The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.11 No. 46 March 23-29, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Modi govt again with 283 seats: Survey

Unemployment a RSS backs pivot
major concern, but not Narendra Modi
helping Opposition to return to power
New Delhi: According to the latest nage. The total number of people
survey from Times Now‑VMR, the who participated in the poll MAHA KUMBH
National Democratic Alliance released on March 18 poll is
(NDA) is predicted to grab 283 16,931.
out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, giv‑ The opinion poll pegs unem‑
ing it a simple majority, not a ployment as the biggest concern
brute one. Congress‑led UPA will for over 40% of the voters sur‑
get only 135 seats and Others ‑ veyed. This may seem like a set‑
125. back for the incumbent Narendra
This is an improvement over the Modi government but there may
last Times Now‑VMR poll which be a silver lining for the BJP sup‑
gave NDA 21 seats short of the porters. Just as many people‑‑
half‑way mark had the elections about 40% of those surveyed‑‑feel
been held in January. that the job opportunities have
However, since then, a number actually improved.
of events have taken place. Two of Loan waivers and sops for farm‑
the most notable developments ers followed unemployment as OF DEMOCRACY
are ‑ Interim Budget, which was the most defining issue.
said to have been exceptionally Construction of the Ram temple Extensive coverage
populist and the Balakot counter‑ at the disputed site in Ayodhya
Modi remains the tallest leader and BJP's single biggest terror operation of February 26 and cow protection were the
of the Indian Election
vote catcher. (Photo courtesy Reuters.) in response to the Pulwama car‑ Continued on page 4 in every issue.

Boeing probe grows as US India's 1st Lokpal

is Justice Ghose
reviews 737 Max's approval New Delhi: Retired Supreme Court
judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose is the
Washington: The U.S. Department Transportation Secretary Elaine junction with the Department of country's first Lokpal, or the anti‑
of Transportation has asked for a Chao requested Tuesday an audit Justiceʼs Criminal Division. Chao corruption ombudsman. His
wide‑ranging review of how the in a memo to the departmentʼs asked Scovel to compile “an appointment has been cleared by
government and Boeing Co. certi‑ Inspector General Calvin Scovel. Continued on page 4 President Ram Nath Kovind.
fied the 737 Max ‑‑ the jet thatʼs The new audit is separate from the Justice Ghose was appointed as
been involved in two fatal acci‑ criminal probe that the Inspector the judge of the Calcutta High
dents since October. General is also conducting in con‑ Court in 1997 and elevated to the
Supreme Court in 2013. As Chief
The U.S. Wishing our Readers Justice of Andhra Pradesh High
Department of
and Supporters Court he had convicted Sasikala,
Transportation
the live‑in companion of former
has asked for a
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J
wide‑ranging
review of how the Jayalalithaa, in a corruption case.
FAA and Boeing Former Chief Justices ‑‑ Dilip B Retired Supreme Court judge
Co. certified the Bhosale, Pradip Kumar Mohanty, Pinaki Chandra Ghose will be
737 Max, with two Abhilasha Kumari ‑‑ besides sitting the countryʼs anti‑corruption
of these crashing. Continued on page 4 ombudsman.

HOLI 15-17 INDIAN ELECTION 11 HEALTH 25 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

TheSouthAsianTimes.info March 23-29, 2019

Dust from old, peeling paint

can contain lead, which can
cause learning and behavior
problems in children.
„ $VN\RXUODQGORUGWRƓ[
peeling paint. If your
ODQGORUGGRHVQōWƓ[LW
call 311.
„ :DVKŴRRUVZLQGRZVLOOV
and children’s hands and
toys often.
„ Ask your doctor to test
your child for lead.

WARNING: MAY CONTAIN LEAD

Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/leadfree
for more information.
Bill de Blasio
Mayor
Oxiris Barbot, MD
Commissioner
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY March 23-29, 2019 3

DNC chief Seema Nanda sees Democratic Party as the solution

By Surekha Vijh DNC job because to set “our country back back together and stopping these inhu‑
Exclusive Interview The South Asian Times on track is to elect Democrats in every mane, nonsense policies.”
corner of the country.” Nanda was born in She wants all immigrants, including
Washington: Seema Nanda, the first Asian Chicago, raised in Connecticut and attend‑ Indian Americans, to get involved in the
as well as first Indian American to become ed Brown University and Boston College political process.
the Demo crat ic Nat ional Committee Law School. She is a member of the Nanda said a major challenge in her
(DNC)'s Chief Executive Of ficer, felt that Massachusetts Bar Association and prac‑ journey has been male dominance in poli‑
her party had the positive solutions for ticed labor and employment law and has tics in the US and women facing discrimi‑
the country and their fight was to “take also served on the boards of several non‑ nation and systemic barriers. She finds it
back our country for working families.” profits. heartening to see so many women in
“Solutions forged by the strength of our She believes that the Democratic Party Congress from her party.
diversity, the rigor of our ideas, and the was built on forging positive solutions On #MeToo she said: “It is a great
decency of our values,” added Nanda, a that included everyone and empowered movement for women, for women in the
former senior Obama administration offi‑ people from diverse backgrounds to low income group to feel safe in a work
cial who left her post as executive vice speak up and make their voices heard. environment.”
president at ʻThe Leadership Conference And she considered support ing the Nanda who lives in Arlington, VA, with
on Civil and Human Rightsʼ to take over as Democratic Party was synonymous with her husband and two sons, 14 and 12, felt
DNC chief last July. building a future for “our children that we that her promise to her boys was to do all
Her office is marked by a high desk. “I can be proud of.” she could to create “an America that is
With Democratic National like to stand and work,” she smiled. Nanda said she believed in comprehen‑ bright, fair, and that works for everyone,

Committee’s CEO Punjabi by heritage, Nanda, 47, an unas‑

suming woman, said she took over the
sive immigration reform. “But our most
immediate step is getting those families
where opportunity for all means some‑
thing."

Sabrina Singh, Cory Booker Mayor’s $10B plan to

extend lower Manhattan
campaign's press secretary to protect against storms
Washington DC: The campaign tions director on Hillary Clinton's
of fice of New Jersey Sen. Cory 2016 presidential campaign. New York: A new
Booker has announced a number Sabrina Singh, whose grandfa‑ climate resiliency
of staffers for his 2020 presiden‑ ther, JJ Singh, was instrumental in plan announced by
t ial bid, w ith Sabrina Sing h formulating a historic legislation Mayor Bill de
among those named. Singh is the in 1946 that enacted a quota of Blasio last
former Demo crat ic Nat ional 100 Indians to immigrate to the T hursday would
Committee deputy communica‑ U.S. every year, is now a key play‑ e x p a n d
t ions director. T he Indian er in the of fensive communica‑ Manhattanʼs south‑
American was named by Booker tion strategy of the Democratic ern shoreline up to
as the campaignʼs national press party against the alleged divisive 500 feet into the
secretary. Prior to her DNC role, policies of the Trump administra‑ Sabrina Singh had worked for East River and
Singh was a regional communica‑ tion. Hillary Clinton in 2016. build new flooding
prevention meas‑

NRIs urged to register for voting ures to protect the

shore line from
destruction like that unleashed by plan is an update to other propos‑

in Indian elections hurricane Sandy in 2012. “Global

warming is an extraordinary threat
to all of our country, all of our
als including some which are in
construction at the South Street
Seaport, parts of the Financial
New York: Yes, all Indian citizens India, is entitled to have his/her enrolled in the electoral roll, such
earth, but when it comes to New District and the Two Bridges neigh‑
living in America can now vote in name registered in the electoral person though will not be issued
York City one of the great coastal borhood. The mayorʼs plan to build
state and national elections in roll as “Overseas electors” in the Elector Photo Identity Card but can
cities in the world we are particu‑ into the river would cost $10
India: constituency in oneʼs place of resi‑ cast oneʼs vote in India during
larly threatened and nowhere is Billion and he admits heʼs not sure
1. Under Section 20A of the dence in India as mentioned in Assembly or Parliamentary elec‑
that threat greater than for the how heʼs going to pay for it. And
Representation of People Act, oneʼs passport. tion at the respective polling sta‑
hundreds of thousands of people here at home experts warn a plan
1950 and rules made there under 2. The application (Form 6A) for tion after showing his/her valid
who live and work in Lower like this would require private
every citizen of India: this purpose can be filed in the original Indian passport.
Manhattan,” de Blasio said. development dollars which could
(a) whose name is not included in prescribed form in person before 3. The Consulate General of India
That part of the city was plum‑ drown the mayorʼs proposal in the
the electoral roll; the concerned Electoral in New York requests all the NRIs
meted into darkness shortly after notoriously long land use process.
(b) who has not acquired the citi‑ Registration Of ficer or sent by (holding Indian passports) in the
the storm made landfall. For days The mayorʼs plan could take up to
zenship of any other country; and post or can be filed online on the consular jurisdiction of CGI, New
the area was closed off to traffic, 12 years to complete. He said that
(c) who is absenting from his website of Chief Electoral Of ficer York to get their names registered
the Battery Tunnel completely shut timeline could be sped up if the
place of ordinary residence in of the concerned state or website on the electoral rolls as NRI voters
down and major subway lines were federal government funds the
India owing to his employment, of Election Commission of India to enable them to become the part
taken out of service. De Blasioʼs proposal.
education or otherwise outside (www.eci.gov.in). After getting of the election process.
 4 March 23-29, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Modi govt again with Court. Justice Ghose's name was finalized

