NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA VOL 25, No. 1331 April 10, 2020 50¢ Periodical Postage

MESSAGE FROM CORONA WARRIORS PUBLISHER take this opportunity INTIMIDATED-HECKLED-THRASHED Ito thank all my col- leagues in the medical fraternity who are in the forefront in fighting against coronavirus in hos- pitals all over the world. Solidarity and I would also like to gratitude by thank my entire staff at community India Post and the me- dia houses around the

Details on page 17 world in informing and disseminating crucial information on Fremont to coronavirus. open COVID-19 India Post being the testing center Voice of Indians World- wide invites all to pledge to fight this evil by stay- Details on page 4 ing at home, washing our A group of residents shouting and chasing away a team comprising health and civic officials in Indore hands frequently, and CAPT KRISHAN SHARMA public wake up and protect them for their own safety. keeping social distance Indian-origin India Post News Service & Agencies Many doctors and healthcare workers in India from each other. virologist in NEW DELHI: It is horrible to see our doctors, nurses, have tested positive and hundreds of them have Regards, South Africa dies health workers, ER personnel and NGOs who have been qurantined all over India. Over 50 people, in- Dr. R K Japra M.D. been harassed and beaten up and denied PPEs cluding doctors and nursing staff of a hospital in Details on page 7 around the world for trying to protect and save us Bikaner alone, have been quarantined after samples from the virus. Is it not the responsibility of respec- taken from a 60-year-old woman, who died there, CONTENTS tive governments to see they are protected and as- tested positive for coronavirus. Bollywood ------30 sured of their Two patients Classifieds ------28 safety? They are Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and and a staff mem- Community Post ------17-23 risking their lives Relief in Emergency Situations Fund ber of the Govern- Date Book ------27 to save people. ment Medical Col- Edit Page ------29 Many of them are Horoscope ------26 This week’s question eeping in mind the need for having a dedicated national lege and Hospital Immigration Post ------24 working under a fund with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of (GMCH) in Mahar- Will trump declare complete K Life Style ------14-15 lockdown across US? severe shortage astra have so far emergency or distress situation, like posed by the COVID-19 Philosophy ------25 of PPE (Personal tested positive for Last week’s result pandemic, and to provide relief to the affected, a public chari- Info/Highlights ------2 Does US leadership taking right Protective Equip- table trust under the name of 'Prime Minister's Citizen Assis- coronavirus at the Real Estate ------32-33 action on COVID-19 crisis? ment). It is time tance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund' (PM CARES Fund)' medical facility. TechBiz Post ------10-11 YES 64% NO 34% the government has been set up. Travel & Hospitality Post ------16 Details on page 5 officials and the Details on page 4 Wellness Post ------12-13 2 India Post April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com

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SAN FRANCISCO & Bollywood: Lifestyle: SILICON VALLEY Vidya Sethuraman Bureau Chief Sunny's online chat show Indian deliveryman on job Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sunny Leone announced the launch of An Indian national, was grateful of his abil- Kiran Pandey Director, WellnessPost Vinita Thapar Marketing her chat show, titled 'Locked up with ity to support his family, while continuing Deepak Chhabra Promotions Sunny'. "It was my idea to just have fun with his regular deliveryman job despite Ritu Maheshwari Director Promotions with our fans and people on instagram. threats posed by the coronavirus pandemic Sudesh Kumari Correspondent 30 14 LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief Cover Story: Techbiz: CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor CORONA WARRIORS Seized supplies for clinicians A Q Siddiqui Correspondent It is horrible to see our doctors, nurses, The hoarded personal protective equip- ST. LOUIS health workers, ER personnel and NGOs ment seized by the FBI in a price-gouging Ashwin Patel Correspondent who have been harassed and beaten up investigation will be distributed to New and denied PPE around the world. York and New Jersey health care workers. NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY 4 10 Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation Community: Travel:

BOSTON Solidarity and gratitude Madurai Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief Caused by the corona virus, COVID-19, A famous pilgrimage of Tamil Nadu, CANADA has claimed the lives of tens of thou- Madurai is popular for the Meenakshi Paras Nehra Correspondent sands around the globe and has sick- Temple, since the rule of Pandayas that traded goods with ancient Rome. NEW DELHI ened hundreds of thousands of people. 17 16 Lakshay Sharma Web Developer

MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Immigration: Wellness: Frank Fernandes Correspondent Evacuate Sikhs in Afghanistan Let the music play VADODARA, GUJARAT Vaidehi Patel Correspondent Punjab CM Capt. Amarinder Singh has Nature has given us an opportunity to Priyanka Shah Correspondent urged foreign affairs minister S. Jaishankar focus on the positivity that lies within us. to bring stranded Sikh families back from Working on oneself is the best invest- PUNJAB war-ravaged Afghanistan to India. Raman Nehra Bureau Chief 24 ment an individual can make. 12 Jaswant Singh Gandam Correspondent

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CAPT KRISHAN SHARMA deployed in emergency health ser- take medicine and have misbehaved UP government booked some India Post News Service & Agencies vices. with the medical staff prompting au- members of the group for misbehav- NEW DELHI: It is horrible to see our They submitted a memorandum to thorities to remove female staffers from ing with female nursing staff in doctors, nurses, health workers, ER per- the dean, saying they would stay quar- there. They were seen spitting on their Ghaziabad hospital. Some of them sonnel and NGOs who have been ha- antined in their hostels if safety equip- hands and then handle staircases rail- were roaming semi-nude singing and rassed and beaten up and denied PPEs ments are not provided. ings. They also misbehaved with the passing obscene comments on female around the world for trying to protect "Even after some patients tested doctors. staffers. and save us from the virus. Is it not the While in US, with the spread of responsibility of respective govern- COVID-19, it has become a nightmare ments to see they are protected and for all hospitals and doctors in emer- assured of their safety? They are risk- gency rooms. The demand for PPE has ing their lives to save people. Many of increased multifold as per CDC and them are working under a severe FDA. With more than 80% of masks be- shortage of PPE (Personal Protective ing imported from Asia and mainly Equipment). It is time the government from China, US is caught in a very pe- officials and the public wake up and culiar situation. As Asia is the hot bed protect them for their own safety. of the pandemic, most countries have Many doctors and healthcare work- stopped exporting. Government has ers in India have tested positive and asked all hospitals to protect stock on hundreds of them have been hand and refrain from panic buying. qurantined all over India. Over 50 President Trump confirmed in his people, including doctors and nursing recent statement that PPE is nearly staff of a hospital in Bikaner alone, have depleted because of extraordinary been quarantined after samples taken demand to fight COVID-19. from a 60-year-old woman, who died Recently NBC news reported short- there, tested positive for coronavirus. positive for coronavirus, the doctors In Chennai a group of people as- age in New York City has led to ration- Two patients and a staff member of treating them in emergency wards saulted healthcare workers near ing of respirators and other supplies. the Government Medical College and were not provided these safety equip- Kovilpatti in the Thoothukudi District of Respirators are being reused. Young Hospital (GMCH) in Maharastra have so ment," Mahrashtra Association of Resi- the State when they wanted to take a doctors, residents are being denied far tested positive for coronavirus at dent Doctors (MARD) Aurangabad unit family of five to the hospital for test- protection altogether. the medical facility. The resident doc- president, Dr Amir Tadvi told PTI. These ing for coronavirus infection. Further, the US government has en- tors protested outside the office of the doctors attend to 50 to 100 patients in In Delhi one of the members of the couraged industries to ramp up the GMCH dean against lack of personal a day. Tablighi group also tried to jump supply chain by manufacturing the cru- protective equipment (PPE) and N95 In Kanpur, Members of the Tablighi down from the hospital window but cial safety equipment needed to help masks that are essential for doctors Jamaat group have alledgely refused to was stopped by the medical staff. meet the growing challenge. Fremont to Open COVID-19 Testing Center

India Post News Service "Fremont's new COVID-19 Testing To receive a COVID-19 test, each per- involves swabbing of the nasal cavities he City of Fremont has opened a Center is important to our city to en- son will be screened as part of a two- and back of the throat. TCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- sure that our first responders, public part testing process and must have a Testing at the Fremont Fire COVID- 19) testing site to provide an oppor- safety personnel, and healthcare and fever over 100 degrees and be symp- 19 site will be organized using a tunity for people who are sick, first essential service workers are protected tomatic for COVID-19. Symptoms for drive-thru system and individuals responders, and front line healthcare when they're on the frontlines serving COVID-19 include cough, shortness of seeking the test will need to remain personnel with recent suspected ex- our community; they need our support," breath or difficulty breathing, persistent inside a vehicle. No walk-up tests will posures to the virus to be tested for Mayor Lily pain or pres- be permitted. free. Mei said. "We sure in the To get to the Testing Center, ve- The Fremont Fire COVID-19 Testing thank the chest and/or hicles should enter from westbound Center, located at the Fremont Fire City of Hay- other respira- Stevenson Boulevard-then proceed Tactical Training Center, 7200 ward for in- tory symp- to Eureka Drive and make a right turn Stevenson Blvd., was created to help viting Fre- toms. A re- northbound. Vehicles should then alleviate the pressure on hospital mont to join ferral from a proceed forward on Eureka Drive and emergency departments, provide its team, to medical doc- the line will be forming along the faster test results for recently ex- better pre- tor is not re- right curb. Access to the screening posed first responders and front line pare our- quired to be line is only available by vehicle and healthcare workers, and to increase selves as we roll out our own testing screened. After the initial screening pro- may be limited at times to provide for our community's ability to suppress center. We're all stronger when commu- cess is completed, those individuals who a safe and manageable traffic flow. new transmissions through isolation nity partners come together to work on meet the testing criteria will be admin- For detailed story visit after testing. creating a solution." istered the actual COVID-19 test which www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 Top Stories India Post 5 www.indiapost.com

eeping in mind the need for hav- ing a dedicated national fund Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Kwith the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation, like posed by the Relief in Emergency Situations Fund COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide re- lief to the affected, a public charitable • PM CARES Fund has also got ex- organizations can doubly check the fol- such as PayTM, PhonePe, Google Pay, trust under the name of 'Prime emption under the FCRA and a separate lowing details to make sure they are Amazon Pay and so on, and RTGS and Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief account for receiving foreign donations donating to the right account: NEFT transfers. in Emergency Situations Fund' (PM has been opened and it will be made Name of the Account: PM CARES The PM CARES Fund is exempt under CARES Fund)' has been set up. operational soon. This will enable PM Account Number: 2121PM20202 the Income Tax Act, 1961 under Section Objectives : CARES Fund to accept donations and IFSC Code: SBIN0000691 10 and 139 for return purposes. Contri- o To undertake and support relief or contributions from individuals and or- SWIFT Code: SBININBB104 butions towards PM-CARES are notified assistance of any kind relating to a pub- ganizations based in foreign countries. Name of Bank and Branch: State Bank for 100 percent deduction from taxable lic health emergency or any other kind This is consistent with respect to Prime of India, New Delhi Main Branch income under section 80(G) of the In- of emergency, calamity or distress, ei- Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). UPI ID: pmcares@sbi come Tax Act, 1961. ther man-made or natural, including the PMNRF has also received foreign con- The modes of payment available on Courtesy- PM India Official Website: creation or up-gradation of healthcare tributions as a public trust since 2011. the website pmindia.gov.in are: debit https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/ or pharmaceutical facilities, other nec- While donating funds, citizens and and credit cards, Internet banking, UPI about-pm-cares-fund/

essary infrastructure, funding relevant research or any other type of support. • To render financial assistance, pro- vide grants of payments of money or take such other steps as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees to the affected population. • To undertake any other activity, which is not inconsistent with the above Objects. Constitution of the Trust : • Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chair- man of the PM CARES Fund and Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Finance, Government of India are ex-officio Trustees of the Fund. • The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (Prime Minister) shall have the power to nominate three trustees to the Board of Trustees who shall be emi- nent persons in the field of research, health, science, social work, law, public administration and philanthropy. • Any person appointed a Trustee shall act in a pro bono capacity. Other details : • The fund consists entirely of voluntary contributions from individuals/organiza- tions and does not get any budgetary support. The fund will be utilised in meet- ing the objectives as stated above. • Donations to PM CARES Fund would qualify for 80G benefits for 100% ex- emption under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Donations to PM CARES Fund will also qualify to be counted as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure under the Companies Act, 2013 6 India Post Top Stories April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com

Aus PM refuses Indian-origin doctor leads safety economic support to equipment campaign international students MELBOURNE: Australia, one of the most preferred destinations for In- LONDON: An Indian-origin doctor why it took national shaming to give We've shipped just in the last couple of dian students, has refused to offer campaigning for better access to the the medics what was needed. weeks 397 million separate pieces of the any economic support to interna- personal protection equipment (PPE) And, while the guidelines may have PPE to look after the amazing NHS staff tional students who were unable to for medics across hospitals, dealing changed, we still haven't been given a and the Army reservists and others are support themselves in the ongoing with the rapidly rising cases of the novel clear picture about how much stock of the doing quite an amazing job of shipping coronavirus crisis with Prime Minis- coronavirus, has welcomed the UK PPE there is, said Joshi, whose wife is also a that stuff around the country, he said. ter Scott Morrison saying the coun- government's updated guidance to doctor and is expecting their first child. An online crowdfunding campaign try must focus at present on its citi- make surgical masks essential. I take no joy or happiness in seeing titled Masks for NHS Heroes , backed by zens and residents. Dr Nishant Joshi, 31, has been using the government learn the error of their celebrities such as Scottish actor James ''People should know though, in social media channels McAvoy, has raised over particular for students, all students over the past few weeks 1.3 million pounds since who come to Australia in their first to speak out against the last month. year have to give a warranty that shortage of PPE for the Healthcare workers on they are able to support themselves National Health Service the frontline without the for the first 12 months of their study, (NHS) workers across Brit- PPE is equivalent of going Morrison said while addressing me- ain and had called for to war without armour dia in Canberra. greater efforts to be and protection, notes the made for frontline medi- petition, floated by a Morrison said that the country cal staff to have clearer group of doctors and must focus at present on its citizens usage guidelines and bet- other professionals includ- and residents. "These (student) visas, ter access to the protec- ing Indian-origin neurosur- and those who are in Australia under tive equipment. geon Ravi Visagan and ar- various visa arrangements, they are In a sweeping victory, chitect Nav Kumar. obviously not held here compulso- you may have noticed The UK's Department of rily," he said after a National Cabinet that we have won the PPE Health has advised,any cli- meeting with state and territory battle. The government has updated ways six weeks into a bloody pandemic, nician working in a hospital, primary leaders. guidelines to essentially do a U-turn on he said, as he revealed that shortage of care or community care setting within ''If they are not in a position to sup- all points raised i.e. wear a surgical the protective equipment has forced 2 metres of a suspected or confirmed port themselves then there is the al- mask everywhere in hospital, and use at many medics to source masks and coronavirus patient should wear an ternative for them to return to their least FFP2 (higher grade masks) for pa- goggles from nail salons, local schools apron, gloves, surgical mask and eye home countries. We still have quite a tient contacts, said the doctor from and other outlandish places. protection, based on the risk. number of people who are here on Bedfordshire in south-east England. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, It is absolutely right that frontline visitor visas,'' he said and also asked However, Joshi who works in the who remains in self-isolation after his staff have the appropriate PPE so they all international visitors to head back emergency department of an NHS hos- own COVID-19 diagnosis, said in his lat- are safe and can have the confidence home in this current crisis. pital in Bedfordshire questioned why est video update that he was commit- they need to do their jobs, said Profes- India is the second largest source the "totally obvious" regulations were ted to ramping up the PPE supplies for sor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer of enrolments in Australia after China not put in place at the very start and the NHS workers. for England. PTI with over 140,000 enrolments re- corded last year. International stu- dents are allowed to work 20 hrs a week under their student visa ar- US slams Pak court's verdict in rangement. A former international student Karthik Arasu who has set up a group Daniel Pearl murder case to help support needy overseas stu- WASHINGTON: The US has criticised a acquitted the three others - Fahad Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of dents in Melbourne, said ''its very Pakistani court for overturning the Naseem, Salman Saqib and Sheikh Adil- State for South and Central Asia, said in unfortunate international students death sentence of British-born top al- serving life sentences in the case. a tweet. have been left in limbo citing their Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed "The overturning of the convictions "We welcome Pakistan's decision to visa conditions of proving they are fi- Sheikh, who was convicted in the ab- for Daniel Pearl's murder is an affront to appeal the verdict. Those responsible nancially fit to study in duction and murder of American jour- victims of terrorism everywhere," Alice for Daniel's heinous kidnapping and Australia....whole world was not pre- nalist Daniel Pearl, terming the verdict murder must face the full measure of pared for it let alone the students.'' an "affront" to the victims of terrorism justice," Wells said. Another Melbourne-based former everywhere. Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bu- student Jasvinder Sidhu called it a The US' response comes after the reau chief for The Wall Street Journal, blunt reaction from Morrison stating Sindh High Court has found the 46-year- was abducted and beheaded while he that the international students were old Sheikh guilty of the lesser charge of was in Pakistan investigating a story on the ones doing odd, casual and night kidnapping and commuted his death the alleged links between the country''s jobs with low pay and the govern- sentence to seven years in prison. powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda. ment was now treating them as if Sheikh has been in jail for the past 18 In another tweet, Congressman Eliot they added no value. years after being convicted in Pearl's Engel, Chairman of the powerful House However, Australia has relaxed re- murder in Karachi in 2002 in the after- Foreign Affairs Committee said he was strictions for nurses or doctors or math of the 9/11 terror attack. deeply concerned by Pakistan court's those having any other critical skills A two-judge bench headed by Jus- overturning of convictions for the ab- that can help in this crisis. PTI tice Mohammad Karim Khan Agha also Daniel Pearl duction and killing of Pearl. PTI April 10, 2020 Top Stories India Post 7 www.indiapost.com

