The South Asian Times www.thesouthasiantimes.info Vol. 5 | No. 37 | January 5-11, 2013 | 60 Cents Founder, Robin Raina Foundation Chairman &CEO, Ebix Inc Robin Raina Year 2012 Man ofthe See exclusive interview with with interview exclusive See Robin Rainaonpages 6-11. excellence in journalism

based company into profits and tion, food,shelterandmedicalaid. educa- them providing children, 3,500 adopted also has charity The Delhi. na, Bawa- of dwellers free slum the 6,000 for homes build to million $15 worth subcontinent Indian the in initiative vate pri- largest the runs Foundation Raina Robin His underprivileged. the helping for of zeal exemplary his Person is 2012 Year our the Raina makes what But artist Turnaround turns to charity millions, heturnedtheAtlanta the fastestgrowing companies today thissupplier of software Robin Rainahasbuilt arepu- the insurance industry is one one is industry insurance the Taking over EbixInc asCEO at tation as a turnaround artist. artist. turnaround a as tation with offices inseveral coun- and E-commerce services to to services E-commerce and age 32 when it was bleeding bleeding was it when 32 age tries includingIndia. TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013 TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013 The South Asian Times excellence in journalism

Vol.5 No. 37 January 5-11, 2013 60 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info India taking remedial steps after gangrape outrage BE WARNED: New Delhi: India's home minister has ordered New Delhi police stations to increase the number of women officers to facilitate the handling of complaints from women. 3 MORE BUDGET It is the latest in a string of changes ordered follow- ing the fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old paramedic stu- dent that shocked the nation. Police charged Thursday in a fast track New Delhi court the 5 accused with CLIFFS LOOM murder, rape and kidnapping even as many proposed death penalty for them and quick justice. Both Obama and GOP draw hard lines for tough talks ahead Interior Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said Friday that each police station in Delhi should have 10 women constables and two women sub inspectors. At Girls in an Indian school ushered in New Year present, women comprise 7% of police forces. with a prayer for Damini, symbolic name for the In Delhi metro, four plainclothes women officers of Delhi gangrape victim. Continued on page 4 Ringing in the New Year with South Asian touch By Vikas Girdhar

New York: Fresh off a survival of the Mayan prediction that the world would end just 10 days prior, a New Year was rung in on Tuesday to officially kick off num- ber 2013. The ball still dropped in Times President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden announce Square, fireworks still symbolized Congress passing the fiscal cliff bill at the White House on a new year overseas, millions wore Tuesday night. Obama later signed the bill with an autopen sparkles and funky hats, and of from Hawaii where he resumed his vacation. Biden played a key course—South Asians still found a part in negotiations with GOP leaders. way to celebrate in their own Devotees usher in 2013 auspiciously with the Nav Varsha Yajna held by Arya Samaj of Long Island. unique ways. Whether it was a low-key night Then, of course, there were par- In New Jersey, the Indo- at home with the family or a lavish ticular functions planned around American Seniors of Middlesex “desi” party at a popular venue, the big day by South Asian organi- County (IASOMC) celebrated the everyone had something to do as zations and establishments. new years on December 26. the countdown culminated at mid- Temples, gurdwaras and mosques, Dubbed a joint Christmas and New night . too, held ceremonies on the first. Continued on page 4 Hope springs eternal

By Parveen Chopra GOP was split on fiscal bill negotiated by Senate Minority Leader New York: They say the day dawns in pitch darkness. Mitch McConnell (left). House Speaker John Boehner grudgingly There is always light at the end of the tunnel. When put it to vote, but House Majority Leader Eric Cantor opposed it. yang goes extreme, yin starts becoming larger in the Taoist yin-yang symbol. There is a lesson in every chal- Washington: Now that the much to negotiate amid the White House- lenge. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. discussed fiscal cliff has been GOP gridlock. Just a few weeks ago, bad news was crowding in. resolved at the eleventh hour, ana- The Republican controlled House Sandy storm. Connecticut first graders’ massacre. Brutal lysts are warning of three more approved the deal with a 257-167 gangrape in Delhi. Fiscal cliff threatening to force budget cliffs over the next three vote with bipartisan support an Continued on page 4 months, which may be even harder Continued on page 4

New BAPS temple in CA 30 50 Coolest Desis 34 Yearly Forecast 58 Spiritual Awareness 60 excellence in journalism 4 January 5-11,2013 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Part Sandy relief approved by Congress Continuations of page 3 Budget cliffs story Instead, Congress usually pass- ticipate in the auspicious Washington: The US House of promised a vote Jan 15 to pro- Continued from page 3 es short-term "continuing resolu- Havan/Agnihotra ceremony and Representatives Friday passed a vide over $50 billion of aid. hour before midnight Tuesday, tions," which is fancy way of say- gain blessings of the Divine legislation that would make pay- The federal government hand- after Senate passed it 89-8. ing "Band Aid solution." The cur- Being, Om. A large number of ments worth $9.7 billion to ed the Congress a sweeping The package President Obama rent continuing resolution expires devotees from Suffolk & Nassau insurance claims related to relief bill that would provide has signed preserves Bush-era on March 27. counties attended. Acharya Hurricane Sandy. over $60 billion to those affect- income tax cuts for individuals Darshanand performed the yajna. The bill to allow the National ed by Sandy. earning less than $400,000 or Gang rape outrage story Verses from Swami Dayanand’s Flood Insurance Program to The Senate passed it, but the couples earning less than Continued from page3 book were chanted with brief increase its borrowing authority House failed to act on it. $450,000. It puts off budget cuts the Central Industrial Security explanations. The main Yajmaan was approved by the Boehner and House Republicans for two months. Without the com- Force (CISF) would be on board was Sudesh and Sudha Mukhii. Republican-controlled House were criticized by Democrats promise deal the fiscal cliff could each train. There was also the prize giving with a 354-67 vote. and Republicans alike for their have sparked a new recession In Haryana, officials plan to ceremony for children who par- The bill was the first of two inaction. with the resulting reduction in publicize the profiles of rapists to ticipated in the painting competi- consumer spending. But the pay- curb crime against women, as per tion. steps House Speaker John Sandy hit New Jersey and roll tax returns, so even middle director of the state crime records In true South Asian fashion, the Boehner said he would take to New York in late October 2012, class a pocketbooks will be bureau. flavors of new year celebrations meet the demands of relief for causing at least $60 billion pinched. Since the attack, the ruling varied as much as the ethnic rich- those affected by Sandy. He also worth of damage. Here is what lies still ahead Congress party has sought to ness of those who organized or with deadlines over the next three prove its commitment to improv- attended certain events. All, how- months: ing women’s safety. It has estab- ever, shared high hopes for a 'Hillary Clinton aims to rejoin office 1. Debt Ceiling: Congress has lished a committee to consider prosperous and fortune-filled to raise the debt ceiling soon. laws and procedures for prosecut- 2013 Real soon. ing crimes against women, and next week' On Monday, Treasury Secretary another to examine women’s Hope springs eternal story Tim Geithner made it official: safety in cities. Plans have been Continued from page 3 Washington: Secretary of State Federal borrowing has reached announced for urgent “gender America into another recession. Hillary Clinton is aiming to return the $16.394 trillion debt ceiling. sensitivity” training in secondary And now! to her office next week after treat- Last year, political brinksman- schools. The fiscal cliff has been ment for blood clot in her head, ship over the debt limit led to the The gang-rape that got India a resolved by Congress. Stock mar- according to the State Department. downgrade of the country's credit lot of negative play in world ket can breathe now, as can Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland rating. Obama does not want to media has prompted the US offer millins of Americans. said Clinton "is committed to testi- debate it, but GOP is in no mood of help to India for strengthening Connecticut shooting promises to fying" in Congress over the deadly to spare him. And Obama's rela- public and private organizations bring in tougher gun control attack on the US consulate in tionship with Congress reached working to combat violence measures. Delhi girl’s sacrifice Benghazi in Libya, an appearance yet another low Thursday when against women. has roused a nation protesting she had set for Dec 20 but cancelled House Speaker John Boehner said violence against women, hopeful- due to her illness. he would no longer negotiate leg- South asian touch story ly waking up authorities too to Clinton, 65, was discharged from islative deals with the president Continued from page3Year bash, enforce the much needed meas- 2. Sequester: Born of the 2011 IASOMC President Popatbhai ures to ensure women’s safety. Newly weds looking fight over debt ceiling, it is a Patel reserved the Royal Albert We at The South Asian Times for 1BHK or Studio series of automatic cuts in federal Palace, where almost 250 seniors are dedicating this New Year spe- spending that will reduce the and guests braved the snow and cial issue to the theme of Hope apartment for rent Secretary of State Hillary budgets of most agencies and pro- cold temperatures to extend sup- Springs Eternal. Clinton in Hicksville or grams by 8% to 10%. port and donations. And aptly, our Man of the Year Plainview area, NY. a New York hospital Wednesday fol- 3. Continuing budget resolu- On Jan 1, Arya Samaj of Long 2012 is Robin Raina. He may be a lowing days of treatment of a blood tion: The federal government Island celebrated Nav Varsh corporate success, but he believes Call 516-303-2075 clot in a vein in her head, which was works on a fiscal year that starts Yajna. It was the second year in compassionate capitalism and or email at namit- discovered after she sustained a con- every Oct. 1. Problem is it has since the annual function began at runs Robin Raina Foundation to [email protected]. cussion two weeks ago when she been years since it actually enact- the temple. The purpose was to help underprivleged children in fainted. ed a real budget on time. invite devotees to come and par- India.

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Leading Ebix, among top 10 of the fastest growing companies as ranked by Fortune and Forbes, Robin Raina believes that compassionate capitalism is important in today’s world - where the divide between the haves and have not’s is widening. No wonder, he also launched the eponymously named foundation to help the underprivileged, particularly children, in the Indian subcontinent.

obin Raina, 45, is Chairman, business” it did not guarantee of under-privileged children; in SAT: You seem to be a restless- documentary section.) A feature CEO and President of Nasdaq happiness to me irrespective of addition to running India’s larg- soul, always aspiring to accom- film? Maybe if the right subject Rlisted Ebix Inc., and founder who I was or how much I had. I est private home building charity plish more and more and in di- with a message came up to spread of the Robin Raina Foundation. realized that no one ever really initiative in Delhi, where they are verse spheres. Is starting your the cause of charity, but not for Mr. Raina holds an Industrial En- has security or success unless it building 6,000 concrete homes own company in the plan? commercial purpose. gineering degree from Thapar Uni- comes from within one’s own self. free of cost for the slum dwellers RR: I may be a restless soul versity in Punjab. He had a bright That was when I promised myself of Bawana. in my thought process but ex- SAT: You started Lifeline, a career start. From 1990 to 1997, he that the next thing I built; no one RRF has also produced the doc- tremely patient when it comes to glamorous magazine albeit for held senior management positions would be able to take away the umentary ‘Dilli’, which brings out the work front—I don’t change the cause of charity. Why did you at Mindware and BPR, an Interna- associated guaranteed happiness a stark comparison of the rampant jobs. I took over Ebix when its close it? And why this fascination tional Technology Consulting Firm, from me. I decided that I wanted progress and development of the share price was worth not much. for the glamor world? serving in Asia and North America. to be in the business of imparting megalopolis vis-à-vis thousands It is my baby, and I want to see RR: Lifeline was created to He joined Delphi Information Sys- and spreading happiness. And the who are left homeless while the this baby walk, run and become spread the message of charity but tems, Inc. in 1997 as Vice President, Foundation was born!” whole city is modernized and re- an adult one day. I am extremely we had to close it as we felt that becoming President in in two years. The foundation helps bring vamped. The film was premiered at proud of where Ebix is today. So we were not spreading the word on In 1999 Delphi changed its name to hope to under-privileged children the Nasdaq in Times Square, New I am not going anywhere. a national level as we did not have Ebix.com and in 2003 became Ebix all across the world, while pro- York on April 1, 2011 following the capacity. We were limited (Enterprise Business Insurance Ex- viding education, clothes, medi- the ringing of the Nasdaq closing SAT: There was some hint that only to the South East community, change) Inc. Raina has raised Ebix cal care, shelter and food to these bell by Raina, He also ran ‘Life- you may get into the entertain- which was defeating the purpose. to a market value is $1.2 billion, and children. Today, the foundation line’ magazine for some years to ment industry… We were printing 35,000 copies he has a 20 percent stake in it. has adopted over 4,000 children spread the message of charity. RR: Last year we produced the only and focus was on a very small Atlanta based Ebix Inc (NAS- in terms of all their needs. Excerpts from an exclusive in- documentary film called ‘Dilli’ audience. Our efforts need to be DAQ: EBIX) is a leading interna- RRF runs multiple schools terview with Robin Raina: –story of the slum dwellers of Del- more on national level than just be tional supplier of On-Demand soft- across India, an orphan home in hi and dealt with their exploitation limited to south east shore. We ware and E-commerce services to Mumbai, medical ambulances in SATimes: What is the secret of by the government. It won may top may revive Lifeline at a national the insurance industry. With more Delhi, a hospital ward in Pakistan, your success? awards. (It was declared 1st place level so as to spread the word of than 30 offices across US, Australia, vocational training centers for girls Robin Raina: I don’t consider winner in the Short documentary charity on a much larger scale. Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, girls in villages, self help groups for myself successful. On a scale of section at the Los Angeles Movie Glamor? Only in the sense that China, Japan and India (where it slum women, scholarship programs 1 to 10, I give myself 4. I could Awards and also won the best cin- I want to make charity fashion- hires 1,200 people), Ebix powers to fund professional education have done so much more. ematography award in the short able and cool. multiple exchanges across the world in the field of life, annuity, health, risk management and property & casualty insurance while conducting in-excess of $100 billion in insur- ance premiums on its platforms. Robin’s compassionate capital- ism Aaron Tikkoo, part of the CEO Executive Group at Ebix, explains as “an enduring value system - working as a team, showing con- cern for your fellow employees, making sacrifices for each other’s benefit, and identifying with the common cause of the company.” On his inspiration for starting Robin Rain Foundation (RRF) in 2003, Raina says on the RRF web- site, “Over the last 15 years, I have traveled across the world and had time to reflect on what I saw on the streets and hospitals in Asia, Latin America and Africa - malnourished, sick and handicapped children who had given up hope and underprivi- leged children on the streets with- out any education. “As I reflected more on what I saw and tried to think about my own life, I realized that even though I had built a so called “successful A building in Noida, India, Robin Raina recently designed and built using 3 key elements - the color red, glass and stainless steel. TheSouthAsianTimes.info COVER STORY January 5-11, 2013 7

asked to change her religion, change her Mumbai are studying in private English country to save her son, she would do so in medium schools at present. Thousands of a microsecond for the sake of her child. children are studying in schools run by the foundation. SAT: How has been your experience so They have become cashiers, teachers… far? My own manager in India came from slums. RR: It could be much better. I think we But she got support, we gave her a hand to take poverty for granted. We point to TV help her in the process. Today, she is a sets in slums. As if that was a big deal. We human resource manager. We can change do not realize that nobody, just nobody with India one kid at a time, one person at a money would want to live in a slum. We time, that is what I tell people. talk of mafia, but that is not a typical slum. In a typical slum people who live are SAT: Are there other big donors to RRF? The Ebix group of companies trades on extremely poor. They have a very difficult RR: There are a few, giving $20,000 here the NASDAQ Global Select Market life. Another argument is, India is a country , a $10,000 there. Some give fixed amounts under the ticker symbol EBIX of 1.2 billion, how can you succeed there? I monthly. But I do not want to name any of SAT: Where is the philanthropic impulse slums, something basic for a civil society. say the one child you support and educate them. And yes, people can donate online on coming from? How did it all start? The Indian government has not done and nurture could as well be yours. I tell our website (www.rainafoundation.com) RR: It is long story, but basically I was in enough to educate these children and with- people, you don’t even have to donate to my India in 2003 and went to the top of one of out education they cannot get a proper job foundation. Do it on your own, Adopt one SAT: You have voiced your criticism of our buildings in Noida near Delhi, sector and this cannot lead to the progress of a kid and care for him and see him go up in the Indian government on Indian TV 16, and looking back, saw a slum. I came nation. life. channels? down crying. My foreigner colleagues The administration threw out the slum During these nine years success stories at RR: I was very critical of the Indian gov- asked, “Why are you crying? You are an dwellers during the Commonwealth Games, RRF are innumerable. Hundreds of our chil- ernment during the Commonwealth Games Indian and haven’t you seen slums before in snatching away their livelihood. I feel dren have passed professional graduation of 2010 and even today as I feel that corrup- your life.” I said, “Problem is, I have been Brazil (hosting Olympics in 2016) should courses like Engineering and Medicine. tion has been institutionalized in India and coming here to this building for years, but I not make the same terrible mistake that One hundred fifty two of our blind children, there are scandals every day. I am support- never noticed the slum. It is as if I lost my India made. It is okay to move people out also underprivileged, have passed gradua- ive of the honest persons in the government eyesight for it. I come here in my Mercedes and give them an alternative accommoda- tion studies and are now studying in the but feel that the government has not done with blinders on, occupied with work and so tion, but you can just not throw your citi- Masters program in eminent schools in enough for the underprivileged community. on.” Moved, I thought I have to do some- zens out. If I had a handicapped brother, India. Two hundred twelve girl children in There is no clean water or drainage in the thing about it. In that meeting the idea of Continued on page 10 the foundation took shape. Before, I always helped the under privileged but in an indi- “You see, people die and they are forgotten vidual way. Now they said, “You are a good motivational speaker, why not start some- in microseconds. You think you are thing in a more institutional way.” You see, somebody, but after you, all is gone. So, people die and they are forgotten in microseconds. You think you are somebody, I thought, why not leave a legacy behind. but after you, all is gone. Why not leave a legacy behind. Leave some happiness Leave some happiness behind.” behind. Why not start an institution to hope- fully providing education, a sense of hope for hundreds of thousands of kids in slums. That is how the Robin Raina Foundation was born and started.

SAT: Can we have some numbers about the foundation’s work. RR: In the housing project, 1,700 homes have been fully constructed and handed voer. RRF also educates 4000 kids.

SAT: How much you give to the founda- tion? What is its annual outlay? RR: I hate to talk about it. But yes, a majority of the money that comes in for the foundation comes from me. In a given year, RRF will typically spend about $2 million.

SAT: You have also tried to persuade other South Asian to pitch in, how success- ful you have been? RR: Yes, the goal is that. There are so many successful South Asians here. But irrespective of the nationality, everybody should pitch in. This is a project in India, and there are many Indians proud of their country, they should step in. I also went to Pakistan. Some Indians asked me, why Pakistan, you are a Kashmiri Hindu. I said, poverty knows no religious or regional boundaries. In (cricketer-turned-politician) Imran Khan’s hospital I met an Afghani kid dying of cancer. I spoke to his mother, who said he had two months to live. I was Robin Raina Foundation runs the largest private initiative in the Indian subcontinent worth $15 million to build 6,000 free concrete homes for the slum dwellersof Bawana, Delhi. The project was conceptualized in 2007. Robin is very critical of the moved and thought if this woman was Indian government which threw out slum dwellers in Delhi to prettify the city for the Commonwealth Games in 2010. 8 January 5-11, 2013 Cover Story

During the past few years of economic slowdown, how did Raina keep Ebix on track? Tikkoo replies: “It all flows from Robin’s vision plan for Ebix and the cul- ture he has created. His vision plan is simple, concise and understand- able to all - customers, employees, investors and business. Ebix has always focused on building recur- ring revenue streams with high margins. Ebix today has built a 75% plus recurring revenue base. For us, customer retention is the key. Our customer retention rate is the highest in the industry. “According to Robin, lack of in- novation is at the core of the cur- Peering into Raina’s rent US economic woes. He be- lieves that great companies need success secrets and to be ahead of competition. Great companies look three years ahead drive for charity and experiment with innovation. CEO Executive Giving is something Group, Ebix Aaron Tikkoo Robin Raina Foundation has adopted over 3,500 slum - that no one can take children across the Indian subcontinent and supports them Interview by Parveen Chopra by providing them education, food, shelter and medical aid. away from you. The aron Tikkoo is part of the focus, passion, discipline, deter- They realize that growth is a Robin believes that charity and CEO Executive Group at mination, competitive spirit, his rewards of giving go combination of intuition, risk work complement each other. AEbix, having been with team and the ability to take chal- and innovation. Robin trusts his “Charity gives him the peace the company for a decade. He lenges head on. far beyond money people -- according to him, com- of mind and humility to be able considers Robin Raina his mentor. Elaborates Tikkoo, “Robin be- panies are like a team sport where to make rational decisions on the “You can have the best of educa- came a CEO of Ebix at a very and material things. everybody needs to contribute. work side and also the ability to lis- tional qualification, keep enhanc- young age of 32 in 1999 when The best of leaders recognize ten to other peoples’ viewpoints. ing your skill sets but the quali- Ebix was bleeding 19 million in Giving is something that they alone cannot build great For him there is no real time ties/traits you inherit and imbibe losses. He came in to run an in- companies. Management at these division between the two as he through the right mentor can’t be surance domain specific technol- you will be able to companies builds an eco-system could be doing both of them at procured through any B school ogy company without any back- take with you wher- of influencers including great the same time. He manages with degree or any organization.” ground in insurance. He settled customers, who together help the less sleep -- I guess he has con- In an email interview with The for a revolution with evolution. ever you go for the company create a persona of in- ditioned his body to get enough SATimes, Tikkoo explained Mr Within two years he turned Ebix novation and greatness.” sleep to keep him energetic at all Raina’s management style thus: into profits. He has always dreamt rest of your life.... What motivates Raina to give times. For him, energy, motiva- “Robin has always led by example. big, made sacrifices along the way his money, time and attention to his tion, and age are a function of He likes to create benchmarks ev- and achieved marvels.” - Robin Raina foundation? According to Tikkoo, one’s state of mind.” eryday rather than live on his past heroics. Most of the people in this world talk the talk but he can walk the talk. He remains the change agent at Ebix. Yet, he gives a lot of independence and decision making ability to his employees. He wants people to think out of the box and prefers to hire and retain smart people. Significantly, almost his entire top management has been with him for over a decade now. He believes that employees are the biggest assets of any company. He doesn’t like average Joe’s; if at times he runs into one, he will still try to get the best out of him/her. His style of functioning is the same whether he is work- ing out of the US, India or any of the 35 plus Ebix offices across the globe, which is – always show the way, get the best out of people and keep your team motivated. He en- sures that the senior management is seen as the voice of integrity by employees and customers alike.” For his boss’ monumental suc- This woman in the slum of Bawana, Delhi, was beneficiary of RRF project to make 6,000 homes free for the cess, Tikkoo believes the secret slumdwellers there. She used to shower Robin Raina with blessings everytime he used to go to Bawana sauce is – a lot of hard work, and treat him like her son. Robin was heartbroken when she passed away.

10 January 5-11, 2013 COVER STORY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

progress. SAT: Any view on the political system in America? RR: I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I feel that there has been growth but not at the pace required and the economy needs to mend itself. I do believe in charitable and philanthropic work but that does not mean that we tax the rich as our corporations here are now competing with companies in South Korea. I feel if Robin Raina Foundation produced In 2008, businessman and philanthro- we over-tax the rich companies, they will ‘Dilli’ focuses on the plight of thou- start moving out of the United States. I pist Robin Raina won the South Asian sands who are left homeless while the Personality of the Year Award at an feel the economy has not done well over callous megapolis is modernized and the last decade and it is a very slow grind awards event created by Sony revamped. It won many awards. Entertainment Television Asia. Seen in now. There needs to be a more balanced the picture to his right are Shaukat approach. I also believe that there should should I hide him -- that’s what it comes Aziz, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, down to. We are trying to show that we are be policies targeted at the underprivileged, and Michael Fung of Wal-Mart. a super power and we are trying to hide our there should be low taxes for lower class own citizens – I don’t think this is called and more education opportunities for them.

"I do believe in charitable and philanthropic work, but that does not mean that we tax the rich as our corporations here are now compet- ing with companies in South Korea. I feel if we over-tax the rich companies, they will start moving out of the United States." Robin Raina and his work and philanthropy have been featured on both American and Indian television.

Hon. Sonia Gandhi Hon. Manmohan SinghHon. Dr Karan Singh Hon. Rahul Gandhi Best wishes for Happy & Healthy New Year

With Best Compliments

Geroge Abraham Shudh Prakash Singh C. Radhakrishnan Mohinder S. Gilzian Kanwal Sra President Senior Vice President Vice President Senior EC Member National Treasurer

& National Executive Committee Members Phuman Singh Kalathil Varghese Karamjit Dhaliwal TheSouthAsianTimes.info COVER STORY January 5-11, 2013 11

name, and one has Russian name? RR: Yes, I do not want to talk about my family. I have been in the public eye, and I do not want them to be in the public eye. I have created a fan page on Facebook, and have got 1,30,000 likes. SAT: Something about your early life and career? RR: I was born in Srinagar, Kashmir. My family moved and I studied at Lady Fatima Convent School in Patiala. I did my engineer- ing from Thapar University, also in Patiala. Then, I worked in Bombay, Delhi and Singapore, and then moved to the US. Aaron Tikkoo (right), part of CEO Executive SAT: What is this Rajasthani office Group at Ebix, considers Raina his mentor, say- Raina ran Lifeline magazine SAT: Do you favor hiring South Asians in building you designed? ing, “Robin gives a lot of independence and for many years to spread the message of charity. Many the US operations? RR: I have various office buildings. This is decision making ability to his employees. celebs have supported and RR: We are an equal opportunity employer one of the earlier buildings in Noida. You call Significantly, almost his entire top management endorsed his foundation. and do not like to discriminate. We have both me restless, yes, I like to do various things at the has been with him for over a decade now.” South Asians and the Americans working in same time, to keep my creative energies flow- our company and they are of many nationali- ing. So I decided to design a Rajasthan style ties. South Asians will number 60-100 people building. One floor is like a palace, One floor, maximum. In India we have 1,200 people the cafeteria, is like Chowki dhani (ethnic place working for us. We recently bought a in Jaipur). There is a well, a wooden bridge, a Secunderabad-based company named waterfall. To get to one floor you pass through a PlanetSoft from its founder, Sudhir Bajaj, for cave. One floor is like a village. There are hand $40 million. Sudhir is a senior vice president painted walls, a matka here and there. Then with us now. (PlanetSoft provides software exactly opposite this Rajasthan theme building, and technology to life insurance companies in I architected, designed and built an extremely Robin Raina is considered a biz the US and India). modern, extremely contemporary building with whiz in corporate circles, with Robin Raina has organized many fundraising SAT: You seem to be shy of talking about three main elements: the color red, glass and magazines profiling him and concerts and events in Atlanta for Robin Raina your family except somewhere it was men- stainless steel. It has glass steps like the ones in awards and honors Foundation. Seen here with legendary singer tioned that one of your kids has a Muslim Times Square in Manhattan. coming by the dozen. Asha Bhosle. 12 January 5-11, 2013 US AFFAIRS - RIVETING DRAMA TheSouthAsianTimes.info Buoyed by a rainbow coalition, Obama wins re-election By Vikas Girdhar delivered! Biden provided the previous one. Romney, on the punch on behalf of all Democrats other hand, took a different rguably, the most signifi- as he smirked, grinned, laughed approach en route to the defense cant US news story in and animated his way toward of his proposals and attacks on A2012 came in the waning hammering home points and dis- the President’s record. Often, it hours of November 6. Election puting Ryan’s claims. seemed as though Romney was a Day had been highly anticipated While Ryan was no pushover, bit disconnected on his explana- for months and President Barack Biden seemed to exhibit an extra tions and seemed to agree with Obama and his Republican chal- edge that was absent in Obama’s his opponent on numerous topics. lenger Mitt Romney were neck- performance in the first presiden- President Obama carried the and-neck in what seemed to be an tial debate. The main take-away momentum of his superior debate ultra-close race. was the apparent shift in strategy performances to victory on The result, of course, was for the Obama campaign: when November 6. In his victory President Obama emerging vic- pushed, push back and stand your speech, he praised Romney for a tor, just as he was in 2008. After ground. well-fought campaign, and said capturing the electoral college The second presidential debate that this was a time for everyone votes in the swing state Ohio, he was in town-hall style with an to work together to create a better locked up his triumphant return audience of undecided voters America. for a second term. asking questions to both candi- As for his plans for the second Time magazine has named President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden celebrating dates. It saw a noticeably aggres- term, President Obama is com- President Obama as its Person of their second term victory with their spouses in front sive President Obama and a mitted to try and get Republicans the Year citing his historic re- of teeming supporters in Chicago. Romney who walked a thin-line to agree to tax hikes, particularly election "turning weakness into bol of," Stengal said. There were four debates in between zest and downright rude- on the upper class (as he did suc- opportunity and for seeking, amid The coalition Obama has all—three presidential and one ness. In what was one of the most cessfully in the final fiscal cliff great adversity, to create a more forged comprises the minorities - vice-presidential between Joe defining moments of this debate, deal), create more jobs specifical- perfect union". including blacks, Asians and Biden and Paul Ryan. In the first Romney and Obama were almost ly in manufacturing, curtail "He won re-election despite a Hispanics -- women and younger debate between President Obama head-to-head on the issue of ener- spending, cut the federal deficit, higher unemployment rate than and urban voters. This rainbow and former Massachusetts gover- gy. In final analysis, it looked as to fix the broken immigration anybody had to face in basically coalition may keep the nor Romney, the latter came out though the challenger became system and to curb gun violence. 70 years. He's the first Democrat Republicans out of the White swinging and appeared much very uneasy and testy anytime the The inauguration of President to actually win two consecutive House for years. more prepared and aggressive. President defended himself. Obama for his second term will terms with over 50 percent of the Obama’s path to victory was The two sparred over jobs, taxes Advantage President. (This take place on January 20. There vote," Time editor Rick Stengel not without its hiccups during the and healthcare. Obama was sub- debate was at Hofstra University will be two ceremonies, one pri- said announcing the magazine's long and grueling campaign sea- dued, and on the wrong end of in Hempstead, NY, attended by vate and one public, because the choice on NBC. son. A record amount of funds verbal punches thrown by the this correspondent). Constitution mandates them for a "He's the beneficiary and the were raised and spent by both challenger. The third and final presidential Sunday inauguration. Chief author of a new America - a new candidates—nearly two billion This put pressure on Vice debate on foreign policy saw the Justice John Roberts will admin- demographic, a new cultural dollars combined. And the President Biden to deliver in his President maintaining the same ister the oath to both President America that he is now the sym- debates were fiercely fought. debate with Paul Ryan. And he aggression he channeled in the Obama and Vice President Biden. Passed fiscal cliff deal was true cliffhanger full day after the New Year dead- delivered a statement at the White House, House announced Obama will depart late line, the US Congress has approved saying he will sign the legislation, but made Tuesday to resume his vacation in Hawaii. Aa deal to avoid the worst effects of clear the government still needs to take a He left his family on the island last week, the so-called fiscal cliff, a mix of $6 billion balanced approach on reducing the deficit. putting his vacation on hold and returning to in automatic tax increases and spending He also stressed that he will not be drawn Washington to deal with the fiscal cliff cuts. The Republican controlled House into another debate with Congress over the negotiations. approved the deal with a 257-167 vote with upcoming debt ceiling issue. In wake of the fiscal cliff averted, stock bipartisan support an hour before midnight "I will sign a law that raises taxes on the markets nationally and globally soared. The Tuesday after Republican leaders decided wealthiest 2 percent of Americans while Dow Jones saw a hike of 1.8 percent, the not to try and tack on an amendment to the preventing a middle class tax hike that S&P soared 1.9 percent and the Nasdaq Senate version of the legislation approved could have sent the economy back into increased 2.4 percent. Markets in India, after midnight Monday with an over- recession and obviously had a severe impact Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand whelming 89-8 vote. on families all across America," he said. too were on the rise. The package that heads to President Vice President Joe Biden and Senate The central premise of his campaign for Had the Republican controlled House not Barack Obama's desk for his signature now Minority leader Mitch McConnell were president was to change the tax code that put to vote the Senate passed deal (House puts off budget cuts for two months and pre- architects of the deal that passed the was "too skewed towards the wealthy at the Speaker John Boehner could have taken the serves Bush-era income tax cuts for individ- Senate and the House with expense of middle class Americans," plea that a majority in his majority party uals earning less than $400,000 or couples bipartisan support. Obama said. were not in favor of the bill), the new House earning less than $450,000. resulting reduction in consumer spending. "Tonight we have done that," he added, was to convene on Jan 3 and all the work on Without the compromise deal, the fiscal Shortly after the passage of the deal bro- thanking the leaders of the House and avoiding the fiscal cliff would have come to cliff could spark a new recession with the kered by Vice President Joe Biden, Obama Senate. With the deal done, the White naught. TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013 14 January 5-11, 2013 US AFFAIRS -TOP 5 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Bad news, and worse Hurricane Sandy After gurdwara and theater tragedies, pounds the Northeast school shooting shakes the nation urricane Sandy was a Hurricane Katrina. At least 253 peo- Category 2 storm that ple were killed along the path of the Hseverely hit the Mid-Atlantic storm in seven countries. and Northeastern United States in New Jersey was the worst hit state late October. High winds and torren- by Sandy and was visited by tial downpours lasted for about two President Obama at state Governor days, with fallen trees, flooding, Chris Christie’s invitation. In New evacuations, millions of homes and York state, some areas in Queens places of employment without and Long Island were badly impact- power and destroyed land. A severe ed. LIPA (Long Island Power gasoline shortage in New York was a Authority) came under fire as thou- The gun lobbying group’s Executive Vice major immediate effect of the inabil- sands without power voiced their President Wayne LaPierre advocated putting ity to transport gas in the wake of displeasure with its inability to han- The 20 first graders’ massacre in Connecticut armed guards at schools. Some protesters dis- Sandy’s wrath. dle Sandy’s wrath in what seemed was a heart-wrenching tragedy for the nation. played this placard at his press conference. The super-storm brought back like a major lack of preparation. memories of Hurricane Katrina in Malls and public venues that main- n December 14, Adam Lanza, age 20, fatally shot shot himself in the head. 2005 that hit the Gulf states region. tained power became packed with 20 children and six staff members at Sandy Hook On July 20, a mass shooting occurred inside a Century Estimates of losses due to damage people looking to charge devices and OElementary School in the village of Sandy Hook movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight and business interruption are esti- take advantage of their heat sources in Newtown, Connecticut. Before driving to the school, screening of the film The Dark Knight Rises. A gunman, mated at $65.6 billion, which would in cold temperatures. Sandy took its Lanza had shot and killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, at dressed in tactical clothing, set off tear gas grenades and make Sandy the second-costliest place as one of the most disastrous their Newtown home. He committed suicide by shooting shot into the audience with multiple firearms, killing 12 Atlantic hurricane, behind only storms to ever hit the tri-state area. himself in the head as first responders arrived. Adam people and injuring 58 others. The sole suspect is James Lanza uses firerams legally purchased by his mother. He Eagan Holmes, who was arrested outside the cinema min- suffered from a form of autism, and perhaps had other utes later. psychological issues. His motive for going on gun ram- The heart-wrenching Sandy Hook tragedy is being con- page –in particular against 6 and 7 year olds-- is still not sidered a tipping point for initiating some gun control clear. measures. Making headway in that direction is thought to The massacre was the second-deadliest school shooting be difficult as bearing arms is a right in the country as per in United States history, after the 2007 Virginia Tech the Second Amendment, and because of trenchant oppo- massacre. It is also the second-deadliest mass murder at sition from the powerful lobbying group, National Rifle an American elementary school after the 1927 Bath Association. However, President Obama who called the School bombings in Michigan. school shooting "the worst day" of his presidency has A swathe of New Jersey area under water But 2012 was perhaps the worst year for mass shoot- pledged to put his "full weight" behind putting forward a ings. On August 5, at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, package of new gun-control measures. He announced a Wisconsin, a single gunman killed six people and gun-control task force led by Vice President Joe Biden to wounded four others. The gunman, Wade Michael Page, a make proposals for new laws and actions in January CIA chief resigns amid scandal white supremacist, shot several people of the Sikh faith at 2013. California Senator Dianne Feinstein also plans to irector of the Central the temple, and also a responding police officer. After reintroduce in Congress an expired federal ban on assault Intelligence Agency (CIA) being shot in the stomach by another officer, Page fatally weapons. DDavid Petraeus resigned from his position after his affair with Paula Broadwell, 40, was Ambassador killed in Coach convicted of brought to light. Broadwell, also Benghazi, Libya married, was the principal author of molesting two score boys his biography. our Americans, including US erald Arthur "Jerry" Petraeus-Broadwell affair began Ambassador to Libya J. Sandusky served as an just two months after he was FChristopher Stevens to Libya, Gassistant football coach appointed Director of the CIA and were killed in an attack on the US for his entire career, mostly at David Petraeus had an when he was no longer an active consulate in Benghazi on September Pennsylvania State University, affair with his biographer military officer. And it ended in the 11, 2012. Pounced upon by Mitt under the much revered coach, Paula Broadwell summer of 2012, when reports that Romney, it became a major national late Joe Paterno. Following a Broadwell was sending threatening on November 6 and advised security issue in the run up to the two-year grand jury investiga- US Ambassador emails to Jill Kelley, a longtime Petraeus to resign. Clapper then November presidential election. tion, Sandusky was arrested and to Libya friend of the Petraeuses, began to notified the White House the next Later, in a potential embarrass- charged with 52 counts of sexu- J. Christopher surface. day and Petraeus offered his resig- ment to the Obama administration, al abuse of young boys over a Jerry Sandusky Stevens The FBI’s investigation into those nation on November 8 to President an independent review of the attack 15-year period. He mainly met worked as threatening emails, which led the Obama. In his explanation, found "management deficiencies" at high levels of the his molestation victims through assistant football Bureau to Broadwell’s inbox, is Petraeus cited the affair as the prin- State Department. Repudiating the officials’ initial ver- The Second Mile, a charity he coach at what uncovered what was an extra- cipal reason for stepping down. sion after the attack, the report said "there was no protest ran for needy children, and sev- Pennsylvania marital affair for Petraeus and Petraeus’ wife, Hollister “Holly” prior to the attacks," which were "unanticipated in their eral of them testified against State University. Broadwall. The two had concocted Knowlton, was “furious” but is scale and intensity." The report also cited as "inadequate" him in the trial. On June 22, 2012, Sandusky was found a plan consisting of typed intimate expected to stand by her husband of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security staff in Benghazi on guilty on 45 of the charges. He was sentenced on email drafts in a shared account that 38 years. Dr. Scott Broadwall, a 43- the day of the attack and in the months and weeks leading October 9 to 30-60 years in prison. A few days later, his could be read when either one year old radiologist who met Paula up to it, "despite repeated requests from Special Mission lawyers appealed his conviction in Centre County Court logged in, so as to not leave an in Germany when they both served Benghazi and Embassy Tripoli for additional staffing." in Pennsylvania. They claim that they did not have obvious email trail. in the military, is not as much of a Stevens was the first US ambassador to die in office since enough time to prepare for their client's defense. On Director of National Intelligence lock to stay in his marriage. They the 1988 aircrash in Pakistan which killed Arnold Lewis October 31, Sandusky was moved to Pennsylvania's SCI James Clapper learned of the affair have two sons together. Raphel. Greene "supermax" prison to serve his sentence.

