VOL 12 ISSUE 11 ● NEW YORK ● MARCH 23 - MARCH 29, 2018 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news Facebook data breach: CEO Zuckerberg says it was a Sadhguru calls for concerted action ‘mistake’, ‘I’m sorry’ by all to save world’s water bodies Vows tougher security steps to restrict developers' access to such information UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has welcomed the United Nations' initiative to launch a new decade to focus action on management of water resources, saying such effort is critical towards helping in the survival of future generations and calling Breaking his silence on for concerted action by all to save the world's the accusations of a water bodies. serious data breach, Sadhguru, speaking at a special event on Facebook CEO Mark Water, Sanitation and Women's Zuckerberg said "sorry" Empowerment during the current session of for the "mistake" Commission on the Status of Women here, on March 21, said it is "appropriate" that at SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Facebook Inc chief executive this moment the UN has taken the step to Mark Zuckerberg apologized on Wednesday, March 21, for launch the 10 year action plan. "It is most Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev speaks at a Special Event on Water, Sanitation and mistakes his company made in how it handled data contd on page 32 Women's Empowerment during the current session of Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations, March 21. Photo / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia belonging to 50 million of its users and promised tougher steps to restrict developers' access to such information. John Dowd resigns as Trump’s The world's largest social media network is facing Trump replaces national security adviser growing government scrutiny in Europe and the US about personal lawyer in Mueller probe a whistleblower's allegations that London-based political McMaster with John Bolton WASHINGTON consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed (TIP): President user information to build profiles on American voters that WASHINGTON (TIP): Donald Trump's were later used to help elect US President Donald Trump in Readers of The Indian personal lawyer, 2016. "This was a major breach of trust. I'm really sorry Panorama will recall the news the lead outside this happened. contd on page 32 we published last week that attorney providing President Trump had made advice to the up his mind to give marching president on the orders to his national security Russia adviser H.R. McMaster. And investigation led by we have been proved right, as special counsel will bring out on April 13, 2018 a special Trump ousted McMaster who Robert Mueller, John Dowd was for some H.R. McMaster (left) and John Bolton (right) time believed to be issue to mark the festival of Vaisakhi is to be succeeded by John said Thursday, uncomfortable with Please send in articles and Bolton, a former ambassador. The president announced the news in a tweet on March 22, that he Trump's impulsive advertisements for publication by Thursday, March 22, saying that Bolton would take the job starting April 9, has resigned. April 8 to [email protected] behavior, and planning to making him Trump's third national security adviser in the first 14 months of In a brief quit File photo For more information, please visit his presidency. In dismissing McMaster from the job, Trump praised the statement to NBC www.theindianpanorama.news Army general for his "outstanding work" and said he would "always remain News, attorney John Dowd confirmed his move his friend." Bolton, 69, served in the George W. Bush administration in a key and said, "I love the president and wish him very FOR ANY QUESTION arms-control job. Then-Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was strongly well." News of Dowd's resignation was first PLEASE CALL 646-247-9458 contd on Page 32 reported by The New York Times. US, CHINA EMBROILED IN A TRADE WAR Trump slaps tariffs on Chinese imports; Beijing hits back China retaliated with reciprocal tariffs on $3 billion of imports from the U.S.immediately as US President Donald Trump slapped sanctions for the "theft" of intellectual property. WASHINGTON (TIP): US President Donald Trump on Thursday, March 22, imposed tariffs on Chinese imports to punish the country for its "unfair" seizure of American intellectual property, a move that could escalate the already tense trade relations between the world's two biggest economies. contd on page 32

President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping embroiled in a trade war

104-02, 120th Street, S. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 NEW YORK FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash to Perform with Bronx Arts Ensemble BRONX, NY (TIP): Bronx Arts Ensemble Bhatiyali, a type of music sung by boatmen on (BAE) will present on April 7, 2018 at 7.30 P.M. a river. at LovingerTheatre, Lehman College, 250 It has poetry written in 1905 by Nobel Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY, a concert Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and music named East Meets West. Indian artists Amaan composed in the 1960s by Amjad Ali Khan. The Ali Bangash and his brother Ayaan Ali message of the poem, entitled Ekla Cholo, is Bangash, along with members of BAE will that if no one responds to your call, you must perform a concert designed to weave together walk on your path alone. the cultures of the East and West. In Classical Indian music there is no written According to Ayaan, the aim is to "joyfully score, so improvisation takes hold once the explore the common musical 'DNA' of both initial composition is presented. Ayaan points traditions. "The Bangash brothers will out, "The musicians on stage don't know what perform on the sarod, a large string the other is going to do and yet have to perform instrument similar to the sitar; it is a member like a rehearsed orchestra! Our role is really of the lute family, indigenous to Hindustani that of three people: the performer, the classical music. A third player, Amit composer and the conductor." Kavthekar, performs on tabla, a pair of small, single-headed drums held between the legs. Bronx Arts Ensemble brings the power of BAE members include violinists Jorge Ávila the arts to neighborhoods across the Bronx and Francisca Mendoza, violist Sally through its live music and arts education Shumway, cellist Eliana Mendoza, flutist programs. It presents over 50 live concerts Theresa Norris, and bassoonist Atsuko Sato. annually to more than 35,000 people, featuring The Bangash brothers will perform on the diverse cultures, including classical, Latin, sarod, a large string instrument similar to the Afro-Cuban, and other world music. BAE's arts sitar; it is a member of the lute family, Bangash brothers have been trained by their illustrious father Maestro Amjad Ali education programs have served over 100,000 indigenous to Hindustani classical music. A Sato. both flow artistically. We used pre-Bollywood Bronx students since 1993 through multi- third player, Amit Kavthekar, performs on All the musicians will perform Samaagam Indian orchestration, combined with disciplinary artist residencies during school tabla, a pair of small, single-headed drums (Sanskrit meaning confluence or flowing compatible Western musical stye" hours, after-school, and through summer held between the legs. BAE members include together), a new piece composed by the Other works on the program will be activities that culminate in original violinists Jorge Ávila and Francisca Mendoza, Bangashs. According to Ayaan, "We worked to performed only by the Bangashs and auditorium programs and in-school gallery violist Sally Shumway,cellist Eliana Mendoza, preserve the essence of both Indian and Kavthekar. Tribute to Tagore utilizes folk exhibits. For more info: flutist Theresa Norris, and bassoonist Atsuko Western musical traditions so that they can music from western Bengal known as bronxartsensemble.org THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 NEW YORK 3 Indian American Forum Honors Five Women with Achievement Award Nassau County Executive Laura Curran presents awards at a glittering gala to Pinky Rangi, Dr. Isha Mehta, Nami Kaur, Reema Rasool, Ananga Manjari Malatesta Gonzalez HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Five distinguished women were honored with Achievement Award for their outstanding achievements. They included Pinky Rangi, Dr. Isha Mehta, Nami Kaur, Reema Rasool, and Ananga Manjari Malatesta Gonzalez. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran presented the awards at a glittering gala at Antuns by Minar in Hicksville, March 22, a day after the official arrival of Spring, albeit with a lot of snow. Speaking on the occasion, County Executive lauded the honorees for their achievements and hoped many more women will come forward to play significant role in the County. She spoke of many opportunities available in Nassau County to women entrepreneurs and exhorted women to take advantage of them. The gala which was attended by a couple of local politicians and oficals, attracteda large number of community members. Those who addressed the gathering included IAF founder Bobby Kumar Kalotee, IAF chair Indu Jaiswal, and Mohinder Taneja, IAF PR chair. Gala chair Shammi Singh welcomed guests. A colorful entertainment program was the highlight of Honorees with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran Photo / Vijay Shah-Freelance photographer the evening. contd on page 6 Honorees and organizers Photo / Courtesy Indu Jaiswal

Gift of Life USA Annual Fund-Raising Creating history, Air India Gala on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at flies Delhi-Israel direct Huntington Hilton NEW YORK (TIP): Gift of Life USA is organizing the annual fund- raising gala on April 15, 2018 at Huntington Hilton. Gift of Life, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit special needs organization, founded by flight via Saudi air space Flora & Paresh Parekh, aims at helping the specially-abled in the areas of health, education and social awareness. With the Mission to Generate Efficient Resources to Support the Specially-Abled through Advocacy & NEW YORK TIP): Saudi Arabia opened its Airport after a flight of over 7 and a half hours. Education, the organization conducts various programs and activities in airspace for the first time to a commercial flight to "This is a really historic day that follows two benefit of the differently abled community namely "Save a Child" Support, Israel with the inauguration on Thursday,March 22, years of very, very intensive work," We are Special" Talent & Skill Recognition, "Health & Education", of an Air India route between New Delhi and Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv "Awareness" and many more. Tel Aviv. Levin said in a radio interview, This year's Gala brings together highly inspiring Special Needs Air India 139 landed at Tel adding that using Performers, renowned special needs entrepreneurs and speakers. "Along Aviv's Ben Gurion Saudi airspace with our annual programs, this year's Gala focuses on higher education cut scholarship support for autistic / special needs", said Flora Parekh. travel Speaking about the program, Paresh Parekh listed some of the time attractions of the gala this year. They include melodious singing by Rachel toBarcellona (Miss SouthEastern USA Ambassador 2018 & Miss SouthEast India International 2017 - Diagnosis: Autism/Asperger's & Epilepsy);· live by around two Band & Jazz Performances by FREE Drum & Bugle Corps (A Special Needs hours and would reduce ticket Band Competing for World Championship); Meet & greet inspiring Special prices. Needs Entrepreneurs John Cronin of John's Crazy Socks (Down The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner entered Saudi Syndrome) & Brittany Schiavone of Brittany's Baskets Of Hope ((Down airspace at around 1645 GMT and overflew the kingdom Syndrome); Motivational special needs speaker, author & TV Show Host at 40,000 feet for about three hours, coming within 60 Kerry Magro (Autism Spectrum). & Many More. km (37 miles) of the capital Riyadh, according to the For more information on sponsorship, advertising donations etc. visit Flightradar monitoring app. It then crossed over www.giftoflifeus.org Jordan and the occupied West Bank into Israel. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 Indian American Democrat Sameena Mustafa loses Indian Origin Chief of Scotland Yard Illinois 5th District Primary Launches New Anti-Terror Campaign CHICAGO (TIP): Sameena Mustafa, an LONDON (TIP): Scotland Yard's the message that any piece of Indian American newly appointed Indian-origin counter- information, no matter how small, could democrat who terrorism chief, Neil Basu, has launched make the difference. challenged incumbent a new campaign to urge the public to help "Like other criminals, terrorists need Mike Quigley in the 5th in the fight against terrorism. to plan and that creates opportunities for Congressional District of The Metropolitan Police Assistant police and the security services to Illinois, was defeated in Commissioner of Specialist Operations discover and stop these attacks before the Democratic primary revealed that last year more than a fifth of they happen. But we need your help to election held on Tuesday, reports from the public produced exploit these opportunities, so if you see March 20. intelligence which is helpful to police. or hear something unusual or suspicious Mustafa finished "Since the beginning of 2017, we have trust your instincts and ACT by reporting second in the primary Mustafa finished second to foiled 10 Islamist and four right-wing it in confidence by phone or online," Basu incumbent Mike Quigley getting 23.87 percent terror plots, and there is no doubt in my said. votes against Quigley's 62.3 percent, thus eliminating mind that would have been impossible to Neil Basu, on March 20, launched the He detailed some forms of suspicious her chances to become the first Indian American do without relevant information from the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) activity, which could involve someone Muslim representative in the Congress. public," Basu said at the launch of Action campaign in London buying or storing chemicals, fertilizers or Besides Mustafa, two other Democrats - Benjamin Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign in gas cylinders for no obvious reasons, or Thomas Wolf (9.66 percent) and Steve Schwartzberg (4.05 London, March 20. to inform live investigations or help build receiving deliveries for unusual items, or percent) - challenged Quigley, who's held that office for "We have been saying for some time an intelligence picture of an individual or someone embracing extremist ideology, nearly a decade. now that communities defeat terrorism, group. or searching for such material online. Mustafa is a real estate broker working with and these figures demonstrate just how Research carried out by CT Policing UK Security Minister Ben Wallace nonprofits and small businesses. She was also active in important members of the public are in suggests that while more than 80 per cent added: "The police's fantastic ACT the city's comedy scene. In 2015 she cofounded Simmer the fight to keep our country safe," he of people are motivated to report campaign is rightly highlighting the vital Brown, a South Asian comedy collective. noted. suspicious activity or behavior, many are part that communities are playing in She is graduate of Northwestern University. According to the police data, of the unclear exactly what they should be defending this country against terrorism. nearly 31,000 public reports to the Met looking for. "The public should remain alert, but Indian Origin Physiotherapist Police's Counter Terrorism (CT) Policing The ACT campaign, accompanied by a not alarmed, and I urge anyone who is unit during 2017, more than 6,600 (21.2 per 60-second film based on real life foiled worried about suspicious behavior and Jailed for Molesting Teen Girl cent) resulted in useful intelligence plots, aims to educate the public about activity to follow this advice and report in Singapore information which is used by UK officers terrorist attack planning and reinforce their concerns to the police." Indian origin Canadians Firoz Patel and Ferhan Patel Accused of Operating an Unlicensed Money Service Business and Money Laundering Payza.com allegedly processed more than $250 Million of proceeds from

Luke Degarajoo had touched the teenage girl Ponzischemes, child pornography rings, and other criminal enterprises inappropriately during a physiotherapy session at his WASHINGTON (TIP): Firoz Patel and a money transmission business without the clinic about a year ago. He was sentenced to 11 Ferhan Patel, the founders and operators of necessary licenses was a crime, Firoz and months' jail on March 21 Payza.com, AlertPay.com and Egopay.com, Ferhan Patel continued their illegal activity, SINGAPORE (TIP): An Indian-origin have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the indictment alleges. physiotherapist was sentenced to 11 months' jail and the District of Columbia on charges alleging The indictment alleges that the Patels, three strokes of the cane for molesting a 18-year-old they operated an Internet-based unlicensed together with other co-conspirators, are patient during treatment. money service business that processed more responsible for transmitting over $250 Luke Manimaran Degarajoo, 43, had touched the than $250 million in transactions. million throughout the United States and teenage girl inappropriately during a physiotherapy The announcement was made today, March elsewhere. The investigation is continuing. session at his clinic about a year ago. He was sentenced 20, by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Patrick According to the indictment, Payza's on March 21. J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. customers included Ponzi schemes, pyramid The girl had visited Degarajoo at the clinic on March Immigration and Customs Enforcement's schemes and a child pornography site. The 25 last year seeking treatment for back and hip pain, Homeland Security Investigations Patels opened bank accounts in the United according to a news report. Washington, D.C. Feroz Patel (left) and Ferhan Patel States and laundered their illegal proceeds Degarajoo then directed her to a massage bed in a The indictment was returned earlier this Photo / Courtesy Montreal Gazette through those accounts. therapy room. During the massage, he asked the month and unsealed today, March 20, in the U.S. District Court The indictment also seeks forfeiture of any property involved teenager to remove her top and loosen her shorts. for the District of Columbia. Firoz Patel, 43, and Ferhan Patel, in these offenses or traceable to these offenses. In addition, the The victim complied as she thought it was part of the 37, who live in the area of Montreal, Québec, are charged with indictment seeks the specific forfeiture of approximately $10 treatment. While massaging her, Degarajoo molested one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money million that has already been seized and frozen. her twice after rolling down her underwear and shorts, transmitting business and to violate anti-money laundering Further information is available to the public at the report said. "The victim felt uncomfortable by the program requirements, one count of a money laundering https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/victim-witness- contact but did not shout or ask for help as she was conspiracy and one count of operating an unlicensed money assistance/obopay-payza. unsure if it was part of the treatment or not," Deputy transmitting business in the District of Columbia. If convicted, An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has Public Prosecutor Gail Wong said. each of the brothers faces a maximum sentence of more than 25 committed a violation of criminal laws and is not evidence of The massage ended when the victim heard Degarajoo years. guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, speaking to her friend who had glanced into the room MH Pillars, Ltd., doing business as Payza, is charged with proven guilty. and was surprised to find her nude. operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. This case is being investigated by Department of Homeland After the session ended, he gave her a report detailing Ferhan Patel was arrested on March 18, 2018, in Detroit. He Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland his assessment of her condition. The girl did not made his first appearance on March 19, 2018 in the U.S. District Security Investigations, Washington Field office. It is being complain initially as she thought it was part of the Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He remains held prosecuted and investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zia treatment. But she finally told her friend about her pending further proceedings in the District of Columbia. His Faruqui and Arvind K. Lal, Chief of the Asset Forfeiture and ordeal when they left the clinic at around 7.40 pm (local brother remains at large. Money Laundering Section. Assistance has been provided by time) before lodging a police report about four hours The indictment alleges that the criminal activity took place Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. Marston and Diane Lucas; later. Degarajoo is out on SGD 10,000 bail after the court from in or about March 2012 until the present. The defendants, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly; Paralegal granted his request to defer his sentence as he had to through Payza.com, are accused of operating a money Specialists C. Rosalind Pressley and Toni Donato; settle some personal matters. transmitting business that operated without the necessary state Victim/Witness Advocate Yvonne Bryant; Document He will surrender himself at the State Courts on April licenses and knowingly transmitting funds that were derived Management Analyst Basizette Stribling; Legal Assistant 20 to begin serving his sentence, according to The Straits from illegal activity. Despite receiving cease and desist letters Jessica McCormick; and Litigation Technology Specialists Ron Times report. from various states and being told by a consultant that operating Royal and Joshua Ellen. (Source: DOJ) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 5 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 NEW YORK FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 Indian American Forum Honors Five Women with Achievement Award PROFILES OF HONOREES