Indian-origin virologist in South Chinese figure of 82,000 COVID-19 Africa dies from coronavirus cases 'not accurate' WASHINGTON: Indian-American JOHANNESBURG: World-renowned vi- politician Nikki Haley has cast rologist Gita Ramjee has become the doubt on the accuracy of China's first Indian-origin South African to have official coronavirus figures, terming died after contracting the novel them "clearly not accurate", amidst coronavirus that has killed five people reports that the CIA has advised the in the country. White House not to trust the data Ramjee, a stellar vaccine scientist and being provided by Beijing. an HIV prevention research leader, had President Donald Trump also told returned from London a week ago but reporters recently he did not be- reportedly showed no symptoms of lieve the figures given by China. COVID-19. "Their numbers seem to be a little Ramjee, 64, was the Clinical Trials Unit bit on the light side," Trump said at Principal Investigator and Unit Director a press conference. of the HIV Prevention Research Unit of "China has reported only 82,000 the South African Medical Research coronavirus cases & 3300 deaths in Council (SAMRC) offices in Durban. a nation of 1.5 billion people. This is "We are deeply saddened to inform clearly not accurate," Haley, the you of the tragic passing of Prof Gita former US Ambassador to the Ramjee in hospital," said a statement is- United Nations, said in a tweet. sued by SAMRC President and CEO As compared to China, the num- Gita Ramjee Glenda Gray. "Prof Ramjee died of ber of confirmed coronavirus infec- COVID-19 related complications," Gray demic," she had said at the time. been announced. Attendance at funer- tions in the US, on Thursday 02 April, added. "Professor Gita Ramjee is a towering als in South Africa is highly restricted jumped to 240,000 and the fatali- In 2018, Ramjee was presented with HIV prevention research leader whose and requires permits as the country is ties rose to 5800. the Outstanding Female Scientist work continues to contribute im- going through a 21-day nationwide Award in Lisbon by the European De- mensely to the global response to curb lockdown announced last week by velopment Clinical Trials Partnerships the HIV/AIDS epidemic," Gray had said President Cyril Ramaphosa. (EDCTP) for her lifetime commitment to after the Indian-origin scientist re- The South African government has finding new HIV prevention methods, ceived the award. announced that it will double to 10,000 which are conducive to the lifestyles, Ramjee was married to pharmacist the teams going door-to-door to test circumstances and perceived risk fac- Pravin Ramjee, a South African of Indian people for COVID-19, mainly in the tors that South African women are descent. He has no symptoms and is overcrowded Black townships created faced with. percieved to be in a stable condition. during the apartheid era. "This award is an acknowledgement Their two sons live in the UK and it is In a national broadcast last week, of the unwavering determination by a believed will not be able to travel to Ramaphosa cautioned thousands of Nikki Haley global community to forever change South Africa because of the lockdown. South Africans who have not been tak- the trajectory of the HIV/AIDS epi- Her funeral arrangements have not ing the lockdown seriously. PTI "China cares more about its reputation than helping the rest of the world defeat a virus that was started in their country," Haley said, 'It's horrible', says Indian-American amidst news reports that the CIA is doing an independent assessment of COVID-19 figures in China. "CIA doctor on frontlines hunts for authentic virus totals in China, dismissing government tal- NEW YORK: "It's horrible, horrible, are staying in the ER for hours together. A professor of emergency medicine in lies," said The New York Times head- people are dying in the emergency Many times people are dying in the ER. the New York College of Osteopathic line of a report on this issue. room (ER)," said an Indian-American There is no floor space upstairs (to move Medicine, who was formerly the medical "For American officials, the totals doctor on the frontlines of the COVID- them). There are no beds open." director of the Fire, Police, Emergency are critical to getting a better un- 19 pandemic describing the grim con- The starkest reminder of the crisis is Medical Services Academy and trained the derstanding of how Covid-19 will ditions at hospitals here where patients city's first-line responders, Kumar is bring- affect the United States in the are lined up in the hallways, freezer ing his expertise on health emergencies months to come and of the effec- trucks are parked outside to store bod- to city hospital ERs in the time of crisis. tiveness of countermeasures like ies and the ambulance crews received He is also the president of the New social distancing, according to orders to not bring in cardiac arrest York chapter of Association of American American intelligence agencies and cases they couldn't revive. Physicians of Indian-Origin. White House officials," the daily re- Doctor Krishan Kumar told IANS that The city has been scrambling to in- ported. the hospitals were not prepared for the crease the bed capacity ahead of what According to China's National magnitude of the pandemic and were Mayor Bill de Blasio called the "demar- Health Commission (NHC), a total of running out of beds and even basic sup- the order issued recently by the city to cation" or "D-Day" on Sunday when the 81,589 confirmed cases of the plies like masks. Kumar, who works in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) am- numbers of people requiring hospital- COVID-19 were reported on the the ERs of two hospitals, in the city's bulance staff to not bring in people suf- ization is to shoot up even more dra- mainland, and 3,318 people had Brooklyn and Queens boroughs that are fering cardiac arrest if they cannot re- matically. died of the disease so far. PTI hard-hit by the pandemic, said: "People suscitate them in the field. Cont’d on page 8 8 India Post Top Stories April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service 2020 Census is important, fill details at pril 1 was Census Day, the day California - and America - gets to A take a selfie of itself. A 2020census.gov and shape your future telebriefing was arranged by the Eth- nic media services group that gave di- would drive turnout. San Francisco, with a response rate eryone to participate and fill the de- rect access to California's leading ex- In Santa Clara County, 49.7 percent of 39.6 percent, is below California's tails online. pert on the census, Ditas Katague, Di- of households had filled out the nine- overall response rate of 40.9 percent. Ditas said, the main purpose of the rector of California. Topics such as question census questionnaire as of The state is slightly lagging the na- census is to count people, so the form California's response rate, What Califor- noon on April 2, the highest response tional rate of 41.3 percent. asks how many people live in the nia is doing to reach the hardest-to- rate for any county in California. In San An inaccurate count could be dev- household, with a reminder to count count, How the state is adapting in the Mateo County, the rate is 49.3 percent, astating - the numbers collected in the babies and nonrelatives. Question- context of COVID-19 and Why the Cen- followed by Contra Costa County at next few months are used to deter- naires also ask households for demo- sus matters, were widely discussed 47.9 percent. Those are the second- mine congressional and state repre- graphic information, including the sex, during the call. names, dates of birth, and races of The U.S. Constitution mandates a In Santa Clara County, 49.7 percent of people living in a home, whether occu- population count every 10 years. This pants own or rent, and a phone num- count determines the allocation of hun- households had filled out the nine-question census ber census workers can call to follow dreds of billions of dollars to state and up if necessary. local governments, the share of seats questionnaire as of noon on April 2, the highest The form is nine questions for the first each state has in the U.S. House, and the response rate for any county in California person and seven or fewer for each ad- boundaries of voting districts. ditional household resident. The decen- Bay Area counties are leading Cali- nial census does not include inquiries fornia in responding to the 2020 cen- about housing characteristics or income. sus, even as rules meant to slow the and third-highest rates in the state. sentation, distribute $1.5 trillion in The Census Bureau does not ask for So- spread of coronavirus have shuttered Alameda County's 46.6 percent re- federal funds, even guide where busi- cial Security numbers, bank information, the community events and in-person sponse rate is the fifth-highest in Cali- nesses open and what they sell, said or money. Your information is safe and outreach that advocates had hoped fornia. Ditas Katague. She urged each and ev- noone will have access to it, added Ditas.

Mayor de Blasio announces new 'It's horrible', says Indian-American production lines for NYC healthcare workers doctor on frontlines NEW YORK: Mayor Bill de Blasio vis- based company that makes machine protocols. The City has received over Cont’d from page 7 ited the Brooklyn Navy Yard where components; Makerspace NYC, a com- 2,000 responses so far to its call for lo- manufacturers are making surgical munity workspace for industrial manu- cal production. Field hospitals are being set up on the gowns to keep our healthcare workers facturing at Brooklyn Army Terminal; SAFE STREETS PILOT UPDATE lawns of the Central Park, in a conven- safe. The City is working with manufac- Bednark Studios, a custom fabrication The Administration reached a deci- tion center and the Billie Jean Tennis turers to create production lines for company at the Brooklyn Navy Yard; and sion to suspend the safe streets pilot. Centre where the US Open is played. In protective equipment critical in the Duggal Digital Solutions, a custom print- This is a part of our ongoing effort to use addition, a Navy hospital ship has been fight against COVID-19. Public hospitals ing company, produced and distributed City resources wisely to promote social brought to the city and 20 hotels are to have at least a week's worth of gowns 127,000 face shields to the Department distancing. Over the past two weeks, be taken over for hospital use. to protect their workers, but private of Health. Over the next three months, overcrowding was not an issue, but we In the Brooklyn hospital where hospitals and nursing homes are run- did not observe enough Kumar works, he said: "By next week we ning low. Every piece of equipment people utilizing the open will have a tent outside the hospital counts in the fight to save the lives space to justify the presence (and) we will start seeing patients in the of New Yorkers. of the over 80 members of tent. It is coming to that stage now." "New Yorkers band together in a the NYPD across the four Given the conditions inside the hospital, crisis - and this production line is ex- sites. We are still open to re- he said the tent would be "much safer. actly the kind of solidarity that will viewing other innovative Inside the hospital the same air is being get us through this. Day by day, we ways to open public space to re-circulated. The tent will have good air are assessing what we need to keep New Yorkers and may adjust flow, make things much better". our frontline workers safe- and the course as this situation "You have 10 million people in the ability to produce protective equip- evolves. city (metro area). People are living on ment here in New York City is criti- DOG RUNS top of each other" that could lead to a cal," said Mayor de Blasio. NYC Parks is closing dog health crisis like this and because of this SUPPLY PRODUCTION runs as a part of ongoing ef- there should have been emergency Mayor de Blasio also visited a pro- local industrial firms will manufacture up forts to maintain social distancing in preparedness by the Mayor or the Gov- duction line run by Crye Precision, a de- to 1.5 million face shields. public spaces. The City has been moni- ernor. They knew all this," he added. sign and manufacturing company In March, the New York City Economic toring parks closely, and has observed The lessons of the last big tragedy to based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard that is Development Corporation began coor- overcrowding at dog runs and received strike the city, the 9/11 terrorist attack, producing gowns with the help of dinating with local businesses to manu- numerous complaints. This week, NYC happened not long ago and "they did women's wear brand Lafayette 148 and facture needed medical supplies at Parks will remove any remaining bas- not learn any lessons from that", he said. other sewing shops at the Yard. The Ad- scale as part of the COVID-19 emer- ketball rims and tennis nets and lock up "They are blaming (President ministration projects over 300,000 gency response. The Administration fa- all courts with a gate, including hand- Donald) Trump, that he is not delivering. gowns will be produced by the end of cilitates coordination with the Depart- ball courts. The City has also closed all Why are you blaming him when you April by factories across the City. ment of Health to ensure products playgrounds. Our parks remain open for knew this was the hub of the entire Last week, Adafruit, a Manhattan- meet the City's safety standards and the people, and dogs, to enjoy. world, that is, New York City.” IANS April 10, 2020 India Post 9 www.indiapost.com

New York AIRWING TRAVELS INC. New Jersey (Hicksville) (Iselin) Est. 1991 Tel: (516) 931 4600 Toll Free: (866) 532 3413 Tel: (732) 658 5450 Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS -CCall or Email : [email protected] Tech News Global economy could shrink by 1% in 2020 UNITED NATIONS: The global economy could shrink by up to 1 Premji foundation per cent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and may con- tract even further if restrictions on economic activities are ex- donates Rs.1,000 tended without adequate fiscal responses, according to analysis crore TechBiz released recently by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA). BENGALURU: The Azim The UN-DESA briefing finds that millions of workers are at risk Premji Foundation has donated of losing their jobs as nearly 100 countries close their national Rs.1,000 crore for a compre- borders. www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 hensive on-ground response to 10 India Post Details on page 11 contain coronavirus outbreak in the country, an official said tion Act to order the supplies recently.Similarly, the founda- to be turned over to the gov- tion was joined by Wipro Ltd Seized supplies in US to ernment. with Rs. 100 crore and Wipro In addition to N95 masks, Enterprises Ltd with Rs. 25 authorities seized 598,000 crore, for this humanitarian en- health care workers medical grade gloves, deavor, totaling a donation of 130,000 surgical masks, as Rs.1,125 crore. well as procedure masks, "Modern global society has N100 masks, surgical gowns, not confronted a crisis of this disinfectant towels, particu- magnitude and we must all late filters, bottles of hand work together to deal with this sanitizer and bottles of spray crisis and minimize its human disinfectant, the Hill said in its impact, particularly on the dis- report. advantaged," said Azim Premji HHS arranged for the gear Foundation's spokesperson in a to be sent to the New Jersey statement. Department of Health, the "Integrated action will be New York State Department of taken for a comprehensive on- Health and the New York City the-ground response in spe- Department of Health and cific geographies, focused on Mental Hygiene. immediate humanitarian aid, Officials said this is the first and augmentation of of many similar investigations healthcare capacity, including that are underway. containing the Covid-19 out- "If you are amassing critical break and treating those af- medical equipment for the purpose of selling it at exorbi- tant prices, you can expect a knock at your door," Attorney General William Barr said in the announcement. NEW YORK: The hoarded per- The equipment, including and Human Services (HHS) an- "The Department of sonal protective equipment about 192,000 N95 respirator nounced it will pay the owner Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding seized by the FBI in a price- masks, was discovered last of the hoarded equipment and Price Gouging Task Force gouging investigation will be week as part of an investiga- the "fair market value" for the is working tirelessly around distributed to New York and tion by the Department of supplies, based on prices be- the clock with all our law en- New Jersey health care work- Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding fore the coronavirus was de- forcement partners to ensure Azim Premji ers to help fight the and Price Gouging Task force, clared a pandemic. that bad actors cannot illicitly coronavirus pandemic, officials the Hill news report said. HHS said it used its author- profit from the COVID-19 pan- fected by it," the statement said. The Department of Health ity under the Defense Produc- demic facing our nation." IANS added. The foundation's 1,600- member team will coordinate with the government institu- tions concerned in collabora- China's Shenzhen bans eating of cats, dogs tion with 350-member strong BEIJING: Shenzhen has be- and cats as pets have estab- sumption of wild animals. News of this led the Chi- civil society partners across come the first Chinese city to lished a much closer relation- The move came after it nese government to crack the country to put the funds to ban the sale and consump- ship with humans than all other emerged that a wet market in down strongly on the trade use. tion of dogs and cats, a move animals", Wuhan and on the markets that sold Enabling medical and ser- that comes after the adding could such products. vice fraternity to battle the vi- coronavirus outbreak was that the have been The coronavirus pandemic rus and mitigate its wide-rang- linked to wildlife meat, ban "also the start- is still raging across the ing human impact, particularly prompting authorities to ban responds ing point world, posing a challenge for on the most disadvantaged the trade and eating of wild to the de- for the countries and regions, as the sections of society, are some of animals, a media report has mand and outbreak global number of confirmed the goals to be pursued by the stated. spirit of of the cases increased to 937,567, donators.The relief effort will The new law will come human newaccording to an update by fully leverage Wipro's techno- into force on May 1, the BBC civiliza- coronavirus, the Johns Hopkins logical expertise, sourcing sys- report said. tion". providing University's Center for Sys- tems, infrastructure and the In a statement, authorities In February, Chinese authori- the means for the virus to tems Science and Engineer- company's distribution reach. in Shenzhen said that "dogs ties banned the trade and con- travel from animals to humans. ing (CSSE). IANS IANS April 10, 2020 TechBiz Post India Post 11 www.indiapost.com Tech Briefs World Bank approves USD 1 billion Facebook announces $40mn to emergency funds for India help small businesses in US Washington: The World Bank better screening, contact trac- USD 160 billion over the next SAN FRANCISCO: business grant programme. has approved USD 1 billion ing, and laboratory diagnostics; 15 months to support mea- Facebook has announced "We're making it easier for emergency funding for India to procure personal protective sures to tackle the pandemic $40 million in grants for people to support their fa- help it tackle the coronavirus equipment; and set up new which will focus on the imme- 10,000 small businesses in vorite local businesses with pandemic, which has claimed isolation wards," the World diate health consequences the US to help them get digital gift cards on 76 lives and infected 2,500 Bank said after its Board of Ex- and bolster economic recov- through these challenging Facebook, which are begin- people in the country. ecutive Directors approved ery. times. ning to roll out in the US," The World Bank's first set of the first set of emergency sup- The broader economic pro- The grants will go to small said the company. aid projects, amounting to USD port operations for developing gram will aim to shorten the businesses in 34 locations People will see the option time to recovery, create condi- where to support local tions for growth, support small Facebook em- businesses with and medium enterprises, and ployees live and digital gift cards help protect the poor and vul- work. Those lo- in their News nerable. cated in New Feed. Business There will be a strong pov- York and Seattle owners can also erty focus in these operations, will be the first create a personal with an emphasis on policy- to receive fundraiser on based financing, and protect- funds. Facebook for ing the poorest households "In this chal- their business and and the environment, it said. lenging time, when informa- ask customers for support "We are working to tion is changing daily, we are during this critical time. strengthen (the) developing listening to and learning "The COVID-19 pandemic nations' ability to respond to from scores of small busi- has hit small businesses ev- the COVID-19 pandemic and nesses to understand what erywhere. Suddenly and, 1.9 billion, will assist 25 coun- countries around the world, shorten the time to economic they need now and what through no fault of their own, tries, and new operations are using a dedicated, fast-track and social recovery. The poor- they will need down the many simply can't do busi- moving forward in over 40 na- facility for COVID-19 response. est and most vulnerable coun- road," Facebook COO Sheryl ness, and for others it has be- tions using the fast-track pro- In South Asia, the World Bank tries will likely be hit the hard- Sandberg has said in a state- come much, much harder cess, the bank said recently. also approved USD 200 million est, and our teams around the ment. because customers are do- The largest chunk of the for Pakistan, USD 100 million world remain focused on coun- The social networking gi- ing the right thing and stay- emergency financial assistance for Afghanistan, USD 7.3 million try-level and regional solutions ant recently announced ing at home," said Sandberg. has gone to India - USD 1 bil- for the Maldives and USD 128.6 to address the ongoing crisis," $100 million global small IANS lion. million for Sri Lanka. said World Bank Group Presi- "In India, USD 1 billion emer- The World Bank said it was dent David Malpass. gency financing will support now working to grant up to According to the bank, USD 100 million will support Af- COVID-19: Maha Govt's ghanistan to slow and limit the spread of COVID-19 through self-assessment tool Global economy could enhanced detection, surveil- MUMBAI: With over 400 and other relevant contact lance, and laboratory systems, people testing positive for information are also avail- shrink by 1% in 2020 as well as strengthen essential coronavirus in Maharashtra, able on this link, the official health care delivery and inten- the state government has release said. Cont’d from page 8 quarter of all jobs in these sive care. now taken the fight against As per the guidelines is- economies. In Pakistan, USD 200 million the pandemic online, by sued by the WHO and Gov- That could translate to a As businesses lose revenue, will support preparedness and launching a COVID-19 self-as- ernment of India, persons global economic contrac- unemployment is likely to in- emergency response in the sessment tool. experiencing mild symp- tion of 0.9 per cent by the crease sharply, transforming a health sector and include so- The government has cre- toms associated with end of 2020, or even higher supply-side shock to a wider cial protection and education ated a digital platform, coronavirus infection are re- if governments fail to pro- demand-side shock for the measures to help the poor and wherein citizens can assess quired to self-quarantine or vide income support and economy. The severity of the vulnerable cope with the im- their symptoms from the report to a hospital if their help boost consumer spend- impact will largely depend on mediate impacts of the pan- comfort of their homes and condition worsens. ing, Xinhua reported citing the duration of restrictions on demic, the bank said. later contact authorities if The online self-assess- the UN-DESA study. the movement of people and The World Bank is encourag- they have any doubts about ment tool allows the authori- According to the forecast, economic activities and on the ing others to provide financial their condition, an official re- ties to have a real-time dash- lockdowns in Europe and scale and efficacy of responses support to developing coun- lease stated. board and helps them keep North America are hitting by national treasuries. tries for the COVID-19 health The state government has track of people with strong the service sector hard, par- Against that backdrop, the response, said the media collaborated with Apollo coronavirus symptoms who ticularly industries that in- UN-DESA is joining a chorus of statement. 24x7 and launched an online have used the tool, the re- volve physical interactions voices across the UN system A total of 1,002,159 COVID- tool, which is available at lease stated. such as retail trade, leisure calling for well-designed fiscal 19 cases have been reported https://covid- Apart from this, the plat- and hospitality, recreation stimulus packages that priori- across more than 175 coun- 19.maharashtra.gov.in/ to form also has dos and don'ts, and transportation services. tize health spending and sup- tries and territories with help people assess their helpline numbers and other Collectively, such industries port households most affected 51,485 deaths reported so far, symptoms at home. information about the pan- account for more than a by the pandemic. IANS according to Johns Hopkins Immediate medical advice demic. PTI University data. PTI Health Line

