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VOL 15 ISSUE 18 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● APR 30 - MAY 06, 2021 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 ● [email protected] www.theindianpanorama.news India sees record 3.79 lakh new Will bring out a special edition to mark Mother's Day which falls on May 9 this year. Covid cases, 3,645 more deaths Articles and advertisements are Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 30,84,814 invited from readers. The last date for submission is May 2, 2021. Caught unawares, India accepts aid from the world for the first time in 17 years Please email articles and NEW DELHI (TIP): India saw a advertisements by May 2 to record single-day rise of 3,79,257 new [email protected] coronavirus infections pushing the total tally of Covid cases to 1,83,76,524, while active cases crossed the 30-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry Indian envoy interacts with data updated on Thursday, April 29. U.S. business community The death toll increased to 2,04,832 with a record 3,645 daily new fatalities, on COVID-19 relief efforts the data updated at 8 am showed. India's Registering a steady increase, the ambassador to active cases have increased to 30,84,814, the United comprising 16.79 per cent of the total States Taranjit infections, while the national Covid Singh Sandhu. CONTD ON PAGE 40 File Photo / courtesy Indian They die for want of Oxygen! Embassy << Picture for Representation only Covid-19 surge: Indiaspora New York mayor envisions U.S. to restrict travel from raises USD 1 million for India full reopening by July 1 India starting May 4 WASHINGTON (TIP): India's in less than 48 hours "We are ready to The entry restrictions do not apply Ambassador to the U.S. Taranjit Singh bring New York City to lawful permanent residents Sandhu held an interaction with WASHINGTON back fully on July 1," members of the business community (TIP): Indiaspora, a de Blasio told a news on the current COVID-19 pandemic nonprofit briefing, April 29. "Now we can see that situation in the country. community of light at the end of the The virtual meeting was hosted by global Indian diaspora leaders, has tunnel." - File photo / the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on raised USD 1 million towards COVID-19 Twitter Thursday, April 29. During the talks, relief efforts within the last 48 hours as Mr. Sandhu appraised the business the organization announced on Friday NEW YORK (TIP): New York City WASHINGTON (TIP): Due to the community of the items that India is to launch the "Help India Breathe" aims to "fully reopen" on July 1 after very high numbers of COVID-19 cases trying to identify and source, fundraiser campaign. more than a year of closures and and multiple strains of the virus in CONTD ON PAGE 40 CONTD ON PAGE 40 capacity restrictions, Mayor Bill de India, the United States will restrict Blasio said on Thursday, April 29, citing travel of non-citizens from the country, satisfactory progress in its vaccination starting Tuesday, May 4 Eastern U.S. campaign. time. U.S. President Joe Biden issued a "We are ready to bring New York City proclamation on Friday, April 30, back fully on July 1," de Blasio told a afternoon prohibiting the entry of non- news briefing. "Now we can see that citizens (the administration has done light at the end of the tunnel." away with the term 'alien') who have De Blasio said he had not discussed been physically present in India for 14 the city's reopening date with Governor CONTD ON PAGE 40 Andrew Cuomo, but his announcement comes a day after Cuomo lifted TV journalist Rohit Sardana dies of restrictions that would clear the way for cardiac arrest after testing positive a revival of the city's nightlife. for COVID-19 CONTD ON PAGE 40 Read story on page 14 THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 02 -: GUEST COMMENTS:-

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja VICE PRESIDENT: Promises to keep: On Chitagam Saluja CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja Joe Biden’s first address CONSULTING EDITOR : Deepak Dwidedi, Chairman, Bhaskar Group, Delhi ASSISTANT EDITOR: to U.S. Congress Bidisha Roy SPL. REPORTER UNO: Biden is on course to fulfilling agenda despite opposition at home and challenges abroad H.S. Panaser GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Om Parkash Malik n his first address to a joint session trillion pandemic relief bill and pro quo over strengthening the U.S. as DIRECTOR of Congress, U.S. President Joe funneling direct payments of $1,400 a global voice for plurilateral ADMINISTRATION: IBiden made clear that his per person to more than 160 million cooperation and regional engagement. Gauri Beri administration would continue households. Reports suggest that this Mr. Biden, contrarily,has thrown down pressing forward with promises made shot in the arm could boost economic the gauntlet to China, assuring its CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: during his election campaign last year, growth this year to 6% or higher and President Xi Jinping that Washington including vigorously meeting the revive the nearly 8.4 million jobs lost to would continue to maintain a strong Baldev Singh / BJ Videos Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction health challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 by 2022. Whether this will be military presence in the Indo-Pacific Jay Mandal, COVID-19 pandemic, kick-starting the enough to mollify the likely anger of "not to start conflict, but to prevent Mohammad Jaffer, engines of the U.S. economy to provide wealthy Americans for the tax hikes he one". Recognizing the multi- SnapsIndia sustainable job opportunities in the proposes to slap them with is unclear. dimensional character of Beijing's Mohammad Shahzad, digital era, and reasserting the Yet, it is not the economy but the challenge to the rules-based Zia Khan, position of his country as a driving wounds of racist hatred that he will international order, Mr. Biden has also Nisha Rani force for democracy worldwide have to work even harder to heal. The vowed to stand up to "unfair" trade Vaaho Photographers, including pushing back on China's recent conviction of the police officer practices, including disallowed Vijay Shah - Photo Journalist. aspiration to be a regional hegemon in responsible for the death of African- subsidies for Chinese state-owned CORRESPONDENTS : Asia. Mr. Biden's first 100 days in office American George Floyd represents but enterprises and industrial espionage, SACRAMENTO: have been coterminous with arguably the first step toward bridging the as well as speak out on perceived Parminder S. Aujla the most fraught times in recent U.S. chasm between prejudiced, violations of fundamental freedoms NEW YORK : history, given the devastation wreaked overzealous law enforcement and and rights relating to, for example, Chitagam by the coronavirus on life and racial minorities. Beijing's aggression in the South FRESNO: economic activity - making the U.S. the Notwithstanding the considerable China Sea and in Hong Kong and the Tarlochan Singh worst performer worldwide until progress made by the Biden Xinjiang region, respectively. Whether DALLAS: recently surpassed on this grim scale administration in domestic politics, it facing conservative opposition to by India. However, the Democrat has is in the international arena that much Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon domestic policies or hostile pushback risen to the challenge posed by the work remains unfinished to repair the on the global stage from geopolitical OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS virus, when compared to his damage wrought by his predecessor, an rivals, Mr. Biden must hold fast to the LONDON predecessor Donald Trump's response, isolationist who prioritized values that saw him elevated to the Nirpal Singh Shergill in terms of signing into law a $1.9 transnationalism and bilateral quid White House. (The Hindu) SPL CORRESPONDENT DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Chandan Singh CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu LUDHIANA: Election Commission of A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma JAIPUR : India in the dock Dr. Yashpaul Goyal DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF & VP Lovllien Kaurr 972-330-3139 Constitutional body is being held responsible for Covid surge [email protected] The Indian Panorama he Madras High Court has has to fulfil, come what may, but the vehicle rallies in the state. P.O. Box No. 190067, South pulled no punches in holding the sheer chaos they unleashed could have The poll panel has now prohibited all Richmond Hill, NY 11419, TElection Commission of India been avoided with foresight and victory processions and celebrations Tel: 646-247-9458 (ECI) 'singularly' responsible for the planning. The poll schedule for West after the counting of votes on May 2. Email: spread of the second wave of Covid-19 Bengal - eight phases spread over 34 The move is welcome, but it will all [email protected] in the country. The court has even said days - had come under fire from the boil down to enforcement. It remains that ECI officials may be booked on outset. Such a long-drawn-out exercise to be seen what action, if any, would be DISCLAIMER murder charges. This is a scathing was a recipe for disaster as the virus taken against the offenders. There is a indictment of the poll panel's conduct was getting uncontrollable by the day. growing perception that the ECI is THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASSUMES of the elections in four states and a UT Even as Covid cases kept rising in reluctant to act against certain big NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS. over the past month amid the recent weeks, the ECI refused to club fish. The credibility of this WE ONLY SELL SPACE. VIEWS devastating pandemic. Sadly, the the remaining phases, citing logistic constitutional body has repeatedly PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER strictures have shown the ECI in a challenges and legal constraints. come under a cloud as doubts have ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND poor light because of its decisions, Though the specter of large gatherings been raised about its neutrality. The DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE though the polling staff had becoming superspreaders of infection ECI needs to go the extra mile to dispel VIEWS OF THE NEWSPAPER. ALL accomplished the Herculean task of loomed large, the commission allowed such notions and reaffirm its RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. holding elections during a health crowded roadshows and rallies. It was commitment to remain Indian REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IN emergency. as late as April 22, with only two democracy's watchdog. WRITING FROM THE INDIAN There is no doubt that polls are a phases of polling left, that the ECI (Tribune, Chandigarh) PANORAMA IS PROHIBITED. constitutional obligation that the ECI imposed a ban on roadshows and THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 03

SPACE DONATED BY OPINIO MEDIA, INC. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 04 Indian-origin Indians in Australia hold prayers British MP in solidarity with people back Dhesi Urged his home battling Covid-19 surge government to MELBOURNE (TIP): Hundreds of The Australian government on Indians here in Australia on Wednesday, Tuesday, April 27, announced a ban on help India April 28, held prayers and a candlelight direct flights from India for at least three vigil in solidarity with the people back weeks, as part of measures to prevent home as India battles a harsh second the new strain of virus from entering wave of coronavirus infections. the nation. The vigil was held at the iconic "We recognize the challenging COVID- Federation Square building and 19 crisis that India is currently battling, attended by hundreds of Indian and we stand ready to provide more community members, who held posters support to our friends in India and and placards saying, "Australia stands Indian Australians during this difficult with India" and "Prayers for India". time," Prime minister Scott Morrison Karthik Arsu, one of the organizers, Indians in Australia offered prayers for their said. said: "We have organized the candlelight brethren in India The initial package of support was vigil today (Wednesday) to send our best which has crippled the healthcare also announced which includes rapid wishes and prayers for the people of system in the country as several deployment of 500 non-invasive India". hospitals have run out of oxygen ventilators, with capacity to deploy up to "We don't want to lose hope and want supplies and ICU beds with ventilators. a total of 3,000 ventilators. Indian origin MP in the UK, Tanmanjeet to show our solidarity with the people of On Wednesday, April 28, India saw a "Our Government is also supplying a Singh Dhesi has urged his government to India. We are sending our prayers and record single-day rise of 3,60,960 significant package of personal help India in its fight against Covid positivity and hoping India will come coronavirus cases, which pushed the protective equipment (PPE), including out of this COVID-19 crisis soon," he total tally to 1,79,97,267, while the death one million surgical masks, 500,000 LONDON (TIP): India-origin said. toll crossed two lakh following 3,293 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, Labour MP in Britain, Tanmanjeet India currently is battling an fresh fatalities, according to Union 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves Singh Dhesi, has urged his unprecedented wave of coronavirus health ministry data updated. and 20,000 face shields, Morrison said. government to help India as Covid-19 situation worsened. "Many are extremely anxious about loved ones in India, terrified after Indian-Origin Gupta Brothers in South Africa seeing the apocalyptic scenes of people dying on the streets for want of oxygen, a collapsing health system, named in UK Economic Sanctions List and crematoriums and cemeteries overwhelmed with thousands of LONDON (TIP): Three Indian-origin involved in the diversion of USD 230 people dying everyday," he said in the brothers from the influential Gupta million of Russian state property House of Commons. family in South Africa have been placed through a fraudulent tax refund scheme Many of us are extremely anxious on a new list of 22 people sanctioned by uncovered by Russian lawyer Sergei about loved ones in India, terrified the UK government on Monday, April 26, Magnitsky, who died in 2009 having after seeing apocalyptic scenes of for their alleged involvement in some of uncovered one of the largest tax frauds people dying on the streets for want of the world's most serious cases of in recent Russian history. oxygen. corruption and to block them channeling Sudanese businessman Ashraf Seed India is registering highest ever money through UK banks or enter the Ahmed Hussein Ali, widely known as Al Covid cases globally, so we must take country. Brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Cardinal, is sanctioned for his the lead and help Indian people in Gupta are sanctioned for their role in a The UK government on Monday, April involvement in the "misappropriation" of their hour of need. "long-running" South African 26,placed the Gupta brothers on a new list of significant amounts of state assets in pic.twitter.com/ybagKTwIZw corruption scandal, alongside Russian 22 people sanctioned for their alleged one of the poorest countries in the world. - Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP tax fraudsters, individuals linked to involvement in some of the world's most "This diversion of resources in (@TanDhesi) April 28, 2021 Latin American bribery cases and a serious cases of corruption collusion with South Sudanese elites has In an Urgent Question on this Sudanese businessman. of 22, the Foreign, Commonwealth and contributed to ongoing instability and matter, the MP for Slough highlighted They fall under the first wave of Development Office (FCDO) includes conflict," the FCDO notes. to Foreign Office Minister Nigel measures under the new Global Anti- Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta and their The remaining individuals on the Adams the need for the UK to take the Corruption sanctions regime, which associate Salim Essa, for their roles in sanction list are said to be involved in lead and help the Indian people in gives the UK unprecedented power to serious corruption. serious corruption in Latin America, their hour of need, considering India stop corrupt actors profiting from the "They were at the heart of a long- including facilitating bribes to support a is registering the highest ever Covid UK economy, imposes asset freezes and running process of corruption in South major drug trafficking organization and cases globally. travel bans against individuals. Africa which caused significant damage "misappropriation that has led to "Corruption has a corrosive effect as it to its economy," it notes. The citizens being deprived of vital slows development, drains the wealth of businessmen have all previously denied resources for development". poorer nations and keeps their people allegations of corruption. The FCDO said the measures are trapped in poverty. It poisons the well of The family, originally from Uttar deliberately targeted, so the UK can democracy," said UK Foreign Secretary Pradesh's Saharanpur, is now in self- impose sanctions on corrupt individuals Dominic Raab. exile in Dubai as South Africa continues and their enablers, rather than entire "The individuals we have sanctioned extradition efforts for questioning in nations. They are being taken partly in today have been involved in some of the their alleged role in state capture tandem with the US, which is also most notorious corruption cases around involving billions of South African announcing further corruption the world. Global Britain is standing up Rands from state-owned institutions. In sanctions this week. "Acting together for democracy, good governance and the 2019, the US treasury department sends the clearest possible signal that rule of law. We are saying to those imposed sanctions on the three Gupta corruption comes with a heavy price," involved in serious corruption: we will brothers and Essa for their involvement the FCDO said. not tolerate you or your dirty money in in corruption in South Africa. (Read full story at our country," he said.On the sanction list Others on the list include those www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 05 Indian American physicians, artists offer India support in Covid-19 crisis

PARAMJIT AUJLA painting is not just a creative outlet for SACRAMENTO (TIP): For Indian healing for her, but through it she also Americans living thousands of miles away intends to encourage fellow Indians in from the country of their origin, the past America to raise funds. few weeks have been nothing short of "I am amplifying my request to raise harrowing. funds for India through my painting," she As India continues to be in the grip of a says urging everyone to donate to any deadly second wave of Covid pandemic, charity of their choice for Covid relief and relatives in America are often at a loss send her a proof of donation. wondering how they can come to the aid of "As a Thank You gesture, I will send India in its hour of crisis. them a digital print of this painting or my While many organizations are creating Mandala artwork if they are within US. If fundraisers, some others are using the contributors are outside of US they creative outlets not only to cope with the will get an online print." worries, but to also create awareness and raise funds. If art is serving as a medium to help California-based Indian American artist some, many other organizations have Sujata Tibrewala spent the past few days come together to raise funds - an completing a new painting she titled, "Sick important in fact acute urgency during Mother India." these times. From her San Jose home, the artist American Association of Physicians of explained to a news outlet, why she Indian Origin are also collecting funds. resorted to the creative medium to help The money raised would be used to send her calm down as distressing news oxygen concentrators to India. Readers continues coming out of India. California-based Indian American artist Sujata Tibrewala who spent the past few days can go to https://events.aapiusa.org completing this painting she titled, "Sick Mother India", thinks that it is calamities such as "I started to paint a traditional these that make us realize how futile our differences and divides have been /donation-oxygen/ for donating. kalamkari art to take my mind off all the Another fundraiser by Asha for happenings in India," she said. "But divides have been. party," Tibrewala says. Education, an NGO that works for halfway through I saw the goddess having She says, "In the recent past, there have "My country, the melting pot of all education of underprivileged children in difficulty breathing due to all Covid been conversations (in India) around cultures has been reduced to this fighting India will go towards purchasing medicine around and I felt compelled to give her mandir and masjid. But those who are in the name of religion, caste, political and hygiene kits, pulse oximeter kits and oxygen." affected are people from all religions." ideology. This is cruel reminder that oxygen concentrators. The artist-activist thinks that it is "Corona does not care. If Hindus go for a instead we should be all fighting the Readers can go to calamities such as these that make us congregation, they will get affected. Same common enemy - Covid." https://www.facebook.com/donate/318833112 realize how futile our differences and is the case with Muslims or any political The artist however stresses that her 965921/10159189122663187/ for details. "India deserves our attention right now": Sundar Pichai SAN JOSE (TIP): Witnessing the "From our side, we really focused on materials, supply access so India can "heartbreaking" Covid-19 crisis in India providing the most helpful information," begin manufacturing its vaccines. amid a deadly second wave, Google's he said noting there are 600 million Indian American CEO Sundar Pichai people connected to the internet and "I'm not familiar enough around the would like other US companies to also they're looking for information about issues around IP to weigh in on them" he come forward to help in a coordinated vaccine and testing. said. "I was encouraged by the way. "So, working with the Ministry of AstraZeneca doses to India. "India deserves our attention right Health in India, making sure we can get "This pandemic will involve us now," Pichai told media Wednesday,April the right information on the ground has tackling it globally. The US, we're very 28 discussing how his company is been a big focus for us." fortunate. We need to work hard to make responding and what others can "As for us partnering with NGOs and sure we can get access to vaccine supply similarly do to lend support. public health organizations to get the around the world as soon as possible," "India deserves our attention right now," Pichai, who became head of Google's messaging out," Pichai said, "It's Pichai said. Pichai told media Wednesday, April 28 discussing how his company is responding parent company Alphabet in 2019, and important that people are able to stay On Indian Prime Minister Narendra and what others can similarly do to lend Microsoft's Indian American CEO Satya home and mask and stay safe. So, we're Modi's handling of the pandemic, Pichai support. Nadella publicly pledged Monday, April helping get the message out in said, "If you look around the world, 26 to help battle the surge of coronavirus partnership." Covid has been humbling in the sense comply with local laws, particularly in cases. Other companies can similarly take that, when you think you're on top of it, democratic countries which through "The situation there is dire, and it's their expertise where they "can and there can be a surge back." their norms and processes have passed been heartbreaking to see. I think the being ready to help in a coordinated way "I think encouraging good public laws." "I think one of India's strengths is worst is yet to come," he said on is going to be helpful," he said. "The safety measures and paying attention to a deeply rooted democratic tradition, witnessing the unfolding crisis in India second, it's very possible to provide cash crisis is the only thing you can do in the based in freedom of expression and from afar." and other resources to organizations on short term. That's the effort I'm seeing," allowing for diversity of viewpoints," he "Being here, seeing the attention here, the ground I think can make a big he said adding, "As a company, we stand said. "That's a strength." I realize at the highest levels from difference." by ready to help." "We haven't had any requests," Pichai President (Joe) Biden, Secretary (of Asked about vaccine supply and a Commenting on recent take-down said, In the past we've been able to work State Antony) Blinken - there's been possible intellectual property waiver, requests from the Modi government over constructively with governments around focus on seeing how we can help India Pichai said he was more involved in the critical pandemic posts on Twitter, the world, and we'll continue that and the other countries being affected." conversations around providing raw Facebook, Pichai said, "Normally we do approach here." THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 06 Former New York Governor Koshy Thomas Candidacy for David Paterson Endorses District 23 of NYC Council is Alfonso Quiroz For City gaining momentum Council QUEENS, NY (TIP): City Council candidate Alfonso Quiroz has earned the endorsement of former New York Governor David Paterson, who praised Quiroz's passion for public service and his commitment to community. Paterson served as the state's top executive from March 2008 to the end of QUEENS, NY (TIP): Koshy Thomas Rockland county, called for unity among 2010. Campaign is gaining momentum as the us and encouraged everyone present at Asian Indian Queens community Former Governor backs Quiroz's candidacy to replace outgoing "I have come to know the meeting to get involved. "when I ran Councilman Danny Dromm in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst Alfonso Quiroz over the last gathered to throw their full support to for the election, people from all over the seat 15 years and truly believe him in his efforts to become the first country extended help. I am expecting he will be a stellar public New York city council member in the the same for Koshy's campaign. This servant because he cares about his community and his city," said Governor David upcoming elections on June 22nd. The District has so many Asian Indians, and Paterson." Alfonso is driven by both his heart and his head in his continuous pursuit meeting took place in Santoor if we come together, victory is certain". of solutions to improve the lives of others and ensure everyone has an equal Restaurant in Floral Park and was She said. She also offered whatever opportunity to succeed." attended by community leaders and assistance in this effort and urged the Quiroz said he was honored by the endorsement because Paterson was an early activists. The meeting was convened in community to join her in this great supporter of marriage equality measures in New York and paved the way for state light of increasing endorsements and endeavor to elect the first Asian Indian legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. Moreover, his agenda as governor focused on enthusiastic reception from voters for to the NYC Council. expanding economic, healthcare, educational and housing opportunities for everyone his candidacy. The challenge for Koshy Mr. Aniayan George, President of and took strides to end discrimination on all fronts. These goals are more important Thomas is to translate the newly created FOMAA (Federation Of Malayalee than ever as New York City and State try to emerge from the pandemic, he said. enthusiasm into votes in the days ahead! Associations of Americas), "It is a great honor to have the endorsement of Governor Paterson, who served our Mr. Koshy Thomas, in his speech, characterized Koshy Thomas as State with integrity and dignity," said Alfonso Quiroz. "Countless New Yorkers gained talked about his involvement with the someone who identifies with the access to new opportunities and lead better lives due to his leadership. Over his community for the last 27 years and said community regardless of their decades-long career, Governor Paterson was a fierce advocate for the people, and I hope he knows the community well and their background and someone who has the to continue his legacy in the City Council for my neighbors and community." concerns and aspirations. "I consider energy, willingness, and capacity to Quiroz is a long-time New Yorker who lives in Jackson Heights with his husband, this upcoming election as a great elevate his contributions further as an Jeff Simmons. opportunity to serve the people in the NYC Councilman. "I believe Koshy He has a long record of civic involvement. He is a former president of the Hispanic District. There is so much to be done in Thomas can win this election, and he Chamber of Commerce of Queens. He currently serves as vice president of the JFK terms of helping the community and the will be our first Asian Indian Democratic Club and is a former board member of Queens Theater, the Stonewall small business in these COVID times. "If representation in the City Council," he Democratic Club and active in the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. As the you walk around this District, you may added. founder of the 37th Avenue Sidewalk Cafe Coalition, he was an instrumental and early see so many small businesses are closing Father John Thomas, Vicar of the voice in the expansion of outdoor dining in Jackson Heights. down, and they are truly hurting. They Orthodox Church in Jackson Heights, Quiroz has served as deputy chief of staff to former Councilmember Helen Sears need help with tax breaks and other reminded the people of our duty as and as Democratic district leader in Queens. He was a White House intern when financial incentives to survive in this responsible citizens to participate in the President Clinton was in office and served as a field organizer for Al Gore's 2000 economic downturn", he said. elections and specially to vote. (Read full campaign. Dr. Annie Paul, Legislator from story at www.theindianpanorama.news) Dan Quart Joins Lawmakers and Community Leaders to Denounce Hate Towards Asian Americans and Demand Justice for Yao Pan Ma

MANHATTAN (TIP): Candidate for prosecution." Manhattan District Attorney Dan Quart, on Dan Quart is one of NYC's top pro bono April 27, joined lawmakers and community attorneys and a New York State Assembly leaders in East Harlem to denounce hatred member representing Manhattan's East towards Asian Americans and demand Side. A Washington Heights native who justice for Yao Pan Ma. Yao Pan Ma was grew up in subsidized housing with brutally attacked Monday night and working-class parents, Dan was raised by a remains in critical condition at Harlem public-school teacher and a social worker Hospital. who taught him the value of public service. "The vicious attack on Yao Pan Ma was Since graduating law school, he has unacceptable, and the problem of Anti- dedicated his career to standing up for Asian hate goes even deeper than what tenants' rights and advocating for criminal we're seeing because so many crimes go justice reform. unreported," said Quart. "There is a valid As Manhattan's next District Attorney, conversation to be had about the root causes Dan will fight to end mass incarceration, of the attack on Yao Pan Ma, but this is a hold law enforcement accountable for police moment where accountability and justice is brutality,and ensure that all Manhattanites Lawmakers and community leaders denounced hate crimes against Asians in East Harlem on required, and that includes aggressive April 27. feel safe. Learn more at DanQuart.com. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 07 SARDAR MANMOHAN SINGH GOPIO Thanks President Biden DHALL PASSES AWAY and Appeals to Release

LONG ISLAND, NY grandfather. (TIP): Sardar Manmohan Sardar Manmohan AstraZeneca Vaccines to India Singh Dhall, a well-known Singh Dhall is survived Sikh community leader, by his wife Sardarni NEW YORK (TIP): Global has passed away on April Pritpal Kaur Dhall. Organization of People of Indian 26. He was 89. His funeral, Children Inderpal Singh, Origin (GOPIO) thanked US President attended by hundreds of Harinderpal Singh, Joe Biden for his announcement of relations, friends and Gurinder Kaur and Vikas USA sending raw materials for admirers, despite Covid Dhall. Father-in-law to COVID-19 vaccines, medical restrictions, observed in Manmohan Singh Bhasin, equipment and protective gear to help letter and spirit, took place Daman Kaur, Gogli and India respond to a massive surge in on April 29 at Moloney Indu Dhall. Grandfather coronavirus infections. Funeral Home in to Simardeep, Raymon, India is going through a grim Ronkonkoma. Kinsi, Jasmine, Sherry, Angelica, situation now in Covid Pandemic As is customary among the Sikhs, Gurtej, HarSahib & Raunak Dhall. infection and deaths. The latest report prayers for the eternal peace of the Great-Grandfather to Aarna, Noor and says that the new infections are about departed soul, were offered at Gurdwara Pavan Singh. 350,000 and deaths about 3,000 per day. Plainview where rich tributes were paid Speaking with The Indian Panorama, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas to Sardar Manmohan Singh by Varinder Vikas Singh Dhall gave a brief life story Abraham said that in the last three Singh Sikka, President of the gurdwara of his father. At the Age of 15, months, India acted as a global leader on behalf of the gurdwara management, Manmohan Singh witnessed the in sending vaccines to many countries. Mr. Sikka described Sardar Manmohan Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. However, with the sudden unexpected Singh as a perfect gentleman, always He joined Army at the age of 17 and took Covid-19 outbreak, India needs an smiling and ready to help anyone. He an early discharge to further his enormous quantity of vaccines for its took keen interest in the gurdwara professional career and joined Gestetner 1.3 billion population. As a close ally of GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham said affairs and helped greatly in the Duplicators (A British Firm), served India, our country must help India in that India needs an enormous quantity of construction of the new building of the there for 20 years. this grave situation. vaccines for its 1.3 billion population. As a close ally of India, our country must help gurdwara. While working in the company, he "We appeal to you to send India in this grave situation. Vikas Singh Dhall, one of the sons of married Pritpal Kaur and had four AstraZeneca vaccines which are Sardar Manmohan Singh, and chairman children. During the massacre of 1984 in stored by US manufacturers in their Biden. of Gurdwara Plainview, described his Indore, India, he had massive financial warehouses since the US is yet to GOPIO also requested President father as his mentor who guided him in losses. authorize its use here while it has Biden to facilitate manufacturing of every way. He felt sad that he has now In 1987 he decided to move to the US been used in India," Dr. Abraham other vaccines in India so that the been deprived of the wise counsel of his and to fulfill his dream for a better life appealed in his letter to President global demand can be met sooner. Dad. He thanked all for their presence at with his family. After his arrival in the the funeral and at the prayers. US, he became very active in Local Sikh Grandchildren of Sardar Manmohan Community. One of his very passionate JOB OPPORTUNITY AT Singh also paid rich tributes to their things to do was, SEWA (service to community),and he always distributed left over langer THE PERMANENT (food) to the Sikh and non- Sikh working class youth. Raising a family with Sikh MISSION OF INDIA TO values was his number one priority and he has set an THE UNITED NATIONS example for many families across the tri-state area of New York. Applications are invited for the post of Chauffeur in the "Sardar Manmohan Singh Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York. Dhall leaves us on a path to being humble, working hard 1. Age: Between 25 and 45 years and taking care of family", 2. Applicant must be a US Citizen or hold a valid said Vikas Singh Dhall. Employment Authorization Card (EAD). Applicant must have a valid driving license, with at least three years of driving experience within Manhattan and adjoining areas. 3. Applicants are requested to send their Resume/CV along with copies of (i) Educational Qualification (ii) valid Driving License (iii) Passport and visa (iv) two references from previous employers with proper address/contact details, latest by Sunday, 9 May 2021, 1600 hrs by post/e-mail to the following address:

HEAD OF CHANCERY Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations 235 East, 43rd Street, New York, NY-10017 Fax: (212)-490-9656/57 E-mail: [email protected] .in [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 08 AS I SEE IT Gasping for air, gasping for answers The people of India are entitled to a full and honest account of what led more than a billion people into a catastrophe efforts of the thousands of civil society organizations to support those who are BY VIKRAM many more diverse ways, and it is only person. There has been a feverish rise of gasping for air, not forgetting the PATEL now, with COVID-19 sweeping the world, anxiety and fear across the population, continuing support they will need after that gasping for air has been recognized as twinned with helplessness as the comfort they can breathe again. The outpouring of a traumatic event. What ties these of knowing that there is a government community action we are witnessing is a he struggle to breathe, or asphyxia, seemingly unconnected experiences which they can rely on has evaporated. soothing balm for the anxiety many are is the most terrifying human together is that they all evoke the same India has been engulfed, in a matter of a experiencing as they fear that the state Texperience. Something one takes for intense emotions: a toxic brew of extreme few weeks, into the world's most serious seems to have collapsed. granted, which we do more than a dozen fear and utter helplessness. These humanitarian crisis, fueled not just by a Healing through truth times every minute, suddenly becomes an experiences, especially when sustained more infectious strain of the virus, but ordeal. I know how this feel having lived over hours or days, literally leave an also a stunning level of arrogance, greed, But, long-term recovery of the collective through tormenting bouts of asthma in my imprint in the brain so that the hallmark incompetence and complacency. The trauma will need resolution of the pent-up younger years and, more recently, when I features of PTSD symptoms such as terror reminds me of the weeks that rage that is burning a hole in our souls. found myself trapped under a raft in the nightmares, flashbacks and feeling on followed the brutal lock-down imposed on This will need the equivalent of the Truth freezing, raging, Zanskar river in Ladakh. edge, recur at any time, sometimes the same population a year ago, without and Reconciliation Commissions which The memories of gasping for air and the triggered by a totally unrelated event any warning or preparation. A year on, the have served to heal the collective traumas fear of dying are seared into my brain. which bear similarity to the trauma. horrors have returned to their lives, only of events which affected entire Death typically comes as a relief from the A recent study from the United Kingdom this time for exactly the opposite reason: populations, such as apartheid in SA. Such terror, as multiple organ systems collapse of over 13,000 survivors of COVID-19 the state did nothing at all as tens of an independent Commission would due to the lack of oxygen, a colorless, reported a strong correlation between the thousands, and then hundreds of document the facts behind the tragedy odorless, tasteless gas which we are not severity of the infection and subsequent thousands, of people were getting infected unfolding across India, hold individuals even aware of until we cannot get enough PTSD. While just over 1% of the patients every day,watching millions congregate at and institutions accountable, and offer a of it. Oxygen. A word which should signify reported breathing problems or hospital religious festivals and election rallies, path towards restorative justice to heal a vitality and exuberance, but which in admission, the prevalence of PTSD in the oblivious or uncaring about the inevitable deeply wounded nation. Last week, when recent weeks has become synonymous months which followed were staggering: cataclysm this would lead to. the Delhi HC issued an order to the Central with death and suffering. Who would have 35% of the sickest, and 15% of even those The concept of collective trauma has Government to ensure the supply of ever imagined that the India of 2021 which who only needed home assistance. The emerged only in recent times, in the oxygen, I was puzzled by its statement that boasts sending rockets to the stars and most prominent symptoms were aftermath of terrifying events which have "As it stands, we all know this country is manufactures oxygen on an industrial frightening intrusive images of being affected entire populations, such as being run by God." I will never know who scale, would one day be unable to supply breathless or ventilated. Thus, for those following the 9/11 attacks in New York or was being referred to as God, but I am oxygen to save her own people? who do survive these nightmarish disasters such as the tsunami in 2004. assuming it must be the spiritual being we The trauma of asphyxia moments on the edge of life, the ordeal is These events were followed by a dramatic pray to in our myriad places of worship. If far from over. Even as we struggle to keep increase in symptoms of psychological so, then we must ensure that this is not the The word 'trauma' typically evokes those gasping for air alive, we must distress, including the cardinal features of final judgment of the apocalypse that has extreme events such as rape, sexual abuse simultaneously attend to the long-term trauma, for months and years after the befallen India. The people of this country and war-related violence. This is not mental health consequences of survivors, event itself had passed into history.And so are entitled to a full and honest account of surprising given that the word gained a task even more daunting in a country we also must prepare the country for what led more than a billion people into a currency as a medical condition in the where trauma-related mental health healing from this mass traumatic catastrophe, if only to put at rest our aftermath of the Vietnam war when tens problems are barely even acknowledged. experience and we can draw upon lessons troubled minds, restore the fractured trust of thousands of soldiers from the United A traumatized country from other humanitarian crises to guide between the people and the state, and be States returning from the brutal conflict our actions. Most immediately, we must better prepared for the next pandemic. exhibited a range of distressing But there is also another kind of trauma find a place to park our anger and rage, as (The author is The Pershing Square Professor of symptoms, giving birth to the diagnosis of which is sweeping across India, as millions justified as these reactions may be, and Global Health at Harvard Medical School, and a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). of stories of suffering, despair and death search for the compassion lurking beneath member of the Lancet Citizen's Commission on But the truth is that trauma can occur in percolate into the consciousness of every it, and support in any way we can the Re-imagining India's Health System)

A timely warning: On GUEST COMMENT necessary. As Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who heads the Bench, remarked, any clampdown on information is hospital beds, medical oxygen and vital drugs as attempts contrary to basic precepts. He underscored the Supreme Court intervention to bring the government into disrepute. The police in significance and necessity for the free flow of Amethi registered an FIR against a man who appealed on information during a grave crisis by recalling the role it against clampdown on Twitter for an oxygen cylinder for a family member for played in containing a famine in 1970. The Court was allegedly circulating a rumor and seeking to cause fear apparently drawing inspiration from the theory, information and alarm. Mr. Adityanath appears quite convinced that articulated by economist Amartya Sen, that the SC's caution against harassing those needing complaints about oxygen shortage in his State are either fundamental attributes of democracy - such as a free help will deter ill-advised action imaginary or, worse, malicious, and wants to treat them press and the need to face the people at elections and he Supreme Court has issued a timely warning to as attempts to "spoil the atmosphere". While it is entirely respond to political criticism - help prevent famines. the States against any attempt to clamp down on in order that the government has directed the police to However, how far the present regime feels itself Tthe dissemination of information about the crack down on the profiteering on medicines in the black accountable to the people at large is now unclear. It faces serious health crisis besetting the country, or calls for market, it is quite a different matter if the administration criticism both within the country and from the help through social media from citizens affected by starts seeing all appeals for help in a grave crisis as international media that a major cause of the crisis is its COVID-19. The comment, obviously in response to the nothing more than activities aimed at tarnishing the reluctance to acknowledge its own failure to prepare for a utterly despotic threat issued by U.P. Chief Minister Yogi government's image. calamitous second wave. Questions fired at it by High Adityanath that those "spreading misinformation" or Given the propensity of such leaders to treat the Courts are also on these lines. Any move to stifle such "rumor" would be detained under the National Security voicing of grievances by citizens as a personal affront to criticism or believe that this is a problem of managing Act (NSA) and their property seized, will surely help their administrative capabilities, the Court's warning perceptions will be of no avail if the infections and body prevent ill-advised action by the police and the that any attempt to stifle the people's voices would attract count keep rising alarmingly and the health system administration to treat appeals concerning shortage of action for contempt of court is quite timely and draws close to a collapse. (The Hindu) THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 09 Arrogant Modi-Shah Regime Dismissed Scientific Warnings IN THE CURRENT CRISIS, OF IMMEDIATE CONCERN ARE THE DISASTROUS OMISSIONS AND COMMISSIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT CONCERNING THE BUILDING OF HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING, CRUCIALLY, THE PROBLEM BY BRINDA KARAT WITH OXYGEN SUPPLIES AND ITS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED VACCINE POLICY.

Delhi's premier hospitals have flagged oxygen shortage amid spurt in Covid cases.

during Covid. Setting up oxygen plants announcements by manufacturing Modi-Shah regime's policy paralysis is responsible for the Covid misery and deaths would cut into their profits. Privatization companies, will be increased to about 13 eorge Floyd's last words, "I can't taken a year ago to set up 162 oxygen of health care has been a key "reform" crore by the end of May. Taking the breathe", resonated across the plants is still not implemented. An measure of successive government since population as 140 crore people and a Gworld to symbolize the brutal investigation by the website Scroll showed the decade of the 90s. This is reflected in projected 60 per cent as eligible, the reality of a racist police force in the US. that till April 2021, only 11 were installed low budgetary allocations. India is paying requirement is of 168 crore doses. Even Today in India, there is a different context: and just three were functional. In the price today with the collapse of the taking the optimistic and unlikely these tragic words are whispered across response, the Health Ministry claimed system in almost all its states. projections of production as the base, and homes and outside hospitals as Covid that 33 were installed, an official Kerala is an exception. For oxygen assuming the entire production will be for patients struggle to breathe, deprived of admission nevertheless of the non- supplies, Kerala used to depend on other domestic use, it will take over a year to life-saving oxygen. "I can't breathe", implementation of the decision. Take the states; today,Kerala has been transformed vaccinate the adult population. symbolizing the arrogance of a chest- case of Delhi, the capital of India, which into an oxygen-surplus state, helping The central government policy, while thumping central leadership of the has the highest number of deaths due to others with oxygen supplies. From March opening up the criteria for eligibility, has government of India, a leadership that oxygen supply shortages. In its recent 2020, its government was monitoring the declared that it will be responsible for dismissed warnings of the coming Covid affidavit in an ongoing petition in the use of oxygen and estimating providing free vaccines only for those over tsunami from experts, based on scientific Delhi High Court, the union Health requirements. The government had the age of 45 years and will take control of research and concrete data, a leadership Ministry admitted that of seven oxygen invested in state public sector over 50 per cent of the production for this mesmerised by its own self-serving plants to be installed in Delhi, only one undertakings to increase oxygen purpose. States and private hospitals will propaganda of being the vishwa guru who oxygen plant had been installed. The production capacity. The state-owned have to make their own arrangements to would save the world, a leadership which government counsel could not say KMML set up an oxygen plant in October divide the remaining 50 per cent between led the way in breaking every single rule whether it was functional or not. If the last year which produces 70 metric tons a themselves at prices fixed by the of Covid-appropriate behavior and central government had acted as it should day. Oxygen plants in the public and companies. The country and indeed the encouraged others to do so too, a have, many of the precious lives lost in the private sectors have been set up over the world has watched with dismay and leadership that promoted a platform of capital could have been saved. past two years which now have a concern the tensions created between fake nationalism to hide its failures. And By mid-March, there was an alarming production of 207 metric tons a day.Given states to "capture" oxygen tankers passing echoing the tone and tenor of the top two rise in cases in Delhi. The central the expected increase in oxygen demand through their territories marked for a leaders of the present regime, the Prime government had usurped all the powers of with the fast-growing cases in the state, different destination, the most recent Minister and the Home Minister, are their the elected government in Delhi through the government is preparing itself to deal example being that of UP and Madhya minions across the country who exist the amendments pushed through in the with all emergencies. The key has been Pradesh. This will happen on a much because they obey. recent session of parliament. Having got investment in public health larger scale for vaccines, given the In the current crisis, of immediate the power, where were the central infrastructure. shortage of supplies and the license given concern are the disastrous omissions and agencies at the time? Was the Lieutenant Just as in its failure to build health to the companies to decide their priorities. commissions of the government Governor waiting for instructions from infrastructure, including oxygen plants, Only they will benefit, while India gets concerning the building of health the Home Minister, who was busy in the last year, the vaccine policy of the divided by a vaccine war initiated by the infrastructure, including, crucially, the campaigning for votes? Why were no government is going to create havoc and central government's policy. problem with oxygen supplies and its preparations made for the inevitable lead to another disaster. The Cowin There is a two-fold solution. First, the recently announced vaccine policy. As far increase in infections and the need for dashboard shows that from January 2021 central government has to withdraw this as the oxygen supply situation is hospitalization? If such assessments had till April 24, only 139 million doses of divisive, market-oriented policy of concerned, much is being made of the been done, the emergency measures of vaccines had been administered. Of these, vaccine access and ensure a universal, data put out that there is no shortage of bringing oxygen through tankers to Delhi only 22 million people had been free vaccination programme with a oxygen which is mainly used by industry, would have been in place much earlier. administered their second dose. 117 scientific method of distribution to each but of transportation. The bottom line is ut equally importantly, the million people had taken their first dose. state. It is estimated that the entire cost that because of lack of planning and privatization of the health care This is much below the official first phase will be less than one per cent of GDP. execution, people are dying. A few days Bsystem has taken its toll. Why do target of 300 million to be completed by Secondly, public sector vaccine units ago, the Prime Minister made a grand top private hospitals in the capital for July. which were virtually destroyed by announcement that an additional 150 example not have their own captive The current combined numbers of "reform" policies have to be swiftly oxygen plants would be set up - with no oxygen plants? They charge obscene vaccine production is around 7.6 crore revamped through urgent government explanation as to why the earlier decision amounts for medical treatment, including doses a month, which, according to recent CONTD ON PAGE 10 THE INDIAN PANORAMA OPINION FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 10 Sadly, our civil society has been pulverized, courts abdicate their When govt fails its people responsibility, and the rule of law is The onus of protecting lives in the middle of death & missing. destruction is on the citizen BY NEERA CHANDHOKE Democrats realized early enough that Singh. Aided by a Supreme Court no one can be equal if she is poor, non- anxious to reclaim its image after its eep anguish, deeper desolation, literate, malnourished, unemployed sorry record during the Emergency, and and immeasurable sadness defeat amidst opulent affluence. Political by civil society groups, the UPA-I Dus as we witness death after death. equality has meaning only when the legislated several social rights. The RTE Death is no longer a stranger, it has holders of power recognize that people was made a part of the right to life and become familiar: a neighbor, a visitor, should not be poor/ non- granted the status of a fundamental Burning funeral pyres of covid victims in even family. We have looked death in the literate/malnourished/ unemployed right. However, the right to health was India face and found it merciless. We do not because that compromises the left out. Article 21, which guarantees the personally know the people who died, we fundamentals of democracy. A well- right to life, has been interpreted to cover Nadu and Kerala. Social activists and only know how many died. But we do conceived educational system, a the right to health. The right is thus scholars have suggested a move away know they left a part of themselves with functioning health infrastructure, jobs, derived rather than couched in terms of from a policy-oriented approach to us and took away a part of us. 'No man is housing and a regular income represent a specific good that all have a right to. health, towards a human rights approach an island', wrote English poet John the core of redistributive justice. In 1946, the committee on public health which might manage to secure universal Donne, '…any man's death diminishes This notion is not new to India. The chaired by Sir Joseph Bhore had access to health. me, because I am involved in mankind. Constitution draft, authored by a nine- recommended that a web of primary Today, we are paying heavily for And therefore, never send to know for member committee, with Motilal Nehru health centers be established to focus on privatization and commercialization of a whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.' as the chairman, conceptualized an preventive and curative measures. Our basic precondition to life. The leadership Sadly, our civil society has been integrated system of rights from public health system has functioned is content with demoting democracy to pulverized, courts abdicate their universal adult suffrage to the right to poorly. Since 1991, the private sector, elections, and to mandates secured by responsibility, and the rule of law is liberty. Prominence was given to social promoting health tourism, has stepped elections. The ruling class might do missing. rights. Motilal Nehru observed that into the field in a major way. Dominated something about the lives, liberties, This is a moment of unending grief. It political power could be justified only by a few corporates, private hospitals are education and health of citizens. It might is also a moment for asking hard when it was used to ameliorate poverty, driven by profit. The private sector is not do anything. The presumption of questions. There is nothing more tragic ill health and education through the uninterested in the concept of delivering democracy can be belied by the outcome. than avoidable death. Who is grant and implementation of social and health to all through preventive Important as elections are, they are not responsible? We asked for statesmen, economic rights. The report obliged a measures and is unconcerned about sufficient for ensuring democracy and wrote Wole Soyinka, we were sent future Parliament of independent India equity. The present government has well-being. Democracy has to be executioners. Indians asked for to make suitable laws for the devolved responsibility for health to the protected by citizen activism in the space statesmen, we got politicians for whom maintenance of health and fitness for private sector. Consider the pricing of civil society, by the judiciary and by democracy is reducible to elections; a work for all citizens, for securing a living policy of vaccination for the 18-44 age the rule of law. In India, civil society has route to grab power and privilege. wage for all workers, and for the group. The onus of protecting lives in the been pulverized, courts abdicate their Democracy has disappointed protection of motherhood, welfare of middle of death and destruction has been responsibility, and the rule of law has democrats across the world. We had children, and to counter economic placed on the citizen. gone missing. hoped for democracy because this is the consequences of old age, infirmity, and That the focus on curative health has So, when the pandemic massacres, the form of rule that recognizes the political unemployment. resulted in inadequate health services, is only agent that can hold a mirror to competence of ordinary people to In the Constituent Assembly, the made painfully evident today. Preventive overweening power is the foreign media, participate in decision making. integrated list of rights was split between healthcare is related to the establishment a few newspapers and some online news Democracy is of value not because of its the Fundamental Rights Chapter and the of supportive infrastructure: networks of portals. Leaders continue to lust for outcomes, whether peace, increased GDP, Directive Principles of State Policy.Many free or reasonably priced services, high power, as those who voted for them gasp or world-class infrastructure, but decades thereon, social rights were given literacy rates, exposure to information, for breath. This is not the democracy our because of its presumption that every attention only in 2004-2009 by the UPA social movements, and, above all, forebears fought for and conceived of. citizen is equal. government headed by PM Manmohan political will, as is the case of Tamil (The author is a political scientist) Arrogant Modi-Shah Regime Dismissed Scientific Warnings

CONTD FROM PAGE 9 urgency", or in cases of "public non-commercial use", news." Critical views are equated with fake news and investment and involved in the manufacturing of such technology transfers are permitted. This clause can are being taken down. The RSS, through a statement by vaccines. Multiple PSUs producing quality vaccines is an and must be used to include PSUs to ramp up its second-in-command, warned of a "conspiracy "by" urgent necessity. Patent monopolies used by big manufacture vaccines. destructive and anti-Bharat forces (who) can create a manufacturers to make super-profits cannot be However, instead of showing the political will to reboot feeling of negativity and mistrust" against the permitted. its approach and policy framework, the Modi government. Veiled threats were made to be "more It is important to emphasize that Covaxin was Government has resorted to its default mechanism - restrained and positive on social media." This has been developed by the Institute of Virology, a public sector suppress the facts, the truth, dissent in the name of implemented in UP by an official warning from the institution under ICMR, in collaboration with a private spreading anti-national fake news. Chief Minister and police officials that property would company, Bharat Biotech. Why did ICMR not include be seized, and the NSA and the Gangster Act used PSUs in this collaborative exercise? India had excellent against those "spreading rumors and fake news." An facilities in at least seven public sector undertakings to unnamed hospital that had reported a shortage of produce vaccines which were the driving force behind oxygen was cited as an example. The message is clear India's universal immunization programs for decades. enough: suffer in silence, allow the court jesters the Logically,given the intensity of the pandemic, the central stage for their grotesque competitions in praise of the government should have invested funds in these idle rulers, or face the consequences. units to help them prepare for manufacture of vaccines Truth telling is not a blame game. It is not "playing as part of a private-public partnership. PSUs could have politics when people are dying." When people die due to been used as critical platforms to ramp up vaccine wrong policy decisions, then it is the patriotic duty of supplies. every citizen to point it out, to fight and resist it, to force Even today, there are provisions of compulsory change, to hold governments responsible for omissions licensing in the Patents Law which make transfer of A cremation ground in Delhi and commissions which take people's lives so as to save technology to PSUs possible. Under Section 92, pursuant others. to a notification issued by the central government, if The Modi-Shah regime has already sent out warnings (The author is a Politburo member of the CPI(M) and a former there is either a "national emergency" or "extreme to Twitter to delete posts which they describe as "fake Member of the Rajya Sabha) THE INDIAN PANORAMA SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 11 CAR BOMB KILLS 30 IN Pak PM Imran Khan AFGHANISTAN'S EASTERN LOGAR PROVINCE KABUL (TIP): A huge car bomb announces Rs 370 billion blast killed at least 30 people and injured dozens more in Afghanistan's eastern Logar province on Friday, development package for officials said. The car detonated in Logar's capital of Pul-e Alam near the home of the former head of the provincial council Gilgit-Baltistan and not far from a hospital, Didar Lawang, the spokesman for Logar's ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan Prime governor, said. Minister Imran Khan on Friday It was not immediately clear who announced a development package of Rs was behind the blast. 370 billion for Gilgit-Baltistan to help its Violence in Afghanistan has youth through skill development escalated in recent weeks after US initiatives and transform the region into President Joe Biden announced the a top tourism destination. US would withdraw troops by Khan visited the region’s capital Gilgit September 11 to end two decades of along with Cabinet ministers and foreign military presence. addressed a gathering attended by That decision angered the Taliban lawmakers of Gilgit-Baltistan and who had signed a deal with previous supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek- US President Donald Trump that i-Insaf party to unveil the package. specified troops would be gone from “We are announcing a package of Rs the country by May 1 subject to 370 billion for Gilgit-Baltistan to be certain security guarantees. reimbursed over the next five years,” he Interior ministry spokesman Tariq said. Arian said that the death toll from Khan said the investment in tourism Friday's blast could rise. could transform the region of Gilgit- Around 60 people were wounded, Baltistan as it was twice the size of according to the head of Logar's Switzerland and more beautiful than the provincial council, Hasibullah small European country known as a Stanekzai. A ministry of health haven for tourists. spokesman said around 40 people had “By developing infrastructure for been taken to hospital, some in a tourism, Gilgit-Baltistan would not only facilities to start operations of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying it is intended to critical condition. Reuters become rich but would be in a position to international flights to the region. camouflage the “illegal” occupation of support the rest of the country instead of Khan visited the region last year the region by Islamabad. ARMY BIGGEST LAND looking towards Islamabad for help,” he during the election campaign for its Spokesperson in the Ministry of GRABBER, SAYS PAK said. legislative Assembly and had promised External Affairs Anurag Srivastava had Khan said Gilgit-Baltistan was the best to give the status of provisional province said India “firmly rejects” the attempt by COURT place for food processing factories and to the region and initiate development. Pakistan to bring material changes to a LAHORE (TIP): The Lahore High hydropower projects, promising to invest His party won the polls and is now ruling part of Indian territory which is under Court has called Pakistan army the in these sectors. He said the package will the region. Islamabad’s “illegal and forcible country’s “biggest land grabber” and also focus on skill development and India has previously slammed occupation” and asked the neighbouring said its uniform was for the service to scholarships for the region’s youth. Pakistan for its attempt to accord country to immediately vacate such the nation and “not to rule as a king”. He said the government would build provincial status to the “so-called” areas. PTI Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Mohammad Qasim Khan, while hearing a land grabbing case, said he didn’t want to say anything Pak lawmaker arrested in treason case wrong about the army, but the way it occupied the properties of people was LAHORE (TIP): A Pakistani Maryam for taking on the military nothing but land grabbing. lawmaker was arrested here on Tuesday establishment. He said so while hearing petitions of on charges of treason. On March 20, Latif was booked on three citizens seeking an order Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML- charges of treason and a case was against the Defence Housing N) leader and former prime minister registered against the the Member of Authority to not disturb their lawful Nawaz Sharif ’s close aide Javed Latif National Assembly (MNA) on the possession of the land they had was arrested by the Crime Investigation complaint of a private citizen, Jameel obtained on lease from the Evacuee Agency (CIA) of Lahore Police after a Saleem. Trust Property Board. Regretting that sessions court rejected his pre-bail During the court hearing, Latif ’s told the Army had also grabbed a piece of petition in the treason case. the judge that a “plan to assassinate land owned by the High Court, Justice ACCORDING TO THE FIR, LATIF Maryam” had been prepared and his Khan said that he would instruct the client had talked about it in this context. LHC registrar to write to the army DEFAMED STATE INSTITUTIONS He said even Sharif had said that a chief. — PTI AND PASSED HATEFUL message to “smash” Maryam was 82 KILLED IN BAGHDAD REMARKS AGAINST THEM. conveyed to her. The court rejected his bail plea HOSPITAL BLAZE HE IS ALSO ACCUSED OF President Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N observing that “the man who speaks TALKING ABOUT will not say Pakistan Khappay (stay against the mother land doesn’t deserve BAGHDAD (TIP): Iraq’s Interior united). PPP had made this slogan of any concession”. Ministry said Sunday that 82 persons DISMEMBERMENT OF PAKISTAN Pakistan Khappay after assassination of Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition died and 110 were injured in a IN CASE ANYTHING HAPPENS Benazir Bhutto but the PMLN will not in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif catastrophic fire that broke out in the TO SHARIF’S DAUGHTER say this if anything happens to Maryam condemned Latif ’s arrest. “The arrests intensive care unit of a Baghdad Nawaz,” Latif had said in a TV talk show. of party workers and political leaders hospital tending to severe Covid MARYAM NAWAZ. He was talking in the backdrop of show the government’s bewilderment,” patients. AP “If anything happens to PML-N Vice alleged “life threats” being given to he said in a statement. PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 12

the Biden administration can still do more, like give India its stockpile of Indian American Lawmaker AstraZeneca vaccines that won't be used in the US. The government should facilitate the Indian community in America to help Welcomes US Government Decision assist hospitals in India. It can also call on now," he asserted. Monday, taking its total tally of COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna to provide an The Biden administration had come cases to 1,73,13,163. The death count intellectual property waiver for six under criticism from several quarters, increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 months to a year as India grapples with including from members and supporters daily new fatalities, according to the this health crisis, Mr. Khanna said. of the Democratic Party, for not releasing Union Health Ministry data. "The White House should also convene surplus COVID-19 vaccines to India when "The Lend-Lease Act of World War II Indian business leaders to make the case the country was experiencing its worst- states that America could lend or lease for why this is in these companies'' long- ever public health crisis. India had urged supplies to any nation deemed vital to the term strategic interest. Many Indian the US to supply the raw materials for defense of the US. This is no different. We American business leaders such as Vinod manufacturing the Covishield vaccine. are fighting a war together with India, Khosla are happy to make the case to them Following the criticism, US National Argentina and others. We can only defeat why this is a good business decision," he Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan in a COVID-19 by defeating it everywhere. Our said. The Biden administration's commitment that telephonic call with his Indian success in ending this pandemic hinges on The Democratic lawmaker noted that it will export raw materials for the Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Sunday the leadership of the US and our ability to Khosla has committed to financially help manufacturer of the Covishield vaccine is a affirmed America's solidarity with India. help allies in need," said Krishnamoorthi, any hospitals in India in need of supplies welcome decision," Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said. After the phone call, Emily Horne, who also serves on the House Oversight and will also be speaking with the India spokesperson of the US NSA, underlined Committee and the House Permanent Caucus leadership to discuss what else WASHINGTON (TIP): An Indian that America is "working around the Select Committee on Intelligence. can be done to assist. American Democratic lawmaker on clock" to deploy available resources and Meanwhile, Ro Khanna, another "This is a very tough time for the Indian Monday, April 26, welcomed the US supplies and has "identified sources of Democratic Indian American people and underscores the continued government's decision to provide material specific raw material urgently required Congressman, said international threat of COVID-19. These new strains of and healthcare help to India in its fight for Indian manufacturer of the Covishield cooperation and humanitarian assistance the virus are gravely alarming and could against a spike in COVID-19 cases, but said vaccine that will immediately be made are the hallmarks of a truly progressive pose a threat here in America and across this is "no time for symbolism" or "lip available for India". foreign policy. "In the face of apocalyptic the globe if we do not do all we can to service" and the Joe Biden administration Mr Krishnamoorthi, who is also the numbers of COVID-19 cases and new contain the virus and its new variants," must act now. chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on variants exploding in India, I applaud the Mr Khanna said. India is struggling with a second wave Economic and Consumer Policy, said it is Biden administration's decision to put US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 imperative that the US government double people over profits and provide additional said the aid extended by the US to India daily new coronavirus cases being down on its commitment by exporting Personal Protective Equipment, oxygen includes raw material for vaccine reported in the past few days, and these materials expeditiously, by opening and other medical supplies to India," he production, therapeutics, rapid diagnostic hospitals in several states are reeling its stockpile of AstraZeneca vaccines said. kits, ventilators, oxygen generation and under a shortage of medical oxygen and currently sitting unused on shelves. Mr. Khanna said he is pleased to see the related supplies, financial support for beds. "The Biden administration's He said the US government should also USAID's (United States Agency for vaccine manufacturing expansion and commitment that it will export raw follow the actions of other countries this International Development) work with the deployment of American public health materials for the Indian manufacturer of weekend by shipping medical supplies, Centers for Disease Control and teams. the Covishield vaccine is a welcome including oxygen concentrators, to help Prevention to expedite the mobilization of "This is an important step forward," decision," Indian American Congressman treat COVID-19 victims in India and other emergency resources for India through Indian American Congresswoman Raja Krishnamoorthi said. nations hardest-hit by the deadly virus. the Global Fund. Pramila Jayapal said, thanking Joe Biden "However, this is no time for symbolism, India logged a record of 3,52,991 new "This must be done with the utmost for recognizing that "our fates" are all tied half-measures or lip service. We must act coronavirus infections in a day on speed and urgency," he said, adding that together.

