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Vol.5 No. 49 March 30-April 5, 2013 60 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info Durban Summit delivers a BRICS Holi celebrated with development bank fun, frolic in India By Arvind Padmanabhan Indian Americans too enjoy Holi events, which will Durban: In a clear signal of their ascendance in the continue for couple of weeks more. geopolitical space, the lead- ers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Wednesday gave their go- ahead to a BRICS bank, rivaling the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to address the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other BRICS development challenges of leaders during the summit in South Africa. Continued on page 4 (Full story on page 34) North Korea ratifies plan for rocket
strike on US and S. Korea Film luminaries Shabana Azmi and Javed BJP stalwart L.K. Advani and Kamla Advani Akhtar doused in the Holi spirit celebrating Holi at their Delhi home. Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has rati- fied a strike plan by the Strategic Rocket Force as US B-2 stealth bombers flew over the Korean Peninsula, the KCNA news agency reported Friday. "The time has come to set- tle accounts with the US imperialists in view of the prevailing situation," Xinhua quoted Kim Jong Un as say- ing after an urgent meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with the army generals. Continued on page 4 Holi in Beawer, Rajasthan, is a different hue altogether.
New Delhi/New York: The festival of colours 'Holi Mubarak'. Holi was celebrated Wednesday across India Many visited temples and prayed to Lord Sri Sri’s non-violence movement to launch in NYC with enthusiasm and bonhomie. In the nation- Krishna. al capital, revelers were soaked in a riot of In Mumbai, the city and suburbs erupted in New York: To counteract all the violence we colors as they smeared 'gulal' (colored pow- colors as thousands poured out of their houses have witnessed in the US recently, Sri Sri der) on each other, distributed sweets and and building complexes since morning to play Ravi Shankar has launched ‘Nonviolence: danced to loud music. Rang Panchami (Holi). No Higher Calling’ movement. After events While youngsters armed with 'pichkaris' Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Mumbai on the West Coast and Chicago, the rave and (water guns) and balloons filled with colored Police and film and television stars urged peo- wave powered by the Art of Living water sprayed each other as well as passersby, ple to play a safe Holi. Foundation comes to New York on March 30 elders preferred to smear one another with In the tristate area, most big Holi events are afternoon when Sri Sri will launch it at the gulal as they hugged each other and wished this weekend. (see event listings on page 22). Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (47th St and 2nd Ave). “Nonviolence: No Higher Calling seeks to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the NonVio Entering the pulsating pulse of life Continued on page 4 event in Los Angeles early this week. Special Holi section pages 12-29.
Diplomacy 7 Health 30 Fashion 35 Spiritual Awareness 38 excellence in journalism TheSouthAsianTimes.info March 30-April 5, 2013 TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY March 30-April 5, 2013 3 Rajaratnam's brother pleads not guilty Protesters march against Wharton snub to Modi
Washington, DC: About 200 Indian- to insider trading charges in US court Americans marched in protest against the controversial withdrawal of an invitation New York: Rengan Rajaratnam, younger to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi brother of jailed hedgefund manager Raj to speak at the Wharton India Economic Rajaratnam on Monday pleaded not guilty Forum. before a New York court to charges of con- Marching under the banner of a group spiring in an insider trading scheme to called Americans for Free Speech, they cheat on Wall Street and earn nearly $1.2 chanted: "We want Modi!" as the Forum million illegally. held its conference Saturday afternoon at Rengam Rajaratnam, 42 was produced the University of Pennsylvania Museum before the court a day after his arrest at the of Archaeology and Anthropology in John F Kennedy Airport on arrival from Philadelphia. Brazil. The march, followed by a series of 200 protestors from across the US gathered for the march Rajaratnam, was indicted last week by Rengan Rajaratnam speeches from guest speakers, was held the Federal Bureau of Investigation and US The indictments alleged that Rajaratnam across the street from the conference to the event, was quoted as saying. Securities and Exchange Commission conspired with his brother, Galleon founder which members of the press were denied Protesters held up signs that read "First (SEC) on charges of insider trading. Raj Rajaratnam, to trade on the basis of entrance, the Daily Pennsylvanian they came for the Hindus", "End A former portfolio manager at the hedge material, non-public information concern- reported. McCarthyism against Hindus", and "Stop fund management firm Galleon Group ing Clearwire Corp and Advanced Micro About 200 protesters from across the Academic Jihad", among others. Rengan Rajaratnam, voluntarily surren- Devices Inc (AMD) in 2008, earning nearly US gathered for the march with two buses One organizer shouted to the crowd that dered after returning from Brazil on $1.2 million in profits in the aggregate. from New Jersey and one from Queens, the march was as important as that of Sunday to clear his name, said his lawyer. In a separate complaint, SEC alleged that New York bringing people to the protest. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther "After reading about his indictment, Mr from 2006 to 2008, Rengan Rajaratnam During the march, a sign was posted King, Jr, the newspaper reported. Rajaratnam immediately volunteered to repeatedly received inside information outside the conference hall by the protest- People on stilts and a jazz band marched return from Brazil, where he had been liv- from his brother and reaped more than $3 ers that read: "In memory of Free Speech with the protesters to "push the excite- ing and working for the past year, in order million in illicit gains for himself and 1776-2013. Killed at Wharton by the ment", said musician Devon Taylor. to defend himself," the attorneys, David hedge funds that he managed at Galleon English Department." Bystanders watched as the crowd of pro- Tobin and Vinoo Varghese, said in the and Sedna Capital Management, a hedge The march is "carrying the funeral of testers slowly moved their way to statement. fund advisory firm that he co-founded. free speech", Narain Kataria, a speaker at Franklin Field. US lawmakers want hate crimes First UN International Day of Happiness celebrated Audio book of spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy against Sikhs, Hindus tracked released on the occasion quarters here on the eve of the first less truths full of encouragement, love Washington, DC: Over 100 member These included massacre at the Sikh UN International Day of Happiness. and goodness," Nobel Peace Laureate, of the US House of Representatives temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and The Audio Book "The Jewels of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, said in a have asked the Federal Bureau of the murder of Hindu Senando Sen on Happiness" contains chapters read by video message. A special message Investigation (FBI) to track hate the New York City subway along with Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop from peace activist Ela Gandhi, grand- crimes against Sikhs, Hindus, and attacks across the US - underscore the Desmond Tutu, singer Roberta Flack, daughter of Mahatma Gandhi, and for- Arab-Americans as it does for other severity of the issue. Olympic champion Carl Lewis, musi- mer Member of Parliament in South communities. In fact, according to community sur- cian Michael Walden, actress Judith Africa, was also read out. The call came in a letter to FBI veys in New York City and the San Light and musician Boris The audio book is available on Advisory Policy Board signed among Francisco Bay Area, approximately 10 Grebenshikov. iTunes and audible.com and its pro- others by Joe Crowley, vice chair of percent of Sikh-Americans felt they The event was opened by Anwarul ceeds will go to charities for children the Democratic caucus, Ami Bera, the had already been a victim of a hate Sri Chinmoy Chowdhury, Special Advisor and worldwide: Nelson Mandela lone Indian American member of the crime. United Nations: An audio book con- Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Childrens Fund, Philani Nutrition and House and Tulsi Gabbard, the first Attacks on persons or property in taining poems and prose by Indian United Nations for many years. Development Project in South Africa Hindu American in the Congress. Michigan and elsewhere add urgency spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy was "These sweet gems of wisdom by and Mother Teresa's Missionaries of The board is expected to meet soon to these concerns, the lawmakers said. released at the United Nations head- my dear friend Sri Chinmoy are time- Charity. to review whether these categories The move is backed by the should be added to hate crimes forms American Jewish Committee, Anti- used by the FBI and department of Defamation League, Hindu American Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to perform at Nassau Coliseum justice. "These groups have all too Foundation, Indian American Forum often been the victim of violent and for Political Education, Sikh New York, NY: The Grand Finale Mega Concert of Ustad America and the Caribbean. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will deadly attacks, and many are targeted Coalition, and South Asian Americans Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s 2013 World Tour will be held at commemorate 100 years of Bollywood for this one night with violence for reasons attackers Leading Together (SAALT) among Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, NY on Saturday, June 15th. “Mega Event” and also celebrate his contribution to chillingly claim are related to hatred," other leading national organizations Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is the glorious voice behind hit Bollywood for the past10 years. He will be performing many the lawmakers said. Thanking the lawmakers, the Sikh songs such as ‘Tere Mast Mast Do Nain’, ‘Sajda’, ‘Dil To of his famous hits at the Grand Finale concert in New York. "Unfortunately, anecdotal and non- Coalition said: "We believe that accu- Baccha Hai’, ‘Teri Ore’ and many others. Ustad Rahat Fateh The production along with the performance of the maestro government data indicate that the rately tracking these crimes will Ali Khan is the nephew of the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh will be something which the audiences have never experi- commission of hate crimes against strengthen diagnostic and deterrence Ali Khan and mentored under him since birth. enced before globally. Sikhs, Hindus and Arab-Americans efforts and help law enforcement offi- Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s 2013 North America tour “This is going to be one of the largest concerts of a solo has become a deadly problem," they cials proactively address these chal- commences in Dallas on April 19 and will have the grand artist with an Indian/Pakistani background that has been ever said citing several cases. lenges." finale in New York after performing throughout North held in New York. 4 March 30-April 5, 2013 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Durban Summit delivera BRICS Letter to the Editor development Bank story 'I am Malala' to fetch Continued from page 1 poor and emerging economies. Prohibitive cost of calling India The leaders, who met for the 5th BRICS Summit here -- where the Indian delegation decade ago, the weekend on – Allvoi, Unovon, Ooma, to was led by Prime Minister Manmohan would be a virtual get name a few. It certainly was truly Pak teen £2m Singh -- also endorsed a $100-billion con- Atogether because Indians UNLIMITED calling. tingency reserve arrangement that will be would call their family and Today it seems we are again deployed when any of the five member- friends from the US and speak to looking at the dark pre-2006 era. London: The life story nations faces a crisis. everybody at home. This would With all the telecom carriers of a 15-year Pakistani happen only once a week -- increasing call rates to India by a girl who was shot by North Korea story because the calling rates were whopping 150% in March, every the Taliban will be pub- Continued