Mohinder Singh Gilzian takes 283 seats: Survey

Continued from page 1
and recommended by the Selection
Committee led by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi last week. Passed in 2013, the Lokpal
over as President of IOC ‑ USA
other pressing issues. What is worse for
Modiʼs rivals, some of the other issues Act involves the setting up of a Lokpal at
raised by the challengers like the alleged the Centre and Lokayuktas in states to look
Queens Village, NY: Mohinder Singh Gilzian corruption in the procurement of Rafale into cases of corruption against certain cat‑
took charge as the new President of Indian fighter jets from French company Dassault egories of public servants.
Overseas Congress, USA at a function on has very little resonance among voters. Less Anna Hazareʼs relentless campaign nine
March 17 at Jericho Palace here. At the col‑ than 3% of the voters surveyed cared for it. years ago for a Lokpal Bill has been real‑
orful ceremony attended by IOC of ficials Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, has ized now.
and Congress loyalists from the tristate area, tried to capitalize on the recent controver‑
the gavel was passed by the outgoing sies around unemployment data. Evidently, Boeing probe grows as US
President Shudh Prakash Singh. it has failed to make a reasonable dent on reviews 737 Max's approval
About 200 people came to felicitate the government's image. Continued from page 1
Gilzian on taking charge. Dr. Surinder Meanwhile, the Sangh Parivar is with objective and detailed factual history of the
Malhotra, the first President of INOC, lauded Mohinder Singh Gilzian was felicitated
Modi all the way. In the face of an increas‑ activities that resulted in the certification of
by Dr. Surinder Malhotra, George
his appointment and urged for unity in mov‑ ingly hostile Rahul Gandhi, the RSS contin‑ the Boeing 737‑MAX 8 aircraft,” according
Abraham, and Shudh Prakash Singh.
ing forward. He stressed the importance of ues to bank on PM Modi as the pivot to stay to the memo. Boeing in January 2012
promoting the strategic partnership Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Overseas sought an amended “type‑certification” for
in power for the next five years. With Modi
between India and the U.S. George Abraham, Congress. Gilzian explained his vision for the the jet and the FAA (Federal Aviation
remaining BJP's single biggest vote catcher,
vice‑chairman, described Gilzian as a dedi‑ organization and said, “We will be enrolling Administration) issued it in March 2017.
it is an unequivocal thumbs‑up for him from
cated Congressman who earned the right to new members especially those with leader‑ Chaoʼs move opens a new front in the U.S.
the Sangh.
be President through hard work and sheer ship quality to strengthen and expand our governmentʼs inquiries into the October
As such the Sangh remains steadfast in its
determination. Shudh Prakash Singh reach to the Diaspora. The upcoming elec‑ crash of an Indonesian 737 Max and anoth‑
commitment to providing the BJP manpow‑
pledged his cooperation to the new tions in India are very critical, and we are er crash of the same model in Ethiopia last
er for micro electioneering, a parallel setup
President. Harbachan Singh, Secretary‑ planning to send teams of volunteers so that week. The 737 Max family of jets was
to manage all the constituencies across the
General, toasted Gilzian's appointment by we can make a difference.” grounded by the FAA after evidence sur‑
country.
From 'Prantcharaks' to 'Zilla Karwas', they faced linking the two crashes.

IALI celebration of Holi are coordinating with local units of the “We will fully cooperate in the
Bharatiya Janata Party for door‑to‑door Department of Transportationʼs audit,”
campaigning. Bringing the voter to the poll Boeing spokesman Charles Bickers said in

draws big crowd booth is the simple strategy as the BJP

'karyakartas' and the RSS foot soldiers work
in tandem.
an email.
The audit wonʼt affect the timing of an
update to flight‑control software that
Hicksville: India Association Boeing is preparing for the 737 Max, the
of Long Island (IALI) cele‑ FAA said in an email.
India's 1st Lokpal is Justice Ghose
brated Holi on March 17th at The request comes after U.S. federal
Continued from page 1
the Cotillion in Jericho, NY authorities had already been exploring a
Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court
with some 300 people in criminal investigation of how the 737 Max
Ajay Kumar Tripathi have been appointed
attendance. Guests were wel‑ was certified to fly passengers before the
as judicial members in the anti‑corruption
comed with Holi Tikka and latest crash in Ethiopia, according to people
ombudsman, the communique issued by
served hot Jalebis. Lunch and familiar with the probe.
Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
cultural program followed by That investigation was prompted by infor‑
Former first woman chief of Sashastra
IALI President Lalit Aeryʼs mation obtained after a Lion Air 737 Max 8
Seema Bal (SSB) Archana Ramasundaram,
speech, which started with a crashed shortly after takeoff from Jakarta
ex‑Maharashtra chief secretary Dinesh
moment of silence against IALI President Lalit Aery and others at the event. on Oct. 29, said one person, who wasnʼt
Kumar Jain, former IRS officer Mahender
terrorism and the attack on authorized to speak about the investigation
Singh and Gujarat cadre ex‑IAS officer
Indiaʼs jawans on Feb. 14 in Kashmir. Aery Commissioner, was there to greet IALI. and asked not to be named.
Indrajeet Prasad Gautam have been
lauded the fact that attendance at their Vijay Banjaraʼs Dhol & Bollian had people The investigation has taken on new
appointed as non‑judicial members of the
monthly programs has increased. New dancing. As weather was nice, some guests urgency after the March 10 crash of an
body.
York State Senator Ana Kaplan sent cita‑ played Holi outside the party hall with dry Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 near Addis
The selection was made weeks after the
tions for IALI and its officials. Zahid Syed, colors and had lot of fun like that back Ababa that killed 157 people.
February‑end deadline set by the Supreme
Nassau county Human Rig hts home in India.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE March 23-29, 2019 5

Supervisor Saladino inaugurates Kevin Thomas

Food Universe store in Hicksville introduces bill to
declare Hindu, Sikh,
Muslim school holidays
New York: Kevin Thomas, the days as holidays.
first Indian‑American Senator in Currently, NYC schools recog‑
the Empire State, is sponsoring a nize the Chinese Lunar New Year
bill that establishes school holi‑ (Feb. 5, 2019), and Eid al‑Fitr
days for people of Hindu, Muslim (June 4, 2019), but the demand
Food Universe is one and Sikh faiths among others. for Diwali was not accepted
of the banners of Key T he bill ident ifies Diwali, despite a push by the Indian‑
Food, headquartered Vaisakhi, Onam, Eid al Fitr, Eid al‑ American community last year,
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Nassau County legislator in Staten Island, Adha, and Good Friday, and calls according to Suhag Shukla, exec‑
Rose Walker join other guests at the inauguration of the store opened by NY, that has over for amending the current list of utive director of Hindu American
Amandeep Singh ʻTonyʼ (cutting the ribbon). 200 stores. cultural/religious school holidays Foundation.
By SATimes Team Universe store in New Hyde Park available. Given the rising demand for the whole state rather than “Itʼs about time our diverse
and a Key Food in Union Turnpike, for frozen foods, Tony says one the current restricted areas population gets the opportunity
Hicksville, NY: Amandeep Singh Glen Oaks as a franchisee. When entire wall has been devoted to where Diwali is recognized. to celebrate its holidays,” Sen.
ʻTonyʼ, who has been in retail busi‑ asked by The South Asian Times the frozen items, raw and cooked. It is However, it is not all‑encom‑ T homas told the media after
ness for 20 years, has opened a Food secret of his success, Singh who open 24 hours of the day. There are passing and allows school dis‑ intro ducing on Fen 26 bill
Universe store in Hicksville. The immigrated from India 20 years ago sales every week and senior discount tricts with a population equal to S4038 which “Relates to estab‑
opening ceremony on March 15 was replied in just two words: “Hard available on Wednesdays. Key Food or greater than seven and a half lishing certain cultural and reli‑
graced by Town of Oyster Bay Work.” Indeed, he said he visits all stores are known for quality fresh percent of those cultural/reli‑ gious observances as school holi‑
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and three of his stores – that employ foods from top brands. Key Food top gious groups to declare these days.”
Nassau County legislator from about 125 workers‑‑at least once of ficials John Durante ‑ Vice
Hicksville, Rose Marie Walker as daily. He is married to Kuljeet Kaur President Business Development
well as Food Universe officials and
key community people as well as
and they have a daughter. The Food
Universe grocery store in Hicksville
and CFO Sharon Konzelman were
present at the opening of Tonyʼs
CRY raises $260,000 at 3
Indian media.
Food Universe is a banner of Key
has a very welcoming interior with
good floor plan. It is mainstream
store. They told The South Asian
Times that Key Food under its vari‑ galas for childrenʼs rights
Food chain of stores headquartered American store but does have spe‑ ous banners has over 200 grocery
New York: Child Rights & You (CRY) grassroots projects working on criti‑
in Staten Island, NY. Tony Singh cialized aisle for Indian and Mexican stores in the tristate area as well as
America, a 501c3 non‑profit that cal childrenʼs issues.
already has been running a Food food items. Seafood and Halal is also in nearby states.
works towards ensuring underprivi‑ Apart from raising awareness for
leged children their basic rights, the cause, guests enjoyed the

Natya Darpan 2019 stages 6 hosted their annual gala dinners

across Houston, Long Island & New
Jersey in March 2019 to bring peo‑
evening with dinner, cocktails, auc‑
tions and Bollywood entertainment.
Performances by Rhythm India in

plays in 4 languages ple together for the cause of chil‑

dren's rights.
The CRY Gala Dinner was organ‑
Houston, Kanushree Jain in Long
Island and the Satrangi School of
Dance in New Jersey added spark to
Edison, NJ: Indian Heritage and
ized in Houston on March 3rd at the the events.
Cultural Association (IHCA) of New
Marriott Town Square, on March 7th Auction items donated by Indian
Jersey that is synonymous with
at the Hilton Melville, Long Island artists, fashion and jewelry design‑
Natya Darpan wrapped up yet anoth‑
and on March 8th at the Crystal ers and cricket bats signed by
er year with resounding success.
Plaza in Livingston, NJ. Speakers Saurav Ganguly & Virendra Sehwag
Known for its short multi‑lingual the‑
included New Jersey Attorney sold out quickly.
ater festival, IHCA showcased six
General Gurbir Grewal, Houston Shefali Sunderlal said, “CRY
plays this time: three Marathi, two
Consul General Anupam Ray & spe‑ America believes that “YOU” can
Hindi, and one English‑Bengali, with
cial guest Tanishaa Mukerji who empower childrenʼs dreams and be
award‑winning actors.
joined Shefali Sunderlal, president of ambassadors of change for chil‑
Held at the Middlesex County
CRY America, to amplify the voices drenʼs rights. CRY America has
College, Natya Darpan 2019 created
of underprivileged children. The transformed the lives of over
a lot of curiosity among the main‑
three galas were attended by 800 716,386 children across 3,755 vil‑
stream audiences and was a sold‑out The Guests of Honor at the opening of the successful theater festival
guests and raised over $260,000 lages and slums." Website:
event. The Governor of New Jersey included CG Sandeep Chakravorty and Dr. Mohan Agashe.
which will be directed towards http://www.america.cry.org.
wrote to congratulate IHCA.
of IHCA in promoting local talent & entrepreneur Nutan Kalamdani &
Those present at the opening cere‑
and bringing all communities togeth‑ actor‑director Dr. Dipan Ray. For its
mony of the festival were Padmashri
er through performing arts with the work, IHCA has received support
Dr. Mohan Agashe, psychiatrist and
focus being on social issues such as from the Middlesex County Board of
actor, Dr. Farley Richmond, of the
womenʼs empowerment, human traf‑ Chosen Freeholders and the
Dept. of Theatre and Film Studies at
ficking, immigration, LGBTQA+ Consulate General of India in New
the University of Georgia, Consul
advancement, mental illness and York. Dr. Chaudhary hopes to get
General of India Sandeep
more. IHCA/Natya Darpan has been more support from organizations
Chakraborty, Deputy Consul General
supported by several local organiza‑ and individuals, as the awareness
Hon. Shatrughna Sinha, Edison
tions and renowned personalities and popularity of this festival grow
Council President Ajay Patil, Edison
from Film, TV and Theater. It was over time. IHCA is a volunteer‑based
Councilman Joe Coyle, Mayor of
founded by Dr. Ashok Chaudhary in nonprofit cultural organization (501
West Windsor Hemant Marathe,
2013. Its advisory board comprises C‑3) dedicated to promoting local tal‑
Mayor of Woodbridge John
those who have made a mark in their ent and preserving the rich heritage
McCormac, and Isha Vyas, Head of
professions, namely Prof Farley of India in the tristate area by show‑
the Division of Arts and History
Richmond, Director Ashok Vanjari, casing performing arts like classical (from left) Lipika Sharma, General Manager Global Operations CRY,
Programs & Services at Middlesex
Dr. Meena Nerurkar, actor‑director music, dance, and theater. Website: Nilima Jain, Grand Sponsor, actress Tanishaa Mukerji, Beena Kothari and
County Of fice of Culture and
Heritage. They applauded the efforts
Ashok Kamerkar, media personality http://www.ihca‑nj.com/index.php Shefali Sunderlal, President of CRY America, at the Gala in Long Island.
6 March 23-29, 2019 TRISTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF

US to begin accepting Freida Pinto urges people to

new H1‑B visa petitions act on climate change
T A
he US Citizenship and Immigration earlier this year. In January, the USCIS
head of the premiere of "Wild
Services (USCIS) would start accept‑ introduced a change in the order in which
Edens: South Asia" documentary in
ing new H1‑B visa petitions for the allocations would be counted.
India, actress Freida Pinto urged
fiscal year 2020 starting April 1, the The agency will now put all the petitions
people to "focus on the planet before the
media reported. The employment start including the ones with an advanced
e f fects of g lobal warming become
date for these visas would be October 1. degree in the regular cap. In the second
absolutely irreversible." The documentary
Like previous years, the regular visa cap round, it will select the remaining peti‑
highlights the issue of climate change with
limit for H‑1B this year remains at 65,000. tions. T he new order is expected to
an emphasis on the unique and delicate
Additionally, another 20,000 petitioners, increase the chances of petitioners with a
habitats of India and Bangladesh and the
who possess a Master's, or a higher degree US Master's degree. According to the
region's rarest and most spectacular
from a US university, will also get the USCIS, the new change would result in an
wildlife, read a statement.
visas. But, according to many lawyers, this estimated 16 per cent rise, or an increase
So being an ambassador of the "Wild
year may be extraordinary, mostly of 5,340 workers, in the selected H1‑B
Edens: South Asia" project, Freida said:
because of the continued scrutiny as well petitioners with an advanced US degree.
"We all share a common vision that
as some subtle rule changes announced (IANS)
humankind has to be inspired to focus on Freida Pinto is an ambassador
the planet before the ef fects of global of 'Wild Edens: South Asia'
(Image courtesy: wild‑edens.com)
Dr. Uzma Syed warming become absolutely irreversible.

honored
At the South Asian woman's
Actor among 3 more arrested
empowerment event organized
by Bindu Kohli Entertainment on in Florida man's murder case
T
March 14 at Leonard's of Great
Neck, NY, Dr. Uzma Syed was hree more persons, including Telugu businessman was murdered. Anji Reddy
honored by the Bollywood star film comedian Surya Prasad, were reached Rakesh Reddy's house after the
Sushmita Sen. Indian origin Dr. arrested on Thursday in Hyderabad, murder but did not inform the police.
Syed is a partner at South Shore India in the murder case of Florida‑based On allegations that Rakesh Reddy spoke
Infectious Diseases and Travel NRI businessman Chigurupati Jayaram, to a couple of police officers after the mur‑
Medicine Consultants in West police said. Besides Prasad, the police also der, the DCP said they were conducting
Islip, N.Y. and Syosset, N.Y took Kishore and Anji Reddy into custody. investigations.
Deputy Commissioner of Police A.R. He said while Rakesh Reddy had relations
Srinivas told reporters that they have with politicians but there was no evidence
almost completed the investigations into of any political involvement in the crime.
the case. He said the invest ig at ions The body of Jayaram, 55, who was direc‑
ASC condemns the mass revealed that Jayaram's niece Shikha
Chowdary had no role in the murder.
tor of Coastal Bank, was found on the back
seat of his car of f the national highway
murder in New Zealand According to police, main accused Rakesh near Nandiagama close to Vijayawada on

T
Reddy had hatched a conspiracy to extort January 31. Jayaram, also a Managing
he American Sikh Council (ASC) read. The American Sikh Council (ASC) money from Jayaram. Surya Prasad and Director of Express TV, a now‑defunct
expressed shock over the killing in urged all the Gurdwaras and other Sikh Kishore brought Jayaram to his house in Telugu channel, had come to Hyderabad
New Zealand mosques. “T he institutions to hold candlelight vigils, posh Jubilee Hills and it was here that the from the US a few days earlier.
American Sikh Council (ASC) stands in soli‑ organize and/or join hands in any local
darity with all the Muslims across the rally being held against hate and bigotry,
world in prayer and condemns this and continue to educate non‑Sikh neigh‑
heinous crime in every possible way,” it
said in a press statement. American Sikh
bors about the Sikh message of universal
brotherhood/sisterhood to spread peace
Couple held guilty
Council (ASC) Vice‑President S.Jasbir Kaur
stated, “Our heartfelt condolences and
and inclusiveness as directed by its faith
founders. of human trafficking
A
prayers go out to the families of the vic‑ The American Sikh Council also urged n Indian‑American couple from defendants made false claims regarding the
tims of this unspeakable and unprecedent‑ all Sikh Americans to be vigilant and make California Satish Kartan and wages and the duties of employment. Then,
ed violence by this terrorist.” “T he sure that there are security measures in Sharmistha Barai has been found once the workers arrived at the defendants'
American Sikh Council (ASC) stands firmly place for the respective Gurdwaras and guilty to the charges of forced labor of for‑ Stockton residence, Kartan and Barai forced
against all kinds of terrorism and especial‑ the sangats. “These are vexing times and it eign nationals from India and Nepal. them to work 18 hours a day with limited
ly homegrown terrorists who must be is up to us to be proactive and be prepared Residents of Stockton in California, Satish rest and nourishment.
denounced in the strongest possible terms to keep our children and everyone safe,” it Kartan (45) and his wife Sharmistha Barai Few of them were paid any wage, court
and brought to justice,” the statement said in the press statement. (45) took advantage of overseas workers, documents said. They kept their domestic
forcing them to work without pay, physically workers from leaving and induced them to
abusing them and threatening them of nega‑ keep working for them by threatening them,
Two J.P. Stevens students qualify for tive repercussions if they tried to leave,
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband
by creating an atmosphere of fear, control
and disempowerment, and at times, by phys‑
USA Biology Olympiad semifinals said. The Indian‑American couple faces a
maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in
ically hitting or burning them. When a vic‑
tim pushed back or said she wanted to leave,

Y
ashas Ravi and Keya Patel are mov‑ with standardized test questions. Students prison and a $ 250,000 fine. The sentencing it got worse. Victims flew from India and
ing on to the next round of the with the top 20 scores on the semifinal is scheduled for June 6. Nepal to testify. According to evidence pre‑
USA Biology Olympiad. The J.P. exam will be eligible for the finals. The According to court documents and evi‑ sented at trial, the couple struck one worker
Stevens students were in the top 10% of twenty finalists will be invited to a residen‑ dence presented at trial, between February on multiple occasions. Barai threatened to
the first round of exams in the open round tial training program where they learn 2014 and October 2016, Kartan and Barai kill her and throw her bones in the garbage,
of the Olympiad. The semifinals will be advanced biological concepts and exacting hired workers from overseas to perform backhanded her across the face for talking
administered from March 18 through lab skills at the USABO National Finals, domestic labor in their home in Stockton. back and slammed her hands down on a gas
March 22. It is a three part, 120‑minute according to USABO. In advertisements seeking workers on the stove, causing her to suffer first‑ and second‑
exam that includes an essay portion along (Source: tapinto.net) internet and India‑based newspapers, the degree burns on her hands from the flames.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL March 23-29, 2019 7

US Senate confirms Indian American jurist as judge

New York: The US Senate has confirmed appointment, there would be Indian tion to nominate her for the judgeship at
the appointment of a controversial Indian American candidates that either party the White House Deepavali celebrations
American jurist, Neomi Rao, to an impor‑ could consider for future vacancies to the last year calling her a "great person" who
tant judgeship that was vacated by an Supreme Court. "is going to be fantastic."
appointee to the Supreme Court. In an op‑ed she wrote for the college Rao, 45, headed the Office of Information
Her confirmation on Wednesday came newspaper decades ago, she had said about and Regulatory Af fairs in the President's
after days of opposition from both liberals date rape that if a woman "drinks to the executive office which reviews government
and the hard right over her writings as an point where she can no longer choose, well, regulations and oversees the collection of
undergraduate and her perceived luke‑ gett ing to that point was part of her information by government and privacy
warm stand on legal abortion. choice." This provoked opposition from lib‑ policy. Before that, she was a professor at
The Senate voted 53 to 46, to approve erals and centrists who saw it as blaming George Mason University.
her appointment to the District of Columbia the victim rather than the perpetrator. Rao comes from a Parsi family and her
Court of Appeals by President Donald She wrote a letter to the Senate Judiciary parents, both doctors, immigrated from
Trump to replace Brett Kavanaugh, who Neomi Rao Committee on Monday apologizing for "the India. A graduate of Yale University, she
was elevated to the Supreme Court. Federal insensitivity demonstrated in my remarks received her law degree from Chicago
judicial appointments need Senate rent nine Supreme Court Judges had previ‑ on rape and sexual assault.” University and went on to be a clerk for the
approval. ously served on it. Conservative Republican Senator Josh conservative African American Supreme
Situated in the nation's capital, that court Another Indian‑American, Sri Srinivasan, Hawley, on the other side, initially opposed Court Justice Clarence Thomas. She has
is considered the most influential after the who was on then President Barack Obama's her nomination because he said she was also worked as a lawyer in then‑President
Supreme Court as many important federal shortlist for the Supreme Court, is also on not totally opposed to abortions, but later George W. Bush's White House and with
cases are heard by it and four of the cur‑ the D C court of appeals. With Rao's backed down. Trump announced his inten‑ the Senate judicial committee.

