The South Asian Times excellence in journalism

Vol.7 No. 12 July 19-25, 2014 60 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info Modi’s diplomacy at BRICS: Making of a statesman New Delhi: The 6th BRICS sum- mit this week was Narendra Modi's first international conference as India's prime minister, but his per- formance in Brazil has won ful- some praise from the Indian media. Newspapers feel the PM's "debut on the world stage" has put India "squarely on the path of pragmatic internationalism". Modi pitched for a peaceful, bal- anced and stable world and told the leaders of the five-nation power- house comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that it should be driven by people-to- people contact led by the youth of PM Narendra Modi with the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, the five nations. Professing 'zero the President of China, Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir tolerance’ against terrorism, Modi Putin and President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, at the Sixth Continued on page 4 BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil on July 15. (Photo: PIB) Missile shot down Malaysian plane: US Modi’s coming visit Web evidence shows missile fired by pro-Russia rebels in Ukraine creates euphoria Washington: A Malaysian Airlines passenger jet crashed in a rebel-controlled part of eastern in community Ukraine on Thursday, spurring New York: As more details swift accusations from Ukrainian emerge about Narendra Modi’s officials that "terrorists" shot down maiden visit to the US as PM, the aircraft. euphoria is gripping the Indian The United States has concluded community in the tristate area. a missile shot down the plane, but Debris of the Malaysian Besides visiting New York for hasn't pinpointed who was respon- Airlines flight MH17 which the UN General Assembly ses- Continued on page 4 had 298 aboard. sion in mid-September, Modi Photo: ©Diana De Rosa Photography has accepted President Obama’s invitation for a meeting in Washington. The grapevine has Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami graced the it that there will be a state dinner International Guru Poornima 2014 celebration on at the White House in Modi’s honor.Modi has also given his July 12 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center nod for a public reception in (NJPAC). After giving a powerful and inspiring New York. discourse, Gurudev, as he is known among his Expectedly, many influential Indian Americans want a piece devotees, personally blessed over 3,000 people of the action, and have started from the US and 14 other countries including India making discrete inquiries and who attended the mammoth event suffused with lobbying to be seen as close to sounds and sights of devotion for Guru and God. the new power center in India. Former US President Bill Clinton distributes chapattis to Sadly, competition to take students during midday meals prepared by Akshaya Patra kitchen in Jaipur on July 16. (Photo: IANS). Story on page 3. Continued on page 4 Detailed report and pictures on pages >> 15-18.

US AFFAIRS 9 OP ED 13 TOURISM 25 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 19-25, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY July 19-25, 2014 3 CG steps in to stop bickering Clinton visits Jaipur for Akshaya Patra’s school lunch program over community reception for Modi By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur: Former US President Bill By Ashok Ojha Clinton has some special affinity with Jaipur. He visited the historic Edison, NJ: Chaotic scenes city first in 2000 and was fascinat- erupted among community lead- Dr Barai sets the record straight ed by its color and pageantry. He ers at a meeting here on July 12 came again after completing his to form preparatory committees e had arranged a meeting, inviting 2 second term in Oval Office to meet to hold a public reception for people of Naila, a village near the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wrepresentatives of Pink City that he visited on his first during his US visit in September. every Indian American associa- tion in NY-NJ area on July 12 at sojourn. Now, during his third trip, Accusations and counter-accusa- President Clinton at the the TV Asia Auditorium. The he visited a kitchen run by an tions were flying until Consul Akshaya Patra facility in meeting was attended by about NGO, Akshaya Patra. Clinton General Dnyaneshwar Mulay evinced keen interest in the kitchen Jaipur on Wednesday.. took to the stage and threatened 260 people. Some uninvited ele- Dr Bharat Barai (left) finds because the Clinton Foundation now an MLA, joined Clinton as he to leave the meeting if calm did- ments also attended. the interruption caused by helped Akshaya Patra secure a do- served food to the school children. n’t prevail. “At the beginning, it appeared the FIA group and nation of $2 million (from the Akshaya Patra feeds over one The meeting at TV Asia audito- that a group of 9 people tried to Shalli Kumar (right). earth mover giant Caterpillar) for million children daily across India. rium was addressed by leaders of question the ‘Authority’ of the the various kitchens for school- The program is part of the Clinton Overseas Friends of BJP as well people holding the meeting. Community. We all emphasized children that the NGO set up in Global Initiative “commitment to as others who flew in from Ankur Vaidya, president of FIA, that we were all working as vol- nine states of the country including action” made by Akshaya Patra and Chicago, Texas and Florida. spoke. He was explained the unteers for this cause. Jaipur. Deshpande Foundation. Some speakers led by Dr. process and a document from “Then Mr. Shalli Kumar from Clinton saw the processing of Clad in a greenish bush shirt and Bharat Barai solicited names of the embassy for the Madison Chicago (who was not invited) food at the Akshaya Patra state-of- cotton trousers, Clinton also visited those wishing to serve on any of Square Garden was read. came and stated that he had met the art kitchen in Jaipur that feeds a Sanskrit school where he was the committees. But there were “The rest of the people were the Consul General of New York over 1.25 million schoolchildren greeted by children who danced in loud protests over the process of not happy at such distraction 2 days ago and the CG had studying in 1,100 government run colorful costumes. Two whiz kids these nominations. Dr. Barai, a and tried to shout him out. We called him, advising that this schools as a mid-day meal program showed their skills in solving com- Indiana based physician and handled the situation coolly and meeting should be adjourned in and around the city. The kitchen plex mathematical equations in a community leader known for his calmly. We invited Mr Vaidya to and the CG had told him that he prepares food also for the 20,000 jiffy to the amazement of Clinton close ties with Modi, failed to give his views briefly. Others will appoint a new committee Anganwadi workers and 4,000 dai- and the donors accompanying him pacify the audience. shouted him down. I requested for this event. ly wage laborers at over 40 loca- in this trip to Asia Pacific. In the “All we were trying to do is to the guests to respect his right to “That threw everyone in con- tions across the city. Akshaya Patra US, Clinton Foundation’s initia- enable as many community or- give his views. fusion. He further stated that provides healthy meal at a meager tives led to 20,000 schools provid- ganizations from all parts of USA “He gave some points and there was no need for fund-rais- Rs 5. Clinton was shown around ing kids with healthy food choices get represented in these commit- then he and 8 others left the ing and he will give $1 million. the kitchen by Madhu Pandit Dasa, to combat childhood obesity. The tees as possible,” Barai told The auditorium calmly. Several Several members protested that chairman, and Gururaj Deshpande, Clinton Foundation’s donors in- South Asian Times. “We must speakers spoke and stressed the one man was trying to buy out head of the US chapter of Akshaya clude Laxmi Mittal and Amar use this opportunity to prove that importance of working in a unit- the program. Some members Patra. The US chapter raises $3-4 Singh who given over $ 1 million we, the people of Indian origin, ed fashion to present the best shouted at him that in the past, million annually to support the each. Cinton was scheduled to vis- speak with one voice. Modi ji show in support of PM Modi, he had made many such NGO’s free mid day meal program. it a community centre and a school Contd. on page 4... India and the Indian American Contd. on page 4... Jaipur royal Diya Kumari, who is in Lucknow on July 17. Hema Malini seeks NRIs help to develop Mathura DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE In Hicksville, Long Island  By Jinal Shah and Shiva, Sati reborn as Parvathi, and later the This dental practice on prime location manifestation of Durga to annihilate demon is over 20 years old. New York: The Consulate General of India in Mahishasura. Hema Malini portrays all the  1600 sq ft, 5 fully equipped operation New York and TV Asia organized a reception three facets of the Goddess - Sati, Parvathi and cabins, 3 digital P/A X-rays, 1 digital at the consulate ballroom to honor Member of Durga. panoramic X-ray. Parliament, classical dancer, Bollywood star Over 30,000 people in 13 cities in North  Fully computerized with 9 work Hema Malini on Tuesday. America have already enjoyed her dramatic stations. Hema Malini is on a multicity tour of US to two hour show in Hindi in the past 25 days.  perform ‘Durga’ dance ballet with her 25 mem- Now the tour is on its last leg (one show was in Yearly gross about half a million. ber troupe of dancers and artists from Natya Vi- Flushing, NY on July 12, and one is scheduled Asking price $ 375,000. har Kalakendra. Organized by Rhythm Asia, in for Houston on July 19) before she assumes her Rent: association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and duty as the newly elected MP from Mathura. $6700 monthly + Half of property tax. Share & Care Foundation, the dance-drama “All my life he (Lord Krishna) made me SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY. culled out of Devi Bhagvatam and other Pu- dance for him, now he gave me a chance to BJP MP Hema Malini speaking at Email me at: [email protected] ranic lores comprises three episodes - of Sati work in his land,” she Continued on page 4 the Indian consulate in NY 4 July 19-25, 2014 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Modi’s diplomacy at BRICS:... claimed responsibility on a popular fied the situation appropriately. His role was Continued from page 1 Russian social-networking site for the very constructive. Nadella defends argued, "I firmly believe that terrorism, in downing of what he thought was a “Mr Shalli Kumar’s role in using name of any shape or form, is against humanity.” Ukrainian military transport plane shortly many dignitaries of India and Republican A major achievement of the BRICS before reports that MH17 had crashed near officials is well known. The meeting ended decision to lay off group is an announcement Tuesday about the rebel held Ukrainian city of Donetsk. on a good note and work will proceed as the creation of a new $100bn development After news emerged that a commercial planned. “I must emphasize that out of 260 18,000 at Microsoft bank and emergency reserve fund. Modi airliner had been taken down and its pas- representatives of associations, only 9 (7 said an open international trading regime is sengers and crew likely killed, Girkin univited) tried to create distraction and fal- New York: Microsoft said Thursday it critical for global economic growth. China reportedly erased his claims from his page sify-dramatize in name of the CG of NY. would slash 18,000 jobs from its global is likely to get its way on having the on VKontakte, a site similar to Facebook. “We have already filed an application workforce over the next year, the majority BRICS bank headquartered in Shanghai The records of internet archive site The with Madison Square Garden and hope to from the integration of the Nokia unit while India, which wanted it based in New Wayback Machine appear to confirm that. sign the contract ASAP. The rest of the acquired this year. Delhi, will have to settle for a first shot at work is proceeding as usual.” A Microsoft statement said the move is its presidency. Modi’s coming visit creates... Excerpted from Dr Bharat Barai’s email part of "a restructuring plan to simplify its "Taking advantage of the unique interna- Continued from page 1 to Hi India operations and align the recently acquired tional stage offered by the BRICS summit, credit for the public reception for Modi led Nokia Devices and Services business with Mr Modi has begun to put his own stamp to chaotic scenes at a preparatory meeting Hema Malini seeks NRIs help... the company's overall strategy." on India's foreign policy. The PM has on July12 at TV Asia studio. (See details on Continued from page 3 The cuts represent about 14% of matched his imaginative first diplomatic page 3 said urging Indian American community to Microsoft's global payroll of some 127,000. steps towards the subcontinent by outlining help in whatever way possible especially in The company will take a charge of between a practical approach to global issues and CG steps in to stop bickering... the Yamuna cleaning project and healthcare $1.1 billion and $1.6 billion for costs related India's important bilateral ties with Russia Continued from page 3 and education for people living in Mathura. to the layoffs. and China," The Indian Express said in an doesn’t represent a party, he belongs to all “Other than financial help, I am looking for CEO Satya Nadella said in an email to editorial. of us”, he said. your expertise to develop Mathura. I am open employees that the "difficult but necessary" Modi met Russian President Vladimir It was out of respect for Amb. Mulay to your ideas and suggestions and will pass cuts are part of a plan to bring a new strate- Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS who intervened that calm returned to the them to (Narendra) Modi ji and will get back gic direction to the US tech giant. It's impor- Summit to expand the scope of bilateral meeting. Speaking in Hindi, he appealed to you all.” She is the first BJP MP to visit tant to note that while we are eliminating strategic partnership that has stood the test to the community that they shouldn’t miss America after the elections early this year. roles in some areas, we are adding roles in of time. the opportunity of Modi’s visit to reflect Praising the fabled dancer, Consul General certain other strategic areas." He also met Chinese President Xi their united strength in USA. “We should- Dnyaneshwar Mulay said, “What I most ad- Jinping, which, Indian papers said, saying it n’t worry about who sits on the commit- mire about her is her unmatched level of en- will provide a "fresh start" to bilateral ties. tees and who doesn’t. Rather, we should ergy. She is a true symbol of woman empow- "Transforming the India-China relation- contribute positively towards holding a erment as a mother, dancer, actor, producer, Murdoch puts Time ship can yield big prizes for the region and successful community reception for the director and a politician.” indeed shake the world. Mr Modi should prime minister,” he said, adding that no Hema Malni promised her fans that she will Warner on his wish list not lose this opportunity," The Times of one besides the PM would occupy the dais be back next year with her new show ‘Radha India says. at the public reception. Rass-Bihari’. New York: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch The Asian Age echoes similar sentiments, According to Dr Barai, four preparatory Hema Malini also inaugurated the Film and has made an $80 billion takeover offer for saying the meeting "appears to underscore committees - namely, coordinating, fi- Literature Club, an initiative by the Consulate Time Warner Inc., which would be the the interest in both countries to upgrade nance, event management, and decoration General of India. The idea behind the ‘Club biggest media deal in more than a decade. mutual relations". Improvements in India- - will be formed. The venue will be a sta- FilLit’ is to bring forth Indian connections in While Time Warner has rebuffed his effort China ties will also be significant for dium that can accommodate about 50, 000 films or literature. “We plan to showcase dif- and no talks are underway, Murdoch is regional stability, given Beijing's "strong people. According to sources close to the ferent genres of writing and film for the audi- determined and unlikely to walk away any- influence" on Pakistan, it adds. organizers, one and half million dollars ence of FilLit. We will invite eminent writers, time soon, people briefed on the matter told will be raised for the event. film producers, directors, actors and other NYT. And he has a track record of pursuing Missile shot down Malaysian... personalities collaborating on any Indian companies that first said no before giving in. Continued from page 1 Dr Barai sets the record straight... connection,” said Amb. Mulay. This monthly By bidding for Time Warner, Murdoch’s sible, a senior US official told CNN. The Continued from page 3 event will be open to all. The first event will 21st Century Fox is seeking to create a Boeing 777 with 298 people aboard was on donation promises, but never donated a pen- be on July 23- screening a rough cut of a colossus in the TV and film industries at a the way from Amsterdam to Kuala ny. “Some members present texted to CG wonderful documentary ‘Blue like me: The time when both face pressure from the grow- Lumpur. It was flying at about 33,000 feet about the use of his name. CG called me and Art of Siona Benjamin’. Benjamin is an artist ing power of cable companies like Comcast when the missile hit. clarified that he had not stated any such who was raised in a Jewish community in and online video giants like Google. Igor Girkin, a Ukrainian separatist leader, thing. He personally came there and clari- Mumbai.

