilawal. was killed in 2007. It was also cant achievements on all fronts," security forces or their alleged recruiting, training and direct- Bilawal was made the PPP chair- decided then that till completion of Zardari was quoted as saying. role in the attacks, New York ing Headley in terrorist activi- based investigative journalism ties, according to US and Indian Hasina wants Islam as Mukhtaran Mai gang group, noted ProPublica in an investigators and Indian court article in the Washington Post documents, it said. Bangladesh state religion rape: 13 released Tuesday. The other significant figure Dhaka: Bangladesh's ruling after acquittal "But it represents a major indicted Monday is a longtime Awami League would like to development in a secretive and Lashkar chief named Sajid Mir, retain Islam as the state reli- Islamabad: diplomatically sensitive prose- who also is accused of serving gion but wants all religions to Thirteen men cution set for trial next month, as Headley's handler, enjoy equal rights, Prime who were because Pakistan is considered ProPublica said. Prime Minister Sheikh acquitted by a close US ally in the fight Mir, who remains at large, Hasina has said. Pakistan’s against terrorism," it said according to investigators, was In a reversal of a policy Supreme Prosecutors charged the four a key plotter of the Mumbai laid down by her late father, Court in the Pakistanis with playing lead attacks. His voice was caught Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Mukhtaran roles in the attacks, suspected on tape directing the slaughter Sheikh Hasina Mai gang to have been organized by the by telephone from a safe house who led Bangladesh to free- Mukhtaran Mai dom, Hasina said she favored There is a sprinkling of rape case Pakistan based Lashkar-i-Taiba in Pakistan, according to offi- retaining "Bismillah-Ar- Christians. have been released from the Multan central jail, a (LeT) terrorist group. cials and documents. Rahman-Ar-Rahim" above Hasina told the media after media report said. The men were released The indictment identifies a Also charged Monday was the preamble of the constitu- a two-hour meeting with the Tuesday. Dawn said that the men raised slogans man known only as Major Iqbal Abu Qahafa, who is accused of tion. parliamentary committee that against Mukhtaran Mai after they were released. as one of the masterminds, who overseeing the training of the The 1972 constitution had her party "is not against hav- Mukhtaran Mai became a symbol of the coun- allegedly directed and funded attack team. Suspect Mazhar secularism as one of its pil- ing Islam as state religion". try's oppressed women after her gang rape on the months of reconnaissance in Iqbal, alias Abu al-Qama, is the lars. This was removed after She suggested that the con- orders of a village council in 2002. Mumbai by Pakistani American only one of the four known to Mujibur Rahman was assas- stitution should have "provi- An Anti-Terrorism Court, while acquitting eight David Coleman Headley, who be in custody in Pakistan. sinated in 1975. Bangladesh sion for ensuring equal rights of the 14 accused in the case, had awarded death has pleaded guilty. The fifth accused, Chicago- is now an Islamic republic, to people of other religions.” sentence to the remaining six -- of whom five were The indictment describes based Pakistani-Canadian with 90 percent of its people Hasina also said her party acquitted by the Lahore High Court which also Iqbal as "a resident of Pakistan Tahawwur Rana, who allegedly being Muslims. was against banning religion- reduced the death sentence of the sixth accused, who participated in planning assisted Headley's reconnais- Hindus constitute about based political parties but it Abdul Khalique, to life imprisonment. A three- and funding attacks by sance efforts in India and nine percent and indigenous wanted some restrictions on judge bench of the Supreme Court confirmed the Lashkar." Denmark, is set to go on trial in tribals follow Buddhism. them. Lahore court order. But ProPublica noted US and Chicago on May 16. 22 International

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Tornadoes devastate Syria: EU push for UN America’s south, killing 300 Pleasant Grove, Ala.: Firefighters condemnation fails searched one splin- United Nations: The UN Security Jaafari, said his government would resist tered pile after Council has failed to agree on a statement external intervention in his country's another for sur- condemning Syria's violent crackdown affairs. vivors Thursday, against protesters. "As a government, we cannot accept combing the A draft proposed by France, Britain, that some claim to value the lives of our remains of houses Germany and Portugal was opposed by sons more than we do. The policies of and neighborhoods several within the 15-member council, interfering in affairs of other states pulverized by the with Russia insisting events in Syria were through various justifications and pre- nation's deadliest not a threat to global peace. texts have always proven to be erro- tornado outbreak in In southern Syria, 200 members of the neous," he said. almost four decades. ruling Baath party are reported to have On Wednesday, five EU nations - At least 297 people resigned after violence around Deraa. France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain were killed across Some 450 Syrians have allegedly been - jointly summoned Syrian ambassadors six states — more killed during six weeks of protests. to condemn Damascus' crackdown. than two-thirds of Residents were told forecasting has ever The storms seemed At the UN, China and India called for There were reports of further shooting them in Alabama, the tornadoes were seen," said meteor- to hug the interstate political dialogue and peaceful resolution in the southern city of Deraa where the where large cities coming up to 24 ologist Greg Carbin highways as they of the crisis, but stopped short of con- rallies first erupted last month and more bore the half-mile- minutes ahead of at the National barreled along like demning the violence. tanks were said to be headed towards the wide scars the time, but they were Weather Service's runaway trucks, Alexander Pankin, Russia's city, where army troops have attacked twisters left behind. just too wide, too Storm Prediction obliterating neigh- Ambassador to the UN, warned that a protesters. The death toll powerful and too Center in Norman, borhoods or even "real threat to regional security could President Assad's government disputes from Wednesday's locked onto populat- Okla. entire towns from arise from outside interference in Syria's the Western view that the demonstrations storms seems out of ed areas to avoid a "If you experi- Tuscaloosa to domestic situation". have been non-violent. a bygone era, before horrifying body enced a direct hit Bristol, Va. One Moscow has increasingly opposed mili- In a statement carried by the official Doppler radar and count. from one of these, family rode out the tary action in Libya, arguing that opera- news agency, it said it had sent troops to pinpoint satellite "These were the you'd have to be in a disaster in the base- tions against Col Gaddafi's forces have several cities on the request of citizens forecasts were most intense super- reinforced room, ment of a funeral been exceeded the scope of a Security who were worried about "armed extrem- around to warn cell thunderstorms storm shelter or home, another by Council resolution. ists". Opposition leaders say the protests communities of that I think anybody underground" to sur- huddling in a tan- Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bashar are peaceful. severe weather. who was out there vive, Carbin said. ning bed. Thailand and Cambodia ceasefire after clashes

A Cambodian soldier prepares to launch a mortar shell near the Cambodia-Thailand border in Samrong, Oddar Meanchey province on April 27. Samrong, Cambodia: both countries. morning, there is a ceasefire Thailand and Cambodia Each side has accused the agreement... border check- have reached a ceasefire other of starting the vio- points will be re-opened after a week of fighting lence, which has displaced and villagers will start to along a disputed border, thousands of villagers. return home," said Thai officials say. The deal came after a sev- government spokesman Both countries said the enth day of fighting around Panitan Wattanayagorn. truce was struck following the temples of Ta Krabey The fighting erupted on talks between the two mili- and Ta Moan left a Thai sol- 22 April and spread briefly taries. dier dead. to a third location - the Fifteen people - including It was announced first by flashpoint hill-top temple of one civilian - have been Cambodia and then con- Preah Vihear - on Tuesday. killed in the battles, mainly firmed by Thailand. Both sides are reported to around two ancient temples "After discussions by the have used heavy weapons, in jungle areas claimed by military on both sides this including artillery fire. Business 23

