23 Vol 6 Epaper
23 Vol 6 Epaper
23 Vol 6 Epaper
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.6 No. 23 September 28-October 4, 2013 60 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh being welcomed on his arrival Sept 26 at Andrews Air Force Base, MD, for bilateral meeting with the US and to speak at UN General Assembly on Sept 28.
Op Ed 14
Festival 18
Humor 28
Spiritual Awareness 30
excellence in journalism
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Smriti Irani urges Indian diaspora to actively Modi asks Indians abroad to support Mission 2014: BJP 272+ help BJP win power
Tampa, FL: Comparing the upcoming 2014 parliamentary poll to the one in 1977 after the 18-month emergency rule, BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi reached out to Indian diaspora seeking its help to win power. "Like 1977, 2014 will be the voice of the people," said the Gujarat chief minister addressing the annual national convention of OFBJP at Tampa, Florida Saturday through satellite video. Modi, standing against a saffron screen with the party's lotus symbol, spoke in Hindi for over an hour. His speech was telecast live on TV Asia across USA, Canada, Europe, and India. The theme of the conference is "Mission 2014: BJP 272+", a reference to the party's ambition to secure absolute majority on its own in the 543 member Lok Sabha. "The elections after Emergency were not fought by leaders or parties," Modi said. "Neither did papers and pundits influence. It was people's voice!" Asking Indians abroad to dream about everyone's progress and development as the solution to all problems, he said: "This election is
Tampa, Fl: Smriti Irani, BJP national Vice President, inaugurated the annual national convention of Overseas Friends of BJP USA on September 20 at India Cultural Center here. Over 150 delegates including members of the National Council and Executive Committee, and Advisory Council from OFBJPs 22 chapters in USA assembled to brainstorm and evolve an effective strategy to achieve the goal of Mission 2014: a clear majority for the BJP in the next Parliamentary elections. Over 500 people attended the inaugural
session on Friday evening. Smriti Irani, well-known TV personality, highlighted the achievements of Gujarat government under its visionary Chief Minister, Narendra Modi. She said Modi has brought good governance on the national electoral agenda. She said that a person who used to sell tea in his early childhood at railway platform became chief minister, and now prime ministerial candidate of BJP tells something of the personal discipline, hard work, dedication and commitment to serve India and hard work of
Narendra Bhai. She added that people of India are looking forward to elect NDA government headed by Modi and usher in Indias all round development and good governance and bringing her to the top echelons in the international arena. The conference convener and President Elect Chandrakant Patel acted as emcee and President Jayesh Patel welcomed the delegates. The audience was enthralled by the noted poet Shri Gajendra Solanki with his well-recognized patriotic songs and poetry.
not about any post but to wipe the tears of the poor." "Individuals are small, they come and go, the nation is eternal," Modi said asking the party cadre to "work very hard as only six months are left for the elections." Modi also asked all Indian passport holders abroad to register as voters saying the information was available on the party's India 272 website. "A question is asked who can rid India of the current problems? And the answer comes that BJP can do that," he said asserting National Democratic Alliance governments led by BJP have created trust in the minds of the people.
New York: A Sikh professor who was attacked over the weekend by a large group of teenagers shouting "get Osama" and "terrorist" wants to show core American and Sikh values are the same. "It's clear that the associations between beards and turbans and terrorism are devastating for an entire community," said Prabhjot Singh, assistant professor at Columbia
TURN PAGE
Terror attack in Kashmir... Continued from page 1 the killings would not derail the India-Pakistan talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. "The PM is in a hurry to start a dialogue with Pakistan," BJP president Rajnath Singh said. "There should be no talks with Pakistan unless there is a conducive environment." But Manmohan Singh said that "such attacks will not deter us and will not succeed in derail our efforts to find a resolution to all problems through a process of dialogue". In an obvious reference to Pakistan, he said: "We are firmly resolved to combat and defeat the terrorist menace that continues to receive encouragement and reinforcement from across the border." The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also pressed for the talks. "It is imperative that senseless act of violence do not deter us from pursuing a path to a better future for our peoples," a statement from the mission said. Will seek to deepen strategic... Continued from page 1 National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh. Ahead of the visit, the US Senate passed a unanimous resolution welcoming him while making a plea for "further liberalization" to "bring increased prosperity to both countries". Corporate America too mounted an offensive about what it called India's "discriminatory" trade practices with 18 business organizations under the umbrella of Alliance for Free Trade with India (AFTI) dashing off a letter to President Obama. The letter urged Obama to take up the issue with Manmohan
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Singh saying "India's discriminatory trade policies put American businesses at a disadvantage, place manufacturing jobs at risk, and jeopardize India's ability to grow its economy". A senior Obama administration official previewing the visit said corporate America's concerns about doing business in India will be the "centerpiece for discussions" Friday between the two leaders. Fears rise of govt shutdown... Continued from page 1 posals and spending cuts that Democrats have already refused to endorse. The President has said Obamacare is not negotiable. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has informed Congress that the government will exhaust its borrowing authority by October 17, after which it could default on its loans. The move does not bode well for prompt resolution of these fiscal battles that could lead to a government shutdown on October 1 and a default in midOctober. Precious time will be consumed on both issues as they bounce back and forth between the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic Senate, with each party anxious to make the other look uncompromising and thus responsible for any economic damage that might occur. Furthermore, House Republicans will not accept a temporary government spending bill the Senate is poised to pass Friday to avert federal agency shutdowns, House Speaker John Boehner warned. In a government shutdown, agencies like the FBI, Education Department, Defense Department and Environmental Protection Agency would have to limit their operations on October 1, the first day of the new fiscal year. While Social Security retirement checks would go out, there coul be delays due to a lack of workers. The political fighting over raising the $16.7 trillion debt limit prompted Doug Elmendorf, the head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, to warn Congress: "Defaulting on any obligation of the U.S. government would be a dangerous gamble." If the dire warning sounded familiar, that is because this marks the fourth major standoff between House Republicans and Obama over fiscal issues since 2011, when they began tangling over spending cuts, tax hikes and rising government borrowing. Dr Bhat honored as King of ... Continued from page 1 Networking Event at the Terrace on the Park presented by Queens Courier & Queens Business publications. The event includes a business expo. Dr Bhat is on the board of New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council for a six year term. His ADMS is a dialysis chain with 13 affiliates on Long Island and in NYC. ADMS has recently been awarded long-term citywide contract by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation for the privatization of dialysis care and services. Two other Indian Americans were honored as Kings of Queens at the 2013 event: Lal K. Motwani, Chairman, National Federation of Indian-American Associations (NFIA), and Mihir B. Patel, President, Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects.
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(L-R) Reliance Entertainment COO Mahesh Ramanathan, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Pallavi Sharda, Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay, producer Himanshu Mehra, and Reliance Entertainment CEO Sanjeev Lamba at the Consulate General of India in New York City on September 23, 2013.
By Jinal Shah/SATimes New York: Bollywood without Kapoors would be Superman without his red underwear, quips Ranbir Kapoor, Indias current heartthrob and youngest actor from the Kapoor clan during a press conference held at the Indian Consulate in New York on Monday. Kapoor juniors witty comment was to the question SATimes asked Bollywood without Kapoors would be?. The conference, also attended by new comer Indian Australian Pallavi Shardha, Rishi, Neetu Kapoor parents and co-stars of Ranbir Kapoor in the their upcoming film Besharam, marked 100 years of Bollywood. Team Besharam was in the city to promote their upcoming film - scheduled to release on October 2- at the Diwali at Times square event where over 25,000 Indian Americans gathered to get a glimpse of the superstar. Sanjeev Lamba, CEO of Besharams distributor Reliance Entertainment, providing insight into the current state of Bollywood in relation to Hollywood and the international movie marketplace noted that among the major marketing strengths of Besharam was the fact that three members of the Kapoor family were the main stars and ap-
pearing together on-screen for the first time. This according to Lamba was the reason for Besharam to have one of the largest global releases ever for a Hindi film which included an unprecedented 200 theaters across North America. Directed by Abhinav Kashyap of Dabang fame, the film is about Babli (Ranbir Kapoor) is a street smart car mechanic living in a Delhi orphanage. "Besharam is an attitude. It's where you listen to your heart and follow it. The tagline of this film means Babli isn't afraid of getting insulted and he's not looking for respect," said Ranbir. In real life I am actually pretty shy but I guess in front of the camera I focus. It is very important for an actor to be Besharam in front of the camera. Unless you express yourself fully you cant connect with the audience, said Ranbir who attended the School of Visual Arts in New York for three years and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute here for another year. The promotional event also celebrated 100 years of Bollywood where consul general Ambassador Dyaneshwar Mulay praised the first family of Bollywood for contributing 84 years to the largest film industry in terms of producing films every year.