16 January 5-11, 2013 GANGRAPE OUTRAGES INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info The Girl Who Wanted to Live is Dead… By Roopsi Narula water cannons, and even beating up police started throwing water can- the crowds including young girls nons on the crowd, which was he 23-year-old girl, who was and middle-aged women. Is this quickly followed by lathi charge battling for her life after what is called the dance of democ- without any warning or announce- Tbeing brutally raped by six racy? ment. men in a moving bus in New Delhi, I had a chance to speak to a “I was in the first row and was is now no more. friend, Gurpreet Singh, who had completely drenched with water. I In one of her bouts of conscious- joined the protests in and got saw a police man running towards ness, she is said to have told her injured in police lathi charge. He is me with a lathi in his hand. He mother that she wanted to live. an MBA from Hult IBS Boston. gave me two blows on my head. It was one fateful evening, when Here are excerpts from our conver- Luckily, I raised my hands. So she boarded a bus in Delhi along sation. though I suffered no head injury, with a male friend. Six men took “I went on Sunday, 23rd two of my fingers were broken with turns to rape her in the moving bus, December to India Gate to join the those blows.” assaulted her with iron rods and protest after Section 144 had been It was indeed not pleasant to see threw her on the road along with lifted in the afternoon and people a friend injured and see video clips her badly injured friend. The scant- Protests continued in India days after the death of were allowed to go to India Gate. of police beating the protestors. ily clad girl kept lying on the road the rape victim. “There were around 1500 pro- Close on the heels came a state- for at least one hour before she was the public so much? There were unprecedented or as it could be testers at that time. People were ment from the President’s son, taken to the hospital. tears, rage and helplessness. The said, ‘the soul of a nation long sup- very angry because of the way this affirming that it is fashionable for For someone following this news whole country was shaken. What pressed, found utterance’. whole issue had been handled. the ‘painted and dented ladies’ to from outside India, my heart bled made those men behave like ani- Social media was abuzz. Many They were shouting slogans join such protests! just like that of many others. mals? What could be their possible men expressed anguish, demanded against Delhi government and Yes, it hurts to see India criti- However, right from the time a motives? Sex, power, or no fear of more protection for women in the Delhi police. cized all over the world. However, buzz was created around this issue, being caught? A nation-wide country. Many even felt apologetic “Some people broke the windows if we analyze the issue deeper, is it I also kept wondering if something debate was triggered on reasons of for the ghastly act committed by a of a car and turned it upside down. a feature of the Indian society was new in this. rape with many sociologists few men. Indians all across the There were many groups of protes- alone that we objectify women and Having lived in New Delhi for 7 explaining the moral degeneration world condemned the incident. tors who were discussing what perpetuate violence on them? Not years, I am used to hearing such of the patriarchal Indian society to One Indian woman blogged, ‘I am should be done. However, there really. In the Old Testament, it was stories of a testosterone-driven this extent. sick of being treated like a piece of was no leadership. Eve who tempted Adam to eat the soulless society where women face ‘Stop writing on feminist issues’, meat’. “Some people were occasionally forbidden apple and has been pay- molestation everyday and accident I am often told. ‘It is not cool and Some ‘realistic’ ones also throwing stones at Delhi police. ing for it ever since! Meanwhile, I victims keep lying on the roads no one likes feminists.’ moaned that nothing will bring There were some police men, who hope this Braveheart’s death will with cars speeding past them and Thankfully, India did not think of change in a country suffering from tried to pacify the crowd and not be in vain. no one coming forward to help. As this as a feminist issue. Men and ‘multisystem’ failure. requested them to maintain peace. The girl who wanted to live is a friend from Delhi said, ‘We are women came out on the streets, Protests continued for days. However, around 5:20 pm the dead. May she live long! now comfortably numb to such protesting, raising slogans, and Delhi government responded with crowd got a bit unruly and broke The author is a Consultant for news’. demanding the right to live with closing metro stations, attacking down police barriers. After this, it SATimes. Email: roopsi@the- However, why did this case anger dignity. The rage of the crowds was the protestors with tear gas and was complete mayhem. Soon the southasiantimes.info US media and Indian community react to the rape case raving chilly weather, a out," wrote Jamila Bey, who democracy, can never reach its "The victim was a coura- not be in vain. group of Indian hosts the radio show 'The Sex, full potential if half its popula- geous girl who fought till the The Indian American BAmericans held a can- Politics And Religion Hour', in tion lives in fear of unspeak- last minute for her dignity and Muslim Council (IAMC) dle light vigil last weekend at The Washington Post. able violence," the Times said. her life. She is a true hero and called for an expansion to the the Gandhi Statue in "In India, the fight today is in "This reprehensible crime symbolizes the best in Indian scope of the Committee head- Washington for the 23-year- the streets. But the fights and reflects an alarming trend in youth and women," Satnam ed by Justice Verma estab- old Delhi gang-rape victim, the protests must continue to India, which basks in its suc- Singh Chahal, president of lished in the wake of the rape who died after battling for life be waged in the voting booths, cess as a growing business and North American Punjabi case to explore possible for 13 days. on the editorial pages and even technological mecca but toler- Association (NAPA) said. He amendments to anti-rape laws "The Delhi bus incident is by leaving the venerated insti- ates shocking abuse of urged people back home to in order to secure timely jus- our 'Rosa Parks bus incident'. tutions, from churches to women," it said. "resolve" that this death will tice for the victims. Hopefully we will discuss gen- Congress, that frequently treat der violence more and do women as inferior to men," he brutal gang rape in public of a young s a Hindustani it gladdens me to see how peo- something about it," the group Bey said. woman in a bus in the nation's capital is not ple in India have joined together and come said on their Facebook page. In an editorial, The New Tonly a heinous act but a real blow to the free- Aout all over the country to protest the brutal http://articles.timesofindia.in York Times said India must dom of movement of girls in the largest democracy of rape in Delhi. It's a positive sign for the country. I diatimes.com/images/pixel.gif work on changing a culture in the world - India. It is unfortunate that so many rape feel common man of India has been awakened and Meanwhile, US media has which women are routinely cases have not received proper justice there. Besides the injustices will not be tolerated anymore. given prominent coverage to devalued. "Many are betrothed the rapists, others holding high office and in charge We NRIs join the entire nation in mourning the of safety of people must bear the responsibility for tragedy. Leaders across party lines have condemned the death in Singapore of the against their will as child this terrible incident. The government must take suit- the attack including the PM and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. rape victim whose body was brides, and many suffer cruel- able action and not mere verbal assurance to protect Now they should work together to enact strict laws cremated in Delhi on Sunday. ly, including acid attacks and women. Maybe strong willed women should be put against the heinous crime of rape. "The event has shocked burning, at the hands of hus- in charge of police stations. Indian society, and many bands and family members," it Shudh Parkash Singh women in other parts of the said. Dr Uma Mysorekar Senior Vice President world are also finding them- "India, a rising economic President, Hindu Temple Society of Indian National Overseas selves compelled to speak power and the world's largest North America New York Congress (I) USA New York TheSouthAsianTimes.info GANGRAPE OUTRAGES INDIA January 5-11, 2013 17 India’s skewed success Women's security: Time to story is breeding monsters fix accountability

The gang rape of the Delhi girl symbolizes the bankruptcy of India’s The ruling parties and the opposition are viewing with deep suspicion the growth story and busts its myths. If India is being discussed globally for protest movement run by those who are not under the control of any party. The its huge potential, it is also a subject of ridicule when it comes to nation's concern over the issue, which the protesters are articulating, is justified protecting vulnerable women on its streets. and they cannot be blamed for their distrust of the political class.

By Prabhu Chawla rape, has outpaced GNP driven to crime when they only By B.R.P. Bhaskar have been ignited by one who publicly associated growth. Undoubtedly, India is get part-time, lowly paid jobs incident which received con- themselves with the protest. istory is analyzed by much richer than it was 20 from the mafia that runs parallel eaderless and unorgan- siderable mass media atten- While serving as army chief, historians. But more years ago. No doubt, we have transport, water and real estate ized groups of young tion, what has also brought he showed no sign of concern Hoften, ordinary people more swanky airports, hun- businesses in various cities or Lmen and women have young people into the cam- for rape victims. Army per- on the streets create it. They dreds of private jets and thou- inherit their family business. been demonstrating demand- paign is the feeling that the sonnel in Kashmir attracted don’t have an ideology to sands of Lamborghinis, Over 20 per cent of buses, ing women's security and just political system is not respon- rape charges in his time. He propagate. Nor do they have Porsches and Jaguars. But three-wheelers, tempos and punishment to perpetrators of sive to the issue. had no word of sympathy for any personality to promote. these luxury toys have been trucks plying on Indian roads the Delhi gang-rape. Their exasperation is evi- Irom Sharmila of Manipur, But they do have an agenda to built or acquired by diverting lack authorized certification. They have defied ban dent from the way they are who is on an epic fast seeking agitate for. As the 23-year-old funds, which could otherwise The government has been put- orders and braved repressive steering clear of all political lifting of the army power braveheart succumbed to the have gone for providing better ting public transport and small police action. The death of elements. On their part, the which provides immunity to monstrous assault on her per- security, effective public trans- ruling parties and the opposi- servicemen involved in rape son, she shook the entire port, quality education in gov- tion are viewing with deep cases. nation of a billion people. ernment schools, better hospi- suspicion the protest move- Yet, protesters must under- Millions of ordinary, faceless tals, and a credible policing ment run by those who are stand we are running a demo- Indians—young and old, rich system. not under the control of any cratic system, which cannot and poor—used all forms of It takes hardly a few minutes party. Their misgivings are be run without political par- communication to create histo- for the PM or top corporate shared by middle class intel- ties. But they are entitled to ry by conveying their disgust leaders to announce millions lectuals who fear the move- demand that the politicians with the shameless system; of dollars in donations to for- ment may lead to anarchy. remain accountable to the they resolved to force a eign universities where the Figures show a crime people. change. It was the social media children of the rich and mighty against women is reported Sonia Gandhi, chairperson that set the tone for others to study, while over 60 per cent every two minutes. When we of the ruling United follow. One of the tweeple put of government-run schools take into account the fact that Progressive Alliance (UPA), it succinctly, “The brave girl remain without buildings or many women do not file said on Saturday: "We have who woke the entire nation, furniture. Most state govern- complaints and even when heard you". If she has heard finally went to sleep.” ments have stopped opening complaints are filed, police the protesters' voice, why is Damini or Nirbhaya—pseu- new schools and instead, have may not register them, the there no action? donyms given to the victim— started selling land to private actual crime rate must be In a democratic dispensa- moved even the international promoters at exorbitant prices. higher. tion, when things go wrong, media. News about her death It takes more than three The nation's concern over someone must assume was first broken by an months and over 1,000 files to the issue, which the protest- responsibility. Half-a-century American wire agency on force Delhi’s government to ers are articulating, is there- ago, Lal Bahadur Shastri Twitter. Never before in any sanction a mere Rs 50 crore for fore justified. The protesters assumed moral responsibility nation’s history has a dastardly the purchase of CCTVs for the cannot be blamed for their for a rail accident and attack on a girl mobilized mil- capital. India’s police stations distrust of the political class. resigned as railway minister. lions. From New Delhi’s India are understaffed. They have Prime Minister Manmohan When a sex crime in the Gate to Mumbai’s Gateway of antiquated arms and untrained Singh did not speak out on capital awakens the nation's India, from Kashmir to staff who put ridiculous ques- The Kochi-Muziris Biennale in Kerala ushered in the the issue for days. Home conscience to the vulnerabili- New Year somberly by painting a disturbing picture Kanyakumari, ordinary citi- tions to rape victims. Despite Minister Sushil K. Shinde ty of women, must not some- symbolizing the brutal rape and death of the Delhi girl. zens turned out on the roads the recommendations of vari- opened his mouth mainly to one assume moral responsi- while the political class and ous commissions, neither the vehicles out of reach of the the rape victim on December defend police action against bility and bow out? well-protected wealthy corpo- Central nor the state govern- lower and middle classes by its 29 appears to have strength- the demonstrators. If no one does so voluntari- rate honchos chose to hide at ments have bothered to imple- fiscal policies. India is the only ened their resolve. But pun- CPI-M leader Brinda Karat, ly, does not the UPA chairper- home. Has Damini really ment police reforms. Instead, country in the world that impos- ishment in criminal cases, who paid visits to India Gate, son have a duty to fix respon- woken our rulers from their they have been liberal in pro- es the maximum possible taxes just or otherwise, comes only was an accessory to her sibility and call for the resig- slumber? Actually not. Our viding massive security cover on petroleum products. at the end of trial and hearing party's decision to settle sexu- nation of the person con- planners are obsessed with to civil servants and political Strangely, the prime minister, at three levels, which, with al harassment charges against cerned? vote bank politics and glam- leaders. instead of ensuring the afford- the best will to fast-track the two of its leaders in Kerala. Two persons present them- orous growth models, which In the absence of sufficient able delivery of energy process, will take time. Jaya Bachchan, who broke selves as likely candidates: have created two Indias within funds for the development of resources, pleaded for the with- Ensuring security of into tears at a Mumbai protest the prime minister, who one nation. While a fraction of urban infrastructure, most drawal of subsidies and not for women calls for toning up of rally, is an MP of the remained silent when he India becomes safer and richer, Indian cities are becoming reducing taxes on power and the police machinery and Samajwadi Party that has should be have spoken out the rest of it lives in abysmal breeding grounds for petty petrol. If India is allowed to live reforming society -- tasks that fielded men facing rape and acted; and the home min- poverty and insecurity. criminals. With the emphasis on in darkness and its people are will take even more time. The charges in elections. ister, whose words only Damini’s demise symbolizes technology-driven capital- forced to move on insecure protesters cannot be hanging The BSP and the Trinamool added insult to injury. the bankruptcy of India’s intensive projects, less and less roads and public transport, out at Jantar Mantar and in Congress, two parties con- The exit of either gentle- growth story and busts its employment opportunities are many more Daminis will fall parks in other cities while trolled by women leaders, man will not bring the gov- myths. If India is being dis- being created for unskilled and prey to the beasts created by an these processes go on. too, have put up rape case ernment down since it is open cussed globally for its huge even semi-skilled labor force. insensitive establishment of Knowing this, the govern- accused as candidates. to the Congress and the UPA potential, it is also a subject of Currently, India has over 20 Mera Bharat Mahan! ment is resorting to time-test- How can such leaders be to find a replacement from ridicule when it comes to pro- crore youth waiting for gainful Prabhu Chwala is the ed dilatory measures like relied upon to address the their own ranks. tecting vulnerable women on employment. They are the ones Editorial Director of The New constitution of judicial com- issue sincerely? The author is a veteran its streets. The growth of who, along with the spoilt brats Indian Express, where his missions and promises of Former Army chief, Gen journalist and commentator. heinous crimes, including of wealthy and powerful, are column appeared first. action. While the protests V.K. Singh was among those 18 January 5-11, 2013 INDIA - CORRUPTION TheSouthAsianTimes.info Kejriwal takes on Indian political class

While Anna Hazare's campaign has fizzled, Arvind Kejriwal's targeting of high-profile individuals has thrust him into the spotlight.

ho will he expose media. priety, saw nearly $580 million denied any wrongdoing. next? Activist-turned- "Our purpose is to tell the peo- The fight against wiped off its market value in a Prashant Bhushan, a veteran Wpolitician Arvind ple that every single political corruption in India single day after Kejriwal's Supreme Court lawyer and legal Kejriwal's series of press confer- party is corrupt. They are in col- claims. advisor to Kejriwal, insists that ences to "expose" people in high lusion with each other, they pro- entered political Outgoing Law Minister Salman the allegations of wrongdoing places, mainly politicians and tect each other," Kejriwal was arena with the launch Khurshid called Kejriwal an ant are all carefully screened before businesspersons, grabbed media quoted as saying. of Aam Aadmi Party trying to take on an elephant they are made public. He attention and people were eager While none of Kejriwal's after he alleged a non-govern- acknowledged, however, that it to know was next on the 44-year- claims have yet led to any formal by activist-turned- mental group led by Khurshid was possible some of them may old former Indian Revenue investigations, his targeting of politician Arvind and his wife misused funds. have ultimately emanated from Service officer's agenda. high-profile individuals is The Khurshids have denied any certain political parties. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's unprecedented. Anti-corruption Kejriwal in 2012. wrongdoing, and the prime min- Kejriwal dismisses media son-in-law Robert Vadra, BJP activists have in the past pressed Will he be able to ister publicly demonstrated his efforts to cast him as an Indian chief Nitin Gadkari, Salman for stricter rules to tackle corrup- support by making him foreign Julian Assange, the controversial Khurshid, now the external tion but have refrained from carry the mass minister. founder of WikiLeaks. affairs minister, and Reliance naming and shaming. Even rival momentum generated One of Khurshid's cabinet col- "Our idea is not to keep expos- Industries were all targets of his political parties have tended to leagues said he did not believe ing people. Our purpose is to exposes on alleged corruption shy away from personal attacks. during the bigger Kejriwal's allegations that change the political establish- and wrongdoing. All denied the Kejriwal has fought a decade- Anna Hazare crusade Khurshid had embezzled a sum ment," Kejriwal was quoted as allegations. After parting ways long campaign to bring more in 2013? Only time equivalent to $134,000. "It is a saying. with his mentor Anna Hazare, transparency to government, but very small amount for a central Kejriwal, who is shy and soft- Kejriwal launched his political it was in 2010 that he began to will tell us minister," he said, adding that he spoken away from the television outfit Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). pursue corruption more vigor- would have taken the charge seri- cameras, straightens up in his media sensation. His news con- From a shabby house in one of ously. ously if the amount had been 100 plastic chair and speaks with pas- ferences attract hundreds of New Delhi's grimmest suburbs, a He was one of the architects of times larger. sion when asked to respond to reporters, and he has announced mild-mannered former tax offi- the India Against Corruption The opposition Bharatiya such criticism. he is launching his own political cial has launched a salvo of accu- movement led by veteran social Janata Party (BJP) called "Without jumping into the sys- party. sations of corruption involving activist Anna Hazare, 75, whose Kejriwal a "hitman" after he tem, it will be impossible to His critics dismiss him as a some of India's most powerful public hunger strike against graft raised questions about a land clean up the system. We are political opportunist, but people, rocking the political last year led to an outpouring of deal involving BJP president going to challenge this political acknowledge his shrewd use of establishment. support from millions of middle- Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari also system on a daily basis," he said. the media, especially television, In quick succession, Arvind class Indians disgusted by the to amplify his anti-corruption Kejriwal has publicly levelled venality of the ruling class. crusade. charges of shady dealings against Corruption is part of daily life A Congress party leader called the son-in-law of ruling in India - from bribes paid for India ranks 94 in list of Kejriwal a "self-serving ambi- Congress party chief Sonia something as simple as getting a tious megalomaniac" after he Gandhi, the outgoing law minis- gas connection, passport or produced documents alleging ter and the leader of the main avoiding a traffic violation, to corrupt nations irregularities in land deals opposition party. multi-billion-dollar scandals. involving Sonia Gandhi's busi- New Delhi: India was ranked of 183 countries. However, His claims, carried live and Hazare's campaign has fizzled, nessman son-in-law, Robert 94 out of 176 countries sur- due to an update in the endlessly raked over by breath- but Kejriwal's targeting of high- Vadra, and India's biggest prop- veyed in the Corruption methodology, CPI scores of less 24/7 television news net- profile individuals has thrust him erty developer, DLF Ltd. Perceptions Index (CPI) 2012, 2011 cannot be compared with works, tap into popular outrage into the spotlight. Vadra has denied the allega- with a score of 36 on a scale this years' score, S.K. over the deep-rooted corruption In the space of a few weeks the tions, saying they were "utterly from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 Agarwal, vice-chairman of TII in Indian politics, government diminutive former bureaucrat, false, entirely baseless and (very clean), the Transparency said. He added that India had and business that is often who often wears a short-sleeve defamatory". DLF, which has International India (TII) said. the same score of 36 in 2011 endured but rarely confronted in check shirt that seems one size also strongly denied any impro- so public a manner, even by the too big for him, has become a In 2011, India ranked 95 out as well. TheSouthAsianTimes.info MULTI-RETAIL FDI IN INDIA January 5-11, 2013 19 Only big companies will benefit from retail FDI

By Prakash Bhandari approval in retail trade of ‘Single Brand’ products. The few days after Indian conditions are: i) Products parliament passed a bill should be of a ‘Single Brand’ Aamid much opposition only. ii) Products should be sold allowing Foreign Direct under the same brand interna- Investment (FDI) in retail sec- tionally. iii) ‘Single Brand’ tor, Gujarat and Himachal product-retailing would cover Pradesh went to polls. Gujarat, only products which are brand- considered a vibrant state for ed during manufacturing. investors and ruled by BJP Currently in India the situation opposed to FDI, gave a big win is that the farmers do all the to the party under Narendra hard work and they enjoy the Modi. But Himachal Pradesh, minimum or lowest share of the which too was ruled by the BJP, profits. Middlemen, or Dalals voted the party out of power. (agents) earn more than farmers. The political pundits within Can this grocer stand up to Carrefour in any way? Wal-Mart Stores, the world’s BJP were surprised by this vari- brought in by the foreign ued at about $ 450 billion, Indians live on less than Rs. 20 biggest multi-brand retail chain, ance of views. investor would be $100 million expected to grow by 10.2%. Of a day. has told the US Senate that it So, is FDI good for India or and outlets may be set up only this, organized retail only forms And who will benefit from had lobbied for “discussions not? Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel in cities with a population of 6.5% of the pie. Hence, there is new FDI policy – farmer, con- related to India’s FDI.” It spent laureate professor of Columbia over 10 lakh. enormous scope for expansion sumer or big business? It seems Rs. 52 crore between 2007-2009 University, during a recent talk Indian companies hailed the through infrastructure and MNCs and rich Indians will towards FDI in India or say get- in New Delhi remarked, “The decision adding that it will give investment support. come to control the retail mar- ting entry into the country. To advocates of FDI have probably a strong message to investors Furthermore, while unorganized ket in the country, decreasing come into the country they will put too much emphasis on it. that the government means retail has been pegged at 6% the number of small shops. keep spending money on lobby- India is in a different position business and stands firm on its annually, organized retail has Another argument against ing. than a small, developing coun- initiatives. been booming at a stupendous retail FDI in India is offered by Before implementing FDI, the try. You have a large pool of The Indian retail sector main- growth rate of 35% and will SK Lalwani, who has come to Indian government needs to entrepreneurs. They are globally ly consists of unorganized play- reach 16-18% of the total mar- retire in India from the US: study in a transparent manner savvy, have access to global ers in the form of locally ket within the next five years,” “Retail chains are good for any (not behind closed doors) the technology and they have a lot owned, ‘kirana’ stores, single said Prof SK Kothari of Poddar honest country but in corrupt pros and cons of the policy. of wealth. So, if there were owner general stores, paan Institute of Management at nations the benefits do not reach After that the government large returns to large-scale shops, convenience stores, hand Jaipur. the poor people, are enjoyed should come up with regula- supermarkets, the domestic cart and pavement vendors. On The government has also instead by politicians, big busi- tions so that the benefits of the industry would have supplied it. the other hand, organized retail- increased the FDI limit in sin- ness houses, rich people and new policy will be enjoyed by Not having access to FDI is not ing involves trading activities gle-brand retail to 100% from their friends. India does not poor people of India and mainly an impediment in India. Wal- undertaken by licensed retailers, 51%. Prime Minister have good regulations like in farmers and consumers. Another Mart is able to procure many that is, those who are registered Manmohan Singh states allow- USA. In USA, if a citizen hides law the government should pass goods at lower prices than oth- for sales tax, income tax, etc -- ing FDI in retail will benefit all, his money abroad, the FBI and is that big corporations will not ers because of the huge buying basically involving the corpo- but traders fear they would suf- IRS will send that rich be allowed to import any food power they have and will use rate-backed hypermarkets and fer immensely, American to jail. Here the items from other nations. that power to bring Chinese retail chains, and also the pri- Foreign investment in India is Indian Government and laws do Big kirana shops must com- goods to India to displace vately owned large retail busi- governed by the FDI policy not even allow the citizens to pulsorily buy everything in Indian production. So the worry nesses. announced by the government know the names of corrupt India and sell in India or they is not so much about the dis- “I welcome the FDI because and the provision of the Foreign Indians who have stashed their can export. Government should placement of the small retail the kirana stores not only offer Exchange Management Act money in other countries. not become the permit giver. store but displacement further adulterated goods, but also have (FEMA) 1999. Obviously, MNCs would make Government should give the down the supply chain.” a tendency to underweigh,” Foreign investors are free to tonnes of money and would clear cut policy and allow them “Profits of companies like said Bhikam Chand Jain, an invest in India, except in a few cater only the rich.” to do business in India. If Wal-Mart come from free riding insurance agent in Jaipur. sectors and activities, where As per the current regulatory Government becomes the per- on our society. They don't pro- However, the tremendous prior approval from the RBI or regime, FDI up to 51% is mit giver then corruption will vide healthcare benefits and growth prospect of the sector Foreign Investment Promotion allowed with prior government flourish. assume that the workers’ spous- coupled with successfully estab- Board (FIPB) is required. es get healthcare benefits from lished models of organized In franchising and commis- their employers or through retail in China has paved the sion agents’ services, FDI some other mechanism. Wal- way for the establishment of (unless otherwise prohibited) is Mart might not be a good organized retail in India as well. allowed with the approval of the employer.” Many home-grown corporate RBI under FEMA. Examples of Amid opposition from its own giants such as Relaince Fresh such business - Pizza Hut, Nike allies, the Manmohan Singh and Future Group have already and Spencer’s. government has allowed FDI in set up chains across India. Besides, 100% FDI is allowed multi-brand retail. Under the “The Indian retail is a robust in wholesale trading. notification, MNCs can invest pillar of the economy with a Wholesalers do business with up to 51 per cent to open stores 13% contribution to the GDP retailers but not allowed to deal in 10 states and Union and employs 6% of the nation’s with consumers. Territories which have so far workforce. According to India The cassandras ask whether agreed to implement the deci- Brand Equity Foundation India and Indian citizens are sion. Minimum amount to be (IBEF), the Indian retail is val- ready for big brands when 70% 20 January 5-11, 2013 INDIA TOP 10 TheSouthAsianTimes.info What shook India’s political scene

Here are 10 events of the Indian political sphere that grabbed nation-wide attention migrant minorities in July. Yerwada jail. The report of his exe- coalition over demands on the roll- Coalgate Thousands of lives were lost and cution was later revealed by back of the big-bang reforms intro- 'Aam Aadmi' lakhs were left homeless. The Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. duced by the Centre in September. riots became a national issue after Patil. The executed took place fol- TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had Launch messages warning of attacks on lowing the rejection of his mercy demanded the government to reverse After a bitter split from anti-cor- northeast migrants spread appeal to President President Pranab its decision on raising diesel prices ruption activist Anna Hazzare, throughout the country. This led to Mukherjee. and opening India's retail sector to Kejriwal launched his "Aam Aadmi a mass exodus of northeast people foreign investors. Party" on Nov 26 at Jantar Mantar in from many states including Gujarat Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal was a key Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. member of Gandhian Anna Hazare's Elections Maharashtra anti-corruption squad of activists, Based on the Comptroller and Presidential but the two fell out in 2012 primari- Auditor General (CAG) report Irrigation Scam ly over the decision to join politics. brought out in March, Team Anna Election Corruption charges were slapped slapped corruption charges against against BJP President Nithin 15 cabinet members including Gadkeri by activist-turned-politician Zee vs Jindal Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Arvind Kejriwal in October. The report stated that the Coal Kejriwal said that Gadkeri expanded Ministry, which was under the his business empire by targeting the PM's responsibility from 2006 to Chief Minister Narendra Modi lands owned by farmers of 2009, had allocated 155 coal won a hat-trick victory in the state Vidarbha. blocks to as many as 100 private Assembly elections on Dec 20. His and state-run companies without party bagged 116 seats to the 182- auction, thus causing huge loss to Former finance minister Pranab member state Assembly, pushing DLF the state exchequer a huge loss. Mukherjee took the baton from Modi back on the saddle for the Two TV journalists were held in After a CBI probe, a case was file Pratibha Patil and was sworn in as third time as chief minister. With Controversy India after allegedly demanding against five companies that mis- the 13th president of India on July Gujarat elections done and dusted, money from an industrialist in return lead the screening committee 25. Various names had been specu- BJP leaders have started raising the for favorable coverage. The contro- about their operations in the allo- lated by the Indian media and politi- pitch for naming Modi as the party's versy renewed debate about the cation of coal blocks in Jharkhand cians prior to the official candidacies prime ministerial candidate ahead of media transparency in India. Naveen and Chhattisgarh. being submitted. The BJP-led NDA the next Lok Sabha polls. Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and turned to support former Lok Sabha Power Ltd (JSPL) and Congress MP, Speaker P.A. Sangma. alleged that two senior editors of Northeast FDI Row Zee News, owned by Subhash Ajmal Kasab's The ruling UPA government per- Chandra, had asked for money as Exodus mitted foreign direct investment As an eventful year for controver- bribe to drop an investigation into Hanging (FDI) in various sectors including sies, corruption charges were also how his company had received coal retail, insurance, pension and avia- slapped against Sonia Gandhi's son- allocations from the Indian govern- tion. Amidst huge controversies and in-law, Robert Vadra. ment. Responding to the JSPL alle- opposition from several political The allegations, made by the gation, the Indian police arrested parties, the government secured Kejriwal-led India Against two senior editors of Zee TV - majority votes in both lower and Corruption organization, stated that Sudhir Chaudhary and Samir upper house of parliament in favor that real estate giant DLF had sold Ahluwalia. The channel filed a 1.5- of FDI. prime land in Delhi and nearby areas billion-rupee defamation suit against On Nov 21, lone terrorist of On Sept 18, the Trinamool to Vadra at throwaway prices. Vadra Jindal. Jindal also reacted and Assam witnessed the worst eth- Mumbai bomb blast Ajmal Kasab Congress party (TMC), staged a was also alleged to have been given brought a 2-billion-rupee defama- nic riots between the Bodos and was hanged in secrecy at Pune's walkout from the Congress-led interest-free loans. tion suit against the channel. Questions to define Indian politics in 2013 Will the direct cash transfer scheme drew support to the UPA government in Gujarat elections over, will this be the year secretariat came a cropper. His efforts to work? September 2012, conventional wisdom was Narendra Modi stakes claim to Delhi and democratise the Youth Congress and plans to Why It's Important: Because many politi- that the government might last a full term ends speculation for once and for all? revive the Congress in UP too flopped. All cal watchers, including the Opposition, con- with outside backing from the Samajwadi How well is Sonia Gandhi? this gave a bigger say to the old advisers of sider the direct cash transfer of subsidy Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. That sit- Why It's Important: Because if she's physi- Sonia Gandhi, cutting into the crown prince's deliverables to be the "game-changer" in uation hasn't really changed since then, cally unable to lead the Congress into the citadel. The big question for the Congress: 2013. The scheme, to be rolled out from sparking endless speculation on whether next election, it could deeply hurt the morale will the trust deficit be bridged? January 2013, will plug leakages rampant in polls are due early. of the already-battered Grand Old Party. How long will the cosy relationship welfare schemes. As a Congress MP said, Who will emerge as the first among Sonia hasn't been well for over a year. While between Mayawati & Congress last? "The sarkar is only known to take things equals in BJP? that hasn't affected the vigor with which she Why It's Important: Because that could from you, when it hands out cash directly to Why It's Important: Because, with the UPA has defended her party's position, especially determine how political alignments are your bank accounts, it will be an unbeatable having taken a beating, the next election in Parliament, her health will be a key factor determined in the run-up to the general elec- political idea." could be a sitter for the BJP if it gets its act affecting the Congress' strategy in the year to tions. Of course, it all depends on the status Will there be early General elections? together. The internecine warfare in the BJP come. of the CBI cases against her, and just how Why It's Important: Because both the main on leading the party has been on for over Will Rahul Gandhi learn to get along badly Akhilesh Yadav's graph dips in Uttar parties BJP and Congress face severe prob- half-a-decade. Intrigues, conspiracy and with Congress' old guard? Pradesh. With communal violence and crime lems from within and are ill-prepared for downright sabotage have all been allegedly Why It's Important: Because the Gandhi on the rise, Mayawati just has to bide her early polls. When Mamata Banerjee with- employed in this zero-sum game. With scion's efforts at building his own parallel time. TheSouthAsianTimes.info PBD 2013 January 5-11, 2013 21 2,000 expected at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2013