Strategy and Marketing Web Editor: B.B.Chopra Jinal Shah P: 315-436-1142 News Service: HT Media Ltd. Printed Every Saturday by Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra [email protected] IANS Newswire Services Forsythe Media Group, LLC C : 516.710.0508 ISSN 1941-9333 [email protected] Marketing & PR (Washington DC) IANS Washington Bureau 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Chander Gambhir, P: 703.717.1667 Arun Kumar Hicksville, NY 11801 P: 516.390.7847 Associate Editors arun.kumar@ians,in Website: TheSouthAsianTimes.info Jinal Shah, Hiral Dholakia-Dave, Jaipur (India) Bureau Updated Daily Meenakshi Iyer Prakash Bhandari Printing: Five Star Printing, NY [email protected] Chairman and Co-Founder Contributing Editors: Melvin Durai, Contacts Kamlesh C. Mehta Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Photographs: Gunjesh Desai/ [email protected] Harry Aurora, Ashok Vyas, masalajunction.com. [email protected] Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull Dr Akshat Jain, Nupur Joshi Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com ([email protected]) Advertisements West Coast Correspondent Photo Journalist: Sandeep Ganatra [email protected] President: Arjit Mehta Pooja Jain, P : 516.390.7847 [email protected] Cartoonist: Mahendra Shah F : 516.465.1343 Board Advisors (Honorary) Ajay Lodha, MD, New Delhi Bureau Art and Design: Vladimir Tomovski Website: Lakhpat B. Mehta, Esq. Meenakshi Iyer Bhagwati Creations, www.TheSouthAsianTimes.info Rajasthan High Court & Supreme Court [email protected] Dhiraj Kumar Notice: The South Asian Times is published weekly by The Forsythe Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send all address notices, subscription orders/payments and other inquiries to The South Asian Times, 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Copyright and all other rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be reprinted without the consent of the publisher. The views expressed on the opinion pages and in the letters to the editor pages are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The South Asian Times. The editor/publisher does not warrant accuracy and cannot be held responsible for the content of the advertisements placed in the publication and/or inaccurate claims, if any, made by the advertisers. Advertisements of business or facilities included in this publication do not imply connection or endorsement of these businesses. All rights reserved. TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY July 19-25, 2014 5 Harvard expert on modern slavery NY boy Neel Sethi to play Mowgli in Disney film Kara sues Kashyap over film “Sold” New York: An Indian-Ameri- can boy will play Mowgli's char- New York: Siddharth Kara of Slavery’).” acter in Disney production's Harvard University, an Indian According to Kara, Kashyap "The Jungle Book" adaptation. American expert on human traf- read Kara’s script and worked Neel Sethi, 10, a New York ficking and contemporary slav- with Kara on selecting loca- boy, will star in the film as the ery, has sued Indian filmmaker tions for the film. young boy who is raised by jun- Anurag Kashyap for defamation “Dr. Kara is delusional,” gle animals, according to the and copyright infringement in the Kashyap told the paper. “I The Hollywood Reporter. Delhi High Court, charging that guess Dr. Kara has probably Sethi will be the only actor to Kashyap stole his idea for a film written only one thing in life appear onscreen in the project, about trafficking. and he thinks no one else in the which is a combination of live Kara is adjunct lecturer in pub- world would be working on action and animation. Disney lic policy and director of the pro- the subject of human traffick- has slated it for release in 3D gram on human trafficking and ing.” Kara’s lawsuit also men- Neel Sethi Oct 9, 2015. modern slavery at the Kennedy tions producer Guneet Monga, Jon Favreau is the director of sic tale. School of Government at Harvard actress Nandita Das, the film’s the film and the script was writ- "Casting is the most important University. director Jeffrey D. Brown and ten by Justin Marks. element of any film, and finding According to an Hindustan producer Jane Charles. According to the report, Idris the right kid to play Mowgli was Times report Kara alleges that the “Sold” has screened at the Elba already has been cast as the imperative," Favreau was quot- script of the film “Sold” has “sev- Indian Film Festival of Los voice of the tiger Sher Khan, and ed as saying. eral substantial similarities to Angeles and the Cinequest Siddharth Kara, director of Ben Kingsley will voice the "Neel has tremendous talent unique and creative elements film festival in San Jose, program on human black panther Bagheera. Scarlett and charisma. There is a lot rid- present in my (Siddharth Kara) Calif.and is now being readied trafficking and modern Johansson and Lupita Nyong'o ing on his little shoulders and script and book (‘Sex Trafficking: for an Indian theatrical re- slavery at Kennedy School of were also in talks for Disney's I'm confident he can handle it," Inside the Business of Modern lease. Government take on Rudyard Kipling's clas- Favreau added. Indian American woman US-based Indian company, in LI found dead new owners of Jamaica Tallawahs t. George's (Grenada): The Tallawahs, and given that Indo-Ja- United States based Chalak maican culture has flourished for in backyard pool SMitra Group (CMG) are the many years, we knew it was the new franchise owners of reigning right choice," said Patel. New York: An Indian-origin at the scene. Caribbean Premier League (CPL) "We can't wait to get involved woman was found dead in a Suffolk County Police Homi- Champions, Jamaica Tallawahs, or- with the team and become a part of swimming pool of a house, cide Squad detectives are investi- ganizers have announced. the Jamaican community." where she was attending a party gating the drowning death. The announcement was made here Chris Gayle scored the first ever and local police are investigating Police have not found any after the Tallawahs posted a thrilling CPL century as Tallawahs, who the drowning incident. criminality in relation to Mot- opening round victory over St. Lucia emerged as champions from the in- The body of the victim, identi- wani's death following a prelimi- Zouks at the national stadium here at augural CPL last year, beat AZouks fied as Rajkumari Motwani, 55, nary investigation. the weekend, reports CMC. to set the tone for an exciting second was found at the bottom of the Detectives are seeking infor- "We're delighted to become the season. swimming pool when residents mation from the public about the new owners of the Jamaica "It's a testament to the strength of of a home in Long Island were incident. Tallawahs franchise," declared Man- the CPL and the Jamaica Tallawahs cleaning up their backyard fol- Residents of home and other ish Patel, chairman and president of that we are able to welcome such a lowing a party on Saturday night. party-goers, who have not been CMG. respected new franchise owner," They noticed a body in the identified, are cooperating with "As a group we are passionate largest KFC franchises in the coun- noted CPL CEO Damien O'Dono- deep end of the backyard pool. the investigation. about cricket and after seeing the try. hoe. Police officers responded to a A neighbor of the house where success of the CPL last year, we The group, through its restaurant "CMG is a hugely successful or- 911 call from the resident early the party happened said the party knew this was something we wanted businesses, has sponsorship deals ganization with vast experience and Sunday morning and Motwani's ended at about 11:30 pm local to be a part of." with NBA teams, the Dallas Maver- a passion for sport. We're looking body was pulled out from the wa- time. CMG, founded by a group of en- icks and Memphis Grizzlies, as well forward to working with them as ter, Suffolk Police said in a state- She said two adult children live trepreneurs from India is headquar- as several initiatives at collegiate they help us reinforce the success of ment. in the house that was once inhab- tered in Dallas, Texas, and owns and and grassroots levels. the CPL and develop new audiences She was a guest at the birthday ited by their parents, who moved operates restaurant concepts across "The unique and vibrant culture of for the Biggest Party in Sport," he party and was pronounced dead to a different city two years ago. America, including one of the Jamaica drew us towards the added. 6 July 19-25, 2014 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info Fashion event brings Indian designers to New York By Jinal Shah everyone is the US is getting mar- ried or attending a wedding. For New York: For the second time in a those of us who want to wear Indian row, Splendid Indian Closet fashion cloths for a casual dinner or a get-to- show dazzled the desi American gether there were hardly any options fashionistas in New York. After a in the show,” said Shazia Wahedna successful first edition last year with of Shazya Entertainment LLC. India’s two top designers, this year However for some fashion con- saw 12 fashion mavens showcasing scious looking for less embellishing, their work to a packed audience at less ornate, Masaba Gupta’s cre- the Taj Pierre on Saturday. ations struck a chord with her edgy The Splendid India Fashion Clos- yet ethnic creations. “The biggest et Tour showcased Indian couture problem I am facing is with the shelf and pret lines by designers includ- life of Indian cloths. Indian fashion ing Jaya Misra, Satya Paul, Sid- is ever evolving and I am stuck with dartha Tytle, Masaba Gupta, Joy wearing the same old heavily embel- Mitra, Samant Chauhan, Amit Tal- lished out of fashion cloths which war, Rajdeep Ranawat, Ankita Samant Chauhan’s Rajputana collection clearly become fashion faux pas. I Chaudhry, Rosy Ahluwalia and fi- can relate to Masaba's collection, its nale by Suneet Verma. The themes founder, Splendid Indian Closet While returning designer Joy Mi- young, its chic and it’s me,” said ranged from Devadasis to celebrat- Fashion Tour. tra’s collection was heavily influ- Tanvi Mehta, one of the attendee. ing women empowerment and cele- Jaya Misra’s designs opened the enced by ‘Devadasi’ based on girls With beautiful silk, neutral color brating global Indians to just fash- show with a collection aptly entitled who dedicate their lives in worship palette and just the right amount of ion! ‘Jai Ho’. The first half of her run- of God, Rosy Ahluwalia's collec- gold, New York debutant Samant "“We recognized the need for In- way debut collection highlighted the tion showcased ethnic and western Model sashays a Chauhan’s majestic ‘Rajputana’ col- dian haute couture in the United Indo Western fusion theme whereas women wear in shades of green, Masaba creation lection too offered a balance for States. India is a fashion treasure the second half concentrated on gold and red in her ‘Women Power’ women who love the luxury and rich trove with its art, heritage, textiles weaves and ‘Tana Bana’. Designer collection. It comprised of floor- sider buying traditional collections feeling of Indian wear but who do and costuming which inspires bril- Amit Talwar was up next. Inspired length anarkalis, skirts and gowns or outfits it may not be viable for the not want to go overboard with colors liant design talent. We look to curate by the legendry actress Rekha his enhanced by use of gota, zardozi international market making it hard and embellishments. The grand fi- this talent and have the best design- collection ‘Umrao Jaan’ had a regal and Swarovski work. to push traditional Indian on the nale had renowned designer Suneet ers from India gain exposure in the allure attracting women scouting for While bridal brigade (a growing shop floors and to those who love to Verma showcasing his opulent West," said Sapna M Vats, Co- bridal finery. market) and Indian stores may con- wear casual Indian wear. “Not bridal collection. Sikh Coalition files FOIA Request for NSA and FBI ‘Raghead’ documents IACFNJ to celebrate India’s New York, NY: Responding to re- spondence.” Since the 9/11 attacks, violence against Sikh Americans, ports that NSA and FBI officials Sikh Americans have repeatedly and after a lengthy campaign by the may have used the ethnic slur “rag- endured violence and bigotry be- Sikh Coalition, civil rights groups, 68th I-Day on August 17 head” in surveillance programs tar- cause of their religiously-mandated and numerous members of Con- New Jersey: Indo-American Cul- food sampling. The program will geting American Muslims, the Sikh turbans. Many have been called gress, the FBI finally agreed in tural Foundation of Central New include the American and Indian Coalition has filed a Freedom of In- “ragheads” or “towelheads.” In 2013 to begin tracking hate crimes Jersey (IACFNJ), a non-profit or- Anthems followed by the local and formation Act (FOIA) request with August 2012, a gunman with against Sikhs. ganization in central jersey will state public officials and digni- both agencies demanding produc- known ties to neo-Nazi groups at- “As Americans, we expect law celebrate India’s 68th Independ- tary’s addresses to the attendees tion of all employee emails since tacked a Gurdwara (Sikh House of enforcement officials to behave ence Day on August 17from 11 and fun filled patriotic dances from September 11, 2001 that contain Worship) in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, like adults,” said Amardeep Singh, a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reichler Park, 540 the young and talented kids from the anti-Sikh epithets “raghead” killing six worshippers and injuring Program Director of the Sikh Ridge Road, South Brunswick, the renowned dance groups from and “towelhead.” several others, including a local law Coalition. “The Sikh Coalition will New Jersey. Approximately 400 to New Jersey. According to the FOIA request, enforcement officer. In the months not tolerate the use of racial or reli- 500 people are expected to attend The live DJ and music entertain- “disclosure of the requested infor- after the massacre, a Sikh business gious slurs by people who are sup- this fun-filled patriotic event is free ment with live patriotic songs will mation to us is in the public interest owner was shot and injured in Port posed to protect us. and open to all public. be performed by local group. The because it is likely to contribute Orange, Florida; a Sikh octogenar- We therefore demand a full ac- After last four years’ grand suc- authentic Indian food sampling significantly to public understand- ian was beaten with a steel rod in counting of NSA and FBI emails to cess and overwhelming communi- will be sponsored by the local busi- ing of the extent to which [agency] Fresno, California; and a Sikh pro- determine the extent to which ty support, the organizers and ex- nesses. The henna tattoos, face employees have used epithets indi- fessor was assaulted in New York agency employees are combating ecutive committee of IACFNJ paintings and moon walk and cating prejudice in official corre- City. Given the persistence of hate bigotry, not promoting it.” once again are getting ready to or- bounce will be the attractions for ganize 2014 patriotic celebration the young kids for the event. Many of India’s Independence Day event young high school students will with fun-filled entertainment and provide their community volunteer Urban Outfitters removes Ganesha duvet cover after Hindus protest cultural activities, dance perform- services during this event. The New York: Urban Outfitters community was still due as it was ances, traditional Indian dances, volunteer participants will be (UO), a publicly traded retail their second incident trivializing patriotic dances, children’s activi- awarded with certificate of volun- company headquartered in Lord Ganesha. First was socks ties, DJ, live music and authentic teerism. Philadelphia which offers a vari- carrying Lord Ganesha’s image, ety of lifestyle merchandise, has which were removed in December removed Lord Ganesha Duvet last. Moreover, it was sad that it Cover from its website after Hin- took UO 12 days to act after they dus protested calling it inappropri- were informed, Zed added. ate. He suggested UO and other cor- Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, porations worldwide to send their who spearheaded the protest, senior executives for training in thanked UO for understanding the religious and cultural sensitivity concerns of Hindu community, so that they had an understanding The duvet had which thought Lord Ganesha’s Ganesha’s image on it of the feelings of customers and image on duvet cover was highly communities when creating new inappropriate and trivializing of Zed said that an official apolo- products or launching advertising highly revered Hindu deity. gy from UO to the upset Hindu campaigns. TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY July 19-25, 2014 7 Viji Murali named CIO of US varsity US lawmakers to foster closer Washington, DC: An Osmania Universi- ty, Hyderabad, graduate Viji Murali, has been named chief information officer and India ties through community vice provost of Information and Educa- tional Technology at the University of Washington, DC: Three leading "A stronger India is positive for the California, Davis. Democratic lawmakers have vowed to United States and the world, and could Murali, an IT veteran in higher educa- engage with the Indian-American com- serve as a force for greater stability, secu- tion, is coming to Davis from Washington munity to identify possible areas for rity, and prosperity." State University, where she has served as near-term collaboration and work to "The United States and India aren't just vice president for Information Services address challenges in the US-India part- friends, we are natural partners rooted in and CIO for the WSU system since 2007. nership. our shared values and interests," said "UC Davis is incredibly fortunate to re- The three - Steny H. Hoyer, Joe Crowley. cruit someone with Viji's experience and Crowley and Eliot L. Engel - voiced their "From economic ties and tourism, to expertise," Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi commitment to engaging with the Indian- defence and cultural relations, the multi- said in announcing Murali's appointment. American community on issues concern- faceted relationship between the US and "She is a leader in her field, and her ef- ing the future of US-India relationship at India is growing at a rapid pace." forts will be essential in realizing our Vi- a roundtable here Thursday. "And as India has assumed an essential sion of Excellence." Hoyer is House Democratic Whip, role on the global stage, US-India ties She succeeds Pete Siegel, who left UC Crowley is Vice Chair of the Democratic have never been more relevant," he said. Davis a year ago. Professor Prasant Mo- Caucus and co-chair of the "This dialogue is an important step in hapatra has served as interim vice provost Congressional Caucus on India and fostering the US-India relationship and and CIO in the meantime. Indian-Americans and Engel is the lead- discovering new opportunities to grow Murali is set to start her new job on Aug Viji Murali will join ing Democrat on the House Committee and develop what has the potential of 18. "I am excited to be joining a universi- University of California, Davis on Foreign Affairs. becoming the most important bilateral ty with such a wonderful reputation, to The lawmakers were joined by mem- relationship in the world." lead the IT enterprise that contributes to the ter's in organic chemistry from Osmania's bers of the Indian-American community, "The ties between the United States and university's excellence, in everything from College of Science (1977). business leaders, diplomats, and Obama India will be one of the defining partner- student success to research. She then joined the Regional Research Lab- Administration officials to explore poten- ships of the 21st century," said Engel. "I intend to develop a shared vision with the oratory, affiliated with Osmania, and worked tial avenues for closer collaboration "India has become an important eco- faculty, staff and students, and we will move there toward a doctoral degree in organic between the two countries. nomic, political, and security partner for the institution to even greater heights," she chemistry until 1981. "America has much to gain through the United States and we must find ways said. Then, as a newlywed, she moved to the US close engagement and partnership with to further strengthen the many areas She received a bachelor's degree in biology to join her husband, Subra Muralidharan, who the world's largest democracy," said where we are already working together," and chemistry from the Women's College at was a postdoctoral researcher at Notre Dame Hoyer. he said. Osmania University, India (1975), and a mas- and subsequently at Iowa State University. Living Social appoints E-bay’s Gautam Thakar as new CEO Former Shopping.com CEO and eBay executive with deep e-commerce, marketing and advertising expertise set to position LivingSocial for growth in evolving market Washington, DC: LivingSocial, a leading online marketplace has appointed Gautam Thakar as its new Chief Executive Officer and President. He will assume the role pre- viously held by Tim O’Shaughnessy, who announced earlier this year his intention to step down. “We knew we wanted a new CEO with the ability to drive the business forward with energy, vision and deep e-commerce knowledge. The Board and I met with a number of exceptional candidates, and we all believe that Gautam is the perfect fit for the future of LivingSocial,” stated O’Shaughnessy. Thakar joins LivingSocial from eBay Gautam Thakar Inc., where he has spent over a decade in general management and leadership roles. “LivingSocial is well-positioned to play a As CEO of Shopping.com (an eBay acqui- growing role in demand generation for both sition), he drove the transformation to a local and national merchants,” stated data-driven, demand-generating advertising Gautam Thakar. “This is a huge opportunity business, which he leads in his current role that will be realized by delighting con- as GM for eBay’s overall Advertising busi- sumers with personalized services and ness. Previously, he served as the head of experiences at great prices. I am excited to International Marketing for eBay and as join LivingSocial at this important chapter Corporate Office: 385 Seneca Avenue, Ridgewood NY 11385 country manager of eBay India. in its journey and help build on all the 718.821.3182, www.AtlanticDialysis.Com Thakar started his career in brand man- accomplishments that Tim and the team agement at Procter & Gamble in Asia. have achieved so far.” 8 July 19-25, 2014 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info Indian math whiz wins Polya Prize Brillstein to co-produce movie for solving knotty riddle on Maharaja Duleep Singh Washington, DC: A young Indian New York: Indian American Jai Prince” a bilingual English-Hindi mathematician, Nikhil Srivastava, Khanna, an executive at Brillstein project set in India and the UK, has been named a joint winner of Entertainment Partners, is set to co- marks the acting debut of Punjabi the prestigious George Polya Prize produce “The Black Prince,” a film singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj. for finding proof of a riddle that based on the tragic real-life story of Sartaaj plays Maharaja Duleep had eluded mathematicians for Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last king Singh, the last Sikh Maharaja and more than half a century. of north Indian state Punjab, India son of the powerful ruler Ranjit Srivastava of Microsoft Re- West reported. Singh — who was given the throne search India and Adam W. Marcus Written and directed by Los Ange- at the age of five, after the death of and Daniel A. Spielman from Yale les-based actor-filmmaker Kavi Raz, his father. University will be presented the who helmed 2006 9/11 drama “The After Punjab was annexed to 2014 George Pólya Prize at the Gold Bracelet,” the movie will have British India in 1849, the young ruler July 7-11annual meeting of the an international cast and crew and is was removed from the throne and Society for Industrial and Applied scheduled to go on floors late Sep- sent to England. He attempted to re- Mathematics (SIAM), in Chicago. tember. turn to India and reclaim the throne The trio had announced the (L to R) Srivastava, Marcus, and Spielman soon after The film has a budget of around $5 but was stopped by the British. Singh proof of what is known as the completing the proof of the Kadison-Singer Problem. million and is out to potential pro- died as a pauper alone in a Paris ho- Kadison-Singer conjecture, first ducing partners in India. “The Black tel in 1893. proposed by Richard Kadison and man, and Srivastava proved an im- but for Srivastava, the true reward Isadore Singer in 1959, pertaining portant conjecture, which has con- for his research is in extending its to the mathematical foundations of sequences in various areas of relevance, "My focus is mainly to Techpreneur Priya Haji passes away at 44 quantum mechanics about a year mathematics, but their elegant better understand the techniques ago. methods promise to be applicable that went into this proof," he said. New York: Priya Haji, a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur known for The Pólya Prize named after a to a broad range of other prob- "I suspect it is an instance of much her focus on socially-minded ventures in both the for-profit and non- Hungarian mathematician credited lems, as well," the citation contin- more general phenomena, rather profit spaces, most recently as CEO and co-founder of personal finan- with fundamental advances in ued. In a post written by Srivasta- than a one-off." cial savings app SaveUp, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes combinatorics, numerical analy- va on the Windows on Theory The Kadison-Singer problem on July 14th at the age of 44, the TechCrunch reported. sis, number theory, and probabili- blog shortly after the conjecture asks, at its core, if unique informa- Prior to founding SaveUp, Haji co-founded and led World of Good, ty theory, is presented by SIAM was proved, he emphasized the tion can be extrapolated from a a marketplace for fair trade and sustainable goods made by female every two years. discrepancy-theoretic nature of the scenario in which not all features artisans from developing countries. World of Good was acquired by Citing an email received by Sri- new result and explained its appli- can be observed or measured, ac- eBay in February 2010. Haji founded her first social venture, a free vastava, Inside Microsoft Re- cation for partitioning graphs into cording to Yale News. health clinic in her hometown of Bryan, Texas, while she was still in search blog said the selection expanders. The idea is particularly relevant high school, according to a 2011 profile published in Forbes. Haji committee wanted to recognize "It is definitely inspiring and to abstract fields, including quan- earned a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UC him and his colleagues "for the so- motivating to be put on a list with tum physics, operator theory, com- Berkeley. lution to the Kadison-Singer prob- so many great mathematicians," plex analysis, graph theory, signal Chicago-based entrepreneur Cheryl Dahle has established a crowd- lem." Srivastava was quoted as saying. processing, and finite-dimensional funding campaign on Fundly to help support Haji’s young children, a "Not only have Marcus, Spiel- Winning awards is rewarding, geometry, it said. 11-month-old daughter and 2-year-old son. ‘Keeping Up With the Guptas’ Congressman Bera for dialogue creator Tripathy inks deal with India on nuclear issues Washington, DC: Ami Bera, the lone In- dian-American member of US House of with 20th Century Fox Representatives, has called for an open di- alogue with India on issues like liability New York: UCLA alumnus Sunny Tripathy concerns to open Indian energy market to entered a general meeting at 20th Century US companies. Fox hoping to work as a staffer for one of "As we move forward, it's important to the network’s television shows. He walked continue to have an open dialogue with the out of the meeting with his own TV devel- Indian Government about issues like liabil- opment deal, according to dailybruin.com. ity concerns so we can tackle India's ener- Tripathy and 20th Century Fox agreed that gy needs and open their energy market to he would produce a comedy series based on US companies," he said Thursday. his personal and family experiences. Al- "That will benefit both our countries' though the show’s title and details concern- economies," he said participating in a ing its premise are still confidential, Tripa- House Committee on Foreign Affairs hear- thy is already working on the pilot script. ing on international civilian nuclear coop- The show’s success depends on whether a eration. network buys the series. India's tough liability law has stalled op- Tripathy, who graduated from UCLA in erationalization of the landmark 2008 In- Congressman Ami Bera 2012, has written and directed three short dia-US civilian nuclear agreement with US films for which he received numerous companies fearing the law disproportion- counter challenges, we maintain open awards. He won the award for best drama ately burdens suppliers of nuclear equip- channels of communication to find solu- tions that benefit both our great nations," he and the People’s Choice Award at UCLA’s Sunny Tripathy ment in case of an accident. Campus MovieFest in 2011 for “Naked In- "With a new government in India, we said. Bera also expressed happiness with nocence,” a film about a young Indian boy and its everyday problems. Although this se- have an opportunity to work together to "India's significant step in ratifying an In- who struggles with school bullies and un- ries and his upcoming show share the same continue our partnership and strengthen our ternational Atomic Energy Agency agree- forgiving parents. In addition, he wrote and inspiration, Tripathy said the 20th Century economic relationship," Bera said. ment that will open its civilian nuclear pro- directed “Keeping Up With the Guptas,” a Fox show will experiment with new charac- "We should make sure that as we en- gram to unannounced spot inspections." comedic web series about an Indian family ters and stories. TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS July 19-25, 2014 9 ‘Six Californias’ plan may House GOP going ahead with make 2016 ballot plan to sue Obama