Acharya Lokesh Muniji giving his speech. Other religious leaders also share the dais.
terrorism and violence. He also commented that the problem should be eliminated at the root level permanently rather than solve it temporarily. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said "Often, wrongs were committed and mistakes happened. But no wrong was ever made right through more violence and it does not matter now who started the fight let us all come together to end it. To eradicate the many challenges we face as human beings-such as unemployment, poverty and illness we have to stop fighting with one another and work as one family in the spirit of Vashudaiva Kutumkum. This gathering of peace is just the first important step towards learning to walk together and hold each others hands as we preserver in this long and continuous journey together Its time we bring sweetness to our relationships and to living together in harmony and
love." Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi in the conference said that he has seen so many different forms of violence growing that he believes everyone needs to unify to find more effective methods against violence and terrorism. He said peace, non-violence and harmony are the only way to establish a better world. Shri Devkinandan Thakurji on the occasion said that world political, spiritual leaders and social organizations should work closely together on this mission of World Peace and Communal Harmony to create a better society. He called upon the political and the religious leaders and the NGOs to come forward to check the violence, terrorism and strengthen the unity of mind. On the occasion many prestigious people, leaders, social workers, philosophers and industrialists were present.
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By Jinal Shah
New York: Incense smoke and sound of mantra chanting waft through the air as you enter the dimly lit space at Clamp Art Gallery in New York where nine, six feet tall painting-like photos of Hindu gods and goddesses are displayed behind large brass frames. Through this unique exhibition titled Darshan, Mumbai born, Brooklyn based photographer Manjari Sharma has created photographs that provoke a Darshanlike moment, even in a nonreligious context. Growing up in India, Manjari recalls, we visited many towns and my mother made sure we visited famous temples there. These temples became an integral part of my life. After moving to the United States at age 22, I rarely visited any temples and while studying fine arts in Ohio, the local art museum replaced temples as the place to experience the divine, added Manjari, who attended Columbus College of Arts and Design. She saw spiritual paintings and sculptures of deities everywhere but never a photograph. Her mission with Darshan was to prove that a carefully crafted photograph can evoke a similar spiritual response as paintings and sculptures. She has recreated elaborate tableaux of nine Hindu deities Maa Laxmi, Saraswati, Durga and
Making gods out of ordinary people $625,000 Genius Grant for Jazz pianist Vijay Iyer
New York: Jazz pianist, composer and bandleader Vijay Iyer, 41, was among the 13 men and 11 women named MacArthur Fellows Sept. 25. The award includes a stipend of $625,000 over five years, increased from the $500,000 grant given to previous recipients. New York based Iyer, the Foundation said, has forged a new conception of jazz and American creative music through an eclectic oeuvre that includes compositions for his own and other ensembles, collaborations across multiple genres and disciplines, and scholarly research on the act of listening. An ardent investigator of musical communities, practices, histories, and theories, he mines core rhythmic, melodic, and structural elements from a wide range of sources to construct richly varied, improvisation-driven solo and ensemble music. Commenting on the award to the Worchester Telegram & Gazette Sept. 25, Iyer said, For me, its an amazing sense of validation to know youre being heard outside of the music community. What I admire about this award is that it goes to a variety of different people. It places us and all that we're doing in dialogue with each other. Im really inspired by the composer-pianists of the last century, particularly (Duke) Ellington and
Two of Manjari Sharmas nine photographs on show, in which models pose as Hindu deities.
Kali, and the trinity of BrahmaVishnu-Shiva, Hanuman, and Ganesha. Manjari says, It became important for me to represent goddesses in my work - especially after all the atrocities on women - to showcase the qualities of strength, wellness and prosperity a woman brings with her. The process of selecting her models was as unique as the project itself. The man who posed as Ganesha is our family pandit who got me married. He has a round belly perfect for posing as Ganesha. For Maa Laxmi, we found a flight attendant who aspired to be model. Soon after her shoot with her, she did well in Miss India contest, and her career took off as if Maa Laxmi blessed her. In the case of Shiva, it looked for some-
one who had the body of a dancer, who could also look muscular but still strike grace with their pose. The project also involved recruiting dozens of artisans and craftspeople to create complex sets, costumes and prosthetics around a human posing as a deity. And this was possible only in India. I self-funded the first photo in 2011 of Maa Laxmi and collected $26000 for the rest of the pictures. The photographs bridge the space between art and spirituality, the present and the imagined. Says Manjari, You are looking at a human being staring back at you. However, she did everything to create the religious context, the spiritual aura. Darshan is on view at Clamp Art Gallery in Chelsea through October 12.
Vijay Iyer
(Thelonious) Monk and people in that lineage who aren't just playing, but they're making things," Iyer told the Chicago Tribune. They deal with the entire range of the instrument and the range of the piano is (basically) the range of human hearing. So you kind of have a lot of options, and you have access to a really wide range of sensations. The Indian American pianist has performed his music at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Walker Art Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Chicago Symphony Hall, the University of California at Los Angeless Royce Hall, Kln Philharmonie and Teatro Manzoni di Milano. In January 2014, he will join the Harvard University music department as Franklin D. and Florence Rosenblatt Professor of the Arts.
Krupal Shukla
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NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Indira Talwani
Senator from Massachusetts commenting on the appointments. Prior to joining Segal Roitman LLP in 1999, Talwani was a partner at the San Francisco law firm now known as Altshuler Berzon LLP from 1996 to 1999 and an associate at that firm from 1989 to 1995, according to the White House announcement. She began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Stanley A. Weigel of the US District Court for the Northern District of California from 1988 to 1989. Talwani received her J.D. in 1988 from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, and her B.A. cum laude in 1982 from Harvard College.
leading role as an outspoken critic of military strikes against the Assad regime. Congresswoman Gabbards inspiring story captures the imagination of all Hindu Americans, whether young or old, said Anju Sharma, an HAF volunteer and coordinator for the event. She instills a sense of pride in the community and serves as a role model for young Hindus across the nation. Attended by several local and state elected officials, community leaders, and high-profile Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, the event marked the Foundations largest and most
successful Gala Dinner to date. In addition to Congresswoman Gabbard, the event featured guest speakers Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA15), and Congressional Candidate Ro Khanna. California State Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett was also honored with the Foundations Friend of the Community award for her authorship and successful passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 32, designating October 2013 as California Hindu American Awareness & Appreciation Month.
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
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Stoneham, MA: On Sunday, Coimbatore. Later he attendOctober 20th the Akshaya ed the Indian Institute of SciPatra Foundations San Franence, Bangalore where he cisco Bay Area Chapter will earned his Masters Degree hold its 2013 Benefit Event in Electrical Communication at the India Community CenEngineering. Chanchalapathi ter in Milpitas at 5:30PM. Dasa helped found Akshaya Vice Chairman and Trustee Patra as a pilot program servChachalapathi Dasa of Akshaya Patras main ing school meals to just 1,500 branch in India, Chanchalapathi Dasa will children in 5 schools in Bangalore. Together, serve as the keynote speaker for the event and the founders combined their own knowledge of share the story of his own journey with Ak- engineering to transform Akshaya Patra into shaya Patra. The event will also feature special one of the worlds largest NGO-run school guest Vijay Amritraj, Wimbledon Cup com- meal programs that today serves 1.3 million petitor and host of Dimensions with Vijay Am- children daily in over 9,500 schools from 19 ritraj on CNN IBN. The event will raise funds kitchens in nine states across India. Today, and awareness for Akshaya Patras unique and Chanchalapathi Dasa manages the executive innovative program for eradicating hunger and operations of the Foundation. promoting education in India. The event will be attended by community Chanchalapathi Dasa, known to many as CP leaders, business executives and long-time supJi, was among the first founders of the Ak- porters of Akshaya Patra. The Benefit Event is shaya Patra Foundation. He completed his un- chaired by B.V. Jagadeesh, Vish Mishra, and dergraduate in PSG College of Technology, Ram Reddy.
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US AFFAIRS
Republican Senator Ted Cruz gave a 21-hour speech opposing Obama's healthcare law.