In addition, with the purpose of educating AAPI members and their Indian Americans Physicians body AAPI to ship counterparts in India, AAPI is organizing educational webinars with small groups of doctors on zoom. 200 oxygen concentrators to Covid-19 hit India Dr. Gotimukula urged the physician AAPI has also identified three telehealth Sajni Shah, Chair of AAPI Board of fraternity to educate their communities on platforms that would offer free service to Trustees pointed out, "This is a far cry the need to double masking and everyone physicians from India/US and patients. from the picture a few months ago about taking "the vaccine to reduce the intensity "In the past week, we have been our motherland India, which depicted the of disease if we become Covid positive." receiving nothing but mind-numbing news virus to be on the decline." AAPI is offering MD-To-MD zoom chats from many countries around the world, Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President- and discussions about one's patients, particularly in India, the land of our Elect, who is leading the AAPI Initiative to disease, course of medicines, and progress birth," stated AAPI President Dr. help and support plans to help the daily 7-8 am IST/9:30-10:30 am EST. Sudhakar Jonnalgadda. physicians and the people in India thanked Dr. Ravi Kolli, Vice President of AAPI 200 Oxygen concentrators costing around Pointing to the chilling statistics, hundreds of AAPI members at the noted that AAPI members have risen to $500 each will be delivered direct to hospitals Jonnalagadda also urged AAPI members conclusion of a brain storming session on "the occasion and are offering the much- in India with the help of SEWA International and the general public to step up and how to help India. needed services to their motherland in with Indian missions in the US helping with shipping and customs, AAPI President donate generously as India, our Dr. Gotimukula announced following several ways, individually and Jonnalagadda said. motherland is facing one of the most steps to help India. collectively." serious health crises in decades, according Groups of physicians will form smaller Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Secretary of CHICAGO (TIP): Amid a devastating to an AAPI press release. groups with Indian physicians in their AAPI giving details about covid tele- second Covid-19 wave in India, American "This is the time for immediate AAPI own state/region, and do it yourselves in consulting services for Indian doctors Association of Physicians of Indian action. As doctors, we all share a visceral their own language for Tele-Consult. The said, "We are extremely delighted about Origin (APPI), plans to send 200 oxygen urge to do something about it," he said. Google sheet prepared by AAPI has a list of the overwhelming response to this." concentrators to Indian hospitals with the 200 Oxygen concentrators costing volunteers that would be updated Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Treasurer of help of non-profit SEWA International. around $500 each will be delivered direct to regularly. AAPI has identified three AAPI thanked all the volunteers and tele- The largest ethnic medical organization hospitals in India with the help of SEWA Telehealth platforms that would offer free health platform companies for sharing in the US also plans to offer tele-Consult International with Indian missions in the service to physicians from India/US and platforms and offering services at no cost services in India in local languages and US helping with shipping and customs, patients: 1. EglobalDoctors.com; 2. to AAPI members, Indian doctors and organize webinars to educate AAPI Jonnalagadda said. http://Mdtok.com; and, 3. patients for treating Covid-19. members and their counterparts in India Describing the current spike in Covid Click2clinic.com. Apps are available on For more details, please visit: AAPI website: on zoom. cases in India as "the worst nightmare" Dr. iOS and Android. http://www.appiusa.orgwww.appiusa.org. THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 13 Texas Based Indian American Indian American Foundation shipping 50 ventilators to India organizations thank Biden The US India Chamber of Commerce (USICOC) Foundation and its partner organizations are shipping 50 ventilators to India, besides for helping Covid-19 hit India other medical supplies, to help the country fight the WASHINGTON (TIP): Leading Kamala Harris to send a majority of the deadly second wave of Indian American community US vaccine surplus to fight against the COVID-19, the USICOC said in a press release. organizations have thanked the Biden- Covid-19 crisis in India. Harris administration for helping India The Global Organization of People of HOUSTON (TIP): The US India Chamber hit by a devastating Covid-19 surge and Indian Origin (GOPIO) has also thanked of Commerce (USICOC) Foundation and its urged it to send it surplus US vaccine to Biden for his announcement of the US partner organizations are shipping 50 beat the pandemic. sending raw materials for Covid-19 ventilators to India, besides other medical "We applaud the decision by the White vaccines, medical equipment and supplies, to help the country fight the deadly House to donate the US government's 60 protective gear to help India respond to second wave of COVID-19. million surplus vaccine doses to fight a massive surge in coronavirus The foundation made arrangements to the pandemic globally," Neil Makhija, infections. ship 20 ventilators on Tuesday.It will send 30 Executive Director of IMPACT, stated. GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas more in the next few days. "We urge the White House to send at Abraham said that in the last three These ventilators will be released to the least half of our vaccine surplus President Joe Biden has received much months, India acted as a global leader in Indian Red Cross Society in New Delhi for stockpiles to India, where half of the praise from Indian American organizations sending vaccines to many countries. distribution to hospitals and field teams in world's new infections are currently for his decision to help India overcome the However, with the sudden unexpected hard-hit areas, the USICOC said. dire situation caused by Covid in India happening," he wrote. Covid-19 outbreak, India needs an It added that the ventilators are battle- Noting that the deadliest wave of "But Congress and the White House enormous quantity of vaccines for its tested and are in use in several countries Covid-19 is currently emerging in India still need to hear our collective voices to 1.3 billion population. "As a close ally of throughout the world. with nearly 350,000 new cases daily, make sure the surplus vaccines are India, our country must help India in The Chambers of Commerce, which Makhija said, "This heartbreaking donated to India, where they are needed this grave situation." he said. normally facilitates trade between the two tragedy must be met with swift action most," Makhija stated. "We appeal to you to send countries, joined forces with the Texas from allies across the globe led by the The current surge in India will AstraZeneca vaccines which are stored Indian-American population to help the United States." prolong the global crisis without a swift by US manufacturers in their humanitarian crisis back home. global response, he said. "This massive warehouses since the US is yet to Neel Gonuguntla, president of the IMPACT also thanked "the South humanitarian crisis cannot be met with authorize its use here while it has been USICOC DFW, Jagdip Ahluwalia, founding Asian members of Congress and our charitable efforts alone, and requires used in India," Dr. Abraham appealed in secretary and executive director of Indo- allies - such as Reps. Raja leveraging the resources of the US a letter to Biden. GOPIO also requested American Chamber of Greater Houston Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Government." IMPACT also asked Biden to facilitate manufacturing of (IACCGH), and Padma Shri Ashok Mago, Khanna, and Andy Kim - for being the people to add their names to call on other vaccines in India so that the global founding chairman of the USICOC, teamed leading voices in the fight to help India." President Joe Biden and Vice President demand can be met sooner. up to lead the efforts through the USICOC Foundation. They raised funds from the Indian- American community to provide critical Indian American Doctor on the Only Way medical equipment like oxygen cylinders, concentrators, generators and ventilators to to Address Covid-19 India. "We are happy to help India in every way WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian supplies of therapeutics, rapid that we can during this time of extreme American physician Vivek Murthy, the diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and need," said Mago, who helped to coordinate 21st Surgeon General of the US on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) many of the necessary funds for the effort. Sunday,April 25, said that the only way that will immediately be made Ahluwalia said they were coordinating to address a global COVID-19 pandemic available for India. with hospitals, NGOs, medical schools and is global cooperation and mutual The United States also is pursuing government bodies in India to make sure the support. options to provide oxygen generation equipment was reaching trained Confirming his above statement, Mr. and related supplies on an urgent basis. professionals, who can put it to immediate Murthy announced that the US has The US Development Finance use. taken steps to support India during its Corporation (DFC) is funding a Consul General of India in Houston, unprecedented second wave of substantial expansion of Aseem Mahajan, has been guiding and COVID19 infections. manufacturing capability for BioE, the facilitating with the logistics part, "Today, the US announced steps to vaccine manufacturer in India, Ahluwalia said. support #India during its enabling BioE to ramp up to produce at Spearheading the project on behalf of the unprecedented wave of #COVID19 least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 USICOC Foundation and the broader infections. It has been painful to watch vaccines by the end of 2022. community, Gonuguntla said, "This the suffering and loss that so many Additionally, the United States is collective community effort on behalf of have endured. The only way to address deploying an expert team of public dozens of individual donors, community a global pandemic is global cooperation health advisors from the Center for organizations, businesses like DFW and mutual support," tweeted Mr Mr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the Disease Control (CDC) and USAID to International Airport, PGL Logistics, Murthy. US, announced that the US has taken steps work in close collaboration with the US American Airlines, and others, came Earlier in the day, the US's National to support India during its unprecedented Embassy, India's health ministries, and together like a beautiful symphony of Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke second wave of COVID19 infections. India's Epidemic Intelligence Service genuine compassion to rise up and meet the on the phone today with National "Today's statement outlines concrete staff. USAID will also quickly work need of the hour which is to help save lives Security Advisor Ajit Doval, steps being taken by the United States with CDC to support and fast-track the and get the pandemic under control in expressing deep sympathy for the to help address the crisis. The mobilization of emergency resources India." The USICOC Foundation is a non- people of India following the recent uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 available to India through the Global profit organization founded by members of spike in COVID-19 cases. anywhere presents a threat to all Fund. the US India Chamber of Commerce in 2008 Talking about, Jake Sullivan and Ajit nations." Moreover, the two National Security to support community initiatives Doval meet he said that it was heart- To help treat COVID-19 patients and Advisors agreed that the US and India throughout North Texas and to support breaking and horrifying toll of COVID- protect front-line health workers in would stay in close touch in the coming projects in India that are aligned with the 19 in India in recent days and added, India, the United States has identified days. foundation's initiatives. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 14

SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19 Madras HC raps EC, refuses to gag media on oral observations

CHENNAI (TIP): A day after questioning the Centre on its preparations over the last 10-15 months for tackling the second wave of Covid-19, Ex-attorney the Madras High Court on Friday, April 30, refused to entertain a petition by the general Soli Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday seeking to restrain media from Sorabjee dies publishing the court’s oral observations blaming the poll body for the rise in Covid-19 cases. due to Covid Earlier, the first bench of Chief Justice ormer Attorney General Soli Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Sorabjee, one of India's finest Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy came down Flegal minds, died of Covid this heavily on the ECI for “not stopping morning. He was 91. A senior lawyer political parties from violating the Covid and Padma Vibhushan recipient, Soli protocol” in their rallies for Assembly Sorabjee was being treated at a private elections. It was hearing a petition by hospital in Delhi. AIADMK leader and Tamil Nadu The court had told ECI that “you should be put on murder charges probably”, that “you are the Soli Jehangir Sorabjee was born in Transport Minister MR Vijayabhaskar most irresponsible over the last few months in not stopping political parties from wanton abuse Mumbai in 1930. He started his law which sought directions for the ECI to of the Covid-19 protocol” and that “you are the only institution responsible for the situation that practice in 1953 with the Bombay High follow specific measures during counting we are in today.” Court. In 1971, he was designated on May 2 in his constituency Karur. As senior counsel by the Supreme Court. many as 77 candidates contested are in the India receives first emergency Covid relief supplies from US Sorabjee became Attorney General fray for the Karur seat. first in 1989 and then from 1998 to 2004. The court had told ECI on Monday that NEW DELHI (TIP): India on Friday, doses of Covishield vaccines in India A passionate human rights lawyer, “you should be put on murder charges April 30, received the first supplies of and 17 oxygen generator plants. Sorabjee was appointed a UN Special probably”, that “you are the most Covid emergency aid from the United The Gulf countries are also sending Rapporteur for Nigeria in 1997. irresponsible over the last few months in States.Two US military aircraft arrived supplies. The first shipment of 140 MT He joined the UN Sub-Commission not stopping political parties from wanton on Friday morning, a third will arrive (metric tons) of liquid oxygen from the on Promotion and Protection of abuse of the Covid-19 protocol” and that on May 3. In the first consignment UAE is expected to land in the early Human Rights and was its chairman “you are the only institution responsible meant for the Indian Red Cross, the US hours of Friday. Bahrain is sending 40 from 1998 to 2004. He was also a for the situation that we are in today.” is sending from its own stock 36 MT of oxygen as gift through Indian member of the UN Sub-Commission On Friday, the ECI said these oral millipore filters, each of which will Navy ships that are already in the on the Prevention of Discrimination observations had caused it grave enable the manufacture of five lakh region. and Protection of Minorities. prejudice and that police complaints were Sorabjee served as a member of the being filed against it seeking action for On a suo motu public interest writ R Shankaranarayanan representing the UN world court or the Permanent criminal offence. Rejecting requests by proceeding initiated to check the Centre said the government did not expect Court of Arbitration at The Hague senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, preparedness of the state to tackle the a second wave in the country, the court from 2000 to 2006. representing ECI, to direct media houses second wave besides assessing the said: “Do you even consult experts on In 2002, he became a member of the to confine their reports to written orders availability of oxygen, beds, drugs and such issues? We did not mean to Commission to Review the Working of and to refrain from reporting oral ventilators to treat Covid patients, the disrespect anyone…” the Constitution of India. observations of judges during the court first bench of CJ Banerjee and CJ Banerjee said he was yet to meet “a The legal titan was involved in many proceedings, the court said the Ramamoorthy asked the Centre what they respectable doctor who advised” him “to landmark Supreme Court cases and Commission can anyway approach the were doing for the past 10 to 15 months. drop the guard” and reminded that there argued for free speech and press courts “if any frivolous complaints are “Why are we acting only now in April, cannot be ad-hocism in dealing with a freedom, limiting the police power of made”. A day before, on Thursday, the this will help only in July. Despite having pandemic. “The Centre should have acted the state and a vibrant democracy Madras High Court was irked at the poor almost a year-long lockdown, see the in a planned and informed manner with protected from overreach by Prime preparedness of the Central government situation we are in,” the court said. expert advice,” the court said. Ministers and Governors. in handling the second wave of pandemic. When the Additional Solicitor-General Source: Indian Express Journalist Rohit Sardana dies of Covid; PM says ‘huge void in media’ NOIDA (TIP): Senior journalist and Aaj Tak anchor anchored shows in ETV, Sahara Samay, Zee News and Rohit Sardana has passed away. The 41-year-old died of then Aaj Tak. cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at a private Rohit Sardana was considered one of the most hospital in Noida on Friday (April 30). powerful anchors in Hindi. As the anchor of Aaj Tak's Rohit Sardana is survived by his wife, two daughters, prime time show, Dangal, Rohit achieved a milestone in and his parents. TV anchoring which only a few have got. The 41-year-old Aaj Tak anchor had recently tested Prior to this, he was the anchor of a popular show on positive for Covid-19 but he was active and on his way to Zee News. recovery. Rohit continued to encourage his colleagues Rohit never shied away from asking tough questions and was amplifying Covid-related posts on Twitter till to politicians. In fact, he would often stop talking to late Thursday night. leaders of the ruling party and those in Opposition due His situation, however, deteriorated on Thursday to this. night, following which he was rushed to Metro He had millions of followers on social media. Multispecialty Hospital in Noida. He died of a heart Before making the news of Rohit's death public, it was attack on the morning of April 30. the responsibility of the India Today Group to inform The star anchor of Aaj Tak, Rohit hailed from his family.The group first informed Rohit’s family of his Kurukshetra in Haryana. Rohit was a recipient of the demise after which the news was shared with the public. NT Award and ENBA Award for the best anchor as well "Rohit Sardana left us too soon. Full of energy, as the prestigious Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award for passionate about India's progress and a kind hearted Hindi journalism. soul, Rohit will be missed by many people. His untimely In his career that spanned over one-and-a-half-decade, demise has left a huge void in the media world. Rohit Sardana started as an announcer in All India Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Rohit Sardana Radio after which he made a name for himself as he Shanti," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 15 Will treat action against Modi visits Gurdwara Sis Ganj on 400th pleas on social media as Parkash Purab contempt: Supreme Court rime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib to offer his prayers on the occasion NEW DELHI (TIP): A clampdown on the issue by making it Pof 400th Prakash Parab of Guru Teg Bahadur on on messages for help on social media unequivocal: “Let information flow Saturday, May 1. Modi visited the gurdwara without a is the “worst way” to deal with the freely. Let us hear the voices of our security route and special security arrangements, the Covid-19 crisis, said the Supreme citizens and not a clampdown on Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. Court on Friday,April 30, warning all them.” PM Modi also extended his greetings to the citizens state governments against taking Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, on Twitter. “On the special occasion of his 400th action against people using online who appeared for the Central Parkash Purab, I bow to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. He is platforms to make desperate appeals government in the matter, agreed widely respected globally for his courage and his for oxygen, essential medicines, and with the court, saying there could not efforts to serve the downtrodden. He refused to bow to other help. be any action people who were tyranny and injustice. His supreme sacrifice gives Any such action by governments or already in distress, asking for help. strength and motivation to many,” he wrote on the state police would be treated as a remdesivir. The court’s observations assume microblogging site. contempt of court, the top court “To act against someone who is significance in the wake of a recent added. seeking help for oxygen or a medicine case lodged in Uttar Pradesh’s “It is a matter of grave concerns to is against the basis precept,” said the Amethi district against a 26-year-old us. If citizens communicate their bench, adding it wanted to caution all man for allegedly spreading “false grievances either on the Internet or the state governments and their information” on social media over on social media, there cannot be a director generals of police (DGPs) the supply of oxygen. Shashank clampdown. We don’t want a against any action against those Yadav made an appeal on Twitter for clampdown of information. That’s seeking help. an oxygen cylinder for his critically the worst way of dealing with a “Let this message go very clearly to ill grandfather, which the police later crisis,” observed a bench headed by all states and their DGPs, we will claimed was false. Earlier this week, justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud. treat this as a contempt of this court Yadav was booked under the charges The bench, which included justices of they want a clampdown on of the Epidemic Act and the Indian L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra communication. Let everyone Penal Code for spreading false Bhat, gave examples of various social understand that we are not projecting information with an intent to create media posts, asking for help when anyone in a bad light but looking out panic in society.Yadav was taken to a somebody needed an oxygen cylinder, for help,” remarked the court. police station for questioning, but or a bed in a hospital, or the drug The bench concluded its discussion was later let off. Source: HT 18 Covid-19 Armed forces given emergency Can’t roll out patients die in financial powers to fight Covid-19 18+ vaccine

NEW DELHI (TIP): Defence lakh per case," the ministry said. hospital fire in Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, A senior government officer said drive, say 13 April 30, granted emergency the step will augment the efforts of financial powers to top officers of all the civil administration. states Gujarat’s Bharuch the three armed forces to fight the These powers have been devolved Covid-19 surge. initially for a period of three months NEW DELHI (TIP): Ahead of the BHARUCH (TIP): At least 18 These are in addition to the from May 1 to July 31. adult Covid inoculation drive which is coronavirus patients died after a fire broke emergency powers delegated to the Stay in touch with people, gather scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 1, out at a hospital in Gujarat's Bharuch in medical officers of the armed forces several states said they did not have the the early hours on Saturday, May 1. last week, a Defence Ministry feedback: PM Modi tells ministers vaccine stocks to roll out the plan even as Gut-wrenching visuals of the tragedy statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Centre acknowledged that any new showed remains of some patients roasted Invoking special provisions, urged Union ministers on Friday to programme took time to stabilise. alive on stretchers and beds. Rajnath Singh granted the stay in touch with the people of their Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra There were around 50 other patients at emergency powers to empower the respective regions, help them and Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya the four- storeyed Welfare Hospital when armed forces and speed up their keep getting their feedback on the Pradesh, Assam, Telangana, Karnataka, the fire broke out in the Covid-19 ward at 1 efforts in tide over the current Covid- situation. Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and West am. They were rescued by locals and 19 situation in the country. Chairing a meeting of the Union Bengal categorically stated that while firefighters, an official said. "These powers will help formation Council of Ministers, Modi also they had placed orders with the Serum "As per information at 6.30 am, the death commanders to establish and operate stressed upon the “need to ensure Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, the toll in the tragedy stood at 18. Immediately quarantine facilities/hospitals and that issues at the local level are doses were not yet available for May 1 after the fire, we had confirmation of 12 undertake procurement/repair of promptly identified and addressed”, rollout. deaths," a police official told PTI. equipment/items/material/ stores, according to an official statement. More than 2.5 crore people in the 18-44 The 12 patients in the Covid-19 ward died besides provisioning of various The meeting was held virtually to age group have already registered on due to the fire and resultant smoke, services and works required to discuss the situation arising out of CoWIN platform and are awaiting Bharuch SP Rajendrasinh Chudasama support the ongoing effort against the second wave of COVID-19 in the appointments even as India witnessed said. the pandemic," the statement said. country. It noted that the pandemic another high of nearly 4 lakh daily cases. It is not clear if the remaining six also Vice chiefs of the three armed has led to a “once-in-a-century” The inoculation drive started on died in the Welfare hospital or while being forces, including the Chief Of crisis and thrown a big challenge to January 16 with the target of covering 30 shifted to other hospitals. Integrated Defence Staff to the the world, the statement said. crore priority people at the earliest. The Covid-19 designated hospital is Chairman Chiefs Of Staff The council was briefed about the The coverage has been much less with situated on the Bharuch-Jambusar Committee (CISC) and General steps being taken to ramp up the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today highway, around 190 km from the state Officer Commanding-in-Chiefs number of hospital beds, oxygen telling a meeting of the council of capital Ahmedabad and is being run by a (GOC-in-Cs) and equivalents in all facilities and resolve issues related ministers that over 15 crore doses had trust. three services have been given full to the availability of oxygen and been given. The cause of the fire is yet to be powers. essential medicines, it added. The meeting took note of Covid as ascertained, the official said. "The Corps Commanders/Area The support measures for the “once-in-a-century crisis” that has The fire was controlled within an hour Commanders have been delegated vulnerable population in the form of challenged the world. The PM urged and around 50 patients were rescued by powers up to Rs 50 lakh per case and free foodgrains and financial support union ministers to stay in touch with locals as well as firefighters, a fire official Division Commanders/Sub Area to Jan Dhan account holders were people of their respective regions, help said. They were shifted to nearby Commanders and equivalents have also discussed at the meeting, the them and keep getting their feedback on hospitals, he added. been delegated powers up to Rs 20 statement said. the situation. Source: TNS THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-INDIA FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 16 Gross mismanagement of pandemic and a failed govt in denial

arely two months ago in February the Government and the Bharatiya BJanata Party declared victory over Covid. BJP adopted a resolution hailing Prime Minister Modi’s dynamic leadership as an example to the world. The Union Health Minister exulted that the endgame was close. Overconfidence was such that the Election Commission announced an expansive poll schedule; the Government gave the go ahead to the richest cricket tournament to go ahead on schedule. The overconfident government permitted the once-in-12-years Kumbh Mela to be advance from 2022 to this year. Precious resources, manpower and energy were diverted to manage elections, the religious festival and cricket matches. The Government which had failed to arrange trains for migrant workers last year went ahead to arrange for 25 special trains to ferry the pilgrims. While the Prime Minister continued to solemnly ask people to stay indoors, put on masks and maintain social distance, he himself and his ministers sent out mixed messages by claiming that India had overcome the pandemic and holding road shows in poll-bound states without masks. New facts are tumbling out daily over the past few weeks, which call the A woman is consoled by her children in Delhi after her husband died from the coronavirus. Source: Reuters government’s bluff on good governance and its gross mismanagement of the to cope with Covid. But the government Covid cases has barrelled past 300,000. leave Indians facing a tsunami of pandemic. It encouraged irrational and created an artificial shortage of the The Times has blasted the government’s infection that has pushed the country to unscientific cures with the health medicine and allowed its hoarding and response to the latest coronavirus wave, the brink of collapse.” minister himself promoting Baba Ram sale at exorbitant prices. It failed to saying it has “underscored the air of It also talks about Modi, mask-less, at a Dev’s magic cure branded as Coronil. communicate to the people that 99% of complacency and denial that have West Bengal election rally attended by The Government encouraged research the Covid patients can get well at home. It dogged his government’s response to the hundreds of thousands of voters, also not on the efficacy of Gayatri Mantra and failed to convey that only around one crisis.” wearing masks, declaring that, “In all Yoga on Covid-19 patients while percent of Covid patients ran the risk of “The system has collapsed: India’s directions, I see huge crowds of withholding funds for genome death. descent into Covid hell,” said an equally people….I have never seen such crowds at sequencing of samples. Despite being It is a different matter that it botched blistering headline in The Guardian, a rally.” aware of the country’s vaccine up the treatment of even these one which led its main story with a photo of The Financial Times departed from its manufacturing capacity pegged at seven percent of the cases, just as it botched up flames soaring high in a crematorium. usual sober style to describe devastating Crore doses against the requirement of the vaccine rollout. Even more The newspaper added: “Many falsely sights of people dying while waiting for 180 Crore doses, it did nothing to secure amusingly, a government which calls for believed that the country had defeated hospital beds, the disastrous oxygen vaccines from manufacturing companies ‘one country-one tax-one election’ and so Covid. Now, hospitals are running out of shortage and apocalyptic scenes of abroad unlike other countries. License to on has now allowed private vaccine oxygen and bodies are stacking up in funeral pyres on the banks of the Ganges. manufacture vaccines were denied till manufacturers to charge multiple prices morgues.” It said the latest wave was “sparking a this month to public sector companies from different users. An all-party International coverage which had health crisis and human tragedy in India with past experience. meeting and a short session of focused on Brazil as the global Covid that is far surpassing anything seen last While it boasted of having ramped up Parliament need to be convened urgently disaster zone has now zeroed in on India year.” FT also carried detailed charts hospital beds, the second surge of Covid to lay the road map ahead. as the place where the pandemic is about the wave of infections, including has exposed its complete unpreparedness raging out of control. ones from each state showing rising with two to three Covid patients forced to Global press turns guns on The global press has turned its guns positivity rates, which indicate the share beds in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash India, blames Modi for failure especially on the Central government for infections are likely to get worse. Hospital in Delhi. It had the time to set up to tackle second wave having been complacent and not being FT, too, blamed the government for the oxygen plants in hospitals and increase prepared for the second wave. Also, the devastating second wave, saying: “The the storage capacity but once again it was For image-conscious Prime Minister government has been castigated for devastation has sparked outrage at the complacent and took its eyes off the ball. Narendra Modi, the foreign press’s holding mass election rallies in West lack of preparation among officials who The government, one suspects, has reviews of his handling of the Bengal that may have worsened the believed the worst of the pandemic was used emergency provisions to spend coronavirus pandemic must make situation. The decision to allow the mega over.” enormous sums of money on devastating reading. Modi has gone from Kumbh Mela to go ahead has also been The Washington Post led one of its advertisement and communication. That hero to minnow in fighting Covid-19 in roundly denounced as reckless. stories with an aerial shot of a Muslim is why its failure to disseminate credible the eyes of the world press as daily International newspapers have splashed graveyard in Uttar Pradesh showing a information about the pandemic and the infections have soared to successive new their front pages with pictures of huge large number of freshly filled graves. It failure to contain panic are so glaring. records. After appearing to have skilfully crowds of mask-less devotees pressed said: “In India, this surge is not a wave While police in the national capital and ridden the first Covid wave with one of against each other and accused the but a wall.” It added: “In some cities, in several states went berserk, beating the world’s strictest national lockdowns, Indian government of lacking the crematoriums are running their the daylights of people found without a Modi has been engulfed by the second, courage to call the gathering off for fear furnaces round the clock.” mask, the uniformed force turned their according to the verdict of the foreign of alienating their Hindu supporters. The Washington Post divided the blame eyes from ruling party workers taking media. The Times which makes a ferocious between, “more contagious variants of out rallies, organizing roadshows and Headlines like: “Modi flounders in attack on the Central government says: the virus, as well as an early relaxation of seeking donations for the Ram temple India’s gigantic second wave,” in The “The speed and ferocity of the second restrictions and a slow-moving without masks. Times, London, have been typical of the wave have exposed a string of missteps at vaccination campaign.” In another story, The WHO dropped Remdesivir last coverage that the Prime Minister has the start of the year, repeating the it also described damaging vaccine year from its approved list of medicines been receiving as the daily count of new mistakes of 2020 and making new ones, to shortages in various states. THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-INDIA FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 17

‘INDIA PAYING THE PRICE FOR COMPLACENCY’ Govt failed to anticipate second wave despite warning

he Centre failed to anticipate the maintaining physical distance. second Covid-19 wave despite Amid the bed and oxygen shortages, Twarning signals and omitted to at least two hospitals in Delhi on take steps that could have mitigated Thursday appeared so close to running the devastation, a top government out of oxygen that their researcher has said, agreeing with administrators were considering other experts that India is paying the asking critically ill patients to leave price for complacency. and look for beds in other hospitals. The health researcher, a member of “What we’re seeing happen was not the Centre’s national task force on inevitable or unavoidable,” said Covid-19, said the surge and the Ramanan Laxminarayanan, an nationwide bed and oxygen shortages economist and epidemiologist and had resulted from a complacency that founder director of the Centre for ignored data from India and elsewhere Disease Dynamics Economics and suggesting “a big wave” was possible. Policy, a research think tank in the US “It is frustrating and it is sad — and India. what’s going on cannot be just “Organising more oxygen should abruptly stopped,” the researcher, who have been part of the preparedness requested not to be named, told The process, and preparing with thousands Telegraph. of beds in stadiums was also possible.” “There were indications a big wave Some health experts say it makes could hit us, but that knowledge was little sense to split hairs over who not translated into more preparedness deserves more blame, the political or strong public warnings.” leaders or the experts tasked with “We can now ask among ourselves: guiding them. who’s responsible? Is it the health “This is not a government that ministry, is it the Indian Council of tolerates dissent. If the experts don’t Medical Research, is it the tolerate (the official) line, they’d be government? All I’d say is: collectively out. The buck stops with whoever is we have failed,” said the researcher, elected,” a health expert said, also accepting the blame that some health requesting anonymity. experts have hurled. In contrast, the health ministry has been reluctant to discuss the subject. Deadly second wave spreads “Today is not the time to go into why from cities to small towns did we miss, or did we miss, did we prepare? Today is the time to jointly India's deadly Covid-19 second wave face the pandemic,” health secretary has devastated big cities like Delhi, Rajesh Bhushan said, when asked at a Mumbai, Lucknow and Pune. media briefing whether India had Hospitals and crematoriums have run missed anticipating the second wave. out of space, and funerals are taking “Once we have faced it and emerged place in car parks. But the pandemic out of it successfully, then probably has now firmly gripped many smaller with the advantage of hindsight we cities, towns and villages where the would be able to deliberate on this. devastation is largely under-reported. Today all the energies of the Union Rajesh Soni spent eight hours taking government and the state his father from one hospital to another governments are focused in a in a tuk-tuk in Kota district in the collaborative manner to tackle this, to northern state of Rajasthan on save precious lives, and to ensure that Tuesday. He couldn't get an ambulance our health system is strengthened.” and the rickety vehicle was his only Several senior health officials have option. At 5pm, he decide to end his attributed the second wave to people’s search for a hospital bed as his father's laxity in wearing masks and condition was deteriorating. He then maintaining physical distance, but the "left everything to fate" and came health researcher said it would be home. unfair to point fingers at the public. "I am giving him medicines at home, “You cannot blame people. People but I am not sure that he will survive. will do what they like to do and what We have been left to die on the streets," they are encouraged to do. People need Rajesh said. He says several private appropriate guidance, appropriate hospitals even "conned" him and took messaging,” the researcher said. money to do tests, only to tell him later “We were not able to translate the to take his father away as there were available data into strong enough no beds. cautionary messages for the public.” "I am not a wealthy person. I spent The researcher said an ICMR survey whatever I had to pay the tuk-tuk in January had found that only 25 per driver and to hospitals. Now I am cent people had already been infected, going to borrow some money to get an implying that 75 per cent of the oxygen cylinder at home." population was still susceptible to a aired by other health experts, said that rallies and at the Kumbh Mela. Such stories have become common future wave. after the epidemic shrank between As tens of thousands gathered at the in Delhi, the worst affected city in “We also knew from Europe and the October and December and the daily Kumbh and at election rallies every India, but similar accounts are now US that second waves could be bigger counts of new cases fell steadily, the day, health officials remained largely coming in from smaller cities and than the first.” government did little to curb the silent except for issuing cursory towns across the country, according to The researcher, echoing concerns crowding that occurred at election advisories about mask-wearing and a BBC report. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 18 Special on the occasion of the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR SAHIB A PROPHET AND A MARTYR

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was a protector of the oppressed class. He fought against oppression and laid down his life to protect the right of the people to follow the religion of their own choice. His bani consists of 59 sabdas and 57 slokas. These sabdas and slokas essentialize the same spiritual experience and insights as does the bani of his predecessor Gurus.