Australian researchers testing COVID-19 vaccines

CANBERRA: Researchers from Australia's Common- One can be said to be perfectly healthy in body and mind only if no part of the body or mind makes itself felt. A part wealth Scientific and Industrial makes itself felt only when there is something wrong with it. You know that you have a head only when it aches. Sri Atmananda (1883 - 1959) Research Organization (CSIRO) have announced they have be- 12 India Post www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 gun testing vaccines for the novel coronavirus. The CSIRO said that it has commenced the first stage of testing at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, 75 km southwest of Melbourne, reports Xinhua news agency.The trials are ex- pected to take three months and will be conducted on fer- rets to determine if either of the two vaccines is safe and ef- fective. "Beginning vaccine candi- date testing at CSIRO is a criti- cal milestone in the fight against COVID-19, made pos- sible by collaboration both within Australia and across the globe," Larry Marshall, the Chief Executive of the CSIRO, said in a statement. "CSIRO researchers are working around-the-clock to LET the MUSIC PLAY combat this disease which is affecting so many -- whether NEW DELHI: Our usual work nected musical instrument active. Listening to and playing it's at the AAHL or at our state- routine has led to most of us keyboard. There is also a scor- music boosts mental sharpness MUSIC CULTIVATES of-the-art biologics manufac- forgetting to follow our pas- ing system that monitors and increases memory. It in- DISCIPLINE AND PATIENCE turing facility -- we will keep sion. Nature has given us an progress, Sharma suggests. creases the attention span and Patience, perseverance working until this viral enemy opportunity to focus on the The number of benefits that regulates the emotions. Espe- along with passion not only in- is defeated," he added. IANS positivity that lies within us. music lessons bring to you is cially for people who face anxi- creases the productivity of an Working on oneself is the best worth understanding. Positiv- ety, who are nervous and feel individual but also leads to a investment an individual can ity provided by music gives insecure, music can bring life disciplined life. Learning music Over 95% who make. Enrich your souls by umpteen health benefits to altering changes. can imbue all these qualities in learning a new skill or brushing distract you from all the chaos a person. It requires a fair died in Europe up old hobbies, says Mr. Sachin created due to the present MUSIC MAKES YOU SMARTER amount of time, but the result were over 60 Sharma, Head, Marketing, Casio scenario. Multiple surveys bear testi- is worth the wait. India. GENEVA: The head of the So, what are you waiting for- BOOSTS CREATIVITY World Health Organization's of- let that nostalgia hit you! Lift Once you learn music, you fice in Europe says figures show off the cloth from that old can experiment and create that more than 95% of people drum set, clean those piano wonders. It lets your creative who have died of coronavirus keyboards, play with those gui- juices flowing and gives mean- on the continent have been tar strings and start the ing to your emotions. aged over 60. "School of Music" at home! But Dr. Hans Kluge said age Even if you have forgotten or BUILDS IMMUNITY SYSTEM is not the only risk factor for none of your family members Music allows you to release severe disease, adding: The know how to play an instru- your frustrations. It can trigger very notion that COVID-19 only ment, there is always a chance immunological responses, affects older people is factually that you can download specific which helps in fighting illness. wrong. In an online news con- applications on the phone, Apart from all these ben- ference in Copenhagen, Kluge which are as good as having a Here are a few reasons why mony to the fact that musical efits, music makes you said young people are not in- music teacher give you live one should practice music and education help in increasing happy! vincible echoing similar recent music lessons at home. Take spend their time fruitfully in- focus that ultimately makes In these testing times, it is comments from WHO Director- the example of Chordana Play, doors. one smarter. When one learns most important to maintain General Tedros Adhanom a music application supported how to play a musical instru- calmness, spread positivity Ghebreyesus. by Android smartphones, KEEPS THE MATURE ment, not only do they learn and make the most of one's The UN health agency says which aids one to take three- BRAIN HEALTHY how to make tunes, but also it isolation. Begin social distanc- 10% to 15% of people under step lessons using either the As an individual grows older, enhances other capabilities of ing by having individual affin- 50 with the disease have mod- app's keyboard or a USB-con- the mind tends to become in- the brain as well. ity while playing musical in- erate or severe infection. AP April 10, 2020 Wellness Post India Post 13 www.indiapost.com Heavy drinking can add to waistline

LONDON:Daily drinkers, mon among older adults, with A heavy drinker was identi- please take note. Researchers alcohol-related hospital admis- fied using the Alcohol Use Dis- now reveal heavy drinking in sions in England being the orders Identification Test for old age was linked to a 1.5-inch highest among adults aged Consumption (AUDIT-C).The (4cm) larger waist and in- over 50," said study first author screening tool consists of just creased stroke risk in Dr. Linda Ng Fat from Univer- three questions and assesses men.However, stopping heavy sity College London in the UK. how often you drink, how drinking at any point in life is For the findings, the re- much you drink, and how often likely to be beneficial for over- searchers used data from the you binge (have six or more all health. "Whitehall II" cohort, which col- drinks).Participants were asked on a single occasion to The study, published in the journal Addiction, complete the AUDIT-C retro- spectively for each decade of examined the association between heavy their life, from 16-19 to 80 and (56 per cent) had been hazard- drinkers had a waist circum- drinking over a lifetime and a range of health over. ous drinkers at some point in ference that was 1.88 cm, 2.44 This information was used to their life, with 21 per cent be- cm and 3.85cm larger, respec- indicators including cardiovascular disease categorize their lifetime drink- ing current hazardous drinkers tively. ing pattern: never hazardous and 5 per cent being consis- Overall, the research found The study, published in the lected information from UK drinker, former early hazardous tent hazardous drinkers. that heavy alcohol consump- journal Addiction, examined civil servants, aged 34-56 years drinker (stopped before age The findings showed that tion over a lifetime is associ- the association between heavy at study outset, since 1985- 50), former later hazardous former early hazardous drink- ated with higher blood pres- drinking over a lifetime and a 88.The final sample for this drinker (stopped at age 50 or ers on average had a 1.17 cm sure, poorer liver function, in- range of health indicators in- study was made up of 4,820 after), current hazardous larger waist than never haz- creased stroke risk, larger cluding cardiovascular disease. older adults, aged between 59 drinker, and consistent hazard- ardous drinkers, whereas waist circumferences and "Alcohol misuse, despite the and 83 years. The mean (aver- ous drinker (during every de- former later hazardous drink- body mass index (BMI) in later common perception of young age) age was 69, and 75 per cade of their life). ers, current hazardous drink- life, even if you stop drinking people, binge drinking, is com- cent were male. More than half of drinkers ers and consistent hazardous heavily before age 50.IANS

Merino wool, a solution for microplastics?

NEW DELHI: Merino wool does not contribute to X-ray spectroscopy. All fabrics were washed repeat- kraft paper pulp. the issue of microplastics in oceans, a new study has edly before testing to simulate a partial garment life- Scientists found untreated wool biodegraded at revealed.The scientific study conducted by The time. The rate of biodegradation was then compared 20.3 per cent the rate of the pulp and the machine Woolmark Company, titled Microfiber Pollution and to that of a substance known to biodegrade readily, washable wool biodegraded more than three times the Marine Biodegradation of Wool, has found that as quickly, at a rate of 67.3 per cent the fastest of all both untreated and machine washable wool readily fabrics.At the tail end was Nylon, biodegrading at a biodegrade in marine environments, while syn- All fabrics were washed rate of just 0.8 percent, followed by polypropylene thetic fibers do not. and polyester. The study also found that machine-washable repeatedly before testing to simulate "Our research into wool and microplastics began wool actually biodegrades at a faster rate than un- a partial garment lifetime back in 2016 when we investigated the current treated wool fabrics and there was no evidence the state of knowledge concerning microplastic pollu- treated wool's polyamide resin coating added to tion, focusing on microfibers from textiles," explains microplastic pollution. The Woolmark Company,MD,Stuart McCullough. Previous estimates suggest as much as 20 per "This latest scientific study is a significant addi- cent to 35 per cent of all primary-source tion to the body of research investigating the dam- microplastics in the marine environment age certain textiles cause to our environment. Wool are from the use of synthetic clothing has long been heralded as the original eco and a single polyester fleece gar- fiber but concerns had been raised ment can produce more than 1,900 about the machine-washable finish microfibers per wash. applied to wool and whether it In this latest study, researchers added to the microplastic prob- compared the biodegradability lem, so we wanted to clarify that of the two types of Merino wool issue. During these ever-changing in seawater to the biodegradabil- troubled times it's important to con- ity of viscose rayon, polyester, ny- sider how well-intentioned consum- lon and polypropylene. Residues ers can make purchasing decisions that help were examined using scanning elec- look after the health of the environment. Choos- tron microscopy and energy-dispersive ing natural fibers, such as Merino wool is an impor- tant place to start."IANS 14 India Post www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020

DUBAI: A delivery man for the past 15 years in Dubai, an Indian national, was grateful of his ability to support his family, while continuing with his regular job despite threats posed by the coronavirus pandemic, a media report said recently. The UAE has so far reported 570 confirmed coronavirus cases, with three deaths. Masks and gloves are 42-year-old Murali Shambantham's weapons against COVID-19 as he hits the road with his bike to do food deliv- eries for Aappa Kadai Restaurant, the Khaleej Times said in the re- port. "Someone needs to do this job," said Shambantham, who has a family of four in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu. "I know it can be con- tracted through cough droplets or by touching infected sur- faces. Therefore, I make sure to wear gloves and mask to pro- tect myself, apart from regularly sanitising hands even after I park my bike. I also maintain a certain physical distance and lean for- ward to handover the parcel", he said. "Food is an essential item. How can you deprive someone of food? If we don't step up, how will people who do not have running kitchens in their homes eat?" he queried. "We have to take adequate measures and cannot constantly keep feeling threatened. We need to be committed to our professions. It's not merely about the bills that we have to pay, but we must ensure our customers are fed and keep it going for everyone." Murali said customers were more understanding these days and also fewer delays while delivering foods. "With less traffic now, most deliveries by a few minutes. Now, they are more empathetic and thankful," the Khaleej Times are done within the ideal time. Earlier, quoted Shambantham as saying. customers were impatient even People are also careful while collecting food parcels, said Murali, who remains when we get delayed vigilant and ready with his Emirates ID, pointing to his unmistakable food delivery box, in case he is stopped.Restaurant and dine-ins have been shut across the United Arab Emirates to ensure people don't step out of their houses during the coronavirus-enforced closures. However, deliveries created an even greater buzz. and takeaway of "When I created 'Na Corona meals continue. Karo' song in Raga Basant, we IANS were yet to go into lockdown but there was so much fear, uncertainty and doubt worldwide, which has now only intensified,' Ranade told IANS. "I wanted to feel hope and optimism NEW DELHI: A song to make and the song was simply an expression people aware about new of this sentiment. After I shared the coronavirus by Pune-based classical song on social media and it went viral, I khayal vocalist Sandeep Ranade has got messages from people all over the mesmerized celebrities from Oscar world, saying they felt uplifted, optimis- winning musician A.R. Rahman to tic, and motivated to fight the virus as a Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit community," he elaborated. Jasraj and social media users alike. According to Ranade, music can lift Ranade, who has worked with us out of depression and motivate us companies like Google, Microsoft, when we feel hopeless. Citrix and VMware as a software en- Celebrities like Mahadevan, Pandit Ajay gineer in the US, has also created an Pohankar, Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, Daler iOS app for practicing riyaaz and Mehndi, Adnan Sami, Shubha Mudgal, Nana developing shrutis called Patekar and others have also hailed 'NaadSadhana'. Ranade's effort on social media platforms. The song when shared by IANS For detailed stories visit Rahman on his Instagram account, www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 India Post 15

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JALANDHAR: With nature re- claiming its space, now you can see the mighty Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh from the plains of Punjab! Most of the residents of this Punjab city never thought this was possible. But now this sight is possible, thanks to drastic decline in pollution lev- els owing to 21-day statewide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. "The sparkling snow-clad mountains are so far away, yet so near with Covid-19 clearing the air," said middle-aged resi- dent Monty Sehgal.He said this was for the first time in his life- time that he saw these mighty peaks. "For some seconds I couldn't believe what I was seeing to- But this is the first time in my Dhauladhar ranges in its back- wife Geetika Bhalla.The snow However, it reaches very poor wards the northern side from 35 years that I am seeing the drop, attracts a steady stream view and Covid will simulta- quality touching 400 during my balcony. Then I realized this mountains and that too so of holidaying tourists mainly neously disappear, she said. the stubble-burning season is the mighty Dhauladhar clear," said Neha Khanna. from northern states like But till then she wants to savor in October-November. range," an excited Sehgal, who The Dhauladhar ranges in Punjab. the view of the hills. Another resident Navneet owns a petrol station here, told the picturesque Kangra Valley "When there is a total According to an official with Khullar urged the govern- IANS. lies at a road distance of some lockdown and coronavirus the state pollution control ment should now make it an For many residents like him, 200 km from Jalandhar. makes the people paranoid, board, Jalandhar's air quality annual affair to impose a it was a treat for the eyes. The famed abode of Tibetan sitting in a balcony and enjoy- index (AQI) these days is be- countrywide lockdown with "My grandfather used to tell spiritual leader Dalai Lama in ing the snow-clad mountains tween 30-35, which is travel restrictions for a few me that snow-capped hills McLeodganj, a quaint uphill gives you a hope that the crisis good.Normally, AQI of days to help the environment were visible from Jalandhar. town in Kangra district with the will be over soon," said house- Jalandhar is more than 200. regain.IANS

Baisakhi prayers at home: Fight the pandemic with Akal Takht Jathedar the power of music