Washington: The U.S. Congress, already struggling to avert a government shutdown next week, turned its attention Wednesday to the other fiscal bullet it had to dodge: a federal debt default. Republican leaders in the House of Representatives notified members that a vote on raising the debt limit could come as early as Friday. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew pleaded for quick action in the deeply divided Congress on raising the $16.7 trillion statutory limit on government borrowing, as he projected an October 17 drop-dead date when only $30 billion would be left in his agency's checking account. Amid those dire warnings, lawmakers struggled with another potential crisis: federal agency shutdowns that could begin with the new fiscal year on October 1 unless Congress comes up with emergency funds. The money would be used to continue paying U.S. troops, operate border patrols, provide free school lunches for poor children and thousands of other activities. The Senate voted unanimously to begin advancing legislation to avert government agency shutdowns. But tough fights in both
Washington: Not long ago, Hillary Clinton had "absolutely no plans to run" for the White House in 2016. Now she is "wrestling" with the idea, but is in no hurry to decide as it's a decision "not to be made lightly." A possible White House run by the former Secretary of State and First Lady, whom polls put as the leading contender for Democratic nomination, has become a topic of renewed speculation with the publication of an interview by New York magazine. In her first interview since leaving the State Department, asked by the magazine whether she wrestles with the idea of a possible run, Clinton replied "I do, but I'm both pragmatic and realistic." "I think I have a pretty good idea of the political and governmental challenges that are facing our leaders, and I'll do whatever I can from whatever position I find myself in to
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INDIA
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lowed suit but Advani merely folded his hands without looking at him. In his speech, Advani made a mention of Modi as the party's prime ministerial candidate and noted party's rise could be attributed to hard work of party workers. He praised work done by Modi, Chouhan and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh. Party chief Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti attended. Modi referred to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government as "sultanate" (lands ruled by a sultan) and "Delhi
ke shahanshah (rulers of Delhi)" in his nearly 35minute speech. The workers conclave was organized on the birth anniversary of party ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and is being seen as a show of strength by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. The BJP is seeking a third successive term in the assembly elections to be held later this year. Attacking the Congress over corruption, he said if "numeral one is put in Bhopal, the number of zeros (for the money involved in graft) will go upto Janpath (the road with residence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi)."
Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal said there is no attempt by the government to protect any convicted politician
opposed to this. We request the president not to sign this ordinance." Sushma Swaraj, who urged President Pranab Mukherjee not to sign the ordinance, again tweeted in the night that her party leaders will meet the president over the issue. The government opted for the ordinance route after a bill on the same issue could not be passed in the monsoon session of parliament. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said that at an all-party meeting convened to discuss the issue, it was decided that if somebody has been convicted in a lower
court, it is possible that he gets reprieve from the higher court.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced it would challenge the ordinance by filing a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court. Party president Arvind Kejriwal said: "We will challenge the ordinance in the Supreme Court if it passes." The Congress defended the ordinance. Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters in Chandigarh: "There is no attempt by the government to protect any convicted politician. No one has read the ordinance and understood it correctly."
Ex-army chief V.K. Singh alleged that army was funding ministers in J&K
and Kashmir for decades. "It's extremely unfortunate. Most of us have no financial dealings whatsoever with the army," Abdullah told reporters. "These statements and accusations only cause us great difficulty here." He demanded "a thorough inquiry" into the matter, saying there was an attempt to vilify all mainstream political parties in Kashmir. "I believe these accusations cannot be dismissed off-hand, they require further investigation", Omar said.
Gen Singh said army was funding ministers in the state "since (India's) independence" to maintain peace in the Kashmir Valley. The ruling National Conference (NC) challenged Singh to reveal the names of the ministers he believed received the army's secret funds failing which NC would file a defamation suit against him. Separatists have been using the allegations to up their ante against the mainstream political leaders alleging these people represented the democratic face of India's occupation of Kashmir.
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INDIA
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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being received by Indian officials at Frankfurt International Airport on his way to New York
Washington: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and said "such attacks will not deter us and will not succeed in derailing our efforts to find a resolution to all problems through a process of dialogue". In a statement, Manmohan Singh, who is slated to hold talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the US, said: "No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Hiranagar police station and the army camp at Samba in Jammu and Kashmir this (Thursday) morning." Twelve people, including an army
officer, were killed when guerrillas mounted the audacious attack. "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave army and police officers, as well as the innocent civilians martyred in this cowardly attack. This is one more in a series of provocations and barbaric actions by the enemies of peace." "We are firmly resolved to combat and defeat the terrorist menace that continues to receive encouragement and reinforcement from across the border. Such attacks will not deter us and will not succeed in derailing our efforts to find a resolution to all problems through a process of dialogue," he said.
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INDIA
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walkout by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu in protest against the move to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. A number of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief ministers, including the party's prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi did not
attend the meeting. The others from the BJP who did not attend were Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, who attacked her Uttar Pradesh counterpart
New Delhi: The Raghuram Rajan panel report has made a case for ending the 'special category' criteria for providing additional assistance to poorer states, as it ranked Goa and Kerala as the most advanced state and Odisha and Bihar the least. The committee, headed by the then chief economic advisor Raghuram Rajan (now RBI governor) which was set up by the government amid demand for "special category" status by Bihar, suggested a new methodology for devolving funds on states based on a 'multi dimensional index (MDI)'. Giving details of the report finance minister P Chidambaram said the committee has suggested that the 28 states be split into three categories least developed, less developed and relatively developed depending upon their MDI scores. As regards the allocation of
funds, the report suggested that each state should get a basic fixed allocation and an additional allocation depending on its development needs and development performance. The demand for funds and special attention of different States, Chidambaram said, "would be more than adequately met by the twin recommendations of the basic allocation of 0.3 per cent of overall funds to each state and the categorisation of States that scores 0.6 and above as least developed States." According to the committee, these two recommendations, along with the allocation methodology, will effectively subsume what is now "special category" status. Bihar along with some other states have been demanding "special category" status to get more funds from the Centre.
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OP-ED
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International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague for fomenting violence in general elections held in 2007. Uhuru Kenyatta has rejected the jurisdiction of the court and refused to appear before it. What can be termed as an expression of tacit support, the African Union has expressed the view that they could be tried within the country. As we landed in Nairobi, the only road connecting the airport with the capital was jam packed, as a result of which the journey to our hotel which should have taken merely 45 minutes took three hours. On way, one could see, hundreds of young people wandering aimlessly or chatting at various corners. A source in Nairobi told us that hundreds of Somali youth sneak in to Kenya daily in search of jobs, many of whom later join Al Shabaab. A number of cells of this organization work secretly in Kenya and get funds from unknown sources. This poses a duel challenge for President Kenyatta's government. First, the challenge of providing jobs to the burgeoning young population and second, to protect the country from terrorist attacks which can bring economic activity to a halt. In an article titled ''The time bomb that is millions of jobless youth",
published in a popular tabloid of Nairobi, The Standard of June, 8, 2013, Moses Michira said: ''Kenyan youths are now facing a serious unemployment time bomb. The country's number of jobless youth stands at 2.3 million. Church leaders have warned this 'demographic trap' could see more crime, militant gangs, terrorism, labor unrest and political violence. " He said that social scientists have warned that the "youth bulge", the large number of people nearing adulthood notable in demographic charts, presents the biggest hurdle in tackling violent crimes. According to UNDP, ''Every year, another 500,000 young Kenyans enter job markets from schools, colleges and universities. '' Thus the challenge on this front remains formidable for President Kenyatta. Come night, and you are warned not to venture alone on the streets of Nairobi, lest you may become victim of soaring crime. With the increase in terrorist activities, Kenya's major foreign exchange earner, tourism, might face an enormous challenge. As for most of the international tourists, the first leg of journey begins with Nairobi, then to the Great Rift Valley, to Amboseli and Naivasha. It
As hostage crisis continued in Kenya, 68 were reported to be killed in the terror attack
ends with a visit to the world famous game park, Maasai Mara. This traffic may shift to neighboring Tanzania, which has breathtaking sights, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the equally famous Serengeti National Park. Borders of Kenya have become vulnerable to constant attacks by Al Shabaab militia since 2011. An article in the Daily Nation of Nairobi, by a columnist Muchemi Wachira, notes that before the outbreak of the attacks, Al Shabaab had vowed to take revenge against the "occupation" of their country by the Kenyan military, which has so far managed to take over Kismayu (a port town in Somalia). They had sworn that, once the port, which served as the main outlet for their smuggled goods from
Middle East and Asia, is taken over by the KDF (Kenyan Defence Forces), they (Al Shabaab) would turn Kenya into a lawless state starting with the border town of Garissa in north western Kenya.'' Due to persistent attacks by the Al Shabaab militia, Garissa has since become a ghost town, as most of the population has deserted it. Kenya shares a 700 km border with Somalia, which has become quite porous, although there are only three designated entry points at Liboi, Wajir and Mandera. The question that Wachira has posed is, as to why the Kenyan security forces have failed to contain Al Shabaab. Or are they losing the war to the terrorists? This needs an answer after the ghastly attack on Westgate.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
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OP-ED
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Much will depend on how Narendra Modi handles the RSS-inspired pro-Hindu campaigns of which the VHP has given some hints
By Amulya Ganguli ven as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cadres burst firecrackers and beat drums to celebrate Narendra Modi's nomination as the party's prime ministerial candidate, it was in the quiet environs of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur where the mood must have been even more joyous. For the first time since the BJP's formation three decades ago, the organization of Hindu supremacists has been able to launch someone on the road to national political power who is not only a former saffron pracharak (campaigner), but also a person who is expected by the RSS to render yeomen's service to the cause of Hindutva, or Hindu cultural nationalism. Till now, the RSS had been prevented from achieving this objective by the reluctance of the BJP's foremost leaders of the last 20 years - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani - to pursue a pro-Hindu agenda. Not only that, Vajpayee even shelved the three main points of the agenda - building the Ayodhya temple, scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution granting special status to Kashmir and introducing a uniform civil code for all religious communities in India. The eagerness of the RSS did not stem from an appreciation of Modi's development plank. The RSS is not bothered about the building of roads and bridges. Its preference for Modi dates
back to the chief minister's controversial role in the 2002 riots, which made the Hindu middle class hail him for "teaching the Muslims a lesson". As Modi faces the toughest challenge of his life, he may want to emphasize his "inclusive" outlook by pushing the riots further into the background - without apologizing for them, of course but it is open to question whether the RSS will let him do so. As the attempt of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to revive the temple issue (which was foiled by the U.P. government) showed, the saffron brotherhood seemed to believe that the reappearance of hardliner at the top provided an opportunity to the Hindutva warriors to return to the day of the Ayodhya agitation of the 1990s. Instead of Advani who led the movement at the time, it is now Modi who is at the helm while the 85-year-old former 'rath yatri' (chariot rider), who was seen to have spearheaded the demolition of the Babri mosque at Ayodhya, is currently a forlorn figure, having failed in his attempt to forestall Modi's crowning. No one knows, however, how long Advani will be shunned by his party for failing to read the "popular" mood. Much will depend on how Modi handles the RSSinspired pro-Hindu campaigns of which the VHP has given some hints. With friends such as these, Modi will not need enemies. But, it will take considerable tact, patience and determi-
nation on his part to defuse any possibility of a rise in the communal temperature, which is undoubtedly the last thing which the hero/villain of 2002 wants. Unfortunately, Modi's skills in these respects haven't been tested. In Gujarat, he rode to power in three successive elections on the basis of pro-Hindu sentiments generated by communal tension. Although he has maintained a tight control on the situation for the last 10 years, it was in a state with which he was familiar. Uttar Pradesh, however, is different. So, will be any other state where a drive against cow slaughter or Christian missionaries - two of the several targets of saffron storm-troopers - may create law and order problems. Moreover, the RSS will not be amused if Modi acts or speaks against such outbreaks. After all, the head of the Sangh Parivar (the fraternity of pro-Hindu groups) couldn't have put in so much effort to boost Modi only to have him play the moderate card a la Vajpayee and Advani. It will not be long, therefore, before the RSS and the VHP express their approval or disapproval of Modi. If it is the former, then Modi's reign will head towards a "disaster", as Advani told BJP president Rajnath Singh, since it will confirm all the standard fears about Modi. If it is the latter, then Modi will find the ground slipping from under his feet with the RSS withdrawing its cadres.
