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July 2016 Vol 7, Issue 7 American Telugu Association Convention in Chicago

ATA Board: Iftekhar Shareef, ATA president Sudhaker Perikari along with Executive board and different committee chairs and co-chair . July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 2 To all the Readers and Sponsors of www.Asia Times US July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 3 Asia Times US Mohammed Noor Rahman ISSN 2159-9645 Sheikh new consul general in Editor-in-Chief Vacant Publisher JEDDAH: Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh assumed charge as Azeem A. Quadeer, P.E. ’s next consul general in Jeddah EditorAsiaTimes He was given a sendoff by his colleagues in New York where he was @gmail.com first secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the . “I am happy to be back in Jeddah,” he told Arab News. “I am Finance and Marketing looking forward to serving the Indian community and the Indian Chief pilgrims.” Madam Sheela Sheikh’s predecessor B.S. Mubarak has returned to New . MadamSheela1@gmail. Sheikh served previously in Jeddah as deputy consul general and com Haj consul before moving to New York. He has returned to a city with which he is familiar and in which he is comfortable. Chairman Just as his predecessor, Sheikh is down-to-earth and enjoys good Board of Directors rapport with the large Indian community in and around Jeddah. Vacant A native of Imphal in Manipur, Sheikh is a product of the famed (2004 batch). Diplomacy is his second love Directors (6) with his first being the National Defense Academy (NDA). Vacant “I look forward to receiving support and cooperation from the community in carrying out my duties,” he said in his first comments Advertisements on Sunday. The Jeddah position is critically important for India’s MadamSheela1@gmail. Ministry of External Affairs since it has the responsibility of arrang- com ing facilities for the nearly 200,000 Indians who come for Haj every year. Asia Times US is There are nearly three million Indians in . Of that published monthly number, a good portion is in Makkah Region where Jeddah is the Copyright 2016 main city. All rights reserved as to A number of former diplomats posted in Jeddah have gone on to the entire content assume important diplomatic positions for India. Prominent among them are Syed Akbaruddin, who is now India’s ambassador to the Asia Times US does not United Nations, and Dr. Ausaf Sayeed who is India’s consul general necessarily in Chicago. endorse views Talmiz Ahmad, who served as both consul general in Jeddah and expressed by the authors as ambassador in and who has now retired, is considered in the their articles one of the most outstanding Indian authorities on Middle Eastern affairs. US Times Asia [email protected] for FREE Subscription Email to: Email to: FREE Subscription for

July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 4 We miss you Amjad Sabri Amjad Sabri, who has been shot dead in aged 45, was one of ’s most famous singers; a master of , a form of Islamic devotional music, he gained a following throughout South Asia, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, and among diaspora communities from the subcontinent.

Qawwali music is derived from , a mystical branch of which has numerous followers in Pakistan and which is based on a philosophy of tolerance and peace. The early Muslim preachers who came to the Indian subcontinent tended to assimilate with the local culture, and created a more colourful version of Islam, embracing art, music and dance, which contrasts with the puritanical creed of today’s Taliban.

Qawwali involves the repetitive and intensely emotional singing of spiritual poetry, usually in praise of Allah, or of Muslim teachers and saints. Songs often convey a relationship between the singer and God that is intensely personal, almost as if they are lovers. The singing is ac- companied by a portable harmonium and a tabla, a sort of drum. Performances of qawwali often involve the audi- ence clapping and swaying in time to the music. Azeem A. Quadeer of Asia Times, Dr Siraj Ahmed and Shaheed Amjad Sabri at a live concert in Chicago Born in Karachi on December 23 1970, Amjad Farid Sabri hailed from a long line of qawwali singers. His father, Ghulam Farid Sabri, and uncle, Maqbool Ahmed Sabri, had risen to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, when they reworked the traditional style of qawwali and also introduced the genre to the west, becoming the first qaw- wali singers to tour America. The family traces its musical lineage to the 16th century, claiming to be direct descen- dants of Mian Tansen, a famous musician at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great.

The family migrated to Pakistan in 1947, since when it has been based in Karachi.

Amjad Sabri Amjad Sabri CREDIT: AFP/GETTY IMAGES Amjad Sabri carried on the tradition established by his father and uncle, travelling widely to India, America and Europe, and becoming known as the “rock star” of qaw- wali due to the contemporary touches he added to the songs. such as Bhar do jholi and Taajdar-e-Ha- ram, which he performed at shows in India and Pakistan, became popular hits. In recent years, however, Sufi followers in Pakistan (and further afield in countries such as Bangladesh) have been targeted by the more militant forms of Islam that have gained a foothold. Sufi shrines and gatherings have been bombed, including, in 2010, the shrine of the Sufi saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Karachi. The same year an attack by the Taliban on the famous Data Darbar shrine in the eastern city of Lahore left 42 people dead.

Sabri appears to have become a target of the militants in 2014 when the High Court in Islamabad, responding to a petition filed by a group linked to the city’s hardline Red Mosque, issued a notice of blasphemy to two private television channels which had played a qawwali, sung by Sabri, that referred to the Prophet Mohammed, during a morning show. Sabri was named in the complaint.

Sabri was travelling by car to a television studio in Karachi when he and a companion were fired upon by two gunmen riding a motorcycle, leaving them critically injured.

The Hakimullah Mehsud faction, a splinter group of the Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the murder, a spokesman for the outfit explaining that it killed Sabri because he was a “blasphemer”.

He is survived by his wife and five children.

Amjad Sabri, born December 23 1970, died June 22 2016

July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 5

DALLAS-HOUSTON PAGES DALLAS-HOUSTON PAGES DALLAS-HOUSTON PAGES Change of Passport Outsourcing Service Provider in Consulate General of India Houston The existing India Passport Application Centre in will be returned to the applicants by Consulate General Houston, which is operated by M/s BLS International Monday to Friday except holidays of India, Houston. Services Limited [Address: BLS India Passport, USA, Submission of passport applications: 0900 hrs. Applicants are advised to check tracking status of their 9800 Northwest Fwy, Suite 602, Houston, TX- 77092; – 1530 hrs. applications on BLS website. website: http://www.blsindia-usa.com/; Email: Hous- Collection of processed passports: 1530 hrs. – BLS will also inform all those applicants by email [email protected]; Helpline: +18459990726] 1800 hrs. whose renewed passports will be returned directly by Call Centre and Information Desk: 0900 hrs. – the Consulate. In such cases, renewed passports will 2. Consulate General of India, Houston will accept 1900 hrs. be available for walk-in collection at the Consulate passport applications through the new India Passport 3. Transition Arrangements: During the transition [4300 Scotland Street, Houston, Texas 77007] or will be Application Centre (IPAC) in Houston, which will of outsourcing services from M/s BLS International dispatched by post, where the applicant has chosen for be operated by M/s Cox and Kings Global Services. Services Limited (BLS) to M/s Cox and Kings Global postal delivery. A service fee of US$ 19.95 (inclusive of all taxes) per Services(CKGS), acceptance of passport applications 5. All applicants who have submitted their pass- application will be charged at the IPAC in addition to and return of processed passports will be handled as port applications to BLS IPAC are advised to check applicable passport fees. follows: status of their application on the BLS website and make immediate arrangements to pick up their renewed Details of new IPAC in Houston BLS will not accept any postal application after 22 April passports from BLS, if they are now available at the 2016 (Friday). BLS IPAC. Address: Only postal applications post-marked on or before 22 April 2016 will be accepted by BLS. 6. In order to avoid any inconvenience, applicants India Passport Application Centre BLS will not accept regular walk-in/appointment ap- who are not in immediate need for renewal of their Cox and Kings Global Services plications after 29 April 2016 (Friday). passports are advised to submit their passport applica- Suite No. 220, 1001 Texas Avenue, BLS will only accept Tatkal walk-in/appointment ap- tions to the new IPAC on or after Monday, 9 May 2016. plications from 2 May 2016 (Monday) to 6 May 2016 However, applicants may take care that their postal ap- Binz Building, Houston TX 77002 (Friday). plications do not reach CKGS IPAC before 9 May 2016. 4. Return of processed passports: Website: www.passport.in.ckgs.us* 7. For further information / clarification, appli- Renewed passports for all passport applications ac- cants may send an email to the Consulate General of * CKGS website containing contact details including cepted by BLS will be returned to applicants by BLS India, Houston at [email protected] with

telephone and Email will be operational with effect through walk-in collection or through postal dispatch, subject head “Transition”. from Monday, 2 May 2016. where the applicant has chosen for postal delivery. For passport applications under processing at the Con- Timings: sulate during the transition period, renewed passports

Summer Tips - How to keep your home DALLAS-HOUSTON PAGES cool and save money Hot weather has already arrived. In Texas, setting about 4 degrees cooling and heating accounts for as much as without discomfort. 40 percent of annual home energy expenses. Take Care of Texas offers the following easy Limit the heat from ways to keep your home cooler, helping you to your appliances. Cook save money and keep our air clean. outdoors on the grill, and try not to use the Use a programmable thermostat. Or adjust dishwasher, washer, and your thermostat during overnight hours or dryer during the heat of when no one is home. Try setting it to 78 the day. degrees or warmer in the summer. Setting it to 7-10 degrees higher than you normally would Move lamps, TVs, and for 8 hours a day can reduce is energy con- other appliances away sumption as much as 10 percent. from the thermostat. The extra heat they produce Maintain your air conditioner. A properly can cause the air condi- functioning air conditioner is an efficient tioner to run longer. day to block direct sunlight. one. Replace filters every month or two dur- ing the cooling season. And that big hunk of Install efficient lighting. It runs cooler. Only Weatherize your home. Find air leaks and seal metal outside? That’s the evaporator coil. It about 10 percent of the electricity that incan- them with caulk and weather stripping. needs plenty of airflow, so clean it once a year. descent lights consume results in light — the Remove debris and trim foliage too, leaving at rest is turned into heat. Seal your heating and cooling ducts. Leaky least two feet of space around it. ducts can reduce your system’s efficiency by as Plant shade trees and install window blinds. much as 20 percent. Start by sealing ducts that You can also take the burden off your air con- With less sunlight shining on your house, the run through the attic, crawlspace, or garage ditioner by using other methods to keep the internal temperature can decrease by three to using duct sealant or foil tape. Then wrap the heat down in your home: six degrees in the summer and save up to 25 ducts in insulation to keep them from getting Use ceiling fans. They circulate the air in the percent in cooling costs. Use energy-efficient hot house and allow you to raise the thermostat window treatments and close them during the

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DALLAS-HOUSTON PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 8 Iftekhar Shareef receiving leaders for ATA Conference in Chicago

Nizamabad MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha, at the Chi- G.Malikarjun Rao (GMR ) of GMR group chair- Madhu Yashki former Member of Parliament cago Airport with her mother Mrs Shoba KCR man Nizamabad, TS

Honourable Union Minister of India Shri Ven- Governor of State of Illinois Honorable Bruce A P Jitender Reddy member of parliament maha- kiah Naidu Garu Rauner at boobnager, TS

Member of Parliament from Malkajgiri constitu- Telengana Home Minister N Narsimha Reddy ency , Hyderabad , MR Malla Reddy of Malla Garu Reddy group of colleges .

Kadium Sri Hari Deputy Chief Minister Chief Justice of AP high court L Narsimha Reddy Dr Keshav Rao Member of parliament and gen- Telangana State eral secretary TRS CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 9

We wish you CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 10 Shreejidwar Haveli Celebrates 8th Patotsav Traditional way Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Memorial Day weekend was memorialized in Addison, IL “ Pushti” way. 8th Patotsava( Anniver- sary) of Vaishnav samaj of Midwest was celebrated in a Grand way with jam-packed faithfuls under the auspi- cious presence of HDH Shasthpithadishwar Goswami 108 Shree Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree at the Haveli. 4 day Ashtasakha Festivities were about remember- ing the contribution of 8 close desciples of the Pushti- marg founder Vallabhacharya-Kumbhandas, Surdas, Krishnadas,Parmanand Dass, and his son Gusaiji-Givinds wami,Chhitswami,Chaturbhujdas,Nanddas.