Pinky Rangi successful family and the society. Her research and opinions She led the external communications with focus on IT and on women's health and medical practices have been published industry analysts for Media & Entertainment, Consumer inky Rangi came to the in peer-reviewed journals and medical texts. Electronics, Healthcare and Life Sciences industries. USA in February 1964 Dr. Mehta has organized and participated in gynecological Nami holds an MBA in Marketing from New York Pwith her parents. Her and healthcare camps in New York City, Honduras, Guatemala University, an MS in Computer Science and Mathematics, and father JS Premi was and Ethiopia and rural India. She has also traveled to a BA in Physics from State University of New York, in Buffalo. commissioned to open the Bangladesh and Guatemala several times for surgical camps. first Indian government office Her ability to speak several languages allows her work to Reema of the Handicraft Handloom attain a wider berth of impact and transcend beyond man- Export Corp at the World's made barriers. One of her personal missions is to make a Rasool Fair in NY. difference in a person by a person, of which these health care Pinky started her career camps are just the beginning of fulfilling such a dream. eema Rasool is a with her father in 1972. She When Dr. Mehta and her colleges founded A Stitch in Time, luxury branding had just finished high school, they knew it would be a timeless organization as it creates Rstrategist and and at her father's clear-cut impacts on the lives of the women they treat and marketing expert with request,joined his company. She was planning to study their families. In her experience, successful pelvic surgeries years of experience in medicine and got accepted to Barnard at Columbia University. are life-changing, and the benefits are life-long when business development, Soon after she started, she designed a line of costume jewelry performed by committed and experienced gynecological content strategy, social and scarves that took off immediately.That sign was too much surgeons. For the past five years since its inception, A Stich in media strategy, image to ignore, so she was in the fashion business to stay! She then Time has grown and the impact it has made on women's lives, building, media moved full-time into designing and selling her father's clothing young and old, is immeasurable. relations and line. So far for the beginning. Her husband, Dr. Parag Mehta is Senior Vice Chairman of international She met her husband Raj Singh in 1975, who was also Department of Medicine and Chief Medical Information marketing and market working in the same business. With a common interest (that Officer of New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist launch. Her work has was the foundation for their love), they decided to start their Hospital, affiliated with Weil Cornell Medical School and New spanned the field from own company in 1977 called "Pinky ". Within the first year they York Presbyterian System. Her daughter, Ruju, is an fashion to tech to finance. made major strides, selling to many major department stores Environmental Engineer working at WSP and other daughter, Reema is the principal of LUXE Consulting Groupe, a New and specialty stores. In 1980, they launched a line for children Setu, is a freshman at Harvard University and is motivated to York City based international marketing firm, which in one of the most prominent stores on the west coast - JW follow her dream in medicine. specializes in marketing financial products to international Robinson's. investors. With their desire to get into a more of a designer line in 1986, J. Nami Kaur Reema has worked for and with Conde Nast, Edelman they launchedtheir flagship brand, Ultra Pink. Their initial International, JINGO Media, IMG, LVMH, Wells Fargo and the projection was $12 million yearly revenue, but to their surprise asbir "Nami" Kaur is a Bulgari family to name a few over the years. Reema has also it grossed over $100 million. By the fifth year, the brand was freelance marketing consulted and held titles at many fashion tech start-ups. She is global. At this point, the sky was the limit. Their peak was over Jcommunications the founder of SAYWE, a national women entrepreneurs trade $500 million in revenue from 1988-1992, providing licenses consultant and volunteer in association that has been underwritten by Fortune 500 worldwide. Ultra Pink became a household name for all school four organizations, after companies for the last 8 years. kids! Some high- lights; they sponsored Miss Teen America, completing a corporate career Reema's latest venture ElleBhi, is closing its first seed round hired Michael Damien from the "Young and Restless "as at IBM Corporation. of funding (all women led) and brings together her spokesperson, launched an MTV ad campaign nationwide with Nami is donating her skills backgrounds in high fashion and social change. their product, donated a certain percentage of every garment and services to the nonprofit Reema has her degrees in the fine art of creative writing sold as proceeds to the Make A Wish Foundation, and much sector. First, she serves on the from NYU Tisch School and is the proud mom of 2 beautiful more Executive Board of Children's boys. In mid 90's they had major business setbacks due to market Hope India (CHI); a New York crashes and major bankruptcies of many stores where they based nonprofit organization. Ananga Manjari Malatesta experienced disastrous losses. They had to reorganize and At CHI, she initiated its Social Media engagements, restart, and today they are back with a very successful coordinated the development of its Business Plan with an Gonzalez business selling to many major department stores all over the intern from New York University,and led the project to develop country.Currently,Pinky is the president of two brands - Ultra its new website with a team of CH2 volunteers and an external nanga Pink and Pinky, which they have kept strong in the Women's website contractor. She also manages CHI relationships with Manjari fashion world by creating and selling trendy sportswear for the South Asian media to distribute Press Releases and host AMalatesta Juniors, as well as Missy and Plus Sizes. selected media at its flagship fundraiser events. Nami manages Gonzalez is a outreach initiatives with selected dignitaries to invite them, teacher and dancer Dr. Isha Mehta solicit their congratulatory letters for the event journal, and of the school host them at CHI key events. Gopeswara Danza. r. Isha Mehta is She is currently the Chair of the Media Council at GOPIO She has performed President of Rotary (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin) Classical dance of DClub of Jericho International, a global advocacy NGO for people of Indian India both in Peru Sunrise for 2017-2018. Rotary is background living outside India. Additionally,at GOPIO she is and abroad (India, a global network of 1.2 million the Editor of the monthly GOPIO Newsletter. Previously she Canada, Argentina, leaders and problem-solvers completed a four year term as Secretary of GOPIO Chile, Bolivia, who act to create lasting International and has served as a volunteer since 1989. She Malaysia and change - across the globe, in manages relationships and communications with the South China). our communities, and in Asian media via press releases, alerts, and press conferences. She has been ourselves-by using their Nami was elected to serve on the Board of her Riveredge learning dance passion, energy, and Coop Building where she resides. Her focus, along with the from a very young intelligence to solve real normal Board responsibilities, has been to improve age. Besides problems with real communications between the Board, Property Management learning from her Gurus, she has been blessed to take commitment and vision through sustainable projects in areas and the Resident Shareholders. Towards this end she led a workshops from some of the greatest exponents of dance from literacy and peace to water and health. Rotary Club of team of resident volunteer editors to develop and distribute a including Padma Bhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh, Dr Janaki Jericho Sunrise, since its inception, has been a partner to quarterly newsletter for the Riveredge community. Rangarajan and Smt. Indira Kadambi to name a few. continue the mission of Rotary locally and globally with Fourth, she volunteers at the New York Botanical Garden in She has also participated in major festivals and dedicated Rotarians. different assignments at their public relations programs performances in both India and Malaysia with her teacher Dr. Isha Mehta is the Chief of Gynecology at Elmhurst department. She serves as a roaming docent for their key Shankar Kandasamy, bringing with her recognitions and Hospital, a Mt. Sinai Hospital affiliate, a position she has held exhibit shows, and as one of many ambassadorial faces of the merits in each of her presentations. She was bestowed the for 15 years. She is also a clinical assistant professor at Icahn Garden for the public she receives, ushers, and guides visitors titles of " Yogyata Patra" & "NrityaJyothi" for excellence in her School of Medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine to have a delightful experience at the Garden. performances. since 2000. Her 32 year career at IBM consisted of three sequential Ananga Manjari has extensive knowledge not only in the Dr. Mehta has been working with women in need for more tracks in Technology,Marketing and Communications. During style of Bharatanatyam Dance she is also trained in ballet and than 25 years. Her many years of experience in helping women her last assignment she was the Analyst and Influencer contemporary from the age of 7. have convinced her that a healthy woman is essential for a Relations Manager within the Communications Group at IBM. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 INDIANS ABROAD 7 Indian American Singer Sowparnika’s ‘Faces’ to be released on April 6 PRAKASH M SWAMY transition from them being your everything to LOS ANGELES (TIP): Los Angeles based some random face in a crowd. Indian-American singer Sowparnika ERASED: Being the shortest track on the Raghuram is all set for the release of her solo record, 'Erased' stands out for its progressive debut EP titled "Faces" being released story line about figuring out that exact worldwide on April 6 this year. She is the moment your relationship fell apart. It's that daughter of popular Tamil hero Karan also instant when you try to wrap your head known as Master Raghu in South Indian around the good moments; the moment that movie circles. you never saw coming, when they tell you it's "Faces" is an eclectic display of everything over; the moment they leave you for someone that influences me musically.It was written to else; just that moment you wish you could just show and express every side of me through a numb your heart and erase all the pain. wide array of music while bringing out my SOMEDAY is a song that I'm sure most of deepest thoughts and emotions into words, us can relate to. We often part ways with "she says." A lot of these songs are about Faces is an eclectic display of everything people in the heat of the moment over things relationships, but in different situations, that influences me musically." that don't really matter. When we look back at timelines and aspects of these relationships. these moments we often wonder if it was The part that stands out is how these songs worth losing a friend over it. 'Someday' talks can apply to just about anyone in our lives - a and began playing around at street fairs, doubting her abilities in songwriting but about that hope that you can both take it all friend, significant other, or even a family corporate events, and other musical ventures. foreshadows a deeper quest as it progresses. back, get over it and understand what member." Drawing from her experience of touring The process of discovering her own happened because you care for each other. Born in Chennai, Sowparnika began locally in India with worship leader Don challenges through the words she writes, With an upbeat intro and a loungy vibe, the writing songs at the age of 15 as an artistic Moen, she toured as a lead singer with the through the words she uses to empower song brings forth this concept in a light- escape from the regularities of teenage life. L.A. rock band 'The World Over' in 2017 herself. It is about the struggles a lot of us face hearted fashion. Soon, her growing interest in songwriting and around America. This helped her improve as a in how harshly we judge ourselves, how we No Memories goes through the process of live performance pushed her to pursue her performer and find her love for it. In 2016, to question ourselves unnecessarily and fail to letting go of the emotions you felt for someone musical passion and follow her dreams to L.A. broaden her musical knowledge, she decided meet our full potential because of it. The after it's been a few years. Losing someone is Her songwriting comes from a very to go back to LACM for a bachelor's degree. journey is reflected in the structure of the one of the hardest things we go through, vulnerable place as she aims to speak from the Her voice is often branded as being unique song itself as it progresses from a simple folk whether it be a friend, lover or a family heart and write songs that everyone can relate due to her Indian timbre mixed with an song into a powerful anthem about finding member. With a moody electronic vibe, every to. American quality. Influenced by a wide array oneself. beat wishes to leave behind the little things In 2013, she was accepted into the Los of musical styles and artists, she combines The SEASONS CHANGE is sharing a life that still sting and remind you of the moments Angeles College of Music (LACM) to study elements to find a sound of her own. She with someone we love can be one of the most you shared together. under some of the industry's finest including enjoys experimenting with different types of beautiful experiences in living our lives. But With a very simple concept, 'Without you' is Dorian Holley, Kasia 'KC' Livingston, Tierney gear to add vocal effects to her sound both live when the relationship ends unexpectedly, a fun, upbeat take on all the toxic Sutton, and many more. Upon receiving an and in the studio. The song order: I'll Find Me, finding closure is one of the hardest things as relationships we manage to get out of !! It Associate of Arts Degree in 2015, she began Seasons Change, Erased, Someday, No you begin to wonder where it went wrong. rejoices how much freedom you really get performing around L.A. at popular venues Memories and Without You This song expresses the pain of losing when you cut out the people who just aren't such as The Viper Room, House of Blues, etc. The song I'LL FIND MEstarts off as her someone as you try to understand the right for you. Indian couple from Nebraska sentenced to Indian American Ram Villivalam wins Illinois State Senate one year for staying illegally, harboring District 8 primary another illegal alien CHICAGO (TIP): Former congressional aide Ram Villivalam won the Democratic primary for OMAHA (TIP): An Indian couple, illegally Illinois State Senate District 8, thereby running staying in the US, was sentenced to one-year unopposed in the general election to be held on jail term for alien harboring. Vishnubhai November 6, 2018. Chaudhari, 50, and Leelabahen Chaudhari, Villivalam, who challenged 20-year incumbent Ira 44, of Kimball, Nebraska, were sentenced to one year and one day in federal Silverstein, won the primary getting 13,350 votes prison on Monday, March 19, by the federal court in Omaha. The couple has that account to a total of 51.86 percent. Incumbent pleaded guilty to alien harboring for financial gain and conspiracy to harbor an Ira Silverstein could secure only 29.05 percent, alien in December last year. They have also agreed to a stipulated judicial order of giving a clear majority to Villivalam. Other removal to India at the completion of their sentences and paid the victim $40,000 Democrats who ran for the election were Caroline in restitution as a condition of their guilty pleas. McAteer-Fournier and David Zulkeywas, who could The couple admitted to conspiring to harbor the victim, who was an illegal only secure 13.81 percent and 5.28 percent votes, Ram Villivalam won the Democratic primary for Illinois alien from India, at a Super 8 Motel in Kimball between October 2011 and respectively. State Senate District 8, trouncing 20-year incumbent Ira February 2013, said a statement issued by US Immigration and Customs Interestingly, no Republican candidates filed to Silverstein and 2 others Enforcement (USICE). run for election and Villivalam will run unopposed. The victim was forced to work long hours, seven days a week at the motel. He The last date for a candidate to file papers was on December 4, 2017. Speaking to his supporters at the 90 Miles did manual labor, including cleaning rooms, shoveling snow and doing laundry. Cuban Cafe in Lincolnwood, the first-time candidate Ram Villivalam, declared victory over incumbent Ira Though the couple promised to pay him a salary, they cheated him by not Silverstein in the 8th District State Senate race. making the payment. The defendants claimed to apply the victim's earned pay to "I am incredibly proud of - and humbled by - the coalition we've brought together and the work we've done over a debt the victim owed. He was verbally abused and physically assaulted for not the last four months," Villivalam told a group of supporters gathered at 90 Miles Cuban Café in Lincolnwood. meeting the expectations of the couple. Leelabahen Chaudhari slapped his face "This win belongs to each of you." The 8th Senate district has the highest concentration of Asian Americans in several times because he had failed to clean a bathtub to her standards, said the Illinois. It includes 21 Chicago neighborhoods, among them, all of Devon Ave.'s business district, popularly USICE statement. called "Little India" - and the suburbs of Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Des Plaines and Glenview. Vishnubhai and Leelabahen also tried to restrict the victim's movement and "This campaign was never about me. It has always been about working together to empower and raise the threatened to find him if he tried to escape. "Today's sentence, and the restitution voices of the voters of the 8th State Senate District, one conversation at a time. Today,those voters spoke clearly: awarded to the victim, sends a clear message that the Justice Department will use they're ready for a new generation of effective progressive leadership. Thank you to my wife, Elizabeth, my its full resources to prosecute defendants like this one who motivated by their family, my staff, and the hundreds of volunteers who have been a part of this campaign." Villivalam added. greed violate our immigration laws and exploit a vulnerable individual who Villivalam's parents immigrated from India in the 1970s. He was born and raised on the Northwest side of lacked immigration status," said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of Chicago, where he continues to live. The area is part of the 8th district. "As the son of Indian immigrants who the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. came to this country to seek out a better quality of life and opportunities for their children, I feel the "This case is a reminder that labor exploitation occurs in the United States, not responsibility to step forward and speak out on the important issues that working and middle-class families are just overseas, and federal law targets those who profit from human trafficking and experiencing every day," Villivalam told the Bazaar earlier. He had also attacked his opponent, Silverstein, related crimes," said US Attorney Joe Kelly for the District of Nebraska. "This saying he was reprimanded by an independent inspector general for violating the legislative ethics act and case is a testament that such conduct will be vigorously investigated and behaving in a manner "unbecoming of a legislator." Villivalam's experience includes working as a legislative prosecuted in the District of Nebraska." This case was prosecuted by Trial coordinator for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where he fought to protect home care for Attorneys Olimpia Michel and Shan Patel of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal seniors and people with disabilities, child care for working families, and Medicaid for those in need. Prior to Section and Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney that, Villivalam was the Outreach Director for Rep. Brad Schneider, D-IL, where he signed people up for the Frederick D. Franklin of the District of Nebraska. (Source: DOJ) Affordable Care Act and put on job fairs. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 COMMENT AS I SEE IT Prof I.S.Saluja The neighborhood tangle: Opportunity lies CONSULAR OUTREACH VERSUS in harnessing its history and complexities “While the Russians will continue to play second fiddle to China whenever CKGS LOOT it suits them, both Russia and India have an interest in keeping their relationship forward looking, given their common interest in developing a Will the Consulate General of India in New York stop fleecing multipolar world order. Moscow needs to be told clearly that the US, of users of consular services? Australia, Japan, India "Quad" is to primarily maintain a viable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific Region, even as we seek an increasingly he Consulate General of India in New York, as elsewhere, By G Parthasarthy cooperative partnership with Russia", says the author. under an initiative of External Affairs Ministry, crafted a Tplan, some 5 years ago, to deal with mounting complaints with regard to deficient Consular services being provided in Indian iven its size, potential and pride in its history, culture missions abroad. Organizations like GOPIO have over the years and democratic institutions, India has sought to retain voiced the concerns of the vast non - resident Indian community. Gits strategic autonomy, by maintaining a careful Year after years, GOPIO and other smaller organizations continued balance in its relationships with major centers of power- to register complaints and offer suggestions and solutions at both notably the US, Russia, China and the European Union. This the local Consulate level and at the level of the government of India. has never been easy, given the inherent geopolitical rivalries And, after years of coaxing and cajoling, government of India between major centers of global power. An assertive China decided to come up with a community relations plan, under which, will not brook the thought of India having a vital interest in among other things, Indian consulates will reach out to Indian asserting its right to influence events, especially across the community abroad to provide Consular services. The service Indian Ocean Region. providers, (in this case, Cox & King Global Services), were made a While the US and powers like Japan regard the role of India India, Australia, US and Japan; that comprise the part of the exercise. as important in maintaining a viable balance of power in "quadrilateral" coalition held their first official talks in As part of the plan, a Consulate organizes, periodically, open Asia, there are doubts and misgivings about Russia's approach Manila, November 2017 File photo / Courtesy Indian Express house at different locations in its jurisdiction to listen to towards India. Moscow's policies are driven largely by the grievances of community and take care of their needs with regard relentless hostility of the US, to oppose and contain Russia's problems in connectivity, mutual cooperation in investments to consular services they may need. At times, the consulates influence, even on its very doorstep in former Soviet in the petro-chemical sector is substantial and significant. The organized seminars, too, with a view to educating the community Republics, which often have large Russian populations. recent $ 12.9 billion deal for the acquisition of Essar Oil about the latest government of India policies with regard to a Moscow has thus been literally driven into the arms of refinery by Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft, is one of the number of issues, including travel rules and requirements, and Beijing, resulting in a virtual Moscow-Beijing alliance, to single biggest foreign investments in India. India's laws which concerned them which included property laws. counter American hegemony.Despite this, India has remained investments in Russia's oil and gas industry are presently Another role the outreach program played was building bridges steadfast in endeavoring to maintain its strategic autonomy, around $8 billion. They are likely to reach $15 billion by 2020, through the community, with the American administration. by seeking to expand its relationship with Russia. This is with India set to acquire an almost 50% stake in Rosneft The Consular Outreach program hasbeen helpful in bringing being done internationally, by working with Moscow in Siberian oil project. Moreover, there are substantial prospects down the decibel level of the outcry of the community,but problems forums like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for increasing Russian supplies of coal, diamonds, LNG and persist. There are many.And a solution to them may not be possible and the India-Russia, China triangle, which was initially fertilizers to India. Interestingly, while the much touted 2014 straightaway. However, there is one which needs immediate promoted by Russia. India has also sought to complement Russian gas deal with China was expected to generate $ 400 attention and can be taken care of without government of India Moscow's efforts to stabilize the secular Assad regime in billion by gas sales to China, the drastic fallin gas prices is needing to make a law. Syria. likely to reduce the returns by well over 60%. There is also While the Indian missions abroad are making all efforts to While limited connectivity has served as an obstacle to considerable potential for Russia and India to reinforce each establish a rapport with the community through the outreach trade with Russia, the defense relationship between the two other, in executing energy and rail transportation projects in program and through opening their doors to community where all, countries remains vibrant. The approximately 270 Russian third countries, like Afghanistan and Vietnam. Russia and without discrimination, are welcome, the service provider for New Sukhoi 30 fighters are the main element of our Air Force's India are presently cooperating in the construction of the first York Consulate CKGS has made community very unhappy. strike and air defense potential. The lethal Brahmos missile, nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. A couple of weeks ago, a reader of The Indian Panorama called to multi barreled rocket launchers, around 900 T 90 Tanks, an It is evident that India cannot match China's economic complain that she was trying to contact CKGS helpline 888-585-5431 aircraft carrier with Mig 29 aircraft, guided missile stealth power in its relations with Russia. One should, however, with a query about her husband's passport and the automated frigates and even a leased Russian nuclear submarine, are all remember that there has been grave mutual distrust between service said she will be required to pay at the rate of $2.59 per minute meant for frontline use. These are but a small portion of the Russia and China for centuries. The Russians view China's of the call and that she should provide credit card details. She was vast amount of Russian defense equipment with our armed meteoric rise and its growing population, as a threat to their taken aback that a service provider to the Consulate should be forces. New acquisitions underway from Russia include Siberian region and even to Vladivostok. The Soviet Union asking for fees to be paid for making an inquiry. highly advanced S 400 air defense systems and a large fleet of and Mao's China, loathed each other, from the very inception We made a call on the number provided by the lady (888-585- light helicopters. Russian defense exports to India in recent of Communist rule in China. Mao was kept waiting for 543)and found the complainant lady was reporting correctly. We years account for around 39 per cent of its total exports and far months in 1949, before he got to call on Stalin, who met him spoke with the local Manager Raghu Duindi who pleaded his exceed exports to China, which unlike India, has successfully only after he met Indian Ambassador Dr. Sarvapalli ignorance about the phone charge but said he would look in to it. We developed a vibrant defense industry, with significant export Radhakrishnan, in January 1950. Mao made no secret about received two days later an email from a third party who referred to potential. his contempt for both Stalin and Khrushchev. The two our conversation with CKGS manager on the subject, saying the call Russia and India have a mutual interest in carrying forward countries had several border skirmishes in 1968-1970, in which charge was a part of the contract. It was a surprise for us to have defense and security cooperation, with regular meetings and the Chinese were badly mauled. Just after the 1971 Bangladesh received this kind of explanation from a third party,unrelated to the exchanges between their Defense Ministers and National conflict, which saw the emergence of a US-China strategic issue. The explanation did not come from the CKGS, nor from the Security Advisers and periodic joint military exercises. While nexus, the Indian Ambassador in Moscow was informed by a Indian Consulate in New York. some concern has been voiced about Russian arms supplies to senior Communist Party functionary that the Soviet Union We decided to refer the issue to the Consul General. We Pakistan, the Russians are well aware of the fact that a cash- had deployed massive armored formations on the border with forwarded the email received from the third party to the Consul strapped Pakistan cannot afford to buy its frontline China, to deter Beijing from getting involved militarily, in the General on February 21. The CG was good enough to convey that he equipment, which is presently confined to purchase of some Bangladesh conflict. would look in to the complaint. On February 23, the CG informed MI 35 attack helicopters. The Russians also know that the These are historical and geopolitical realities that neither us that the phone charge was valid under "the contract". The Indian market will be closed for the equipment they supply to the Russians, nor the Chinese will forget easily. While the question now is: why should a customer be asked to pay for seeking Pakistan. The greater concern in New Delhi, however, arises Russians will continue to play second fiddle to China information from the service provider? Where is the concept of from Russian readiness to join with China and Pakistan in whenever it suits them, both Russia and India have an interest "service"? Is it ethical on the part of the CKGS to ask for a seeking to give legitimacy to the Afghan Taliban. This is in keeping their relationship forward looking, given their payment for answering queries of its customers, or the rather ironic, given the fact that approximately 14,000 Soviet common interest in developing a multipolar world order. government of India to allow the call charge? It is simply soldiers were killed and more than 35,000 wounded in action Moscow needs to be told clearly that the US, Australia, Japan, "atrocious", as a seniorcolleague from media put it, when we between 1979 and 1989 against ISI backed radical Islamic India "Quad" is to primarily maintain a viable balance of mentioned the issue to him. And, many members of the armed Afghan groups. This effort to legitimize the Taliban has power in the Indo-Pacific Region, even as we seek an community we spoke to about the issue described the phone charge been neutralized, by the Afghan Government's insistence on increasingly cooperative partnership with Russia. as "CKGS loot". Will the Consulate General of India take necessary direct talks with the Taliban. (The author is a career diplomat) steps to stop this fleecing of users of consular services? While India's trade with Russia remains limited because of THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Ashishpal Singh E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu www.theindianpanorama.news CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja Vaaho Photographers LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Om Parkash Malik DISTRIBUTOR : Sukhwinder Singh The Indian Panorama DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION: Gauri Beri CORRESPONDENTS : P.O. Box No. 190067, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, DISCLAIMER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla Tel: 646-247-9458 The Indian Panorama assumes no responsibility for the Baldev Singh / BJ Videos NEW YORK : Chitagam Email: [email protected] claims made in advertisements. We only sell space. Views published in the newspaper are those of the authors and do Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction FRESNO: Tarlochan Singh DALLAS EDITION not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. All rights Jay Mandal, DALLAS: Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon P.O. BOX 121695, ARLINGTON, TX 76012 are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without Mohammad Jaffer/ SnapsIndia OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Lovllien Kaurr, VP & Bureau Chief permission in writing from The Indian Panorama is prohibited. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 PERSPECTIVE 9 Religious freedom in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka: A Summary of Religious Freedom concerns in South Asia. The South Asia working group's initial report to the International Religious Freedom Round-table