from page 1 exorbitant. Later, the rates VoIP provider of services would lished later this year, in with top military officials early Friday. dropped and then came the VoIP be forced to increase their month- a deal reported to be He ratified a plan of the Strategic Rocket technology. Vonage was the first ly charges and offload this burden worth around £2m. Force for firepower strike on the US and to offer unlimited calling to India to their valuable customers. "I am Malala" will be South Korea if they "make a reckless provo- and other countries. Indians in the This would be felt by the entire published in the cation", said the KCNA. US rushed to sign up. Indian community when they see autumn and will tell the Kim said the latest US move is "not a sim- The rates were low and every- their monstrous bills in about a story of Malala ple demonstration of forces" but "an ultima- body was calling home -- even month’s time. Else the VoIP Yousafzai, who was Malala Yousafzai tum that will ignite a nuclear war at any cost the lady who joined her husband would have to force the customer shot by Taliban gunmen on the Korean Peninsula". here after marriage would call up to limit their calling, thereby after she became an world, is the latest stage of Two B-2 Spirit bombers were sent to the her parents and talk for hours bringing an end to the era of advocate for woman's educa- Yousafzai's public life which Korean Peninsula Thursday for a firing drill about the lack of domestic help to “Unlimited Calling”. tion in the Swat Valley. She almost ended in tragedy. but US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel the tattooed couple next door who now attends a school in Yousafzai began writing a denied that flying the bombers to the penin- were not married but had kids. Karan Thapar Birmingham. blog on the BBC Urdu serv- sula would aggravate the situation in the Others jumped on the bandwag- Collings Lakes, NJ Yousafzai said: "I hope this ice under a pseudonym about region. book will reach people life in the Swat Valley in Tensions have been running high on the around the world, so they 2009. The Taliban were Korean Peninsula since North Korea con- realize how difficult it is for expanding their influence and ducted its third nuclear test Feb 12 as a some children to get access to at times banned girls from countermeasure against the joint military education. going to school and the drills of the US and South Korea. "I want to tell my story, but Pakistani army fought to re- North Korea also threatened to launch a it will also be the story of establish control. pre-emptive nuclear strike for self-defense 61m children who can't get In October last year, gun- and unilaterally nullified the 1953 armistice education. I want it to be part men boarded her school bus that suspended the Korean War. of the campaign to give every and shot her in the head. boy and girl the right to go to Yousafzai was flown to Sri Sri non violance movement story school. It is their basic right." England where she was treat- Continued from page 1 The book, which will be ed. Last month she had an make the voice of nonviolence louder than published by Weidenfeld & operation to rebuild her skull violence; for every acts of violence we com- Nicholson in the UK and and restore her hearing. mit to 100 acts of nonviolence. Together we Commonwealth and by Little, Earlier this month Yousafzai will reach one billion acts of nonviolence! Brown in the rest of the went back to school. By re-glorifying non-violence and re-instill- ing our pride in peace, we can address vio- lence in our communities, our homes, our (Left) The Hindu Temple of India Cultural Society, Wayne, NJ, celebrated Holi on March 27. The program schools, and the media,” said a press started with Satya Narayan Puja followed by maha release. Aarti and Holi Pragatya. Shastri Arvind explained the At every venue, Sri Sri, joined by celebri- significance of Holi. Rangotsav will be celebrated on ties and activists, leads guided meditation March 30th at 2:00 PM outside the temple. with thousands of participants to help create a stress-free mindset. Website: nonvio.org
VP - Strategy and Marketing: Art and Design: Vladimir Tomovski Namit Narain Bhagwati Creations, Rahul Sahota Printed Every Saturday by Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra C: 516.303.2075 Forsythe Media Group, LLC C : 516.710.0508 [email protected] Web Editor: B.B.Chopra ISSN 1941-9333 [email protected] 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Consultant – Business Process: News Service: HT Media Ltd. Hicksville, NY 11801 Associate Editors Roopsi Narula IANS Newswire Services P: 516.390.7847 Hiral Dholakia-Dave, P: 516-303-4002 Website: TheSouthAsianTimes.info Meenakshi Iyer [email protected] Printing: Five Star Printing, NY Updated Daily Richner Publications Contributing Editors: Melvin Durai, Marketing & PR (Washington DC) Chairman and Co-Founder Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Chander Gambhir, P: 703.717.1667 Contacts Kamlesh C. Mehta Harry Aurora, Ashok Vyas, Jinal Shah, [email protected] Dr Akshat Jain, Nupur Joshi Jaipur (India) Bureau [email protected] Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull Prakash Bhandari West Coast Correspondent [email protected] Advertisements President: Arjit Mehta Pooja Jain, [email protected] [email protected] Photographs: Gunjesh Desai/ P : 516.390.7847 Board Advisors (Honorary) masalajunction.com. F : 516.465.1343 Ajay Lodha, MD, New Delhi Bureau Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com Lakhpat B. Mehta, Esq. Meenakshi Iyer Website: Rajasthan High Court & Supreme Court [email protected] Photo Journalist: Parveen/Bhanu Seth www.TheSouthAsianTimes.info Notice: The South Asian Times is published weekly by The Forsythe Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send all address notices, subscription orders/payments and other inquiries to The South Asian Times, 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Copyright and all other rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be reprinted without the consent of the publisher. The views expressed on the opinion pages and in the letters to the editor pages are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The South Asian Times. The editor/publisher does not warrant accuracy and cannot be held responsible for the content of the advertisements placed in the publication and/or inaccurate claims, if any, made by the advertisers. Advertisements of business or facilities included in this publication do not imply connection or endorsement of these businesses. All rights reserved. TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY March 30-April 5, 2013 5 Eight US governors, city mayors Rep Meng vows support plan to visit India in 2013 to Indian community
Washington, DC: Reflecting the concerted added. Blake said businesses and citizens on effort on the part of the US to tap the huge both sides are recognizing the benefits of investment and business climate that India increased partnership. offers, as many as eight American governors A 2012 report by the industry body CII and mayors are planning to visit the country noted that Indian companies in America had this year. "This year, at least eight American invested more than $820 million in US-based governors and city mayors plan to visit India facilities, had collectively conducted 72 merg- The newly elected Congresswoman from New York with trade and investment delegations, which ers and acquisitions in the US since 2005, and Freida Pinto in a Naeem Khan outfit Grace Meng , at a reception arranged by the Indian the State Department is pleased to help had projected research and development at Lakme Fashion Week, Mumbai. National Overseas Congress (I), committed her close Khan, whose brand has been a arrange," assistant secretary of state for south investments estimated to be over $190 million cooperation to push US India ties and support to favorite with personalities like First and central asia, Robert Blake, told students in 2012 alone.Indian companies operating in Indo-US Community. The issue of family reunification of the Berkeley Institute of International the US are adding tremendous value to the Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Sonam Kapoor, has said that he is clause in the upcoming Immigration Reform Bill was Studies in California on Thursday. local economies in which they operate, the looking to open a store in Mumbai also raised. Seen in the photo, Grace Meng with The California Governor, Jerry Brown, too most tangible effects of which are felt at the and to work with Bollywood celebs. prominent INOC (I) leaders. is planning a India visit, he said. state and county levels. "During these visits, state officials and pri- "That's why one of our top priorities in vate sector representatives explore opportuni- building the partnership with India is to Indian space scientist honored in the US ties for job creation and investments by expand state-and local-level engagement," he American companies in India and Indian com- said. Referring to the substantial jump in Bangalore: Top Indian space scientist U.R. development of Indian space technology and panies in America," he said. India-US trade, Blake said the booming trade Rao has been inducted into the Satellite its application to communications and "Our state officials increasingly understand relationship already is delivering substantial Hall of Fame in Washington DC by the remote sensing of natural resources since Society of Satellite Professionals the 1960s. that as the fastest-growing market for US benefits to the American people. International, in the US. "Rao was responsible for the creation exports, India provides significant opportuni- Over the past decade, our bilateral trade has "Rao is the first Indian space scientist of India's space and satellite capabilities ties to drive US job growth and bring econom- nearly quadrupled, reaching nearly $100 bil- to be inducted into the Satellite Hall of and their application to the nation's devel- ic opportunity to the American workforce," he lion last year. Fame and joins the select group of about 50 opment. As ISRO chairman (1984- members, including Arthur C. Clarke, Van 1994), he established satellite technolo- Allen, Harold Rosen, Peter Jackson gy in India," the citation said at a and Robert Berry, among others," function held March 19. Rao also Democratic Party gives key role to Ami Bera for polls UR Rao, Indian Space Research Organisation accelerated the development of ex ISRO chief Washington, DC: Indian- Americans, critical parts of looks like," Israel said. (ISRO) said here Thursday. Indian rocket technology, result- American Congressman the rising American elec- "Thanks to our diversity Rao, chairman of the Physical Research ing in the launch of ASLV rocket in 1992 and the Ami Bera has been given a torate that is crucial to and commitment to the Laboratory in Ahmedabad, has contributed to the operational PSLV launch vehicle. key responsibility in the Democrats' success in 2014, middle class, we won more Democratic party to reach Democratic Congressional votes than Republicans in out to the immigrant com- Campaign Committee 2012, and looking ahead to munity in the run-up to the (DCCC) Chairman Steve 2014, the leaders of our 2014 Congressional elec- Israel said in a statement. Tribal Council, New tions. He also announced lead- Americas Council, LGBT 48-year-old Bera, a physi- ership team with the Tribal Council, Labor Council, cian by profession, has been Council, LGBT Council, Defense Council, Latino made one of the two chairs Labor Council and Defense Council and Women LEAD of the New America Council for the 2013-2014 will continue to broaden our Council along with cycle. "The men and appeal to all Americans," he Congressman Keith Ellison. women in our leadership said. Within a few months New Americas Council represent every corner of of being sworn in as a law- Chairs will lead outreach this great country, and we're maker, Bera has impressed efforts to immigrant com- so proud that our caucus his party leaders with his munities and other new truly reflects what America performances. Sexual harassment lawsuit against Bikram Yoga founder