Pustimarg was founded by Shri Vallabhacharya around 1500 AD with two main principles. 1. Monoism: God and Human being are not two different entities-God is in everybody. 2. Life is not Mithya(Mistake)- It is a gift-live it wisely. Some of the important aspects of Pushtimarg is 1. Raag( Playing and Hearing Haveli music), Bhog( offering pure vegetarian saatvik food to Lord -Shrinathji) and Shringar( Decorating deity of ShriNathji with beautiful clothes and jewelry according to the season).

There were 4 Beautiful manoraths-Darshans 1. Rang Mahal 2. Vivah Khel 3. Pushpa Vitan 4. Ashta Sakha Darbar prepared by tireless volunteers. Exceptional food visits. was provided by Uru-Swati and served by Food commit- Friday 18th. July 2014 the ground breaking ceremony for tee volunteers. Haveli expansion took place in the auspicious presence of More than 1,000 devotees from Chicago land and Mid- Pa. Pu. Go. Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran west participated in the event. Youth had become the Sunday May29, 2016 HDH Shasthpithadishwar shree -Kandivali) with blessing of JiJi -Shri Indira Betiji. Haveli volunteers and shouldered the responsibilities of Event Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree 50th Birthday was celebrated is under major expansion in up-coming months. VSM ap- Planning, Parking, Food, Darshan Management, etc. Dev- by temple devotees with wishes to continue guide Vaish- peals all to participate and visit Haveli and enjoy beautiful otees praised the excellent management of every activity. navs for long. There was Garba and an entertainment pro- Darshans offered. Visit the web-site at www. Shreejidwar. Ample parking was facilitated by dedicated volunteers in gram of classical held during 4 days celebration. org and know future festivities and upcoming Vallabhkul sunny heat. July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 11 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES (630) 400-2549

Shahid Lateef

Zakaah on Gold & Silver that is intended for use

The scholars are agreed that Zakaah is obligatory on rated by Abu Dawood, al-Nasaa’i and al-Tirmidhi from on them?’ I said, ‘No’ or ‘Whatever Allaah wills.’ He said, gold silver & jewellery, if it reaches the nisaab (amount ‘Amr ibn Shu’ayb from his father from his grandfather, ‘This would be enough to take you to Hell.’” (Narrated by of wealth at which zakaah becomes obligatory), or if the (who said) that a woman came to the Prophet (peace and Abu Dawood, 2/213, no. 1565 – this version was narrated owner possesses enough gold, silver and trade goods to blessings of Allaah be upon him) with her daughter, on by him; al-Daaraqutni, 2/105, 106; al-Haakim, 1/389-390; complete the nisaab – because of the general meaning of whose hands were two heavy bracelets of gold. He said al-Bayhaqi, 4/139) the Quran & ahaadeeth which states that zakaah is obliga- to her, “Do you pay zakaah on these?” She said, “No.” He tory on gold and silver. said, “Would you like Allaah to replace them for you with It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “I used to wear bracelets of fire on the Day of Resurrection?” jewellery of gold, and I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, “And those who hoard up gold and silver (Al‑Kanz: the is this kanz (money, the Zakaah of which has not been money, the Zakaah of which has not been paid) and spend So she took them off and gave them to the Prophet (peace paid, cf. al-Tawbah 9:34)?’ He said, ‘Whatever reaches the them not in the way of Allaah, announce unto them a and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said, ‘These amount at which zakaah is obligatory, then pay the za- painful torment” [al-Tawbah 9:34 are for Allaah and His Messenger.’” (Narrated by Ahmad, kaah. ’” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2/212-213, no. 1564; 2/178, 204, 208; Abu Dawood, 2/212, no. 1563; al-Tir- al-Daaraqutni, 2/105; al-Haakim, 1/390; al-Bayhaqi, 4/83, Al-Qurtubi said, in his tafseer of this aayah: “Ibn ‘Umar midhi, 3/29-30, no. 637; al-Nasaa’i, 5/38, no. 2479, 2480; 140). explained the meaning of this in Saheeh al-Bukhaari, al-Daaraqutni, 2/112; Ibn Abi Shaybah, 3/153; Abu when a said to him, ‘Tell me about the aayah ‘Ubayd in al-Amwaal, p. 537, no. 1260 (Harraas edn.); There is no saheeh hadeeth which excludes jewellery. The (interpreation of the meaning), “And those who hoard al-Bayhaqi, 4/140). ahaadeeth of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas, ‘Aa’ishah up gold and silver.”’ Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘(It means) the one and Umm Salamah quoted above mention this, and these who stockpiles them and does not pay zakaah on them It was narrated by Abu Dawood in his Sunan, al-Haakim are jayyid ahaadeeth with no valid criticism concerning – woe to him. This was before (the order to pay) zakaah in al-Mustadrakand al-Daaraqutni and al-Bayhaqi in their isnaads, so we should act upon them. on them was revealed, and when it was revealed, Allaah their Sunans that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with made it a means of purification of wealth.’” (Narrated by her) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings And Allah knows best. al-Bukhaari, 2/111,ta’leeqan; 5/204, also ta’leeqan. Ibn of Allaah be upon him) entered upon me and saw on my Maajah, 1/569-570, no. 1787. Al-Bayhaqi, 4/82). hands rings of silver. He said, ‘What is this, O ‘Aa’ishah?’ https://islamqa.info/en/19901 I said, ‘I had them made so that I could adorn myself for Other ahaadeeth also imply this, such as the hadeeth nar- you, O Messenger of Allaah.’ He said, ‘Do you pay zakaah Asia Times US

for FREE Subscription Email to: FREE FREE [email protected] CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 12 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 13 Sikh American Community of Chicago holds prayers and interfaith candlelight vigil for Orlando shooting victims Palatine, IL: In remembrance of the forty in the Punjabi language. nine victims and 53 injured, in one of the worst recent mass shootings in Ameri- Marcus Hamilton, who works with a lo- can history, at the Pulse Night Club in cal nonprofit, Youth Outlook, that offers Orlando Florida, on June 12, 2016, the counseling to LGBTQ children from 11 to Sikh Religious Society in Palatine, Illinois 20 years old, holding back tears, said that organized a prayer service and candlelight as a gay man, he lost a piece of himself vigil. after the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12. Despite a rainy forecast, over 200 attendees gathered, comprising members of the local “It was an attack on Muslims, it was an at- Sikh community, neighbors, and interfaith tack on Sikhs, it was an attack on Chris- groups. tians,” Hamilton said. “It was an attack on people of good will everywhere.” The event started with (singing of Sikh hymns) in the congregation hall of The Sikh community has fresh memories the Palatine Gurdwara (Sikh place of wor- of deadly hate and violence. In 2012, a ship). One hymn translated for the attend- man with connections to white suprema- ees on projection screen, read, “We are all cists, shot and killed six worshippers at a born with the same divine light, then who Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is good and who is bad?”. which several speakers referred to during the evening. Eight speakers, representing the Sikh, LGBTQ, Muslim, mental health care, and There also were several calls to action to gun violence prevention communities, ad- the large interfaith crowd who attended dressed the standing room only gathering. the vigil.

Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra welcomed the “We cannot pray away the violence, the guests and urged the attendees to donate shootings, the injustice and inhumanity. to known charities or groups supporting Let’s honor their lives through action.” said are here means that you care,” Maria Pike the families and friends of the victims. Gaurav Singh, who emceed the program. told the large crowd. “It means that we are All the participants of the event were on e .” invited to share “langar” the community “This gathering is against hate and vio- “The origins of were based on kitchen vegetarian meal. lence and for respect to all human life”, activism against tyranny and hate, and Parminder Singh Mann, wanting to bring said Rajinder Singh Mago, who outlined standing up for truth and justice, not only ownership and action beyond the vigils, Special arrangements were made for the the purpose of the gathering and intro- for themselves, but also for others,” said asked the gathering, “Are we authentic in Muslim guests for their prayers (Namaaz) duced Gaurav Singh who emceed the Satnaam Singh Mago. feeling the pain? Can we make it our own? and breaking their Roza (Ramadan fast) program. Is it another community’s [pain]?” He em- with water and dates before partaking Narrating the story of a school friend phasized the Sikh teaching begins with the “langar” at the Sikh Gurdwara. Surinder Kaur Nand M.D., a psychiatrist, Lucio, who was a regular at Pulse club in numeral one, to signify the inherent unity Nancy Mullen-Executive Director Youth Orlando until about a month prior to this of not just mankind, but all there is. “Beautiful is the tapestry of our nation Outlook, Marcus Hamilton a counselor tragedy, Satnaam Singh Mago said, “We United for the right to life, freedom and at Youth Outlook, Satnaam Singh Mago are all connected in sorrow and determi- Standing in solidarity against hatred and the pursuit of happiness. We break bread, a Sikh Youth Outreach volunteer, Azam nation to end racial and hate violence in violence, a moment of silence was ob- share in community the best of human- Nizamuddin interfaith representative our communities.” served to honor the dead. ity and decry the worst by honoring with from Villa Park mosque, Parminder Singh action. LOVE wins,” posted Maria Pike on Mann, a Sikh youth activist, Maria Pike of Maria Pike, a Chicago woman represent- After the candlelight vigil, which included her Facebook after attending the vigil. Every Town Moms against Guns, Moham- ing gun control advocacy group, “Every a reading of the names of the 49 victims by mad Sarwar Nasir president of Muslim Town For Gun Sense and Moms Demand Jasvir Kaur and Jagjinder Singh, every- The event was coordinated by Rajinder Community Center (MCC) Chicago, Action,” said the day her son was killed one sat down on the ground as a sign of Singh Mago, Sarwan Singh Raju, Jasvir shared their perspectives and emphasized outside his apartment in Logan Square support to lawmakers in Washington DC, Kaur Singh, Parminder Singh Mann, cohesiveness and strength in respecting Chicago in 2012 was the day she became who staged a sit-in on the House floor on Satnaam Singh Mago, Gaurav Singh, and and accepting diversity. an activist. the same day June 22. Balwant Singh Hansra for the Sikh Reli- gious Society, Palatine Illinois. “God dwells in every heart,” said Moham- “I’m feeling very humbled by your pres- Sarwan Singh Raju, thanked all the guests, mad Sarwar Nasir, while reciting a couplet ence because I know that the fact that you participants and the organizers. Photos Credit: Kamaljit Singh Virdi

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FREE FREE July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 14 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES Punjab Sports Club of Milwaukee, Midwest First International Kabaddi Cup tournament Final match Royal King USA VS Midwest Asian Media USA © USA. Royal King USA won 1st place and Chicago IL: Punjab Sports Club of Mil- Midwest USA won 2nd place. waukee held its Midwest First Internation- al Kabaddi Cup tournament on Sunday, 1st prize $12000 sponsor by Sukhwinder June 5th 2016 at Gurudwara, 7512 S How- Singh Ghagar family, 2nd prize $10000 ell Ave, Oak Creek, which turned out to be Sponsor by Rakesh Rehan owner of cafe a big festival of fun, food and sports. De- India restaurant, 3rd prize $7500 Spon- spite uncertain whether (extrema windy sor by Daldev Sing Bolla owner of India and cold) in the morning people not only garden and 4th $6000 prize Sponsor by from Chicagoland area but from Indiana, Gurudwara Singh Sabha Silvis Illinois. Ohio, Michigan, Canada, California and

Wisconsin came in large numbers to enjoy Special thanks to Sikh temple of Wiscon- this sports festival. sin committee for their help and Bikramjit

Singh Sekhon (president of Sikh temple of Gurudwara celebrates Mela of Sant Wisconsin) and Jasjit Singh Sidhu. Baba Prem SinghJi Murale Wale 66th

Barsi Smagam with Kirtan Darbar, Katha, Organizers members are Navpreet Singh Langar and open stalls and rides for kids. Multani (Navi), Kanwarvir Singh (Kavi), Over 1000 devotees enjoy Mela and watch Kulwinder Singh (Mintu) Midwest First International Kabaddi Cup and Sandeep Singh (Sunny) Caldwell banker commercial Vicky Va- restaurant catered sweet and food. The tournament. sudeva. food was free and there was no entry fee.