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011 India's growth offers huge opportunities: US Washington: With 80 percent of India of the first time we're going to be able to work "one of the principal risks that a lot of people 2030 yet to be built, there are huge business with them." "So there are tremendous sort of worry about is simply that the momentum opportunities for American and Indian com- synergies that can be exploited from that," that has been established now in our relations panies in varied areas, including defence, Blake said adding, "I think when you add in will not be sustained." according to a top US official. the private sector, which is already very well Referring to "political divisions that exist, Despite some of the shortcomings like cor- developed both in India and the United States particularly in the Indian parliament" Blake ruption and infrastructure, the tremendous , the synergies are magnified." said: "I think that the vast attention that has growth that is taking place now in India pres- As American companies compete and hope- been given to the corruption controversy has ent some quite significant opportunities, US fully win big contracts like the medium multi- really crowded out a lot of the opportunities Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, role combat aircraft contract, he said, "there that could have taken place." Robert Blake said in an interview with will be many many opportunities for them to "So I think both of our countries need to Knowledge@Wharton in Philadelphia. US Assistant Secretary of State for South start to invest" to meet quite significant offset just keep our eye on the ball and remind our As he pointed out at the Wharton India Asia Robert Blake. requirements. leaders of the importance of this relationship Economic Forum as "80 percent of the India said Things are now possible in sensitive "And I think there will be some quite inter- and to continue to make progress." of 2030 is yet to be built, so there are going to areas like defense also, Blake said noting that esting co-development and co-production Noting "now the private sector has eclipsed be vast opportunities in areas such as the as India's Defense Research and Development opportunities that will result from those," what the government is doing, and that's a development of airports, regional airports, of Organization (DRDO) has come off the IS Blake said. Asked about some of the risks that good thing," he said: That's exactly what we'd railway networks, of fiberoptic networks," he Department of Commerce's entities list, "for could undermine the opportunities, he said: like to see happen." Nokia to cut 300 Reliance to be penalized for gas shortfall? New Delhi: India is considering a tion of anonymity, said Reliance penalty for Reliance Industries for had been told to cut gas supply to jobs in India falling short of targeted gas pro- non-priority sectors in order to New Delhi: World's largest cell duction at its D6 block, an oil min- meet demand from fertilizer and phone maker Nokia today said up istry source said. power users. to 300 jobs would be cut in India The gas from the block, India's Reliance is pumping 28 percent by end of 2012, as the company second-biggest producer after the less gas than it should from the key embarks on restructuring that Mumbai High field, is sold to buy- block, India's upstream regulator would affect 7,000 employees ers prioritised by the government at said earlier this month and added it worldwide. As part of the latest an agreed pricing formula. would meet with the company. revamp, the Finnish entity would Reliance has just agreed a part- The upstream regulator said be laying off 4,000 people global- nership with multinational operator Reliance had not given a satisfacto- ly, while 3,000 jobs would be BP on field development. Reliance is pumping 28 percent ry reason for lower output and had moved to US major Accenture As part of the latest revamp, the "It is under examination ... (the less gas than it should from the not drilled as many wells as that would take care of Nokia's Finnish entity would be laying off upstream regulator) is looking into key D6 block. planned. Symbian software activities. 4,000 people globally. it," the source said when asked if He did not give any indication Shares in the company were "With the restructuring, up to transfer its Symbian software the government would penalise what the penalty might be. down 1.6 percent by 0913 GMT as 300 jobs in the R&D segment activities as well as about 3,000 Reliance for not adhering to its Reliance declined to comment. leading shares edged 0.33 percent will be cut in India by the end of employees to that firm. committed work programme. The source, who spoke on condi- lower. 2012. The layoffs will be mini- "Transitioning employees, mal," a Nokia spokesperson told located in China, Finland, India, PTI. Without disclosing finer United Kingdom and the United Court stays Air India pilot strike details, the official said that most States, will initially work on New Delhi: The Delhi high court of the people working on Symbian software activities for has stayed the flash strike by 600 Symbian would be transferred to Nokia," it said. Over time, pilots of Air India, who were co- Accenture. Accenture and Nokia would seek opted from erstwhile Indian Sources said about 800-900 opportunities to retrain and rede- Airlines, but not before slamming jobs are likely to affected in India ploy transitioned employees. the management for not addressing in the R&D (Research and "In addition, Nokia also plans their demands for some two Development) segment. Nokia's to reduce its global workforce by decades. India operations has a total work- about 4,000 employees by the The court's decision came even as force of about 10,000. end of 2012, with the majority of nearly 50 flights, mainly out of the Out of them, around 1,500 reductions in Denmark, Finland national capital and Mumbai, had to employees are in the R&D sec- and the UK," the statement said. be cancelled and an equal number tion. The Finnish major in a state- All the employees affected by the rescheduled due to the strike since ment today announced plans to reduction plans would remain on Tuesday midnight, causing incon- align its global workforce and Nokia payroll till 2011-end. venience to thousands of air travel- consolidate site operations, which Workforce reduction are expected ers in the country. would result in cost reductions 1 to happen in phases till the end of The striking pilots of the Indian billion euro. Nokia plans to enter 2012, linked to roll-out of Commercial Pilots Association Air India employees on strike. into a strategic collaboration with Nokia's planned product and (ICPA) of the former Indian Airlines have struck work demanding parity India and other issues related to Accenture, whereby it would services portfolio. that merged with Air India later in pay with their counterparts in Air work conditions. India, Pak open trade talks Islamabad: India and Pakistan have Pakistan commerce and trade sec- "open agenda" and the two sides a halt in the wake of the Mumbai Trade between Pakistan and India began their first trade talks since the retary Zafar Mahmood and his would discuss "all the issues" of attacks. is around $2 billion. 2008 Mumbai attacks, opening a Indian counterpart Rahul Khullar interest to both countries. "This is a process that was inter- Acrimonious ties between the two-day session designed to boost led the talks at a five-star hotel in He said improving trade would rupted and that must resume and go neighbours eased last month when business between the nuclear-armed Islamabad. economically benefit both countries on. It must acquire significantly fast Indian Prime Minister Manmohan rivals. "I believe that this meeting will and the region. Pakistan's economy momentum if only to catch up for Singh and his Pakistani counterpart India blamed the attack -- in take the dialogue process forward languishes far behind that of India. the time that we have lost," Khullar Yousuf Raza Gilani watched the which gunmen killed 166 people -- and by the end of the meeting all "Pakistan understands that there is said. "We are ready and willing to India-Pakistan World Cup cricket on the banned Pakistan-based issues relating to facilitation and a great potential to further increase move forward and our only perspec- semi final in northern India. Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba and promotion of bilateral trade could be the bilateral trade," Mahmood said. tive here is one of constructive The nuclear-armed nations have Pakistan has acknowledged that the addressed with consensus," Khullar called for a quick turn- engagement to move the bilateral fought three wars since attaining plot was hatched at least partly on Mahmood said. around of trade after four previous trade agenda and commercial agen- independence in 1947, two over the its soil. Mahmood said the talks had an rounds of commerce talks ground to da ahead and fast." disputed territory of Kashmir. 24 Sports

April 30-May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info KKR outclass Daredevils New Delhi: Manoj Tiwary made a Riders to 148/7 in 20 overs. But the second wicket. Sehwag, partic- resilient unbeaten 61 off 47 balls the hosts' chase was stopped at ularly, looked dangerous during as Kolkata Knight Riders out- 131/9 thanks to some reckless his 23- ball innings, smacking five classed Delhi Daredevils by 17 strokeplay by their batsmen. Iqbal fours and a six before Jaidev runs at their Ferozeshah Kotla Abdullah emerged the best bowler Unadkat struck. home ground in an Indian Premier of the Knight Riders with 3-25, The Delhi dasher looked bewil- Legue (IPL) match here on April while Lakshmipathy Balaji took 2- dered by Unadkat's bouncer and 28. 38. Skipper Virender Sehwag, mistimed a pull and Balaji made It was the Daredevils second after winning the toss, had spoken no mistake in taking the catch. successive defeat at home and of their capability of chasing any The rest of the Daredevils bats- they continue to languish at the score if he and David Warner got men simply crumbled under the bottom of the table with two wins going. pressure. from seven matches. In contrast, But Warner was bowled by Pathan, whose inclusion in the Knight Riders have climbed to the Balaji in the second over while Daredevils' side for $1.9 million second place with four wins from attempting to cut and after that, was invariably questioned, finally their seven matches. things never looked up for came good, conceding only 16 Choosing to field, the Daredevils. runs in his four overs and also giv- Daredevils' much criticized bowl- Sehwag, with James Hopes (25), ing the hosts the breakthrough in ing attack finally got their act did give flight to Daredevils hopes the form of the dangerous Jacques Once Jaidev Unadkat dismissed Virender Sehwag, together and restricted Knight during their 29-run partnership for Kallis. Delhi's chase started losing momentum. Judges differ on BCCI Deccan Chargers beat amendment Kochi Tuskers Kochi: Riding on fast opener Brendan bowler Ishant Sharma's McCullum, who edged fiery spell of five for 12, to wicketkeeper and Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar thrashed Kochi Tuskers Sangakkara. In the next Kerala by 55 runs in the over, Sharma struck Indian Premier League thrice in four balls to get (IPL) at the Nehru rid of Parthiv Patel, Stadium here on april Raiphi Gomez and Brad 27. Hodge to leave the home Man of the Match team at two for four Sharma, who registered wickets. the third best IPL fig- Patel was caught ures, wrecked the Kochi behind by the skipper Tuskers batting and while Gomez and Hodge Former BCCI president A.C. Muthiah. reduced them to 11 for were castled by Sharma's six in four overs. in-swinging deliveries. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on bearers from having stake in IPL Ravindra Jadeja (23), All the four batsmen April 28 referred to a larger bench T20 teams. Thisara Pereira (22) and went back to the dugout a petition by former Board of While dismissing Muthiah's R Vinay Kumar (18) without opening their Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appeal, Justice Panchal said that were the only Kochi accounts. president A.C. Muthiah challeng- being the past president of the batsmen who could get Earlier in the day, ing the amendment to its rules to BCCI does not automatically to double figures before Vinay Kumar took three permit its office bearers to own makes him the administrator of the their innings wrapped up wickets while Rudra Indian Premier League (IPL) and cricketing body and entitles him in 16.3 overs while chas- Pratap Singh scalped Championship League Twenty20 initiate legal proceedings. He said ing Deccan Chargers two as Kochi Tuskers franchises. that a past president of the BCCI 129 for seven. Kerala restricted Deccan A bench of Justice J.M. Panchal gains the status of an administrator Dale Steyn struck in Ishant Sharma scythed through Kochi's top-order to Chargers to 129 for and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra took of the BCCI only if he is nominat- the first over to remove finish with dream figures of 5 for 12. seven. the decision following dissenting ed to one of its committees or sub- views on the issue. committees. Justice Panchal said: "Since there Justice Gyan Sudha Misra, in her is a difference of opinion, let the dissenting judgment allowing the Indian Open: Saina out, papers of these matters be placed appeal, said that if "Srinivasan opts before the Hon'ble Chief Justice of to continue owning and operating Sourabh, Sai shine India for being assigned to the IPL team Chennai Super Kings, he appropriate bench." shall be at liberty to do so but in New Delhi: Qualifier Sourabh Continuing his giant-killing Indian pair lost 20-22, 18-21 While he dismissed the petition that event he shall be restrained Verma pulled off another stunner spree, the little-known Madhya against Eei Hui Chin and Pei Tty challenging the amendment, which from holding any office in the at the Indian Open Super Series Pradesh youngster Sourabh upset Wong of Malaysia. permitted BCCI secretary N. BCCI in any capacity whatsoever". badminton here on April 28, and seventh-seeded Tago of Japan 21- Sourabh quietly made his way Srinivasan to own Chennai Super She said the BCCI follows the he is joined in the quarterfinals 19, 18-21, 21-11. up when fancied Indians, includ- Kings, Justice Misra allowed the doctrine of "fairness" and "good by Guru Sai Dutt with an impres- Dutt showed the door to Yuhan ing favorite Saina Nehwal, fell by appeal saying if Srinivasan wanted faith" in all its activities, and has sive victory at the Siri Fort Sports Tan of Belgium with 21-13, 14- the wayside. to continue to hold the franchise, incorporated a regulation that: "No Complex here. 21, 21-13 victory. The Pullela Gopichand he would have to give up his posi- administrator shall have directly or India's top women's doubles Kashyap went down to second- Academy trainee, came through tion in BCCI. indirectly any commercial interest pair Jwala Gutta and Ashwini seeded Indonesian Taufiq tough qualifiers, beating a BCCI rules prohibited its office- in any events of the BCCI." Ponnappa, however, was beaten Hidayat 17-21, 19-21. Malaysian, on the way. bearers from engaging in activities "Whether any exception diluting in the first match after getting a After the shock exit of Saina The winner of an All-India that conflict with the commercial its effect could be carved out of bye into the second round. Also Nehwal, much was expected Senior Ranking tournament interest of the cricketing body. that without any just cause by bowing out was Parupalli from Commonwealth Games before coming here, Sourabh said However, this provision was introducing an amendment into the Kashyap, ranked 24th in the gold medallists Gutta and he came into the tournament amended to facilitate its office same," she asked. world. Ponappa, but the eighth-seeded thinking of putting up his best. Energy Sources 25

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30-May 6, 2011

The Thar desert in western Rajasthan is emerging as the next energy hub of India. The region has rich deposits of oil, gas, lignite coal, coal bed methane… Rajasthan thrives on oil, gas and hydrocarbon discovery By Prakash Bhandari/SATimes

Jaipur: Rajasthan has been put on the oil map of the world with crude oil and natural gas. Out of the four petroliferous basins of Rajasthan, the first three basins have been upgraded as Category-1 as basin of proven commercial productivity Rajasthan forms the eastern flank of Indus geosynclines and comprises the sedimentary tract to India is developing three oil fields in Rajasthan-- Mangala, Bhagyam the west and northwest of and Aishwariya. Aravallis up to the Indo-Pakistan crore in the second quarter of the Cairn has paid a cess of Rs 450 border. This pericratonic basin current financial year was mainly crore to the Government and its also forms a part of the great Thar driven by Rajasthan oil fields. partner ONGC — a 30 per cent desert. Rajasthan Basin comes Rahul Dhir, MDand CEO, Cairn stakeholder and licensee of the All set to kick off formal crude oil production from its fields in under the Category – I basin (on India, said, “The first full quarter block — has paid a cumulative Rajasthan, Cairn India announced that along with its partner land) with established commercial of sales through the pipeline to royalty of Rs 518 crore up to ONGC, it will invest nearly $1.5-1.8 billion more in the prolific production. Of oil, gas and hydro- refineries has generated signifi- September 2010 to the Rajasthan oil fields over the next two years. carbon, Cambrian sediments have cant revenues from the Mangala government.. generated both oil and gas. Oil is field in Rajasthan.” Cairn already has sales rrange- tion of power. Recently, ONGCL um, gas discovery has been made discovered in Cambrian Rajasthan fields' gross rvenue ments for 1,43,000 bopd with had a tie-up with M/s Deep at Ramgarh, Jalalwala, dolomites. Heavy oil is present in crossed $1 billion in the second public and private sector refiners Industries Ltd. (DIL) to develop Gamnewala and Gulabwala in the multiple zones within Cambrian quarter. such as MRPL, Indian Oil Ghotaru & Bakriwala area. desert. Oil India is trying to know sediments. Presence of light oil Dhir sid Mangala reservoir per- Corporation, Reliance Industries Additional production of high the commercial viability of the has been reported in an explorato- formance supports higher plateau Ltd, and Essar Oil. With the pro- quality gas from Shahgarh would deposits. ry well drilled. levels, surface facilities and mid- duction expected to touch help in setting up a 160 MW gas The discovery of gas in the After the commencement of stream infrastructure ready to sup- 1,75,000 bopd shortly, “access has based power plant in the desert. Rajasthan desert is first major commercial production of oil by port production of 150,000 bopd been sought to more refining Oil India has discovered huge stratigraphic discovery on the Cairn India in Barmer-Sanchore from Mangala, subject to Joint capacity by allowing sales to deposits of oil in Baghewala in Indian side of Indus basin and it is basin and discovery of 25 oil Venture (JV) and Government of Special Economic Zones and to Jaisalmer. The exploratory dis- on the same stratigraphic trend of fields, the field development plans India (GoI) approval overseas refineries,” Dhir said. covery was first made in 1988 in multi-trillion cubic feet (tcfs) pro- (FDP) of Mangala, Aishwarya, Cairn is looking at an incremen- Gas In Rajasthan, curently 7 to Tanot area. Subsequently, two ducing fields in Pakistan. The Saraswati, Rageshwari and tal output of 300 million barrels 7.8 MMSCMD natural gas is more gas fields were discovered at exact amount of gas is yet to be Rageshwari deep gas approved by from its oil fields in Barmer. At being produced from Jaisalmer Dandewala and Bagittiba by Oil fully ascertained. the Union ministry of petroleum the production level of 1,75,000 Basin by Oil India & ONGC. India. Speaking on the development, and natural gas and field develop- bopd, the Barmer fields will However, optimum production of However with the Venezuelan Anurag Bissa, an official of the ment plans of 20 other fields account for more than 20 per cent lean gas reserves is anticipated by company as a consultant, Oil\ Focus Energy said "One of the would change the profile of the of India's current total crude pro- blending with high calorific gas India made fresh efforts to dis- most interesting parts of this desert state as a leader for produc- duction. from Jaisalmer Basin. Lean gas cover the oil using the steam tech- development is that it is onshore ing oil, gas and hydrocarbons. At the rate of $75 a barrel in the reserves could be utilized by nology and after the successful gas discovery. Efforts are bing made to develop coming year at the current level blending with high gas from 4 attempt several wells were identi- The project has less gestation heavy oil sources in the state and (1,25,000 bopd) of production, the PML areas by ONGCL namely fied and the yield from these wells period in comparison with off- trial production of heavy oil has Rajasthan field will reduce India's Manhera Tibba, Bakriwala, is likely to be good. shore projects. It is also easily begun in the Nagaur basin. Oil import bill by about $3.4 billion. Ghotaru (LG) & Chinnewala According to Ram Lal Jat, transportable for commercial India has entered into an agree- Since the production has started, Tibba (HG) and its use for genera- Rajasthan’s minister for petrole- use." ment with Venezuelan Company PDVSA for the exploitation of proved in place heavy oil World’s biggest insulated heated pipeline resources of 25 million tonnes and bitumen reserve of 53 million he coarse sand of Rajasthan billion to four billion boe. is the first of its kind in India and Rajasthan to the refineries which tones. is a potential resource that “The resource base figures the longest in the world. will allow for significant produc- “An area of 1691.75 sq m has Twas estimated to be 6.5 bil- were arrived after a comprehen- Cairn India and ONGC, the joint tion growth.” been reserved in Barmer-Sancho lion barrels of oil equivalent is in sive review of the area through venture (JV) partners in the Due to the unique nature of the basin for undertaking under- place after recent discoveries by the application of innovative tech- Rajasthan block, have been selling Rajasthan crude, it requires a heat- ground coal gasification opera- Cairn India could go up to nologies and advanced geo-sci- through the Barmer-Salaya ed pipeline for its continuous flow. tions. Various companies have 2,40,000 barrels of oil per day ence to arrive at these estimates pipeline. Oil supplies are being Skin Effect Heat Management already shown their interest to tie (bopd). Currently 2.5 billion boe which would give a big fillip to made to Essar and Reliance System is installed all along the up with Rajasthan government,” is being done and with the domestic oil production in future,” refineries from the delivery points periphery of the pipeline. said Dr Govind Sharma, principal increase in resource base that Rahul Dhir, MD and CEO of in Gujarat. Production is currently PUF Insulation system with petroleum secretary of Rajasthan. would last for at least 10 years, Cairn India told Oil India. more than 50,000 barrels of oil per HDPE jacket is installed along the Cairn Energy, wich has decided the company would be able to pro- The Thar desert is poised to day (bopd). The 670 km, 24 inch periphery of the crude oil pipeline to sell its majority share to duce about 35 percent of the become the next energy hub of the diameter continuously heated and to prevent the heat loss from the Vedanta recently, completed one country's total domestic produce country with the commencement insulated pipeline for exporting pipeline to the surrounding envi- year of successful production from Rajasthan only. of world’s longest heated and crude oil, runs from Barmer in ronment. Thus, a total of 36 heat- from the Mangala field and sold Rajasthan's potential resource insulated crude pipeline from Rajasthan to the coastal location ing stations cumulating to 32 MW more than 16 million barrels after a comprehensive review of Barmer. The 670 km long insulat- in Gujarat. electricity capacities are installed (mmbbls) to domestic refiners to the resource potential in the block ed pipeline to the coast in Gujarat Dhir said: “We are delighted that along the length of the pipeline. date is estimated to be 6.5 billion boe. at an investment of Rs. 4000 crore crude oil sales from Mangala The heating stations consisting of Cairn India Ltd and its sbsidiary The resource in Mangala, is set to become the lifeline of the through the pipeline has begun maximum 1.0 MW power generat- companies’s more than three-fold Bhagyam, Aishwarya (MBA) and oilfields discovered in Rajasthan. and this enabled us to link this ing units are installed at every 18 increase in net profit at Rs 1,585.1 other fields has increased from 3.7 The insulated and heated pipeline key piece of infrastructure from km interval. 26 Features

April 30 - May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Rethinking education to build better learners improving the classrooms but should be attention & focus, memory, prediction & capacity to learn throughout their lives. devoting resources to improving the brains modeling, processing speed, spatial skills, This far-reaching and potentially revolu- that the students bring to that classroom. and executive functioning – can be tionary conclusion is based on recent To prepare students for this high-veloci- improved throughout life through training. research breakthroughs and thus may be ty, high-technology world the most valu- Just as physical exercise is a well-known contrary to the past beliefs of many teach- able skill we can teach them is to be better and well-accepted means to improve ers, administrators, parents and students, learners so they can leap from one techno- health for anyone, regardless of age or who have historically emphasized class- logical wave to the next. That means edu- background, so too can the brain be put room size and curriculum as the key to cation should not be about modifying the “into shape” for optimal learning. improved learning. core curricula of our schools but should be If any of these neural capacities are Just as new knowledge and understand- about building better learners by enhanc- enhanced, you would see significant ing is revolutionizing the way we commu- ing each student’s neural capacities and improvements in a person’s ability to nicate, trade, or practice medicine so too motivation for life-long learning. understand and master new situations. must it transform the way we learn. For Less than two decades ago this concept While these basic neural capacities are students, that revolution is already well would have been inconceivable. We used well known by scientists and clinicians under way but it’s happening outside of to think that brain anatomy (and hence today, they are rarely used to develop stu- their schools. We owe it to them to equip learning capacity) was fixed at birth. But dents into better learners by schools, them with all the capabilities they’ll need recent breakthroughs in the neuroscience teachers or parents. There is too little to thrive in the limitless world beyond the of learning have demonstrated that this awareness and too few tools available for classroom. view is fundamentally wrong. enhancing a student’s capacity and ability I believe that while it’s important to By Naveen Jain In the past few decades, neuroscience to learn. The failure to focus on optimizing leave better country for our children, it’s research has demonstrated that, contrary to each student’s neural capacities for learn- more important that we leave better chil- y generation was the last one to popular belief, the brain is not static. ing is resulting in widespread failure of the dren for our country. learn to use a slide rule in Rather, it is highly modifiable (“plastic”) educational systems, particularly for the Mschool. Today that skill is totally throughout life, and this remarkable “neu- underprivileged. (The author of this article, Naveen Jain obsolete. So is the ability to identify the roplasticity” is primarily experience- Gone are the days when you could equip is the founder and CEO of Intelius. He Soviet Socialist Republics on a map, the dependent. Neuroplasticity research students with slide rules and a core of brings a critical vision of integrating intel- ability to write an operation in FORTAN, shows that the brain changes its very struc- knowledge and skills and expect them to ligent, predictive information for making or how to drive a car with a standard trans- ture with each different activity it per- achieve greatness. Our children already important everyday decisions to Intelius. mission. forms, perfecting its circuits so it is better inhabit a world where new game platforms Through Intelius, Naveen Jain has helped We live in a world of instant access to suited to the task at hand. Neurological and killer apps appear and are surpassed in to open doors for millions of Americans in information and where technology is mak- capacities and competencies are both dizzying profusion and speed. They are background and criminal records search. ing exponential advances in synthetic biol- measurable and significantly consequen- already adapting to the dynamics of the He was awarded People’s Choice Award in ogy, nanotechnology, Genetics, Robotics, tial to educational outcomes. 21st century. But we can help them adapt Business Leadership category at the neuroscience and artificial intelligence. In This means that the neural capacities that more methodically and systematically by recently held Light of India Awards func- this world, we should not be focused on form the building blocks for learning – focusing our attention on improving their tion in NYC) Book Review Vivid tale of Guyana and its nostalgic Indians

Book: 'The Sly Company of life'. leave and it is often said there are much 'me say, they say' (a transla- People Who Care' The author draws the unnamed more Guyanese living outside tion of the Hindi 'tu tu, main Author: Rahul Bhattacharya narrator from his own experience Guyana than in it. main')'. Dawn is 'dayclean' and it Publisher: Picador as a sports writer who visits The displacement from the vil- is 'rainfallin' rather than raining in Pages: 280 Georgetown for a cricket tour and lage home in India caused a Guyana. decides to return to explore the wound that has not healed even in It tells of the texture of life and uyana on the northern country. later generations. An Indian society; the favorite pastimes of coast of South America is It relates a story about migra- explains the nostalgia for mother- 'gyaffing' (talking) or liming, and Gan exotic, forgotten land, tion, displacement, racialism and land: 'We are sad because ever listening to raggae or chutney once termed the poorest country ethnic rivalries in Guyana. As since we left India we have a hole music. Raggae - the music of slav- on the continent. Rahul Uncle Lance, a character, in our hearts. Nothing can fill that ery, based on resistance and con- Bhattacharya has written a bril- describes it in the book: 'We got hole.' frontation; chutney - the music of liantly evocative novel about the Blackman, redman, buck, chinee, Yet, he adds, 'we find that indenture based on preservation of country through the eyes of a coolie, dougla all lashin each Indians do not consider us to be the remembered homeland and its drifter, a young man who goes to other.' Indians.' ways. Guyana to escape 'the deadness of Guyana's colonial history is a The Indiaman (Indian national) It is people with colorful, even fractured one. It was initially a seems strange to the coolieman wild characters like Baby, who Dutch and then a British colony. (Guyanese Indian), for he speaks take the narrator on a 'porknock- African slaves were brought to different from the Indian 'flims' ing' (diamond mining) trip in the work on its plantations, they were that they watch in Guyana. rainforest. Mr. Red, Uncle Lance - replaced by indentured workers There are an estimated 325,000 who is known as a gyaffman or after slavery was abolished. The ethnic Indians in Guyana. talkman, Ramotar Seven Curry laborers were brought from The book is about Guyana, its whose passion is to attend every China, Portugal and mainly from mix of people, its language and its wedding where the Hindu cere- India. lush countryside. Bhattacharya's monial food (seven curry) is They form an interesting popu- prose is vibrantly freewheeling served, and Roger Khan, the self- lation mix together with the and his liberal use of creole, the made don. indigenous 'Amerindians' where local patois with its fair sprinkling It takes the reader from the coast the Indians form the largest of Bhojpuri and Hindi words to the rain forests and the savan- minority. But it is a manufactured brings to life the country and its nah and the small townships that society kept divided, whose poli- people. dot the landscape where the pro- tics has polarized along race. The language is vivid - Mrs. tagonist meets and loses the wild Years of dictatorship and econom- Siddique who doesn't want to go haired, feisty Jan, who hates her ic stagnation forced thousands to home says 'homeside got too given name Jankey. Health 27