prejudice and deprivation, apart from "In Pakistan, the Hindu institutional harassment. Violence against population is steadily Dalits - public shaming, beatings, rape, declining as a percentage of murder - is a daily occurrence. The law the overall population with enforcement agencies, police and the By Mike Ghouse judiciary, largely remain mute spectators, if forced conversions. Christians not actively conniving in the violence. here is a dire need to address the are targeted with blasphemy Statistics show that violence against violations of religious and political and apostasy laws. Dalits has only increased in recent years. Tfreedoms in South Asia comprising Religious freedom and equality thus remain the nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, religious freedom. a mirage for 200 million Dalits in India." Nepal, and Sri Lanka. India The Muslims are lynched and killed for A critical note - when a reference is made doubt of possessing beef; fake encounters to the Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, The commissioners of USCRIF have been are common practice to trap the young Christians, India, Russia or others, it is not the denied visa to India to investigate, Muslim boys; RSS (political Hindus in the "all" people of that faith or country. It is among other things; Sikh Genocide, guise of culture) set the bomb blasts in usually a small percent of disaffected people Massacre of Muslims in Gujarat, the plight Mumbai and other places and blamed from among the majority who feel of Hindu Pundits and the caster system that Muslims. Muzaffarnagar and other riots threatened about their future and their way mistreats the Dalits who are shamefully were created to pit Hindus against Indians. called untouchables. Most of the Hindu unabated. Ahmadiyya Muslims are denied “The many millennia old caste American organizations have an affiliation "In Bangladesh, Atheists, their right to call themselves Muslims. systems and the 'unparalleled with the ruling party in India; we need them There are numerous billboards that to stand up for the religious rights of the Buddhists, Hindus, and proclaim that it is legitimate to kill social abuse of untouchability Ahmadiyya Muslims live in (A.J. Toynbee)' are based on people and work on getting the Visas to the Ahmadiyya. The Hindu population is commissioners for an honest evaluation of apprehension; the Atheist steadily declining as a percentage of the religious doctrines of the situation. bloggers have been killed. overall population with forced conversions. Brahminical Hinduism. Thus, The policies of the government will lead There is a deficiency of law Christians are targeted with blasphemy and to mass suicides by the farmers. The apostasy laws; these are the fake encounters. caste-based violations of and order. human rights in India are Farmers raise the cattle to sell and eke out a living. Now, they are afraid to sell the cattle expressions of the utter lack "In Sri Lanka, the ethnic for fear of being killed by the vigilantes and Christian Nuns are raped; pastors are violence continues between of religious freedom. the Government does nothing. The Cows chased and beat up in the public. The have gone astray and are eating the farmer's Christians Churches are burned, and the the Buddhists and Hindus and of life. crops and eating trash on the streets - the couples are constantly harassed on Buddhists and Muslims. The Center for Pluralism offers a solution cows are treated with disrespect and left on Valentine's Day and Christmas Day. The to counter that - We need to reassure each their own, its gross violation of animal Dalits are forced to convert back to The Apostasy and Blasphemy laws were other in conflict, particularly those who rights. Hinduism. created to appease the tyrant kings and have may be troubled by the changing paradigms In India currently, you do not have the Justice to Sikhs is not done yet; mothers no basis in the religion of Islam, and both and demographics of the society that we are freedom to eat, drink, wear or believe in the are still waiting for their unaccounted are tools of oppression. committed to safeguarding the way of life pursuit of your happiness. children from the Sikh Genocide of 84 where Bangladesh for everyone. As Citizens of a given nation, A Dalit groom rode a horse on his in three days, the extremists among Hindus we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the wedding Baraat (Procession) in the state of butchered about 3000 Sikhs. The Atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, and values of liberty and freedom enshrined in Uttar Pradesh last month; the upper caste Blatant discrimination births frustration Ahmadiyya Muslims live in apprehension; the Constitution. We acknowledge that not Hindus could not stomach the "neech -i.e., leading to violent expressions, when that the Atheist bloggers have been killed. There all constitutions have the element of the low caste untouchable" ride above them happens the foreign investors will pull out, is a deficiency of law and order. freedom embedded in it - an example would and they ended beat him up. Last week an who wants to invest in a place where their Sri Lanka be the rights of Ahmadiyya Muslims in Adivasi (Tribal) Girl was burnt alive. The investments are not secure. It's happened in Pakistan and rights of Arab Israelis. upper caste Hindus feel entitled to the Dalit India in the mid-60's, mid 70's and it has The ethnic violence continues between There are pending issues that are women for their pleasures. It is an endless happened in South Africa. The the Buddhists and Hindus and Buddhists simmering and may boil over one day. We agony for the Dalits. They cannot even consequences do not bring goodwill. and Muslims. Sri Lanka's president declared hope to understand these issues and do our convert to other faiths to escape these There is a significant crisis brewing in a state of emergency Tuesday amid fears share of reporting them to the International attitudes due to enforced anti-conversion India, and the Supreme Court will render a that anti-Muslim attacks in several central Religious Freedom Round Table, an laws. judgment about the disputed land and hill towns could spread. The emergency informal group. Here is a report from the Dalit Leaders in authority to build or not build a Hindu announcement came after Buddhist mobs This group will identify problems and temple, where a 500-year-old Muslim Mosque swept through the cities outside Kandy, offer recommendations and possible India. was razed to the ground. burning at least 11 Muslim-owned shops and solutions, and they are; "The many millennia old caste systems The Supreme Court of India would review homes. The attacks followed reports that a Monitoring to ensure the individual and the 'unparalleled social abuse of the documents if that Mosque were built group of Muslims had killed a Buddhist rights of people are protected. untouchability (A.J. Toynbee)' are based on razing a temple. The internationally famed man. Police fired tear gas into the crowds, Facilitate democratic values and hoping religious doctrines of Brahminical Guru of Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and later announced a curfew in the town. for stable political and economic climate Hinduism. Thus, caste-based violations of has sowed the seeds of discontentment. The government will "act sternly against Secure our long-term interests of the human rights in India are expressions of Instead of suggesting the public to respect groups that are inciting religious hatred," safety of Americans and their investments the utter lack of religious freedom. the Supreme Court's decision, he has Cabinet minister Rauff Hakeem said after a Governor Sam Brownback, the newly This perilous situation is aggravated by predicted civil war if the Court decides one meeting with the president. appointed Ambassador for religious anti-conversion laws that have been passed way or the other. He has shown disrespect to Nepal freedom, said in the inaugural reception. in many states of India. Their purpose is to the average Hindu and average Muslim who The essence of which was -if you want a prevent Dalits from converting to other have demonstrated respect to the decisions It seems this nation is free from religious nation to have peace, give the people their religions where they would not be of the Apex Court, several times in the strife at this time, as it has undergone freedom, but if you push them to the corner, considered untouchable'. recent past. tumultuous political conflicts including a their anger will morph into extremism, and https://www.loc.gov/law/help/anti- We pray that the Modi government and change in the form of Government from everyone will lose in the end. conversion-laws/india.php the State Government will offer strong Monarchy to a democratic Republic. Here is a summary; a detailed report is in The inferior status that Hinduism accords safety protections to the public at least for a A full report is available upon requestto the making and will be produced upon a to Dalits, in spite of the equalities few months after December 5, 2018, the new Mike Ghouse. request. guaranteed by the constitution of the date of the verdict. (The author is Chair, South Asia working There is no doubt a lot of good things are country, reflects in severe social, economic, Pakistan group - IRF Roundtable. He can be reached happening, but our focus is how to identify and educational inequalities. at [email protected]/ Phone no. exceptional violations of human rights and Dalits continue to suffer extreme Harassment of all minorities continues (214) 325-1916 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 Pakistan gets first woman opposition leader in senate No positive response ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistani lawmaker Sherry Rehman made history on Thursday by becoming the first from Pakistan on South Asia woman Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, the Upper House of parliament. Rehman, 57, belongs to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). She has served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the US from 2011 to 2013 and strategy: Afghan NSA was elected to the Senate in 2015. Her candidacy was approved by PPP chairman Bilawal WASHINGTON / ISLAMABAD fighters and the weakening of Bhutto Zardari, who earlier said “PPP (is) ready to make (TIP): : There has been no positive regional cooperation," said the top history again”. His slain mother and former two time response from Pakistan on the South Afghan official. PM Benazir Bhutto had served twice as Leader of the Asia strategy of Trump Atmar said Afghanistan faces Opposition in the National Assembly, the Lower House, administration, which has a threat from a nexus of violent in 1990s. significant impact on the reduction extremism, transnational Rehman was declared as Leader of the Opposition of violence and capabilities of the criminalized networks and state after she secured support of majority 34 opposition terrorists in this war-torn country, a sponsorship of terrorists. senators in the house of 104 and defeated Azam Swati of top Afghan official said today. "It's not just a threat against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf. (PTI) Welcoming the South Asia Afghanistan. It's a threat against, Strategy announced by President the region and by extension against China's OBOR team in Nepal Donald Trump last August, Afghan the entire global community," he National Security Adviser said. to promote business Mohammad Hanif Atmar told a Noting that this is a common Washington audience that it already thread from a common enemy which KATHMANDU (TIP): A high-level Chinese delegation has a significant impact on the calls for a shared mission and held talks with Nepal's business leaders and discussed reduction of violence and responsibility, Atmar said it's not investment opportunities in the country under the One capabilities of the terrorists and to just the Taliban and the Haqqani Belt One Road initiative. create an enabling environment for our peace and network that they are fighting. The 20-member delegation led by Shu Ya, founder of reconciliation strategy. "Increasingly we see foreign fighters associated with at least One Belt One Road (OBOR) International Platform of The response from the region has been mixed, Atmar said in three categories of terrorist networks. The global terrorist China held talks with the Nepalese business community his remarks on "Progress on Peace and Stability in networks such as Al Qaeda, Daes and ISIS-K. The regional on Monday on attracting Chinese investment in Nepal Afghanistan" at the US Institute of Peace. terrorists such as IMU from Central Asia and China, and under the framework of the OBOR, according to sources "Unfortunately, we haven't had any positive response from Pakistani terrorists such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Tehreek-e- close to OBOR-Nepal Chapter. Pakistan. Not any change in the policy that they are pursuing," Taliban Pakistan and Jaish-e-Mohammed," he said. The OBOR International Trade and Investment he said. All these categories of terrorists, he claimed, have symbiotic Platform is a mutual exchange platform of global Noting that the response from the wider region is slightly relationship among themselves. purchasers and suppliers established to promote mixed, Atmar said while there is a regional consensus on Responding to a question on peace talks, Atmar said their Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious OBOR peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, the consensus on how primary focus is to encourage the Taliban through soft means. initiative. to fight the terrorists has broken slightly. "We agree on that, but add that there must be some Last year, Nepal inked a major deal with China to join "Unfortunately, there are actors in the region that draw a disincentives when it comes to the reconcilable elements. And the OBOR initiative to link Asia with Europe. distinction between good and bad terrorists. Unfortunately, disincentives will have to be provided by Pakistan," he said. During the meeting, the representatives of Nepalese another sign of that breakdown of consensus is that we all "As long as the Taliban leaders have a safe haven in Pakistan business community asked the OBOR delegation to agreed to have state-to-state relations for counter terrorism. and they are able to draw proceeds from drugs, there will increase investment in Nepal's energy and But there are those now who look at state to non-state actors always be an element of irreconcilable. That needs to be infrastructure sector as well as tourism and agriculture. relations for counter-terrorism with serious implications for addressed," Atmar said. Bhawani Rana, Chairperson of Federation of Nepal all of us," Atmar said. Asserting that the Taliban must know that they cannot win Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), asked "Like that there are those who say that they work with the militarily and therefore, Atmar said currently there hasn't the delegation to contribute for Nepal's economic Taliban against Daish or against the ISIS. Not only this is been any official response from the Taliban yet to the peace prosperity through increasing investment under the unethical but also self-defeating in terms of policy. Without offer. "They are still pondering, consulting each other. But the OBOR framework as the investment climate has going into details of this we are in an environment where unfortunate fact is that there has been an increase in violence improved significantly with the establishment of new while we have made significant progress but we also have since the launch of the peace strategy and peace offer," he said. communist government in Nepal. challenges primarily associated to the growth of the foreign (PTI) Also, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between by the OBOR Platform Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal with a view to promote Nepali handicraft products to China under the banner of OBOR Platform. ONE OF NEPAL’S LAST DANCING The Platform has earlier signed MoU with various trade related bodies to promote Nepal's Pashmina, wild honey, a Nepali wine and Himalayan Nettle. (PTI) BEARS DIES AFTER RESCUE India condemns 'barbaric' PATAN (TIP): One of Nepal's last The government defended the care known dancing bears that was recently the bears have received, saying the zoo terrorist attack in Kabul rescued has died after being is the only facility in Nepal able to transferred to a zoo, an animal rights house them. NEW DELHI (TIP): India on Wednesday strongly activist said on Wednesday, blaming The Jane Goodall Institute and the condemned the "inhumane and barbaric" terrorist attack the death on "negligence". World Animal Protection rights group in Kabul and extended all possible assistance to the war- The two sloth bears were rescued in are lobbying Nepal's government to torn country. southern Nepal in December last year have the surviving bear transferred to In a statement, the External Affairs Ministry said it from a pair of itinerant street a special sanctuary for rescued dancing was not only an attack on the Afghan people but also an performers who used the animals for bears in neighbouring India, where the attack on their identity and culture. entertainment. tradition of using the animals for "What makes this attack particularly reprehensible is Shortly after their rescue, the bears, 19-year-old male entertainment was only finally stamped out in 2012. the fact that the terrorists and their backers chose the Rangila and Sridevi, a 17-year-old female, were transferred to a "There are legal hurdles in transferring the animal to festive day of Nauroz to carry out their heinous act," it zoo near the capital Kathmandu where they were put in cages another country and the zoo is the only facility we have," said said. on display. Gopal Prasad Bhattarai, deputy director of Department of India stands ready to extend all possible assistance, A few weeks later, the female bear died. National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. including for the treatment of those injured, the "(We) were told that she had some problem in her liver and "The zoo is giving the best care they (are) capable of (giving) ministry asserted. that it was jaundice," said Niraj Gautam of Jane Goodall to the bear." "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family Institute Nepal, who was involved in the rescue of the bears. Nepal outlawed the practice of performing bears back in members of the victims, and we wish quick and complete "These animals should have been thoroughly checked. There 1973, a year after it was officially banned in India, but the recovery to the injured," it added. was nothing. That's the negligence we want to point out." tradition lingered on in parts of the country's south. An Islamic State suicide bomber struck on the road to Gautam said that the bears should have been given special care Dancing bears are trained as cubs to dance on their hind a Shiite shrine in Afghanistan's capital today, killing at and medical attention to help them rehabilitate after years of legs. Their snouts are pierced with a heated rod so they can be least 29 people. abuse as performing animals. controlled by the tug of a rope or chain. The Public Health Ministry said another 52 people The bears were kept in small cages that were not properly Dancing bears on the Indian subcontinent date back to the were wounded in the attack, which was carried out by a cleaned and were displaying behaviours that suggested they 13th century, when trainers belonging to the Muslim Qalandar bomber on foot. (PTI) were distressed, Gautam added. tribe enjoyed royal patronage and performed before the rich "It feels like all our work was in vain," he said. and powerful. (AFP) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 US FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 US northeast gets clobbered with fourth snowstorm in 3 weeks, South Korea’s Moon says thousands of flights cancelled three-way summit with North NEW YORK (TIP): Spring kicked off with a wallop of wintry weather along the East Coast as the fourth nor'easter in three weeks dumped more than a foot of snow in some places March 21. The first full day of the season included scenes of snow falling Korea, US possible on blooming daffodils in suburban Philadelphia, New Yorkers twisting to fix blown-out umbrellas, tractor-trailers stuck on SEOUL (TIP): South Korean President Moon Jae-in said snowy highways and kids making their first snowman of spring. on March 21 a three-way summit with North Korea and the ``I want warm! I'm done with the cold,'' said Yana Damoiseau, a United States is possible and that talks should aim for an pedestrian in New York City. end to the nuclear threat on the Korean peninsula. Airlines canceled more than 4,000 flights, tens of thousands of Moon is planning a meeting with North Korean leader customers lost power from West Virginia northward, and school Kim Jong Un next month after a flurry of diplomatic districts throughout the Northeast called off classes ahead of the activity in Asia, Europe and the United States. U.S. storm. At least two traffic deaths were reported in New Jersey President Donald Trump has also said he would meet Kim and on New York's Long Island. by the end of May. Up to 8 inches of snow had fallen in some Philadelphia suburbs “A North Korea-U.S. summit would be a historic event in by the evening, and more than a foot near Allentown, itself following an inter-Korean summit,” Moon said at the Pennsylvania. New York had at least 5 inches and braced for a presidential Blue House in Seoul after a preparatory total of 6 to 12. Forecasters said Boston could get 6 inches as the meeting for the inter-Korean summit. storm moved into New England. “Depending on the location, it could be even more ``Winter will not relent,'' said Pancho Ortega, who was clearing dramatic. And depending on progress, it may lead to a three- the sidewalk outside his soon-to-open restaurant in Philadelphia. way summit between the South, North and the United ``I don't like the shoveling part. I'm ready for it to kind of go States,” he said. away.'' Roberto Sims expressed frustration with how quickly his Seoul officials are considering the border truce village of just-cleared Philadelphia sidewalks became snow-covered once Panmunjom, where Moon and Kim are set for a one-day again. ``I give up and now the corner store doesn't have any salt meeting, as the venue for talks between not only Kim and left,'' he said. ``I'll just have to take my chances and hope for Moon but also a possible three-way meeting. someone else on the block to do it later.'' The rush of recent diplomatic contacts began in the lead- The storm was just the latest to come off the assembly line in up to the Winter Olympics in South Korea last month and the Northeast since March 2. Many people's tolerance for wintry helped ease tensions on the Korean peninsula caused by weather was already worn thin, after repeated power outages and North Korea’s pursuit of its nuclear and missile lots of white-knuckle driving. programmes in defiance of United Nations Security ``I didn't think I'd still need to keep storm stuff in my car in Council sanctions. late March, but what are you going to do?'' Wilson Collins, of Moon said the series of summits should aim for a Toms River, New Jersey,said as he checked his car trunk to make “complete end” to the nuclear and peace issues on the sure he had a shovel, a blanket and other emergency items. ``I Korean peninsula. North Korea regularly denounces the drills as just hope this is finally it.'' On the other side of the country, a He said he has a “clear goal and vision”, which is for the preparation for war but a South Korean special envoy has storm brought heavy rain to California, and tens of thousands of establishment of a lasting peace to replace the ceasefire said Kim understood that the allies must continue their people in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties were ordered to signed at the end of the 1950-53 Korean war. It also includes “routine” exercises. That exchange has not been confirmed. flee their homes because of the danger of mudslides on slopes the normalisation of North Korea-U.S. relations, the The North’s official KCNA news agency said on burned by recent wildfires. development of inter-Korean ties, and economic Wednesday a “dramatic atmosphere for reconciliation” has In New Jersey, some streets were flooded along the shore, cooperation involving Pyongyang and Washington, he said. been created in cross-border ties and there has been has including one in Point Pleasant Beach where a pair of ducks “Whether the two Koreas live together or separately, we also been a sign of change in North Korea-U.S. relations. cruised back and forth through an intersection where a plastic have to make it in a way that they prosper together and in That was “thanks to the proactive measure and peace- garbage can bobbed in the waves. More than 1,200 flights in the peace, without interfering or causing damage to each loving proposal” made by Pyongyang, not Trump’s New York City area alone were canceled, with a ripple effect on other,” Moon said. campaign to put maximum pressure on the country, KCNA air travel around the country.On the ground, Amtrak scaled back South Korea and the United States will resume joint said in a commentary. service on the Northeast corridor between Washington and military drills next month, although the exercises are A Blue House official also said South Korea was in Boston, and some states banned trucks from major highways. expected to overlap with the inter-Korean summit. discussion with China and Japan for a three-way summit in The storm also unloaded snow on Virginia and West Virginia Seoul and Washington delayed the annual drills until Tokyo in early May. The three countries have not held such as it pushed into the Northeast. Virginia reported more 240 after the Winter Olympics, helping to foster conditions for a a meeting since November 2015, with relations soured by traffic accidents since midnight. In West Virginia, more than restart of intra-Korea talks. historical and territorial tension. (Reuters) 5,000 customers were without power in the evening. (AP) Hindus to push for Diwali holiday as Maryland’s Montgomery Schools launches calendar survey ROCKVILLE, MD (TIP): Montgomery MCPS would be a step in the positive offices on Diwali; in West Windsor- respectful and accommodating it was to their County Public Schools (MCPS); direction in view of presence of a Plainsboro Regional School District, schools faith by closing schools on Diwali. headquartered in Rockville, Maryland; is substantial number of Hindu students in the were closed on October 19; and in Piscataway Rajan Zed points out that Hinduism is rich launching a survey to develop 2019-2020 district; as it was important to meet the Township Schools, there was "No School for in festivals and religious festivals are very school year academic calendar, and Diwali is religious and spiritual needs of these pupils. Students" on Diwali. And in the recent past, dear and sacred to Hindus. Diwali, the included in possible holidays listed. Moreover, awareness about other religions Millburn Township Public Schools festival of lights, aims at dispelling the Although the participation in survey is thus created by such holidays like Diwali announced Diwali day off for students for darkness and lighting up the lives and voluntary, yet Hindu statesman Rajan Zed is would make all MCPS students well- the next three years, reports add. symbolizes the victory of good over evil. urging all the current Hindu MCPS students nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened In 2017 Unionville-Chadds Ford School Christmas Eve through January 1, Friday and their parents and staff members to citizens of tomorrow. District headquartered in Kennett Square in before Easter and Monday after Easter are actively participate in providing the survey Diwali fell on October 19 in 2017 and six Pennsylvania approved closure of schools on state-mandated school closures. The survey feedback (and persuade New York school districts declared holiday Diwali; while Harvard Public Schools in has been developed in consultation with friends/sympathizers also to do the same), for students on October 19, which included: Massachusetts declared October 19 as "early Hanover Research, a market research firm. mentioning that it is "very important" for East Meadow School District, East Williston release day". Board of Directors of Council Hinduism is oldest and third largest them that the school is closed on Diwali, Union Free School District, Half Hollow Rock School District, headquartered in religion of the world with about 1.1 billion most popular of Hindu festivals. Hills Central School District, Herricks Newtown (Pennsylvania), in their meeting adherents and moksh (liberation) is its Zed, who is President of Universal Society Union Free School District, Hicksville Union on February 15, unanimously approved 2018- ultimate goal. There are about three million of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada today, Free School District and Syosset Central 2019 calendar which includes the addition of Hindus in USA. also urged all the current Hindu MCPS School District. Mineola Union Free School Diwali as an official school holiday, reports About 161,936 students from 157 countries students and their parents and staff District announced that no homework or note. speaking 150 languages are reportedly members to list other Hindu festivals also examinations would be given on Diwali, Zed further said that it was important for enrolled in 205 schools of award-winning under the question: "Are there any other reports suggest. Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day MCPS, 14th largest school district in USA days that you (or your family) observe…" For 2017 in New Jersey; Glen Rock Public together at home with their children and spread in 497 square miles whose operating Rajan Zed indicated that Diwali holiday in Schools announced closure of schools and they expected that MCPS would display how budged in FY 2018 was $2.52 billion. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 US 13 Texas bombing suspect blows Indians rally across US to himself up, say police ROUND ROCK (TIP): The suspect in the deadly bombings end green card backlog that terrorised Austin blew himself up on Wednesday as authorities closed in on him, bringing an end to a three-week manhunt. But police warned that more bombs could be out there. The suspect’s motive remained a mystery, along with whether he acted alone in the five bombings in the Texas capital and suburban San Antonio that killed two people and wounded four others. Police zeroed in on the man in the last 24 to 36 hours and located his vehicle at a hotel in Round Rock. Officers were waiting for armored vehicles to arrive before moving in for an arrest when his car began to drive away, police chief Brian Manley said. Authorities followed the vehicle, which ran into a ditch on the side of the road, he said. When members of the SWAT team approached, the suspect detonated an explosive device inside the vehicle, he said. The blast knocked one officer back, and a second officer fired his weapon, Manley said. The suspect was identified as Mark Anthony Conditt, of Pflugerville, Texas, according to the local CBS television affiliate and Austin American-Statesman newspaper, citing unnamed law enforcement sources. Public records showed Conditt’s age as 23. Officials had said the suspect was 24. He was unemployed. (Agencies) ‘Sex and the City’ star in race for New York governor