Funds raised for AAP Chennai teen pianist Lydian Nadhaswaram

by US supporters wins American reality show The World's Best
New York: Chennai teen Lydian
‘Action for Nation’ drive argues that the Nadhaswaram has won American
reality show The World's Best. The
Delhi government model of development can pianist, who recently wowed the
provide a blueprint to other states as well viewers on The Ellen DeGeneres
Show with his blindfold act pipped
South Korea's Kukkiwon a.k.a The
Flying Taekwondo Masters and won
the $ 1 million prize. For the finals,
Lydian Nadhaswaram performed
two piano medleys and impressed
the judges and audience alike. Faith
Lydian Nadhaswaram and his father Varshan Satish with The World's
Hill, RuPaul Charles and Drew
Best's host James Corden and judges Faith Hill, RuPaul Charles and
Barrymore were the front line
Drew Barrymore. (Picture courtesy: Twitter/Faith Hill )
judges on The World's Best and
they had 50 other world judges Drew Barrymore and a couple of on Thursday with a bouquet of
with them to make the final call. more judges were in tears when flowers and did a live session on
The show was hosted by James Lydian was announced as the win‑ Twitter. It's a more than 10 minutes
Corden. The final tally of points was ner of the show. long video where Lydian's family
Kukkiwon at 63 and Lydian at 84. Lydian Nadhaswaram goes to KM gives a warm welcome to the music
AAP volunteers Prabhat Sharma and Sreekanth Kocharlakota
Lydian was accompanied by his Music Conservatory which is run by maestro and later Lydian even plays
By Vijaylaksmi Nadar ernment model, which provides a father, Music Director Varshan A.R. Rahman in Chennai. A.R. a beautiful tune on the piano for
blueprint to other states as well, is Satish as he received his award. Rahman went to Lydian's residence him. (Source: www.indiatoday.in)
Dallas: Appreciative of the good what got Sreekanth Kocharlakota,
work that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
is doing in Delhi, and realizing
that it needs a constant flow of
Amit Behere, Rajendra Lodha,
Sandeep Aggarwal, Sajan Dewan,
Jeshwanth Reddy, all IT profes‑
Google paid Singhal $35 M after resignation over sexual harassment probe
funds, several professionals sionals, to support AAP, knowing San Francisco: Google paid former redacted portions of the lawsuit been accused of harassment before
spread across the USA have raised fully well that their dollar will go a search executive Amit Singhal $35 were made available March 11, and that he left Google on his own
about $23,000 in a single day on long way in bringing change in million in an exit package when he including quotes from Alphabet terms. Singhal did not immediately
March 17. the country. Ravi Katiyar, an was reportedly forced to resign board committee meetings. One return a request for comment Mar.
The money raised is part of the automation architect, despite his after a sexual assault investigation, portion of the minutes showed that 11. But the New York Times, citing
Action for Nation donation drive. reservations about the party lead‑ according to court documents Singhal, an Indian American senior three people briefed on the inci‑
T hey argue that many Indian ership, is still convinced that AAP released March 11. vice president of search who left the dent, reported that an employee
states despite massive budgets are is the party to support. Details of the exit package were company in 2016, received two $15 claimed Singhal groped her at an
experiencing severe distress in “NGOʼs and social activists, bare‑ revealed as part of a shareholder million payments and a payment of off‑campus event. A Google investi‑
every sector. Delhi, on the other ly make a difference in years, but lawsuit against the company, one between $5 million to $15 million gation found her claims credible,
hand, had a budget of only Rs. the Delhi model has established that followed a published report of as part of a separation agreement. according to the Times. Previously,
53,000 crores in 2018, which the that a strong intent and intelligent payouts Google made to executives The total payment could have been the Times reported Singhal was
AAP government increased by 86 execution can bring about massive accused of sexual misconduct. up to $45 million. paid “millions” in an exit package.
% from what it was in 2015 when changes within a few years,” says The lawsuit targets the board of Singhal was one subject of a New Singhal later joined Uber, but left
it was about Rs. 31,000 crores. Prabhat Sharma, also an IT profes‑ Google parent Alphabet, charging York Times investigation last year after just five weeks. News reports
The AAP government has used sional. He firmly believes that only that its members had a duty to pro‑ that revealed Google paid Android at the time said he failed to tell
this wisely and has not only over‑ AAP can counter the destruction tect the company and its sharehold‑ creator Andy Rubin $90 million in a Uber he left Google because of a
hauled the government education unleashed by both the BJP and the ers from risk and reputation dam‑ severance package after the compa‑ sexual harassment allegation.
system but has brought in huge Congress on the country. age. Instead, it says, the board ny found allegations of sexual Google acknowledged the unredact‑
changes in the health sector. The The Action for Nation donation agreed to pay of f and otherwise assault against him were credible. ed claims in the lawsuit March 11
focus in these two key areas is drive plans to extend to other support male executives facing mis‑ Rubin has denied the claims. and said in a statement that there
what makes a country progres‑ countries as well to alleviate the conduct charges ̶ opening the Singhal has also denied the claims are “serious consequences for any‑
sive. The success of the Delhi gov‑ funds' crunch in AAP. company to reputational and finan‑ against him, saying in a statement one who behaves inappropriately at
cial damage by doing so. Previously to the AP in 2017 that he had not Google.”
8 March 23-29, 2019 NATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF
You are making Canada proud:
Trudeau to Lilly Singh
C
anadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau congratulated Canadian‑
born Lilly Singh, who goes by the
stage name Superwoman, on bagging a
late night show of a major TV network and
said the YouTube sensation is making
Canada proud. Trudeau tweeted on Sunday
evening: "Congratulations Superwoman!
You're making Canada proud ‑ and making
Participants after successful completion of Jain Workshop conducted by the
us laugh along the way."
Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) at Jain Society of
To which, Singh replied: "Thank you Northern California (JCNC) Milpitas.
Prime Minister! Please find a way to send Justin Trudeau (left) congratulated Lilly
me ice caps and Timbits while shooting." Singh for bagging late night NBC show

OFBJP‒ USA pays tribute to

American Telugu Association Manohar Parrikar
celebrates Womenʼs Day
O
verseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) ‑ India in Modi cabinet. A man with princi‑
USA paid tribute to departed ples he led a very simple life throughout.
leader, Shri Manohar Parrikar. OFBJP President, Shri Krishna Reddy
Shri Parrikar has been fighting pancreatic Anugula said, “He was one of the tallest
cancer for the last year and he breathed leaders of India and BJP. OFBJP is mourn‑
his last on Sunday, March 17, 2019. OFBJP ing his untimely death and it is an irre‑
members reminisced their interactions placeable loss to the nation and the party.”
with him during his visits to the US on ear‑ Dr. Adapa Prasad, Vice President said
lier occasions. A graduate of IIT‑Mumbai, that no illness could stop Parrikar ji from
Manohar ji had immersed in the service of working for the people till his last breath
people and the nation. He served as a and he was a thorough gentleman and a
member of Goa state legislative assembly great patriot.
and elected as a member of parliament. He Vasudev Patel, General Secretary said
Events were held on a grand scale across Washington DC, NJ, Delaware, was a four‑time Chief Minister of Goa State that he was an inspiration to youth and
Detroit, Nashville, Austin, Dallas and Raleigh and served as the Defence Minister of someone to emulate.

A
merican Telugu Association, ATA, a ance, legal rights, financial knowledge,
28‑year‑old Telugu organization
serving the interests of Telugu peo‑
health & family. ASHA for Women organi‑
zation explained how women going Muslim Democrats Abroad to
ple across North America celebrated through domestic violence can get help.
Womenʼs day weekend with much fervor &
gusto. International Womenʼs Day
Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton was
the chief guest of the event. Cultural
educate Non‑Resident Americans
Celebrations were held on a grand scale
with events across Washington DC, New
Programs were the highlight of the evening
and enthralled the audiences. ATA
about voting rights
T
Jersey, Delaware, Detroit, Nashville, Austin, President‑elect Bhuvanesh Boojala & team he Muslim Caucus need to register through
Dallas and Raleigh areas. spearheaded the event in DC Metro. New of America the State Board of
Womenʼs day theme concept of Jersey Womenʼs day event included semi‑ launched Muslim Elections or
#BetterforBalance focused primarily on nars on homeopathy, yoga & business Democrats Abroad to edu‑ VotefromAbroad.org and
addressing the immediate needs and chal‑ entrepreneurship. Immigration attorney cate Non‑Resident would receive the ballot
lenges of modern day Indian women and Prashanti Reddy was felicitated for her Americans about their via mail and they can vote
how to strike a balance between eastern contribution to the Indian community espe‑ right to vote from abroad and return it to their State
and western cultures. Scores of saree clad cially in matters related to the immigration and appointed Dr. Tausif Board of Elections.
Indian women enjoyed the festivities issues. In Dallas International womenʼs day Malik as the first Global Dr. Tausif Malik had
across various cities. Fashion shows and event offered prayers to the fallen and Chair to establish country approached Ghazala
thought‑provoking discussions enthralled wounded Indian soldiers of Pulwama chapters, support and edu‑ Salam, President and
the audiences. Sumptuous lunch with vari‑ attack. Panel discussions were held on the cate about Democratic Zarina, Baber Vice
ous delicacies from both the Telugu states causes of depression, addiction in kids and Party of USA to Non‑ President, Muslim Caucus
was served. precautionary measures to be taken to Resident Americans. of America to establish
International Womenʼs day event in avoid such situations. As per the American Global Chapters for Non‑
Washington DC included Panel discussions Awareness session on financial planning constitution, the Resident American
Dr. Tausif Malik appointed first
with elite panelists from legal, medical, was also conducted. Raleigh doctors American citizens have a Muslim to support and
Global Chair of Muslim
social, civic engagement and business educated women about breast cancer right to vote by mail and educate about
Democrats Abroad
areas to ignite a sense of awareness menace along with statistics and it can be from any part Democratic Party of USA
amongst women regarding work‑life bal‑ mammograms. of the world. The American citizens just to Non‑Resident Americans.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS March 23-29, 2019 9