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30 - May 6, 2011 Kidney stones: What you need to know

of urine you are advised to drink involve any incision and is usually idney stones were once more liquids. If your urine con- done on an outpatient basis with referred to as gravel or tains more sodium, you will be sedation. You will be able to go Kgravel disease. This dis- advised low sodium diet. If your home on the same day. Recovery ease is not new to mankind. urine contain less citrate you will time is relatively short and most Kidney stones were detected in be prescribed Bicitra® (potassi- people can resume normal activi- the pelvis of Egyptian mummies um citrate) to increase the level of ties in few days. Sometimes your dating back to 4800 B.C.E. Peter inhibitor of stone formation. urologist will insert a small tube the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, People with overactive parathy- called “stent” through the bladder Benjamin Franklin and former roid glands sometimes develop into the ureter to help the fragment President Lyndon Johnson suf- calcium stones. Removal of these pass. Complications are minor. fered from kidney stones. glands located in the front of your If your stones are more than Kidney stones form when urine neck surgically may be necessary 2cm in diameter or located in a contains too much of calcium, to prevent the stone formation. site that doesn’t allow the use of oxalate, uric acid and cystine. In Your best advocate is your ESWL, your urologist might supersaturated state these sub- nephrologist who will manage you advise you to do a procedure stances can create small crystals in medically. But sometimes surgery called perutaneous nephrolithoto- the urine which aggregate to form may necessary. Urologists may my. In this procedure the urologist stones. People with a family histo- recommend surgical removal of makes a tiny incision in the back ry of kidney stones are more likely stone if the stone does not pass and creates a tunnel directly into to develop stones. Other condi- within a reasonable period of time the kidney. nary passages, surgical interven- are advised to save the passed tions which lead to kidney stone or you have symptoms that per- Using an instrument called a tion may be necessary. Patients stone for stone analysis. You can formation are: urinary tract infec- sist. Surgical removal is recom- nephroscope, the surgeon locates with a history of recurrent kidney catch stone in a cup using gauge tions, cystic kidney diseases, mended if the stone is too large to and removes the stone. Sometimes stones must be evaluated by a or a tea strainer. The stone analy- hyperactive parathyroid glands, pass on its own, stuck in a difficult the stone stuck in the ureter (the nephrologist. Appropriate follow sis will help your nephrologist renal tubular acidosis, bowel dis- place blocking the flow of urine, tube that connects the kidney to up with urologist or nephrologist find the chemical composition of ease and intestinal bypass surgery. causing ongoing urinary tract the bladder) can be treated with may prevent complications such the stone and prescribe a therapy About 5% of U.S. population has infections, damaging kidney tis- ESWL. Stones stuck in the middle as loss of function in affected kid- that is individualized for your kidney stones. Kidney stones are sue, causing continued bleeding or and lower portion of the ureter ney, due to scar formation, recur- needs. more common in Caucasian men. has grown larger as seen on follow may require a procedure called rence of stones and urinary tract Life style modification to pre- If untreated, recurrence of stone up X-rays. ureteroscopy. No incision is made infection. vent further stone formation may formation is more likely. for this procedure. Instead, the include drinking at least 6 to 8 There are three The diagnosis of urologist passes a small fiberoptic Different kinds of glasses of water in a 24hour peri- types of surgical instrument called an ureteroscope kidney stones is based od. Recent data has shown that kidney stones can be through the urethra and bladder on above clinical symptoms. A avoiding foods high in calcium procedures to remove kid- formed based on the chemical into the ureter. The surgeon then visit to the emergency room may including dairy products may help composition of crystals. Calcium ney stones. The first one is called locates the stone and either be necessary if the pain is very to prevent calcium stones. If you oxalate stones are the most com- Extracorporeal Shock Wave removes it with a basket like severe. X-ray of the abdomen and are a stone former, do not take an mon variety followed by calcium Lithotripsy (ESWL). High fre- device or shatter it with small ultrasound procedure of the kid- extra calcium in the form of sup- phosphate stones. Struvite stones quency sound waves are used to instrument. A small tube or “stent” neys is usually recommended to plements. It may increase to risk are produced in the presence of pulverize the stones and debris may be left in the ureter for a few confirm the diagnosis of kidney of developing stones. You should urea splitting bacteria in the urine. usually passed normally through days to help urine flow and pass- stones. Ultrasound of the kidney avoid food with added vitamin D People who suffer from gout may urine. This procedure does not ing the stone fragments into urine. will also confirm blockage of and certain types of antacids that develop uric acid stones and rarely ureter by kidney stone. have calcium base (like TUMS®). excessive levels of cystine can The author of this Blood tests and urine tests to Individuals with uric acid stones cause cystine stones. In some article, Dr. Ankineedu N. determine the cause of the kidney should reduce meat, fish and poul- instances the stones may be com- stones may be ordered by your try consumption as these food Prasad M.D. is certified bination of several varieties of urologist or nephrologist. A 24 items increase the amount of uric crystals. For example, calcium by the American Boards hour collection of the urine may acid in the urine and cause more oxalate may be deposited over of Internal Medicine and be ordered to check the levels of stone formation. If you are a calci- uric acid crystal nucleus. calcium, oxalate, uric acid and um oxalate stone former your Nephrology. He has Symptoms due to cystine. Your nephrologist may nephrologist may advise to limit offices in Brooklyn and also order citrate (stone inhibitor) or avoid certain foods that contain holds consulting kidney stones may high oxalate foods such as test in the urine. Low levels of privileges in various hos- include pain extending from “loin inhibitors of stone formation may rhubarb, spinach, beets, Swiss to groin”. Severe colicky pain increase the risk of stone forma- chard, wheat germ, soybean pitals in Brooklyn and may start in the low back area and tion. These tests can help your crackers, peanuts, okra, chocolate, Queens. radiate in the front to testicles or nephrologist to individualize the black Indian tea and sweet pota- groin area. It is described by the stone prevention therapy uniquely toes. Foods high in oxalates such patients as the worst pain they suitable to your condition. as grits, grapes, celery, green pep- have ever experienced in their life. per, red raspberries, and fruit cake, Other symptoms may include nau- Management of strawberries and marmalade sea, vomiting, chills, fever, blood kidney stones includes should be limited also. in the urine, pus in the urine and Your nephrologist may pre- life style changes, medical therapy burning on urination while pass- scribe certain medications to help and surgical treatment. Surgery is Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, LLC (ADMS) pro- ing stone. If you develop any of prevent calcium and uric acid not usually necessary. Most stones the above symptoms call your pri- stones. You may be prescribed a vides new dialysis site development, day to day administration less than 10mm pass through the mary care physician or go to the medication called hydrochloroth- and management of dialysis services and related business urinary system .You will be emergency room for relief of pain iazide (commonly known as development activities. Its business strategy is to produce advised to drink plenty of liquids, and further advice. An appoint- “water pill”) to treat calcium usually 6 to8 glasses of water in a economies of scale and maximize individual site results ment with a urologist or nephrolo- stones and allopourinal to treat 24 hour period to help to move the through consolidated activities. Central to the ADMS gist (kidney disease specialist) uric acid stones. Thiola and stones along the urinary tract. approach is the long term control of clinical services by might be recommended based on cuprimine are recommended for Often you are advised to stay the condition. Most kidney stones the treatment of cystine stones and nephrologists. In 2010, ADMS affiliates provided over home drinking fluids and taking will pass in urine spontaneously. antibiotics to treat struvite stones. 225,000 dialysis treatments to over 2,500 patients in New York pain medications as needed. You If the stone gets stuck in the uri- If you are passing less than 2 liters City and Long Island.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is only for educational purposes. Please consult your personal physician for specific advice on these ant any other health related matters. 28 Humor