WASHINGTON (TIP): Hundreds of Indian-Americans, most of immigrants who are stuck in the green Indian professionals held peaceful card backlog during a campaign 'Break rallies across the US, demanding an end whom come to the US on the Backlog' event series on Saturday at to the long and massive green card H-1B work visas are the Capital building in Frankfort, Kentucky backlog by eliminating arbitrary per- worst sufferers of the by GCReforms. country limit regulations. current immigration This is the most important issue for Indian-Americans, most of whom are system the Indian diaspora in the US, as it highly skilled and come to the US impacts many physicians, engineers, mainly on H-1B work visas are the worst Current system imposes a teachers, nurses and medical sufferers of the current immigration professionals, according to a press system which imposes a seven per cent seven per cent per- release from GC Reforms. per-country quota on allotment of green country quota on Many of these high-skilled cards or permanent legal residency. allotment of green cards immigrants who came to the Kentucky As a result, the current wait period or permanent legal area for technology and other jobs are for Indian skilled immigrants for green stuck in a potentially decades-long card can be as long as 70 years. residency green card backlog. NEW YORK (TIP): Cynthia Nixon, the US actress who shot The rallies, to urge lawmakers to The Nebraska event was addressed by to fame as workaholic lawyer Miranda Hobbes on “Sex and the support to end the per-country limit on Wait period for Indian Congressman Don Bacon. City,”jumped into the race for New York governor on Monday, legal permanent residency was held skilled immigrants for Indians immensely contribute a lot to unveiling a progressive platform championing economic over the weekend in Arkansas, green card under current our Omaha community and our Nation, equality and eschewing big business. Kentucky and Oregon. system can be as long as both culturally and by benefiting our The 51-year-old declared her candidacy with a two-minute "As awareness builds on this topic 70 years economy through their hard work and campaign video posted on Twitter that showed her at home among the American public and efforts in education. Today they shared with her wife and children, riding the subway, taking one of lawmakers, they are joining the chorus remove per-country limits has been the with me many of the shortcomings of her children to school and speaking at liberal political causes. asking for reform to address the best biggest bi-Partisan support in the our H-1B visa programme and the The move confirmed speculation that Nixon would challenge discriminatory green card backlogs current congress via Kevin Yoder's bill impact on their families and local incumbent Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo. impacting employment based green HR 392. Three in Four congress employers. I look forward to being a If elected, Nixon — who is a vocal opponent of President card applicants from India," said Seattle- members supports this issue, yet the bill strong voice in tackling these problems," Donald Trump — would be New York state’s first woman and based GCReforms, a recently created has not been brought to vote, he said. first openly gay governor. The actress and liberal activist, who organisation by Indian-Americans for GCReforms rued. Over 200 residents came together to has campaigned for gay marriage, public schools and access to this purpose. "It is high time Congress, Senate and raise awareness about the issue faced by women’s health care, announced that she was “sick of "The attendees spoke in one voice and White House addresses the green card high-skilled Indian immigrants and politicians who care more about headlines and power than the message was clear - it is unfair to backlog impacting 300,000 high-skilled their families in Hillsboro, Oregon this they do about us.” “Our leaders are letting us down. We are discriminate against applicants from immigrants who have made significant Sunday at the event Break the Backlog now the most unequal state in the entire country with both one country due to arbitrary per- contributions to the US economy," event series by GCReforms. incredible wealth and extreme poverty. country limit regulations. These limits GCReforms said. Commissioner Malinowski, Indian Half the kids in our upstate cities live below the poverty were put in place when Lyndon Johnson Many Americans joined 'Break the community leaders Jaisen Mody, who is line. How did we let this happen?” she said in the video. was president of America and before Backlog Series' at Arkansas by a General Manager at PGE, W “Together we can win this fight,” finished the New Yorkborn even the first handheld calculator was GCReforms, 'Green Card Backlog Round Krishnamurthy spoke at the event on and raised Nixon. In 2004, Nixon accepted an Emmy award — invented - they do not work in this era," Table' discussions in Bentonville, the need for fairness for all immigrants the highest accolade in US television — for her role as a media release said. Arkansas to know more about the irrespective of where they came from. Miranda Hobbes from Trump, the fellow celebrity-turned- GCreforms expects to continue employment based green card wait According to Senate Republican politician whose presidency she publicly opposes. raising awareness in several other times. Centerton Mayor Bill Edwards Policy Committee, every year the US on New York goes to the polls on November 6. Despite stardom, states in the coming weeks, and has been addresses the gathering and an average allocates some 50,000 green Nixon remains a left-field candidate with Cuomo very much steadily gaining support from acknowledged the contributions of the cards through lottery for people from the favored contender ahead of the Democratic Party primary politicians, chieftains of business and Indian immigrant community. countries who do not get an opportunity on September 13.Arecent Siena College poll found that Cuomo the American public. Over 300 people gathered to show to come to the US through the merit- is overwhelmingly favored by Democrats to Nixon by 66 to In the House of Representatives, support for Indian high-skilled based employment visas. (PTI) 19%. (AP) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 PAK AMBASSADOR TO INDIA RETURN FROM ISLAMABAD Arvind Kejriwal on apology NEW DELHI (TIP): A week after he was called back for consultations amid raging row between India and Pakistan spree: 3 down, 30 more to go? over harassment of diplomats, Pakistan High Commissioner to NEW DELHI (TIP): Aam Aadmi public image in the long run. India Sohail Mahmood will Party (AAP) national convener and However, things will be difficult for return from Islamabad late in Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been Kejriwal in the case involving Finance the evening and be present at eating humble pie. Minister Arun Jaitley. Pakistan national day functions Kejriwal's spree of apologies has According to the sources, Kejriwal on Friday, a diplomat said. generated mixed reactions, with some sent one of his newly inducted Rajya The ambassador will host a amused, some piqued and others Sabha MPs as an emissary to Jaitley to Sohail Mahmood series of events to mark the downright infuriated. discuss the possibility of an apology. ‘Pakistan National Day’ at the The AAP chief, with 33 defamation "The finance minister hasn’t agreed country’s mission in New Delhi, including a dinner cases against him in 22 states, has with the apology proposal," a source reception. The envoy will also hoist the flag and deliver a crossed three cases off his list by saying said. speech, they said. Mahmood was called back to Islamabad for sorry to the complainants. It’s also learnt that Jaitley wanted to consultations after alleged incidents of “harassment” of its Kejriwal has tendered a series of know whether Kejriwal could ensure diplomatic staff in New Delhi with Pakistan Foreign Office apologies, starting with Akali Dal leader apologies from other AAP leaders spokesman Muhammad Faisal claiming that the Indian Bikram Singh Majithia, followed by Sanjay Singh, Kumar Vishwas, government failed to take notice of the increasing incidents Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and Ashutosh, Raghav Chadha and Deepak of intimidation of Pakistani diplomats, their families and subsequently Congress leader Kapil Bajpai against whom defamation case staffers by its intelligence agencies. Sibal and his son. Kejriwal-led party. has been filed. India and Pakistan have accused each other of harassing Deputy chief minister of Delhi and Kejriwal's apologies have provided The finance minister had filed a Rs diplomats and their families in Islamabad and New Delhi senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia readymade ammunition to the 10 crore defamation suit against respectively. Source: HT justified the apologies. "We are here to Opposition to target AAP. Congress, Kejriwal and five other AAP leaders. A work for public. If someone is hurt by taking a dig at the Delhi Chief Minister, civil defamation case was filed in India, China hold border meet our remarks, we will apologise. We do said that Kejriwal should change his Delhi High Court and a criminal not have time for courts. We do not want name to "Arvind Sorry Kejriwal". Delhi defamation suit was filed in lower to enhance mutual trust to indulge in battle of ego," he said. BJP president Manoj Tiwari slammed court in Delhi.Besides, a separate In contrast to the moral high ground Kejriwal for being a "regular and defamation case was filed against NEW DELHI (TIP): India and China discussed on by AAP leaders in Delhi, cracks habitual offender". Punjab Chief Kejriwal after certain remarks were Thursday various confidence-building measures aimed at appeared in party's Punjab unit after Minister Amarinder Singh dismissed made by his lawyer Ram Jethmalani enhancing mutual trust and understanding between border Kejriwal apologised to Majithia with Kejriwal's apology as an "antic". during the trial. Kejriwal wanted to personnel and decided to explore the possibility of exchange AAP's Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann Kejriwal's apology episode is the take the apology route with Jaitley as of visits and institutionalised dialogue mechanisms, said the quitting from the post in protest. Lok latest in a series of recent events that the next hearings in the high court external affairs ministry in a statement. Insaaf Party, AAP's alliance partner in have earned the party criticism from and lower court are respectively on 3 The statement was issued after the 11th round of the Punjab, said it will snap ties with several corners and could hurt its April and 8 April. Working Mechanism on Consultation & Coordination for India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). The ministry said the maintenance of peace in border areas with the neighbour is an important prerequisite for further development of India-China relations. The statement Sikh youth are being trained in terror said the discussions were held in a “friendly and cordial” atmosphere. “The two sides exchanged views on ways to improve border management. We underlined that maintenance of activities at ISI facilities in Pak: MHA peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for further development of bilateral NEW DELHI (TIP): The Home relations,” the statement said. Ministry has conveyed to a The Indian delegation was led by Pranay Verma, joint parliamentary panel that Sikh youths are secretary (East Asia) in MEA, while the Chinese team was being trained at ISI facilities in Pakistan led by Yi Xianliang, director general, Department of to carry out terror activities in India, and Boundary & Oceanic Affairs in the Chinese foreign ministry. members of the community who are They agreed to hold the next meeting at a mutually settled in Canada and other places are convenient time. also being instigated against the country with false and malicious propaganda. From April, tourists can stay at Top officials of the home ministry, led by the Union Home Secretary, told the Taj Mahal only for 3 hours Committee on Estimates, headed by senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, AGRA (TIP): From April, there will be a three-hour cap on that radicalisation of youths by terrorist entry tickets to the Taj Mahal. groups through the misuse of internet “At present, there is no time restriction for tourists visiting and social media has emerged as a big Sikh youths based or settled in Europe, it said. The ministry told the panel that the Taj Mahal but things will change from April 1. The ticket challenge. the US and Canada are also being India continues to remain the prime issued from the monument would mention the time and According to the report of the misguided and instigated against India focus of Pakistan-based terrorist outfits, tourists would be required to stay on the Taj premises only for committee—'Central armed police forces with false and malicious propaganda, but particularly the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- three hours from the time mentioned. These three hours and internal security challenges- the situation is being watched closely by Mohammad and a faction of Indian would not overlap with the closing time and the monument evaluation and response mechanism'— the central and state agencies and they Mujahideen besides groups like SIMI and would be closed at the scheduled time,” said Bhuwan Vikram which was tabled in Parliament on are taking lawful action as and when Al-Unmah. Singh, superintending archaeologist for the Archaeological Monday, there have been some required. Separately, there are indications Survey of India (ASI), Agra. developments on the Sikh militancy On the issue of new challenges which regarding revival of JeM in Pakistan and Those visitors booking tickets online for the Taj Mahal front. have emerged as a threat to internal renewed efforts of the said outfit to cause would be required to specify the time slot of three hours and The "commanders" of terror groups security,the ministry,in a note furnished harm to India. Besides, the Islamic State would be required to visit the monument only during this based in Pakistan are under pressure to the committee, voiced concern over and Al-Qaeda in Indian sub-continent period. Visitors exceeding this time limit would be required to from ISI to further the Pakistani spy radicalisation of youths by the terrorist have started posing new challenges to the pay extra, said Singh. agency's terror plans not only in Punjab groups through the misuse of internet existing security environment. “Besides, there will be zero value tickets for children up to but also in other parts of the country, it and social media. "The problem is further The ministry also said that violence by 15 years of age. This is aimed at having a proper head count of said. accentuated by the fact that the terror Left Wing Extremism (LWE) outfits those visiting the Taj Mahal in a day,” said Singh. "Sikh youth are being trained at ISI groups have started using secure social continues to pose a threat to the internal He also clarified that no notification had been issued for an facilities in Pakistan. Interdictions and media platforms and proxy servers etc. to security scenario in the country. "Since additional ticket of Rs 200 for those entering the main interrogations have revealed the use of avoid detection by intelligence and law its formation in September 2004, mausoleum of the Taj. “So far, no such notification has been jailed cadres, unemployed youth, enforcement agencies. CPI(Maoist) has emerged as the most issued. No extra money is to be paid for entry to the main criminals and smugglers by Pakistan- "Activities of radicalised people potent among the LWE outfits active in mausoleum at the Taj. It would be implemented once the based Sikh terror groups for facilitating returning from conflict areas and threat the country," the report said. notification is issued,” added Singh. Source: HT terror attacks," the report said. of lone wolf attack are also a challenge," Source: PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 INDIA 15 ANNA HAZARE BEGINS Iraq deaths: Cong moves privilege HUNGER STRIKE FOR LOKPAL