New York: Bikram Choudhury, founder of “Should we make this a relationship?” Bikram Yoga and creator of the famed Choudhury is quoted as saying the law- “Hot Yoga” program popular with A-list suit. “I know you from a past life and Hollywood celebrities, is being sued by I have this feeling about you. In your a former student who claims the 67- culture, you call it love; I can’t love, year-old yoga instructor repeatedly you know but that is how I feel made sexual advances to her, and about you. I have never, never felt denied her employment when like this about anyone. Only you.” she spurned him. “We have a connection. It is According to the complaint, amazing. So what should we do Sarah Baughn – who was 20 about this?” Choudhury reportedly when she first began taking asked the young Baughn, who Bikram Yoga classes – alleged Bikram Choudhury said she was “frozen” by her that Choudhury, over a period instructor’s comments, but man- of four years, had made repeated sexual aged to say she had a boyfriend. Choudhury advances, publicly humiliated her in front of dismissed her statement, saying he had a wife. other students and denied her employment In later discussions, Choudhury allegedly when she spurned his advances. called his wife a “bitch,” according to the suit. The harassment allegedly began in the In the lawsuit, Baughn alleges that she has spring of 2005, when Baughn attended a been prevented from teaching classes and teacher training course taught by Choudhury attending advanced seminars. She is seeking himself. On the fifth night of the course, the an unnamed amount of compensatory dam- suit says, Choudhury singled out Baughn and ages from the Choudhurys for economic and told her he had known her from a past life. emotional relief. 6 March 30-April 5, 2013 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info Faced no racism: ‘Turbanator’ Gurpreet Singh Sarin
New York: 'Turbanator' Gurpreet 'Turbanator' moniker thanks to the Ryan Seacrest do the bhangra on the Singh Sarin happens to be luckier colorful turbans he sported on show, which airs on channel BIG than Bollywood actress Shilpa "American Idol." CBS LOVE. A trained classical Shetty. The young man of Indian This is quite unlike what Shilpa singer, the 22-year-old belongs to a origin, who made it to the top 40 on Shetty faced in Britain when she family with an inclination for instru- the "American Idol" reality show, was a part of "Celebrity Big ments like the tabla, sitar and flute. says he didn't face any racial dis- Brother" in 2007. She was bullied Through the music platform, crimination on his journey to by the other contestants and the Gurpreet wanted to show how the American Idol contestant Gurpreet Singh achieving a fusion of Indian classi- racist attacks attracted a furore from two worlds - Indian and western - Bollywood in mind too. However, medium. cal music and western music. several quarters. Ultimately, Shilpa can be brought together. his influences include artists like "I would get messages from my "I am very thankful I did not face won the competition. "One reason why I wanted to be tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, sarod fans saying that being an Indian, I anything like that (racism) from the But even while Gurpreet is now on the show was to show everyone expert Amjad Ali Khan and late sitar am encouraging them and I am their judges or any other people," said out of the show, he is happy he has how I can incorporate Indian classi- maestro Ravi Shankar, who expand- role model. For me that was a won- Gurpreet. been "able to educate people about cal music into American music. ed India's presence on the world derful opportunity. I wasn't even "I was conscious that there must myself through my passion and There have been artists like Norah map with their talent. conscious how large a role model I be people who might be ignorant dream, and that has been a bless- Jones who have incorporated Indian Gurpreet admits that as a contest- had become," Gurpreet said. and racist and did not understand ing." classical influences and I got an ant on "American Idol", he served as He, however, wants to finish his where I come from, but I was just He left the judges, global celebri- opportunity to do the same," he said. an inspiration and encouragement studies first before giving himself focused on my singing, and moving ties like Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj A student of Computers and for other Indian-origin youngsters in completely to the music world and on to the next level of competition," and Keith Urban, with his talent and Information Science at a university the US. He says he received is thankful about the exposure he added the singer, earned the even made "American Idol" host in New York, Gurpreet has immense support through the online got through "American Idol". Indian-Americans welcome launch of PIO student goes missing in Providence, FBI joins search
Washington: The FBI has joined the search for him. electronic postal order search for 22-year-old Indian-American "Sunil is a kind, gentle and shy young Sunil Tripathi, an undergraduate Brown man. All we want is for him to return safe Washington, DC: Indians living from pillar to post both at the Indian University student who went missing on and well," the family said. abroad, especially those in the US have missions in the United States and with March 16. Tripathi, a philosophy major, was on welcomed the launch of the electronic government agencies back home seek- The police of Providence, Rhode Island approved leave from the University. postal order, which they say would go a ing information under RTI. has launched a massive search operation to Tripathi's sister Sangeeta said her brother long way for them seeking information However, the inability to pay in find Tripathi, while his friends have not had "no exceptional plans" that weekend from the Indian Government and other Indian currency from overseas was only been doing their own search, putting and that it was "completely atypical" of him state governments under the Right to coming a major hindrance in their up posters across the city but also have to disappear without contacting anyone. Information Act. move. "It has been seven long years launched a Facebook page to find him. "Between family and friends, we are in A number of Indians living in the US since we started this campaign for our Lead investigator detective Mark Sacco constant contact with him," 30-year-old said that RTI has now become accessi- right to information. It has been a diffi- said "no solid leads" have been found Sangeeta said. ble to the Indian citizens living abroad cult journey and during this time we so far. "We became worried when he didn't Sunil Tripathi after the Postal Department last week have had to depend on friends in India Tripathi's cellphone, credit card, ID and respond to many missed calls." launched Indian postal order in elec- to file RTIs on our behalf," said Arun other personal things were found in his room. The search has focused in the past week on hospitals, tronic format (eIPO). Gopalan, a volunteer with Association FBI declined to comment on the investigation, except stores, parks and other public spaces where Tripathi could "With eIPO, I now have the ability to for India's Development, Greater for saying that it is assisting the local police in search of be but authorities have found no signs of him. discern conflicting information about Washington Metro area chapter. the missing student. The search, which has been spearheaded by the governance in India in the news by "Their non-availability meant a According to the Facebook Page set up by family, Providence Police Department and the Brown University going directly to the source - the gov- missed opportunity. That will no longer Tripathi who went missing from his Angell Street resi- Department of Public Safety, has now expanded to ernment," said Vishal Kudchadkar, a be the case with this new eIPO. dence since Saturday morning is 6'0, 130 pounds, with Boston, Connecticut, New York and Philadelphia, accord- volunteer with the non-profit It would be ideal if the list of email id brown eyes and short brown hair. ing to a statement from the school. Association for India's Development of PIOs is also available on this portal He left wearing blue jeans, a Philadelphia Eagles "(It's) on the small hope he just decided to go some- (AID) at Los Angeles. and the information exchange is com- beanie, and a black sweatshirt. He is essentially off the where and is OK. People have been posting fliers and vis- "In the last seven years, we have tried pletely digitized, but we will take this grid since he does not have his ID, wallet, or cell phone. iting places a young person without an ID or money all possible workarounds to exercise for now," Gopalan said. "Sunil has been struggling with depression since he would go," she said. our right to know. Now, our participa- Balaji Janakiraman Iyer said the took a leave of absence from Brown last year. A note sug- "We're a very, very close family and when we heard (he tion in nation building has become tad launch of eIPO would make the Right gestive of suicidal intent left behind in his apartment has was missing), we were trying to frantically look for pho- easier!" For the past several years, the to Information more accessible to all his family extremely worried," the family said, adding tos. We had trouble finding a photo (where) we all weren't volunteers of AID have been running Indian citizens living abroad. that they are currently in Providence, helping the police so physically close in the image," she said. IALI holds free health Ranee Ramaswamy nominated to National Council of Arts
camp in Hicksville Washington, DC : Ranee Campaneria, term expired," it Ranee has worked with celebrated artists Hicksville, NY: IALI (India Ramaswamy founded the said. The National Council on such as poet Robert Bly, jazz musician Howard Association of Long Island)’s Ragamala Music and Dance the Arts advises the Chairman of Levy and legendary composer/ violinist L President Kishore Kuncham coordi- Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota the National Endowment for the Subramaniam. nated a free health camp, together in 1992 and has been popularizing Arts, who also chairs the Among her many grants and fellowships are with AAPI-Queens Long Island this classical Indian dance form in Council, on agency policies and 13 McKnight Artist Fellowships, a Bush chapter and other community organ- America. programs. It reviews and makes Fellowship, and an Artist Exploration Fund izations, at Asamai Hindu Temple The White House said Obama has recommendations to the grant from Arts International. Her work is sup- here on March 24. Over 80 people sent her nomination, along with Chairman on applications for ported by the National Endowment for the took advantage of the free consulta- others, to the Senate for its grants, funding guidelines, and Arts, the National Dance Project, and the Japan tive services of 18 volunteer doctors approval. leadership initiatives. According Foundation. In 2011, she was chosen as the and availed free sugar check, mam- "Ranee Ramaswamy, of to her bio posted on her website, McKnight Foundation Distinguished Artist. Minnesota, to be a Member of the since 1984, Ramaswamy has Ranee and co-Artistic Director Aparna mograms, weight loss and nutrition Ranee Ramaswamy advice, and advice on laughter yoga, National Council on the Arts for a been a disciple of Alarmel Valli, Ramaswamy were named the 2011 'Artist of breathing techniques and ayurveda. term expiring September 3, 2018, vice Miguel one of India's greatest living masters. the Year' by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Diplomacy March 30-April 5, 2013 7
resident Barack Obama visited Israel for the first time In his acceptance speech, Obama portrayed himself as a in office and used the opportunity to reassure Israelis friend of Israelis “who is deeply concerned and committed Pthat he is on their side while posing as an arbitrator of to your future.” The second key line in the speech called on peace between them and Palestinians. Peace Pilgrim Israelis to recognize the Palestinian “right to justice,” not as an Obama’s strained relations with Prime Minister Benjamin abstraction but in a personal way. “Put yourself in their shoes. Netanyahu (who had favored Mitt Romney as President in US President Obama visited the Middle Look at the world through their eyes,” Obama said. This need- 2012 election) and criticism of his government’s building East last week with a message of peace and ed some guts to say to Israeli leaders in Jerusalem. of housing settlements in the West Bank left many Israelis reconciliation between the feuding sides Then, prodded by President Obama, Israel and Turkey feeling estranged. During preparations for the current trip, agreed to end a 3-year rift caused by a deadly Israeli com- White House aides said a top priority would be to reverse mando raid on a Turkish ship bound for Gaza. Israeli Prime that sentiment. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned his Turkish counter- part Recep Tayyip Erdogan to apologize for the deaths of nine activists aboard the Turkish ship and promised to reach an agreement on compensation to their families.