other equipment using HFCs as refrigerants. This means using less electricity to operate refrigerators and air conditioners, which means lower fossil fuel use and lower carbon dioxide emissions, giving this strategy a double climate benefit. These efficiency gains will save money for consumers and reduce India's import burden of fossil fuels and the current account deficit, a key parameter for India's recent financial crisis. Third, the HFC amendment will reaffirm the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility" for climate protection. This is a central principle for India and indeed all developing countries during all climate negotiations. Simply put, this principle means that all countries must do their part to solve climate change - our common responsibility but that some have greater responsibility and capabilities to do more, sooner - the differentiated responsibility. Fourthly, success with the HFC amendment under the Montreal Protocol will help build the trust and momentum needed to conclude a successful agreement under the UN climate negotiations in 2015. Leadership on climate policy must come from the heads of state, and the leaders of the large economies must work together to pave the way forward for all countries of the world. The agreement by India, China, and the US, along with the other G20 leaders, shows this is possible. Manmohan Singh is now preparing for a bilateral summit with the US and talks with President Obama end-September. He has an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership in climate change in a renewed way. This year India is reclaiming its rightful place as a leader among nations for the essential task of protecting our common climate and the future of humanity.
The bilateral summit with Barack Obama has an opportunity to demonstrate Manmohan Singh's leadership in climate change in a renewed way
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TRISTATE COMMUNITY
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The Honorees Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Indian MP Priya Dutt shared the honors of presenting the awards.
Uniondale, NY: The 32nd Gala Dinner of the Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation (NDMF) was held last weekend at the Long Island Marriott here. As every year, the event attracted a large number of Indian Americans sympathetic to the noble NDMF cause of helping the medical fraternity in India to fight cancer. Seven prominent members of the community were honored at the glittering evening. Priya Dutt, MP and Patron of the Foundation who flew in from India, appreciated the generous contributions of the Indian community to NDMF enabling it to make available to hospitals in India the equipment needed to treat cancer patients. She exhorted them to come up with ideas and funds to help the Foundation to continue with greater vigor the good work it has been doing. She praised NDMF Board as their hard work showed in the communitys response. Nassau County Chief Executive, Edward P. Mangano, was the chief guest of the evening which was attended by the who's who of the Indian community. The honor of
Chintu Patel, CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals Dr Vaijnath M. Chakote, giving medical care to poor Dr Vijaypal Arya, head, Endoscopy Unit, Wyckoff hospital Manohar S. Toor, construction and gas station business Dr Prem C. Goel, physician and teacher.
Priya Dutt, honoree Saleem Iqbal, HAB Bank President & CEO, his wife, Ed Mangano, and NDMF President Sher Singh Madra.
Harendra Singh, chief of Singh Hospitality Group, posing after receiving his award.
presenting the awards was shared by him and Priya Dutt. Each honoree also received a citation from the county. The honorees included Harendra Singh, chief of Singh Hospitality Group, which runs many restaurants and banquet facilities, and supports his fathers Raj and Rajeshwari Foundation; and Saleem Iqbal, President & CEO of HAB Bank (rechristened
from Habib American Bank). The other five honoree were: Chintu Patel, CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Dr Vaijnath M. Chakote, servicing medical care in poor communities in NYC; Dr Vijaypal Arya, Director, Endoscopy Unit, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn; Manohar S. Toor, construction and gas station business; and Dr Prem
C. Goel, noted physician and teacher. NDMF President Sher Singh Madra recounted some of the NDMF achievements: "During its history, it has provided valuable cancer detection and treatment equipment. A radiation field analyzer was sent to the Indore Cancer Hospital and overall NDMF completed 50 such proj-
ects. We have also provided training to Indian doctors to improve their expertise in fighting cancer." Madra thanked Priya Dutt, daughter of star parents Sunil and Nargis Dutt, for her continued support, guidance and involvement with the foundation. The award ceremony was followed by a fashion show presented by Karamjit Singh Bhinder.
IALI board members, honorees and dignitaries including actress Pooja Kumar at India Fest Utsav 2013. (right) Vendors offered Indian jewelry, apparel, paintings, crafts handbags as well as financial and other services.
star added excitement to the event. I love this kind of celebration; its a great way to tell our story and promote our heritage, said Pooja, who co-starred with Ed Harris in the psychological thriller Man on a Ledge and with Kamal Hasan in Vishwaroop 2. At the event, IALI honored Dr. Mohan Badhey, Chief of Vascular Surgery, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Dr. Anil Mathur, Chairperson, Deptt of Marketing and International Business, Hofstra University, and Sunil Modi,
President of Association of Indians in America-NY. Grand sponsors - Air India, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and Zaveri Insurance were recognized with plaques. Present were Richard Devancy from Air India, Robert Saurez and Jessica Lucas from Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and Salil Zaveri. Gary Sikka, of The Mint Restaurant, and Rajesh Thakkar of House of Dipali, were recognized for their support.
Dignitaries who attended included representatives from Congressman Steve Israel, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Assemblyman Curran, Councilwoman Goosby, Freeport Mayor Kennedy. Nassau County Director of Business & Economic Development Kamlesh Mehta, Countys Commissioner of Human Rights, Zahid Sayed, Human Rights Commissioner Sharanjit Thind, IALI past presidents, and other community leaders graced the occasion.