A special 'Gulf Session' will be organized on the first day of the three-day event at Le Meridian, Kochi hiruvananthapuram: The delegates have registered for the added. ernment Jan 8, while the president Minister for Overseas Indian 11th Pravasi Bharatiya PBD-2013. "We are certain the Six state chief ministers and a will deliver the valedictory Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Kerala Chief TDivas (PBD) to be held in total will cross the 2,000 mark," good number of central ministers address Jan 9 and present the Minister Oommen Chandy and Kerala's Kochi city from January Joseph said. will take part in the annual diaspo- Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards Joseph. 7-9, is expected to see more than "The role of the state govern- ra conclave, Joseph said. to the winners. "The delegate fee for the three- 2,000 participants from around 70 ment in this event is that of a facil- It's for the first time that the A special "Gulf Session" will be day event has been fixed at US$ countries, a state minister said. itator, as the programme is being PBD is being held in Kerala. The organized on the first day of the 250 and the participants will have Minister for Diaspora K.C. run and managed by the ministry prime minister will inaugurate this three-day event. Among the partic- to pay Rs.1,000 additionally for Joseph said that by now, 1,600 of overseas Indian affairs," Joseph annual flagship event of the gov- ipants in the session will be the Gulf Session," Joseph said. Session to discuss New schemes status of Pure GOPIO to honor 7 for Sciences in India community service for expatriates New Delhi: As part of con- ference sessions at PBD New York: GOPIO has selected seven people to ing transformational impact. He co-found- 2013, a seminar titled 'Pure receive community service awards, including ed Canada India Foundation (CIF) for in 2012 four with special recognition awards, at deepening engagement between Sciences' will be held in New Delhi: A pension and life insurance GOPIO’s annual convention on January 5-6 Canada and India. Kochi on January 6. The scheme for Indian workers abroad, signing of on the occasion of 11th PBD in Kochi, session will look at various social security pacts with a number of coun- Kerala. The annual convention will cover 6. Ishwar Ramlutchman – South tries and unfulfilled promise of streamlining challenges involved in country and area reports on community issues Africa the immigration process marked 2012 for the developing pure sciences and perspectives from different part of the world. Ishwar Ramlutchman is CEO of AC Industrial Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry. and its commercialization Here are the awardees: Sales & Services. He is a business entrepreneur Fulfilling a long-standing demand, Prime for enhancing India’s com- and worked for procurement and implementation Minister Manmohan Singh in January petitiveness globally. 1. Murray Bullock – St Vincent & of water and sanitation infrastructure projects for announced the pension and life insurance Besides understanding criti- Grenadines local government; corporate social responsibility scheme for overseas Indian workers to benefit cal success factors in Murray Bullock is chairman of St. Vincent & by building schools, poor feeding and health over 5 million workers, especially those in the research, the session will the Grenadines (SVG) National Lotteries facilities for the poor and disadvantaged in Kwa Gulf, and help them save for their return, reset- explore possibilities of Authority and chairman of St. Vincent & the Zulu Natal. tlement and old age. global scientific leadership Grenadines (SVG) National Development As the economy slowed down, the ministry, for India. Foundation. 7. Sunny Augustine – Dubai which looks after issues linked to diaspora, The session will be Sunny Augustine is Managing Director of tried to reach out to Indians abroad seeking chaired by Dr. Thomas 2. George Subraj – USA White Sands Tours and Travel, a leading tour and their support in bolstering the economy while Abraham, Founder George Subraj, born in Guyana, is CEO of Zara holiday company in Dubai, and has been in the highlighting its resilience. President of the Global Realty Holdings based in New York. He is dedi- forefront of a historic humanitarian task. The ministry organised a Mini Pravasi Organization of People of cated to supporting diverse community projects in Bhartiya Divas in September in Mauritius to USA and Guyana, including medical equipment Special Recognition Indian Origin (GOPIO) . A woo potential investors by projecting the wave and services to the needy. 1. Dr A. Didar Singh – India materials scientist and nan- of reform initiatives that the government took Dr Alwyn Didar Singh is Secretary General, otechnologist by profession, to bolster the economy. Mauritius is the top 3. Dr Anil Mehta – Netherlands Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and source of FDI in India, accounting for nearly Dr. Abraham, is also presi- Dr. Anil K. Mehta helps people from Indian ori- Industry (FICCI) and former Secretary to 45 per cent of the total foreign investment. dent of the US-based tech- gin, who are in the Netherlands for last 30 years Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. In the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, the annual nology & market research without proper stay-permit or health insurance. congregation of Indian diaspora, held in Jaipur firm Innovative Research He has set up the Anand Prakashdeep Charitable 2. Manpreet Kaur Singh – Australia earlier in the year, the then President Pratibha and Products. Trust to provide free treatment to needy patients. Manpreet Kaur Singh is a well-established and Patil pitched for harnessing private invest- The keynote speaker is prominent journalist for over 23 years. ments in areas of health, education and skill IIT-Delhi Director Prof. 4. Prof. Ajay Rane – Australia development and asked the overseas Indian R.K. Shevgaonkar. The pan- Prof. Ajay Rane is former Chairman and current 3. Ashok Rao - USA community to be partners in the country's elists include Lord Bhikhu Honorary Treasurer of the Royal Australian and Ashok Rao is an entrepreneur with five success- development. Parekh of British House of New Zealand College of Obstetricians and ful high technology start-ups and one of the first Chief ministers of several states, including Lords; Shri P.C. Chacko Gynaecologists. He is actively involved with the Indian Americans to take a company public on Gujarat, tried to woo more investments from MP; Dr. S. Ayyappan, RANZCOG, Federal and State Government NASDAQ. overseas Indians by flaunting developmental Director General of Indian Agencies mainly to bring about a systemic change initiatives launched by their respective govern- Council of Agricultural and ensure a fair representation for overseas doc- 4. Dr. Awtar Singh (Posthumously) - USA ments and concessions offered to entrepre- Research (ICAR) and Dr. tors. He was Chair, Board of Trustees, Indian neurs. They also assured NRIs and PIOs that Shekhar Gupta of Fermi 5. Vasu Chanchlani – Canada American Heritage Foundation, and instituted their states would be more than willing to facil- Vasu Chanchlani is a serial entrepreneur and Awtar and Teji Singh Scholarship Fund at Laboratory in the US. itate if they wish to invest in any sector thus visionary philanthropist supporting projects hav- University of Colorado. contributing to the overall development. 22 January 5-11, 2013 Jaipur Jewelry Show Unique gem bourse to come up in Jaipur By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur’s Jewelers’ Association will set up the gem bourse with help from government, it was announced at the Jaipur Jewelry Show from December 22-25, 2012.

he Indian Commerce Min- Parekh, who attended the an- decade for JJS, as it has special istry will provide a grant of nual Jaipur Jewelry Show (JJS), affinity with the Pink City and TRs. 45 crore for setting up the country’s second biggest jew- jewelry fraternity. Tourists prefer the world’s first gemstone bourse elry show, said that the gemstone to come to Jaipur during the time here. The state government has business of Jaipur is 250 years old JJS is on and he was happy that been urged by Jaipur’s Jewelers’ and there is need to provide sup- the show culminated on Christmas Association to provide land for it port for its organized growth. day before New Year. He remem- at Gem Park, owned by Rajasthan He pointed to efforts to facilitate bered late Rashmikant Durlabhji Industrial Investment Corpora- the import of gemstones from Paki- as a true visionary and the main tion. The association wants to set stan and Afghanistan and also from architect of JJS. up the gem bourse for the system- Russia. The colored gemstones in- atic growth of the gems process- dustry, Parekh noted, stood at $3.44 Actress-model Simran ing and trading, which is worth billion as per last year’s financial Kaur was the brand Rs. 3,200 crore. figures, demonstrating a growth of According to Pankaj Parekh, 10% over the previous year. The ambassador of JJS. Vice Chairman of the Gem & industry has been growing steadily Jewelry Export Promotion Coun- in the last five years. The JJS show guide was pre- cil (GJEPC), the Commerce Min- Jayant Mishra, Development sented by Ashok Singhi and Ka- istry is committed to contributing Commissioner of the Special Eco- mal Kothari. It culminated with Rs. 45 crore to set up the park, nomic Zone (SEZ) said that the a ceremony attended by the Joint which is likely to cost over Rs. SEZ at Jaipur started with a mod- Secretary of the Union Ministry of 100 crore. The remaining funds est export of Rs. 5.8 crore in 2008 Commerce, Sidharth Singh. Singh would be raised by offering mem- and is almost at Rs. 1000 crore said the exposition showcases the bership and office space to the today. He said that out of the Rs. rich tradition of jewelry making gem industry persons. 3200 crore exports from Jaipur, of Jaipur. He said the import of The state government and the the SEZ Sitapura contribution was gold has shown a decline, which Jewelers’ Association had sev- about Rs. 1000 crores. He invited is a welcome sign. eral meetings to push the project. entrepreneurs to use the facili- Singh presented souvenirs to 20 Now, with the Union government ties at Sitapura, which still has 40 various agencies who contributed playing a key role in encouraging blocks to be allotted. for the success of the show. the bourse project, it seems real- The JJS, which had a humble Jewels Emporium, with its artis- Actress-model Simran Kaur modeled some of her favorite jewelry. istic. The bourse will pave way beginning in 2003 with just 67 tic wooden carved double-decker for organized manufacturing of stalls at Entertainment Paradise booth, was adjudged the best Increased globalization, social increase of 30 percent and this jewelry and also processing of the (EP), is now being held at a big- booth, followed by the booth of values and multiple options have has resulted in tremendous rise gemstones. It would also become ger venue with the display stalls Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas. caused decreases in margins. To in online buying and selling. a major trading center of imported snowballing to 464 booths with a Our of the 464 booths, 296 were regain their margins, diamond Bhojani said the internet has raw gemstone stocks. There are waiting list of 72. designers’ booths. Judges were traders and jewelry makers will become the primary source of many diamond bourses located Welcoming the guests during Harish Zhaveri of Mumbai, Interi- have to adopt online marketing diamond price and market infor- in New York and in Antwerp but the inaugural ceremony, the con- or designers Meenal Jain and Ritu to promote their sales. mation. Listing of diamonds for this would be the first gemstone vener of JJS, Vimal Chand Surana, Khandelwal and famous jeweler of Prashant Bhojani of Rapaport, sale online draws larger customer bourse of its kind. said that it has been a memorable Jaipur, Sudhir Kasliwal. while making his presentation, attention and the customers look “Where Did My Margins Go, And for such information before decid- How Do I Get Them Back” at the ing on what to buy and for what Jaipur Jewelery Show seminar, price. “Your business depends on Going online is key to business now stressed that information to- buying and selling and the inter- day is business and you need net has become a strong medium the best price, availability and for trade,” said Bhojani. “Online market information to trade dia- information helps not only the monds and jewelry. buyer who often overpays or the Rapaport provides a wide as- seller who often undersells. On- sortment of services and products line provides the access to real to clients from more than 110 time diamond pricing. Online, countries. In India, it has offices in one can get the actual asking pric- Mumbai and Surat. Bhojani said es for hundreds and thousands of that the Internet search on mobile diamonds in the market and also in the past three years has seen an discounts and premiums.” A view of the surging crowds at JJS booths. Jaipur Jewelry Show January 5-11, 2013 23

Sean Gilbertson (fourth from left), the Executive Director of the Gemfields, with JJS organizing committee members releasing JJS Show Guide at the inaugural session. A treasure trove for men’s jewelry India, ancient Egypt and the Af- one could find a very largevariety There was even meenakari cuff rican tribes to native North Amer- of it”!” said Reena Sogani, who is links, diamond and color stone ica have all had traditions of men preparing for her daughter’s wed- studded cuff links, and exquisite ‘atSparkle full ofshow Diamonds’ in JJS wearing jewelry. Indian mythology ding in January 2013. silver cufflinks in various sizes and By Prakash Bhandari is full of stories about men’s jew- “We invited the family of our shapes. Tie pins with small and large elry and contains descriptions of would-be-son-in-law to choose diamonds and colored stones and how a king chose to wear gold caps from a large variety of engage- diamond studded and plain pearls on his teeth to look elegant. Men ment rings and the opposite fam- were available in various designs. always wore body ornaments. ily was very pleased with our idea Men’s charms and pendants in Men’s jewelry often gets a bad and the “damad” picked up the many designs -- both large and reputation as being for the overly ring of his choice.” small -- were also available. There effeminate or for the man who Smriti Trehan, a visitor to the was no dearth of men’s gold and likes to show off his wealth, but show from Chandigarh picked up a silver chains for both daily wear the truth is that many elements of diamond bracelet to be presented to and special occasions. men’s jewelry were created to ful- her husband on their 25th wedding The booths offering gold chains fill a practical function. anniversary. Bracelets in gold and attracted a large number of cus- JJS had an array of products in silver -- both plain and diamond tomers who wanted to present for men. One could easily spot and colored stones were on display. them to male friends or family as Sean Gilbertson, the Executive Director of the Gemfields, eloquent looking products such Engagement rings in gold, pure gifts or as marriage gifts. inaugurating the show as Chief Guest. as rings, bracelets, tie clips, cuff diamonds, diamond and colored Broaches and buttons were also links, pendants, charms, broaches, stones and even birthday stones selling well. One could pick up the- buttons, wrist watch straps and were showcased in various booths. wa art buttons for jackets and sher- he Jaipur Jewelry Show of diamonds and kundan meena, even waist belts. Also seen were a These were available in traditional wanis or choose from pure diamond (JJS) 2012 at Rajmahal polki and kundan work and even variety of men’s rings for all occa- and contemporary designs. buttons and also colored stones and Palace lawns here from De- 3-D jewelries. There were heavy- T sions - engagements, birthday and One could pick up loose single diamond buttons for kurtas. The sil- cember 22-25, 2012 was a glittering look diamonds and light jewelry, anniversaries as well as for daily stone or various sizes and hues ver buttons of the traditional nath- show witnessed swelling visitors. as well as colored stone-studded use and for special occasions. of pearls for making rings. Cuff dwara and pratapgarh for jackets With the theme ‘Diamonds Jew- articles. “JJS gave us an opportunity to links of various designs in pure and sherwanis were also hot items elry, Jaipur Adds Color to it’, JJS The show crossed boundaries, select the engagement ring and gold and silver were hot items. displayed in several booths. offered an array of great diamond as one could see a gold plated pen, creations, all under one roof. Lord Ganesha’s idols, pen stand, “I and my friend Simone have cufflinks, cigarette holder and come from France and we planned decorative artifacts studded with our trip to be in Jaipur for the JJS gemstones. One could also see show,” said Maria Giovanni, an artifacts in various stones which Italian working in an MNC at Mi- looked like paintings.It was quite a lan. “Look, even my mobile has sight for many to see how cut and the “Diamonds are Forever” lyr- polished small stones were artisti- ics as ringtone. It’s a spectacular cally joined to produce classics. 1 2 3 show where rubies, tanzanite, em- The creations showed the hard eralds and other sparkling gem- work of the artisans who pains- stones could be seen marrying the takingly created these beauties. king of all –diamonds.” It also showed the way the arti- A unique feature of JJS has sans are adopting modern jewel- been that different stones and ry tools to produce wonders that jewelry items have been proac- could be compared to the best of tively promoted as a theme. In the branded jewelry creations of the past, the themes were: “Redefin- US and Europe. ing Colors”, “Mystique of Gems”, The show also attracted a 21- “Emerald: Add One to Your life”, member Pakistani delegation. “Emerald and More”, “Tanzanite: Students of three institutes from Rarest of the Rare”, “Cherish the Pakistan met the exhibitors and Miracle of Tanzanite”, and “Kun- obtained information about dia- dan Meena: A Tradition That Goes mond jewelry. on the Generations”. Five prestigious jewelry organi- 4 JJS had everything for every- zations won awards at a ceremony: body - gold, silver, pearls and Indus Jewelry, Arshia Jewelers, (1) Actress Simran Kaur smiles while being given jewelry to model. (2) Actress Simran Kaur traditional jadau jewelries. Kala Ji Jewelers, Jewel Emporium in a different garb modeling jewelry. (3) Joint Secretary Ministry of Commerce Siddharth Singh One could see the fusion theme and KGK Entice Jewelers. (middle) visiting JJS. (4) A group of models show off modern jewelry at JJS. 24 January 5-11, 2013 INDIA - US RELATIONS TheSouthAsianTimes.info India-US ties: An affair of the heart set to get deeper By Arun Kumar ability to serve as a regional eco- waiver on Iran oil sanctions and a nomic anchor and provider of secu- breakthrough was reached on the ndia-US relations were poised rity in the broader Indian Ocean stalled civil nuclear deal even as to become "even deeper" after a region". differences persisted in perception Iquiet consolidation during a Romney's Republicans too had over India's civil nuclear liability contentious election year when sought "a stronger relationship with law. A 13-point joint statement list- everything but India was up for the world's largest democracy, ing progress in seven key areas debate between rival contenders for India, both economic and cultural, ranging from counter-terrorism to the White House. as well as in terms of national secu- people-to-people ties took note of With a bipartisan consensus rity" while urging New Delhi to "the remarkable expansion and across the political divide over permit greater foreign investment growth of the bilateral relationship Washington's ties with New Delhi, and trade. since the inaugural Strategic Indians lost little sleep when Given the bipartisan consensus Dialogue in 2010". Republican challenger Mitt over India, Deputy Secretary of However, a hike in US visa fee Romney emerged as a credible State William Burns travelled to for skilled professionals remained alternative to Democrat President Indian students celebrate Obama’s re–election India, even before the election an irritant in ties leading to the Barack Obama. outside the US Embassy in New Delhi. results were out, to seek India's Indo-US joint commission on sci- And after his re-election, Indian nership had moved over the last of FDI in retail trade removed help to influence Iran to join inter- ence and technology unanimously Prime Minister Manmohan Singh four years from a 'consolidation' another irritant in India-US ties to national negotiations to break the urging that the two sides work was among the world leaders phase into one of "comprehensive the delight of corporate America as logjam over Tehran's nuclear ambi- together to remove impediments in Obama personally called to thank and multifaceted engagement". New Delhi assured it "a level play- tions. visa matters and biological material for their congratulatory messages With the dust of election settled, ing field" and "total transparency" India and the US also agreed to transfer required for bilateral S&T and to express his "desire to contin- Obama's election cycle rant against with an invitation to take advantage take forward their cooperation on programs. ue close cooperation moving outsourcing was not heard again and of India's plans to invest over a tril- Afghanistan following the first US- In sum, India and the US ahead". commercial ties between the two lion dollars in infrastructure devel- Afghanistan-India trilateral dia- appeared set to continue what Predicting an "even deeper and countries too were poised to contin- opment. logue in New York in September. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, more rewarding engagement" dur- ue their upward trajectory with the The Democratic Party vowed to At their third strategic dialogue in one of the prime movers of India- ing Obama's second term, India's two-way trade between them set to continue in Obama's second term Washington in June, India and the US ties, has called an "affair of the Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao cross $100 billion this year. "to invest in a long-term strategic US further consolidated their ties heart" even as she herself was noted how India-US strategic part- The Indian parliament's approval partnership with India to support its after the US gave New Delhi a ready to hang up her boots.

Wal-Mart spending $25 million on lobbying in the US to influence retail policy in India has created a ruckus mainly because lobbying has more negative image than positive. India has no lobbying regulations, but it is not illegal either. Lobbying: Boon or bane? By Heera Lal more transparency of lobbyist have changed. Now actors from one actions. The role of regulations is to sector are increasingly involved in obbying is prevalent in both make the public aware of the interest areas that were formerly regarded as social and commercial sectors. behind the proposals and link the preserve of other sectors. The LIts positive or negative effect between the lobbyists and policy vision of responsible lobbying is visi- will depend on its use. But, its per- makers. ble and legitimate multisector collab- ception is more negative than posi- Lobbying is, however, facing a cri- oration about how best to achieve the tive. The recent FDI permission in sis of legitimacy. It is big business, goals society holds in common. retail in India brought it into lime- particularly for those representing In today’s inter-dependent global light. Wal-Mart filed a lobbying dis- companies and nations. Even civil economy, leading companies and closure report with the US Senate. society lobbying, once conducted by other high-profile organizations want The company has spent $25 million passionate amateurs, has become a to understand and manage a wider Employees celebrate the opening of a Best Price Modern since 2008 on its lobbying activities sophisticated industry pursuing an range of opportunities, impacts, rela- store in Hyderabad. Bharti Enterprises manages that and related to "enhance market access for extraordinary range of aims. The tionships and risks than ever before. other such stores, which Wal-Mart has invested in. investment in India". This disclosure sheer numbers of lobbyists and the Business is becoming an integral gave some ammunition to the opposi- resources at their command threaten part of the governance process at all worldwide. The governments must be company, Enron, faced flak for tion against government in India. to overwhelm or co-opt politicians levels from the local to the global. open to the positive role of business spending a substantial sum on the One definition of lobbying says it is and public servants. Increasingly, therefore, companies’ in public policy, without offering ‘political re-education’ of local legis- “the act of attempting to influence A federal judge upheld the attempt reputations, license to operate, and favored industries or the business lators to get approval for its ultimate- business and government to create by President Obama to curtail the ultimately accountability, require community in general, undue influ- ly ill-fated Dabhol generating plant. legislation or conduct an activity that influence of lobbyists, ruling that he them to demonstrate consistency in ence in relation to other stakeholders. More recently, the so-called Radia- will help a particular organization.” was within his authority to bar them performance on issues like human Responsible lobbying will change the tapes raised the lobbyist bogey. Government decisions are traditional- from serving on government boards. rights, environmental impacts and jaundiced view of business involve- India has no lobbying regulations, ly attempted to influence by targeting Roughly $3 billion is spent in corporate governance. Lobbying is an ment in public policy. but it is not illegal either. Well-estab- legislators or regulators and govern- America every year on lobbying. important component of this account- According to US law all organiza- lished Lobbying industry operates in ment officials. Google was on track to spend over ability and consistency. tions that spend more than $11,500 a largely opaque environment. Dilip In 1792 in USA, the Virginia veter- $13 million in 2012 on lobbying. In So it is time for lobbying to come per year on lobbying activities have Cherian, founder of a PR agency, ans of the Continental Army hired the first half of 2012, Facebook spent out of the shadows, and for compa- to file reports with the authorities. Perfect Relations, and a well known William Hull, one of the country’s $1.6 million on lobbying. nies to take a more responsible Wal-Mart clarified the money was lobbyist, says lobbying is an “itera- first lobbyists, to lobby for additional However, a UN Global Compact approach that is accepted by policy spent within the US, and that none tive” process and lobbyists function compensation. Worldwide, the UK, report ‘Towards Responsible makers, as both try to contribute posi- was used in India. But the outcry as a bridge between companies and France, European Union, Germany, Lobbying’ published in 2005 high- tively to sustainable development. caused by the revelation has pressur- the government. “We help our clients Australia, Canada, Israel, Italy, etc lights its positives. It argues that the Policy makers increasingly accept ized the Indian government to agree in understanding the policy environ- have lobbying industry. right to voice our concerns and inter- and often actively solicit the views of to a judicial probe into the matter. ment of the country. Jug Suraiya Lobbying regulations are in place ests, and thereby influence public business and NGOs in shaping public This is not the first time that argued for making lobbying legal in to render government officials more policy, is fundamental to democracy. policy on major economic, social, ‘Lobbygate’ has caused a ruckus in India, make it transparent and bring- accountable. Regulations promote Spheres of influence and action environmental and ethical challenges India. In 1995 the American power ing it above the table.

26 January 5-11, 2013 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TOP 10 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Inaugural India Day Rajat Gupta convicted suicide. The foreign office has recommended the The charges on Ravi included bias intimi- name of India's high commissioner to Parade held in Hicksville An appeals court dation, invasion of privacy and evidence Maldives, Dnyaneshwar Mulay, as India’s ruled in December tampering. new consul general in New York. Mulay that former Goldman Earlier, it was estimated that Ravi will will replace Prabhu Dayal, who completes Sachs board member face up to ten years imprisonment and his three-year term in March and was popu- Rajat Gupta can deportation to India, which was cut down to lar with the Indian community for initiating remain free on bail 30 days. He was released from US prison celebrations of various festivals. while he appeals his after he completed 20 days of his jail term Meanwhile, Devyani Khobragade took over insider-trading con- and spared deportation to India. as the deputy consul-general at the con- viction. sulate on Dec. 2. Her Big Apple posting Gupta had been 300-pound statue stolen comes after important assignments in scheduled to surren- Islamabad and Berlin. der on 8 January to Rajat Gupta from Wayne temple Lamp lighting ceremony at the parade. start a two-year prison sentence. But after hearing arguments from Gupta’s lawyer Thieves stole a 300-pound statue of Lord Divyendu Sinha murder Emerging as the newest 'Little India' in and prosecutors, a two-judge panel of the Shiva from a Wayne temple the night trial begins the US, Hicksville, NY witnessed the first second US Circuit Court of Appeals in New before the Indian new year on Nov 15. India Day Parade on Long Island with York granted Gupta’s request to stay out of The statue, valued at $6,200, was made of Following a plea bargain deal for one of Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna leading as prison. a five-metal alloy that contains copper, gold the five suspects charged with the 2010 Grand Marshal on August 11. Hicksville Gupta, 64, was convicted in June of leak- and silver and police speculated that the fatal beating of Prof Divyendu Sinha, a has been attracting both families and Indian ing Goldman boardroom secrets to Raj thieves would have offloaded the statue to a large section of Indian Americans started a owned businesses. Rajaratnam, the Galleon Group hedge-fund scrap dealer, who would have had it melted petition drive which aims to get the Thousands of people from Indian com- manager at the center of a US government down for its component metals all in a mat- remaining four accused to trial for murder. munities scattered over Long Island joined crackdown on insider trading over the past ter of hours. Julian Daley, Chris Conway, Christian the parade following the format of the four years. Gupta, also a former head of In the aftermath the temple board planned Tinli, Cash Johnson and Steven Contreras famous India Day Parade in Manhattan to management consultancy McKinsey and to increase security at the temple by are all charged with the murder of Prof celebrate India's 66th Independence Day. Co., has been free on $10 million bail. installing a gate to close off the main drive- Sinha. All five suspects are being tried as India's Consul General in New York, way and invest in cameras and motion adults, though they were teenagers when Prabhu Dayal, also joined the parade along detectors. the fatal incident occurred. with officials such as Nassau County Chaalo Gujarat attracts Contreras, the driver of the getaway car, Executive Ed Mangano, and supervisors of 30,000 $5 million worth stolen accepted a plea agreement Nov. 27 – a day Town of Hempstead and of North before he was due to go to trial – and can Hempstead, Kate Murray and Jon Kaiman statues seized in Newark now receive a maximum four-year sen- respectively. US tence rather than the 10 years he might There were over a dozen floats, a march- authori- have received if his case had gone to trial. ing band and many groups walking down ties, work- the parade route lined by onlookers. Some ing with A laser documentary on 100 community organizations of the area India, participated, cutting across religion, politics seized five Swami Vivekananda and or region of origin in India. bronze magician PC Sorcar statues, AIA-NY celebrates Silver Chaalo Gujarat, World Gujarati including Diwali mela Conference 2012 was organized by the an antique Association of Indian Americans in North Goddess Parvati idol worth millions of dol- The America (AIANA) in New Jersey August lars, stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu and Association of 31 to September 2. The theme of third allegedly sold by an Indian antique smug- Indians in Chaalo Gujarat event was Gujarat, Gujarati, gler. America (AIA) Gujaratism. The Parvati statue, a cultural property of NY chapter com- The 3-day event attracted more than India, is one of many items stolen from memorated its 30,000 and featured cultural extravaganza temples in Tamil Nadu and allegedly sold 25th annual including music and dance shows, speech- by an Indian antique smuggler, Subhash Deepavali mela es, religious discourses, a laser show, inter- Kapoor, who is facing criminal charges in India. year as Silver active seminars, multimedia presentations Special agents with the Immigration and Diwali at the apart from debut of a Miss Gujarat USA Manick Sorcar devised a laser show to Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security South Seaport in 2012 pageant. pay tribute to two eminent Indians, Investigations, Dec. 5 seized the bronze The State of New Jersey issued a procla- Swami Vivekananda and magician P.C. Manhattan on Parvati statue and four bronze figures from mation declaring Aug. 31 as Gujarati Day Sorcar. October 7, 2012 Tamil Nadu estimated to be worth more under the presi- in recognition of the community’s contribu- Manick is the son of the famous magi- tions to the state. than $5 million at the Port of Newark. dentship of Ranju cian and combines his day job as a light- AIANA members also rang the opening Special agents had earlier seized dozens Batra. Tens of AIA-NY president ing engineer in Denver, Colorado, with a bell at Nasdaq on Aug. 31, while the of antiquities with an estimated value of thousands attend- Ranju Batra display- passion for art and laser shows. Empire State Building displayed the theme $100 million. ing 25th Diwali mela The year 2013 is the 150th birth ed what has colors of the event -- pink, yellow and blue. Change of guard at NY become the brochure anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and biggest Diwali mela outside India. . Consulate the birth centenary of Sorcar's father, AIA made an appeal seeking Congress Dharun Ravi which he considers a happy coincidence. and the United States Postal Service to sentenced, spends The two-hour laser program is divided commission a Diwali stamp, a campaign into two parts. The first hour is dedicated that has been going on for some years. 20 days in jail to Swami Vivekananda. This is preceded by a "laser live" prayer-dance based on a The day long celebrations ended with Indian American student Dharun Ravi work of the Swami. The second half is a colorful fireworks that filled the sky was sentenced to 30 days in jail by a New laser show celebrating the centenary of P across the East River, highlighting Jersey judge in May. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student C Sorcar. India’s rich heritage and traditions and was convicted for spying with a webcam on "Swamiji" premiered October 10 at the sponsored by the State Bank of India for his roommate Tyler Clementi, who was Dnyaneshwar Mulay, the incoming Grand Theatre of Science City in the first time. with another man. Tyler later committed Consul General Kolkata. Governance January 5-11, 2013 27 Friend of the county in need Exclusive Interview by Robert Golomb

“I never allow politics to interfere with my responsibility to advocate for policies, whether initiated by Democrats or Republicans, that serve the best interests of the people of Nassau County,” asserts Ed Mangano. The SATimes’ Person of the Year 2009 also declares that he will seek re-election as Nassau County Executive this year.