San Francisco: A plan backed by venture Washington: House Republicans are push- capitalist Tim Draper to split California into ing ahead with a plan to sue President Oba- six states has gained enough signatures to ma, accusing him of trying to sidestep Con- make the November 2016 ballot, the plan's gress and make his own laws. backers say. But the president is also using the suit, A Twitter account belonging to the non- which is considered a long shot in legal terms, profit Six Californias tweeted on Monday to score political points. that "#SixCalifornias will be submitting sig- House Speaker John Boehner says the law- natures in Sacramento tomorrow for place- suit will focus on the administration's deci- ment on the November 2016 ballot. Stay sion to postpone the requirement in the Af- tuned for coverage!" fordable Care Act that large employers pro- Roger Salazar, a spokesman for the cam- vide health insurance for their workers. paign, said it's gathered more than the But the White House describes the suit as a 808,000 signatures needed to place the meas- "taxpayer-funded political stunt," and the ure on the ballot, Reuters reported. president used it as a convenient punch line Draper is a founding member of the venture  this week during a boisterous campaign-style capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetsen, known North California: The wine country counties of Sonoma and Napa, as well as the rally in Austin, Texas. for its investments in successful growth ven- There he told a friendly crowd that Repub- Sierra Nevada region. House Speaker John Boehner said last tures such as Hotmail, Baidu, Tesla Motors licans are upset with him just for doing his Silicon Valley: Including San Francisco, week that the GOP-controlled House and Skype. Recently, Draper won the federal job. government's auction of bitcoins once owned San Jose and most of what's considered the will file a lawsuit accusing President San Francisco Bay Area. "I've got a better idea: Do something," Oba- Obama of failing to carry out laws like by online drugs portal Silk Road. He's cham- ma said. "If you're mad at me for helping peo- pioned the political break-up of the state for Central California: The vast central val- on healthcare passed by Congress . ley farm region, including Tulare and Fresno ple on my own, let's team up. Let's pass some over a year, but it's taken until recently for the to meet to consider greenlighting the lawsuit. counties. bills." plan to gain some momentum. Obama complains that Republican law- "This isn't about me suing the president. It's West California: Including Santa Barbara Draper and other supporters of the break-up not about Republicans versus Democrats," and Los Angeles. makers, especially in the House, have argue that the state's 38 million people would blocked action that many Americans support, Boehner said. "This is about the legislative South California: Including what's called be better served by smaller governments and branch being disadvantaged by the executive the Inland Empire of San Bernadino and such as immigration reform and a higher min- elected officials who would be able to work branch." Riverside, plus San Diego. imum wage. more closely with their constituents. Obama suggests the complaints are driven The plan has met with resistance from Cal- In the face of congressional stalemates, The six carved out states would look like by party politics, and that while he'll often ifornia's Democratic majority, and a Field Obama says he'll continue to exercise his ex- this: highlight executive orders to show he's not Poll found 59% of Californians surveyed ecutive powers whenever possible. But Jefferson: The northern part of the state, hamstrung by Congress, he's actually issued were against the plan, according to the San Boehner says that in doing so, the president including Humboldt and Mendocino coun- fewer than any president since Grover Cleve- Francisco Chronicle. has overstepped his authority, which is why ties. the Republican-led Rules Committee will is land.

Mayor Bill de Blasio The right way to be tough and smart on crime last By Attorney General Thursday Eric T. Schneiderman signed into OPINION law a plan to offer n the last three years, crime has time database to see if a patient has municipal decreased across the board in one prescription for pain pills – or IDs to all INew York. Murder and burgla- 20. By flagging addicts who are residents. ry are down by double digits. At the doctor-shopping to get their pain same time, the state’s prison popula- pills before they make the move to tion has declined 4%. That is in cheaper, more dangerous drugs like large part thanks to our shared ef- heroin, we are severing a key link in Initiative has pressured some major NYC to provide ID card for all, forts to tackle crime in a way that is the chain of addiction and steering smartphone makers into installing both tough and smart. While some addicted patients into treatment. kill switches. And it is working. Pre- folks are still pushing to bring back Being tough and smart on crime liminary statistics suggest crimes including the undocumented the draconian drug laws from a by- means partnering with responsible targeting products with theft-deter- New York: New York City will offer to visit their child's school or sign a gone era – policies that flooded our gun owners and our local colleagues rent features fell, even as crimes tar- a municipal identity card for all resi- lease. This legislation will begin to prisons but did nothing to make our in law enforcement to keep danger- geting smartphones from manufac- dents, including illegal immigrants, provide New Yorkers with the digni- streets safer – we have chosen a path ous weapons out of our communi- turers that refused to install those amid a federal-level deadlock over ty and peace of mind they deserve," that actually works. ties. That is why I have worked with features rose. No approach to crime immigration reforms that seeks to Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Those of us in law enforcement police departments across the state – no matter how tough or smart – provide citizenship to some 11 mil- The card would ensure access to cannot and will not tolerate violent to host gun buybacks. Together, we can work if we don’t protect the lion undocumented people, including city services and grant admission to predators or gangs that flood our have taken more than 800 guns off people protecting us. When I Indians. all municipal buildings to all city's streets with illegal drugs. That is the streets. That is also why I part- learned that Congress had gutted a The ID card will be issued to all residents, including the undocument- why my office’s Organized Crime nered with gun show operators to federal program to help local police residents of the five NYC boroughs, ed residents. The city is also aiming Task Force has worked with police develop an innovative set of proce- departments buy bulletproof vests regardless of their immigration sta- to have the card recognized by departments across the state to break dures that guarantee a background for their officers, I created the in- tus. The city administration would banks, as well as connecting the ID up some of the largest gangs and check is performed for every VEST Partnership. This $3.5 mil- immediately initiate implementation with stores, restaurants, cultural in- drug trafficking rings in New York. firearm sold at a gun show in New lion program uses funds seized from of the program, with the goal of stitutions and other incentive pro- Since 2011, we have taken down 17 York. criminals to help police departments launching the new ID card in January grams. The applicants will have to of the largest drug rings, busting at We figured out that this epidemic buy body armor for their officers. 2015. furnish proof of their identity and least 345 dealers. of smart phone thefts would end if The card would be issued at no their residency in New York, which I partnered with leaders in the we could force the industry to install A shorter version of cost for applicants during the pro- currently has 8.4 million residents. public health and law enforcement kill switches into every smart phone New York Attorney gram's first year. The city would protect the confiden- communities to pass the Internet so they can be shut off the way you General Eric T. "We cannot accept a city where tiality of all municipal ID card appli- System for Tracking Overprescrib- cancel your credit card. Initially, the Schneiderman’s op- some of our residents are forced to cations, and would not ask applicants ing -- I-STOP -- which requires doc- industry resisted. But in just one ed first published in live fearfully in the shadows, unable about their immigration status. tors and pharmacists to check a real- year, the Secure Our Smartphones Huffington Post. 10 July 19-25, 2014 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info Come together to generate prosperity, meet challenges: Modi Brasilia/New Delhi: Prime Minister "I am pleased, that India has deputed Narendra Modi called upon South American experts, to countries in the South American countries to come together "to seek faster region in the fields of agriculture, horticul- growth and newer avenues of generating ture, disaster management, communications prosperity, find solutions to the challenge of and law. We are also working together in poverty and preserve our environment, and renewable energy," he said. use our resources well". Modi also offered to expand cooperation in He was addressing a group of South areas like tele-medicine, tele-education and American leaders in Brazil's capital to foster e-governance. "We extend our space capabil- cooperation between the two regions. ities for weather forecasting, resource map- Assuring that India seeks to "work more ping and disaster management," he said. closely with South America than ever before. Citing popularity in India of authors and At the bilateral level, as a BRICS member, in poets from South America like Octavio Paz, the G-77, as well as other international Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Pablo Neruda, forums", the prime minister said that dis- he said that both India and South America tance is not a barrier to opportunities. share a deep bond. "I firmly believe, the possibilities of coop- "Similarly, our national poet, Rabindranath eration are limited not by distance but only Prime Minister Narendra Modi with South American Leaders during BRICS. Tagore, is widely loved here. South America by our imagination and efforts. We have is also home to a large number of Indians, much to learn from each other, in our jour- the range of opportunities is enormous," have been taking courses in India every year many of whom came centuries ago. ney towards inclusive and sustainable devel- Modi said. under our International Technical and Generations later, they remain a strong opment. We must share with each other, our "We must utilize, the Preferential Trade Economic Cooperation programme. I how- bridge of friendship, between our nations," experiences, best practices and innovative Agreement between India and the MERCO- ever believe, that this is not enough. We the prime minister said. solutions. India stands committed to the SUR Trade Block, and Chile, more effective- intend to substantially increase the same," he South America is emerging as a contributor same." ly. We also attach importance, to the South added. to India's energy and food security. The He said that there is a growing presence of American and Caribbean Business Conclave The prime minister said that India will countries of region have been supplying over Indian investors in South America. But held every year in India. A similar invest- establish Centres of Excellence in two billion dollars worth of minerals every pointed out that it is still well below poten- ment conclave is being organised in October Information Technology in South American year to India. Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and tial. "From hydrocarbons to pharma, textiles in India. countries to share its expertise in information Colombia have been supplying crude oil. to leather, engineering goods to automobiles; "Almost 250 students from South America technology. US seeks strong partnership Is Haryana headed for early elections? Chandigarh: With political activi- with Modi government ty in Haryana reaching a feverish pitch, there are indications that Washington: Highlighting assembly elections in the state are the critical role that a strong round the corner. India will play in shaping the Political parties and leaders seem Asian landscape, the US to be in an overdrive these days to hopes to have a "strong and complete things well in time before collaborative partnership" the Election Commission with the new Modi govern- announces the election dates. ment. The term of the 90-member "Successive administra- assembly gets over Oct 27. tions have made the strategic Balloting has to be held before bet that a rising India is in that. However, with most of the US interest," US point October enveloped by the festival person for South Asia Nisha season, there are indications that The BJP is, for the first time, hopeful of winning the Desai Biswal told a Senate the poll panel might opt for polling US Secretary of State John Kerry will state elections on its own. panel in a hearing on in September. meet Minister of External Affairs "Indispensable Partners: walked out over the manner the bill parliamentary polls. It won just one Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi Senior police officers say the was rushed through. of the 10 seats. In 2009, it had won Reenergizing US-India later this month Election Commission has been told Ties." The "unprecedented that it would be difficult to spare The assent of Haryana Governor nine seats. mandate" received by Prime In all these areas that "We think police personnel for election duty Jagannath Pahadia was obtained to The BJP, which won seven of the Minister Narendra Modi and the the United States, including our in October. make it into an act. Pahadia is at 10 Lok Sabha seats and led in over Bharatiya Janata Party in India's businesses and universities, can But the Election Commission the fag end of his term which ends 60 assembly constituencies, wants "historic election", had "also creat- play an important role in helping may decide the election dates this month. Despite the SGPC and to go it alone in the assembly elec- ed a historic opportunity to re- address the challenges India faces based on when it plans assembly the Shiromani Akali Dal urging tions. Its alliance with the Haryana energise our relationship," she and creating opportunities that polls in states like Maharashtra, him to seek legal opinion over the Janhit Congress (HJC) led by for- said. Noting that Asia's "success benefit both countries," she said. Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. controversial issue, Pahadia gave mer MP Kuldeep Bishnoi, son of will depend on choices Asian Biswal said the US was "confi- The manner the Congress gov- his assent. former chief minister Bhajan Lal, nations and their partners make," dent we can work in a strong and ernment of Bhupinder Singh Chief Minister Hooda too is quite is nearing a breakup. Biswal said: "A strong India will collaborative partnership with the Hooda last week rushed through active these days with press confer- The BJP is, for the first time, play a critical role in the coming Modi government to grow our with a bill to hand over control of ences and rallies. Advertisements hopeful of winning the state elec- decades in shaping this Asian economic and strategic relations Sikh shrines in the state to a new being issued by his government in tions on its own. Till now, the BJP, landscape, and our partnership with India in a way that benefits body and take them out of the print and electronic media indicate which did not have a strong base in with India will play an increasing- both countries and both ambit of the Amritsar-based an urgency to take steps before the Haryana, used to play second fid- ly important role in that context." economies." Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak poll dates are announced and the dle to other parties. Biswal noted that the Modi gov- This year's US-India Strategic Committee (SGPC) betrayed a cer- model code of conduct comes into The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), ernment has identified infrastruc- Dialogue co-chaired by US tain urgency. force. which landed in Haryana with a lot ture, manufacturing, modernizing Secretary of State John Kerry and The bill was introduced in the Hooda, who has been chief min- of promise, has decided not to con- the military, energy security, Minister of External Affairs assembly on the very first day of ister since March 2005 (in two test the assembly elections after the attracting greater foreign invest- Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi later the monsoon session and passed terms), seems confident that the extremely poor faring of its candi- ment, and expanding access to this month will highlight how US- within three hours. The Indian Congress will return to power for a dates in the Lok Sabha battle. All skills training and education as its India ties promote shared prosper- National Lok Dal (INLD) and the third term. This is despite the fact its 10 candidates lost their security key priorities. ity in both countries, she said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the Congress was routed in the deposit. TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA July 19-25, 2014 11 Pak TV shows: Breaking down walls of mistrust, delusions

By Vikas Datta Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sheikh Rasheed, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Rehman Malik, ulk taksim huye, dil to abhi ek and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, but also of hai/Isi liye hamne khidkiyan kat Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi, Rahul Mrakhi hai deewaron mein (The Gandhi, Lalu Prasad, Bal Thackeray, nations were divided, but hearts are still Barack Obama, John Kerry, and Hamid one/That is why we've cut windows into the Karzai. walls (between us))", wrote an Urdu poet. The ensemble cast - Amanullah, Sakhawat Divided amid bloodshed, experiencing long (both till 2013), the Albelas - as well as spells of adverse relations punctuated by Agha Majid, Ruby Anum, Wajid Khan, as armed conflict, Indians and Pakistanis have well as co-hostesses like Zainab Jamil and however never lost their fascination for Sofia Mirza have done for a lot of others each other - despite the prevalent stereo- including Sushma Swaraj, Abdullah types. Dr Younis Butt's "Ham Sab Umeed Se Aftab Iqbal, Abdullah and even Gen. David Petraeus. The enthusiastic response to a bouquet of Hai"satirizes Pakistani politics. the host of 'Khabarnaak' Imagine seeing Indian politicians - even Pakistani shows on an Indian cable TV films, despite the huge variety already Punjabi landowner and the burlesque as caricatures - on Pakistani TV screens and channel is proof enough. available here. goings-on in his mansion one night. whether there is anything comparable here. It is also a major step to breaking down Leave alone singers like Noor Jehan, Many will also remember erupting in guf- It is no different with Dr Younis Butt's these walls, which were rendered quite Mehdi Hasan, Ghulam Ali, Farida Khanum faws at the madcap antics and mimicry of "Ham Sab Umeed Se Hai". The parody redundant by those with internet, but the and Alam Lohar who are well known in Umar Sharif in "Bakra Kishton Pe", with song segment frequently features an Indian importance of a symbolic measure cannot India, the folk songs of Musarrat Nazir have the splendid accompaniment of the incom- song - film or TV theme - to satirize be underestimated. Additionally, the wider been (and still are) staple fare at any parable Moin Akhtar whose impersonations Pakistani politics. Can you resist Hina Indian audience needed a powerful message Punjabi wedding ceremony, and the raw but of Indian and Pakistani actors are among Rabbani Khar singing "Sasural Genda that life across the border is not of a gloomy melodic rendition of Reshma's "Dama dam the finest ever done. Phool" for a drone-firing Hilary Clinton existence amidst terror outrages but a Mast Qalandar" is the benchmark version If you want to gauge how much Indian before the duo along with Zardari and vibrant society of people with aspirations for this qawwali, sung by anyone seeking to culture has permeated life across the border, Obama hold hands and dance around? and facing the same problems in lives and display credentials to perform "Sufi" music. see talk shows on current issues like Geo's Facilitating access to each other's TV, careers as us. Then there is an entire generation of peo- "Khabarnaak" and "Hum Sab Umeed Se films, newspaper, magazines and books will The long, shared culture has always been ple of the 1980s who will remember queu- Hai.” not only be the biggest people-to-people a unifying element. ing up at video rental stores to get the latest Hosted by Aftab Iqbal, "Khabarnaak" has contact that the governments of India and Not only Bollywood films, there is a craze installments of the popular "Dhoop Kinare" not spared anyone. The gifted Ali Mir has Pakistan can accomplish - something that for Indian TV shows - soap operas, sitcoms and "Ankahi" or even "Khwaja Sahab and essayed brilliant parodies complete with will allow us to see each other as we really and game shows - in Pakistan and mutual Son" about a venerable patriarch and his uncanny voice resemblance, of not only are, rather than through a skewed ideologi- interest in India for Pakistani music, TV family of six daughters and a sole son, or of Shahbaz Sharif, Pervez Musharraf, Imran cal prism of the past decades. I hope we can shows, drama and even their over-the-top "Chor Machaye Shor" about a noveau riche Khan, Bilawal Bhutto, Asaf Ali Zardari, see this come about sooner than later.

