NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA VOL 26, No. 1391 June 4, 2021 50¢ Periodical Postage KASHMIR TERROR IN US 'Friends of Kashmir' group in US linked to terror groups, Pak govt

US blocks seafood from Chinese fleet FIA Chicago's Details on page 12 Holi and Covid fundraiser British-Indian artist Details on page 16 launches track as ode to Partition WHO honors Details on page 14 Harsh Vardhan for tobacco control Prominent businessman Details on page 7 Amrit Patel dies CONTENTS Details on page 21 Bollywood ------30-31 Classifieds ------35 NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: The anti-India 'Friends of tablishment exerts its influence through its terror Community Post ------16-28 Kashmir' group in the United States has been found groups in Kashmir, its diaspora and various fronts and Cover/Top Stories ------5-7 to be actively linked to the banned Islamist terror lobbies in the US. Edit Page ------36 groups and the Pakistan government. On August 5, 2020, Friends of Kashmir and its head Horoscope ------8 This week’s question Sam Westrop and Martha Lee of the Middle East - a prominent pro-Pakistani activist, writer and self- Immigration Post ------10-11 Will India recover from the Info/Highlights ------4 economic slump within one year? Forum (MEF), widely known for its meticulous journal- described poet named Ghazala Habib - organized an istic investigations in the US, have unearthed the online discussion on Kashmir, in collaboration with the Life Style ------14-15 Last week’s result OP-ED------34 nexus between a Texas-based group, 'Friends of Kash- Pakistani embassy and its consulate in Houston, Will Jaishankar be able to get Real Estate ------32 vaccine aid from US? mir', Pakistani regime and the US Congress members. Westrop and Lee have noted in their comprehensive TechBiz Post ------12-13 The authors, in their joint investigation, accessed ex- report. Travel & Hospitality Post ------33 YES 98% NO 2% clusively by IANS, have exposed how the Pakistani es- Details on page 5 Wellness Post ------29 2 India Post June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com June 4, 2021 India Post 3 www.indiapost.com 4 India Post June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KASHMIR TERROR IN US US blocks seafood from Chinese Riyaz Khan Marketing Agent Anti-India 'Friends of Kashmir' group in US govt blocked imports of seafood Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief US found to be actively linked to from a Chinese company that authori- banned Islamist terror groups and Pak ties say forced crewmembers to work in CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor government. 5 slave-like conditions. 12 A Q Siddiqui Correspondent

ST. LOUIS Community: Travel: Ashwin Patel Correspondent FIA Chicago's Holi $ & fundraiser Air travel during Covid-19 NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Federation of Indian Associations hosted Air travel has witnessed changes since Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Holi celebration program marked by the pandemic, even as two things re- Sukhvinder Saini Circulation festive gaiety, dance and singing at the main constant - the threat from the virus Mall of India in Naperville, IL. and to ensure a safer surrounding. BOSTON 16 33 Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief

CANADA Immigration: Wellness: Paras Nehra Correspondent US Senator unites Indian family US FDA authorizes antibody drug NEW DELHI Indian family separated due to travel US FDA has authorized a antibody drug Lakshay Sharma Web Developer restrictions in view of COVID-19 was against Covid-19, developed by GSK and MUMBAI united because of efforts made by Vir, which claims to reduce hospitaliza- Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez. 10 tion and death. 29 Frank Fernandes Correspondent

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NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: The anti- India 'Friends of Kashmir' group in the United States has been found to be ac- tively linked to the banned Islamist ter- ror groups and the Pakistan govern- ment. Sam Westrop and Martha Lee of the Middle East Forum (MEF), widely known for its meticulous journalistic investiga- tions in the US, have unearthed the nexus between a Texas-based group, 'Friends of Kashmir', Pakistani regime and the US Congress members. The au- thors, in their joint investigation, ac- cessed exclusively by IANS, have ex- posed how the Pakistani establishment exerts its influence through its terror groups in Kashmir, its diaspora and vari- ous fronts and lobbies in the US. On August 5, 2020, Friends of Kash- mir and its head - a prominent pro-Paki- stani activist, writer and self-described poet named Ghazala Habib - organized During the webinar, Ghazala Habib cause he was a legitimate leader of port in the United States "from many an online discussion on Kashmir, in col- thanked the Pakistani government for Jihad." senators, Congressmen and influential laboration with the Pakistani embassy opening the "consulate doors for us 24/ Andrabi has long been involved with people from the business community." and its consulate in Houston, Westrop 7," describing it as "our first home." In Friends of Kashmir. In February 2017, the Habib was far from the only terror- and Lee have noted in their comprehen- fact, Habib is also on close terms with Texas group organized a conference at tied speaker to share a platform with sive report. Speakers at the webinar in- President Masood Khan. "Habib does which the pro-Al Qaeda Andrabi spoke several members of the United States cluded the two co-chairs of the United not just represent the interests of the remotely, along with terror activists Congress. Star speaker Riffat Wani is a States Congress's Pakistan Caucus, the Pakistani regime; she is also endorsed such as Yasin Malik and Shabir Shah, Kashmiri activist under investigation by President of Pakistan-administered by prominent Kashmiri terror activists. both of whom were arrested by Indian Jammu and Kashmir Police. Wani regu- Kashmir, and the Pakistani ambassador In 2020, leaders of the Kashmiri Hurriyat law enforcement in 2019. It emerged larly expresses support for terrorists on to the United States and the Houston political alliance, including Syed Ali that Malik had apparently "visited" the social media. She has glowingly de- consul-general. Other speakers included Gilani and Asiya Andrabi, appointed [designated terrorist organization] scribed the late, infamous Kashmiri ter- Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ghazala Habib as their representative in Lashkar e Taiba (LeT) camps in Muree in rorist Burhan Wani as one of "those who along with Texas state legislators Ron the United States," Westrop and Lee Pakistan occupied Kashmir and ad- inspire others to resist occupation." Reynolds and Terry Meza. said in their report. dressed the LeT cadres there." Burhan was a commander of the terror- The webinar was held to run Gilani is an infamous Kashmiri sepa- As for Shah, he was reportedly "in ist organization Hizbul Mujahideen, who Pakistan's campaign against India, ratist who used to serve as the "Head of touch with the global terrorist Hafeez successfully persuaded young launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan Jihad" for the now banned branch of Sayeed, chief of banned outfit 'Jamat- Kashmiris to "join the holy war." In fact, after the Modi government brought the the Islamist movement Jamaat-e-Islami ud-Dawa' based in Pakistan," and re- Riffat Wani frequently appears to honor state of Jammu & Kashmir on August 5, "mujahideen" killed in violent clashes 2019, at par with other states of India. Sam Westrop and Martha Lee of the Middle East Forum (MEF), with Indian law enforcement, such as Broadcast on social media and American widely known for its meticulous journalistic investigations praising the "martyrdom" of the infa- Pakistani television channel TVOne USA, mous terrorist operative Riyaz Naikoo. the webinar was attended by Congres- in the US, have unearthed the nexus between a Texas-based "Other advertised speakers at the sional Caucus co-chairs Representatives group, 'Friends of Kashmir', Pakistani regime and the webinar included a spokesperson of Jim Banks and Sheila Jackson Lee. Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice; as Even as Banks, who is an outspoken US Congress members well as Raja Najabat Hussain and Abdul critic of South Asian Islamist groups, Pa- Hameed Lone, both of whom are offi- kistani media tried to project him as a in Jammu & Kashmir. Andrabi, mean- ceived "money for carrying out separat- cials of the JK Self Determination Move- supporter of 'Friends of Kashmir'. With while, founded the banned outfit ist activities in J&K." In January 2021, ment International, which security ser- offices also in Islamabad and Karachi, Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the Friends of Kashmir and Habib organized vices claim to be a front for Pakistan's Friends of Kashmir describes itself as a Nation), which, The Economist notes, a protest in support of Malik, Shah, and ISI. Another senior Pakistani politician US based "International Non-Political "supports terrorists" and advocates Andrabi, in which she referred to the listed as a presenter was Mushahid Organization" focused on Kashmir. Their jihad. Andrabi claims to have embraced violent extremists as "heroes" and the Hussain Syed, a former regime minister activities "are the product of close col- al-Qaeda officials, telling them that if "Kashmiri leadership." Despite her con- who has openly praised the activities of laboration with the Pakistani regime", "you belong to Sheikh Osama's al- nections to terrorists, Habib claims in an the murderous terrorist organization Westrop and Lee said. Qaeda then you are very welcome be- interview to "already have moral sup- Lashkar-e-Taiba. IANS 6 India Post Top Stories June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com

‘India sends documents for Choksi's More than 200 bodies deportation on pvt jet to Dominica’ found at Indigenous school in Canada NEW DELHI/SAINT JOHN'S: India has sent a private mental error because in Antigua he is a citizen, we jet loaded with documents for deportation of fugitive could not deport him...," Browne said. KAMLOOPS (British Colombia): The remains of diamantaire Mehul Choksi from Dominica where he is He said the Government of Dominica and law en- 215 children, some as young as 3 years old, have said to have gone with his girlfriend on a romantic es- forcement agencies, unless the court rules other- been found buried on the site of what was once capade from his sanctuary in neighboring Antigua wise, can deport him to India because he is an Indian Canada's largest Indigenous residential school only to be arrested. citizen, Antigua News Room reported. one of the institutions that held children taken Qatar Airways private jet flew a distance of from families across the nation. over 13,000 kilometers from Delhi to Douglas- Chief Rosanne Casimir of the Tk'emlups te Charles airport in Dominica 28 May carrying Secw'pemc First Nation said in a news release several documents needed for deportation of that the remains were confirmed last weekend 62-year-old Choksi who is wanted in Rs 13,500 with the help of ground-penetrating radar. crore-bank loan fraud case, Prime Minister of More bodies may be found because there are Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne told a more areas to search on the school grounds, local radio station in Antigua. Casimir said 28 May. Indian officials in Delhi refused to confirm In an earlier release, she called the discovery or deny whether a plane had been sent to an unthinkable loss that was spoken about but Dominica. never documented at the Kamloops Indian Resi- According to flight status, Qatar Executive dential School. It was the once the site of flight A7CEE left the Delhi airport at 3.44 am Canada's largest residential school. on May 28 and reached Dominica at 1.16 pm From the 19th century until the 1970s, more local time on the same day, via Madrid. than 150,000 First Nations children were re- Choksi was detained in Dominica for illegal quired to attend state-funded Christian schools entry after his mysterious disappearance from as part of a program to assimilate them into Ca- neighboring Caribbean country Antigua and nadian society. Barbuda where he was staying since 2018 af- They were In an earlier release, ter fleeing from India in January that year. forced to con- she called the discov- Within days, the scam came to light. vert to Chris- Gaston Browne The diamantaire had taken the citizenship tianity and not ery an unthinkable of Antigua and Barbuda in 2017 using its Citi- allowed to loss that was spoken zenship by Investment program. "The problem is if he is sent back to Antigua be- speak their na- about but never Browne told the radio show that the jet is from cause he is an Antiguan citizen, even though his citi- tive languages. India carrying necessary documentation needed for zenship is unsettled, he is still enjoying constitutional Many were documented at the deportation of Choksi. The Dominica High Court and legal protections as a citizen. We have no doubt beaten and ver- Kamloops Indian stayed his removal from its soil and put a gag order that his citizenship will ultimately be revoked because bally abused, on the developments till the matter is heard in an he did not disclose material information," he said. and up to 6,000 Residential School. It open court on June 2. Choksi has alleged that he was abducted from are said to have was once the site of Jolly Harbor in Antigua and died. Barbuda by Antiguan and In- Canada's largest Choksi was detained in The Cana- dian looking policemen and dian govern- residential school Dominica for illegal entry was taken to Dominica. ment apolo- after his mysterious disap- He was purportedly seen gized in Parliament in 2008 and admitted that with red, swollen eyes and pearance from neighbor- physical and sexual abuse in the schools was ram- bruises on his hands in pic- pant. ing Caribbean country tures that surfaced in Many students recall being beaten for speak- Antigua and Barbuda Dominica. ing their native languages; they also lost touch His lawyers have also al- where he was staying with their parents and customs. leged that he has marks on his Indigenous leaders have cited that legacy of since 2018 after fleeing body. abuse and isolation as the root cause of epidemic from India in January that Choksi and his nephew rates of alcoholism and drug addiction on reser- Nirav Modi are wanted for al- year. Within days, the vations. legedly siphoning Rs 13,500 A report more than five years ago by a Truth scam came to light crore of public money from and Reconciliation Commission said at least Mehul Choksi the state-run Punjab National 3,200 children had died amid abuse and neglect, Bank (PNB) using letters of un- and it said it had reports of at least 51 deaths at India seems to have spotted a window of oppor- dertaking. Both are facing a CBI and ED probe. the Kamloops school alone between 1915 and tunity in the arrest of Choksi in Dominica where he While Modi is in a London prison after being re- 1963. This really resurfaces the issue of residen- was "detained" for illegal entry. peatedly denied bail and is contesting his extradi- tial schools and the wounds from this legacy of "The information that we are getting is that Mehul tion to India, Choksi took citizenship of Antigua and genocide towards Indigenous people, Terry Choksi may have taken his girlfriend to Dominica, Barbuda in 2017 before fleeing India in the first week Teegee, Assembly of First Nations regional chief probably to have dinner or have a good time and so of January 2018. The scam came to light subse- for British Colombia, said. AP on, and got caught. That would have been a monu- quently. PTI June 4, 2021 Top Stories India Post 7 www.indiapost.com US officials press China to provide greater WHO honors Harsh transparency on COVID-19 origins Vardhan for efforts WASHINGTON: With a renewed focus on a fresh in- and the intelligence could prompt scientists in China in tobacco control vestigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus, to step forward, reported The New York Times. US experts and officials on 30 May called on China to "If this thing came out of a lab, there are people in GENEVA: World Health Organization (WHO) has provide greater transparency and speed inquiries into China who probably know that," he said. awarded Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan whether the pandemic began with a leak from a lab. US Republican Representative Michael McCaul told with 'WHO Director-General Special Recognition "There's going to be COVID-26 and COVID-32 un- CNN's "State of the Union" last weekend that inter- Award' for his accomplishments in the area of to- less we fully understand the origins of COVID-19," said cepted intelligence communications had provided in- bacco control. Peter J. Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical triguing clues pointing to a lab leak. Every year, WHO recognizes individuals or or- Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and co-direc- "We have signals intelligence and human and other ganizations in each of the six WHO Regions for tor of the Texas Children's Hospital forms of intelligence," he said, that their accomplishments in the area of tobacco con- Center for Vaccine Development on while not certain in nature, suggest a "The team would trol. This recognition takes the form of WHO Di- US media, reported The New York lab leak is "more likely than not". have to interview rector-General Special Recognition Award and Times. Hotez said the US President Biden last week said he has asked World No Tobacco Day Awards. On the occasion, Joe Biden's push for an inquiry into scientists and the US intelligence community to "re- WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the virus origins might not yield double their efforts" to come to a con- scrutinize their lab Vardhan's leadership was instrumental in the 2019 much new information because the clusion on the origins of COVID-19 and national legislation to ban E-cigarettes and United States had already "pushed notebooks in order to report back to him within 90 days. heated tobacco products. intelligence about as far as we can". investigate the "I have now asked the Intelligence He suggested that the world possibility of a Community to redouble their efforts needed a sweeping new scientific to collect and analyze information search for outbreak answers, most es- lab leak," that could bring us closer to a defini- pecially in China, including an indepen- tive conclusion, and to report back to dent team of scientists, epidemiologists and virologists me in 90 days," Biden said in a statement on the inves- working in China for a period of six months to a year so tigation into the origins of COVID-19. the world can "fully unravel the origins of COVID-19." In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesper- "The team would have to interview scientists and son Zhao Lijian termed the Biden administration's scrutinize their lab notebooks in order to investigate move as disrespect for science. the possibility of a lab leak," he said, adding that the "Some people in the US completely ignore facts and world needs to put a lot of pressure on China, includ- science, do not pay attention to ambiguous parts of ing possible sanctions. their own research and their failures in the fight Matthew Pottinger, who served as deputy national against the pandemic, over and over making the buzz Dr Harsh Vardhan security adviser to former President Donald Trump, that a re-investigation needs to be conducted regard- said that Biden's call for a fresh look at the evidence ing China," Zhao said. ANI "Pleased to award @drharshvardhan, Indian Health Minister, with the special recognition for tobacco control. His leadership was instrumental in the 2019 national legislation to ban E-cigarettes Key US base in Kabul handed to Afghan forces and heated tobacco products. Thank you, Minis- ter," Tedros tweeted. KABUL: A key military US base called the New Kabul The withdrawal of the US and NATO forces from the Meanwhile, the Union Minister of Health and Compound (NKC) has been handed over to the Afghan country started on May 1. According to figures pro- Family Welfare today chaired an event to mark the forces, the Ministry of Defense announced. vided by US Central Command, the Pentagon has so World No Tobacco Day and led the pledge by ev- Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Ministry, said far removed the equivalent of approximately 160 C- eryone present to abstain from tobacco. 17 loads of material out of Af- He expressed his satisfaction that with the per- ghanistan and has turned over sistent efforts of the Centre and State govern- more than 10,000 pieces of ments, the prevalence of tobacco use has de- equipment to the Defense Lo- creased by six percentage points from 34.6 per gistics Agency for disposition. cent in 2009-10 to 28.6 per cent in 2016-17. The figures also show that The 2021 theme and campaign of World No To- the US had by last week offi- bacco Day is -- "Commit to Quit". cially handed over five facilities Moreover, the WHO also honored Tobacco Con- to the Ministry of Defense. trol Research Group, the University of Bath from Pentagon officials have said the UK for its efforts in the area of tobacco con- that the US has completed up trol. to 25 per cent of the entire "We are incredibly honored to receive a special withdrawal process. recognition award from the @WHO Director-Gen- Violence however, remains eral for the World No Tobacco Day 2021 awards. A high in the country, especially huge thanks to WHO, to @PartnershipFree for after the three-day ceasefire nominating us and all who support our work," the that at a ceremony on the occasion 28 May, US and from May 13-15. The Ministry of Defense on 29 May group had said in a tweet last week after the NATO forces commander Gen. Scott Miller empha- said at least 210 Taliban were killed in clashes and de- award was announced. ANI sized the international community's continued sup- fensive operations by Afghan forces in 18 provinces, port to Afghan forces, reports TOLO News. including Kabul, in the last 24 hours. IANS 8 India Post Horoscope June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com Your Weekly Future by VANEET SHARMA JUNE 4TH to JUNE 10TH 2021