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ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
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ebut feature filmmaker Gyan Correa's Gujarati film "The Good Road" has been chosen to represent India in the best foreign film category at the Academy Awards. It is said to be the first Gujarati film to have made it."It was a unanimous decision to select 'The Good Road', which is a movie produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)," renowned filmmaker Goutam Ghose, who headed the selection committee appointed by the Film Federation of India (FFI), said. The story of three individuals on a highway, "The Good Road", widely shot in Kutch district in Gujarat, had clinched the National Award for Best Feature Film
(Gujarati) earlier this year. It features actors like Sonali Kulkarni and Ajay Gehi. The movie left behind 21 other contenders, including strong films like "The Lunchbox", "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", "English Vinglish", "Vishwaroopam", Malayalam film "Celluloid" and Bengali film "Shabdo", he said. "'The Lunchbox' was a very strong contender. I loved the film," said Ghose. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is delighted that "The Good Road" has been chosen as India's entry in the best foreign film category at the Oscars. "Delighted to know that Gujarati film 'The Good Road' has been chosen to represent India at Oscars. Congrats to cast
The Gujarati movie left behind 21 other contenders, including 'The Lunchbox'
Review
Nawazuddin with Irrfan in a scene from 'The Lunchbox' n Mrinal Sen's "Khandhar" desolation was defined and epitomized as much by Shabana Azmi's face and physicality as it was by the architectural ruins where Sen shot his dirge-like tale. In "The Lunchbox", debutant director Ritest Batra - is this really his first feature film?! - does not seek easy escape routes for his characters' destiny of drudgery. The film is set in the heart of Mumbai where everyone is busy making a living...or just trying to live. Right away, this extraordinary film catches your attention with the way the sounds and the relentless rhythm of that City That Never Sleeps are captured and put on screen. Not just Ila (Nimrat Kaur), the cooking, cleaning suffering housewife, even her preoccupied husband (Nakul Vaid) seems so lost in the act of existence. Even their little daughter looks so forlorn with her rag-doll, as though she needs a good cry but is not sure if Mama will be there to console her. These little life-asserting pretences we indulge ourselves into
believe that we lead meaningful lives is the crux of "The Lunchbox". Hence Ila strikes up an illusory bond of empathy with the almost-retired office-goer Fernandes (Irrfan Khan). Among the three protagonists, Nawazuddin as the deceptively shallow Sheikh has the toughest role. He must seem frivolously jovial and insensitive to Fernandes' lonely existence, though he is anything but these things. Further, he has a happy life. And that should and does fill him with a guilt he cannot express. Nawazuddin, Irrfan and Nimrat are so much in character that you wonder if these people were born before the script. The film celebrates the extraordinary ordinariness of their lives with a stark sincerity that takes away every morsel of artifice inherent in the act of filming made-up lives. If this is not the best directorial debut since Satyajit Ray in "Pather Panchali", then I am probably missing something vital. And that's what this film is about.
ohn Abraham, who has been propagating offbeat and "sensible" films in a space full of masala entertainment, believes that Bollywood currently lacks "sensible" stories to tell. "We lack stories. We have no stories to tell. We put five songs with five comedy scenes and say it's done," John said. That's one reason why the 40-year-old is loving and enjoying every bit of his
new role as a film producer. Thanks to it, he is being able to serve the audience with eclectic movies - the entertaining "Vicky Donor" and the engaging "Madras Cafe". "I love the role of a producer because I make the kind of films which I want to make. I make sensible films. I think 'Vicky Donor' and 'Madras Cafe' are examples enough about the cinema which I want to propagate," he said.
Actor John Abraham
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they look like different people...It is an outstanding performance," added Vivek. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, "Krrish 3" is the third film in the franchise that began with "Koi Mil Gaya" in 2003. It also features Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut. Vivek even recalls an incident when during the dubbing of the film, he became teary eyed after watching Hrithik's performance in one of the scenes from the movie. "When I was dubbing for the film, there was a very emotional scene of Rohit, being played by Hrithik in the film
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
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ctor Vivek Oberoi says H r i t h i k Roshan, who features in a triple role in "Krrish 3", has delivered his career's best performance in the scifi movie. "'Krrish 3' is one of Hrithik Roshan's career's best performance," Vivek said here in an interview. "To play t h r e e characters Krishna, A scene from 'Krrish 3' Krrish and Rohit and to play them so differ- and his performance and emotion ently in one film...especially there in that scene was so deep, so are scenes where they (Hrithik's beautiful that it touched my heart characters in the film) are talking deeply. to each other and the performanc- I was choked in that moment," es are so beautifully done that recalled the 37-year-old.
nlike other weekends, this Friday will witness unique genres at the box office. Rohit Khaitan's "Prague", a psychological drama, will compete with Anubhav Sinha's "Warning", which has been described as a survival film. Then there are "Super Model" and "Maazii". "All the films releasing this time are small to medium budget films. The number of screens per film won't be more than 500-600. Also, the budget will range from Rs.8 to Rs.10 crore, with 'Super Model' being less than that and 'Warning' crossing that," trade analyst Komal Nahta said. After the release date of "Prague" was shifted thrice, it will finally see the light of day this weekend. The film revolves around the lives of architects and their paranormal experiences as they set out to explore Prague. "The film has been made on an approximate budget of Rs.6 to Rs.6.5 crore which includes publicity and marketing. We cannot reveal the number of screens as of now but it will see a decent release all over India," producer Rohit Khaitan said. Shot in 3D, "Warning" also seems to be an equally
good option for the viewers. Produced by Sinha, it stars young actors Santosh Barmola, Suzana Rodrigues, Varun Sharma, Manjari Phadnis, Jitin Gulati, Sumit Suri and Madhurima Tulii.
The star will be the only male actor who will walk the ramp with nine Bollywood leading ladies
egastar Amitabh Bachchan met veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who is steadily recovering after a heart attack, in Lilavati Hospital here. "Mr. Bachchan came to meet Dilip Kumar today around 7 p.m. they chatted for around half and hour. As far as Dilip Kumar's health is concerned he is absolutely fine and he now desperately wants to go back home," Udaya Tara Nayar, Dilip Kumar's close family friend, said.Udaya Tara also shared a picture in which Bachchan posed with Dilip Kumar, 90, along with Saira Banu and her brother Sultan Ahmed. Dilip Kumar who was in ICU ever since he was hospitalised was shifted to the general ward Sunday afternoon.The actor may get discharged from hospital in a couple of days, sources indicated. The actor was hospitalized on September 15 after he complained of uneasiness.
Sanjay Dutt
Bal Gandharva Auditorium here, officials said. Raring to do what he loves, Sanjay has been polishing his acting-dancing skills and furiously rehearsing for the show inside the YCJ premises since the past fortnight along with the other inmates. Though jail officials remain tight-lipped on the show details, it is learnt that Sanjay and his team will perform the famous 'Lungi
dance' from the recent Shah Rukh KhanDeepika Padukone blockbuster "Chennai Express."Besides, he may also dance to a patriotic song and a number from his superhit movie, "Lage Raho Munnabhai".Shah Rukh has agreed to do the honors. He will be the showstopper at the event. It was Pamelajis (Chopra; Yash Chopras wife) idea and he was more than happy to oblige, says
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FESTIVAL
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By Jinal Shah t a time when India is grappling with a number of problems - from financial vulnerability to a series of gang rapes- and its image abroad, Maharashtra Tourisms move to sponsor the debut Diwali event at the worlds crossroads proved fittingly right. Tens of thousands of people visited the Maharashtra Tourism Diwali at Times Square on Sunday. This promotional came close to what New York witnessed six years ago with Incredible India@60 campaign - a stunning $10 million extravaganza to promote India. Compared to that 4day promotional, Diwali at Times Square was the largest watched event showcasing India on a single day. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation MD Jagdish Patel, said, The event was an opportunity to bring one of the most important and vibrant Indian festivals to New York and invite people from the city and across the world to experience Diwali. A section of Times Square between 45th to 47th streets on Broadway - was bustling with people dressed in traditional Indian attire as they lined up before booths set up to showcase Indian cuisine, music and fashion. The cultural festival included dance, diya, rangoli painting, Indian arts and crafts, fashion show, photo booths with ethnic outfits, celebrity autograph/photo booth and much more. Tourists and visitors enjoyed themselves thoroughly and many queued up to get the saffron Kolhapuri turban. The pointed moustache masks were another crowd-puller. Gandhi caps with the printed slogan, Maharashtra pride of India, were distributed among the public. Visitors, especially Indian Americans, flocked Times Square as early as 10 in the morning. I have seen many concerts at Times Square or other venues in New York, but never have I seen such a large congregation of Indians as here -- a great achievement, said
Neeta Bhasin, President ASB Communications who conceived the event, flanked by Maharashtra Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay and others at Diwali@Times Square event.
Richa Shah who came from New Jersey with her friends. The event saw dancers performing the Maharashtrian folk dance, Lavani. Punjabi Bhangra was there too. Groups like Sangharsh and Sankalp promoted Govinda festival by forming human pyramids. Later, at the Light Up Times Square concert, Shankar Mahadevan entertained the crowd along with his musical troupe that has worked on the TV commercial of Maharashtra Tourism. The concert also saw Canada based group Culture Shock perform live on a mix of songs. Chhagan Bhujbal, Maharashtras Minister for Tourism, acknowledged the efforts of Maharashtra tourism and other stakeholders involved in this event. Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor, his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, and debutant Pallavi Sharda made a special appearance to promote their upcoming film Besharam. Crowds went ballistic on catching a glimpse of one of Bollywood's most eligible bachelors, Ranbir. We camped here since morning only to see Ranbir Kapoor. He did a small gig, but it was worth the wait, said Prachi Doshi Dressed in a black 'sherwani', the young Kapoor danced and interacted with his fans as his father expressed gratitude for the adulation shown to him and his family. Congratulating Maharashtra Tourism for its achievement, Rishi Kapoor said, I am proud to be a
part of Maharashtra. The event garnered mixed reactions. It was disorganized; the Diwali flavor was missing. Why so many performances in English. They should have given more time to Shankar Mahadevan. The only good part was to see the Kapoors but how I wish they stayed a little more with the crowd that waited endlessly, said Deepti Kohli, on the organizers official Facebook page The event culminated with an orchestrated laser light show and fireworks on big screens. The landmark event was organized by Event Guru and ASB Communications. Maharashtra Tourism was the title sponsor, and Air India the presenting sponsor.