CHANDIGARH: The Akal Takht, the highest temporal state. NEW DELHI: The Care Con- provided for the donations. Takht has asked people from seat of Sikhs, came after Punjab Baisakhi, which falls on April cert is all set to help raise The Care Concert com- Sikh community to offer Chief Minister Amarinder 13 or 14 every year, is a big fes- funds for the current Covid-19 prises a stellar line-up with art- prayers at home on Baisakhi Singh and the Shiromani Akali tival in Punjab as it marks the pandemic through the power ists such as Yo Yo Honey Singh, and directed Sikh organiza- Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal foundation day of the Khalsa and sweetness of music. Adnan Sami, Neha Kakkar, Tulsi tions not to organize big gath- urged the Akal Takht Jathedar panth' (Sikh order) by the tenth The digital initiative by Kumar, Armaan Malik, Amal erings on the festival in the to appeal to people not to con- Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh. 93.5 RED FM and T-Series is Malik, Dhvani Bhanushali, Sa- wake of slated for 11th April 6 pm on- chet Tandon, Parampara COVID-19 wards (IST) and will be Thakur, Parkriti Kakkar, Palak pandemic, a streamed on YouTube and Mucchal, Jubin Nautiyal, Aditya statement Facebook handles of both T- Narayan, Akhil Sachdeva, said. Series and RED FM. Viewers Sukriti Kakkar and Amber No reli- can log in, enjoy the perfor- Vashishtha among others. gious gath- mances with the line-up of 15 All these artists will be com- ering should plus artists and contribute ing together on digital plat- be orga- any amount they wish to the forms to perform from their nized till fur- PM CARES Fund through a link homes, with one voice. IANS ther direc- tions and people from Sikh com- munity have been asked to offer prayers at home, Giani Harpreet Singh, the Akal Takht gregate on the occasion of On this day, people throng Jathedar, said in the statement. Baisakhi.Last week, the CM had gurudwaras to pay their obei- The decision of the Akal prohibited all gatherings in the sance. PTI 16 India Post www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020

famous pilgrimage of flower stalls, restaurants and town with emerging IT compa- Temple is a Shiva temple but is happens to be the most promi- Tamil Nadu, Madurai is shops selling artefacts. Other nies and Malls that calls for actually dedicated to Goddess nent. The advantage of travelling Apopular for the tourist places are Thirumalai must-visit once in a lifetime. Parvati who is known here by to Madurai is that it is well con- Meenakshi Temple, since the Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Memo- PLACES TO VISIT the name Meenakshi which nected by road, rail and air from rule of Pandayas that traded rial Museum, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal means "the fish eyed one" and different parts of India. goods with ancient Rome. The Thiruparankundram Temple Thirumalai Nayak Mahal was Shiva, named here as HOW TO REACH MADURAI city is located in the Madurai dedicated to Hindu lord built in the 17th century. Nu- Sundareswarar "the beautiful By Air: Madurai Airport is lo- District that sits on the banks of Murugan, Vandiyur Mariamman merous buildings and places of one". In this holy temple both cated around 12 km away from the River Vaigai. It is famous for Teppakulam (a man-made pond worship were built during the the God and Goddess are wor- the city centre. It is served by its Dravidian-style architecture. in which the float festival shipped together. The domestic flights travelling to The star attraction of this place takes place). The cuisine temple is much older but and from some major Indian cit- is the Meenakshi Amman of Madurai is traditional the present layout was ies. International flights from Temple. The temple has with old recipes that in- built between 1623 and Colombo and Dubai serve the colourfully carved 14 towers clude dishes like Dosa, 1655AD. As per myths, city of Madurai. (gopurams) that attract tourists Uttapam, Sambhar-rice, Lord shiva came to By Road: Madurai is con- from all over the world. Appam, Kotthu Parotha Madurai to tie the knot nected by state and national This is a spiritual destination, and more. The Chithirai with Parvati and it had highways. Inter-city and inter- but a worthy place to visit dur- Festival (month-long been the holy abode of state buses ply between ing holidays and don't miss see- running festival) in the Goddess Parvarti since Madurai, other major cities of ing the Thirumala Nayakat Mahal, month of April is a must- her birth. The architecture Tamil Nadu and nearby states on 1000 pillar hall and a few more. visit that celebrates the wed- Nayak Empire and this edifice is of the temple is really amazing a regular and frequent basis. The market in front of the ding of Lord Shiva and Goddess the most impressive. It was built and for the tourists it is the out- By Rail: Madurai Junction temple is lined with jasmine Meenakshi. This is a buzzing by the rulers of the Nayak Em- standing attraction in Madurai. Railway Station connects pire which covered numerous Energetic, religious, tradi- Madurai with rest of India by regions of Coimbatore, tional and cultural, Madurai is an extensive rail network. Madurai districts and probably South India's greatest Many direct trains con- other centers in the temple towns that has attracted nect Madurai with southern part of Tamil devotional minds since genera- major cities and Nadu. tions. Meenakshi Amman towns of the Meenakshi Temple located in the heart of country. Temple Madurai is the most popular at- Thetraction. Amongst the numerous Meenakshi historical monuments dotted all over, Tirumalai Nayak Palace Desi News Australia ‘Ekal Vidyalaya’ jewelry firm launches ambitious COMMUNITY urged to 'Coronavirus' initiative withdraw PRAKASH WAGHMARE Lord Ganesha hen everywhere ACROSS AMERICA belly rings W'Coronavirus' outbreak is being associated only with the Details on page 22 urban area populous, 17 India Post www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 "EkalVidyalaya Foundation" has quietly launched an ambitious initiative against it in rural & tribal areas across India. As for Solidarity and gratitude by networking and connectivity in such areas, "Ekal" (as it is popu- larly known) has aunique posi- tion with its presence in over Community leaders 103,000 such remote hamlets. As the shortage of Masks India Post News Service March 25, Prime Minister social consciousness at this ery which way." said Dr Romesh and Sanitizers became appar- oronavirus disease Narendra Modi announced a testing time. Japra, eminent Cardiologist, Bay ent in early March, Ekaltailoring (COVID-19) is an infec- 21-day nationwide lockdown in On behalf of the Federation Area and Chairman, FIA. training centers banded to- C tious disease caused by response to the COVID-19 pan- of Indo-Americans of Northern “Prime Minister Modi an- gether and started stitching a new virus. The disease causes demic. The deadly Coronavirus California (FIA/FOG), Fremont nounced a complete Lockdown face-masks and producing hand respiratory illness (like the flu) pandemic is having devastating hindu temple and Americans 4 on March 25, 2020. I think he is sanitizers for Ekal Volunteers, dis- with symptoms such as a effects worldwide. It is creat- Hindus, we appeal to you all, sis- very sharp in understanding trict health authorities and law cough, fever, and in more se- ing pressure on families, com- the situations. Lot of enforcement personnel. vere cases, difficulty breathing. munities, and businesses in un- news started coming The illness caused by the virus, precedented ways and at an from the Doctors of en- Details on page 18 COVID-19, has claimed the lives unprecedented scale. We, the tire world expressing a of tens of thousands around the millions of people of Indian ori- serious concern about Conquering globe and has sickened hun- gin from the US salute the ef- this COVID19 Virus dreds of thousands of people in forts of all those individuals around the second- Coronavirus countries, including China, Italy, who along with international third week of March. All through Yoga Spain, United States, United organizations; national govern- of them said that it can Kingdom, France and India. In ments; and private, public and only be controlled by SHIV R. JHAWAR, MAS, EA, just six weeks, the US death toll social sector organizations are social distancing. With- s you know, Coronavirus from coronavirus went from working tirelessly often at a out wasting anytime, ADisease 2019 (COVID-19) - zero to more than 10,000. The huge personal risk to tackle this he announced this "CO' stands for corona, "VI" for grim milestone was reached on crisis and save precious human complete lockdown. I virus, "D" for disease, "19" for April 6, shortly after officials life. Dr Romesh Japra fully support him on year- has reached a pandemic warned this will be the tough- We would especially like to this decision. By this, I scale, affecting 157 countries est week yet in the pandemic. commend the mammoth efforts ters and brothers to continue to think, many lives will be saved." worldwide with sickness and Coronavirus has spread to of the Indian government and keep trust, keep strong, and fol- said Chandru Bhambhra, OFBJP. death.There is currently no 184 countries. The total con- states working cohesively un- low the advice and guidance of All of us in the USA and rest FDA-approved vaccine or medi- Prime Minister Modi during of the world share in the suffer- cation to prevent or treat the vi- ‘Indian-Americans and Hindus are proud of these testing times. FIA has ing and stand united in our re- rus, but research is underway.It Prime Minister Modi and President Trump for been actively helping the local solve to see the world through is said that every problem has a community in Bay Area, Califor- this crisis for a brighter and bet- solution. With the coronavirus, a their vision of shutting down traffic from China nia. ter tomorrow. The frontline in respiratory disease, continuing very early to save thousands of lives. We'll "In my opinion, Leadership this war in the United States has to spread, here are the ways to from India, the largest democ- a few thousand doctors of In- conquer it through the science support them in every which way’ racy in the world and America, dian origin. Some of these of yoga and yagna. the oldest democracy of the people were born in India but Inhale smoke of yagna, the firmed cases worldwide are der the able leadership of Prime world have exhibited unparal- migrated in search of the fire ceremony 13,31,529 and 73,942 have Minister Modi for the wide- leled response to the Covid-19 American dream after complet- "Yajna is an ancient practice died; 9,81,680 are active cases ranging and timely measures to Pandemic. Indian-Americans ing professional education. We shrouded in antiquity. But it is as and 2,75,907 have recovered as address this issue and to allevi- and Hindus are proud of Prime salute the healthcare profes- relevant to modern man as it on April 7, 2020. ate the inevitable hardship that Minister Modi and President sionals, civic authorities and was to the rishis and munis of India has registered 4,281 they will endure during this Trump for their vision of shut- other emergency services the Vedic era who conceived the cases of COVID-19 including time of lock-down. We salute ting down traffic from China which are operational at this spirit of yajna." 111 deaths since the outbreak the citizens of India for your for- very early to save thousands of time. Details on page 21 titude, patience, discipline, and lives. We'll support them in ev- began earlier this year. On Cont’d on page 23 18 India Post Community Across America April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com

PRAKASH WAGHMARE

hen everywhere 'Coronavirus' ‘Ekal Vidyalaya’ launches ambitious outbreak is being associated Wonly with the urban area populous, "Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation" 'Coronavirus' initiative has quietly launched an ambitious ini- tiative against it in rural & tribal areas across India. As for networking and con- nectivity in such areas, "Ekal" (as it is popularly known) has aunique position with its presence in over 103,000 such remote hamlets.As the shortage of Masks and Sanitizers became apparent in early March, Ekaltailoring training cen- ters banded together and started stitch- ing face-masks and producing hand sanitizers for Ekal Volunteers, district health authorities and law enforcement personnel. It had been producing Stiching Masks at Ekal Ctr Handing Over Masks 10,000masks and 1,000 liters of Hand- sanitizers or disinfecting solutions per day These 2-ply masks are being made to such areas is being diligently carried - such as food, mask-making, grocery- of March and supplying them 'free-of- WHO's stringent specifications and Ekal out. Harish Karat of 'Ekal-Global' says, items and medical help etc. Ekal volun- cost' to the authorities. Masks and plans to keep on producing them as "asa reminder for the precautionary teers in USA are assisting food-banks, Sanitizers are also being distributed free- long as there is need. As part of empow- habits that one must adopt to arrest the soup-kitchen and delivery of groceries of-cost to the poor families. It costs Ekal erment and to reduce the dependency spread of 'Coronavirus', the walls in lot to the elderly. According to Suresh Iyer, Rs. 20 each to make it and to distribute it. on 'outside food', Ekal-Villages, have ac- of village-dwellings are being painted President of Ekal-USA, "In the U.S., Ekal According to Bajrang LalBagra, CEO tively started harvesting with healthcare slogans". What is inter- has partnered with other non-profit or- of "Ekal Abhiyan" (umbrella organization 'PoshanVatikas' (Nutritional sustaining esting is that villagers have enthusiasti- ganizations, including 'Sewa Interna- of all Ekal satellite endeavors), begin- food items) for the people in their own tional', in providing community ning April - Ekalisare launching an ambi- vicinity on cooperative basis. Keeping up service at this hour of immense tious plan to triple its 'tailoring' capac- with the governmental directive, although need. ity in 28 centers to produce 1 Million all Ekal field activities were suspendedon It's times such as these we cotton masks by end of April (2020). March 14, according to 'Lalan Kumar are seeing the best of humanity Sharma', Central co-coordinator of "Ekal and I am confident that we will Abhiyan", the awareness campaign against get through this difficult time deadly Virus is in motion withfull throttle soon and come out feeling even speed with the blessings of the local con- stronger". Though, all the an- cerned authorities. Sanitizer disinfectant nual fund-raising concerts have Currently, 'ArogyaSahayikas' (Health been cancelled currently for Assistant) and Ekal teachers are not only, cally endorsed this campaignin the cur- foreseeable future, 'EkalVidyalaya' is ap- emphasizing critical need for personal rent crisis. pealing to its loyal Donors and well- hygiene and clean environment in vil- Ekal volunteers residing in Indian ur- wishers who have been consistently lages, but also keeping a written tab on ban areas are helping older, poor helping it to keep supporting its mul- cases related to fever, cough and short- people during the lockdown and pro- tiple endeavors (projects) in rural areas, ness of breath. Social-distancing and viding food or sustenance items wher- including its ambitious initiative to fight repeatedly washing hands with soap is ever possible. For example, in 'Coronavirus'. Kindly Donate at https:// being promoted as part of daily routine. 'Guwahati' area in two days, www.ekal.org/us/donate and be an ac- Supporting the efforts of 'Gram- 'VanbandhuParishad' (an allied tive member of defense against the vi- Panchayats' (village administrative Ekalorganization) delivered food items rus in the current crisis. Ekal serves the admin), identifying and quantifying ur- to 650 families.Ekal-USA is providing as- humanity irrespective of caste, creed, Writing on the wall ban visitors or returning villagers from sistance to the needy in variety of ways and religion. April 10, 2020 Community Across America India Post 19 www.indiapost.com BAPS online Mahapuja: Sad demise of humanitarian Arvindbhai Thakkar Well-being for all SURESH BODIWALA CHICAGO: ArvindbhaiThakkar, com- merous young Engineers by providing India Post News Service times. Through these channels, the im- munity activist and humanitarian, his mentorship. s individuals and organizations portance of social distancing and hand passed away on Thursday March 26, He was the founding member of grapple with financial, social, washing have been reinforced to thou- A 2020. He was 81 years old and will be many temples in the USA including - emotional and spiritual ramifications of sands across the country in English, Hindi remembered for his selfless service to ManavSevaMandir, Midwest the COVID-19, the BAPS Swaminarayan and Gujarati. the Lohana community, and a wide SwaminarayanMandir, BAPS Mandir, Sanstha hosted a special prayer known BAPS Charities, the organization's hu- range of non-profit organizations Shree JalaramMandir, GayatriMandir, as Mahapujaat at each of its six manitarian arm, has donated nearly (temples, charities, and Non-Govern- Swaminarayan Mandir Vasna Sanstha, Shikkarbaddh(traditional stone) mandirs 19,000 N.95 respiratory masks to some of mental Organiza- and Portland Hindu in North America on Sunday, March 29, the hardest hit healthcare facilities in the tions) based in India Temple. 2020. The Mahapuja was held for the New York metropolitan area and Canada. and Chicago. He initiated free well-being of all people, regardless of Additionally, other volunteer efforts Arvindbhai was health clinics in ma- religion, nationality, race, or beliefs, for a have been mobilized including donat- born on December jority of the quick resolution to the pandemic. Al- ing and delivering food to local hospi- 3, 1938 in Chicagoland though these mandirs locallyhost Ahmedabad, temples for seniors such Mahapujas, on a smaller Gujarat. He was ge- and impoverished scale once a month, the pujas per- nius in his studies people without in- formed the past Sunday were and at the age of 5, surance. He started done via live webcast with over he had memorized an eye clinic at the 12,000 families across North the 12th and 15th Swaminarayan America participating in the ritu- Adhyayas from the temple in Itasca als from the safety of their homes. Geeta. Married to with free eye check- Devotees and well-wishers MsIndirabenThakkar ups and distribution were provided information they are blessed by of eyeglasses. about the webcast and instruc- three beautiful Arvindbhai Thakkar He started an tions on how to actively partici- daughters - Jagruti, NGO in India called pate in the online event. BAPS strongly tals and first responders, as well as, Arti, and Shilpa. 'SahiyaruAbhiyan' in 2010. Within this discouraged anyone from going out to safely delivering food to significantly Arvindbhai graduated from BVM En- NGO he continued his humanitarian purchase items that would normally be a impacted households. BAPS Mandirs are gineering College in Gujarat. He com- cause. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, part of such a puja in order to comply with lit in blue to express support and soli- pleted his Master's Degree in Environ- the funeral was held on March 28 in social distancing guidelines. At 9:00 am darity to doctors, nurses, paramedics, mental Engineering from Illinois Insti- presence of immediate family members local time, the Pujya Swamis began the public safety officers, and other front- tute of Technology. He also helped nu- only. rituals. In the spirit of the Upanishadic line workers. verse 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam'(the whole world is one family), prayers were said for the well-being and betterment ofall liv- ing beings and for an end to the COVID- 19 pandemic. BAPS closed all mandirs worldwide early in the pandemic in accordance with governmental and scientific commu- nity guidelines creating a void in the lives of many devotees. "Not being able to go to the mandir for darshan, meet the Swa- mis and other devotees, and do aarti and Mahapuja on a regular basis has left a hole in my spiritual life. By having this virtual Mahapuja, a bit of that void has been filled. It was nice to see the faces of the swamis with whom I regularly inter- act," said Siddharth Dubal of Robbinsville, New Jersey. Another devotee, Sheetal Desai from Atlanta, Georgia, added, "Although we were not together in the mandir, know- ing that many other families from the area were participating in the Mahapuja brought a sense of community and to- getherness, something we had taken for granted prior to this horrible situa- tion." BAPS and its affiliate organizations have consciously used social media and digital platforms such as Instagram, Twit- ter, Medium and Whatsapp to foster con- tinuation of spirituality in these difficult 20 India Post Community Across America April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com Coronavirus takes away Conquering Coronavirus VP of United Senior Pariwar through Yoga and Yagna JAYANTI OZA SHIV R. JHAWAR, MAS, EA, CHICAGO: Chhitubhai Patel, a busi- conference. s you know, Coronavirus Disease eas and also the people who inhale the nessman and Vice President of United Chhitubhai Is survived by his wife A2019 (COVID-19) -"CO' stands for air which is laden with the pure per- Pariwar, passed away on Tuesday, 03- Manjulaben, sons -yogeshbhai, Rajubha- corona, "VI" for virus, "D" for disease, fume of the yajna offerings, are purified, 31-20 after 2 days stay in Northwestern and Daughter Lilaben, grand kids, Janak, "19" for year- has reached a pandemic and they get all its benefits. All four Hospital due to the affliction caused by Disha, Dhruvi, Hima, Himal, Miti and Luv. scale, affecting 157 countries world- Vedas celebrate the glory of yajnas in corona Virus He was 77. Manjulaben also suffered Corona but is wide with sickness and death.There is the most lyrical terms, and the Gita also Chhitubhai hail- reported to be still currently no FDA-approved vaccine or speaks of the great importance of ing from Bhayli in in Hospital medication to prevent or treat the virus, yajnas." (Source: Satsang with Baba Vol- Gujarat -India, had Shradhaanjali to but research is underway.It is said that ume 2, pg 295-296). come to this country the departed soul every problem has a solution. With the Yagna was shown to be an effective in seventies. He was was given by many coronavirus, a respiratory protection during the a self made man but including a front disease, continuing to deadly Methyl was very humble ranking community spread, here are the ways Isocynate (MIC) gas rendering services leader Mafatbhai to conquer it through the leaked from the Union to many organiza- Patel,( Chairman) Dr. science of yoga and Carbide factory in tions and temples Dhiren yagna Bhopal, India in 1984. with generous do- Mistry,(Trustee), Inhale smoke of yagna, Modern scientists at nations. He was also Ramanbhai Patel ( the fire ceremony the National Botanical big helping hand to Chhitubhai Patel President), "Yajna is an ancient Research Institute in a senior body , Satishbhai Patel( Ad- practice shrouded in an- Lucknow, India decided United Pariwar of Chicago. The Parivar visor), UshabenKamariya(Advisor), and tiquity. But it is as relevant to test whether yajna members held a special Prayer meet all Committee members, Haribhai Patel to modern man as it was smoke using medicinal for the peace of his soul on Tuesday last. (president, Bhartiya Senior Group), Dr. to the rishis and munis of Shiv Jhawar herbs affected air qual- Close to 400 members joinedprarthana Ashraf Dabawala, Anilbhai Shah, the Vedic era who con- ity. They found meet. The committee members had or- NimeshJani, a Trustee of Schaumburg ceived the spirit of yajna," said Swami yagnasmoke did kill germs. The study ganized the prathanasession by video Township. Satyananda (1923-2002). was published in Journal of The medicinal smoke of yagna(also Ethnopharmacology (December 3, called yagya/hawan/homa), the fire 2007). ceremony, can help fight the DO PRANAYAMA coronavirus.Pure clarified butter Pranayama is one of the eight limbs (ghee) and the finest purifying herbs of yoga in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. such as musk, camphor, saffron, carda- Bhastrika (deep breathing)oxygenates mom, turmeric, sandalwood, bay the blood, increasing the vitality of all leaves, aeglemarmelos (bael) leaves, organs and tissues. It is a breathing tech- basil (tulsi) leaves, cloves, andsesame nique for cleansing the toxins from your seeds are offered in the fire while re- upper body. citing mantras. It is the mantra (sound) Eat immune-boosting herbs and that makes the yajna efficacious. Inhal- foods. ing the yajna fire smoke enters the Drink tea made from aeglemarmelos lungs and kills the germs of infectious (bael/bilva) and basil (tulsi) to boost your disease. body's immune system. Ayurvedic herbs Revealing the mysterious power of and spices like ginger, onion, garlic, tur- yagna, Swami Muktananda (1908-1982), meric, chebulicmyrobalan(haritakior "Yajna is like an atom bomb. It has the harade), and saffron are great in helping your Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of yoga immune sys- in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Bhastrika (deep tem. In addi- breathing)oxygenates the blood, increasing tion, get ad- the vitality of all organs and tissues equate sleep, avoid same power, but its power is not de- smoking, and practice meditation on structive. A yajna is not held to destroy your innermost spirit. a country, or destroy a city, or to kill You can find guidance from the large numbers of people, or to cause World Health Organization (WHO), a devastation, or destroy crops and other United Nations agency, on this things. A yajna is held to destroy only link:https://www.who.int/emergen- impurities, to purge the atmosphere of cies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 all the impurities, of all the unhealthy Disclaimer: Thiscontent is not intended germs which may be present." to be a substitute for professional medical He continued, "When a yajna is held, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always not only the people who are perform- seek the advice of your physician or other ing it, not only those who are actually qualified health provider with any ques- present at the ceremony, but also the tions you may have regarding a medical people who live in the surrounding ar- condition. Shiv R. Jhawar, MAS, EA; author April 10, 2020 Community Across America India Post 21 www.indiapost.com Physicians heal thyself The Jamaat attendees should have been guided as per Sunnah A.Q. SIDDIQUI