Executive members are Sukhwinder Singh Women also came to see the festival in 1st match Canada east VS Canada west Ghagar, Jaswinder Singh Jassi, Manjit Special thanks to Sikh temple of Wiscon- large numbers. and Canada west won. 2nd match Royal Singh Owner of Bollywood Grill restau- sin committee for their help and Bikramjit King USA VS Midwest USA and Royal rant, Parmjit Singh Sidhu, Rupinder Arora, Singh Sekhon (president of Sikh temple of The event was successful with the generous King USA won. 1 semifinal match Canada Paul Bhatia, Sukhjinder Singh, Mandeep Wisconsin) and Jasjit Singh Sidhu. donation by event sponsors. The sponsors west VS Midwest USA and Midwest USA Kler, Rakesh Rehan and Charnjit Bolla. were recognized and presented plaques. won. 2nd semifinal match Royal King There was lot of free food for the specta- USA VS Canada east and Royal King USA The sports festival was supported by Cafe tors who enjoyed Jalebi and Pakoras along Photographs and Press release by: Asian won. Playing for 3rd and 4th place match India restaurant, India garden restaurant, with Chana masala, Chole, Pratha, Halwa, Media USA Canada east VS Canada west Canada west Bollywood grill restaurant Dal Makhani, Lassi, and Tea. India garden won 3rd place. Canada east got 4th place. Mayor Steve Chirico and Mayor Emeritus George Pradel Presented 2016- Lotus Excellence Awards to students of Indian origin NAPERVILLE, IL June 12th, 2016: Mayor ute to community work in large numbers a lotus flower. The Steve Chirico and Mayor Emeritus George and become part of this great nation. “The lotus plant grows in Pradel presented 2016-Lotus Excellence creation of the NICO Board-Lotus Award muddy water, yet is Awards to students of Indian origin. The was inspired by a singular objective to unaffected by the Lotus Excellence awards are an initiative of recognize and celebrate achievements of filth. To us, lotus is the Indian Community Outreach Board- the Indian-American youth and to encour- an excellent sym- NICO to recognize the achievers in Indian age and inspire the future leaders of our bolic reminder of American community. The Mayor Pradel society”, he added. achieving superior Leadership Award was announced last year Saily Joshi, a NICO Board Member said results despite pres- at the time of his retirement and is given the awards were presented to students who ence of undesirable to a senior with outstanding leadership excelled in the field of Academics, Sports, elements”, Madhur skills. Mayor Chirico was the chief guest at Arts (Visual, Film, Music, Dance, Digi- Kimdi added. the event and addressed the students and tal Arts, Painting, Photography, Poetry, Narayan Tata, parents with best wishes. He was happy to Drama, Theater etc.), Leadership, and a NICO Board see and know that such bright students live Community Service. The cash award of Member said that in his own city of Naperville. He encour- $500 was presented to multiple recipients art washes away achievements. Miss Gupta received the aged youth to take part in extracurricular in each award category. Eligible Students from the soul the dust of everyday life. A first Mayor Pradel Award for Leadership. activities and said that he was so proud of came from District 203, District 204, true artist finds his medium and expresses Nihal Dantluri and Anvita Hariharan were these young bright minds. IMSA and home-schooled children. Ms. oneself so fluently that other mere mortals awarded in the Art’s Category, and Muru- Joshi went on to mention the importance are gan Narayanan and Yash Agarwal were Mayor Emeritus, Pradel was the guest of of recognizing students for all these disci- awarded in the academic achievement. honor and has always been a supporter of plines and not just academic achievement. mesmerized by their creativity and result- A large number of people attended the NICO Board and their projects. He com- “It is important to encourage our next gen- ing art. Art in its purest form gives the event which included board members, mended the students for their hard work eration to excel in fields that are traditional human soul a voice for freedom of expres- Naperville community leaders, and and encouraged them to keep following to our community”, she added. sion. The lotus flower is thought to be one supporters from the Indian community. their passion and dreams. of nature’s purest symbol of creation. A Those who are interested in having more Krishna Bansal, Chairman of the NICO Madhur Limdi, a NICO Board Member true student of art is one who has devoted information, ma lease visit NICO Board’s welcomed the guest and said: “The pri- said: “In the Indian culture a Lotus flower oneself to a medium, allowing room for website- www.napervilleindian.com mary mission of NICO is to embrace, pre- is associated with many divine beings; you mistakes, learning from each resulting serve, and promote the Cultural Heritage all must have seen the image of Goddess expression, and continuously seeking to Krishna Bansal, and contributions of Indian-Americans seated on a lotus flower, while improve in their journey to find the win- Chairman, while educating them to get involved with showering wealth on her devotes. It is said dow to their soul. Naperville Indian Community Outreach the City of Naperville”. Krishna Bansal ad- in our ancient text, the , that Brah- “Awards of Excellence” were presented to Contact no +1 630-300-0345. vised students of Indian origin to contrib- ma created the universe while seated on Binita Gupta for her Leadership & overall July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 15 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES Sialkot-Blolingbrook to be sister cities Lahore - Sialkot and a city of USA Boling- Industry. the proposed text of the agreement will be of the DCO Sialkot, has ensured complete brook, both business hubs, will become The signing ceremony has been resched- prepared and naming of a street in Sialkot support. sister cities in June, as formal procedures uled to 28th June 2016 which was earlier as Bolingbrook, in consultation with pro- have been completed, it was learnt on 24th June. vincial and district governments. He hoped the agreement would help Friday. improve business ties and create further Official sources in the Punjab government The Punjab government would formally synergies for cooperation. Moreover, the Bolingbrook has also identi- told this scribe the mission’s initiative forward a summary to the Chief Minister Official sources further informed this fied a street to be named as “Sialkot Street” of connecting Sialkot and Bolingbrook Shahbaz Sharif and after his approval, the reporter that Bolingbrook and Sialkot have in reciprocation. through Sister City Engagement has been process will be completed. many areas of convergence in addition to well received by all quarters. their beaming and talented populations. A summary in this regard was forwarded The Council General of Pakistan Chi- to the Punjab Chief Minister Mian Sheh- The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, cago, USA has already made it clear that Bolingbrook has a population of around baz Sharif for final approval of the delega- the District Coordinator Officer (DCO) Bolingbrook, being an industrial city, with 80,000 comprising 25,000 Pakistanis. tion to be sent to the USA. Sialkot has also conveyed their willingness a sizable representation of the Pakistani The Mayor of Bolingbrook is a well re- After the nod of the CM, a delegation will to go ahead with this relationship. community appears to hold great promise vered friend of the Pakistani community. fly to the US to sign the agreement. in Sialkot-Bolingbrook partnership. Bolingbrook is the 17th largest incorpo- The Sister City agreement could open up Ever since his assumption of the Mayor’s The delegation recommended by the rated place in Illinois and is a suburb of new vistas of cooperation. office, Bolingbrook is regularly holding a Punjab government would comprise rep- Chicago. flag hoisting ceremony on 14th August for resentatives of the CM office, DCO Sialkot The President Chamber of Commerce and the last 23 years, sources held. and president chamber of commerce and After concurrence of both of the sides, Industry Sialkot, supporting the proposal MAB Weekend School Holds Awards Recognition and Graduation Ceremony Asian Media USA © Bolingbrook, IL: The Muslim Association of Bolingbrook (MAB) held its annual Awards Recognition and Gradu- ation Ceremony for the Weekend Sunday School on the field of Masjid Al-Jumu’ah, located at 351 Veterans Pkwy, Bolingbrook, IL.

The ceremony, among other things, was an occasion to remember to legacy of Muslim boxer Muhammad Ali, who passed away recently. Students were encouraged with words of wisdom and reminisced upon his legacy of having a character of excellence and being known for his strong conviction of promoting peace in being a strong and devout follower of Islam.

The ceremony consisted of perfect attendance awards and top 3 class rankings per class. There were a total of 9 stu- dents who ended up receiving their graduation diplomas from the program. Perfect attendance awards were given away by the President of the Valley View 365U School District, Steve Quigley. The MAB Weekend School goes from KG through 11th grade. Upon graduation, there is a teacher’s mentorship program for students which encour- ages them to become part of the volunteer teaching staff as they enter college.