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

n the beginning of ou shall be out of his week shall mark n the beginning of I the week you Y town or might T the complete I the week you shall be happy by see- go on a journey in the favor of destiny. Apart might suffer from ing new life in your beginning of the from this your ability health problem like social area. On 3rd and week. The 2nd and 3rd to give advice to stomach disorder, fa- 4th June you will be happy about cer- June is auspicious for regaining your con- people shall earn appreciation for you. tigue and lethargy etc. however quick tain developments which shall create fidence and focus. You shall get back to The day of 2nd and 3rd June is auspicious recovery from such troubles is indicated some sort of progress in your work area. work with a greater enthusiasm and a for your work area. In the mid of the week in the mid of the week. In this week you The remaining part of the week shall be new vision. In the mid of the week you you shall be very happy with the inflow shall be focused about your travel plans good for emotional relations, strength- shall be expanding the list of your pro- of money. Your schedule shall remain hec- whereas in the mid of the week you shall ening of marital bliss and happiness in grams for filling life in your family and tic throughout the week and for that rea- be fully devoted towards your business, love life. Good news shall pour in from social circle. You shall be spending qual- son the last day of the week shall be uti- spouse and efforts of association with children. ity time with your family. lized in travel and fun making activities. new people.

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

his week of the he beginning of the n this week your pa ou shall be getting T year is bring- T week shall bring in I tience level Y good results ing great happiness good news regarding shall be zero especially in all areas of life in- from your association the inflow of money. On on the initial 4 days cluding attaining fa- with your family. The 2nd and 3rd of June when you might vor of destiny, excel- social life shall also be active. On 3rd and there will be probabilities of your going face problem of some disputes and lence in professional life with tremen- 4th of this week you shall be develop- on long journeys. You would be spend- arguments. Some relief can be ex- dous increase in income. This whole ing strategies for becoming successful ing some money unnecessarily. Therefore pected on 5th, 6th and 7th day of week shall be fulfilling in all aspects in competitive examination. Your confi- you are advised to spend money sensi- the week. In nutshell the first half of but there can be some disturbance on dence level shall be good but you might bly. You shall remain confident because the week appears to be very bad in the last day of the week. You are ad- not work with focused approach. Actu- of attainment of recognition at work terms of your state of mind. The en- vised not to take any important deci- ally you won't be sure about your goals place. The mid of the week is highly fa- ergy level shall be high and you are sion on the last day of the week. You however the focused approach shall vorable for your confidence, happiness advised to participate in sports and should also pay proper attention to help you attain better results. and working efficiency. aerobics. your health.

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

ou shall find your he beginning of his week indicates lthough your con- Y self fully confi- T the week is T good compat- A fidence level dent about the inten- excellent for proving ibility between hus- might remain low sity of the impact of your performance at band and wife and however you shall be your personality in the work. The 2nd and 3rd sudden gains can be able to regain it be- beginning of the week. The day of 2nd June is highly auspicious for the consoli- expected from spouse and partner as cause of your excellent performance in and 3rd June are average for your family dation of source of income. This time not well. It shall mark the beginning of good your professional life. After the mid of life as some bitterness and arguments only you shall be getting more inflow of discussion regarding the possibility of a the week there can be some stress which shall irritate you all the time. In the mid of money but your most of the desires shall good partnership with a new associate. might result into stomach related disor- the week you shall succeed in restoring also get fulfilled. The mid of the week is Your health and happiness shall remain der on last days of the week. The last day your happiness by participating in all so- auspicious for travelling. You are advised intact. The remaining part of the week of the week shall not be good for the cial activities actively but you are advised to look after your emotional health and shall be good for getting favor of luck development of emotional relationship. not to trust anyone blindly because people spend some quality time with your and the last day of the week shall be You are advised to keep your anger un- around you might develop a tendency. friends. excellent for your work area. der control.

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" June 4, 2021 India Post 9 www.indiapost.com

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The UK's immigration sys- US Senator helps unite Indian family tem is "broken" and needs to be fixed, she said in a speech delivered to a conference or- separated by travel ban ganized by Bright Blue, a think tank for liberal conservatism WASHINGTON: An Indian tions that require theoretical When I was leaving for India, Mahajan, said Neha Mahajan. recently. family separated due to the re- or technical expertise. I knew my dad was sick. I was When the girls would see Patel said anything short of cent travel restrictions in view Having the family separated still debating whether I should him. Every night we spent on a "wholesale reform" of the of the COVID-19 cases in India for so long would not only be a go or not. If I go, I knew I would two different continents, my system "would not be fair" as was united over the weekend tremendous hardship it would have visa issues, but still, I took girls would ask me, When is public confidence in it had because of the personal efforts jeopardize the very job that that decision because it was daddy coming home?' And I been "shot to pieces" over the made by a top Democratic really did not have an answer past few decades, Xinhua Senator Robert Menendez. for them. Yesterday was prob- news agency reported. Software solutions architect ably the first night when I saw She hailed the introduction Ashu Mahajan, who is on H-1B him and I was able to sleep in of the new points-based immi- visa, travelled to India on April peace because during a pan- gration system, noting it will 17 to see his ailing father just demic we are all going help bring top talent into the days before his death on April 21 through a lot. And immigration country. from COVID-19. But before he related matters are the last Patel also launched the US- could return home to New Jer- ones that you need to impact style Electronic Travel Authori- sey, new pandemic restrictions and keep us separated, Neha zation (ETA), which requires went into effect forcing the clo- told reporters. visitors to the UK to obtain an sures of American embassies Hundreds of Indians on H-1B electronic permit before trav- and consulates located in India. visas have been facing similar elling. A "fully digital border" An Indian family separated due to the recent travel restrictions was united over As a highly-skilled immi- the weekend because of the personal efforts made by a top Democratic Senator, situations as a result of the travel system will make the UK safer grant worker with an H1-B visa, Robert Menendez. (Photo: Twitter/@countyofunionnj) restrictions imposed on those by allowing the government to Mahajan is required to have his coming to the US from India. count people entering and passport reviewed and makes Mahajan's H1-B status related my dad, said Mahajan. The Mahajan's have been leaving the country, providing stamped at an American em- and his family's life here in While he was in the hospital, caught for nearly a decade in a "far clearer picture of who is bassy or consulate before trav- America possible, Menendez, I was not even thinking about the immigration backlog after here, and whether they should elling to the US, but that the who is Chairman of the power- visa issues. After that, it hit me they legally immigrated to the be", she said. earliest he was told he could ful Senate Foreign Relations that I would be separated from US through the H1-B visa pro- A detailed policy statement, get an appointment was in Committee, told reporters at my family for more than a year. gram and applied and quali- posted later in the day on the February 2022. Scotch Plains in New Jersey. government website, said The H-1B visa is a non-immi- I'm incredibly proud of my Software solutions architect Ashu Mahajan, these reforms will ensure UK grant visa that allows US com- staff in New Jersey and in Wash- businesses' access to talent panies to employ foreign ington with the Senate Foreign who is on H-1B visa, travelled to India on April from across the world. IANS workers in specialty occupa- Relations Committee for work- 17 to see his ailing father just days before his ing together to bring Mr. death on April 21 from COVID-19 Mahajan home. They reached PRADEEP ROY-SINGH out to the State Department. They made clear all that was at At that time, I told Senator fied in 2012 for green cards, B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. stake in this case, and they suc- Menendez I became so pessi- Menendez's office said. Attorney-at-Law cessfully secured an expedited mistic about everything, Their youngest daughter, Former Assistant State’s Attorney appointment at our embassy whether this is going to hap- Aisha, is an American citizen, in New Delhi so that he could pen or not. But thanks to Sena- which was a factor that the US 1 Civil & Criminal Litigation get that passport stamp and tor Menendez and his team State Department considered 1 Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI board a plane back to America, they have been reassuring us in expediting her father's case. 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. Menendez said. all this while and showing us Ironically, had the family re- 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties Menendez was joined by directions on how to go about ceived their green cards and Mahajan along with his wife Neha this, he said. permanent resident status in a http://www.proy-singh.com and two daughters, 15-year-old We really want to thank timely manner, Ashu Majahan 2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Sanaa and nine-year-old Aishi, at Senator Menendez and his never would have faced his Tel: 773-381-1820 the press conference near their staff. If it were not for his sup- predicament because he Chicago, IL 60659 Scotch Plains home to announce port and his office's support, I would not have been required his safe return. don't know when I would see to get his passport. PTI June 4, 2021 Immigration Post India Post 11 www.indiapost.com

Biden nominates Indian-American Bangladesh warns its citizens of legal action if to a key administration post anyone tries to visit Israel

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden has an- As the first ever Director of Policy at the Depart- DHAKA: Bangladesh last week warned of legal nounced his intent to nominate Indian-American trade ment of Commerce's International Trade Administra- actions against anyone who tries to visit Israel expert Arun Venkataraman to a key position in his ad- tion under President Barack Obama, Venkataraman from the country, as it still does not recognize the ministration related to foreign commercial service. helped shape the US government's responses to criti- Jewish state. Venkataraman is the nominee for Director General cal challenges faced by firms in the country and in mar- "We remain very strong (on this stand)," For- of the United States and Foreign Commer- kets around the world, including China and India, the eign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters cial Service and Assistant Secretary for White House said. after handing over pharmaceutical products for Global Markets, Department of Com- While at the Office of the US Trade Represen- the people of Palestine to its Ambassador to merce, the White House stated. tative (USTR), he led the development and Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan as a gesture of With over 20 years of experience in implementation of the US-India trade policy as Dhaka's solidarity with Palestine. advising companies, international or- the Director for India, for which he received The medical supplies will be sent for the ganizations and the US government the agency's Kelly Award for outstanding per- people of Palestine through Jordan. on international trade issues, formance and extraordinary leadership. Momen said the immigration authorities Venkataraman is currently the Counse- Venkataraman also served as the associ- would immediately stop any Bangladeshi pass- lor to the Secretary of Com- ate general counsel, representing port holder who would try to visit Israel. merce, advising the depart- the United States in litigation "They (immigration police) have been doing it ment on trade and other before the World Trade Or- for years," Momen said. "If anyone goes there (Is- international economic ganization (WTO) and in rael), the person will be liable to be prosecuted." matters. negotiations on interna- The minister's warning came three days after Before joining the tional trade agreements. Bangladesh made it clear that it dropped the Biden-Harris adminis- Before joining the phrase "all countries except Israel" from pass- tration, he was a senior USTR, Venkataraman port to maintain director at Visa, leading was a legal officer at the international stan- global government en- Arun Venkataraman WTO, advising the orga- "They (immigration dards of the docu- gagement strategy on nization on a wide ment but there a range of international policy issues including digital range of issues raised in appeals of trade disputes police) have been was no change in economy, trade, tax and sanctions. between countries. its decades-long doing it for years," Venkataraman previously served as the trade and He began his career as a law clerk for Judge Jane A policy of travel investment policy advisor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Restani at the US Court of International Trade. He holds Momen said. "If ban to the Jewish where he counseled multinational firms and other or- a JD from the Columbia Law School, a Master of Arts in state. ganizations on e-commerce, intellectual property Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law anyone goes there Bangladeshi rights, and US and foreign trade policies. and Diplomacy, and a BA from the Tufts University. PTI passports earlier (Israel), the person had a clause writ- will be liable to be ten on them that said This Passport prosecuted" Saudi extends residency permits, is valid for all countries of the visit visas for expats world except Israel, but the government de- cided last week to remove 'except Israel' from RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has extended the validity of The Kingdom's temporary arrival suspension cov- the document making it valid for the entire residency permits for expatriates who are outside the ers countries with coronavirus outbreaks to avoid a world. Kingdom, as well as exit and re-entry visas for visitors surge in infections. IANS Israel at that time welcomed Bangladesh's state media said in a report. decision and called upon Dhaka to establish dip- The Saudi Press Agency lomatic ties with Tel Aviv for the benefit of the (SPA) report said the extension people of the two countries. will be free of charge till June However, hours later Momen appeared before 2 as a part of ongoing efforts the media in Dhaka and said, "the changes have to deal with Covid-19. been made to maintain global standards" which The extension will apply to "does not mean that there has been a change in expats and visitors who are in Bangladesh's position" regarding Israel. countries with travel ban; Bangladesh's foreign ministry in a subsequent Xinhua news agency quoted statement said the holders of Bangladeshi pass- the SPA report as saying. ports were still banned from travelling to Israel. The immigration authority Momen said that the move to drop the phrase also confirmed that the exten- "except Israel" from newly issued e-passports to sion will automatically take place "maintain international standard" created a in collaboration with the National speculation that Bangladesh lifted the travel ban Information Centre, without the to Israel. "The passport is an identity and it need to report to the director- doesn't relate to foreign policy," he added. PTI ate of passports offices. Rishi Sunak calls on G7 to work together to secure Tech News green and sustainable global economic recovery India's last mile LONDON: UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has urged G- 7 Finance Ministers to continue working together to secure a green and delivery to become sustainable global economic recovery and ensure that tackling climate $6B market by 2024 TechBiz change is prioritized in their economic and financial policy. At a virtual meeting with G-7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors last NEW DELHI: India's last mile week, Sunak also pressed for action that will ensure global financial delivery market is set to touch markets play their part in the transition to net zero, such as improved a market size of $6-7 billion by climate-related financial disclosures and support for the development 2024, moving in a similar direc- 12 India Post www.indiapost.com June 4, 2021 of international sustainability-related financial reporting standards. PTI tion to markets like China and the US where the penetration has reached more than 10 per cent, a new report said. US blocks seafood from Chinese India's last mile delivery con- stitutes of FMCG, e-commerce, retail and other categories. Of these, FMCG constitutes the fleet for mistreating crew highest followed by e-com- merce, according to a report WASHINGTON: The US gov- by Bengaluru-based market ernment blocked imports of research firm RedSeer. seafood last week from the "In the e-commerce sector, fleet of a Chinese company logistics is divided between that authorities say forced captive and third-party logis- crewmembers to work in tics (3PL). The overall e-com- slave-like conditions that led to merce shipments has grown the deaths of at least three In- from 817 million shipments in donesian fishermen last year. 2018 to 1,364 million ship- Customs and Border Protec- ments last year, and is ex- tion said it will place an imme- pected to grow over 5,000 mil- diate hold on any imports lion by 2025," said Kanishka linked to the more than 30 ves- Mohan, a Director with sels operated by Dalian Ocean RedSeer. Fishing, under a US law that bars The overall road logistics goods suspected to have been constitutes nearly 8 per cent of produced with forced labor. the overall GDP of the country, Imports from Dalian, which across the value creation cycle. primarily fishes for tuna, have The road logistics contributes exceeded 20 million as re- land Security Alejandro the books for decades, osten- slavery in a range of industries, the highest in the overall logis- cently as 2018. Shipments Mayorkas told reporters as he sibly to protect US producers with workers forced to work tics market. linked to the company have announced the measure. from unfair competition. long hours for low pay, or none "Road logistics is a market dropped over the past year to CBP issued what is known as The law has been used with at all, and subjected to violence. size of $240 billion with 75 per about 200,000, officials said. a withhold release order that increased frequency in recent Both the State Department cent share of the overall mar- We will not tolerate any halts shipments that have sus- years, given the growing and Labor Department have ket size," Mohan said in a state- amount derived from forced pected links to forced labor, awareness of the prevalence of also documented abusive con- ment. IANS labor, Department of Home- under a law that has been on what is essentially modern-day ditions in the Chinese fishing industry, where mostly foreign crews often work 18 hours to 22 hours per day under abys- Nvidia, NERSC claim Perlmutter is world's fastest AI supercomputer mal conditions. SAN FRANCISCO: US- among other projects, Venture math used in artificial intelli- Later this year, a second US authorities have used the based tech major Nvidia and Beat reported. gence (AI) applications, said phase will add even more AI Tariff Act of 1930 to halt im- the National Energy Re- Perlmutter is "the fastest Nvidia global HPC/AI product supercomputing power to ports from specific companies, search Scientific Computing system on the planet" at pro- marketing lead Dion Harris Perlmutter, which is housed individual fishing vessels and Center (NERSC) has flipped cessing workloads with the 16- during a press briefing earlier at NERSC at the Lawrence all cotton and tomato products the "on" switch for bit and 32-bit mixed-precision this week. Berkeley National Laboratory. from the Xinjiang region of Perlmutter, billed as the "In one project, the China, where the Chinese gov- world's fastest supercomputer will help as- ernment is waging a brutal as- supercomputer for AI semble the largest 3-D map similation campaign against workloads. of the visible universe to Uyghurs and other predomi- Named for astrophysicist date. It will process data from nantly Muslim ethnic groups. Saul Perlmutter, the new the Dark Energy Spectro- The announcement marks supercomputer boasts scopic Instrument (DESI), a the first time that the US has 6,144 NVIDIA A100 Tensor kind of cosmic camera that sought to block imports from a Core GPUs and will be can capture as many as 5,000 company's entire fishing fleet, tasked with stitching to- galaxies in a single expo- a sign that the CBP's investiga- gether the largest ever 3-D sure," Harris wrote in a blog tion found evidence of wide- map of the visible universe, post. IANS spread abuse on Dalian vessels around the world. AP June 4, 2021 TechBiz Post India Post 13 www.indiapost.com Saudi Arabia committed to meet India's crude oil requirement: Saudi envoy

NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia, pressing for easing cuts in will be building on the Salman announced that Saudi "In our endeavor to reform the world's largest oil exporter, crude oil production by OPEC progress achieved so far and Arabia would invest over USD and achieve our Vision 2030 has said it is committed to and OPEC Plus as high oil there will be a greater mo- 100 billion in India in petro- strategic goals, we have cre- meet India's requirements of prices are hurting the con- mentum for our economic co- chemicals, refining, infrastruc- ated immense opportunities petroleum products, an affir- sumption-led recovery of sev- operation and mutual invest- ture, mining and manufactur- and a conducive business en- mation that came in the wake eral countries like itself. ments especially in the sector ing, agriculture and several vironment for our strategic of the country pitching for The OPEC (Organization of of renewables, IT, and artificial other sectors. partners" he added. PTI easing global output cuts to the Petroleum Exporting intelligence," he said. rein in surging oil prices. Countries) is an influential en- The envoy said Saudi In an interview to PTI, Saudi tity that plays a key role in Arabia's strategic partnership with India expands over di- verse areas and health coop- Tech Briefs eration stands out as one of the most important aspects of Intel unveils fastest chip for the ties. "Health cooperation will laptops, 5G product for PCs continue as an important area of focus in our bilateral coop- NEW DELHI: Chip giant president and general man- eration. In the wake of the Intel announced a pair of new ager of Mobility Client Plat- pandemic and its economic, 11th Gen U-series chips, one forms. social and health impact, our of which marks the first 5GHz "In addition, we know real- cooperation has continued to clock speed for thin and light world performance and con- grow," he said. laptops. nectivity are vital to our part- Al Sati said Saudi Arabia At the virtual 'Computex ners and the people who rely ambassador Dr Saud bin policy formulations relating to maintained the supply chains 2021' tech event, the com- on PCs every day, so we're Mohammed Al Sati also said crude production. The OPEC of goods and medical-related pany also introduced its first continuing that momentum that Saudi Arabia made in- Plus comprises the OPEC products uninterrupted not- 5G product for the next gen- with more platform capabili- vestments worth USD 2.81 bil- countries, Russia and several withstanding the coronavirus eration of PC experiences, ties and choice in the market lion in India in 2020 and is other crude producers. pandemic, adding his country called Intel 5G Solution 5000, with the launch of our first looking at a greater momen- Talking about his country's facilitated the supply of medi- following the previously an- 5G product for PCs: the Intel tum in bilateral economic ties Vision 2030, an ambitious pro- cal oxygen to various entities nounced col- 5G Solution in areas like petroleum, re- gram aimed at moving the in India. laboration 5000," he newable energy, IT and artifi- country's economy away from "We will continue to extend with added. cial intelligence. its dependence on oil profits, all forms of possible support MediaTek The Intel "Saudi Arabia has remained Al Sati said it provides for ex- to India and its friendly and Fibocom. 5G Solution committed to meeting the re- pansion of economic engage- people to overcome the cur- The two 5000 claims quirements of India from oil ment with India and other rent COVID-9 challenge. I am new mobile to deliver and petroleum products and strategic partners. confident that India has the U-series pro- nearly five- our energy cooperation has "The number of Indian com- resolve and capacity to deal cessors with times speed with the current challenge of Intel Iris Xe increases COVID-19 and this crisis shall "Saudi Arabia has remained committed to graphics are over Intel Gi- wane out shortly," he said. called Core i7-1195G7 and gabit Long-Term Evolution meeting the requirements of India from oil and Referring to the Vision Core i5-1155G7. (LTE) from anywhere. 2030, Al Sati said Saudi Arabia The Core i7-1195G7 is the Acer, ASUS and HP are petroleum products and our energy coopera- has been diversifying its oil- one that is the most power- among the first OEMs ex- driven economy under the ful one, achieving 5.0GHz pected this year to enable tion has been going very well” program as envisioned by its clock speed. modern connected laptops architect Crown Prince The new 11th Gen mobile with the Intel 5G Solution been going very well. It has panies investing and operat- Salman. chips offer four-core and 5000 based on 11th Gen been further reinforced dur- ing in the kingdom has been "During the State visit of eight-threads configurations. Intel Core U- and H-series ing the recent and ongoing growing. In 2020, 44 new li- Crown prince to India in 2019, "We've taken the world's processors. The Intel 5G Solu- communications between censes were issued for Indian Saudi Arabia agreed to align best processor for thin-and- tion 5000 builds on two re- Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman investments. Vision 2030 and its 13 Vision light Windows laptops and cently announced collabora- Minister of Energy and his "Saudi Arabia also had the RealizationPrograms with made the experience even tions with ecosystem part- counterpart Minister highest FDI increase to India in India's initiatives of 'Make in better with the addition of ners, China Mobile, HP and Dharmendra Pradhan," Al Sati 2020 with investments worth India', 'Start-Up India', 'Smart our two new 11th Gen Intel MediaTek and DoCoMo and said. USD 2.81 billion," he said. Cities', and 'Digital India'," he Core processors with Intel Iris HP, to usher a new genera- His comments came in re- "As we move to resume said. Xe graphics," said Chris tion of fully connected PCs, sponse to a question on Saudi normal life and fully opening In February 2019, Saudi Walker, Intel corporate vice the company said. IANS Arabia's position on India our economy in all sectors, we Crown Prince Mohammed bin DEEPIKA PADUKONE features in 'Seven Happy Women' list 14 India Post www.indiapost.com June 4, 2021 CHOPARD'S CO-PRESIDENT AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CAROLINE SCHEUFELE, HAS CHOSEN THE NAMES WITH UNPARALLELED INFLUENCE TO EMBODY HAPPY DIAMONDS

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has fea- tured in the 'Seven Happy Women' list by Chopard under its 'Happy Diamond' campaign. The other names in the list include Aja Naomi King, Jung Ryeo-Won, Sadie Sink, Anne Nakamura, Dorra Zarrouk and Yang Zi. Chopard's Co-President and Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele, has chosen the names with unparalleled influence to embody Happy Diamonds. "Seven Friends of the Maison who represent, each through in their own way, a strong, free, joyful way of living in the world and of owning the spirit of the era. Deepika Padukone, Aja Naomi King, Jung Ryeo-Won, Sadie Sink, Anne Nakamura, Dorra Zarrouk and Yang Zi have all grasped the codes of their time to blaze their trail in a manner that is both singular and generous." Theirs are powerful voices that resonate with that of Karin Scheufele -- Caroline Scheufele's mother -- who once ex- claimed, faced with the first sketches of the future Happy Dia- monds: "diamonds are happier when they are free". The brand quotes: "An indispensable voice, she (Deepika) speaks of the fragility and strength of the human mind, which she describes with great intelligence: 'To accept the highs and the lows. To embrace the various emotions that we are chal- reeti Kanan Singhania, a British Indian musician Indian influence, from her designs at fashion lenged with every single day. And to live a life that is fuelled Ppopularly known as Bombay the Artist, has school to her music. She finally decided to come by authenticity and purpose.' A strong mantra for a free spirit come up with a song titled 'Raaha', which she to Mumbai and experience the madness and thrill that bears witness to a deep humanity, making her a true glo- wrote during the peak of the Covid-19 lockdown of the city while imbibing its impact on her. There bal icon." IANS last year. The song is based on Bombay's conversa- came Bombay the Artist who uses trap beats, hip- tions with her grandmother who spoke poignantly hop with the underlying Indianness in her to about the 1947 partition and 1984 Riots that she showcase her moods via each song. had to go through as a young woman then. While 'Raaha' delves into the pain of the Parti- The new single by this underground alternative tion for lovers, mothers, children and fathers, it is hip hop artist speaks of her lost love, betrayals and also emblematic of the current second wave that the human nature in calamities, has raged through India. However, the song shifts which became the bedrock of from the feeling of relationships leaving people 'Raaha'. Bombay channelized this to curate a song that WHILE 'RAAHA' DELVES INTO THE represents lost love, and PAIN OF THE PARTITION FOR LOVERS, calamities like Covid-19 MOTHERS, CHILDREN AND FATHERS, and its effect on people. Singhania started her IT IS ALSO EMBLEMATIC OF THE journey after being in- CURRENT SECOND WAVE spired by her life and ex- perience in Mumbai. While broken to more hope where people eventually she was brought up in a find strength to heal and look out for voices of primarily white neigh- people to listen out for, thereby keeping them borhood in England, her close to heart. music inspiration had al- Speaking about launching the song, she said, ways been the likes of "Raaha is how I dealt with my grief and I want Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, nothing more than my listeners to heal from this S D Burman among as well. These are tough times where people others. Every aspect have lost a lot. We need to stay together and be of her life there kind to each other. It's a commonality we share, seemed to have an so let's not think we are alone." IANSlife June 4, 2021 India Post 15

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Furniture trends that gained popularity during WFH

NEW DELHI: As people across the country are getting used to working from home, furniture that fits this new lifestyle is in popular demand. The Indian furnishings and design industry is busy at- tempting to fulfill this need, driv- ing a huge development through these trends. Raghunandan Saraf, CEO and Founder of Saraf Furniture lists a few furniture trends popular dur- ing WFH:

Personalized spaces within the Researchers develop app to help couples household: Working trends have seen a shift communicate directly from heart with the offices being shifted to the households. A major change in pattern includes virtual meetings and work calls. Owing to this em- WASHINGTON: Even though people tion through a deeper and more inter- support to the person communicat- ployees tend to create an aes- stayed in touch during the pandemic's nal cue." ing based on their heart rate. Example thetic and presentable corner in stay-at-home orders and social distanc- Liu was part of a team from CMU, reactions include otters hugging, their homes turning them into of- ing, it was easy to feel out of touch with Snap, and the University of Washington holding each other's hands, or even fice desks with minimal furniture. loved ones. Hence, CMU, Snap research- that built Significant Otter, an app de- giving an encouraging thumbs-up. Comfortable and cool design: ers recently developed a smart-watch signed primarily for smart-watches that The team tested the app in April With rise in WFH, numerous cor- app that uses heart rate to communi- allow couples to communicate with and May 2020 with 20 couples sepa- porate organizations allowed WFH cate between couples. each other based on their sensed heart rated by the pandemic and found even post-unlock as well as gave The team of researchers presented rate. that the use of biosignals, in this them a sizeable remittance to pur- their work this month at the Association As the app's name suggests, it uses case, heart rate, made for easier and chase office furniture and prereq- for Computing Machinery (ACM) Com- otters to communicate. The app allows more authentic communication. uisites to set up a workstation at puter-Human Interaction (CHI) Confer- couples to send animated otters to one Liu and the team didn't intend to home. Employees capitalized on another that test the app during the pandemic, the chance to create a comfort- represent but couples who participated in the Technology and the internet have expanded the able work corner that suit their way humans communicate and added much to emotions and test said that the app gave them a long working hours. IANSlife that communication, think emojis, GIFs and activities. For sense of their partner's physical state example, ot- even when they couldn't be physically For detailed story visit memes. But they can still fall short of being ters can be together. ANI www.indiapost.com physically there with someone sad, excited, calm, or an- ence. Technology and the internet have gry, or they can be working, exercis- expanded the way humans communi- ing, eating, or tired. cate and added much to that communi- The app senses a person's heart cation, think emojis, GIFs and memes. rate and then suggests otters with But they can still fall short of being the emotion or activity that may cor- physically there with someone. respond to it. A fast heart rate could "Our social cues are limited online," prompt the app to suggest an ex- said Fannie Liu, a research scientist at cited or angry otter or an otter that Snap Inc. who earned her Ph.D. from the is exercising or eating. Human-Computer Interaction Institute The partner can then respond with in Carnegie Mellon University's School pre-set reactions. The reactions of Computer Science. "We're exploring aren't based on the person's heart a new way to support digital connec- rate but are instead designed to give Desi News

Will small business catch the boom-or COMMUNITY be left behind?

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service ACROSS AMERICA he U.S. economy is greatly Standing Mayor of Aurora Richard Irvin, Ald Shweta bol-stered by 32 million T 16 India Post www.indiapost.com June 4, 2021 Baid, Ald Scheketa Hart-Burns and end FIA Executive small busi-nesses, which con- VP Shital Daftari tribute almost half of the nation's annual GDP, and create 1.5 million jobs per year. The U.S. is home to more than four FIA Chicago colorful Holi event million minority-owned com- panies in the United States, with annual sales totaling close with Covid relief fundraiser to $700 billion. As the Covid-19 pandemic hit, many small en- RICHA CHAND terprises had to rapidly re- shuffle their business models. 200,000 businesses perma- nently shut down. Speakers discussed how mom-and-pop Main Street America can emerge from this crisis at the EMS briefing on May 28. The PPP was launched as part of the $2.2-trillion eco- nomic relief measures that then-President Trump signed into law in March 2020, during the first pandemic surge.

Details on page 26

Prominent Lamp lighting ceremony with Congressman Daniel K. Davis, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and FIA Executive Pics-Asian Media USA businessman Amrit board members, Directors and advisory board members. Patel no more CHICAGO: The Federation of eral high-ranking elected offi- ditious assistance to India; and doors of the Mall where the Indian Associations [FIA] Chi- cials and dignitary's notable in this direction FIA took a ma- actual Holi celebrations kicked RAMESH SOPARAWALA cago, a no profit community among them include Con- jor lead in mobilizing re- in high gear with the high- CHICAGO: Not only his rela- umbrella organization hosted a gressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, sources, oxygen concentrators, pitched DJ music and the tives and friends but the busi- Holi celebration program Congressman Danny Davis, portable ventilators and other sprinkling of 'gulal' color pow- ness community at large here marked by festive gaiety inter- suburban Mayors and host of life-saving medical equipment der on each other ensuring no and in New York were sad- spersed with music, dance and Indian American elected offi- and shipping them to save one is left without the touch of dened with news of one of its singing at the Mall of India in cials. lives afflicted by Covid in India. color on them each celebrant prominent members, Amrit V Naperville, Illinois on Sunday This spring festival of Holi With the warm weather sprung into spontaneous Patel succumbing to his long May 23, 2021. The Holi celebra- was hosted with a principal complimenting the festivities, dancing to the reverberating struggled against cancer here. tions attracted a large commu- mission to bring awareness of the afternoon celebrations beats of Bollywood hits. Amrit Patel died at his nity attendance which was bol- the raging pandemic and the catapulted into joyful exuber- Cont’d on page 25 Schaumberg (a Chicago north stered by the presence of sev- compelling need to lend expe- ance spilling out in the out- side suburb) residence on Sat- urday May 29 2021 He was in his late sixties but looked much younger. He is survived by his wife Smt Bhagwatiben son Anand and daughter Zeena, his brother Mafat Patel is a busi- nessman in his own right often descried as Uncrowned King of Devon, his elder brother Tulsi Patel is also a successful busi- nessman.