Wearing a white skullcap, President Obama pauses after adjusting a wreath placed in the Hall of Remembrance during his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, March 22. President Obama visits the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, March 22.
President Obama visits the Hall of Names during his visit to the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres are also seen. President Obama’s visit began with an inspection of the Iron Dome Battery defense system in Tel Aviv. The Iron Dome is a short range rocket and mortar defense system, which was President Obama poses with children waving developed by Israel and produced with US assistance and is the Palestinian and US flags during a visit to the part of a multi-tier missile defense developed to counter the Church of the Nativity with Palestinian President rocket threat against Israel’s civilian population. Mahmoud Abbas on March 22. The Iron Dome was mentioned in conferring the Presi- Israeli President Shimon Peres shakes hand with dential medal of distinction, Israel’s highest civilian honor, President Barack Obama after presenting him on Obama, which Israeli President Shimon Peres presented the Presidential medal of distinction, Israel’s to Obama at an official function on March 21. The country highest civilian honor, March 21. is celebrating 65th anniversary of its formation.
A Jordanian soldier stands watch at Nabataeb Am- phitheater as President Obama and his guide walk through the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, March 23.
Palestinian protesters denouncing US support to President Obama tours the crypt containing the birthplace of Jesus Israel during a demonstration against President during his visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, March 22. Obama’s visit to the region on March 20. 8 March 30-April 5, 2013 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info Supreme Court questions ban on same-sex marriage
has since the November presiden- asked Justice Sonia Sotomayor. who married Thea Clara Spyer in tial election become a major social The potential swing vote, Justice 2007. After Spyer's death in 2009, issue with a bearing on electoral Anthony Kennedy, also questioned Windsor was denied an exemption politics - the right of gay and les- the reach of DOMA, saying it pres- of federal estate taxes. bian couples to wed and receive the ents a "real risk of running into tra- President Obama who last May full benefits of law provided to het- ditional state police power to regu- came out in support of same-sex erosexual couples. late marriage." marriage had earlier in February Those supporting and opposing same sex marriage demonstrating Under DOMA, Social Security, On the other side, Chief Justice 2011 told the US Congress that the in Washington as the apex court deliberated on the vexing issue pension and bankruptcy benefits, John Roberts repeatedly asked Department of Justice would no affecting many aspects of life in the country. Incidentally, mar- along with family medical leave whether it would step on state longer defend DOMA in federal riage between whites and blacks was illegal not too long ago. protections and other federal provi- power to do the opposite of DOMA court. By Arun Kumar Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) sions, do not apply to gay and les- - pass a law providing full federal However, the Republican con- defines marriage for federal pur- bian couples legally married in benefits to any legally married trolled House is defending DOMA Washington: As the US Supreme poses as only between one man and states that recognize such unions. same-sex couple. in court at a cost of $3 million. Court concluded its historic hear- one woman. Going by the comments from the Roberts and Justice Antonin An ABC News/Washington Post ing on the legality of same-sex The top court is expected to give bench split equally between liber- Scalia also suggested DOMA could poll, taken March 7-10, showed 58 marriage, a majority of its nine its verdict by mid June on DOMA als and conservatives, the court still remain in place as a valid percent of respondents in support judges raised questions about a signed into law in 1996 by then appeared divided about whether extension of congressional authori- of gay marriage, while 36 percent federal law denying some benefits President Bill Clinton as also DOMA is discriminatory and steps ty, as 41 states do not allow same- opposed it. That's nearly the oppo- to gay couples. California's Proposition 8 that bans on state marriage laws for gays and sex marriage. site of public opinion on gay mar- While nine of America's 50 states same-sex marriage. lesbians. The DOMA challenge was riage in 2003, when ABC/Post allow same-sex marriage and nine The court heard arguments "What gives the federal govern- brought by Edie Windsor, an 83- polling showed 37 percent support others permit civil partnerships, the Tuesday and Wednesday on what ment the right to define marriage?" year-old woman from New York and 55 percent opposition. T-Mobile announces aggressive Fannie, Freddie to simplify mortgage rules
Washington: US mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie an easy way to lower their monthly payments and modify phone pricing sans contracts Mac will offer a new and simplified loan modification ini- their mortgage without requiring financial or hardship doc- tiative to help troubled borrowers avoid foreclosure and umentation, reported Xinhua. New York: T-Mobile sages and 500 megabytes stay in their homes, authorities said. "This streamline modification initiative will cut through said on Tuesday the of data; they can pay an The new streamlined modification program, which will the paperwork and simplify the process of securing a per- Apple iPhone 5 would extra $20 for unlimited begin this July and expire in August 2015, is only available manent mortgage modification for struggling borrowers," be available starting data. Over two years, the to borrowers who are at least 90 days delinquent on their Leslie Peeler, senior vice president of Fannie Mae, said in a April 12 for $100 effective price for a smart- mortgage owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie statement Wednesday. Since 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie upfront, with customers phone and phone service Mac, the US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) said. Mac have completed 2.7 million foreclosure prevention paying an additional would be hundreds of dol- The mortgage giants will offer these eligible borrowers transactions, including 1.3 million loan modifications. $20 a month for 24 lars less than it would on months for the handset. AT&T or Verizon Other new smartphones, like the Wireless. At $580, it would also be American healthcare prices are super high office-visit-800x57 Samsung Galaxy S IV and the cheaper than buying a $649 unlocked BlackBerry Z10, will be available phone directly from Apple. his chart shows price charged for a routine doc- with similar payment plans. At those two carriers, the most pop- tor's office visit in the United States versus Although there would be no con- ular phone plans cost upwards of $100 other countries. This is from the International tract binding customers to T-Mobile, a month with a two-year contract for T the No. 4 American mobile carrier by limited data. The iPhone 5 costs at Federation of Health Plans, and they have similar market share, customers would have least $199 on their networks with a price charts for other health care services—and they to pay off the balance they owe on two-year contract. all look the same. their phone to end service before the The simplified phone plans are part The high prices make private health care extraordi- two years are up. of T-Mobile’s new campaign to be the narily expensive to patients and employers in Also Tuesday, T-Mobile formally “un-carrier.” By moving to contract- America, and the same high prices make it difficult for replaced its old phone contracts with free plans, it says it is doing away the government to cover everything through public- new plans that do not require signing a with charging customers fees for sur- sector insurance. Canada, where the prices are lower, contract. For $50 a month, customers passing their data limits or terminating manages to have a more robust welfare state without can get unlimited minutes, text mes- their service early. higher taxes for precisely this reason. Obama sure immigration reform coming soon States adding new dimension to
Washington: President Barack Obama And he told Univision: "My sense is that is confident that immigration reform to they are close". "My expectation is we'll see India-US ties: Nirupama Rao resolve the problem of 11 million illegal a bill on the floor of the Senate next immigrants, including some 260,000 month." Washington: A new dimension is first legislature set up in the United Indians, is coming soon. The President is "confident we can get it being added to the India-US global States, predating the Capitol in A group of lawmakers is close to done certainly before the end of the sum- partnership with growing ties between Washington DC. She also met the working out the details of their proposal, mer." the states of the two countries, accord- Speaker of the House of Delegates, he told Wednesday two of America's CNN citing a source familiar with the ing to the Indian ambassador to the Michael Busch. US, Nirupama Rao. State governor Martin O'Malley's largest Spanish-language TV networks, immigration reform proposal negotiations Maryland state surrounding the US six-day visit to India in November Telemundo and Univision. reported last week that a bipartisan group of capital on three sides "has been one of 2011 produced significant results with "I'm actually very optimistic that when eight senators had tentatively agreed to the pioneers in this regard and we nearly $60 million in business deals they return in early April we will see a bill ready to some of the stickiest issues, like a path to citizenship for admire and are completely supportive for Maryland companies, Rao move through the process," he told Telemundo. undocumented immigrants and metrics for securing the of the initiatives you have taken in this recalled. This, she said citing the gov- "The most important thing is that we are seeing a border. But there was a key issue before the "gang of regard," she said in an address to the ernor sent "a strong message to India's strong compromise to resolve the problem," he said. eight" - four Democrats and four Republicans - that had state assembly in Annapolis Tuesday. top business organizations and compa- "I've got my own legislation, I'm prepared to step in, but yet to be resolved: how to construct a guest worker pro- Rao addressed both the chambers of nies that Maryland is the gateway to I don't think that's going to be necessary." gram for the future. the Maryland General Assembly, the doing business in the US." TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA March 30-April 5, 2013 9 Durban delivered India's N-plant now on track: PM to Putin
Durban: Indian Prime Minister referring to the sanction granted by BRICS demands: PM Manmohan Singh has assured the meeting of the cabinet commit- Russian President Vladimir Putin tee on security, which he chairs. The projects, as listed that the first phase of the atomic The prime minister, officials said, by the prime minister, power project in Kudankulam in also told the Russian president that are: Tamil Nadu, that has seen a series of India's National Security Adviser -Nod for a BRICS anti-nuclear protests, will be up and Shiv Shankar Menon has been asked Development Bank on running by next month. to keep in touch with his Russian the lines of the World "I am pleased to inform you Mr. Kudankulam nuclear plant counterpart Nikolai Patrushev and Bank to address the President that Kudankulam Unit I in Tamil Nadu follow up on the progress in all development needs of will become operational, in particu- gy company Atomstroyexport. strategic Indo-Russian joint pro- emerging and poor lar, the very next month," the prime The prime minister also assured grams. economies minister told the Russian president the Russian president, in what was These cover areas such as defense Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the 5th -A contingent reserve when they met at a bilateral meeting their second meeting in four civil nuclear energy, space and BRICS Summit in Durban arrangement with a on the margins of the 5th BRICS months, about the substantive counter-terrorism. The two sides are On Board Air India One: Prime $100 billion commitment from Summit late Wednesday. progress being made on the other also committed to raising their bilat- Minister Manmohan Singh Brazil, Russia, India, China and The first unit has the capacity of remaining phases of the joint eral trade to $20 billion by 2014 expressed satisfaction that the 5th South Africa for deployment when 1,000 mega watt. It is being imple- nuclear energy program between from around $9 billion now. BRICS Summit delivered on sug- any of these nations are in distress mented in the southern Tamil Nadu India and Russia. During their 30-minute meeting, gestions made by India at the previ- -The setting up of the BRICS town, near Tirunelveli, by the state- "As far as Unit III and IV are con- the two leaders also discussed other ous conclave in New Delhi, notably Business Council run Nuclear Power Corporation of cerned, we have secured our internal issues such as the situation in on a development bank. -The setting up of a mechanism India and the Russian nuclear ener- approvals," the prime minister said, Afghanistan and Syria. "As you would have seen from the for a BRICS consortium of think BRICS Declaration, a number of tanks. "For us, BRICS is a very important steps have been taken," important forum. It represents 27 the prime minister said an interac- percent of the global GDP, about 40 Italian marines matter sub judice: PM tion with the accompanying media percent of the world population and, delegation on the way back from as such, there is a growing compli- On Board Air India One: Prime concerned), accused of killing looked at it and a Special Court Durban. mentarity," the prime minister said. Minister Manmohan Singh two Indian fishermen, this is now has been set up. I sincerely "I am particularly glad some proj- "I certainly value this opportunity declined to be drawn into the a story which is a part of the judi- believe, that's where the matter ects, which were either conceived at annually to review the strength of issue of perceptions over slow cial process," the prime minister should be left," he said. the New Delhi Summit of BRICS in the global economy, the events that progress in trying the Italian told journalists on his way back "It would be much too pre- March last year or piloted by India are taking place in various regions marines who allegedly killed two from Durban after attending the sumptuous on my part to com- during its just-concluded chairman- of the world and events which have Indian fishermen. two-day BRICS Summit. ment on an issue that is sub- ship of BRICS, have registered obviously implications for our own "As far as the two marines (are "The Supreme Court has judice." important progress," he added. growth and prosperity." 10 March 30-April 5, 2013 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info US team meets Modi, praises Gujarat