NEW DELHI/BENGALURU (TIP): Social activist Anna Hazare began an indefinite notice against Sushma, VK Singh hunger strike against the Centre in Delhi on March 23, NEW DELHI (TIP): Congress nearly seven years after his members from Punjab on March 22 gave anti-corruption movement a breach of privilege notice in the Rajya caught the imagination of Sabha against External Affairs Minister millions of Indians and shook Sushma Swaraj and her colleague MoS the then UPA government. VK Singh, accusing them of The venue of his protest “deliberately misleading Parliament will be the same iconic Ram and the country on the status of 39 Lila Maidan, where he had sat Indians who went missing in Iraq in on a hunger strike in 2011 2014”, repoted The Tribune. demanding that the then government set up a Lokpal to Moving the notice, MPs Ambika Soni, investigate cases of corruption. Shamsher Singh Dullo and Partap Singh This time, however, his target is the Narendra Modi-led Bajwa said, “The External Affairs BJP government. Minister and her colleague VK Singh Hazare has been pressing for setting up of the Lokpal at deliberately misled families of 39 the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states, besides individuals who were slain in Mosul. implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, For a period spanning between June 2014 which has suggested ways to address the agrarian distress. and March 2018, the minister continued Hazare previously has accused the Union government of to state as a matter of fact that the not appointing the Lokpal to investigate the cases of individuals are not only alive, but that corruption, despite having a law in place. the government is also undertaking "Anna will first visit the Rajghat and then come to the Ram steps for their rescue. As such claims Lila Maidan, where he will go an indefinite strike," said an were made on the floor of Parliament aide of Hazare. and outside, this is a serious breach of Family members grieve by a portrait of one of the 39 Indian workers from Amritsar The day, March 23, has been chosen on purpose as Bhagat Parliament privilege and a stringent killed in Iraq by ISIS. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha stated Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged to death on this action must be taken against the that the 39 bodies exhumed from a mount in Badoosh in Iraq have been identified. day by the British, the aide said. members for their gross acts of A core committee meeting of Hazare's trusted aides and dereliction of public duty.” representatives of farmers' organisations took place at the The Congress leaders said the New Maharashtra Sadan on Thursday. government actively worked to conceal The 2011 anti-graft agitation by Hazare, which aimed at the the truth from the families of those increasing corruption cases that had surfaced during the killed in Iraq. The trio said the UPA rule, had received the support of millions of people information about the death of slain across the country. Indians came out at least seven months Some of the main organisers of that anti-corruption ago, but the government still did not movement later formed the Aam Aadmi Party, which now disclose that. “It is a tragic and governs Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was one of inexcusable breach of duty that the Hazare's key aides. External Affairs Minister, being in The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning to possession of this information (of the commuters to avoid taking routes towards Aruna Asaf Ali killing of Indians), failed to share the Road, Delhi Gate, Darya Ganj, New Delhi Railway Station, same with the grieving families. In fact, Ajmeri Gate, Paharganj, ITO, Rajghat, Minto Road, it is now clear that the only reason the Vivekanand Marg, and JLN Marg. Source: PTI government has disclosed the information now is compulsion because Relief for Lalu son in murder case the Iraqi government would have External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and MoS VK Singh. otherwise done so,” they said. NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court today closed Bajwa said, “It is also sad that Swaraj Muslim from Bangladesh, Swaraj said in The external affairs minister added proceedings against former Bihar minister Tej Pratap, son of waited to come to Parliament to make a statement in Rajya Sabha at 11 am, as that the mass grave had exactly 39 jailed RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, in the murder case of the tragic announcement on March 20 soon as the House convened. The bodies, with distinctive features like a Siwan-based journalist. when she knew it already. This could remaining 39 Indians were taken to long hair, non-Iraqi shoes and IDs. The The apex court had asked the CBI to investigate allegations have been made known outside Badoosh and killed. Swaraj said search bodies were then sent to Baghdad for relating to media reports featuring photographs and videos Parliament.” operations led to a mound in Badoosh DNA testing.DNA testing by Martyrs that showed Pratap, former Bihar health minister, along with On March 20, Swaraj said that the 39 where locals said some bodies were Foundation has established identity of two absconding accused, Mohd Kaif and Javed, who are missing Indians in Iraq have been killed. buried by the ISIS. Deep penetration 38 Indians while there has been 70 per presently in judicial custody in the Rajdeo Ranjan murder She was speaking in Rajya Sabha. radars were used to establish that the cent matching of the DNA for the 39th case. Forty Indians, mostly from Punjab, mound indeed was a mass grave, she person, she said. Minister of State for The court ordered closure of proceedings against Tej were originally abducted by terrorist said, adding the Indian authorities External Affairs V K Singh will be flying Pratap and gave the slain journalist’s widow the liberty to get organisation Islamic State from Mosul, requested their Iraqi counterpart to to Iraq to bring back the bodies on a her plea revised if some incriminating material surfaces. Iraq. One of them escaped by posing as a exhume the bodies. special flight. Source: PTI Centre lifts Rs 10,000 cap on Every minute of parliament session cost Rs 2.5 lakh, says govt educational aid to martyrs’ wards NEW DELHI (TIP): As the witnessing protests since the start of the They should debate inside House," Goel government sought to step up efforts to second leg of Budget Session from March said while claiming that Rs 2.5 lakh is NEW DELHI (TIP): In a move that will benefit over 3,200 end the stalemate, minister of state Vijay 6 following protests by TDP MPs over spent every minute for the functioning of students, the government has withdrawn a controversial order Goel said Rs 2.5 lakh is spent every minute Andhra Pradesh's special category and the House. He did not elaborate how he that capped educational aid to children of martyred and to run Parliament. AIADMK MPs on setting up of Cauvery arrived at this figure. disabled soldiers at Rs 10,000 per month last year. The remarks came even as Goel, who is Management Board. He said he will personally meet “Educational concession will continue without the cap of Rs the MoS in Parliamentary Affairs, will be TDP and YSR Congress have also Opposition leaders. 10,000 per month,” an order issued by the finance ministry on individually meeting Leader of moved a no-confidence motion in Lok Asked when he will meet leaders of March 21 stated. The government had faced a backlash from Opposition in Rajya Sabha, TDP's Y S Sabha against NDA government but it Samajwadi Party and Trinamool various quarters after the defence ministry instructed the three Chowdhary and AIADMK's could not be taken up as AIADMK and Congress among others, he told DH, "first chiefs and the coast guard head in a letter dated September 13, Navaneethakrishnan and V Maitreyan at TRS MPs creating ruckus in the House. I am meeting Congress, TDP and 2017, that the combined amount of tuition fees and hostel their residences to end the stalemate in The opposition accused BJP of stage- AIADMK because they are in the forefront charges for such wards be restricted to Rs 10,000 per month. Rajya Sabha. managing these protests to avoid a debate of protests. I will definitely meet others." The new order said the educational concession will be While government managers were on the no-trust motion. On Thursday, the government had admissible for pursuing studies in government and meeting Opposition leaders in "We are concerned that the House is not managed to convince protesting MPs in government-aided educational institutions. It can also be Parliament, the fresh move comes as the working. We are ready for discussion on Rajya Sabha to pass Payment of Gratuity availed for studying in military/sainik schools and other government wants to pass a clutch of bills any subject, including bank scams. The Bill. Sources said government reached out educational institutions recognised by the central and state pending in the House. Opposition does not want discussion to parties and thrashed out a formula to governments. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were inside House but they go for TV debates. allow the passage without discussion. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 THEATER / CONCERT FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 NJPAC Presents Yo-Yo Ma, Cellist, and the Silk Road Ensemble (Music) joins people together-there is no culture that doesn't have music...It comes up during the important times (of) people's lives. It expresses things. …..it is very ephemeral, but its effect is generally always about something bigger than yourself." Yo-Yo Ma - Harvard Political Review "Uninhibitedly joyous!" The Los Angeles Times "…a roving musical laboratory without walls" The Boston Globe Yo-Yo Ma, child prodigy cellist and songwriter returns with his Silk Road Ensemble to NJPAC New York and continued to excel throughout his adult life, producing more than 75 albums and winning 18 Grammy Awards. "As musicians, we transcend technique in order to seek out the truths in our world in a way that gives meaning and sustenance to individuals and communities. That's art for life's sake." Yo-Yo Ma, The Nancy Hanks Lecture, 2013 The organization's vision is to "connect the world's neighborhoods by bringing together artists and audiences around the globe." Yo-Yo Ma, world-renowned cellist Since founding the Silk Road Project, Ma has served as its artistic director. celebration of music, crisscrossing "I realized that everything I practice in centuries, continents and cultures! music, and this is true of all the AComposed of virtuoso musicians, performing arts, involves the four composers, arrangers, visual artists and qualities necessary for success in the Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble storytellers from over 20 countries, Yo-Yo workforce of the 21st century: Ma's exuberant Silk Road Ensemble was collaboration, flexibility, imagination, expand his audience beyond his wildest "All the things I love about life outside founded by him in 1998 to explore and innovation." - Yo-Yo Ma dreams: Film director Ang Lee asked him to music have to do with people, and playing celebrate cultural, artistic and intellectual "Yo-Yo Ma's grandly all-encompassing play on the sound track for the film the cello allows me to fulfill all those traditions drawn from the ancient trade world music band that seeks to find meeting Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which went interests through music. - Yo-Yo Ma routes, The Silk Road (that were for centuries points for musical traditions from China to on to become an astounding success, winning For more information on the April 8, 2018 central to cultural interaction originally Europe (to the USA), has proved to be the four Academy Awards in 2011-for best concert and tickets, visit through regions of Eurasia connecting the ever-curious cellist's most valuable project" foreign-language film, art direction, http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/yo-yo- East and West). writes The Los Angeles Times. cinematography and, most importantly for ma-and-the-silk-road-ensemble Yo-Yo Ma attended the Juilliard School, In 2000, Ma was given the opportunity to Ma, best original score. GRAMMY NOMINEE CELTIC WOMAN NEW LIVE Mike Marino: Make America Italian Again TourWith SHOW, 'HOMECOMING' Special Guest Jon Bramnick, NJ's Funniest Lawyer! Celtic Woman Singers/Perfor usy stand-up comedian mers (left to Mike Marino - right) Baffectionately known Violinist Tara to his fans as "New Jersey's McNeill,Éabha Bad Boy" - brings his McMahon, hysterical and insightful take Susan on the Italian-American McFadden and experience to NJPAC with his Mairéad Carlin new tour, Make America Italian Again! A native of Jersey City, Mike Marino's material is elebrating Ireland's rich musical and cultural heritage, Celtic Woman combines finest largely inspired by his own musical talent with epic stage productions to present a unique, inspiring live experience. life, from his Italian family CFrom the debut, Celtic Woman has touched the hearts of a huge global audience. roots to his edgy observations Now, with Homecoming, Celtic Woman brings the next chapter of an extraordinary musical about everyday life. His journey. It's a universal celebration of life. It's traditional, it's contemporary. It's yesterday, riotous approach to stand-up today and tomorrow. has taken him from The Mike Marino Jon Bramnick Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective, Celtic Tonight Show to sitcoms Woman celebrates Ireland's rich musical and cultural heritage, while continuing its (including appearances on hits like Frasier and Becker) to major comedy clubs, theaters and remarkable 12-year-legacy of introducing some of Ireland's most talented singers and casinos from New York to Los Angeles, and around the world. He's also been a highlight of musicians onto the world stage. Montreal's Just for Laughs Comedy Festival for seven years in a row. Celtic Woman featuring the angelic voices of Susan McFadden, Mairéad Carlin, Éabha In 2008, Marino was inducted into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame, and in 2015 he was McMahon and the breathtaking Celtic violinist Tara McNeill, accompanied by a full ensemble awarded the USO Bob Hope Comedy Award for his regular performances for the U.S. military. of musicians and dancers -- will embark on a four month tour. The 90-city trek will take Celtic He currently appears on his own DDV Radio show, Live from My Mother's Basement, and on a Woman across the country before wrapping on June 17 in Rosemont, IL. new web series, A Marino Moment in History Only on YouTube. Jon Bramnick holds the title "Funniest Lawyer in New Jersey" after winning contests About Celtic Woman sponsored by the bar association at Rascals Comedy Club. Jon Bramnick is the New Jersey Following its debut on PBS in 2005, Celtic Woman has achieved massive success Assembly Minority Leader. Assemblyman Bramnick was elected by his colleagues in January encompassing twelve chart-topping albums, nine DVDs and nine public television specials 2012 to serve as the Assembly Minority Leader, making him the highest-ranking member of the leading to sales of over ten million albums, with platinum success in nine countries. Each of Republican Caucus in the Assembly. The performance takes place on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the twelve CDs-including 2016's Voices of Angels-has reached #1 on Billboard's World Albums 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM. For more information on the 3 events or to buy tickets, visit www.njpac.org chart. The group has been named Billboard Magazine's #1 World Albums Artist six times. or the box office or call 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722). Celtic Woman received its first-ever Grammy-nomination in the World Music category for its For more information on the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), visit 2016 release Destiny. As a touring powerhouse, the group enthralls audiences of all ages. www.njpac.org or call 888.go. NJPAC (888.466.5722). For more information on the Saturday, March 24, 2018 concert at NJPAC and a complete tour (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and schedule and ticket information, visit www.CelticWoman.com. Spirituality) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 17 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 FEELS GREAT TO BE 40, WILL CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE GENDER STEREOTYPES:RANI ani Mukerji on her 40th birthday recalled her journey in Bollywood Rand the actor said it was not an easy one as she had to prove her worth every single day. The "Hichki" actor has penned a letter on the occasion and thanked all the filmmakers she worked within the past 22 VARUN AND KATRINA years for giving her roles that challenged the social norms. TO STAR IN REMO’S "It feels great to be 40! It feels great to have also worked for 22 years and having NEXT DANCE FILM been incredibly lucky to get so much love atrina Kaif and Varun Dhawan are set to and appreciation. Very rarely do we artists collaborate for the first time for director- get material that can genuinely cause Kchoreographer Remo D'Souza's social change, cause change in attitude upcoming project, touted to be India's biggest and thinking and I have been fortunate dance film. enough to get such content multiple times. T-Series' Bhushan Kumar is producing the I truly feel blessed. movie. Remo has previously worked with Varun "I thank all the film-makers who have in "ABCD 2" and the 30-year-old actor is excited trusted me with their characters. Your to team up with him again. characters, your films, became my "Working with Remo again for India's biggest identity," Rani said in the letter. dance film is huge. I performed once in New Rani said she realised it very late that York with Katrina and it was electric. She's she was "born to be an actor" and that going to bring her A game so I need to get back surviving in the film industry is tough as into shape. Bhushan is not only a strong the actors, especially females, have to producer who has over a period of time built a justify their existence every day. great marketing and distribution machinery, he "I realised very late that I was actually also contributes a lot creatively,especially in the born to be an actor, that I was born to music department. Varun said in a statement. entertain. And I hope I have been able to do Katrina said she feels great to be a part of just that. As a woman, I must admit, it has "India's ultimate dance film". not been an easy journey. I had to prove films are huge risks, a married actress "For a woman, the disparity with a man "I am super excited to be joining Remo's myself every day. Actresses have to prove who is also a mother is the final nail in the is huge and glaring in this industry.We are vision... Varun's passion is so wonderful; he themselves every day," Rani said. coffin of her dreams, ambitions and judged for our looks, our dancing skills, works tirelessly to create magic... I can't wait to The actor also addressed the stereotypes aspirations - these are some of the our height, our voice, our acting, how we start this journey," she added. and myths that prevail and are discriminatory stereotypes that we have to carry ourselves every time we step out of The movie will also feature actor- particularly targeted at female actors in live with and try to overcome every single the house - we have to be the best and yet choreographer-director Prabhu Deva besides the industry in her letter. day," she said. we are thought to be extremely Dharmesh Yelande, Raghav Juyal and Punit "A woman has a short career span, a Rani said that contrary to males, female dispensable. I have been asking my friends Pathak who had featured in "ABCD 2". married woman's equity dies, women are actors are judged every day on the basis of to talk about their weaknesses and how The project is expected to go on the floors this not bankable commodities at the box their looks, dancing skills, voice and how they overcame them," she added. year and will release on November 8, 2019. office, 'female-centric' (I hate this word!!) they carry themselves in public. Source: PTI Source: PTI

ctor Katrina Kaif feels it’s extremely important for people to empower Awomen around them and says she Competitive mindset can stop us from now tries to actively support and encourage her contemporaries. Katrina says a lot of things start with mindset change and “we need to think what empowering our contemporaries: Katrina we are doing for women around us”. “Recently,I’ve become more aware of this, even subconsciously, do we really support people have an opinion but there is no our contemporaries- in whatever industry compulsion that one has to always make a you’re in? I try to support women who are comment. around me as much as I can in my work “I have seen it myself that when you talk space. Sometimes a competitive mindset can about politics, matters regarding actually stop you from doing that,” Katrina government, a lot of actors, because they are told reporters here. not in politics, don’t feel the need to comment. The Tiger Zinda Hai actor says she tries to “There’s a big difference between having do whatever she can within her capacity. an opinion at your home, and speaking about “Am I lifting up the women around me, am it on a public platform, or having an opinion I doing what I can to support, encourage or about a social cause like this.” to help them grow? Rather than just see Katrina said if one does not want to talk what they can do for me, I do whatever I can about a certain topic, it does not mean that to encourage them to better in their they are not aware of it. profession.” “I can’t speak about everyone because there Katrina was speaking at an event of are different situations and everyone is Educate Girls, of which she is the brand different. But many times, I don’t feel like ambassador. taking about a topic. It doesn’t mean I don’t When asked about the perception that have an opinion on it but maybe it is not the actors, especially female stars, don’t have an right time and place to talk about it.” opinion on important things, Katrina said Source: PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 HOLLYWOOD 19 AMY SCHUMER SAYS ACTRESSES PLAN HUNGRY DAYS TO STAY THIN ctress Amy Schumer says most women facing the cameras stay thin Aby planning 'hungry days' when they don't eat. According to reports, Schumer spoke about the extreme way her actress friends use to get ready for the camera. She said some of her famous friends plan days in the calendar when they 'have to be hungry'. They even decline invites to socialise so that they remain home and away from temptation. "That's totally typical for a lot of actresses. But I'm like, 'I'm not doing that', because those people aren't happy," Schumer said. Schumer says she doesn't feel unhappy with her looks. "It's funny, I go to awards shows and I try to look my best and I look like how the costume designers look and I feel proud about that," she said. ANGELINA JOLIE: I Last month, Schumer got married to chef Chris Fischer following a whirlwind LOVE AGEING AS IT romance. Schumer is enjoying every second of her marriage to chef Chris Fischer, MAKES ME LOOK LIKE which she said 'feels good'. The 36-year-old actor admitted that she MY MOTHER has been misusing the wife moniker and ollywood star Angelina Jolie said she said that it feels like a "novelty". loves 'seeing herself age' as it makes her In an interview, Schumer said "I'm a wife Hlook more like her mother. as hell. But it's still like, a novelty.Somebody The actor said ageing also makes her feel went to sit next to (Chris) and he's like, 'My alive. wife is sitting here,' and then I got back and "I look in the mirror and I see that I look like he was excited to tell me that he said that. my mother, and that warms me. I also see myself "I just have been really overusing it to a aging, and I love it because it means I'm alive - degree that's insane. Like, when it s I'm living and getting older. Don't love having a completely uncalled for," Schumer said. random dark spot from a pregnancy, sure. The 'Trainwreck' star also said that she is "I see my flaws. But what I see that I like isn't happy to have married Fischer early in their about a structure or an appearance. It's more relationship. that I see my family in my face. I see my age," "Part of the thing that's good about us Jolie told. getting married so quickly is that we're so in The 42-year-old actor has Maddox, 16, Pax, 14, love. Every girl I know, if they get proposed Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 11, and nine-year-old twins to they're like, 'Oh now? Now that I can't Vivienne and Knox, with her ex-husband Brad have kids!'" she said. Pitt Shame on you: Rihanna to Snapchat over controversial advertisement inger Rihanna has slammed messaging app Snapchat over an advertisement that sought to promote domestic violence and Sreferenced her 2009 assault by Chris Brown. The advertisement, made for the promotion of the mobile game 'Would You Rather?', asked users which of the artists they would prefer to hit. I freaked out: Lara Croft’s Alicia "Slap Rihanna or punch Chris Brown," the tagline on the ad stated, apparently in reference to Brown's conviction for assaulting Rihanna Vikander on quitting Instagram in 2009 while they were dating. ctor Alicia Vikander says the pressure of The 30-year-old singer took to Instagram and posted a lengthy continuously posting pictures and videos comment, saying she was "trying to figure out what the point was with Aon Instagram was too much for her to this mess". take. "Now Snapchat, I know you already know you ain't my favourite app The Tomb Raider star said she decided to leave out there! But I'm just trying to figure out what the point was with this the photosharing website just a month after mess!. I'd love to call it ignorance, but I know you ain't that dumb! You joining it, reported Femalefirst. spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring “I did have Instagram. I already freaked out shame to DV victims and made a joke of it!!!" she wrote. about a month in, like a (pressure) that I had to "This isn't about my personal feelings, cause I don't have much of post things. So, no, I don’t have an Instagram them but all the women, children and men that have been victims of account anymore,” Vikander, 29, said. DV in the past and especially the ones who haven't made it out yet you "The advert was reviewed and approved in error, as it violates our The actor, however, is in love with Google. let us down! Shame on you. Throw the whole app-oligy away," she advertising guidelines. We immediately removed the ad last weekend, added.After receiving the ire of the fans from all, Snapchat had issued once we became aware. We are sorry that this happened," the company “My friends call me Mrs Google. I’m really good at Googling answers on anything, and I’m very a public apology and removed the ad, days before the singer's outburst. had said in a statement to BBC. Source: PTI good at planning travels,” she said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 21 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 PROFILE FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 Expressing Life through Art: Portrait of an Artist It is not luck but hard work for Artist & Designer Smrita Jain Smrita, the artist has successfully carved a place for herself on the creative landscape of big apple. She is an NYC-based award winning designer at The Aqurio Group. She is internationally renowned artist at the Surmrit Gallery of Art and By Ashok Vyas Design, which has its studios in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

found Honorary Mention at London International Creative for this installation. In Oct 2017, Smrita received 47th Creativity International Award Gold from India'sMinistry of Tourism, Govt of India for her work 'Look Closer'. She worked on event advertising and posters for 'Incredible India', which is an international marketing campaign by Indian govt to promote tourism in India. The campaign was initiated to an audience of global

Smrita Jain Colors

hen you meet Smrita Jain, you can't miss a sense of makes it clear brightness and innocent curiosity in her eyes. She through her Wrecognized her inner calling at early age and then talks and courageously followed her passion. She wants to be through her art recognized as a creative person. She lets her creativity flow installations from in various ways, be it painting, designing or writing or that it is hard thinking, she wants to create something different. work that will Creating Durga She wants to think uniquely and create with freedom to take you to the choose her medium of expression. She has experimented with destination of appeal. Smrita picked the theme 'Look Closer'. She wanted to colors as well as photography to offer something distinct and success. Smrita portray Look Closer as mind-body-soul in the Indian context. unique. shares her view These graphic campaigns revolved around inviting guests to Smrita, the artist has successfully carved a place for herself of life in these visit India to learn the country from a deeper perspective and on the creative landscape of big apple. She is an NYC-based words, "Life is look at the details and intricacies that tell India's unique story. award winning designer at The Aqurio Group. She is about each She also got 54th American Graphic Design Award for this internationally renowned artist at the Surmrit Gallery of Art moment, every campaign. and Design, which has its studios in Brooklyn and Manhattan. moment coming Creating Durga It was after high school in Delhi, her conservative, together in is Smrita's first traditional family expected her to become a lawyer, but she different colors, photography- decided against it and she had to fight to get into the creative life is not about based journal field. She wanted to combine design and art, so right after her luck, it is about published by high school but she got into political science due to family hard work." She Surmrit Gallery of pressure which didn't feel right to her. She says, art spreads conveys the idea Art and Design. It harmony but artists need to struggle for their expression and that life can be depicts the history to protect their ability to be creative. She looks at it as a long shaped of one of the most Incredible India process. Smrita doesn't believe in blaming others, yet she differently important realizes that her experience of failure and achievement both through hard festivals in India, get expressed through her art. work. She was it is the life of She combines design, painting, writing, digital also the artists behind photography as well as graphics for her creative work. Smrita Keynote making sculptures is also a frequent speaker to various conferences. She has an speaker at of mother independent creative way of expressing herself, it is more KADLondon Goddess that is about focusing on what she wants to say as well as when and 2017, her subject brought alive where she wants to say it, whether is it a book or a painting. was 'Global through words She is respectful for her inner journey and at the same time, Status of and photographs, she pays special attention on curating her own art. This is Women and this book visible in her exhibitions, she works with various artists, she Girls'. establishes her as is respectful of artist's choice on how their art should be mrita is a cultural displayed. Royal Blue Butterfly design documentary Smrita has sustained memories of her childhood games and Smentor for photographer. found a creative, innovative way of translating some of these students. She Smrita is memories into contemporary art form. has exhibited at Pratt Institute, Javits Center, Queens excited about her The child hood game 'Tippy Tippy Tap Tap' gave her the Museum, The Juliana Curran Terian Design Center Pavilion, second book, Fat free Samosa inspiration to create paper origami art installation. This TheArthur M. Berger Art Gallery and The Nehru Center titled 'Fat Free game is played to figure out one's luck. As art matures, London. Samosa', this art book has autobiographical elements. She creativity starts overlapping with the search and expression It is not difficult to learn from her that she worked her way presents her life as an Indian living and surviving in New of meaning of life. This meticulous hand-built art installation up gradually, she convinced her parents about her dream, she York City for over a decade. This book is an honest, humorous, by Smrita is aimed at unwinding of the truth. Truth that also worked hard for convincing her professors and witty and dramatic narration. She is candid and brings a fresh success in life comes from hard work, not just wishful colleagues. She appreciates competition for artists and perspective to difficult and confusing moments of life. Smrita thinking. acknowledges one needs to thrive in it. Jain was selected as People To Watch 2018 by GDUSA, as an She has been through her own share of struggles and what She also presented the 'Tippy Tippy Top Top' installation in individual who embodies the combination of art and design. she has achieved is built on hard work, not luck. Her message, the two day creativity conference at Nehru center, London (The author is President, Insight for Creativity. He can be success in life doesn't depend on God's wish or luck. She organized by art division of high commission of India. Smrita reached at ([email protected]) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 WORLD 23 ‘Poisoned spy’s mental capacity likely At least 14 dead, several hurt to get compromised’

LONDON (TIP): A nerve agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei in car bomb in Somali capital Skripal and his daughter Yulia may have left them with compromised mental capacity and it is unclear whether they will recover, a British judge said on Thursday in a ruling. PM May says they had been deliberately targeted with the toxin by Russia, a charge Moscow rejects. On Thursday, a court granted permission for blood samples to be taken from the Skripals for examination by chemical weapons inspectors. Judge David Williams said a consultant who is treating the Skripals said they were unable to communicate and it was not possible to say when or to what extent either may regain mental capacity. “The precise effect of their exposure on their long term health remains unclear... tests indicate that their mental capacity might be compromised to an unknown... degree,” Williams said. (Reuters) Made in France? Britain's new Brexit passport goes to the EU

LONDON (TIP): Britain is set to make its first post-Brexit blue passport, a cherished symbol of independence for many who backed leaving the bloc, in EU member France, the chief executive of passport-making company De La Rue said on Thursday. During often bitter campaigning during the June 2016 referendum on whether to leave the EU, which Britain joined in 1973, some Brexit supporters called for a return of the blue passports, issued from 1920 to 1988. The current burgundy document is made by British firm De La Rue in northern England. “I’m going to have to go and face those MOGADISHU (TIP): At least 14 people were killed and ever attack. Only a few attacks since 9/11 have killed more workers, look them in the whites of the eyes and try and explain to 10 others wounded in a car bomb blast near a hotel in people. Al-Shabab was blamed. them why the British government thinks it’s a sensible decision to buy Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, Somali officials said Thursday's blast comes almost exactly a month after French passports not British passports,” Martin Sutherland told BBC Thursday. two car bomb explosions in Mogadishu shattered a radio. Capt. Mohamed Hussein said the explosion occurred months-long period of calm in the city, killing at least 21 Britain’s interior ministry said it was running a fair and open near the Weheliye hotel on the busy Makka people. competition to make sure the end result is a high quality and secure Almukarramah road. The road has been a target of The Horn of Africa nation continues to struggle to product offering best value for money to customers. attacks in the past by the Somalia-based extremist group counter the Islamic extremist group. Concerns have been “We do not require passports to be manufactured in the UK,” said a al-Shabab, the deadliest Islamic extremist group in high over plans to hand over the country's security to spokeswoman. “A proportion of blank passport books are currently Africa. Somalia's own forces as a 21,000-strong African Union manufactured overseas, and there are no security or operational Most of the casualties were passers-by and traders, force begins a withdrawal that is expected to be complete reasons why this would not continue.” (Reuters) Hussein told The Associated Press. The toll of dead and in 2020. wounded was announced by security ministry spokesman The US military, which has LIQUOR STORE FOR SALE Abdulaziz Hildhiban. stepped up efforts against al- Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the blast. The Shabab in the past year with dozens group frequently attacks Mogadishu's high-profile areas of drone strikes, has said Somali such as hotels and military checkpoints. A truck bombing forces are not yet ready. (AP) in October killed 512 people in the country's deadliest-