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INDIA FEATURES
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This world record is a matter of shame not pride: Irom Sharmila holds the world record of longest fast. This October she completes 13 years of fasting in protest against the draconian AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958) imposed on North East India, which has alienated people there. She is force fed in an Imphal hospital to keep her alive.
were killed were members of the same family. This event was reported in newspapers on 3rd and 4th November and left such a lasting impact on Sharmila, then 28 years old, that she decided to fast in protest. Her demand was to repeal the draconian rule and reinstate the integrity of Manipur and the North Eastern region. In her long protest, many political parties vouched support for her and her cause, but true to Indian democracy, nothing moves beyond lipservice. To further rub salt to wounds, there was a half hearted inquiry on the accused army personnel and later all were acquitted. There have been many high-level judicial inquiries and committee findings into AFSPA and human rights violations in Manipur, each time triggered by fresh reports of rape, killings and denial of basic human rights and dignity by Indian Army. None of the recommendations have been considered or made public. To add insult to grave injuries, Human Rights Commission of the State also lies defunct since 2010. The protest Ironically, Sharmila holds the world record of longest running fast. As an Indian, I do not know whether to feel proud of the fact that she has chosen such a non-violent way of protesting. It is a shame that even after six decades of independence, parts of India are so alienated. In October, Sharmila completes 13 years of her fast. Her brother, the only person allowed to meet Sharmila regularly, recollects, Until 2004, it was lonely and difficult. Between 2004-06, she started to get recognised nationally and internationally for her continued non-violent persistence. By 2006, she became an epitome of non-violent public protests all over the world. She is a strong believer in the principle of non-violence and draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. In Sharmilas own words, I am lonely but not alone in this fight. She has support of the people of Manipur, North East and the rest of India. She gets hundreds of letter and wishes from followers and supporters, some requesting her to end her fast, some showing solidarity with her cause and some plainly in
awe of her unique life. Sharmila and Indian Government While in AIIMS Delhi and in the Imphal hospital, she has written many letters to the Prime Minister and President, requesting them to repeal the ghastly AFSPA Act, imposed on the people of north east. She also reiterated that North East is an integral part of India and should not be treated differently, or with disbelief or skepticism. To her dismay, she has not even received an acknowledgement or reply to any of her letters. Sharmila faces many charges, most being related to attempt to suicide. The first time she was charged soon after she began her fast- police forcibly used nasal tube feeding to keep her alive. Sharmila
taken back to the same ward that has become prison not only for her body but her soul as well. In the hospital, she is being kept forcibly alive by feeding twice a day, through a tube going down her stomach from her nose. She has seen her mother just once in 10 years and is not allowed any visitors at all. Her only companion is a daily diary that she maintains from her jail hospital ward and the letters and wishes of her well wishers and supporters. National and international recognition Sharmila has been recognised nationally and internationally for her persistent and unrelenting efforts in bringing the cause of North Eastern India to the forefront. She was awarded the 2007 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights, sharing it with Lenin Raghuvanshi of People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, a northeastern human rights organization. In 2009, she was given the first Mayillama Award of the Mayillama Foundation "for achievement of her nonviolent struggle in Manipur". In 2010, she won a lifetime achievement award from the Asian Human Rights Commission. Later that year, she won the Rabindranath Tagore Peace Prize of the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, and the Sarva Gunah Sampannah "Award for Peace and Harmony" from the Signature Training Center. All these awards and recognitions are just hollow decorations for her. She is looking forward to the day when Indian government repeals the imposition of AFSPA. Sharmila and India Against Corruption India Against Corruption (IAC) movement was a ray of hope for many alienated communities and marginalized groups in far flung corners of the country. Sharmila and people from the North East also showed cohesion with IAC and invited Anna Hazare and his team to
How it all started AFSPA is widely believed to be responsible for violence and feeling of alienation in North East India. There have been reports of many human rights violations by unchecked powers given to armed forces under AFSPA, wherein the army can detain or kill anyone without notice and cannot be questioned. One that shook inner conscience of Sharmila was on 2nd Nov 2000, when 10 innocent civilians, harmlessly waiting for a bus at a bus stop, were gunned down by the men of Assam Rifles on the suspicion of allegiance to Maoists. Those killed included a 62-year-old woman and an 18-year-old Child Bravery Award winner of 1988. Many of those who
Irom Sharmila has received several national and international awards for her persistent protest, and been widely featured in media.
rebuts the charge, insisting that a firm believer in Gandhian principles, she will never commit suicide. She is treading on the path shown by the Mahatma himself, of nonviolence and using your own body and self-harm as weapon to protest against misuse of power. She also firmly believes in standing up against injustice, because not speaking against the wrong is as bad as inflicting wrong. The fortnightly drill of visiting a local magistrate is a ritual Sharmila is used to. The magistrate completes the formality of asking her to end her fast, to which her reply is a firm and predictable no. Then, she is
visit Manipur to observe the situation first-hand. She holds the aging Gandhian in high regard and thanks him for all the attention she got from the movement. Team Anna understood and reiterated from the spotlight stage of IAC movement in 2011 and 2012 that there are several groups in all regions of India that are fighting their own lonely battles on basic issues, not only against the apathy of the state but also against the denial of vital rights of communities to be able to take their own decisions. IAC and Sharmilas fight are woven by the same thread of ensuring participative democracy and not just representative democracy currently practiced in India. In late 2011, Anna sent two representatives to meet with Sharmila and to assure her of support and strength of Indian people and to stand with her morally against the arrogant state and central governments. Sharmilas is a fight of entitlement, of pride in ones identity and struggle to demand equality in ones own country. There are many indigenous groups fighting non-violent battles for their lands, rights and equality in India. The indifferent attitude of successive governments have led to increasing feeling of isolation and alienation among the youth of such marginalized communities. Such misled youth are a ripe playground for extremists to take advantage. It is also an opportunity for neighboring countries to exercise their domination slyly. China is already claiming a part of Sikkim and Ladakh. India Against Corruption movement and Aam Aadmi Party are a non-violent result of such aspirations of common man for change and entitlement. For the sake of India, lets hope that this movement succeeds. The writer is a Melbourne based member of Aam Aadmi Party and can be reached at [email protected]
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DIASPORA
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oda, Malti Ramesh Vaya. Bidco oil refineries, one of the biggest cooking fat makers in East Africa and owned by Vimal Shah, also lost senior employee Mitul Amritlal Shah. Also confirmed dead is Lalit Kumar Solanki, a popular TV cooking show host. In New Delhi, India's external affairs ministry Tuesday said another Indian, Sudharshan B. Nagaraj from Bangalore, was among those killed. This raises to three the number of Indians killed in the attack. "The toll of Indian citizens killed in Westgate attack rises. Sudharshan B. Nagaraj from Bangalore sadly identified as among those killed. He was in the book trade and had only come to Nairobi on Sep 20," said the ministry. Earlier, Sridhar Natarajan, 40, from Tamil Nadu, and Paramshu Jain, eight, the son of Bank of Baroda's Nairobi branch manager, were identified as among those killed by Islamist Al Shabab militants.
Prem Watsa
looked ill-advised at the time, but later turned out to be shrewd decisions." Hyderabad-born Watsa completed his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in 1971. He joined BlackBerry's board in early 2012 when Fairfax moved to become the Waterloo firm's biggest shareholder, joining the board to help implement a turnaround plan. He resigned in mid-August as Fairfax was circling in with a bid to take BlackBerry private. According to his biography as chancellor of the University of Waterloo, Watsa moved to Ontario in 1972 and later completed an MBA from the University of Western Ontario.
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SUBCONTINENT
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mated 100,000 people have been affected in Awaran. Awaran is one of the poorest districts in Balochistan, with a population of less than 120,000. The actual situation in the quake-hit areas was not clear, as many of the villages affected by the earthquake were hard to access, said Rasheed Gadozai.
The Balochistan government has declared emergency in the six quake-hit districts and has started rescue operation along with the army and other security forces. The Pakistani Army Wednesday sent 600 more soldiers to the quake-hit areas, taking the total number of army personnel involved in the rescue operation to
Islamabad: At least 78 people were killed and 106 wounded in Pakistan's Peshawar city after two suicide bombers blew themselves up near a church where worshippers had gathered for mass service. Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the bomb disposal squad Shafqat Malik said that two bombers exploded themselves up in the church during Sunday prayers, killing at least 78 people and injuring 106. Eye witnesses said the bombers were wearing police uniforms. The dead include 34 women
and seven children in the attack at the historic 130-yearold white-stone All Saints Church at the Kohati Gate area of the city, Information Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Shah Farman said. The provincial government, Bishop Churches of Pakistan and several politicial parties have announced three days of mourning to condemn the blasts. The national flag would be flown at half mast at the all official buildings in the provincial capital, the minister said.