April 30 - May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai Let's move -- to fight childhood obesity hildhood obesity is a major evenings a week; (2) making sure your neighbor’s yard. It’s a great actually eat black-eyed peas, not just problem these days, and I’m children get at least 10.5 hours of way to increase their heart rate, listen to them. Cnot just saying that because sleep during the week; and (3) plac- especially if your neighbor has a Keep desserts to a minimum. If someone cracked the seesaw in my ing a large photo of Mahmoud dog. Feed your children fresh fruit your children want a Kit Kat bar, neighborhood playground. All you Ahmadinejad inside the refrigerator. and vegetables. In case you’re won- make sure they get some exercise have to do is visit any school and If the Iranian president isn’t scary dering, French fries are not vegeta- first. But please don’t throw the Kit you’re likely to spot dozens of kids enough, you might try a habit actu- bles, and grape isn’t just a flavor of Kat into the neighbor’s yard. The who have to walk sideways to enter ally suggested by Pediatrics: limit- soda. And believe it or not, you can neighbor’s kid is fat enough as it is. the gym. That’s the only way they ing your children’s screen-viewing can squeeze past the gym teacher’s time to a maximum of two hours a belly. (If the gym teacher is over- day. As any parent knows, this can Laughter is the Best Medicine weight, you know the kids are in be a real challenge, because, let’s trouble.) face it, if your children aren’t watch- According to the latest statistics, ing TV, using the computer or play- one out of every three American ing video games, they’re lying in children is overweight –- and the bed, staring blankly at the window other two refuse to step on the scale. screen. Yes, if it isn’t one screen, it’s Many of these children are consid- to educate parents about the impor- another. But don’t despair. Aside ered “obese,” as determined by a tance of nutrition and exercise. from the three habits suggested by mathematical formula in which a Obama hopes more parents and chil- the journal, here are a few other child's body weight in kilograms is dren will say “Let’s move” to each steps you can take to fight childhood divided by the square of his or her other, at least half as often as they obesity: height in meters, then multiplied by say “Let’s munch.” Get your children into a sport –- the average number of Kit Kats con- It’s a good campaign and I would- and I don’t mean the Nathan’s Hot- sumed in a day. n’t be surprised if most families do Dog Eating Contest. If you ever Obesity puts children at risk for a find themselves saying “Let’s watch the National Spelling Bee, number of health problems, such as move,” especially as part of a longer you’ll see that even those kids are in diabetes, high blood pressure and sentence such as “Let’s move to the good shape. Why? Because they’re sleep disorders, as well as back and dining room and munch.” always carrying a dictionary around. hip pain, which, in most cases, is not That’s not a bad thing, really. As Add some exercise to your chil- related to falling off seesaws. shown by a study published in the dren’s daily routines. If they’re by Mahendra Shah Thankfully, President Obama journal Pediatrics, three household addicted to video games, make sure Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, recently launched a campaign to habits can help fight obesity among they get some exercise before they artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording fight childhood obesity. The cam- pre-school aged children: (1) eating play. This is best accomplished by the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. paign, called “Let’s Move,” will try together as a family at least five throwing their video game disc into Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trivedi story continued from page 15 world. Einstein worked unsuccessfully on the population. But this energy has hope –this what you have been doing and the reception SATimes: When did you move to Unified Field Theory, looking for energy energy has the ability to give natural blue- to your work, your mission? America? which is unlimited, what I am doing is the print to feed large countries. Trivedi: Definitely, slowly, slowing it is Trivedi: I came in March 2009 and started same energy. In March that year I went to I am sure that in time science and scientists coming. Because in the last 40 years, NIH Trivedi Foundation. Then after searching for San Diego and working with a scientist will come forward and they will be able to (National Institutes of Health), NASA, Max a most skeptical, profound, renowned scien- blessed stem cells. In 12 weeks their growth understand the phenomena I am harnessing. Planck, and thousands of other institutes tist in America, we came across Dr Rustum rate was 112 percent in comparison to normal Once science understands the phenomenon, have funded billions of dollars for thousands Roy, 86, renowned material scientist and 4-5% growth rate. In another experiment in they can establish rules and regulations of projects to see the impact of anything like showed him what we did in India. He invited San Francisco, we worked with cancerous behind these forces. Then with the help of chi gong, tai chi, reiki, prayer, angels, deities, us to Penn State laboratory and repeated and non cancerous cells and found that this science, we can develop the technology, and blessings, healing--and nothing happened. So many experiments we did in India. Then, he energy has intelligence too. . that technology can be very useful for bil- the mindset of scientists has absolutely gave us the most difficult task to kick out the SATimes: What is your focus and mission lions of people after my death for thousands changed. If you talk to them “consciousness, radioactivity from radioactive water. now? of years. That is why I am helping science spiritual”, they say, “don’t waste my time”, Fortunately, this energy was able to kick that Trivedi: To bring this new science to the and scientists. For example, they understand because how long can you fool the people. out. In other experiments, long distance planet, the science of future. Science started how healthy cells start converting to cancer- So to change the mindset it will take its own blessing for energy transmission was found from Galileo. Then Newton’s was next level, ous cells for some unknown reason. So if A time. It is frustrating to move. The moment I to be much more powerful than physical which in time started hitting against a wall. to B is possible, B to A should also be possi- speak to Noble laureates, and they see the body. Dr Roy introduced me to Deepak Then, Einstein brought the next level of sci- ble, to reverse the journey. But this is not data they say it is very difficult to accept but Chopra and others. Then in 2010 at the Sages ence. But even the current level of science happening in nature. With my help, scientists impossible to deny. So I am inviting all the and Scientists conference, Dr Roy invited has started hitting the last wall. With this sci- can see it is reversible, this can be very use- scientists to discover the new phenomenon Nobel prize winning scientists from Europe ence we are not able to produce organic, ful for science. existing in the universe since billions of and other places, and he did launch me to the healthy food for even a fraction of the world SATimes: So far, are you satisfied with years. Contact: trivedifoundation.org. Astrology 29

TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 30 - May 6 , 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: April 30-May 6, 2011 Annual Predictions: For those born in this week Aries: Although you will be working towards the weekend. Do not ignore your health, April: 30 of your life this year. You will travel far and near. overtime for the completion of important and exercise to keep in perfect shape. You are governed by the number 3 and by the planet Overseas travel is also foreseen. But you are patriot- projects, legal pressures, govt. rules and regula- Scorpio: Go after challenging jobs. A Jupiter. You are also dominated by the planet Mercu- ic by nature, and will not like to stay away from your tions will pose some problems. Your public close friend will join you in completing ry. You are intellectual and ambitious by nature. In the country for too long. The months of June, November, image will be at stake with this project so do not difficult task. A highly result oriented week coming year, those of you in the field of education February and April will be highly important. leave any stone unturned to achieve your goals. when you should not deviate from your goals. and administration can expect to reach newer heights May: 4 Your spouse loves you and will take care of you Even though your career is progressing nicely of excellence. You will also spend a lot of time in do- You are governed by the number 4 and the planet like nobody else. Try not to overspend on visi- and you will find yourself in a higher earnings ing social service for the needy. You will work self- Uranus. You are also influenced by the Moon. Your tors and guests, although gifts and presents will bracket very shortly, looking for small part-time lessly for institutes associated with the handicapped. life is marked by unexpected happenings. The com- This will not only give you ultimate satisfaction, but ing year, will bring changes, which will be beneficial be plenty. projects to increase your earning ability will def- will also bring you fame and recognition. A word of to you. A change in job is likely, and this will bring Taurus: This week you will take things initely bring good results. Problems in your per- advice in the coming year – you tend to get worried you success and recognition. Freedom for those in lightly and will be in an easy going sonal life will over trivial matters. Try to relax and remain calm and bondage, will be your aim for the year. You hate any- mood. You will spend more time on hobbies, enlarge beyond your expectations, if you are not gentle. Getting restless over small matters, will only thing which is linked with hypocrisy and will not tol- join a gym or get busy with self-improvement open about how you feel. add to your stress. Most of you are likely to travel a erate anything achieved through cheating and mis- projects. Be careful not to get involved in easy Sagittarius: This week you will have lot in the coming year. Visit to pilgrimages is not trust. A word of advice for the coming year – try to money making schemes. Gambling certainly is extra energy, therefore you should com- ruled out. You