withdrawn when students and fac- warmed to Modi in recent times. resenting Wyoming, and Cathy M. ulty of the University of Aaron Schock, a Republican Rodgers, Republican Pennsylvania protested Modi's representing Illinois in the House Congresswoman from inclusion in the event. of Representatives, is leading the Washington state, are among the The Bharatiya Janata Party delegation. prominent faces in the delegation. (BJP) has maintained that Modi Ron Somers, president of the "I spoke to the US delegation has never sought a visa, in the US-India Business Council about how Gujarat has adopted a first place. (USIBC), Cynthia Lummis, faster, inclusive and environment- US businesses, however, have Republican Congresswoman rep- friendly process of development," Narendra Modi said in a comment on Twitter. Rajnath, US envoy discuss FDI "Am thankful to the members of US Congress and business per- sons for their kind words on New Delhi: US Ambassador rity scenario in the south Asian Gujarat's development," he said. The delegation invited Gujarat Chief Minister to visit US Nancy J. Powell met BJP presi- region in the wake of the with- Modi has emerged as a possible dent Rajnath Singh and dis- drawal of NATO forces from Ahmedabad: A delegation from The meeting assumes signifi- prime ministerial candidate of the cussed wide range of issues Afghanistan in 2014. the US, including members of the cance as the US has been denying BJP for the 2014 general elec- including FDI in retail and secu- They said that the issue of for- House of Representatives and Modi a visa for his alleged role in tions. rity scenario in the region. eign direct investment in multi- business leaders, met Gujarat the 2002 Gujarat riots. Talking to the media later, BJP Informed sources said the brand retail also figured in the Chief Minister Narendra Modi Only recently, an invitation to leader Vijay Jolly said the dele- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) discussions that lasted nearly and lauded the economic develop- speak at the Wharton India gates invited Modi to the US, and president touched upon the secu- an hour. ment in the state under his watch. Economic Forum in the US was he has accepted the invitation. Prayers and fasting on Good Friday Will Congress, SP divorce?
New Delhi: With fasts and daylong prayer services keeping with tradition. in churches, Christians in the national capital and The 40-day period of Lent sees devout Christians elsewhere in India observed Good Friday, which abstaining from all meats and alcohol. marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Lent refers to the period of 40 days of fasting that Many people fasted and prayed silently to mark Christ observed in the desert before returning to the day. The period of mourning ends Sunday when Jerusalem where he was welcomed as the king of Christians celebrate Easter, marking the resurrec- the Jews. Fearing his popularity, the rulers of the tion of Christ. Some members of the community kingdom plotted his death with the help of his disci- start fasting around 40 days before Good Friday, in ple Judas.
Can Congress overcome infighting COMING OUT OF SHADOW: Samajwadi party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav with Manmohan Singh Lucknow: From calling BJP leader Pradesh minister said: "The SP is L.K. Advani honest to billing now in for corrective measures to in Karnataka? Congress leaders "cheats" and save its political space." "conspirators", the Samajwadi He added that the SP wanted Party (SP) is steadily upping the early parliamentary elections, by New Delhi: Hopeful of a comeback ante against the Congress. October this year, to ward off any in Karnataka, the Congress has to And on Holi, Samajwadi party anti-incumbency in the state. overcome factionalism and select chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's Ram Asrey Kushwaha, general the right candidates if it has to renewed attack appeared to hint secretary of the SP, echoed return to power in the state in May that his party's love-hate relation- Mulayam Singh's hard line vis-a- after seven years. ship with the Congress could snap vis the Congress. "Curbing infighting and selecting sooner than later. "Everyone knows the Congress the right candidates would be cru- SP sources say Uttar Pradesh's ditches everyone," he said. "It is cial for our victory," a senior ruling party is making a calculated loud and clear that the Congress Congress leader who did not wish move after a series of meetings of has lost public support and is now to be named said. its strategy makers. The Congress crippled by the withdrawal of sup- Karnataka will vote for a 224 has become dependent on the SP port by allies like the Trinamool member house (one nominated and the Bahujan Samaj Party and the DMK." Anglo-Indian member makes it (BSP) in the Lok Sabha following Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, 225) on May 5. The result will be withdrawal of the DMK and the who had so far pitched for "cordial out May 8. A win in Karnataka Trinamool Congress from the ties" with the central government, could boost the Congress morale in Karnataka will vote for a 224-member house on May 5 United Progressive Alliance has suddenly turned ballistic. southern India, especially after the Dharam Singh as chief minister. the remaining 20 months of the (UPA). "The political situation (in New exit of the DMK from the The coalition collapsed in 2006 as assembly. Many in the SP view the Delhi) is fluid, the UPA govern- Congress-led United Progressive JD-S leader H. D. Kumaraswamy, But Kumaraswamy did not keep Congress as a sinking ship and feel ment is anti-people and the Alliance over the Sri Lankan issue. son of former prime minister and his word and the BJP-JD-S coali- that any further bon homie with it Samajwadi Party will take a deci- The May 5 ballot is also signifi- JD-S president H D Deve Gowda, tion collapsed forcing early assem- could prove suicidal. sion on withdrawing its support (to cant as the Congress will be con- tied up with BJP to form a govern- bly elections in 2008, instead of A senior SP leader said it was UPA) soon," he said. testing a big state after Rahul ment. Kumaraswamy became the 2009. just a matter of time before the two The Congress has started hitting Gandhi became the party's vice chief minister and BJP's B. S. The Congress, which has been out parties go in for a political divorce, back. In the last one month, Uttar president in January. Earlier, Yeddyurappa was his deputy. of power in Karnataka for seven with the SP snapping its support to Pradesh leaders of the party have Congress failed to retain power in The arrangement was years, lost the state to the Bharatiya Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. cornered the Akhilesh Yadav gov- 2004 assembly polls, won 64 seats Kumaraswamy will vacate his chair Janata Party in 2008 primarily due Asked why he was so confident ernment in the assembly. The party and formed a coalition government after 20 months paving way for to infighting and wrong selection of as the SP had bailed out the has also launched public protests with Janata Dal-Secular with N. Yeddyurappa as chief minister for candidates, say party insiders. Congress in the past, a senior Uttar against the government. TheSouthAsianTimes.info March 30-April 5, 2013
Happy Holi Holi Pages Coverage 12-29 Coverage Pages Holi
Entering the pulsating pulse of life The South Asian Times Special Supplement
Holi day. Children till date play pranks and hurl abuses at the time of Holika Dahan. Cultural Significance
elebrated in the month of Phalguna Holi gives us a wonderful Celebration of the various legends associ- (March), Holi originated in North- chance to indulge in this. For, the festival ated with Holi reassures people of the power Cern India to indicate a change of sea- reminds us that the time is perfect to renew of the truth as the moral of all these legends son from winter to spring, the festival has love and recharge your vitality. All in sync is the ultimate victory of good over evil. assumed a pan-India color over the ages. with nature and its many hues. The legend of Hiranyakashyap and Prahl- Coming into its own, the Indian diaspora ad also points to the fact that extreme devo- too now enjoy the spirit of Holi, particular- Mythological Significance tion to God pays as God always takes his true ly in countries with large Indic populations Holi also celebrates the devotee in his shelter. All these legends help following Hinduism, such as Suriname, Holi gets us close to our mythology as it legend of Radha and Krish- the people to follow a good conduct in their Malaysia, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, is linked to various legends. Foremost is the na, which describes the extreme delight lives and believe in the virtue of being truth- UK, US, Mauritius, and Fiji. In some states legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakshyap. Krishna took in applying color on Radha ful. This is extremely important in the mod- of India such as West Bengal and Orissa, There once lived a powerful demon king, and other gopis. This prank of Krishna later ern day society where so many people resort it is known as Doul Jatra or Basanta-Utsav Hiranyakshyap, who considered himself became a trend and a part of the Holi festiv- to evil practices for small gains and victim- (spring festival). The most celebrated Holi God and wanted everybody to worship him. ities. Mythology also states that Holi is the ize one who is honest. Besides, the festival is in the Braj region, in locations connect- To his great ire, his own son, Prahlad, be- celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who is celebrated at a time of the year when the ed to Lord Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, gan to worship Lord Vishnu. To get rid of tried to kill infant Krishna by breastfeeding fields are in full bloom and people are ex- Nandgaon, and Barsana. These places have his son, Hiranyakshyap asked his sister, him poisonous milk. pecting a good harvest. This gives people become tourist destinations during the fes- Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad In South India, a popular legend of Holi is a good reason to rejoice, make merry and tive season of Holi. in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. People submerge themselves in the spirit of Holi. Celebration with colors symbolizes the unscathed. there celebrate the sacrifice of Lord of Pas- energy, the vivid and passionate pulse of life Prahlad, however, was saved for his ex- sion, Kaamadeva, who risked his life (got in- Social Significance signifying vitality. The spirit of celebration treme devotion for the lord and Holika paid cinerated in the process) to force Shiva out is to showcase the shifting panorama of life, a price for her sinister act. Meanwhile, Lord of his samadhi and save the world. Holi helps to bring the society together of sights and movement of feelings. The hu- Vishnu incarnated as Narsimha (half-man Also popular is the legend of Ogress and strengthen the secular fabric of our man heart beating in us all too feels the urge and half-lion) and vanquished the evil de- Dhundhi who used to trouble children in country. For, the festival is celebrated by to be recharged with the new colors of spring mon. The tradition of burning Holika or ‘Ho- the kingdom of Raghu and was ultimately non-Hindus also as everybody likes to be a and catch on the verdant mood outside. lika Dahan’ comes mainly from this legend. chased away by the pranks of children on part of such a colorful and joyous festival. 13
Holi get us close to our mythology as it is linked to various legends. Also, in the spirit of Holi even enemies turn friends on Holi and banish hard feel- The legend of ings. Aptly, many social gatherings and Hiranyakashyap and events on the day are called Holi Milan. In the evening, people visit friends and rela- Prahlad points to tives and exchange gifts, sweets and greet- ings. This helps in revitalizing relation- the fact that devo- ships and strengthening emotional bonds tion to God pays between people. One of Holi’s biggest customs is the as He always takes loosening strictness of social structures, which normally include those of age, sex, his true devotee status, and caste. Together, the rich and in his shelter. poor, women and men enjoy each other’s presence on this joyous day. Holi lowers the strictness of social norms. No one ex- pects polite behavior; as a result, theatmo- sphere is filled with excitement and joy. Biological Significance It is interesting to note that the festival of Holi is significant for our lives and body in many other ways than just providing joy and fun. We also need to thank our forefathers who started the trend of celebrating Holi at such a scientifically accurate time and for in- corporating so much fun in the festival. Holi comes at a time of the year when people have a tendency to feel sleepy and lazy. It is but natural for the body to ex- periences some tardiness due to the change from the cold to the heat in the atmosphere.