The MAB Board President, Anwaarullah Khan, who spoke on the occasion, said: “Dr. Taqi Taher, Chairman of the MAB Weekend School, and Mohammed Ziaud- din, school Principal, have done a phenomenal job in helping take the MAB Sunday School to the next level.” become a model of excellence. “Do your best in all that neering at the College of Engineering and Information He lauded the contribution of Dr. Taher in developing you do,” he added. Sciences, DeVry University, who was the keynote speaker, a curriculum, which enables the students not only to congratulated the students on achieving an important learn basic tenets of the Islamic faith but also to build Steve Quigley also paid rich tributes to the initiatives of milestone in the pursuit of knowledge. He highlighted good character and thereby become exceptional Muslim- the MAB Weekend School which not only helps with that education is one of the best gifts parents can offer to American Citizens. Dr. Taher has been volunteering his strengthening the engagement of the community but also their children and said: “Good education enables mem- services in helping to establish weekend schools through- demonstrates a model of excellence for students to help bers of society to distinguish good from bad, and thus out the Chicagoland area since the 1980’s. He has a PhD foster lifelong friendships and build a solid understanding provides them with a moral compass”, he added. in Education from Northern Illinois University and is the of what giving back to the community entails. curriculum lead for the program. The MAB Weekend School has almost 250 students and Steve Quigley appreciated the volunteers of the school for 70 volunteers. The school runs closely in parallel with the Upon the distribution of the awards to the students, the helping with their time, effort, and dedication in building academic school calendar year and will resume after the President of the Valley View 365U School District, Steve morale and motivation among the students to turn out to Labor Day holiday weekend. The school has been opera- Quigley said: “Perfect attendance is fantastic in every- be excellent students. tional since the late 1990’s, and enrollment has gone up thing you do in your lives. You must show up at school four times the number of students in the past two years. and at work as everything that you missed cannot be Steve Quigley has been a member of the VVSD Board of Families are starting to move closer to the Mosque to made up. It is a great honor and prestige to have the per- Education since 2007, and has served as President since take advantage of the School and other programs offered fect attendance award. Thank your parents as you are the 2009 and is extremely active in the community, volunteer- under the MAB umbrella. ones who drove your children here every day. You are the ing his time as a youth sports coach and participating in ones who encourage your children to take part in sports many activities with local non-profit organizations. For more information about MAB programs, visit www. or any extra-curricular activities”. He urged the students bolingbrookmasjid.com or follow them on Face Book. to be respectful to their parents as they help them to Dr. Ahmed Shahzad Khan, Professor of Electrical Engi- July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 16 Narasimha Rao’s negative works still extract heavy toll: Ansari “Two sections of the book would invite : Vice President Hamid Ansari commentary. These relate to the manage- on Monday hailed former Prime Minister ment of Parliament and to the demolition P. V. Narasimha Rao for initiating basic of Babri Masjid,” Ansari said. changes in the economy with his policies of 1991 but also maintained that while his “The first was a nightmare by any stan- “good” works have lived on and “changed” dard. The Congress was around 10 seats the country, the “harm” continues to ex- short of a majority. The opposition was tract a heavy toll. split between a right-wing BJP and a left- wing National Front. The Prime Minister “The good that Narasimha Rao did to the was perceived to be weak; so his focus was country lives after him and has changed on wide ranging consultations with the the very surroundings in which we live opposition to ascertain issues and seek a and work; the harm too lives on and consensus on the parliamentary agenda.” continues to extract a heavy toll,” Ansari said while releasing a new book “Half Lion Ansari also referred to the controversy of – How P V Narasimha Rao Transformed horse trading that almost stuck to the Rao India” penned by Vinay Sitapati. regime and later precipitated as a major legal wrangle. blame this on the circumstances prevail- senior journalist Shekhar Gupta, foreign On the demolition of Babri mosque, An- ing then and the unwillingness by Rao to policy analyst C Raja Mohan and political cited the book’s assessment in which “The nemesis came with the trust vote of take a decision about imposing President’s scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta. Sitapati says: “Rao wanted to protect the July 26, 1992. Survival at all cost was the Rule. mosque and protect Hindu sentiments government’s objective. Unethical tactics In his remarks, senior Congress leader and protect himself. He ended up with the were resorted to; these were eventually On this Ansari further said the conclu- Mani Shankar Aiyar attributed Rao’s “pro- mosque destroyed, un-attracted to also found to be beyond the pale of law. sion is unavoidable that the hesitation to Hindu mindset” encouraged the destruc- the Congress, and his own reputation in The author’s judgement is unequivocal: aIt act was propelled by political, rather than tion of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya while tatters.” was the worst political decision of Nara- constitutional considerations. Natwar Singh described the Babri Masjid simha Rao’s career,” he said in a reference demolition on December 6, 1992, as “the to the alleged On economic policies and bringing in biggest failure” of Rao. JMM MPs economic reforms with Manmohan Singh bribery scan- as the Union Finance Minister, Ansari Aiyar, in his brief intervention also said: dal. however said: “The crisis of 1991 was the “We tried to persuade the Prime Minister catalyst. To him (Rao) goes the credit to wake up to the danger” but added that On Babri for grasping the opportunity, for making Rao declined to do so. demolition, commendable judgements on selection maintaining of personnel, and for manoeuvring the “Rao was completely convinced that by that there is changes very deftly through the shoals and talking to the and saints he could no question rapids of a divided polity.” solve the problem,” he said. that Rao made the wrong de- There was a panel discussion that followed –IANS cision, Sitapati the book release which was addressed had tried to by former Union minister Natwar Singh, Syrian refugee praised after handing in €50,000 he found hidden in donated wardrobe A Syrian refugee has been hailed a “hero” plary fashion and deserves major credit,” a in Germany after he handed €50,000 police spokesman said. (£41,000) cash he found hidden in a ward- robe over to the authorities. “It’s quite often the case that someone finds a smaller amount of cash and hands The 25-year-old, named by German it in to the police. But for it to happen with tabloid Bild as Muhannad M, found the such a large sum is absolutely exceptional.” money in a wardrobe he was given by a charity after being granted asylum in Muhannad found the money between two Germany. shelves as he was reassembling the ward- robe, which he was given by a charity to But instead of pocketing the cash, which help furnish the flat where he is staying. could have transformed his life, he handed it in to the authorities in Minden near The cash was in €500 (£410) notes, the Hannover, the small town where he has highest Euro denomination, which the been staying after fleeing from the war- European Central Bank is planning to torn Syrian city of Homs last year. phase out over fears it is mainly used by organised crime. finder’s reward of 3 per cent of the total As well as €50,000 in cash, Muhannad also “But Allah would never allow it, to finance sum, or €4,500 if the savings books are found savings accounts books worth more Muhannad said he had never seen such your own interests with someone else’s included. than €100,000 high-value notes before, and checked on property,” he said. As well as €50,000 in cash, Muhannad also the internet to see if the money was real. Despite its advanced economy, Germany found savings accounts books worth more When he discovered it was real, he handed remains one of the most cash-dependent than €100,000 Allah would never allow it, to finance your it in at the town’s office for foreigners, countries in the world. Most Germans still “For the police and the town he is the hero own interests with someone else’s property where staff passed it on to the police. pay for most purchases in cash, and there of the day,” the local police said in a state- Syrian refugee Muhannad M is nothing unusual about people carrying ment. He told Bild the money would have en- Investigations are now underway to large sums. abled him to bring his two younger broth- find the money’s rightful owner. Under “This young man has behaved in an exem- ers to Germany if he had kept it. German law, Muhannad is entitled to a July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 17 CAIR Calls for Unity Against SIS

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the regional stability, without which a defeated ISIS will nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy orga- be replaced by another extremist group feeding off the nization, today called for unity against ISIS following a death and destruction we witness daily.” series of deadly attacks apparently carried out or inspired Awad recommended the use of the hashtag StopCallin- by that terror group in Turkey, Iraq, Bangladesh and gISISIslamic for other individuals and groups to offer Saudi Arabia. similar statements against the ISIS terror group. In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad CAIR recently expressed solidarity with the people of Awad said: Turkey following a terror attack in Istanbul that left “We no longer need to make the argument that ISIS is more than 45 people dead and many more injured. acting outside the bounds of Islam. They have clearly American Muslim organizations have consistently and demonstrated that fact by their actions. Over the past two repeatedly condemned terrorism in all its forms. years, these mass murderers have repeatedly attacked in- nocent people without regard to the principles or norms CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and of any belief system. These attacks culminated in yester- advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the day’s bombing outside the Prophet’s Mosque in the holy understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect city of Medina. civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build “We call on world and regional powers to put aside their coalitions that promote justice and mutual understand- differences to defeat these extremists, to remove the ing. brutal Assad dictatorship in Syria and to work to establish ISNA Welcomes Back Dr. Message from CAIR Tariq Ramadan You might remember former presi- anti-Islam groups attacked CAIR As many of you know, Dr. dential candidate Senator Ted Cruz because they want us to cringe and Ramadan sent an open letter to the ISNA leadership a few years (R-Texas). He was the one who be quiet. ago, posing some very important called for America to “patrol and questions to the ISNA leader- secure Muslim neighborhoods.” He Rather than becoming intimidated, ship and Muslim community. wants CAIR to stop challenging his we hired another staff person for Since then, ISNA leadership has un-American proposals. our department to monitor and reached out to Dr. Ramadan and fruitful discussions have combat Islamophobia to further taken place. These discussions When he declined to meet with his increase our capacity and effective- raise important topics about our Muslim constituents in April, we ness during this election year. course moving forward. We feel called him out. that the best place to discuss We are standing up and being these important topics is at a platform like the ISNA Conven- Misusing his power as a Senate vocal. Now is the time for you to tion with the community at large committee chairperson this week, stand and continue to stand for and leading Muslim thought he held a hearing that was in many values, equality, and justice for all leaders. ways a CAIR-bashing session, with pride. perhaps as payback for our strong We look forward to having him and all of you join us at this voice. At the hearing, Islam and CAIR is America’s largest Muslim year’s ISNA Convention, and American Muslims were put on civil liberties and advocacy organi- pray that we have beneficial trial. zation. Its mission is to enhance the discussions and sessions that will understanding of Islam, encour- help steer us to the best course CAIR is not going to be silenced. age dialogue, protect civil liberties, ISNA is excited to welcome back Dr. Tariq for our American Muslim com- Ramadan to our annual ISNA Conven- munity. empower American Muslims, and tion. Dr. Ramadan is an important voice Register When we recently shed light on the build coalitions that promote jus- in the global Muslim community and his U.S. Islamophobia Network and its tice and mutual understanding. contributions and scholarship are well impact with our ground-breaking known far and wide. new report “Confronting Fear,” July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 18 Muslims Are Not Terrorists: A Factual Look at Terrorism and Islam - Omar Alnatour Every time an act of terror or shooting ing to the FBI, 94% of terrorist attacks a Muslim is likely to commit a terrorist dent, we never blame the car manufacturer occurs, Muslims closely watch the news carried out in the United States from 1980 attack during that same timespan. for the violent actions of that driver. This with extreme trepidation praying that the to 2005 have been by non-Muslims. This is because we understand that we cannot suspect is not Muslim. This is not because means that an American terrorist suspect 4. If all Muslims are terrorists, then all blame an entire car company that pro- these terrorists are likely to be Muslim but is over nine times more likely to be a Muslims are peacemakers: The same sta- duces millions of safe vehicles just because rather because in the instances where they non-Muslim than a Muslim. According to tistical assumptions being used to falsely one of their cars was hijacked by a reckless happen to be, we see amplified mass media this same report, there were more Jewish portray Muslims as violent people can be person who used it to cause harm. So coverage and extreme unjustified hatred acts of terrorism in the United States than used more accurately to portray Muslims what right do we have to blame an entire towards Muslims. Islamic, yet when was the last time we as peaceful people. If all Muslims are ter- religion of over 1.6 Billion peaceful people heard about the threat of Jewish terrorism rorists because a single digit percentage of because of the actions of a relatively insig- As a Muslim, I am tired of condemn- in the media? For the same exact reasons terrorists happen to be Muslim, then all nificant few? ing terrorist attacks being carried out by that we cannot blame the entire religion Muslims are peacemakers because 5 out of inherently violent people who hijack my of or for the violent the past 12 Nobel Peace Prize winners (42 I will not deny that terrorism is a real religion. I am tired of condemning these actions of those carrying out crimes under percent) have been Muslims. threat, it definitely is. However, it is ex- attacks to people who are calm and apa- the names of these religions, we have tremely incorrect to associate the words thetic when Muslims are killed by these absolutely no justifiable grounds to blame 5. If you are scared of Muslims then you “Muslim” and “terrorist” when literally all same radicalized terrorists. Muslims for terrorism. should also be scared of household furni- the facts implore you to do otherwise. The ture and toddlers: A study carried out by only way that we as Americans can defeat I am tired of hearing the word “terrorist” 2. Non-Muslims make up the majority of the University of North Carolina showed terrorism at home and across the world not being used when the suspect in a ter- terrorists in Europe: There have been over that less than 0.0002% of Americans killed is by accurately targeting its root causes. rorist attack is a non-Muslim. I am tired one thousand terrorist attacks in Europe since 9/11 were killed by Muslims. (Ironi- There have been 355 mass shootings in the of the “mentally disabled” excuse being in the past five years. Take a guess at what cally, this study was done in Chapel Hill: United States this year and falsely blaming recycled when the suspect in a terrorist percent of those terrorists were Muslim. the same place where a Caucasian non- Muslims for the San Bernardino shooting attack is a Caucasian. I am tired of seeing Wrong, now guess again. It’s less than 2%. Muslim killed three innocent Muslims will do absolutely nothing to address this hundreds of terrorist attacks carried out as the mainstream media brushed this serious problem. It is time that we begin by non-Muslims not get the same coverage 3. Even if all terrorist attacks were carried terrorist attack off as a parking dispute). addressing terrorism on an educated and of even a single terrorist attack where the out by Muslims, you still could not associ- Based on these numbers, and those of factual level. suspect happens to be Muslim. ate terrorism with Islam: There have been the Consumer Product Safety Commis- 140,000 terror attacks committed world- sion, the average American is more likely As an American Muslim, I plead you all Above it all, I am tired of having to repeat- wide since 1970. Even if Muslims carried to be crushed to death by their couch or to deeply consider the facts mentioned edly say that Muslims are not terrorists. It out all of these attacks (which is an absurd television than they are to be killed by a here the next time you see a news headline is time we silence this Islamophobia with assumption given the fact mentioned in Muslim. As a matter of fact, Americans about Muslims and terrorism. Martin Lu- facts. My next five points will prove once my first point), those terrorists would were more likely to be killed by a tod- ther King Jr. once said, “Hate cannot drive and for all that Muslims are not terrorists: represent less than 0.00009 percent of all dler in 2013 than they were by a so-called out hate, only love can do that”. We cannot Muslims. To put things into perspective, “Muslim terrorist”. allow the disparity in media coverage to 1. Non-Muslims make up the majority of this means that you are more likely to be blind us from the facts and turn us into terrorists in the United States: Accord- struck by lightening in your lifetime than When a drunk driver causes a car acci- hateful people, we are smarter than that. July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 19 Muhammed Ali constantly indulge in Zikr (praise of Allah)”; memoirs of a Hyderabadi doctor

Hyderabad: US-based Hyderabadi psychiatrist listened very attentively. He gave everyone who met him Dr.Khutbuddin shares his invaluable memorabilia of over equal time and great respect – the likes of which were 30 years of association with Muhammed Ali – from Ali’s unexpected from a celebrated sportsman of his stature. life outside the ring to his distinct psyche and magnetising charisma. Here’s what made him more idiosynchratic and “He instantly made people around him comfortable like it people’s champ. was one of his natural flairs. It made him people’s man.”