Not on the same side of the next to Andrew Cuomo at Long Is- fraud, which steals millions of tax- political aisle, yet Mangano land political rallies to support then payer dollars, thus reducing funds supported Governor Cuomo’s Democrat gubernatorial candidate’s available to provide health care to initiative capping property tax 2% New York State Tax Cap propos- Medicare recipients…. So, work- hikes below the inflation level. al. In June 2011, Governor Cuomo ing together to pass the property tax t is probably not hard to see signed his campaign proposal into cut legislation was never difficult.” why Nassau County Executive state law, which caps property tax Mangano remains proud of his fis- IRepublican Edward Mangano increases at 2% or below inflation. cal record: “Since 2010 we have cut has the reputation as a hard guy That Cuomo selected the Nassau the size of government, saving 290 to figure out. Mangano, who was County Village of Lynbrook for the million of taxpayers’ money, while elected to his current position in Tax Cap law’s signing with a beam- continuing to provide the same qual- November 2009 when he defeated ing Mangano at his side had some ity and quantity of services for Nas- then heavily favored incumbent Tea Party leaders and Republican sau residents, and at the same time, Thomas Suozzi in a huge upset officials reportedly question the attracting new business creating that was said to have reconfigured CE’s seeming closeness with a very thousands of private sector jobs”. the political map of the county, liberal governor rumored to have To Mangano his tight cost saving which hadn’t elected a Republi- his eyes on a 2016 presidential run. budget was rewarding, “My admin- Mangano remains focused on providing assistance to those can CE since 2001 and had given Cuomo in turn had angered many istration, working closely with the in Nassau County who are still affected by Hurricane Sandy. Obama 54% of its votes in 2008, Democrats for allowing their Repub- Legislature, balanced the budget New York Governor Cuomo has been supportive. is an unabashedly proud fiscal con- lican nemesis to share the limelight for the third year in a row. And we Mangano angered the powerful suffering,” he said, adding, servative Republican. for the passing of a law that enjoys did so without raising taxes.” The Nassau County PBA when he trans- “There is a great deal of work still In fact, both Republican (ap- wide support with homeowners. hard budget decisions included, formed 4 police precincts into po- to be done… until every family provingly) and Democrat party When I interviewed Mangano “cutting 1776 non-essential county lice centers in 2011 to save $20M in Nassau County has their lives insiders (critically) noted back in last week in his Mineola office, jobs through layoffs and attrition…. for the county. He also faced fierce returned to normal, we have not 2009 that Mangano, rather than I asked him about his dalliance {And} Through Our Smart Govern- criticism from Democrat legislators done enough.” trying to move to the political with Cuomo. “Didn’t you fear ment Initiatives we formulated a tax and from many homeowners and Finally, I asked the County Ex- center by downplaying the support that it might present you with a savings public-private partnership homeowner association leaders who ecutive the inevitable question: he received during the campaign problem if you decided to run for for public bus transportation…. claimed that this plan compromised “Do you plan to run for re-election from the Tea Party, seemed rather re-election in 2013?” And in our prisons we reduced the public safety. Mangano, however, in 2003 end?” “Yes, I plan to”, he to exult in it. They also noted that Mangano was firm, “I never number of hours paid to govern- assured that public safety, his first answered without any hesitation. rather than playing the role of the allow political considerations to ment employees by streamlining priority, would not suffer as the “But given the incredibly long just elected above-politics county interfere with my responsibility the inmate booking and the mental number of police patrols would re- hours that your job requires and chief, he did little to hide his plea- to advocate for policies, whether health care intake systems.” main at past levels at the minimum. the criticism and personal attacks sure that under his coattails the initiated by Democrats or Repub- Cutting some public sector jobs “Our plan, contrary to the criti- that you have had to endure as a Republicans had won back con- licans that serve the best interests attracted loud protests from munic- cisms at the time, actually enabled result of the tough decisions that trol of the County Legislature for of the people of Nassau County…. ipal unions, which tended, howev- us to create savings that have in- you have had to make, why do the first time since 1999. Cuomo’s tax plan assisted our res- er, to be short lived. And the other creased the number of police pa- you still want the job?” But then, less than a year later, idents, so I supported it.” two cost cutting measures Man- trols,” Mangano said. Citing current Mangano paused for several mo- Mangano raised more than a few He continued, “Our working re- gano cited created little opposition data, which indicates the crime rate ments before answering, “Because political eyebrows when he began lationship goes back to when he at the time. But there was another falling in Nassau County, he added I love the job… {I} love the op- to make appearances in the sum- (Cuomo) was Attorney General…. cost saving plan that might have “Transforming these 4 precincts into portunity to help improve the lives mer and early fall of 2010 standing We worked together to stop Medicare comewith a high political price. police centers has resulted in having of people who live in the county in less police sitting in their precinct which I was raised and in which seats and more patrolling the neigh- my wife and I are raising our two borhood streets, and consequent- sons… {Because} this job gives ly has made our citizens safer.” me the opportunity to transcend Post Hurricane Sandy, much of politics to work together with Re- Mangano’s work day, he told me, publicans, Democrats and Inde- remains focused on providing as- pendents to help make our citizens sistance to those residents who even safer, {to make} our schools weeks after the storm remain vic- even better… to keep taxes low and tims of it. “There are thousands to further foster a business friendly of residents who continue to suf- environment that encourages entre- fer from displacement from their preneurs to set up shop here… creat- homes…. We are working closely ing more goods and services for our with FEMA officials on the fed- consumers and more employment eral level and Governor Cuomo on opportunities for our workers.” the state level to provide housing Perhaps, Ed Mangano is not such and other assistance to those still a hard guy to figure out after all. The author is a nationally published columnist. Mangano will seek a second term so as to “keep taxes low and to further foster a business He writes on a range of educational, cultural, friendly environment that encourages entrepreneurs to set up shop here… creating more goods and services for our consumers and more employment opportunities for our workers”. political and cultural topics. [email protected] 28 January 5-11, 2013 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TOP 10 TheSouthAsianTimes.info When Indian-Americans turned newsmakers ... Wisconsin Gurdwara Upendra Chivukula in New National Institute of Food and away, leave at the end of the year, or 11-year prison term for his criminal Jersey, physician Manan Trivedi in Agriculture (NIFA). get fired without cause. The power- conviction on insider-trading shooting Pennsylvania and Syed Taj in Romesh Wadhwani was appointed ful board chairman, Michael charges, agreed to pay $1.3M repre- On the morning Michigan, all lost their bids for con- Board of Trustees of John F O’Neill, who had orchestrated the senting the profits he gained and of August 5, Wade gressional seats. In California, Kennedy Centre for Performing meeting, said tersely, “The board losses he avoided as a result of ille- Michael Page, a Republican Ricky Gill and Arts. Anuj C Desai, Associate has lost confidence in you.” Pandit gal stock tips, according to a judg- white supremacist Democrat Jack Uppal conceded Professor of Law at University of chose to step down right away. ment filed in Manhattan federal had gone on a their races as well. Wisconsin Law School, was Before O’Neill became chairman court. He’d also pay $148,000 in shooting spree at Aneesh Chopra, the nation’s first appointed as member of Foreign this year, Pandit had been credited prejudgment interest, with the com- the Gurdwara dur- chief technology officer, announced Claims Settlement Committee. And with strong leadership during tough bined payments due within 90 days. ing Sunday morn- that he is running for Virginia lieu- this is not a comprehensive list of times. He started as CEO in 2007 Rajaratnam is also appealing a ing prayers, killing six Sikh wor- tenant governor in 2013. Chopra, a Indian Americans serving in the and steered the bank through the $92.8 million civil penalty imposed shipers and critically injuring four Democrat who was secretary of Obama Administration. Quite a few financial crisis, agreeing to compen- by the SEC. His attorneys have others.Page also opened fire on two technology under former governor who served in the first four years of sation of $1 a year at a time when argued that he should not face a civil Oak Creek police officers, seriously Timothy M. Kaine, left the White the Obama Administration decided Citi took $45 billion in bailout case penalty because he was already wounding one, before being shot by House in January as he began to to either join the private sector or funds, shed billions in troubled ordered to pay a $10 million fine another officer. move seriously toward his first run work for his re-election campaign assets and then enabled the govern- and forfeit more than $53 million as The incident sent shock waves for elective office. like popular actor Kal Penn. ment to cash out its investment, the result of his criminal conviction. among the large Indian community Since then, he has raised more earning $12 billion for taxpayers. in the US, with President Barack than $500,000 through the federal D’Souza’s Obama film But this year tensions started to rise. Dr Joseph rescued Obama expressing condolences to Innovate Virginia Fund, a large sum In March, Citi failed the Federal the victims and their families. for an unannounced candidate. creates a stir Reserve’s so-called stress test, from Taliban clutches First Lady Michelle Obama visit- Dinesh designed to gauge how well the In a daring res- ed the Gurdwara and met with mem- Williams’ record set- D'Souza's docu- bank would fare under weak eco- cue, American bers of the community to express mentary "2016: nomic conditions. Then in April, a commandos res- concern over the shootout and con- ting space odyssey Obama's majority of shareholders objected to cued an Indian- vey her solidarity with the families. Astronaut Sunita America", blasting Pandit’s $15 million compensation American doctor Williams returned the President, package. kidnapped by the Elections contested, to earth after 127 earned $33 million Taliban in days in space with at the box office, Jindal readying for Afghanistan, los- won and lost a new record under becoming the fourth highest gross- ing one Navy SEAL and killing 7 Ami Bera, 47, her belt − the most ing documentary in history. 2016 Presidential run? insurgents. Colorado-based Dilip defeated a sitting spacewalking time The film released late last summer Bobby Jindal Joseph had been abducted on Republican mem- by a female at 50 examines the question: "If Obama was appointed December 5 along with two Afghan ber of the US hours and 40 minutes over seven wins a second term, where will the head of governors’ colleagues as they left a rural med- House of career excursions. country be in 2016?" It shows group this year. ical clinic. He was rescued after Representatives in Williams, who was commander of D'Souza "immersed in exotic locales One of the first to intelligence showed that he was in a close contest to Expedition 33 on the International across four continents" as he "races criticize imminent danger of injury or possi- become the third Space Station returned home with against time to find answers to Romney/GOP of ble death. member of the Ami Bera two colleagues aboard a Russian Obama's past and reveal where alienating large elected to community to enter Soyuz capsule. America will be in 2016." populations like immigrants and Congress Indians’ spell continues the lower chamber Williams has logged 322 days dur- In October D'Souza resigned as women after the election, he posi- of US Congress after Dalip Singh ing two space flights making her president of The King's College, the tioned himself as the Presidential at top spelling bee Saund and current Louisiana gover- second on the list of most experi- Manhattan Christian school even candidate for 2016. "We have got to Snigdha nor Bobby Jindal. enced US female astronauts. She though he insisted that he did not stop dividing American voters," he Nandipati, a 14- Both President Obama's also holds the record of longest cheat on his wife when he brought told reporters at a Republican year-old Indian Democratic Party and challenger spaceflight (195 days) for female his young fiancee to an evangelical Governors Association meeting in American girl, Mitt Romney's GOP assiduously space travelers. conference. Las Vegas. spelled 'guetapens', wooed the community eyeing their Daughter of an Indian-American In his note to Fox, D'Souza said In a direct shot at Romney's "47 the French word half a million votes in the tight pres- father from Gujarat and a Slovenian that while he and his wife Dixie are percent comment," Jindal added: for ambush, right idential race. mother, Williams is the second not divorced (he filed papers start- "We need to go after 100 percent of to win the 2012 Obama as also Romney - whose woman of Indian origin to have ing divorce proceedings in the votes, not 53 percent — we need Scripps National Spelling Bee party boasts of having the only two been selected by NASA for a space California on Oct. 4), they had been to go after every single vote." crown to retain the coveted honor Indian-American governors - also mission after late Kalpana Chawla. separated for nearly two years when But the two-term Louisiana gover- for the community for the fifth year gave a pride of place to leading he met his companion Denise nor didn't stop there. He wrote an in a row. Snigdha won in the 13th lights of the community at their Indian Americans in Joseph three months ago. op-ed for CNN advocating a differ- round, beating Stuti Mishra, a 14- nominating conventions. Jindal, a ent approach for Republicans look- year-old from Orlando, Fla. Arvind rising star of the Republican Party, White House - Vikram Pandit ousted ing to win future elections. Mahankali, a 12-year-old from was elected chairman of the and exits Bayside Hills, N.Y. was third place. Republican Governors' Association. from Citigroup Rajaratnam settles Snigdha is an 8th grade student at ulsi Gabbard, a 31-year-old The Obama At Citigroup, Francis Parker School, a private American Samoan Democrat from Administration Vikram Pandit was civil insider trading case school in Mission Valley. She also Hawaii became the first Hindu appointed a large forced to resign in The former competed in last year’s contest and American and one of the first female number of Indian mid-October after hedge-fund titan at tied for 27th place. According to combat veterans to enter the House Americans. In his months of tension the center of the the Spelling Bee's official web site, and vowed to take the oath of office 2nd term President with the board, federal govern- Snigdha reads mysteries, adventure in January on the Gita, the Hindu Obama appointed surprising ment's crackdown stories and "random facts in ency- sacred book. investors and on insider trading clopedias, particularly those topics Paula Aneesh Five other Indian Americans, employees at the U.S.’s third largest has agreed to pay pertaining to science or history." Gangopadhyay as Chopra for including Shanti Gandhi, a great- Member of the pres- Virginia Lt bank. Though his departure was $1.45 million to She also enjoys collecting coins grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, were tigious National Governor characterized as voluntary, a New settle a civil case filed by the from around the world. She plays elected to state assemblies in Museum and York Times report described how Securities and Exchange violin, is a member of her school Kansas, Michigan, Connecticut, Library Services Board, and Sonny he was ambushed at a meeting and Commission. yearbook club and is fluent in Vermont and Colorado. Ramaswam as Director of the given three choices: resign right Raj Rajaratnam, who is serving an Telugu. TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013 30 January 5-11, 2013 religion Magnificent BAPS Mandir opened in LA to inspire generations He proudly stated “The Mandir Mandir and Cultural Center in Chi- and Cultural Center will indeed no Hills, California. As the spiritu- be a place that Chino Hills can be al leader of BAPS Swaminarayan proud of for so many, many gen- Sanstha (BAPS), he has not only erations”. The festivities for the helped raise hospitals, schools, cul- opening began with His Holiness tural exhibitions, and other wonders Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 92nd birthday celebration on December 20. Nagar Yatra, a colorful proces- sion parading the sacred images in 8 floats through the streets of Arte- sia, CA took place on December 21 as devotees in colorful costumes celebrated with folk dances, devo- tional hymns, and a youth marching band. On December 22, the Vishwa Shanti Mahayag featured a grand yagna and prayers for world peace. “If one word could sum up the construction of this Mandir, it would be sacrifice. It was, indeed, the dedication, service, effort and sacrifice of hundreds of volunteers from doc- Head of BAPS, Pramukh Swami tors to lawyers to engineers to Maharaj is the inspiration behind the Chino Hills temple. The newly inaugurated BAPS temple in Chino Hills, California. architects who completed this Mandir”, said Director of Con- such as Swaminarayan Akshard- he majestic traditional stone From the external walls to the - one of the most senior Swami of struction Rakesh Patel. “ ham in Delhi, Gandhinagar, but has and marble BAPS Shri inside pillars and ceilings, the BAPS, State Senator Bob Huff, His Holiness Pramukh Swami reformed and bettered the lives of TSwaminarayan Mandir in temple is completely etched with Mayor Peter Rogers, Councilmem- Maharaj is the inspiration behind millions through his personal touch Chino Hills (Los Angeles), Califor- intricate carvings depicting tales ber Art Bennett and Satguru Bo- the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan and universal message. nia was inaugurated on December of inspiration, devotion and dedi- dhinatha Veylanswami, the head 23, 2012. This is the fifth shikhar- cation, along with historical fig- of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery and baddha temple (traditional stone ures from Hinduism. publisher of Hinduism Today mag- mandirs with pinnacles and domes). As the first earthquake-proof azine, inaugurated the temple. in North America after Chicago, Mandir in the world, the upper Kothari Swami performed the Houston, Atlanta and, Toronto. structure of the complex is pro- consecration ceremony in accor- The mandir is situated on a 20- tected from earthquake damage dance with Hindu vedic rituals acre site, with a lotus-shaped re- by separating it from the base to infuse divinity into the sacred flection pond and a cultural center. with a series of 40 base-isolator images inside the Mandir in the It is designed to “calm the mind units. The Mandir also uses a presence of devotees and well- and open it,” said a volunteer. solar power system to generate wishers from across North Amer- Constructed from 35,000 pieces of electricity and reduce adverse ef- ica and elsewhere. Mayor Rogers hand carved Italian Carrara Mar- fects on the environment. Calling said, “The Mandir is a beautiful ble and Indian Pink Sandstone, it a tribute to the community, As- testament to the hard work of this temple has five pinnacles, two semblyman Curt Hagman along your congregation who has spent large domes, four balconies, 122 with Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swa- several years to build this place Nagar Yatra, a colorful procession parading the sacred images pillars and 129 archways. mi (Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami) of worship.” in beautifully crafted floats through the streets of Artesia, CA.

Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami presents a memento to Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, the head of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery and publisher of Hinduism Today The Chino Hills, CA temple with 91-ft lotus-shaped reflection pond. magazine at the inauguration assembly of the temple. religion January 5-11, 2013 31

1 2 3

(1) The inaugural assembly of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills, CA (2) Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami (Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami) doing arti during the traditional “Vishwa Shanti Mahayag” - the ceremony for peace, prosperity and happiness for all of mankind. (3) The intricately carved cultural center (Haveli) created from Burmese teak wood at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills, California. (4) One of the over 6,600 hand-carved motifs at the temple depicting tales of inspiration, devotion and dedication, along with historical figures from Hinduism. (5&6) The dedication, service, effort and sacrifice of hundreds of volunteers from doctors to lawyers to engineers to architects who worked together to create the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills, California.

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34 January 5-11, 2013 PEOPLE

worldwide for an International duct hearings on hate crimes and ’s Children’s Peace Prize, after Des- the proliferation of hate groups in mond Tutu nominated her in Octo- the US. Also, an email to members ber 2011. She was the first Pakistani of the US Congress urged them to girl ever nominated for the award. support Sikh hate crime tracking Top 50 Coolest She stood runner up. Prime Min- by the FBI. Nineteen U.S. Sena- ister Yousaf Raza Gilani awarded tors, led by California Senator Di- Malala with Pakistan’s first Na- anne Feinstein, issued a bipartisan Desis of 2012 tional Youth Peace Prize for those letter to Attorney General Eric under 18 years old - subsequently Holder, urging the Justice Depart- renamed the National Malala Peace By Hiral Dholakia-Dave ment to track hate crimes against Prize. The Government Girls Sec- Sikhs. The tragedy introduced ondary School on Mission Road, many Americans to Sikhism and ome glass ceilings shat- Mindy Kaling’s successful Karachi, was renamed in her honor Sikhs for the first time. tered, lots of milestones debut on primetime television Malala in January of 2012. On October Sachieved, many, many in- has proven that in the end, it’s 15th, six days after the attempt on spiring precedents set - Now that all about the character and talent Yousafzai her life, Pakistan’s Interior Min- the year comes to an end - not of a person and not the color of ister Malik said that Malala was the world - we survived 12.12.12 their skin. Location: Pakistan a symbol of bravery and will be folks! Even with superstorm San- In more entertainment head- honored with the Sitara-e-Shujaat dy hitting us, having caused major lines, Priyanka Chopra, the lead- Who is She: A 15-year-old symbol award - Pakistan’s third-highest ci- devastation, all the talk of doom ing Bollywood diva made the of strength. vilian bravery award. and gloom seems to have been a mother of all cross-overs possible grain of sand compared to the tons when she released a hot new sin- Why is She Cool: She dared to crit- of successful stories and the peo- gle in the American market called icize the Taliban for atrocities com- ple behind them we’ve compiled. “In My City” which was received mitted, especially against women Several new chapters were positively by her fans and a whole and girls, denying them the right added to the annals of world his- new audience for her. What a bold to education. The chivalry almost tory and South Asians can claim move by the actress-turned-sing- cost her her life when she looked Mindy Kaling to be proud contributors to these er! Speaking of bold, there has death in the eye after being shot in events which will leave an indel- been a hot new band by the name her school bus by Taliban assassins. Location: : Los Angeles ible mark on future generations. of Red Baraat making waves and She represents the face of an entire President Obama’s re-election taking the music scene by storm. generation of girls around the world Who is She: Actress, Comedian, campaign saw huge Desi sup- The band proves it is possible who struggle against ignorance, In Memory of Writer and Producer. port (Shefali Razdan Duggal to have success based on talent evil and hostile conditions to ac- and Shelly Kapoor Collins have alone as a result of thrashing live quire something as basic as educa- the Victims of Why is She Cool: This year Min- made it to our list) with Dr. Ami performances. Having performed tion. Fortunately for Malala and the the Wisconsin dy took her career to the next level Bera repeating history after 60 at the White House, its onto much world, she survived and therefore with the sitcom ‘The Mindy Proj- years(!). Astronaut Sunita Wil- bigger and more prominent ven- further light was shed on the subject. Gurdwara ect’ on FOX that ushered a new liams’ record setting space odys- ues for these guys. Massacre prototype into the prime-time fra- sey is an example for all go-getter We can also boast about the What’s Next: The assassination cas: the unrepentant, upwardly mo- South Asian kids to now look be- do-gooders in our community, attempt received immediate world- bile wacko. Best known till now as yond spelling bees and safe bets such as the mega successful wide media coverage and produced Location: Oak Creek, Wisconsin Kelly on the Emmy-winning NBC in medicine and engineering. Robin Raina, for building homes an outpouring of sympathy, along comedy “The Office”, Mindy also Unfortunately, 2012 also came for those not as fortunate as the with widespread anger. Former Brit- Who were They: Satwant Singh graced the cover of the September with its share of tragedies and rest of us. For Aashika Damo- ish Prime Minister and current UN Kaleka, Seeta Singh, Parkash 17 issue of New York magazine. losses. The massacre of six devout dar, who raises awareness for Special Envoy for Global Education Singh, Ranjit Singh, Subegh 3 1 With her primetime show on the innocent Sikhs in their temple of victims of human trafficking and Gordon Brown launched a United Singh, Parmjit Kaur Toor, all vic- air, Mindy has broken so many bar- worship will go down in history Valarie Kaur for creating power- Nations petition in Yousafzai’s tims of a brutal hate crime. riers, we don’t even have the space as a blot on humanity. A shock- ful dialogue between different name, using the slogan “I am Mala- to list them all. She has shown that ing incident that took place out cultural groups. la” and demanding that all children Fact: President Obama’s Diwali her talent appeals to the masses and of sheer ignorance and venom of 2012 was the year of Desi worldwide be in school by the end of message best sums up the response better still, is superior to others we hatred goes on to show the intol- Youth, paving new paths and 2015. Brown said he would hand the and resilience of the community see on primetime. This is only the erance around us and the need to breaking new boundaries for a petition to Pakistan’s President Asif which has suffered a lot post 9/11. beginning for this Indian girl born increase awareness regarding the progressive global community. Ali Zardari. UN secretary general The president said: “In the wake of Vera Chokalingam in Cambridge, Sikh religion among mainstream Talk of breaking conventions Ban Ki-Moon announced that No- that horrible tragedy, we saw the re- Massachusetts. Americans. But what stood out and we have quite a few Desis vember 10 be celebrated as Malala silience of a community that drew of this sad event was the resil- (from Pakistan) who braved Day. More than 60,000 people have strength from their faith and a sense What’s Next: Anne Hathaway ience of the community, which, the dreaded, dared to stand for 2 called for a Nobel peace prize for of solidarity with their neighbors, is attached to star in The Low instead of drawing out negativ- their rights and strived to make her. The nomination has won the Sikh and non-Sikh alike.” The horrif- Self-Esteem of Lizzie Gillespie, ity or retaliation, embraced si- a change. Malala Yousufzai and backing of Canada’s four largest po- ic incident showed us the face of evil a romantic comedy from Good lence in mourning and resolved Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy - hats litical parties and has been supported and ignorance, but as a consequence, Universe co-written by Mindy to counter hate-crimes by dou- off to you ladies! in other countries including the UK, a dialogue about Sikh Americans be- Kaling. Kaling is likely to take bling their efforts to educate the It’s interesting that last year, it France and Spain. Malala’s fight came a noteworthy fact for the mass- on a supporting role with Brent masses about Sikhism. The South was the elder Anna Hazare grac- has gained huge momentum. Hope- es, who otherwise were unaware of Forrester. The two are executive Asian community also lost a su- ing the top of our list and this fully the groundswell of support will the beautiful community residing in producing with Good Universe. pertalented young entertainer by year we have someone many, impact the lives of millions of girls the United States and contributing to the name of Kuly Ral from Pun- many years his junior taking the globally struggling to receive that its social fabric in countless positive Cool Fun Fact: Mindy’s mother jabi DJ production team RDB to top position for sharing the same which is rightfully due to them. ways - From tragedy came awareness. Swati was a gynecologist and she cancer earlier this year. A big loss principal for speaking the truth plays one on her new TV show. to the world of Bhangra music. without fear of consequences. Cool Fun Fact: The Dutch inter- What’s Next: A diverse group of She’s also the author of the best- But as they say, the show must Read on for a huge dose of national children’s advocacy group over 150 organizations led by the selling comic memoir “Is Every- go on! It is indeed a huge mo- recognition and inspiration as KidsRights Foundation included Sikh Coalition has asked the Sen- one Hanging Out Without Me? ment of pride for the community we, Desiclub.com, present The Malala as one of five nominees ate Judiciary Committee to con (And Other Concerns).” when a Desi turns newsmaker Ultimate List! for all the right reasons. It is time to list our achievers. Brought to you exclusively for The South Asian Times by Desiclub.com PEOPLE January 5-11, 2013 35

Who is She: Actress and now a (he quit his job in late 2009 to go What’s Next: There have been Singer! full time with Khan Academy) he’s 1,704 homes built as of now. already in prestigious Time Maga- Given the momentum with which Why is She Cool: Along with sev- zine’s annual list of the 100 most RRF is working towards its goal eral Bollywood hits to her credit, influential people in the world and it won’t be long before 6,000 this former Miss India made her Forbes Magazine placed him on its families will have a concrete big American singing debut with cover with the story “$1 Trillion house to call home. the release of her first single ‘In Opportunity.” He was awarded the My City.’ The single sold more McGraw Prize in Education. He Cool Fun Fact: A short film on than 130,000 copies within the was invited to give commencement the slum dwellers called ‘Dilli’ first week of its release. A video speeches at Rice University as well he produced last year has won called “In the Studio (EPK)” was as MIT. His new book, “The One- 19 international awards and 78 uploaded to Universal Music In- World Schoolhouse: Education Re- finals at numerous film festivals dia’s official YouTube account imagined” hit the stands this year. across the world. It is a common Sharmeen and saw 300,000 views in a week, It talks6 about Sal’s radical vision thing to see people with great with collective views of the song for the future of education, as well material wealth, but it is espe- Obaid Chinoy and the EPK crossing 1.2 mil- as his own remarkable story. cially inspiring to come across In Memory of lion. The single was ultimately someone so abundantly wealthy Location: Karachi certified triple platinum by the What’s Next: Khan Academy’s from within. Kuly of RDB Indian Music Industry (IMI). In Youtube channel sets new view- Who is She: Journalist and Docu- the United States, after the release ership records with every passing Location: Canada & UK mentary Filmmaker. of the song to the iTunes Store, it day and he is on his way to making sold 5,000 digital downloads in its a huge, huge impact on the lives Who was He: Many of you have Why is She Cool: She won an Acad- first 5 week, according to Nielsen of millions all over the world - all loved their music, RDB (Rhythm, emy Award for her documentary, SoundScan. “In My City” debuted through the free gift of education. Dhol, Bass) - but this year the Saving Face in 2012. She has been on September 13, 2012, on the group of brothers was hit with a lauded as Pakistan’s first female NFL Network’s Thursday Night Cool Fun Fact: Would you be- tragedy as Kuly passed away. The Oscar winner by the press and gov- Football, the league’s TV sports lieve that he’s a self-confessed Punjabi DJ production team con- ernment. The Pakistani President channel with the 185th meeting technophobe! Given a choice he sisting of three brothers, Kuly, conferred upon her the Hilal-e-Im- between the Chicago Bears and would stay unplugged as much as Manj and Surj, who blend western tiaz in March for bringing honor to the Green Bay Packers, the most- possible. “I’m not the kind to hang genres with traditional Punjabi Pakistan as a filmmaker. Time mag- played rivalry in NFL history. out on Facebook or Twitter or even beats and vocals lost their brother azine has named Sharmeen in their talk on the cellphone, really. I think Red Baraat and the world lost a massive tal- 4 What’s Next: We expect to hear I’ve written like five text messages ent and beautiful person. Kuldeep annual list of the 100 most influen- tial people in the world for 2012. more music from her along with this year,” he told the NYTimes. aka Kuly lost his battle to cancer live performances in the US. Talk Location: New York earlier this year. What’s Next: In May 2012, from about a cross-over! more than 4300 entries in 10 cat- Who are They: Musical Group. Why is He Cool: We recognize egories, Sharmeen’s film, “Trans- Cool Fun Fact: The song ‘In My and will always remember the tal- genders - Pakistan’s Open Secret” City’ is about Priyanka who used Why are They Cool: In just ent and presence of Kuly, for he won the Platinum Remi Award at to move from one city to another four short years, the pioneering helped cultivate the current posi- the 45th WorldFest Film Festival. because of her father, who was an dhol n’ brass party juggernaut tion of Indian music in the world. She also got nominated as SAARC Army Doctor. It features famous Red Baraat have made a name Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/ American musician Will.I.Am. for themselves as one of the best What’s Next: RDB continues to AIDS. In August she received a The song is co-written by Priyan- live bands playing anywhere in honor their brother’s memory by nomination for the Gucci Award for ka and produced by RedOne who the world. Led by dhol drum- continuing9 to produce hits and Women for her documentary ‘Sav- has been the producer for many mer Sunny Jain, the eight piece, paving new paths. After Snoop ing Face’ as a director. This inspir- of Lady Gaga’s hits. Priyanka comprised of dhol, drumset, Dogg and Ludacris the band ing lady sure is on a roll. Here’s has been nominated for the World percussion, sousaphone, and has sealed a new collaboration wishing more spotlight on her and Music Awards (WMA) 2013 to be Robin Raina four horns, melds the infectious that is yet to be revealed. Their the issues she’s shedding light on. held in Los Angeles. She has been North Indian rhythm Bhangra next album is called Worldwide nominated for awards in three cat- with a host of sounds, namely and will be a blend of all styles Cool Fun Fact: Sharmeen has egories - Best Debut, Best Song Location: Atlanta funk, go-go, latin and jazz. Sim- and features from the camp - be made over a dozen-multi award and Best Video and she’s compet- ply put, Sunny Jain and Red Ba- it Nindy, Smooth, Raftaar and winning films in over 10 coun- ing with none other than Rihanna, Who is He: CEO, Ebix Inc. and raat have created and defined a some other major international tries around the world and is the Lady Gaga and Madonna! Founder, Robin Raina Foundation. sound entirely their own. Lead- stars. A Bollywood project is in first non-American to be award- ing an8 audience as diverse and the pipeline as well. ed the Livingston Award for Best Why is He Cool: Robin has built joyful as the band itself, Red Ba- International Reporting. personal wealth by making life raat has subsumed a plateful of Cool Fun Fact: RDB bagged two easier and more productive for global influence, fused it, and is awards at The Lebara UK Asian insurance companies with Ebix’s now exporting it Brooklyn-style Music Awards 2012 - the Best application software. His other to the world. Desi Act Award and the Com- passion is using that wealth to help mitment to the Scene Award and impoverished children around the What’s Next: Its Shruggy Ji their new single We Doin’ It Big world through his eponymous album is all set to be released is a tribute to their brother Kuly foundation. Robin’s foundation January 22, 2013. Ral, and has got special appear- RRF today7 runs the largest private ances by the whole industry. Salman Khan initiative in the Indian subconti- Cool Fun Fact: From the White nent worth $15 million to build House to some of the most 6,000 free concrete homes for the prestigious festivals and ven- Location: California slum dwellers of Bawana, Delhi. ues worldwide, it’s a band un- The foundation has adopted more questionably on the ascent. We Who is He: Founder, Khan than 3,500 children across the Indi- can’t wait to see what 2013 has Priyanka Chopra Academy. an subcontinent and supports chil- in store for Red Baraat and for dren by providing them education, those lucky enough to hear and Location: Mumbai Why is He Cool: In just three years food, shelter and medical needs. see them perform. 36 January 5-11, 2013 PEOPLE

fiery character who, while growing year to the position of Editor-At- Asian (he’s a Palestinian-Italian- up, wouldn’t think twice before Large. On appointing him, Man- American) but he’s contributing thrashing boys, dare they tease her aging Editor Richard Stengel said, bigtime in changing the face of Is- and perhaps it proved to be her first “Bobby is one of TIME’s greatest lam in American media. His docu- lesson in landing blows. Movie di- assets and this past year was one mentary ‘The Muslims Are Com- rector Sanjay Leela Bhansali plans of his best yet. He kept us on top ing!’ made its world premiere at to make a film on her reportedly of the Arab Spring with a series the 19th annual Austin Film Festi- starring Priyanka Chopra. of cover stories, features, blog val. The film follows his tour with posts and tweets which helped our American-Muslim comedians per- readers make sense of one of the forming free comedy shows across world’s most important stories.” Salman Rushdie the South and West in an effort to He’s also done much-talked-about counter misconceptions about Is- international covers of this presti- lam and build bridges with Ameri- M.C. Mary Kom gious magazine on Turkey’s Erdo- Location: New York cans of all faiths. It also features gan, Leo Messi and The World Af- interviews with celebrities includ- ter Gaddafi, all of which match up Who is He: Writer, Novelist. ing The Daily Show’s Jon Stew- Location: Imphal, Manipur with his classics on life in Iraq. His art and Aasif Mandvi, MSNBC’s TIME book ‘The New Middle East’ Why is He Cool: This year saw Rachel Maddow, CNN’s Soledad Who is She: Boxer. also hit bookstands this year. the release of Rushdie’s astonish- O’Brien and Ali Velshi, Congress- ingly well-timed memoir, Joseph man Keith Ellison and more. Why is She Cool: She is a five- Sunita Williams What’s Next: He works closely Anton, which describes his life in time World Boxing champion, and with TIME international editor Jim hiding after the 1989 fatwa con- What’s Next: He is part of a the only woman boxer to have won Frederick to oversee all content in demning him to death for The small but growing number of a medal in each one of the six world Location: In Texas, Florida or TIME’s international editions. Satanic Verses, a book that funda- Arab-American comedians who championships. She is the only In- some part of the Universe. mentalists deemed offensive to the have increasingly received media dian woman boxer to have qualified Cool Fun Fact: An Indian nation- Prophet Mohammed. Recently, he attention in the past few years, for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Who is She: Astronaut. al, he is the first non-American to was ranked 33rd in Foreign Policy as they use comedy to both en- competing in the flyweight (51kg) be named World Editor in TIME’s Magazine’s Top 100 Global Think- tertain and dispel negative ste- category and winning the bronze Why is She Cool: Embarking on more than 80 years. ers list for defending freedom of reotypes of Arab-Americans and her 7th spacewalk on November 12 speech. Rushdie has continued to medal.10 She has also been ranked as Muslims and therefore, a major- No. 4 in the AIBA World Women’s 1, she bettered her own record. make a powerfully personal case ity of South Asians. Ranking Flyweight category. Her The spacewalk lasted 6 and a half for freedom of expression, writ- statistics in the ring are astonish- hours and bumped Williams into ing that the fatwa was “a violent Cool Fun Fact: Dean, an award ing to say the least - five world and the No. 5 position of most experi- attack not on the novel in general, winning comedian, has appeared four Asian titles in three different enced spacewalkers. She has spent or on free speech per se, but on a on “The Axis of Evil” Comedy weight categories, besides numer- 50 hours and 40 minutes out in the particular accumulation of words, TV special which aired in the ous international medals that she vacuum11 of space over seven space- and on the intentions and integrity US on Comedy Central and in clinched before being catapulted to walks, the most by a woman. and ability of the writer who had the Middle East on Showtime the status of a living legend by no put those words together.” Arabia. He is the co-creator of less than the International Boxing What’s Next: Can it really get ComedyCentral.com’s critically Association. These figures alone any bigger than getting to walk What’s Next: His book ‘Mid- acclaimed Internet series “The are, however, not the complete sto- around in zero-gravity, com- night’s Children’ has been adapt- Watch List” featuring a cast of ry of her greatness. The 29-year-old manding a space station, impact- ed as a movie by acclaimed film- all Middle Eastern-American ‘pint sized dynamo’ got her fourth ing and inspiring millions of gen- maker Deepa Mehta. The movie, comedians15 performing stand up world title, in 2008, within months erations to come? released in November, opened to and sketch comedy. He is also of a comeback to competitive box- Archie Panjabi rave reviews at film festivals. the co-founder of the New York ing following a two-year break Cool Fun Fact: Williams is the Arab-American Comedy Fes- forced by the birth of her twin International Space Station’s 33rd Cool Fun Fact: Rushdie has tival. He was one of five come- sons. And when she fought for her commander and only the second Location: London and New York also written the Booker Prize- dians profiled in the one hour fourth Asian title this year, one of woman to lead the outpost since winning “Midnight’s Children”, TV Special entitled: “Stand Up: her sons was undergoing heart sur- the first crew took up residency on Who is She: Actress. “The Ground Beneath Her Feet” Muslim-American Comics Come gery in India. But even that is not the outpost in 2000. and “Step Across This Line: Col- of Age” which aired in the US on a good enough measure of Mary Why is She Cool: Archie was lected Nonfiction 1992-2002”. PBS and internationally on BBC Kom’s brilliance considering that nominated in the Outstanding He was married to Top Chef’s World and Al Jazeera. her journey started from a remote Supporting Actress in a Drama Padma14 Lakshmi. village in the insurgency-hit state Series category at the Emmy’s for of Manipur where, not so long ago, a third consecutive year. She won an economic blockade had crippled it in 2010, the first year she was normal life. nominated.