Details on page 21 June 4, 2021 Community Across America India Post 17 www.indiapost.com MAFS semiannual fundraiser gala gets gracious applause SURENDRA ULLAL

Deep lighting ceremony at MAFS MINI Fundraiser.From (L to R) Board Member Dr. Asthana, Village of Hoffman Estates Trustees Michael Gatea, Anna Newell & Gary G Stanton, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Board Members James DeMello and Sagar Kumar Dr Kumar Painting by Staffer RajendraSingh

CHICAGO: A meticulously Vasanti Bhatt - Board Member, Proclamation Plaque. planned virtual Metropolitan Village of Hoffman Estates Sunil Shah-FIA presented an Asian Family Service (MAFS) Trustees Michael Gatea, Anna award of excellence to Dr. 29TH SEMIANNUAL FUNDRAISER Newell & Gary G Stanton and Santosh Kumar for her leader- Gala streamed live around the James DeMello Board Member, ship and community service. Globe, highlighting contribution participated in the lighting of Congressman Raja to build a safe nation, especially the lamp ceremony. Krishnamoorthi saluted Dr. during this pandemic by provid- Followed by this was Santosh Kumar and her staff for ing essential medical and other Ganesh Vandana rendition by their strength in providing frontline services. Pavitra Anand and, her inter- continuous services to the Se- The show opened with mittent shower of songs capti- nior community including over MAFS Board Member, Dr. vating the audience. Dr. 62,000 home delivered meals, Rakesh Asthana appealing to Santosh Kumar, gave the intro- 26,293 hours of wellness the people to donate for this duction speech where she checks on zoom, and over important cause. Dr. Asthana mentioned the challenges the 200,000physical In-home visits along with Dr.Santosh Kumar, organization faced during the during the Covid Pandemic. Executive Director-MAFS, pandemic, yet it did not stop Mayor Of Hoffman Estates Mayor William D. McLeod awarded a proclamation to Cont’d on page 24 Dr. Santosh Kumar honoring May 29th as "MA SANTOSH KUMAR DAY" its relentless services to the community with door-to-door healthy food delivery, wellness checks through zoom calls and much more. She spoke about the spread of COVID-19 in India and urged everyone to help the Motherland.She made a trip to Washington DC to thank President Biden and Vice Presi- dent Kamala Harris for releas- ing vaccines to India Hoffman Estates' Mayor Will- iam D. McLeod awarded a proclamation to Dr. Santosh Kumar honoring May 29th as "MA SANTOSH KUMAR DAY". Village of Hoffman Estates

Dr. Santosh Kumar awarding AAPI - Dr. Suresh Reddy and Dr. Meher Trustees Michael Gatea, Anna Dr Santosh Kumar along with her Board Members, presented Madhavaram, In Recognition of its extraordinary efforts to serve the people of Newell & Gary G Stanton Kanchi Shah and Dipti Desai of Sewa International India during this Pandemic time awarded Dr. Kumar with the 18 India Post Community Across America June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com Stockton artist reminds Californians "Your Actions Save Lives" Sunroop Kaur's mural, (Spring)," illustrates how masks and physical distancing lead to hopeful, new beginnings

India Post News Service STOCKTON: The State of California's "Your Actions Save Lives" campaign, which provides Californians with infor- mation about how to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19, is partnering with more than 20 artists across California - including Stockton's Sunroop Kaur - to reach hard-hit com- munities throughout the state. Thestatewide program features14 original works of art with empowering public health messages about protect- ing one another, being resilient and liv- ing in community. Itengages prominent?Latino, Black/African Ameri- can, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American/Indigenous and LGBTQ artists and communities throughout California. In Stockton, Kaur's mural, entitled (Spring), ?celebrates the South Asian in the mural are separated by arches, to encourage these continued prac- Santa Ana, San Diego, El Centro, Stockton, community and reminds us that mask- depicting a tender moment that ac- tices - such as wearing a mask, washing Sacramento, Central Valley (Merced/ ing and physical distancing have helped knowledges both the need to maintain hands, physical distancing, and getting Fresno/Bakersfield) and Redding. stop the spread of COVID-19. physical distance and the universal vaccinated. "These accomplished artists are tap- (Spring)?can be viewed on the side of longing to be close to our loved ones "The pandemic the JMP Restaurant Supply building at during the pandemic. isn't over yet, so we 742 E. Main St., near U.S. Highway 4. "The arches act as a window to the still need to stay vigi- (Spring)?contains Eastern influences outside world," said Kaur. "These 'win- lant," said Dr. Tomás painted within the mural, including a dows' symbolize the light we are all Aragón, Director of Mughal miniature-inspired floral border working toward by continuing to wear the California Depart- and arches that reference ancient In- masks and watching our distance in ment of Public Health dian architecture. A pastel color palate public to help stop the spread of and the State Public and blossoms symbolize the season of COVID-19. There is hope." Health Officer. "It's spring and new beginnings, while lapis Leveraging the power of art as a form critical that we con- blue accents honor Kaur's Sikh faith. of communication and supporting tinue to work to- A masked man and woman depicted California's arts community, the COVID- gether to protect our 19 arts project communities even as features origi- restrictions are less- nal works pro- ened. These works of duced in a vari- art reinforce that if ety of mediums everyone does their part to follow safety ping into their culture and creativity to including per- guidelines and get vaccinated, we can share empowering messages with forming, liter- end the pandemic that much sooner." communities that have been hard hit by ary, ?and visual The "Your Actions Save Lives" cam- COVID-19. Art has incredible power, and arts shared in paign targets disproportionately im- we believe these works will spark im- public places pacted communities across the state portant conversations, connections and throughout using a variety of media, including tele- inspiration throughout the state," said California. The vision and radio PSAs, digital and social Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of The initiative is de- media advertisements, billboards and Center at Sierra Health Foundation. ? signed to raise grocery store signage. For more information on COVID-19 awareness of Developed in partnership with The and the latest public health guidance, critical actions Center at Sierra Health Foundation, the visit covid19.ca.gov. Californians arts initiative complements the state- To find out more information on have taken to wide campaign with projects in: San COVID-19 vaccines and to make an ap- help stop the Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Monterey/ pointment to be vaccinated, Califor- spread of Salinas, Los Angeles (East/El Monte), Los nians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call COVID-19 - and Angeles (South-Central), San Bernardino, 833-422-4255. June 4, 2021 Community Across America India Post 19 www.indiapost.com California COVID-19 Community Arts Project Fact Sheet

India Post News Service Why: Art, like California's dispropor- artist, PalomaresBlvd Art Carrito in El Stockton: Sunroop Kaur, mural, Spring. What: The State of California's "Your tionately impacted populations, is di- Monte. Seven sites in downtown El JMP Restaurant Supply. Actions Save Lives" campaign, which verse. The program leverages the power Monte including the Transit Center, parks Sacramento: Jessica Wimbley, digital provides Californians with information of art as a form of communication and as a and plazas. installation and static billboard, Masking about how to do their part to stop the way to support California's arts commu- Los Angeles/South: Raul Baltazar, Series. Arden Fair Mall and Oak Park spread of COVID-19, is partnering with nity while celebrating works that provide one-day performance, No Rona!. 20-mile neighborhood. local artists to reach disproportionately cultural and linguistic context for com- bike ride/performance from South to Central Valley: Juan Felipe Herrera impacted communities throughout the municating messages of awareness, East LA. (poet), Leonel Mendoza and Los state. The program features a variety of hope, resilience and living in community. San Bernardino: Tamara Cedre, pan- Originarios del Plan (music group), artwork with empowering public health Highlights of the California COVID-19 messages of protecting one another, re- Community Arts Project The program launched in April with installations silience and community. San Francisco: Serge Gay Jr., mural, and performances through June. Many installations will Developed in partnership with The Cen- Safety First. 2390 Market St. in the Castro ter at Sierra Health Foundation, the com- District. be displayed for at least six months. Art installation munity arts initiative is designed to raise Oakland: Masako Miki; interactive in- dates will vary by location awareness of critical actions Californians stallation, Benevolent Animals, Danger- have taken to help stop the spread of ous Animals. Multiple locations in COVID-19 - and to encourage people Chinatown. demic-related stories of local residents Grupo Recreacion (music group), to continue those practices - such as San Jose: Robin Lasser/Adrienne Pao, shared through video, printed 'zine dis- Carmencristina Moreno (music group), wearing a mask, washing hands, physi- pop-up art installation, Vietnamese tributed in newsstands, and website, A San Joaquin Valley Latinx Music and Po- Bubble: Dress For Our Emergence and Space Between Us. Multiple sites etry for Covid-19 Prevention. Original LatinX Bubble: Dress for Our Emergence. throughout San Bernardino. songs and poem to be broadcast on Ra- Multiple sites. Santa Ana: Elena Lourenco, Natalia dio Bilingue. Monterey County: AgelicaMuro / Mendoza and Isabel Gonzalez, storefront Redding: John Harper, exterior instal- Hector Mendoza Anguiano,newsprint, installations in downtown Santa Ana, lation, Birds on a Wire/Lessons from Na- posters, and t-shirts, Comunidad "Juntos with installations in lending libraries ture. Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Salvamos Vidas." Tienditas, throughout Santa Ana, Transformative For more information on COVID-19 supermercados, local businesses in Actions. Santa Ana. and the latest public health guidance, Monterey County. San Diego: Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio, mural, visit covid19.ca.gov. To find out more in- Los Angeles/East - El Monte: Fran- Stop the Spread. Bread & Salt Gallery. formation on COVID-19 vaccines and to cisco Palomares, pushcart with hand- Centro: Ernesto Yereno Montejano, make an appointment to be vaccinated, made artworks, and a coloring books, mural, Untitled. Cynthia's Flower Con- Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or masks, and postcards designed by the nection. call 833-422-4255.

cal distancing, and getting vaccinated. The California COVID-19 Community Arts Project features 14 original works produced in mediums including per- forming, literary, and visual arts in public places throughout California. Who: More than 20 artists are using a variety of art forms and cultural symbol- ism to connect with communities with empowering messages to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most of the artists are from the communities where their art is being produced. The project en- gages Latino, Black/African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American/Indigenous and LGBTQ artists and communities. When: The program launched in April with installations and performances through June. Many installations will be displayed for at least six months. Art in- stallation dates will vary by location. Where: Artwork is sited in dispropor- tionately impacted communities to reach ethnically and linguistically diverse audiences throughout California. See highlights below. 20 India Post Community Across America June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com When life gives lemon, make lemonade RUCHI MITAL ur three-year-old son Sanket ing up the support of family, teachers, as a weakness. He inspires us everyday tion, and to provide an inclusive, was diagnosed with Autism friends, therapists, and doctors gave us and has taught us so much about inno- adaptive, and diverse workplace that OSpectrum Disorder (ASD) in hope that he would have a bright future. cence, humility, and living life with a embraces their unlimited potential 2003; he had speech, motor and cogni- Sanket works hard to overcome the smile. and strength. Unified Spectrum Inc. tive delays. As parents, the long wait to challenges that come with his diagno- Sanket was constantly improving, yet will make this possible by providing see him learn basic skills was difficult, sis of Autism. We are very proud and the clock was still winning; time was work that is fun, creative, and tailored but with faith and resilience we knew blessed to have him in our lives. Sanket moving faster he would eventually learn and flourish showcases his strengths, and chal- than we expected, in his differences. When we felt like giv- lenges to those who view his diagnosis and soon we were celebrating Sanket's 18th birthday. This mile- stone is exhilarat- Abhi 's U entertainment Karaoke ing for every par- ent as their child competition - Rocking success transitions into HARISH RAO adulthood. Many CHICAGO: U Entertainment cel- Another highlight was recognitions, parents wonder ebrated its second anniversary by host- which included a Plaque for Mrs. Hema what their child's ing a Karaoke competition event at Big Shastri for community service. Her ac- future will look Suchir in Chicagoland on Saturday, May complished grandson Darshan also re- like, and it was the 15, 2021 with a bang. ceived a trophy for his achievements in same for us. Abhi Trivedi, President of U entertain- Sports which was presented to her hus- We began to ment entered the stage with Drum Roll band Devesh Shastri. question: Will em- Darshan is an ex- ployers view his cellent student and differences as ob- is an active player stacles or strengths? How can we be to each adult's skills and interests. We of the AAU TRAVEL sure his work environment will be safe, are committed to employing adults LEAGUE - INTEG- inclusive, and adaptive to his needs? with special needs. They will create RITY & LEGACY How will our son and others like him customized products for you as they HOOPS, based out earn their livelihood in this challenging learn all about the consumer -pro- of Schaumburg, IL. and competitive world? These ques- ducer supply chain. This is Darshan's 4th tions seemed impossible to answer, but Your purchase will help them de- year with Integrity we realized that we may not be the only velop/improve their motor skills, vo- & Legacy Hoops. parents with these questions. T o an- cational skills, ability to follow direc- Darshan won the swer these questions the idea for Uni- tions, and organization. In this process MVP award during fied Spectrum Inc. was born. they will build self-esteem, confi- his 1st season with Our non-profit organization "Uni- dence, and long lasting friendships. the team in 2017- fied Spectrum Inc." launched in 2020 With your support we hope to grow 2018 & helped the with a mission to create career oppor- into more innovative PERSONALIZED team gain many tunities for the neurodiverse popula- products over time. Consider us for your championships future needs and since then. help us make this On Feb 16th, world more inclu- 2020, Integrity & sive. We can only achieve our mis- Abhi 's U entertainment Karaoke competition Legacy Hoops com- peted in the Jr NBA sion with your music to welcome members of the au- 3v3 Chicago Tournament for 8th grade help! dience. He spoke about his Launch Boys, after earning their way to Navy Pier Unified Spec- event. Pratibha Jairath as Co-organizer for the competition and placed 2nd trum (609) 757- and Emcee for the evening. overall in the city of Chicago. 9989 Registered Ms. Jairath addressed to clarify two The Event further continued & the Office: 525 Route types of award. The first was Critic audience loved the scrumptious food at 73 North St 104, Choice award, which was judged by Big Suchir and its owner Mr. Niranjan MARLTON, NJ - Master Hitesh Nayak. The second award shah was acknowledged for it. 08053 Business was popularity award for which partici- Abhi Trivedi, Amit Patel and team Address: 77 pants had brought their friends and were pleased to see the happy winners Franklin Dr. family to join on dance floor. Super and audience who thoroughly enjoyed Plainsboro, NJ - Judge Hitesh Master sat upfront quietly the party. 08536 (New Jer- and scored each participant based on A very well organized event and col- sey Non-Profit Sur, Taal, Pronunciation, Musical Perfor- orful entertainment was presented by Corporation ID: mance and overall presentation. Abhi Trivedi's U Entertainment. 0450573027) June 4, 2021 Community Across America India Post 21 www.indiapost.com IABC sends shipments of lifesaving medical equipment to India HARISH RAO

Amritbhai V Patel Prominent businessman Amrit Patel no more RAMESH SOPARAWALA CHICAGO: Not only his relatives and friends but the business community at large here and in New York were saddened with news of one of its prominent members, Amrit V Patel succumbing to his long struggled against cancer here. Amrit Patel died at his Schaumberg (a Chicago north side suburb) residence on Saturday May 29 2021 He was in his late sixties but looked much younger. He is survived by his wife Smt IABC office holders: Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Ajeet Singh, Harish Kolasani, Nick Verma & Satish Dadepogu seen with second Bhagwatiben son Anand and daughter Zeena, his stockpile of crucial medical equipment/supplies brother Mafat Patel is a businessman in his own CHICAGO: The Indian American Business Council forts to acquire life-preserving medical equipment, right often descried as Uncrowned King of De- [IABC] - a Chicago based organization with commu- more importantly, oxygen concentrator units from ev- von, his elder nity participation acquired a stockpile of oxygen con- ery potential vendor and manufacturer for dispatch- brother Tulsi Amrit Patel migrated Patel is also a centrator units, converters, surgical gowns, masks, ing to India. from Gujarat to this digital thermometers, oximeters and hand sanitizers Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, IABC President said "we are successful to dispatch them to India making this effort of sending the life-saving medical businessman. country in seventies This was done with a view to save lives by deliver- equipment and other accessories to India as we are His funeral and after a small stint was held on ing life-saving medical equipment. After the first ship- overwhelmed to see the lives being snubbed out by for higher education ment, this second shipment of crucial medical equip- lethal variant. IABC is committed to play its part in al- Wednesday ment/supplies sent out for distribution to vulnerable leviating the suffering of the families afflicted by this June 2 202 at followed his inborn Countryside regions dreadful contagion." business instinct decid- India facing a second wave of Corona virus with a Ajeet Singh, IABC Chairman who is spearheading Funeral Home new and more lethal variant The crying need for the this mission said" I have seen firsthand suffering of af- in Bartlet, a ing to start his own oxygen supplies looming large, IABC intensified its ef- flicted patients loosing lives due to lack of oxygen in Chicago Sub- business. He was urb, attended hospitals; It is based on this compelling exi- instrumental in starting gency, we at IABC initiatedthis plan to mobilize by many. oxygen concentrators and other lifesaving Amrit Patel ever growing Patel migrated medical supplies." He added that the first con- Brothers chain signment shipped out early in May has helped from Gujarat a great deal in saving lives in the areas more to this county affected by Covid. " We shall not stop until we in seventies and after a small swing for higher join India in its fight to eradicate the scourge of education followed his inborn business instinct Covid. " he said. deciding to start his own business. He was in- Harish Kolasani Founder of IABC has joined strumental in starting ever growing Patel Broth- the quest to shore up additional medical equip- ers chain but he also dabbled into entertainment ment and is actively fostering partnerships area besides many uncharged fields like Tours with hospitals to send additional equipment to and Travel, Restaurant and ATM Credit card. He India. was CEO of 1st Bank Card Service with branches This humanitarian move has been initiated in New York and Mumbai. Being an immigrant by Ajeet Singh, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori along himself he was pretty aware of struggles that with Nick Verma & Satish Dadepogu. Our next newcomers into this country face and helped step is to work with the office of the U.S. Con- them whenever he could. gressmen to facilitate granting and release of Being very jovial in nature he had a large num- medical equipment/supplies in the fight ber of friends and was a socialite in his own right. against the lethal contagion," Ravoori added. May God rest his soul in Peace! 22 India Post Community Across America June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com Clear Vision for One and All