Inside the ring, Muhammed Ali was nothing less than an Since then, informal meetings and discussions on aggressive boxing fashionista – relentless and unforgiv- philanthropy, one of Ali’s favorite interests, happened at ing, wreaking havoc on his opponents. The ooze of his Dr.Khutbuddin’s place. “Ali would visit our home on most determination and will made his opposition weak in the Thursdays and Fridays post afternoon prayers , and spend knees, whilst a brash yet poetic alter persona elevated his quality time at the dinner table, savoring home-made idiosyncratic charm. Outside the ring, he was a complete- Indian food.” ly different person entailing a larger-than-life charisma, and was extraordinarily humane with the rare ability to “He loved Indian food. In fact, whatever food was left over instantly amaze anyone in his first meet. after meal, he would say to my wife “Sister, I want to take would visit nearby mosques (Islamic Centres, as they are this home. I don’t want it to go waste.” called) to offer prayers and even distributed Daawah reli- “He was spiritual at the core, and made intense efforts to gious counselling brochures himself on several occasions.” He was very compassionate, and deeply moved by the struggle to his uprising. “At one time, my son and I had “Ali also loved Itar (Arabic perfume) and cherished a a chance to knock a punch at Ali in his practice ring at fragrance every time I brought him a bottle of it from my home. He gave us a dozen autographed photos for memo- visit to Saudi Arabia.” ries. He was at the peak of his career.” But what made Ali the legend we know today is his Dr Khutbuddin’s son Mairaj and Muhammed Ali. fervent drive for equality among people. While it seemed one of his most celebrated innate qualities, the attitude Dr Khutbuddin’s son Mairaj and Muhammed Ali. was likely cultivated by the discrimination Ali faced in his early years.

“Muhammed Ali didn’t want others to go through the same. Perhaps, that’s why when he was among people, he wanted everyone to feel they were equal to him, and nothing less.”

The rumble of his life didn’t shake him, nor exercise his religious duty. It is no secret that he embraced did the Parkison’s disease cease his courage. Islam at the peak of his career, but a lesser known fact is Dr.Khutbuddin exclaims “Muhammed Ali that Muhammed Ali would constantly indulge in Zikr was an exceptionally strong man. Despite (praise of Allah)”, recollects renowned US-based NRI Hy- the strong influence of Parkinson’s disease, derabadi psychiatrist Dr.Khutbuddin, who savoured over his psyche was unmoved. His thoughts were 3 decades of association with Muhammed Ali. always clear and he had a strong mind.” Despite the global fame that entailed his success as three Dr Khutbuddin and Muhammed Ali. time world heavy , and coveted status of his sportsman- What ennobled his distinguished personality was his ship, Muhammed Ali was a ‘man of people’. He never let readiness to participate in charity and fund-raising events. Dr Khutbuddin and Muhammed Ali. anyone around him feel inferior or subjacent.” “He would always be proactive. He was always ready for Speaking for an exclusive interview a day after attending it”, he adds. Muhammed Ali’s grand funeral in Louisville in Kentucky, Decoding Ali’s psyche, Dr.Khutbuddin says “although Dr.Khutbuddin says “I still remember our first meeting sports was his passion for life, his life’s mission was differ- “While Ali has passed away, his memories never will. They in 1982 at a fundraising event during an Islamic Confer- ent. He was a champion of humanity and an exemplary are too many to cherish and too valuable to be forgotten. ence in Chicago. He was overwhelming soft-spoken and gentleman. He put his faith in Islam above everything. He Our families have shared so much together”, he avers.

One for instance, “during one of our [philanthropic] discussions at dining table, his daughter Hana Ali was so inspired that she said “I want to work to help people. Sev- eral years on, today she is actually working with a social welfare organization in New York. I am very happy to see that”, he adds.

The memories run deep, and his life is a lesson for many for how a child from nowhere turned the world upside down with his determination, courage, humility and an eternal fire to ameliorate the stereotypes in the society.

Muhammed Ali had planned his own funeral meticulous- ly. From former US President Bill Clinton to actor Billy Crystal, boxing champs Mike Tyson and Lennox Levis, footballer David Beckham, Hollywood stars Will Smith, George Foreman, actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, eldest daughter of Malcolm X Atallah Shahbaz,actor and musician Common, Singer Reba McEntire, former musician Cat Stevens now known as Yusuf Islam, several Islamic scholars, heads of interfaith religious organizations, many other A-list celebrities and tens of thousands of people attended his funeral. Ali died on 3rd June 2016. He was 74. July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 20 Vehicle Recall

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Make / Model Years : KEYSTONE / 2016-2017 Manufacturer : PACCAR Incorporated When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Subject : Incorrect Load Range Tires Installed Make / Model Years : KENWORTH / 2016 Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car Subject : Unexpected Loss of Headlights/FMVSS 108 or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unrea- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V328 sonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety Manufacturer : Ameritrans Bus, Inc. NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V365 standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or Make / Model Years : AMERITRANS / 2012-2016 Manufacturer : Transportation Collaborative, Inc. equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done Subject : Incorrect GVWR on Certification Label/Part Make / Model Years : TRANS TECH BUS / 2014- by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equip- 567 2016 ment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car. Subject : Wheel Chair Lift Platform Cracking/Big Pivot NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V331 Holes What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall? Manufacturer : National Van Builders, Inc. If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very impor- Make / Model Years : FORD / 2015 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V368 tant that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the Subject : Wheel Chair Lift Platform Cracking/Big Pivot Manufacturer : Dejana Truck & Utility Equipment Co, potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not Holes Inc addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the Make / Model Years : DEJANA / 2013-2016 mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V332 Subject : Valve Bank Cover May Crack and Detach recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, Manufacturer : Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, Make / Model Years : HEARTLAND / 2017 and to remind you that the repair will be done at no Subject : Incorrect Tire Information on Placard/Part 567 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V369 charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in Manufacturer : Supreme Corporation the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V335 Make / Model Years : STARTRANS / 2008-2014 the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA’s Vehicle Manufacturer : Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. Subject : Wheel Chair Lift Platform Cracking/Big Pivot Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your ve- Make / Model Years : MERCEDES BENZ / 2016 Holes hicle manufacturer or dealership. Subject : Clutch Disk Weld May Crack Thank you for your attention to this important safety NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V370 matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 16V336 Manufacturer : Ducati North America America’s roadways. Manufacturer : Forest River, Inc. Make / Model Years : DUCATI / 2016 July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 21 Nigerian militants insist London’s Mayor Bans on foreign mediators for Body-Shaming Ads on talks with government Public Transport LAGOS (Reuters) - The Ni- Attacks in the southern “If need be we may review London Mayor Sadiq Khan ger Delta Avengers, a mili- swampland have pushed oil our earlier stance of not announced his plan on Mon- tant group that has carried production to a 20-year low taking lives,” the statement day to ban body-shaming out attacks on oil facilities in what was until recently said. ads on the city’s transporta- in Nigeria’s southern oil Africa’s biggest oil produc- tion network starting next region, said on Monday it ing nation. Its production On Sunday, the Movement month. would only negotiate with has fallen behind Angola in for the Emancipation of the government if inde- the last few weeks. the Niger Delta, one of the Khan, who was elected in pendent foreign mediators region’s largest militant May, said the ads targeted in were involved. In a statement on its groups until it signed up the ban promote “unrealistic website, the Avengers said for a government amnesty expectations” surround- Last week the group, which they wanted multinational in 2009, urged the Aveng- ing women’s bodies. “As the wants a greater share of oil companies operating ers to take part in negotia- father of two teenage girls, Nigeria’s oil wealth to go in the country to “commit tions. [nL8N1940RK] I am extremely concerned to the impoverished Niger independent mediators to about this kind of adver- Delta region, rejected an this proposed dialogue” (Reporting by Ulf Laessing tising which can demean cannot simply switch off or turn a page if offer from the government to “bring about a lasting and Alexis Akwagyiram; people, particularly women, and make an advertisement offends or upsets them to hold talks. peace”. Editing by Louise Ireland) them ashamed of their bodies,” he said in and we have a duty to ensure the copy we a statement. “It is high time it came to an carry reflects that unique environment,” e n d .” TfL Commercial Development Director Israeli leader spent $1,600 on Graeme Craig said in a statement. The mayor of the United Kingdom’s capital hairdresser on New York trip also said he is working with transportation authority Transport for London (TfL) to Khan had promised to take action on establish a group to monitor and enforce body-shaming ads during his campaign af- the new rules. ter a specific “Beach body ready” campaign last April led to protests and an online “Advertising on our network is unlike TV, petition with more than 70,000 signatures, online and print media. Our customers The Guardian reports. Israeli Rabbi calls for Poisoning of Palestinian Water Supply

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s Prime Minis- ter Benjamin Netanyahu spent more than It did not include charges for Sara Ne- $600,000 of public funds on a six-day tanyahu on the trip. Police already have trip to New York, including $1,600 on a recommended that she be indicted for personal hairdresser, according to a newly inflated household spending and misusing Tel Aviv: Palestinians have grown used cil of Rabbis in West Bank settlements, released expense report. state funds on private meals and care for to Israelis stealing from their water called on settlers to poison Palestin- her ailing father. sources then selling it back to them. Re- ians through their water supply, which The trip to the U.N. General Assembly last cently, Israeli authorities cut off water came to light by the Israeli organization fall also included $210 in laundry services, Last month, a Jerusalem labor court supplies from the northern cities of the ‘Breaking the Silence’. $1,862 in meals and nearly $20,000 to awarded $30,000 in damages to a former move and store furniture. employee of Mrs. Netanyahu who claimed West Bank during the hottest days of he faced yelling and unreasonable de- the month of Ramadan, when Muslims Group member Yehuda Shaul said, ac- Attorney Shachar Ben Meir obtained the mands. fast from sunrise till sunset.” cording to WAFA, that the aim behind expense report after suing Netanyahu’s poisoning water in the West Bank is office and the Foreign Ministry. He said In 2013, the premier was chided for spend- A Jewish Rabbi, who called on Israeli to push Palestinians out of their towns that he requested the information in late ing $127,000 in public funds for a special settlers to poison water used by Pal- and cities in order to allow settlers to October from Netanyahu’s office and was sleeping cabin on a flight to London. He estinians in hundreds of towns and take over Palestinian lands. then referred to the ministry. After he was also ran up a $2,700 bill that year for ice villages across the occupied West Bank, told to wait for three months, he sued both cream, mostly vanilla and pistachio. was demanded to be arrested by the “Palestinians have grown used to Is- offices in a Jerusalem court. foreign ministry of the Palestinian raelis stealing from their water sources The court documents note that the trip Authority (PA) on Sunday. then selling it back to them. Recently, also incurred a charge of $1.5 million for a “It’s my money and I want to know what is Israeli authorities cut off water supplies being done with it,” he said. flight, although it did not specify whether the flight was for the Netanyahus only or The Palestinian National Office for from the northern cities of the West The report, which he shared with The for staff as well. the Defense of land and resistance of Bank during the hottest days of the Associated Press on Thursday, threatened settlements warned of the dangers month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast to reinforce the unflattering reputation Netanyahu’s spokesman declined com- and consequences of such calls. In its from sunrise till sunset” said the minis- Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, have gained ment. weekly report, it explained that Rabbi try of foreign affairs in a press release. for enjoying an expensive lifestyle out of Shlomo Mlmad, the chairman of Coun- touch with common Israelis. July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 22 : Stop Racist Attacks on Africans in India!