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) emerged victorious in the Northern Province Council
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to meet India's Premier Manmohan Singh in New York
Islamabad: A "potentially fruitful endeavor" for Pakistan may take place in the US when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meets India's Premier Manmohan Singh, said a Pakistani daily which described it as a "move towards peace". "A potentially fruitful endeavor for Pakistan may end up taking place on the sidelines of the General Assembly session...," said the News International in an editorial. "This will be an ideal opportunity for the two leaders to put behind them the LoC (Line of Control) fracas and move towards peace. This preliminary meeting obviously will not lead to any immediate deals or breakthroughs but could spur bilateral visits and agreements," the daily said. "Should Nawaz Sharif return to Pakistan with better prospects for this, it will have made the New York trip worthwhile," it added. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs
six-day visit to New York for the opening session of the UN General Assembly comes at a time when world attention has once been focused on the country for the church attack in Peshawar. The daily noted that when Nawaz Sharif addresses the session Sep 27, he "will be expected to speak forcefully on militancy and what Pakistan is doing to combat it". "Back home, we are busy discussing whether negotiations should be pursued with the Taliban but the international community needs to be reassured that talks are only one possible method of reaching our ultimate goal of defanging the militants." "Fears of terrorism linked to Al-Qaeda and other ideologically like-minded groups are at an alltime high after the hostage drama in Kenya. Pakistan has to demonstrate its commitment to no longer being a safe haven and training ground for militants," said the editorial.
It said India has "noted the positive statements made by the TNA and the Government of Sri Lanka. It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that they have expressed willingness to work with each other for the progress of the people of the Northern Province". India urged both sides "to engage constructively, in a spirit of partnership and mutual accommodation, so that the urgent needs of the people of the Northern Province, which has recently emerged from the throes of a 30-year long armed conflict, are
addressed with a sense of urgency and purpose. "Only such a cooperative approach will pave the way for genuine reconciliation between the communities involved," it said. India is "committed to working with both the sides to further this process, so that all communities in Sri Lanka, including the minorities, can feel that they are equal stakeholders in a united Sri Lanka and can look forward to a future marked by equality, justice, dignity and selfrespect".
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INTERNATIONAL
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UN chemical weapons Kenya mall siege over, 72 killed experts back in Syria
Nairobi: The four-day siege involving suspected Somali Islamist militants at Nairobi's Westgate shopping center ended with 72 people dead, including six soldiers and five militants, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced. Five attackers were shot dead by troops and 11 suspects are in custody, Kenyatta said in a televised address to the nation, reported BBC. He declared three-day national mourning starting from Wednesday. "Fellow Kenyans, we have been badly hurt and feel great pain and loss, but we have been brave, united and strong. Kenya has stared down great evil and triumphed," he said. The president also informed that three floors of the Westgate shopping center had collapsed during the "tail end" of the operation and there were still at least three bodies in the rubble. Kenya has "shamed and defeated our attackers" but the "losses are immense", he said while admitting the death of 61 civilians and six soldiers in the operation. Stating that several bodies, lying under rubble from collapsed parts of the building were yet to be recovered, the Kenyan president added some 62 others people were hospitalized. Many others were being treated for
UN inspectors in Syria
A priest prays for victims of the Shopping mall attack near the Westgate shopping center in Nairobi, Kenya
Damascus: UN inspectors returned to Syria to pursue a probe into alleged poison gas attacks, as Russia and the West wrangled over how to eliminate President Bashar al-Assad's banned chemical weapons. The group, led by chief expert Ake Sellstrom, flew to Beirut in Lebanon and traveled by overland convoy via the Masnaa border post to Damascus. US President Barack Obama demanded tough Security Council action against Syria as the conflict there dominated debate at the annual UN General Assembly.
There was clear evidence that sarin gas was used in an attack in the Eastern Ghouta neighborhood near Damascus on August 21, the report said. Last month's attack, which the Syrian opposition and some parts of the international community blame on the regime, prompted Washington to threaten military action against Damascus. Assad's government denies using chemical weapons against its own people, and has agreed to a US-Russian plan that will see it hand over its chemical arsenal for destruction.
shock and are undergoing counseling. Assuring the public a thorough investigation of the siege, Kenyatta said: "I promise that we shall have a full accountability for the mindless destruction, deaths, pain, loss and suffering we have all undergone as a national family. The dead also included three Indians. Sudharshan B. Nagaraj from Bangalore, was identified among the dead. "He was in the book trade and had only come to Nairobi on Sep 20," an Indian External Affairs ministry state-
ment said. Earlier, Sridhar Natarajan, 40, from Tamil Nadu, and Paramshu Jain, eight, the son of a Bank of Baroda's Nairobi branch manager, were identified as among those killed in the Islamist militants' terror strike in the Westgate mall. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard in London confirmed that a team of officers has traveled to Nairobi to help with "post incident procedures" including gathering scientific evidence as well as supporting the work of British coroners.
The president also said he is directing Secretary of State John Kerry to work with Iran's government on a diplomatic solution to the issue of Iran's nuclear programme. Kerry will meet Thursday with Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif along with his counterparts from five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany negotiating to contain Iran's nuclear programme. Thursday's meeting would be the first formal face-to-face session between the top US and Iranian diplomats since the overthrow of pro-American Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi more than 34 years ago. As Obama spoke there was widespread speculation that he may give further
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BUSINESS
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Manmohan Singh's visit is expected to focus on how to operationalize the landmark India-US civil nuclear deal
to Washington in 2009 and the President's memorable visit to India in 2010" but gave no details of their agenda. President Obama who has described India-US rela-
tionship as one of the "defining partnerships of the 21ST century" had chosen to invite Manmohan Singh for his presidency's first state dinner in Nov 2009.
year and fell below five percent in April, the first month of the current fiscal 2013-14. The headline inflation had come within the comfort zone of the RBI for the first time in more than three years. Inflation remained below five percent in May and June. But it acceler-
ated to a six-month high of 6.1 percent in August. The more worrying was food inflation that surged to 18.18 percent, the highest level in nearly three years. Most analysts feel inflation would worsen in the coming months led by food and fuel price rise.
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SPORTS
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Lalit Modi banned for life by BCCI Supreme Court hearing crucial for Srinivasan
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi is banned from all its activities on charges of serious misconduct and indiscipline
Chennai: The Indian cricket board banned for life Lalit Modi, former IPL chairman and commissioner, from all its activities on charges of serious misconduct and indiscipline. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decision came minutes after the Supreme Court rejected Modi's plea to put on hold the board's Special General Meeting (SGM) in Chennai. At the SGM, chaired by BCCI president Narayanaswami Srinivasan, Modi was "found guilty of committing acts of serious misconduct and indiscipline, and therefore, in exercise of powers as per Regulation 32 of the Memorandum and Rules and Regulations of the Board" banned him for life. "Resolved that Mr. Lalit Modi is guilty of committing acts of serious misconduct and indiscipline, and therefore, in exercise of powers as per Regulation 32 of the Memorandum and Rules and Regulations of the Board, Mr. Lalit Modi be and is hereby expelled from the BCCI. He shall forfeit all his rights and privileges as Administrator. He shall not in future be entitled to hold any position or office, or be admitted in any Committee or as any member or
associate member of the Board," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement. The SGM discussed the 134-page inquiry report submitted by the BCCI's special disciplinary committee, comprising senior vice-president Arun Jaitley, former IPL chairman Chirayu Amin and Jyotiraditya Scindia. The committee had detailed the alleged irregularities that Modi committed from the time the IPL's governing council approved the draft of the Invitiation to Tender (ITT) in December 2009 - for adding two more teams to the league - to Modi's eventual suspension in April 2010. In fact, it was the introduction of the Kochi franchise that spelt Modi's doom. The case of Kochi constitutes three of the eleven charges pressed against Modi, including rigging bids, arm-twisting franchises and bringing the BCCI into disrepute through his comments on Twitter. As a last ditched attempt to avoid the life-ban, Modi requested the BCCI to adjourn the SGM and also said that he was willing to appear before it through video conferencing. The pleas were not allowed.