India Post News Service someone's life, from learning to simple For all the modern inventions and know that taking care of our community ave you ever looked through everyday tasks to the larger challenges technology, a simple pair of glasses can is key; we invest in our neighbors, col- blurry glasses or tried to read a in life we all face. change the world. leagues and friends. As our program Hfaded piece of text? It's such That's why AINAK is here: we believe Who is AINAK? grows, we look to extend beyond our relief when you can finally see clearly access to clear vision is for everyone. AINAK was founded by Poonam local area. again, right? And clear vision is so accessible- an eye Goyal, a banking and mortgage profes- How Does AINAK Work? Now try to imagine you had that exam and a pair of glasses can do so sional for over 35 years. While working With the help of our partners and in- blurry vision all the time- fuzzy, frustrat- very much for so very little money. at a local credit union she volunteered credibly generous donors, we offer vi- ing and makes getting through life so But even today, many people lack ac- at local underprivileged [a] schools and sion exams and access to sight correct- much more difficult. Being unable to cess to this very basic and affordable noticed right away that some children ing equipment, such as glasses. Millions see clearly affects every part of care. were struggling more than others. She of pairs of frames and lenses discarded hadn't really thought about eye care, every year; we make use of them so her focus was on teaching. The kids hav- there is never a charge for our clients. ing trouble were bright enough, so Many of the donated eyeglasses are what was the problem? sent to an eye care nonprofits in India Secretary of State White warns She noticed students in the back who for the millions there who also will ben- were not engaged in class at all, they efit from clearer sight. about scams targeting Illinoisans were not paying attention or learning. This allows both access to glasses SURENDRA ULLAL When she brought them to the front of that would be otherwise unaffordable CHICAGO: The Secretary of State like a Social Security number, via text the classroom, suddenly they could see to anyone who needs them, as well as Jesse White is warning residents to be message or email. the board and follow the teacher. At this reducing the environmental impact of on alert for multiple texting and "Delete the text or email," said point she realized that poor or uncor- all those pairs of discarded glasses, un- emailing scams claiming to be from the White. "Do not click on them and do not rected vision could be the root of many used and ending up in a landfill. Secretary of State's office seeking per- provide any of your personal informa- of their problems. This environmentally sustainable ap- sonal information to defraud Illinoisans. tion." And the solution is available: a simple proach then supports our work in a fi- "I have zero tolerance for fraudsters White encourages people to take eye exam, a vision diagnosis and glasses nancially responsible manner. who prey on people in desperate steps to protect their personal informa- - Affordable, reliable and accessible. We'd love your help: times," said White. "My office is working tion: This is where AINAK comes in: it is our You can be part of the clear vision with the Illinois Attorney General's of- Delete emails and texts that promise mission to bring clear vision to every- solution. Your generosity and donation fice to protect Illinoisans from falling or offer access to driver's licenses or one. allows a child, a senior or someone with victim to these fraudulent schemes." state ID cards, and do not click on any We provide access to testing and for limited resources to take advantage of links contained in glasses to those who need it most. We one of the biggest gifts in life, that of such emails or do more than simply diagnose, we offer clear vision. Partner with AINAK, see the text messages, real world, real time solutions. By lever- future with us. as they may aging the generosity of donors, vendors Impact of AINAK: Please know that place malware and providers, we can provide clear vi- your support means a life is improved on your devices. sion to those who simply cannot see immediately, not sometime in the fu- Hang up on well. Using our network of optom- ture. You can make the positive change any calls, includ- etrists, ophthalmologists and opticians, that profoundly improves someone's ing robo-calls, we can change a person's entire life life and that of those around them. which ask indi- and in fact, their entire outlook on life. Please join us: viduals to take Where does AINAK work? If you wear glasses or contacts, you immediate ac- While the need for eye care is global, already know the profound importance tion or provide for now AINAK's current mission is in the of good sight. personally iden- Greater Bay area, stretching from north Cont’d on page 24 tifiable informa- of Oakland through Silicon Valley. We tion, such as your Social Secu- White is warning the public of rity number or bank account number. scammers who are sending unsolicited Ask to use other types of identifi- text messages or emails claiming to be ers besides your Social Security num- To advertise in India Post for from the Illinois Secretary of State. In ber. some instances, the scammers copy the Keep your software up to date, in- Secretary of State website logos and cluding your phone and computer op- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA please contact masthead to appear official. erating systems and antivirus protec- White says these texts and emails are tion programs. Most phones, comput- RIYAZ KHAN scams and recipients should not click ers and antivirus software can be set on any links or provide any information. to update automatically when new Visiting these various fraudulent software versions are released. (562) 881- 5342 websites could place malware on the If you have questions about text recipients' devices or trick them into message scams or identity theft, disclosing sensitive personal informa- please call the Illinois Attorney or Email: [email protected] tion. The Secretary of State's office General's Consumer Fraud Hotline at NEVER requests personal information, 800-386-5438 (Chicago), 800-243-061 June 4, 2021 Community Across America India Post 23 www.indiapost.com Bid to silence HAF HARISH RAO CHICAGO: The Hindu American Foun- bangladesh-genocide is involved in dis- killing, forcefully converting, or driving "penalty up to [Pakistani] rupees five dation (HAF) announced that it re- semination of content with intent to out Hindus, Christians, Ahmaddiya Mus- hundred million" or $3.27 million USD. ceived a communication from the ridicule, defame the Armed Forces of lim, and other religious minorities in Pa- "This is Washington, not Islamabad," Pakistan's Telecommunication Authority Pakistan in order to provoke anti-state kistan, and now it appears that they are stated Taniel Koushkjian, HAF Director (PTA) Web Analysis Division about the sentiments, cause disharmony, feelings going after these same religious minori- of Public Policy. "Whether you are an recently launched HAF Bengali Hindu of enmity among masses at large which ties in other countries, too," Kulkarni American foreign agent working with Genocide 'Remembering the Lost, Cel- is prejudicial to the integrity, sover- added. another government trying to defame ebrating Survival' commemoration eignty and security of Pakistan," the "Without Prejudice to the aforemen- us, or a foreign terrorist regime threat- website. communication states. tioned submissions, in case of failure to ening us, it doesn't matter. HAF will not The PTA communication demands "The government of Pakistan's comply with the aforementioned direc- be silenced," he said. Since the publica- that HAF take down the Bengali Hindu tion of the statement, HAF has learned Genocide web page, which captures a The PTA communication demands that HAF take down the that the whole of variety of perspectives on the geno- www.hinduamerican.org has been cidal actions of then West Pakistan's Bengali Hindu Genocide web page, which captures a variety of blocked for viewers in Pakistan. (now modern Pakistan's) military, "Nothing is more clear or more easily "within (24) hours." perspectives on the genocidal actions of then West Pakistan's documented, than the systematic cam- The letter also states that the gov- paign of terror - and its genocidal conse- ernment of Pakistan will "remove or (now modern Pakistan's) military, "within (24) hours" quences launched by the Pakistan army block" access to HAF's Bengali Hindu on the night of March 25th… Hardest hit Genocide web page in Pakistan. This have been members of the Hindu com- nearly 10 month genocidal campaign feeble attempt to threaten and intimi- tion within a stipulated timeline, PTA munity who have been robbed of their left 2-3 million dead, 200,000-400,000 date a respected American non-profit shall be constrained to initiate action in lands and shops systematically slaugh- women raped, and more than 10 million organization is just the latest example accordance with applicable laws," the tered, and, in some places, painted with people displaced- a majority of which of anti-American, anti-Hindu acts," government of Pakistan further wrote yellow patches marked 'H'." - Sen. Ed- were Hindu. stated Deepali Kulkarni, HAF Director of to HAF. It also threatened to impose a ward M Kennedy, November 1971 "Your Website i.e. https:// Human Rights. "The Islamic Republic of www.hinduamerican.org/1971- Pakistan has a proven track record of

Indians upset with Kim Kardashian for donning sacred "Om" earrings in photo-shoot India Post News Service used to introduce and conclude reli- CHICAGO: Indians piqued at Ameri- gious work; and would be inappropri- can celebrity-socialite-actress Kim ate if used as a tool for sexy fashion. Kardashian West for wearing earrings Any Inappropriate usage of sacred carrying sacred "Om" in a photo-shoot Hindu icons or deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda is not okay as it hurts devo- tees. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, observed it was deeply trivializing of immensely revered "Om" to be displayed in such a manner. Hindu- ism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.2 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought Many devotees wear an "Om" pendant, etc., Kim Kardashian on a regular basis to ex- posted on her official Twitter handle on press their reverence/devotion; but May 23, 2021 have urged to discon- wearing it as a fashion accessory in a tinue the same. one-time photo-shoot for commercial It is averred that "Om" is a mystical or other agenda is disrespectful; Rajan syllable containing the universe, and is Zed pointed out. 24 India Post Community Across America June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com MAFS semiannual fundraiser gala gets gracious applause

Cont’d from page 17 - Dr. Suresh Reddy and Dr. Meher an NRI family visiting India for their special praise. To watch this show, click Madhavaram, In Recognition of Ameri- daughter's wedding but gets caught on the link https://youtu.be/ He mentioned about his NOVID bill, can Association Of Physicians Of Indian in the clutches of the virus instead. A 3EYkjMY3eSg. It was announced that which stands for NO MORE COVID, to Origin for their efforts to serve India happy occasion turns into a nightmare, October 17 is also proclaimed as abolish the deadly disease. Illinois during this Pandemic time. but the play takes a positive spin. It "MAFS Day" by the Governor of Illinois. State Senator Laura Ellman congratu- Following that,Keynote Speaker, US shows how the world is coming to- lated MAFS for their services to the Senator Dick Durbin praised MAFS for gether as a global community to help community even during Pandemic cri- its extraordinary services rendered those in need. Niles Seniors showcased sis. through its 12 Senior Centers assuring noteworthy entertainment Seniors from Vernon Hills did a Zoom MAFS his extended his support to "NayeZamaneKe Seniors with Naya Clear Vision dance choreographed by ADS Coordi- MAFS! The Mayor of Hanover Park, Andaz". The significance of the enter- nator, Namita Mathur following this Rodney Craig, congratulated Dr. Kumar tainment is all the seniors are in their Cont’d from page 22 beautiful show a very melodious song on her tremendous job sustaining a se- late 60s, 70s, and 80s If you have been fortunate enough to not need vision correction, you can share the gift of clear sight quickly, and forever. Give the gift of sight and change someone's life: please donate today.To learn more: myainak.org Register to be a volunteer. Your help is priceless!To donate your gently used glasses send an email [email protected] Testimonials: Marc was a talented and inspired movie engineer until his sight deterio- rated so much he was unable to get out until AINAK help out: "I was delighted & it was an unex- pected gift to get my glasses through Ainak. The doctor was great at solving issues I had in the past & the entire pro- cess was smooth, professional & effort- less. I was happy to safely drive again with my new glasses. Thanks to such a great organization!" Marc Thorpe MAFS Seniors dancing Osmar' sight was so bad, he lost his driver's license, couldn't drive and work performed by Orland Park seniors "Yeh nior help program for 29 years The Illi- StafferRajender Singh, cook at MAFS, to support his family: kaunchitrakarhai". This colorful and pic- nois State Comptroller Susanna A. and an artist presented Dr.Kumar an oil "Hello, my name is Osmar Jaime and I turesque dance, choreographed by Mendoza showed her support for painting and a charcoal sketch of her- just wanted to thank this nonprofit or- Grishma Shah, MAFS serving the immigration popula- self, which was auctioned off for ganization for helping people like my- Dr Santosh Kumar along with her tion for the past 3 decades. She under- $2,000 dollars at the Semi-Annual Gala. self out here to get us a pair of reading Board Members,honored Kanchi Shah stands the plight of immigrants, as her The painting was so real. Dr. Kumar glasses. For me it was an awesome op- and Dipti Desai of Sewa International, parents were immigrants too! thanked Rajender Singh for his dedica- portunity because I haven't worn with recognition for Sewa A commendable and inspiring mu- tion to the organization and praised his glasses and my sight has gotten worse, International's Exemplary Leadership sic video by the seniors of the skills my last pair of prescription glasses was in serving people of India during Schaumburg ADS Center was show The crowd enjoyedPavithra Anand's on the 5th grade and thanks to my performance following which, Dr. astigmatism I need to use them every- Dr Santosh Kumar along with her Board Members,honored Santosh Kumar thanked Pavithra and day; and thanks to you guys I was able Rajendra Singh with flowers and a gift. to get my eye exam after 15-16 years of Kanchi Shah and Dipti Desai of Sewa International, with The program ended with Sagar not owning a pair of glasses now I will Kumar's, CFO report. He thanked all receive not one, but two! pairs and I'm recognition for Sewa International's Exemplary Leadership in the audience members, viewers, spon- very grateful. serving people of India during COVID-19 Pandemic sors, dignitaries, and donors for their Thanks to this I can move on forward continued support to sustain the goal to getting my drivers license, since I re- of MAFS. newed it they wouldn't give it back to COVID-19 Pandemic. Dr. Santosh cased. The video is titled " Ham Har Dr Santosh Kumar and Sagar Kumar me because I failed my basic eye exam Kumar said she was proud to join Nahi Manege"! Naperville ADSseniors called upon the Board Members, IT at the DMV and was denied my license hands with Sewa International. Dr. did an awesome dance medley of Team and the rest of the Staff mem- until I had my glasses and now I will cer- Santosh Kumar along with Vijay songs " Corona ko Haranahai" Chicago bers formaking this event a success. tainly do that and move one step for- Prabhakar and the Board Members seniors put together a relevant play The IT Team led by none other than ward, again thank you for everything also presented another award to AAPI titled "Corona se Daro Na"! It is about Prashant Kumar -IT Director came in for and may God bless you with triple." June 4, 2021 Community Across America India Post 25 www.indiapost.com FIA Chicago colorful Holi event with Covid relief fundraiser