Suspicious package found near London HQ of Cambridge Analytica

LONDON (TIP): British police said a suspicious package had been found near the London headquarters of Cambridge Analytica on Thursday,prompting police to close nearby roads and evacuate the building. "The building has been evacuated as a precaution," police said. "No injuries have been reported." The London-based political consultancy has been at the centre of a storm this week after a whistleblower said the company had paid an academic to harvest the data of 50 million Facebook users to build profiles of American voters before the 2016 US election. Russia: UK can't be trusted in spy investigation

MOSCOW (TIP): Russia's ambassador to the UK says Britain has a history of violating international law and can't be trusted in investigating the poisoning death of a former Russian spy in Britain. Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko told reporters today that Britain has blamed Russia for the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia on March 4 in southwestern England but presented no evidence. Yakovenko says his country "can't take British words for granted," and accused the UK of having a "bad record of violating international law and misleading the international community." He says "history shows that British statements must be verified. We demand full transparency of the investigation and full cooperation with Russia," and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The Kremlin has denounced British foreign secretary Boris Johnson's statement comparing the World Cup in Russia to the Olympics hosted by Nazi Germany as "utterly disgusting." The tough response marks an escalating war of words between Moscow and London over the poisoning in southwestern England of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with a military-grade nerve agent. Britain blamed the attack on Russia, which fiercely denied the accusations. Johnson agreed Wednesday with a Labour lawmaker who likened the soccer World Cup hosted by Russia this summer to Adolf Hitler's use of the 1936 Olympics as propaganda for his regime. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov described it today as "the utterly disgusting statement which is unworthy of a foreign minister of any country." He called Johnson's words "insulting and unacceptable." (AP) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 WOMEN FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 BREAK THE BAD HABITS THAT IMPACT YOUR MARRIAGE esearch shows it takes just 21 days to form a habit. Seems so simple Rto start and stick with doing something good for yourself like working out, eating clean, not yelling at the kids, etc. But it also takes just 21 days to create the not so positive habits that COLOR YOUR over time can build up and breakdown a marriage. Habits both good and bad impact our day to day. HAIR NATURALLY If you’re involved with someone you truly love and respect, the last thing you COFFEE want on your conscience is knowing that you allowed a fixable bad habit ruin your Coffee works great if you’re looking to go darker, cover relationship. Here’s what not to do. gray hairs, or add dimension to dark tresses. Simply brew a ASSUMING YOU KNOW HOW strong coffee (espresso works well), let it cool, and then mix one cup with a couple cups of leave-in conditioner and 2 YOUR PARTNER FEELS tablespoons of coffee grounds. Your partner walked in the room reveal private information about your it. Whatever it takes, talking to your Apply on clean hair and allow to sit for about an hour. If wearing a scowl, so naturally that meant partner without their knowledge or partner about your sex life is the only you use apple cider vinegar to rinse, it will help the color last they were unreasonably pissed at you for consent, you should take steps to set way to improve it. Otherwise, you’ll longer. You may need to repeat the process a couple times to something you probably didn’t do. better boundaries and focus on building continue to suffer in silence, and the see noticeable results. Before you know it, you’ve launched into trust in your relationship by keeping unaddressed issue could potentially TEA defense mode, and instead of helping to friends and family out of your love life. ruin what was once (and still could be!) a lift the bad vibes, you’ve managed to REFUSING TO ACCEPT CRITICISM good thing. Like coffee, black tea can help you go darker, and can also spread them around, making both you SUPPRESSING YOUR ANGER help cover gray hairs. If you have lighter hair, though, there and your partner feel worse. It can be hard to take criticism from are other types of tea you can use. Chamomile, for example, Making assumptions can be damaging the one you love most, especially when We get why you would want to bottle is recommended for blondes, while rooibos may work for to our relationships because they don’t you see all the shortcomings they have up your anger: Things are going great in redheads. allow partners to share their side, which yet to work on. And absolutely no one between you and your significant other, Do keep in mind that tea works best with your natural leaves them feeling unheard. As licensed wants to hear about all the ways they and you don’t want to ruin them by color. You won’t be able to turn blonde hair brunette. But marriage and family therapist Ashley screw up constantly. But if you’re bringing up some unpleasant feelings black tea can darken blonde hair and chamomile can lighten Thorn tells the site, “[Y]ou’re basically partner is trying to give you some that could lead to a tense disagreement. it—especially if you sit in the sun while you have it in. deciding a thought you’re having is ‘fact’ healthy feedback about where they see But as the Mayo Clinic points out, the The longer you leave the tea on the hair, the more when you don’t have all the room for improvement in the outcome of being angry depends on how noticeable the color will be. You can also try repeated information.” relationship, ignoring their critiques you deal with it. applications. NOT SETTING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES could possibly lead them to have KEEPING SCORE The key is to make the tea highly concentrated. Use 3-5 contempt for you, which can ultimately teabags (or about the same amount in loose-leaf tea) for two WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY break down the bond you have. Not only is this exhausting and nit- cups of water. You can apply the cooled tea to hair alone, or It’s totally normal to share aspects of NOT COMMUNICATING picky, but it implies that you don’t trust mix with conditioner (as noted in the coffee recipe). If you’re your personal life with friends and your partner to carry their weight in the seeking to cover grays, mix with some fresh or dried sage, family, but that doesn’t mean they OPENLY ABOUT SEX relationship. If you find it necessary to which helps open up the hair follicles. should become a third party in your Little does your partner know, that monitor everything they do (or don’t do) Leave on hair for at least an hour—more if you want more relationship. If you make a habit of supposedly ~amazing~ thing they do in in order to make sure you’re being color. Some even put on a cap and wear the tea overnight, seeking out their input every time you bed is actually a major turn-off to you, treated fairly, you could be the problem then rinse the following morning. Check your color to and partner disagree or you routinely but you’re too uncomfortable to address in your relationship. determine what intensity you need. FOOD CORNER PESHAWARI CHOLE DAL AMRITSARI Ingredients Ingredients 3/4 cup urad, 1 cup chopped onions, 1 tsp chopped ginger 1 cup kabuli chana (white chick peas), 1 tbsp chana dal (split (adrak), salt to taste, 1/2 cup fresh cream, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp bengal gram), 2 big cardamoms, 25 mm stick cinnamon, ghee, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp finely (dalchini), 2 tea bags, 4 tbsp oil, 1 cup chopped onions, 1 1/2 chopped green chillies, 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/2 tsp tsp pomegranate (anardana) powder, 1 cup chopped tomatoes, chilli powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi), 1/2 tsp dried 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger (adrak), 2 tsp finely chopped, mango powder (amchur), 1/2 tsp coriander (dhania) powder, green chillies, 1 tsp coriander (dhania) powder, 1/2 tsp chilli 1/2 tsp cumin seeds powder. 1/2 tsp Punjabi garam masala powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp chole masala, salt to taste Method Method Wash and soak the whole urad overnight. Drain, add ½ Clean, wash and soak the kabuli chana and chana dal cup onions, ginger, salt and 2½ cups of water and overnight or for 6-8 hours. pressure cook for 15 to 20 minutes, over medium flame Drain, wash again, add 2 cups of water, big cardamom, Whisk so as to mash the dal, add the cream and cook on cinnamon and teabags and pressure cook for 5 to 6 low flame for 10 minutes so it thickens. Keep aside. whistles or until the chana is well cooked. Add the ginger, green chillies , tomatoes and sauté for 3 Heat the oil and ghee in a small pan, add the remaining Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. to 4 minutes. onions, ginger paste, garlic paste and green chillies and Strain and reserve the liquid but discard the tea bag. Add the cooked kabuli chana- chana dal, chole masala, sauté till the onions turn translucent. Add the tomatoes Keep the kabuli chana liquid aside separately. the reserved liquid and salt and mix gently. and sauté for 3-4 minutes or till the mixture leaves oil. Add the chilli powder, turmeric powder, dry mango Heat the oil in a kadhai, add the onions and sauté till they Add the coriander powder, chilli powder and garam turn translucent, while stirring continoulsy. masala and sauté till the tomatoes are cooked and the powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds powder, Punjabi mixture leaves oil. garam masala and salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add it Add the pomegranate powder and cook, till the onions to the dal and simmer for 5 minutes. turn dark brown while stirring continuously. Serve hot with bhaturas. Serve hot garnished with coriander. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 HEALTH & FITNESS 25 EXERCISING DURING PREGNANCY REDUCES TIME SPENT IN LABOUR LONDON (TIP): Health starts in the womb and exercising is one of the best ways to give your baby a healthy start, also reducing your time spent in labour. A new research conducted by the Technical University of Madrid and quoted by The Independent has discovered that it can also impact how long expectant mothers spend in labour. The team of researchers, led by Professor Ruben Barakat, carried out a study with 508 healthy women by randomly assigning them into two groups: 253 women were put in the control group, while 255 women were NEW DIABETES DRUG MAY placed in the exercise group. Those in the exercise group were given HELP SHED EXTRA KILOS a moderate aerobic exercise programme throughout their pregnancies, which NEW YORK (TIP): A compound which mimics a they followed during three weekly naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite may sessions. help obese people lose weight, according to a study. The researchers then analysed a The compound, semaglutide, has a chemical structure very number of factors while each woman similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), gave birth, including the duration of which regulates both insulin secretion and appetite. each stage of labour, the mode of “This randomised study of weight loss induced with delivery,maternal weight gain, use of an semaglutide in people with obesity but without diabetes has epidural and the weight of the baby. shown the highest weight reductions yet seen for any They came to the conclusion that the pharmaceutical intervention,” said Patrick M O’Neil from expectant mothers who were active in the Medical University of South Carolina in the US. aerobic workouts during their during childbirth. Furthermore, neonate during pregnancy may help mothers The study, presented at Endocrine Society’s annual pregnancies were more likely to spend macrosomia, which is when a newborn restore their fitness after giving birth, meeting in Chicago, included 957 participants, 35 per cent of less time in labour than the women who is significantly larger than average, was getting back into shape after carrying a whom were male. hadn't. The women in the exercise group more prevalent among the mothers in baby for nine months is far easier said All participants had a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, were also less likely to use an epidural the control group. While exercising than done. Source: ANI but did not have diabetes. They were randomly assigned to seven different groups. Five groups received different doses of semaglutide (between 0.05 milligrammes (mg) and 0.4 mg) via injection once daily. Easy ways to improve your diet A sixth group received a placebo, and a seventh group received 3 mg of the diabetes drug liraglutide. All participants received monthly diet and exercise LONDON (TIP): If you are finding it counseling. difficult to keep a check on your diet After one year, all participants receiving semaglutide had than it is time to improve it in a few easy lost significantly more weight than those receiving placebo. ways. The higher the dose participants received, the greater Re-organise your kitchen their average weight loss, researchers said. Participants who received 0.05 mg of semaglutide daily A simple hack to stop yourself from lost an average of 6.0 per cent of their body weight. late night snacking is to move high- The 0.1 mg group lost an average of 8.6 per cent, while the calorie foods to the back of the fridge, 0.3 mg group lost an average of 11.2 per cent. leaving the front free for healthier Those receiving a daily dose of 0.4 mg lost an average of snacks like carrot sticks and hummus. 13.8 per cent, researchers found. Try storing any sweets, biscuits or Those receiving liraglutide lost an average of 7.8 per cent chocolates in opaque containers. It's of their body weight, while those in the placebo group lost also a good idea to reorder your kitchen only 2.3 per cent on average, they said. cupboards, moving smaller plates to Sixty-five per cent of participants who received 0.4 mg of the front, making them more semaglutide per day lost at least 10 per cent of their body accessible, as research has found that weight, compared with 10 per cent of those in the placebo when you eat from a small plate, you group and 34 per cent of the liraglutide group. tend to consume less food. Source: PTI Ensure you have a balanced diet When it comes to improving your PAGE SPONSORED BY diet, ensure you eat a balance of foods. Drink plenty of water begin weaning your body off processed You should make sure that you eat There are many reasons why water is sugar, it's a good idea to start with a DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND plenty of fruit and vegetables, at least an essential component of our diet. complete sugar detox for the first couple five times a day. Make sure that they Firstly, water assists the body in of days, as a way to reset your body, DR. SATISH ANAND are part of each meal, for example disposing off waste products, it also before slowly introducing natural Former Chairman, Board of having a banana with breakfast, some ensures a stable blood flow and provides sugars and unrefined carbohydrates for Trustees, AAPI National green vegetables like spinach, or your cells with the hydration they need the remainder of the month. E-Mail: asparagus for lunch and ensure that in order to function properly. If you are suffering from cravings, [email protected] half of your plate for dinner is also Reduce sugar in your diet then try snacking on nuts and seeds as vegetables. they are high in healthy fats and Also include starchy foods in your An easy way to improve your diet is to proteins that will keep you full for GITANJLI ANAND diet - potatoes with the skin on are a reduce the amount of sugar you eat. longer. Try also using alternative Former President, India great option. Also try and make sure When we're feeling tired or sluggish, we flavours, for example; a sprinkle of Association of Long Island that your starchy foods are wholegrain, quite often reach for sugary foods to give cinnamon on your porridge instead of (IALI) as these contain more vitamins and us that quick boost. However, the truth is the usual dollop of honey. E-mail: nutrients than the alternatives. that sugar isn't great for the body. To Source: IANS [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 TWITTER LIKELY TO BAN CRYPTOCURRENCY ADS NEW 3D-PRINTED SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): After Facebook and Google, Twitter was now likely to ban STETHOSCOPE COULD SAVE cryptocurrency, token sales and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) advertisements on its platform. LIVES IN WAR ZONES According to a Sky News TORONTO (TIP): Physicians in report on Monday, the new remote parts of the world can now 3D Twitter policy will be print a clinically validated stethoscope implemented in two weeks. with recycled plastic, thanks to "Twitter may also ban all ads for cryptocurrency scientists who have designed a device exchanges, with some limited exceptions, when the policy is template that could save lives during launched," the report added. wartime when medical supplies are Google last week announced that it will ban scarce. advertisements for cryptocurrencies and other "speculative "As far as we know this is the first financial products" across its ad platforms. open-source medical device that has The ban on such advertisements will come into force from been clinically validated and is widely June. available," said Tarek Loubani, associate "We updated several policies to address ads in unregulated professor at University of Western or speculative financial products like binary options, Ontario in Canada. cryptocurrency, foreign exchange markets and contracts for Loubani spent time working as an difference (or CFDs)," Scott Spencer, Google's Director of physician in hospitals in Gaza during Sustainable Ads, said in a blog post. wartime when medical supplies were "In June 2018, Google will update the financial services often scarce. policy to restrict the advertisement of contracts for "We wanted physicians and allied difference, rolling spot forex and financial spread betting," health care professionals to be able to Google said. have something that was high quality. In 2017, Google took down more than 3.2 billion ads that This study found that the acoustic chairs and Lego—can create the device. in places such as London, where violated its advertising policies. quality was the same in our stethoscope The results of the study, published physicians rely heavily on ultrasound, Google also blocked 79 million ads in its network for as in a premium brand stethoscope," he online today in the journal PLOS ONE, CT and other diagnostic technologies. attempting to send people to malware-laden sites and said. show it has the same acoustic quality as However, in war torn and low-income removed 400,000 of these unsafe sites last year. The idea to 3D print a stethoscope was the best stethoscopes on the market. communities, the stethoscope is a In January, social media giant Facebook banned all ads born while playing with a toy "Use of the open source approach in necessary tool. promoting cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and ICOs. stethoscope and noticing it performed every aspect of this project contributes "Stethoscope utility goes up as other The new policy prohibits ads that promote financial its function quite well. powerfully to the body of medical device resources go down. In London, if products and services that are frequently associated with That led researchers to design an research," said Gabriella Coleman, PhD, someone gets shot, I can use an misleading or deceptive promotional practices, Facebook open-access template for a 3D printed noted scholar on technology and open ultrasound to look inside and see if said in a statement. stethoscope that could be created using source software. there is a life-threatening air pocket "We want people to continue to discover and learn about recycled plastic. "This research gives a guide for others called a pneumothorax," Loubani said. new products and services through Facebook ads without The stethoscope, called the Glia to create medical-grade open access "In Gaza, ultrasounds are not fear of scams or deception. model, was made using free open source devices that can reduce costs and available in emergency departments, or "That said, there are many companies who are advertising software to keep costs low and allow ultimately save lives," said Coleman. are dilapidated, so the stethoscope binary options, ICOs and cryptocurrencies that are not others to easily access the code. The device is currently in clinical use becomes an inexpensive tool that allows currently operating in good faith," said Rob Leathern, With the Glia template, the by physicians and allied health us to make life-saving decisions," he Product Management Director at Facebook. Source: IANS stethoscope can be made in less than professionals in Gaza and is also being said. three hours and costs less than $3 to tested at the London Health Sciences The hope now is to create templates WATER MAY EXIST IN EARTH’S produce. Centre in Ontario, Canada. for other medical devices that can be Anyone with a 3D printer and access Loubani said stethoscopes may not be made or improved on-site in locations LOWER MANTLE: STUDY to ABS—a plastic used to make garden seen as vital for diagnosis and treatment with scarce resources. Source: PTI

WASHINGTON (TIP): Water may be more common than expected at extreme Facebook depths within Earth's lower New mobile application mantle—approaching 640 Messenger gives kilometres and possibly beyond, a study of diamonds more control to from across the world has found. can reduce stroke risk group administrators The oceans have been LONDON (TIP): Scientists have measured to a maximum developed a new mobile application that can aking it easier to control depth of 11 kilometres, detect atrial fibrillation that causes strokes. large groups on Messenger, though water is known to exist well below the oceans. Just The mobile application can save lives all MFacebook on Wednesday how deep this hidden water reaches, and how much of it over the world as timely diagnosis of atrial introduced a feature that gives the exists, are the subjects of ongoing research. fibrillation is crucial for effective stroke administrators more powers where The study, published in the journal Science, explored prevention. they will be able to approve and microscopic pockets of a trapped form of crystallized water The researchers studied 300 patients with remove members and promote or molecules in diamond samples from locations in Africa and heart problems, half of who had atrial demote any other person in the China. fibrillation. They managed to identify the group chat. The tiny traces of crystallised water, trapped in spaces patients with atrial fibrillation from the “Since 2.5 million new groups called inclusions that measure just a few microns in length, other group with a smart phone. The mobile were created on Messenger every contain the molecular signature of ice. application detected which patients had has been under development for quite some day last year, we’re excited to start This crytallised water likely formed from liquid water atrial fibrillation even with a 96 per cent time—it took seven years of careful rolling out new, widely requested existing at very high pressures, researchers said. accuracy. In other words, the application research to achieve it. Messenger features that make your The structure and chemical studies helped the scientists recognised automatically near all cases Detecting atrial fibrillation has been a group chat experience more robust to determine the pressures and temperatures at which the with atrial fibrillation and the number of worldwide medical challenge for years, but and seamless,” Drew Moxon, diamonds formed. false alarms was very low. affordable solutions available for all have Product Manager, Messenger, wrote This allowed the scientists from US Department of "The results are also significant in that been lacking. in a blog post on Wednesday. Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley the group included different kinds of "Most smart phones have an “Admin privileges allow you to Lab)in the US to estimate the depths of their formation. patients, some of whom had heart failure, accelerometer. As nearly everyone has a approve new members before they Many of the studied diamonds from a random sampling coronary disease, and ventricular smart phone, we decided to develop a simple join your group chat. This is seemed to originate from deep inside the Earth, within and extrasystole at the same time," said Tero application that could be used in the especially helpful in large group even beyond the transition zone sandwiched between Earth's Koivisto from the University of Turku in detection. In the future, everyone who owns chats with people you may not yet be upper and lower mantles, said Oliver Tschauner, from the Finland. According to the study, published a smart phone can detect atrial fibrillation," connected to,” Moxon added. University of Nevada in the US. Source: PTI in the journal Circulation, the application said Koivisto. Source: PTI Source: IANS THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 BIZ & FINANCE 27