where they lived for nine years. After his father left for his heavenly abode in 1644, he left Kiratpur Sahib alongwith his mother Bibi Nanaki Ji and wife Mata Gujri Ji and shifted to Baba Bakala in District Amritsar of Punjab, the ancestral village of Bibi Nanaki Ji's father. On March 30, 1664 before leaving for his heavenly abode, the Eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib bestowed Guruship on him. Thus, on March 30, 1664 he assumed Guruship but Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was formally anointed Guru on August 11, 1664. After assuming this high seat of ri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the Guruship, he started preaching the Ninth Guru (Revealer of the Sikh message of the First Sikh Guru, Sri Sfaith) of the Sikhs was born on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's that (i) God is one Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal Sahib, Agra, U.P Baisakh vadi 5, 1678 Birkimi i.e., April 1, (ii) God is omnipresent and omnipotent 1621 in Amritsar, Punjab. He was the (iii) God is the creator of the whole world June 1665 established the town Chakk visited several places in the districts of youngest of the five sons of Sri Guru and of all human beings (iv) all human Nanaki which later came to be called Ambala, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Hargobind Sahib, the Sixth Guru of the beings are equal, thus persons of all Anandpur Sahib (the City of Bliss). This Mohindergarh, Narnaul, Rohtak, Sikhs and Bibi Nanaki. His childhood religions and castes should be given town is now one of the five spiritual Yamuna Nagar and Jind in Haryana name was Tyag Mal, tyag means 'giving equal respect (v) women should be given seats (Takhts) of the Sikhs, and this is State. To commemorate his holy visits in away' or parting with what one equal status (vi) we should recite the where in April 1699, Sri Guru Gobind Haryana more than 30 historical possesses. As a small child he gave away name of God Almighty (vii) we should Singh Ji, the Tenth Sikh Guru created Gurdwaras have been established. his clothes to a poor child in charity. On earn our livelihood honestly and share it the Khalsa. After establishing this place During his tour of Punjab and being asked by his mother as to why he with the needy persons. The spiritual of pilgrimage, to further strengthen the Haryana, in addition to conveying the had done so, he promptly answered that pathway as revealed by Sri Guru Nanak preaching activity, he left for an message of Sikhism, he (i) got several no one else would have given 'that boy' Dev Ji is a pathway of gradual growth extensive tour of Banger area which now wells dug in the areas which faced any clothes whereas you will and leads to union with God. partly falls in Punjab and partly in scarcity of water due to draught (ii) immediately give me new clothes. From After assuming Guruship, as a first Haryana. During this tour he visited campaigned against drug addiction (iii) his early childhood, he was very humble, step, with a view to establish a place for more than 120 places in the Districts of campaigned against growing of tobacco, religious and detached from worldly the congregation of Sikhs he bought Amritsar, Ropar, Patiala, Jallandhar, and (iv) dispelled the miseries of sick possessions. During his childhood, Bhai some land at a place 8 kms. north of Nawan Shahar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and suffering population. Although, his Buddha Ji, a very revered Sikh of the Kiratpur Sahib, from Deep Chand the Sangrur, Bathinda and Mansa in Punjab. tours were purely religious in nature, time, taught him the manly arts of King of Kahlur. He bought three villages In fond memory of his visits, historical but they created many doubts in the archery and horsemanship and Bhai Makhopur, Mataur and Lodhipur from Gurdwaras have been established at all mind of Aurangzeb, the emperor on the Gurdas Ji, another renowned Sikh was Deep Chand at a cost of Rs. 2200 and in of the places that he visited. After his he Delhi throne. Several false complaints to in-charge of his religious instruction. this effect were received by Aurangzeb At the age of 13 he took part in the and he sent orders for his arrest. battle of Kartarpur in District Aurangzeb who had acceded to the Delhi Jallandhar of Punjab fought by his throne in July 1658 after sending his father Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib against father to prison and killing his brothers one of his own former warriors who had wanted to please Mughals by giving deserted him and subsequently invaded torture to non-Mughals. As part of his him. In this battle (Guru) Tegh Bahadur mission, he wanted to arrest Sri Guru Sahib evinced so much bravery and valor Tegh Bahadur Sahib. But Raja Ram that his father, Sri Guru Hargobind Singh, son of Mirza Raja Jai Singh Sahib renamed him as Tegh Bahadur, intervened and convinced the ruler that tegh means sword and bahadur means Guru Sahib's activities were religious brave. In his life to come he lived up to and social and not any threat to his the 'meaning' implied in this name. At empire. Thus, his arrest was averted. the age of 12 he was married to (Mata) After this, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gujri Ji, daughter of Bhai Lal Chand Ji Sahib started on an extensive tour of the and Bibi Bishan Kaur Ji of Kartarpur in eastern part of India to further spread District Jallandhar of Punjab who had the message of Sikhism. During this migrated from village Lakhnaur near tour, he visited Agra, Mathura, Etawah, Ambala in Haryana. After this, his father Kanpur, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Allahabad, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib, along with Jaunpur, Nizamabad and Banaras in U.P.; the whole family went to Kiratpur Sahib, Gaya, Sasaram, Bhagalpur, Patna Sahib, a small township in the foothill of Lakshmipur (District Katihar) and Himalayas in District Ropar of Punjab, Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib, Delhi CONTD ON PAGE 19 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 19

CONTD FROM PAGE 18

Monghyr in Bihar; Sahibganj in Jharkhand; Calcutta in West Bengal, Dhubri in Assam and Dhaka, Pabna, Comilla, Sylhet and Chittagong (now in Bangladesh) and Sondip Island. By the time he returned to Punjab, Aurangzeb's pro-Islam policies and programs were in full swing. Aurangzeb wanted to completely destroy the Hindu old civilization. Under his orders centuries old temples in Ayodhya, Banaras and Mathura in U.P. were demolished. A very renowned temple Vishwanath which had been built by Raja Nar Singh Dev at a cost of Rs. 33 lacs was destroyed. 'Mathura', the holy city of Hindus was renamed as 'Islamabad'. Ancient Hindu temples in Bihar and Orissa were also demolished. Ban was imposed on Hindu fairs and festivals. Aurangzeb had established a Jatha of Mullans consisting of horse riders who would go from place to place to destroy Hindu idols and temples. All Governors were directed not to give jobs to Hindus and wherever possible to dismiss them and replace them by Muslims. Employees in various sectors were issued orders to get converted to Islam up to a specific date or be prepared to lose their jobs. Aurangzeb had established a full-fledged Department for this purpose and appointed a Director General as its in-charge. Under his policies and programs thousands of Brahmins were imprisoned and put to Gurdwara Rikabganj Sahib, New Delhi torture to pressurize them to get converted to Islam. As per historical By that time, Guru Sahib himself had be persuaded to abandon his religion, he sacred headless body of the martyred evidence, Aurangzeb would not eat any left Anandpur Sahib and was traveling was asked to perform some miracle, Guru Sahib. At this spot now stands meal unless the janeu (sacred thread) towards Delhi via Agra. As per which he firmly refused. Finally, on Gurdwara Rikabganj Sahib. taken away from the bodies of Brahmins Aurangzeb's orders the soldiers arrested November 11, 1675 he was brutally Bhai Jaita Ji, another devout Sikh weighing a quarter and a maund (one him at Sikandra, District Agra in U.P. At beheaded in Chandni Chowk, Delhi in alongwith Bhai Uda Ji and Bhai Nanu Ji quintal) were presented to him. This this place now stands Gurdwara Guru Ka public view. At this place now stands secretly carried the severed sacred head means that thousands of Hindus were Taal Sahib. At Sikandra he was put in an Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib. in a basket to Kiratpur Sahib. On the way being converted to Islam. iron cage and then subjected to torture At nightfall, a devout Sikh Lakkhi they stopped to take rest at Taraori, It was part of this policy that and then under a heavy escort brought to Shah Lubana Ji helped by three of his District Karnal in Haryana; two places in Aurangzeb sent directions to Iftikhar Delhi on November 4, 1675. At Delhi, he sons Nagahia, Hema and Harhi, not Ambala, Haryana and village Nabha Khan the Governor of Kashmir that all was bound in chains and as per caring for the Mughal reprisal placed the which now falls in district SAS Nagar, Hindus in Kashmir be converted to Aurangzeb's orders was to be tortured headless trunk in a cart and took it to his Punjab. In village Nabha now stands Islam. Within a few months more than until he accepted Islam. Thus, he was home in Raisina village. To avoid direct Gurdwara Sis Asthan Patshahi Naumi half of the Brahmins adopted Islam. As a subjected to severe torture. But he firmly confrontation with the Mughals, instead ate Dasmi. After Nabha, Bhai Jaita Ji result of this, Kashmiri Brahmins refused to abandon his religion. When of an open cremation, he set fire to his and his companions reached Kiratpur became awe stricken. As reported by Mullans became sure that he could not whole house and thus cremated the Sahib in District Ropar of Punjab. At the PNK Bamzai, a Kashmiri historian, in spot where the sacred head of the his book History of Kashmir when the martyred Guru was handed over to his cruelty became unbearable, some son (Sri Guru) Gobind Singh Ji, now Pandits got together and went to Amar stands Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib. Nath for pilgrimage and praying. After From here the sacred head was taken in that, under the leadership of Pandit a decorated palanquin by (Sri Guru) Kirpa Ram, about 500 Brahmins decided Gobind Singh Ji, who became the Tenth to meet Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib for Guru, to Anandpur Sahib and cremated help. This desperate group met Sri Guru there on November 16, 1675. In fond Tegh Bahadur Sahib at Anandpur Sahib memory of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur on May 25, 1675 and requested for help. Sahib Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib has been After listening to the woeful stories of established at this place. Pandits Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was a decided to sacrifice his life to dispel their protector of the oppressed class. He tortures and save the Hindu Community fought against oppression and laid down from extinction. He resolved to lay down his life to protect the right of the people his life to uphold the people's right to to follow the religion of their own choice. practice the religion of their own choice. His bani consists of 59 sabdas and 57 He told the Pandits to return to Kashmir slokas. These sabdas and slokas and tell the Mughal Governor that if essentialize the same spiritual they convert their Guru i.e., Sri Guru experience and insights as does the bani Tegh Bahadur Sahib to Islam they would of his predecessor Gurus. all get converted to Islam. Getting Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib! furious over this development (The author is a Retd. Professor, Punjabi Aurangzeb ordered that Guru Sahib be University, Patiala, Punjab, India) arrested, put to torture and executed. Gurudwara Sis Asthan Patshahi Naumi and Dasmi Nabha, Distt. SAS Nagar, Punjab THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 20 The Making of a Martyr: Guru Teg Bahadur and his Times Tilak Janju Rakha Prabh Takka | Keno Bado Kalu Main Saka

Meanwhile, the imperial policies became decidedly anti Hindu. The Muslim orthodoxy were delighted further when Aurangzeb fell under the influence of Sheikh Masum, the grandson of the ultra-conservative Naqshabandi scholar Sheikh Ahmed of Sirhind. Soon thereafter, the emperor banned the celebration of Navroj, the Shia new year festival and the popular Hindu festival of Holi. Next, maybe because it was reported that Shivaji had travelled incognito disguised as a Hindu pilgrim, the emperor vented his ire upon the respected Hindu centers of pilgrimage. In October of 1666 he issued a royal order to destroy the intricate marble railing around the landmark Hindu temple of Keshwa in Mathura that had been designed and paid for by his liberal brother Dara Shikoh. The following year he destroyed another famous Hindu temple, that of Kalkaji near Delhi. The worst was yet to come.

In 1667 Aurangzeb invited five hundred Muslim religious scholars to write Fatwa e Alamgiri, a legal code based on Islamic Sharia that was to become the law of the land. It would be a first time in history that a non- Muslim majority country would be governed by Islamic Guru Tegh Bahadur -the pupil of Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas Sharia. In 1669 came the infamous order to destroy the Hindu temples and build Mosques instead. The order On that day,Ram Singh's father Raja Jai Singh brought was not only immoral it was also colossal political with him to the court the Maratha chief Shivaji to meet blunder. From the days of Akbar, the Great, internal with the emperor. Shivaji was known to be a fierce stability of the Mughal empire had rested upon the twin warrior who had fought the Mughals to a standstill. It pillars of religious tolerance socially and a Mughal BY RUPINDER S. BRAR MD FACC was only after Jai Singh took command of the Mughal Rajput alliance politically. Now Aurangzeb was messing armies in the Deccan and forced him out of his with both and playing with fire. uru Teg Bahadur was preaching in faraway mountain hideouts that Shivaji decided to negotiate. Jai Within months of the temple desecration at Mathura, Assam when he received a short disquieting Singh treated him with respect and prevailed upon him Jats of that area rebelled and kicked out the local Gmessage from the Sangat of Burya, a small town to make peace with the Mughals. He even offered to Mughal faujdar. When a large Mughal force was sent to near Sirhind, in Punjab. Some fanatic Muslims had intercede on his behalf. The proud Maratha was capture them, they united under a charismatic taken it upon themselves to destroy a Sikh house of reluctant at first but left with little choice eventually Zamindar named Gocula and destroyed that force too. worship and erect a Mosque instead. They appointed a agreed to meet the emperor. Though eventually Gocula and his supporters were local dervish name Sayyed Muzaffar as its caretaker. The The meeting was a disaster. captured and executed, the uprising encouraged others act so enraged the Sikhs living in the area that they not to follow suit. At other times the Muslim fanatics only destroyed the illegal Mosque but also killed the Firstly, the free-spirited warrior felt stifled by the themselves began the trouble as they did in Punjab. It dervish in the ensuing violence. The matter reached the formal court etiquette. seemed the entire burden of holding together the emperor of Hindustan and fearing harsh retribution the Secondly, he felt humiliated at having to stand quietly communal consensus now fell upon the shoulders of one Sangat reached out to their Guru. in the back among minor officials to wait his turn. He unassuming, mild mannered man-poet, philosopher, Guru Teg Bahadur heard the message calmly but decided enough was enough and ignoring protocol began scholar and the ninth inheritor of Nanak-Guru Teg understood the gravity of the situation. At the root of the to complain loudly. Ram Singh tried to calm him down Bahadur. seemingly insignificant local dispute lay a country wide but Shivaji was inconsolable. He had never actively sought that role. As a child he imperial farman (order) issued on April the 9th, 1669 "I am the chief of the Marathas and will not be treated had been tutored by two community icons, Baba Buddha issued by emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir which informed thusly, he loudly wailed. "Even if you cut off my head, I and Bhai Gurdas. Between them the two men had lived all the provincial governors that Hindu temples and will not stay here a moment longer." through the entire Guru period from Guru Nanak other non-Muslim houses of worship were to be Having thus created a scene, he angrily stomped out of onwards and embodied the Nanakian values of self- destroyed and only Mosques could be built in their place. the court. Offended at such insolence, the emperor had sacrifice, courage, patience, and high mindedness. Under It was an unprecedented order that threatened the very him placed under guard and put Ram Singh in charge of their influence, the young Tyag Mal, as he was then basis of the communal harmony that the various Pirs, his captivity. Unfortunately for the prince, Shivaji easily known, grew up to be a quiet and introspective youth, Sufis and the Sikh Gurus had created over the years. escaped from his custody and was soon back in the almost too much so, perhaps which is why his father Fortunately, the order had been ignored at most places Deccan, now a national hero where he resumed his passed him over and picked his brother's son as the until then but now things seemed to be getting out of rebellion with renewed vigor. The entire incident left seventh Guru instead. While other relatives protested, hand. Aurangzeb humiliated and bitter. He also felt politically Guru Teg Bahadur gladly accepted the verdict and went Many people were convinced that such policies were outsmarted. A suspicious man anyway he decided to lay away from Kiratpur, to spend his days meditating in the driven by Aurangzeb's puritanical zeal to create Daar ul the entire blame on the father and son duo, Jai Singh and relative obscurity of Bakala. However, the seventh and Islam-an Islamic society but there were others who were Ram Singh. Overlooking his own mishandling of the the eighth Gurus tragically died in quick succession not so sure. Among them was Guru Teg Bahadur's friend situation he convinced himself that the two had perhaps leaving behind a vacuum and a shaken community, Teg and benefactor, Kunwar Ram Singh Kachwaha, the deliberately let Shivaji escape because they were all Bahadur, now a mature scholar and a seasoned man, Rajput prince of Amber. Like his father and forefathers fellow Hindus. came out of seclusion just as easily and without much before him, Ram Singh was an imperial Mansabdar and Following the episode Aurangzeb never completely fanfare assumed his anointed calling as the ninth Guru. a close Mughal ally.He was present at the imperial court trusted the Hindus again. Within months his attitude His new role would require him to demonstrate all the in Agra on May the 12th, 1666 when a certain unpleasant towards the Rajputs too changed as he gradually began patience, discipline, and resoluteness he had learnt from incident took place from which point onwards one could to seek favor with the orthodox Sunni elements instead. his two tutors and he would not disappoint. see in hindsight, began the slow but progressive Ram Singh's rank was reduced, and he was sent away to hardening of royal attitude towards his Hindu subjects. fight on the Eastern frontier as a punishment. CONTD ON PAGE 21 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 21 II.A Beleaguered Badshah Even as Guru Teg Bahadur was passing through, a sense of siege was settling in the capital. Dissent and rebellion seemed to be everywhere. From the Subah of Kandahar came reports of a Pashtun uprising under a Yusufzai leader named Bhaku who drove out the Mughal officials. The emperor ordered fresh forces rushed from Lahore and Kabul. After some intense fighting the rebels were crushed but pockets of resistance remained. Then worse news came from the South. For a while, the spies had warned that the Marathas were restive once again. In February of 1670 they began a fresh offensive. In a night raid a handful of daring Marathas scaled the steep walls of Singhagad fort and massacred its surprised Mughal garrison. The fall of Singhagad was a singular disaster for it was a strategic outpost in the heart of enemy territory and its fall left Shivaji unchecked. Soon he began his punishing raids into Mughal territories including an audacious one on the rich port of Surat. The demoralized Mughals could only look helplessly on. Stung by such reverses, Aurangzeb was forced to pour men and material into the troubled provinces. New Mansabdars were appointed, and new estates created and distributed among them. Such measures began to put an additional strain on the already seething heartlands. Now, fresh trouble began to brew, this time barely fifty kos from the capital, at a place called Narnaul where a new egalitarian movement had taken CONTD FROM PAGE 20 Now four years later, tensions were rising across hold some decades ago among the lower caste Hindus. the land and had reached Punjab. He quickly made Exactly when and how that movement originated is n one of his first acts as a Guru he travelled to up his mind, he was needed there and decided to head disputed by historians but what is not disputed is its Ramdaspur to pray at the Harmandir built by his back. Within days the Guru household was on the remarkable roots in the Nanakian philosophy. Igrandfather but found the doors of the shrine shut road. His wife, Mata Gujri and his young son, Gobind Even the name of the community-Satnami-came from in his face by a rival pretender. Undaunted, he sat on Rai went separately in the care of a small group of Guru Nanak's name for the Divine in his credal the doorsteps to say his prayers and then left without a retainers while the Guru himself took a slightly statement, the Mool Mantar. Like the Sikh Panth in fuss. When the supporters of another rival, Dhirmal different route. Punjab the Satnamis eschewed caste, class or gender shot and wounded him in the shoulder, the Guru Over the next few months, he travelled once again differences and believed in a formless God, Sat Naam refused to retaliate. When his own supporters through familiar towns and cities, Sasaram and Bodh that manifested itself in the form of the Shabad. They ransacked Dhirmal's dera and brought to him the Gaya, Benares/Kashi and Mathura and once again rejected empty rituals and asceticism, believed in hard original copy of the Adi Granth that Dhirmal had taken people flocked to see him and to hear him speak, to work and simple living as householders. Like the Sikhs, away without permission from his grandfather's house touch his feet and feed him and his companions. It was they called their community-the Panth. Their at Kiratpur, the Guru had the Adi Granth restored back like the old times and yet the Guru could see firsthand, commune was made up almost entirely of the low caste to Dhirmal. Let his wayward nephew keep the original the violence that was being done to his people and his Chamars and like the early Sikh community at copy-the Sacred Word was universal anyway. land. In Kashi he passed by the fresh heap of ruins that Kartarpur, men and women worked together all day and Forgiving and non-confrontational he maybe but the was once the ancient Vishwanath temple, its graceful read their sacred Pothis in the evening. new Guru was no pushover-something people close to pillars barely visible under a newly built Muslim Over time Satnami community began to insist on him discovered around the Diwali of 1665 when he was shrine, the Gyanvapi mosque erected in its place on the being treated at par with the upper caste Hindus, an preaching to mixed caste audiences at the village of imperial orders-a grotesque testament to the assertiveness that was reinforced by their recent Dhamtan near Jind. His sermons offended the upper humiliation of one faith and the perversion of another. meeting with the Sikh Guru. Unfortunately, such castes of the area who threatened him with grave Further west stood another new mosque in Mathura assertiveness was considered an affront to the centuries consequences, but the Guru ignored them. He was dominating the very place where the much-revered old caste system and Mughal absolutism therefore a reported to the emperor at Agra as a troublemaker and Keshava Dev temple once was. It seemed not only clash soon became inevitable. Trouble started in 1672 a threat to social order. Aurangzeb promptly had him Hinduism but even the gentle Islam, of Sheikh Farid over a very ordinary event. A Mughal trooper finding a arrested and brought before him. The Guru still refused and Mian Mir was under assault for here it was told Satnami peasant too insolent for his liking, split his to backdown, but neither would he acknowledge any that to humiliate the Hindus further, the sacred idols head with a blow from a stick. It was nothing unusual, wrongdoing. He was almost executed on the spot but for from the temple had been carried away to Agra and such things happened all the time. Unfortunately, that the timely intervention by prince Ram Singh buried beneath the steps of another mosque so that the day it turned out poorly for the trooper for in no time Kachwaha, who happened to be in the imperial feet of the Muslim faithful may walk over them every dozens of peasants surrounded him and almost beat attendance, and impressed by the Guru's fearlessness, day. him to death. Such audacity from low caste peasants became an instant devotee. Ram Singh interceded with The Guru and his party threaded their way slowly was unheard of and could not go unpunished. The local the emperor and begged for a reprieve. The emperor through the Indo-Gangetic heartland and reached shiqqd?r (petty revenue collector) sent a contingent of reluctantly released the Guru into the custody of the Delhi by late June. By then the hot summer sun was troops to drag the miscreants to justice. Rajput prince, but the image of a stubborn upon them and they took a few weeks break from the The Satnamis however had anticipated such a 'troublemaker' would settle firmly in his mind. journey there. The capital was rife with rumors and Prince Ram Singh was headed for the eastern frontier people as anxious as elsewhere. The Guru listened to move and were ready. as the commander of an imperial army and at his one and all as he continued to propagate his message Aware that the flower of the Mughal army was far insistence Guru Teg Bahadur decided to join him. It of kindness and compassion. Several holy men came away in the Deccan they not only drove the troops away, was familiar territory for him anyway for no other to see him and pay respect. Among them were a group but went on the offensive and after overrunning the Guru with the exception of Guru Nanak had travelled of men who arrived from the nearby town of Narnaul. neighboring town of Bairat marched on to so extensively in Hindustan as he. Even before his They introduced themselves as Satnamis, a sect made Shahjahanabad (Delhi) itself. It was an audacious investiture Guru Teg Bahadur had been up and down up of low caste Hindus whose beliefs were very move. Believing that the Mughals were on the run, the Gangetic valley several times and knew the land similar to the Nanakpanthis. Guru Teg Bahadur other peasants and artisans flocked to the Satnami and its people very well. He decided to use the received them warmly and blessed them. Never cause and their ranks swelled into thousands. Too late, opportunity to renew his links once again. Over the threaten anyone nor be afraid of anyone or anything, the Mughals realized that they had a full-fledged next four years he travelled through Agra and Awadh, he told their leader. Soon thereafter, he left for Punjab. rebellion on their hands and the lightly defended city Bihar and Bengal, to reach the far province of Assam. The Satnamis too headed back to Narnaul. Aurangzeb went into panic. People buried their valuables and the He preached to throngs of admirers along the way and Alamgir was in Delhi at the time but took no notice of price of food grain shot up. Sensing the imperial wherever he went, he taught the Nanakian values of the meeting. weakness, even upper caste Rajputs and Muslim spiritual strength and personal humility, of Apparently, he had much more important things on introspection and meditation. his mind. CONTD ON PAGE 22 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 22

CONTD FROM PAGE 21 territories to pay for the extravaganza. were carved out of them to pay for the expanding list of The emperor was left seething but there was little he Mansabdars who lived off these estates. The matters Zamindars around Delhi refused to pay revenue. could do immediately about it. Around the same time, were made worse by constantly rotating the Rumors flew. It was said that the Satnamis were backed he received another intelligence report from the nearby Mansabdars among the estates. Sometimes a single by magic spells and were immune to Mughal arrows or Subahs of Lahore that caught his attention. Spies estate changed hand more than once in a single year bullets. reported that the Sikh Guru was moving around in the and the peasants were forced to pay the taxes twice. The dread reached such a level that emperor countryside of Malwa and Doaba in Punjab with Because most able-bodied men were drawn away to Aurangzeb himself had to step in. He announced that thousands of soldiers and horsemen in tow. That serve in the Mughal armies, lawless elements could not he would counter Satnami magic by inscribing the holy 'whosoever was refractory towards the officials took be checked. Unfortunately, the imperial officers blamed Koranic verses on green banners in his own hand that refuge with him.' The report warned the emperor that if the local peasantry for any crimes committed in their would dispel all evil spells. The banners were held high no notice was taken immediately an insurrection was areas and punished their leaders. by foot soldiers and an army was hastily put together. likely that would be extremely difficult to deal with Such pressures created a dangerous situation Artillery pieces were stripped off from the city walls (later).'' especially since the entire countryside in the 17th and desperately pressed into service. Ten thousand Aurangzeb was a suspicious individual anyway and century was one large armed camp in which peasants imperial troops were somehow gathered under a surrounded as he was by insurgents and threatened by everywhere carried arms. Many villages had fortified seasoned commander. The two sides clashed a few miles a new Hindu political revival in the land, he had every compounds and when the peasants were in a bad mood from the capital on Friday, the 15th of March 1672. reason to assume the worst. The Satnami uprising was even a simple act of tax collection by the authorities Outgunned and outclassed, the Satnamis were wiped still fresh in his mind, and neither had he forgotten the had to be backed by force. Just like the Jats in Mathura out but not before winning a grudging admiration of support, limited though it was, that Guru Har Rai had and the Satnamis of Narnaul, the peasants in Punjab their adversaries. extended to his brother and rival Dara Shikoh in 1658. had grown bold and were but one incident away from As the news of this unusual uprising spread, rebels Now with a new rival rising in the Deccan he could not rebellion. Banditry was endemic. In such trying times, elsewhere took heart. From the Subah of Kabul came risk another infidel uprising in Punjab. Thus, assuming it was the Guru who tried to calm tempers. In Assam, he fresh news that the Pashtuns were on warpath once the worst and sure that he was acting in the best had mediated a peace between the warring Ahoms, and again, this time fueled by the fiery rhetoric of a warrior interest of the empire, Aurangzeb Alamgir sent a secret the Mughal forces led by Ram Singh. Now back in poet named Khushal Khan Khattak. Encouraged by message to the Subedar of Lahore. Guru Teg Bahadur Punjab, he did the same, acting both as their spiritual Khattak the Afridi Pashtuns massacred a force of forty was to be arrested immediately and executed lest he guide as well as their conscience keeper. Meditation and thousand men and the provincial governor, Muhammed became a bigger threat to the empire. introspection alone, he preached, was the way to Amin Khan barely escaped with his life. The alarmed III. The Protector of Hindustan survive in the Kaliyug. emperor decided to take the field himself. In early 1674 Jagat bhikhari phiraat hai, he moved to a desolate military outpost of Hasan Abdal Guru Teg Bahadur had arrived in Punjab just in time sabh ko daata Ram; he wrote; located on the North West frontier. By using a for the festive season around the Dussehra of 1670. He (the world is full of beggars, combination of deceit, coercion, subterfuge, and caught up with his family at Lakhnaur near Ambala and yet there is only one true Giver). bribery,he somehow pacified the Afghan tribesmen but from where they all proceeded to Anandpur, then At another place he said: his absence from the capital took a toll elsewhere. known as Chakk Nanaki. By 1672 however he was back 'One who is neither given to anger nor despair, Far away in the Deccan Shivaji decided to take again touring the areas of south east Punjab known as but considers both friends and foes alike, advantage of the imperial distractions to take on the Malwa and Bangar. He met as many people as he could know that person as truly liberated. emperor on equal terms. He announced the and listened to their concerns. The entire region was in One who is untouched by pride nor greed, establishment of a new Hindu empire in the Deccan an appalling state. Mismanagement and poor know only such a person an image of the Divine. with himself crowned as its independent ruler. governance had driven the peasantry to the edge and Unfortunately, the Guru's job was a difficult one. As The coronation was a grand affair that cleverly many of them were in a sullen and rebellious mood. the pressure on the land revenue continued unabated, appealed to the Hindu sentiments by harking back to Besides the obvious social and inter faith tensions the destitute peasants often abandoned their lands and the pre-Islamic culture and extinct Hindu empires. The generated by the imperial orders, another big problem turned to the only institution available to them for aid- entire proceedings were carried out in Sanskrit and fifty thousand Brahmins were invited from all over Hindustan to preside over the ceremony. They were led by the venerable Gaga Bhatta of Benares, who declared Shivaji's bloodline the most noble in the land, surpassing even the Sisodhiyas of Mewar. Lavish gifts were showered over the Brahmins and elaborate feasts were provided to them and their families for four long months. On June the 6th, 1674 Shivaji woke up early after days of fasting and prayers for purification and mounted the auspicious throne of a Hindu Sawrajaya. The waters from all the sacred rivers of Hindustan, Indus, Ganga, Yamuna, Narbada, Tapti, Godavari, Krishna and Cauveri were poured over his head by his eight chosen ministers, his Ashtpardhan. Shivaji was given a new title-Kshatriya Kulavantas Chhtrapati Raje Shivaji, and a new Hindu golden age-the 'Shiv Rajyabhisheka Shaka,' was officially declared as literally tons of gold, silver and precious metals were distributed among the guests and the Hindu temples all over the land. The symbolism of this grand spectacle was not lost on anyone, least of all on the shrewd emperor. Until that point, all the noble Hindu ruling houses were Rajputs from Rajputana and all of them had accepted Mughal suzerainty, Mughal service. Now by declaring himself as a blue-blooded Rajput and an independent Hindu ruler at that, Shivaji had staked a claim to the leadership of the entire Hindu population of the land. Moreover, by resurrecting the ancient Hindu imperial traditions he artfully bypassed the Mughal emperor's authority to confer kingship. Instead, he claimed legitimacy from the Hindu Shastras as the inheritor of India's ancient empires. It was high propaganda but a political masterstroke that challenged the very In 1675 a group of Kashmiri pandits despondent over forced hegemony of the Mughal rule in Hindustan. To add haunting the peasantry was economic exploitation. conversions in their area approached the Guru to mediate with insult to injury, Shivaji who was now nearly bankrupt Because the near constant imperial wars needed men the emperor on their behalf. thanks to his elaborate ceremonies, sent his generals to and resources a huge burden fell upon the peasantry. once again raid and plunder deep into the Mughal Large Jagirs or estates were squeezed as smaller ones CONTD ON PAGE 23 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 23

CONTD FROM PAGE 22 submission to Divine will. Some of his most beautiful pride throughout the land. In faraway Deccan lived and poignant verses were composed during those final Samarth Guru Ramdas, the spiritual mentor to Shivaji. the house of Guru Nanak. Yet because the difficult months. The world was false, he observed, its He recorded in his diary a chance encounter he once abandonment of the land was technically considered petty attractions an entanglement, yet the only had with Guru Hargobind. In an answer to the question illegal, the Mughals looked upon many such followers unchanging reality was the impermanence of life. as to why the Guru dressed like a prince and carried of the Guru as criminals. The Guru however felt duty "Chinta tan ki kijiye ja anhoni hoye, twin swords, he was told the swords were to protect the bound to help one and all, regardless of caste or class, ehu maraag sansaar ko Nanak Thir nahin koye" weak. region, or religion. He went about providing for the (Fear only that which is unexpected, "Batan faquiri Zahir Amiri,' needy, digging wells and ponds in parched lands, not the (changing) ways of the world-nothing stays (Externally I look like a prince, but internally I am a providing cattle where there was need and feeding forever). hermit), the Guru had replied. those who had to be fed. While social and political His words were read, repeated, and shared by "I liked his reply very much," wrote Samarth Ramdas, tensions rose and fell, the Guru preached nothing but anguished followers hoping for a miracle. Later admiringly of the Guru in his diary. Now his son had patience, compassion and humility. However, it was generations would come to believe that the Guru died a martyr for a similar cause and earned the these large crowds of disenchanted peasantry following perhaps used supernatural powers to leave the royal admiration of millions. Guru Teg Bahadur was the Guru that probably frightened the Mughal spies prison at will to visit the faithful yet the Guru himself promptly given a new title by the people living in the who dutifully reported their fears to the emperor with eschewed all such talk when he lived. According to one Gangetic valley, Hind-di-Chaddar-the protector of tragic consequences. account, when asked to perform a miracle, he agreed to Hindustan. In Punjab, his contemporary Bulleh Shah It was a false alarm. do so but only on the day of his execution. He said he labeled him a Ghazi-martyr to the cause. would tie a talisman around his neck that would allow The Guru had no political ambitions. His strength was chiefly spiritual, his weapons were his conscience, and his goals were Dharmic-wellbeing of all. There was never any thought of a rebellion in the Guru's mind. It was not his style.