Cont’d from page 16

Mistress of ceremonies Richa Chand, Vinita Gulabani and Pratibha Jairath charmed the audience throughout the festive celebration with their captivat- ing eloquence marked by impromptu quips in between. The event kicked off with an invoca- tion dance presented by Anjali Verghese from Kala Padma Bharatanatyam School, followed by a live singing session from Mir Ali and In- troduction of FIA Board, directors, Advi- sory board and FPMA members. The DholTarasha performance pre- sented by Maharastra Mandal of Chi- cago left the audience enthralled. There were several energetic Bollywood in- spired folk, fusion and modern group dance performances by the students of S R Dance Academy and Saloni Shah FIA Executive board members, Directors and advisory board members Dance Group. There were more songs presented antivirus for Covid19 to India on prior- also addressed the audience. With all ing India in these difficult times. by Jitendra Bulsara and Pratibha Jairath ity. Dr. Kamal Patel [New FIA]: He hoped FIA leadership present, the Holi cel- Plaques were awarded to Dr Santosh that brought the audience to its feet, that crisis in India resolves very soon. ebrations started with the lighting of Kumar, Dr Vijay Prabhakar, Dr Umang and everyone started dancing in en- Dr Patel also mentioned that FIA is lamp led by Current President Dr. Patel, Ajeet Singh, Pinky Thakkar, Anu thusiasm. On a solemn note, Suresh committed and dedicated to focus on Kamal Patel, FIA's Founder & eminent Malhotra, Dr Sreenivas Reddy, Rajiv Bodiwala, Chairman of Asian Media charitable projects of various types lo- visionary leader Sunil Shah joined by Sharma, SEWA International Dipti Shah USA shared his message about Covid cally also under his leadership. U.S. Congressman Raja Desai, MrVinozChanamolu, Mr Anil and Life Partner launch. Throughout Presiding over the Holi celebrations, Krishnamoorthi& Danny Davis along Loomba and Indian American Cultural the program, there were several Shar- Sunil Shah, FIA's Founder & Visionary with host of other dignitaries includ- Association's(IACA) - Vinita ing and Caring - Announcement/Ap- welcomed the large gathering and ing Mayor Hanover Park, Rodney Craig, Gulabani&Shanu Sinha. peals made by Neil Khot and the in- said Holi is a celebration of festival of Aurora Mayor Richard Irwin, Cook The event was concluded by the vited speakers: Shital Daftari, Anita colors - colors of unity - colors of hu- County Commissioner Kevin B Vote of Thanks speech by FIA General Beri, Dr Umang Patel, Rita Shah, Chhaya manity and added,"It is a celebration Morrison, Aurora Alderman Shweta Secretary Richa Chand, followed by Patel, Rita Singh to inspire the audi- of life!" Mindful of the stubborn pan- Baid. Founding member Rita Singh and Dhol beats and the FIA team led the ence to open their hearts and to sup- demic raging in India, he reminded the Past Presidents, Gurmeet Singh dancing audience to the outdoors for port FIA- Chicago's charitable target of audience that it is the primary objec- Dhalwaan&NinadDaftari also joined in, some Holi color fun! Music was pro- raising $50k in this fundraiser. There tive of FIA to lend considerable support along with Dr Sreenivas Reddy, Dr vided by DJ SajanVadali& Video moni- were several keynote speakers at the to India as it fights one of the most Umang Patel, Anu Malhotra, Pinky tor support by Mir Ali and Dhol beats event. momentous battle to eradicate the Thakkar & the FIA Advisory Board Mem- by Dhruv Kavi. FIA is especially thank- President Dr Kamal Patel in his ful to VinozChanamolu, Anil Sunkara, speech expressed that this event is President Dr Kamal Patel in his speech expressed that and Pramod Kumar for hosting the not just about Holi celebration, but it this event is not just about Holi celebration, but it has a greater event at their wonderful location, Mall has a greater purpose of serving our of India, Naperville, IL. motherland, as India is seeing an expo- purpose of serving our motherland, as India is seeing an expo- FIA thanks and greatly appreciates nential surge in the COVID cases, un- nential surge in the COVID cases, unimaginable by anyone. all its attendees, esteemed guests, imaginable by anyone. He shared that sponsors, supporters & media partners FIA Chicago has raised funds twice al- He shared that FIA Chicago has raised funds twice already for their unwavering support & trust in ready and has sent Oxygen Concentra- and has sent Oxygen Concentrators to India FIA. tors to India and today, India Covid Re- Sponsors & Supporters: Hanmi Bank, lief Fundraiser is our third fundraiser MIDWAY Business Brokers, Suga Build- and we will continue on our mission to scourge of raging pandemic. Shah said bers, Ajeet Singh, Keerthi Reevori, Brij ers, OROCHEM, Air India, RELY Services, help India. FIA has laid out a comprehensive Sharma, VinozChanamolu for lamp REMAX, Dr Bhupinder Beri, Mall of In- He also congratulated the leader- roadmap to bring to bear sustainable lighting. dia, POWER VOLT, SBI, Reliance Global ship of Sunil Shah & Neil Khot, Dr Vijay assistance including oxygen concen- US Congressman Danny Davis, in his Logistics, Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar, Prabhakar & Dr Santosh Kumar and the trators, masks, sanitizers, gowns and speech congratulated the Team FIA for Marriott, GETSKYLLS.com, Verandah, entire delegation that recently went other life-saving equipment. putting together a wonderful show. New York Life, Woodridge clinic. Media to meet Rev Jesse Jackson and US Con- Shah's welcome speech was fol- U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Partners: Adbhhut Media, India Post, TV gressman Raja Krishnamoorthi to talk lowed by a beautiful song by Rita Shah. in his remarks heaped huge praise for Asia, Desi Talk, Divya Bhaskar, Asianet about the urgency and the need to Current President Dr. Kamal Patel, Past the leadership of FIA in hosting the fes- News, Hi India, Asian Media USA, Radio have Biden administration release and President and Founder Onkar Singh tive celebrations of Holi. Both the lead- Zindagi& The Indian Eye, for their event send 60 Million doses of AstraZeneca Sangha & Founding Member Neil Khot ers supported FIA's initiative for help- coverage and promotions. 26 India Post Community Across America June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com Will ethnic small business catch the boom--or be left behind?

VIDYA SETHURAMAN businesses stay afloat with low-interest this pandemic only worsened the situa- have two choices: continue to find a job India Post News Service loans that could be forgiven entirely if tion and showed that many of our small or start a new business. So in the next he U.S. economy is greatly bol- borrowers met certain conditions in- businesses lack the infrastructure and few years, we will see more small busi- stered by 32 million small busi- volving retaining employees knowledge to have the proper docu- nesses return. nesses, which contribute al Everett Sands, CEO of Lendistry, a mi- ments and this has expanded this seri- Congressman Ro Khanna, D-California. Tmost half of the nation's annual nority-led entity that helped thousands ous situation", explains Sands. He Rep. Khanna, a member of the Congres- GDP, and create 1.5 million jobs per year. of small businesses secure loans pointed to the data collected last year, sional Small Business Caucus, spoke on the The U.S. is home to more than four mil- challenges of reopening Main Street lion minority-owned companies in the The PPP was launched as part of the $2.2-trillion America, whether the PPP loan program United States, with annual sales totaling was sufficient to get small business own- close to $700 billion. As the Covid-19 economic relief measures that then-President Trump signed ers back on their feet, and what's next in pandemic hit, many small enterprises into law in March 2020, during the first pandemic surge. the Congressional pipeline for additional had to rapidly reshuffle their business support. Congressman Ro said he plans to models. 200,000 businesses perma- It was conceived as a novel effort to minimize continue creating the necessary mecha- nently shut down. Speakers discussed layoffs and help small businesses nisms to continue supporting this impor- how mom-and-pop Main Street tant economic sector in the country: "it is America can emerge from this crisis at good news that small businesses have sur- the EMS briefing on May 28. through the Paycheck Protection Pro- some small businesses across the vived so far, there is a growth of 10 per- The PPP was launched as part of the gram provided an overview of the United States closed in April 2020. cent and I think we are going to have a $2.2-trillion economic relief measures pandemic's impact on minority-owned Among them, 41% were African-Ameri- good recovery". He added that the up- that then-President Trump signed into small businesses and private-enterprise can businesses, 32% were Hispanic coming national infrastructure construc- law in March 2020, during the first pan- strategies to aid small business revival. businesses, and Asian-American small tion projects will ensure that more small demic surge. It was conceived as a novel "Most of the small businesses were al- businesses accounted for 26%. In the businesses benefit and increase employ- effort to minimize layoffs and help small ready a bit bad before the pandemic, event of a bankruptcy, small businesses ment opportunities for small businesses. DuPage Senior Citizens Council organize Meals on Wheels program JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Outside of the Abington Health & Wellness education, Pet Care & calcium fortified water and margarine. is provided by Jigar's Kitchen in Carol Distinctive Banquets Downs Grove. Food, Assistance, Community Assis- We do offer substitutions for those se- Stream. The person who has coordi- Sushila Ray the Location Manager o the tance, Community Dinning, Friendly Vis- niors needing diabetic/calorie control. nated the pickup is Tracy Halunka who DuPage Seniors Citizens Council said its and Assistance, Friendly Phone Calls, Please note that some of our menu is Nutrition Operations Manager. Work- that currently we are providing lunch Senior Sign up and Yard Clean Ups Ser- items are subject to change without ing at the event will be Ashley Mitchell out side the Banquet butthe meal pick vices we are providing to our commu- prior notice. who is an Administrative Assistant up events from Abbington Distinctive nity. " Meals on Wheels started in 1954 in If there are any questions please con- Banquets began in Sep- tember 2020. "Currently we are serving meals from this particular location twice a month on Wednesdays,but we have delivered more meals to homebound seniors than any other organization in Illinois". But DSCC is more than Meals on Wheels. IT is dedicated to helping se- niors navigate through the daily challenges they face as they age. She added that "We also provide services from Well-Being DSCC offers a wide variety of food Philadelphia when a small group of citi- tact me - Nicole Pica-Barnes, Social Me- Checks to Minor Home Repairs to help- choices Bedsides delivering meals to zen delivered the first meal to seniors dia/Pet Care Food & Assistance, DuPage ing seniors care for their pets, DSCC seniors in DuPage County. Whether it is in need. They have been delivering Senior Citizens Council/Kane Senior provides important services that help traditional comfort foods, fresh summer meals ever since. Today, Meals on Council, 1990 Springer Drive, Lombard, our seniors live independently. We have salads or spicy ethnic foods, DSCC has Wheels America helps over 2.4 MILLION IL 60148. Office 630.620.0804 meals on wheels menus, Minor Home something for everyone. All home-de- seniors each year with home-delivered www.dupageseniorcouncil.org or, Repair services, Contractor Referrals, livered meals include 1%, skim milk or meals and other support services. Food http://www.kaneseniorcouncil.org June 4, 2021 Community Across America India Post 27 www.indiapost.com Khanna, Mace introduce Bill to strengthen Cybersecurity Workforce in government

India Post News Service an integrated federal workforce, par- ing it across the finish line." flexibility to OPM and participating WASHINGTON, DC: Representatives ticularly one that possesses the knowl- "In light of recent events, we've seen agencies to ensure the FRCWP can be Ro Khanna (D-CA), Progressive Caucus edge, skills, and competencies to the importance of cybersecurity now executed in a manner consistent with Deputy Whip and Member of the Com- counter increasingly sophisticated more than eve," said Rep. Nancy Mace. existing rotational programs to reduce mittee on Oversight and Reform, and threats from foreign actors. As the larg- "This program will equip not only our administrative burden. Nancy Mace (R-SC), introduced the bi- est employer in the country, the federal current generation of cybersecurity Encourages the heads of each government's cybersecurity program professionals but our next, ensuring agency to identify rotational cyber po- sets the pace for American competi- America's grid is prepared for attack. To sitions with a focus on positions that re- tiveness in this growing career field, strengthen our cybersecurity late to multi-agency, integrated cyber making this investment a critical link workforce is to strengthen our national missions. toward building a more robust defense. I thank Congressman Ro Promotes federal workforce aware- cybersecurity infrastructure across the Khanna for working with me on this im- ness of career development opportuni- country. portant issue." ties by requiring OPM to distribute an "If we want to continue the era of Specifically, the Federal Rotational annual list of available FRCWP positions. excellence in American innovation, we need to make a bold investment in our "If we want to continue the era of excellence in cyber workforce," said Rep. Ro Khanna. "Silicon Valley has and will continue to American innovation, we need to make a bold investment lead the world in creativity & scientific discovery, but we can't rely on private in our cyber workforce," said Rep. Ro Khanna investment alone to protect our cyber- Ro Khanna infrastructure from bad actors. The fed- eral government, America's largest em- Cyber Workforce Program Act: Selects FRCWP applicants in a man- partisan Federal Rotational Cyber ployer, must lead. This dynamic rota- Entrusts leadership of the Federal ner consistent with the merit system Workforce Program Act to bolster tional program will give our cyber pro- Rotational Cyber Workforce Program principles and allows participants to re- America's cybersecurity capabilities to fessionals the wide-ranging experience (FRCWP) with the Office of Personnel turn to their original position (or simi- match the heightened threats in the they need to defend us from growing Management and requires consultation lar) upon completion of rotational ser- digital age. threats abroad. We can and we must set with the Chief Human Capital Officers vice. To maintain American leadership & the pace for the rest of the world. Proud Council, the Chief Information Officers Directs GAO to assess the program's security in the 21st century, Khanna and to introduce this meaningful legislation Council, and the Department of Home- effectiveness ahead of the pilot Mace recognize that our country needs with Rep. Mace, I look forward to push- land Security. The bill provides ample program's termination.

Indian External Minister visit & need for US vaccine cooperation WILL BALDWIN CHICAGO: Congressman Raja Continuing his observation, he we need to truly end this pandemic." India partnership in this endeavor, as Krishnamoorthi emphasized the need added "It's also why I'll soon be intro- "Achieving global herd immunity with so many others, is paramount to for on ongoing US India cooperation in ducing the Nullifying Opportunities for isn't just the right thing to do out of the shared interests of our nations and the field of Corona vaccine in the con- Variants to Infect and Decimate compassion and morality, it's also the humanity more broadly. Because of trast of a diplomatic visit by the Indian (NOVID) Act which would bring global smart thing to do because the only this, it must be beyond politics, and External Minister Jaishankar to the vaccination rates to more than 60% way to end this global pandemic is beyond any partisan or ideological af- United States and the need for ex- filiation. I approach questions of policy panded US vaccine aid and coordina- "External Minister Jaishankar's visit to the United States as an American and as an elected tion with India serves as another reminder of the immediate need to rally our member of the Democratic Party. I do "External Minister Jaishankar's visit not support, endorse, or affiliate my- to the United States serves as another democracies together against the ongoing pandemic and for self with the views of any political reminder of the immediate need to the United States to fulfill its promise of vaccine aid to party, individual, or group in India, rally our democracies together against such as the BJP, Congress, PM Modi, the ongoing pandemic and for the India while further building on this support” Sonia Gandhi, the RSS or any other In- United States to fulfill its promise of dian organization or individual, any vaccine aid to India while further build- more than I have any affiliation with the ing on this support. That's why I've re- through dramatically scaling up these through a global approach that ends American Republican Party". peatedly urged the Biden Administra- international efforts with increased the outbreaks before they enable the " It is absolutely in the interests of tion to continue and expand its interna- aid, expanded private sector produc- mutations of the virus which could de- all people to make sure everyone gets tional vaccine distribution efforts in tion, and enhanced international coop- stroy all the progress we've made." vaccinated across the United States, support of India and other nations fac- eration. These efforts would help to "The success of these efforts de- across India, and across the rest of the ing the most serious outbreaks, Rep. save lives in the near term while also pends on international cooperation world to bring this pandemic to an Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a statement building the international foundation and the continued success of the US- end." 28 India Post Community Across America June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com Open Letter to World Health Organization (WHO)