To counteract this tardiness of the body, people sing loudly or even speak loudly. Their movements are brisk and their music is loud. All of this helps to rejuvenate the sys- tem of the human body. Besides, the colors when sprayed on the body have a great im- pact on it. Biologists believe the liquid dye or Abeer penetrates the body and enters into the pores. It has the effect of strength- ening the ions in the body and adds health and beauty to it. There is yet another scientific reason for celebrating Holi – this, however, pertains to the tradition of Holika Dahan. The mu- tation period of winter and spring induces the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the body. One of Holi’s When Holika is burnt, temperature rises to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit. When biggest customs people perform Parikrima (circumambula- tion) around the fire, the heat from the fire kills the bacteria in the body and outside. is the loosening In the south, the day after the burning of Holika, people put ash (Vibhuti) on their strictness of social forehead and mix Chandan (sandalpaste) with the young leaves and flowers of the structures, which mango tree and consume it to promote good health. People also spring clean their normally include houses on Holi, clearing up the dust and mess in the house and get rid of mosqui- those of age, sex, toes and others pests. A clean house gen- erally makes the residents feel good and status, and caste. generate positive energies. same canvas, 14 different strokes
ndia’s two major festivals, Diwali and Holi At the elephant festival, there is a prize for the though based on the same theme of good de- best decorated elephant and its mahout. The el- Ifeating evil, could not be more different in ephants participate in races, tug-of-war and also the form the celebrations take. play Holi. The highlight of the festival is the Where Diwali is a sober and to an extent se- game of elephant polo, a variation on the polo rious festival invoking gods for well being and played on horseback. prosperity, Holi is a festival of gaiety, exuber- The boisterous Holi of Beawar, 55 km from ance, dancing and with passage of time has ac- Ajmer, is a different story altogether. The cel- quired rowdy overtones. Holi itself is celebrated ebrations here happen at a scale involving the in different ways in different regions of India. entire town. The prototype of ‘Koda mar Holi’ Based on narrations and religious facts, Holi is of course the one in Barsana, UP. Thus in Holi is associated with Lord Krishna, so aptly, for the predominant theme is of male-female inter- Mathura-Vrindvan, the land of Krishna’s birth action with playfulness. Permissive relationships and youth, it is the biggest festival which has are explicitly demonstrated. The female acquires become a tourist attraction. Mathura-Vrindavan an aggressive role in shooing away her partner temples come alive for the 16 days of the festival with wooden staff (lathi). with special puja and Krishna worship. In West Bengal, Holi is known by the name of In Barsana, said to be Radha’s village, the fa- ‘Dol Jatra’, or Basant Utsav. On the Dol Purnima mous Lath mar Holi is played in the sprawling day in the early morning, the students dress up in compound of the Radha Rani temple. Thousands saffron-colored or white clothes and wear gar- gather to witness women beat up men with sticks lands of fragrant flowers. They sing and dance to as those on the sidelines become hysterical, sing the accompaniment of musical instruments like Holi Songs and shout Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna. ektara, dubri, veena. The festival is celebrated in In the colorful desert state of Rajasthan, Holi a dignified manner by placing the icons of Krish- holds a lot of significance and is played in many na and Radha on a picturesquely decorated palan- different ways. As early as a fortnight before the quin which is then taken round the main streets actual festival, one can hear the drum beating as of the city or the village. The devotees take turns revelers in towns and villages come out sing- to swing them while women dance around the ing and dancing in celebration. A bonfire marks swing and sing devotional songs. During these the beginning ofHoli. On the second day, called activities, the men keep spraying colored water Dhulandi, colored powder is applied on one an- and colored powder, abir, at them. In Shantini- Mathura-Vrindavan temples come alive for the 16 days of the festival other. Thandai or Bhaang is also consumed. ketan, founded by Rabindra Nath Tagore, Holi with special puja and Krishna worship. Holi here has become a tourist During the feudal era, the royals used to don a has a special musical flavor. attraction. (inset) A highlight of Holi in Jaipur is the elephant festival, where well decorated elephants participate in races, tug-of-war and festive spirit and mingle with the commoners. Ra- In Punjab, Hola Mahalla follows a day after also play Holi. The unique feature of the elephant festival is the game jput warriors used to show off their equestrian skills Holi. But the word Hola is not derived from Holi, of elephant polo, a variation on polo played on horseback. during thefestival. Even today, Rajput men would its root is halla (a military charge) and the term ride their steeds through the white and pink clouds mohalla stands for an organized procession or an of color, throwing color powder on each other. army column. Hola Mohalla is a Sikh Olympics In Bharatpur, the eve of Holi comes alive event that lasts a week, and consists of camp- with the sound of folk melodies. Raslila Dances ing out and enjoying various displays of fighting depicting the immortal love story of Krishna prowess and bravery, followed by kirtan, music, and Radha can be enjoyed at various locations. and poetry. The event was originated by Guru The elephant festival in Jaipur is organized a Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The tradition day before Holi, to coincide with Holika Dahan has since spread from the town of Anandpur Sa- (bonfire), and has a become a major tourist attrac- hib in Punjab to nearby Kiratpur Sahib and the tion. Pachyderms arepainted and groomed in all foothills of the Shivaliks, and to other Gurdwaras finery by their loving mahouts. around the world.
Students of Rabindra Bharati University performing during spring festival (called Basant Utsav) in Kolkata on march 22, 2013.