The key to living within the Hukam the Guru famously preached, was to never fear anyone nor to threaten anyone. Even as he watched the likeminded Satnamis rebel in Narnaul next door, he never encouraged anyone to take up arms.

ccording to oral Sikh tradition, in 1675 a group of Kashmiri pandits despondent over forced Aconversions in their area approached the Guru to mediate with the emperor on their behalf. It was not an unusual request; the Sikh Gurus had mediated on the behalf of the people before from time to time. For example, in 1598 Guru Arjan had met with emperor Akbar on the behalf of the peasantry suffering from drought and had their taxes remitted. Having seen the pain and suffering in the land, Guru Teg Bahadur probably meant to meet with the emperor anyway to appeal to his conscience and stop the brutalizing of his people. Not wanting to wait any longer, he set out on July the 10th, 1675, on a peaceful mission to the capital accompanied by three close followers-the brothers Bhai Gurdwara Sis Ganj at Chandni Chowk where on November the 24th, 1675 Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was executed. Mati Das and Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala. The party had only gone a short distance when they were stopped by him to defy death. Mirza Nur Mohammed Khan near Ropar on July the On November the 24th, 1675 he was brought out of 12th. Acting upon the royal instructions, the official prison at Chandni Chowk for the last time and seated arrested the Guru and his companions and sent them to under a large banyan tree. In front of a large crowd of Yet it was his son, Guru Gobind Singh who the lockup in Sirhind. spectators and wailing followers, the executioner's Days turned to weeks and weeks to months, but the sword performed its ghastly deed and the piece of paper said it the best: Guru remained in prison without any clear reason. tied around the Guru's neck was opened and read aloud. 'To protect their right to wear tilaks and Finally, it became obvious that he was unlikely to make 'I gave my head but not my creed,' it simply said. sacred threads, it out of the prison alive. Guru Teg Bahadur accepted uru Hargobind had named his youngest son, did he-in the dark age-perform the supreme his fate calmly and took solace in two of his favorite Tyag Mal (hero of sacrifice) when he was born sacrifice. activities-meditation and poetry. His writings reflected Gand renamed him Teg Bahadur (mighty hero) on the urgency of the moment, yet he would not let the account of his courage. The son did not disappoint. He To help the saintly he went to extremes. community despair. lived and died an embodiment of both his names-a His head he gave, yet uttered no sigh. "Strength departs, fetters remain; all remedies fearless hero while he lived and a sacrificing one until For the sake of Dharma, he did this deed, the very end. Baba Buddha and Bhai Gurdas would are gone. have been proud. His head he gave, yet not his creed. You alone (God) remain a hope, His body was ordered to be quartered and exposed to None could match such a deed.' as once you helped a trapped elephant," public view but according to oral accounts a fierce dust Epilogue he wrote. But then he followed it by: storm arose momentarily blinding all those present. In the ensuing confusion courageous followers, Bhai Jaita "Strength is restored, snatched the severed head and transported it to all fetters break, Anandpur where it was consecrated to the flames by his in your (God's) hands lie all remedies." nine-year-old son and successor. Another follower, On September 25th, 1857, a British officer named Lakhi Shah Banjara snatched the body of the Guru and William Hodson led a contingent of Sikh troops to Four months later, the Guru was transported to hiding it in his wagon full of limestone took it home arrest the last Mughal Emperor and his three fugitive Shahjahanabad (Delhi) under imperial orders. and cremated it by setting his house on fire. sons. Soon thereafter he shot the three princes in cold Reportedly attempts were made to get the Guru to Such heroism revived the spirit of the small Sikh blood and ordered the soldiers to transport their bodies confess and accept Islam, the usual option offered to the community that became even more emboldened. A to the city kotwali and lay them at the same spot where political prisoners, but the Guru rejected such Mughal historian was to record that when the emperor Guru Teg Bahadur had been executed 182 years earlier. pressures even as his companions were tortured to returned to his capital 'Sikh miscreants' threw two Ironically, in this way, another murderous imperial death in front of his eyes. Loyal followers in the capital bricks at him. One of these struck his movable throne.' rationalized his own crimes by evoking the memory of were able to maintain some communication with the As the news of the martyrdom spread, the Sikh Guru a saintly man whose only fault had been to try to be the Guru but to them too he advised only patience and and his principles became an object of admiration and conscience keeper of his troubled land. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 24 Lal Qila and Guru Teg Bahadur's 400th Anniversary: A Sikh History Perspective

It was no coincidence that on Republic Day,aSikh - not Lal Qila - Mughal Court, Delhi:Emperor Aurangzeb a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Baha'i,or Guru Teg Bahadur, 9th Sikh Guru, and his devotees Parsee - climbed up the flagpole and, with other Sikhs and Hindus cheering from down below, hoisted the Nishan Sahib on Lal Quila. Then, it would be relevant to ask: Is there something about Lal Qila that galvanizes Sikhs, in particular, moresothanother Indians? Most Indians may not know the Sikh connection with BY SAJJAN SINGH DHALIWAL, Lal Qila (also "Lal Kila," or "Red Fort" in English), ROSHAN ATTREY & HARBANS LAL rather two Lal Qilas, as the Mughal Emperors' principal residence, court, and seat of power.With the change of the Mughal capital, the first one in Agra was superseded by the secondin Delhi. Both affected the course of Sikh historyto a very great extent. Lal Qila has beendesignated a national monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Indian primeminister's venue for the Independence Day celebration. It is also a significant part of the MuslimIndian legacy,contributingmuch to Indiain Lal Quila, possibly during the later Mughal period terms ofetiquette, dress, food, music, architecture, art, executed in Delhi craft, language, and literature. Aurangzebruled India for almost half a century (1659- However, that legacy often overlooks the 1707). Adevout Sunni Muslim, he declared and enforced consequencesand collective memories that mostnon- Islam as the law and religion of his empire.His goal was Muslims associate with this great monument.From Lal to make India an Islamic state, meaning, according to Qila, the Mughal Emperors deployed their might to Sir Jadunath Sarkar,"the conversion of the entire subjugate the Indian subcontinent, and from there population to Islam and extinction of every form of Lal Qila has intimate connection with the course of Sikh emanated the power wielded by their dominions. dissent." history Hundreds of years later, Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees,and Aurangzeb viewed Hindus and Sikhs as his natural many others, while visitingLal Qila, are reminded ofthe enemies. They were required to pay jizya tax for being n January 26, 2021, when Indian Republic Day crueloppressionof their cultures and religions, violent Hindu or Sikh.Hegalvanized all his religious and celebrations were taking place at Rajpath, New takeovers of their lands, enslavement, mass genocide, secular powers to rule and convert them and, if needed, ODelhi - and the world Sikh community was and mass proselytization. subjected them to unheard-of atrocities, culminating in preparing to celebrate GuruTeg Bahadur's 400th birth Indians visiting this monumentwhile admiring its death. anniversary - a young Sikh farmer from Punjab's grandeurhark back to the Mughals proclaiming and From Lal Qila,Aurangzebannounced the following heartland was hoisting the Nishan Sahib on Lal Qila in committing atrocities - far back to Babar, first Mughal orders that transformed Indian history in general and Old Delhi. He was protesting, apparently, with the Emperor, much before Lal Qila. Babar (or Babur), a Sikh history in particular. farmers' march against India's new agricultural laws. descendant of Timur or Tamerlane and a Sunni Muslim, November 5, 1675 Indian media, politicians, and numerous observers invaded India and established his dynasty in 1526.Guru Three followers of Guru Teg Bahadur were executed were shocked at the spectacle. Some thoughthis action a Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, refers critically and in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, as ordered by Aurangzeb disgrace to the Red Fort; some considered it a propheticallyto the horrific acts committed by the first because they refused to embrace Islam: desecration of the Indian Tiranga flying on this Mughal Emperor, describing himas "the Agent of ● Bhai Mati Das was tied between two posts and monument. And some saw it as tainting of the Republic Death," who ruthlessly massacred and pillaged Indians, sawedoff intotwo halves from head to loin. Day and an embarrassment to the country. causing endless sufferingin the subcontinent. ● Bhai Sati Das (Mati Das's brother) was hacked to We have a different take, however. The young Sikh's Now we provide a brief outline showing the Lal Qila death, limb by limb, piece by piece. defiant feat was none of the above. He was seeking to connection with the course of Sikh history.The ● Bhai Dyal Das was tied and thrown into a achieve a very different objective unrelated to the instances cited below to provide context to better cauldron of boiling oil. farmers' rally. understand why this national monument and historic Guru Teg Bahadur was made to witness these In part I of this two-part article, we want to explore seat of the Mughals triggers horrible memories for gruesome killings of his followers. implications of his daring act beyond his role in the Sikhs and does not let them forget the past. November 11, 1675 farmers' march - to reframe his deed as an expression of Lal Qila - Mughal Court, Agra: Emperor Jahangir the Sikh community's grievances against authoritiesof Six days later,Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded the past and present. We focus on the role that Lal Qila Guru Arjan Dev, 5th Sikh Guru, executed in Lahore, publiclywithin walking distance from Lal Qila. as the Mughal Emperors' palace has played in Sikh May30, 1606 Reason?He had petitionedthe Emperor on behalf of history by citing events that are indelibly etched in the Guru Arjan Dev was summoned to appear in Lahore helpless Kashmiri Brahmins, Satnamis, and other non- collective Sikh memory. court before one of Emperor Jahangir's representatives. Muslims from Indiathat their forced conversion to Islam We also cite those events to remind India and the He was accused of promoting a belief system contrary and "the Quran or the sword"policy be stopped, and that worldof the sacrifices made by the Sikh Gurus and their to Islam -the sacred Sikh scripture he had compiled did they be allowed to live by their own religious beliefs. The followers for the religious freedom of all people. With not conform to the Holy Quran. And it didn't help Guru also said"No" to his own conversion to Islam. these words, we especially dedicate this article to Guru matters that the Guru was also friends with the Guru Gobind Singh, 10th Sikh Guru, and his sons Teg Bahadur on his quadricentennial. Emperor's rebellious son Khusrau and that the new December 22, 1704 In part II, we offer a few suggestions about how the religion even was attracting many Sikh community's grievances embedded inits history Muslims.Therefore,as dictated by the imperial protocol Subsequently, Aurangzebdeployedhis vast may be mitigated. Since the Sikh communityis or desire, he was arrestedat Lahore Fort, interrogated, administrativemachinery to go afterGuru Gobind inevitably part of other Indian communities, its history asked to embrace Islam,and, on his refusal, executed Singh,10thSikh Guru, and his four sons. The Guru had can't be separated fromtheir histories. Therefore, the most cruelly. Besides being subjected to other cruelties, to sacrifice his two older sons to battle to protect his suggestions we offer are for India to work on and apply the Guru was made to sit on a burning hot ironplate, and faith and his people: as feasible, with the willingness and cooperation of all burning hot sand was poured on his head until he died. ● Ajit Singh, 17years old, died fighting the Mughal communities, since all Indian communities function Guru Arjan Dev,a prolific poet, philosopher, and army in Chamkaur. within the Indian cultural, legal, and geographical visionary,compiled the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth ● Jujhar Singh, 14years old, also died on the same boundaries geographical boundaries. Sahib, in 1604. He inspired his followers to emulate battlefield. I. Lal Qila's History with Sikhs divine attributes and gave a message of love, hope, justice, and prosperity for all. CONTD ON PAGE 25 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 25

CONTD FROM PAGE 24 Mughals. The culture of cruelties, firmly established, Tiranga or the monument itself ? December 27, 1704 continued its course, with Lal Qila as the ruling throne To clarify,the Nishan Sahib is not the flag of so-called of Sunni Islam. Khalistan. It is the Sikh flag, the flag of Khalsa (the Sikh Five days later, the remaining family of Guru Gobind Lal Qila captured by Marathas in 1757 and Sikhs community), hoisted on all Sikh gurdwaras and Singh was murdered in the custody of Aurangzeb's numerous other memorable Sikh places in India and the Governor of Sirhind, Punjab: in 1783 world. ● Zoravar Singh,seven years old, was bricked alive It would be pertinentalso to add that, during the long The Nishan Sahib is a symbol of bravery and and then beheaded in Sirhind. Mughal rule, c.1526-1857, two times the Sunni Muslim protection of the persecuted. It is hoisted at the China ● Fateh Singh, five years old, was bricked alive, emperorslost Lal Qila to Hindus and Sikhs.Here is a border, Pakistan border, and wherever Sikh soldiers are along with his brother,and then beheaded. brief account of both. protecting India.And this January 26, the Nishan Sahib Their crime? They said "No" to their conversion to Saffron Hindu flag hoisted on Lal Qila:The - along with the Indian national flag - was hoisted in Islam. Mata Gujri, the mother of Guru Gobind Singh, front of the Sikh battalion marching on Rajpath, New died along with her two grandsons. Maratha Victory, 1757 Delhi, and saluted by both Prime Minister Modi and Perpetuation of Aurangzeb's Atrocities The great Maratha King Shivaji posed the only other President Kovind. Furthermore, just a peek into history - the Sikh flag Aurangzeb, the last Great Mughal, died on March 3, was hoisted all over Kashmir, Leh, Ladakh, and Aksai 1707, but his laws and edicts didn't die with him. They Chin when Sikh General Zoravar Singh conquered those were continued by his successors and those who derived areas. power from the imperial throne. The tradition of And, finally,to return to the young Sikh farmer's act of Mughal atrocities remained unbroken for a long time. hoisting the Sikh flag, it was a symbolic attempt at Lal Qila, Delhi: Emperor Bahadur Shah I cleansing the Indian psyche, particularly the Sikh, of the gory past that harbors in it andhaunts it. It was his December 10, 1710 protest against the nightmares of Sikh history in Bahadur Shah proclaimed a Sikh genocide - ordering particular, and Indian history in general,associated that the Sikhs be murdered wherever they are found. with this national monument. Reason: The Emperor had issued a "capture or kill"order This unfortunatehistory brings us to the second part for Sikh general Banda Bahadur, but the great Sikh had of the article. disappeared despite all the Mughal forces hunting for II. Recommendations to Deal with the him. Banda Bahadur (earlier named Madho Das, a Hindu Intercommunal recluse)was anointed a Sikh warrior by Guru Gobind Baggage of History Singh before he died in 1708.He had pledged to fight La Quila during British times That India is perhaps the world's most diverse country against the oppressive Muslim rule. notable resistance to Aurangzeb's tyrannic rule. He is not an overstatement. In its diversity - ethnically, Lal Qila, Delhi: Emperor Farrukhsiyar fought and won many wars against the Mughals. The culturally, linguistically, and religiously -Indiais more Mughal-Maratha Wars or the Deccan Wars were fought like a continent. Banda Bahadur, his family, and 714 Sikhs from 1680 to 1707. That Indians share a common history is true, but February 29, 1716 After Shivaji's death, his son Sambaji also stood up theirreligion, language, state know their Banda Bahadurwas captured by the Mughal army and bravely against the Mughals until he was captured at communitiesor ethnicity have their distinctpasts, too. brought to Lal Qila, Delhi, along with his wife Sushila Sangameshwar in February 1689. Sambhaji and his And those histories - often shaped byself- Devi (Princess of Chamba) and their 4-year-old son Ajay prime minister Kavi Kalash (a Brahmin) were tortured centered/communal interacting, intersecting, and Singh. Sushila Devi committed suicide when she was to death. It took over a fortnight to kill them. relating with one another - have primarily contributed forcibly separated from her son and ordered to submit to The process of killing them included plucking their to the making of numerous challenges facing modern Emperor Farrukhsiyar's harem. eyes and tongue, pulling their nails, and removing their India.The most severechallenge that India must contend The same day a large number of Sikhs were skin. Sambhaji was finally killed on March11, 1689, with is the effect of religion and history on massacred. Their headswere arranged in pyramids at reportedly by tearing his front and back, beheading him, intercommunal relations. the gates of Lal Quila. And he hung up the bleeding and then hacking his body to pieces at Tulapur on the As individuals, we all have to come to terms with our heads of the murdered Sikhson Lal Quila's walls, as banks of the Bhim river near Pune. past - with what we have done and what has happened to wellason trees and buildings leading to Chandni Chowk, But after Aurangzeb's death, the Marathas rose again us.Much in the same sense, India as one nation has to Delhi. and started their expansion toward the north. They come to terms with its past, that is, its cumulative 714 Sikhs were beheaded publicly, 100 each day. Not a conquered the land up to Punjab and beyond as far up as history. India's past is a mammoth story of its single person accepted Islam or asked for mercy. the Khyber Pass. In 1757 they hoisted their Hindu achievements and failures. It includes, too, what has June 9, 1716 saffron flag on Lal Qila, Delhi. happened to its communities and what the communities Nishan Sahib hoisted on Lal Qila: The Sikh Victory have done to one another, resulting in countless The Moghul ruler brought Banda Bahadur to the grievances against one another.In other words, India Qutab Minar area.There, his 4-year-oldson, Ajay Singh, March 11, 1783 has to deal with its histories of various communities, was slain in front of him. And the executioner took out In 1783,Baghel Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, and especially the conflicting communal histories. Let us little Ajay's throbbing heart and entrails and thrust Jassa Singh Ramgariah united their forces into a joint call it the intercommunal baggage of the past. them into his father's mouth. Banda shut his mouth and Sikh army,defeated the Mughal army, conquered Delhi, We believe that religion and history have shaped remained unmoved. and hoisted the Sikhflag on Lal Qila. India's intercommunal relations over the centuries and Then Banda Bahadur was executed.Here is an excerpt Subsequently, once Delhi was under their control, are an essential part of Indian life. WhileIndian from a witness account letter describing Banda's they built sevenhistorical Sikh Gurdwaras in Delhi, the democracy is secular by and large, the practice of execution. C. R. Wilson,an East India Company most important of which are:Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, secularism is often at odds with people's religious representative and guest of the courtwrote to the near Connaught Place, memorializing Guru Har sentiments and their politics. Unless one religious British Viceroy: Krishan; Gurdwara Sis Ganj,in Chandni Chowk, community is willing to respect another religious First, with a dagger his right eye was removed. memorializing Guru Teg Bahadur;and Gurdwara Rakab community with a divergent view of history, India will Then his left eye was turned out with dagger. Ganj, near Parliament House,all commemorating Guru continue to be confronted - as it has been until this day - Then his both feet were cut. Teg Bahadur. with challenges from any society based on their Both arms were chopped off. Nishan Sahib vis-à-vis Lal Qila grievances. This confrontation will impede the progress Then with pincers, his flesh was cut off bit by bit. India has made as a country and democracy. Then his legs, nose,and ears were cut one by one. Unmistakably, the above portrait of the Therefore, we would like to offer the following Then his brain was blown out with sledge Mughals,enthroned in Lal Qila, should propel us suggestions for India:the government, political leaders hammersledgehammer. Indians to ask: and reformers, civic and religious organizations, Last of all his body was cut topieces. ● How could a monument that reminds us of historians, academics, literati, and the media. If Farrukhsiyar's Edict: Convert to Islam or die-1716 centuries of oppression, forced conversions, and practiced, these suggestions will significantly lower Emperor Farrukhsiyar ordered Sikhs to convert to destruction of our people be so respect- socio-religious tensions and increase mutual Islam or die.He offered a reward for each head. worthyrespect worthy as writers, scholars, and understanding among religious communities, e.g., MostSikhs retreated to jungles.An East India Company politicians would have us believe? Hindu vs. Muslim, Muslim vs. Sikh, and Sikh envoy traveling from Delhi to Lahore saw pyramids of ● How does Lal Qila represent Indian culture andits vs.Hindu.And their practice, evolving continually, will Sikh skulls along the highway. The Mughal government values? creategreater cohesiveness and harmony in Indian declared the Sikhs extinct. ● And howdid the hoisting of the Sikh flag by the society and, on the whole, make the country a better and Many more were the atrocities perpetrated by the young Sikh on Republic Day disrespect the Indian CONTD ON PAGE 26 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 26

CONTD FROM PAGE 25 more prosperous democracy: 1. Provide an unbiased and updated version of India's cumulative history.Make sure it is free from the imperialistic biases traditionally built into it and the Indian education system. Incorporate in it the content/themes/areas previously neglected, disparaged, or understated. 2. Educate all Indians about India's cumulative history, as far back as feasible. Include in itthe social, political, and religious history of each religious community.Thus, each communitywill know not only its own historybutalso other communities' histories. As a result, they willlikely develop a new and positive understanding of one another. 3. Create awareness among peopleabout the unsavory aspects of imperialism, Mughal as well asBritish. 4. Teach students to critically examine Indian histories written from the imperialistic point of view- which extoll the oppressors'cultures, arts, literatures, philosophies, and judgments, as well as their other contributions, and de-emphasize theiratrocities. 5. Help minimize communal conflicts, mainly Hindu vs Muslim, Muslim vs Sikh, and Sikh vs Hindu, by spreading awarenessthat the ancestors of a considerable majority of Indian Muslims or Indian Sikhs wereHindus.Simultaneously, create awareness that many of those Muslim-convert ancestors, too, were victims of the Mughal power like other To conclude, most Indians carry the baggage of their with the divisive issues of history and religion. Hindusand thattoday's Indian Muslimsshouldn't history. How big their baggage is depends on who they And we believe that an updated cumulative history of be blamed for what the imperialistsdid to are; that is,their baggage depends on their community, India, which includes records of different religious Hindus, Sikhs, and others. ethnicity, religion, and their perceptions. Hindus, communities, will enlighten Indians about themselves 6. Create consciousness in the country that all Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsees, and, more importantly, result in alleviating the social Indians are equal beforethe law, irrespective of Jews, and others have all their unique histories that and religious tensions amongst and between various their religion or community,and must be treated have shaped their communities. They tend to believe communities. That willlead to a harmonious equally and held responsible for their that they are significantly different from others multireligious, multiethnic, and secular democracy conduct,not that of their ancestors. because they belong to a different community. But the and a more progressive and prosperous society in 7. Launch a new tradition in schools to celebrate truth is that they all being Indian have so much in India. and learn community histories.Start with the common, much more to connect them than to divide (The authors- Sajjan Singh Dhaliwal is a retired engineer and Sikh History Month, for example,in which every them. lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Contact: year students will learn about Sikhs and We sincerely hope and trust that India - i.e., the [email protected]. Roshan Attrey is a retired English Sikhism. Develop this tradition by choosing Indian government and its opposition; leaders, writers, professor and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Contact: [email protected]. Harbans Lal is a retired professor of another month for another community. Thus, and media of the right, left, and center; all diverse Pharmacology and Neuroscience. He lives inDallas-Fort Worth, students will learn about other communities and religious organizations; and Indian society - will find Texas. Contact: [email protected] religions in a positive spirit. our suggestions helpful in devising new ways to deal THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 27 THE INDIAN PANORAMA BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 28 Priyanka sets up fundraiser, urges all to donate towards Covid-19 relief

riyanka Chopra urged everyone towards Covid-19 relief in India, as it battles a deadly second wave of the Ppandemic. She talked about the grim situation in the Shahid Kapoor turns country, as hospitals are unable to accommodate patients. There is also a critical shortage of oxygen supplies and life- producer saving medicines. hahid Kapoor is one busy man. After In a video posted on Instagram, Priyanka said, “Why do we Jersey and Raj and DK's next, Shahid need to care? Why is it so urgent right now? I am sitting in Swas supposed to work on Shashank London and hearing from my friends and family in India Khaitan's Yoddha but he walked out of the about how hospitals are at capacity, there are no rooms in film at the last minute. He was also in ICUs, ambulances are too busy, oxygen supply is less, talks for several other films, including the crematoriums having mass cremations because the volume Hindi remake of Surarai Pottru, a Ram of death is so much. India is my home and India is bleeding.” Madhvani film and the big budgeted “We, as a global community, need to care. And I'll tell you Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial why we need to care - because unless everyone is safe, no one Karna. Now, we can tell you that although is safe. So, please use your resources and focus your energy he's making his digital debut on Amazon on helping stop this pandemic. Please donate. I understand a Prime Video, he has inked a huge deal lot of people must be angry and thinking about, 'Why are we with Netflix as well. in this place in the first place? Why is this happening?' We A source informed Bollywood will address that but after we stop the urgency.Please donate Hungama, "Shahid has been paid to the and please use your resources as much as you can. India tune of over Rs. 70-80 crore for a trilogy needs you,” she added. that he's going to star in. It's a period Priyanka wrote in her Instagram post that she has set up a mythological war saga that will be fundraiser with GiveIndia. “Whatever you can spare, truly adapted from Amish Tripathi's novel. Not makes a difference. Nearly 63 million people follow me on just that, this will also mark Shahid's here, if even 100,000 of you donate $10, that’s $1 Million, and foray into production." that’s huge. Your donation will go directly to healthcare He had been waiting to set up his own physical infrastructure (including Covid care centres, production house for some time. "Shahid Isolation centers, and oxygen generation plants), medical was almost kick-starting his own banner equipment, and vaccine support and mobilization,” she with the Dingko Singh biopic but it fell wrote. apart. Now, Netflix and he have signed a Priyanka said that she and her husband, Nick Jonas, have mutual agreement on this project. It will already contributed to the cause and ‘will continue to’. She most likely feature him and is going to be also talked about how ‘heartening’ it is to see so many people an ambitious period venture designed on stepping up to do their bit to help. the lines of a Baahubali but only for the Earlier this week, Priyanka sought Covid-19 vaccines for web. India, and tweeted about the US ordering ‘more vaccines than needed’.