Yajna combines heat from fire and sound from mantra. structive. A yajna is held to destroy only impurities, to May 26, 2021 The basis of mantra is sound, and sound is the source purge the atmosphere of all the impurities, of all the of the universe. It is the sound used in Yajna that has unhealthy germs, which may be present. A yajna His Excellency the power of an atom bomb. Sound is a type of energy brings happiness to all concerned. During a yajna, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made by vibrations, when an object vibrates, it causes herbs of the finest kind -- almost divine herbs --are Director General of World Health Organization movement in surrounding air molecules. These mol- collected, and pure ghee is used, and these herbs Geneva, Switzerland ecules bump into the molecules close to them, caus- along with the ghee are offered to the fire. The smoke Harnessing Vedic Fire in COVID Times ing them to vibrate as well. This chain reaction of of the yajna spreads through the entire atmosphere Dear Dr. Tedros: movement, called sound waves, keeps going until the and purges it of all the impurities that may be con- molecules run out of energy. tained and thus it ensures good health, happiness and n a research letter to the World Health Organiza Revealing the mighty power of mantra used in purity for all the people."(Satsang with Baba Volume 2, tion (WHO), published in the Journal of Clinical In Yajna, Swami Muktananda, a world-renowned yogi pg 295-296). fectious Diseases on July 6, 2020, scientists con who lived 1908-1982, stated, "Even today, modern sci- The Yajna fire was proven as an effective antidote for Icluded, "We are concerned that the lack of recog- ence bears witness to the validity of the yajna...Once germs, including the deadly toxic gas, which leaked nition of the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 a scientist was explaining what exactly happens when from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in and the lack of clear recommendations on the control Bhopal, India on December 2, 1984. The Bhopal disaster measures against the airborne virus will have signifi- is known as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Families who lived cant consequences." In the new guidance, released close to the plant, but practiced Yajna regularly, did not July 9, 2020, WHO conceded that the coronavirus may experience any ill effects from the gas tragedy. In con- remain in the air in unventilated indoor places, infect- trast, hundreds of others who did not practice Yajna ing people long after the infected individual has left. died and many more were hospitalized. This was re- As the world continues to be engulfed in the ported in The Hindu newspaper in April 1984 in an ar- COVID-19 pandemic, with over 160 million infections ticle entitled "Vedic Way to Beat Pollution." and 3.3 million deaths worldwide to date, it is now Additionally, scientists at the National Botanical Re- time to study and harness the power of Yajna (Vedic search Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow, India, tested fire offering). Noble World Foundation, a non-profit whether Yajna smoke using medicinal herbs purified humanitarian organization, proposes that the chain the air. The scientists found that Yajna smoke did in- reaction produced by Yajna fire has an enormous ca- deed kill 94% of airborne germs after just one hour pacity to destroy the airborne coronavirus. and continued to do so even after the fire stopped The Vedic fire offering also known as Homa, Havan, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus burning and the room was opened. The regular smoke, or Agnihotra, combines the heat from the fire and the however, did not have any effect on bacteria in the air sound from the Vedic mantra to purify the atmo- an atom bomb explodes. How is it that such a small ("Reviewers for Journal of Ethnopharmacology," 2007). sphere. Of the five primordial elements, earth, water, bomb can cause such enormous havoc? What happens Another research study that was reported in the fire, air, and space, fire has the greatest ability to pu- when this tiny bomb explodes is that a bomb of air International Journal of Modern Engineering Research rify the air. "Yajna purifies the air. The smoke from the gets formed, as it were, and that explodes, and after in September 2020 found that Yajna conducted in the yajna is the best cleanser, because the herbs, flowers, that explodes, another bomb is formed, and that ex- East and West Godavari districts of India not only re- and twigs are specially chosen for their purificatory plodes, and this series of explosions goes on and this duced air pollution, but also reduced COVID-19 cases qualities," said Swami Satyananda (1923-2009). is how a vast area is affected.Yajna is like an atom throughout the area. Additionally, patients that did A vital contribution of Yajna is its vibrational sound. bomb. It has the same power, but its power is not de- contract the virus experienced a rapid recovery of COVID-19 symptoms. The research concluded that, "Yajna provides the shield in the atmosphere that pro- tects us from not only the pollution, but also from vi- ruses such as COVID-19." It is noteworthy that the smoke of just any fire will not have this purifying and healing effect. Yajna must be performed using the best quality medicinal herbs as fuel. The purifying smoke is generated by the fuel, not by the fire itself. The medicinal smoke inhaled dur- ing this Yajna reaches the lungs and produces direct healing without any harmful side effects. Fire Yajna is not superstition, but a powerful yogic practice that can bring relief to numerous COVID-19 positive patients. "The law of gravitation worked as efficiently before Newton as after him. The cosmos would be fairly chaotic if its laws could not operate without the sanction of human belief," observed Paramahansa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi, 1946). On behalf of humanity, I urge the World Health Organization to urgently recommend the practice of Vedic Yajna fire to destroy the coronavirus in the air.

Sincerely, Shiv R. Jhawar, President Noble World Foundation Health Line

Global Covid-19 caseload tops 169.6mn

WASHINGTON: The overall global Covid-19 caseload has 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 makes itself felt only when there is something wrong with it. You know that you have a head only when it aches. topped 168.7 million, while the Sri Atmananda (1883 - 1959) deaths have surged to more than 3.52 million, according to June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com India Post 29 the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on 28 May morning, the University's Center for Systems Science US FDA authorizes GSK-Vir monoclonal and Engineering (CSSE) re- vealed that the current global antibody drug for Covid caseload and death toll stood at 169,623,439 and 3,525,023, WASHINGTON: The US Food shown that Sotrovimab is able Cavazzoni, Director of the FDA's authorized for patients who respectively. and Drug Administration (FDA) to neutralize the current circu- Center for Drug Evaluation and are hospitalized due to Covid- The US continues to be the has authorized a monoclonal lating variants of Covid first re- Research, said in a statement 19 or require oxygen therapy worst hit country with the antibody drug against Covid- ported in the UK, South Africa, last week. due to the disease, the FDA world's highest number of 19, developed by Brazil, California, New York and "It is important to expand said. cases and deaths at 33,999,680 GlaxoSmithKline and Vir, which India. the arsenal of monoclonal anti- This treatment has not and 607,726, respectively, ac- claims to reduce hospitaliza- "With the authorization of body therapies that are ex- shown benefit in patients hos- tion and death among pitalized due to Covid-19 and cording to the CSSE. Coronavirus patients by 85 per monoclonal antibodies may be In terms of infections, India cent and is also effective associated with worse clinical follows in the second place against the variants. outcomes when administered with 27,547,705 cases. The drug Sotrovimab has to hospitalized patients requir- The other worst countries been given an emergency use ing high flow oxygen or me- with over 3 million cases are authorization (EUA) for the chanical ventilation. Brazil (16,342,162), France treatment of mild-to-moder- Monoclonal antibodies are (5,635,629), Turkey (5,220,549), ate Covid-19 in adults and chil- laboratory-made proteins that Russia (5,035,207), the UK dren 12 years of age and older, mimic the immune system's (4,473,677), Italy (4,205,970), weighing at least 40 kg. ability to fight off harmful anti- Germany (3,673,969), Spain The drug has shown posi- gens such as viruses. tive results among patients 65 Sotrovimab is a monoclonal an- (3,663,215), Argentina years of age and older or indi- tibody that is specifically di- (3,663,176) and Colombia viduals who have certain medi- rected against the spike pro- (3,319,193), the CSSE figures cal conditions and are at high this monoclonal antibody pected to retain activity tein of SARS-CoV-2 and is de- showed. risk for progression to severe treatment, we are providing against the circulating variants signed to block the virus' at- In terms of deaths, Brazil Covid-19, including hospitaliza- another option to help keep of Covid-19 in the United tachment and entry into hu- comes second with 456,753 fa- tion or death. high-risk patients with Covid- States," Cavazzoni added. man cells. talities. IANS Laboratory tests have 19 out of the hospital," Patrizia However, Sotrovimab is not The EUA is based on an in- terim analysis from a Phase 1/ 2/3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical tri- California Covid variant can re-infect people: Study als in 583 non-hospitalized NEW YORK: A team of US CoV-2, the virus that causes ers at University of California- ready had Covid-19. adults with mild-to-moderate researchers has found how a Covid-19, from which it San Francisco, Gladstone Insti- "The take-home message Covid-19 symptoms and a coronavirus variant that had evolved, preliminary data had tutes, and other organizations is that everyone should get positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. emerged in California inter- vaccinated, even if you've Of these patients, 291 re- acts with the immune system been infected before," said ceived Sotrovimab and 292 re- and its potential to spread. Charles Chiu, Director of the ceived a placebo within five California's variant actually UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnos- days of onset of Covid-19 comes in two different forms, tics and Discovery Centre. symptoms. The primary end- dubbed B1427 and B1429, For the study, published in point was progression of and each has a unique com- the journal Cell, the re- Covid-19 (defined as hospital- bination of mutations. But searchers sequenced ization for greater than 24 they are paired as a single samples from 2,172 Covid- hours for acute management variant because they share a 19 swab tests conducted in of any illness or death from any few distinct mutations that dozens of California counties. cause) through day 29. affect the spike protein. Analysis of the sequences Hospitalization or death oc- The variant first detected, suggested that the variant curred in 21 (7 per cent) pa- in January 2021, is more suggested. across California found that emerged in May 2020 and tients who received placebo transmissible than the un- Now, a multifaceted col- California's homegrown vari- subsequently gave rise to compared to 3 (1 per cent) pa- mutated strains of SARS- laboration between research- ant can infect people who al- the two current forms. IANS tients treated with Sotrovimab, an 85 per cent reduction. IANS TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Lut Gaye: Lut Gaye 2 Thoda Thoda Pyaar: Thoda Thoda Pyaar 30 India Post www.indiapost.com June 4, 2021 3 Main Jis Din Bhulaa Du: Main Jis Din Bhulaa Du

4 Nadiyon Paar: Nadiyon Paar 5 Baarish Ki Jaaye: Baarish Ki Jaaye 6 Chhor Denge: Chhor Denge 7 Bepanah Pyaar: Bepanah Pyaar "THANK YOU" WILL BE HER SECOND 8 Panghat: Panghat RELEASE WITH NAGA CHAITANYA AFTER 9 Aur Pyaar Karna Hai : Aur Pyaar Karna Hai "VENKY MAMA", AND RAASHII SAYS HER 10 Tera Suit: Tera Suit ROLE IN THE FILM WILL BE RELATABLE

ctor Raashii Khanna, who recently returned from Milan, Italy, after shooting for the Telugu film A"Thank You", reveals that shooting in a foreign location, while people back home in India struggled with Covid, upset her. he actress, who mainly works in She adds: "There were challenges that the produc- Telugu films, will soon be seen in the tion team faced but other than that we were really pro- T Bollywood film "Maarrich", with tected… It wasn't like pre pre-pandemic that you could Naseeruddin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor. shoot at luxury and anywhere you wanted to. It was "If the character has depth, I will most more difficult this time." likely consider it (going bald). My fans "Thank You" will be her second release have always appreciated every hairstyle with Naga Chaitanya after "Venky on me -- be it straight, wavy or curly. Mama", and Raashii says her role Over the years I have come to realize in the film will be relatable. that the bond we share goes be- "People like me mostly in ctor Sandeepa Dhar worked in the Salman yond visual appeal. When romantic films and that is Khan blockbuster "Dabangg 2" in 2012. A they say we love her what I have figured out. In She recently had a chance to recreate the curls, it's not the hair- 'Thank you' there is a nice popular number "Munni badnaam hui" from style that they are at- part written for me. I think the first "Dabangg" film of 2010, for her the audience will enjoy it web show "Chattis Aur Maina". tached to. It comes because it is real. Usually "'Dabangg 2' holds a very special place in from the intent of sometimes we play my heart as it was like a dream come true for loving who I am over the top characters me to work with a thorough gentleman like naturally. If I were and I am known for my Salman Khan and everyone knows he's such a ever to play such a comedy in the south. nice person. Now, as I gear up for the release role, I can only This is something I of 'Chattis Aur Maina', life has come a full imagine am really circle, as I danced to the tunes of 'Munni how ex- cited looking badnaam' from 'Dabangg' in the they'd be forward show," Sandeepa tells IANS. to watch to," she "One of my most memorable mo- signs how I'd ments was working with Salman off. carry it," she Khan. It was immensely surreal IANS claimed. to share screen space with Seerat is him in my very second known for her film," she says. work in Telugu Sandeepa Dhar films such as "Raju has also been seen Gari Gadhi 2", " Co- in the Bollywood lumbia ", "Touch film "Heropanti", Chesi Chudu" and and OTT shows more recently "Maa like "Abhay", Vintha Gadha "MumBhai", Vinuma". and "Bisaat". Her debut IANS Bollywood act was in a 2014 film titled "Zid", starring Mannara Chopra. IANS June 4, 2021 Bollywood India Post 31 www.indiapost.com

ctor Ileana D'Cruz has had a Agreat run down South and has also been doing her share of Bollywood films. Popularity, she explains, is the one thing that balances the fact that the film industry can actually be a very cruel place to survive. "It (the film industry) is brutal, of course, but it comes down to people. If they (people) like you that is all you need. You just want people to like watching you," she told IANS. Ileana feels the moment "CLEARLY I'M GETTING THE WHOLE GLAM THING an actor is not appreciated RIGHT #EPICFAIL #TOOMUCHHAIRDONTCARE," they lose the mark. "It basically goes the ctor Shruti Haasan posted a picture of her lush cascading hair, saying same for me. I wouldn't that she has got "the whole glam things right". want to watch a film with A In the Instagram images, Shruti is seen struggling with her hair while she an actor I don't like is all dolled up. "Clearly I'm getting the whole glam thing right #epicfail watching," she says. #toomuchhairdontcare," she wrote as the caption. Ileana will next be Shruti will soon be seen in the Prabhas-starrer "Salaar", which is being shot seen in "Unfair N in Kannada and Telugu languages, and will be dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Lovely", a comic take Malayalam. IANS on India's obsession with fair skin. The film is set against the backdrop of Haryana and casts ctor Priyanka Chopra gets her opposite Amushy in a new post, featur- Randeep ing husband Nick Jonas and a kiss. Hooda. IANS She reveals she is missing hubby. She posted a picture of Nick on Instagram. On getting a closer look, a kiss shaped lipstick mark can be seen on the American pop singer's image. "My lipstick on his face...miss u already," Priyanka wrote as cap- tion. The couple is in different places owing to work. However, no details were shared by the ac- tress. Priyanka and Nick were re- "IT (THE FILM INDUSTRY) cently seen together at the Bill- IS BRUTAL, OF COURSE, board Music Awards in Los Ange- les. While Nick served as host of BUT IT COMES DOWN TO the show, the actress was seen PEOPLE. IF THEY presenting an award. (PEOPLE) LIKE YOU Priyanka is currently busy with "Citadel". Helmed by "Avengers" THAT IS ALL YOU makers Joe and Anthony Russo, NEED. YOU JUST "Citadel" is a spy thriller series co- WANT PEOPLE TO starring Richard Madden, and is billed as a global event for OTT. LIKE WATCHING YOU," IANS Realty Tidbits 10 home décor trends that will rule in 2021 Office spaces As we come closer to the dawn of New Year 2021, present huge after spending the majority of 2020 cocooned at Real Estate home, it is time to freshen up the home with the 10 opportunity: JLL interior design trends likely to rule in the new year. NEW DELHI: The ageing of- Pop of colour fice spaces in India present It is a known fact that colours make us feel more massive investment opportu- positive. In 2021 one will see cheerful hues domi- nity, according to a JLL report. nating the home. www.housing.com Out of the existing 642 mil- 32 India Post www.indiapost.com June 4, 2021 For detailed story visit www.indiapost.com lion square feet of Grade-A of- fice space in the top seven real estate markets in India, the top three -- Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Residential realty demand may grow 5-10%, Bengaluru -- comprise nearly 64 per cent of the total stock, as per the reported titled 'Unlock- Recovery to pre-pandemic levels after FY23 ing Value in Real Estate'. MUMBAI: Improved Affordability has improved and construction-labor costs. lower stamp duty." Around 28 per cent of these affordability and continuing by up to 30% in the six cities Says Isha Chaudhary, Direc- The pandemic has amplified buildings are more than a de- work-from-home will increase during the past five years be- tor, CRISIL Research, "Demand the divergence in the perfor- cade old and do not have the lat- demand for residences by an cause of low interest rates, in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, the mance of financially prudent est facilities that newer build- average 5-10% (in terms of moderate price correction and National Capital Region (NCR) and leveraged developers. Es- ings offer. "Upgrading these area) on-year in India's top six reduction in stamp duty (espe- and Kolkata is set to rise 40- tablished ones with a strong buildings with modern ameni- cities this fiscal. But two of cially in Maharashtra in fiscal 45% this fiscal after plunging track record of timely delivery ties, designs and building tech- these - Mumbai and Pune - 2021), CRISIL Research's pro- 25-45% last fiscal, propelled by increased their market share nology presents a massive in- could see demand contracting prietary Minimum Annual better affordability and lower to 25% last fiscal from 21% in vestment opportunity of an esti- because of a higher base of last fiscal 2020 as they recovered mated Rs 5,500 crore," it said. fiscal, while the rest should see faster in the second half and Real estate investors and a rebound on a low base, Crisil maintained, or even exceeded, landlords are missing income announced. pre-pandemic sales. opportunities and cost savings However, absolute demand Says Anand Kulkarni, Direc- as their assets age in Asia Pa- will catch up with pre-pan- tor, CRISIL Ratings, "Estab- cific, said JLL. Half of invest- demic levels only after fiscal lished, prudent developers ment properties in prime loca- tions in Asia Pacific are over 20 2023. The demand in the first have well-managed balance years old, leading the real es- half of this fiscal will be im- sheets, reflected in comfort- tate firm to forecast that there pacted by the second wave of able debt-to-total assets ratio is over $40 billion worth of un- the pandemic. Nevertheless, of below 30%, and are also well realized value in aging and healthy recovery is expected in placed in terms of liquidity. underperforming properties the second half, much like the They had raised Rs 44,000 regionally, it said. previous fiscal, the ratings crore via equity, and land and The report noted that with- agency said. Household Threshold Income, base. In contrast, the Mumbai commercial assets monetiza- out asset enhancement, offices, That said, established devel- or MAHTITM, index city shows. Metropolitan Region (MMR) tion between fiscals 2016- shopping malls, hotels, residen- opers with well-managed bal- On the other hand, capital and Pune will likely see a con- 2021. The improved financials tial buildings and industrial fa- ance sheets would grow faster values have bottomed out and traction of 10-20%this fiscal, af- will come in handy to tackle cilities will lose relevance due than the industry, consolidate are likely to stabilize with a ter a 5-15%growth last fiscal, stress from the second wave, to evolving end-user habits and their presence, and sustain slightly upward bias this fiscal with end-users concluding meet growth needs and keep preferences. IANS their credit profiles. because of rising raw material transactions to benefit from their credit profiles stable." Some mid-sized, regional developers, which have histori- cally maintained low leverage, Listed developers' sales share increases amid pandemic are also expected to sustain their credit profiles. NEW DELHI: The overall lakh units sold in top seven cit- whopping 83 per cent share. opers considered are Bri- However, leveraged devel- housing sales share of the top ies in FY2017, the share of these The increased share of these gade Enterprises, Godrej opers dependent on debt as eight listed realty players has top eight listed players was the top eight listed players over Properties, Kolte-Patil, the primary source of capital surged amid the pandemic. lowest at about 6 per cent the years provides a clear Mahindra Lifespaces, Oberoi will continue to struggle, As per latest Anarock data, Realty, Prestige Estates, crippled by high debt-to-total out of the total sales of around Puravankara, and Sobha. assets ratio of above 60%, 93,140 units in the first nine The top listed players to- weak liquidity and limited abil- months of FY2021 across the gether sold as much as 21.23 ity to raise equity and mon- top seven cities, the top eight million square feet area in the etize commercial assets. These listed players' share stood at first three quarters of finan- players may tie up with estab- 22 per cent while non-listed cial year 2021 despite the lished players by way of joint leading players' share was 18 first wave of COVID-19, rising ventures, joint development per cent. Non-branded devel- by 2 per cent against the cor- agreements, or development opers accounted for a 60 per while that of non-listed leading roadmap of homebuyers' responding period in management models to ben- cent share. players stood at 11 per cent and evolving preferences. FY2020, when 20.88 million efit from the latter's financial In contrast, of the total 2.03 others (non-branded) had a The top eight listed devel- square feet were sold. IANS flexibility and brand. IANS June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com India Post 33