Trump issues first veto

on bill to block his
national emergency
Washington: President Donald
Trump issued his first veto last
wee k, re ject ing Cong ressʼs
ef fort to cancel his declaration
of a national emergency to pay
for a wall on the US‑Mexico bor‑
der, a centerpiece of his 2016
campaign.
“Congress passed a dangerous
resolution that, if signed into
law, would put countless
Americans in danger,” Trump
said just before signing the veto
President Trump signing a veto March 15 of the congres‑
in the Oval Office, where he was sional measure to end his emergency declaration to get
joined by family members of funds to build a border wall. (Photo courtesy Reuters)
crime victims and law enforce‑
ment officials. The measure ‑‑ which cleared tion funds for the border wall after Congress
the Senate with support from a dozen refused to provide more than $1.4 billion.
Republicans ‑‑ dealt a political setback to the By vetoing the congressional resolution,
president by seeking to block his effort to Trump can continue with his plan to tap
free up additional federal funds for the wall. money budgeted for the Pentagon, though
But the Senate vote Thursday and the House Democratic state attorneys general and out‑
vote last month were well short of the sup‑ side environmental groups have filed law‑
port needed to override Trumpʼs veto. suits in a bid to block the project.
The Senate measure marked the second The president likely will use the issue to
rebuke of Trump by lawmakers in as many hammer Democrats in the 2020 presidential
days. On Wednesday, the GOP‑controlled campaign.
chamber passed a measure seeking to with‑ Ahead of Thursdayʼs Senate vote, some
draw US military support for the Saudi‑led Republicans joined Democrats in arguing
military campaign in Yemen. that Trumpʼs use of emergency powers
Trump sought an end‑run around lawmak‑ would erode the constitutional prerogative
ers to use $3.6 billion in Pentagon construc‑ of Congress to appropriate federal dollars.

Beto O'Rourke announces

2020 bid
every single one of us, that seeks to unite
a very divided country", Xinhua news
agency reported.
Having served as a member of the city
council of El Paso, a Texas town that bor‑
ders Mexico, O'Rourke said he will work
to ensure that all Americans, irrespective
of where they are, "can acknowledge that
if immigration is a problem, it's the best
possible problem this country can have."
"And we should ensure that there are
lawful paths to work, to be with family
and to flee persecution," said O'Rourke,
who was narrowly defeated when trying
to replace Republican Senator Ted Cruz in
the November mid‑term elections.
In his announcement video made inside
his El Paso home, O'Rourke also pledged
Democrat Beto O'Rourke gave a good fight to lift up the country's rural areas, "work
to Ted Cruz for Texas Senate seat last year. on real justice reform and confront the
Washington: Beto O'Rourke, former hard truth of slavery and segregation and
Democratic congressman from Texas, has suppression," as well as "squarely con‑
announced that he will run for president front the challenge of climate change
in the 2020 election. before it's too late."
"I am running to serve you as the next According to a CNN/Des Moines
president," O'Rourke wrote in a tweet last Reg ister/Mediacom Iowa poll in
Thursday, adding that the challenges December, 28 per cent of the responders
faced by the US "are the greatest in living had a "very favorable" view of O'Rourke. A
memory." new poll this month found that number
In a video embedded in the tweet, the had decreased to 19 per cent, the report
46‑year‑old said while his wife sat beside said.
him that he will run a "positive campaign O'Rourke, father of three, represented
that seeks to bring out the very best from Texas's 16th district from 2013‑19.
 10 March 23-29, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Half of Americans say Trump is victim of FAA's approval of Boeing

a 'witch hunt' as trust in Mueller erodes 737 Max under probe
Washington: T he US this investigation or not.
Washington: Amid signs that spe‑ Transportation Department's The Transportation Department
cial counse l Robert Mue ller's Inspector General has opened an is yet to comment on the develop‑
investigation into Russian election investigation into the Federal ment.
interference may be near its con‑ Aviation Administration's (FAA) Following the probe announce‑
clusion, a new USA approval of Boeing's 737 Max ment, the FAA said in a statement,
TODAY/Suf folk University Poll planes which were involved in two that its "aircraft certification
finds that trust in Mueller has deadly crashes just five months processes are well established and
eroded and half of Americans apart, The Wall Street Journal said have consistently produced safe
agree with President Trump's con‑ in a report. aircraft designs".
tention that he has been the victim The Journal's report on Sunday Meanwhile, both the crashes,
of a "witch hunt." Support for the comes a week after the 737 Max which occurred five months apart,
House of Representatives to seri‑ planes were grounded for an remain under investigation by the
ously consider impeaching the indefinite period globally follow‑ Indonesia and Ethiopia govern‑
president has dropped since last ing the two deadly accidents ments, with the assistance from
October by 10 percentage points, involving the aircraft model, CNN the US and Boeing.
to 28 percent. reported. The first accident was T he Ethiopian Minister of
Despite that, the survey shows a the March 10 crash of the Nairobi‑ Transport said on Sunday that pre‑
nation that remains skeptical of
The USA TODAY/Suffolk University pollʼs findings set the stage
for a ferocious partisan battle when Mueller submits his report to bound Ethiopian Airlines flight liminary data recovered from the
Trump's honesty and deeply divid‑ 302 that took place just six min‑ black boxes showed "similarities"
Attorney General William Barr. (Photo courtesy Vanity Fair)
ed by his leadership. A 52 percent utes after it took‑of f from Addis between the two accidents.
majority say they have little or no lowest level to date and down 5 presidentʼs aides of participating Ababa, killing all 157 people on A preliminary report of the Lion
trust in the president's denials points since December. In compar‑ in that operat ion. Last wee k, board. The second crash occurred Air crash revealed that the pilots
that his 2016 campaign colluded ison, 30 percent express a lot of Trump's former campaign manag‑ last October when a Lion Air fought with the automatic safety
with Moscow in the election that trust in Trump's denials, the high‑ er, Paul Manafort, was sentenced Boeing 737 Max 8 ‑ the same type system, known as the maneuver‑
put him in the Oval Office. est to date. to a total of 7.5 years in federal of plane ‑ plunged into the Java ing characteristics augmentation
That number does reflect an Mue ller indicted 34 people, prison for financial crimes. The Sea minutes into the flight from system (MCAS) for control of the
improvement from previous polls. including Russian intelligence poll's findings set the stage for a Jakarta and killed all its 189 peo‑ jet. Meanwhile, Boeing announced
One year ago, 57 percent had little operatives and some of Trump's ferocious partisan battle when ple. T he investigation will be on Monday that it was working
or no trust in his denials; in closest aides and advisers. The Mueller submits his report to focused on an automatic safety with the FAA to finalize a software
December, 59 percent did. indictments detailed the eagerness Attorney General William Barr. system implicated in the October update related to the MCAS sys‑
Twenty‑eight percent say they of the Trump campaign to benefit The president's cascade of criti‑ crash, CNN quoted the Journal tem to make the planes safer. The
have a lot of trust in former FBI from a sophist icated Russian cism of those pursuing him has which cited a US government offi‑ company plans to have the update
director Mueller's investigation to effort to influence the 2016 elec‑ fortified his support and raised cial. It is unknown if the Ethiopian mandated no later than April, CNN
be fair and accurate. That's the tion but have not accused the questions about his investigators. Airlines crash will play any role in reported.

Rep Steve King posts Resume talks with Dalai

red state-blue state Lama, aides, US tells China
civil war meme Dharamsala: The US Ambassador‑At‑
Large for International Religious
Freedom Samuel Brownback has said
Washington: Republican Iowa Rep. Steve King ̶ no
the US will continue to support the
stranger to controversial social media posts ̶ posted a
Dalai Lama's 'middle‑way' approach
meme on Facebook Saturday, speculating about a poten‑
and urged China to resume formal dia‑
tial second civil war in the United States.
logue with him or his representatives,
Captioned “Wonder who would win….” along with a
the Central Tibetan Administration
smirking emoji, the meme shows a red figure whose
(CTA) said on Monday.
body is made up of traditionally conservative states like
Brownback said this during a visit to
Texas, Alabama and Georgia punching a blue figure
Taiwan for the 2019 Reg ional
whose torso is California and whose head is Oregon.
Religious Freedom Forum, last week,
“Folks keep talking about another civil war,” the meme
where President Tsai Ing‑wen was
reads. “One side has about 8 trillion bullets, while the
also present. Brownback noted in his
other side It has been 60 years since the Dalai Lama fled
speech March 2018 marked "the 60th
doesnʼt know Lhasa for India after a failed uprising against the
anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai
which bath‑ Communist rule over Tibet.
Lama being forced into exile."
room to use”
According to a CTA post, the US government, he cited persecution of Uygur
̶ a confus‑
Ambassador criticized China's occupation of Muslims in Xinjiang, Tibetan Buddhists,
ing reference
Tibet saying it "demonized and criminalized Falun Gong practitioners and Christian
to transgen‑
the Buddhist faith that lies at the core of groups in China.
der bath‑ Some 60 years ago, around 80,000
Tibetan civilization". "Tibetans understand‑
room bills
ably continue to lament his absence from Tibetans along with the Dalai Lama fled
that many
Tibet and long for the day that he is able to Lhasa for India after a failed uprising
states have
return and resume his rightful place as their against the Communist rule over Tibet.
enacted or China and the Dalai Lama's envoys have
most important religious leader," he said.
reversed. In
"We urge the People's Republic of China held nine rounds of talks since 2002 to
June last
to resume formal dialogue with His Holiness resolve the Tibetan issue.
year, King In the last round of talks in Beijing in
or his representatives immediately," he said
said the US
and added we would continue to support 2010, the CTA submitted an "explanatory"
was moving
the Dalai Lama's middle‑way approach for note to the Chinese leadership to clarify its
toward a sec‑
meaningful autonomy for all Tibetans stand on genuine autonomy for the Tibetan
ond civil war.
across the Tibetan Plateau, while remaining people. Since then, there has been no move‑
a part of China. Condemning the Chinese ment forward.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA NEWS March 23-29, 2019 11