he Delhi Markaz Jamaat from the teachings of Sunnah Muhammad(pbuh). Before other than Allah's decree will Muslims perform prayers at attendees have scat (sayings of Prophet) and concluding the session, all at- attain the reward of martyr" home. Ttered all over the country Quran. While Indian PM an- tendees must have been (Bukhari 2829) Facemask and sanitization and caused an impending nounced a 21-day lockdown guided as per the following Many ignorant Muslims was also advised and practiced doom on their near and dear, within four hours, it cannot be sayings of Prophet(pbuh), have tiffs with security person- by Prophet(pbuh), himself. and the community around taken as a blanket for covering about prevention and safety nel for entering into mosque Prophet, while sneezing would them. They should know what the entire crowd under one from the epidemic. for prayers. They should know cover his face with his hand or good it would have been if roof. Quarantine is the basic Pro- what Prophet said, "The entire his garment. (Tirmidhi Book they would have stayed back Next day, thousands of la- phetic advice, "Runaway from earth has been made a Masjid, 43). and just studied what Prophet bors walked out from Delhi to the leper (one with contagious except graveyards and wash- For detailed story visit of Islam said for any epidemic their hometowns on foot. They disease), as you would run rooms" (Tirmidhi) It is better www.indiapost.com and prevention from it and acted wisely in comparison away from a lion". (Bukhari Vol then planned moving out in with Markaz attendees who 7, Book71/608) Social Distancing was ad- vised by him in this command, The problem with today's Islamic scholars in "Those with contagious dis- India and Pakistan is self-motivated divergence eases should be kept away from those who are healthy" from the teachings of Sunnah (sayings of (Bukhaari 6771). If you have Prophet) and Quran symptoms, the Prophet ad- vised, "Do not cause harm or return harm." (SunanIbnMajah small numbers. Blame game is stayed back in large number 2340) on between Markaz and local under one roof. The Markaz Lockdown or staying at police authorities, but appar- chief should have asked at- home was strongly advised by ently the chief of Markaz owes tendees to leave immediately Prophet(pbuh), in these say- a social and religious lapse on or seek shelter in empty ings, "Those who stay at home his part. schools or Madrasas in small to protect themselves and oth- Any religious scholar is re- groups. ers are under the protection of sponsible for the right guid- As an epidemic was preva- Allah. (Musnad Ahmed, ance and safety of his followers lent at the time when Markaz Saheeh). "The plague (conta- under any circumstances. The session was going on, it was gion) patient who remains in problem with today's Islamic the prime responsibility of his home with patience and scholars in India and Pakistan is Markaz chief to focus on the expectation of reward, know- self-motivated divergence guidance of Prophet ing that nothing will befall him Chicago Indians show unity on April 5 with divas, flashlights JAYANTI OZA CHICAGO: The Indian Prime tims of the corona virus as also Health wealth, Enemy annihila- Minister Narendra Modi an- to those who serve the corona tion, Deep Jyoti Namasutte. nounced display of community affected without stopping. Hey! The flame of the lamps resolve against COVID-19 with The importance of deep rev- makes you happy and provides a request to people to well-being. He gives light a lamp on Sunday health and wealth; I April 5 night to show bow to you for the solidarity with the destruction of the en- community and India. emy. Deep Jyoti: On It was urged to Brahman, Deep light a lamp for 9 min- JyotiJanardan, Deep utes at 9pm. The im- in my heart. Deep pact was that the Jyotinamstute. people from all over Chicago Indians the country and had program of col- people around the lective Deep Revela- world lit lamps in their tion at 9pm with the homes. Somewhere, Lamp lighting in Chicago faith and belief that people have shown God Almighty will their solidarity with the flash of elation has been demon- protect us and keep us safe. It mobile. The unity of the country strated in our scriptures. was to raise awareness about was seen in support of the vic- Happy karutKalyanam, this deadly disease. 22 India Post Community Across America April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com Covid-19: Who let the cat out? A.Q. SIDDIQUI Washington Post report coming from China or who had tered into India from Middle sion in February, checked all of keeping foreigners in India. says Corona virus have been to China since December. East, particularly from newly arriving passengers who had Qatar Airways has specially Agrounded airline indus- When West African virus affected UAE. been to China, Iran or Italy, announced that it will carry try all over the world. But, as a Ebola or Zika were reported, The Indian government also even transit travelers from the passengers to their homes. matter of fact, it is the aviation many countries screened pas- rescued its citizens from China affected countries, it would Now Germany is sending industry that winged spread of sengers on arrival. Zika virus and Iran. A decision widely have cornered the Corona in Lufthansa special flights for Corona virus all over the world. screening counters are still ex- questioned in social media. time. From March 23, all inter- uplifting its nationals from In- Why it was not checked in time isting in Indian airports. Why Were these Indians quaran- national flights were sus- dia. US is also planning uplift- and why restrictions were not was Corona taken so lightly tined for 21 days or allowed pended till March 29 to and ing citizens from Delhi. Why imposed? Who let the cat out? and why suddenly it has been leaving for home with regular from India. However, the 21 not assign Air India to operate No, doubt Airline industry shall taken so seriously all over the daily flights from Delhi to US be blamed for the spread of vi- world? with a higher fare? Air India rus everywhere. It was on March 13, US Presi- It was in December when first Corona keeps its fare less than $1000 It was in December when dent Trump announced virus cases were reported from Wuhan and for most part of the year. If first Corona virus cases were sweeping restrictions on travel they charge, $2000 they can reported from Wuhan and soon from European countries but, soon the infection started spreading from uplift stranded US citizens the infection started spread- then it was too late. The in- neighboring East Asia to Japan, back home. ing from neighboring East Asia fected tourists, citizens and Malaysia and South Korea Again, the Jamat Markaz to Japan, Malaysia and South visitors have already got into Nizamuddin event raises the Korea. The world Aviation took US. The Kingdom of Saudi same question, "Who let the it lightly. There were no health Arabia also announced sus- screening? days nationwide lockdown cat out?". When so many at- checks on arrival at any world pension of International op- On March 18, Indian gov- covered international flight tendees were found in Markaz airport. The initial response by erations from its airports from ernment extended restric- operations as well. Again, this and also in a Delhi Gurdwara, world Aviation authorities to March 15 for 2 weeks. Interna- tions for passengers arriving decision lacked expertise. how they were let go to their this threat was less than de- tional flights continued in and from Turkey, United Kingdom While it hit hard on already a home states when there is na- sired. Very few countries man- out of India till March 22. A and whole of Europe. The ban crippled economy, it let thou- tionwide lockdown. How did dated checks for passengers large number of travelers en- included Indian passport sands of foreign passport they travel from Delhi to holders as well. A week earlier, holders staying back in India. Telangana, Tamil Nadu or AP? Indian Government has re- The Indian Government could All trains, buses and move- stricted foreign passport well have allowed outgoing ment within cities is stopped. holders, including OCI card traffic where ever possible Then how did these Markaz holders from entering into In- and continue restrictions for attendees reach their homes? dia. Both were very smart but entry into India. Airlines will- Often a small lapse on part of belated decisions. Had the ing to do one-way traffic an authority causes irreparable government taken this deci- could have eased the burden damage.

Zimbabwe Hindus to observe Lord Hanuman's birth, simultaneously from homes

India Post News Service tain period". Hanuman Chalisa Meanwhile, in view of HARARE: Zimbabwe Hindus consists of 43 verses; including COVID-19, HSH is also collect- plan to observe the birth of 40 chaupais, two introductory ing donations among the com- Lord Hanuman in their respec- dohas, and one doha in the munity in cash and kind for tive homes by lighting Lamps end. those who are affected by it (divasoil lamp made from clay) Hindus, numbering around Rajan Zed, President of Uni- in front of Hanumanji image 1.1 billion, across the world are versal Society of Hinduism, and chanting Hanuman Chalisa observing Hanuman Jayanti urged Hindu-Zimbabweans to seven times, simultaneously on worldwide on April eight. In pray at least twice daily in April eight. normal times, this important their home shrines with total The Hindoo Society Harare festival is celebrated by Hindu devotion and pure heart; peti- (HSH) had sent this directive communities by flocking to tioning God for the common for Hanuman Jayanti to its temples where spiritual dis- good of all Zimbabweans.HSH members "to create positivity courses, chanting, scripture runs two Hindu temples (in- and obtain strength and cour- readings, worship services, cluding one 91 years old), a age to pass through this uncer- etc., are held. high school, a primary school, a Gujarati school, etc., in Harare. In Hinduism, Lord Hanuman NEWS is known for incredible strength and was perfect on your desktop grammarian. Moksh (libera- tion) is the ultimate goal of Hin- www.indiapost.com duism, the oldest and third largest religion of the world. April 10, 2020 Community Across America India Post 23 www.indiapost.com