SEP. 12 July 19-25, 2014 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info Cornered government condemns Vaidik-Hafiz meet

New Delhi: Facing opposition heat, Tuesday with Congress vice presi- Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary a cornered government denounced dent Rahul Gandhi calling Vaidik, a Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu yoga guru Ramdev aide Ved Pratap journalist, a "RSS man". said the government was ready for a Vaidik's meeting with Pakistani ter- Gandhi said his party was "curi- discussion. rorist Hafiz Saeed and sought a ous" to know if the Lahore meeting The Lok Sabha was adjourned report from the Indian High between Vaidik and Saeed was facil- twice over the issue. Similar scenes Commission in Islamabad. itated by the Indian mission in were witnessed in the Rajya Sabha. The government's disapproval of Pakistan. The opposition said the govern- the meeting with a man wanted in "The question is whether the ment's "silence" was "intriguing" India came as an unrelenting oppo- Indian embassy facilitated this and asked how the Indian mission in sition took on the Narendra Modi event... Whether they helped this Islamabad was not aware of it. government in both houses of par- gentleman (Vaidik) in any way," MPs wanted to know if any action liament, leading to repeated disrup- Gandhi told the media. would be taken against Vaidik. tions. He said it was a "known fact" that Leaders from the Congress, Left, For the second consecutive day, Vaidik was linked to the Rashtriya Janata Dal-United and Trinamool Vaidik claimed he met Saeed -- the Swayamsevak Sangh. Congress created a ruckus in the mastermind of the Mumbai terror But Vaidik insisted for a second upper house, forcing two adjourn- attack and one of three terrorists Yoga guru Ramdev aide Ved Pratap Vaidik met consecutive day that he met Saeed ments before noon. India freed in 1999 after an Indian terrorist Hafiz Saeed in early July as a journalist. When the house reconvened, Airlines planed was hijacked -- as a "I met him as a journalist. All Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi journalist. Alliance (NDA) government had cabinet colleagues tried to distance doors are open for me. I am not Azad said the government must The government only distanced nothing to do with the meeting and the government from the fallout of close to anyone or any party. I am issue a statement as Vaidik's conduct itself from the controversial meeting had "nothing to hide". the Vaidik-Saeed meet. known as the greatest opponent of raised concerns over national securi- saying it had nothing to do with it. It "We have sought a full report from "Categorically and unequivocally, the Congress." ty. s"If the intelligence agencies came out with a strong condemna- the Indian high commissioner in I would like to state that the govern- Terming Gandhi's stand as were not able to tell the government tion Tuesday evening. Pakistan. Once the report comes, we ment has nothing to do with Vaidik's "bogus", he added: "The Congress is that he (Vaidik) met a wanted man, External Affairs Minister Sushma will share it with the house." trip to Pakistan or his meeting with associating me with the government it is a matter of grave concern." Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha: "The Despite their majority, Bharatiya Hafiz Saeed there," she said. so that they can attack them through "Vaidik told Saeed that Kashmir government totally disapproves of Janata Party members and their "Neither before going to Pakistan me." should be separated from India," this meeting of Ved Pratap Vaidik... allies were mostly quiet in the Lok nor after reaching there did he As soon as the Lok Sabha met, Azad said. The government condemns this Sabha as the opposition MPs shout- inform us that he is meeting Saeed... Congress members shouted slogans Vaidik insisted that this was not meeting with the Mumbai terror ed slogans. The opposition was It was purely a private trip and a demanding an explanation from the true and it would be "foolishness" to attack accused." more vocal in the Rajya Sabha. personal meeting." government. think of Jammu and Kashmir's sepa- She said the National Democratic Earlier, Sushma Swaraj and her The opposition onslaught began Amid the din, Home Minister ration from India. Indian High Commission in Monsoon covers BJP may form Pak not aware: Govt entire country: government in Delhi Met department

New Delhi: India's monsoon has covered the entire country, the weather office said, two days behind the normal sched- ule in a year that is forecast to bring below average rains.

The revival of monsoon rains in the grain bowl of northwest Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed and central regions should help speed up sowing of main sum- BJP's Delhi state unit chief Satish Upadhyay (right) New Delhi: The Indian High "told some news channels that the Commission in Pakistan was not High Commission knew about the mer crops such as rice, corn, New Delhi: BJP's Delhi state the Bharatiya Janata Party, aware of journalist Ved Pratap meeting. We had then sought a soybean and cotton. unit chief Satish Upadhyay has which won 32 seats, including Vaidik's meeting with JuD chief report from the High met has met party leader Nitin one from its ally Shiromani Hafiz Saeed and there was no Commission." Poor rains since the start of Gadkari to discuss government Akali Dal, in the 70-member question of facilitating it, External Swaraj said she had made it the June-September season had formation in the national capi- Delhi assembly, being keen to Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj clear earlier too and "I am again raised concerns of a first tal, a source said. cobble a majority. said. saying with full responsibility that drought in five years. "We have received a report from the government had nothing to do "The two leaders had a meet- In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the Indian High Commission (in with either the visit of Vaidik (to Rains are vital to India's farm ing at Gadkari's house last three BJP MLAs were elected Pakistan). The High Commission Pakistan) or his meeting with (Wednesday) night. It was an to parliament leaving the party sector, which accounts for has categorically stated that they Saeed." hour-long meeting," the party strength in the now 67-member did not know about this meeting Her statement came after the about 14% of the country's source said. Delhi house reduced to 28. and, therefore, question does not Congress and RJD members nearly $2 trillion economy. arise about the High Commission trooped into the Well, with Two-thirds of its 1.2 billion "Upadhyay discussed with The source said the decision facilitating it," Swaraj said in the Congress leader Mallikarjun population live in rural areas. Gadkari the possibilities of on staking claim to forming the Lok Sabha. Kharge asking if the Ministers can forming a government in government in Delhi has been Making a brief statement after make a statement on the matter Last year, monsoon rains cov- Delhi," the source added. left to the central party leader- vociferous demands for it by outside Parliament or even in ered the country almost a month ship pending Prime Minister Opposition Congress and RJD, Rajya Sabha, "Why can't they do ahead of schedule, helping The meeting took place amid Narendra Modi's return from speculations in the media about the BRICS summit. she said she had heard that Vaidik it here (Lok Sabha)." grain output hit a record level. TheSouthAsianTimes.info OP-ED July 19-25, 2014 13 Modi, Obama and the potential new swing in India-US ties By Vibhuti Jha reservations about the US policy is directly related to the American penchant for sleeping he election of Narendra Modi and his with its enemies! Both India and the US are party, BJP, to lead India, for the next direct victims of the shenanigans of its so- Tfive years, has been a watershed called friend and India’s neighbor, Pakistan. moment in the Indian political scene in many People of India and the US have been targeted years. After a long time, one single party has victims and lost hundreds of lives and both been voted in with majority to overcome the have invested time and wasted resources in malaise and sufferings of “coalition politics” Pakistan to no avail or any tangible outcomes. the country had to endure for the past ten Pakistan is a political curse for India and an years of the Congress party led UPA. The peo- economic drain and loss of precious American ple of India are anxious to see India reach its lives on both the countries. We need to jointly full potential to become a true leader in the address that concern. If the US wants to world economy leading to higher employ- improve the bilateral economic ties taking it ment, bring good jobs and better livelihood from current $ 100 billion to a goal of $ 500 for all. The majority given to BJP leaves it billion, the US will have to look at the securi- with no excuse if it were to fail in that promise ty concerns of India with more seriousness made to the people of India. In a complex and The September meeting between Barack Obama and than it does today. If the US-India business complicated country like India, patience is has to reach that great target, the US will have running short and the electorate will be, as it Narendra Modi has epochal importance. In fairness to both to invest in creating an environment of peace must, very unforgiving, as the leaders of the leaders, they have already risen above the crisis of strained and being responsible to protect and defend its UPA government experienced in the recently own allies and investments. concluded national elections. ties and have shown exemplary maturity and fortitude to India faces an existential threat from the With the US as the leading economy, strug- marauding and barbaric hordes of Islamic ter- gling with massive debts and in need of new seize the moment. Rightly, Modi did not allow the personal rorism and so does the USA. Everyone knows markets, India and the US are keenly poised to that Pakistan is the training ground for major take advantage of the opportunity that exists insult, of denial of visa, to come in his way and Obama has terrorist acts where they all return to after today for both the countries. To let that oppor- invited him for a full discussion at the White House after the committing their murderous acts. The tunity go by will prove to be the undoing of American people are bewildered by the fact the promises made to the people of both coun- UN meet in New York, instead of meeting him on the that it almost appears as if we Americans fund tries. Pakistan to kill American lives. We the people President Obama called former PM “sidelines” of the UN General Assembly. of America need to know and ask of our lead- Manmohan Singh a "wise" and "decent" man. ers why Pakistan has such Anaconda like grip I am sure he will be very wisely selecting the the outcomes of the Modi-Obama summit economies. India needs US technology, manu- on the US. most appropriate words to define and describe with reference to specific actions put in place. facturing processes and defense cooperation Finally, for the Indian Prime Minister, this is Mr. Modi when the two meet in Washington, In fairness to both leaders, they have already to bolster its economy and security concerns. the golden opportunity to define himself and DC. India and the US have enjoyed a bitter- risen above the moment of crisis and have The US needs the Indian market and its poten- set the narrative to the western media and sweet romantic relationship with lots of prom- shown exemplary attitude, maturity and forti- tial to create a sustainable economic future for news barons! So far, he has had to suffer the ises and also suffered a relationship mired tude to seize the moment. Modi did not allow itself. While Modi won the elections on the indignity of being defined by the self-appoint- with exuberance and disappointments. Both the personal insult, of denial of visa, to come promise of “Growth and Governance” as his ed and self-anointed “India experts” to the the countries share an equal amount of frustra- in his way to visit US and Obama overcame clarion call to the people of India, Obama is extent that one prominent, award winning tion, unhappiness, hope and possibility and this moment to invite Modi for a full discus- working overtime to remove income inequali- Indian journalist called him a man with “a are now poised to transcend the relationship to sion at the White House after the UN meet in ty and improve social justice to his people. dark side of Hindu nationalism”, as if a “white a deservingly high levels. New York, instead of Both the leaders are or fair side of Hindu nationalism” would have Despite massive possibilities, the potential meeting him on the tweaking the capitalist been acceptable as a lesser evil! The narrative has never reached expected levels. Therefore, “sidelines” of the UN process in their own of India and Indians has to be restated as the it may perhaps be useful to examine the General Assembly. For way. India is heading world’s IT hub, educated manpower, eager potential and possibilities, and also what is both, the national self- towards encouraging a and anxious to grow, accepting diversity as missing, to take this association and relation- interest is the guiding true free enterprise way of life, willing to adapt and accommodate ship to a trusting and sustainable levels. Both principle to get to economy for better all faiths and religions. Modi must tell the leaders owe this to their people, who elected know each other to growth, higher world, who doubt India’s credibility as a secu- them in the first place and who they are sup- further an actionable incomes, new employ- lar nation, that India had, in the last ten years, posed to protect and defend at all times as relationship. While the ment opportunities for a Sikh as the Prime Minister, a Muslim and a their primary responsibility. It is equally mandarins of Indian the youth of India and woman occupied the office of the President of important to note that despite differences at Foreign Service and unfettered opportunity, the country and the then ruling party (now the the Government and official levels, at the peo- various economic min- Both countries need each while the US is largest opposition party) had/has the Roman ple to people levels both countries have enor- istries, on the one other for revival of the two attempting to provide catholic Italian woman as its leader. No coun- mous respect for each other. Both India and hand, and the US State its people more social try in the world can claim or boast of accept- the US are champions of diversity and are Department and busi- economies. India needs US justice. There is so ance of such diversity and the opportunities home to virtually all faiths and religions of the ness interests, on the technology, manufacturing much to learn and everyone enjoys in India. The world needs to world. Both are authentic melting pots! other, will be working share with each other know and learn from the Indian way of life, I was once asked in a PBS TV program con- overtime to fashion a processes and defense and get over the avoid- despite all its inadequacies as we know about. versation as to what India could teach the US. good PR spectacle, cooperation. The US needs able mistakes in the India is ready for the enhanced role in global I said there is hardly anything for India to both the leaders will be process. affairs, be it economic and politics or both and teach but there is a lot to share and learn from well advised to get to the Indian market and its Secondly, the United she must claim it. each other. India and the US are world’s two know each other better potential to create a sus- States must recognize This meeting between the US President, premier democracies, in size, tradition and than just serving verbal and acknowledge the Barack Obama, and the Indian Prime Minister, demography with truly diverse populations platitudes. tainable economic future fact that India and Narendra Modi, has epochal significance for and both are a genuine melting pot and cham- In the light of the for itself. Secondly, the Indians are perhaps the both the countries and the time to embrace pion of diversity. Both the countries have an above, let us take a closest friends it can change has arrived. They cannot allow or enormous opportunity to build on these ele- look at only a few United States must recog- have. This is true blame an angry duck across the street from ments and must try to fill in the gaps in dis- aspects of the opportu- nize and acknowledge the despite the American taking the big step forward. agreements with all sincerity! Mere word play nity that merits a seri- frustration and gripe and offering praise for each other’s history, ous consideration. fact that India and Indians about India’s flawed New York based Vibhuti Jha is President, traditions and possibilities will no longer be One, both countries are perhaps the closest and pompous non- Human Potential Project. Prior to joining sufficient to mollify the feelings. People of need each other for alignment policy. HP2, he was a senior officer with American India will be keenly watching and observing revival of the two friends it can have. Indian concern and Express Bank International.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times. 14 July 19-25, 2014 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info The federal budget and India's future

By Amit Kapoor addition to lifting the cap on FDI as well as as providing relief (in tax terms) to Real he past few days have been particular- Estate Investment trusts (REITs) which ly historic when talking about the shows some definite steps taken to fuel Timpact they can have on India's trajec- investment. Apart from this, increasing the tory of growth and economic development. It PPF (Public Provident Fund) limit, as well as is because the maiden budget from India’s the investment limit under Income Tax Act to new finance minister was announced on the Rs.1.5 lakh from Rs.1 lakh, will do their bit July 10. It was a test of economic manage- to encourage domestic savings and invest- ment on the part of the Narendra Modi gov- ment. ernment. There were a lot of expectations from the budget from all sections of society, Common Man and the Business be it business, agriculture or even the com- mon man. Community This was the budget document that One of the biggest achievements of the appeared to have provided for a strong eco- budget has been in its ability to provide relief nomic vision. In a much anticipated move, and direction to both ordinary people and the FDI limits in defence manufacturing and businesses. Be it increasing the tax exemp- insurance were moved up to 49 percent from tion limit very minutely from Rs.2 lakh to the 26 percent cap, which shows a firm intent Rs.2.5 lakhs in the case of individual taxpay- ers or addressing the issue of retrospective on the part of the government to reform the In a much anticipated move, the FDI limits in defence manufacturing and insur- taxation (to be undertaken in fresh cases only economy. ance were moved up to 49 percent from the 26 percent cap, which shows a firm by constitution of a committee by CBDT intent on the part of the government to reform the economy. (Central Board of Direct Taxes) in case any Populism and the Economy budget according to us has tried to marry the though continuing the previous government’s action is initiated in such matters). Also, Over the past few years, the country has two. The budget has not substantially cut schemes goes to show the maturity of the there is a focus on entrepreneurship and experienced growth in expenditure which has down on the previous schemes but has recali- present government in dealing with the issues focusing on a stable tax policy as well as eas- not been able to keep pace with the growth in brated them in a manner, which could benefit that matter to the people. In our view, there ing the conditions for doing business both for revenue, leading to a fiscal deficit which is the country. Some schemes on infrastructure was clearly a distinct rightward shift as is big corporations and small and medium sec- above the 3 percent limit prescribed by the - especially investment of Rs. 37,880 crore in seen from the likes of scheme on entrepre- tor enterprises. FRBM act of 2003. It had led the finance the NHAI and state roads will have a multi- neurship for which the finance minister has What will separate this budget is not the minister to indicate in a speech to chartered plier effect on the economy. Also, several set aside Rs.10,000 crore as well as the step content or form of it, but the way in which it accountants just days before the budget new schemes have been introduced, notably to increase the FDI limits. gets implemented. We feel the revenue tar- where he mentioned about the priority for fis- among them being 100 smart cities, National gets will be a difficult to meet. But all in all it cal constraint over mindless populism. It was Level Skill Programme (Skill India) and Investment and Savings is a visionary budget. In our, opinion the because, according to him, mindless pop- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Investments in India have taken a hit due to finance minister has been criticized for the 29 ulism did not help the UPA win the general which will help address urbanization, a decline in the overall business environment. schemes that were of Rs.100 crore each, it is elections. Generally speaking, there is an employment and agriculture. The finance minister has done his bit by the the best way really to put in the money. If “either/or” between populism and the econo- The focus for the budget was clearly on the asking the PSUs to invest Rs.247,941 to cre- massive allocations are done upfront the my. However, the finance minister, in his economic aspects rather that pure populism, ate a virtuous cycle of investment. It is in impact of failure is catastrophic. Amit Shah as BJP chief: Modi sidestepping RSS?

By Amulya Ganguli years later, the RSS had to few of his hand-picked men. appoint Rajnath Singh again as At a time when a generational president in view of the allega- shift is taking place in the BJP, hen L.K. Advani was tions of sleaze against Gadkari. and Modi has emerged on top dragged kicking and Now, it is clear that the RSS had despite the reservations of several Wscreaming from the little or no say in Shah's appoint- senior party members, it is obvi- post of Bharatiya Janata Party ment. To stretch a point, it can ous that Modi will be wary of (BJP) president in 2005 under also be said that neither did the having someone with whom he is orders from the Rashtriya BJP, notwithstanding the party's not totally familiar to hold a key Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a formal association with the selec- organizational position. diplomatic cable from the US tion, since it has been clear ever While this much is in line with embassy in Delhi to Washington since Shah was credited with Modi's penchant for running a stated that the event "demonstrat- party's excellent showing in Uttar one-man show, whether in ed the power of the RSS ... and Pradesh in the parliamentary Gujarat earlier and now at the will likely increase the party's elections that he will be anointed national level, what is of interest (the BJP's) political decline". for the post with Modi's bless- is how the RSS will react to its According to Wikileaks, the ings. marginalization by a former cable also noted that Advani was As Shah is known to be the 'pracharak' (preacher), who has "shocked" by the failure of the prime minister's Man Friday now risen beyond all expecta- "second tier" of the BJP leader- because of the long association tions not only to be the lord and Narendra Modi is seemingly following his own line, which is guid- ship comprising, among others between the two through the master of the BJP, but is probably ed by his economic vision, which promises improved conditions Murli Manohar Joshi and Sushma for all Indians, Hindus and Muslims alike. thick and thin of Gujarat's turbu- on his way to be the predominant Swaraj, to come to his aid. While lent politics, the belief had gained figure in the Sangh Parivar, as the leaving the president's post, changed the impression by mak- again), cannot but cause a flutter ground that Modi would trust no Hindu nationalists groups are Advani called for changing the ing the party choose its own man, among the Nagpur patriarchs one but him in the key position of known, as well. "impression that has gained Amit Shah, for the president's who had become used to select- party chief. Modi is seemingly following ground that no political or organi- post without the concurrence of ing the BJP president in recent It isn't only the political and his own line, which is guided by zational decision can be taken (by the RSS. years. organizational closeness of the his economic vision, which the BJP) without the consent of The latest turn of events, which After choosing Rajnath Singh two which is behind Shah's ele- promises improved conditions for the RSS functionaries". appears to have ended the "con- to replace Advani, they asked vation. It is also undeniable that all Indians, Hindus and Muslims Nearly a decade later, Narendra tinued dominance" of the RSS Nitin Gadkari to take Rajnath Modi's insular nature makes him alike. The RSS cannot be too Modi can be said to have over the BJP (to quote Wikileaks Singh's place in 2009. But four work in close concert with only a pleased.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times. TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPIRITUALITY July 19-25, 2014 15

Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami graced the International Guru Poornima 2014 celebration on July 12 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the first time it was held outside India. Addressed affectionately as Gurudev by his followers, he has invoked all chakras of his kundalini and has acquired siddhis through four decades of sadhna. After giving a powerful and inspiring discourse, the Perfected Master (Satguru) personally blessed over 3,000 people from the US and 14 other countries who attended the celebration suffused with devotional music and dance.