MAHA KUMBH
Sangh backs pivot Modi to return to power
discourse with both sides adopting In that it is a seminal election
polarizing attitudes and positions, where the Sangh doesn't want any
Congress President Rahul Gandhi is unnecessary problems.
attacking the Sangh openly and With the Ayodhya issue more or
brazenly, even as Modi is targeting less kept in abeyance by the
the dynasty. The shrill nature of Supreme Court, given that the
this visceral hatred is acting as a three‑member mediation team will
divisive agent and the Sangh, which only provide its findings to the
is confident that Modi will return to apex court by May 8, it is a non
power, doesn't want any mishaps sequitur.
along the way. While the 'Sangathan Mantri' and
Pollsters and pundits are already 'Prabharis' are often borrowed
OF DEMOCRACY predicting that the BJP will fall from the Sangh, Modi himself came
short of a simple majority on its from the Sangh just as the departed
New Delhi: In the face of an increas‑ own and despite the ratcheting up Goa Chie f Minister Manohar
ingly hostile Rahul Gandhi, the RSS of the volume on the convergence Parrikar was from the RSS, at the
cont inues to bank on Prime between hyper nationalism over vanguard of this massive operation
Minister Narendra Modi as the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. (Photo: IANS) nat ional security and Hindu to retain power are Ram Lal, V.
pivot to stay in power for the next machismo, the BJP has over‑prom‑ Satish, Saudan Singh, Shiv Prakash
five years. With Modi remaining Party for door‑to‑door campaign‑ this into an art form. It is evident ised and under delivered. As such and B.L. Santosh, who are working
BJP's single biggest vote catcher, it ing. Bringing the voter to the poll that the Sangh is backing the Prime they have moved all their muscle on the mechanics of the poll prop‑
is an unequivocal thumbs‑up for booth is the simple strategy as the Minister to the hilt, he is their go‑to and firepower behind Modi and the er. While they are overseeing the
him from the Sangh. BJP 'karyakartas' and the RSS foot man for the 2019 polls. BJP. The Congress is gnawing away organization at a national level,
As such the Sangh remains stead‑ soldiers work in tendem. Now that the Congress has real‑ at economic issue ‑‑ 'notebandi', there are region in‑charge who are
fast in its commitment to providing Connecting with the voters direct‑ ized that the 2,20,000 polling farm distress, jobs and 'Gabbar managing 'Prants' (breakdown of
the BJP manpower for micro elec‑ ly, involvement in bringing them to booths across the country are what Singh Tax' ‑‑ as also corruption over states or regions is different within
tioneering, a parallel setup to man‑ the booth is the priority. Voter con‑ everyone is fighting for, they too Rafale. Despite that Modi's own the Sangh).
age all the constituencies across tact and polling booth management have fine‑tuned their new strategy charisma and equity are relatively Both the BJP and the Sang h
the country. are core areas. This mass of legion‑ to focus on workers and voters and intact and the Sangh would want believe that Hindu consolidation
From 'Prantcharaks' to 'Zilla naires is the grassroots army that ensuring that they dovetail. him to lead the BJP to power for a will take place as Hindu votes
Karwas', they are coordinating with supports the leadership. BJP Sangh insiders also reckon that second full term, something that aggregate behind 'Hindu Hriday
local units of the Bharatiya Janata President Amit Shah has perfected with the debasement of the political the BJP has never done in the past. Samrat' Prime Minister Modi.

No one happy with Modi 'Chowkidar' Narendra Modi,

government: Priyanka PM flaunts prefix
New Delhi: After launching the
"Main Bhi Chowkidar (I am a
watchman too)" campaign on social
media, Prime Minister Narendra
Mo di changed the t itle of his
Twitter account to "Chowkidar
Narendra Modi". Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) President Amit Shah
followed with "Chowkidar Amit
Shah" and tweeted: "The one who
made cleanliness a moral value... he
is called Chowkidar
#MainBhiChowkidar. Say with all
your heart #ChowkidarPhirSe Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed
the title of his Twitter account to
(watchman again)." Shah's remarks
"Chowkidar Narendra Modi".
came after senior BJP leaders and
Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, J.P. Nadda, ing that "anyone who is doing his/her bit
Harsh Vardhan and Dharmendra Pradhan in getting India free of dirt, corruption
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra performs rituals on
followed suit, changing their names simi‑ and so cial‑evils is a Chowkidar.
the banks of Ganga river near Prayagraj Sangam. (Photo: IANS)
larly on Twitter accounts. #MainBhiChowkidar... Let's join the move‑
Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh): Congress General keeping the sprawling state economically
"As Chowkidars of our nation, we are ment and help in making India a well‑gov‑
Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday backward. "This 'what they did in last 70
committed to creating a clean economy erned, secure and prosperous nation."
attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi say‑ years' has an expiry date. Now the BJP should "As Chowkidars (watchmen) of our
by using cashless financial transactions.
ing no one was happy with his government. tell the people what it did in the last five
T he menace of corruption and black nation, we are committed towards safety
Demanding to know what Modi had done in years (after Modi took office).
money has adversely af fected us for and security of our people and their
the last five years, Gandhi told the media "Shiksha mitras and anganvadi workers did
decades. Time to eliminate these for a bet‑ wealth. Elimination of middlemen and
here: "Be it farmers, youth or anybody, no one not get anything. The BJP had announced Rs cleaning of economy has rattled all cor‑
ter future," Goyal tweeted.
is satisfied with the government. Together 17,000 per month for them," she said. "It is
In his tweet in Hindi, Nadda said: rupts in every part of the country and
they will change the government this year." good to produce report cards but what has
"Country changed, trust changed. A today every thief is afraid of Chowkidar,"
Gandhi, 47, is on a three‑day boat ride on the actually happened? There is nothing on the Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted.
watchman was found in every person."
Ganga as part of the Lok Sabha election cam‑ ground. I am meeting people daily, they are Goyal and Pradhan uploaded a video on
"In comparison to 2013, mangrove
paign that will end on Wednesday in distressed," Gandhi said.
cover increased by 293 sq km during the their Twitter accounts with a message of
Varanasi, Modi's parliamentary constituency. Gandhi, who set out from Prayagraj on
tenure of Narendra Modiji‑led govern‑ #MainBhiChowkidar. The campaign coun‑
Gandhi began the day after offering prayers Monday in a specially‑built vessel with sup‑
ment. While 18 effluent treatment plants ters Congress President Rahul Gandhi's
at the Sita Samahit Sthal temple in Sitamarhi. porters, earlier met Congress leaders here
were set up to reduce river pollution, 44 repeated attacks on Modi and his govern‑
She was asked to comment on Uttar and exhorted them to work hard during the
real time water quality monitoring sta‑ ment over various alleged malhandling of
Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's elections. She spent Tuesday night at a guest
tions were set up on Ganga and its tribu‑ economic and defence deals and situa‑
claim that the Congress had ruled Uttar house in Bhadohi. tions, with the slogan ‑ "Chowkidar Chor
taries," Harsh Vardhan tweeted.
Pradesh for most years since the country's Before resuming her journey on the Ganga,
Suresh Prabhu also took to Twitter say‑ Hai (watchman is a thief )".
independence and so it was to blame for Gandhi met Congress leaders in the area.
 12 March 23-29, 2019 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

MAHA KUMBH
Modi continues to rule popularity charts
a dip in his rating from the peak enjoyed in his best days in January
witnessed during the first week of 2019.
March, but his distant rival Rahul In terms of satisfaction with the
Gandhi has shown only marginal Prime Minister's work, there is not
signs of recovery. much change with over 50 per
The latest 'state of the nation' cent remaining in the very satis‑
tracker poll by CVOTER‑IANS fied category. T hough his net
based on the data collected till approval rating in the range of 60s
March 14 showed that Modi's rat‑ in the first week of March has
ing has begun to slide from the come down to 56 on March 14.
high of around 60 per cent seen The gap between the two leaders
on March 4, 5, 6 and 7 to come has come down below 50.
OF DEMOCRACY down slightly to around 56. A majority of the respondents
In contrast, Rahul Gandhi's rat‑ (over 40 per cent) continue to
New Delhi: Even a fortnight after ing, which had gone down to less be lieve that Bharat iya Janata
the air strike by Indian Air Force than 3 per cent in the period when Party‑led National Democratic
fighter jets on terror camps in Modi's had surged, has improved Alliance (NDA) can run better
Pakistan's Balakot, Prime Minister marginally to around 7 per cent coalition. The findings are based
Narendra Modi continues to domi‑ though it remains much below on a sample size varying between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP party chief Amit Shah
nate the popularity charts despite around 20 per cent support he 4,000 and over 6,000. in New Delhi. (Photo: IANS).