Women beating men with sticks in Beaver, Rajasthan’s Koda Starting a day after Holi, Hola Mohalla is a Sikh Olympics event that stages displays maar Holi, where this public spectacle is a festival staple. of fighting prowess and bravery, followed by kirtan, music and poetry. TheSouthAsianTimes.info March 30-April 5, 2013 16 Vrindavan widows break barrier for Holi
Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh): Centuries-old social barriers came crashing down here when scores of Vrindavan widows took part in Holi celebrations with social Holi celebrated activists. "Cutting the umbilical cord from the past is no easy task, and you can't do that without raising eye- with fun, frolic brows," said social commentator Paras Nath Choudhary. "It is reflection of changing times that instead of opposition, people came forward to support the social reform movement," he said. At the five widows' homes in Vrindavan, the ambiance was infectious, the fervor and an air of victory was felt by all Holi revel- Devotees throwing gulal inside Sriji temple in Barsana ers. a monthly allowance of Rs.2,000 to will also participate in cultural pro- "This was no routine Holi cele- every registered widow. grams," said Pathak. bration, it had a purpose, The effort This initiative, at the suggestion The widows also shared food to draw these women into the of the Supreme Court, has funda- with some of the outsiders and for- mainstream was widely appreciat- mentally changed the lives and eigners. ed," said Shravan Kumar Singh of mindsets of the inmates of the shel- This too is an unusual practice Braj Mandal Heritage ter homes, Iyer said. for widows. As part of Holi cele- Conservation Society who came The Holi celebrations shall con- brations. Right from the morning, from Agra to join the "cultural rev- tinue for four days. More than 800 the 100-year-old Meera Sahbhagini The BJP president Rajnath Singh celebrating olution". widows will be part of the new ini- Ashram, an abode for 350 odd wid- Holi at his residence in New Delhi Said social activist Padmini Iyer: tiative. ows, began to throb with life. The New Delhi: The festival of colors ed in colors as thousands poured out "This is a clear departure from tra- "In an effort to help widows in ashram is one the five government- was celebrated across India with of their houses and building com- dition. Who would have thought their social assimilation, we have run centers for widows. enthusiasm and bonhomie. In the plexes since morning to play Rang till a few years ago that hundreds organized several events," Sulabh Among the widows are many national capital, revelers were Panchami (Holi). of widows would be able to sprin- International founder Bindeshwar who lost their husbands at a tender soaked in a riot of colors as they Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, kle colourful flowers and petals on Pathak said. age of 16 or 17 and have since smeared 'gulal' (colored powder) on Mumbai Police and film and televi- one another to play Holi?" "The Vrindavan Holi is an effort lived an obscure life, abandoned by each other, distributed sweets and sion stars urged people to play a Sulabh International recently to free the widows from the shack- their families and awaiting 'mok- danced to loud music. safe Holi. launched a programme to provide les of age-old tradition. Not only sha' -- as the feeling goes -- by While youngsters armed with In southern state Andhra Pradesh, medical facilities, job training and will the widows play Holi, they serving the Lord. 'pichkaris' (water guns) and balloons Holi was celebrated with traditional filled with colored water sprayed fanfare and gaiety. Governor E.S.L. Widows playing Holi for the each other as well as passersby, eld- Narasimhan and Chief Minister N. first time in Vrindavan. ers preferred to smear one another Kiran Kumar Reddy led the celebra- with gulal as they hugged each other tions. and wished 'Holi Mubarak'. In West Bengal capital Kolkata, "My brother and me were up till 'Dol Yatra' as Holi is called there, late last night and filled over 100 was celebrated with traditional fer- balloons with colored water. Since vour with songs, dances and morning, we have been targeting prayers. people with them," said 15-year-old Thousands including overseas Astha Sharma from Patel Nagar in Indians assembled at Santiniketan, west Delhi. about 165 km from the state capital, Bands of youngsters drenched in where Nobel laureate Rabindranath blue, green, pink, red and yellow Tagore re-introduced Holi as could be seen roaming Delhi streets 'Vasanta Utsav' (Spring fest) in his with colors, balloons and pichkaris Visva-Bharati university. as they searched for unwary people. In Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Many visited temples and prayed Kumar played Holi with Janata Dal- to Lord Krishna. United workers and the public and In the country's business hub took pot-shots at Rashtriya Janata Mumbai, the city and suburbs erupt- Dal leader Lalu Prasad. President, vice president greet people on Holi
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, try's diversity and multi-cultural heritage. all," he added. piness for all," he said. Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha "This festival which marks the advent of Ansari said Holi reinforces the message "Holi has a special significance in our Speaker Meira Kumar and Congress chief spring, is a harbinger of joy, hope and ful- of unity in diversity and of equality of all centuries-old cultural heritage which pro- Sonia Gandhi greeted people across the fillment for all. The myriad colors of Holi human beings. motes social harmony and brotherhood," country on the occasion of Holi and hoped are a reflection of our diversity and multi- "Holi, which is celebrated with gaiety and said Gandhi in her message. the festival will further strengthen unity and cultural heritage," Mukherjee said. enthusiasm throughout the country, rein- Noting that "the colors of Holi represents harmony. "May this festival of colors strengthen forces the message of our unity in diversity the diversity of India", Meira Kumar said: In his message, the president said the col- faith in our cherished national values, and and of equality of all human beings. May "It should be used to promote social ors of Holi were a reflection of the coun- promote oneness, harmony and the good of the festival bring peace, prosperity and hap- equality." 17 Holi draws foreign tourists to India
New Delhi: A penchant for life in technicolor with a dash of herbal colors, crunchy gujias, chilled Hindus and Muslims thandais and soulful ghazals: the heady cocktail is proving to be an irresistible draw for foreign tourists to celebrate Holi in India, say come together in UP tourism industry experts. Despite the relatively subdued scenario owing to incidents like the Delhi gang-rape, and rising air- fares, north Indian cities like Mathura, Varanasi and Jaipur have managed to attract foreigners like a moth to a flame. "The situation is a bit subdued this year due to the rape incident Foreign tourists playing Holi at Hotel Khasa Kothi in Jaipur and increasing airfares. Yet foreign according to pink tour operator well," Singla said. tourists are opting to celebrate Holi Rajat Singla of Pink Vibgyor, is the Besides the shower of colors and with locals in cities like Mathura, cultural connect. sprinkling of multi-hued water, the Vrindavan and Varanasi," Gour "They like to explore the festive Elephant Festival of Jaipur on Holi Kanjilal, executive director of culture. We direct our tours to eve is another spectacular aspect Indian Association of Tour cities like Jaipur so that they can that foreign travelers love, says Operators (IATO), said. get a first-hand experience of the IATO's Kanjilal. "They find the atmosphere here celebrations aided by a guide. They "North India is the center for charming during Holi. The food come from places in Europe and Holi celebrations. In Jaipur, in People from Hindu and Muslim community celebrate Holi like gujias, drinks like thandais and the US," Singla said. western India, Elephant festival ghazal music, draws them despite "They are very eager to partici- (cavalcade of brightly painted ele- Lucknow: For a state that saw 34 Ever since, Khan junior says, gen- safety concerns," Kanjilal said. pate and so we provide them with phants) is very popular among for- small and big communal riots in the erations of people in the locality What fascinates them the most, white kurtas and herbal colors as eigners," he said. last one year, Hindus and Muslims have played Holi together. came together in this Uttar Pradesh Adding to the festivities is the capital to celebrate Holi. 'flower decoration' competition that The octogenarian Mohd Ahmad began in 1978 and has since become Khan, residing in Lucknow's old a craze for youngsters. city, is a glaring example of how Dinesh Ahuja, one of the organis- religion holds no bar for celebrating ers of the competition, said that not Thousands converge the happiness and traditions of oth- only was it a symbol of love and ers. affection for every one's traditions, Khan not only partakes in the Holi it also "made the society close knit festivities as the head of the in today's testing times". Aminabad Holi Mahotsava Sangh Omar, a middle-aged trader at for Hola Mohalla but also lights up the traditional Akbari Gate, is equally ecstatic Holika or holy fire in Aminabad, a about the festival of colors. Chandigarh: It was a virtual sea of humanity at the Singh, baptized five men and founded the Khalsa Panth, busy thoroughfare in the capital. His participation, his friends say, Hola Mohalla celebrations at the Sikh shrine of which is the modern day Sikh religion. The ageing Khan recalled how is unparalleled. He not only enjoys Keshgarh Sahib in the Sikh holy town of Anandpur The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal organised its political this tradition of a Holi "celebrated the festival "to the hilt" but also Sahib. conference during the celebrations. It was addressed by by all" came into being at the start showers everyone passing through The three-day Hola Mohalla festival coincides with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Akali Dal pres- of the 20th century, thanks mainly to the historic gate with water, color the Hindu festival of colors Holi. ident and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. his freedom fighter father Basheer and flower petals. People offered prayers and participated in the Hola Elsewhere in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, Holi Khan. At the 'holi mandap' in front of the Mohalla celebrations at the shrine. Takht Keshgarh was celebrated with enthusiasm Wednesday. Khan senior asked the traders and Haji Baraji mosque in Udaiganj, Sahib - 80 km from here - is the second-most important In Chandigarh, heavy police deployment could be his neighbors to enjoy the festival in Muslim pontiffs also take part in Sikh shrine after Harmandar Sahib, popularly known as seen at various places even as youth in cars and jeeps the spirit of communal harmony. Holi festival. Golden Temple, in Amritsar. made rounds of various parts of the city, throwing It was here in 1699 that the tenth master, Guru Gobind colours on each other.
Holi celebration in Beawar, Rajasthan, is special. The day after Holi, the whole town indulges in celebrating the Badshah with dry colors, mainly with the traditional Abeer-Gulal. Seen is the photo Badshah Celebration 2013.
A Pakistani Hindu girl plays Holi in Lahore on March 27. My most 18 colorful H O L I Our readers relate experiences of the Indian festival that delights the youths Evoking romance tinged with fear Fond memories of Holi back home By Bhaswati Bhattachayra By Roopsi Narula s one of four girls, half-unwanted, But in my 20’s, I re-engaged with being ack home as a kid in India, Holi was would leave the house beaming, armed with and brought up in a very conserva- Indian and had a Bengali lover who is a clas- one festival that I keenly looked for- packets of gulaal and pichkari. Ative Bengali Brahmin family, Holi sical musician. He once brought me an enve- Bward to celebrating. As rowdy kids, we would smear each other is a holiday that instills both romance and lope of colored powder. I, unaware, looked Alas! Every year, Holi clashed with the with color amidst much excitement. All the fear in my young heart. at him inquiringly and asked if it was medi- final exams in school! I used to pray for a kids would then be in a big group and visit We learned some rules about Holi in child- cine or a drug. I only remember the look of Holi-friendly annual examination schedule; practically each house in the locality. There hood. First, we were not to throw color at surprise and disparagement on his face! He for mom would allow celebrating Holi only was a friend in every house and no one was elders: it still embarrasses me to see people stumbled, trying to explain about Krishna if there was no important exam the day after to be spared on Holi! We also applied col- disrespectfully attack elders with color. We and Radha, and I remember asking him why the festival. ors on the faces of elders and wished Happy approached elders with reverence always. someone would want to ruin someone else’s The changing weather during Holi and Holi, but in a much well-behaved manner. It We were allowed to place color anywhere, as clothes and face, instead of showing love excessive playing with water also made all was quite a challenge to recognize people as long as it was below the calves on our elders’ more tenderly. A decade later, it occurred the kids susceptible to cough, cold and fe- everyone had colored faces. feet! It was more a custom and duty to be to me that his envelope was one of the most ver. Thus parents used to stay vigilant while Even going around the whole locality for done on the holiday than a sense of fun. tender gestures he tried to convey. Too late. the kids played Holi. hours did not tire us. After that we used to Holi was a very special day. It was a go to somebody’s terrace and throw wa- school holiday so there was no rush to get up ter balloons on random people on the road early. One could hear the radio or television while shouting Holi Hai. playing Rang barse bheege chunar waali or On coming back home after hours, it was some such Holi song. My day began with a challenge to get rid of all the color! waking up late and peeping outside the win- In later years, Holi away from home was dows to catch the action in the street, if any. much more rowdy and less supervised! A By that time, some children would have al- large group of friends joined together in ready begun playing Holi. There would be frenzy.Gujiya became an integral part of my colors splashed on the sidewalks. Holi. Occasionally, there used to be bhaang- I still remember the instructions from filled gujiyas and other sweets as well. mom before going out with friends: to ap- Another fad during Holi was to go around ply cold cream on the skin and oil the hair the city in cars and two-wheelers, hooting, to protect from colors, dress appropriately shouting and throwing color. This indeed to assure less exposure to colors, wear sun- got scary at times and the cops remained glasses to protect the eyes, and most impor- alert to check hooliganism. The nights were tantly to behave like a good girl! fun with Holi-themed parties in clubs. My friends in the neighborhood would As I write this, I wonder what Holi in New start ringing the doorbell asking me to come York has in store for me but what would I out and play. After a hurried breakfast, I not give away to be in India for Holi again! Roopsi is a Consultant for The South Asian Times.