will enjoy a hectic social life. The take all precautions while signing any legal docu- not on your card. You should try to put some plete pending jobs and assignments before months of July, September and November would ments. If you are planning to sign a partnership, you extra time and energy into learning additional things become difficult for you to handle. You prove to be highly significant. will have to weigh all the pros and cons, before get- knowledge and skills that will help you further should focus on career goals and social activi- May 1 ting into any legal matters. Your methodical approach in your career. ties. Businessmen and investors will see past You are dominated by the number 1 and the Sun. The to life, will help you to overcome obstacles which you Gemini: It will be necessary that you investments reaping profits. Good week to call planet Moon, also has a strong influence on you. Suc- may face. But try to keep away from speculation and take special care of your health and take important people over to your place, as you will cess and prosperity will be yours, in the year ahead of gambling. May, October , December and March will extra rest this week. If hectic work schedule is gain valuable knowledge and information. you. You will handle challenging projects, with de- be eventful. putting you under stress, it will be essential for Opportunities to travel to a distant place for termination and sincerity. This will bring you fame May: 5 you to seek help from colleagues. You might some. and recognition, in your professional front. You will You re governed by the number 5 and the planet Mer- even feel depressed and irritated but it will only Capricorn: A little overtime will help be able to save money for the future, which will give cury. You are also dominated by the Moon. You are be a temporary phase. Take trips that will pro- you decrease your workload. As your you a sense of security and satisfaction. Religious by blessed with a pleasant and vivacious personality. vide you with entertainment, little adventure and energy will be high and you will achieve more nature, you will not bend down to tradition or super- Your planning and methodical approach to work, will knowledge. Exciting weekend with friends will than what you might expect. Although office stitions. Anything beautiful, appeals to you. You will catch the attention of your seniors. You will be hand- help you get back your lost spirits. pressures will increase, you still need to take be attracted towards art and will purchase artifacts for somely rewarded for you efficient and honest ap- your home, which will bring beauty and a sense of proach to your professional career. The ability to Cancer: This week you can do wonders some time out to listen to the problems that face well being around you. New ideas, which you put into judge the weaknesses of your opponents, will be an to your reputation by helping those who family members. Little time for meditation and action, will draw the attention of your seniors. Your asset to you, and you will be able to use this to your are under extreme mental pressure. Your con- yoga will be important for mental as well as work will be appreciated by your colleagues and your advantage. Travel will bring you both prosperity and vincing power will have a deep impact and peo- physical gains. Investment needs to be handled loved ones. Happiness, a great social life and pleas- pleasure. You will travel to distant lands in the com- ple will praise for your efforts. Your moneymak- with care. ures of life will be for you, in the coming year. July, ing year. This will allow you to make the most of ing ideas will be highly lucrative. Deals related Aquarius: This week you should make October and January will prove to be highly eventful. newer opportunities and will also be a source of re- to land, home, and property will bring appropriate efforts to win confidence of May: 2 laxation and enjoyment. Your sensitive and warmth favourable results. Recognition and rewards for everyone who is with you and handling impor- You are dominated by the planet Moon. You are also nature, will bring many friends close to you and you scholars and artists during this period cannot be tant jobs. Your seniors will notice your dedica- governed by the number 2. Soaring high, is your na- will have a large circle of friends. Intellectual people ruled out. tion and it will work in your favour. Spouse will ture. You are ambitious and always look upwards to- will attract your attention, and you stand to gain in Leo: This is not the good phase to initiate be caring and provide you with love and affec- wards progress and prosperity. In the coming year, their company. April, August, November and Febru- change. Depending on others for assis- tion. Go for social events that will improve your you will be able to complete any project that you un- ary will be highly significant. tance will not bring expected results. social circle. Added knowledge that you acquire dertake, to complete satisfaction. You will be able to May: 6 Disagreements with partners will make it diffi- this week, will give you advantage in your create opportunities for yourself, which you will be You are governed by the planet Venus and dominat- cult for you to carry out your plans. Although career. able to fulfill and earn recognition and fame for your- ed by the Moon. You are also influenced by the num- you will get substantial time with your beloved Pisces: This week your personal life will self. But in trying to do so, you may become a little ber 6. You have the ability to inspire those around but your relationship will suffer due to argu- be so exciting that you will have little dictatorial at times. You need to control your domi- your. Your mere presence, makes people happy and ments and silly contradictions. This temporary time for anything else. Your ability to stand out nating nature, to keep those around you happy. You full of enthusiasm. You have an affinity towards art phase will soon be over till then you need to in the crowd will bring you popularity and are a born leader, and expect your colleagues and and music. Those of you, in the profession of dance spend maximum time with friends, go out for a recognition. Your energy will be high and com- friends to follow whatever you order them to. This and poetry, will do exceeding well in your profes- vacation or do things that will keep you relaxed. petitive games will attract you. Your love life sometimes, leads to misunderstandings and heart sional career, in the year ahead of you. Your family burning. Nature and natural surroundings will draw will be of utmost importance to you, and you will go Virgo: This week you will have all- will blossom as you receive gifts and presents. your attention in the coming year. You will be able to to any lengths to fulfill all their dreams. You will stay important information right at your fin- Great period to go out for shopping of expensive enjoy the seas, flowers and on the whole, nature, away from social customs and traditions. Your gertips. You will have influential and experi- items and jewelry. You are likely to build new which will give you a sense of satisfaction. June, Sep- warmth and attractive personality will draw many enced people all around you, but avoid putting contacts through old one. tember and December will be eventful. friends to you. You will always be amongst friends too much money into any financial schemes just May: 3 and relatives, who are fond of you. You will earn a lot on the advice of others. Do things that will Before you consult... You are governed by the number 3 and by the planet of money in the coming year, but will also spend it all improve your health since your body will be i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date, Jupiter. You are also influenced by the Moon. Inde- on buying expensive clothes, jewelry and luxuries of highly receptive to change. Sudden good news Time and Place of birth is accurate. pendent by nature, you do not like others interfering life. July, November and March will prove to be re- later in the week brings happiness and cheers for in your personal life. Your ability to express your sult oriented. ii) Careful: Did you check background of the the entire family. views and ideas, will take you to the top of hierarchy, Libra: Good surprises will keep you in a astrologer before disclosing your secrets. in the year ahead of you. Your superiors will notice Free Consultation delightful mood, mostly concerning the iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, don’t feel your sincerity and loyalty,, and they will entrust a lot Learn about the fair value of love of your life. Your career and your earning shy. It’s his business. of responsibility on your shoulders. You will be able diamonds & precious stones. ability will also take an upward climb and your to fulfill these duties to the utmost. Your jovial nature iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the out- To the readers of The South Asian Times position will strengthen amongst your peers. and your ability to be sympathetic towards those who come is not as desired, never give up. by an expert gems dealer. Your original ideas will win acceptance from need your help, will make you popular in your For appointment, please call 516 390 7847 or others, and people will seek your advice. But v) Consult: Take second opinion before friends’ circle. Sports and outdoor activities will keep email [email protected] you will be overly tired and need extra rest spending thousands on cure/remedies. you in good health. Travel will form an important part 30 Spiritual Awareness