What’s Next: Mary is gearing up What’s Next: Archie reprised her for the Rio de Janeiro Games in Emmy-winning role as Kalinda 2016. She’s confident of winning Sharma on “The Good Wife” re- a gold if there is a 46 or 48kg cate- turning for a fourth season on gory. For London, she had to move CBS starting September 30th of this13 year. You go girl! to the 51kg category as there was no category below that weight. Aparism Dean Prabal Gurung “If there is a 46kg or 48kg cat- “Bobby” Cool Fun Fact: She’s won acco- egory in Rio, I am sure I will come Ghosh lades for her big screen ventures Obeidallah back with the gold. If there are no too. Be it the Best Actress Award Location: New York lower weight categories, I will try Location: New York at Reims Festival for her role in Location: New York my best to change the color of my ‘Yasmin’ or critical acclaim for Who is He: Fashion Designer. medal in 51kg,” she’s said. Who is He: Veteran Journalist. her role as a journalist in Anjelina Who is He: Attorney turned Jolie’s ‘A Mighty Heart.’ Do you Comedian. Why is He Cool: From Kate Cool Fun Fact: Her farmer par- Why is He Cool: TIME magazine remember her from Bend It Like Middleton and Michelle Obama ents describe her as a no-nonsense promoted Ghosh in March of this Beckham? Why is He Cool: He’s not a South to the hottest who’s who of PEOPLE January 5-11, 2013 37

Hollywood, Prabal’s creations have Through the foundation’s website, Location: Los Angeles dressed up some of the most pow- individuals are able to make dona- 30. Asif Ali Location: Los Angeles. Who is erful divas of our times. For some- tions and Gurbaksh says 100 per- Who is She: Actress, Model and He: Comedian, Actor, Writer. one who made his debut just a few cent will be used to support fami- Stand-up Comedian (for the sake years back he has made a meteoric lies of hate crime victims. In the of comedy!). 31. Shefali Razdan Duggal rise to the ranks of America’s red- future, he expects to introduce oth- Location: San Francisco. carpet royalty. This year his cre- er ways for people to get involved, Why is She Cool: A former Desi- Who is She: Political Activist. ations were chosen by countless including off-line events. club.com Swimsuit Calendar Cov- fashionistas for major award func- er model, Melanie has become a 32. Sonya Rehman Location: Lahore. Who is tions, premieres, galas and public Cool Fun Fact: The initiative has popular face in the entertainment She: Writer, Journalist. appearances. His clothes are car- already attracted support from industry today, having created a lot ried in Saks, Bergdorf’s, Barneys Deepak Chopra, Jay Sean, RDB, of buzz and interest - globally. A 33. Valarie Kaur and Neiman Marcus; at Brown’s, Lisa Ray, Priyanka Chopra and Stanford alumni and former Miss Location: New Haven. Who is Harvey Nicks and Dover Street in Gurinder Chadha. India America, Melanie is the cur- She: Filmmaker, Civil Rights Ad- London; and in Paris, China, Korea DJ Rekha rent face of Bare Escentuals (BE) vocate and Interfaith Organizer and in the Middle East. In 2012, he Cosmetics and is one of the five 34. Prashant Bhargava was also named Chief Designer of Location: New York faces of BE International, becom- Location: Chicago. Onward Kashiyama’s ICB brand. ing the first Indian American to rep- Who is He: Writer, Director. Who is She: Musician, Disc Jock- resent a global cosmetics brand. As What’s Next: Come February 2013 ey, Producer, Curator and Activist. if all that talent was not enough, she 35. Tiger Jeet Singh he’s giving America an affordable added one more new subhead to her and Tiger Ali Singh taste of his signature eye-catching Why is She Cool: This year New resume - standup comedy. Along Location: Ontario. Who are They: Father-Son prints16 and bright colors with a lim- York’s happening home party with a few friends she’s scripted Professional Wrestlers, Humani- ited-edition collection of ready-to- Basement Bhangra celebrated its a comedy series and made a debut tarians and Philanthropists wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry 15th anniversary, the first-Thurs- in LA and NYC. This year she was for the mega store Target. day-of-the-month bhangra parties also featured extensively by Indian 36. Rajeeb Dey that Rekha founded at the down- publications like Vogue, Marie Location: UK. Cool Fun Fact: He’s a board mem- town club SOB’s back in 1997 Claire, Hair, Jade and Filmfare. Who is He: Enterpreneur. ber and brand ambassador of Shik- have defined the emergence of 37. Sarbajit Banerjee shya Foundation Nepal which works the South Asian presence in North What’s Next: A Telugu feature Location: New York. towards the education and empow- Aashika America. Since its launch, Base- film, a crime-comedy shot in India Who is He: Scientist. erment of women and children. ment Bhangra has forced New and produced by Raj Nidimuro and Damodar York to sit up and take notice of Krishna DK of Shor in the City fame. 38. Payal Kadakia Bhangra, rapidly making the out- Keep watching this space for a lot Location: New York. Who is She: Dancer, Enterpreneur. Location: Washington DC. sider art-form an essential part of more on this super-talented woman! the NYC club scene. The monthly 39. Ansar Khan Who is She: Social Entrepreneur, event and the international Bhan- Cool Fun Fact: Recently, she Location: New York. Who is Artist, Tech-Enthusiast, Anti-Traf- gra phenomenon it helped spark curated20 her own collection for He: Student Entrepreneur. ficking Activist. have received extensive attention the luxury jewelry line at Fifth 40. Hina Mushtaq from national and international Bond. The proceeds from this Location: California & Why is She Cool: Aashika is the press, making the cover of Bill- collection go toward Hospital Rawalpindi. Who is founder of an NGO called Survi- board magazine and countless fea- For Hope, a hospital she’s helped She: An Atlas Corps Fellow. vors Connect, a non-profit working tures on global media platforms. build in rural Jharkhand, India. to develop and extend innovative 41. Anish Shah technology platforms for the anti- What’s Next: Bigger events, more 21. Samrat Chakrabarti Location: New York. Who is He: Stand-Up Comedian trafficking movement, which has music, more milestones. Due to its Location: New York. Who is assisted grassroots organizations in growth, Basement Bhangra will be He: Actor, Musician, Composer 42. Jind Mahi Gurbaksh Vietnam, Ghana, Haiti, Guatemala, moving19 to a whole new venue come 22. Hadia Tajik Location: UK. and more. Most recently, she is January, 2013. The new home for Location: Norway. Who is He: Musician Chahal starting up a social enterprise called Basement Bhangra will be Le Pois- Who is She: Politician 43. Sunny Tripathy Breaking Heels, which sells survivor son Rouge (LPR), which is great Location: Los Angeles. Who is Location: San Francisco inspired fashion (and height adjust- news for partygoers as there will 23. Jay Dabhi Location: New York. He: Dancer, Actor, Comedian able heels) to combat commercial be more room to Bhangra. Who is He: DJ Who is He: Serial Entrepreneur. sexual exploitation. Much of the 44. Fatima Ali Location: New York. Who is money generated by Breaking Heels Cool Fun Fact: Along the way 24. Reef Karim She: Sous Chef, Café Centro Why is He Cool: The recent is directed to helping fund programs she has presented artists includ- Location: Beverly Hills. shooting of Sikhs at a Gurdwara to help combat sex trade practices, ing Punjabi MC, Tigerstyle and Who is She: Dr. Feelgood, 45. Shama Kabani in Wisconsin prompted this 30- even18 going so far as to use survivors M.I.A. to North American audi- Television Personality Location: Dallas. Who is year-old multi-millionaire internet of human trafficking to help de- ences, while also launching her 25. Varli Singh She: Entrepreneur, Author. entrepreneur to launch an online sign many of their shoes in special own Beat Bazaar Music label. Location: New York. Who is She: Entrepreneur, Publisher. 46. Shekhar Rahate campaign aimed at ending hate workshops. She made it to the list of Location: Los Angeles. Who is He: crimes. He has initiated the ‘Be the “Top 99 under 33 Foreign Pol- Fashion Designer, Photographer. Proud’ movement which he says icy Leaders” list compiled by The 26. Ami Bera is not just about raising aware- Diplomatic Courier, a Washington Location: Elk Grove. Who is He: Physician turned Politician 47. Sushil Kumar ness of Sikhs but also sending DC-based global news and inter- Location: Delhi. out a broader message. “It’s about national affairs analysis magazine. 27. Kalsoom Lakhani Who is He: Wrestler. the17 unifying truth that we are all Location: Washington DC . 48. Smita Shah a little different and we should be What’s Next: She will start her Who is She: Social Entrepreneur Location: Chicago. Who is proud of what makes us unique,” DPhil in Criminology at the Uni- She: CEO, Spaan Tech, Inc. he says. He’s also committed $1 versity of Oxford in fall 2013. 28. Pawan J Mehra million to launch the foundation. Location: San Francisco. 49. Gagan Narang Who is He: Founder, Améredia. Cool Fun Fact: She sleeps with Location: Hyderabad. Who is He: Sport Shooter What’s Next: The BeProud foun- post-it notes at her bedside so that she 29. Shalini ‘Shelly’ dation launched with a TV and so- can quickly jot down her dreams and Kapoor Collins 50. Tanishq Abraham cial media campaign, including Fa- ideas. A lot of her best work starts Melanie Location: San Francisco. Location: Sacramento. cebook and Twitter (@BeProud). there, so don’t bug her when asleep! Kannokada Who is She: Tech Entrepreneur Who is He: Gifted Genius. 38 January 5-11, 2013 DIASPORA TOP 10 TheSouthAsianTimes.info Indians who hit headlines overseas Ireland to revamp newspaper reported that Saldanha had legal battle and diplomatic exchanges paying their salaries for about six The amount rose from $53.6 billion been hospitalized after twice trying to finally bore fruit as the two NRI chil- months, apart from failing to issue in fiscal 2009-10 to $55.6 billion in abortion laws after commit suicide within the space of dren, kept in foster care by Norwegian them identity and medical aid cards. 2010-11 and to $66.1 billion in 2011- Savita's death nine days, during a family holiday in authorities, reached India. Three-year- The Indians — mostly from the 12, the minister said in a statement in India last December and January. old Abhigyan and a year-old states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar — the Lok Sabha. Laws allow- Aishwarya landed in Delhi with pater- were left without food and water at The amount stood at $17.4 billion in ing limited Bissessar survives no- nal uncle Arunabhash Bhattacharya, their shelter in Tabuk, a town about the first three months of fiscal 2012- access to abor- their foster father and a worker from 1,000-km from Jeddah and located 13, he added. tion will be trust vote in Trinidad Norway's Child Welfare Services close to the Jordan border, according introduced in For the first (CWS). to one of the victims who spoke. 2012 saw new Ireland, the time in its 50- A Norwegian court handed over the The workers had been hired about only EU mem- schemes for Indian year history, the children to Arunabhash, ending two years ago by the Tabuk-based ber state that Trinidad and months of custody row that saw India Mutafail Maintenance and Trading workers overseas bans the proce- Savita Tobago parlia- stepping up diplomatic pressure on Company through an Indian recruiter dure, following Halappanavar A pension and life insurance scheme ment sat for a Norway to return the children, who and had gone to work at the facilities the death of 31-year-old Savita for Indian workers abroad, signing of marathon 27 were taken away from their parents of the Saudi firm in 2010. Halappanavar who was refused a ter- social security pacts with a number of hours in early Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya in The workers had got in touch with mination in October. countries and unfulfilled promise of March in which Trinidad PM May last year on account of negli- the Indian consulate in Jeddah regard- The death of Halappanavar, who streamlining the immigration process a vote of no Kamla Persad gence. ing their problems. The Indian con- was denied an abortion of her dying marked 2012 for the Overseas Indian confidence was Bissessar sulate in Jeddah said it was seized of foetus and later died of blood poison- Affairs Ministry. moved against Indian-origin Prime the matter relating to the Indian work- ing, shocked the predominantly Indian in Italy kills preg- Fulfilling a long-standing demand, Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar but ers in Tabuk and had taken up the Roman Catholic country and spurred Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the motion was defeated. nant wife for going problems of these expatriates immedi- the government to act on an issue it January announced the pension and When the vote was taken, the full ately after being informed of their had delayed for decades. against Indian traditions life insurance scheme for overseas government bench voted against the plight. Indian workers to benefit over 5 mil- motion. The issue of the 78 Indian workers lion workers, especially those in the British Indian nurse Opposition Leader Keith Rowley was later heard in a labor court in Gulf, and help them save for their commits suicide had moved the motion against Tabuk and the Indian consulate from return, resettlement and old age. Bissessar and her 22-month old gov- Jeddah provided them legal assis- The ministry organized a Mini Jacintha ernment — comprising five coalition tance. Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in September Saldanha, the partners — for not properly managing in Mauritius to woo potential investors British-Indian the economic, political and social Anuj Bidve murder: by projecting the wave of reform ini- nurse who issues in the country. tiatives that the government took to committed sui- Accused Stapleton Kulbir Singh & Balwinder Kaur bolster the economy. cide after being A 37-year-old Indian migrant in pleads guilty prank called by Indian couple convicted Italy killed his pregnant wife in May The main accused in the sensational two Australian in Norway for child because she loved wearing western murder of Indian student Anuj Bidve NRIs to get voting radio hosts about Jacintha clothes and he wanted to punish her in Salford in Britain on December 26, rights, says Prime the Duchess of Saldanha abuse; Abhigyan and for going against Indian traditions. 2011 pleaded guilty in a Manchester Cambridge, suffered from depression Minister Aishwarya return home The Indian — whose name was court June. and had tried to kill herself twice given as Kulbir Singh — told police Kiaran Stapleton admitted to shoot- before, according to reports. in Piacenza city in northern Italy that ing 23-year-old Bidve in an unpro- Saldanha, 46, was found dead on he strangled to death his 27-year-old voked attack on the Boxing Day. Dec. 7 in her lodgings near King wife — named as Balwinder Kaur — Stapleton, 21, admitted to Edward VII's Hospital in London, before throwing her corpse in the Po manslaughter at the Manchester where the duchess was treated for river. Crown Court. acute morning sickness. Investigators said Kulbir, who Lancaster University student Bidve She had put through a prank phone worked for an agricultural company, was walking with friends in Salford call from Sydney DJs Michael killed his wife to punish her for dress- when he was shot in the head at close Christian and Mel Greig, pretending Abhigyan and Aishwarya ing like a Westerner against Indian tra- range. to be the Queen and Prince Charles ditions. Balwinder’s body was found Bidve, who was a postgraduate stu- inquiring about the duchess, who then Chandrasekhar Vallabhaneni, a soft- Fulfilling the long-standing demand floating in the Po river near Piacenza, dent of Microelectronics at Lancaster obtained confidential information ware professional from Andhra of its diaspora, India said it would a total of 153 days after she went University, died from the single gun- from other hospital staff. Pradesh and his wife Anupama, facing allow Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to missing. shot wound. According to Indian and British criminal charges of child abuse were vote and participate in the election media, Saldanha attempted suicide on convicted by a district court with the process. "Pursuant to the law that was December 30 with an overdose of pills father getting an 18-month jail term 8 Indian workers left Remittances from enacted to enable Non Resident during a family visit to India. and mother being sentenced to 15 high and dry in Saudi Indians abroad rising Indians to vote in our national elec- The London Daily Mail reported months. tions, the government has issued noti- that Saldanha survived after being They were convicted for gross or Arabia Remittances from Indians employed fications for registration of overseas rushed to hospital but tried to take her repeated maltreatment of their Seventy-eight Indians, working for a abroad have been steadily increasing electors under the Representation of own life nine days later by jumping child/children by threats, violence or private firm in Saudi Arabia, were left since 2009-10, Overseas Indian People Act, 1950," Prime Minister from a building. other wrong. stranded without food and water in Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said in Manmohan Singh said in his tenth Meanwhile, India's Deccan Herald Meanwhile in April after a year-long July after their employer reneged on December. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas speech. TheSouthAsianTimes.info SOUTH ASIA January 5-11, 2013 39 Kissing, and making it up India and Pakistan took some concrete steps in 2012 but made little headway on key issues including action against Hafiz Saeed and other 29/11 perpetrators

New Delhi: Sixty-five years after the sub-continent was partitioned in 1947, the year 2012 saw New Delhi and Islamabad taking some concrete steps to improve trade and ease trav- el between them. President Asif Ali Zardari visited India, but Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear that he would only visit Pakistan once there was progress in bringing to book those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. The year began with India and Pakistan inking three deals and agreeing to liberalize visa regimes and move from a "positive list" to a short "negative list" trade regime, a major step forward to ease trade As the year drew to a close, the ties were cemented with the new visa regime being operationalized between India and Pakistan norms and facilitate movements of Control Authority (PSQCA) and the Pakistan to act against Hafiz Saeed. Zardari visiting India. Accompanied Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviv- people. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Malik insisted that Pakistan was in by son Bilawal, Zardari also offered ing Pakistani terrorist involved in Indian Commerce and Industry and agreement on redressal of trade no way involved with the 2008 prayers at the revered shrine of Sufi the Mumbai attack. Kasab and nine Minister Anand Sharma, who led grievances between Pakistan and Mumbai attacks and stoked fresh saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in other Pakistani gunmen had the largest business delegation to India were also signed. controversy by alleging that Indian Ajmer in April, and also announced launched the bloody attack on multi- Pakistan in February, said the two As the year drew to a close, the non-state actors were also involved a donation of $1 million. ple locations in Mumbai Nov 26-29, countries have taken a major step ties were cemented with the new in the conspiracy. He said 26/11 But Pakistan's hopes of hosting 2008, killing 166 people. forward to boost trade. His Pakistani visa regime being operationalized accused Abu Jundal "worked as a Manmohan Singh this year did not A high point in the relations counterpart Amin Fahim reciprocat- during the visit by Pakistan's source for (an) elite agency of materialize. between the two countries came ed with a tour to India in April. Interior Minister Rehman Malik. India" and could have turned into a During his meeting with Zardari on with the visit of S.M. Krishna, the During Sharma's visit, a customs The two countries operationalized double agent. the sidelines of the NAM summit in then Indian external affairs minister, cooperation agreement was signed the visa agreement but made little During his three-day visit in Tehran on Aug 30, Manmohan Singh to Islamabad in September. He met to help avoid arbitrary stoppage of headway on key issues including December, Malik also struck a dis- had conveyed that expeditiously con- his Pakistani counterpart Hina goods at each other's ports. action against Lashkar-e-Taiba cordant note with his purported cluding the trial of the 26/11 perpe- Rabbani Khar, and both the leaders A bilateral cooperation agreement (LeT) founder and Mumbai terror comparison of the Babri mosque trators would be the biggest confi- promised to find mutually accept- on mutual recognition between the attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. demolition with the Mumbai attack. dence building measure. able solutions to all outstanding Pakistan Standard and Quality India continued to exert pressure on The year saw President Asif Ali November saw the hanging of issues. Malala becomes symbol of hope A year of political strife Islamabad: The exit of support of the court action. New Delhi: lost eleven members prime minister Yousuf Raza However, Gilani's stepping Afghanistan began the of his family near Gilani, the attack on down soon took a backseat in year with NATO forces Kandahar. teenaged rights campaigner public discourses after the looking over their Beyond the war on Malala Yousufzai, spiralling appointment of his successor shoulders at their terror, Nepal suffered sectarian violence and brazen Raja Pervez Ashraf. Afghan ‘comrades’ fol- its worst death toll on terror attacks ensured that The year saw US drone lowing a series of Everest when four 2012 was a year that kept attacks turn into an emotive ‘Green on Blue’ killings climbers died as they Pakistan firmly in the global issue for Pakistanis, and the of international troops. waited for hours to spotlight. anti-drone clamor only got In the Maldives, make their ascent. Pakistan, a nation of 180 She became a symbol of louder as the Americans President Mohammed President Mohammed Nasheed Survivors blamed million, saw a momentous resistance against the Taliban intensified the missile Nasheed, the tropical was ousted in a coup in Maldives ‘overcrowding’ on political development when Gilani stepped down strikes in the tribal areas.Buoyed by large public paradise’s first democratically elected the summit. In Sri Lanka, General in June after the Supreme Court disqualified him support, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan leader claimed he was ousted in a coup Fonseka, the military chief who won the for refusing to write to the Swiss authorities to led a huge protest rally against the strikes in financed by local resort owners who country’s long civil war with the Tamil reopen a corruption case against President Asif October. In the midst of all this, the world's resented free competition rules inspired Tigers but was later jailed after standing Ali Zardari. attention turned to girl's rights campaigner by Britain’s Conservative Party. and losing an election to President It was a major blow to the Pakistan Peoples Malala Yousafzai when a Taliban gunman shot President Barack Obama apologized to Mahinda Rajapaksa, denounced the gov- Party government as it tried to steady itself in the her in the head for taking on their might. Afghans after protests erupted throughout ernment and called for an ‘Arab Spring’ face of the graft row. Malala came to prominence in 2009 when she the country over the burning of 70 copies uprising to oust its ‘dictatorial’ govern- Zardari and his wife, former prime minister started writing a diary for BBC Urdu about life of the Koran at the Bagram Air Base. In ment.Some signs of reconciliation Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in 2007, under the Taliban.The attack on the 15-year-old one protest at a NATO base in Nangahar emerged in Afghanistan and Pakistan were suspected of using Swiss accounts to laun- on Oct 9 triggered worldwide condemnation an Afghan soldier shot dead two where Islamabad agreed to release der $12 million in bribes paid in the 1990s. even as thousands of Pakistanis took to the American soldiers. Taliban prisoners to further the peace Gilani, who consistently argued that he could streets to condemn the attack. She became a The President was forced to apologize process and the prospect of the Taliban not take action against Zardari as he enjoyed symbol of resistance against the Taliban, with again weeks later in March when an governing parts of Afghanistan was immunity under the constitution, finally quit Education Minister Sardar Shah Jejan Yousuf American soldier ‘went rogue’ and shot mooted as talks on a future settlement June 19. Political groups held mass rallies in declaring her "a symbol of courage". dead 16 Afghans, including a farmer who continued. 40 January 5-11, 2013 INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info An year of 'God Particle' The year 2012 witnessed several political developments in the international arena. While China went through leadership change with Xi Jinping replacing Hu Jintao as new general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, huge violence was reported in war-torn Syria throughout the year. life on the Red Planet. Mars is the chief compo- Syria’s anti-govern- Discovery of 'Higgs nent of NASA's long-term deep space explo- ration plans. ment revolt Boson' particle Mission controllers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory cheered and applauded as rover suc- cessfully landed at the red planet. Moments later, when it received three images from the Martian surface, one of them showing vehicle, the con- trollers cheered again. of GDP (nominal). The trade organization said Russia's accession South Korea gets first would help the country integrate into the global economy, create congenial atmosphere for trade woman President and industry, and promote universal trade rules. Syria’s revolt got intensified after Syrian army Scientists in July claimed that they proved the The European Union hailed the move saying that Park Geun- in November this year had announced its battle existence of 'Higgs Boson' particle - one of the Russia’s entry into WTO will boost the European hye was to liberate ‘Damascus’. The move aggravated the longest and most expensive projects in the histo- countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin elected as fighting and it turned into a major conflict ry of Science. The particle may reveal the mys- appreciated his country’s entry into the WTO. first woman between government forces and armed rebels. teries about the existence of life and diversity in President of Syria's Opposition on November 11formed a the universe. The elementary particle of Boson is UN approves Palestinian South Korea new bloc called the National Coalition for the named after Indian physicist Satyendra Nath defeating her Opposition Forces, which was recognized by the Bose. During a press meet at Switzerland, ‘observer state’ bid rival Moon United States. Scientists at CERN had announced that they Jae-In with huge margin. Her father, Park Many people died and several got severally found so called ‘God Particle’. Peter Higgs, the Chung-hee, also ruled South Korea for over 18 injured in the conflict in Damascus that wit- Edinburgh University emeritus professor of years. With more than 70 percent of the votes nessed intense anti-government protests. It is Physics was also present in the press conference. counted, Park led with 51.6 percent, while Moon commonly known as Syrian uprising. Jae-In got 48 percent of votes according to the More than 46,000 people have died in Syria in Israel-Palestine National Election Commission. the conflict between the forces of President After the thumping victory she thanked her Bashar al-Assad and the rebels. war erupts staff and supporters and said that her victory Of all people killed in the civil war, 85 percent reflects that the economy will definitely recover. of them -- 39,520 -- died in 2012, according to During the election, she convinced the people the opposition Syrian Observatory for Human that the country is ready for a woman leader. Rights. The United Nations General Assembly on In 2011, 6,548 lost their lives, representing 14 November 30 upgraded UN status for the Egypt’s Constitution in percent of the total 46,068 deaths. Palestinian, despite intense opposition by US and And 2013 could be worse, UN-Arab League Israel. UN recognized Palestinian as Observer referendum approved envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said. "Do not expect just State which was interpreted as diplomatic set- Egypt voters had approved Constitution draft- 25,000 people to die next year -- maybe 100,000 back for US and Israel. India was among the 138 ed by President Mohammed Morsi in December will die. The pace is increasing," Brahimi was nations in 193-member assembly that voted in 2012.President Morsi who assumed office on quoted as saying. favor of the resolution. Forty one other countries 30th June 2012 struggled hard to get the In the early hours of Jan 1, 2013, clashes and Israeli air strikes on the Gaza city in November abstained from voting. Constitution approved as his leftist, liberal, secu- shelling raged in eight Syrian provinces, the 2012 resulted in severe bloodshed on Hamas- The voting came on the same day when the UN larist and Christian opponents had taken to the Observatory said. Gaza strip. The violence got intensified and all observed the annual International Day for streets to protest saying the new constitution the nations including India expressed their soli- Solidarity with the Palestinians. would dangerously mix politics with religion. darity to Palestinians. India condemned the China’s leadership Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas hailed Electoral Commission in December announced attack saying that disproportionate use of force the decision and regarded it as a historic achieve- that voters had given green signal to the change after a decade by Israel Military is wrong. Giving a strong mes- ment for the Palestinian states. "The world said Constitution. After this, Mohammed Morsi wel- sage to Israel, Palestinians fired a rocket towards in a loud voice ‘yes’ to the state of Palestine, yes comed the new Constitution and appealed for Jerusalem for the first time in a decade. to Palestine's freedom, yes to Palestine's inde- unity. He endorsed Constitution as being ‘totally After this, Israel got prepared for the possible pendence, no to aggression, no to settlements, no transparent’ and urged the Opposition to join him Palestinian invasion. During the scuffle, Gaza to occupation," Abbas told the ecstatic crowd. for a national dialogue to defuse tension. militant groups fired hundreds of rockets includ- ing Iranian-made missiles aimed at Israel. Japan-China territorial Gazans displayed several bill boards and thanked Mars rover ‘Curiosity’ Iran for its kind support. touches Red Planet dispute Israel and Gaza militant groups had agreed to a In 2012, tensions ran highest between China and ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after the intervention Japan over a group of uninhabited islands in the The 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who East Asian Sea that both countries claim. The National Congress was convened in Beijing from held meeting with Egyptian President islands are known as the Diaoyu in China and the November 8 to November 14 for new leadership Mohammed Morsi and other officials. Senkaku in Japan. Despite China’s repeated oppo- in China. The Congress, which had began on sition and anger, Japan in September had decided November 8, chosen 25-member Politburo CPC Russia becomes to purchase the disputed land that resulted in great as well as the members of Politburo Standing tension and provoked an angry response from Committee. Xi Jinping succeeded Hu Jintao as official WTO member Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. In December, Japan new general secretary of the ruling Communist scrambled a Chinese aircraft which tried to enter Party after latter’s 10 year long stint. As per the After 18 years of negotiations, Russia officially the disputed territory. This was the first time an constitution of party, leadership changes in every became the 156th member of the World Trade aircraft had involved in Japan-China dispute which ten years. Li Keqiang is all set to become new Organization (WTO) on August 22. With the In August 2012, NASA’s Mars rover, Curiosity, had created huge tension. Days later, three Chinese Chinese premier after Wen Jiabao. This leader- inclusion of Russia, the WTO now covers 98 per- landed on the Martian surface to begin a two- ships entered the disputed waters of the East-China ship will continue for another 10 years. cent of global trade. Russia ranks 11th in terms year mission seeking evidence of ingredients for sea that intensified the territorial battle. TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013 42 January 5-11, 2013 INDIA - BUSINESS TOP 5 TheSouthAsianTimes.info

cent. The economy needs to grow by over six To provide some succor to the ailing Indian percent now for the fiscal to achieve the 5.7 per- carriers, the government came up with some pro- India suffered cent overall growth. industry policies like allowing foreign airlines to invest in their Indian counterparts, but to no worst slowdown avail. 2012 saw birth Even steps to check high airfares did not have in a decade the desired impact and affordable ticket prices of new IT remained a distant dream. This also led to a fall in domestic air traffic, with the passengers car- companies ried by Indian airlines dropping 2.94 per cent Global retail giant WalMart between January-November compared to 2011. A negative development was the "unilateral" American companies and entities that have spent termination of the prestigious Male airport millions of dollars in 2012 itself to lobby for expansion and modernization project contract their Indian business interests along with other awarded to major infrastructure firm GMR, by issues. the Maldives government. The contract was These include pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer, awarded to the Indian company by the previous computer makers Dell and Hewlett-Packard regime there in 2010. The multi-brand retail sector was (HP), telecom players like Qualcomm and The FDI liberalization move saw no takers, opened despite huge political opposition Alcatel-Lucent, financial services majors like though there were hopes that 2013 would witness Morgan Stanley and Prudential Financial, as also New Delhi: The Indian economy suffered its some interested foreign airlines picking up equity Alliance of Automobile Manufactures and the worst slowdown in almost a decade, with the in Indian carriers, some of whom were in talks Software exports are expected to grow Aerospace Industries Association of America, country even facing the ignominy of a ratings on the issue. 11 percent this fiscal to $77 billion according to the Congressional records of lobby- downgrade, which was salvaged somewhat with ing disclosure reports. some hasty but big-ticket reforms in the latter Bangalore: India's $100-billion IT industry in There are also lobby groups like Financial part of the year. 2012 saw the emergence of new companies to Executives International, Business Roundtable, Indian bourses A downgrade of India's sovereign rating, serve global and local markets and sustained Business Software Alliance and Financial already a tad above unstable, would have dealt a growth, despite tough business conditions. Services Forum as well as consumer goods mak- perform better further major blow to the economy by assigning For the bellwethers, the year was a turbulent ers like Cargill Inc and Colgate-Palmolive that junk status to the country's external borrowings. one with Infosys and Wipro struggling to stay have indulged in lobbying with US lawmakers so than global peers This would have forced multinational corpora- afloat while numero uno TCS withered head- far in 2012. tions to freeze their capital flows, making foreign winds to stay ahead even as distant competitor Giants like Boeing, AT&T, Starbucks, funds to withdraw from the country's capital Cognizant challenged their dominance. New Delhi: Lockheed Martin, Eli Lilly and General Electric markets and depreciating the rupee to a level that The industry sustained its growth trajectory Amid turbu- (GE) have also lobbied earlier with US lawmak- could have sent fuel prices to untenable levels. despite technology challenges and tough market lent times for ers on "specific lobbying issues" related to India, The perception of policy paralysis was sought conditions by adopting new business models, the stock mar- which include discussions on market opening ini- to be changed with the federal government pur- driving organizational efficiencies and offering a kets across the tiatives and support for their sales and business suing a series of reforms, notably on the initial host of new services around cloud, mobility, ana- world, the opportunities in the country. steps to allow global chains like Wal-Mart, lytics, social media and collaboration in a multi- equity Carrefour, Tesco and JC Penny to set up shop in device connected world. turnover fell the country. It is now up to individual state gov- Implementing lessons learnt from previous on Indian ernments to follow suit -- though 13 out of 28 cycles of ups and downs, especially during the A tumultuous bourses as well in 2012, but the fall was meager have said no. tech meltdown in 2008-10, the industry and espe- at 1.57 per cent when compared to the global The country's gross domestic product (GDP) cially its bellwethers have consolidated opera- year for Indian average. Globally, the equity turnover fell growth fell to a nine-year low of 5.3 percent in tions, forayed into new domains and diversified sharply by 14.7 per cent, while the fall was near- the January-March 2012 quarter. It improved service offerings to create multiple revenue aviation ly 8 per cent for the bourses in Asia Pacific marginally to 5.5 percent, but fell again to 5.3 streams in traditional and emerging markets. region as well.On the other hand, the collective percent in the July-September period. The domestic market is expected to grow 13- equity trade volume of two Indian bourses, NSE The average economic growth of 5.36 percent 16 percent this fiscal as against 17 percent last and BSE, fell by 1.57 per cent to 161.74 crore in the first three quarters of 2012 is sharply lower fiscal to Rs.91,800 crore (Rs.918 billion) from during January-November period of 2012, as per than the average annual growth of 8.2 percent Rs.78,600 crore (Rs.786 billion) in 2010-11. data from the World Federation of Exchanges recorded in the past eight years. Software exports are expected to grow 11 per- (WFE). The total number of equity trades on the Since September, Prime Minister Manmohan cent this fiscal to $77 billion despite currency exchanges across the world was 907 crore for the Singh's government has announced a series of volatility from $69 billion in 2011-12, according same period. Indian markets are expected to fur- reforms -- spending cuts, liberalization of foreign Nasscom. ther improve their tally in 2013, as a new bourse investment policy norms and easing corporate MCX-SX is expected to begin operations as a rules. Analysts term these as the biggest reforms full-fledged stock exchange. The Asia pacific overhaul in a decade. Over 15 US cos region registered a decline of nearly 8 per cent to Foreign investment policies for the sectors like 533.4 crore trades in January-November period Mumbai: It was not a smooth sailing for the retail, banking, broadcasting and aviation were of 2012. The global data for December is still spent millions to Indian aviation industry in 2012 as it saw the liberalised to attract more overseas funds. The awaited as one last trading session would take grounding of Kingfisher Airlines and financial multi-brand retail sector was also opened despite place on December 31. Experts said economic trouble hitting Air India and other carriers huge political opposition. lobby in India uncertainty across the globe, political deadlock besides a prestigious $500 million airport In the mid-year economic analysis, the govern- Washington: Global retail giant WalMart, whose in Europe, fiscal cliff debate in the US, policy upgrade contract bagged by a leading Indian ment expects that the economy would grow by lobbying with US lawmakers for access to India logjam in India and lack of trading opportunities infra firm being terminated by the Maldives gov- 5.7 percent in the fiscal year 2012-13. In the first has generated much political heat in New Delhi, were main reasons for fall in equity trading in ernment. half of the fiscal GDP has expanded by 5.4 per- has got the company of at least 15 other large India and rest of the world. TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY January 5-11, 2013 43