Arjun Kapoor loves how Ajay Devgn sets up emergency Covid-19 ‘dignified’ Malaika Arora is mong the star couples who have been making it facility at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park to the headlines, Arjun Kapoor and Malaika AArora always manage to light up the internet with their photos, every once in a while. The duo ollywood actor Ajay Devgn is doing his bit ensures that they back each other up and whenever to help Mumbai in the time of the Covid-19 they speak about each other, it is full of praise. Bcrisis. The Maidaan actor and a few of his Speaking of this, Arjun recently opened up about his colleagues have joined hands with Hinduja ladylove Malaika in a chat and revealed what he Hospital to set up an emergency facility at learned from her. The 2 States actor even revealed what Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. he loves about Malaika the most. As per reports, BMC has converted a hall at In a chat with HT Brunch, Arjun shared that he loves Shivaji Park into a 20-bed Covid-19 facility how 'dignified' Malaika is. Explaining this further, equipped with ventilators and oxygen support. Arjun said that he loves how Malaika has gone through Devgn, Anand Pandit, Boney Kapoor, Luv her life with dignity since she began working at the age Ranjan, Sameer Nair and many others have also of 20. Further, he shared that he has never seen her joined forces to contribute over Rs 1 crore to complain about things or change the 'narrative' around BMC’s “Smiley Account”. her. The 2 States actor said that she lets her work do the Shiv Sena corporator Vishaka Raut said, “It is talking instead of her and that he gets to learn from his great that Ajay Devgn supported BMC.” ladylove every day. The Tanhaji actor has contributed the funds through his social service wing NY Foundations. Joy Chakraborty, COO, said, “It will be an extension of Hinduja Hospital.” The foundation will also be helping with food and medicine. In 2020, Ajay Devgn helped by donating ventilators to Mumbai’s Dharavi as the area was badly struck by Covid-19. On the work front, Ajay is looking forward to the release of Maidaan, RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 29 Oscars 2021: Anthony Hopkins wins best actor, Nomadland best picture

n a stunning close to a largely Here are the winners of the predictable Oscar ceremony,Anthony 93rd Academy Awards: IHopkins won Best Actor for his work in The Father over the late Chadwick „ Best Picture: Nomadland Boseman, who died last year of cancer and has swept awards season so far for „ Best Director: Chloe Zhao, his performance in Ma Rainey's Black Nomadland Bottom. Chloe Zhao made history at the 93rd Academy Awards as the first woman „ Best Actress: Frances of colour to win the Oscar for Best McDormand, Nomadland Director for Nomadland, which also won Best Picture. She's also only the second „ Best Actor: Anthony Hopkins, woman in Oscar history to win the award The Father after The Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow. Frances McDormand, star of „ Best Supporting Actress: Youn Nomadland, won her third Best Actress Yuh-jung, Minari Oscar, matching Daniel Day-Lewis' three Best Actor Oscars. Joining Chloe Zhao in „ Best Supporting Actor: Daniel the history-making category was Youn Kaluuya, Judas And The Black Yuh-jung, Best Supporting Actress for Messiah Minari. Daniel Kaluuya completed his awards grand slam this year with the „ Best Original Screenplay: Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his Promising Young Woman performance in Judas And The Black Messiah. Director/Producer Chloe Zhao, winner of the award for best picture for "Nomadland," poses in „ Best Adapted Screenplay: The The first Oscar of the show went to the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. Father Emerald Fennell who won Best Original Screenplay for Promising Young Woman; „ Best Animated Feature Film: Soul Best Adapted Screenplay was won by The Father. The White Tiger, starring „ Best International Feature Film: Priyanka Chopra, was nominated in this Another Round category. Another Round, from Denmark, was „ Best Original Score: Soul awarded Best International Feature Film. "We wanted to make a film that „ Best Original Song: Fight For You, celebrates life," said director Thomas Judas And The Black Messiah Vinterberg who made the film while facing a tragic personal loss - his „ Best Documentary Feature: My daughter, who was cast in Another Octopus Teacher Round, died in a car accident. The official entry from India this year - „ Best Documentary Short: Colette Jallikattu - failed to make the shortlist. Mank, which led the nominees slate This image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Anthony Hopkins in a scene from "The Father." „ Best Live Action Short: Two with 10 nods, won two Oscars - Best Distant Strangers Cinematography and Best Production Design. Sound Of Metal, starring „ Best Animated Short: If Anything Pakistani-origin actor Riz Ahmed, also Happens I Love You won two of its six nominations - Best Sound and Best Film Editing. The „ Best Sound: Sound Of Metal nominations were announced last month by Priyanka Chopra and husband Nick „ Best Production Design: Mank Jonas. The Oscars this year were historic at „ Best Cinematography: Mank several levels - for one, it boasts the most diverse list of nominees in the history of „ Best Makeup And Hair: Ma the Academy Awards; for another, in Rainey's Black Bottom addition to the traditional venue of Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre, much of the „ Best Costume Design: Ma Rainey's ceremony is taking place at Union Daniel Kaluuya, winner of the award for best Emerald Fennell, winner of the award for best Black Bottom Station. This year, the categories of Best actor in a supporting role for "Judas and the original screenplay for "Promising Young Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing Black Messiah". Woman". „ Best Film Editing: Sound Of Metal have been consolidated into a single Best Sound award. Also, there is no host for „ Best Visual Effects: Tenet the award ceremony for the third year running. „ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Tyler Perry

Martin Desmond Roe, left, and Travon Free pose with award for best live action short film for "Two Distant Strangers". THE INDIAN PANORAMA FILM FEST FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 30 HARLEM i FILM FEST BY MABEL PAIS

Opening Night in-person celebration information on the Harlem International Film "Full Circle" features World Premieres of Festival go to HarlemFilmFestival.org DIR: Anne Via McCollough l USA l 86 OPENING NIGHT TRIPLE FEATURES Tarabu Betserai Kirkland's "100 Years SELECTIONS min l North American Premiere from Mississippi," "100 Years From Mississippi" This stunning documentary celebrates one woman's Glenn Osten Anderson's "Coogan's triumph in conservation, the Great Gull Island DIR: Tarabu Betserai Kirkland l USA l Project, Helen Hays' 50-year quest to save two species Way," 59m l World Premiere of threatened seabirds - Roseate and Common Terns - North American premiere of Anne Via on a small, uninhabited island in Long Island Sound. The film highlights the myriad of volunteers inspired McCollough's "Full Circle." by Hays over the decades; her extensive collaboration with scientists in Argentina, Brazil and the Azores; 16th Edition, May 6-9 and also her remarkable & heartwarming connection The 2021 Harlem International Film Festival with a small fishing village on the north coast of ("Hi") has its 16th edition - a hybrid event - Brazil. May 6-9. "Voodoo Macbeth" he film festival will open with an audacious DIR: University of Southern California presentation of two triple-header screenings at Tthe AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 Theaters Graduate students collective l (2309 Frederick Douglass Blvd) with the first Opening USA l 1h 48m l New York Premiere Night featuring the world premieres of Tarabu Betserai Kirkland's "100 Years from Mississippi," and In 1936 Harlem, the first all black cast to perform Glenn Osten Anderson's "Coogan's Way," as well as the Shakespeare's MACBETH, directed by a young and North American premiere of Anne Via McCollough's arrogant Orson Welles, battles to make it to opening "Full Circle." night. The second Opening Night trio features films making their New York premieres including; "Voodoo "Queens of The Revolution" Macbeth," a film project from the University of A scene from "100 Years From Mississippi." Photo / courtesy Hi Film Festival 2021 DIR: Rebecca Heidenberg l Cuba l 1h Southern California Graduate students collective, about the first all black cast (in 1936 Harlem) to 18 m l New York Premiere perform Shakespeare's MACBETH, directed by a Mamie Lang Kirkland was seven years old when she This moving portrait of Mejunje, a cultural center young and arrogant Orson Welles; Rebecca fled Ellisville, Mississippi in 1915 with her mother and in Santa Clara that paved the road for LGBTQ+ rights Heidenberg's "Queens of The Revolution," a Cuban siblings as her father and his friend, John Hartfield, in Cuba, highlights the bravery of people who have documentary which is a moving portrait of Mejunje, escaped an approaching lynch mob. John Hartfield fought for their lives and identities for decades. a cultural center in Santa Clara that paved the road returned to Mississippi in 1919 and was killed in one for LGBTQ+ rights in that county, highlighting the of the most horrific lynchings of the era. For over 100 "The Celine Archive" bravery of people who have fought for their lives and years…. Mamie vowed never to return to Mississippi. DIR: Celine Parrenas Shimizu l USA l identities for decades; and Celine Parrenas Shimizu's Yet with Mamie's son, Tarabu's remarkable find, he "The Celine Archive," which looks at the remarkable urges his mother to finally confront her childhood 1h 9m l New York Premiere story of Celine Navarro, who was buried alive by her trauma by returning to Ellisville. Adulteress, traitor, heroine, or prey? In 1932, Celine community in 1932. The story exposes issues that still Navarro was buried alive by her community in haunt Filipinax American communities today. "Coogan's Way" Northern California. The filmmaker digs up Celine The red carpet in-person event will kick off the film DIR: Glenn Osten Anderson l USA l 1h Navarro's story, exposing silences that haunt festival's celebrated showcase of relatively Filipinax American communities today, along with undiscovered international cinematic gems and local Celine Navarro's family, community members and New York filmmaking talent and lead into virtual scholars who know different details about this largely screenings of 71 films and more (31 features, 32 shorts, untold event in American history. 2 VR/360 projects, and 6 webisodes) representing over ADDITIONAL FILMS 17 countries. The Harlem International (Hi) Film Festival will In addition to the Opening Night films, there are 11 also offer its signature curated presentations of Narrative Features, 13 Documentary Features, 7 curated Harlem Uptown and local New York produced HARLEM/UPPER MANHATTAN/BRONX SHORTS, and themed short films preceding each of the features 18 Other Shorts, 5 Animation Shorts, 2 Virtual Reality screening during the Opening Night event. Screenings, and 6 Webisodes. Harlem International (Hi) Film Festival's Program ABOUT THE HARLEM INTERNATIONAL (Hi) Director, Nasri Zacharia, said, "We are thrilled to return to the theater, have a red carpet welcome for FILM FESTIVAL our filmmakers, live audiences and Q&As, and Celebrating the art of cinema in the home of the experience the magic of film festival discovery in the Harlem Renaissance, The Harlem International Film company of one another the way we did prior to the 7 m l World Premiere Festival (Hi) inspires and entertains by honoring pandemic. At the same time, we will also utilize the dynamic films by anyone about anything under the virtual presentations to not just introduce our In the late 1980s and early 1990s, NYC's Washington sun. Conceived from the belief that we all have unique audiences throughout the state of New York to films Heights neighborhood was considered the epicenter experiences and perspectives to share, the Festival from around the world, but also to interact and of America's crack cocaine epidemic. "Coogan's Way" actively seeks and exhibits fresh work. Hi is connect with filmmakers from all over the globe. And, is the story of how a small bar and restaurant that committed to exemplifying the eminence that Harlem of course, we'll continue our efforts to truly showcase welcomed all races, religions, and interests became a represents and is dedicated to bringing attention to the filmmakers and the setting of our beloved home force for good in the community. And how decades the finest filmmakers from "Harlem and across the neighborhoods of Harlem, Upper Manhattan and the later, when the owners were faced with the challenges globe." Bronx, which we call the HUB." of a rapidly changing NYC real estate market, their (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social TICKETS, PASSES diverse and dynamic clientele fought for this beloved Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) institution. For Film festival passes, tickets, and more THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERFORMING ARTS FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 31 EMERGE: NJSO Concert Film Trilogy

BY MABEL PAIS

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) with Artist of the Year Daniil Trifonov - "without question the MOZART Symphony No. 39 DreamPlay Films presents "EMERGE," an NJSO most astounding young pianist of our age" ('The Times') - The film features the NJSO and Inon Barnatan on Concert Film trilogy pairing orchestral returns to the NJSO. He performs Shostakovich's First stage, dance performances by Cori Barnes and M.A. Piano Concerto, which also features NJSO Assistant Taylor and behind-the-scenes images of NJSO musicians. performances with stunning visuals, mesmerizing Principal Trumpet Anderson Romero. Zhang brings the Presented in black-and-white 4K Ultra HD. dance sequences and format-bending on-and off- series to a close with Beethoven's Fourth Symphony. EMERGE Part 3: An NJSO Concert Film stage elements. The film features riveting images of and inspired by Wed, June 23, at 7:30 pm the people of New Jersey, presented in 4K Ultra HD. Light and sound guide our path to grace in the Music Director Xian Zhang conducts programs The film series, which will be available on demand collective soul. It is time to embrace humanity anew featuring a trio of star pianists-Daniil Trifonov, Simone after the premiere, is part of NJSO Virtual 20-21, the and to thrive in the abundance of our destiny. Dinnerstein and Inon Barnatan. The films are directed by Orchestra's digital season. For more information, visit Xian Zhang, conductor Daniil Trifonov, piano award-winning, Newark-raised filmmaker Yuri Alves and njsymphony.org/virtual. Anderson Romero, trumpet produced by DreamPlay Films, part of Newark-based New Jersey Symphony Orchestra DreamPlay Media. PROGRAM Yuri Alves, director The films premiere through June at EMERGE: An NJSO Concert Film Trilogy Igor Alves, producer A musical journey without boundaries. njsymphony.org/emerge and on the NJSO's DreamPlay Films YouTube channel. The films are free for viewing. EMERGE Part 1: An NJSO Concert Film Tim Martyn, audio producer Wed, Apr 28, at 7:30 pm SHOSTAKOVICH Piano Concerto No. 1 This moment invites us to discover hidden dimensions BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 4 within, and to see the world with fresh eyes. A new This film features NJSO and Daniil Trifonov on stage beginning awaits. and riveting images of and inspired by the people of Xian Zhang, conductor New Jersey. Presented in 4K Ultra HD. Simone Dinnerstein, piano NJSO VIRTUAL New Jersey Symphony Orchestra To learn more about NJSO and access, for free, the Yuri Alves, director "Emerge" and former concerts, visit njsymphony.org/virtual NJSO perform "Emerge" - Photo / Courtesy NJSO Igor Alves, producer Connect with NJSO: "EMERGE Part 1" premieres April 28. DreamPlay Films Website: njsymphony.org Tim Martyn, audio producer Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NJSymphony Zhang leads the East Coast premiere of "Primal YouTube: @NewJerseySymphony Message" by American composer Nokuthula BACH Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV Email: [email protected] Ngwenyama, whom 'Gramophone' has hailed for the 1056 YURI ALVES "bold mesmerizing character" of her music. Simone NOKUTHULA NGWENYAMA Primal Message (East Dinnerstein, whose "individual, compelling" ('New York Filmmaker Yuri Alves has written and directed films, Times') interpretation of Bach's "Goldberg Variations" Coast Premiere) primetime television programs and commercial projects propelled her to international fame, performs Bach's SCHUMANN Symphony No. 4 in the US and Europe. Alves' films have screened at over Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056. The The film features NJSO and Simone Dinnerstein on 100 film festivals worldwide, earning 20 awards. Alves' program closes with Schumann's Fourth Symphony. stage and captivating images of and inspired by the projects include "Grind, On the Cusp and Exit Road" and The film features captivating images of and inspired by people of Newark. Presented in 4K anamorphic the European primetime television series "Tempo Final" the people of Newark, and is presented in 4K anamorphic widescreen. and "Filha da Lei." Alves is the co-founder and creative widescreen. EMERGE Part 2: An NJSO Concert Film director of DreamPlay Media and served as head of production at Fox Digital Studios. Alves was born in Rio "EMERGE Part 2" premieres May 26. Wed, May 26, at 7:30 pm In tune with hope and beauty, the world beckons us to de Janeiro, Brazil, to Portuguese parents, and grew up in Inon Barnatan brings his "penetrating musicianship, move ahead in solidarity and in purpose. Let us Newark, New Jersey. compelling interpretive insight and elegant pianism" create-from love-a better world. For more, visit yurialves.com | Instagram: (BBC Music) to Florence Price's Piano Concerto in One Xian Zhang, conductor @yurialvescinema. Inon Barnatan, piano Movement. Zhang pairs the celebrated American Cori Barnes, dancer DREAMPLAY FILMS concerto with Mozart's Symphony No. 39. M.A. Taylor, dancer The film features dance performances by local dancers DreamPlay Films develops and produces narrative and Cori Barnes and M.A. Taylor, behind the scenes images of New Jersey Symphony Orchestra documentary films, television programming and more. the NJSO musicians, and is presented in black-and-white Yuri Alves, director DreamPlay Films is a division of DreamPlay Media, an Igor Alves, producer 4K Ultra HD. original and creative media company, based in Newark, "EMERGE Part 3" premieres June 23 DreamPlay Films NJ. For more, visit dreamplayfilms.com | Tim Martyn, audio producer dreamplaymedia.com. Grammy Award winner and "Musical America" 2019 PRICE Piano Concerto in One Movement

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT cultural treasure that transformed modern dance forever and continues to reinvent itself. The beloved Ailey masterpiece pays tribute to African-American From NJPAC & heritage - "sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful" - and to the power of the human spirit. ALVIN AILEY Program Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater "Revelations BY MABEL PAIS Reimagined" Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater "Revelations Alvin Ailey dancers - Photo / Courtesy NJPAC Saturday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m. Reimagined" Sunday, May 9th at 3:00 p.m. To RSVP, visit njpac.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance- Saturday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m. dance film, "Revelations Reimagined." theater-revelations-reimagined Sunday, May 9th at 3:00 p.m. Whether your family is near or far, tune in and Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with Alvin Ailey remember the feeling of live performance. This NJPAC American Dance Theater! presentation is a thank you to everyone who has To learn more about NJPAC, visit njpac.org For 21 seasons, Alvin Ailey has been a beloved enjoyed Alvin Ailey at NJPAC in the past-and a hopeful ALVIN AILEY tradition at the New Jersey Performing Arts reminder of all the soul-stirring performances yet to To learn more about Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, visit alvinailey.org Center (NJPAC). Although we can't gather in person come. this year, NJPAC has something special honoring "Revelations Reimagined" explores "Revelations" in a (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social MOTHERS: a virtual screening of Alvin Ailey's new new context: past and present, on stage and off, a Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) THE INDIAN PANORAMA WOMEN FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 32

CONNOISSEUR’S Bad habits that can ruin CHOICE your relationship

hen you’re in a relationship, you’re more often By Tript Arora than not always trying to do what you can to Wkeep it relatively healthy and happy. And of course, unless you’re a complete masochist, you’d never Punjabi Chole do anything to deliberately sabotage it. But it’s surprisingly easy to fall into bad habits that can slowly n the occasion of Mother's suck the life out of your relationship — and those can Day, I am sharing the add up over time. Orecipe which was taught to me by my mother. My Mom was a Being on your phone all the time fantastic cook. Though she Sure, sometimes work stuff can’t wait, but regularly cooked so many dishes but this one like all punjabis is close to my being glued to your phone or checking it when you’re heart. So today Iam sharing my having a conversation with your S.O. sends a Mom"s recipe of Punjabi cholay. subconscious message that they’re not your priority.“It can help to either be all present with your partner or let We Need them know that you can talk once you are off your 1 cup Chick peas or Chole( small phone,” says licensed marriage and family therapist variety), 2 Big Onions ( 200 gm), 2 David Klow, owner of Skylight Counseling Center in Big Tomatoes (150 gm), 8 Cloves Chicago. “Splitting your attention often leaves the other of Garlic, 2" Piece of Ginger, 1 person feeling neglected and less valued.” Black Cardamom, 2" Piece of Dalchini ( Cinnamon), 5 to 6 Laung ( Cloves), 1Tsp Turmeric Powder( Haldi), 1 Tsp Chilli Powder, 1 Tsp Making public jokes at your Coriander Powder (Dhania), 2 Tsp Chana Masala ( Any Brand), 1 partner’s expense resorting to snark or sarcasm will get you so much Tsp Anardana Powder (Pomegranate Seed), 1 Big ladle of You know your S.O.’s insecurities, and the two of you farther than you think. Cooking Oil, 1 Tsp Salt or to taste, ½ tsp Baking Soda (soda-bi- carb), 2 Tsp Tea leaves, may even laugh about them in private. But doing it in Starting fights over text public is an entirely different story, Durvasula says, For Tempering even if it’s phrased as a joke. So while your partner may Text messages leave so much open to interpretation, 2" Piece of Ginger cut into Jullians, 3 Green Chillies Slit think it’s funny when you say their new haircut makes and when you start an argument over text, you’re just lengthwise, 1 Tbsp Kashmiri red Chilli powder. them look like a less cool version of Conan O’Brien, asking for more issues. “Fighting via text is a setup for they’re probably going to be hurt when you say it in a mess — all the emojis in the world cannot substitute Preparation front of your friends. for the warmth in your eyes, a smile or seriousness when talking to your partner about something Soak Chole( White Gram) in water and soak it overnight. In Being passive-aggressive the morning drain the water and keep aside the chick peas. Grind frustrating or upsetting,” Durvasula says. If you have a Onions to form a paste. Grind Tomatoes to form a puree. Make a You know this is bad. Pretty much everyone on the problem and you need to discuss it, ask them to save Ginger garlic paste. planet knows this is bad — but it still happens a lot. some time for a one-on-one later. And if it really can’t “This is a relationship killer,” Durvasula says. “This wait, call them — it’s not ideal, but hearing each other’s Boil 2 Tsp of Tea leaves in 1 cup water . Strain it and keep aside. reflects indirect communication and usually a fair voices is still way better than a text. amount of unhappiness and challenges with self- Criticizing their family Mix all the Spice powder in a small bowl and keep aside. This esteem and insecurity on the past of the passive- way You will not forget any spice powder at the last moment. aggressive person.” Basically, it doesn’t make you look While you probably wouldn’t start railing on your Heat Cooking Oil in the pressure cooker and add dry spices ie good and it only serves to piss off your partner. When partner’s mom out of the blue, family issues can come Cardamom, Cinnamon and cloves. Let it splutter. When the Dry you find yourself slipping into passive aggression (it up. “If they bring it up, then you can reinforce their spices are heated ingoes the Onion paste. Saute the paste on happens), try to take a minute and think about what you opinions if you agree, but don’t fall into a trap that medium flame till it is of brown colour. Add a little water and it really want say,even if it’s opening up about something could come back to bite you,” Durvasula says. Instead, will prevent onion paste from burning. you’ve been dreading talking about or frustrations try be diplomatic and keep in mind how you’d feel if When the onions are done, add Ginger garlic paste to them. you’ve been letting fester. Doing that instead of they said the same thing about your family. Saute till fragrant. Now is the time to add Tomato puree. Add salt alongside as it will quickly make tomato soft and mushy . Stir in all the spice powders you mixed in a small bowl. Mix them well with the onion, tomatoes mixture. Saute till the Dyeing your eyebrows might be the mixture leaves oil. Add drained Chole . Saute for 2 min. Now add water to Chole. beauty trick you’re missing Approximately 4 times the quantity of Chole. The water should only cover the Chole and not more. Now let us have the Halwai effect. Add 1 cup of tea water to yebrow tinting is the process of applying semi- the Chole which is going to give the traditional black colour to permanent dye to enhance, shape, and define them. After pouring tea water in pressure cooker, stir in Baking Eyour brows. Tinting allows a professional to soda. You will see bubbles forming on the surface . This manipulate the brow area by darkening the fine hairs chemical reaction is going to bring out the real taste of Punjabi that surround the perimeter of the brow to increase the Chole. width. It also allows the specialist to darken the fine Now close the lid of the cooker and on high flame cook it till 8 hairs in the inner core of the brow that are in less dense whistles. Let the steam sit. Open the pressure cooker only after it areas. This creates a longer brow line (brow tail) or has cool down completely. If Chole appear thick , add boiled fuller front and a more ideal shape. water to adjust the consistency. Switch off the flame. Eyebrow tinting works on skin types, skin tones, and Time to temper the Punjabi Chole. Take a small pan. Switch hair colors. If you’re trying to tint grey or white hair on the flame. When the pan is warm, add Desi ghee. Let it heat a though, the process is a little trickier. Make sure you go bit and then add Ginger Julians and Slit green chillies. Saute for a to someone that knows how to tint eyebrows well and 30 seconds switch off the flame . does it often. Grey hair is more resistant and tends to be Immediately add Kashmiri red Chilli powder to the pan and stubborn, so you might need to adjust the process a bit. quickly pour the ' tadka' over the cooked Chole. You’ll want to avoid getting your brows wet for 12 Serve hot with poori, Bhaturas , rice or whatever bread of hours after getting the treatment done and to clean your liking. For side onion rings dipped in lemon juice and any around the area with gel or cream-based cleansers. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to the pickle make a sumptuous brunch on a Holiday. Your brows will stand out and look fuller right away. surrounding skin as a form of protective barrier You can cut back on the multiple brow products in your between the dye and your skin. beauty routine. The tint lasts anywhere from three to Be aware that eyebrow tinting dyes aren’t FDA- You Can reach me at: www.triptasfoodtunnel.com six weeks. To avoid exfoliating or use of any oil-based approved. There is no standard dye formulation and a Email : [email protected]. products in that area as it will cause the tint to fade variety of dyes out there are being used, some of which Instagram: @triptasfoodtunnel faster. contain preservatives that aren’t regulated. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 33 Why sunlight is so good for your health

mid pandemic concerns, more and more healthcare Apractitioners have suggested how sun exposure for even half- hour daily can help up one’s vitamin D levels in the body which is considered essential for bone and Delaying vax will give muscle health. But did you know that sun is not just a source of vitamin D? It actually has several virus opportunity to other benefits for one’s health. Taking to Instagram, ayurvedic develop new variants practitioner Dr Dixa Bhavsar suggested how sunlight in the eople should not delay taking Covid-19 vaccine morning, right after sunrise till as this will give virus an opportunity to develop about 8 am and at the time of Pnew variants and some of them may reduce the sunset, can help. efficacy of current vaccines, say healthcare experts. Here’s what to know about the sun’s They believe that those not taking the vaccine are doing a great injustice to their near and dear ones. rays and our health Government of India has announced that all According to Dr Bhavsar, individuals aged above 18 years would be eligible to different light wavelengths get Covid-19 vaccination starting May 1. This must be (colours) are present at different health. fine-tune our daily circadian considered as the end game for the deadly pandemic times of the day and impact us „ From natural light, we also rhythm too, as we make to be driven out of India but this would not be differently. Every wavelength has a make the neurotransmitters melatonin (our sleep hormone) achieved if the young and the old hesitate to take different therapeutic benefit. serotonin, melatonin and from daylight, then excrete vaccine, say the experts. „ UVA exposure, for example, dopamine which are critical for melatonin after an absence of Dr. Mervin Leo, Cluster COO, Gleneagles Global increases nitric oxide which is mental health including blue light for 2+ hours (which Hospitals believes that Covid-19 virus still has many a vasodilator, which improves reducing anxiety, depression is why blue blocking glasses hosts left to replicate in, and it has more opportunity blood flow, improves etc. are so important after sunset). to randomly develop new variants. "Some of these oxygenation, lowering „ Blue light stimulates us and “I’m not advising to recklessly go variants may reduce the efficacy of the current respiratory rate, lowering keeps us awake. It also helps overboard with direct sunlight and vaccine, which is surely not a desirable scenario to be blood glucose levels. with seasonal affective start burning. Tweak your day, be in. Hence, it is important people encourage each other „ The red visible spectrum disorder and depression due to mindful to get more natural light to get vaccinated at the earliest and ensure the virus which is always present during its hormone-producing (not just direct sunlight), like is driven out of our lives before it gets to us," he said. the day touches on capabilities. training outside instead of in the Healthcare facilities across Hyderabad are ramping mitochondria function which „ Being outdoors has shown to gym,” she said. up their capacity to vaccinate more population in the increases energy and overall improve our sleep quality and Source: Indian Express weeks ahead. They believe vaccination for all is the most definitive step in the fight against coronavirus. "Vaccination for all is about controlling the pandemic at a population level through reaching herd immunity,and the objective cannot be achieved unless Home remedies for fatty liver each and every one joins the movement and get themselves vaccinated. Fight against coronavirus requires a community effort, and everybody must aving fat in the liver is a day for some weeks. This will step forward in and get their vaccines, so that we can normal but only to some help in reducing the fat break the chain of transmission from one person to Hextent. When more than 5 accumulated in the liver, thereby another," said Dr. Riyaz Khan, CEO, Continental to 10% of your liver's weight is treating fatty liver disease Hospitals. fat, it is known as a fatty liver naturally. "There needs to be emphasis to get a vaccine disease. This exposes your liver (Covishield/Covaxin) whichever is available at the to a risk of injuries, Green tea earliest and easily.Both are effective. Now it is proven inflammation, and scarring. Green tea is enriched with beyond doubt that even a single dose provides decent Fatty liver is of two types, high-density catechins which protection. Vaccines are highly effective in alcoholic fatty liver, and non- improve liver functioning and preventing hospitalisations and deaths.It is alcoholic fatty liver. The former prevent fat accumulation in unnecessary for people to wait for a year to get happens as a result of excessive people suffering from the vaccinated, and the longer we wait to observe any alcohol intake and the latter is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. side-effects might only lead to developing of future because of other alcohol It blocks the amount of fat stored virus mutants," said Dr. Aarathi Bellary, Consultant unrelated reasons. in the liver and improves its Internal Medicine, SLG Hospitals. There are some natural home functioning as well. Drink 3 to 4 remedies which can help you cups of green tea regularly to treat fatty liver disease easily. keep the fatty liver disease at bay. PAGE SPONSORED BY Take a look: Papaya DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND Apple cider vinegar One of the main causes of One of the most effective home enhance the taste. Repeat this for fatty liver disease is dietary DR. SATISH ANAND remedies for a fatty liver disease two months to see the difference. fats. Ayurveda has it, both the Former Chairman, Board of is apple cider vinegar. It helps pulp and the seeds of the Trustees, AAPI National you by reducing fat accumulating Lemon papaya fruit are effective in E-Mail: in the liver and by inducing Lemons are rich in vitamin C burning these dietary fats, [email protected] weight loss. It also promotes and antioxidants which help the thereby preventing fatty liver healthy liver functioning by liver produce glutathione. This disease naturally. For this, you reducing inflammation. All you enzyme neutralizes the toxins in could eat a slice of papaya with GITANJLI ANAND need to do is add a tablespoon of the liver, thereby promoting honey every day. You could also Former President, India ACV to warm water and drink it detoxification. All you need to do grind its seeds, mix it with Association of Long Island twice daily before your meals. is squeeze a lemon in a glass of water and drink it daily for the (IALI) You can also add honey to water and drink it twice or thrice same effect. E-mail: [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 34 Apple to ban NASA astronaut Instagram apps that offer working on successfully harvests 2 new tools for incentives to plants in space influencers users for acebook-owned Instagram is Fworking on a suite of enabling app new tools to help influencers make money off its platform, including tracking creator shops, affiliate pple has finally released the commerce and a “branded much-awaited iOS 14.5 update content marketplace.” Afor its gadgets. Apple users may Facebook CEO Mark already be aware of the many features Zuckerberg announced that come with the update, one of them the upcoming features being App Tracking Transparency. during a live stream with This feature basically notifies users Instagram chief Adam whenever a third-party app is tracking Mosseri. them online and asks for their Creator Shops would be permission on whether or not to move an extension of the ahead with it. While users were pretty company’s existing content with this new feature, shopping features, which companies like Facebook that are allows businesses to sell known for being fuelled by web user WASHINGTON (TIP): NASA’s Expedition 64 Astronauts have been enjoying the Amara products, reports data have criticized this decision. The crew member Michael Hopkins has harvested mustard “like a lettuce wrap,” Hopkins Engadget. situation only headed towards the two crops in space—‘Amara mustard, and a explained, adding ingredients such as chicken, “We see a lot of creators south as many apps started announcing previously grown crop, ‘Extra Dwarf pak choi. soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. setting up shops too, and rewards for users in exchange for their They were grown for 64 days, the longest leafy “Delicious, plus the texture or crunch,” he one part of being a data to circumvent Apple's decision. greens have grown on station, the US space wrote in the experiment notes after sampling content creator business Here is Apple's response. agency said. Amara mustard grown in space. model is you create great Following the iOS 14.5 update, users The pak choi grew for so long that it began to While the astronauts’ pre-packaged food content, and then you can will get to see a new feature in the form flower as part of its reproduction cycle. offers variety and nutrition, fresh crops deliver sell stuff, and so having of a pop up that greets them before they Hopkins’ efforts in eclipsing the mark included an appealing addition. Hopkins said the plants creator shops is open an app. The pop-up asks for their using a small paintbrush to pollinate plant were a much appreciated “connection to Earth” awesome,” Zuckerberg permission on whether or not they flowers. and that connection is one reason he uses his said. want to be tracked and presents them “I wasn’t all at surprised that he chose this personal time to be a space gardener. Zuckerberg also said the with two options as answers, "Ask App route to make sure the plants were fully The experiment is important because fruit company is working on Not to Track" and "Allow". Apple also pollinated because he has always wanted to be crops require pollination, and crews need to tools that would enable simultaneously updated its Human very involved,” Matt Romeyn, a space crop understand how the process works in Instagram stars to get Interface Guidelines with a new section production project scientist and science lead on microgravity and, eventually, in reduced paid for promoting called "Accessing User Data" that the four-plant experiments, said in a statement gravity. products. dictates new policies for companies. In on Tuesday. As part of the Plant Habitat-04 experiment, “Creators should be able the policy, it is mentioned that all apps “After he used the paintbrush, we saw a high the Kennedy Space Centre will send pepper to get a cut of the sales of must follow the procedure of asking seed production rate,” he added. seeds to the space station later this year. The things that they’re user permission not just for personal Hopkins ate the pak choi as a side dish, with pepper seeds will fly on SpaceX’s 22nd recommending and we data but also to access device leaves marinated in an empty tortilla package. Commercial Resupply Services mission and should build up an compatibilities like microphone and He added soy sauce and garlic, and put it in a will grow in the Advanced Plant Habitat. A affiliate recommendation camera as well as consent to track small food warmer for 20 to 30 minutes, NASA VEG-05 experiment with dwarf tomatoes also is marketplace to enable that them. shared in a post. planned for Veggie next year, NASA said. to all happen,” he said.