Ten of the most respected and influential confront and challenge British racism’ racist violence against Africans in India. Sushma Swaraj, declared that the attacks South Asian and African organisations and urges PM Modi to ensure that ‘(1) Racial prejudice against Africans has, of were “criminal acts”, but were “not racial” from the UK, some with branches in immediate action is taken to bring those course, been endemic in Indian society and tourism and culture minister Mahesh Europe and internationally, have written responsible for the recent racist attacks - for many years – linked to historically Sharma commented that ‘Africa is unsafe to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging including those politicians indulging in embedded supremacist ideologies of both too’, The attempt of the government to re- action over the rising tide of attacks on racist hate-speech like Dilip Parulekar caste and colonialism. However, with the frame these attacks as criminal acts rather Africans in India. - to justice, (2) that the survivors and the rise of your party to power and the total than racially motivated hate crimes allows families of the victims are provided with impunity given by the BJP government to the Indian Government to try to safeguard The letter details the killing of Masonda all possible support and assistance by your Hindu supremacist gangs to harass, abuse its economic interests in Africa whilst Kitanda Oliver, the attack on Nigerian government and (3) and that the govern- and kill Muslims, Christians and , denying the racist ideology deeply embed- priest Kenneth Igbinosa as he returned ment of India takes immediate steps for as well as those who racially attack people ded in your own party and administration, home with his wife and four-month-old the development and systematic imple- from the North-East of India, racism clearly demonstrated when the Tourism son and a number of other recent attacks, mentation of policies which aim to con- against Africans has also escalated. minister in Goa (a state ruled by your as well as the responses from BJP cabinet front and eradicate racism in India at all party), Dilip Parulekar, commented with ministers and politicians which it says levels as a matter of the utmost urgency’ Africans face a constant barrage of rac- overt racism that Nigerians make trouble have ‘trivialised [the attacks] and denied ism. Everyday experiences include being in India and ought to be deported. or deflected their racist nature, or even The full text of the letter is as follows: taunted on the street with overt racist implicitly justified them’. slurs, denied accommodation by landlords We support the decision of the African Dear Prime Minister Modi and being stereotyped as drug-dealers, diplomatic community to boycott the if they are men and sex-workers if they Africa Day celebrations over the killings It goes on to say ‘We in Britain are horri- We the undersigned strongly condemn are women. In addition, there have been and Eritrean ambassador Alem Tsehage fied and dismayed at these recent devel- the horrific killing of Masonda Kitanda brutal attacks and murders and sexual Woldemarian’s demand that the ‘problem opments. Not only do Indians and other Oliver and the spate of violent attacks violence. In February this year in a vicious of racism and Afro-phobia in India’ be South Asians living in Britain face racism on African nationals living in India. Our attack in Bangalore, a mob assaulted a addressed by the Indian Government. We and racist violence, but there is a long his- deepest sympathies and solidarity are with Tanzanian student, partially stripped her, in Britain are horrified and dismayed at tory of people of African and South Asian the families of the victims. In the last two and set her car on fire. these recent developments. Not only do origin working together in solidarity to years, there has been an enormous rise in Indians and other South Asians living in We would like particularly to highlight Britain face racism and racist violence, but the events of the last month in Delhi. On there is a long history of people of African May 20, 24 year-old Congolese teacher and South Asian origin working together Masunda Kitanda Oliver, was bludgeoned in solidarity to confront and challenge to death. This was followed within days by British racism. We demand (1) that you a brutal attack on Nigerian priest Kenneth ensure that immediate action is taken Igbinosa as he returned home with his to bring those responsible for the recent wife and four-month-old son, and attacks racist attacks - including those politicians on four separate groups of Africans also in indulging in racist hate-speech like Dilip the capital. Parulekar - to justice, (2) that the survi- vors and the families of the victims are Far from condemning these attacks and provided with all possible support and as- murders, members of your government sistance by your government and (3) that and party have trivialised them, denied the government of India takes immediate or deflected their racist nature, or even steps for the development and systematic implicitly justified them. For example implementation of policies which aim to V.K. Singh, Minister for External Affairs confront and eradicate racism in India in your government, claimed that the at all levels as a matter of the utmost press were “blowing up [a] minor scuffle urgency. as [an] attack”, your foreign minister,

Married Hindu girl forcibly remarried by jirga in Thar

MITHI: A jirga forcibly her to me, her brother derway,” said DSP Mithi remarried an already- Gayanchand Meghwar Bilawal Haq Mehar. married Hindu girl to married her off to an old a 56-year-old man in man,” said Suresh. He added that senior Katayari village in Thar- police officials have parkar. His wife has been mar- ordered the girl be ried to Chetan Meghwar, recovered and produced Wadia Bai Meghwar and who Suresh estimates to in court as soon as pos- her cousin Suresh had be 56 years old. sible. contracted a marriage of their free will in a Inspector General (IG) Local activists called for Karachi court on May 4, AD Khawaja, tak- a thorough inquiry into 2016. A few days later, ing notice of the incident the jirga and the Hindu however, a notable from ordered an inquiry and girl’s forced remarriage, Thar’s Arbab family took recovery of the girl. demanding severe action Wadia from their home, against all those involved promising to marry the “The girl’s brother and under the recently- couple in a traditional other relatives have been enacted Hindu Marriage . arrested in a raid on Fri- Act and other laws to day, and an investigation save the young girl. “But instead of handing into the matter is un- July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 23

Sultan 2016 Indian sports-drama film directed by Ali he is playing the role of Khan’s younger brother. Abbas Zafar. Produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj MMA fighter Tyron Woodley has been signed Films banner, the film stars and Anushka opposite Khan with other fighters in the film. Sharma in pivotal roles and centers around Sultan Ali Khan (Salman Khan), a wrestler who has problems in his In January 2016, was signed professional and personal life. From a small town wrestler to play the female lead role opposite Khan For in Haryana, Sultan achieves global fame winning bouts at her role as a wrestler, Sharma took wrestling the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the 2011 FILA lessons for the film. In February 2016, Farah Wrestling World Championships in Istanbul and the 2012 Khan was signed as the choreographer of the London Olympics. film, replacing who left the The project was earlier announced in June 2015 with a film due to personal commitments. teaser released on YouTube Khan will be seen portray- Pre-production of the film started in October ing Haryana-based wrestler in the film.Khan underwent 2015 where Khan posted a photo of his charac- wrestling training under the guidance of Larnell Stovall. ter in the film on Facebook. Principal photog- raphy of the film started in December 2015 at however cliched it may be, this is by far the most chal- In October 2015, there were reports of American ac- N.D Studios, Karjat and JW Marriott , where lenging role Salman has taken in recent times. A tad bit the film’s first schedule was filmed. Filming of longer trailer seems to be a give away, I hope some major the first schedule had been completed in late twist still remains to be told! December 2015. Filming of the second schedule was started in January 2016 where Khan filmed Salman’s Haryanvi accent seems okay in the trailer but it for action sequences. A song was filmed in early will be important to see how well he maintains it through- March 2016, choreographed by Farah. An ac- out the film. tion sequence between Khan and Sharma was reportedly filmed.The Some of the sequence of Director Ali Abbas Zafar who previously helmed two av- the movie will feature 360 year old Jama Masjid erage films, and , seems of Delhi. In late April 2016 the lead actor more confident now with his camera. The ‘Akhada’ scenes Salman Khan was seen riding a scooter as a part look great in the trailer and could make up for a great of shooting in Muzaffarnagar. watch in theaters. Being not just a sports drama, Sultan also has an equally action-packed leading lady. Anushka Sharma too portrays the role of a wrestler, by the name of tor Sylvester Stallone being cast in the film as Khan’s Aarfa. Her hard-work is quite evident in the on-screen coach. However, Raja Mukerji, the Executive trailer itself. Producer of the film cleared that Stallone would not be starring in the film. Later, was then rumored We are also introduced to the characters of to play the role of coach according to Khan’s insistence. Amit Sadh and Randeep Hooda in the film. However, Khan later reported that he never insisted Ad- Randeep will be seen as a coach who trains itya Chopra for Dutt’s role. Sultan after the once legendary player has lost touch of the sport. In December 2015, Randeep Hooda was later signed to play the role of Khan’s coach in the film. Amit Sadh, of Overall, the Sultan trailer promises entertain- Kai Po Che fame was reportedly signed for the role of ment without making any tall claims about a young Sultan. However, in March 2016, he confirmed that pitch perfect story. The makers probably know, reveals her ‘terms’ for signing ‘Quantico’ Bollywood actress-turned singer-turned producer-turned international television star Priyanka Chopra, has reveled the ‘terms and conditions’ she laid down to star in Ameri- can show ‘Quantico’. According to an online report, the actress made it very clear that she was no ‘small actor’ and that she was used to seeing her face on posters of her Bol- lywood films. In a candid interview, Priyanka revealed that her Hollywood calling came at a party, when the VP of casting asked her if she would be interested in television. It was only months later that she signed a talent deal to work on a 13-episode mini-series that was expected to go on for about four months. Priyanka however made it clear that she was a leading lady and only played supporting roles when she wanted to. The star also said that she wouldn’t settle for anything less than having her face on the poster. In a previous interview, Priyanka revealed that the only reason she signed on for the role was because it was different and because it ‘broke stereotypes’. Priyanka is expected to begin work on the second season of ‘Quantico’ in July. Priyanka Chopra was recently titled as the hottest woman by a magazine. With a parallel career in Bollywood and Hollywood, the diva has made quite a name for herself and is considered a global icon. When quizzed about how she is aiming to break stereotypes of Indian actors in the west, PC replied by saying that she wants to leave a legacy behind for children. She added that she doesn’t want to be known as a spoof of Hollywood, but wants to break the stereotype of what Indian stars are. Given the manner in which her Hollywood career seems to be shaping up, we are pretty sure the desi girl won’t be known as a mere spoof of Hollywood. July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 24 Scholar Dr. Aslam Saudi Prince Reminds Donald Trump: I Bailed You Out – Twice Farrukhi dies KARACHI: Distin- guished scholar, While Donald poet, researcher and Trump continues writer Dr Aslam Far- to paint himself rukhi passed away after as the anti-Saudi, a prolonged illness here anti-terrorist on Wednesday. He was candidate, the 89. His wife and two sons truth is com- ing to light that survive him. he may in fact be financially Dr Farrukhi was born on beholden to Oct 23, 1926 in the Saudi Royal (as confirmed by fam- Family. ily sources). His family a biographical sketch i-gulshan-i-hamaisha hailed from Fatehgarh, writer (khaka nigar) were bahar, Urdu ki pehli After Trump how can anymore expect Trump to be Farrukhabad district, considered unmatched. kitab, Farmaya Sultanji retweeted a photo-shopped image of “tough” on the and the Royal UP. His grandfather and One example of it is his ne, Farid-o-fard-i-farid Megyn Kelly, a Saudi woman (sup- Family when he owes them millions of father were eminent last published book, and Dabistan-i-Nizam. posedly a member of the royal family) dollars? poets. His brother Anwar Raunaq-i-Bazm-i-Jahan. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal together, in Ahsan Siddiqui was also A couple of his other Dr Farrukhi was ex- which the image describes bin Talal as a Can you imagine the outrage from Re- a writer and scholar of books in the same genre tremely fond of Sufis, “co-owner” of Fox News, the Prince had publicans if President Obama had over great merit. After parti- are Angan mein sitare especially of Hazrat Niza- a few words to share: tion, Dr Farrukhi’s family and Guldasta-i-ahbaab. muddin Aulia, on whom a billion dollars worth of debt paybacks to the Saudi Royal Family? Republi- migrated to Karachi. The marked feature of he penned three books. Indeed, Prince Alwaleed (who only has a cans though, always the hypocrites, are these compilations is He also wrote books on one percent stake in Fox News — hardly choosing to turn a blind eye to the issue, He completed his educa- lucid prose. Dr sahib’s children. One of Dr sa- a co-owner) included news snippets in instead the continue to believe every- tion from the Federal Urdu bristled with delec- hib’s sons, Asif Farrukhi, his tweets. One news story was the fact thing the blowhard says. Government Urdu Col- table phrases and well- is a renowned writer and he had to buy Trump’s yacht, which had lege and the University constructed sentences, the co-founder of the Ka- recently been turned over to creditors Another conflict of interest, out of doz- of Karachi after which complemented by spar- rachi Literature Festival. when it fell a staggering $900 million in ens now pending against the presidential he joined Radio Paki- kling expressions used in debt. nominee, arises again. Once more, the stan as a scriptwriter. the Urdu language. Dr Aslam Farrukhi’s Republican candidate shows how inept He wrote features, plays namaz-i-janaza will be Alwaleed also included the story of he is at his own financials. And he again and speeches for the Dr Farrukhi’s PhD held after Zuhr prayers how he bought Trump Plaza Hotel in shows that he gets his information com- radio. Apart from that, he New York after promising to erase the thesis was on the writer at Madani Masjid, pletely from the media. taught Urdu at the S.M. Mohammad Hu- Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Block mogul’s debt. Calling it a “defeat for the College, Central Govern- real estate developer,” The New York sain Azad, which was 5. He will be laid to rest Alwaleed, a Trump-Kasich supporter, Times reports that the outstanding debt ment College and the awarded the Adamji in the Karachi University has had a few Twitter spats with the accumulated form the hotel around $300 . He literary prize in 1965. graveyard. Saudi Prince, after the billionaire million, yet the Prince was able to buy it worked at the university His book Mohammad (and heavily indebted) called for a down to roughly $25 million. in different capacities, Husain Azad –– hayat- Published in Dawn, June ban on Muslims in the United States, including that of its regis- o-tasneef is regarded as 16th, 2016 and Trump responded by calling him There are two questions everyone should trar and as a professor at one the most important “dopey” and told him that his “daddy’s be asking. One, how did Trump run up the Urdu Department. works of research on the money” couldn’t persuade him — how $900 million in debt over a yacht, and writer. Some of the other ironic. Dr Farrukhi wrote many published works of Dr how did he acquire $300 million of debt books and his skills as Farrukhi are Tazkara- from a world famous hotel? Second, Jo Cox was working on report on anti-Muslim attacks before her death