Business As in recent years, Merkel to Greece: Facebook IPO Ford Focus is business and tech- back cuts or face fiasco top-selling car French business euro exit vs. François nology kept hitting globally the headlines in reece has Hollande Gmanaged to 2012 – the topics survive another n elec- year in the euro- Ation, a ranging from smart zone, but not new president without a warn- he social networking giant in the shape of devices becoming ing or two from TFacebook, Inc. held its initial pub- Francois Europe's most lic offering (IPO) on May 18 last year. smarter to interna- German Hollande, and powerful politi- The IPO was one of the biggest in Chancellor the promise of cians. technology, and the biggest in Internet tional outcries over Angela Merkel hich car outsells all others a 75% tax rate Angela history, with a peak market capitaliza- around the world? Merkel warned in May that “solidarity W kept France in dwindling tion of over $104 billion. Facebook's Ford says it's the Focus compact, for the euro” was threatened by the founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg the headlines Actor Gérard with the smaller Fiesta positioned economies. ongoing political crisis in Athens. had resisted taking the company pub- last year – Depardieu has right behind to be the best seller in Seven months and a lot of can-kicking lic as wells as buyout offers. The com- mostly for the left France over its class. Worldwide, Ford says there later, and Greece is still afloat - but pany did, however, accept private wrong rea- hiked tax rate Beijing hints at only just. In an address to mark the investments from companies--often were 737,856 Focuses registered sons. In bond attack New Year, German Chancellor Angela technology firms. When the number of through September. Fiesta was at October, Hollande's policies were Merkel said Monday that the sover- shareholders crossed the 500 thresh- 560,061. Focus is a breakthrough branded "disastrous" by French on Japan eign debt crisis which threatened to old, Facebook had to take the compa- vehicle for Ford, which used to business leaders. Laurence tear the eurozone apart shows how ny public. Zuckerberg retains control make separate models under the Parisot, head of employers’ group ensions between China and important it is to strike a balance over the company, despite its being a same name for Europe and US. Now MEDEF, said that businesses TJapan threatened to escalate fur- between prosperity and solidarity. public entity. the same vehicle is sold in both were in a "quasi-panic" over the ther in September when a senior "The reforms that we've introduced The IPO was ultimately plagued by places, and around the world, giving pace of bankruptcies and lack of advisor to the Chinese government are beginning to have an impact," she a series of problems: its exchange, a huge cost saving to the automaker. confidence in the sector. "Large called for an attack on the Japanese said. "But we still need a lot of Nasdaq, suffered a computer malfunc- That's important considering the foreign investors are shunning bond market that would bring the patience. The crisis is far from over." tion during the first hours of the IPO, switch to small cars hurts automak- France altogether. It’s becoming country to its knees. "I know that many people are natu- leading to tens of millions of dollars in ers' bottom lines because they really dramatic,” he said. The dispute? A group of uninhab- rally concerned going into the new trades being wrongly placed; its charge more for larger vehicles that Consequently, French actors or ited islands in the East China Sea year," Merkel added. "And in fact eco- underwriter, Morgan Stanley, was crit- don't cost that much more to make. nomic conditions will be more difficult singers are announcing openly known as Senkaku to the Japanese - icized for an initial price that was too "Focus and Fiesta represent the rather than easier next year. But we that they’ll move out of the coun- or Diaoyu in China. high and too many shares, leading; best of our 'One Ford' plan," said shouldn't let that discourage us; on the some Facebook executives were try to avoid this tax. The breakout Jin Baisong from the Chinese Jim Farley, Ford's executive VP. "In contrary, it should spur us on." accused of alerting industry insiders to had to come from the strongest Academy of International Trade said just three years, Ford has trans- As Europe's biggest economy, Facebook's earnings before they were ‘Gaulois’, the world-famous actor China should use its power as Germany has shouldered much of the public. Facebook, Morgan Stanley, formed our global small car lineup Gérard Depardieu who refuses to Japan’s biggest creditor with $230bn cost of bailing out weaker eurozone and Nasdaq are facing litigation over and started winning over customers give away 75 percent of his (£141bn) of bonds to “impose sanc- nations such as Greece, and establish- the matters. The stock lost over a quar- worldwide with vehicles that are not income as he wrote in a public let- tions on Japan in the most effective ing the region's permanent rescue ter of its value in less than a month only fun-to-drive but also fuel-effi- ter to the Prime Minister, and is manner” and bring Tokyo’s festering fund, the European Stability and went on to less than half its IPO cient – largely thanks to our award- fleeing to neighboring Belgium. fiscal crisis to a head. Mechanism (ESM). value in three months. winning EcoBoost engines.” Technology Five new devices that created a PlayStation Vita Apple iPad Mini Microsoft n November, buzz in the past year. IApple intro- Surface duced the iPad Mini, a smaller icrosoft Surface is a series Samsung Nikon Coolpix version of its Mof tablets designed and mar- Galaxy SIII super-popular keted by Microsoft. It was S800c Digital tablet, the announced on June 18 by the he Samsung Galaxy S III is Camera he PlayStation Vita is a hand- iPad. The Mini company CEO Steve Ballmer at Ta multi-touch, slate-format Theld game console manufac- has specifications similar to the Milk Studios in Los Angeles. smartphone running the Android ikon has introduced the tured and marketed by Sony iPad 2 and is 7.9 inches as The Surface comes in two ver- operating system. It is designed, Nfirst “Android-enabled” Computer Entertainment. It is the opposed to the 9.7 inches boasted sions: one with Windows RT and developed, and marketed by digital camera. Equipped with a successor to the PlayStation by its predecessors. The iPad Mini another with Windows 8 Pro. The Samsung Electronics. It sees 10X optical zoom 4.5-45mm Portable as part of the PlayStation shipped with iOS 6.0.1. It can act Windows RT model uses an ARM additional software features, (25-250mm 35mm equivalent) brand of gaming devices. It primari- as a hotspot with some carriers, CPU, while the Windows 8 Pro expanded hardware, and a f/3.2-5.8 NIKKOR ED glass ly competes with the Nintendo 3DS sharing its Internet connection model will use an Intel CPU. Both redesigned physique from its lens and a 3.5” 819k OLED as part of the eighth generation of over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, models are able to install new predecessor, the Samsung gaming. and also access the App Store, a applications via the Windows touch screen, the S800c features Galaxy S II. everything you would expect in A limited edition was released in digital application distribution Store, however only the Windows North America on February 15. The platform for iOS developed and The S III was well-received a well-rounded point-and-shoot 8 Pro model allows the installa- handheld includes two analog sticks, maintained by Apple. commercially and critically, camera, having the added bene- tion of traditional third-party a 5-inch (130 mm) OLED multi- The service allows users to with some technology commen- fit of an incredibly powerful desktop programs. touch capacitive touchscreen, and browse and download applica- tators touting it as the "iPhone Surface and Surface Pro have mobile OS and wireless connec- supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and tions from the iTunes Store that killer". In September, TechRadar screens of 10.6 inches (27 cm) tivity. With all of Nikon’s imag- optional 3G. Internally, the Vita fea- were developed with Xcode and with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Both ranked it No. 1 handset, as had ing power and features like opti- tures a four-core ARM Cortex-A9 the iOS SDK and were published tablets use Microsoft's ClearType Stuff magazine. It played a cal VR image stabilization, sub- MPCore processor and a four-core through Apple. From the App HD display technology and sup- major role in boosting ject tracking and high ISO sensi- SGX543MP4+ graphics processing Store, GarageBand,iMovie, port an ultra-wide viewing angle Samsung's record operating tivity, the COOLPIX S800c has unit, as well as LiveArea software iPhoto, and the iWork apps and auto-adjusting screen profit during the second quarter everything that smart phones as its main user interface, which (Pages, Keynote, and Numbers) intensity. of 2012. and tablets lack. succeeds the XrossMediaBar. are available. 44 January 5-11, 2013 REAL ESTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info Intelligent investing in India By Hema Virani Mumbai and certain select develop- ments in Lower Parel, Mahalaxmi y home is in USA, how- and Parel in Central Mumbai. ever, my birth was in Yields from residential properties MIndia. I am what you may can be as low but the icing on the call the new age citizen. Myself and cake is the capital appreciation. millions of other NRIs have an urge Under construction properties are to somehow stay connected to our hot bets for those investing in resi- homeland. How can we, sitting here dential property. The risks are in USA, invest intelligently in delays and often these delays are India. There are many hurdles and beyond the control of the develop- obstacles thrown in our path, but er, such as policy changes or gen- our best defense is to be knowl- uine raw material shortages. edgeable. Basically you have to choose reput- ed developers and prepare to hold Why invest in India? for 2 years to expect a hefty return. Post the 2008-2009 global finan- Luxurious East Garden Villas in Baroda For commercial real estate invest- cial crisis, India has stood out as an avail home loan from Indian prospect with yields of 10-13 per ing and office space. ments, look to Mumbai and Pune in example of financial stability, espe- Institutions approved by the NHB cent a year compared to 3-5 per the West, Delhi and NCR in the cially in terms of its conservative (National Housing Board). NRIs cent generated by residential prop- Where are the best places to North, and Bangalore, Chennai, and banking sector. can mortgage residential property erties. invest? Hyderabad in the South. With India is named among top 20 des- in India with an Indian financial Investments in the residential sec- A centrally-located property with yields anywhere between 9-11% tinations in the world with the institution without RBI’s approval. tor are more appropriate for indi- amenities close by will be more and capital appreciation at least strongest retail real estate momen- They can rent out their residential viduals who tend to invest large expensive than a property in a far 12%. tum, according to international property in India without RBI’s sums in a single asset class and flung area. However, cost is high. Please look out for my next article property consultant Jones Lang approval. want to hold it for the medium to So, investors prefer upcoming loca- in this paper about the pitfalls of LaSalle. The Indian real estate sector is long term. tions where civic infrastructure is investing in India and helpful sug- NRIs and Persons of Indian actually being recognized as an If capital appreciation is of inter- being planned. For instance, you gestions to decrease risk. For a free Origin (PIO) are allowed to pur- infrastructure service, helping in est to you, then residential property have Gandhinagar near guide to investing in India, chase immoveable property in India the economic growth of the coun- is the way, even if the yield is as Ahmedabad, Ajwa Nimeta Road pleaseemail [email protected]. and have no restrictions limiting try, according to industry experts. low as 3%. near Alkapuri, Nalasopara, Dahisar, Hema Virani is a Certified them with regards to how many “Foreign retailers are most wel- Panvel, Pen and Kalamboli near Commercial Investment commercial or residential proper- Who should invest in India? come by the builders community in Mumbai. Management Designee as well as ties they can own in India. You must carefully analyze your India”, said Anand Gupta, general Poonam Mahtani, of Residential an investor. She also holds an The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) objectives. Commercial property is secretary of the Builders’ Services India, places her bets on Associate Brokers license for over has granted permission to PIOs to often regarded as more appropriate Association of India. In Indian GST Road, Porur and OMR in 10 years in the purchase property in India for resi- for high net worth and institutional cities with more than a million peo- Chennai, North Bangalore largely New York area dential or commercial purposes. investors who are capable of taking ple, which big foreign retailers are Hibbal, Saha Shivnagar, Sarjapur and is US NRIs can invest in real estate by more risk. confined to, analysts predict a Road and Whitefield in Bangalore, Executive remitting funds to India through If high returns are important, marked increase in demand for Dwarka Expressway in Gurgaon, Director for Arts normal banking channels. They can commercial properties are a better commercial real estate, warehous- Bandra East, Goregaon, Panvel in for India. Manhattan is best bet for real estate investors

By Hema Virani ects in the city has increased by 17% Gary Barnett. according to the New York Building “New York was able to buck the recession n 2012, America saw a sharp decline in Congress. Of the 5 boroughs, Brooklyn was given some very large projects that had new construction activity due to eco- hit the hardest with 323 stalls, followed by reached the construction start stage,” says Inomic slowdown in nearly every mar- Queens with 169 and Manhattan with 123 Robert Murray of McGraw Hill, noting that ket. Real estate sector woes continue, stalls. However, no matter how you slice the construction of multifamily buildings has thanks to an overhang of vacant inventory, a Big Apple, New York City is about more accounted for much of the Big Apple’s weak jobs market, and the fact that in many than tapping into one of the world's cultural activity. For individual investors, even if it cases, banks have shrugged at loaning to and financial centers... It has also proven to means grabbing a group of friends for the residential and commercial builders. be a smart investment. Owning a slice of the down payment, making an investment at the Forbes has compiled a list of new con- 2014. The Hudson Yards, $12 billion mega Big Apple is a great way to secure long term $500,000 range could pay off in a few struction data based on McGraw Hill development a few blocks away is another investment and is a safe place to park your years. Especially with rentals increasing in Construction Data: The 20 places where massive undertaking. money. It seems no matter what happens to price on a quarterly basis, buyers can still most money was spent on new construction New construction projects decreased by a the world economy, Manhattan real estate pay less per month to own. It's never too in 2011. Major cities in coastal states fare whopping 40% from 2006 ($689.3 billion) still stands strong. With all the numbers we late to start a real estate empire. A great the best in terms of new projects. New York to 2011 ($421.4 billion), due to factors such have seen, there is a tremendous opportuni- place to start is somewhere with an easy City lands No. 1 on the McGraw Hill list, as Hurricane Sandy, steep decline in the ty available for savvy investors (or groups). commute to Manhattan. Some hot neighbor- with $17.2 billion worth of new construc- stock market and worry about the world In commercial real estate, Manhattan has hoods to watch for are Williamsburg, Long tion in 2011. New York is home to one of economy. The Commerce Department states seen approximately 2.1 million square feet Island City, Battery Park City, Central the country’s biggest construction projects, that the construction rate has increased by in new office space. In the residential sector, Harlem, Rockaway Queens, and Hudson the 16-acre, seven tower World Trade more than 38 percent over the last 12 there are many new buildings such as Heights. Center . Last year it was joined by another months nationwide with the biggest rise in One57, a 1,004 foot, 1.5 billion dollar For a free list of Investment Clubs in the large site, Gotham West, a massive $520 the West and South. NYC’s increase is esti- development, which will soon hold the title Tri-State area, please email me. They are a million residential project on Manhattan’s mated at a 7%. of the tallest building with residences and is great resource for finding a partner, deals, Far West Side -- estimated completion in The number of stalled construction proj- being hailed as a billionaires’ haven, as per know-how, financing and much more. TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year 46 January 5-11, 2013 SOCIAL MEDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info Social media: a networking tool that's now a weapon in India

informed and aware Indian world triggered several real- fully prepared to deal with it." demos. A direct contact with gov- world controversies. It has The events are unraveling at ernment and speedy action on brought live images of people's such a speed that the system is recent issues has shown that a courage, apathy, and finally their really finding hard to catch up true dialogue has taken place. collective outburst. with it. In fact, apex court has The unbridling of the power of While on one side it gave a col- taken a strong view of such cases the social media was undoubtedly lective voice to common people, and admitted a plea challenging Shaheen Dhada, a Maharashtrian girl, was arrested for the a top trend of 2012 in India. In on the other it also exposed a sys- such cases. crime of posting a message on Facebook criticizing Mumbai many cases, it set the agenda of tem almost napping. Finance One classic example of the shutdown after Bal Thackeray’s death. Also arrested was her public discourse. Be it the minister P. Chidambaram power of social media is the friend Renu for ‘liking’ the post. It provoked protests, in Palghar (Maharashtra) case summed up its use and such introduction of @PMOIndia virtual as well as the real world. where young Shaheen Dhada's protests to flash mob phenome- Twitter handle. It has ensured By Jinal Shah this powerful networking tool has Facebook comment on the shut- non. He was quoted, "Flash mob people’s direct involvement with extended its reach to common down of Mumbai after Bal is a new phenomenon... some- the government. Currently, 3.5 ocial media and social net- people and helped highlight their Thackeray's death, or the recent times they gather to dance and lakh people are following it and working are growing up in problems instantly. It has Delhi gangrape victim case, both sing. But sometimes they gather numbers are likely to increase SIndia. In 2012, the usage of announced the arrival of much kicked off a storm, the virtual to protest... I don't think we are further. What to expect ‘Gangnam Style’ A more networked world in 2013 ocial media was with 27.2 million unique inescapable in 2012. US visitors. Pinterest Going by 2012, there will be a lot takes world by SFacebook ballooned “had the largest year- more action as social media begins to 1 billion users, Instagram over-year increase in to come of age in 2013. Here is what storm surpassed critical mass, audience and time spent to look for this year. Twitter took over the US of any social network, ne phrase. One presidential election, and across PC, mobile web, Pinterest simply gave us and apps,” Nielsen said. Move over Instagram, make way for phrase popu- something new to root for. Twitter in a pretty Snapchat Olarized by a There was also the down package If Instagram was a fad in 2012, wait for South-Korean singer known as Psy has side, of course. Here's a Twitter has trans- the recently launched ‘Sanpchat’ –mes- look at the hits and misses formed into a "broad- become a seemingly senger that expires within 10 seconds. So in the social media world. casting (social) net- global phenomenon if you want to share something fun, but Facebook’s flubbed work." It has become worry about leaving a trail of evidence, during 2012. opening on Nasdaq the place to discuss live it'll ensure your sensitive images go Facebook’s May 18 debut events as they happen. A "poof" seconds after it's viewed. In “Oppa gangnam on the Nasdaq was the big partnership with style”. The Pope is now a tweeter October, the site reached 20 million most anticipated consumer @pontifex. NBC for the Olympics "snaps" a day. These three words Internet initial public kicked things off, but SlideShare to be the fastest-growing set everything from the offering since Google’s in 2004 and the Twitter’s prominent place in the 2012 presi- social network internet to night clubs largest tech IPO in US history. While some dential election solidified its position as the In 2013, the fastest-growing social net- figuratively ablaze, were rightfully skeptical of the social net- de-facto app on the second screen. work is likely to be Slideshare even as where YouTube view work’s overblown $94 billion valuation (at Incidentally, President Obama’s three records were broken as $38 per share), the plunge in share price word tweet and photo shared just after his Facebook and LinkedIn each launch their Korean Psy’s video crossed original content creation strategies to swiftly as a dance was steep and stark. After the initial glitch- re-election victory became the most re- one billion views on es and hiccups, FB stock price stabilized tweeted tweet in history, with more than drive further engagement and open up move was mimicked all YoutTube in 5 months. (On Jan 3 it was $28.5). 817 000 users retweeting the post. On the sponsored content opportunities. over the world. Facebook’s acquisition of the photo-shar- day the results came out, his Twitter handle Twitter personalizing your feed The song was released in July and reached over one bil- ing phenom Instagram saved the day for was mentioned over 3.2-million times and Twitter is going to start “personalizing” lion views on YouTube in December, becoming the most watched music video—ever. founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The while the votes were being tallied, Twitter your Twitter feed based on an algorithm, deal announced in April was in a cash and pulsed at over 327 000 tweets per minute. “Gangnam Style” refers to the type of modern, hip, which includes influence (of the tweeter stock arrangement valued at $1 billion. The Also significant is the fact that Pope trendy and wealthy lifestyle associated with inhabitants of based on the user’s participation), align- surprise buy came just days after Instagram Benedict XVI has made his twitter debut in ment (how closely the tweets resemble the Gangnam District of Seoul in Korea. “Oppa” is a term launched its first application for the eight languages. He has realized the impor- you), gravity (how often it was retweet- used by Korean females to describe an older male friend Android platform. The deal eventually tance of social media to connect with the ed), engagement, and your interest. or brother. closed in October when Facebook’s stock youth. Tout beyond 140 characters By the end of 2012, the song had topped the music price had dropped, making Instagram worth LinkedIn gets a shine A video sharing service, Tout, is charts of 30 countries including Australia, Canada, just $715 million. In a year largely defined by consumer already a household name in some areas. France, Germany, Russia, and the UK. Although its Pin it to win it Internet flops, LinkedIn managed to fly, and The service that lets users quickly create reception in Japan remained lukewarm, "Gangnam Style" Pinterest was a 2012 sensation. The web fly high. With improved stock price espe- and share 15-second clips has become a topped China's Baidu 500 download list and was labeled and mobile service for saving inspirational cially after the debacle of Facebook and favorite of athletes, news stations, and by state-controlled media as having a "divine melody." finds to digital collections called “pin- new features added to its site, the network others. Its signature dance moves were attempted by notable boards” became one of the most talked for professionals has come to life. But many people have yet to even hear political leaders such as the British PM David Cameron, about and most trafficked sites on the web. This is myspace Pinterest became the obsession of recipe The biggest shocker of 2012 was the of it. That could change in a big way in President Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- collectors, fashion curators, celebrities and return of MySpace. It all started with a sim- 2013. Though the company doesn't seem moon, who hailed it as a "force for world peace". Its brands. According to analytics firm Nielsen, ple “THIS IS MYSPACE” tweet from to spend much on marketing, it has a influence on political activism was exemplified by the Pinterest grew its audience from 2.5 million MySpace backer Justin Timberlake in loyal fan base, which uses the service short film Gangnam for Freedom, produced by the British sculptor Anish Kapoor to advocate the freedom of expres- people to 25 million between July 2011 and September. The tweet, which included a consistently and smartly and are known February 2012. link to a teaser video for the totally reimag- sion with the support of human rights organizations such to see their Twitter followings go up at By year’s end, Nielsen ranked Pinterest ined site went viral and got people excited as Index on Censorship and Amnesty International. faster rates than normal Twitter users. as the sixth most popular social network, to see more. TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS IN INDIA January 5-11, 2013 47 Suspensions rule the arena Barring a few sparkles in between, the Indian sports story remained a gloomy affair in the year gone by, leaving the people pondering over the fate of Indian games in 2013

uoyed by the six-medal haul at London Olympics, the Bbiggest-ever by an Indian contingent, the worst news came for the Indian sport lovers in the later half of the year when the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was suspended by the Indian Olympics Committee (IOC) for not abiding by the Olympic Charter under Government pressure while con- ducting its election. Worse, the sports ministry de-recognized the archery association and the boxing federation for manipulating their election processes. On the debit side, India’s hockey continues to be in a mess. It is in a Athletes are in a fix after IOA's suspension while hockey continues to be in a mess. rebuilding state after another hor- at the 1996 Atlanta Games, but the rendous performance returning to 39-year-old became the first Indian the Olympics for the first time in to complete a career Grand Slam by Cricket shown the pavilion eight years. They finished right at winning the Australian Open with the bottom of the table to record a Czech partner Radek Stepanek. and abroad. new low. But there were signs of They beat the Bryan brothers in the Earlier in the year, Australia in their home complete- recovery when they finished fourth final. ly outplayed India in the four match Test series as the at the Champions Trophy in India continued to rule the kabad- hosts defeated the visitors in all the four matches of Melbourne. di arena, winning the World Cup for the series. The other popular sport, football, the third time, beating Pakistan in India were knocked out of the Asia Cup after is also struggling to make a mark, at the final. Bangladesh pulled off a stunning win over Sri Lanka least in the region. Now the All Squash player Dipika Pallikal, 21, in the last group stage match. India Football Federation (AIFF) became the first Indian to break into After winning the inaugural edition of the World has started rebuilding from scratch, the top-10 of the World’s women’s Twenty20 in 2007, India’s poor show in the tourna- concentrating at the junior levels. rankings. ment continued as the ‘Men in Blue’ failed to move The results have been encouraging. beyond the Super Eights stage of the ICC World Organizationally, India successful- MS Dhoni and his brigade tasted failure There were some good news in Twenty20. ly hosted the second Formula One in all formats of the game between. Veteran tennis player Indian Grand Prix with the F1 fra- Indian fans received another jolt near the end of the Leander Paes may not have won a ternity praising the improved facili- ndian cricket passed through rough weather in year when the touring England side defeated India by second Olympic medal in London ties at the Jaypee Group- owned 2012 as skipper MS Dhoni and his brigade tasted 2-1 margin in the four-match Test series. England won after winning the the singles bronze Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Ifailure in all formats of the game in both at home a series against India on Indian soil after 28 years. At the boundary... The golden trio retires... Sachin enters Parliament ... and the Indian cricket is left without its most solid middle order ever Sachin Tendulkar created history as he took oath as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha on 'The Wall' calls it a day Sachin: Man who became God Laxman declares innings June 4. He became the first active sportsperson to t did not take ormer tylish be honored with the position. much for the India cap- batsman cricket pundits tain and I SV.V.S. F to spot a genius in India-Pakistan batting legend Laxman ended Sachin Tendulkar Rahul Dravid all speculation after he made his bi-lateral series announced his about his international debut retirement from career by The neighbors finally resumed their cricketing in a Test match in Test cricket to bring the curtains announcing his retirement from ties as the Pakistan cricket team toured India for a Karachi on November 15, 1989. He was 16 then. More down on his illustrious 16-year-old international cricket with immediate short series in December-January. than two decades later, he has gone on to become one of career.An emotional Dravid, 39, bid effect, barely a week after he was the greatest batsman the world will ever see.Twenty-three farewell to the longer format of the named in the squad for the two-Test years, one month, and eight days from his debut, the five- Whistling controversy game in which he is the second high- series against New Zealand. feet-five-inch cricketing genius has called time on a glit- est run scorer (13,288) after team- The wristy strokemaker represent- Indian tennis touched new low this year as senior tering one-day career. With 18,426 runs from 463 matches mate Sachin Tendulkar. Dravid has 36 ed India in 134 Tests, scoring 8,781 players-Mahesh Bhauptahi and Rohan Bopanna- at an average of 44.83, Tendulkar has most batting Test centuries from 164 matches and runs at 45.97. He played one of the refused to team up with Leander Paes. records under his belt in the 50-over format as also in scored at an average of 52.31.Dravid most memorable innings of 281 runs India's doubles specialists Bhupathi and Tests. He holds the record for the maximum number of retired from ODIs in England last at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2001 Bopanna were handed a two-year ban by the All appearances and is the highest run-getter and century- year after he was surprisingly picked against Australia setting up a stun- India Tennis Association (AITA) for their rebellion maker in both versions. The 'Liitle Master', as he is often for the team. Dravid has 10,889 runs ning victory for India after following called, is the only man to hit 100 centuries - 51 in Tests against the federation during the 2012 London at an average of 39.16 with 12 cen- on, ending Australia’s consecutive and 49 in ODIs - and also the first man to score a double- Olympics. turies from 344 ODIs. 16-match winning streak. century in the 50-over format. 48 January 5-11, 2013 SPORTS - INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sportstars and Olympics take center stage

Cycling hero Lance Armstrong was Fastest man on earth LeBron James led Miami Heat to NBA US swimmer Michael Phelps has stripped of 7 Tour de France titles in Jamaican Usain Bolt championship become the most decorated Olympian doping probe. American swimmer Michael Phelps MVP. goal relay in the last 10 minutes ensured his name at London 2012 as the fastest concluded his long career in London. In February, the American-born- the reigning world and European champi- man on earth by repeating the 100 meters Though he didn't repeat the eight golds Chinese Jeremy Lin burst into the spot- ons of becoming the first team in football and 200 meters golden double. peak at the Beijing Games, he still won light of NBA as an unlikely benchwarmer history to clinch three major titles in a four golds and two silvers in seven events. turned hero for New York Knicks. Lin was row. Lionel Messi won the 2011 FIFA As the most decorated Olympian in histo- drafted out of Harvard and was waived by Ballon d'Or, the prestigious award for the ry, Phelps surpassed gymnast Larissa two clubs late last year before he caught On July 28, the British capital world's outstanding footballer, for the Latynia with 22 Olympic medals. on with the Knicks. He now plays for launched its third modern Olympic Games third straight time on Jan 9. He also made Houston Rockets. - London 2012, described by the organizer history on Dec. 9 when he scored his 85th Defending champion and World as "an athletes' Games". It attracted and 86th goals of 2012 to set a new record No.1 Novak Djokovic won his third Chelsea striker Didier Drogba tied 10,490 athletes from 204 countries and for the number of goals scored in a calen- Australian Open title after beating 10-time the score with a thunder-like header in the regions. A total of 44 world records and dar year. The Argentine striker's total Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal of Spain last minutes of regular time against 117 Olympic records were set at the grand scores this year have piled to 91 goals. 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 in a marathon Bayern Munich and scored the decider in event. Olympic chief Jacques Rogge final which lasted five hours and 53 min- the penalty shootout, leading Chelsea to hailed the London Olympics as "happy Lance Armstrong, one of cycling's utes on Jan. 29. their first-ever Champions League title on and glorious" games as he closed the 30th greatest heroes, fell from his throne, being May 19. Summer Games. labeled as a dope cheat for the past decade LeBron James finally added an elu- or so. His fall from grace, surely the sive NBA title to his already impressive Spain stepped won the European London Paralympic Games opened biggest anti-doping news of the year, put resume, guiding the Miami Heat to a five- Championship in football on July 1 by 17 days after the main event. Teams from cycling in crisis. A 1,000-page report game triumph over Oklahoma Thunder for beating Italy 4-0 in the final. Italy, who 164 countries and regions, the largest ever released by the US Anti-Doping Agency their second NBA championship on June were in the final for the first time in 12 in the history of the Paralympics, brought in October, not only justified the stripping 21. Following up on his regular-season years, failed to claim a second European together about 4,200 athletes to compete of Armstrong's seven Tour de France titles Most Valuable Player nod, James aver- crown after their triumph in 1968. David in 503 medal events of 20 sports. and a lifetime ban on August 25, but also aged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 Silva's header, Jordi Alba's cool finish, as exposed many doping secrets in profes- assists in the finals and was named finals well as Fernando Torres and Juan Mata's Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt kept sional cycling. India's best-ever Olympics medal haul ndian sport saw both its highs Kom punched above her weight and its lows in 2012. The high to secure a bronze in the 51 kg Ispot was India’s six medals class as women’s boxing made its — two silver and four bronze — Olympic debut. at the July-August London Badminton star Saina Nehwal Olympics. got India’s sixth medal in rather Shooters continued their trend fortuitous circumstances when of picking up medals they began her Chinese opponent Wang Xin at Athens in 2004 and this time it retired mid-way through the con- was Vijay Kumar’s silver in the test owing to a knee injury. Saina 25m rapid fire pistol and the also won two Super Series bronze of Gagan Narang in 10m Premier titles in Indonesia and air rifle. Denmark to cap off a memorable Sushil Kumar created history year for herself. by becoming the first Indian to In the Paralympics, Girisha win back-to-back Olympic Hosanagara Nagarajegowda won medals in individual Wrestling a silver medal in the men’s high events by winning the silver in 66 jump. kg freestyle to add to his Beijing The Olympic success gave bronze. hopes of India emerging as a His long-time friend Yogeshwar sporting nation sooner than later, Dutt grabbed the bronze in the 60 but the athletes’ effort was nulli- kg. While the men flattered to (from left) Gagan Narang, M.C. Mary Kom, Sushil Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Saina Nehwal and fied by the shenanigans of sports deceive in the ring, M.C. Mary Yogeshwar Dutt — the medal winners who made India proud at the London Olympics. administrators. TheSouthAsianTimes.info OBITUARIES January 5-11, 2013 49 And they bid us adieu in 2012.. Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray cinema including his brawny avatar in Show', had given a new dimension to Ghazal (The King of Ghazal singing). Oscar-nominated score for 1982 film Bal Thackeray , a maverick politi- "King Kong" and "Tarzan." comedy in TV serials. He was the first "Gandhi," several books and mounted cian who roused emotions turbaned Sikh comedian on Indian TV. Superstar Rajesh Khanna theatrical productions. on Marathi pride and cat- Former Prime Minister I K Gujral Indian cinema lost its first superstar, apulted Shiv Sena to Indra Kumar Gujral, who migrated Hockey champ Leslie Claudius actor Rajesh Khanna to Father of White Revolution power in Maharashtra in from Pakistan after parti- Triple Olympic hockey gold winner cancer this year. He was Verghese Kurien the 1990s, died in tion, rose to become the Leslie Walter Claudius passed away 69. With a string of hits Verghese Kurien, the founder of Mumbai at 86 after having Prime Minister with a big after a prolonged battle with cirrhosis to his credit during the Amul, the man behind been critically ill for few days. The slice of luck after he of liver at 85. 70s and early 80s he Operation Flood, was the cartoonist turned politician, known for came up through the An Anglo-Indian, Claudius was a earned for himself the epi- chief architect who made his strong views and speaking his ranks - starting as vice- member of three Olympic gold medal- thet. He was the star of romantic India the largest milk mind, his politics also centered around president of the New Delhi Municipal winning Indian teams - London comedies and dramas such as Anand, producer in the world. He Hindu identity and anti-Congressism Committee in the '50s to later become (1948), Helsinki (1952) and Aradhana and Kati Patanag. He won helped modernize the and was also unrestrained in his a Union minister and then India's Melbourne (19560. At Rome (1960), three Filmfare awards in his long Anand model of cooperative dairy Muslim bashing. Always the kingmak- ambassador to the USSR. he led India to a silver medal finish. career. Khanna also held a Lok Sabha development and engineered the er, Thackeray was largely instrumental Educated at DAV College, Haily He represented the country during seat as a Congressman from 1992- White Revolution in India. In 1949, in ending the Congress hegemony in College of Commerce and Forman the golden age of Indian hockey and 1996. Kurien decided to quit a lucrative gov- Maharashtra when the two parties Christian College, Lahore (now in etched his name in the Guinness World ernment job to join a small-time dairy stormed to power in 1994 and they Pakistan), Gujral took active part in Records alongside compatriot Udham Sitar legend Ravi Shankar cooperative. Since then, milk procure- shared power even at the Centre student politics. He formally joined Singh for being part of a hockey team Sitarist and composer Ravi Shankar, ment of the cooperative grew from a between 1998 and 2004. He never Congress and six years later, Indira to win the maximum number of who helped introduce few hundred liters a day to over 90 occupied any office. Gandhi, to whom he said he owed medals at the Olympic Games. Indian music to the lakh liter a day now under one of everything, gave him a ticket with Western world through India's most popular brands - Amul. India’s favorite Hanuman which he entered Rajya Sabha in April Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan his collaborations with He was 90 and died after brief illness. Dara Singh 1964. This was the beginning of a long India-born Ghazal legend Mehdi The Beatles, died in Wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh, innings, both in the national politics Hassan, the melodious voice behind Southern California at 92. Bollywood’s ‘King of Romance’ who wowed audiences with his brawn and diplomacy. He was 92 when he evergreen hits like 'Patta patta, boota A three-time Grammy winner with Yash Chopra and on screen histrionics for over five died after prolonged illness. boota' and 'Kab ke Bichhare', died fol- legendary appearances at the 1967 The veteran Hindi filmmaker Yash decades, passed away in Juhu in sub- lowing multiple organ failure at the Monterey Festival and at Woodstock, Chopra changed the face of urban Mumbai at 83. Singh, who King of comedy and social satire age of 84. Hassan, who had millions of he is credited with popularizing Indian romance in Hindi cinema played Hanuman in epic teleserial Jaspal Bhatti fans in India and Pakistan, was born music through his work. His influence to become a brand in Ramayan also dabbled in politics. He Noted comedian and filmmaker into a family of traditional musicians in classical music, including on com- Bollywood, with hits won the title of 'Rustam-E-Punjab' and Jaspal Bhatti, 57, died in a road acci- at Luna village in Rajasthan. His fami- poser Philip Glass, was just as large. such as Kabhie Kabhie, 'Rustam-e-Hind' for his wrestling dent near Shahkot. Bhatti along with ly migrated to Pakistan at the time of He wrote concertos for sitar and Silsila, Chandni and Dil to prowess. Also, he became the his son Jasraj who was on the wheel, Partition in 1947. He was trained in orchestra for both the London Pagal Hai in his five-decade Commonwealth Champion in 1959 and two others was coming to classical music by his father Ustad Symphony Orchestra and the New long illustrious career. He also thrilled and in 1996 he was inducted into the Jalandhar from Bathinda for the pro- Azeem Khan and his uncle Ustad York Philharmonic. Shankar served as fans with action dramas such a Trishul Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of motion of his new film 'Power Cut' Ismail Khan who were both well a Rajya Sabha member from 1986 to and Deewar, which established Fame. Singh muscled his way into the when the car hit a tree on the roadside. respected classical musicians.Due to 1992, after being nominated by then Amitabh Bachchan as the “angry film world with ease will always be Bhatti who shot into fame from his his remarkable commercial and artistic Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. A man young man.” He was 80 when he died remembered for his variety of roles in satirical shows 'Ulta Pulta' and 'Flop success he was titled ShahenShah-e- of many talents, he also wrote the of dengue.