Bhaswati Bhattacharya She can be reached at [email protected]
Since Mother gave us birth and was the My grandfather was more scientific: he source of the earth in our bodies, we touched explained to the family that Abir powder our Maa’s feet with respect first thing in the was a ritual in the very hot month of Vai- morning, coloring her with a choice of several sakhi when smallpox was rampant, because colors. Then we would run around and catch it contains medicine that was good for pox. our Babi’s feet with color and giggle with de- True Abir contains medicinal flower extracts light. During a few years of my childhood, we from aparajita, marigold, hibiscus and do- were allowed to go with our servants to the pati and mica powder which contains miner- bazaar and there people would put colors on als. Spreading it over the skin was preven- our clothes and allow us to play for a bit. tive medicine. It was then washed off with But, as we grew older, my parents instilled Hamam soap, which has Neem, Tulsi and a strong sense of fear about the disrespect Aloe Vera to nourish the skin. that boys could create on a woman’s body, When I asked gurus about Holi, they ex- and therefore we were forbidden to go out- plained that the colors that Krishna spread on side, forbidden to be touched. Many young Radha were symbolic of the colors that we see women are molested on Holi: I have seen it afresh when we are in love; they are also the but few talk about it. To this day, I avoid Holi colors that play on us as we live life, teaching and hate to be touched on that day with the us that all these emotions are all illusion and unbridled lust and disrespect that many peo- that we allow ourselves to be trapped in illu- ple use to engage in Holi. After some years, sions when we fall too deeply into any emo- we were in the USA, so there was no celebra- tion. The powder is a reminder that the world tion. By the time I entered college, I had lost filled with color is illusion in which we often many senses of Indian culture. do, but should not, lose ourSelves. Bhaswati Bhattacharya, MD, HHC, Ayurvedic practitioner, Director, The DINacharya Institute and Fulbright Scholar 2013-2014, India. Roopsi Narula (first from right) with friends on a Holi some years ago My love affair with colors! By Tanvi Shah oli in Mumbai is an intense affair. For those who haven’t experienced it, expect to be dunked in color by 19 H gallivanting children and even adults. Imag- ine entire streets, neighborhoods drenched in color. Imagine people so immersed in red, purple, green and yellow powders that you can’t distinguish one from the other; and now imagine me with my stained teeth and murky hair! Yes, this is what Holi does to me every year and boy I love it! Traditionally, people celebrate with natu-
Compiled by Jinal Shah Compiled and Parveen Chopra ral colors and traditional music, sometimes even including ritualistic effigy burnings. Now add a western twist to it - DJ, rain dance and just roll with it, and you will end Creating a Holi event up celebrating the festival of colors in the 21st century style. Despite the additions, some things still in the Big Apple By Megha Kalia remain the same like waking up as early as five in the morning to fill up water balloons and then going back to sleep (or just pre- tending to sleep) till your B wing neighbor (whom you haven’t seen for months) shows Tanvi Shah with her niece up from nowhere and threatens to douse you So this year we decided to experiment with in your house itself. colors. Me and a bunch of friends decided to The best part about Holi is scheming and make our own colors! So we went grocery plotting, scheming who would be your next- shopping - bought beetroot and turmeric. target to throw balloons that you have so We mixed turmeric with besan for a bright meticulously filled up all morning. And this, yellow and boiled beetroot for a ravishing despite all the miscalculations, is super fun. red color. (One beetroot is enough to make a But what’s even more fascinating is the hue bucket full of red colour). Holi for us began of colors you are painted with. I love the way a day early as our hands turned pink crush- colors blend when mixed in water. ing beetroot and mixing it with water. What But commercially sold colors end up started as an experiment - one bucket full leaving bitter memories of the festival as of color - soon became a rage; people from the industrial dyes of synthetic holi colors other society buildings joined us. It became develop skin allergies. like a mass movement. Sure, the organic colors are sold outside under various brand Tanvi is a student in Mumbai. names but it misses the personal touch.
Megha Kalia at her Holi event in NYC doing a Bhangra, the dance form she also teaches. got the idea to celebrate Holi in New friends over to help us fill lots of water bal- York City in an outdoor area because I loons. This was in preparation for the bal- I grew up celebrating Holi in our co-op loon fights with friends and neighbors. playground and garden back in India. The The morning of the actual Holi day, our reason I chose NYC is because I’ve been friends, who also lived in our apartment living here since 2006. My love and strongly building, would rush through our main door rooted emotions for Indian culture made me and chase me and twin-sister around the decide to create an outdoor, free admission apartment to throw fistful colors in our face. Holi event where everybody gets a chance Mom and Dad accepted this with a smile, to have fun with the colors. Being an artist, while we girls would hide inside our bath- I also wanted to provide other artists a plat- room to escape ‘the Holi Devils’. The fear form to showcase their art form, thus keep- of being colored black and blue made me ing in line with my mission of ‘spreading joy run for miles around the block, completely and awareness through dance’. This festival out of breath, looking for help and rescue. eliminates all racial and cultural boundaries At the end of the day I was completely col- and brings people together, bonding them in ored in green-red-blue! colors & joy. I think it is very important for My mission to spread joy and aware- many professionals who live a stressful life ness of Indian culture has also taken me in NYC to experience a rich culture and an to Bhangra, to which I was introduced in amazing festival. I like to be that drop in the 2002 and started showcasing the boisterous ocean that is behind the scenes for making dance form to the students/local communi- this possible here. ties around the Greater Lafayette area in In- I am from Mumbai and my childhood diana. I received training from my Ustaad at memories are from the weeks before the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and actual day of Holi. Walking down streets of my Guru Mr. Kalehri from Kalehri Arts in suburban Mumbai (Andheri, where I lived) Mansa, Punjab. the Holi celebration was a huge craze for After I moved to NYC, I restarted my everybody in the neighborhood. Adults and dance quest and started teaching Bhangra kids would blast water-balloons from 4-8 as a volunteer to the communities around floor high rises weeks before the day of Holi. NYC and then formed a Bhangra school My mom bought water guns and packets of and company in 2007 called NYC Bhangra. water balloons for both my sister and I. We We train kids and adults of all age groups spent hours filling buckets preparing to have in the neighborhoods of Manhattan, Jersey water-balloon-fights with our friends the City and Edison. I am also studying modern next day. The night before Holi, we invited dance at Martha Graham Dance School. Megha runs NYC Bhangra based out of Jersey City, NJ.
22 Spring into Holi
Best events in tristate for you to enjoy and get into the spirit of the festival
he festival of colors is a far there has been no effect on the Where: Hudson River Park's Plaza, 167 East 47th Street, New Holi Ke Rang Naye Dosto harbinger of spring, but online sales." Pier 40 , 353 West St, New York, York, NY 10017 Ke Sang - Holi Hai Twinter has been taking long The festival will be celebrated NY 10014 When: Sunday, March 31 2013. Where: Guru Palace, 2215 U.S. to bid adieu. Overcast skies and over a month in various pockets When: Saturday, March 30. 12:00PM 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 winter chills played a damper on of New York and New Jersey. And 12:00AM While Easter Sunday, March 31, When: Sunday, March 31 2013. festivities (At least on prior reser- if you are still undecided on Dubbed as Tristate area’s will include the traditional egg 12:00AM vations). where to go and unleash the child biggest Holi bash, IN group’s hunts and feasts, this year will be Thandai, Gujjias, Dahi Bhalla, Unlike 2012, many Holi parties in you, SATimes has a hefty list of Rang Barse is back and in its sixth extra special as people can Kheer, Malpua and much more to have been moved indoors or can- events happening across Tristate year. In keeping with the tradition, immerse themselves in colors and eat, lots of colors, DJ music, dhol celled. area. Rang Barse will once again be celebrate the kick-off of spring dhamaka at the holi party organ- However, organizers are hopeful held on a cruise that will set sail with Holi. Whatever your faith, ized by Guru Palace. Prior regis- that temperatures will rise as we IN Group's Rang Barse in from Pier 40. enjoying Bhangra music and tration suggested. Phone: 732- inch closer to the event dates. “We New York City Enjoy the Indian festival of col- dancing with NYC Bhangra 398-9022 are still 10 days away from the ors in style with food, drinks, and Dance Company free of charge event, we are hopeful that weather the amazing beats of DJ Ashu Rai. will make this occasion a festive Holi Hai !! will show some improvement. Prior reservations needed. Phone: one. Play Holi by smearing folks Where: Akbar Restaurant, 21 Besides, if it rains we will move 646 450 3230. with color, eating laddoos and Cortlandt Street, Edison, NJ the event indoors,” said one of the enjoying performances at the day- 08820 organizers with IN Group that Holi Hai in NYC by NYC long celebration. In its fourth When: Sunday, Apr 07 2013. holds a Rang Barse cruise every Bhangra year, NYC Bhangra has teamed 11:00AM Holi on the Hudson, adding, "So Where: Dag Hammarskjold up with Time Warner Cable, to Celebrate holi with friends and host the event which has also been family with natural colors, music supported by India tourism in the and food. Hosted by Rainbow past. Phone: 212 372 8001. Events. Phone: 732-277-1228