Event report and more pictures on pages 16-17-18.

Sri Guruvanand Swami mesmerized the audience at the magnificent NJPAC auditorium with his stirring speech and powerful personality. (Photo: Mukesh Kashiwala). A group of devotees danced as Radhas for Gurudev. ©Diana De Rosa Photography

The seekers in the packed hall waving lamps in fullness of devotion for Gurudev. (Photo: Mukesh Lighting the traditional lamp at the start of the Guru Poornima Kashiwala). program. (Photo: Mukesh Kashiwala). 16 July 19-25, 2014 SPIRITUALITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami waving to the audience grateful for showers of spiritual Gurudev is joined on the stage by Jain Acharya Chandana ji & blessing. (Photo: Mukesh Kashiwala). Sadhvi Sanghmitra. Photos: ©Diana De Rosa Photography

By Parveen Chopra all seven chakras of his Kundalini and achieved all siddhis. He is also a renowned Newark, NJ: It was a magical night of scholar of Hinduism and Jainism with a bhakti, anand, spirituality and celebration. deep understanding of other religions. His Over 3,000 people from all walks of life simple message to people is to lead morally from the US and 14 other countries includ- uplifting and spiritually rich lives while ful- ing India availed the once-in-a-lifetime filling worldly duties. opportunity to get personally blessed by The song and dance during the Guru Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami at the Poornima program was all for Guru and International Guru Poornima 2014 celebra- God. Guru Rachna Sarang, who has her own tion on July 12 at the New Jersey Academy of Performing Arts, mesmerized Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) here. the audience with a Ganesh Vandana. Her Melodious bhajans and devotional dance students’ enactment of Hanuman Chalisa in sequences built up the mood for the power- Kathak style was superb. The grand finale ful, inspirational discourse by Sri was a Guru Stuti especially composed and Guruvanand Swami, lovingly addressed as dedicated to Gurudev. ‘Gurudev’ by his devotees. Gurudev not Apra Bhandari emceed the evening. only wears a Swami Vivekananda style Ashok Sancheti, US coordinator, thanked headgear, his forceful oratorical style is also the dancers, choreographers and others who reminiscent of the first Hindu guru to arrive contributed to make the event an unalloyed on these shores. success. Sampat Poddar, International In his discourse which appealed to the President, gave the welcome address. Gurudev personally blessed each of the 3,000 attendees. heart and met with repeated applause, Prabha Bhandari, who led the team of vol- Gurudev promised to help pull his devotees unteers, was recognized for her tremendous out of adversity and to cut their bonds of contribution to the organization and in hold- karma with his spiritual powers and siddhis ing this event. gained after decades of sadhana. “I have The core operational committee responsi- come to awaken you into spirituality lest ble for all major activities included: Prabha your life goes waste,” he thundered. He Bhandari, Rakesh Bhargava, Chandra asked of people not big sacrifices but start- Bhansali, Ashok Sancheti, Sampat Poddar, ing with small vows like not losing one’s Braj Sinha, Kumar Pal Shah, Sharada temper for 24 hours. In times of crisis, he Bhansali, Satyanarayan Yadav, Ashima recommended the most efficacious prayer: Jain, Rajendra Kankariya, Raj Bhayani, “Lift your hands heavenwards in surrender Rahul Gupta, Mahesh Naik, Ajay Thakor, and say, ‘Oh Lord, please handle this.’ He Meenu Bhargava, Ujwala Shah and Shudh further said, “Just like parents try to give Jasuja. their maximum to their children, as your The organizers of the widely-publicized guru I too promise to give you my maxi- event held under the aegis of the World mum.” Spiritual Awareness Forum are pleased with Gurudev, who has traveled to 170 coun- the response. A small group of them con- tries and has hundreds of thousands of devo- tributed funds for the three day program that tees, pointed out that his one focus is on had no commercial trappings whatsoever. ensuring that Indian tradition and sanskars The plan is to follow up with a larger set-up are kept alive in the second generation to spread Gurudev’s message with a web- Gurudev blessed couples for a peaceful married life. Seen on stage are three NRIs. site, especially to engage the youths. couples closely associated with the Guru Poornima event – (from left) Sharada & Chandra Bhansali, Prabha & Arvind Bhandari, A disciple of revered Yogiraj Devraha Attendees one spoke to were thrilled to be and Nirmala & Ashok Sancheti. Baba, Sri Guruvanand Swami has invoked part of the Guru Poornima program that lit- TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPIRITUALITY July 19-25, 2014 17

A large group of organizers and supporters posing with Gurudev towards the culmination of the event. (Photos: ©Diana De Rosa Photography)

erally vibrated with spiritual ener- and mentors, spiritual or other- gy. Indeed, an event of this scale wise. This is the day when, his in the ambiance of a magnificent disciples say, Sri Guruvanand’s “I have come to auditorium like the NJPAC has divine power is at its peak and awaken you into never been seen in this part of the when his blessing ushers in peace world. and happiness in devotees’ lives. spirituality lest your On July 11 a Bhakti Sandhya Though Gurudev has been coming life goes waste,” with Gurudev was attended by to America since 2008, it was the over 1,000 people including from first time that he graced Guru Gurudev told the India, Hong Kong, Dubai and Poornima here, the first outside audience. His simple Europe. Several people who have India, and blessed a stream of contributed to the spread of seekers towards the end of the message to devotees Gurudev’s programs were recog- evening even as others enjoyed a nized that day. sumptuous, vegetarian meal. is to lead a morally Guru Poornima is the day for Website: www.gurupoorni- uplifting and paying reverence to one’s teachers ma2014.coms. spiritually fulfilling life. Ecstatic Experiences Sarala Bothra, chairperson of Shri Brahmrishi Ashram in Tirupati, India, who has organized Guru Poornimas in the past and has attended every Guru Poornima for the past ten years, reamrked, “This is the most grandeur in a Guru Poornima I have ever attended. It was so well organized that it set an exam- ple for organizing future Guru Poornimas.”

RANA President Dr Hadpawat said, “This has been an uplifting experience. The dance performances were exceptional. Gurudev’s discourse was very inspiring.”

Expressing his gratitude to Prabha Bhandari, who led the organ- izing committee, Madan Bhandari said, “I don't have words to express our heartfelt thanks to you and our Guru Pariwar for the blissful experience we all had on this Guru Poornima.”

President of the youth wing of Vishwa Dharma Chetna Munch, Mahendra Daphatari, said, “I have attended many Guru Poornimas, but this has been way above any. The event was not only magnificent, there were tremendous positive vibrations. Dances set a new standard for artistic excellence.”

The enactment of Hanuman Chalisa in dance was a unique effort.

Apra Bhandari ably emceed the evening. Gurudev enjoyed and applauded the dance performances, as did the audience. (Photo: Mukesh Kashiwala) 18 July 19-25, 2014 SPIRITUALITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

And getting honored for service to the guru’s cause

To mark Guru Poornima 2014, a memento book titled ‘The Divine Guru’ on Gurudev was released. On the left is the book's author, Prof Braj Sinha. (Photo: Mukesh Kashiwala).

Devotees like Abrahm Nassi made offerings during Guru pooja ceremony.

Kamlesh Mehta, Director-Business and Economic Development of Nassau County, presented a citation to Gurudev on behalf of the County Executive.

Sharada and Chandra Bhansali (left) are honored for their selfless service by Sampat Poddar, International President of World Spiritual Awareness Forum.

Rachna Sarang, who choreographed many dance items, is recognized by Ashok Sancheti, US coordinator. Prabha Bhandari, President of the women’s wing of the organization who led the team of volunteers, was recognized for her contribution to the organization and in holding the July 12 event. Photos ©Diana De Rosa Photography TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA July 19-25, 2014 19 British Indian MP Priti Patel Indian boy chosen 'Preacher appointed exchequer secretary of the Nation' in UAE London: Indian-origin British MP Priti Patel Dubai: An eight-year-old Mohammed Bin Rashid Al has been appointed exchequer secretary to Indian boy was adjudged the Maktoum Foundation. the Treasury department dealing with tax pol- "Preacher of the Nation" in Shabandri's father, icy in a major cabinet reshuffle announced by an Arabic religious sermon Faheem Ahmed, said the British Prime Minister David Cameron contest in the United Arab award provides children Tuesday. Emirates (UAE), a media with greater motivation to The Prime Minister's Office said Priti Patel, report said Wednesday. learn the Arabic language. 42, the Conservative Party MP for Witham in Ibrahim Shabandri, from "This is a very happy Essex, will now take charge as exchequer Bhatkal in the south Indian moment for our family. His secretary under Chancellor of the Exchequer state of Karnataka, surprised success is the result of a lot George Osborne. the largely Arabic-speaking of hard work and commit- Patel replaces Hertfordshire South West audience and judges with ment and we are proud of MP David Gauke in her new role. his oratory skills and sur- his achievement," the Ibrahim Shabandri The Indian-origin leader has called for passed 70 contestants to report quoted Ahmed as stronger trade links between Essex, an clinch the coveted title, saying. administrative county in Britain, and India. Khaleej Times reported. Ibrahim, a student of Quran memoriza- Patel had previously worked in the commu- The contest was held as part of the 13th tion, emerged on top among the final 12 nications industry, prior to the general elec- annual Ramadan Forum in Dubai World students who were selected in the areas of Trade Centre Monday. religious sermon and classical poetry tion in Britain in 2010. Priti Patel She was director of corporate communica- The forum was hosted by Dubai's recitation. The competition aimed to tions at Weber Shandwick, a public relations from the University of Essex. Department of Tourism and Commerce attract promising talents in the field of firm. She also chairs the All Party Parliamentary Marketing (DTCM), under the patronage religious sermon and poetry recitation The Witham MP studied economics at Small Shops Group and is an active member of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin among boys within the ages of six and 11 Keele University and did her postgraduation of the Free Enterprise Group. Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the years. Indo-Canadian Indian film producer and charged with severely family found dead in Dubai Dubai: The decomposed bodies of a south assaulting wife Indian film producer, his wife and daughter Toronto: An Indo-Canadian man is have been found in mysterious circumstances facing charges of aggravated assault in their flat in Dubai. on his wife in Canada, media report- The deceased identified as Santhosh Kumar, ed. who hails from Kerala owns a film production Baldev Singh Kalsi, 66, president company Souparnika Films and was a co-pro- of the Brookside Sikh Gurudwara in ducer of the hit Malayalam movie 'Madambi', Surrey city in western Canada's the Khaleej Times reported. British Columbia province, was Family sources said the bodies of Kumar, his arrested after his wife was found in wife Manju and daughter Gouri bore multiple severe medical distress at their stab injuries. home Sunday, the Global News The Dubai Police could not be reached for reported Monday. comments. Subsequently, Kalsi has been It is also learnt that the case is being treated charged with one count of aggravat- as a suicide pact involving the couple and their ed assault for incurring life threaten- The Center of Indian Culture and daughter. Some of the acquaintances suspected ing injuries to his wife. Tourism was inaugurated by that Kumar had resorted to the extreme step The woman is currently fighting Ambassador P. S. Raghavan on July due to huge financial liabilities. However, the for her life and is on life support, 10, 2014 in Moscow. The program exact reason for the gruesome incident is yet to authorities said. of the evening included excursion be ascertained, the daily reported. Police received a call Sunday that through the Cultural Center, visit to Police broke open the door of the flat after a a woman was in distress at a home the photo exhibition, dance class- cousin of Kumar complained that nobody could in South Surrey. es, as well as visit to the Museum of contact the family since Thursday. When they arrived to the scene, all-Russian Association of the Blind. "All three bodies were found inside the bed- they found the woman with life- Guests of the evening were able to enjoy a performance of an ICCR-spon- room. I heard there was no sign of a forced threatening injuries. sored Gujarati folk dance group “Saptak” led by Chetan Chandrakant entry into the flat," a family friend was quoted The victim was transported to Jethwa. The Center of Indian Culture and Tourism was created in order to as saying by the daily. Kumar, who also ran a hospital by a British Columbia Air bring together Indian and Russian tourist companies with the aim of pro- general trading company here, shifted to Dubai Ambulance. moting Indian culture and tourism. about five years ago. 20 July 19-25, 2014 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info Vaidik-Saeed meet causes ripples in India: Pak daily 20 militants killed in US Islamabad: Indian journalist Ved Pratap Vaidik's meeting with Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed has caused ripples in India, a Pakistani drone attack in Pakistan newspaper said. The meeting has "caused ripples Islamabad: At least 20 mili- including local and Uzbek in India" because of Vaidik's close association with the ruling tants were killed in a US insurgents, was going on in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the drone attack in Pakistan's the compound. Wednesday Daily Times said in an editorial. North Waziristan region. morning's attack is the fifth of "Opposition parties swamped Four missile strikes, coming its kind in the area this year. BJP with questions about how an from an unknown number of On July 10, a US drone Indian journalist could meet a man US unmanned aircraft, pound- killed at least six people in considered responsible for the ed a compound of suspected North Waziristan. Mumbai attack in 2008", the daily militants in Datta Khel area The Pakistan government said. The meeting took place located on the Pakistan- July 10 condemned the US between Vaidik and Jamaat-ud- The meeting took place between Ved Pratap Vaidik Afghanistan border, Xinhua drone strikes, saying these Dawa chief Hafeez Saeed July 2 in and Hafeez Saeed in Lahore. reported. The strikes levelled were counter-productive and Lahore. the targeted compound to the unacceptable as they violated Vaidik had visited Pakistan with interest. "Hafiz Saeed was shocked Vaidik has "defended his meeting ground with officials initially the country's sovereignty and a group of journalists and politi- at the reaction of the Indian politi- with Saeed by calling it a personal putting the toll at 15. territorial integrity. cians invited by a peace and cians to the meeting, which accord- matter and said that his only The toll later surged to 20 The attacks were also harm- research institute. ing to him revealed the true face of motive to meet Saeed was to when residents pulled five ing the military operation Indian External Affairs Minister India, veiled behind a so-called analyse his mind and to understand more bodies out of the rubble Zarb-i-Azb in North Sushma Swaraj said that the meet- secular demeanour," the editorial what makes him commit such of the compound. Waziristan aimed at eliminat- ing had nothing to do with the gov- said. heinous crimes against India". Acording to officials, the ing terrorism. ernment. "Saeed tweeted, `Utterly shame- "Saeed has also said that his attack took place when a The last drone strike June 18 Congress has asked the govern- ful', about India’s reaction," it party would not protest if (Indian meeting of Taliban militants, killed at least eight militants. ment to give details about the added. Prime Minister) Narendra Modi meeting as it is a matter of national The editorial went on to say that comes to Pakistan," it said. Afghanistan to begin massive vote audit Kabul: The Afghan election com- mission is set to start an unprece- dented audit of all 8.1 million votes cast in the June 14 run-off presi- dential election, an official said. The audit, which will take at least three weeks, was agreed by the two rival candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani at the weekend following two days of frantic diplomacy by US secretary of state John Kerry. "The auditing will officially begin on Thursday, it will be done in Kabul and in commission's headquarters," Noor Mohammad Former Nepalese crown prince Paras Shah Noor, spokesman for the Independent Election Commission (IEC), told reporters. "National and international Nepal ex-prince arrested observers will be able to observe the process that will take around three weeks." The audit will take at least three weeks He said their staff would work in for drugs in Thailand two shifts auditing around 1,000 round run-off on June 14 Abdullah The bitter impasse over the vote ballot boxes a day, with NATO claimed massive fraud had robbed to succeed President Hamid Karzai Bangkok: Former Nepalese crown said Shah, who is visiting Thailand forces helping to transport the him of victory and boycotted the plunged Afghanistan into crisis and prince Paras Shah has been arrest- on a tourist visa, had admitted ille- boxes from across the country to vote count by withdrawing his raised fears of a return to the ethnic ed on drugs charges in Thailand gal drug possession and was Kabul. Shortly after the second team's observers. violence of the 1990s. for a second time and could face remanded in custody. up to five years in prison, police It is not the first time the former said Wednesday. royal has been in trouble with the Shah was detained with about 13 law in Thailand. Pak must learn from LTTE's defeat, says officer grams (0.5 ounces) of marijuana at Shah became heir to the throne a hotel in Bangkok, according to in 2001 after his cousin Crown Islamabad: Pakistan may not be insurgents," Mohammad Ali not be replicated, at least it can be an officer at Thonglor police sta- Prince Dipendra killed nine mem- able to replicate Sri Lanka's suc- Babakhel said in an article by a source of inspiration (for tion who did not want to be bers of his family including the cess vis-a-vis the LTTE but needs Dawn newspaper. Pakistan)," he said. named. king and queen in a drink-and- to learn from it to overcome "After the use of force, the actu- Babakhel detailed the similari- "He borrowed a flash drive from drugs-fuelled rampage, before Islamist militants, a Pakistani al challenge is the capacity of the ties between the now vanquished hotel security and when the securi- apparently turning his gun on him- police officer has said. civilian administration to retain Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ty guard entered his room to get self. Nepal abolished its monarchy "The Sri Lankan strategy shows peace and integrate those who (LTTE) and the assorted militant his flash drive back he saw mari- in 2008. The Nepalese embassy in that with military might and popu- surrender. groups in Pakistan - and the dif- juana on the counter so he told Bangkok said it had been notified lar support the state can defeat "If the (Sri) Lankan model can- ferences in the two situations too. police," the officer told AFP. He of Shah's latest arrest. TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL July 19-25, 2014 21 Modi meets Xi, seeks solution of border issues Fortaleza (Brazil)/New Delhi: with other leaders too. seemed to have prepared very well Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said if India and China for this meeting," Akbaruddin Modi met Chinese President Xi could amicably resolve the bound- said. Jinping and called for a solution to ary question, it would set an A statement from the Prime the "boundary question" as the example for the world in peaceful Minister's Office said the two two countries sought to expand conflict resolution. He also hoped leaders observed that India and their economic relations and recti- that trade imbalance will be China had enormous opportunities fy the trade imbalance. resolved and called for the two to forge mutually beneficial part- In his first meeting with Xi since countries to work together against nerships and serve as catalytic becoming prime minister, Modi terrorism and extremism in the agents of Asian and global pros- called for enhanced Chinese region. perity. investment in India's infrastructure Also underscored the impor- Both sides emphasized the need as the two leaders engaged in a tance of bilateral relations, Xi to find a solution to the boundary freewheeling discussion and said: "When India and China question, it said. focused on building personal rap- meet, the whole world watches." "The prime minister stressed the port in the discussion that went "Both leaders went straight into importance of strengthening mutu- beyond the scheduled time. their first meeting here, indicating al trust and confidence, and main- China invited Modi to the Asia- the importance that both give to taining peace and tranquility on Pacific Economic Cooperation this relationship and to their dis- the border." (APEC) meeting in November, the cussions," external affairs ministry It said Xi accepted for consider- first time India has been invited spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin ation Modi's suggestion for an for the meet. said. The meeting, which was additional route for the Kailash The meeting took place within scheduled for about 30-40 min- Mansarovar Yatra, giving the diffi- hours of Modi and Xi arriving at utes, lasted almost 80 minutes. cult terrain of the existing route. Fortaleza in Brazil for the BRICS "The effort was to have a free- Referring to Xi's planned visit to - Brazil, Russia, India, China and wheeling discussion. The focus India in September, he responded South Africa - leaders' summit was on establishing a personal to an invitation to him, saying he Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with being held July 15-16. Modi is rapport. And I think that worked looked forward to an early visit Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines also scheduled to have meetings very well because both the leaders to China. of 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaliza, Brazil.