New Delhi: The question whether beleaguered Indian cricket board president Narayanaswami Srinivasan will get a third year in office will be decided by the Supreme Court when it hears a plea seeking to restrain him from chairing Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the board in Chennai. "All right, we will hear it Friday," said a bench headed by justice A.K. Patnaik when counsel for Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) sought an urgent hearing of the plea before the Chennai AGM. CAB, which is not recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), had filed a petition in the apex court Monday to restrain Srinivasan from chairing the AGM. CAB secretary Aditya Verma, in his application, also sought to restrain the BCCI from inducting Srinivasan in any of its committees as member or allow him to participate in any of the proceedings in any capacity. If the court admits the plea and restrains Srinivasan from chairing the meeting, it will be a big setback for the self-exiled chief of the Indian cricket board. In the event of the court restraining him, board circles feel
that the AGM itself could be put off till the stay is vacated or the case itself is disposed. There is already a groundswell of opposition in the board against Srinivasan contesting the election in view of the Mumbai police pressing charges of betting and criminal conspiracy against his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan, principal of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in Mumbai High Court Saturday. Srinivasan, whose company India Cements owns CSK, has
distanced himself from Meiyappan, who is among the 22 people chargesheeted by the investigators. There appears to be no end to Srinivasan's troubles. He and India Cements figure among those chargesheeted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a corruption case involving Y.S.R. Congress Party chief Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy. In the charge-sheet relating to India Cements, CBI named Srinivasan, its managing director, as accused number three.
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dollar? 3. What is your take on the Immigration Bill being worked in Congress? How is it going to affect you personally? Are you for or against it?
Titans at the JSCA International Stadium Complex here Sunday. The new look reminded the fans of soccer stars D a v i d Beckham and M a r i o Balotelli. When Dhoni made his international debut he had long locks which were also praised by former Pakistani president Mahendra Singh Dhoni's P a r v e z Mohawk hairstyle Musharraf. has become a rage among Sources said that it was his fans in the cricketer's celebrity hair stylist hometown. Sapna Bhavnani, who was From sporting long a contestant in the sixth locks to the latest bald season of Big Boss, who buzz cut, the Chennai gave the new cut to Super Kings skipper has Dhoni. been adventurous with his "Dhoni is Dhoni and he hairstyles. He revealed his looks great whatever hair new hairstyle when he style he keeps," said took off his helmet while Amrit Raj, a die-hard wicketkeeping against the Dhoni fan.
Dhoni's new hairstyle a Fixing in Snooker! Lee rage among fans gets 12-year ban
London: England's Stephen Lee was banned for 12 years after being found guilty of seven charges of matchfixing, snooker's world governing body announced. The 38-year-old Lee, the former world number five, was found guilty by an independent tribunal last week of match-fixing charges relating to seven matches in 2008 and 2009 and the sanction imposed Wednesday. Lee was also ordered to pay 38,000 ($61,000) costs. Jason Ferguson, the chairman of the World Professional Snooker and Billiards A s s o c i a t i o n (WPBSA), the sport's global governing body, said: "We take no pride in having to deal with such serious issues.
Stephen Lee
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SELF HELP
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why youre doing so. If stress, anxiety or sadness is a factor, take a study break to chat with friends or go on a walk. Smart Snacks Late nights and stress can lead to bingeing, so dont keep junk food on hand. Instead, stock healthy snacks that combine protein and carbohydrates. Dont Skip Breakfast "Breakfast wakes up the metabolism and provides energy to the brain and muscles for the day's activities," says King. "People who eat breakfast tend to eat less throughout the day." King recommends that breakfast be quick and combine carbohydrates and some protein to help keep students feeling full. Good options include whole-grain toast with peanut butter, a low-fat granola bar and fruit, or a whole-wheat tortilla with hummus and an apple. Cafeteria 101 The dining hall can be a friend or foe. There may be high-calorie foods and oversized portions, but most universities provide nutritious options too. Opt for foods that are baked, broiled, steamed, grilled or roasted, while steering clear of foods that are buttered, fried or swimming in cream sauce. When filling your plate at the cafeteria, consider following the US Department of Agricultures MyPlate guidelines. Alcohol "Alcohol is readily available and
our vehicle is one of your biggest investments, so taking care of your car or truck just makes good sense. While regular wear and tear cannot be avoided over time, there are some important steps you can take to keep your vehicle on the road longer: Wash Your Car Regularly washing your car may keep you riding in style, but a clean vehicle is not just for appearances. Keeping your car or truck clean and free of debris and detrimental road salt will prevent rusting and costly repairs down the line. Oil Changes and Filters To protect your engine, follow your manufacturers recommended oil change intervals. Instead of conventional oil, consider using high performance synthetic motor oil designed to reduce wear, heat and fuel consumption. Just like motor oil, not all oil filters are of the same quality -- filters can be classified as economy, better, and best. Since the oil fil-
can pack on the pounds quickly if youre not careful," warns King. For students over 21, King recommends light beer and avoiding drinks mixed with regular soft drinks or sugary juices. When drinking, alternate a glass of water between alcoholic beverages. You'll consume less alcohol and fewer calories. Exercise Regular exercise pays dividends, helping control weight, improve ones mood and control stress. Many universities have excellent fitness centers available for students, but you don't have to become a gym rat to stay fit. Instead of taking the bus or driving to class, walk or ride your bike. Get Help If you'd like help creating a healthy meal plan, or want tips for controlling weight, check to see if your university offers nutrition counseling services. Registered dietitian nutritionists are food and nutrition experts, and they can help you ace your health goals. More tips to maintain a healthy weight your freshman year and beyond can be found at www.eatright.org.
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LIFESTYLE
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tries since its inception in 2011. DFT's outings, dubbed "a food tour of India within the geographical confines of Delhi", takes one through six different restaurants with a signature tasting of teas from across India. One can savor cuisines from Goa, Lucknow, Chennai, Gujarat, Punjab and Delhi itself in a span of three to four hours in these restaurants. Besides, cooking classes for tandoori cuisine to biryani, pakoras, parathas, korma, daal and phirni and other basic items are held at the Kalra family's private farmhouse, a 20-minute from south Delhi. So strap on that backpack, roll up your sleeves and sharpen those kitchen knives for a session of Indian cooking!
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HUMOR
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everyone. Yet it IS scary when you think that the web is where most people get their news these days. As a scientific experiment, I decided to compare the top items of actual news in physical newspapers with the top news items on the internet on one particular day. At the international newspaper stand at the railway station I wrote down the front page stories: political upheavals, civil wars and of course the United States' Mass Shooting of the Week, a weird tradition they have there, guaranteed by their most important law, the Second Ablution to the Fourth Adjustment of the Fifth Abatement or some such thing. Back at the office, I looked up top items for Google News Trends for random places. US: Rejoicing as new violent computer game launched. Singapore: Rejoicing as new violent computer game launched. India:
Rejoicing as brown woman wins Miss America contest. Japan: Rejoicing as new ultra-cute computer game about cookies launched. When World War III is launched, no one's going to actually notice, as they will be reading about computer games and beauty queens. I can't decide whether this is good or bad. We'll soon find out, since the next war may have started. A Chinese newspaper recently announced that China's military had developed the capability to drop TV shows from fighter bombers. No, I don't mean they will throw actual TV presenters out of airplanes, although I suspect everyone on the planet would applaud that one, including Mother Teresa watching from her cloud. Instead, warplanes will take over all TVs and computers beneath their flight path and
beam their own programs into them in a "psychological warfare" technique to "give the enemy nervous breakdowns", the Global Times said. Having tried to watch Mainland China TV myself once, I can confirm that a dose of 90 seconds caused severe mental pain and after three minutes I felt so suicidal that I actually ate the Beijing hotel caf's Daily Special. Yet I'm not sure how hard it was for military scientists to develop this system, since it actually happens by itself. At a British funeral recently, the nephew of the dead man went to the pulpit to deliver a eulogy but the words that came from the sound system were: "Fasten your seatbelts." It probably came from a plane overhead, said the Daily Mail. Or perhaps Neil Armstrong's ghost, popping down to see why he's back in the news.
by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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ASTROLOGY
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Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com
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SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
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Meditation requires continual stillness through the whole session. We cannot expect to sit still for one minute and then find God. We need to sit still for as long a time as is needed for us to get to the third or single eye. We need to silence our thoughts for a long enough time to witness the Light of God and hear the Music of the Spheres.
the receiving or receptive mode. We can stop the interference of our thoughts and instead pay attention to being open to meditating or listening to the satsang. Many people have pets. Those who have dogs are taught how to walk them without letting them run away. They gently pull the leash to keep the dog walking properly in time to their own pace. Similarly, the mind is like a dog. We have to keep it on a leash so it does not get out of control. When we notice it pulling us away from stillness, we have to rein it in. Avoid Thinking of the Past and Future during Meditation Another problem we have that keeps us from experiencing the love of God all around us is thinking of the past and future. While in ever. We can never get the present moment back. If we can stay in the current moment, then thoughts of the past and future will stop. We will be able to be at the still center in which we can connect with the Light and Sound within. We can immerse ourselves in God in the current moment. There are two switches for our attention: one is the switch to be attuned to our soul and the other is to be attuned to our mind. The solution for the thoughts that the mind sends us is to be able to separate what thoughts are of God and the soul, and what thoughts are of the mind. We need to learn to be vigilant when the mind is pulling a trick to distract our attention either in meditation or throughout our day.
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