CANARA BANK SHARES END 4% After PNB, SBI, now Union Bank LOWER AS CBI FILES CHARGE of India hit by bank fraud SHEET AGAINST EX-CMD NEW DELHI (TIP): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a Rs1,394.43 crore bank fraud case against Hyderabad-based Totem Infrastructure Ltd on a complaint by state-run Union Bank of India. “The CBI registered a case today (Thursday) on a complaint by Union Bank of India against Totem Infrastructure and its promoters and directors Tottempudi Salalith and his wife Tottempudi Kavita of NEW DELHI (TIP): Shares of Canara Bank ended nearly Hyderabad,” a person familiar with the 4 per cent lower on Tuesday after the CBI charged former developments said. Chairman-cum-Managing Director RK Dubey and two of the The number of bank fraud cases has then executive directors of the company of cheating and been piling up after the Reserve Bank of forgery. India (RBI) directed banks to file The stock declined 3.84 per cent to end at Rs 254.15 on BSE. complaints against erring companies. The During the day, it tumbled 5.41 per cent to Rs 250. latest case comes just a day after the At NSE, shares of the company lost 3.78 per cent to close at investigating agency filed a case of loan outside the consortium and through EPC (engineering procurement and Rs 254.20. fraud against Kanishk Gold Pvt. Ltd on a payments of wages by showing excess construction) contractor engaged in road In terms of equity volume, 8.32 lakh shares of the company complaint by State Bank of India (SBI). expenditure and inflated stocks. The projects, water works, building structures were traded on BSE and over one crore shares changed hands Union Bank of India’s industrial entire sale proceeds were not allegedly and also undertook works as a sub at NSE during the day. finance branch of Hyderabad filed the routed through the dealing branches of contractor to various companies.” The company’s market valuation dipped Rs 605.87 crore to complaint against Totem for cheating the consortium banks.” Totem Infrastructure did not respond to Rs 15,180.13 crore. bank to an extent of Rs313.84 crore. Union Bank of India declined to Mint’s calls or messages. The CBI yesterday charged former CMD RK Dubey and two “Totem Infrastructure took a loan from comment on the matter. On Wednesday, CBI registered a case of the then executive directors of Canara Bank of cheating a consortium of eight banks, including CBI said that it had tracked the against Chennai-based Kanishk Gold and and forgery in the alleged loan default of over Rs 68 crore Union Bank, wherein the total promoters down and “have located the its promoters Bhoopesh and Neeta Jain sanctioned in 2013, officials said. outstanding dues stand at Rs1,394.43 crore. accused at a new place of residence and for allegedly defrauding State Bank of In its charge sheet filed at special CBI court in Tis Hazari, This account became NPA (non- searches are underway”. India (SBI) and 13 other banks to the tune the CBI has slapped charges of criminal conspiracy,cheating, performing asset) on 30 June 2012,” the Other persons familiar with the case of Rs824.15 crore, while also issuing forgery and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act person added. also confirmed that Totem Infrastructure lookout circulars against the accused. on the then CMD RK Dubey, then executive directors Ashok The agency said that Union Bank of was engaged in infrastructure projects, “The CBI, on Thursday, conducted two Kumar Gupta and V S Krishna Kumar, and two directors of India had only recently filed a complaint wherein “they took subcontracts from fresh searches (locations not disclosed) Occasion Silver Pvt Ltd Kapil Gupta and Raj Kumar Gupta, with the agency against Totem Larsen and Toubro Ltd, Ircon and questioned Bhoopesh Jain and Neeta besides the company. Source: PTI Infrastructure. International Ltd and similar companies.” Jain in connection with the case and It was alleged in the complaint by In a statement, CBI added that “the said lookout circulars have been issued against US Fed raises key interest rate Union Bank that “the company had private company (Totem) based at Banjara those who have been accused,” the person diverted funds by opening accounts Hills, Hyderabad, was in the business of cited above added. Source: Livemint amid stronger growth outlook

WASHINGTON (TIP): Federal Reserve officials, AIR INDIA RESCHEDULES INDIA-BOUND FLIGHTS FROM US meeting for the first time under Chairman Jerome NEW DELHI (TIP): Air India has Powell, raised the benchmark rescheduled couple of India-bound lending rate by a quarter- flights from the US on Wednesday due to point, and forecast a steeper inclement weather in northeastern path of hikes in 2019 and 2020, America, the airline said in a tweet. citing an improving economic Air India’s London-Newark flights outlook. Policy makers (both directions) have been cancelled continued to project a total of Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell along with the Newark-Ahmedabad three increases this year. flight. “The economic outlook has Flight No. AI 102 from New York to strengthened in recent months,” the policy-setting Federal New Delhi has been rescheduled and its Open Market Committee said in a statement Wednesday in revised time of departure is 12.15PM on Washington. Officials repeated previous language that they March 22. The departure timings of anticipate “further gradual adjustments in the stance of flight No. AI 144 from Newark to The flights were scheduled due to inclement weather and the airlines announced monetary policy.” Mumbai has also been rescheduled to that re-booking and cancellation could be done without any penalty. The upward revision in their rate path suggests Fed 11AM on March 22. officials are looking through soft first-quarter economic The airline has cancelled its Newark- cancellation can be done without any develop into a storm, which will bring reports and expect a lift this year and next from tax cuts Ahmedabad flight for the day along with penalty. rain and snow across the mid-Atlantic passed by Republicans in December. Financial conditions the London-Newark flight on both ways. A low-pressure system moving across and Northeast, US media reports said. have tightened since late January as investors look for signs It tweeted that re-booking and the southeastern US is expected to Source: PTI that the central bank might raise rates at a faster pace, while forecasters predict stronger U.S. growth and tight labour markets. “The job market remains strong, the economy continues to Nirav Modi indirectly challenging case through his firm: ED expand, and inflation appears to be moving toward the FOMC’s 2 percent longer running goal,” Powell said in a NEW DELHI (TIP): Nirav Modi, facing representing the ED, said Modi, who has caused to the probe, which is at a nascent press conference that he kept somewhat shorter than those a probe in the over Rs 12, 600 crore Punjab been absconding, was trying to abuse the stage, if the company’s plea for stay of conducted by his predecessor, Janet Yellen. Powell said he’s National Bank fraud case, is “indirectly” process of law by moving the plea through further proceedings is granted. “The “carefully considering” expanding the number of such challenging the money laundering case his company. Firestar Diamond purpose of the application is to hinder the briefings where he explains Fed decision, cautioning that he lodged against him in connection with the International Private Ltd, which is one of investigation,” the ED said. wanted to be sure that didn’t send any signals about the path scam, the Enforcement Directorate told the accused in the money laundering case, “Nirav Modi is the director of the of policy.The vote to lift the federal funds rate target range to the Delhi High Court. has sought an interim stay of the ED petitioner company since incorporation, 1.5% to 1.75% was a unanimous 8-0. The submission that Nirav Modi was proceedings in the matter. and is signatory to the memorandum and The latest set of quarterly forecasts forecasts showed that “indirectly” challenging the case through The ED, in its affidavit has contended articles of the petitioner.He has not joined policy makers were divided over the outlook for the his company Firestar Diamonds, was that the application for interim orders was investigation pursuant to summons benchmark interest rate in 2018. Seven officials projected at made by the ED before a bench of Justices “not maintainable” as it was “premature” issued by the ED or even by the CBI. His least four quarter-point hikes would be appropriate this year, S Muralidhar and I S Mehta. Additional and “misconceived”. It has also said that communication has expressed that he while eight expected three or fewer increases to be Solicitor General Sandeep Sethi, “grave miscarriage of justice” will be does not intend to join investigation.” warranted. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 28 ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Bejan Daruwalla is world's most famous astrologertoday. He appears regularly on world wide TV shows. Bejan who has been a professor in English, hasauthored a number of books on astrology. India'sPrime Minister Narendra Modi , on March 29, 2012,lunched one of Bejan's books, '2012- End of theWorld? Bejan contributes to a number of journals andnewspapers in many parts of the world which includeBerkley Communications (London) Times of India(Delhi, Mumbai, Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological Kolkata, Chennai) and The IndianPanorama ( consultations. He can be reached at New York and Texas). Bejan's [email protected] predictionshave mostly been correct and and on phone 011-91-8141234275 people the world overrely on his predictions. www.bejandaruwalla.com WEEKLY HOROSCOPE MARCH 26 - APRIL 01, 2018 Aries: Leo: Sagittarius: Ganesha says the period starts with a reality You are filled with new ideas and your You continue on an upward swing and make check. You realize that your plate is filled with imagination runs riot. You also start thinking steady progress. All that you embark on at this activities and that you are in for a hard slog. of the dark areas of life and get into stage leads to success. There is also an You are also ambitious, and money is honey. unnecessary negativity and depression which expansive phase of emotions and sensitivity While you are not the flamboyant type and you have to guard against. You think of and you will react to the slightest affronts don't necessarily believe in ostentation, you unhappy moments in the past and fret about which are not really necessary. You are on the know very well that money sponsors your them. Please remember that the past is spilt boil and steaming away from no apparent dreams. They understand that work is milk and there is nothing that you can do about reason. There will be happiness with children, important to you and they see the tangibles it. You know something is amiss but can't put and there may also be an addition to the family. that money can buy.You like a happy home and your finger on it. want to get them whatever they desire. Capricorn: Virgo: Taurus: You spread yourself in many directions and You are straightening out and begin to see use all the diplomacy and wisdom in your The hard work continues. There is travel and things more clearly.You realize your role in the command to emerge trumps. You meet up with collaborations and spectacular gains. You are larger scheme of things and understand your old acquaintances and they enjoy your soft, smart, polite, diplomatic, shrewd and tactful, responsibilities clearly. If you have a family, loving nature full of sympathy and empathy for and your lives are normally packed with secret there are duties towards them from which you the ills of the world. You bask in all the meetings, rendezvous, clandestine love affairs, cannot run away.There are also work pressures attention and just love it as you are a non - journeys and experiences of all kinds which and you begin to understand and accept all violent, non - confrontationist sort of person may startle the average person. You simply this. This is a vital learning experience. Now and would rather make friends than enemies. It manage to outsmart the opposition and you do your focus is clear and there is no stopping suits you perfectly to sit on the fence in most it so deftly that they may not even be aware of now. There is also money to be made and you matters and still worm your way through! it. see the writing on the wall. Aquarius: Gemini: Libra: This is a period in which you make carefully The twin themes of progress and expansion There is full of strenuous activity.You are fully calculated progress. There are many work continue. There will also be many distractions involved in work and manage to make challenges that require your attention to the of the domestic kind; there may be health and remarkable progress. All your inherent fine print. There is some entertainment thrown money issues to straighten out in the family cunning comes into play while signing in but very little time for leisure as such. You and, possibly, some altercations which need documents and entering new business deals count pennies and make wise investments and your sober and mature erudition to defuse. You which work out in your favor. You entertain there will be a lot of buying and selling. If you continue with the momentum of the past lavishly and make many purchases for the gamble or speculate in the market, chances are period and make good progress too. There is no home and office. You may also consider shifting that you make substantial profit. At least, it harm in apologizing if you have to; in fact, it into a larger, newer and brighter home, or may keeps you focused and occupied and distracts makes you an even bigger person! even shift into an upscale new office. you from unwanted escapades. Cancer: Scorpio: Pisces:

You are on the treadmill of life in almost all You are racing away like a Formula 1 car. There Your career focus is steadfast, and nothing spheres; from work, to family to is tremendous growth in all areas of activity, deters you from laughing all the way to the entertainment. Your self - belief and and some truly interesting and promising bank. You enjoy the sound of money and the confidence are at a high and you have the offers and opportunities will come your way. blossoming bank statements. They fill you with magic touch; there is success in almost You are ambitious, energetic and ebullient and security and joy and you get ambitious and everything you do. You may also indulge in make the most of the situation. You grab greedy for more money and power. You make religious rituals and go on a pilgrimage. You everything that is offered and strike hard purchases for the family and there is happiness feel that you are invincible and there is power, which is a good thing because fortune is now all around. Love continues to desert you, but success, energy and enthusiasm pushing you shining on you. Ganesha warns you to be you are not perturbed. Instead, you spend time forward. You carry Ganesha's blessings careful and moor yourself till the tempest with old associates and colleagues and let wherever you go. passes. yourself loose in friendship, bonhomie and gaiety. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 SPIRITUALITY 29

ord Rama was born on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra Lmonth. Each year this day is celebrated as birthday of Lord Rama. Lord Rama was born during Madhyahna period RAM NAVAMI: THE BIRTH which is middle of Hindu day. Madhyahna which prevails for six Ghatis (approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes) is the most auspicious time to perform Rama Navami Puja rituals. The mid-point of Madhyahna OF LORD RAMA marks the moment when Shri Rama was born and temples symbolize this moment as traditionally and religiously celebrated all birth moment of Lord Rama. The chanting of over the India by the people of Hindu Shri Rama and celebration reaches its peak religion. during this time. RAM NAVAMI CELEBRATIONS Hindu people celebrate it as a 9 days festival by organizing the Akhand Paath of People of the Hindu religion located in the the Ramacharitamanas, religious bhajan, South region of the India generally perform havan, ritual kirtan and distribution of the Kalyanotsavam means marriage prasad after the puja and Aarti at 9th day. celebration of the Lord Rama. They Devotees make the statue of the Lord Rama celebrate it at the day of Navami having the in infant form and make prayer in front of statue of Hindu deities called Rama and Sita the God. As Lord Rama was the 7th avatar of in their houses. They perform a procession the Vishnu born among common people to on the streets taking statues of the deities at remove their problems, people decorate the end of day to celebrate the Ram Navami. temples and other religious places to make It is celebrated by different names at the traditional prayers and offerings of different place such as in the Maharashtra it fruits flowers in order to get their problems is celebrated by the name Chaitra Navratri, removed and lot of prosperity and success. in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka or Tamil They get together at this day to chant Vedic Nadu it is celebrated by the name mantras, Aarti and lots of religious songs. Vasanthothsava and etc. Most of the devotees celebrate this festival People celebrate this festival by decorating by making fast for whole nine days or first the statues of the Lord Rama, Lakshman, and last day of the Navratri to get the full Mata Sita and Lord Hanuman. They prepare blessings. South Indians celebrate this the sweets, sweet drinks, prasad to perform festival as a wedding anniversary of the the puja, they invite Pandit Ji to perform Lord Rama from Mata Sita. All the temples havan and katha, they read religious songs, get decorated throughout the south region to mantras and Aarti at the end of puja to celebrate the Navratri. However, people in remove the bad powers from their houses the Mithila and Ayodhya celebrate the and welcome the good power and energies to wedding anniversary at Vivaha Panchami their house. They also pray for the good according to the Valmiki Ramayana. A grand future and health of their children and other celebration of the Ram Navami takes place family members. by the thousands of devotees in the Ayodhya, They make fast for whole nine days or last Uttar Pradesh; Sitamarhi, Bihar; day of the Navratri to perform the holy Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Bhadrachalam, annual puja. They read the holy Hindu Andhra Pradesh and etc. At some places (like religious Epic called Ramayana; worship Ayodhya, Varanasi and etc), the Rathayatra Rama and Sita to get the peace and means the chariot procession (Shobha yatra) happiness in their life. They offer Morning of the Lord Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshman and Prayer to the Hindu God, Surya Dev after God Hanuman is carried out by the having a holy bath in the early morning. thousands of people after taking a holy dip People offer puja to the Lakshman, Mata Sita in the sacred river, Sarayu or Ganga. and God Hanuman with the Lord Rama as all RAM NAVAMI HISTORY of them were devoted heartily to each other. SIGNIFICANCE OF RAM NAVAMI Ramayana is the great and religious Epic of the Hindu religion, tells the history of Ram Navami festival is the festival of King Dasharatha and his son Rama of the great importance for the people of Hindu Ayodhya. Once, there was an emperor in the religion. Celebrating the festival of Ram Treta Yuga called King Dasharatha who had Navami on the 9th day of Chaitra month three wives (Kausalya, Sumitra and indicates the removal of bad powers and Kaikeyi). He had no children and was very entrance of divine power on the earth. To to reveal the history of Ram Navami in front processing on the streets. sorry for a future emperor of the Ayodhya. remove the Asura power on the earth in of people. People play the whole history of Generally, people like to have a holy bath One day he was suggested by the great Rishi order to maintain the Dharma, Lord Vishnu the life of Lord Rama through their in the Saryu River of the Ayodhya in the named Vasistha to perform the Puthra had to born on the earth as a son of the dramatic performances. Chariot processing belief of the complete purification of the Kamesti Yagna to fulfill his desire for a Ayodhya King Dasharatha. Ram Navami is a is a grand and ritual event of the Ram body and soul. South Indian people celebrate child. ritual celebration for the people of Hindu Navami festival to show the peaceful Ram this occasion as a wedding anniversary of He was suggested to specially invite the religion which they celebrate Rajya in which people decorate the statues the Rama and Sita which symbolizes Maharshi Rishyasringa in order to perform enthusiastically for their soul and body of the Rama, Sita, Lakshman and enhancing the love bondage between yagna. After performing the yagna, he was purification. Lord Rama came to the earth to Hanuman in a well manner to start husband and wife. given a bowl of the divine Kheer by the perform a special responsibility means to Yagneshwara. He was requested to offer that destroy the demon Ravana in order to PAGE SPONSORED BY bowl of Kheer to his all three wives. Some maintain the Dharma. days after eating that Kheer, all his wives get This festival celebration indicates the ARISH K. SAHANI conceived. At the day of Navami (at 9th day) victory of goodness and defeat of evil power in the Chaitra month at noon Kausalya gave and establishment of the Dharma after Serving Since 1972 birth to Rama, Kaikeyi to Bharata and removal of Adharma. Ram Navami festival Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs Sumitra to twin boys named Lakshmana and celebration starts with the Jal offering in Shatrughna. the early morning to the Hindu God, Sun to Arish K Sahani (Father) Kausalya’s son Rama was the 7th avatar of get blessings from the supreme power as the Lord Vishnu who took birth to come to people beliefs the God Sun as an ancestor of Shiv Sahani (Son) the Earth to finish Adharma and maintain the Lord Rama. People involve in singing the the Dharma. Lord Rama had protected his devotional songs for whole day as well as Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) devotees from the attack of rascals. He had listening the recitations from the various vanquished Adharma from the earth and Hindu religious books. Vedic mantras are 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 maintained the Dharma all over the earth by chanted by the religious people of the [email protected] destroying all the Asura including Ravana. community at this occasion. People of the Ayodhya were very happy from Keeping fast at this day has another ‘If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it? If India’s own his new King Rama and started celebrating significance of getting body and mind children don’t cling to their faith, who shall guard it? Indian alone can his birthday every year with big joy and purified. At some place, people perform a enthusiasm as Ram Navami which is still religious and cultural event called Ramlila save India, and India and Hinduism are one.’ THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 TRIBUTE FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

hen the British Govt implemented an act to suppress freedom struggle, it Wgave the British Police a free hand to carry out arrests without any permissions. In order to protest against this act, Bhagat Singh MARTYRS OF INDIA’S and his friends carried out a plan to use low intensity bomb inside the assembly hall and at the same time ensure that there are no deaths. Immediately after the bombing, Bhagat Singh STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM and his friends voluntarily surrendered and taken to trial. They were charged with attempt to murder and sentenced to 14 years life in Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev are luminous names in the history of India’s struggle for 1929. freedom. The three were sentenced to death in Lahore conspiracy case and ordered to be hanged Further investigation by the police led to on 24 March, 1931. The schedule was forwarded by 11 hours and the three were hanged on discovery of other members, some of who 23 March, 1931 at 7.30 P.M. in Lahore jail. turned into informants and helped police to connect Bhagat Singh with an alleged murder of a British Officer. Singh was again arrested and sent to another jail where he faced discrimination between British & Indian prisoners and that led to his protest in the form of huger strike against the discrimination. In the meantime, the ongoing investigation of framing Bhagat Singh for the alleged murder of a British Officer in the past was hastened by the Viceroy, Irwin in 1930. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & Sukhdev were sentenced to death and the execution date was fixed to 24th March 1931. The Congress and Gandhi made some attempts to save the lives but went in vain. Gandhi finally came to an agreement in the Gandhi-Irwin pact which gave the British the go-ahead with execution of Bhagat Singh and his friends. On 17th March, a telegram was sent to Home Dept preponing the execution date to 23rd March, and was hanged to death at 7.30pm on 23rd March 1931. The execution was a great blow to the sentiments of Indians who in turn were deeply moved and held demonstrations all over the country. The sacrifice of such martyrs which motivated other freedom fighters to relentlessly persuade the movement which finally resulted in Indian Independence. Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru Every year, 23rd March is observed as Martyrs’ Day in honor of Bhagat Singh, atrocities that the Imperial British Raj Rajguru & Sukhdev. A salute to our martyrs inflicted on India and her people. This instilled for giving up their lives during freedom within him a strong urge to join hands with struggle so that subsequent generations could the revolutionaries in a bid for India’s freedom live in peace & prosperity. struggle. BHAGAT SINGH In the days of the Indian Freedom Movement, the Hindustan Socialist One of the most prominent revolutionaries Republican Army (HSRA) was an active force of India, Bhagat Singh was born on 28 working against the British. Their main September 1907 in a Sikh family in the village motive was to strike fear into the heart of the of Banga in Layalpur district of present-day British regime. They simultaneously spread Pakistan. awareness amongst the people. They made The third son of Sardar Kishan Singh and them take notice of the growing domestic Vidyavati, Bhagat Singh’s father and uncle uprising when they dealt crucial blows with were members of Ghadar party. attacks like in the Lahore Conspiracy Case He was greatly attracted towards socialism. (December 18, 1928) and the bombing of the Believed to be one of India’s earliest Marxists, Central Assembly Hall in New Delhi (April 8, Bhagat Singh was one of the leaders and 1929). founders of the Hindustan Socialist SUKHDEV Republican Association (HSRA). Bhagat Singh was deeply saddened by the Jallianwala Bagh Sukhdev (1907-1931) was a famous Indian massacre of 1919. revolutionary who played a major role in the Though he participated in the non- India’s struggle for Independence. He is cooperation movement, he was disappointed amongst those great Indian freedom fighters when Gandhi called off the agitation after the who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Chauri Chaura incident. He studied at the their country. His full name is Sukhdev National College in Lahore where he came Thapar and he was born on 15th May, 1907. into contact with other revolutionaries such as His ancestral house is in Naughara Mohalla Bhagwati Charan, Sukhdev and others. He fled of Ludhiana city, Punjab, India. His father’s Hussainiwala National Martyrs Memorial. The memorial marks the location on the banks of the from home to escape early marriage and name was Ram Lal. Since his childhood days, Sutlej river where Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were cremated on 23 March 1931. became a member of the organisation Sukhdev had witnessed the brutal atrocities Naujawan Bharat Sabha. that the Imperial British Raj had inflicted on revolutionaries started the ‘Naujawan Bharat foundation of the British Government. RAJGURU India, which then led him to join the Sabha’ at Lahore that was an organization Sukhdev was the accomplice of Bhagat Singh revolutionaries, vowing to set India free from involved in various activities, mainly gearing and Shivaram Rajguru, who were involved in Shivaram Rajguru (1908-1931) was a great the shackles of British dominion. the youth for the freedom struggle and putting the assassination of Deputy Superintendent of Indian freedom fighter who played a major Sukhdev Thapar was a member of the an end to communalism. Police, J.P.Saunders in 1928, thus avenging the role in the India’s struggle for Independence. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association Sukhdev himself took active part in several death of veteran leader, Lala Lajpat Rai, owing He is amongst those great Indian (HSRA), and organized revolutionary cells in revolutionary activities like the ‘Prison to excessive police beating in the Conspiracy revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives for Punjab and other areas of North India. A hunger strike’ in 1929; however, he would case. After the Central Assembly Hall the freedom of country.His full name was Hari devoted leader, he even went on to educate the always be remembered in the chronicles of the bombings in New Delhi (8th April, 1929), Shivaram Rajguru and was born into a youth at the National College in Lahore, Indian Freedom Movement for his daring yet Sukhdev and his accomplices were arrested Deshastha Brahmin family. Since his greatly inspiring them about India’s glorious courageous attacks in the Lahore Conspiracy and convicted of their crime, facing the death childhood days, he had witnessed the brutal past. He along with other renowned Case (18th December, 1928), that shook the very sentence as verdict. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 CLASSIFIEDS 31 OFFICE SPACE ON LEASE

GROCERY NEW YORK J & P GUYANA W.I. GROCERY INC. We carry a wide range of West Indian Grocery at low prices 113-17 Liberty Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11419

President: David Ramsawmy (Elvis) PH# 718-925-0100

ACCOUNTING NEW JERSEY INCOME TAX: INDIVIDUAL/BUSINESS/NON-PROFIT New Company setup -Accounting-Payroll Foreign Assets Reporting (FBAR) & Tax matters Rajput Indian Cuisine serving in Virginia NAILESH T BHAVSAR CPA since 1999 is expanding its horizons in USA. (Chartered Accountant-INDIA) 100 Plainfield Ave, Suite 6 A Rajput's Curry Club is going to be under EDISON, NJ 08817 flagship of Rajput Indian Cuisine. TEL: (732) 317 3696 Rajput is federally trademark registered not only under food but also under spices. ACCOUNTING Wishing to hire front & kitchen personnel in Virginia, can be partners in future ventures. Boarding & lodging provided. Work authorization must.