Europe starts tests for automated WhatsApp testing 24-hour option for disappearing messages asteroid spotters fter the seven-day limit, WhatsApp is now testing and cientists said on Tuesday Adeveloping a Disappearing they have switched on a Message feature with the 24-hour option Snew telescope at the for personal and group chats. European Southern According to WABetaInfo, a website Observatory as part of an effort that tracks WhatsApp in Beta, revealed to create an automated network that the disappearing message feature for spotting asteroids that will be available in a future update. might pose a risk to Earth. "WhatsApp won't replace the 7 days The 56-centimeter telescope option, but 24 hours will be an addition," that's now seen "first light" at the report said. 'Disappearing Messages' on its platform the La Silla Observatory in WhatsApp will soon include the 24- for both Android and iOS users that Chile, known as TBT2, will hour option in the section where people automatically deletes new messages sent work together with a twin in are used to enable/disable disappearing to a chat after seven days when turned Cebreros, Spain, to test whether messages for personal and group chats. on. the same object in space can be When the user chooses "24 hours", all In a one-to-one chat, either person can detected with one device and messages sent/received after this change turn disappearing messages on or off. In then tracked by another. expire after 24 hours, so they will groups, admins will have the control on The tests are a precursor to a planned network of automated telescopes being disappear from the chat. the new feature. developed by ESO and the European Space Agency. The project, called Flyeye, will "The feature is under development and The Facebook-owned platform started survey the night sky for fast-moving objects and flag those that could become a threat it will be available in a future update for with the seven-day limit "because we to human researchers for further investigation. iOS, Android and Web/Desktop," the think it offers peace of mind that More than 900,000 asteroids have been catalogued in the Solar System and about report mentioned. conversations aren't permanent, while 25,000 have an orbit that brings them close to Earth. The European Space Agency In November last year, WhatsApp remaining practical so you don't forget keeps a risk list of more than 1,000 such objects that are closely tracked. launched the much-awaited what you were chatting about". THE INDIAN PANORAMA BUSINESS FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 35 India’s oxygen crisis to ease by mid-May, output to jump 25%: Report

NEW DELHI (TIP): India's severe medical oxygen supply crisis is expected to ease by mid-May, a top industry executive told Reuters, with output rising by 25 per cent and transport infrastructure ready to cope with a surge India’s in demand caused by a dramatic rise in coronavirus cases. Dozens of hospitals in cities such as unemployment New Delhi and Mumbai have run short of the gas this month, sending relatives of patients scrambling for oxygen rate may rise to cylinders, sometimes in vain. Medical oxygen consumption in India has shot up more than eight-fold from 8%: CMIE usual levels to about 7,200 tonnes per day s states go into lockdowns and this month, said Moloy Banerjee of impose restrictions amid the Linde Plc, the country's biggest producer. Asecond wave of Covid-19, the "This is what is causing the crisis unemployment rate in April is likely to because no one was prepared for it, increase to nearly 8 per cent from 6.5 particularly the steep curve up," per cent in March, according to the Banerjee, who heads the company's Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy South Asia gas business, told Reuters on (CMIE). Thursday, April 29. CMIE's CEO Mahesh Vyas said that Linde - whose two affiliates in the fast frequency labour statistics indicate country are Linde India and Praxair that labour market conditions have India - and other suppliers are ramping been deteriorating in April 2021. up production to a total of more than transport infrastructure in place that and delivering to multiple cities. "The labour participation rate (LPR) 9,000 tonnes per day by the middle of allows us to service this demand across The company is also looking to double looks unlikely to fall in April. The 30- next month, he said. the country," he said. Banerjee said India the number of oxygen cylinders in its day moving average LPR indicates that A logistics crisis impeding the speedy was importing around 100 cryogenic distribution network to at least 10,000, the ratio was rising till April 15 when it movement of oxygen from surplus containers to transport large quantities which would improve supply to rural peaked at 40.8 per cent. Then it started regions in eastern India to hard-hit of liquid medical oxygen, with Linde areas with weak infrastructure. falling, but it is unlikely to fall to a level northern and western areas would also providing 60 of those. Some are being "We are trying to create a hub-and- lower than that of March 2021," he said. be resolved in the coming weeks as more flown in by Indian Air Force aircraft. spoke type of system so that we make a Unless there is an unusual bounce in distribution assets are deployed, Many of these containers will be lot of liquid oxygen available at the local the last week, the April LPR is likely to Banerjee said. placed on dedicated trains that would cut area, from where the local dealers can stabilise at its March level of 40.2 per "My expectation is that by the middle across the country, each carrying pick it up," Banerjee said. cent, as per CMIE. of May we will definitely have the between 80-160 tonnes of liquid oxygen Source: Reuters

US economy Oil drops after rallying on signs Powell stomps on inflation grows at 6.4% of rising global fuel demand fears, pledges more il declined on Friday, in March April 30, but prices stimulus Oare still heading for a emporary price jumps will not spook the Federal quarter weekly gain as signs of Reserve into pulling back on the stimulus it has strengthening demand from Tpumped into the US economy during the Covid-19 he US economy grew at a brisk the US to China stoked pandemic, the central bank’s chair Jerome Powell said 6.4% annual rate last quarter — a optimism the recovery from on Wednesday, April 28. Tshow of strength fuelled by the pandemic is While the world’s largest economy is coming back government aid and declining viral accelerating. from the depths of last year’s crisis, the recovery has a cases that could drive further gains as Futures in New York ways to go and it is too soon to even talk about easing the nation rebounds with unusual dropped 0.6% after closing off the gas, Powell said as the policy-setting Federal speed from the pandemic recession. above $65 a barrel on Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its two-day Thursday’s report from the Thursday for the first time since mid-March. Major American cities meeting. Commerce Department estimated the are moving to fully reopen, travel across China over an extended He highlighted the Fed’s commitment to keep the nation’s GDP accelerated in the holiday that starts Saturday is expected to hit a record, and sales of benchmark lending rate near zero, where it has been January-March quarter from a 4.3% transport fuels in the U.K. are rising. Big oil companies are also since the start of the crisis, and to continue its massive annual gain in the final quarter of 2020. starting to reap the rewards of the recovery. bond buying programme until employment recovers Growth in the current April-June The coronavirus is still looming over the market, however, with a and inflation exceeds the 2% threshold “for some time.” period is expected to be faster still, resurgence in regions such as India and Brazil clouding the near- Responding that policymakers could let inflation get potentially reaching a 10% annual pace term outlook. OPEC+ warned earlier in the week that the flare-up out of control, Powell snapped back: “We understand or more, led by an increase in people could even derail the recovery. our job. We will do our job.” willing and able to travel, shop, dine out “This week saw an avalanche of strong data and reassuring Speaking at a press briefing, he again acknowledged and otherwise resume their spending developments in the U.S, but that may have buried the rising global that inflation will increase in the coming months as habits. risk of more transmissible Covid variants, particularly the one that business ramps up, but he stressed that the main has wreaked havoc in India,” said Vandana Hari, the founder of factors pushing it higher will dissipate. energy consultant Vanda Insights in Singapore. “At six-week highs, “An episode of one-time price increases as the crude was ripe for a breather.” economy reopens is not the same thing as, and is not There’s been a raft of bullish calls on the outlook this week, with likely to lead to, persistently higher year-over-year the OPEC+ coalition raising its consumption estimates for this year inflation,” Powell said in response to a question from and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. predicting oil demand will post a AFP. After falling sharply in the early months of the record jump as vaccination rates increase. While some regions tackle pandemic as demand tanked when the economy shut a virus resurgence, the market is also facing additional supply next down to contain the virus, prices of many goods and month as OPEC and its allies boost output. services have spiked in recent weeks, including The short-term risks to the demand outlook are starting to show up gasoline as travellers and commuters return to roads in gauges of market health. and airports. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 36 Shree Ganeshaya Namah

By Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological consultations. He can be reached at [email protected] and on phone +91 8141234275 for astrological queries VEDIC ASTROLOGER NASTUR BEJAN DARUWALLA www.bejandaruwalla.com Chirag Bejan Daruwalla with his father late Bejan Daruwalla

TIP brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the WEEKLY HOROSCOPE World's most trusted Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla. May 3 to 9, 2021

Aries Leo Sagittarius Ganesha says this week is a crucial week for you A week full of surprises is on your way today.You New opportunities will arise this week. Choose it to take ownership of your actions and choices. You will go through a growth phase from within which wisely. You will want to rush and get into new have been trying to find the reason why you're means you will be more intellectual by being more things, calm your energies down by chanting the lagging behind at work and you are not being as introspective, you will have deep and eye-opening Om Namah Shivaya mantra 11 times. This week productive as you used to be. What you have failed conversations with your partner throughout this might be the time to talk about issues that you have to realize is that you're the one that's holding week which will make your partner fall in love with remained silent about. Your love life is going pretty yourself back from working to your full capacity the beauty of your thinking. You will feel like your well, it is the right time to say the things you need and being happy from within. You often tend to health has never been better as you tread through to say,for you to be able to start thinking about your function on autopilot and go through the day just to the week full of energy and enthusiasm, you will future. This week is good for you to surprise your get over with, which is what you should change this have a great time this week but you might tend to partner. week. Try to be as proactive as possible. get egoistic and boastful by the end of it hence you need to stay grounded. Capricorn Taurus The movement of mars will provide the intense Ganesha says You can try to go on a spiritual Virgo positive energy that you need. This is the week it all journey this week. You will have a lot of free time You will have to go through a painful phase when starts getting better and then goes on to be better to do what you want and this is the perfect it comes to your health. Your stomach and digestion than you could have ever imagined. Work on being opportunity for you to enhance your overall well- area seem to be troublesome this week hence you resilient and self-reliant, it will save you from a lot being by indulging in activities that give you deep will need to take care and focus on the good things of heartbreaks in the future. You seem to have a lot meaning and purpose in life. It could simply be as as well as becoming as better as you can. of beginner's luck this week. No significant little as meditating and saying prayers that bring Consulting a specialist in the area that you're changes will occur, which is a good thing. You will you peace. Some difficult events might occur in the facing trouble in will give you a great start when it feel settled and secured about your future with your middle of this week which will require you to have comes to improving your health. You will get bored significant other this week. Their sweet little a stronghold on your emotions and feelings which with the food that you have to eat and the regimen everyday gestures will prove to you that your is where the spiritual activities and meditation will that you have to follow, make sure you seek help but partner can make promises and keep them too. help you. stay disciplined and save yourself from health issues. Aquarius Gemini Your self-confidence is on the rise this week. You You will be provided with good luck in abundance Libra have the ability to be very productive this week tries this week. The planetary motions have moved You will recognize behavior patterns in your to finish as much work as you can as you have ample which will benefit you immensely this week. You partner that will give you second thoughts and red amount of positive energy this week. Don't let that will notice how things that have been stuck for the flags; you will go through a difficult phase energy go to waste, use it while it lasts which are longest time for you are now working out internally as you contemplate back and forth your very own business and yourself. High- immensely in your favor and causing you to be the regarding the relationship that you're in. You will intensity exercises will benefit you a lot this week. happiest you have been in a while. Hence make sure need to focus on your work because when you tend The best thing you can do is minimize your reaction you take the most advantage of all the to over think it drains a lot of your energy and you and reflect on the situation when you feel you can opportunities that come your way this week and be have very little control over your thought which is have a neutral take on it. Chant Shiv Panchakshari open-minded about them. why going through the challenges that you go mantra while offering water to the sun as early in through this week is a good thing for you. You will the morning as possible. It will help you reap all the Cancer realize that you have grown because of what you benefits of your luck during this week. You will face some challenges at the end of the went through today. week because the rest of the week which is the Pisces beginning will go so smoothly and easily for you Scorpio Your love life is the most positive thing about this but as time progresses challenges are planted in Positive energies are mild for you this week. This week. A lot of love and appreciation from your your way by fate. The fact that your time at the week you will realize the importance of your partner will set a very positive tone for today for beginning of the week was easy will make it even family as they will support you despite the you. Your partner will be very supportive today.You difficult for you to overcome the obstacles you face mistakes that you have made and your bad won't have much time for your loved ones, but you towards the end of this week because you will be behavior during the past few days towards them. will receive their love and support regardless. They constantly comparing how things have been Make sure to express your gratitude to them and will put in their work even though they lack working out for you and you will struggle during apologize for your past mistakes genuinely. You expertise in this field they will try their level best the end of the day but you will eventually realize won't be able to be much productive as you will be and will indeed be very helpful to you this week. that struggles are just as important as easy days for taking time to relax and unwind which will prove Your health is doing great in general. Except for the you to learn to grow and be productive. beneficial for you in the long run. overworking taking a toll on you. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 37

BIRTHDAY HOROSCOPE May 3 to 9, 2021

were not expecting anything exciting to come May 3 your way today.You will need to be very grateful May 8 and appreciative about the people who bought This day will bring a lot of prosperity and you warmth and joy today. Make sure you You might be feeling fit and fine mentally positivity in your life. Today's positivity will appreciate everyone individually. and even elated by the love that is being have a long-lasting impact on your life hence shown to you but physically your health with make sure you are at your productive best today. be like a leash to you which prevents you from You have to make the most of the day today and May 6 having fun and living life to the fullest today. make sure that you bring your family along with You will have a fun time doing what you love Eventhough the trouble that you have in your you on the success ladder that you will climb today. Even though you will not have much health today is quite temporary and won't go from today onwards. company and you won't be able to socialize on to bother you as much as it does today in which might make you sad because you're a the next few days but today might be a slightly people person and you like being around lots of tough day for you. May 4 friends but as you spend the day being by Life might be a little bit tough today but you yourself you will realize that being alone is not will realize that you are tougher than any so bad and you will actually have a fun day today. May 9 circumstances or challenges that you come A very heartfelt day for you today as a lot of across today. You will be a force to reckon with your friends will take out the time to come in the face of adversities that you face today and May 7 and meet you. You have been feeling quite everything that you do in life will be an You might experience some anxiety today down lately and today will mist definitely inspiration to all those around you from this from the fact that you're supposed to show up change that. As you go through today, you will point onwards. and meet all these people which you hate doing. realize that you were over thinking about You will have to put up with meeting and talking being unwanted and annoying, while in to new people as well as people you have known reality, everyone enjoys your company, this May 5 which will drain your social battery quiet realization will bring you great joy and curb You will be amazed by the amount of gifts you quickly eventhough you might be a little upset your anxiety. receive today. Considering how challenging the about it, you will do just fine today. surrounding days and events have been you THE INDIAN PANORAMA CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 38 THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPIRITUALITY FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 39 Saptarishis: The 7 holy sages

aptarishis are the seven greatest sages of the Vedic realm. They have attained a semi-immortal status, Sthat of an exceedingly long lifespan due to their yogic power and by the power of their penance. The seven holy sages were assigned to be present through the four great ages, to guide the human race. These seven sages or Sapta Rishis worked closely with Lord Shiva to maintain the balance on Earth. They are the seven mind-born sons of Lord Brahma who live for a period of time known as a manvantara (306,720,000 Earth Years). During this period of time, they serve as representatives of Brahma and at the end of a manvantara, the universe gets destroyed and Saptarishi merge in God and the task of filling the Earth is given to newly appointed Saptarishi. All the Saptarishi are Brahmarishis which means they have completely understood the meaning of Brahman. Usually, one cannot rise to the level of a Brahmarishi through merit alone, since the order was created divinely and is appointed by Lord Brahma. However, Vishwamitra rose to the position of a Brahmarishi through his own merit alone. He performed meditation and austerities (Tapasya) for tens of thousands of years and as a result, he was awarded the rank of Brahmarishi from Bramha himself. Brahmarishis are so powerful that they are capable of defeating every weapon on earth, can forecast the future, and are not influenced by the circle of life and death. Saptarishis are greater even than the devtas in power and Vamsha or the Solar dynasty.He is the author of Vasistha grandson of Brahma. He was the father of Devas, Asuras, piety are the highest in rank over Devatas and other Samhita a treatise on electional astrology. He and his Nagas, garudas, Vamana, Agni, Adityas, Daityas, classifications of Rishis such as Rajarishi and Maharishi. family are glorified in a hymn in the Rig Veda. Aryaman, Mitra, Pusan, Varuna, and all Humanity. He is Maharishi means ‘great sage’ in Sanskrit and refers to Lord Rama once explains his disenchantment with the progenitor, Prajapati. He was an author of Kashyapa one who has greatly expanded and refined senses. Their worldly things and expresses sadness at the miserable life Samhitha which is a classical reference book in the field of third eye is completely open and their intuition is used to as a worldly man to King Dasaratha after returning from a Ayurvedic Paediatrics, Gynecology,and Obstetrics. its fullest capacity. Their attention and focus encompass pilgrimage of holy places. Then the Sage Vasishtha starts In the story of King Parikshith killed by Serpent the entire universe and yet they can still maintain answering the questions posed by Lord Rama. This is the Takshaka, Kashyapa arrives to stop it when Takshaka incredibly precise detail in actions and thoughts. context and content of the scripture called “Yoga challenges him by biting a tree and turning it into ashes. Rajarishi means ‘royal sage’ in Sanskrit. It refers to one Vasistha”. Kashyapa restores the tree with his yogic powers and who is a king or a prince as well as a sage. A Rajarishi can defeats the serpent. However, it explains the curse of leave the kingship and become a Rishi such as Gautama Brahmin Boy and tells that consequences have to be faced. Vishwamitra. Gautama Rishi belongs to the lineage of Angiras. His Sage understanding the future of King leaves the place sons were Vamadeva, Nodhas, Shatananda and were one of taking offerings from Takshaka. Soon he realizes that Bharadwaja the earliest writers on Law. He also authored the Gautama what done is not correct and visits Tirupathi for getting rid He is one of the greatest sage in Vedic times and also a Dharma Sutra and The Rig & Sama Vedic mantras. of sin. descendant of sage Angirasa. His father is Devarsi His wife was Ahalya, who was the daughter of Lord Brihaspati. Sage Bharadwaja is the Author of Ayurveda. Brahma. At the appropriate time, the Lord announced that Jamadagni He is the father of Guru Dronacharya and his ashrama whosoever goes around the Earth first shall win Ahalya’s Jamadagni is the father of Parashurama, the sixth still exists in Allahabad. He was also a master of advanced hand. Gautama Rishi went around the divine cow thus avatar of Vishnu. Also the descendant of sage Bhrigu one military arts, including the Devastras. His wife is Suseela fulfilling the condition. Ahalya and Gautama Rishi were of the Prajapatis created by Brahma. His wife was Renuka, with whom he had a daughter named Devavarnini and son married. who used to fetch water from the river in an unbaked clay Garga. Gautama Rishi was a person without ego. When the pot with the power of her chastity. One day her heart was According to some of the Puranas, Bharadvaja was people of the land suffered a draught, the Maharishi set filled with desire when a group of Gandharvas is passing found on banks of river Ganga and adopted by king out to meditate upon Lord Varuna. Pleased with his single- in the sky. The pot dissolved. She being afraid of her Bharata. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge of mindedness, Lord Varuna appeared. The Rishi asked husband doesn’t come home. Jamadagni knowing this Vedas and in addition meditated for Indra, Lord Shiva and Varuna for rain. Lord Varuna explained “The Law from his yogic powers asks Parashurama to kill her Parvathi for more Vedic Knowledge demands that there should not be rain in the place for this mother which he did. period of time. I cannot go against the Law since all five Vishwamitra forces are governed by Lord Shiva. Ask me anything else.” PAGE SPONSORED BY Rishi Vishwamitra is one of the most well-known Maharishi immediately requested for an incessant supply Sapatarishi and the great sages who discovered the of water in the reservoir. Thus Gautama Rishi saved many ARISH K. SAHANI Gayatri Mantra, found in the Vedas. Usually, one cannot people. Serving Since 1972 rise to the level of a Brahmarishi through merit alone, since the order was created divinely and is appointed by Atri Please Call or Write for Your Lord Brahma. However,Vishvamitra rose to the position of Sage Atri is one of the Saptarishi in the current Insurance Needs a Brahmarishi through his own merit alone. Manvantara and a son of Brahma. He is one among the Arish K Sahani His epic tussle with Vasistha for the position of the Sages who propounded the sacred thread (Poonal). Sage (Father) greatest sage of all time makes a very interesting story.He Atri’s wife is Anusuya, an embodiment of chastity. He is was not a Brahmana by birth, but a Kshatriya (warrior). considered to be one of the great discoverers of sacred Shiv Sahani (Son) Having fought, lost, and then pardoned by the Sage Vasista, mantras. Atri Samhita and Atri Smriti are two works of Priya Sahani Sood it made a deep impression on the King. He realized that the the great sage. (Daughter) power obtained by penances was greater than mere Anasuya is known for chastity. One day Trimurty physical might. He renounced his kingdom and began his decided to test and arrives at her home as Brahmins. They 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 quest to become a greater sage than Vasishtha. He took on ask her to serve food in naked. She agrees and converts the name Vishvamitra. them into kids. Surprised with the power of her chastity [email protected] After many trials and undergoing many austerities for trinity of gods requests to give their original form and thousands of years, Vishwamitra at last obtained the title hence she becomes their mother. Anasuya gave birth to of Brahmarishi from Bramha and Vasishtha himself. Lord Dattatreya as an avatar of Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” and Shiva. Vasishtha “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” Rishi Vasishtha is one of the Saptarishi of this Kashyapa Manvantara and husband of Arundathi. He is the mind- Kashyapa Rishi is one of the most popular ancient Rishi “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are born son of Lord Brahma and the Raja-guru of the Surya and Saptarishi. He is the son of Rishi Marichi and one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA TURN PAGE FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 40

CONTD FROM PAGE 1 to match funds, Indiaspora said. COVID-19 test or show proof of vaccination before The virtual event will bring together several gaining admission to their ballparks in keeping with India sees record 3.79 lakh new... powerful voices from the Indian and AAPI New York state guidelines. Attendance is limited to recovery rate has further dropped to 82.1 per cent. community, including Lilly Singh, Deepak Chopra, 20% of capacity. The number of people who have recuperated from Dhar Mann, Payal Kadakia, Kunal Nayyar, Humble New York City theaters have started to reopen this the disease surged to 1, 50, 86,878. The case fatality the Poet, Jay Sean, Radhanath Swami, Janina month for special events in front of limited indoor rate has further dropped to 1.11 per cent, the data Gavankar, Vishen Lakhiani, Deepica Mutyala, a audiences. Some producers have targeted June 1 for stated. statement said. their reopening dates, though many Broadway shows According to the ICMR, 28,44,71,979 samples have "I am heartbroken by the deepening COVID crisis are not expected to pull back the curtains until been tested up to April 28 with 17,68,190 samples in India. Urgent action is needed to help those September. being tested on Wednesday, April 28. suffering," said Indiaspora Founders Circle member On Wednesday, Cuomo set a date for the end of a The new fatalities include 1,035 from Maharashtra, Reshma Kewalramani, chief executive officer and curfew that had forced city restaurants to end their 368 from Delhi, 279 from Chhattisgarh, 265 from Uttar president at Vertex, a global biotechnology company, bar and food service by midnight. Pradesh, 229 from Karnataka, 174 from Gujarat, 149 who contributed towards the campaign. The curfew would end on May 17 for outdoor dining from Jharkhand, 142 from Punjab, 120 from "Please join me in giving as generously as you can areas and on May 31 for indoors, he said. The Rajasthan, 108 from Uttarakhand and 105 from to support India in her time of need," she said. governor also allowed seating at bars across the state Madhya Pradesh. The USD1 million raised by the organization so far to reopen for the first time on May 3. A total of 2,04,832 deaths have been reported so far will address three major areas of COVID-19 relief on In addition, Cuomo said capacity limits would in the country, including 67,214 from Maharashtra, the ground: the creation of urgently needed COVID increase starting May 15 for several businesses 15,377 from Delhi, 15,036 from Karnataka, 13,826 from care centers and makeshift hospitals through outside of New York City, including gyms and Tamil Nadu, 11,943 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,159 from nonprofit WISH Foundation, direct cash transfer to casinos. Offices across the state, including in the city, West Bengal, 8,772 from Punjab and 8,061 from families who have lost a primary earning member will be able to increase capacity from 50% to 75%, the Chhattisgarh. through nonprofit giving platform GiveIndia, and governor said. (Agencies) As the pandemic is growing in proportions, the food relief and livelihood assistance for migrant world is worried, and sending in all help to India to workers and other underserved populations through U.S. to restrict travel from India... overcome the dire situation. It is for the first time in nonprofits Goonj and Jan Sahas, the statement said. days prior to their entry or attempted entry into the 17 years that India has accepted aid from the world. "We are proud of our community's response. The U.S. outpouring of support from the Indian diaspora has There is a long list of exemptions to the entry Indian envoy interacts with U.S.... been immediate and overwhelming," said Sanjeev restrictions and the order will be reviewed every including oxygen concentrators, cylinders, Joshipura, executive director of Indiaspora. thirty days. H-1B, L and J visa holders and their ventilators and oxygen generation plants and COVID- "We are devastated by the news of the rising dependents are not exempt from the restrictions. 19-related drugs like Remdesivir and Tocilizumab. tragedies in India. They urgently need our help, and The entry restrictions do not apply to lawful "Appreciated the Chamber for coordinating the we are so grateful to our friends, communities and permanent residents' (LPRs or green card holders); swift response and resource mobilization by the U.S. audiences that will participate in making a difference non-citizens married to Americans or green card business community in support of India to meet the this weekend. We know you'll show up," said best- holders; non-citizen parents or legal guardians of Covid challenge," Mr. Sandhu said in a tweet. selling author, award winning storyteller & podcast minors (under 21) who are U.S. citizens or green In the past few days, the U.S. Chamber of host and former monk Jay Shetty, who has put card holders; siblings of unmarried citizens or Commerce has mobilized support, brought together together the two-hour event, which will be LPRs, provided they are both under 21 and partners from other industry bodies and coordinated livestreamed on his and Indiaspora's Facebook and unmarried and other categories of travelers. The with the U.S. government to deliver critical medical YouTube pages. (Source: PTI) exemption list is longer than similar lists under the supplies to India. Trump administration's pandemic-related Significant additional supplies of medical New York mayor envisions full... restrictions. equipment are being dispatched by the private sector. The state has the power to impose or lift Other exemptions include foreigners traveling at Earlier the U.S. Chamber had urged the Biden restrictions on restaurants and other venues. the invitation of the administration for the administration to release unused AstraZeneca "I think the best way to proceed here is to set out purposes of containment of the virus, those whose vaccine doses for use in India. the city's vision," de Blasio said. entry into the U.S. is in its national interest, Mr. Sandhu said he had an "important Even though the July 1 date is still aspirational, the diplomats of various categories, crew members, conversation" with Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer. mayor's announcement is significant in that New and other categories. The Ambassador said he highlighted the Indian York is the country's most populous city and was the Significantly, the order also states that the rights government's decisions to facilitate import of early epicenter of the pandemic as the virus began of individuals to claim asylum shall not be vaccines and to fast-track emergency-use sweeping across the United States last spring. diminished by the order. authorizations for those which have already been The mayor said his optimism on the city's "After reviewing the public health situation given approval in other countries. imminent return to normal reflected the success of a within the Republic of India, CDC has concluded "Discussed ways in which Pfizer could support massive drive to get New Yorkers vaccinated. He said that proactive measures are required to protect the healthcare efforts including vaccines in India, and 6.4 million doses of vaccine have been administered Nation's public health from travelers entering the strengthen our pandemic response," he added. in the city of more than 8 million residents. United States from that jurisdiction," Mr. Biden Two U.S. aircraft on their way While the mayor acknowledged the city needed to said. The Ambassador said two U.S. aircraft with oxygen make more progress on vaccinations, he said more News of the order came earlier on Friday with equipment and other COVID-related supplies are on than 70% of New Yorkers have had at least one dose of White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki releasing a their way to India. a coronavirus vaccine. statement announcing it. "Thank you @POTUS (President Joe Biden) for "People are showing up," he said. "We need to keep "It is the policy of my Administration to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India during this the momentum going," he added. "This is exactly how implement science-based public health measures, challenging time," Mr. Sandhu tweeted. we get to the full reopening we're all looking forward across all areas of the Federal Government, to act WalMart CEO Dough McMillion had interacted to." Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths swiftly and aggressively to prevent further spread with Sandhu a day earlier. have trended lower in New York City since the of the disease," Mr. Biden said in the order. "My heart is breaking for our friends and beginning of the year. On a seven-day rolling average, The order says India accounts for over a third of associates across India as they battle a devastating the city reported over 7,000 new cases a day at the the new cases of the virus, and that they are surge in pandemic cases," Mr. McMillion said in a outbreak's peak in January. By March new infections increasing at a 'rapid rate'. The order says that statement. ebbed to 4,000 a day and now average about 2,000 a day. India has seen circulating a variant called B.1.617, Walmart is diligently working to deliver oxygen De Blasio did not provide clear guidelines on among others, such as the U.K. variant (B.1.1.7) and and vital equipment to communities across the whether those attending shows, dining indoors or South African variant (B.1.351). These variants may country, he said. frequenting gyms and salons would have to adhere to be less susceptible to vaccines and more easily FedEx also issued a statement saying it was any specific requirements, such as presenting proof transmitted as per the CDC. continuing its support to the fight against COVID-19 of vaccination. Mr. Biden's order invokes section 212(f) of the and had plans to send a dedicated aircraft with "There certainly will be particular institutions that U.S.'s Immigration and Nationality Act, which was thousands of oxygen concentrators and critical aid may choose to have rules around a vaccination or among the laws invoked on January this year by for healthcare facilities in India. (Source: PTI) testing," de Blasio told reporters, adding that the city U.S. President Biden to extend a Trump-era will keep monitoring COVID-19 data and adjust its restriction on travel from the UK, Ireland, EU, Covid-19 surge: Indiaspora raises... approach accordingly. Brazil and South Africa due to COVID-19 concerns. The campaign with a virtual event on Saturday will Currently, the New York Yankees and Mets require Airlines have been informed of the aim to double the impact of the donations by offering those attending baseball games to take a rapid administration's decision, as per a CNN report. THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRAVEL FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 41 Konark: The city of the Sun Temple eing a UNESCO World Heritage site, Konark is a rich repository of ancient temples, traditional Bmusic & dance, monuments and beaches. The town is an admired tourist destination in Odisha which is loved by many travellers due to its serene and tranquil ambiance, beautiful monuments, enthralling heritage sites and pristine beaches that gives an opportunity to spend some time away from the hastened city life. You can feel the presence of sanctity at the Sun Temple which is Konark’s prominent attraction and collect memories at India’s archaeological gem to cherish for the lifetime. Sun Temple Situated on the northeastern corner of Puri, Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the prime tourist attractions of Odisha. Built in the form of a giant rath or chariot of the Sun God, it depicts the chariot being pulled by a set of seven horses, four on the left side and three on the right. It has three deities dedicated to the Sun God on three different sides of the temple which catch the direct rays of sun in the morning, afternoon and evening. There is also a dedicated archaeological museum inside the temple complex. The temple transforms into a stage during The Konark Dance Festival, which is held every year usually in February and attracts a lot of foreign and Indian tourists — dedicated to devotees of the Sun God. Konark Sun Temple is one of the last standing structures before the fifteenth century in the country. The sun rays reach the Nata Mandir from the coast and reflect through the diamond at the centre of the idol. The idol is believed to float mid-air due to arrangements the beach holds cultural and historical importance as on vivid hues and the blue water in juxtaposition of it of the magnets at the top of the temple but they were well. Several cultural festivals and religious fairs are makes the whole place look magical. later removed due to the disturbance caused to coastal held here frequently which attract a lot of pilgrims and The Astaranga beach is a famous fishing village and voyages. An engineering and artistic masterpiece, The devotees to the beach. every morning a market is set up on the beach from Sun Temple has been standing stoically for the last two where you can purchase the different varieties of fresh thousand years. Despite much of the temple in ruin, it ASI Museum fishes. This beach is a perfect place to getaway from the still reflects the artistic genius of architects and ASI Museum is situated outside the Sun Temple and helter skelter of the city and spend some quiet and sculptures of the time. houses some unique artifacts which reflect the essence peaceful time rejuvenating yourself. of Oriyan art form. The museum has 250 different kinds Chandrabhaga Beach of antiques recovered from the Sun Temple. Konark Dance Festival Situated 3 kms east of Sun Temple in Konark in There are separate galleries which have unique Konark Dance Festival is an event held annually in Orissa where the Chandrabhaga River joins the sea, collections of antique pieces like carved stones, images the backdrop of the exquisite Konark Sun Temple in Chandrabhaga Beach is one of the most beautiful and of Surya Narayana, erotic sculptures among other Odisha. Classical performers of every age group pollution free beaches of the country. Owing to its pieces are also the part of the collection. descend on Konark to showcase their musical and immaculately clean shores and crystal clear waters, the dancing skills, to promote this age-old monument. beach has been awarded with the Blue Flag Astaranga Beach Handicrafts and sculptures are also put on display to Certification by the Foundation of Environmental Astaranga meaning "colourful sunset" is a showcase the hidden talent of the region. Held every Education (FEE)- which is a tag given to environmental magnificent beach located in the state of Orissa. As the year this festival brings together dancers, musicians friendly beaches which meet their stringent standards. name suggests this beach is famous for the picturesque and cultures from all around the country in a Lined with tall trees and vast expanse of golden sands, views that it provides during the sunset. The sky takes scintillating display of different art forms. THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPORTS FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 42