April 30 - May 6, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info The spiritual meaning of Thanksgiving George Washington asked both achievement—let us thank God for houses of Congress for a day of this gift. If we have excellent Gratitude to God public Thanksgiving and prayer to health, a good financial base, a translates into show gratitude to God. He added beautiful home, or interesting acknowledging that the people of this country career, let us thank God. For our with humility that should be devoted to the service of families and friends, too, let us also the glorious Being, whom he give thanks, because without the all the good we termed as the Author of all the good grace of the Lord we would not think we have or there was, is, and will be. He asked even be here. are is due to God that all people be united in giving George Washington referred to who created us. By God sincere and humble thanks for God as the Author. He recognized all the care and protection God has that the wonderful documents, con- praying for God’s given them. stitutions, and proclamations that protection, we Indeed, the purpose of our life were being written during his time acknowledge that and the spiritual teachings is to 1941. were from a group of people who there is a power know God. Secondly, to obey No matter how advanced we were receptive to the Author, God, higher than By Sant Rajinder Singh God’s will means we love God and become in technology and science, who wrote them. This concept that love our fellow beings. God wants Ji Maharaj there is always a thread weaving its God is the Creator and we, as ourselves who is nothing more and nothing less than way through time, and this thread is human beings, merely bring forth taking care of us. lthough most people think our love, which expands into love the acknowledgement and gratitude what God wills, forms the essence of Thanksgiving as a secu- for all creation. Finally, gratitude to of God by spiritually minded peo- of two pillars of ethical life— of two words: first we offer thanks, Alar holiday, if we trace its God translates into acknowledging ple as well as by civic leaders, humility and selfless service. and then we give. So let us spend origin, we find that Thanksgiving with humility that all the good we philosophers, and even scientists. Humility means that we recognize this Thanksgiving Day offering was conceived with a deeply spiri- think we have or are is due to God If we were to put into practice the that God has created us and that all thanks to the Lord for our very life. tual purpose. The governor of who created us. Without the Creator true meaning of this day, we would the good that flows from us Then, we can show our gratitude by Massachusetts (then a colony of we would not exist. By praying for think about all the accomplish- belongs, ultimately, to God. giving our hearts and souls to the England) made the first proclama- God’s protection, we acknowledge ments we have made in our life- Humility means that although we Lord who made us, and by giving tion to have Thanksgiving Day in that there is a power higher than time, and give thanks to God for take joy in what we create or our hearts and souls to our fellow 1621, three years after the first pil- ourselves who is taking care of us. letting us be the instrument of those invent, we realize that God has brothers and sisters who are also grims landed. Besides giving Interestingly, the founding fathers accomplishments. If we are proud used us as a vehicle to bring forth children of the One Creator. We can thanks for the harvest and for sur- had a noble vision in creating a of our physical body, our looks, our those ideas. Performing selfless give our body and mind in service viving diseases, the governor pro- country based on freedom of reli- strength, or our agility, let us give service, on the other hand, means of the Lord and all creation, and we claimed thankfulness for the free- gion. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving thanks to the Lord for giving us opening ourselves up to becoming a can give our soul completely to dom to worship God as one pleases Day was later abolished until a these attributes. If we are proud of vehicle through which God’s work God, who is its true Owner and and for God’s blessings. In 1789, woman named Sarah Hale revived our mental capabilities and our can flow. When we allow this to Creator. George Washington, one of the Thanksgiving Day. Through peti- intellect, our school honors and cer- happen, we will experience joy and Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, founding fathers of the United tions, letters, meetings and speech- tificates, our high grades, our edu- bliss from knowing that God is an international spiritual leader States, issued a Thanksgiving Day es, she convinced President cation, then let us thank the Lord using us to do God’s work. and Master of meditation, affirms Proclamation. He said that people Abraham Lincoln to reinstate the for giving us the gift of mental Thanksgiving is a time to thank the transcendent oneness at the should acknowledge God, obey holiday, who then proclaimed the intelligence. If we are proud of our the Lord for our existence, for all heart of all religions, emphasizing God’s will, be grateful for God’s fourth Thursday of each November creativity—whether in painting, the gifts we receive, and for all the prayer and meditation as building benefits, and humbly pray to God as National Thanksgiving Day. It sculpture, music, writing, architec- good that results in our lives. It is blocks for achieving for protection. For this purpose, was made official by Congress in ture, humor, or any other creative said that Thanksgiving is composed peace.www.jyotimeditation.org Spirituality and education By Sant Rajinder Singh with a balanced education. Many of the educa- Meditation is a nonsectarian process wherein eyes and gazing within, we are concentrating Ji Maharaj tional systems around the world spend time students learn that no matter to what country or our attention. If we can learn to still our mind developing the students’ physical and mental to what religion they belong, they can meditate through concentration, we can use that tech- n the East, people believe that we have attributes. Physical education includes fitness together. In this silent meditation period, the nique in day-to-day life. The result is that we three aspects to be developed: intellectual, programs and classes about health, safety, and goal is for students to discover the spiritual understand more of what we read and we com- Iphysical, and spiritual. Although we have nutrition. Academic education comprises a wealth they have within themselves. They plete our work faster. Besides improving our developed our intellect and physical bodies, we large part of the educational programs by train- already are fully aware of their body and mind. intellectual abilities through meditation, we feel have forgotten our spiritual side. ing students in science, math, reading, writing, However, meditation helps them become aware better physically because we are relaxed; we do Ethical values were once a part of the educa- social sciences, language and literature. of their true self within. They also learn the val- not become overly agitated and are more able tional system in ancient cultures. Students were Students are also enriched aesthetically by ues of nonviolence, truthfulness, humility, puri- to cope with the difficulties and tensions that given a well-rounded training to develop physi- learning the arts and music. On the other hand, ty, compassion for all and performing selfless arise in life. Therefore, if the techniques for cally, intellectually, and spiritually—which in many schools throughout the world, spiritual service. By coming in contact with their own meditation and concentration are taught to stu- included ethical and moral instruction. In the and ethical instruction are missing, and yet it is spiritual nature, students find that all people are dents at an early age, they will grow up to be last century, however, we have witnessed a imperative for the future of our children that we made of the same Light and love of God. This fully developed physically, intellectually, and decline in the teaching of ethical virtues in our balance our educational programs by providing realization leads to tolerance and love for all spiritually. They will see the Light of God in schools throughout the world. The emphasis training in spiritual and ethical values. people, a recognition that within our diverse every human being and form of creation. They has been on academic development. As a result, Ethical development means learning about outer forms we are all made of the same Light. will have love and compassion for humanity. we have been witnessing a generation of people being loving, kind, truthful, helpful, caring and This understanding helps to develop love for all If we include meditation and a nonsectarian who are growing up with a lack of moral and humble human beings. Students need exposure people. When we have love and respect for oth- spiritual curriculum in our educational systems ethical values. Crime in the streets, violence to adults who are examples of these traits so ers, we will naturally be peaceful and nonvio- throughout the world, then fifteen, twenty, or among children and teens, reliance on drugs that they can imbibe these qualities. For this lent. When we consider all people as part of one twenty-five years from now, we would turn out and alcohol for pleasure, and senseless crimes reason, I have established fifteen schools called human family, we will naturally be kind and human beings who have love and compassion. all point to a lack of ethical training in the “Darshan Academies” –with grades ranging caring to them. We would never dream of hurt- This would bring about an era in which people moral fiber of our young people. The only way from pre-K through high school—which pro- ing a member of our own family. Thus, students help each other rather than spending their time to bring about peace—at the individual and vide a period each day for spiritual and ethical brought up with ethical values would no longer accumulating as much as they can for them- global levels—is to start with educating stu- training. Students also learn about people of wish to harm a member of the human family. selves. We would enter a golden age of concern dents from an early age. By helping them dis- various countries and study comparative reli- For anyone practicing meditation—whether about the welfare of our neighbors, our society, criminate right from wrong, they may grow up gions so that they can learn to appreciate the students, teachers or anyone else—besides real- and all life on a global level. If, along with to be individuals who make better and safer unity in diversity. They also are given time to izing oneself and connecting with the creative intellectual and physical qualities, spiritual val- choices for themselves and for society. sit in silent meditation within the stillness of power within, meditation provides many other ues are taught to children, this world would In this regard we need to provide students their own selves. benefits. During meditation, when closing our become a haven of joy and peace.