Please email resume at [email protected] or text or WhatsApp at 7574781577. Please no phone calls. Once we receive email or text or WhatsApp, will contact. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 TURN PAGE FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 contd from page 1 With rivers in India having depleted by Facebook data breach... Trump replaces national.. 60 per cent and across the world by about 35 Sadhguru calls for... per cent, Sadhguru called on people and We have a basic responsibility to protect encouraged to take Bolton by Vice communities to join hands for efforts people's data," Zuckerberg said in an President Richard B. Cheney, who shared vital and it's important that we make this towards water conservation, including interview with CNN, breaking a public Bolton's belief in American military power. into a success (for) the survival of this through overhauling irrigation systems silence since the scandal erupted at the On March 13, Trump had fired Secretary of generation," he said. and putting enabling government policies weekend. State Rex Tillerson and signaled in recent Concerned about the slow progress in in place. Editorial: Towards zero privacy days that a shake-up at the top levels of his implementing international agreed goals He said given that agriculture in India Zuckerberg said in a post on Facebook the administration was not over. on water and sanitation, the United Nations consumes 80 per cent of the country's company "made mistakes, there's more to do, "I'm really at a point where we're getting General Assembly will launch a new decade water, emphasis should be given on and we need to step up and do it." He said the very close to having the Cabinet and other to focus action on sustainable development creating more vegetation. social network planned to conduct an things that I want," Trump told reporters after and the management of water resources at "Agriculture has become an aggressive investigation of thousands of apps that have Tillerson was fired. an all-day event at the UN Headquarters on process…One of the immediate corrective used Facebook's platform, restrict developer World Water Day, commemorated today. steps we can take is to increase vegetation. access to data, and give members a tool that The Decade, which will run from 2018- Without vegetation there is no way we can lets them to disable access to their Facebook US, China embroiled in... 2028, calls for a greater focus on the hold water in the soil. We don't have enough data more easily. sustainable development and integrated vegetation for the number of people that we His plans did not represent a big reduction Trump directed the US trade representative management of water resources for the have right now," he said. of advertisers' ability to use Facebook data, to level tariffs on about $60 billion of Chinese achievement of social, economic and He stressed that through his work, his which is the company's lifeblood. imports after a seven-month probe into the environmental objectives and on the focus is to bring back as much vegetation as Zuckerberg said he was open to additional intellectual property theft, which has been a implementation and promotion of related possible, particularly around water bodies. government regulation and happy to testify longstanding point of contention in US-China programs and projects, as well as on the He pointed out that women are the first before the US Congress if he was the right trade relations. furtherance of cooperation and and most to suffer when water becomes person. "I'm not sure we shouldn't be "We have a tremendous intellectual partnership at all levels in order to help to scarce, as it impacts several aspects of regulated…. I actually think the question is property theft problem. It's going to make us a achieve internationally agreed water- their daily routines, including access to more what is the right regulation rather than much stronger, much richer nation," Trump related goals and targets, including those toilets. Underlining the "very significant yes or no, should it be regulated?... People said. "This has been long in the making," contained in the 2030 Agenda for role" role women can play in efforts should know who is buying the ads that they Trump told reporters at the ceremony in the Sustainable Development. towards water conservation, Sadhguru said see on Facebook." White House while signing his memorandums Sadhguru, founder of the Isha women are "natural conservationists" as in Zuckerberg said Facebook was committed targeting China's economic actions. Foundation, said if concerted action to save families, conservation, whether economical to stopping interference in the US midterm Trump's action comes a day after US Trade water bodies is taken now, then in 15-25 or physical, is done by women. "Women can election in November and elections in India Representative concluded its Special 301 years communities can bring back the play a pivotal role in water resources and Brazil. Zuckerberg, in an interview with investigation against China and presented its rivers of this world by at least 20 per cent. management, agriculture and allied The New York Times, referred to the artificial report to him. The USTR report concluded However, if action is delayed, it will take industries if they are empowered to take intelligence (AI) tools deployed by Facebook that China uses foreign ownership 100-150 years to have the same impact. "If more economic decisions." Sadhguru had to detect fake accounts trying to manipulate restrictions, including joint venture we don't act now, the recovery will take launched a nationwide campaign 'Rally for news and influence the elections. requirements, equity limitations and other much, much longer…We are rapidly Rivers' in India, traveling across 16 states Such a tool was deployed for the first time investment restrictions to require or pressure moving to a place where turning around in 30 days with the message of rejuvenating in the French elections in 2017. "The new AI technology transfer from US companies to will be very difficult," he said, referring to India's rivers by maintaining a minimum of tools we built after the 2016 elections found, I Chinese entities. the dire water situation across Asia and one-kilometer tree cover on riversides. think, more than 30,000 fake accounts that we "This requires taking effective action to Africa. (Source: PTI) believe were linked to Russian sources who confront China over its state-led efforts to were trying to do the same kind of tactics they force, strong-arm, and even steal US did in the US in the 2016 election. We were able technology and intellectual property," said US to disable them and prevent that from Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. happening on a large scale in France," he said. Trump said his Section 301 trade action This is for the first time that Zuckerberg could be about $60 billion. He instructed USTR has publicly talked about Facebook being to publish a proposed list of products and any allegedly used for influencing polls. "I feel a tariff increases within 15 days and to pursue lot better about the systems now. At the same dispute settlement in the World Trade time, I think Russia and other governments Organization to address China's are going to get more sophisticated in what discriminatory technology licensing they do, too. So, we need to make sure that we practices. up our game," he said. He also has directed the Treasury Secretary "This is a massive focus for us to make sure to address concerns about investment in the we're dialed in for not only the 2018 elections US directed or facilitated by China in in the US, but the Indian elections, the industries or technologies deemed important Brazilian elections, and a number of other to the country. Trump said America's trade elections that are going on this year that are deficit with China was a whopping $504 billion really important," Zuckerberg said. per annum. He said there is a lot of hard work that the China which had earlier said it will not sit Facebook needs to do to make it harder for back idly in case US imposed tariffs, in a quick nations like Russia to do poll interference. - counter action announced plans for imposing Agencies FB to Enhance security for India reciprocal tariffs on $3 billion of imports from elections Zuckerberg said Facebook is the U.S. including products from steel to pork. enhancing security features to ensure Bloomberg, in a late evening breaking integrity of upcoming key elections in news, March 22 saw the Chinese retaliation as countries like India on its platform, as the "the arrival of a trade war" between the US social media giant faced flak over a major and China. data breach scandal by a UK firm linked to In a statement Friday,March 23, hours after Donald Trump's poll campaign. Trump instructed U.S. Trade Representative Mark Zuckerberg says he is "sure Robert Lighthizer to slap tariffs on at least $50 someone's trying" to use Facebook to meddle billion in Chinese imports, China's Commerce with US mid-term polls in Nov Ministry said it plans a 25 percent tariff on "I'm sure someone's trying, "he said when U.S. pork imports and recycled aluminum, and asked about the possibility of meddling 15 percent tariffs on American steel pipes, happening right now fruit and wine. "I'm sure that there's v2, version two, of China will also pursue legal action against whatever the Russian effort was in 2016, I'm the U.S. at the World Trade Organization, the sure they're working on that," he said statement said, and called for dialogue to Meanwhile, Facebook shares fell 1.5 per resolve the dispute. cent in premarket trading on Thursday, Policy makers across the world are warning March 22, as the apology failed to quell Wall of a brewing trade war that could undermine Street nerves the broadest global recovery in years. The company has lost nearly $46 billion of Meanwhile, business groups representing its stock market value over the past three companies ranging from Walmart Inc. to days Amazon.com Inc. are warning U.S. tariffs Investors fear that any failure to protect could raise prices for consumers and personal data could deter advertisers and sideswipe stock prices. users and invite tougher regulation for the (With inputs from PTI) social media giant THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 TRAVEL 33

engaluru, mostly known for being the IT hub in Karnataka, is a city which Bhas transformed from being very traditional to what it is now, a complete cosmopolitan! Nurturing a rich cultural and traditional heritage, the city has a plethora of TEMPLE TOUR IN options to see and savour. While most travellers talk about the nightlife, food and fun that this vibrant city offers, little do we know about its past and its forgotten landmarks. Mostly a Hindu-rich city in the BANGALORE past, Bengaluru has many historic and magnificent temples that are worth a visit. this beautiful temple is the home for Goddess For the not-so-religious, there are plenty of Banashakari (incarnation of Goddess places to visit in Bangalore that are a must Parvati). With a special aura, amidst the too. bustling and traffic-rich area of Banashankari, this temple has everything DODDA GANESHANA GUDI that a visitor would like to see and everything (BULL TEMPLE) that a devotee has to feel. The devotees light Dodda Ganeshana Gudi also known by the oil lamps made of lemon peels, and offer it to name Bull Temple is believed to have emerged the goddess, during the Rahukalam (time out of huge monolithic rock; the idol of Lord during the day which Hindus mostly consider Ganesha is this temple’s main attraction. It is inauspicious). This practice also continues on believed by the locals, that all your prayers are Tuesdays and Fridays. It is believed that doing heard and answered here, and your wishes are this will fulfil the prayers of the devotees and fulfilled in no time! Makes it a must-go temple also wipe away their sins. It is also believed isn’t it? Another feather in its cap is its claim- that the goddess here is powerful enough to to-fame for being the lucky mascot in most of ward off any evil that is cast on you through the Kannada (local language of Karnataka) any spell. films! The second and bigger attraction here is the monolithic statue of the bull or what it is SRI SRINGERI locally called as Nandi. Nandi is the sacred SHANKARA MUTT demi-god in Hindu mythology.The statue here Shankara Mutt is the holy abode of Sri is believed to be the biggest statue of Nandi in Jagadguru Adi Shakaracharya Swamyji and the world! It is located on top of a hillock, the goddess Sri Sharadamba. This austere which can be trekked easily. This aside, the structure is an institution in itself. One of the temple arena has a large park called the Bugle many branches of Sri Sringeri Sharada Rock garden, which offers lush green and Peetham in Sringeri, the ambience of the fresh atmosphere to young and old alike! temple gives you a hair-raising experience. There are 3 parts in this temple complex—Sri GAVI GANGADHARESHWARA Sharadamba Temple, Sri Adi Shankaracharya TEMPLE Temple and a prayer hall. The complex also Lord Shiva is the worshipped almighty here has a book stall and a guesthouse. The temple in this temple. Also known as Cave temple of gopuram is something that every visitor South Bengaluru, its history dates to the 16th should observe. It has the carving of each of century AD, when the architect/founder of the Shankaracharyas till date on it. The Bengaluru built it. The temple is built inside a complex is uncluttered and well maintained to cave located in the Gavipuram area of reflect its belief of ‘Shuddhi’ (meaning Bengaluru. The temple is famous for its cleansing). The mutt and the committee holds monolithic pillars and structures in its several cultural and musical events during courtyard. It is also believed that the temple the year, to which, everyone is welcome! The has a secret tunnel that extends up to the committee conducts classes to learn the Vedas sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Gudi) of the (sacred Hindu texts), Upanishads (ancient Shivagange Temple (around 50 km away, on Hindu texts pertaining to philosophy) and the outskirts of Bengaluru). The temple sees a Sanskrit language. It is a treat to the eyes and huge influx of devotees on the day of Makara the soul with a visit to this holy abode. Sankranti (usually falls on the 14th of January) when, in the evening, the sun shines VENKATESHWARA TEMPLE directly on the deity’s idol after passing This is the temple of the lord of the seven through the horns of the bull (Nandi) that lies mountains (Saptagirisha), Sri facing the almighty here. This is considered a Venkateshwara. Lord Venkateshwara is one of miraculous phenomenon and has been a point the incarnations of Lord Sri Vishnu. The very of interest for several scientists to research name of Lord Venkateshwara flashes the upon. temple of Tirupati to our minds. This temple is constructed in a similar manner, under the KOTE VENKATARAMANA able guidance of the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati SWAMY TEMPLE Devasthanam) committee. The temple houses This magnificent temple is the abode of 7 deities—Lord Venkateshwara, Goddess Lord Sri Venkateshwara. It is one of the very Padmavati, Andal Ammavaru, Lord Rama, ancient temples of Karnataka and Bengaluru Goddess Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Lord in particular. It is a huge temple and has a Ganesha, Radha and Krishna. The stone spacious courtyard. Built by Chikka Devaraja carvings and the way the Pooja is performed Wodeyar in the 1600s, this temple exemplifies here are kept mostly similar to the way it is the Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture. done in Tirumala. There are many carvings of animals and The temple has been recently built (in 2010) scenes from ancient Hindu mythological and is located in the Vyalikaval area of stories. The other deities worshipped here are Bangalore (well within the old Bangalore Anjaneya and Padmavathi (Lord locality). Temple is open to public all through Venkateshwara’s wife). This temple sees the year and sees extreme crowd influx during unusual crowd gathering during the Vaikunta Saturdays and on Vaikunta Ekadashi day. Ekadashi day (a festival dedicated to the lord Through the booking centre within this of Vaikunta i.e. Venkateshwara). The temple campus, one can pre-book darshan and seva is shares its wall with the Tipu Sultan tickets for the main Balaji temple of TTD Summer palace on the K.R.(Krishna located in Tirumala. Rajendra) Road, near to the K.R. Market, in practicing and preaching many Hindu beliefs. It is schools across India. This initiative is much Bengaluru. ISKCON TEMPLE a one stop place for worshipping many gods— appreciated world-wide and many foreigners have One of the very famous Hindu temples in the Lord Krishna, Radha, Govinda, Narasimha etc. been funding this campaign too. The temple has a GODDESS BANASHANKARI city, ISKCON Temple has become the landmark The highlighting feature about ISKCON, magnificent architecture spread over several TEMPLE location in north Bangalore. For many settled Bangalore, is its famous Akshayapatra acres of land. The temple is at an altitude higher Recently renovated and glamorised to look abroad, Hinduism and ISKCON are often Foundation. They distribute free food for the than the road level and helps the passers-by to better than the best of the temples in town, synonymous. It is an institution for learning, children in government and government-aided easily catch a glimpse of it while on their way. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 34 SPORTS FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

T20 TRI-SERIES India win tri-series after Karthik blitz

COLOMBO (TIP): India survived late drama in a pulsating final to clinch the Twenty20 tri-series after Dinesh Karthik smashed the final ball for a six to secure their thrilling four-wicket victory against a gallant Bangladesh side on March 18. With India needing 34 runs off the last two overs, Karthik hammered 29 not out off just eight deliveries, his third six sealing India’s third, and the most hard-earned, victory over Bangladesh in the tournament. Put into bat, Bangladesh made 166-8, a total they owe largely to number three batsman Sabbir Rahman who made 77 after their top order collapsed. Chasing 167 to win, India lost openers Shikhar Dhawan and number three Suresh Raina early but skipper Rohit Sharma batted comfortably to score 56 and keep India’s chase on track. He and KL Rahul (24) found it easy going against the Bangladesh bowlers until Sharma went for a fatal slog-sweep of Nazmul Islam, departing with three sixes and four boundaries to his name. Mustafizur Rahman then bowled a masterly 18th over, when his first five balls at Vijay Shankar yielded only one run and Manish Pandey (28) perished off the sixth trying to accelerate the contest. Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik (2nd R) reacts after hitting a six in the last ball to defeat Bangladesh by 4 wickets during the final Nidahas Next man in Karthik exploded immediately, Twenty20 Tri-Series in Colombo. hitting the first ball he faced for a six and plundering 22 runs off that over from Rubel Virat Kohli and stumper Mahendra Singh innings after leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal off 37 balls to keep the scoreboard ticking. Hossain to turn the match on its head. Dhoni, among others. (3-18) struck three blows, dismissing Tamim Paceman Jaydev Unadkat struck twice in Needing 12 runs off the last over from Interim captain Sharma had earlier opted Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim. the penultimate over of the Bangladesh Soumya Sarkar, Shankar fell to the fifth to bowl after winning the toss, influenced Sabbir took the onus on himself to rescue innings, dismissing Sabbir and Rubel delivery with India still five runs away. partly by the fact that chasing teams had won Bangladesh and he got some support from Hossain. Karthik nonchalantly hit the final ball for a five of the six matches prior to the final. Mahmudulla who made 21. Mehidy Hasan Miraz made 19 not out off six to trigger wild celebration by a young Bangladesh suffered early jolts and Even though wickets kept tumbling at the seven balls to help Bangladesh cross the 150- India team which had rested regular skipper slumped to 68 for four midway through their other end, Sabbir brought up his half-century mark. Source: Reuters

SHAMI CLEARED OF CORRUPTION All out for 58, England left CHARGE, GIVEN CENTRAL CONTRACT

NEW DELHI (TIP): The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has approved Mohammed Shami’s central contract after its anti-corruption unit (ACU) red-faced in pink-ball Test exonerated him of corruption charges levelled by his wife Hasin Jahan. Shami has been given a Grade B contract (worth Rs 3 crore annually), and he’s AUCKLAND (TIP): Captain Kane Williamson’s now free to play in the Indian Premier League. unbeaten 91 set New Zealand up for a commanding BCCI had decided to hold back Shami’s contract after his wife made a series lead after England were bowled out for one of their of allegations against him, including a charge of possible match-fixing. Shami lowest scores in the first Test here on Thursday. At had denied all the allegations. stumps on Day 1 in the first day-night Test in New The Committee of Administrators (CoA) had asked ACU chief Neeraj Kumar Zealand, the Black Caps were 175/3, 117 runs ahead to investigate whether the bowler had accepted money from a Pakistani woman, with seven wickets in hand. as claimed by his wife. “Based on the conclusions in the report, CoA is of the England were left red-faced when they failed to cope view that no further actions/proceedings under the BCCI anti-corruption code with a swing bowling masterclass by Trent Boult and are warranted in the matter,” the press release said. Source: PTI Tim Southee to be all out for just 58 in 20.4 overs. They were flirting with the world-record low of 26, set by WOMEN’S T20 TRI-SERIES: AUSTRALIA New Zealand on the same ground against England in 1955, until No. 9 batsman Craig Overton spared their BEAT INDIA BY 6 WICKETS blushes with an unbeaten 33. Apart from Stuart Broad taking his 400th Test wicket, it was a bleak day for the MUMBAI (TIP): Australian women maintained their stranglehold on India tourists, who registered their sixth lowest total in with a record-equalling six-wicket victory in the opening encounter of the T20 Tests. Tri-Series, here on Thursday. But for New Zealand, Williamson commanded the England’s captain Joe Root reacts as his team’s The Southern Stars thus maintained their unbeaten record on tour having Test from the moment he won the toss and opted to miserable day unfolds. outclassed the hosts 3-0 in the ODI series. bowl. He featured in the field with a superb diving Alastair Cook out for five in the fifth over. A steady While the format changed from 50 to 20 overs but the familiar middle-order catch in the gully to remove Broad, and ended the day stream of batsmen going to and from the crease collapse still continued. Opener Smriti Mandhana once again struck a stylish closing in on New Zealand’s record for Test centuries. followed, five of them departing with a duck and only 67 off 41 balls, helping India post a decent total of 152 for five in 20 overs. He currently shares the record of 17 centuries with Mark Stoneman (11), along with Overton, reaching In reply, Australia equalled their highest-ever chase in shortest format, Ross Taylor and the late Martin Crowe. double figures. comfortably winning in 18.1 overs despite a fine effort by veteran Jhulan Williamson went to the middle after the early After Cook, Boult claimed Joe Root for a six-ball Goswami (3/30), who unfortunately lacked support from the other end. dismissal of Jeet Raval, when New Zealand were 8/1, duck, Dawid Malan for two, Ben Stokes — who faced The biggest problem was that save Goswami, the other two seamers Shikha and put on 84 with Tom Latham for the second wicket. eight deliveries on his return to Test cricket — for a Pandey (0/25 in 2 overs) and Rumeli Dhar (0/28 in 2.1 overs). Latham made a patient 26 off 112 deliveries but was duck, Chris Woakes (5) and James Anderson (1). Indian bowlers bowled too many boundary-balls with as many 21 fours and dismissed in the first over after dinner to give Broad Southee, who finished with 4/25, kept up the carnage six were taken off them. Chasing 153, Australia women were in trouble at one his milestone scalp. with the wickets of Stoneman, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen point of time 29 for 2 as Goswami struck in her first and the third over, Boult, who finished the England innings with a Ali and Stuart Broad, who were each dismissed cleaning up ‘keeper-opener Alyssa Healy (4) and Ashleigh Gardner (15). career-best 6/32, started their downfall when he had without scoring. Source: AFP Source: PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 36 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018