Jo Cox, the MP who was killed outside her The report is the latest in an annual series never reported. constituency office was going to warn of on the prevalence of Islamophobic attacks. an increase in anti-Muslim attacks – par- “We were hoping she would highlight the According to the Times, ticularly against women – it has emerged. impact on Muslim women; particularly Cox recorded a video given the targeting [that exists],” Mughal to use at the launch, in She was planning to address parliament said. “The majority [of incidents] at street which she referred to later on to introduce a report she had been level were [on] women and she was going “exciting” discussions working on with the Islamophobia watch- to raise that.” she had held with Tell dog Tell Mama (Measuring Anti-Muslim Mama’s staff. She says Attacks), the group’s director said. The He added that the study was based on data they talked about how study is expected to conclude that there from his organisation and three police she could help tackle were about 80% more attacks on Muslims forces. Islamophobia and that in Britain in 2015 than the year before. the problem had be- Mughal expects to conclude that Tell come so bad in her con- “She met us to talk about how people Mama saw 1,100 Islamophobic attacks in stituency that “many of could report attacks; particularly women 2015 – an 80% increase on the previous our young women don’t news/2016/jun/20/jo-cox-was-working- in her constituency,” said the founder and year. The three forces reported a further feel safe when they’re out on the street”. on-report-into-anti-muslim-attacks- director of Tell Mama, Fiyaz Mughal, on 1,200, from which the watchdog had before-death Sunday. extrapolated to give a national estimate, he Courtesy added. Mughal also said many attacks are https://www.theguardian.com/uk- July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 25 Islamabad, Kabul still poles apart on border gate ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Afghan of- ing yesterday (to restart the construction misguided.” Nuclear Suppliers Group, the FO spokes- ficials remained at odds on Thursday over work). Something that clearly was not, man said Pakistan was for “a level-playing the issue of construction of a gate on the otherwise there would have been no need He underscored that the purpose of hold- field and criteria-based approach which Pakistani side of border at Torkham. for our agreement to resolve this through ing dialogue on the Torkham dispute was treat the applications of Pakistan and India talks expeditiously and amicably,” Mr to peacefully resolve the matter and plug in a non-discriminatory manner”. The two countries had, after diplomatic Zakhilwal said. the communication gap. and military contacts a day earlier, agreed He noted that the two applications cannot to defuse the tense situation that had aris- He instead claimed that the meeting with Obliquely referring to the phrasing of Am- be considered in isolation from the goal en due to skirmishes over the construction Gen Hayat had concluded with an agree- bassador Zakhilwal’s statement yesterday, of maintaining strategic stability in South of the border gate by Pakistan, but there ment on four points, which he listed as: which used terms like ‘ceasefire’, ‘de-esca- Asia. Strategic stability in South Asia is a were disputed claims about the conditions “An immediate ceasefire and de-escalation lation’ and ‘drawdown’, the spokesman said critical factor to achieve non-proliferation on which the hostilities were to be ended. of tension and drawing down of our forces border tensions between neighbours were objectives. in Torkham on both sides; a conversation “not unusual, but they don’t connote larger After Afghan Ambassador Dr Omar Zakh- at the leadership level; immediately con- hostilities or war-like situations”. Mr Zakaria expressed the hope that the ilwal’s meetings with Foreign Secretary vening Pak/Afghan military coordination upcoming NSG meeting in Seoul would Aizaz Chaudhry and Chief of General Staff meeting to resolve this issue expeditiously Mr Zakaria recalled that the gate was be- commence discussions on developing Lt Gen Zubair Mehmood Hayat, Pakistani and amicably; and halting the construc- ing constructed for effective border man- criteria-based approach for membership officials had said an agreement had been tion work to avoid any further incidents agement and controlling the cross-border for non-NPT states while taking into reached under which would and allowing talks to resolve the dispute”. movement. consideration the imperative of regional end the hostilities and allow continua- strategic stability and benefits for the non- tion of work on erection of the gate and in The envoy threatened to quit and return to He said Pakistan had shared its concern proliferation regime. return Pakistan would allow resumption of his home country if the construction work and disappointment with the Afghan gov- cross-border traffic at Torkham. was not stopped. In such an eventuality, ernment over the border clash in which About Iran’s response to Pakistan’s letter he warned, his interlocutors would be several lives were lost and had urged the on capture of Indian spy Kulbhushan But the Afghan ambassador, who had ear- responsible for the consequences. Afghan leadership to take necessary steps Jadhav, the FO spokesman said it was a lier himself confirmed the agreement on to avoid recurrence of such incidents in manifestation of cooperative ties between ceasefire, said in a statement that resump- Hitting back at the ambassador’s state- future. Pakistan and Iran. tion of construction work was contrary to ment, an official accused him of twisting the understanding reached at the meeting the facts and creating confusion. “We believe effective border management Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2016 with Gen Hayat. serves mutual interest,” he added. Earlier at a media briefing, Foreign Of- “Much to my disappointment it was pre- fice spokesman Nafees Zakaria, without NSG: In reply to a question about the sented as if it was agreed to in our meet- naming anybody, said: “Afghans are being Pakistani and Indian candidature for the ‘They made my life hell’, Tamil Nadu maid recounts Saudi job horror Chennai: The return of an Indian house- pital bed in Chennai where she is under- overseas, with half going to recruitment maid working in Saudi Arabia, who broke going further treatment. In 2015, more than 700,000 Indians moved agencies and the rest for visas and travel. her back trying to escape abusive employ- to the Gulf states where domestic help is in ers, has raised fresh concerns over the “I just wanted to earn an honest living but high demand. But the survey of 20,000 households also working conditions of domestic workers in they made my life hell.” revealed that 39% of women and 21% Gulf countries. “I went to an agent someone suggested. of men who work abroad reported not Her escape comes barely six months after He took three of us, including a cousin of receiving the promised wages. Dhatchayani Uma Shankar, 29, jumped another Indian maid from Tamil Nadu, mine, to Delhi before putting on different from the first floor balcony of her employ- Kasthuri Munirathinam, also tried to run flights to Dubai,” Shankar, who used to “I am flooded with such cases,” - er’s residence in Dammam a month after away from her employers, losing an arm in work as a casual labourer in Chennai said. based social worker Nass , who she started working there in March, said the process. helped Shankar in Saudi Arabia, said in a officials in her home state of Tamil Nadu. “I was told I had to take care of a fam- phone interview. Like Munirathinam and Shankar, many ily of four. But it was two adults and four After spending a month in a Saudi hospital migrant workers move to Gulf countries in children, one of them a toddler. I worked “In many cases, when they land in Saudi she was flown back home to Chennai on a bid to support their families at home. for up to 14 hours a day.” Arabia, the first impression is not the June 16, with a steel plate in her back and best because of the strict norms here. The shattered dreams. Government figures show there are an In a complaint lodged with state govern- fear sets in at the airport itself and many estimated six million Indian migrants ment officials, she stated that she was not women away from home for the first time, “I have a loan of Rs 300,000 ($4,500) to in the six Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, allowed any breaks, was expected to take change their minds about working.” pay off, two children to raise and parents , Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates care of a 10-month-old baby while doing to take care of,” she said, lying on her hos- and . all other chores, given leftovers to eat and Ali, who is associated with cultural group wasn’t paid for the one month she worked. Navodaya in Dammam, added that while many successfully adapt to the working “They suddenly told me I would have to conditions, those used to certain levels of stay there for five years and not two as my freedom back home find it difficult to deal agent had said. When I protested, they with the virtual “house arrest”. said they would put me in a box and send me back. That made me nervous and I The Tamil Nadu government has an- planned my escape,” added Shankar. nounced a compensation of Rs 1 million ($15,000) to Shankar. Officials at the Saudi embassy in New Delhi were not immediately available for “But I will only get the monthly interest comment. out of it. How is Rs 8,000 ($120) a month going to help me run a home?” she said. A migration survey by the Tamil Nadu state government released in 2015 showed that a migrant spends an average of 108,112 rupees ($1,600) to a secure a job July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 26 MOVIE RELEASE DATES July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 27 Late Saudi king’s son wins appeal against payout to father’s ‘secret wife’