Modi seeks stronger defense, Obama, Merkel vow to Israel resumes Gaza strikes as improve intelligence nuclear ties with Russia cooperation Hamas attacks on Fortaleza Washington: US President (Brazil)/New Barack Obama and German Israel has Delhi: India is Chancellor Angela Merkel have ordered keen to further vowed to improve intelligence thousands of deepen and broad- cooperation between the two Palestinians base its strategic countries. Obama and Merkel eastern and partnership with northern exchanged views on US- Gaza to Russia, including German intelligence cooperation leave their in defense, nuclear during their first conversation homes. energy, trade and Tuesday after a new spy row investment, Prime damaged the allies' relations. Minister Narendra According to a White House Modi told Russian Jerusalem/Gaza: The Israeli army Shortly after the truce deal came Narendra Modi with Russian President statement, Obama said he would President Vladimir resumed air strikes against Hamas into effect Tuesday, about 50 rock- Vladimir Putin in Brazil remain in close communication Putin in Brazil and on ways to push cooperation targets in the Gaza Strip as rockets ets were fired at southern and cen- invited him to visit Kudankulam The statement said Modi con- forward. Germany asked the US continued being fired from the tral Israel, according to a spokesper- Nuclear Power Project. veyed his sincere appreciation for intelligence chief in Berlin to coastal enclave despite Israel's uni- son of the Israeli army. Modi, who met Putin on the Putin's decisive leadership in leave the country as a new round lateral approval of an Egyptian-bro- After the Islamist organization sidelines of the BRICS Summit deepening and expanding the of allegations of US espionage kered ceasefire proposal, media rejected the Egyptian proposal, at Fortaleza Tuesday, expressed "India-Russia special and privi- is threatening to strain bilateral reported. "After six hours of unilat- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin appreciation for Russia's friend- leged strategic partnership". ties. The bilateral ties were dam- eral attacks by Hamas, the Israel Netanyahu ordered the military "to ship and unstinting bilateral and Putin congratulated Modi over aged by revelations of data gath- Defence Forces (IDF) has resumed act strongly" against Hamas sites. international support for India's his victory in India's general elec- ering practices by former US operational activity in the Gaza Earlier, Israel's security cabinet economic development and secu- tions. intelligence contractor Edward Strip, " Xinhua quoted an Israeli agreed to an Egyptian ceasefire pro- rity since the early days of India's The two leaders looked forward Snowden last year. While talk- army statement as saying. posal which would put an end to the Independence, said a statement to their annual summit in New ing about bilateral relations, the Security officials in Gaza con- eight-day-old Operation Protective from the Prime Minister's Office. Delhi in December 2014 as an two leaders also discussed the firmed Israel's renewed attacks, say- Edge. Hamas, on its part, During the meeting, which last- opportunity to outline a bold situation in Ukraine and the ing that Israeli war jets and helicop- announced on its website that the ed about 40 minutes, Modi reaf- vision and roadmap for their rela- ongoing talks on Iran's nuclear ters showered missiles upon several ceasefire agreement was a "surren- firmed that relations with Russia tionship in the years ahead, the program, the statement said. targets in northern Gaza Strip and der" and insisted Israel release 56 will continue to enjoy the priority statement added. on eastern, southern and western Palestinians affiliated to the organi- that they always had in India's Modi said he looked forward to neighborhoods of Gaza city. sation and arrested in an Israeli mili- foreign policy. visiting Russia in 2015. Medics in Gaza said six tary operation in the West Bank last Modi said he looks forward to Modi suggested that Putin Palestinians were killed during month, following the kidnapping working with Putin to further should travel outside Delhi when predawn airstrikes on houses in and killing of three Israeli teenagers. deepen and broad-base the strate- he comes for the annual summit southern Gaza Strip, including a More than 700 rockets and mor- gic partnership, including in the in December and visit a nuclear woman, an old man and four other tars were fired at Israeli communi- areas of defence, nuclear energy, power plant, a reference to men. Gaza health ministry said in an ties in the past week throughout space, energy, trade and invest- Kudankulam project in Tamil emailed press statement that the toll south, south central and central Nadu which has been set up in ment, people-to-people contacts Barack Obama and since last Tuesday in the Gaza Strip Israel, with some rockets hitting the technical cooperation with and addressing regional and glob- Angela Merkel climbed to 192, while around 1,400 northern city of Haifa, some 130 km al challenges. Russia. people were wounded. north of the Gaza Strip. 22 July 19-25, 2014 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info Modi calls for urgent reform of UN security council, IMF India tops the list of global Fortaleza (Brazil)/New Delhi: Indian poor: UN report Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called New Delhi: India tops the list of countries with for "urgent reform" of institutions such as the largest share of global extreme poor though the UN Security Council and International the poverty rate in southeast Asia as whole saw a Monetary Fund while stressing the inter- substantial fall from 1990 to 2010, a new United national community should have zero tol- Nations report said. The poverty rate in southeast erance towards terrorism. Asia fell from 45 percent in 1990 to 14 percent in In his statement in the BRICS summit 2010. Although poverty remains widespread in on the agenda "Political Coordination: south Asia, progress in the region has been sub- International Governance and Regional stantial, the Millenium Development Goals Crises", he noted it was taking place at a Report 2014 said. However, India had the largest time when the world was facing a high share of global poor at 32.9 percent, more than level of turmoil and uncertainty and countries like China, Nigeria and Bangladesh, "remaining mute spectators" to countries said the report which was released here in peril could have "grave consequences". Wednesday. Modi, who addressed his first interna- India also had the highest child mortality rate tional meeting as prime minister, said col- worldwide in 2012 with 1.4 million children lective pressure should be exerted on dying before reaching their fifth birthday, it said. states to deny sanctuaries and support to Narendra Modi addressing the plenary session of the sixth meeting of BRICS (Brazil, In 2012, south Asia accounted for 2.1 million terrorists even as he noted that terrorism Russia, India, China and South Africa) in Brazil. of the 6.6 million deaths in children under five had not been combated effectively due to worldwide and with 1.4 million children dying "different yardsticks". its political resolve into concrete and da since its inception. Institutions like the before reaching their fifth birthday, India had the The sixth meeting of BRICS - Brazil, coordinated plan of action, and move UN Security Council and IMF need highest child mortality rate worldwide, the report Russia, India, China and South Africa - towards advancing global peace and sta- urgent reform. They must become more which tracks progress in achieving the Millenium leaders was held July 15-16 in Brazil. bility. Restoring the climate of peace and representative and reflect ground reali- Development Goals (MDGs) said. "India's role in Modi said that India looked forward to stability was an urgent need for global ties," he said. global development is the most important in the work with its BRICS partners on security progress and the world must unite to deci- Modi noted the region stretching from world. The MDGs can't be reached globally if and economic development of sively confront challenges, he said. Afghanistan to Africa was experiencing they are not reached here," Lise Grande, United Afghanistan and said the grouping should "Corrective action must begin with the turbulence and conflict, and causing grave Nations Resident Coordinator for India, said explore how they can help end the conflict reform of institutions of global gover- instability that is fast seeping across bor- while releasing the report. in Iraq. He stressed BRICS must translate nance. This has been on the BRICS agen- ders. IAF plans early induction of Rafale combat jet BRICS eyes closer partnership New Delhi: India's negotiations with French Fortaleza (Brazil): The emerging-market aviation major Dassault for 126 Rafale bloc of BRICS vowed to strive for more Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft comprehensive cooperation and forge a (MMRCA) for $20 billion "are progressing closer economic partnership. well" and the contract is likely "sooner than Since its inception, the grouping of later in the current financial year (2014-15)" Brazil, Russia, India, China and South a top military commander has said. Africa has been guided by the overarching The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air objectives of peace, security, development Chief Marshal Arup Raha, in an interview to and cooperation, they noted in a declara- India Strategic ahead of the Farnborough Air tion following their sixth summit in this Show, the first in fact after he assumed Brazilian city, Xinhua reported. office about six months ago, was candid Looking into the future, they pledged to enough to acknowledge that the force will "deepen our partnership with a renewed have to retire several legacy squadrons of vision, based on openness, inclusiveness MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft in the coming and mutually beneficial cooperation" years. But he was also confident that the while remaining committed to those objec- planned induction of the Rafale, and HAL's tives. "In this sense, we are ready to indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft explore new areas towards a comprehen- (LCA) will help "arrest the drawdown in the sive cooperation and a closer economic BRICS leaders in Fortaleza, Brazil. strength of the fighter squadrons." partnership to facilitate market inter-link- The number of Su-30MKI aircraft is also ages, financial integration, infrastructure eration strategy and a framework of countries pledged to work with the global steadily increasing. The IAF has planned connectivity as well as people-to-people BRICS closer economic partnership with a community to "foster financial stability, induction of 272 Su-30MKIs, periodically contacts," said the Fortaleza Declaration. view to formulating a plan for endorse- support sustainable, stronger and inclusive upgraded, and nearly 60 per cent of them are Highlighting their commitment to raising ment by the next summit. growth and promote quality jobs." operational. The IAF's proposed strength for their economic cooperation to a qualita- Noting that further macroeconomic coor- The BRICS stands ready to "contribute combat aircraft is 42 squadrons, to be tively new level, they emphasised the dination among all major economies, par- to the G20 goal of lifting our collective reached by 2022. Because of the phasing out importance of establishing a road map for ticularly in the Group of 20 (G20), GDP by more than 2 percent above the tra- of the old aircraft like MiG-21s and MiG- intra-BRICS economic cooperation. remains a critical factor for strengthening jectory implied by current policies over 23s, the current squadron strength is report- They agreed to advance discussions on the prospects for a vigorous and sustain- the coming five years," said the declara- ed to be 34. the proposals for a BRICS economic coop- able recovery worldwide, the BRICS tion. TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS July 19-25, 2014 23

Gotze gives Germany their Netherlands beat fourth World Cup crown Brazil to take third Rio de Janeiro: Germany became the first European team place in World Cup to win the FIFA World Cup on South American soil, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final thanks Brasilia: The Netherlands took Brazil skipper Thiago Silva. to Mario Gotze’s extra time goal third place at the FIFA World The referee pointed to the spot at the Maracana Stadium here. Cup thanks to a 3-0 victory over and Van Persie stepped up to find The last time the Germans, hosts Brazil here at the Estadio the top corner. playing as West Germany, lifted Nacional. In the 17th minute, David Luiz, the World Cup trophy was in Louis van Gaal's side kept a who replaced banned Silva to 1990 beating Diego Maradona clean sheet for the third match in captain Brazil in their disastrous led Argentina with the same a row, reports Xinhua. 1-7 defeat to Germany, nodded a scoreline in Rome. Captain Robin van Persie put header straight to Daley Blind to The two teams were locked 0-0 his team ahead only three min- strike it calmly into the roof of after 105 minutes of play and utes into the game. the net. took two German substitutes to Arjen Robben dashed into the Georginio Wijnaldum made it break the deadlock and give box from his right and the 3-0 in stoppage time of the sec- Germany their fourth World Cup winger was pulled down by ond half. triumph. Germany won the World Cup after 24 years Andre Schurrle made inroads down the left hand side, and loft- went to extra time. In 2006 saw chances of the two. The score ed in a neat cross towards the Italy defeated France in penalties, might have been goalless at half- near post. Gotze took it excellent- while in 2010 Andres Iniesta time, but it wasn't a bore by any ly on his chest and with time and scored with the clock running means though. Both sides clearly space to move, he brilliantly down to clinch the trophy for had their own designs on how found the back of the net in the Spain against the Netherlands. they wanted to win the game. 113rd minute. But the Germans went into Germany, as ever, dominated Germany and Argentina could extra time with all the momentum possession, patiently probing not be separated after 90 minutes after going close on more than their way through. Meanwhile, of play. For the third time in a one occasion in the final 10 min- Argentina were happy to tempt row the FIFA World Cup final utes. The second half was a let them forward and use their pace went into extra time after the two down after an intriguing opening to get in behind. The second half teams were locked 0-0 at full- period. The two teams could not was a much tighter affair with time. find the breakthrough with both teams slowing down the The last two World Cup finals Argentina having the better pace of the game. The Netherlands defeated Brazil 3-0 ICC charges Anderson of Messi wins Golden Ball, Rodriguez gets Golden Boot Rio de Janeiro: Argentina captain Lionel misconduct, ECB accuses Jadeja Messi was named the Golden Ball winner while Colombian sensation James Rodriguez won the London: England fast bowler James walked off for lunch. India allege Golden Boot award for the 2014 FIFA World Anderson has been charged by the that when the teams were inside the Cup here. Argentina lost 0-1 in extra time to International Cricket Council (ICC) pavilion Anderson pushed the all- Germany in the final at the Marcana stadium for violation of the Code of Conduct rounder. Nothing more was heard of here. by allegedly abusing and pushing the incident during the match, but the Messi failed to get on the scoresheet but the India's Ravindra Jadeja during the England camp got a call from India voters still thought he was the best player in the first cricket Test at Trent Bridge. coach Duncan Fletcher, who was tournament. The 27-year-old appeared in all Anderson could miss the final two quoted by Daily Mail as saying that seven of the team's matches, scoring four goals Tests of the series if found guilty of the tourists were pressing ahead with and chipping in an assist. Other players in the Argentina the Level 3 offense, which is seen as a Level 3 complaint despite the fact running for the award were Arjen Robben captain serious and range from physical the ICC was keen on the teams sort- (Netherlands), Neymar (Brazil), James Lionel altercations to use of offensive lan- ing it between themselves. The ICC Rodriguez (Colombia) and Thomas Mueller Messi guage. In retaliation, a "shocked" statement said: "Anderson has been (Germany). England and Wales Cricket Board charged for allegedly abusing and (ECB) has accused Jadeja of a lesser pushing Ravindra Jadeja immediate- offense as they do not want both ly after they left the field for lunch players - especially Anderson - to be on Thursday. It is alleged that this Singer forced to miss the final two Tests. was a continuation of a verbal alter- Shakira The ECB has decided to contest cation between Anderson and Jadeja performing the misconduct allegations against as they were walking from the field." during the Anderson and in turn seek sanction It is believed Dhoni is driving the closing against Jadeja. It is believed Dhoni is complaint and that India are going ceremony driving the complaint and that India ahead with it to try to get Anderson for the are going ahead with it to try to get banned for the final two matches of football Anderson banned for the final two the series and are prepared to live World Cup matches of the series and are pre- with any ban Jadeja could get. An at the pared to live with any ban Jadeja ICC-appointed Judicial Maracana could get. The fast bowler, who was Commissioner will gather evidence Stadium in involved in world record last-wicket in the next 14 days, meaning Rio de partnership with Joe Root in the Test, Anderson will definitely be free to Janeiro, was involved in some verbal alterca- play at Lord's and the Ageas Bowl, Brazil. tions with Jadeja as the batsman and but if found guilty could miss Old his captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Trafford and The Kia Oval. 24 July 19-25, 2014 LIFESTYLE TheSouthAsianTimes.info Hiring former employees Health dept advice beneficial: Study for swimming safety Washington, DC: Returning employees understand the key components of an orga- Swim only in guarded areas, drink water nization's work culture and may also be and apply sunscreen often more committed to the focal organization upon their return, making them less risky New York: If your summer plans include hires, says a study. a trip to a beach or pool, West Chester County Executive Robert P. Astorino and Organizations of all types are beginning Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD to recognize and embrace the value of have some advice to keep you safe. recruiting and welcoming back former “County pools and beaches are open for employees, the findings showed. the season and we have worked hard to From infantry soldiers to chief execu- ensure that our resident’s safety is first pri- "Ideally, these so-called 'boomerang tives, accountants and professional basket- ority,” Astorino said. “Never swim in employees' already understand the key ball players, many organizations proactive- areas that are marked closed and it’s alone in water even for a second, and components of the organization's work ly recruit and re-hire former employees as a always good to remind children to swim don’t leave children unattended in a pool structure and culture, which makes them way to offset high turnover costs and hedge near lifeguards.” or at the shore,” Amler said. “Pool floats, less risky hires than newcomers," said T. against the uncertain process of socializing When you are in the water keeping inner tubes and noodles are no substitute replacement employees. cool, it’s easy for both adults and children for close supervision. Swimming and Brad Harris, a professor of labor and to forget the need to stay hydrated and alcohol, just like boating and alcohol, employment relations at University of "After surveying and interviewing hun- protect your skin from the effects of the don’t mix. To avoid tragedy, make sure Illinois in the US. dreds of employees, we were able to see summer sun. young children and teenagers know not to that 'boomerang employees' were more “Be sure you and your family drink lots sneak into closed pools or lakes, and to "In addition to understanding the likely to originally leave an organization, of water throughout the day at the pool or swim only where and when there are life- organizational culture, returning employees not because of dissatisfaction with the job, shore to avoid heat exhaustion,” said guards or adults watching them without might also be more committed to but because of some personal reason, such Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of any distractions.” the focal organization upon their return as a pregnancy, spousal relocation or an Health. “Wear a hat and sunglasses, avoid Last year in the United States, between because, in essence, they have learned unexpected job offer," Harris noted. the midday sun and reapply sunscreen Memorial Day and Labor Day, at least 202 first-hand that the grass is not with a sun protection factor of at least 15 children between 1 and 14 years of age always greener on the other side," Harris The study appeared in the journal every two hours, especially after you drowned in a pool or spa, according to added. Personnel Psychology. swim or sweat, to avoid sunburn.” media reports cited by poolsafely.gov. Dr. Amler had additional water safety New York State had 11 drowning inci- advice for parents. dents in 2013, making it the state with the “It’s also critical never to leave a baby fifth highest count.