Congress, JD‑S pact to Fiery political content

'outsmart' BJP in Karnataka arriving on social media
New Delhi: Political parties have gone 24/7 spread the propaganda of political parties.
on creating election‑special content like The trend to reach out to their voters via
issue‑based memes, jokes, GIFs and short‑ social media platforms has caught up with
format videos to bombard various social many politicians, the recent ones being
media platforms and woo millions of voters. Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) supremo
According to social media experts, while Mayawati and Congress General Secretary
issues like unemployment, farmer distress, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who are now on
Rafale deal and demonetization would domi‑ Twitter.
nate the social media content for the oppo‑ "Parties like Congress and the BJP have
sition, the Modi‑led NDA government is aim‑ shared a WhatsApp number which people
ing to highlight the Balakot air strike and can directly use to connect to the party.
poverty alleviation. "Every major party and its leaders now
"Some political parties have appointed have Twitter handle and can often be seen
social media 'warriors' to reach out to the making parodies and memes mocking each
public on digital platforms. They are work‑ other to connect quickly with the youth,"
ing round‑the‑clock as political content said Mishra. Congress can now often be
aggregators, preparing fiery content for seen live‑streaming their rallies on
social media trollers," says social media Facebook. Regional parties have spruced up
expert Anoop Mishra. their social media presence too.
The bombardment is likely to begin from Till the voting process begins, the social
Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and H.D. Deve Gowda with next week and would only gain momentum media platforms would turn into a battle‑
Congress leaders in Bengaluru. (Photo: IANS) as the voting process inches closer. ground for the political parties.
Bengaluru: Karnataka's ruling coalition rivals, particularly in the old Mysuru The rise in popularity of social media plat‑ "The post and ad frequencies would be 10
allies Congress and Janata Dal‑Secular (JD‑ region, where both parties have significant forms has also opened up a relatively new to 20 times higher than normal days. The
S) hope to "outsmart" the Bharatiya Janata strength. So, it is natural for differences to advertising economy driven by "influencer parties would try to woo users on emotional
Party (BJP) by jointly contesting the 28 exist. The parties' leaders are working to marketing". There was a little slump in their sentiments and finally engaging them by
Lok Sabha seats across the state in April, a resolve the dif ferences right down to the activities, say experts, after the Cobrapost trying to change their perception," Mishra
party official said. worker level," the JD‑S spokesman said. investigation last month revealed that sever‑ noted.
"With the JD‑S and Congress contesting The Congress party also believes that if al Bollywood celebrities were willing to pass The game is set to go dirty, with more and
together, there will be no splitting of secu‑ the coalition partners stay united and end views of political parties as personal opin‑ more politicians taking jibes and trading
lar votes in the state. The seat‑sharing pact their "bickering", they can "comfortably" ions for money. barbs on social media platforms, which will
well positions our parties to outsmart the win the Lok Sabha elections. The dust is now settled and the army of then be reworked upon by creative agencies
BJP in the Lok Sabha elections," JD‑S "If the JD‑S and Congress stay united, social media "influencers" are again out to to flood Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.
spokesman and a former Member of they can project the failures of BJP at the
Legislative Council (MLC) Ramesh Babu Centre like the issue of unemployment. We
told IANS. can comfortably win the Lok Sabha elec‑ Congress suffering from inflated arrogance: AAP
The vision of the coalition allies was to t ions if the part ies avoid bickering,"
combine their forces to keep the BJP out of Congress state unit Vice President B.K. New Delhi: Accusing the Congress of suffer‑ Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar or
winning the majority seats, he added. Chandrashekar told IANS. ing from "ego" issues and "inflated arro‑ Andhra Pradesh. In all these states, the
The ruling parties committed to a pre‑ The BJP was far less likely to benefit due gance", Delhi's ruling AAP on Tuesday it will Congress is thinking about saving its own
poll alliance for the ensuing Lok Sabha to the "charm" of Prime Minister Narendra not waste any more time to sew an alliance party and its ego, not the country."
elections in the state, to be held in two Modi in the ensuing general elections, the with the grand old party. He added: "They are not coming out with a
phases on April 18 and 23, with eight seats Congress leader said. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai clear stand about Delhi."
for the JD‑S and 20 for the Congress. The JD‑S and Congress leaders expect the told the media that the Congress was not He said the AAP will go ahead with all its
Admitting that JD‑S and Congress, which Rs 48,000‑crore farm loan waiver interested in saving the country. seven candidates in Delhi.
bitterly fought against each other in the announced by the coalition government of "It (Congress) is more interested in its ego "We will now focus on how to defeat BJP on
May 2018 Assembly elections, had differ‑ Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to have and inflated arrogance. It is not much inter‑ our own. Post Holi, we will beef up our elec‑
ences in a few constituencies, Babu said a positive impact on the poll outcome. ested in defeating the Modi‑Shah duo," he tion campaign."
the parties were working to strengthen The BJP, on the other hand, mocked the said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Rai said the way Congress was divided over
their unity. JD‑S and Congress seat‑sharing pact as Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. an alliance in Delhi was a shame. This, he
"We fought the Assembly elections as "superficial". "This is clear from across the country, be it said, would harm the anti‑BJP alliance.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA NEWS March 23-29, 2019 13

After Parrikar's demise, Ex-SC judge Ghose to

be India's first Lokpal
new Goa CM takes charge New Delhi:
Former Supreme
Supreme Court judge
on March 8, 2013.
Panaji: Newly appointed Goa Chief Court judge His was among the
Minister Pramod Sawant took Just ice Pinaki top 10 names short‑
charge on Tuesday morning, after Chandra Ghose listed by the Lokpal
paying a courtesy visit to the fami‑ was recommend‑ Search Committee.
ly of his predecessor late Manohar ed to be the first In July 2015, a
Parrikar. Lokpal or anti‑ Supreme Court
BJP sources said the floor test to corruption bench of Just ice
prove the majority of the Sawant ombudsman of Ghose issued notice
headed BJP‑led coalition govern‑ India. Former Supreme Court to late former Tamil
ment was likely to be conducted His name was Nadu Chief Minister J.
judge, Justice Pinaki
on Wednesday. Before reaching finalized and rec‑ Jayalalithaa on a peti‑
Chandra Ghose.
the Chief Minister's Of fice at the ommended by the tion by the Karnataka
state Secretariat, Sawant (45), who Selection Committee comprising government challenging the high
was sworn in as Chief Minister at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, court verdict acquitting her and
Raj Bhavan, visited Parrikar's resi‑ Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Lok three others in a disproportion‑
dence and met his sons Utpal and Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan ate assets case.
New Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. (Photo: IANS)
Abhijaat. and eminent jurist Mukul He is a former judge of the
"Parrikar has been my political full military and state honors at sons, two daughter in‑laws and a Rohatgi. Calcutta High Court and former
ideal and guru. He has been a the Miramar beach here on grandson. Congress leader in the Lok Chie f Just ice of the And hra
fatherly figure for me. I became Monday evening. Top BJP leaders including Prime Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who is Pradesh High Court.
MLA, Speaker and CM because of Thousands of supporters and Minister Narendra Mo di, BJP part of the committee, did not Born in Kolkata, Justice Ghose
him. It is my courtesy visit," BJP workers accompanied the President Amit Shah, Union attend the meeting. is son of Late Justice Sambhu
Sawant said. funeral cortege from the Kala Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Justice Ghose, 67, who is a Chandra Ghose, former Chief
Sawant also said the 11 cabinet Academy Arts and Cultural Centre, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, Suresh member of the National Human Justice of Calcutta High Court.
ministers will soon be allocated where the remains had been kept Prabhu and Ramdas Athawale Rights Commission (NHRC) since Jutice Ghose's appointment has
their portfolios. throughout the day for the public offered floral tributes to Parrikar. June 2017, retired from the come nearly five years after the
Earlier, the last rites of Goa Chief to pay last respects to the nearby Maharashtra Chie f Minister Supreme Court on May 27, Lokpal Act was not ified on
Minister and former De fense Miramar beach. Devendra Fadnavis also paid his 2017. He had assumed charge as January 16, 2014.
Minister Parrikar were held with Parrikar, 63, is survived by two last respects.

Anil thanks Mukesh, UK court issues warrant against Nirav Modi

Nita for settling
London/New Delhi: A UK court has Janata Party (BJP) government for from his apartment. The new busi‑
issued an arrest warrant against its "failure" to bring the fugitive ness was incorporated in May
fugitive Indian diamantaire Nirav diamantaire to justice while he 2018, said the report.

Ericsson dues Modi, wanted in the Rs 13,500

crore PNB fraud case, confirmed
the Enforcement Directorate (ED)
apparently thrived elsewhere.
Accused in the Rs 13,500‑crore
Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud
The Interpol had issued a red
corner notice against Nirav Modi
in July 2018 on the request of the
on Monday. case, Nirav Modi is living openly in ED and the Central Bureau of
According to the ED, the a three‑bedroom flat, occupying Investigation (CBI). An extradition
Westminster Court issued the half the floor of the landmark request ag ainst him has been
arrest warrant on March 13. Center Point tower block, T he pending before the UK authorities
T he deve lopment came days Telegraph had reported. since last September. The ED on
after the UK's The Telegraph news‑ The report also claimed Nirav February 26 attached Rs 147 crore
paper claimed that Modi was spot‑ Modi was involved in a new dia‑ properties of Nirav Modi and his
ted in London, leading to the mond business, run from an office associate companies in connection
Congress slamming the Bharatiya in Soho, just a few hundred yards with the PNB fraud case.

Vadra's custodial questioning

may be needed: ED
Anil with Mukesh who has paid his younger brother's
Rs 550 crore dues to Ericsson.

Mumbai: Anil D. Ambani, Chairman and demonstrating the importance

of Reliance Communications, has of staying true to our strong family New Delhi: T he Enforcement The court listed the matter for erties, which is under investigation
thanked Re liance Industries values by extending this timely sup‑ Directorate (ED) on Tuesday told a further hearing on March 25, and in the instant case and they have
Chairman, Mukesh Ambani and Nita port." Delhi court that Robert Vadra, the extended interim protection from been acquired through the pro‑
Ambani for their support regarding "I and my family are grateful we brother‑in‑law of Cong ress arrest granted to Vadra till that ceeds of crime.
payment of dues to Ericsson as all have moved beyond the past, and President Rahul Gandhi, is not date. The ED told the court that the The case is based on an inde‑
the RCOM's outstanding to the are deeply grateful and touched cooperating in the probe and the investigation was at a crucial stage pendent set of transactions initiat‑
Swedish company stand cleared. with this gesture," he added. agency may require his custodial and Vadra has been enjoying the ed on the basis of the commission
"The requisite payment of Rs 550 Shares of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani‑ interrogation in a money launder‑ protection as a blanket. of offenses under the Black Money
crore and interest thereon to led Re liance Communication ing case. Special Public Prosecutor "The application is the key link Act, the agency stated.
Ericsson has been completed today (RCOM) settled 10 per cent higher D.P. Sing h told Special Judge to unearth the modus operandi The agency said that Vadra has
in compliance of the judgment of on Tuesday. Arvind Kumar that despite being adopted by all the accused and it is become involved in political mud‑
the Supreme Court," an RCOM Reliance Communication closed given various opportunities, Vadra in the interest of justice that the slinging.
spokesperson said. at Rs 4.40 per share, up 10 per cent was not cooperating in the investi‑ ED be given a 'free' hand to inter‑ The case relates to the owner‑
Acknowledging his elder brother from its previous close. gation and he is evasive in his rogate thoroughly," the agency ship of overseas assets worth 1.9
and RIL Chairman Mukesh' support, "The requisite payment of Rs 550 responses. said. The agency said that various million pounds by Vadra. It per‑
Anil D. Ambani, Chairman, RCOM, crore and interest thereon to T he ED also filed a reply on incriminating documents have tains to undisclosed foreign assets
said: "My sincere and heartfelt Ericsson has been completed today Vadra's anticipatory bail plea. come on record to show the com‑ and entities to evade tax.
thanks to my respected elder broth‑ in compliance of the judgment of The agency opposed Vadra's plea plicity of the accused persons. On December 7, 2018, the ED
er, Mukesh, and Nita, for standing the Supreme Court," an RCOM and requested the court to dismiss The ED added that he is the ben‑ had raided several of Vadra's prop‑
by me during these trying times, spokesperson said on Monday. it. eficial owner of the various prop‑ erties in Delhi‑NCR and Bengaluru.
14 March 23-29, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

AZHAR AND CHINA VETO

What Modi can do now
By Jayanta Ghosal diplomacy and give a message to Secondly, knowing fully well
India. that Imran Khan is not in a posi‑