BAPS Hindu Mandirs lit blue across North America Australia jewelry firm urged to withdraw to honor first responders, healthcare heroes Lord Ganesha belly rings India Post News Service healthcare and public safety.Nilkanth Patel, a devotee MADHU PATEL As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, its toll at BAPS and a director of the CHICAGO: Upset Indian- versal Society of Hinduism, also to the Hindus. Hindus were for grows exponentially, and the organization's humanitarian Americans across the country, mentioned that Hinduism is free artistic expression and timeline to overcoming the arm, BAPS Charities said, "BAPS have strongly pitched Tweed the oldest and third largest re- speech as much as anybody novel coronavirus is uncertain. Charities, for years, has had the Heads (NSW, Australia) based ligion of the world with about else if not more. But faith was On the frontlines of this pan- good fortune of engaging jewelry retailer The Belly Ring something sacred and at- demic, in the middle of the healthcare professionals and Shop (Tummy Toys) for imme- tempts at trivializing it hurt the chaos, stand a group of indi- first responders in some of our diate withdrawal of belly but- followers, Zed added. viduals whose heroism was not initiatives such as health fairs ton rings carrying images of Ten belly-button/navel/ fully appreciated before this for the uninsured or Hindu deity Lord Ganesha, belly-piercing rings and belly- crisis -the first responders. underinsured, as well as our dubbing it highly inappropri- button/belly/navel bars on this Doctors, nurses, paramedics, quarterly health awareness ate. retailer's website were seem- public safety officers and oth- seminars. Through these ac- RajanZed who has spear ingly named on Ganesha and ers risk their lives on a daily tivities, many of these pro- headed the protest said that, carried the image of Lord basis to ensure the well-being fessionals have become our Lord Ganesha was highly re- Ganesha and were priced be- of the public at large. friends and partners in com- vered in Hinduism and was tween $5 to $14.90. BAPS Swaminarayan munity service. meant to be worshipped in The Belly Ring Shop (Tummy Sanstha (BAPS), a Likewise, BAPS and BAPS temples or home shrines and Toys), which calls itself worldwideHindu organization, Charities host events which re- not to adorn one's belly button "Australia's trusted" "The and the caretakers of six tra- quire the collaboration with lo- or used as a "navel toy" or be- MEGA Belly Bar Shop", was cal agencies come a tool for "sexy navel founded in 2008. It describes and officials - fashion". Inappropriate usage Lord Ganesh Belly button ring its jewelry as "essential sexy many of whom of sacred Hindu deities or con- navel fashion", states to have we have got- cepts or symbols or icons for 1.1 billion adherents and a rich 6,000+ belly bars and its Mis- ten to know commercial or other agenda philosophical thought and it sion includes "no belly button well on a per- was not okay as it hurt the should not be taken frivolously. is left without sensational sonal level. devotees. He argued such trivialization of bling". Helene Holtsbaum is During these Zed, who is President of Uni- Hindu deities was disturbing the owner. times when our friends and brethren are risking In Gratitude to Healthcare Workers their lives to Inner Engineering Online - Yoga & Meditation Program for Free ditional stone mandirs (Hindu literally save our families, we places of worship) in North as an organization want them America, located in the greater to know that we salute them." SAN FRANCISCO: Best-sell- gram, Inner Engineering has no lifestyle changes. The prac- metropolitan areas of Atlanta, In addition to lighting the ing author, visionary, and lead- been provided online for over tice can be adopted by anyone, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, mandirs blue, BAPS Charities ing authority on yoga and 10 years. from a novice with no yoga ex- and Toronto as well as has also donated over 18,000 meditation, Sadhguru is offer- This unprecedented time of perience to seasoned yoga Robbinsville, New Jersey, has N95 respiratory masks during ing his online Inner Engineer- worldwide crisis when much of veterans. Minimal movements decided to honor these brave in- the critical early days of the ing program free of charge to society is forced indoors can are required. The focus is on dividuals who now risk their pandemic to some of the hard- healthcare providers during now also be an opportunity for the breath to ultimately create health, more than ever before to est hit hospital systems in New the coronavirus pandemic. In personal transformation joy and resolve inner conflicts. stem the impact of COVID-19. York, New Jersey, and Canada. gratitude and appreciation for through improved physical Surveys of regular practitio- Started March 29, 2020, BAPS operates over 100 their selfless service, Sadhguru health, enhanced mental sta- ners have shown that daily BAPS has been lighting these mandirsthroughout North is offering this program gratis bility, and heightened spiritual practice can have meaningful landmarks blue as a gesture of America and over 3,300 glo- positive effects on reducing gratitude to those men and bally. anxiety, depression, hyperten- The Inner Engineering program introduces women working tirelessly in For detailed story visit sion, asthma, headaches, neck www.indiapost.com Sadhguru's wisdom and insights and and back pain, diabetes and in- provides instruction for a daily yoga somnia. One of the significant and proven benefits of and meditation practice Sadhguru's Inner Engineering, Solidarity and gratitude a program that has been to support them in their ef- wellbeing. taught for over 30 years, is im- by Community leaders forts. The Inner Engineering pro- proved inner peace among Sadhguru has reached over gram introduces Sadhguru's more than 90 percent of the Cont’d from page 17 flexed elbowwhen you cough 100 million people worldwide wisdom and insights and pro- practitioners. At this time of or sneeze through his yoga and medita- vides instruction for a daily acute anxiety and stress, You can protect yourself and • Avoid close contact (1 tion programs and has a yoga and meditation practice. Sadhguru's online Inner Engi- help prevent spreading the vi- meter or 3 feet) with people YouTube viewership of over a The daily practice presented neering program is a welcome rus to others if you: who are unwell billion who have experienced here goes beyond physical ac- and timely respite with benefi- • Do Wash your hands regu- • Stay home and self-isolate his tools for well-being. The tivity and stretching - it aligns cial implications for long after larly for 20 seconds, with soap from others in the household if Foundation reports that more the mind, emotions, and en- this crisis has passed. and water or alcohol-based you feel unwell than seven million people fol- ergy for overall well-being - hand rub • Don't touch your eyes, nose low Isha practices regularly. and can be incorporated into For detailed story visit • Cover your nose and mouth or mouth if your hands are not The foundation's flagship pro- every aspect of one's life with www.indiapost.com with a disposable tissue or clean. In Brief "Dear @DrSJaishankar, there are a large num- Dubai-based Indian ber of Sikh families who donates entire property Immigration want to be flown out of Afghanistan. Request DUBAI: Indian businessman you to get them airlifted Ajay Sobhraj, founder and Chairman of Dubai-based Finja at the earliest Jewelry, has donated a build- 24 India Post www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 ing he owns to be used as a quarantine center for the treatment of people infected with the novel coronavirus, it Evacuate Sikhs stranded in was reported. In a letter addressed to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) titled "To Support and Give Afghanistan: Punjab CM Back to the City That Cares", Sobhraj who has called Dubai NEW DELHI: Punjab chief the blasts reported near the his home for 25 years, has do- minister Capt. Amarinder cremation site of those killed nated the fully-equipped Singh has urged foreign affairs during the attack on Gurdwara building in Jumeirah Lake Tow- minister S. Jaishankar to bring Sahib in Kabul." ers to be used in the country's stranded Sikh families back Jaishankar said that Indian fully integrated strategy from war-ravaged Afghanistan Embassy in Kabul was in touch to India. with Kabul security authorities. against the pandemic, reports The chief minister tweeted: He said he has asked them to Gulf News. The 77,000 Sq.ft. "Dear @DrSJaishankar, there ensure adequate security property can accommodate up are a large number of Sikh onsite as well as safe return of to 400 people. families who want to be flown families to their homes there- In his letter, Sobhraj said: "I out of Afghanistan. Request after. believe that in such challeng- you to get them airlifted at the Amarinder Singh and Union ing times, it is imperative for earliest. In this moment of cri- Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal the community to come to- sis, it's our bounden duty to had also condemned the at- gether and support the coun- help them." tack on a religious gathering in try we reside in to overcome Capt. Amarinder Singh On March 25, terrorists a Gurdwara in Kabul. this pandemic. Adding, "I am stormed a crowded Sikh people in Afghanistan. The ter- The foreign affairs minister Amarinder Singh described extremely pleased to offer my Gurdwara and housing com- rorists belonged to Islamic has condemned the attack. He the attack as extremely "tragic assistance to the government plex in Kabul killing at least 27 State. had said: "Deeply concerned at and unfortunate". IANS during this critical period and support the city that has con- tinued to contribute to my suc- cess and growth for the past 8,000 sailors stranded abroad: Goa CM 25 years." PANAJI: One of the biggest The UAE has so far reported issues concerning Goa amid 570 confirmed coronavirus the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is cases, with three deaths. that nearly 7,000 to 8,000 In- The country is currently dian sailors from Goa, are amid a 10-day national steril- stranded in different ports-of- ization program aimed at sani- call and ships across the world, tizing all public facilities, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant streets, public transportation said recently. and metro service, as a precau- He said he has already spo- tionary measure to contain the ken to Union Home Minister spread of coronavirus. IANS Amit Shah about the issue and

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law Pramod Sawant Former Assistant State’s Attorney modalities about how to tackle at a press conference. the Chief Minister said, a deci- the issue are yet to be worked The sailors have been un- sion on the issue would be ar- 1 Civil & Criminal Litigation out in absence of a concrete able to return to Goa on ac- rived at, very soon. 1 Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI decision. count of the shutdown of inter- He said, that the state gov- 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. "Seafarers is one of the big- national travel because of the ernment was also communicat- 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties gest issues. I am concerned Covid-19 crisis. ing with the Ministry for Exter- about them. There are around "Till now, a decision has not nal Affairs, through Goa http://www.proy-singh.com 7,000 to 8,000 Goan sailors been made. Many parents, government's Non Resident 2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, abroad. I spoke to the Home guardians, they are writing to Commission, an agency which Minister about how to get them me and sending me messages liaises with the Goan expat Chicago, IL 60659 Tel: 773-381-1820 back and where to quarantine by WhatsApp, but we cannot community as well as sailors of (once they return)," Sawant said write to everyone personally," Goan origin. IANS April 10, 2020 India Post 25 www.indiapost.com Philosophy Perspective

SWAMI RAMDAS founded, are historical personages. Their historicity is denied because it The lockdown is India's question is raised whether an is hard for some people to accept that Aavatar and a God-realized soul God who is infinite and impersonal possess the same power and vision could manifest Himself within the only hope and carry out the same mission in limitations which the assumption of a this world. Surely, so far as the knowl- physical body imposes upon Him. BRIG ANIL GUPTA (RETD) edge of God is concerned, both are God, who is all in all, is at once limited t is very unusual for the Prime Min- wan, Singapore. on the same plane, but in the field of and unlimited, finite and infinite, per- ister of a country to address the na- The entire world, including the action the avatar brings down the sonal as well as impersonal. Encased tion twice within 96 hours, unless World Health Organisation (WHO) is light and power of the supreme I in relative and perishable bodies as there is a grave emergency. With a low waiting to see the outcome of this Truth to a greater mass of humanity avatars, God has through them exhib- literacy rate, Indians are used to living unique 21-day closure model. India is than a God-realized soul does. ited omnipotent powers. with a "chalta hai" (will be fine) and not only trying to combat the pan- The avatar embodies not only the They have done miraculous things "Ram Bharose" (God will provide) atti- demic through control measures but is inner perfection of the Spirit but also which, judged by the unalterable laws tude and are failing to recognise the also promoting indigenous efforts to exercises all the power and glory of of Nature, are impossible. Some may gravity of the pandemic situation, manufacture testing kits and in re- the Divine: whereas a God-realized doubt whether the miracles did hap- which is something our generation has search, successfully isolating the virus. soul throws the light and power pen at all. They even go to the length not faced. Prime Minister Narendra India earlier has also shown the upon a smaller portion of humanity of opining that they are sheer concoc- Modi's address on March 24, announc- world the path to fight two pandemics and works under certain limitations. tions. This view cannot carry much ing the 21-day lockdown, was essential like smallpox and polio. The 21-day It is rightly said that the God-realized weight with those faithful devotees for our survival. lockdown will slow the virus transmis- soul can be compared to a well and who, after a sufficient advance on the After independence, this is perhaps sion, it is hoped. India is developing the first time India is being put to such capability and capacity to isolate, test, a test, with every part of the country treat and trace. But isolation is the Avatars exhibit affected. most critical to prevent the surge and A day before Modi's announcement, ultimate outbreak. omnipotent powers of God Dr Dara Singh, a renowned orthopaedic With large numbers of people living surgeon of Jammu, said, "I feel we are in over- populated slum clusters and All the avatars, after whom the late in understanding Covid-19. In other shared unhygienic public toilets, unhy- words, we failed to take the required gienic living conditions and dirty wa- principal religions of the world are steps so far. Considering the present ter supply, how will the social distanc- founded, are historical personages situation and future expectations from ing be maintained? While the govern- Swami Ramdas the disease behaviour, education and ment has its hands full in combating understanding level of ours, I would not the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the re- an avatar to a river in flood: while the spiritual path, have experienced the shy in suggesting to the policymakers sponsibility of civil societies and NGOs former can satisfy the thirst of a few wonders of the inner life. to plan and act immediately taking note to come forward and address these is- who seek the well, the swollen river In the light of the writer's unique of one line 'Everyone in India is Covid+ sues. spreads out its water all over the realizations, he can boldly declare that unless proven otherwise'." Another issue is the disposal of bio- country allaying the thirst of innu- a person inspired by the spirit of God As an army veteran, I completely waste being generated daily in nu- merable beings and creatures. can reveal miraculous powers. Apart agree with him. What Modi said was the merous quarantine and isolation cen- So in the spiritual awakening of hu- from the power of performing gist of the doctor's aggressive advice. tres notified across the country. If the manity the work of an avatar is decid- miracles which avatars possess, they Government advisories have insisted waste is not disposed of scientifically, edly more extensive and far-reaching release a world-redeeming spiritual on social distancing as the best way to it could prove to be another source of than that of a God-realized soul. More- force by which they transform men avoid the spread of the deadly pan- spread of the deadly virus. The admin- over there is a clear assertion made steeped in ignorance and sin into veri- demic in India, but the general public istration needs to take a serious note by the avatar that he has descended table angels of purity, wisdom, love, either doesn't understand the meaning of it and ensure zero-error in this re- on the earth with the special mission and peace. Whoever comes in contact and purpose of social distancing or is gard. of liberating mankind from ignorance with them even in thought and medi- consumed by the "chalta hai" attitude. Ashish K Jha, Faculty Director of the and bondage. A God-realized soul tation becomes illumined by their He also said, "If we are not able to Harvard Global Health Institute, pre- does not make such a declaration. light and power. Avatar is God Himself manage the next 21 days, we will be dicts that as many as 40 percent Indi- We see that the great avatars like in human form. pushed back by 21 years. For 21 days ans could potentially get infected Krishna, Christ, Buddha, Mohammed, Excerpted from 'The Divine Life' pp. forget what it means to step out of your with the coronavirus, which could and Zoroaster are saviors of humanity 152-154. The 136th birth anniversary homes." Why 21 days? Corona Virus mean between 300 million and 400 and redeemers of all fallen souls. Again of Swami Ramdas is being observed spreads exponentially. The urgency is to million infected, up to 70 million if we study their teachings, we find on April 10. break the chain of its spread. This flu is needing some hospital treatment, and avatars have a message for the whole like an avalanche, slow moving snow ini- as many as 8 million to 20 million world. They preach universal love as 50 SPIRITUAL APPETIZERS tially, but then a wallop. needing intensive care in hospitals. the highest attainment which alone Vinod Dhawan Considering India's population and "That's not fathomable in terms of can establish unity, harmony, and limited availability of health infrastruc- what the hospital system can possibly brotherhood in the world. Some “It’s a lovely book. It feels en- ture, such a stage would be cata- accommodate, a lot of people could die people would have us believe that the ergetically clear and light. It’s strophic. outside of healthcare facilities," pre- avatars never existed and that their easy to read, dip in and out and Thus, the next 21 days are very criti- dicts Jha. To prove his prediction wrong, lives have only an allegorical meaning most importantly it offers infor- cal. India has learnt from countries like 21-day lockdown is the last hope. and relate the inner transformation of mation without fluff! Blessings on this project.” China and drawn lessons from success- (The author is a Jammu based vet- a soul from ignorance to higher divine Jac O’Keeffe ful models of containment followed by eran, political commentator, security nature. This opinion also is not true. Spirituality teacher based in countries like Japan, South Korea, Tai- and strategic analyst) All the avatars, after whom the USA. principal religions of the world are Available on AMAZON, FLIPKART Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author 26 India Post Horoscope April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com Your Weekly Future

by VANEET SHARMA APR 10TH APR 16TH 2020

MAR 21 to APRIL 20 JUN 21 to JULY 22 SEP 23 to OCT 22 DEC 22 to JAN 19

he planetary tran- s per planetary ou shall be free he beginning of T sit is highly fa- A transit you Y from all ten- T the week is not vorable in this week shall be getting great sions in this week and auspicious for your and the beginning is results without any you would come out happiness and state of good for work area damages to any area of all types of prob- mind. You need to and decision making. From 10th of April of life. Domestic atmosphere shall be lems. Your health shall be good. You keep your patience intact and work on you shall become amazingly active and excellent. Mid of the week is average for shall be spending money on yourself, your anger management issues. You shall focused. You shall be attaining complete your happiness and health. You are ad- your family and also on journeys in this have to control your anger & aggression es- favor of destiny. Your spouse shall be vised to keep your patience intact and if week. In the first half of the week you pecially in the first half of it. After the mid of playing key role in shaping your destiny. you do that then this week shall bring in shall enhance your association with the week towards its end you shall see tre- Your social life, relation with friends and excellent results like tremendous appre- family members whereas in the latter mendous increase in your domestic happi- relatives shall help you do better in all ciation for rendering excellent half of the week you would be concen- ness. In your social circles you shall prove areas of life. The latter part of the week consultancy service and giving advice to trating more on your social life and your mettle with the help of your potential is excellent for travel, love and finance. people. work area. of resourcefulness at its full swing.

APRIL 21 to MAY 20 JULY 23 to AUG 22 OCT 23 to NOV 22 JAN 20 to FEB 19

his week is not aus he beginning of the n the beginning of n the first half of the T picious for T week shall mark lot of I the week you I week you are likely your state of mind, activity in matters re- shall get relief from to face serious anger health and happiness lated to children. In the your mental tensions. and aggression re- and you might suffer first half of the week you You would be doing lated issues. You shall from the problems of mood swings. shall be getting opportunity to travel but some experiments in your love life. Ini- start getting some relief in the latter half There is probability of getting injury etc you might not avail it because of the at- tially in the first half of the week there of the week. You shall be happy with some too therefore you are advised to be cau- tainment of complete favor of destiny shall be probability of some arguments relief in financial matters with some sud- tious. Avoid getting into unnecessary with lot of pleasure at your place. You shall with the family members and the situa- den gains and betterment and expansion argument with people around you. You develop better strategies for making tion of tensions might not get eradicated in work area. You shall shine in your social shall be feeling very low and lethargic. your business grow. 11th, 12th and 13th completely in the latter half of the week circles and you would be able to solve your The latter half of the week is better for April are good dates for enhancing un- too. It would be a wonderful week for your issues with your active involvement in so- all areas of life except the problem of derstanding with spouse whereas the last progress at work but you need to put a cial activities. These activities shall also im- arguments and injury. two days of the week are not good. check on your being extra generous. prove your work conditions.

MAY 21 to JUN 20 AUG 23 to SEP 22 NOV 23 to DEC 21 FEB 20 to MAR 20

n the beginning of eginning of the n the beginning of his week shall go I the week B week indi- I the week you T excellent for there might remain cates some mental are likely to spend all areas of life and you little stress however tensions which shall time with family mem- shall see betterment from 10th April every- disappear com- bers. You shall be hav- on professional front thing shall be alright. There shall be tre- pletely after 11th April. You are ad- ing enough funds and you shall extend in the first half of the week and you have mendous improvement in your emo- vised to be cautious about your do- one or other type of help to all who are to travel in the latter half of the week. tional relations but stay away from get- mestic atmosphere in this week. In dependent on you. Your competitive The inflow of money shall be good in ting into arguments with spouse. The the mid of the week you might have spirit shall be at its best and you would the first half of the week. You can ex- 12th & 13th are good dates for decision to go on a journey to meet some in- be increasing your personnel, social and pect good results in matters related to making and it shall be a great period for fluential person. The last day of the political influence. In your own work you harmony with spouse, and inflow of achieving something special in the area week indicates enhancement of shall keep generating the required gains money on the last three days of the of work. The last days of the week are your strength with the help of a fe- and your confidence level, immunity and week. If not married, then this is the showing more gains. male. happiness shall also be at its peak. right time to plan it.