N. LOTHUNGBENI HUMTSOE year later, the airport has termi- since the pandemic, even as cautions that a passenger wearing open toed shoes to nated operations on terminal 2 as two things remain constant - should keep in mind while trav- ensure minimal contact. Wear- lmost a year ago, one of a result of the reduced number of the threat from the virus and elling by air. ing goggles can also add a pro- the busiest airports in flights due to the second wave, the effort to ensure a safer sur- tective layer for your eyes. It is Athe world- Indira Gandhi which is turning out to be more rounding. While leisure travel has Double Mask up for maxi- also advisable to wear socks so International Airport in Delhi deadly than the previous one. taken a halt, air travel still remains mum protection: that your bare feet don't touch had a deserted look brought The air travel industry has unavoidable for some - many With the second wave of the airport floor during security about by the coronavirus. A witnessed significant changes people are returning home amid coronavirus spreading fero- check. the second wave-to be with their ciously, people have realized families during these times or for the importance of doubling up Reduce, Disinfect your other personal or family health the protection. Is double mask baggage: emergencies safer than a single mask? In- The more the merrier? This Cases reported on air travel deed, studies done by Disease saying has gone for a toss, at spread have been minimal due Control and Prevention (CDC) least while travelling during to which flights are being con- state that double masking can the Covid crisis. Despite safety sidered as a safer travelling op- reduce one's exposure to the protocols in place, your bag will tion, however, it is always good virus by up to 95 per cent. The pass through several channels for travellers to be extra cau- CDC recommends layering a and people from check-in to tious and look out for their own cloth mask over a surgical mask. the final destination. It is advis- safety and practice precautions Avoid combinations such as able to check-in fewer bags. In while boarding a flight. While it two surgical masks, or a K95/ the event that reducing the is imperative to mask up, regu- N95 and any other mask. baggage is unavoidable, it larly sanitize and avoid unnec- should be thoroughly cleaned essary contact with people and Minimal contact clothing: using disinfectant wipes after surfaces, there are other things Such testing times require the journey. Apply sanitizing as well to keep in mind while cautious approach even while gel to a tissue and make sure to taking a flight. choosing your outfit for air wipe the handles and bottom With the current safety con- travel. It is advisable to cover of the luggage. IANSlife cerns set to stay for the fore- your body as much as possible, seeable future, EaseMyTrip.com so tracksuits are a good option. For detailed story visit shares with IANSlife list of pre- Travellers should also avoid www.indiapost.com 34 India Post OP-ED June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com Philosophy

THE BUDDHA tion knows neither grief nor fear. Why China wants its own From lust comes grief, from lust comes ictory breeds hatred, for the con- fear; he who is free from lust knows nei- Vquered is unhappy. He who has ther grief nor fear. Dalai Lama given up both victory and defeat, he, From love comes grief, from love M.R. NARAYAN SWAMY the contented, is happy. comes fear; he who is free from love hen Mao Zedong was told If this analogy were to be extended There is no fire like passion; there is knows neither grief nor fear. that Tibetan spiritual leader to India, then the government in New no losing throw like hatred; there is no From greed comes grief, from greed Dalai Lama had escaped to Delhi should be picking the successors pain like this body; there is no happiness comes fear; he who is free from greed W India in 1959, the Great Helmsman is at the Shankara mutts at Puri, Dwarka, higher than rest. knows neither grief nor fear. reported to have made a loaded re- Badri and Shringeri besides Hunger is the worst of diseases, the He who possesses virtue and intelli- mark to an aide: "In that case, we have Kancheepuram! body the greatest of pains; if one knows gence, who is just, speaks the truth, and lost the battle." Dalai Lama's selection this truly, that is Nirvâna, the highest hap- does what is his own business, him the Mao was an out and out atheist and Born on July 6, 1935, as Lhamo piness. world will hold dear. had no love for Tibetan Buddhism or Thondup, the present Dalai Lama - the Health is the greatest of gifts, content- He in whom a desire for the Ineffable any religion. But the earthy man was 14th in succession - was barely three edness the best riches; trust is the best of (Nirvâna) has sprung up, who is satisfied in aware of the clout the Dalai Lama years old when a search party of the relationships, Nirvâna the highest happi- his mind, and whose thoughts are not bewil- wielded. Tibetan government reached Kumbum ness. He who has tasted the sweetness of dered by love, he is called ûrdhvamsrotas Mao passed away in 1976 at age 82, monastery in Tibet, led by mystical solitude and tranquillity, is free from fear (carried upwards by the stream). a full 27 years after he led the Commu- signs. and free from sin, while he tastes the Kinsmen, friends, and lovers salute a nists to victory in Beijing and quickly The head of the embalmed body of sweetness of drinking in the law. man who has been long away, and returns ordered a sweeping takeover of Tibet. the 13th Dalai Lama, Thupten Gyatso, The sight of the elect (Arya) is good, to safe from afar. In like manner his good He may not have reckoned then what who died in 1933, was found to have live with them is always happiness; if a works receive him who has done good, the then young Dalai Lama would or turned from facing south to northeast. man does not see fools, he will be truly and has gone from this world to the other - could do. Also, a Regent, a senior lama, noticed happy. as kinsmen receive a friend on his return. One-man army the Tibetan letters Ah, Ka and Ma float He who walks in the company of fools Anger Since his escape from Tibet and in in the waters of the sacred lake, suffers a long way; company with fools, as Let a man leave anger, let him forsake the decades after Mao's demise, the Lhamoi Lhatso, in southern Tibet. Dalai Lama has There is no happiness stood against China like a one- In the past two decades, bilateral relations higher than rest man army, his have grown under successive Democratic and spiritual and Republican administrations, with the two Health is the greatest of gifts, con- temporal au- thority nullifying countries cooperating on a wide range of areas, tentedness the best riches; trust is Beijing's legiti- from trade, commerce and technology to macy over the the best of relationships defense and terrorism The Buddha Tibetan nation. All the trash heaped on the Dalai Lama - "counter- In his autobiography, the Dalai Lama with an enemy, is always painful; com- pride, let him overcome all bondage! No revolutionary", "splittist" and "imperial- says that the Tibetan letters were fol- pany with the wise is pleasure, like meet- sufferings befall the man who is not at- ist agent" - has only added to the lowed by the image of a three-story ing with kinsfolk. tached to name and form, and who calls weight the Dalai Lama commands in an monastery with a turquoise and gold Therefore, one ought to follow the wise, nothing his own. imperfect world where sympathy runs roof and a path running from it to a hill. the intelligent, the learned, the much endur- He who holds back rising anger like a deep for Tibet, but country after coun- The Regent also saw a small house with ing, the dutiful, the elect; one ought to follow rolling chariot, him I call a real driver; other try is forced to deal with China. a strangely shaped guttering. a good and wise man, as the moon follows people are but holding the reins. This is the reason why the Commu- He was confident that the letter Ah the path of the stars. Let a man overcome anger by love, let him nist Party of China (CPC), otherwise referred to the northeastern province Pleasure overcome evil by good; let him overcome the wedded to atheism and which has de- of Amdo. So the search party went He who gives himself to vanity, and does greedy by liberality, the liar by truth! stroyed any number of monasteries in there. Ka, they surmised, must stand not give himself to meditation, forgetting Excerpted from The Dhammapada. The Tibet, is adamant on choosing the next for Kumbum - which was three-storied the real aim (of life) and grasping at plea- 2644 birth anniversary of the Buddha was Dalai Lama. A handpicked Dalai Lama - and turquoise-roofed. sure, will in time envy him who has exerted celebrated on May 26. himself in meditation. like the Beijing's Panchen Lama - will Eventually, the party landed at the Let no man ever look for what is pleas- do China's bidding to give a cloak of Dalai Lama's house but did not identify ant, or what is unpleasant. Not to see what 50 SPIRITUAL APPETIZERS political and spiritual sanctity to its rule themselves. They spent the night there. is pleasant is pain, and it is pain to see what Vinod Dhawan over Tibet. The head of the party, Kewtsang Chinese officials claim that since the Rinpoche, pretended to be a servant is unpleasant. “It’s a lovely book. It feels en- Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the reincar- and spent most of the evening playing Let, therefore, no man love anything; ergetically clear and light. It’s nation of the Dalai Lama and other with the youngest child - the present loss of the beloved is evil. Those who love easy to read, dip in and out and nothing and hate nothing, have no fetters. most importantly it offers infor- grand Living Buddhas had to follow the Dalai Lama. South Asia Monitor From pleasure comes grief, from plea- mation without fluff! Blessings procedure of drawing lots from a sure comes fear; he who is free from plea- on this project.” golden urn. The selected candidate Jac O’Keeffe For detailed story visit sure knows neither grief nor fear. would be subject to approval by the Spirituality teacher based in central government of China. www.indiapost.com From affection comes grief, from affec- USA. tion comes fear; he who is free from affec- Available on AMAZON, FLIPKART Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author June 4, 2021 Classifieds India Post 35 www.indiapost.com

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NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY or Email: [email protected] Naresh:510-938-8667 36 India Post OP-ED June 4, 2021 www.indiapost.com India has to resist attempts to change its pluralist identity AMULYA GANGULI

part from fomenting a been responsible for the do not believe that Muslims damaging polarization country's partition and the con- and Christians 'belong' to India. Abetween the majority sequent carnage. The reason for They are aliens as the Hindutva SEARCH COVID ORIGIN and minority communities, the their sense of well-being was guru, V.D. Savarkar, has said hen President Joe Biden ordered US intelligence agen- current ruling dispensation's that the politicians of the time since their places of worship Wcies to report in the next 90-days on whether the Covid- other disservice to India has played a key role in reassuring are outside India in Saudi Arabia 19 virus first emerged in China from an animal source or from been to stymie the country's ad- them and making them feel or Italy. So, according to the saf- a laboratory accident, one would wonder if he may have al- vancement towards modernity. that India was their home, fron theorist, even if India is ready known the source. Yet it would be essential to get to In the earlier decades, India which they had made by choice, their pitribhu (fatherland), it is the bottom of the story officially and publically verified. Aus- was seen as a nation of the as it had always been but for not their punyabhu (holy land) tralia is the only country that from day one, stands-by the present times despite its pov- the aberration of a division. as it is for the Hindus. story of the virus originating from Wuhan Institute of Virology. erty for being "famously demo- As Salman Rushdie said, "The It is understandable, there- Biden has also instructed the agencies to redouble their cratic", as the British magazine selfhood of India is so capa- fore, why the former vice-presi- effort to collect and analyze information that could bring Economist, said while other cious, so elastic that it man- dent, Hamid Ansari, said that them to a definitive conclusion, and report back to him in 90- newly independent countries ages to accommodate one bil- the Muslims feel insecure in In- days. were lapsing into dictatorships. lion kinds of differences … this dia. And behind this insecurity Several agencies are currently split over the two possible Besides, India was praised for is why individual Indians feel is the RSS-inspired view that sources for the virus that swept the planet killing more than the autonomy of its various insti- so comfortable about the "our war with Islamic terrorism 3.4 million people.The final report, if arrived at, over the next tutions, including the academia, strength of the national idea, began with Mohammud of 90-days would have immense implications both for China, judiciary and a free press. why it's so easy to 'belong' to it Ghaznavi's attack on Somnath which says it is not responsible for the pandemic, and for US The latter took a hit during in spite of all the turbulence, and is still continuing", as Pravin politics, where the lab theory has been used by Republicans Togadia, a Vishwa Hindu to attack Beijing. In the earlier decades, India was seen as a nation Parishad (VHP) leader, said. So far no country including US, orthe WHO, has officially de- 'War' against multicul- of the present times despite its poverty for being clared the origin of the virus. Hopefully the US agencies will turalism come up with some definitive answers within next 3-months. "famously democratic", as the British magazine Because of this "war", India's In the mean time India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on quest for modernity is bound Economist, said while other newly independent his first visit to the U.S. since the Biden administration took to suffer since modernism im- over, called the India-U.S. relationship as one of the most im- countries were lapsing into dictatorships plies, unlike medievalism, that portant relationships in the world. citizens are not targeted as In Washington today, Jaishankar sees a real appreciation of long as they do not break the the potential of this relationship, saying the challenge today the Emergency of 1975-77, but the corruption, the law. Their religion is of no con- is for countries to learn to work with each other more effec- recovered after the "dictator" tawdriness". cern to the authorities. To be tively in a multipolar world. "The United States has not only (Indira Gandhi) lost power in a The central idea in Rushdie's fair, Narendra Modi does make an enormous ability to reinvent itself; it also has a great abil- free and fair election under the piece is the sense of belonging this point when he says, "sabka ity to assess its situation and re-strategize, in a way," he said. aegis of another of the autono- to the nation shared by the saath, sabka vikas" or develop- And added, "Today when it comes to the big issues of our mous institutions, the Election people of all communities ment for all. But the prime day, we have fundamental convergences, which are societal Commission. The political scene whatever their modes of wor- minister's foot soldiers do not convergences, which are geopolitical, with the challenges might have been rumbustious, ship. It is this feeling which has seem to care for this message as before us and how we translate those convergences into ac- but as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto real- suffered under the rule of the the two - and countless other - tionable policies." ized while waiting for the gal- Hindutva brigade since a Mus- examples cited above show. Jaishankar also spoke about a world changed by the pan- lows, there was much to be said lim boy can now be beaten for But if India fails to adhere to demic. The big take away from the pandemic is when you for such bedlam when com- drinking water in a tap in a this main tenet of a modern have a big problem the only way out is global cooperation he pared with the "order" in Paki- temple or Christian nuns can society, it risks being labeled said. He also indicated that India really appreciated what they stan where a prime minister be asked to prove their iden- as an "electoral autocracy", as have received including hundreds of millions of dollars worth could be hanged. tity and asked to get off a train Sweden's V-Dem Institute has of assistance from the U.S. government and American private There was, thus, much to be by activists of the Bajrang Dal, done, or "partly free", as sector as well as, assistance from other countries, which in- proud of about India in those one of the organizations under America's Freedom House has cluded oxygen concentrators, PPE, medicines and vaccines, days not only because of the the Hindu supremacist done. Being bracketed with to help India fight a massive COVID-19 wave. rule of law, but also because of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Vladimir Putin's Russia or The final take from his trip to US opened up areas of manu- the sense of security and one- (RSS). It is noteworthy that Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Turkey facturing much needed vaccines, coordinating and sharing ness with the nation which all both the incidents took place is a come down for Jawaharlal of information on origin of the virus, and cementing of QUAD the citizens felt irrespective of in Uttar Pradesh, a state run by Nehru's India, about whom V.S. cooperation in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and issues re- their caste or creed. the hardline Hindutva Chief Naipaul said, "Nehru was lating to Afghanistan, Myanmar and Pakistan. The 'selfhood' of India Minister, Yogi Adityanath. unique in recent world history. In Myanmar the American journalist Danny Fenster, de- Among those who relished The reason why the boy was South Asia Monitor tained by the junta as he attempted to board a plane to leave their safety were the Muslims beaten and the nuns detrained For detailed stories visit the country May 24 has still not been released even after US even if their forebears had was that their saffron assailants www.indiapost.com State Department's request. The Military junta perhaps does Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author not realize the gravity of their act. June 4, 2021 India Post 37 www.indiapost.com