Queen of Disco Donna Summer around man of letters who it to spin wildly out of control. Sci fi man Ray Bradbury Los Angeles, aged 84. He is Donna Summer was bestowed a title presided with a certain rel- During his next space trip in July Science fiction author Ray Bradbury, regarded as one of the best- fitting of musical royalty — ish over what he declared 1969, Armstrong and fellow astronauts whose imagination yielded known hairdressers of his the Queen of Disco. One of to be the end of American Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins blasted classic books such as generation. He is credited her biggest hits, "She civilization, died at his off in Apollo 11 on a nearly 250,000- "Fahrenheit 451," "The with revolutionizing hair- Works Hard for the home in Los Angeles, where mile journey to the moon that went down Martian Chronicles" and cuts in the 1960s and devel- Money," came in the early he moved in 2003 after years of in the history books. "Something Wicked This oped a popular line of hair prod- 1980s and relied on a smol- living in Ravello, Italy. He was 86. The Way Comes," died at 91, ucts under his name. dering guitar solo as well as cause was complications of pneumonia. Writer, director Nora Ephron peacefully, in Los Angeles, The creator of the "bob" hairstyle, he Summer's booming voice. Summer died He published some 25 novels, two Hollywood screenwriter and director after a lengthy illness. was best known for his short, geometric of cancer at age 63 in Naples, Florida. memoirs and several volumes of stylish, Nora Ephron, who penned Bradbury's books and 600 short stories cuts, the style which succeeded the bouf- Summer's music gave voice to not magisterial essays. He also wrote plays, such films as When Harry predicted a variety of things, including fant styles trendy in the 1950s. His cre- only a musical revolution, but a cultural television dramas and screenplays. He Met Sally and Sleepless in the emergence of ATMs and live broad- ative cuts helped dress a cultural revolu- one — a time when sex, race, fashion twice ran for office — in 1960, when he Seattle, died at the age of casts of fugitive car chases. tion in the 1960s, and his products have and drugs were being explored and was the Democratic Congressional can- 71 due to acute myeloid Bradbury wrote the screenplay for had a place in the world's bathroom cabi- exploited with freedom like never before didate for the 29th District in upstate leukemia. John Huston's classic film adaptation of nets for decades. in the United States. She was a five times New York, and in 1982, when he cam- The writer grew up in "Moby Dick." He adapted 65 of his sto- Grammy award winner. paigned in California for a seat in the California, and started her career report- ries for television's "The Ray Bradbury Queen of pop music Whitney Senate — and though he lost both times, ing for the New York Post. Her 15 film Theater" and won an Emmy for his tele- Houston Politician George McGovern he often conducted himself as a sort of credits also include You've Got Mail, play of "The Halloween Tree." Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop George McGovern, the longtime anti- unelected shadow president. Silkwood and Julie and Julia, which was music's queen until her war congressman from South Dakota her final film, in 2009. She was nominat- Thought leader Stephen Covey majestic voice and regal who notoriously suffered a devastating The man on moon Neil Armstrong ed for an Oscar three times but never Author Stephen Covey, whose "The 7 image were ravaged by loss to Richard Nixon in the 1972 presi- Neil Armstrong, the American astro- won the award. Habits of Highly Effective People" sold drug use, erratic behavior dential campaign, died at the age of 90. naut who made "one giant leap for more than 20 million copies, was one of and a tumultuous marriage McGovern had suffered a head injury mankind" when he became the first man General Norman Schwarzkopf the world's foremost leadership authori- to singer Bobby Brown, from a fall last December and was hospi- to walk on the moon, passed away fol- Born in Trenton, NJ, General Norman ties, organizational experts and thought died in Beverly Hills in talized this spring after several fainting lowing complications resulting from car- Schwarzkopf graduated from West Point leaders. Named in 1996 as one of Time February. She was 48. spells. With his focus on peace and diovascular procedures in Cincinnati, and rose through the ranks of the US magazine's 25 most influential The Hollywood detective has alleged- world hunger, McGovern was one of the Ohio. He was 82. Army eventually becoming a four-star Americans, according to the biography, ly uncovered evidence - including CCTV leading liberal voices of his era – and the Armstrong took two trips into space. General. Schwarzkopf commanded Covey "made teaching principle-cen- footage - that points to her being the vic- repercussions of his unsuccessful cam- He made his first journey in 1966 as Operation Desert Storm, successfully tered living and principle-centered lead- tim of an attack by two men who were paign for the White House were felt for commander of the Gemini 8 mission, driving out Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi ership his life's work." sent to collect a debt for drugs. The trou- decades to come. which nearly ended in disaster. forces from Kuwait in 1991. While he bled "Bodyguard" singer is said to have Armstrong kept his cool and brought was known to many as “Stormin Hairstylist Vidal Sasoon owed in excess of $1.5 million to dan- Man of letters Gore Vidal the spacecraft home safely after a Normin”, the men under his command British-born celebrity hairdresser gerous dealers before her shock death in Gore Vidal, the elegant, acerbic all- thruster rocket malfunctioned and caused simply called Schwarzkopf “The Bear”. Vidal Sassoon has died at his home in Los Angeles. 50 January 5-11, 2013 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info Phenomenal year Eight big-starrers joining the Rs.100-crore club, unusual-themed small-budget movies turning into miraculous hits and almost no major setbacks among about 150 releases, Bollywood's 2012 box office report card has set a benchmark. ovie pundits contend that with unusual themes like of gold. So did Saif Ali Khan-star- and was expected to soon enter the cash registers ringing by amassing 2012, with a reportedly "Kahaani", the woman-centric rer "Cocktail". Rs.100 crore zone. Rs.60 crore over the weekend. MRs.2,273-crore profit, has thriller, "Vicky Donor" on sperm Distributor Rajesh Thadani of Revealing the ballpark figure of Trade analyst Komal Nahta gives been a "balanced" year for the donation, and "Ishaqzaade", rowdy Multimedia Combine said: "The the biggies, Thadani said that credit to increasing acceptability of Hindi film industry, which can now romantic actioner, did exceptionally second half of 2012 was pretty "Agneepath" collected Rs.120 the audiences and the multiplex look forward to more fireworks and well by earning Rs.75 crore, Rs.45 good. "The Khans' films have done crore, "Housefull 2" Rs.110 crore, culture for this profitable change. a Rs.200-crore club in the next two crore and Rs.40 crore respectively. pretty well. 'Ek Tha Tiger' collected and "Rowdy Rathore" Rs.140 crore. Nahta hopes to see fireworks at years. Biggies like "Agneepath", around Rs.190 core, which is out- According to distributor Sanjay the box office in 2013 as well. "I Summing up 2012 as "a balanced "Housefull 2" and "Rowdy standing." Ghai of Mukta Arts, the estimated hope the good work keeps going in year", Vinod Mirani said: "Be it Rathore" too yielded gold at the Eight films - "Agneepath", earning of "Ek Tha Tiger" was 2013 as well. We have films like small budget films or big films or box office by joining the Rs.100- "Housefull 2", "Rowdy Rathore", around Rs.190 crore, of "Son Of 'Dhoom 3', 'Krrish 3', 'Chennai unusual genres - all of them worked crore club. "Ek Tha Tiger", "Barfi!", "Jab Tak Sardaar" Rs.105 crore, of "Jab Tak Express' and one or two films of well at the box office. This year Three Khans - Salman, Shah Hai Jaan", "Son Of Sardaar", and Hai Jaan" Rs. 121 crore, of "Barfi!" Salman Khan; so there is a lot to was better than the last few years Rukh and Aamir - rule the roost and "Bol Bachchan" - joined Rs.100 Rs.110 crore and of "Bol look forward to in 2013," Nahta because all kinds of films worked, the second half was dominated by crore at the domestic box office. Bachchan" Rs.105 crore. added. which is a very positive sign." them. Their releases "Ek Tha Aamir's "Talaash" had so far At the year-end, Salman Khan Ghai predicted that 2013 "will get In the first half, a bouquet of Tiger", "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" and managed to amass around Rs.90 once again entertained with crazy and now we have to see how small-budget non-commercial films "Talaash" respectively became pots crore so far in the India territory "Dabangg 2", which has set the we control this". Top 10 movies Top 10 Actors Top 10 Actresses Salman Khan: The actor continued to be on the top with two hits - “Ek Tha Tiger” and “Dabangg 2”. Ranbir Kapoor: This Kapoor scion continued to take the legacy forward with “Barfi!”. Aamir Khan: Aamir’s midas touch helped the film earn huge profits at the box-office. Shah Rukh Khan: In “Jab Tak Hai Jaan”, people loved him as an army personnel. Akshay Kumar: Khiladi Kumar batted as many as five hits - “Housefull 2”, “Rowdy Rathore”, “Oh My God” and “Khiladi 786”. Irrfan: His gripping portrayal of an athlete-turned-gang- ster won many hearts in the biopic titled “Paan Singh Tomar”. Manoj Bajpayee: His power-packed performance in “Gangs of Wasseypur” wowed both critics and audience alike. Nawazuddin Siddique: The talented actor with uncon- Sridevi: The "Hawa Hawaii" girl made her Bollywood ventional looks was seen in “Gangs of Wasseypur” comeback in 'English Vinglish'. “Kahaani” and “Talaash”. Vidya Balan: This year, she came on screen in a serious Sanjay Dutt: Sanjay revived Bollywood’s larger than and no-sense avatar in "Kahaani". 'Ek Tha Tiger': The very fact that Katrina Kaif and life villain with Kancha Cheena in “Agneepath” remake. Salman Khan were the lead pair for this film was enough to Katrina Kaif: Year 2012 saw Katrina in three different draw audiences. avatars - in "Agneepath,” "Ek Tha Tiger" and "Jab Tak Hai 'Rowdy Rathore': The return of 'khiladi' Akshay Kumar Jaan". - that's what this film was awaited for. Priyanka Chopra: The multi-talented actress stunned 'Agneepath': A remake yet again. 'Agneepath' turned out the audiences as an autistic Bengali girl Jhilmil in "Barfi!" to be 2012's first blockbuster. Anushka Sharma: Cheerful and chirpy Anushka has a 'Housefull 2': A sequel to hit 2010 movie "Housefull", gift for acting and it was evident in late filmmaker Yash this Sajid Khan film was a roaring success. Chopra's "Jab Tak Hai Jaan". 'Barfi!': It was India's official entry for the Oscars. Sonakshi Sinha: Her films "Rowdy Rathore" and "Son 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan': The late Yash Chopra gave his final Of Sardaar" made it to the Rs.100-crore club. work with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. Kareena Kapoor: In "Heroine", she played an actress, 'Bol Bachchan': This Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay who goes through the harsh reality of stardom, while Devgn-starrer turned out to be truly 'paisa vasool'. "Talaash" saw as a prostitute. 'Son Of Sardaar': A turban-clad Ajay Devgn managed Parineeti Chopra: With "Ishaqzaade", she has dispelled to tickle the viewers' funny bone, along with Sanjay Dutt the notion that she is a one film wonder. and Sonakshi Sinha. Deepika Padukone: The actress made heads turn with 'Talaash': Aamir Khan's Midas touch rarely fails. her bold and carefree avatar of Veronica in Imtiaz Ali's "Talaash" was just another case in point. "Cocktail". 'OMG: Oh My God!': It was complete with humor and a Huma Qureshi: The curvy actress got a thumbs up for message. her bold performance in 'Gangs of Wasseypur.' TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOLLYWOOD/HOLLYWOOD January 5-11, 2013 51 Nuptial knots, Bollywood style 2012 saw several Bollywood stars walking down the aisle. From Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan to Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur, many celebrities sealed their relationship after years of courtship. Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan and Riteish Deshmukh Esha Deol and Kareena Kapoor Siddharth Roy Kapur and Genelia D’Souza Bharat Takhtani wo biggest ctress ctors eteran actors Tstars of AVidya ARiteish VDharmendra Bollywood, Balan and UTV Deshmukh and Hema Malini’s Kareena Kapoor Motion Pictures and Genelia daughter Esha Deol and Saif Ali Khan head Siddharth D’Souza’s tied knot with busi- married on Roy Kapur mar- wedding is nessman Bharat October 16, 2012. ried on the first Takhtani in a tradi- Saif Ali Khan December 14, celebrity tional Hindu wed- and Kareena Friday. Their wedding of ding ceremony, Kapoor’s pre-wed- wedding cele- the year 2012. The pre-wedding bash for the “band baaja baraat” ding celebrations brations began lovely couple was held on January 24, Tuesday style on June 29, started with on December night. The wedding celebrations started from 2012. sangeet ceremony 11, Tuesday January 29. Esha Deol and on October 14 at with a pre-wed- On February 1, Karan Johar directed the Bharat Takhtani had Kareena Kapoor’s ding party. The sangeet ceremony for Riteish and Genelia at a been dating for Bandra residence two families had a formal get-together on suburban five-star hotel. quite some time and had exchanged their engage- in Mumbai. Tuesday night at a Juhu banquet, where the cou- Actors Genelia D’Souza and Riteish ment rings on February 12, 2012. Mehendi ceremony and a grand dinner were ple exchanged rings. Deshmukh tied the knot on February 3, 2012 The wedding celebrations of Esha were hosted at the Taj Mahal hotel on October 15. The actress had a very simple and private morning following Marathi traditions in the pres- planned as three-day grand festivities that includ- A registered marriage was held on October 16 sangeet ceremony, attended by only close rela- ence of Bollywood and political biggies. ed a ‘sangeet’ (music), ‘haldi’ and ‘mehendi’ cer- at Saif’s residence in suburban Bandra, which tives on December 12, Wednesday. Vidya and Riteish and Genelia have been seeing each emony and the wedding ceremony. Esha’s was quite a private affair. Nikaah ceremony at Siddharth had a temple wedding at the Sri other since their Bollywood debut, ‘Tujhe Meri sangeet ceremony took place on June 25 while the Taj Mahal Palace hotel took place in the Subramania temple in Chembur on December Kasam’ in 2003. The couple were dating for the mehendi ceremony was held on June 27. evening. 14, Friday morning. nearly 8 years. And soon after the wedding, the A grand reception was thrown by Hema Malini These two wedding celebrations were followed Vidya Balan is a South Indian by birth and actor took to Twitter to post a photo of him and and Dharmendra on June 30 in a posh hotel. by a very grand reception in New Delhi on Siddharth is a Punjabi, so, the marriage was con- Genelia, with the caption, “MR & MRS DESH- Bollywood celebrities attended the event to wish October 18. ducted in both Punjabi and South Indian styles. MUKH.” the newly-wedded couple. Top 5 Hollywood movies (Thor), Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), 'The Twilight Saga: and Clint Bartson (Hawkseye) as the main 'Life of Pi' Breaking Dawn Part 2' characters, fans went crazy to go see the movie. Ranked number 1 on Box Office Mojo 2012 Domestic Gross list, it combed in $623,357,910 since it opened on May 4, 2012. 'The Dark Knight Rises'

Online. It officially grossed over $1 billion worldwide. "Skyfall" is officially the third- highest grossing film of 2012 behind "The Avengers" and "The Dark Knight Rises." he epic finale of Stephanie Meyer's best- Tselling books into film adaptions came 'The Avengers' to a close on Nov. 16, 2012. Fans waited out- side movie theaters to see the premiere and irected by Ang Lee and based off a pop- had the option to watch all five movies in a Dular novel written by Yann Martel, "Life row with the "Twilight Saga" marathon. of Pi" was released on Nov. 21, 2012 in the Director Bill Condon and main characters he epic finale of the Batman series is the U.S. The film tells about a young man who Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and second-highest grossing film in 2012. survives a disaster at sea, hurtled into an epic Taylor Lautner surprised fans with a new ReleasedT on July 20, 2012, fans poured in to journey of adventure and discovery. ending that shocked fans worldwide. watch Christian Bale play Bruce Wayne for From India, the family decided to move to the last time. The movie also starred Tomy Canada. But a shipwreck leaves him all 'Skyfall' Hardy as the infamous Bane, Joseph alone on a boat with several animals, and eleased on November 9, 2012 in the Gordon-Levitt as Blake, Michael Caine as ultimately a 450-pound Bengal tiger named RU.S., James Bond returned for another Alfred, and Gary Oldman as Commissioner Richard Parker. Some of the scenes are dif- hit movie. This time, Bond's loyalty to M he film, directed by Joss Whedon, was Gordon. Events turned tragic when gunman ferent from the book and some things were was tested as her past came back to haunt Tthe highest grossing film in 2012. James Holmes opened fire at a midnight added in, like Pi's girlfriend. The cast mem- her, bringing MI6 under attack. Starring Starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" in bers include Suraj Sharma (Pi Patel), Irrfan Daniel Craig, "Skyfall" was the first 007 film Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Aurora, Colorado. He killed 12 people and Khan (Adult Pi Patel), and Rafe Spall to cross the box-office mark, according to E! Ruffalo (The Hulk), Chris Hemsworth injured 58 others. (Writer). 52 January 5-11, 2013 INDIA CURRENT NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info Gangrape: Clamor for honoring victim New Delhi: Five days after she was ored. A day later, the call found tion. cremated quietly, the Delhi gang- support from the victim's family The Congress snubbed him. "It is rape victim's family said they had and others. his personal opinion. I suggest that no objection if her name was "We have no objection to reveal- since he is a part of the govern- revealed and a revised anti-rape law ing her name," the 23-year-old vic- ment, he should have given the sug- named after her. tim's brother said. The family has gestion to the government rather At Jantar Mantar, in the heart of temporarily shifted to its village than making any such statement in the Indian capital, protesters contin- from Delhi in the wake of traumatic public. The party forum is also ued clamoring for stringent punish- developments since her December open for giving suggestions," ment for rapists and Chief Minister 16 gang-rape. "We also have no Congress party spokesperson Sheila Dikshit marched to Rajghat objection if the (revised anti-rape) Rashid Alvi told reporters. at the head of "a peace rally" in law is named after her," he said. Tharoor's proposal sparked a vig- memory of the brutally gang-raped "It will be an honor for my sis- orous debate. While social activist and tortured woman who died on ter," the 20-year-old brother of the Kiran Bedi supported Tharoor, December 29. victim said, four days after the Congress leader Manish Tewari Police arrested Dinesh Yadav, physiotherapy intern died in a asked people to wait till the com- owner the bus in which the ghastly Singapore hospital on December mittees formed to look into the anti- crime was committed, even as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development 29. rape laws gave their recommenda- Delhi High Court set up a fast track Shashi Tharoor tweeted that the Delhi woman should The victim's father told a televi- tions. court to hear the case on a daily be named and honored sion channel that if the law was The on-going protests here have basis and the Saket Court Bar oring the victim, with its Delhi unit over legal ban on disclosing the named after her, it will be good. "It subsided a great deal, but a group, Association said that no lawyer chief Vijender Gupta asking Prime identity of a gang-rape or rape vic- will honor her courage." formed randomly at the Jantar would defend the woman's attack- Minister Manmohan Singh to tim, Minister of State for Human Tharoor had suggested that the Mantar, has started a mission to ers. posthumously award her the Resource Development Shashi revised anti-rape law be named collect written messages from peo- The opposition Bharatiya Janata "Ashoka Chakra award for bravery". Tharoor tweeted that the Delhi after her, and added that this should ple protesting against the brutal Party (BJP) raised the pitch for hon- Giving a new twist to the debate woman should be named and hon- be done if her parents had no objec- gang-rape. SC upholds Mehta's Stalin will carry on upliftment NRIs: Be ready for appointment of new India check books Gujarat Lokayukta of Dalits: Karuna New Delhi: From April 2013, the Reserve New Delhi: In a setback to Gujarat Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Chennai: DMK format for checks, the CTS-2010 Standard – for NRIs as part of its measures for stan- Supreme Court upheld the appoint- president M. dardization and enhancement of security ment of Justice (retd.) R.A. Mehta Karunanidhi said his features. as the Lokayukta of the state but second son, M.K. noted that the governor "mis- "If the checks are not compliant with the Stalin, would be the new CTS 2010 standards by March 31st judged" her role on the issue. party's torchbearer An apex court bench of Justice 2013, they may be considered invalid and after him to fight for may not be honored post the deadline or B.S. Chauhan and Justice F.M. the upliftment of Ibrahim Kalifulla said that Justice may be cleared at a less frequent interval as Dalits. Mehta was appointed as the state's per RBI directive. Going forward all cus- "I will work till my Lokayukta after due consultation tomers will need to be careful while writing with the chief justice of the death for the uplift- the new checks. “ Gujarat High Court as provided ment of the Dalit “For instance, checks with alterations in under the statute. community. After my crucial fields like payee's name and amount Pronouncing the judgment, lifetime, it will be in figures or words will not be processed Justice Chauhan said: "The Stalin whom you under the new system post the March 31st facts...make it clear that the should not forget," M.K. Stalin with M. Karunanidhi 2013 deadline. It also becomes imperative process of consultation stood com- Karunanidhi said at a the DMK leader. that if one has availed a home loan and/ or plete, and in such a situation, the function in which over 2,000 Dalit mem- Karunanidhi also said that he was the auto loan and issued post-dated checks, then they will be required to replace such appointment of (Justice Mehta) bers of PMK joined the DMK. father-in-law of a Dalit woman since his post-dated cheques with the CTS-2010 cannot be held to be illegal." While some interpret the statement as elder son and union minister Alagiri's wife compliant ones now before March 31, The court said that the points Karunanidhi's preference for Stalin as his Gandhi belonged to that community. 2013," Virat Diwanji, Executive Vice raised in the appeal of the Gujarat successor than his other son, M.K. Alagiri, The DMK chief said there was no meas- government "lack merit and are President and Head Branch Banking, Kotak political commentators dismiss the ure of his happiness when Gandhi called Mahindra Bank, was quoted as saying. accordingly dismissed". announcement as a diversionary tactic by his wife "aththai" (aunt). TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIAN NATIONAL OVERSEAS CONGRESS (I) USA January 5-11, 2013 53 The dynamic duo Shudh & George lead INOC (I) to new heights

Within months of taking over in April 2012, George Abraham, President, and Shudh Prakash Singh, Senior Vice President, have put the Indian National Overseas Congress (I) USA on a solid footing, unfurling a flurry of activities and hosting dignitaries from India in 2012. By Parveen Chopra NRI-Interface committee under the INOC (I) banner to deal with these issues. s we know, Indian National Overseas In August, INOC (I) hosted a reception for Congress, USA (INOC) was inaugurated Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Aby party chief Smt. Sonia Gandhi in Affairs, in New York, where the minister talked 2001. INOC had its origins in the 'Friends of about voting rights for NRIs. He informed that Indian National Congress' formed in 1998. over 15,000 Non-resident Indians have regis- INOC was formed to promote the ideals, philos- tered with the Election Commission as voters. ophy and vision of a democratic and pluralistic He added that the 100,000 Indian students study- India in close cooperation and partnership with ing in US universities and a sizable number of Congress party and to function as a forum for software engineers on deputation here are also NRIs living in USA to promote Indo-US rela- eligible to register as voters in their respective tions that would also help the people of India to constituencies and exercise their franchise when achieve progress and prosperity. they are in India during election time. In early April, Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman of On the requests made by PIOs and OCIs that Shudh Prakash Singh, Senior Vice the Foreign Affairs Committee of the AICC in President of INOC (I) George Abraham, the ban on travel to India within two months of President of INOC (I), had shown his New Delhi, appointed George Abraham as their departure should be removed, he said he addressing a meeting with organization capacity with Punjab President, and Shudh Prakash Singh as Senior agreed, and eventually it was done. Ravi said his Indian Law Minister Ashwani Kumar Chalo program during last elections Vice President, to lead INOC (I) USA. They had Ministry had created Overseas Indian in Punjab. served in senior capacity in INOC—whose (to his right). Foundation to help NRIs and PIOs to help con- nomenclature had to be changed for legal rea- INOC (I) also started commenting on burning Affairs, who was in Washington DC for the US struct schools and hospitals in their villages sons. George Abraham succeeded Dr. Surinder issues of the day in India and here in the USA. India Strategic dialogue with Secretary of State without going through the hassle of red tape and Malhotra. The Wisconsin gurdwara shootings were Hillary Clinton, while leading a delegation from bureaucratic tangle. Shudh Parkash Singh, In the new National Executive Committee of deplored and later Connecticut school shooting India. Multiple plans discussed at that meeting Senior vice president, praised Ravi as among the INOC (I), C. Radhakrishnan and Dr. N. mourned. Allegations made at the demonstration with party leaders included planning events to tallest Congress leaders whose service to the Madavaram are Vice-Presidents. Mr. Kanwal Sra held against the Congress Government in front engage the diaspora in Congress activities with a party and nation was very well-known. is the new Treasurer. Other committee members of the Indian Consulate in New York were reject- special focus on upcoming 2014 elections in In October, Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for include Dr. Najma Sultana, Kalathil Varghese, ed . “RSS/VHP attacks on the Congress Party India. These events will be attended by AICC External Affairs, inaugurated INOC’s Punjab Mrs. Pam Kwatra, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, represent prejudice and hatred that have no place members, Cabinet ministers, MPs and senior Chapter at a function in Queens, NY. Shudh Karamjit Singh Dhariwal and Phuman Singh. in a civilized society,” the statement said. “In party leaders. Prakash characterized her as the most adored, On Aug 26, INOC (I) adopted its constitution fact, the Congress Government reaches out and INOC leaders also brought to the foreign min- admired and respected leader of Punjab and and by-laws, which was endorsed by Dr. Karan embraces all Indian brothers and sisters without ister’s attention concerns of the Pravasi commu- spoke of the Minister’s dynamism, popularity, Singh, “Now we have a formal structure and a discrimination and true to its rules and princi- nity and offered the services of INOC as an compassion and work with the Red Cross and transparent framework to conduct the business of ples, continuously fights for a better life and interface to allay those concerns. The Hon. disabled children which had won her numerous the organization in a democratic and responsive standard of living for every citizen of India.” Minister was also informed of the creation of the international awards. manner,' Mr Abraham said. He also exhorted the INOC (I) applauded Dr Manmohan Singh gov- INOC (I) supporters to forget past differences ernment’s 'Bold and courageous step' in allowing and move forward with an agenda of outreach to FDI in retail. The Washington Post article deni- the community to strengthen its base. grating the lifetime achievements of Dr It was also decided to open INOC chapters on Manmohan Singh was criticizd as it “clearly the basis of states in India as well as, for exam- lacks any objectivity and it is colored with cer- ple, the Youth Wing, the Women's Wing and tain bias and skewed perspectives.” Besides, the Commerce and Trade Council. Accordingly, rejoinder said, corruption is endemic and cuts Punjab, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu chapters across all spheres and every cadre. Congress has were already among those opened. shown great courage in dealing with corruption In August, members of INOC (I) made the even at the highest places whether it is 2G spec- India Day Parade in New York City all the more trum, or other scams. colorful with their strong participation in cele- In June, INOC (I) senior office bearers called INOC officials and members at reception in honor of Maharani of Patiala, bration of the 65th anniversary of Independence. upon S.M. Krishna, then Minister of External Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs.

Shudh Prakash Singh speaking to Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur inaugurated Kaur. On the left is Phuman Singh, INOC (I)’s National Committee member. INOC (I)’s Punjab chapter. 54 January 5-11, 2013 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF VHPA helps Sandy victims in Staten Island, NY Prasad Kambhampaty honored by TLCA hen hurricane ‘Sandy’ hit NY and rasad Kambhampaty (Past president NJ areas on Oct.31, it took one of 2006 and 2007) was being honored by Wthe worst catastrophic tolls in Stat- PTLCA (Telugu Literary and cultural as- en Island, N.Y. terms of damage, destruction sociation) at their 41st Annual Dinner event on and lives destroyed. Thousands of business- December 16 at Akbar Restaurant. This event es, houses were either completely destroyed was attended by many members and guests or severely damaged rendering them to be in- from India. Prasad was honored for his con- habitable. Among the scores of victims, there tribution to TLCA as a president. TLCA is the were hundreds of Indians, also. On Saturday oldest Telugu organization with several hun- December 22, “Vishwa Hindu parishad of dred members. Mrs. Hyma Reddy, Chairper- America” (VHPA), disbursed $15,000 son for BOT presented the honorees with cita- Prasad Kambhampaty among several families, worst affected by VHPA volunteers handing over checks tions from Nassau County. leaving an excellent balance for 2013. Prasad this Hurricane, as an initial gesture of sup- to those affected by Hurricane Sandy Recently Prasad Kambhampaty is also being won several awards. From prestigious organi- port, in a solemn event. It was organized by reliable & reasonable contractors. According appointed as an executive member for zations like Rotary Club, IALI, Board of Con- Dr. Ila Sukhadia, Mr. Arvind Sant and Mr. to the people who gathered there, this was INOC(I) for 2013. He is also being appointed trol Cricket in India, Town of North Hemp- Makarand Abhyankar, where they brought in the first ever such effort by any Indian or- as a member for the upcoming World Agricul- stead just to mention a few. Prasad is a resi- the victims of this horrific disaster together. ganization in their community, since the tural Forum to be held in Hyderabad, India in dent of Long Island and very active in the In- The purpose was three-fold. In addition to storm hit them. November 2013. Prasad played an important dian community with several organizations extending monetary help, however small it Even after eight weeks, the scars that it left role as a finance chair for IALI in 2012 in gen- like IALI, INOC, TLCA, Sai Mandir, Rotary was compared to the losses the families had behind were quite obvious. Several of them erating funds for different events and also Club. suffered, the other important objectives were became very emotional relating what they to give moral support to victims for healing had endured. Mr. Manmohan Soni whose India needs soul searching, says religious leader process to begin and to give expression to two houses were destroyed took the bold ini- their individual experiences so as to collec- tiative of forming a support group at this S-based religious leader Rajan Zed Quoting scriptures, Zed said ancient tively form a ‘support group’ to share all event with the intention of keeping every one Saturday urged India to do serious Manusmriti said: "Where women are revered, kinds of information on Governmental help, present in the loop for all sorts of information Usoul searching on the way it treats there the gods are pleased; where they are not, Insurance claims, Reconstruction efforts and related to resurrecting the victim’s lives. women after the gang-rape victim died in Sin- no rite will yield any fruit." gapore. "India could not even provide safer Continuing indifference to poor treatment of Asian-Americans outraged over racist Google app environment for her own women to go about women was not acceptable in the 21st centu- their daily lives. It was blight on a country, ry, he said. "India needs to focus on urgent up- sian-American groups in the US are Chin wrote about the series of Android phone which prided herself on having joined the liftment of women, forgetting her political bat- demanding from Google to remove an apps created by designer Kimbery Deiss. league of hottest growth economies," Zed tles. A strong political will and some serious Aapplication (app) from its Google Play "You can for a few seconds to make himself said. The president of Universal Society of and durable systemic reforms were urgently store called "Make Me Asian" which allows a Chinese, Japanese, Korean," Kimbery Deiss Hinduism issued a statement from Nevada. needed in this direction," he said. users to alter their photos to resemble Asian wrote on Google Play about the app that al- stereotypes. A similar app called "Make Me lows users with the click of a button to be Hindi in Texas school district welcomed Indian" has also received criticism. transformed into an Asian with a Fu Manchu "These apps perpetuate hateful and offen- mustache and a rice paddy hat. by Indo-Americans sive stereotypes that are used to this very day Deiss also said that by altering your photo to to marginalize and humiliate Asians and Na- look like an Indian with brown skin, war paint ndo-Americans have welcomed introduc- the district’s International Business Initiative, tive Americans," wrote Washington pastor Pe- and a feather headband that will now allow tion of Hindi, official language of India, in which will set students on a course to success ter Chin on the website change.org, where he you to "not get bored!" IHurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School in college and in the workforce, HEBISD has started a petition for the apps to be taken On the change.org website, Chin is asking District (HEBISD) headquartered in Bedford states.Hindustani is reportedly the fourth high- down. "They are not funny, and their use high- that individuals sign a petition stating the apps (Texas, USA) and urged it to offer other lan- ly spoken language in the world after Chinese, lights a vicious double standard, where people "are racist and perpetuate false and offensive guages of India also. Spanish and English and has more speakers are allowed to characterize" both groups "in a stereotypes that are hurtful to both Asian and Seventh, eighth and ninth graders are able to than Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, way that they never would do to other races," Native American communities." take these classes. These courses are part of German, French, Italian, Dutch, etc. Dr Ambika Nair of Santhigram Ayurvedic Company receives NAMAM Award r. Ambika Nair, the co-founder and She has previously won many awards, including Assemblyman and Dy. Speaker of New Jersey Chief Consultant of Santhigram "Pride of the Country" award by Society of Assembly Mr. Upendra Chivukula lauded the DAyurvedic company received the 2012 Industry and Business achievements, New services rendered by Dr. Nair to the society. "Namam Award." Dr. Nair is a renowned Delhi, "Women of the Year 2012-13 Award" Dr. Nair's commitment to promote holistic Holistic medicine practitioner with over 25 from National Association of Professional therapies worldwide has been the inspiration Dr. Ambika Nair receiving NAMAM years experience. She specializes in Ayurveda, Women (NAPW), USA and has served as the behind Santhigram Ayurvedic Company launch award from NJ Assemblyman Mr. U. Alternative medicine, Holistic therapies, to treat physician to the former President of India, Dr. its operations internationally, after its successful Chivukula & Mr. M B Nair, a number of chronic conditions which otherwise K.R. Narayanan. operations in India for over a decade. The com- President of NAMAM have limited side-effect-free therapeutic options Namam is a well known social organization pany originally expanded operations to UK, Dr. Nair has enriched the practice of in conventional system of medicine. in the US, particularly in the tri-state area and it seven years back, by launching two Centers in Ayurveda with her exceptional clinical skills Dr. Nair holds graduate and post-graduate reaches out to the community through its vari- London. The success story of the UK Centers, and untiring commitment to her patients. degrees and a number of diplomas in various ous cultural and outreach activities and is head- encouraged Santhigram group to launch its Recognition by NAMAM for her outstanding fields of Holistic Medicine including Ayurveda, ed by its President Mr. Madhavan Nair. Ayurveda Wellness business in the United contribution to society, only reinforces her com- Homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies, Siddha, Speaking at the occasion Dr. Nair noted that the States. As of today the company has established mitment to promote the vision of Santhigram Naturopathy and Yoga. She is a certified award has special significance in her life, for it five Ayurvedic Centers in the United States, 3 in group, "to propagate the goodness of Ayurveda Holistic Practitioner in the United States. She is honors Ayurveda in the USA. And she felt hum- New Jersey, 1 in New York and 1 in Houston, worldwide." Santhigram Ayurvedic Company is also a spiritual healer and a disciple of His bled to receive the recognition on behalf Texas. In the first quarter of 2013 the company an ISO certified provider of Ayurvedic services Holiness Navajyothi Shri Karunakara Guru of Ayurveda, Ayurvedic practitioners and the sup- is launching its first wellness center in Chicago, worldwide and specializes in "Kerala specific Santhigiri Ashram, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. porters of Ayurveda." Speaking at the occasion IL and an additional center in Queens, NY. Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapies. TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY January 5-11, 2013 55 I pushed a Muslim, says NY woman who shoved to death an Indian New York: A 31-year-old woman suspected of shoving an Indian immigrant in front of a sub- way train has been charged with second-degree Obama appoints murder as a hate crime after she told the police that she hated Hindus and Muslims since 9/11. Smita Singh to team Prosecutors Saturday identified the woman, who allegedly shoved India-born Sunando Sen on development of Queens, in front of a subway train Thursday Washington, DC: The Obama admin- as Erika Menendez of Bronx. istration has appointed yet another "(She) said in sum and substance 'I pushed a Indian-American to a key administra- Muslim off the train tracks because I hate tive post, naming Smita Singh as mem- Hindus and Muslims ever since 2001 when they ber of the president's Global put down the twin towers I've been beating them Sunando Sen Suspect Erika Menendez up,'" Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown Development Council. said in a statement. earlier in the day on a street in Brooklyn by a mum penalty of life in prison. By charging her The Global Development Council Witnesses cited by CNN said a woman paced passer-by who called 911, the police spokesman with murder as a hate crime, the possible mini- was established in February through an the platform and talked to herself Thursday said. The caller said she resembled the woman in mum sentence she faced would be extended to executive order of the president. evening shortly before pushing Sen as the 11-car the video. 20 years from 15 years, according to prosecu- Along with Singh, Obama also train entered the station. "The defendant is accused of committing what tors.Ar Suman, a Muslim, and one of three announced names of eight other mem- The body of 46-year-old Sen, a graphic is every subway commuter's worst nightmare- roommates who shared a small first-floor apart- bers of the council including its chair designer for posters who ran a small copying being suddenly and senselessly pushed into the ment with Sen in Elmhurst, told the New York Mohamed El-Erian. business called New Amsterdam Copies on the path of an oncoming train," said Brown, the dis- Times that he and Sen often discussed religion. Singh was the Special Advisor for Upper West Side, was pinned under the second trict attorney. Though they were of different faiths, Suman Global Affairs and the founding car after it came to a stop. "The victim was allegedly shoved from behind said, he admired the respect that Sen showed for Director of the Global Development The woman made "statements implicating her- and had no chance to defend himself. Beyond those who saw the world differently than he did. Program at the William and Flora self in the death of Sunando Sen," Paul Browne, that, the hateful remarks allegedly made by the Suman said he once asked Sen why he was not Hewlett Foundation, where she worked the New York Police Department's chief defendant and which precipitated the defendant's more active in his faith and it resulted in a long from 2001 to 2010. spokesman, said earlier. Security video showed a actions can never be tolerated by a civilized soci- philosophical discussion. From 1998 to 2001, she was a scholar person running from the scene. ety." "He was so gentle," Suman was quoted as say- at the Harvard Academy for Menendez was identified Saturday afternoon Menendez is expected to be arraigned by ing. "He said in this world a lot of people are International and Area Studies. in a lineup, Browne said. She was recognized Sunday morning. If convicted, she faces a maxi- dying, killing over religious things." Kishan Putta sworn in as ANC Commissioner Washington, DC: On issues. November 6, Kishan Putta was He was sworn in on Jan 2. the only Asian-American ANC Dupont Circle is one of the Commissioner in the District of communities of Ward 2 that has Columbia elected in a competi- a nonpartisan Advisory tive three-way race. Putta won Neighborhood Commission with 62% of the vote over (the Dupont Circle ANC, is rivals Stephanie Sheridan and named ANC 2B). The Martin Espinoza.DC is the Commission aims to represent Kishan Putta equivalent of a state and its the interests and address the legislature is the 13-person DC Council. concerns of the Dupont Circle community’s The 40+ ANC commissions are the equiva- approximately 20,000 residents to the D.C. lents of town councils which focus on local Council and Administration. Police launches homicide probe into death of Andhra man Washington, DC: An Indian man hailing from Andhra Pradesh, who used to run a liquor store in the US, was found dead at the shop under suspicious circumstances and police have opened a homicide investigation. Venkat Reddy-Goli, 47, was found dead by the police inside the Central Liquors store in Colerain Township of Ohio having a popula- tion of some 60,000. The police said Goli, owner of the liquor store, suffered from fatal injuries. A spokesman of Colerain Township Police Department said that no arrest has been made so far. Venkat Reddy-Goli Police said they have opened a homicide The wife went to the store after Goli did not investigation. "It is under investigation. We return from his business on Saturday night. can't divulge any other information," he said. When she reached the store, she found her The police arrived at the crime scene in the husband lying aside in the store and notified wee hours of Sunday after his wife called. police. 56 January 5-11, 2013 NEW YEAR RESOLVES TheSouthAsianTimes.info Resolve to Save More of Your Money in 2013 wo of the most commonly share your finances with someone small expenses that they can live licensed by your state’s banking made and commonly broken else, make sure he or she is part of without. Maybe for you it’s a coffee department. TNew Year’s resolutions are this process as well. every morning on your way to work. • Finally, figure out what to do saving money and paying off debt. • Many financial services compa- If you do this every weekday, that with your new found savings! If These are promises we all seem to nies offer free tools to help you easi- adds up to $1,300 per year! The idea you’re not sure where you’d like to make to ourselves every year with ly see what you’ve been spending is not to strip the fun from your life, keep or invest your money, you can every intention of seeing through. and ways you can save. For exam- but to save money on things that visit bankrate.com and investigate But somehow, we wind up in the ple, the non-profit Family Credit you really don’t care about. high interest, low balance require- same spot we were before. stay motivated. Consider placing a Management offers spending plans, • Involve your whole family. ment savings accounts. So how can you make sure that visual reminder somewhere you’ll savings guides and a comprehensive Many parents feel the need to shel- Once you’ve completed these 2013 is the year you take control of see all the time, like the refrigerator. personal financial goals workbook ter kids from financial strain, but steps, you are on your way! Saving your finances and start making your • Many people have no idea how that help you to lay out a strong plan budgeting is an invaluable life les- money is habit forming -- when you money work for you? much money they spend monthly. in an easy way. Visit son that you can teach them by get your monthly statement and you • Figure out what your objectives Creating a spending plan is vital if www.FamilyCredit.org to see these including them in the process. see money building up, you’ll want are -- be it paying off debt, buying a you want to make your money do and other financial tools. • Ask for help! If you feel you to put more and more away. It’s a first home, or saving for vacation. for you what you want it to. If you • Make the small changes that add could use some guidance, reach out great way to get started on a finan- Identifying your goals can help you up to big savings. Most people have to a certified credit counselor who is cially successful New Year. Resolve to Quit smoking this year How to land a job you love in the New Year t’s at the top of many ment product that fits your he New Year is the per- ing and sharing with others. New Year’s resolution lifestyle, such as a gum, fect time to evaluate your Remember that everything is a Ilists -- quitting smok- lozenge or patch. Tcareer and take control of marketing opportunity. Don’t be ing. In fact, 15 million peo- • Currently Quitting: your professional life. And shy about networking. People ple try to quit smoking cig- Celebrate every little win and doing so may be easier than you will want to help. Give them arettes yearly. Only 5 per- stay focused on the positive think in today’s economy, where what they need to spread the cent succeed when they use benefits of quitting and why one-third of the American work- word. Just be careful to be pro- no support or go cold turkey. Moreover, you decided to quit in the first place. If force now comprises free- fessional, not pushy. the average smoker will attempt to quit you get a strong craving, change things lancers. • Stay positive: In many ways, up to nine times before successfully quit- up to throw your urge to smoke. Experts say self-employed, having multiple sources of ting. Luckily there are new tips and tools • Post-Quit: Surround yourself with independent workers have gone mainstream income and multiple money-making skills is that can help smokers kick the habit this inspiration to stay smoke-free -- your and are here to stay. less risky than putting all your eggs in an year. family, your pet, your health and your “From computer programmers and nannies employer’s basket. So don’t think of freelanc- In an effort to empower the more than finances -- and remember you have to opera singers and anesthesiologists, nearly ing as volatile and risky, so much as flexible 45 million current US smokers to call it everything to gain by quitting. every industry is now employing freelancers,” and opportunity-rich. quits, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Quit.com is built in four levels with says Sara Horowitz, founder of the • Balance risks and rewards: Weigh how Healthcare has launched Quit.com, a specific tools depending on where smok- Freelancers Union and author of the new much time and energy you should invest in free, total quit-smoking online resource ers are in the quitting process -- prepar- handbook, “The Freelancer’s Bible.” “The various projects and be open to changing the with tools to help smokers quit and stay ing to quit, ready to quit, currently quit- time’s long past for viewing freelancing as a mix depending on the work market and your smoke-free. ting or post-quit and looking for euphemism for slackers or the unemployed.” income needs. Every smoker is different; therefore, resources to remain a nonsmoker. While freelancing does have challenges, • Negotiate: Negotiating a contract isn’t every smoker’s approach to quitting may “Quitting smoking is tough and Horowitz contends that with some planning about displaying bravado. It’s about knowing need to be different. Quit.com houses requires focus and effort, but that’s only and research, a freelancer can survive and your power relationship with the client. Get personalized tools in a central location to half the equation. Part of the addiction is thrive in the new economy. informed by learning your industry’s deal help smokers navigate quitting smoking, behavioral -- a learned habit over time -- “Even those with stable full-time jobs norms, the market’s needs and your market no matter where they may be in their quit but the other part is neurobiology, a should consider the benefits of freelance work value. Not happy with where you stand? Get journey. chemical dependency to nicotine,” -- from the freedom to pursue multiple profes- training, find markets with bigger budgets or Here are some tips from the experts at explains Saul Shiffman, Ph.D., an addic- sional paths at once, to the ability to take time gain more experiences until you can be Quit.com to help smokers quit their nico- tion and dependence expert, researcher in off without permission,” says Horowitz. rewarded with higher pay. tine addiction: behavior change and relapse at the To help Horowitz founded the Freelancer’s • Get a life: Employees get vacation time, • Preparing to Quit: First pick your University of Pittsburgh, and paid-con- Union to empower this growing independent sick leave, family leave, bereavement days quit date. By having a day you’re work- sultant to GlaxoSmithKline Consumer sector with solutions for affordable health care and personal days. Those policies exist largely ing toward, you’ll be able to prepare Healthcare. “Using a combination of and retirement planning. because workers advocated for them. Who mentally and physically to quit. Do your behavioral resources, education and quit Whether you’re an experienced independent advocates for you? Without a 9-5 schedule, research on how to be prepared before smoking medicines can improve chances worker, or just getting started, there are sever- it’s easy to forget you have a life outside of getting started. of success!” al things that can help you become a more your work. Be sure to schedule breaks and • Ready to Quit: Support your quit by The key to successfully kicking the nimble, flexible and successful freelancer: vacations and budget for time off. reducing your body’s physical cravings habit is to empower and encourage More practical tips on living the freelance so they don’t get in the way of your will smokers to try quitting and give them • Tell everyone: Sometimes gigs drop in life can be found at power. Consider using a nicotine replace- tools to help them succeed. your lap, but mostly they come from connect- www.freelancersunion.org. TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY January 5-11, 2013 57