Follow these tips to stay safe around  Learn how to perform CPR on pools and beaches this summer: children and adults.  Learn how to swim and teach your  Keep children away from pool child how to swim. drains, pipes, and other openings to  Never leave a child unattended in or avoid entrapments. near the water and always watch your  Ensure any pool and spa you use children closely around all bodies of has drain covers that comply with water. federal safety standards, and, if you do Designate a water watcher to super- not know, ask your pool service provider vise children in the pool, spa or at the about safe drain covers. shore. This person should not be reading,  At the beach, never fight currents; texting, using a smart phone, or other- swim parallel to shore and at an angle if wise distracted. you find yourself in a rip current. Can you shun Facebook for 99 days? London: What if you are asked to perform ASAMAI HINDU TEMPLE a different kind of fasting - to log out from 80 East Barclay Street Facebook for 99 days! Do not fret as this is a challenge set out Hicksville, NY 11801 by a Dutch creative agency Just. Called "99 Days of Freedom", the non- Date: Jul 21 To Jul 27, 2014 profit initiative asks whether people would be happier without Facebook. Time: 5am To 7am It asks users to give up Facebook for a 99-day period, completing anonymous hap- plicated' relationship with Facebook," piness surveys on days 33, 66 and 99. Merjin Straathof, art director at Just, was According to Facebook, a user spends an quoted as saying in media reports. Then, after seeing the news of Facebook's 516.724.6939 average of 17 minutes a day on the social 718.685.6625 networking service. controversial emotion study, the agency 516.360.5980 For 99 days, it would mean 28 productive launched this challenge. hours that can be used to learn some new "We landed on a 99-day period, hoping skill, the agency said. that such interaction will serve as a support "We found that users have at least a 'com- group of sorts," Straathof added. TheSouthAsianTimes.info TOURISM July 19-25, 2014 25 India gets its own Disneyland: Imagica near Mumbai After a hectic superhit first year that saw one million visitors, Adlabs Imagica is now expanding with a new attraction in August -- Aquamagica, an international standard water park.

Khopoli (Maharashtra): The from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Haunted Castle of Salimgarh, Bangalore, Rajasthan, Punjab and Wrath of the Gods, Wild West, West Bengal among others, includ- Deep Space, Prince of the Dark ing around 250,000 students from Waters, Alibaba Aur Chalis Chor, over 500 schools around the coun- Scream Machine, Gold Rush try. It is also a hot favorite with cor- Express, Mr. India-The Ride and porates and social groups as their D2-Dare Drop -- there are all these break-out destination with fabulous and more at Adlabs Imagica - returns by way of word-of-mouth arguably India's first and only publicity. world-class theme park some 90 After a hectic superhit first year, km from Mumbai in Raigad dis- Adlabs Imagica is now expanding trict. with a new attraction in August -- Some 15 months ago, at one shot, Aquamagica, an international stan- all of Maharashtra's top-notch dard water park with unique rides amusement, glamour and tourism and a promise of unprecedented destinations took a back seat to experience among water parks in these attractions with exciting the country. names, and many more, coupled Adjacent to the venue is a new with top-class cuisine, entertain- four-star hotel coming up which ment and fun for all age groups. All will be operational by the year-end these have now catapulted Adlabs with alluring packages to visit Imagica to the Must Visit destina- Imagica and Aquamagica, Bagla tion category of the state in such a said. short time. "With this hotel, people will be "Yooooooey! Whooooaaaaa! able to enjoy a 3-4 day fun-filled Aaaaahhh!" are the screams of getaway holiday in this part of the delirious joy that daily echo around world, in the lap of greenery but the area, off the Mumbai-Pune Nitro, Floorless Coaster, is one of the main thrill attractions at Imagica. easily accessible by road, rail and Expressway, where Imagica has air, with close proximity to the come up over 110 acres with an A day's outing for a family of country's commercial capital," investment of around Rs.1,600 four would cost around Rs.6,000 Bagla added. crore ($266 million). depending on the package chosen. In tune with its philosophy of Last week, even the Imagica Bagla explained that unlike other growing with the community, management let out shouts of joy as amusement parks - there are around Bagla said that since its inception, the One Millionth Visitor stepped 150 in India, mostly in the south Imagica has provided 98 percent of inside the colorful, enchanting, and the west - which offer thrills or jobs to local youths from villages magical world of entertainment. hair-raising experiences, Imagica and towns around the theme park in "This is India's first and only launches the visitors to a magical Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Pune international-standard Theme Park, world of joy and relaxation, making districts. spelling a world of infinite fun, them briefly forget the real world - It has created over 2,000 jobs for excitement, entertainment, dining, in a unique form of family outing. the locals, including 40 percent shopping and incredible memories - There is something for every age freshers. Imagica has trained them - all at one location," said a pleased group with new experiences at as per their competencies/roles. Adlabs Imagica CEO Kapil Bagla. every step, 25 themed rides, non- At the end of an exciting and tir- According to Bagla, there is noth- stop live entertainment by over 100 ing day, it's time to pick up some ing of this huge scale in India and artistes topped off with a Grand memories at the merchandise out- its immediate neighborhood which Imagica Parade, interspersed with Imagica is the dream project of Manmohan Shetty, lets - cuddly soft toys, funky t- has attracted over 15,000-plus visi- five themed restaurants offering chairman of Adlabs Entertainment, seen at the theme shirts, coffee mugs, et al - to show tors daily from all over India and global cuisine, including one which park with daughters Pooja and Aarti Shetty. off to friends and neighbors who even abroad, since it opened in serves Jain food! have not yet "been there." April 2013. A walk through the streets of "Imagica is not just rides and Imagica takes visitors on many thrills but a whole world of fantas- memorable journeys - Viva Europa, tical themes never seen or experi- Arabia, Jambo Africa, Americana, enced before by Indian families. No India and Asiana. expense has been spared in bring- "At every touch-point, you will ing the best architectural elements, be immersed in a new theme, world-class international designers, themed attractions, area design, exciting and novel attractions to landscaping, dining and retail, rival any international in the ambient music, character design, world," Bagla said. building facades, props, interactive All rides and attractions here are installations, and merchandise, designed by experts who have which instill a feeling of escapism worked in renowned international in the park. This 'escapism' is what theme parks like Disneyland, makes Imagica different from all Universal (both USA), Tokyo other parks in India, and at par with DisneySea (Japan) and Fantawild the best theme parks around the (China). At Imagica, the same world," Bagla said. The theme park has taken the best from other similar attractions around the world. international experience comes at a Little wonder Imagica hosted in Located off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Imagica has come up over 110 acres with an fraction of the cost. just one year over a million visitors investment of around Rs.1,600 crore ($266 million). 26 July 19-25, 2014 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

lympic gold medalist Mary Kom is happy with actor Priyanka Chopra’s Ofirst look in the biopic based on the boxer. "I’m excited for the movie’s release. Priyanka Hope it makes boxing even more popular Chopra’s and inspires people,” says Kom. Priyanka, first look on her part, said she was happy with Kom’s in the reaction to the poster. biopic "She really liked it. Giggled a lot! It was based on very cute," said Priyanka Chopra. She is the boxer also garnering compliments from fans and industry colleagues. This comes as a fix for the actor after the debacle of a social media chat which was a letdown for the 31-year- old, who called it ‘cruel’.

ove over Naseeruddin Shah. unscheduled spot of method acting. Varun Dhawan is now practicing "I finished shooting the first half of Varun Mwhat the veteran actor preaches - Sriram Raghavan's film when I came into Dhawan When method acting. The actor drank alcohol to the climax of 'Humpty...' .So maybe I was a in lend authenticity to scenes featuring him in little more intense in my approach than I'd 'Humpty a sozzled avatar. Director Sriram Raghavan have been otherwise," he said. Sharma Varun got introduced Varun Dhawan to the painful Varun's drink went straight to his head. Ki pleasures of method acting. For two of his "There is a scene where I had to be drunk Dulhania' drunk for important dramatic sequences in Shashank in the climax. It was shot at 4 a.m. I took a Khaitan's recently released "Humpty risk and actually consumed alcohol for the Sharma Ki Dulhania", Varun hit the bottle. scene. Can you imagine, drinking at 4 'Humpty Since Varun was off alcohol, the sudden a.m.? I hadn't had any alcohol for a while. indulgence hit him hard. It's being said that It suddenly hit me and I was actually the actor had to be physically supported by drunk," he said. Varun says he was scared Sharma...' the crew as he wobbled and stumbled all as he had lost control of his body over. Varun blames Raghavan for the movements. Emraan 'cautious' about Leone enjoys being showstopper!

'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' ctress Sunny Leone was mraan Hashmi, who will soon start shooting for romantic awed by the "breathtaking film "Hamari Adhuri Kahani", says he was cautious Adesigns" that she flaunted Eabout doing the film till he heard the script narrated by at the India International Jewelery filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Week (IIJW) as the showstopper Actress Sunny of Sumit Sawhney‘s jewelery "It's a very interesting film. It's my first out-and-out love Leone as the brand Apala by Sumit. story. I haven't played such a charac- showstopper ter. It is a space I was a bit cautious Adorned in exquisite hand-craft- of Sumit to experiment with till I heard the ed jewelery, Sunny stole the show Sawhney's script from Mahesh Bhatt," the as she sashayed down the ramp jewellery actor told reporters here at the wrap- Emraan wearing a Hasli with Victorian ele- brand Apala up party of his film "Raja Natwarlal" Hashmi ments and gold claws, which Monday. added a tribal touch to her look. "All the characters are very She also flaunted a bold calf- good. It is a very heart- piece, and even a back-piece, felt and touching which was a wreath embellished story," he added. with Jade, cascading on the To be directed by actress' back. She also wore ear- Mohit Suri, "Hamari rings, cufflinks and head-pieces. Adhuri Kahani" "Sumit's jewellery has so much also stars Vidya creativity and finesse. Apala was a Balan and break from the usual bling on Rajkummar Rao. stage. I was awed by its breathtak- The film will go ing designs. The back pieces were on floors Sep 16. very different and spectacular. I Emraan has absolutely loved the entire set he earlier delivered designed for me," Sunny said post movies like the show. "Kalyug" and WThe show was called The "Murder 2" with Royal Tribe, an amalgamation of Mohit. the royal and tribal elements. TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD July 19-25, 2014 27

Yeh gaane nahi gaaliyan hain: Asha Bhosle

Asha Bhosle hirpy and evergreen at 81, leg- endary playback singer Asha CBhosle is not one to mince words. Disturbed with the ongoing trend of lewd lyrics in Bollywood, the Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee says, "Gaalion ka gaana banta hai aajkal, aur beech mein English mein kuch badbad kartein hai. Yeh jo bahar ke ladke English gaate gaate Hindi mein Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in a scene from 'Humpty Sharma...' gaane lage, woh English ke bahut hi gande gande words ... jaise ‘rape’ use kartein hain. Toh agar aise words use 'Humpty Sharma...' - bland avatar of 'DDLJ' honge, toh humare youngsters wohi karenge jo aap unhe sikhaenge," says hank god for Varun Dhawan and takes the Raj and Simran characters, shown trying to bully her father into buy- Bhosle, who holds a name in the Alia Bhatt. The soul shivers in fear shakes and stirs them and turns them on ing her a Manish Malhotra lehenga for her Guinness Book of World Records as the Twondering which disaster zone this their head. Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt, wedding to the 'perfect' NRI. most recorded artist in music history. bland avatar of "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le two of Bollywood's most talented contem- No one in HSKD seems to feel any real The singer revealed that she was once Jayenge" (DDLJ) would have headed to if porary actors, don’t really try to fill Shah emotions. It is all a pantomime of being shocked to hear a kid hum Halkat Jawani these two actors hadn’t steered the rudder- Rukh Khan and Kajol’s shoes. They have cool. (from Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine, less revisionist saga to semblance of sensi- better things to do. There are characters in Humpty’s saga 2012). tivity. He, Humpty (yes, that’s what our hero is equivalent to the ones in DLLJ, all sub- “Mujhe agar kahe Halkat Jawani gaao, As you sit cross-eyed and tense waiting called) can’t keep it in his pants...his verted to the point of appearing farcically main nahi gaoongi. Halkat gandi gaali for the young lovers in Ambala to sort out money, that is! He spends it buying a over-blown. Except Ashutosh Rana, who hoti hai Marathi mein. Aajkal fashion hai, the mess in matters of the heart, you won- lehenga for the wedding of the girl of his does a dignified take on Amrish Puri from ek do item songs kisi se bhi gawa lo, bade der how many rip-offs, homages, tributes dreams. She uses the money to buy him a the original, no one else gets it right. singers ki zaroorat hi nahin hai. Bahut and remakes of Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ we car of his dreams. Clearly, the debutant director is here kam log hain jinka taste music mein would have to bear before this...errr...clas- You really wish the director had left doing a revisionist version of DDLJ, much achha hai. Log ‘lungi’ aur ‘zandu balm’ sic is put to rest. these two annoying characters to their in the same way that Sanjay Leela waale gaane bhi pasand karte hain," says It may be sacrilegious to say this. But dreams and devices. These are the kind of Bhansali did with "Romeo and Juliet" in Bhosle, who has belted out hits such as DDLJ in my humble opinion, is hardly the 20-something over-reachers who need to "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. With Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan, 1971), stuff classics are made of. It had its be told “to get a life” doesn’t mean to beg one difference. The creator of the revision- Dum Maaro Dum (Hare Rama Hare moments of glory...Oh yes! But a repeat- borrow steal material happiness. ist version of the 'classic' (provided you Krishna, 1971) and Yeh Mera Dil (Don, edly recyled classic? Nah! That’s going When we first meet Humpty, he emerges consider DDLJ a classic) lacks the vision 1978), which were considered bold in too far. from a loo behind a sheepish-looking girl. to take the original characters to another those days. "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" (HSKD) In her introduction scene, Kavya (Alia) is level from where they originally stood. Don't give mobile phones to kids: Rohit I'm not sidelined in 'Kick': Jacqueline

obile phones may have become an integral part of people's life, but the facility ctress Jacqueline Fernandez comes with hazards, says actor Rohit Roy. He requests parents to keep chil- agrees that "Kick" is a Salman Mdren away from the device and use it with caution. AKhan-starrer all the way, but The actor, known for his TV shows like “Swabhimaan” and movie stint in “Shootout she is also confident that she's not side- At Lokhandwala”, took to Twitter to talk about the cons of lined in the movie due to his presence. mobile phones. "I don't even know why people are He also wrote that his posts shouldn't be interpreted as even asking me this question," “preaching” rather they should be treated as "information". Jacqueline said here to a question about “Cell phones are dangerous in a way that u don't realise… It's whether she fears being sidelined in the a debilitating device which will affect ur skin n nervous system film. if used excessively or incorrectly. Keep it away from u while "Salman is a superstar. People come sleeping,” wrote the actor who himself is a parent. to watch him in the movies and just for “Hold it far from ur ear while talking… At least half an inch. me to be part of a movie like this and to Actress Jacqueline Fernandez with Salman Better still use a headset, not bluetooth but corded one… be with Salman Khan gives me such an Khan in 'Kick' “And definitely don't give ur kids the phone… Not even to advantage. So, no, I am not sidelined at "It goes without saying that obviously it's play… They are most susceptible to radio waves as their skins all in this film," added the Sri Lankan beau- a big break...even for an established actress, are thinner,” he said in his posts. The actor, who directed a film ty. Jacqueline considers "Kick", directed by it's a very big deal (to work with Salman) called "Rice Plate", feels that speaking on mobiles has become Sajid Nadiadwala, as a "huge break" in her and the same is for me. I am no different," Actor Rohit Roy such a habit that landlines are “almost extinct in homes”. career. she said. 28 July 19-25, 2014 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

Sachin Tendulkar: The Best Kind of Fame achin Tendulkar is one of the greatest Man: “Hey, that guy must be famous. cricket players ever, a titan of his sport. Everyone’s going crazy. Let’s get his auto- SBut poor Maria Sharapova had never graph!” heard of him, never heard of a man who is so Woman: “Who do you think he is?” beloved in India, he could endorse a brand of Man: “I’m not sure, but I think he’s that darkness cream and millions of people would guy from Slumdog Millionaire, Anil buy it. Kapoor.” The Russian tennis star had just lost a None of this diminishes Tendulkar’s great- match at Wimbledon and was asked about ness, of course. And if you ask me, Tendulkar Tendulkar, who happened to be in a star-stud- has the best kind of fame. If he wants to be a ded gallery watching her. Sharapova made god, he can stay in India; if he wants to be a the mistake of admitting that she didn’t rec- legend, he can visit England, Australia and ognize the recently retired batsman. The leg- South Africa; and if he wants to be just an end’s fans were aghast at this indignity to ordinary guy, he can visit the United States their hero and lashed out at Sharapova on (as long as he stays away from motels, 7- Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Elevens, and the entire state of New Jersey). “No wonder you lost your match,” one fan Most celebrities don’t like to be recognized wrote. “That’s what happens when you don’t everywhere they go. Sometimes they want a recognize God!” Millions of young Indian men who had ting my wife back as my computer back- little privacy, a day or two without someone Another fan’s message was more ominous: decorated their bedrooms with posters of ground.” screaming, “Sachin! I love you! Please take a “Apologize immediately, Miss Sharapova, or both Tendulkar and Sharapova felt compelled It’s hard to fault Sharapova for not recog- photo with me, so I can post it on Facebook I will write to Narendra Modi to invade to take down the images of the leggy blonde. nizing Tendulkar, as magnificent as he is. and get one million ‘likes.’” Russia.” “I put mine in a drawer,” said one aggrieved Cricket, after all, isn’t quite as popular as ten- As for Sharapova, hopefully she has Thanks to angry tweets from Tendulkar fan. “If she apologizes, I will put her poster nis or soccer around the world. Tendulkar is learned her lesson. In the future, if she’s fans, the hashtag #WhoIsMariaSharapova back up. If not, I have vowed to look at it just surely as accomplished in cricket as Roger asked about an Indian cricketer or movie star, was soon trending on the Internet, prompting once a day.” Federer in tennis or Lionel Messi in soccer, she’d be wise to give “safe” answers that Sharapova fans to respond with hashtags of Another fan was less forgiving: “Apology but he’s virtually unknown in dozens of don’t reveal her ignorance. their own: #FiveGrandSlamTitles and or not, she is not going back on my wall. I am countries, including the two countries where Reporter: “Did you know that Sachin #HotterThanSaniaMirza so upset that I am seriously considering put- Sharapova has spent most of her life, the Tendulkar was watching you?” United States and Russia. Among recognized Sharapova: “Sachin? Really? That’s sports in America, cricket falls somewhere amazing. I’m so honored. I love him.” between the hot dog-eating contest and the Reporter: “So you know who he is?” egg-and-spoon race. Sharapova: “Are you kidding? Doesn’t When Tendulkar is mobbed by autograph everybody?” seekers while visiting New York City, you Reporter: “What do you think of his can bet at least half of them are immigrants career?” from India, Sri Lanka, Guyana and other Sharapova: “It’s been amazing. He’s cricket-playing nations, while the other half accomplished so much. I loved him in aren’t quite sure who he is. Slumdog Millionaire.”