Kindly read the predictions from your ascendant sign. If you do not know your ascendant sign then read the VANEET same from Moon sign. If Moon sign is also not known then read it from the Zodiac sign. The ascendant sign which is SHARMA calculated from the birth details viz. date, month, year, time & place of birth gives 85 % accurate predictions. The 510-648-4899 accuracy of predictions from Moon sign get limited to only 50 %. The predictions from Zodiac sign are only 25 % “Felicitated and accurate. In nutshell the predictions from ascendant sign are most accurate. In getting personality analysis the traits honored by then President of India Shri given by ascendant sign are 100 % accurate and that is the essence of Vedic Astrology. Pranab Mukherjee" April 10, 2020 Datebook India Post 27 www.indiapost.com

NEW JERSEY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ATLANTA CHICAGO WASHINGTON DC Upcoming Upcoming Upcoming Upcoming Upcoming

Sun, Apr 19 Sat, Apr 11 Sat, Apr 25 Fri, Apr 10 Sat, Apr 18 • Holi Hai 2020 • Rang Aur Patang Utsav 2020 • TANA Volleyball Tournament • Sriranjani Santhanagopalan • Unheard Concert With Hrithik Venue: Akbar Restaurant, 21 Cortlandt Venue: Black Hill Regional Park, Venue: Carnatic Vocal Roshan, Amit Tandon Live In Chicago Street, Edison, NJ 08837 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD Macgregor Venue:Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Venue: SRenaissance Schaumburg Time: 11:00 am 20841 Way, Cumming, GA 30040 Convention Centre hotel, 1551 Thoreau fields, Time: 12:00 pm Time: 03:30 pm Dr N, Schaumburg, IL 60173 Sat, Apr 25 35725 Time: 08:30 pm Sun, June 28 • Holi Ayee Re (Real Color Splash) - Cedar Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 08:00 am • Festival Of Colors Special Bollywood Dance Party SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Venue: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Venue: Dorrian's Red Hand, 555 Upcoming Every Saturday Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121 washington blvd, Jersey City, NJ Sat, Apr 11 • Hindi Club of Illinois conducts Time: 12:00 pm 07310 • Sukhan - Gazals program in Sat, Apr 11 free Hindi classes Time: 9:30 pm Bayarea • Nachle Deewane 2020- SB's By Anil Yesudas 773 580 6510 Indian Dance Fest Venue: Shree Ganesh Temple of Venue: Dublin performing arts center, TEXAS Venue: The Arlington Theatre - Chicago, 2545 W. Devon Ave., Chicago NEW YORK 8151 Village Parkway, Dublin, CA 94568 Upcoming Metropolitan Theatres, 1317 State Il 60650 Upcoming Time: 4:00 pm St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Both kids and adults welcome. Sat, Apr 12 Sat, Apr 18 Time: 05:00 pm Email: [email protected] Sat, Apr 11 •TEXAS RISING STAR 2020 • Desi Saturdays - Weekly Saturday Website: www.www.hindiclub.org • Up, Close and Personal with Time: 01:30pm to 2:30pm Venue: GSH Event Center, 9550 Night DesiParty at Stage48 NYC Sat, Apr 11 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX Venue: Stage48, 605 W 48th St, New Salman • FREE Yoga, 77498 York, NY 10036 Khan, Meditation & Time: 1:00 pm Time : 10:00 pm Sunil Spiritual ILLINOIS Grover, Discourse by Upcoming Mon, Apr 20 Sat, Apr 18 Daisy Swami • India Home Show - India Property & •WORLD NANOTECH SUMMIT 2020 Shah and Mukundananda Real Estate Expo In New York Fri, Apr 11 Venue: (WNS-2020 Kamaal Khan • MOJO Unplugged - Chicago Venue: Adria Hotel & Conference Cen- Venue: Houston, Hilton Garden Inn Venue: Royal Palace Banquet Hall, Pasadena Hindu Temple, 676 S ter, 221-17 Northern Boulevard, Venue: Copernicus Center, 5216 West Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA NW/Willowbrook 7979 Willow Chase 6058 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont, Queens, NY 11361 Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630 91107 Blvd, Houston, TX 77070 Time : 11:00 am CA 94538 Time: 6:00 pm Time: 08:00 pm Time: 7:00 pm Time: 08:30 pm Please note: You are advised to check with event organizers and confirm 28 India Post Classifieds April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com

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www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 Edit Page India Post 29 www.indiapost.com 9 million+ American Hindus ADITYA SATSANGI

American Hindus are one of the most vibrant communities in the USA and are loved by all Americans for their hard work, entrepreneurial skills, education and prosperity. n addition, they are consid- ber swells even more. Even by begin to take control of the ered as positive contribu- rough estimate American Hin- narrative on Hindu culture. The tors to the economy by all dus make up more than 10% of western media influenced by Time to collaborate Isections of American soci- the population. All Yoga lovers Evangelicals has tried to divide ety. They are job creators, law who know the history of Yoga, Hindus in their own whimsical he time has come that the world should work together to abiding citizens and educa- know for sure that the God of ways without actually discuss- Tward off the most vicious and dangerous enemy tionists. Their contribution in Yoga is Krishna or Yogeshwar, ing with the serious practitio- CORONAVIRUS that has descended on us. We can blame each medicine is unparalleled, as and the best teacher and mas- ners of Hinduism or Sanatana other later but right now there is no option but to work in per American physician asso- ter of all Yogis is Adi Yogi or Dharma. Therein lies their fault unison. The virus may have started in China as one can see ciation one out of eight pa- Shiva. in manipulating the numbers clearly due to their lifestyle and lust for unusual tastes. But US, tients are seen by an American The Christian & Islam influ- of American Hindus to show Russia,France and many other nations are equally to be Hindu doctor. enced academics and statisti- themselves greater. Every blamed for many other unsavory practices destroying nature American Hindus are seen as cians, will never present facts single media house of repute by farming animals and the ill treatment of our environment CEOs of major corporations to protect their ulterior narra- is influenced by them. Obvi- as being seen. As per vedic belief, this is called the and also NASA scientists. More tives & agendas against Ameri- ously the number of American "Karmic"reaction to how we treat nature. than half of all Americans know can Hindus. Hindus look very small. Whatever we sow, so shall we reap. Every action has an that Yoga has its roots in Hin- Latest Converts to Hindu- Even if we take a rough esti- equal and opposite reaction. There is enough food for human duism. ism include Hollywood actress mate of the number of people consumption in nature but due to lack of understanding and The vast majority of Ameri- Julia Roberts, actor Russell who actually believe in reincar- greed we fall prey to diseases such as we are experiencing can Hindus are immigrants Brand, etc. Will Smith, Bruce nation, meditation and Yoga, now. from the Indian subcontinent Willis are all very pro-Hindu the number of Hindus looks Hopefully nations will learn from this and collaborate with (mainly India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and believe in Hindu spiritual very large in the USA. each other to fight this common enemy. They must avoid hid- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, culture. American Hindus have Hinduism is the only religion ing crucial information with each other to protect the life and and Pakistan), some from Af- the highest rates of educa- of the planet where a person health of their own citizens as well as the world's. The doctor ghanistan, and Southeast Asia tional attainment and highest can be an atheist as well as a in Wuhan who first informed of this outbreak was labelled a (mainly Myanmar, Thailand, rate of household income Hindu. If we roughly estimate a rumormonger and after most of the world denounced the act, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, among all religious communi- count of people worshiping he has suddenly become a martyr in China. Singapore and Indonesia, spe- ties, and the lowest divorce nature then this count even Same goes with the Russian doctor Anastasia Vasilieva, who cifically Bali and Java), the Car- rates. 48% of American Hindus goes higher, but western aca- on her way to deliver life saving equipment to a rural town ibbean (mainly Trinidad and To- hold a postgraduate degree. demician influenced media got arrested. Many nations try to hide the actual number of bago, Guyana, Suriname, and According to a study by the and Universities will question cases thinking this could sabotage their long term economic Jamaica), Oceania (mainly Ja- Pew Research Center's Forum that. American Hindus have to fallout. They don't realize that in the age of cyberspace there pan, Fiji, Australia, and New on Religion and Public Life in reject their reports. Many ex- are no borders to stop the sharing of news. Recently, China Zealand), Africa (mainly Kenya, 2012, 48% of American Hindus Muslims and also other Mus- and Russia have begun sharing and sending crucial supplies Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, have a household income of lims also religiously identify to other countries, and hope this will continue and bring good- Southern Africa, and Eastern $100,000 or more, and 70% with Hinduism, even those will amongst nations. African), Europe (mainly United make at least $75,000. This fig- people are regularly excluded On other hand India is facing a grave situation due to the Kingdom, Netherlands, and ure is as of 2012. These num- purposely. Tablighi, an Islamic Markaz congregation that took place in France), and other Latin Ameri- bers must have vastly changed Sanatana Dharma is collo- Delhi, since mid-March, amidst the lockdown by the govern- can countries and their de- by now. quially known as Hinduism. In ment authorities. Their chief is still in hiding and after some scendants. Most Native Ameri- Many statistics on American terms of demography, days of the search order, he finally announced via his lawyer cans also follow a culture Hindu community are regularly Sanatana Dharma has even that he has "self- quarantined" himself and will surrender af- which is similar to Hinduism manipulated by Christian evan- more followers than Hinduism. ter 14 days are completed. and they find great inspiration gelical & Islamic think tanks Many Indic religions such as Of the total COVID-19 positive cases in India, nearly 30% in Bhagavad Gita. and Hindu studies depart- Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, are individuals who attended this congregation. A country According to the Associa- ments of various universities. Hinduism and many others with a 1.3 billion population with some of the largest slums, tion of Statisticians of American For them, Hinduism represents share their roots in Sanatana as in Mumbai, the situation is challenging, unless the people Religious Bodies newsletter a counter spiritual viewpoint. Dharma. As far as the Dharmic collaborate and understand it's impact. published March 2017, Ameri- Their myopic view from their population goes, We are actu- Indian Prime Minister Modi became the first head of state can Hindus were the largest own religion perspective, cov- ally looking at a much larger and stood tall by discussing with its SAARC neighbors by pro- minority religion in 102 coun- ers their intellect in analyzing population in the USA. This is posing and creating a special fund for mutual help in such ties out of the 3143 counties in Hinduism properly. Therefore, the time for all these commu- times. ICMR a nodal research institution has got a go-ahead the country. it is more so required that nities to represent themselves for developing rapid testing equipment by the government, If we actually calculate the American Hindus begin to take in the upcoming elections in which is the need for the hour. numbers then it makes up al- ownership of any representa- November 2020 and also in We are now in recession. "It is worse than the global finan- most 9 million rough esti- tion of their culture. Census as American Hindu to cial crisis of 2008-09", said World Bank President David mates, not including native The American universities get them more forcefully ac- Malpass. He further stated, "We are expecting a major global Americans and Yoga communi- appoint Christian pastors as cepted in mainstream active recession'. ties. If we add the yoga com- deans for Hindu studies, which American society and politics. Good thing is, representatives of the world's two largest munity who consider Hinduism is morally not right. Om Namah Shivay | Hare democracies, Modi and Trump recently had a telephonic con- as their origin, then this num- American Hindus have to Krishna versation on how to contain the outbreak and agreed to work closely. Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author TOPTOP TENTEN HINDI SONGS 1 Muqabla: Street Dancer 3D 2 Malang Title Track: Malang 30 India Post www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 3 Illegal Weapon 2.0:

ctor Sunny Leone has an- Street Dancer 3D nounced the launch of her 4 Garmi: Street Dancer 3D Adigital chat show, titled 5 Haan Mai Galat: Love Aaj Kal "Locked up with Sunny". 6 Shayad: Love Aaj Kal The 38-year-old actor took to Instagram to share that she would 7 Sauda Khara Khara: do a live chat everyday noon, be- Good Newwz ginning with YouTuber Anisha 8 Dheeme Dheeme: Pati Patni Dixit. Aur Who "It was my idea to just have fun with our fans and people on insta. 9 Pyaar Tenu Karde Gabru: Shubh Light hearted conversations with Mangal Zyaada Savdhan funny things and details about the 10 Don't Be Shy Again: Bala guest," Sunny said in a statement. "Lockdown with Sunny" will see the actor in conversation with dif- ferent personalities across the globe and discuss how they're spending their quarantine time. From teaching yoga, holding live music gigs to virtual dance classes, many celebrities have taken to social media to keep the ctress Flora Saini, who had earlier viewers engaged and en- Afeatured in the hit Bollywood tertained amid the 21- film "Stree" and the web series day nationwide "Gandii Baat", is excited because her lockdown to short film "Motherland" will soon be curb the available online. spread of "I'm happy that the movie is soon coronavirus. releasing on YouTube and everyone PTI can watch it anytime. The movie was actually made in 2018 and we got opportunities to be at film festivals like London City Film Festival and Virgin Spring Cinefest. Now that every- MUMBAI: Ira- one is home, we planned SAJJAD nian actor Sajjad to release it," said Flora WAS FIRST Delafrooz says his referring to the nation- wide lockdown. NOTICED love for Bollywood pre- The short film has IN AKSHAY cedes his love for acting, which is why he is not both- been written, produced KUMAR ered about being stereotyped as long as he gets good work. and directed by Vevek STARRER Sajjad was first noticed in Akshay Kumar starrer "Baby" with his Narang. role of a doctor. His next two outings featured him as a baddie Flora feels blessed "BABY" WITH -- a terrorist in "Tiger Zinda Hai" and a criminal master- and lucky to have got a HIS ROLE OF mind for Neeraj Pandey's latest webseries "Special Ops". chance to work on the A DOCTOR "Stereotyping happens with a lot of actors. I'm not patriotic short film. worried about that. My main focus now is to work, "It's always inter- do a good job and do every role differently. You esting to work on can see a different person on 'Tiger films which give Zinda Hai' and 'Special Ops'. My out wonderful main aim is to be and work in messages to Bollywood. The stereotyp- others, and also pay ing doesn't bother me," tribute to Sajjad told PTI. the In- Born in Iran, Sajjad grew dian up in Sharjah, UAE in an Army. Indian community IANS where he was first introduced to Hindi films and music. PTI April 10, 2020 Punjab Post India Post 31 www.indiapost.com Punjab Police (SI) sings to create anti-Corona awareness

JASWANT SINGH GANDAM / RAMAN NEHRA video, Singh is cautioning the people to India Post News Service protect their elders and children who PHAGWARA: Close on the heels of a are vulnerable to the coronavirus dis- video showing PAP jawans singing and ease. dancing to create awareness on precau- "Desh mere de vasiyo, ik ral ke tions to be taken to stop the spread of muhinm challayiye, Is corona virus utte Coronavirus, a Sub-Inspector(SI) of po- ethey hi bann laayey (People of the lice posted in City police station of country, we should collectively run a Phagwara has come campaign against out with a song for coronavirus and pre- carrying on the cam- vent it from spread- paign of anti-Corona ing)," sings Singh. awareness. In the next stanza, he asks people to use SI Baljinder Singh, masks, sanitisers and popularly known as gloves to keep the Pamma Malhi in artis- deadly COVID-19 at tic circles, has taken bay, urges them to do to creative measure City SHO Inspector Onkar Singh Brar teaching a kid of slum dwellers how to wear a mask a ''namaste'' from a to save themselves from Coronavirus to combat safe distance and Coronavirus pan- avoid going out from the slums areas about how to wear chheti aundey, Jagah jagah te police SI Baljinder Singh aka Pamma demic. The song is Malhi, who sang a song for creating unnecessarily(Munh masks and also giving sanitisers to the waley te doctor ne samjhaundey, written by Assistant public awareness about precautions nu mask hath dastaney people for use. Roktham layi jo jo dasan amal vich Sub- Inspector Partap against Coronavirus sanitizer varto, Duron The cops, led by Phagwara SP liyaiye). Waris. khad ke karo namaste Manwinder Singh and joined by DSP The concluding stanza of the song Taking to music, Sub-Inspector jande jan kitey parto, Bina vajah na ghar Surinder Chand, were also shown dis- says, "Paras kehnda is aafat de agge Baljinder Singh can be seen singing a to apan bhain bharavo jayiye). tributing food and other essential items datt ke khadiye, Ichcha shakti de naal Punjabi song, the video of which has The video of the song shows cops, to the needy. apan is virus naal ladiye, Kul duniyan nu gone viral on social media, earning including City SHO, Inspector Onkar In the song, Singh also urges people aa jao apan jit kea aj vikhayiye" (Paras praise from the chief minister.In the Singh Brar, giving training to children to follow all steps recommended by the says that we should fight this virus with health authorities to check spread of will power and show to the world our infection, cautioning that the elderly victory over it"). and children fell easy prey to the virus For detailed stories visit New appointees at Phagwara (Bachey budhey iss virus di pakad ch www.indiapost.com Market Committee JASWANT SINGH GANDAM / RAMAN NEHRA Dhaliwal offered sweets to the duo. Stay connected, Stay Updated- India Post News Service Both Bhardwaj and Khalwara pro- PHAGWARA: The newly appointed fusely thanked Punjab CM Captain Chairman and Vice -Chairman of Market Amarinder Singh,PPCC chief Sunil GNA Pro-Chancellor Sihra Committee Phagwara Naresh Bhardwaj Jakhar,Punjab Mandi Board Chairman JASWANT SINGH GANDAM / RAMAN NEHRA teractive sessions. India Post News Service Dean Academics, Dr. Monika Hanspal PHAGWARA: Keeping in view the sen- said, "I am really delighted to know that sitivity of the quarantine situation, GNA the Deans are taking due pains in mak- University has commenced with its ing the routine learning to be imparted Online teaching for the students locked in full swing." down in home. Pro-Chancellor, S. Gurdeep Singh A varsity release has said the objec- Sihra expressed, "I am happy to share tive of these sessions, as propagated by the concerns of GNA fraternity and how the Pro-Chancellor of the University, S. they have put up a strong front in dis- and Jagjiwan Khalwara, took charge of Lal Singh and local MLA Dhaliwal for Gurdeep Singh Sihra, is to "Stay Con- seminating routine learning among the their offices. their appointment. nected, Stay Updated". students at this time." Local MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, Declaring they will discharge their Giving due reverence to the motto Vice-Chancellor, Dr. VK Rattan re- ADC cum Commissioner municipal Cor- duties with full responsibility, they as- of the Pro-Chancellor of the University, marked, "I am satisfied to see the com- poration Rajiv Verma, SP Manwinder sured that farmers, arhtiyas and all faculty under the stewardship and bined efforts made both at the end of Singh,SDM Gurwinder Singh labourers will face no difficulty during guidance of Dean of each Faculty is tak- the faculty as well as the students in tak- Johal,Additional Session Judge Patiala upcoming wheat procurement season ing online classroom sessions. The un- ing their classes seriously and in full let- Ms Priya Sood,City SHO Inspector Onkar as foolproof arrangements were being seen scenarios of the COVID 2019 has a ter and spirit." Singh Brar,Block Samiti Chairman made for it. deep impact on every GNA student and With the sincere endeavours of Team Gurdial Singh Bullarai, Block(urban) Con- Senior Congress leaders Gurjit Walia, they have understood the sanctity of GNA, the University has set up a bench- gress President Sanjiv Bugga were Vinod Vermani, Kamal Dhaliwal,Honey staying at home and studying with the mark where teaching and learning present on the occasion among Dhaliwal,Darshan Lal Dharamsot were one-on-one assistance of their con- never ceases despite acute hurdles and others.The bureaucrat-turned politician also present on the occasion. cerned course teachers followed by in- unforeseen circumstances. Realty Tidbits Senior Oyo staff takes