IPL 2021 Harpreet shines as PBKS use surprise weapon to tame RCB

AHMEDABAD (TIP): Punjab Kings registered their third win of the season, Shikhar Dhawan and the third in a row against Royal Challengers Bangalore, after managing takes back to pull themselves out of a few tricky situations and eventually defend a target of 179 quite comfortably. Orange Cap, All because of a magical spell from the 25-year old left-arm spinner Harpreet Prithvi Shaw Brar who was brought in for this game. Harpreet accounted for the wickets of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and AB de rises to third Villiers in a spell for the ages. After a rather sedate start, Kohli was itching to position get after the spinner and was bowled after missing a slider while coming down hikhar Dhawan returned to the the track. Maxwell was left dumbfounded top of the Orange Cap table after by a classic left-arm spinner's delivery Sscoring 46 in Delhi Capitals' (DC) that turned and beat him seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight comprehensively before clipping the off Harpreet Brar took out Kohli and Maxwell in a double-wicket maiden over. © BCCI/IPL Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier stump. And while de Villiers averted the League (IPL). hat-trick, he was out in the next over later that there was no opportunity for a threatened to undo all the good work Dhawan took 47 balls to score his 46 caught at cover while trying to go inside comeback. done at the top. but played the perfect foil to his out. And just like that RCB had slipped opening partner Prithvi Shaw, who from 62/1 to 69/4 in the space of 12 balls. Did Punjab have a similarly What good work? scored 82 off 41 balls. smooth sailing with the bat? The partnership of 80 that came off The pair shared an opening What else did Punjab do right? just 44 balls between KL Rahul and a partnership of 132 runs in 14 overs, They did well to keep a check RCB's top Not at all. In fact, Punjab Kings had rampaging Chris Gayle (46 off 24). The putting DC in control in their chase of order in the chase. While Devdutt suffered an even bigger collapse in the left-hander targeted the shorter a target of 155. Dhawan's tally for the Padikkal fell early trying force the pace middle overs. From 99/1, they slid down straight boundaries and pulled it off season stands at 311 while second- against Riley Meredith, RCB went into a to 118/5 in the space of 24 balls with with aplomb regularly. Rahul, played a placed Faf du Plessis of Chennai period of lull after that. Both Kohli and Gayle falling to a short one from Daniel good second fiddle to him before Super Kings is on 270. Rajat Patidar struggled to up the ante, Sams, Pooran (falling for a fourth duck managing to step on the pedal for a Shaw, meanwhile, entered the top with the latter trudging along to a 30-ball in the season), Deepak Hooda (caught brief period as well during the stand. three of the Orange Cap standings, 31 and robbing the innings of all on the longer boundary) and Shahrukh And together they threatened to hit with his total run tally of 270 putting momentum. Punjab's spinners Ravi Khan (bowled by a Chahal googly) RCB out of the contest before that him one run ahead of Punjab Kings Bishnoi (2/17) and Harpreet ensured departing in quick succession that collapse. captain KL Rahul. Naomi Osaka, ‘Shooter Dadi’ Chandro Tomar Granada blow to Simona Halep dies due to Covid-19 Barcelona hopes NEW DELHI (TIP): Chandro MADRID (TIP): Barcelona missed a chance advance to Tomar, better known as ‘Shooter Dadi’, to take over the Spanish La Liga lead, losing 1-2 who became one of the oldest woman to Granada at home to squander an shooters in the world after taking up opportunity to take control of the title race. second round in the sport in her 60s, died on April 30 Lionel Messi put the Catalan club ahead in the after battling Covid-19 over the last few first half but Granada rallied for a surprise days. victory with two second-half goals at the Camp Madrid Open The 89-year-old was being treated at Nou Stadium. econd-seeded Naomi Osaka made a hospital in Meerut since April 26. “It’s a tough blow,” Barcelona coach Ronald her return to clay to beat Misaki “Mera saath chhoot gaya, Chandro Koeman said. “It was a great opportunity for SDoi 7-5, 6-2 in the first round of kaha chali gayi? (She has left me, us.” The match was postponed from two weeks the Madrid Open on Friday, April 30. Chandro where have you gone?),” her ago because of Barcelona’s participation in the Osaka overcame Doi’s strong start sister-in-law Prakashi Tomar, who is Copa del Rey final, which they won over by hitting six aces and breaking her also one of the oldest female shooters Athletic Bilbao. A home win would have given serve five times. in the world, wrote on her Twitter Barcelona a one-point lead over Atletico A leg injury meant Osaka missed page. Madrid with five rounds to go. Atletico, seeking last season’s clay-court swing, and her Chandro was hospitalised after their first league title since 2014, have led the last individual tournament on the complaining of difficulty in breathing. league for most of the season but have surface was at Roland Garros in 2019. Tests revealed she had contracted struggled recently.They lost 1-2 at Athletic. She played and lost for Japan against Covid-19. She battled for her life for Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in the four days in hospital before paved the path for many girl to find Messi’s lead Fed Cup in February 2020. succumbing to the virus. their dream. Her legacy will live on in Messi scored his fifth goal in his last four Osaka, the U.S. Open and Australian Hailing from the Baghpat village in them. Condolences to the family. Am matches with a low cross shot from inside the Open champion, next plays Karolina Uttar Pradesh, Tomar was in her 60s lucky I got to know and be her,” actor area after a pass by Antoine Griezmann in the Muchova after the Czech beat Qiang when she picked up the gun for the Bhumi Pednekar, who played Chandro 23rd minute. It was Messi’s 26th league goal to Wang 6-1, 6-3. first time. She went on to win many in Saand ki Aankh, tweeted. increase his lead at the top of the scoring chart. Third-seeded Simona Halep, who national competitions for veterans, “I’m deeply saddened by tragic He has five more than Real Madrid’s Karim won the tournament in 2016 and ’17, her feats inspiring the award-winning demise of our most lovable Dadi Benzema. beat Sorribes Tormo 6-0, 7-5. Hindi movie Saand ki Aankh, released Chandro Tomar ji. She was inspiration Granada, sitting in eighth place, scored with Maria Sakkari roared back after in 2019. for millions and will continue to their only two shots on target. They equalised losing the first seven games of her “Devastated by the news of Chandro inspire forever. May her soul rest in through Venezuelan forward Darwin Machis match against Amanda Anisimova to Dadi’s demise. Feels like a part of me peace. Om Shanti,” Union Sports on a breakaway in the 63rd, then got the winner win 0-6, 6-1, 6-4. is gone. She made her own rules & Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on Twitter. with a 79th-minute header by Jorge Molina. THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 43 BULGARIA SET TO EXPEL China names first Mars RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT SOFIA (TIP): A Russian diplomat will be expelled from Bulgaria after rover ‘Zhurong’ prosecutors alleged Russian involvement in explosions at several BEIJING (TIP): China has named its kinds of scientific instruments: two ammunition depots in the Balkan first Mars rover ‘Zhurong’ after the remote-sensing cameras, Mars-Orbiting country, the Bulgarian Foreign traditional fire god, the media reported Subsurface Exploration Radar, Mars Ministry said on Thursday. China National Space Administration Mineralogy Spectrometer, Mars In addition to the Foreign Ministry (CNSA) as saying on Saturday—China’s Magnetometer, Mars Ion and Neutral declaring “one more Russian diplomat Space day. Particle Analyzer and Mars Energetic persona non grata,” Minister Zhurong is the god of fire in ancient Particle Analyzer. Ekaterina Zaharieva called on Chinese mythology, which echoes the The six-wheel solar-powered rover, Russia's law enforcement agencies to Chinese name of the red planet, Huoxing looking like a blue butterfly with a mass cooperate with Bulgaria's (meaning the planet of fire), the Xinhua building of a community with a shared of 240 kg, carries the Terrain Camera, investigations into the explosions so reported. future for humanity, Wu said. Multispectral Camera, Mars-Rover “the perpetrators will be discovered Fire brought warmth and brightness The name is another example of Subsurface Exploration Radar, Mars and brought to justice,” the ministry to the ancestors of humankind, and fire Chinese aerospace workers’ scientific Surface Composition Detector, Mars said in a statement. lit up human civilisation. Naming romance as they have named spacecraft, Magnetic Field Detector and Mars The prosecutor general's office in China’s first Mars rover after the god of including Tianwen, Chang’e and Beidou, Meteorology Monitor. Bulgaria announced on Wednesday fire signifies igniting the flame of after Chinese traditional culture, which The Tianwen-1 aims to map the that it was investigating a possible China’s planetary exploration, Wu also shows the Chinese people’s spirit of morphology and geological structure, connection between four explosions at Yanhua, Deputy Director of the CNSA, exploration and cultural confidence, he investigate surface soil characteristics arms depots and frequent visits by was quoted as saying. said. and water-ice distribution, analyze the alleged Russian military intelligence Literally, Zhu (meaning wish) China launched its Mars probe— surface material composition, measure operatives. — Agencies expresses the good wishes for Tianwen-1 -- on July 23, last year. The the ionosphere and the characteristics of humankind’s exploration of the spacecraft, consisting of an orbiter, a the Martian climate and environment at INDO-PACIFIC ON MIND, universe. Rong (meaning integration and lander and a rover, entered the parking the surface and perceive the physical AUSTRALIA TO UPGRADE cooperation) reflects China’s vision of orbit of Mars on February 24 this year. fields and internal structure of Mars, the the peaceful use of space and the The orbiter is equipped with seven report said. IANS MILITARY BASES MELBOURNE (TIP): Australia will invest $747 million in upgrading four key military training areas and EU hits Apple with music streaming ranges in the Northern Territory to defend the country’s interests and support greater engagement with the charge in boost for Spotify Indo-Pacific neighbours and allies, Prime Minister Scott Morrison BRUSSELS (TIP): EU regulators Spotify, one of Europe's few global announced on Wednesday amid accused Apple on Friday of distorting success stories in consumer technology, China’s increasing assertiveness in competition in the music streaming is the market leader in music streaming the region. market, siding with Spotify in a case that with 356 million active users and 158 could lead to a hefty fine and changes in million paid subscribers. SCOTT MORRISON, PRIME MINISTER the iPhone maker's lucrative business These defence training areas will practices. Apple Music, launched more support greater engagement with our The preliminary findings are the first recently in 2015, is estimated to Indo-Pacific neighbours and allies, and time Brussels has levelled anti- prove beneficial for small and large- competitive charges against Apple, have more than 70 million scale military exercises although the two sides have had bruising subscribers although the clashes in the past, most notably a distorts competition," European Morrison announced the multi- multibillion-dollar tax dispute involving Competition Commissioner Margrethe company does not give a million dollar investment, stating that Ireland. Vestager said in a statement. separate figure for that part of its the objective was to pursue peace Apple, Spotify and other parties can "This is done by charging high business. rather than sending any message to now respond. If the case is pursued, the commission fees on each transaction in China. The multi-million investment EU could demand concessions and the App store for rivals and by forbidding Competition between the two will upgrade four key training areas potentially impose a fine of up to 10% of them from informing their customers of companies has intensified in recent and ranges in the Northern Territory Apple's global turnover - as much as $27 alternative subscription options," she weeks, with both seeking to build their to enable the Australian Defence Force billion, although it rarely levies the said. customer base via supremacy in the (ADF) to conduct simulated training maximum penalty. Apple rebuffed the EU charge. market for podcasts. exercises and remain battle-ready. Apple found itself in the European "Spotify has become the largest music "Europe’s consumers expect and Essential upgrades will be made to Commission's crosshairs after Sweden- subscription service in the world, and deserve access to a full range of music four key military training areas and based Spotify complained two years ago we're proud of the role we played in streaming services without their choices weapon ranges in the Northern that the U.S. tech giant unfairly that," it said in a statement. being restricted or prices being inflated Territory, including Robertson restricted rivals to its own music "They want all the benefits of the App unfairly by internet gatekeepers," said Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mount streaming service Apple Music on Store but don't think they should have to European consumer organisation BEUC. Bundey and Bradshaw. iPhones. pay anything for that. The Commission's The EU charge comes a week before “These defence training areas and The EU competition enforcer, in its so- argument on Spotify's behalf is the Apple's face off with Epic Games in a facilities will support greater called statement of objections setting out opposite of fair competition," it added. U.S. antitrust trial following a lawsuit by engagement with our Indo-Pacific the charge, said the issue related to INTERNET GATEKEEPERS the "Fortnite" creator alleging that Apple neighbours and allies, and to conduct Apple's restrictive rules for its App Store has abused its dominance in the market small and large-scale military that force developers to use its own in- Spotify welcomed the EU move, for mobile apps. exercises across a number of different app payment system and prevent them describing it as "a critical step toward Epic has complained to the scenarios,” the PM said. “This from informing users of other holding Apple accountable for its Commission on the same issues. investment will boom jobs in the purchasing options. anticompetitive behavior, ensuring Last month, the UK Competition and Northern Territory,” he said. “Our "By setting strict rules on the App meaningful choice for all consumers and Markets Authority opened an focus is on pursuing peace, stability store that disadvantage competing music a level playing field for app developers." investigation into Apple after complaints and a free and open Indo-Pacific, with streaming services, Apple deprives users Reuters was first to report about the the iPhone maker's terms and conditions a world order that favours freedom," of cheaper music streaming choices and imminent EU antitrust charge in March. for app developers were unfair. Reuters he said. — PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 44 44 KILLED IN STAMPEDE AT JEWISH RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL IN ISRAEL JERUSALEM (TIP): In one of the Yet there was significant pressure on worst peacetime tragedies in Israel, at authorities to allow it to go ahead - least 44 people were crushed to death and especially as it was cancelled last year. about 150 others injured in a stampede Since the site was so densely overnight at an overcrowded Jewish populated, search and rescue authorities religious gathering in the country's say they struggled to evacuate trapped north attended by tens of thousands of people. people flouting the coronavirus-related "It happened in a split second; people restrictions. just fell, trampling each other. It was a The mass gathering was organised to disaster," a witness told the newspaper. celebrate the Lag B'Omer, an annual "This is one of the worst tragedies that religious holiday marked with all-night I have ever experienced. I have not seen bonfires, prayer and dancing, at Mount anything like this since I entered into the Meron. field of emergency medicine back in The town is the site of the tomb of 2000," said Lazar Hyman, vice president Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a second- of the volunteer-based emergency century sage, and is considered to be one organisation United Hatzalah, who was of the holiest sites in the Jewish world. at the scene. Israel recently eased mask-wearing Panic and fear engulfed the survivors requirements in open areas and other as many were trapped next to the dead, restrictions after the success of a struggling to breathe and waiting for massive vaccination drive that rescue. significantly brought down coronavirus- likely to go even higher. organisers had estimated that some Footage from the walkway showed related cases. "Our paramedics have treated 100,000 people were at the site, with an shoes, hats, baby strollers, smashed The resulting "normalcy", with hundreds of people, including several in additional 100,000 expected to arrive by eyeglasses and water bottles strewn on limitations, saw rejoicing crowds across serious condition. All the wounded were Friday morning, local media reported. the ground. Metal railings were torn Israel on Thursday evening with evacuated to hospital", he said. A police official told the local media from the ground. youngsters, especially schoolchildren, Some 150 people were injured in the that dozens of participants in a concert “We were going in to see the bonfire coming out in large numbers in open accident. Zaka, an ambulance service, had “slipped,” falling on those below lighting, suddenly there was a wave spaces putting bonfires that said the death toll had risen to 44. them while walking along a slippery coming out. Our bodies were swept along accompanied the Lag BaOmer festivities. MDA Director-General Eli Bin told the walkway and causing a crushing domino by themselves. People were thrown up in Tens of thousands of ultra-orthodox Ynet news site that the wounded were effect. the air, others were crushed on the Jews participated in the event on being evacuated to the Ziv hospital in Videos posted on social media showed ground,” The Times of Israel quoted Thursday night at the tomb of Rabbi Safed, the Galilee Medical Centre in chaotic scenes as Ultra-Orthodox men David, a survivor, as saying. Shimon Bar Yochai, making it the largest Nahariya, Rambam hospital in Haifa, clambered through gaps in sheets of torn Meir, who was injured, said, “A event held in Israel since the coronavirus Poriya hospital in Tiberias, and corrugated iron to escape the crush, as policeman pulled me out. He protected pandemic broke out last year. Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in police and paramedics tried to reach the me and made sure I would not be A preliminary police investigation Jerusalem. wounded. trampled on until I was evacuated.” revealed that some of the attendees Firefighters worked to free the Bodies lay on stretchers in a corridor, “It felt like an eternity, the dead were slipped on the stairs, creating a "human trapped, supported by Israeli Air Force covered in foil blankets. all around us,” he said. avalanche" that crushed members of the helicopters and rescue services. Health Ministry officials had urged “People fell from above and crushed crowd. Police were trying to clear the tens of Israelis not to travel to Mount Meron, each other, they squashed each other. A Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue thousands who attended the event from saying the festivities could lead to mass People just fell, I will never forget the service official confirmed that at least 38 the area. coronavirus contagion, Times of Israel banging sounds, people flying all over,” a people had been killed with the numbers At around midnight on Thursday, reported. survivor identified as Zohar said. PTI France’s cafes, restaurants terraces to reopen next month

PARIS (TIP): President Emmanuel Macron said on outdoors. Thursday that the outdoor terraces of France’s cafes French authorities are anticipating the COVID-19 and restaurants will be allowed to reopen on May 19 outlook in the country to be better next month, when a along with museums, cinemas, theatres and concert greater proportion of the population will be vaccinated. halls under certain conditions. The government’s plan provides for permitting In an interview with regional newspapers, Macron foreign tourists back into France on June 9 as long as outlined a four-step plan to reopen the country and they hold a “sanitary pass” with proof of a COVID-19 revive its economy. The French government is slowly vaccine or a negative PCR test. starting to lift partial lockdowns, despite still high On that same day, cafes and restaurants will be numbers of coronavirus cases and hospitalised COVID- allowed to resume regular service until an 11 p.m. 19 patients. curfew. Events of up to 5,000 people will be allowed. Reopening nurseries and primary schools this week The final stage of the plan will see the end of the was a priority, the president said. night-time curfew and the lifting of most restrictions “We have taken on the responsibility of the priority place. on June 30, although nightclubs will remain closed. on education and the strategy of living with the virus, Restaurants and cafes will be able to serve customers France is reporting about 29,000 new confirmed cases including with high numbers of infections, higher than outdoors at tables seating a maximum of six people each day, down from about 40,000 earlier this month. those of our neighbours,” Macron said. starting May 19, when the nightly curfew will be pushed Over 5,800 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in French Students will go back to secondary and high schools back to 9 p.m. Non-essential shops also reopen, as well intensive care units, a slight decrease from previous next week, and a domestic travel ban will end, he as cultural sites and sport facilities, which will have days. France has reported almost 104,000 virus-related confirmed. A 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will remain in occupancy limits of 800 people indoors and 1,000 deaths in the pandemic. COVID-19 deaths. AP THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-WORLD FRIDAY MAY 1, 2021 45 US CDC warns vax providers of Global Covid-19 caseload anxiety-related adverse events tops 150.9mn WASHINGTON (TIP): In its latest he US Centers for Disease update on Saturday , May 1, morning, Control and Prevention (CDC) on the University's Center for Systems TRACKING THE VIRUS TFriday, April 30, urged Covid-19 Science and Engineering (CSSE) vaccine providers to be aware of revealed that the current global anxiety-related events after caseload and death toll stood at GLOBAL vaccination. 150,972,476 and 3,176,054, respectively. INDIA Syncope and other anxiety-related The US continues to be the worst- events can occur after Covid-19 hit country with the world's highest Cases Deaths Cases Deaths vaccination, said the CDC, Xinhua number of cases and deaths at 150,972,476 3,176,054 19,164,969 211,853 reported. 32,345,038 and 575,921, respectively, The CDC received reports of clusters according to the CSSE. of anxiety-related events after In terms of infections, India follows administration of the Johnson & in the second place with 18,762,976 Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine on April 7 cases. from five mass vaccination sites, all in The other countries with more than different states, 5 weeks after the two million confirmed coronavirus vaccine got authorization for cases are Brazil (14,659,011), France emergency use in the country. (5,677,835), Turkey (4,820,591), Russia Overall, 64 anxiety-related events, (4,750,755), the UK (4,432,246), Italy including 17 reports of syncope, an (4,022,653), Spain (3,524,077), anxiety-related event, among 8,624 Germany (3,393,721), Argentina Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine (2,977,363), Colombia (2,859,724), recipients, were reported from these Poland (2,792,142), Iran (2,499,077) and sites for vaccines administered during Mexico (2,344,755), the CSSE figures April 7 to 9, according to the CDC. showed. It is important that vaccination In terms of deaths, Brazil comes providers are aware that anxiety- second with 403,781 fatalities. related adverse events might be Nations with a death toll of over reported more frequently after receipt 50,000 are Mexico (216,907), India of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 (208,330), the UK (127,775), Italy vaccine than after influenza (120,807), Russia (108,290), France vaccination, said the CDC. (104,675), Germany (82,948), Spain (78,216), Colombia (73,720), Iran (71,758), Poland (67,502), Argentina Israel Bans (63,865), Peru (61,477) and South Africa (54,350). Travel To 7 Countries, 1 bn Covid vax unprecedented feat, but Including India disparities exists, say researchers he Israeli government on Friday, April 30, decided to ban travel of GENEVA (TIP): The speed at which the world has TIsraeli citizens to seven countries administered one billion doses of Covid-19 jabs, just four over high Covid-19 morbidity and fear months after the World Health Organization (WHO) approved of the spread of variants of the virus, the first vaccine for emergency use, is remarkable, but unequal according to a joint statement issued by distribution of the vaccinations highlights global disparities, Prime Minister’s Office and Health say researchers. Ministry. Just 10 countries have acquired nearly three-quarters of all The seven are Ukraine, Ethiopia, doses — China and the US alone account for about 50 per cent Brazil, South Africa, India, Mexico and of all the doses given out, while the entire continent of Africa Turkey, the Xinhua news agency has received only 2 per cent of jabs. reported. Around 7.3 per cent of the world’s population of 7.79 billion The ban will take effect on Monday, have received at least one dose, as of April 27, but more than 75 and will last at least 13 days, the per cent needs to be vaccinated to bring the pandemic under statement said. control. This highlights the uneven distribution of The decision follows a ministry’s vaccinations, both within and between nations. warning against travel to the seven “It is an unprecedented scientific achievement. Nobody destinations, reflecting both the could have imagined that, within 16 months of the current situation and the morbidity identification of a new virus, we would have vaccinated one levels according to several criteria billion people worldwide with a variety of different vaccines, such as the countries’ declarations, the using different platforms and made in different countries,” percentage of vaccination and Soumya Swaminathan, the WHO’s chief scientist, based in Disparities also exist within nations see. According to a UK recovery, and evidence of variants. Geneva, was quoted as saying by the Nature. study, of 1.1 million people aged over 80 who were treated for The ban does not include non-Israelis The world is also likely to hit the two-billion mark much health conditions in clinics and hospitals between December who live in these countries faster than it hit the first billion, but it is important to ensure and January, 42.5 per cent of white participants had been permanently, nor does it apply to stays global vaccine equity to help curb the pandemic, she added. vaccinated, compared with just 20.5 per cent of Black at airports of these countries for “It’s absolutely amazing that in a short time we developed participants. The same study also found evidence of divides connecting flights. multiple vaccines and gotten a billion doses administered, but along socio-economic lines, the report said. On Friday, Israel reported 87 new the way it’s happened has worsened inequities around the “Vaccinating only portions of the population is not an Covid-19 cases, raising the total world,” said Krishna Udayakumar, Associate Director for effective strategy, and leaves us vulnerable to new variants,” number in the country to 838,481. innovation at the Duke Global Health Institute in Durham, warned Udayakumar, adding a global response is needed to North Carolina. fight a global pandemic. Source: IANS THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABORAD FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 46 Indian-origin Tycoon Sanjeev Gupta's Father Leaves UK as Group Battles for Survival The senior Gupta has changed his He said on recent podcasts for GFG opaque" and having "liabilities that country of usual residence from Britain to employees that he left the U.K. for Dubai nobody seems to have got to the bottom of." India, according to several filings made before Christmas and hasn't returned GFG has borrowed about $5 billion from over the past few weeks at Companies since. Greensill, and is desperately seeking fresh House, the business registry. He owns "Dubai is the perfect location for me and financing, which Sanjeev Gupta is Simec Group, the branch of the business my family to operate out of for now," coordinating from Dubai. empire which deals in renewable energy, Gupta said on April 16 podcast, citing the Some progress has been made. Three shipping and mining, and was founded by city's time zone. lenders are in talks to refinance one of his the magnate as an export-and-import But he said that he was keen to be on the Australian steel mills, while a private house in India. move again. "As soon as Covid travel equity firm has positioned itself to buy It's not clear where Parduman Gupta is restrictions in the U.K. and Australia and two of the group's aluminum plants. The senior Gupta has changed his country of currently,but a spokesman for Companies Europe are lifted I will definitely be trying Still, other parts of the business are usual residence from Britain to India, House said that a company director must to get in front of the customers and facing difficulties. Three French units according to several filings made over the past few weeks at Companies House, the list their country of residence, and that employees around the world." were put into voluntary administration business registry this "should correspond with their usual "Very Opaque" last week, while other parts of GFG in residential address." A spokesman for GFG last month asked the U.K. France and Belgium have sought LONDON (TIP): Indian-origin GFG Alliance, a loose grouping of government for a 170 million-pound ($235 protection from their creditors. Parduman Gupta, father of embattled companies owned by the father and son, million) bailout, but the request was Gupta said on the April 16 podcast that metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, has moved declined to comment. rebuffed. Business Secretary Kwasi some of his U.K. assets were "struggling at out of the U.K., just as the pair's GFG Sanjeev Gupta has also been absent for Kwarteng told a parliamentary committee the moment with the lack of funding." He Alliance teeters on the brink following the several months from the U.K., where GFG last week that it would be "very called on GFG employees to be "brave," but collapse of its largest lender Greensill owns numerous steel and aluminum irresponsible" to give taxpayers' money to warned of "some difficult decisions" to Capital. plants and employs around 5,000 people. the group, describing it as "very, very come. Indian American activists launch 'National Call In Day' for India Covid-19 relief

WASHINGTON (TIP): Following the Biden ethical leadership and accountability from the Indian administration's offer to help India, currently in the government on how it will distribute these resources and middle of a cataclysmic Covid surge, some civil rights called on New Delhi to allow open and free reporting on activists and lawyers based in the United States and the Covid crisis. abroad have demanded more swift and transparent action Here's the full text with the details of the National on the part of the US government and accountability from the Indian government in distribution of these medical Call in Day resources. The Biden Administration's announcement of their The activists, who describe themselves as a concerned revised policy on the export of vaccines and the supplying group of civil and human rights defenders, activists and of raw materials to produce vaccines does not detail how organizers based in India, the United States, and across the policy will be administered. Join us for a National the world, organized a "Rise for India - National Call in Call-In Day on April 28th, 2021. Call your Senators and Day" on Wednesday,April 28. Representatives and ask them to demand President Biden: President Joe Biden assured on Tuesday that the United ● Release information on how many doses of the States will be rushing immediate help to India in the form AstraZeneca vaccine will be dispatched to India, share of Covid vaccines, Remdesivir injections and other The activists, who describe themselves as a concerned group additional portions of the US vaccine stockpile, and medical aid. However, some U.S. activists say that his of civil and human rights defenders, activists and organizers provide a fully transparent timeline of when, how, and based in India, the United States, and across the world, administration's announcement of its revised policy on organized a "Rise for India - National Call in Day" on to what extent these measures, including the export of the export of vaccines and the supply of raw materials to Wednesday, April 28. raw materials to ramp up the vaccine production, will produce vaccines does not detail how the policy will be be implemented. administered. Wed, April 28. ● Continue to provide humanitarian assistance in the The White House faced flak for not rushing to announce Please use the app & urge Congress to take swift, form of oxygen, testing kits, protective equipment, the aid package. comprehensive & transparent action to provide relief to and medical supplies. The Indian government has been criticized for India.https://t.co/RWwc0dm4Vn ● Support the global campaign calling for an Intellectual mismanaging the crisis and under-reporting the infection - Arjun Sethi (@arjunsethi81) April 28, 2021 Property Rights waiver from the WTO for COVID-19 and death rates. The group urged people to call their senators and vaccines. The activists include civil, political and human rights representatives and ask them to demand President Biden ● Demand ethical leadership and accountability from lawyer Arjun Sethi, international human rights lawyer to release information on how many doses of the the Indian government on how they will distribute Ramya Reddy, and Georgetown Women's Law and Public AstraZeneca vaccine will be dispatched to India, share these resources & order them to allow open & free Policy Fellow Asees Bhasin. additional portions of the US vaccine stockpile, and reporting on the COVID crisis. Sethi tweeted, "Covid-19 is a global pandemic & the provide a fully transparent timeline of when, how, and to ● You can find more details on the National Call in Day people of India need our support. We're asking everyone what extent these measures, including the export of raw here to join a National Call In Day on Wed, April 28. Please use materials to ramp up the vaccine production, will be https://www.notion.so/Rise-for-India-National- the app & urge Congress to take swift, comprehensive & implemented. transparent action to provide relief to India." They also asked Indian Americans to ask their Call-in-Day- Covid-19 is a global pandemic & the people of India need representatives to continue to provide humanitarian 79e1608061a540bdaf59591550a2386d our support. assistance in the form of oxygen, testing kits, protective We're asking everyone to join a National Call In Day on equipment and medical supplies. The group also demand THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 47 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2021 YEARS 48