Laughter is the Best Medicine

by Mahendra Shah

Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY July 19-25, 2014 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com Stars Foretell: July 19-25, 2014 Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

ARIES: Hard work & dedication would LIBRA: A long pending decision gets 19th July, 2014 Ruled planet: Sun Ruled by no: 1 ing a lot of money to settle down your legal issues. You win the trust of seniors at work. An finalized at professional front. Traits in you: Your star Sun makes you active, dy- might decide to buy property or vehicles this year. unexpected message from a distant rela- Charming nature and pleasant personal- namic, confident, responsible and a talented. You have Career this year: You will be rewarded for your work tive brings happy news for the entire family. ity would make you the attraction of family the scope to learn new things and create new ideas. this year. You will gain enough professional recogni- Investment in stocks & mutual funds would function. Investment made in this week would However, you have to take care of your nature of be- tion for your knowledge, skills, and efficiency. The on- help in earning profits. Romantic partner would enhance prosperity and financial security. having improvident and dominating. going projects may get a continuation. Health this year: You will remain healthy provided Romance this year: You will enjoy a better romantic try innovative methods to catch your attention. Traveling proves a blessing in disguise by you get your checkup done regularly. alife as compared to the last year. You will be under- Charity work undertaken will bring mental bringing a love in your life. Your enormous Finance this year: You will find new money making stood by your partner and get enough support in every- peace & comfort. Great time for perfect family confidence would help in enjoying a healthy opportunities pretty result oriented if you concentrate thing you do. vacation to an exciting destination. It might be life. You can make your vacation extra special on you work and give your best. Your assumptions on Lucky month: July, November, March and June the right time to sale your empty plot as proper- by planning it with your family and friends. The pretty things may not help you gain anything rather it ty rates are at peak. A week when you will excel best ideas for investment are to on invest on would make you feel miserable later. You may invest 23rd July, 2014 Ruled planet: Mercury Ruled by no:5 in the art of life with your expertise in facing real estate business. Personal efforts would on land or house for better returns. Traits in you: Your ruling planet Mercury makes you challenges. greatly help in increasing influence in social & Career this year: You will not take enough time to an active, practical, sensible, systematic and highly diplomatic person. You need to be a bit careful and re- TAURUS: The week could force you to political fields. complete your pending tasks this year. You will find your job interesting enough. You may excel in your do- move stubbornness from your nature. search a new job where your skills are SCORPIO: Plans for new ventures get Health this year: If you are a chronic patient, you have main and get appreciated from your higher manage- to take extra care for your health to avoid grievances in more useful. Relatives are likely to give streamlined with the help of seniors. ment with a better salary hike. future. some valuable advice regarding personal life. Family members appreciate the changes Romance this year: You will enjoy a very good rela- Finance this year: You might sell your property in a Long-term investment in stocks & mutual funds made in & around the house. An improvement tionship with your spouse this year. Your romantic re- good price, which would help you enhance your finan- will enable to earn profits. Initiatives in love in financial position would enable to make lationships will be strengthened this year. cial stance. You may schedule your travel to maintain Lucky month: August, September, December, June bring positive results as you catch the desired important purchases. You are likely to get a new distant relationships and gain some financial support. attention. Meditation and self-realization prove friendship opportunity in the evening. A very Some of you may get the opportunity to travel abroad 20th July, 2014 Ruled planet: Moon Ruled by no: 2 beneficial. Travel opportunities full of chal- healthy week filled with happiness & vitality. for business purpose. You should avoid lending and Traits in you: As you are ruled by Moon, you are lenges are often the beginning of great enter- Spiritual vacation is a quest for life, plan it and borrowing money to stay financially stable. blessed with characteristics such as imaginative, smart, prises. Your plan for a new house will be in enjoy it with your family. Are you longing to Career this year: You love music and literature and trustworthy, generous and authoritative person. want to pursue your career in those fields. You will be process very soon. Political and social reputa- buy a farmhouse, try for it? You will be able to Health this year: You may go for a pilgrimage to at- able to improve your confidence level as you may find tion is likely to increase. increase your contacts with intellectuals. tain peace and mental comfort. This year you will suf- a lot of opportunities to be grabbed. GEMINI: Your gullible nature would SAGITTARIUS: Female colleagues fer from various minor health issues and this will keep Romance this year: Some of you also may get your allow people to easily take you for a lend a helping hand in completing you disturbed. marriage fixed this year. Your romance life would get Finance this year: This year will bring you job secu- ride. You receive care and affection from important assignments. Make sure you to its peak. rity and financial stability. You need to deal with your family members. Improvement in finances is do something exciting and different with people Lucky month: August, December, January and April certain. Your generous attitude would con- at home. You are likely to earn monetary profits money carefully to avoid loss. Your assumptions in tak- ing hasty decisions may cause financial loss to you. If tribute much in your love life in this week. You through most unexpected sources. New 24th July, 2014 Ruled planet: Venu Ruled by no:6 you are a businessman, you may get into new contracts will have ample time to do things to improve romance that some of you are going to experi- Traits in you: Your planet Venus makes you kind, re- to enhance your business. If you get into any overseas alistic, helpful, and adaptable. You are very simple as a your health. You will discover travel destina- ence would take the worries off mind. Pleasure venture, you may be befitted financially from it. person who believes in high thinking. You are hard- tions that are unique and magical. Your loan trip would help in maintaining sound health in Career this year: Being an excellent professional, you working and sincere, which helps you get appreciation procedures for pursuing a plot will be in this week. Travelling with kids can be a chal- will be recognized as a very efficient resource and peo- from others. However, you need to check your nature process. You find developing an interest in lenge, try to reduce the stress and nerves. If you ple may seek your advice and support. However, you of being rude and interfering in the affairs of others. If have to avoid being selfish and moody. social servicing. want to invest on property, then go for residen- you do not work on your behavior, you may end up crit- Romance this year This year is the perfect time for CANCER: Mental clarity would tial one. Your opponents find you a headache. icized badly. you to be in an emotional relationship or you may get remove past business confusions. CAPRICORN: At work you will be a Health this year: You will enjoy a better health this married. Matrimonial alliance for eligible bache- part of something big, bringing appreci- year as compared to last year. You may suffer from Lucky month: September, January, April and May lor in family brings joy to all. Speculation cou- ation & rewards. Friends and family some minor health issues such as joint aches, back pain, pled with some unexpected gains improves members would encourage to work harder. A headache and so on. 21st July, 2014 Ruled planet: Jupiter Ruled by no: 3 Finance this year: You will enjoy financial prosperity financial health. Extremely supportive & loving sudden inflow of funds will take care of your Traits in you: By your inborn nature, you are intellec- and a good health throughout this year. If you are a busi- partner would help in withering away your trou- bills and immediate expenses. You enjoy a tual, distinguished, cheerful, kind and optimistic. nessman, you will get ample opportunities to expand bles. Sound physical health will enable to par- memorable time with partner to cement the Health this year: You need to take more care of your your business by investing in more profitable areas. health to avoid future complicacy. ticipate in outdoor activities. A trip that is lovely bond. Yoga and meditation would help in Career this year: If your profession is associated with Finance this year: Your business may earn you a lot of unconventional and adventurous will be keeping in shape and mentally agile. creativity, such as artists, media professionals, and ad- money if you plan your budget intelligently. You need favourable enjoy every minute of it. Investment Excitement for a vacation is not enough, plan- vertising professionals, you may gain popularity, ap- to have a trustworthy plan in place before you imple- in hotel industry can be the right choice to be ning is also required. Selling your home pri- preciation, and fame. If you want to create profession- ment your budget in the business. You should not go made. A week when your actions will be backed vately can be an excellent way of saving on al and social contacts, you have to achieve it through beyond your budget if you do not want to be in loss. by your luck. costs. Recognition and influence would frequent get-togethers and traveling. You may receive Your past investments will earn you money this year some help from your near and dear ones, which may LEO: Travel undertaken for establishing increase in social field. and make you financially sound. You may find the prove to be instrumental in improving your confidence new contacts and business expansion AQUARIUS: You are likely to estab- property or legal dispute settlement satisfactory. in your professional life. will be very fruitful. A new outlook will lish yourself a good manager on man- Career this year: Being good at your work, you get lot Romance this year: You will find your spouse to be be the source of laughter at family front. Put aging people and situation without any of appreciation and respect from others. Your good very cooperative this year. You will find your required work pays off with rewards. However, you should not your extra money at a safer place promising to problem. You are likely to hear a good news emotional support from your spouse through love, care behave dominating and arrogant. You may find this return you on time. Romantic vibrations from from close relatives. Monetary position is likely and concern even if you find it difficult to understand year promising enough when growth is concerned. someone unknown would lift your spirits taking to improve on recovering of delayed payments. your partner. If you are unmarried, you may find your Romance this year: You may plan an overseas trip imaginations to scaling heights. You will be You will be attracted to someone special. romance interest this year. with your beloved to spend quality time. Your relation- successful in getting rid from tensions. Blessings of a saintly person give peace of Lucky month: September, January, May and June ship will grow more strong with lots of love and care. Dreaming of traveling is good, but if possible mind. Vacation full of beauty and history as Lucky month: October, February and July than plan a trip. Investment on construction well as exciting is waiting for you. Off-plan 25th July, 2014 Ruled planet: Neptune Ruled by no: 7 Traits in you: Being dominated by Neptune, you are business might give fruitful results. You suc- property investment is one of the easiest and 22nd July, 2014 Ruled planet: Uranus Ruled by no: 4 adorned with characteristics such as responsibility, af- cessfully solve your old disputes and land-relat- most profitable methods to maximize gains in Traits in you: By inborn characteristics, you are active, fection, creativity, simplicity and emotions. disciplined, and efficient. You are the master of an ap- ed problems. the real estate market. Legal problem will be Health this year: Your spouse may suffer from stress pealing personality. You are highly social and helpful. VIRGO: Your artistic and creative abil- solved with the timely help of friends. related health issues, which may lead to roaming in the However, you should work on your nature of being ity would attract a lot of appreciation. PISCES: You will be successful in real- premises of a hospital. jealous, self-centered, and destructive. Enjoying a picnic with family will not ising your targets at professional front. Finance this year: You are supposed to be benefited fi- Health this year: You will be in good health through- only bring joy but also help in clearing misun- An old friend makes a pleasant visit later nancially from your assumptions while investing mon- out this year. To maintain your ggod health, you need ey. However, that does not mean you will invest blindly. derstandings. in the week. Investment in antiques & jewelry to practice exercise or yoga. Career this year: As you are committed towards your A new source of income will generate brings monetary gains and improvement in Finance this year: You will be financially benefited undertaken works, you are appreciated and awarded through influential contacts. Love life brings financial position. Warm romantic thoughts from different sources of income. You will acquire new consistently. However, you have to work on your na- immense romantic pleasure. A sparkling laugh- occupy mind. Chances of recovering from phys- projects and that will improve your financial condition. ture of being fickle minded and careless always. You If you are travelling for business purpose, it will yield ter filled week when most things proceed, as ical ailment are high. Traveling on your own, may realize your ideas and plans this year. You will be positive results for you and you will be successful in you desire. Take some time to travel with your with a friend or with the whole family will be able to execute your plans efficiently. You will get plen- your business trips this year. You may invest in buying spouse for romance and seduction. Investing on exciting and comfortable too. Your property ty of support from your partners and colleagues to im- house or stocks. However, it is recommended to have a a ship or a cruise is an exciting venture to be prices will boost in the coming period. prove your morale and confidence. good research on the stock before you invest. You may made. Keeping a close watch on your emotions Unexpected accolades bring happiness. Better to Romance this year: You will be in a blissful romantic feel restless due to the abrupt expenses for the health is- relationship with your partner this year. would be in your interest. share them with close friends to double the joy. sues of your family members. You may end up spend- Lucky month: July, October, December and February 30 July 19-25, 2014 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The power of attention Most religions believe that there are accurately we will experience our- higher regions of existence to selves as soul. Once we identify which the soul goes after it dies. with the soul, then we will also be Scientists and doctors have tried to aware of the inner Light and Sound verify this by documenting that is the radiance and vibratory accounts of people who were sound of God within us. If we declared clinically dead but had absorb ourselves in the Light and near-death experiences and Sound within, we can then attain described something beyond this step two. We can shift our attention world. The question is, where are into the Light and Sound, which By Sant Rajinder Singh these realms? They are not zones in attracts our soul to higher levels of Ji Maharaj outer space delineated by borders. vibration. All these realms exist concurrently The Light and Sound function at soul is sent to a life in the with this one. The reason we are different vibratory rates in the dif- human body for a certain not aware of them is because they ferent regions. As we shift our Aperiod of time. During that operate on a different frequency or attention we find ourselves con- time the soul is confined in the vibration. If we meditate accurately we will experience scious of being in the different human form like a prison cell. The saints and mystics tell us that regions. Ultimately, the Light and When the soul inhabits a body, the we have the choice to either stay ourselves as soul. Once we identify with the soul, Sound function at their highest soul is still a part of God and is still tuned to this physical world, or to then we will also be aware of the inner Light vibratory rate, which is the power one with God. The soul, however, tune into the channels of God. God of God itself. When we shift our is now overpowered by some very wants us to watch God’s program- and Sound that is the radiance and vibratory attention to that, we have come to powerful forces, such as the mind, ming. God is available twenty-four sound of God within us.. the state of consciousness where we the body, and the outer world, hours of the day, three hundred are at one with God and merge with which cause the soul, over time, to sixty-five days a year. God’s pro- one and step two? To accomplish have just been there and back.” He God. forget itself. The soul slowly begins gramming does not turn off at three step one, we must withdraw our was showing that the shift of atten- It is simply a matter of choosing to identify itself with the body and a.m. like some networks do. It is a attention from our body, mind, and tion from the physical realm to where we want to put our attention. mind and world outside. It sudden- free station broadcasting all the the world outside. We must decide Sach Khand could be done in the That is the true meaning of the ly begins to think that it can only time without any cable fees. We to turn off the outer programming. twinkling of an eye. Why? Because anecdote about Bulleh Shah and receive information from the outer only need to know how to tune into When that programming is in the we are not going anywhere physi- Inayat Shah. world through the senses. Thus, the God’s station. off mode, then in the silence we cally. We are merely shifting our When Bulleh Shah asked his soul has become attuned to only The hook-up to God is not hard. will experience ourselves as soul. attention from one state of con- Master, Inayat Shah (who was a one channel—the channel of the It is just a matter of making the That is the step that we call self- sciousness to the other. The other gardener by profession), “How can world. choice that this is what we want to knowledge. Once we identify with state of consciousness does not I find God?” Inayat Shah pulled up If we think about our life as do. The steps to do this are simple. the soul, we will be able to pick up exist in time or space. They are a plant and replanted it in another watching a television program, we Step one is to stop identifying with frequencies that the soul is capable operating concurrently. We are place. When Bulleh Shah ques- have multiple choices as to what to the body, mind, and world outside, of receiving. We can do a gradual simultaneously in the other realms tioned what that demonstration watch. Just as there are a dozen net- and identify with the soul. Step two shift in which we go from the con- and in God at the same time but we meant, Inayat Shah said, “To find work stations and then dozens if requires that when we identify with sciousness of one region to con- are not aware of it because our God it is merely uprooting your not hundreds of cable stations from our soul that we shift our attention sciousness of the spiritual realms. attention is only focused on one attention from one place and plant- which to choose, so, too, there are to the frequency of the higher Once someone asked the great region—the physical. ing it in another place.” That is the many activities in this world that realms and ultimately to God. That saint, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji So, for step one, the Masters who simplicity of spirituality. God did we can engage in. is all we must do. God did not Maharaj, how long it took to get have learned to be attuned to the not make things complicated. It is Now, let us take a look at the make it hard for us to become from here (the physical region) to realm of God, teach us that we can simple. It is only we who have to other choices available to us. This aware of our true Home. It is we Sach Khand (the highest spiritual withdraw our attention from the choose to transplant the flower of physical planet is not a separate off- who have made it complicated. region). Hazur closed his eyes, and world, the body, and the mind by our attention from the world into shoot from all of creation and God. So how do we accomplish step then opened them. He told them, “I sitting in meditation. If we meditate God’s garden.

Life’s awakening moments The need n each person’s Sant Mat life a moment Icomes when for a living ant Mat, the “Path of the inner dimension—the deep spiri- we have a tran- Saints,” reflects the core tual essence known as mysticism. scendent experi- Steachings of saints and mys- Mysticism looks beyond rites, rit- ence or a revela- master tics through the ages. People new uals, and scriptural knowledge tion in which we to this path often say they are and pursues spirituality as a mat- become aware that competent teacher attracted by its simplicity, integri- ter of personal inner experience. we have a higher speeds our progress. ty, and effectiveness in fostering Sant Mat expresses the deepest purpose in this AIt's a common sense spiritual growth. values of every great spiritual tra- world. Suddenly, principle of life: studying Although Sant Mat was born dition—love for God, compassion amidst the daily rituals of waking will find some life-transforming centuries ago in India, it is in for God’s creation, and a daily life with one who has mastered up, getting dressed, going to work, experience that awakened their many ways ideal for the modern grounded in ethical values. Sant eating, and sleeping, we get a quest. Once these burning questions the subject we wish to learn seeker. Followed under the guid- Mat’s unique contribution is dis- glimpse that there is something arise, there is no turning back. We accelerates our learning. ance of a living spiritual Master, tilling these noble ideals into a are restless until we find the solu- more to this life. That moment may That's why seekers through- these teachings couple meditation simple, universal spiritual path come when we are a child. It may tion. on the inner Light and Sound with and then providing the tools and out history have turned to come to us while a teenager, or it Before our awakening, it is like an inclusive, positive way of techniques to make them a may come in adult life. Some may we are sleeping. Our soul has been spiritual Masters. By virtue living. personal reality. have it when they are young adults, asleep for aeons. We started out in of their own inner awaken- At the heart of Sant Mat are Sant Mat does not demand that and some have it in their senior the lap of God but became lost in ing, these Masters awaken these simple principles: There is we renounce our families or soci- the attractions of the world. We have one God of all creation, though eties. Instead, we can pursue our years of life. Whenever it comes, it others. As much as we leaves us transformed. Suddenly, we forgotten our true Home. We are in people worship the Lord by differ- spiritual goals while leading begin to question who we are, why a state of slumber or forgetfulness revere Masters of the past, ent names and through different normal lives. we are here, where we go when we that we are souls, a part of God. We Sant Mat stresses the practices. While Sant Mat respects die, and what our purpose in life is. think we are the mind and the body importance of a living all faiths, it stresses that religion -- Sant Rajinder Singh and have forgotten our true essence Read about the life of any of the guide. has two dimensions—outer and Ji Maharaj great saints and mystics and you as soul, as a part of the Creator. inner. Sant Mat focuses on the TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 19-25, 2014 TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 19-25, 2014