Railway converts 25-50% salary cut 83 coaches into NEW DELHI: To help, India headquartered hospi- isolation wards Real Estate tality unicorn Oyo tide over the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, its entire executive leadership team has taken a voluntary pay cut, NEW DELHI: The Northern starting at 25 per cent and going up to 50 per cent, Railway has converted 83 wag- the company said. This is a double whammy for the ons into isolations wards for company, which in January announced to further novel coronavirus (Covid-19) trim. patients, taking the total num- 32 India Post www.indiapost.com April 10, 2020 Details on page 11 ber of isolation coaches to 174. Northern Railway spokesper- son Deepak Kumar said: "All our workshops are working 24x7 to Realtors mull investing in digital space fight the Covid-19 pandemic. We have achieved the highest conversion rate per day for iso- for property viewing: Report lation coaches today with 83 coaches, taking the cumulative NEW DELHI: Real estate play- figure to 174 till date." ers are looking to invest more The official said that besides in the digital space for prop- conversion of coaches into iso- erty views and walk-through, lation wards, the Northern Rail- as the sector goes through way has also manufactured astandstill amidst the nation- 1,658 liters sanitiser, 5,516 face wide lockdown, according to a masks and 237 coveralls. report by 360 Realtors. The Indian Railways has de- It said, although the sector is cided to convert 20,000 currently witnessing very low coaches into isolation wards demand, developers can cache which would be able to accom- in several opportunities during modate over 3.2 lakh patients the crisis. "As every distress is across the country. IANS an opportunity to transform, there are also a lot of hidden opportunities for the sector amidst the current crisis. The fraternity is once again looking MD 360 of Realtors said: "This such online platforms." believed to be a safe tool to in- Taj Group salutes forward to investing more in crisis has once again necessi- Further, as the stock market vest to neutralize any possible medics with hotel online platforms, digital tated the need for investing in is already bearish and the inflationary pressure and miti- walkthroughs, innovative online meetings, digital banking and financial sector is gate market-induced risks. rooms transaction spaces, etc. that walkthroughs, and tech en- going through tough times, On the impact on in-person can facilitate site visit & trans- abled transaction platforms. there might be a further revival site visits due to the MUMBAI: The Indian Hotels action digitally without the Till now such things were part in interest for real estate as an coronavirus crisis, it said that Company Ltd (IHCL), which hassle of physical site visits," of academic discussions. But asset class amongst the inves- till third week of March, site runs the Taj group of hotels, said the report. now, we will surely see more tor fraternity, it observed. visits and physical inspection has thrown open its doors for Ankit Kansal, Founder and investments in developing As a hard asset, real estate is of properties in Gurgaon have the medical staff combating reduced to the tune of 40 per the Covid-19 pandemic, an of- cent, when compared to the ficial spokesperson said in a same period a month before. statement. "The reduction has been The rooms will be available Housing sales across top cities even higher in markets like at seven of its properties, in- Pune and Noida. Pune has been cluding the flagship Taj Mahal may fall 25-35% one of the hardest hits, as site Palace in Colaba, Taj Lands End visits have come down by al- in Bandra, Taj Santacruz, The NEW DELHI: As the real es- ous real estate segments in 2019 to anywhere between President, Ginger in MIDC tate sector receives yet an- 2020. Housing sales could wit- 1.66-1.78 lakh units. most three quarters," said the Andheri, Ginger in Madgaon other jolt with the ness a 25-35 per cent yearly As per the report, unsold in- report. (Goa) and Ginger Noida. coronavirus crisis, a report by drop in 2020 against the pre- ventory in 2020 will largely re- As per 360 Realtors, it might "During these trying times, Anarock Property Consult- ceding year," it said. main stable, with single-digit take some time to evaluate the we at IHCL are keenly aware of ants says that housing sales Likewise, new launches may annual decline of around 1-3 long-term loss in the industry, our responsibilities towards across seven major cities per cent.Nearly 4.66 lakh triggered from the outbreak of our community. As a reflection in the country is likely to units across the top seven COVID-19.As of March, new of our commitment, we are of- decline 25-35 per cent in cities earlier slated for launches have either been sus- fering rooms for the medical 2020. completion in 2020 now pended or have been delayed fraternity to stay," the spokes- Residential sales in face a high risk of delays. due to the pandemic. Develop- person told IANS. 2019 stood at around 2.61 The affordable housing ers are taking a backseat and The company said that it lakh units across the top segment, which gained are back to the drawing board "deeply values the contribu- seven cities and may now significant traction over to relook into their sales strat- tions from the medical com- fall between 1.70-1.96 the last few years, may also egy. munity and will continue to lakh units. take a hit by COVID-19. The "This time of the year usually work with them and the local "Current estimates reveal also witness a 25-30 per cent outbreak will significantly af- sees a lot of festive offers & authorities" as the country a substantial drop in de- decline during the same pe- fect affordable housing's tar- freebies from the developers; navigates through the ongoing mand and supply across vari- riod, from 2.37 lakh units in get audience, it noted. IANS however, not this time," it said. health crisis. IANS IANS April 10, 2020 Real Estate Post India Post 33 www.indiapost.com MahaRERA extends deadlines for realty projects

MUMBAI: In a major relief for accordingly issue project reg- MahaRERA registered projects cision as a "proactive" step by home loan EMIs and other developers, the Maharashtra istration certificates, with re- does not get adversely af- Maharashtra RERA. working capital loans. Real Estate Regulatory Author- vised timelines for such fected, it has been decided to "Even after the lockdown is "We welcome this move in ity (MahaRERA) has extended projects, at the earliest," said issue this order," it said. lifted, it is anyone's guess how the wake of supply chain dis- the completion deadline for all the order. Developers welcomed the long it will take for things to ruption, migration of workers registered projects by three It said that in view of the relief from the authority. Ashok return to normalcy," and other related issues, as it months. partial lockdown in the state Mohanani, Chairman EKTA Hiranandani said. will take some time for the real Further, the authority also earlier and the eventual nation- World said that at a time when extended the time limits of all wide lockdown, the construc- there is "mental, social and statutory compliances in ac- tion work in MahaRERA-regis- economic unrest globally, this cordance with the Real Estate tered projects has been se- move brings relief". He noted that the lockdown brought all work to a standstill; ‘For all MahaRERA registered projects where hence a deadline extension for completion date, revised completion date under construction projects was definitely the need of the hour. or extended completion date expires Farshid Cooper, MD, Spenta on or after 15th March 2020’ Corporation was of the view that with the country under a 21-day lockdown, there will be (Regulation and Development) verely affected and the supply several real estate projects Act, 2016 and the rules and chains for obtaining construc- that will get delayed because regulations, which were due in tion material have been dis- of the pandemic. March, April or May until rupted and labor work force "We are happy that June30, 2020. may have migrated back to MahaRERA has extended the "For all MahaRERA regis- their home states. timeline for completion of tered projects where comple- "Due to these circum- projects by three months, Welcoming the MahaRERA's estate industry to be on track. tion date, revised completion stances, real estate projects which has given developers decision, Nahar Group's Vice A much-appreciated step date or extended completion across Maharashtra will take time to deal with the situa- Chairperson, Manju Yagnik said when the country is under to- date expires on or after 15th some time to restart work. tion," Cooper said. that this extension of the dead- tal lock-down to counter the March 2020, the period of va- Therefore, in order to aid gov- President of the National line for projects in Maharashtra impact of pandemic COVID-19 lidity for registration of such ernment efforts in controlling Real Estate Development is in sync with RBI's announce- leading to construction work projects shall be extended by the damage of COVID-19 and Council (NAREDCO) Niranjan ment of granting a 3-month coming at grinding halt," she three months. MahaRERA shall ensure that completion of Hiranandani described the de- moratorium for payment of said.IANS Senior Oyo staff takes 25-50% salary cut

NEW DELHI: To help, India for the company, which in Janu- world over is deeply concern- we will reorganize more teams far invested about $1.5 bil- headquartered hospitality ary announced to further trim ing to each and every one of us. across businesses and func- lion in Oyo, pushing the hos- unicorn Oyo tide over the its workforce across verticals, OYO is doing everything to tions. As a result, we are asking pitality company's valuation challenges posed by the after reportedly firing 1200 support the world with its lim- some of our impacted col- to $10 billion but learning Covid-19 pandemic, its en- employees in the first round. ited resources in this pan- leagues to move tire executive leadership Oyo Hotels & Homes said, demic from making isolation to a new career centers to finding a safe place outside of Oyo". for first responders," Agarwal According to said in a statement. reports, SoftBank Oyo said that all of its em- had given Oyo a ployees in India, including deadline of March 10,000 plus OYOpreneurs on 31, 2020 to phase payrolls and tens of thousands out contracts or of OYO managed assets staff businesses, which including lots of hotels, which are not EBITDA- will open post lockdown, will profitable. continue to receive their sala- Founded in ries and benefits without any 2013, Oyo's self- interruptions during this un- operated business precedented period of a coun- includes Oyo Ritesh Agarwal trywide 21-day lockdown. Townhouse, team has taken a voluntary CEO Ritesh Agarwal has de- In a letter to the employees Silverkey, Collection O, Oyo from WeWork fiasco, the pay cut, starting at 25 per cided to forego 100 per cent of in January, Agarwal said: "One Flagship and Oyo Homes and Japanese conglomerate is cent and going up to 50 per his salary for the rest of the of the implications of the new ancillary businesses include now looking at the compa- cent, the company said. year. strategic objectives for 2020, is Weddingz.in. nies it financially backs from This is a double whammy "The current situation the that, like the leadership team, SoftBank's Vision Fund has so a different lens. IANS 34 India Post Perspective April 10, 2020 www.indiapost.com Callousness of Equality Labs using Tablighi Jamaat Event on India KIRAN RAO, ARCHITECT ecently, India had registered tan- eye brow considering the closure of trashed, some Tablighi's in Ghaziabad membership with jihadist groups". gential increase in the number of holy shrines Mecca and Medina. How- UP, who are under observation at a These factors are truly a fodder to as- RCorona infested cases and most ever, this event went defying the Gov- Ghaziabad hospital have been at the sume things and feel insecure. of these cases are attributed to the Is- ernment instructions and Government hospital's isolation ward have been lamic event held in Nizamuddin area Order. The result is appalling and as roaming around without their pants, Angle of Hindu Phobia: (Old Delhi). One wonder, why this event many as 1/3rd of the infected are re- nude, and listening to vulgar songs Digital Non-Profit organizations like is closely tracked and how this event lated to this event. While the entire apart from asking for cigarettes from Equality Labs who consider themselves contributed to highest number of posi- country is maintaining social distance, the housekeeping staff and making vul- as Messiah and promote themselves as tive cases in India. The event was held this religious event signifies the defy- gar signs at nurses. In these circum- champion involve in various anti India between Match 12th till 17th but was ing aspect of government order. It stances it is highly difficult to treat activities in US apart from Anti Hindu extended until 27th. Muslims all over might be due to the extremist funda- them. It is clear that their intention is propaganda by infusing the trepidation India and other countries had attended mental religious angle but at a time not to get treated but spread to others. and emotions as an opportunity to this missionary The notion of insecurity among non- spread propaganda. The motto of the event and re- Muslims is due to various aspects re- organization is to demean Hindu tradi- turned homes and lated to the event. It is due to the tim- tions, and rituals in every possible way, later caught with ing of the event while India is going on be it their opposition on abrogation of the symptoms and appalling crisis with unexplained anx- article 370, humanitarian citizenship act are quarantined iousness and during the crisis, why can't or the latest Tablighi event. They have with required Muslims follow the same law as every- related all these to Muslims despite the treatment. How- one does? fact that every situation is different. ever, it is an uphill Why are they different from other They equated unequal aspects and por- task for police to non-Muslims? Apart from, why they are trayed those to show India as anti-Mus- identify and quar- reluctant to social distancing like every- lim. While sitting in US, 8000 miles away antine those who one does rather than holding the event from India, their aim is to make Hindus are reluctant to for proselytizing. Not limited to this, culpable of recent activities. The obser- come out for treat- but considering the evil side of the or- vation is that Citizenship amendment ment. So far, Police ganization which in many way acted as act provide the citizenship to perse- have quarantined a nursery and gateway of terrorism as cuted minorities of Pakistan, 21,000 Muslims Courtesy- Timesnownews.com quoted by Dr Farhan Zahid, a Pakistani Bangladesh, Afghanistan who came to and their family counter-terrorism and security expert, India prior to 2014 as refugees. Equality apart from those contacted. This is just when the entire country is fighting on in his analysis titled "Tablighi Jamaat Labs, termed the act as anti-Muslim and one side of the coin regarding the out- epidemic, it is the duty of the citizen to and its links with terrorism" [Foreign created unwarranted apprehension break. However, the other side of the follow the rule of law. Thus, it is impera- Analysis March 2015 Centre Francais de among political and Muslim groups. coin is more despicable due to the be- tive that this organization is completely Reserche Sur le Renseignement]. However, they refuse to support the havior and situation apart from timing in suspicion based on their behavior Dr Farhan says, Tablighi "in a way humanitarian perspective of the act as and there is a reason to it. and non-cooperation with the police. As plays the role of recruiter and sympa- the beneficiaries are Hindu Dalits. Al- Tablighi Jamaat is an Islamic orthodox much as 950 foreign delegates at- though their claim organization that has roots since 1927 tended this event who came on a visi- being Dalit activists, involved in missionary activities and also tor visa however the visa doesn't per- they refuse to sup- grown significantly after India's indepen- mit to gather religious event. port Hindu Dalits who dence. It is a religious organization that Many Jamaat religious fanatics in the are entitled for the carry out prophet's message and are organization refused to cooperate with path to citizenship fundamentalists. It has spread to around police investigation. It is necessary at and deserve right to 150 countries and according to pew re- this crucial time of the hour to quaran- live. Listening to their search the origin of funds are question- tine themselves however, the dismal fake narrative on vari- able and may have connections with ter- behavior and their intent makes them ous platforms, their rorist organizations. Russia, Pakistan and to suspect more than before. The der- propaganda is to other Central Asia countries have eliction of organization leadership show India as Anti banned this organization. should be held responsible in spread- Muslim. But when ing the wrong message to the entire someone question TIMING AND BEHAVIOR community. Their belief is that Corona how India's Citizenship The Nizamuddin Markaz faction of Virus can't do anything and whatever Act strips the citizen- Tablighi Jamaat is headed by Maulana happens to them is god's will. However, ship for Muslims, they Saad Kandhalwi, great-grandson of the they do not have the right to kill others Tablighi members while in quarantine holding mass prayers – immediately label founder Maulana Muhammad Ilyas. by transmission. Courtesy Timesnow them as Hindu Nation- Maulana Saad is now the key accused in Apart from the inept Tablighi leader- alists. Their strategy is the FIR registered by Delhi Police. Delhi ship, as many as 59 residents In Indore thizer [for terrorism]. The congregation to galvanize the support from various Government on March 13th 2020 issues India, who attended the event pelted allows radical elements worldwide to Muslim organizations like CAIR and other a Government order banning religious stones on police, medical crew and two meet and discuss violent activities and Pakistani based groups, who apparently congregation, social gatherings until female Doctors. They refuse to take provide them with the best opportunity are against India. March 31st. Holding a major event dur- treatment nor take tests. While the to coordinate". Adding "many of its fol- For detailed story visit ing the crisis timing definitely raises an moral responsibility was completely lowers have dual and overlapping www.indiapost.com Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author April 10, 2020 India Post 35 www.indiapost.com