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com Stars Foretell: January 5-11, 2013

Aries: This week when it comes to business you Taurus: This week others will take up much of Gemini: This week your views and efforts will Cancer: This week you can expect some prob- need to depend more on your brain your time. Try not to be so gener- face resistance from others. People lems with the ones you love. You than your heart. rofessionals with ous and flexible to their demands might not be very pleased with your will have tremendous confidence large organizations can expect that you might regret later on. way of doing things. You need to in your capabilities, but the unexpected work. Although you Your time will probably be better win their confidence by setting problems at home will severely will please your seniors and win spent if you do some social work yourself a deadline and focussing disturb your mind. You need not their appreciation, but any immediate entirely on your job. You need not rush or get involved in organizations that push yourself too hard. Clarity of monetary gains seem unlikely. New romance will really need your help. Your confidence will over your plans but seek help from others if need- thought and a will to resolve issues will be flourish for some, but any intimate relationship grow and advancement in career is certain. ed. Love and romance alone will not succeed in important to maintain harmony at home. Stress with a co-worker will lead to gossip and damage Financial gains seem eminent for businessmen, cheering you up, rather you will like to seek some related ailments like backache, headache, your reputation. New ventures will be alluring but but they need to be careful while extending commitment from your beloved. Try an outing or a consult your experts to make sure you are making credit. Highly beneficial time for career women short trip to cheer yourself up and lift your spirits. sleeplessness cannot be ruled out. After some no mistake. Not a good period for speculation. and those involved in overseas projects. Meditation and yoga will be ideal for relaxation. rest and relaxation, you will feel much better.

Leo: This week your talents will shine at work, Virgo: Trouble is brewing up for you this week, if you Libra: This week you need to listen to your Scorpio: This week you should implement but above all you will be highly do not spend sufficient time with your instincts when it comes to finan- new ideas into your projects for appreciated for being a major family members. Professionally and cial matters. It will be impor- instant gains. Seniors, col- support to a colleague or a friend. financially things look much brighter tant for you to invest, but it leagues and subordinates will be You will enjoy the time that you and you will be required to complete will be equally important to very helpful. Plan your days spend with others and your confi- many important projects in hand, but consult financial experts and carefully as efforts put during this dence will also rise. Though a hectic whatever the emergency do not shirk books on investments. Stay away period will have long lasting rewards. and stressful week but it will prove to be benefi- from your responsibilities towards your home. An old from investments that seem risky and on the Money gains are certain but losses due to spec- cial and rewarding in the long run. This period is friend will make an unscheduled but pleasant visit, advice of others. Only people with experi- ulation are also foreseen. You will gain valu- also good for signing major contracts. Highly sharing with you lots of delightful and memorable ence will give you sound advice. All those able information if you listen to those who are memorable time for those taking a distant vaca- moments. If you feel like taking a break from your preparing to tie a knot can look forward to a tion as they will find themselves getting attract- hectic schedule then visit to the beach or the moun- older and experienced. Go out and have some happy relationship. ed into a romantic alliance. tains will help you stay in good mood. fun with friends later in the week.

Sagittarius: This week don’t get depressed, but Capricorn: This week brings happiness and Aquarius: This week you should help children Pisces: This coming week you need to go put your time and efforts on impor- prosperity. Your creative ability will with projects, which are proving to into small details on projects, tant projects. Although finances flourish during this period and be difficult for them. People will which are very important. You will not be managed easily, but your determination will defeat find you very charming, witty need to lead and observe, but you will receive immense recog- your opponents. You need to and enjoy your company. You you should avoid being too attend seminars and functions that nition and appreciation for your will be putting in a lot of hours at critical of the opinion of others. will bring you in contact with impor- efforts. Your analytical skills will work or on projects that are important for your Businessmen will explore new and tant individuals. Real estate investments during help you get everything done on time and even- career. You will acquire a lot of knowledge if more profitable avenues. New partnerships this period will bring big dividends. Lovebirds tually success will be yours. It is a brilliant you observe others. A wonderful week to look will have a fabulous time and some will commit and contacts will prove to be beneficial. week to straighten up things around the house. into courses and hobbies that interest you. A themselves to a matrimonial alliance. Overall a Health needs proper care and you should Home front will be pleasurable, but children small vacation or a pleasure jaunt will lift your avoid sweets and junk food. You should visit and youngsters will behave little spendthrift. good week but make sure to keep an eye on your health. spirits. a gym or go for a walk in the evenings.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week see both sides of a problem, will be an asset to you, you, in the coming year. With your intelligence and and you will be able to use this to your full advan- abundance knowledge, you will be able to impress January 5 amongst friends and relatives, who are fond of you. tage. Your sense of duty towards your loved ones, your seniors. You will be duly rewarded in your pro- You are governed by the number 5 and the planet You will earn a lot of money in the coming year, but will make you do your best for them. You can ex- fessional front. Promotions, increments and overall Mercury. You are also dominated by the Moon. You will also spend it all on buying expensive clothes, pect peace and harmony at the domestic front, in the prosperity, is what most of you can expect from the are blessed with a pleasant and vivacious personal- jewelry and luxuries of life. April, July, November year ahead of you. You will be able to handle your year ahead of you. Financially, too, it will be a good ity. Your planning and methodical approach to and October will prove to be result oriented. money matters with ease and with your efficient year for you. Some of you, are likely to inherit prop- work, will catch the attention of your seniors. You planning, even save for the future. Those around erty from your parents or grand parents. Your sin- will be handsomely rewarded for you efficient and January 7 you, will be impressed with your behavior and will cerity and dedication, will bring prosperity for those honest approach to your professional career. The You are governed by the number 7 and dominated try to follow your foot steps. The months of Janu- in business. Good health, good friends and a happy ability to judge the weaknesses of your opponents, by the planet Neptune. Moon also has an influence ary, July, September and February will be highly domestic front, will be your blessings, in the year will be an asset to you, and you will be able to use on you. You are born intelligent. If you can couple eventful. ahead of you. Your magnetic personality, will help this to your advantage. Travel will bring you both this will power and determination, you will reach you to make many new friends. You will enjoy good prosperity and pleasure. You will travel to distant the pinnacle of success, in the year ahead of you. January 9 health and on the whole an exciting year for you. lands in the coming year. This will allow you to Travel will form an important part of your life, in You are governed by the number 9 and dominated The months of March, May, August, November will make the most of newer opportunities and will also the coming year. Most of you are likely to travel to by the planet Mars. You are also influenced by the be highly important. be a source of relaxation and enjoyment. Your sen- distant lands. There is also a possibility of develop- Moon. You are born with an aggressive personality. sitive and warmth nature, will bring many friends ing business ties abroad. You will be a free bird, and Courage and alertness, will allow you to face any January 11 close to you and you will have a large circle of although you are religious minded, you will not let obstacle without much difficulty, in the year ahead You are dominated by the planet Moon. You are also friends. Intellectual people will attract your atten- orthodox views and customs, bind you. You think of you. You will be enterprising and will undertake governed by the number 2. You are a born adviser, tion, and you stand to gain in their company. April, logically and will not get swayed away by religious new ventures, in your professional field. From the and a source of inspiration to others. Your leader- August, November will be highly significant. beliefs. You will be able to handle difficult situa- start to the finish of a project, you will be sincere ship qualities and your high ideals, will take you to tions with ease and authority. You will be able to ex- and dedicated. Travel will be an important part of the pinnacle of success, in the year ahead of you. January 6 press your views with clarity, whenever required. your life, in the coming year. This will bring more Your imagination, coupled with hard work, will You are governed by the planet Venus and dominat- But, you tend to become a little stubborn at times, opportunities for you and also help you to broaden bring you fame and recognition, in various fields. ed by the Moon. You are also influenced by the and try to impose your ideas on your colleagues and your outlook. You are fond of children and enjoy You have the ability to take quick decisions and number 6. You have the ability to inspire those friends. February, August, November, December spending time with them. But, you are short tem- give the lead to your colleagues. Your bosses will around your. Your mere presence, makes people and seem to be eventful. pered and get irritated over small matters. You will notice this ability, and you will be appreciated for happy and full of enthusiasm. You have an affinity have to learn to control your temper, otherwise you your leadership qualities. But, at times you tend to towards art and music. Those of you, in the profes- January 8 will find your friends drifting away from you. The get over excited. sion of dance and poetry, will do exceeding well in You are governed by the number 8 and by the plan- months of January, June, September, December You are advised, therefore to take control of your- your professional career, in the year ahead of you. et Saturn. You are also influenced by the Moon. You would be significant. self and not get hyper. You will be inclined towards Your family will be of utmost importance to you, are a good organizer and an executor of big projects. philosophy and science, in the coming year. For and you will go to any lengths to fulfill all their In the coming year, your efficiency and sincerity, January 10 your loved ones, you will leave no stone unturned, dreams. You will stay away from social customs and will clearly reflect in your work. Your seniors will You are dominated by the number 1 and the Sun. to give them happiness and security. The months of traditions. Your warmth and attractive personality notice this and you will be rewarded handsomely The planet Moon, also has a strong influence on July, October, November and January will be will draw many friends to you. You will always be for your hard work and dedication. Your ability to you. Honour, fame and recognition, will be all for highly important. 58 January 5-11, 2013 ASTROLOGY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma 9898, 2648 9899; [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com

The Year 2013 is significant as it rings in change for everyone, either on the physical plane or in mental attitudes. Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma, our celebrated resident astrologer, tells what this may mean to you in terms of health, profession, family and romance Yearly Forecast 2013

on your financial dealings and avoid excessive you and make you feel like a king/queen. Enjoy cash register ringing; the others will be which make Aries spending; you never know when you may need every moment that this year gives you to celebrate! you happily spend on the things and reasons of your Everything is going to happen them on a short notice – so better to save for a rainy Lucky Number: 15 choice. You will do well at the work place and your the way you want it Arian! If day! Try to reorient your style of working so that Lucky Color: Green good work will be duly recognized. You will ‘catch you take care of your health, your chances of success improve. Things will move Lucky Months: June & August the eye’ of a highly skilled professional who will career, romance, family will be smoothly for you from May to September. You thereafter mentor you for the rest of your career. well received as you have might even get promoted during this period. Some Those in the field of IT, Marketing or always thought of. You are of you who are keen on transfers may need to look Cancer Manufacturing are likely to have a little tough time advised to undertake travel only if for proper recommendations; avoid pushing things Lady luck would be very with either a profile or a job change in the month of it is totally unavoidable especially during the related to this in between January – March. Those favourably inclined towards August; maintain a low profile with those who mat- months of June, August & October. Take care of still looking for job are likely to settle with good you this year. You will be in ter! Love is in the air for those who have been your belongings or say be extra vigilant of the profiles in the first quarter itself. You can surely the pink of health and stay in searching for it till date. Singles should be all set to things you own and possess. Do not enter into any count on this year with full excitement as it will high spirits throughout the mingle as the wedding bells will ring for them any sort of property transactions especially in June and give you ample opportunities to enjoy some tender year 2013. Your trips to out- day – this is going to be your lucky year. Those sep- October since the chances of being and intimate moments with your partner. To station places will be most arated from the spouses may have opportunities to cheated/duped/false commitments are quite high, so strengthen the relationship, you need to be gentle in fruitful. You will develop a lot of contacts that reconcile and reconnect. Try to overlook minor Take Care! Year 2013 encourages you to adopt a your approach. The end of the year would bring would help you rise higher in your profession. Try shortcomings (remember, no human being is totally positive outlook to allow you to stay physically and some bright opportunities for you to nurture your to live in moderation and continue to have a bal- perfect) and concentrate on strengthening mentally fit. Though no major health problem will relation. Those singles are likely to hit the apt matri- anced diet and go for regular exercises. Pregnant the bonding. bother you, yet it is advisable not to take your health monial prospects before the mid of the year. Those mothers may have to take special care of them in the Lucky Number: 11 for granted. To enhance your mental strength, you too stringent on love marriage are likely to take help latter half of the year. Newly born may get crankier Lucky Color: Peach can also turn towards spirituality. Do follow dietary of some elder relatives to help them push things to and disturb your midnight sleep. Atmosphere on the Lucky Months: January, March & November restrictions to keep fit and fine. their consent between parents. domestic front will be very congenial. Children and Family members will be supportive and will not Lucky Number: 6 your siblings will be a source of delight for you. make unreasonable demands to you. So, smile and Lucky Color: Lavender Spouse will be supportive to your decisions and Virgo set yourself to prioritize other goals in the second Lucky Months: May, June, July & October. help you plan the future goals together. Financial Dashing Virgo should begin half of the year. Some new additions in the family matters will turn out to be very rosy for you. this New Year with a ‘happy go will lift up the spirits of all your near and dear ones. Investments made in the past will bring in hand- lucky’ mood. Out of country Get yourself a bit strong as the year begins since Gemini some returns for you. You will enjoy a very congen- business visits will bring to you might face some tensions at the workplace. But Gemini, prepare yourself to ial atmosphere at the work place. Colleagues will you a very rich bounty – finan- don’t get too stressed about it as it’s majorly going welcome this New Year with a be most supportive and helpful. You will probably cially and professionally. You to be because of the office politics. Safeguard your- great pomp and show! You get excellent opportunities at your workplace. will meet a very influential person self Arian! Try to improve your implementation are likely to benefit most on Inducting some highly talented persons into your somewhere around August or September who would strategy so that you can achieve a greater degree of all the aspects this year. Be it team would work to your advantage. Take proper turn out to be great help in the future. April – June success. You may get glad tidings by the middle of good health, excellent oppor- guidance from your colleagues as it can prove to be would be an excellent period for acquiring property, the year. You might even get promoted during this tunities on the career front, might useful. Professionally, this will be a very which would provide you a lot of security in the period. Financially, you will be reasonably comfort- most awaited ‘yes’ on the rela- enriching period for those engaged in academic and future. The good news is that you will realise the able. Still, you are advised to exercise strict control tionship front or your fuller pockets on the financial accounting fields. Your soul-mate will provide you a strong linkage between a healthy mind and a healthy over your expenditure. Spend only when required! front. Returns from your trips to outstation places lot of emotional comfort. You will enjoy many body. Those suffering with diabetes, blood pressure Work harder on this front Arian! You need to treat will be just about adequate. Tread slowly where romantic moments with your beloved. Break the or high cholesterol will start breathing an air of your partner with love and understanding – this is property matters are concerned. You would do well monotony and so things to spice up life at a differ- relief by the mid of the year. Teenagers can be much expected out of you this year. Otherwise, you to take things in your stride from June to August. ent level this year. Those singles should be very unreasonable demanding and may be in a just too may also find some testing times in your relation- Better things are surely in store for you; all you careful in choosing matrimonial alliances especially experimental mood about everything. This is when ship but don’t you think it’s easy to work on the require this year is to channelize your energy in a between February and May. Those recently married the parents need to be extra vigilant in monitoring solution when you already know the problem? Both positive way with a right frame of mind in all the may plan an excursion trip to an exotic locale. The their activities and counsel them as their good of you need to develop mutual trust and belief to situations you come along. Overall, nothing to couples who have been expecting to conceive would friends. Some unexpected guests may come and enjoy a lovely bonding. May be the following tip worry at all on the health front; yet the stars advise especially find the period between February to April plan to stay with you for a comparatively longer will help you enjoy the warmth in the relationship you to stop fretting over petty issues. Instead, use quite fruitful. time – don’t get irritated if your privacy is disturbed you want to cherish for the lifetime. your precious positive energy in a more creative Lucky Number: 2 – it is just that you can’t do much about it this year. Lucky Number: 3 way. This way, you will enjoy life to the hilt. Elders Lucky Color: White Tact and diplomacy would help you to turn them Lucky Color: Light Red may have to keep a tab on their fluctuating blood Lucky Months: February, April & August. around to your viewpoint. It’s time to learn to man- Lucky Months: March, May and September pressures. Your near ones will be supportive and age your finances with caution since the risk of theft caring towards you. Parents may plan to dispose off or being duped is very much there especially in the the ancestral property and help you plan an asset in Leo first half of the year. Be very careful of the money Taurus a metro city. Some pilgrim travel may not be ruled Leo! Leo! This is the year to you invest in as your over excitement can land you Get up and get going Taurian! out in the third quarter. Your financial condition will experiment and achieve! sign some documents without reading through the It’s the time to celebrate this make you feel very secure. The year brings with Family members will be very lines. Your sincerity and dedication will help you New Year with all the energy itself opportunities to give you more than you accommodative. Travel will attain your professional goals. Your chances of suc- and zeal that you have always require. Get that excitement in your nerves; after all bring you a bagful of benefits cess will greatly improve if you work in total sync wanted to expose yourself it’s been all the while you have been working for it – financially and emotionally. with your associates and avoid confrontation of any with. Don’t be too hopeful from – so say, it’s time to reap what your efforts have Avoid any liquid investments in sort. Politicians and bureaucrats are particularly your business trips but you will get been sowing till date. If, it was turbulence of any March and August. Months from September to going to find August & October months to be only marginal gains from the trips that you under- sort that has been perturbing your mind last year; be November look to be prosperous for those planning encouraging. If it was about finances; it’s only the take this year. Do not go in for property transactions at ease; this is relatively a quiet period for you pro- to invest in some residential property. With adequate lessons that you can learn from other’s experiences especially in February and March. Wait for market fessionally. If you work with a far-sighted approach care, you will enjoy a reasonably good health – but now that it’s about your love life – you would conditions to improve. Watch out, if health starts to and simply focus on your job, you will be able to mentally as well as physically. Discipline your life better need to be a little careful and avoid doing cause you some anxiety initially in the few months- surpass your competitors. Year 2013 would espe- with Yoga and Meditation. These will help to ‘keep things that give you any bad experience. All in all such feelings will subside as the year progresses. So cially bring success to theatre personalities. Gemini, the doctor away as much as possible. Your children the stars are advising you to handle the love front relax and enjoy things with their flow. Banish all what could you ask for? When you are being pam- will excel in their studies and make you feel proud with a lot of care especially from March to June this negative thoughts and try to remain cheerful at all pered with love all around you! Your soul mate will of them. Those of you looking forward to interna- year. Once you do that, you would enjoy a very times. You will then find yourself virtually in ‘sev- be most accommodative. You will get joy from your tional trips should smile on reading this; someone is beautiful relationship. A charitable approach and enth Heaven’. Family members need to be tackled love life. It’s important that the partners in love have likely to sponsor your dream and make it come true accommodative spirit from your side will work with tact, lest they feel miffed over some of your mutual understanding and trust for the relationship in the second half of the year. Your financial health wonders for your bonding. utterances. Worry not, you know you possess all the to be successful and now that you have always been will be generally sound. Year 2013 brings mixed Lucky Number: 22 skills to turn the heads your way; just get your tim- putting your foot first to make all the adjustments – occasions for you in terms of your finances – where Lucky Color: Dark Slate Grey ing right to enjoy the perfect bliss. Keep a strict tab it’s your partner’s turn to shower all the love upon on one end you can have instances that insure the Lucky Months: August & December TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY January 5-11, 2013 59

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com Yearly Forecast 2013

would be accommodative and supportive. March help you reconnect with your loved ones. Spend Libra would be a good month where you can expect Capricorn quality time with them. The cash inflows for you The Goddess of Fortune will good news from children. Some of you may also Leave all the pressures aside will keep you in high spirits. Co-workers may try be most favourably inclined plan a house warming in the second half of the Capricorn! They haven’t to entangle you in office politics but you will towards you this year. So, year – so gear up for the celebration! Your earn- fetched you much of a deal manage to come out clean. Don’t get into what stop looking for a magical ings will help you to tide over heavy expenditure in the previous year. So, other say or do – you have a strong instinct that wand here and there but start that you would have to incur. Your coming into why not to take it easy and will help you move up the career ladder. writing down your wish list! contact with a high profile professional will posi- move with the flow? You Businessmen may plan to expand their horizons This is truly going to be a year tively impact your career. Try to improve your may consider deferring your but may have to outsource quite a bit of the work you will cherish Libra! March and October are skill sets as it will help you professionally. By the property transaction plans to the sec- to realize their propositions. Those working in going to be wonderful periods for engaging your- middle of the month, your ‘crisis management’ ond half of the year since the returns in the first the government sector are likely to be entrusted self in property related matters. Those who have skills can be put to test. You can successfully half may be only marginal. If you are fond of with an important responsibility. Success is also been blaming a downgrading health because of overcome the problem, provided you handle it exercising on a treadmill or a cross trainer – take on the cards for those aspiring for civil services aging need to strengthen their mental toughness with care and do not become overconfident. Your extra care of your knees. There is a possibility examinations. If romance is all about spending and they will start noticing a sudden improve- soul mate will stand by you at all times. The start that you might strain it way too much. Why not time with each other – gazing into each other’s ment in health altogether. Stop being your own of the year will be good on the romantic front but to look out for other alternatives to stay fit too. eyes and cuddling and fondling together – you doctor but look for an expert’s advice to stay fit. the further success of the relation depends on Explore! Your near and dear ones may show spe- should better get your ideas right Aquarian! You Keep these tips in mind, and you will enjoy a your loyalty towards your partner. Something cial interest towards you – it’s tough to say what might encounter an all together different situation sound health all throughout. Parents who are interesting must come to you around the middle could be the intention at the back of their mind – this time where your partner might want some looking for suitable alliances for their children of the year. In case of any difference of opinion, but why do you have to worry? Enjoy the atten- serious thoughts in taking this relationship fur- are likely to hear of some really good prospects make sure that you immediately resolve this tion! Just express your appreciation for that and ther. If you are not too serious about getting mar- from their near and dear ones – so stop wasting because chances are that this lovely bonding may keep your demands to a reasonable level. During ried; better don’t commit. The first half of the much time on the online portals this year. Some get strained. first half of the year 2013, you need to handle year is especially going to be giving you definite uninvited guests may trouble your peace of mind Lucky Number: 15 your finances more prudently. A little bit of thrift highs and lows. Step ahead with caution! in the month of May or September and may make Lucky Color: Sea Green will save you possible hiccups later on. Lucky Number: 5 heavy demands on you. It is preferable to ‘grin Lucky Months: March & May Professionally you will do extremely well. Your Lucky Color: All shades of Green and bear it’ and do what you feel like. Keep a hard work and dedication will bring you a lot of Lucky Months: September & December strict check on your financial dealings. Prudence accolades. Your superiors will cite you as a role and thrift will help you to safely overcome the Sagittarius model for others. You will probably get excellent occasional hiccups on this front. By putting in You are likely to become opportunities at your workplace. Do not feel shy Pisces sincere efforts, you can expect the desired results. the ‘apple of the eye’ for to take professional advice from your more expe- This is going to be “THE” Your good communication skills can help you someone you have always rienced colleagues as that can prove to be very year for you where you will gain a competitive edge over your rivals. By been trying to impress at useful. Professionals engaged in the field of be feeling totally energized working in harmony with your colleagues, you the workplace. Avoid being teaching and accounting fields, in particular, may and raring to go. It is better will do well in your professions. Avoid getting too pally with the strangers find many of their dreams fructifying. Your soul to postpone your plans to into arguments with your seniors since that would while you travel – someone mate will keep you in very high spirits. Both of invest in a property in your only be harmful for you. Students aspiring to go might not have good intention for this extra you will enjoy some delightful moments together. own name; yes; it would be abroad for higher studies will have to wait a little friendly gesture being shown towards you. This To sustain the relationship, you need to proceed lucky instead to buy it in any of your family mem- longer. What you are going to experiment with is an excellent period for entering into property with care and tenderness and not rush matters. ber’s name. Health will work wonders for you. this year are some new tactics and strategies to transactions. A proper fitness regime will help Newly married may think of setting their priori- But haven’t you heard over optimism can also pull impress your crush. Come on! Get serious about you to stay physically fit and mentally alert since ties and proceed with a new life plan. Some of you back – so why not continue with the same your affair! It should be a Yes or no – whatever this year you may have to deal with health-relat- you are also likely to hear of new additions in the routine what you have been doing so far. Women but a clear picture. Analyse the pros & cons of ed issues. Stress is one thing that you should stay family in the second quarter of the year which is will grow extra conscious about their looks and being with the person and take a stand. There is miles away from. Though, this is the least possi- just going to elevate the celebration mood! may also like to experiment with a new makeover. no point beating around the bush for no good rea- ble in your case but focus on this aspect seriously Lucky Number: 3 Family support would be just adequate if planning son. It is rather time to make some important to streamline rest of the aspects. Look for solu- Lucky Color: Saffron some investments that involve big sums of your decisions in life. Those entering into romantic tions in Ayurved or Homeopathy for the diseases Lucky Months: May & July savings. Children are likely to bring good news liaisons for the first time need to proceed or health problems of the past. Some turbulence home that will add another feather to your cap. carefully. with your spouse may not be ruled out. Patience Siblings might surprise you with their get-together Lucky Number: 3 is the key to tackle delicate issues. Your children Aquarius plans. A small misunderstanding with a near or Lucky Color: Coffee will continue to be a source of pride for you. Your This is going to be a year dear one especially a relative from your spouse’s Lucky Months: March, April & October overseas trips will yield excellent returns to you – which you have been always side might disturb your peace of mind. Avoid so why not mix leisure with business and extend looking forward to. being cranky and handle the situation with tact and your holiday? Your financial health this year will Improvement in all aspects grace. Money matters will be keeping you in a Scorpio be secure, provided you avoid wasteful expendi- of life starts now! No relaxed frame of mind with no ‘alarming’ expens- What has been wondering ture. You will do well professionally. Make sure doubt, you have been work- es coming in your way. Look forward to new chal- you so much Scorpion? It’s that your good performance is noticed by those ing hard to make your dreams lenges and opportunities that are in store for you. time to take a chill pill. that matter. come true but that doesn’t mean you don’t pam- Those with an engineering background can look Adopt a positive attitude so There are indications that new work assign- per yourself to the leisure & pleasure side of the forward to some very promising job offers. You that you can stay physically ments will enable you to prove your mettle. It life. Work, Money, Fame – all will come with will successfully overcome the hurdles in your and mentally fit. Your busi- would be in your interest not to rely too much on time but this is the year to set yourself a bit loose way and achieve professional success.Your loved ness or professional visits if undependable persons. You need to be strong and and live life! This year, you will be in the pink of one will be most understanding towards you but scheduled in the first quarter will confident at your workplace so that you can suc- health. Better invest into a commercial property ask yourself are you equally reciprocating them all pass off as a matter of routine with only mar- cessfully overcome all hurdles that come your than a residential one and watch out the long term the same? Set yourself a little free from the world- ginal returns. Expect moderate returns on your way. Your soul mate will be a great pillar of sup- benefits come with it. Your investment is likely to ly commitments and take time out for just the two property investments in the month of March, port for you. Still, both of you need to remember multiply in no time. Remember? All work and no of you. After all, in a relationship what matters the June & October. If you are suffering from some that a successful relationship is possible only play make Jack a dull boy! Stars advise you to most if two of you! Speak your heart out and listen minor skin problem, don’t ignore it or the ailment when there is a proper trust and understanding pave some way to your creative side and enjoy to your partner to waive off any miscommunica- can get aggravated in the future. Kick off this between the partners. While you need to express your hobbies too. A healthy diet and moderate tion! Create a world of your own and get living in laziness and fix an appointment with the doctor your genuine love to your beloved, you should life style will also help you to stay fit and trim. it this year! Thoughtful gifts and kind words from now; not necessarily all your problems will be also guard against being emotionally blackmailed There is no point earning huge sum of money on time to time will do wonders to your love life. fixed with home remedies – at times an expert by him/her. the cost of your family’s emotions. It’s time to Lucky Number: 17 advice is way more helpful and trust your stars it Lucky Number: 7 balance the personal and professional life. A Lucky Color: Light Grey is the need of the hour. Avoid excessive gymming Lucky Color: Light Red small outing to a nearby resort or may be a com- Lucky Months: January, February, June & as it can harm your muscles. Your near ones Lucky Months: November & December forting chit chat over a cafe outlet would even October. 60 January 5-11, 2013 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

At New Year’s, we think about the resolutions we want to make for the coming year. Even when we resolve to take better care of our health, finances, or relationships or set new goals, we usually quickly return to our old routines. Rather than list many resolutions to break, we can list one resolution to make. If we keep one foremost in our minds, we are more likely to make it become a reality. For those on the spiritual path, what one goal can we stick with that encompasses all other goals we might normally make? If we had only one to follow, our resolution for the coming year can be:Be evergreen in 2013 This resolution encompasses all others we normally would make. Being evergreen means that we are always connected to the Source of eternal bliss within us. To be ever- green means that we realize ourselves as soul, a part of God, filled with Light, love, consciousness, and joy. We can be evergreen by meditating daily, developing ethical virtues, doing selfless service, attending satsang, and having love for God, all humanity, all living things, and the earth. Meditating daily keeps us evergreen, or youthful and full of life. We tap into the source of all energy, consciousness, and joy within each time we meditate. If we fulfill this one resolution, we would stick to our schedule of meditating a minimum of two and a half hours daily on the inner Light (doing the simran practice) and meditating on the inner Sound (doing the bhajan practice). The more time spent in meditation, the more we will witness magnificent inner vistas and enjoy the enchanting inner Music. We would travel on this current of Light and Sound through higher regions until we merge in God. Developing ethical virtues keeps us evergreen. Our soul would have the purity to enter the realms of God. We would keep the introspection diary to weed out those failures that keep us from finding God and develop the virtues of nonviolence, truthfulness, purity, humility, and selflessness. Doing selfless service keeps us evergreen. During the time we serve selflessly, we are not creating more karma for ourselves and we become receptive to the Divine flowing through us. In this way, we engage in activities that focus our attention on God, keep our ego and negative thoughts at bay, and aid us in returning to the Lord. Attending satsang keeps us evergreen. We imbibe the spiritual teachings through talks, books, audio and video presentations, and from the spiritual radiation flowing from the Master in that charged atmosphere. Whether attending satsang in the physical presence of the Master or thousands of miles away, the Master’s charged attention flows to us and gives us a spiritual boost so when we meditate we soar within faster. Having love for God, all humanity, all living creatures, and the earth keeps us evergreen. Love for God draws our soul back to the Divine. Love for all humanity means we care for and serve others, even those different from us, thereby making the world a loving, peaceful place. Love for all living creatures means we follow a vegetarian diet, avoiding meat, fish, fowl, and eggs, for we recognize them as also children of the One Creator. Love for the earth means “going green” so that the resources gifted to us by God can be sustained and everyone can avail of them, whether living now or in posterity. This year, if we make our one most important resolution to “Be evergreen in 2013,” all other resolutions are contained within it. Then, we will have one point of focus and can accelerate our progress to reuniting our soul with God in this lifetime.

Yours affectionately, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013 TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013 TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 5-11, 2013