A retrial has been ordered of a £20m claim By 2003, Harb’s finances were low again. judge failed to draw together the evidence the appeal judges that the “shocking and against the family of King Fahd of Saudi She saw the prince at the Dorchester hotel from the various different sources and indefensible” letter was clear evidence of Arabia by his secret Palestinian wife after in London. Harb maintains that at that analyse it in order to make his findings in possible bias against the chambers and a controversial judge was criticised for meeting she agreed to retract comments in relation to individual issues”. could have affected the outcome of the serious “shortcomings” in dealing with the a legal affidavit about King Fahd’s drug- Harb case. evidence. taking and in return she had been prom- The judgment added: “A party in a case ised £20m in cash and properties. of this kind is entitled to expect that the Dyson said one ground of appeal was that The ruling by the master of the rolls, Lord judge will engage with the arguments there was an appearance of bias on the Dyson, is a setback for the high court Lawyers for the prince dismissed her ac- advanced on his behalf and, insofar as the part of the judge against the prince’s coun- judge Mr Justice Peter Smith who is under count, saying Harb had accosted him in case turns on the facts, deal fully with the sel, and thereby against the prince himself. investigation for his conduct in a separate the hotel lobby but he did not speak to her evidence and explain how he has come to case and is voluntarily refraining from sit- and there was no agreement. his conclusions ... the judge failed to do But, he added, although the appeal court ting in any hearings. this adequately in this case and the appeal “is very critical of the judge for writing the In the high court, Smith accepted Harb’s must be allowed.” letter”, it had concluded that “the informed Palestinian-born Janan Harb, 68, was account and found that a binding contract and fair-minded observer would not con- awarded £12m in cash and two properties had been made in her favour. He also But Dyson rejected an allegation of “ap- clude that there was a real possibility” that in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, in a judgment rejected the prince’s argument that he was parent bias” made against Smith. The the judge was biased against the prince. given by Smith last November. not personally liable because he had only judge had written a “shocking letter been an agent acting for the king. revealing possible bias” against Black- A spokesman for the judiciary said later: Born to Christian parents, she had moved stone Chambers, the legal chambers that “Mr Justice Peter Smith has agreed to con- to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1967 where she Lawyers for the prince asked the court provided the barristers representing the tinue to refrain from sitting at the present met Fahd. They married the following year of appeal judges – Dyson, Lord Justice prince, the court heard. t i m e .” after she converted to Islam. The relation- Moore-Bick and Lord Justice McFarlane – ship broke down and she left Saudi Arabia to quash that “unsustainable” award. Advertisement A spokesman for the Judicial Conduct In- in 1970. vestigations Office said: “The JCIO inves- Advertisement The letter was prompted by a newspaper tigation into the BA matter is continuing. In sharia law, she remained married to article by Lord Pannick QC, a member If there is a finding against any judicial Fahd, who suffered a stroke in 1995 and Delivering judgment that there should of the chambers, who appeared for the office holder, a statement is published on became incapacitated. Harb, who married be a retrial before a different high court prince at an early stage in the Harb case. the JCIO website. Legal proceedings are twice subsequently, began to run short of judge, Dyson said Smith’s handling of the separate from the JCIO process, but a money and met Prince Abdul Aziz bin evidence had fallen below the required Pannick’s article criticised the judge’s matter connected to this appeal is under Fahd, the king’s son by another wife, in standards. handling of an unrelated case involv- investigation by the JCIO.” Marbella. ing British Airways, in which the judge “The court has concluded that the short- recused himself after demanding to know Mr Justice Peter Smith comings in the way in which the judge what had happened to his own luggage on Facebook Twitter Pinterest The stories you need to read, in one handy dealt with the evidential issues in the case a flight home from Florence. Mr Justice Peter Smith. Photograph: Chris email were so serious that the appeal must be Ison/PA Read more allowed for that reason,” Dyson said. “It Pannick had written that the case “raises Steven Morris, a partner at the law firm She told him she planned to publish her has also concluded that the appeal must be serious issues about judicial conduct that Howard Kennedy who represents the autobiography which would inevitably allowed on the agency issue.” need urgent consideration by the lord prince, said: “The prince is delighted that disclose details of her relationship with chief justice”. the appeal has been allowed and that the the king and the royal household. She was Smith’s “approach to the evidence was judgment of Mr Justice Peter Smith has paid £5m to not publish. unsatisfactory in a number of significant In response, the judge wrote to Anthony been set aside in its entirety. The judgment respects,” the court of appeal said. “The Peto QC, one of two heads of Blackstone of Mr Justice Peter Smith was unsatisfac- Chambers, saying: “The quite tory for the reasons explained by the court outrageous article of Pannick of appeal. caused me a lot of grief and a lot of trouble.” “The judgment of the court of appeal has re-affirmed the confidence of the prince He added: “I will no longer in the fair and independent resolution of support your chambers; please disputes before the English courts. That make that clear to members of confidence was severely undermined by your chambers. I do not wish the judgment of Mr Justice Peter Smith; to be associated with chambers that judgment was in key respects incon- that have people like Pannick sistent with the written and oral testimony in it.” of Mrs Harb, the surrounding documents and the inherent probabilities.” Lawyers for the prince told July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 28 KCR’s failing health led to decision of Telangana formation: Jairam Ramesh

New Delhi: TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Pradesh. Rao’s failing health in the wake of his fast unto death was a major factor that Published by Rupa Publications, the led to the UPA government conceding book claims to provide the “context, the demand for carving out Telangana text and subtext” to the bifurcation, from Andhra Pradesh on December which continues to be contentious. 9, 2009, says former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh. After becoming a member of the GoM, Ramesh was the prime mover and its The highest echelons of the govern- public face and was thus always in the ment had information that ground crossfire as it strove to balance compet- situation in Hyderabad was grave and ing claims and differing demands to “something substantial” had to be done ensure a just and equitable outcome. to retrieve it, he says in his new book ‘Old History and new Geography—Bi- While there was tussle for Hyderabad, furcating Andhra Pradesh, which was Union Ministers from Seemandhra part of the Group of Ministers (GoM) to retrieve the situation. released here. argued that the Hyderabad Metropoli- set up by the UPA government in tan Development Authority (HDMA), October 2013 to prepare the legislation “The Home Minister (P Chidambaram) “KCR’s (K Chandrasekhar Rao) health which generated close to half of the for the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, must have the reason to believe that the was one major factor influencing the undivided state’s revenue, should be which was incidentally India’s first state Pottu Sriramulu moment had arrived decision-making. The other was re- designated as a common capital. to be carved out on linguistic basis. once more in Andhra Pradesh,” says lated to the role that Maoists and their Ramesh. sympathizers may have been playing to The HDMA covered around 7,100 sq “Clearly, the highest echelons of the aggravate the situation,” the Congress kms of area spanning five districts of government had information that led Sriramulu, who was on fast unto death leader says in the 242-page book. Telangana. However, the TRS argued them to believe that the ground situa- demanding separate Andhra Pradesh, that if at all the city is made a common tion in Hyderabad was grave and some- died during the night of 15 December Ramesh, who was elected to Rajya Sab- capital, then it should be restricted to thing really substantive had to be done 1952. The move sparked wide spread ha from Andhra Pradesh last time, was Hyderabad Revenue District, which riots. covers 217 sq kms. Home Minister P Chidambaram issued “This too was briefly debated. Ultimate- the statement announcing the decision ly GoM felt that fairness demanded to create Telangana based on his as- that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal sessment derived from intelligence and Corporation (GHMC) area be desig- other reports. nated as the common capital zone. This spread across 625 sq kms that had been Ramesh says the statement itself was increased to about 923 sq kms in Sep- “evidently finalised” at the then Prime tember 2013,” Ramesh said in his book. Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence with Chidambaram, Another idea that was discussed for (then Finance Minister) and K Ro- some time in the GoM, which was also saiah (then Chief Minister of Andhra shot down, was of a Common Capital Pradesh) present and had “apparently Governance Council. Under this, the followed consultations with the other body was to be a temporary one subject leaders of the Congress”. to review after five years. Ramesh claimed the book is a first-per- The governor was to be the chairperson son, inside narrative of the process of of the council, with members being the bifurcation as observed and recorded by Chief Ministers of the two states, key someone who participated in it closely. civil and police officers from both the Further, the perspective is Delhi centric. state and the centre. “It tells the story of how Telangana was “The idea didn’t get support on the created as I saw it and that too during grounds that this would simply not be a limited period October 8, 2013 and acceptable to the Telangana government May 13 2014 when, by forces that I can once the state came into being. Besides, only ascribe to the mysterious force the Home Minister, and the Home called destiny, I came to occupy a piv- Secretary felt that the move would not otal role in the process of bifurcation’. stand the test of legality. At the same time, Ramesh makes it “The Law Ministry gave its opinion clear that “what went into the decision that such a coordination council would to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh and what violate List II of the SeventhSchedule of determined its timing was, honestly, the Constitution dealing with the pow- unknown to me.” ers of the state,” Ramesh said. In November 1956, a unified Telugu- speaking state of Andhra Pradesh came into being. In February 2014, Parlia- ment bifurcated it to create two Telugu- speaking states: Telangana and Andhra July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 29 July 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 30 On the lighter side.... After surgery, the doctor said to the “Wake up, “Yes?” replied broke. patient, “I am sorry, but I forgot a pair of honey. It’s time the teacher. The third man threw his watch down the scissors inside you. I need to...” to go to school.” hill, walked all the way to the bottom, and “Is it all right caught it. The other two men were puzzled The patient quickly responded, “Oh don’t “But why? I if she carries a and asked the third man how he did it. bother doctor! If it is because of that, just don’t want to go golf bag while tell me how much it cost and I will pay you to school.” we walk?” The third man said, “Easy. My watch is 5 back.” ------minutes slow.” ------“Give me two ------The young boy was spending a Sunday reasons why you A doctor had been attending a rich old afternoon with his grandpa. Looking at don’t want to go A guy dies man for some time, but it became apparent pictures of his grandpa in his military to school.” and is sent to that the old chap had not long to live. Ac- uniform, the boy asked, “Grandpa, did you hell. Satan meets him, shows him doors to cordingly, the doctor advised his wealthy ever kill anyone in the war?” “One, all the children hate me. Two, all the three rooms, and says he must choose one patient to put his affairs in order. teachers hate me.” to spend eternity in. “No champ, I never did.” “Oh yes, I’ve done that,” said the old “Oh, that’s no reason. Come on, you have In the first room, people are standing in gentleman. “I’ve only got to make a will. “That’s a good thing.” to go to school.” dirt up to their necks. The guy says, “No, And do you know what I’m going to do let me see the next room.” with all my money? I’m going to leave it to “You’re telling me,” began grandpa, “I was “Give me two good reasons why I should the doctor who saves my life.” the cook!” go to school?” In the second room, people are standing in ------dirt up to their noses. Guy says no again. Teacher: Johnny what do you want to be An old lady offers a bus driver some “One, you are fifty-two years old. Two, you when you grow up? peanuts. So the driver happily eats them. are the principal!” Finally Satan opens the third room. People Johnny: Either an animal Vet or a Taxider- Every 5 minutes she hands him another ------are standing with dirt up to their knees, mist. handful of peanuts. The room was full of pregnant women drinking coffee and eating pastries. Teacher: Why did you choose such differ- and their partners, and the class was in ent careers? Driver: “Why don’t you eat them your- full swing. The instructor was teaching The guy says, “Ok, I pick this room.” Satan Johnny: Well, either way you get your dog self?” the women how to breathe properly, along says Ok and starts to leave, and the guy back. with informing the men how to give the wades in and starts pouring some coffee. ------Old Lady: “I can’t chew look I have no necessary assurances at this stage of the I was getting ready to go to choir practice teeth.” plan. On the way out Satan yells, “OK, cof- when I heard my dad say, “Don’t forget a The teacher then announced, “Ladies, ex- fee break’s over. Everyone back on your bucket.” Driver: “Then why do you buy them?” ercise is good for you. Walking is especial- heads!” ly beneficial. And, gentlemen, it wouldn’t ------Confused, I replied, “A bucket? Why?” Old lady: “I just love the chocolates hurt you to take the time to go walking There were three men on a hill with their around them.” with your partner.” watches. The first man threw his watch “You’ll need something to help you carry ------The room got quiet. Finally, a man in down the hill and it broke. The second a tune.” the middle of the group raised his hand. man threw his watch down the hill and it