M
asood Azhar is a danger‑ At the Financial Action Task tion to do much and that he is
ous name ‑‑ a global ter‑ Force (FATF) summit in 2018, it entirely under the control of the
rorist of Jaish‑e‑ ag reed to the g rey list ing of Army, India wants to raise the
Mohammed (JEM) under the UN Pakistan in return for being issue of deportation of Masood
Resolution 1267. of fered a vice presidency of the repeatedly. Already, Arun Jaitley
The proposal to list Azhar was intergovernmental body. and Swaraj have said that if Imran
initiated by the US and the UK India didn't give any equivalent Khan is, indeed, against terror
among other members of the UN counter offer to make in exchange then why is he not ready to hand
Security Council. But China has for Masood Azhar's listing. In over Azhar.
once again disturbed the whole future, it maybe Tibet, Taiwan or Thirdly, A strong legal argument
process, making it the fourth time Xinjang or on the economic trade can be made that targeting an
in the last few years that China front. We have to give some sense individual who is an active mem‑
put a technical hold on the listing of relief to the Chinese authorities, ber of an organization that has
of Masood Azhar. since China also has its own grow‑ engaged in a violent conflict with
China is blocking Indiaʼs Masood Azhar bid to balance the scales
An interesting facet of this is ing problem. one's own state is an act of self
of power diplomacy and give a message to New Delhi.
that China has never openly sup‑ North Korea is trying to move defence ‑ and is permissible under
ported him. They cannot and to the Masood Azhar issue. involved in the co‑sponsorship, out from the shadows of Beijing Article 51 of the UN charter.
date, China has never said that Earlier, India would propose the India avoided the bilateral‑ism and and Australia and has begun the The US succeeded in targeting
Azhar is not a terrorist. So, what action and others would support. as a result, now, it is China, who is open criticism of China in its Osama bin Laden. Israel has done
exactly has China done? India sent This time, India was not even a co‑ giving the veto against the inter‑ domestic area. So this might be it on several occasions in Gaza.
evidence to all UNSC members, sponsor. This time the proposal national community on a terror the right time for Prime Minister National Security Adviser Ajit
and even the US was convinced. was moved by other members of issue. There are few key lessons Modi to be more proactive on the Doval wants to carry out such an
But China reiterated that there the P5‑club and dozens of other here for India. The role of China is follow‑up pressure on the Chinese operation, but this government
was not enough evidence ‑ a tech‑ countries, including the African now one that we need to reassess. government. Right now, Modi is needs specific information and the
nical snag. nations and countries in South The first question is why exactly following three strategies: right timing to act, along with
In spite of the expected Chinese Asia like Bangladesh. did China do this? China has done Firstly, through other countries, global support. This is easy to say
veto, I think that this time India I think that this is a brilliant it not just for their friendship with he is putting pressure on China on for a journalist like me, but not
has been able to isolate Pakistan strategic move of Prime Minister Pakistan but also, I think, to check the Masood Azhar issue. Already, that easy to carry out on the
globally and not just Pakistan, but Narendra Modi. This time, the India's growing diplomatic proac‑ the French have announced that ground. For now, the diplomatic
China has also been alienated due issue was not just that of India tive assertiveness. China is doing they will attach the various prop‑ escalation against Masood Azhar
to the international pressure in versus Pakistan. By not getting this to balance the scales of power erties of JEM and Azhar. is on.

Obituary
A paradox called Parrikar, India's first IITian CM
By Mayabhushan for nearly 30 years, there was Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Nagvenkar very little about Parrikar's public veteran Subhash Ve ling kar,
persona which wasn't a paradox. Parrikar was the cornerstone of

I
t will take a while for Goans to He appeared sloppy, but was BJP's rise in Goa, from a party
come to terms with the fact meticulous in political strategy. whose candidates routinely lost
that 63‑year‑old Chie f He promised much, but actually poll deposit fees in the late
Minister and former Defence delivered very little. As Defence 1980s through early 1990s, to a
Minister Manohar Gopalkrishna Minister, he was obsessed with powerful outfit which won a sim‑
Prabhu Parrikar died after a pro‑ Goa politics. In 2012, he prom‑ ple majority in 2012.
tracted battle with pancreatic ised to retire and never contest But somewhere along the mete‑
cancer for over a year. And the elections again, but ended up oric rise, the BJP became Parrikar
disbelief need not necessarily clinging to power from a hospital and Parrikar became BJP in Goa.
stem from unadulterated love for bed until his end. Vijai Sardesai, Parrikar's critic‑
the country's first IITian CM. He swore to end casinos, illegal in‑chie f as a leg islator from
In recent years, after several mining when in opposition, but 2012‑17 and now a ruling coali‑
unpopular, controversial deci‑ failed to crack down on them tion ally, recalls his first meeting
sions, questions were being asked when in power. with Parrikar in the 90s.
whether Parrikar, who won over‑ But paradoxes apart, the young Incidentally, Parrikar served as
In his third term as Goa CM, Manohar Parrikar was elevated as
all adulat ion for nearly two Defense Minister. In his fourth term, death snatched him away. boy born in a nondescript town CM on four occasions, but could
decades for his w it, bluster, called Mapusa, to a Gaud never complete a full term in
charm and audacity, was really a gist was simply too omnipresent trapped to his person, testified Saraswat Brahmin family of gro‑ office.
salt‑and‑pepper‑haired political and omnipotent to melt away, his penchant for not giving up cers in Portuguese‑held Goa, rose In his first stint he dissolved the
rockstar or just a closet groupie just like that. The very fact that and appearing infallible in the to be India's Defence Minister assembly mid‑way. His regime
clinging to the coat‑tails of the he continued in office for a year small, but closely followed cos‑ and was partly credited with car‑ was toppled during the second
casino, mining and real estate after he was diagnosed with can‑ mos of Goan politics. rying out cross‑border surgical term as CM. In his third term, he
industry. cer and occasionally attended While Parrikar was undeniably strikes along the country's east‑ was elevated as Defence Minister.
The shock is also rooted in the office as well as public functions the weave, which determined the ern and western borders. In his fourth term, death
belief that the trained metallur‑ w ith medical parapherne lia quality of Goa's political fabric Working in tandem w ith snatched him away.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info FESTIVAL March 23-29, 2019 15

It is now a
multicultural
festival fast going
mainstream as it
appeals to diverse
communities for
its message of
equality and
universal
brotherhood.
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, hosts the (CA), Boston (MA), Potomac (MD), and
biggest annual Holi celebration in this part of the world. This year The Caribbean community takes out an annual Phagwah
parade in Queens, NY. This yearʼs parade is on March 31. Chicago (IL). In New York, the Caribbean
it will over the March 30‑31 weekend.
community takes out an annual Phagwah
parade in Queens; this year the parade is on
By SATimes Team ding oneself of past errors, ending conflicts Gyuana. March 31.
by meeting others, a day to forget and for‑ In many parts of the USA now fabulous There is another aspect of the festival that

P
eople all the world love festivals. If give. As the festival transcends caste, color, Holi events are held, attended by not just is slowly catching the imagination – commu‑
Indians have started celebrating hierarchy, gender, creed and nationality, it NRIs but also other communities. It is usual‑ nity service, Utsav Seva (Festivals of Seva).
Christmas/New Year Eve and lately can become a perfect platform for fostering ly hosted in temples or cultural halls. Developed by Hindu American Seva
even Valentineʼs Day, Indian festivals of equality and universal brotherhood all over Members of Hindu associations and volun‑ Communities founded by Anju Bhargava in
Diwali and Holi are slowly getting recog‑ the world. teers assist in hosting the event along with New Jersey, it augments the spirit of Hindu
nized and celebrated in countries like Over the years, Holi has become an impor‑ temple devotees. Some of the places known festivals through seva events organized dur‑
America. Diwali because it has a pious mes‑ tant festival in many regions wherever to host big Holi celebrations include New ing this time and connecting them with the
sage of victory of god over evil, and light of Indian diaspora were either taken as inden‑ Brunswick (NJ), Spanish Fork (Utah), cultural heritage of equality that we cele‑
knowledge dispelling darkness of ignorance. tured labourers during colonial era, or Houston (TX), Dallas (TX), South El Monte brate during Holi.
Holi, on the other hand, is pure fun, and let‑ where they emigrated on their own, and are
ting your hair down. Yet, it does have a now present in large numbers such as in
meaning and message: a harbinger of spring Africa, North America, Europe, Latin
and suggesting turning a new leaf, by rid‑ America, and parts of Asia such as Fiji. Holi
is a national holiday in Suriname and

Krishna began Holi

by coloring Radha
in his own color
I
ndians grow up reading and listening
about boy Krishnaʼs mischievous ways
and how he tricked people around him
when he was growing up. His great sense
of humor and larger than life childhood
tales are mesmerizing to say the least.
It is said that as a child he was envious of
Radhaʼs fair skin as he himself was ʻshyamʼ
i.e. dark/blue. One particular day, Krishna
complained to his mother Yashoda about
the injustice of nature which made Radha
so fair and him so dark. He was crying so
hard that the doting mother thought of
something that could bring peace to her
son. She asked him to go and color Radhaʼs
face in whichever color he wanted. Krishna
went straight to Radha and applied color
on her face, turning her like himself. This Nandgaon ‑ the places associated with
prank of Krishna applying color on Radha Krishna and Radha. In some states of
and other gopis using water jets called India, there is also a tradition to place the
pichkaris gained acceptance and populari‑ idols of Radha and Krishna in a decorated
ty. So much so that it evolved as a tradition palanquin, which is then carried along the
and later, a full‑fledged festival. main streets of the city.
This legend is brought alive during Holi All this while, devotees chant Krishnaʼs
each year all over India, particularly in name, sing devotional hymns and dance in
Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and the name of the lord
 16 March 23-29, 2019 FESTIVAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

T
he spring festival that originated in celebrate the sacrifice of Lord of Passion,
north India is now not only a pan‑ Kamadev, who risked his life to force Shiva
India calendar event but has spread out of his samadhi and save the world.
to wherever Indian diaspora is. The social significance of Holi is that it
This year Holi falls on March 20‑21 and helps to bring the society together and
will be celebrated with a riot of color in strengthen the secular fabric of India – it is
India. Here, the Indian American community celebrated by non‑Hindus and lower castes
will, of course, celebrate it at events on too. Celebrations extend to stiff upper lip
weekends before or after the actual Holi politicians and boisterous film stars alike.
dates. Also, in the spirit of Holi even enemies turn
Significance friends on Holi and banish hard feelings. the festival here is now celebrated with not and men spray water and colors at this pro‑
Aptly, many social gatherings and events on just colors, but with lathis. As per tradition, cession.
Holi gets us close to Indian mythology. women chase away the men with the long Hola Mohalla – Punjab: Hola Mohalla,
the day are called Holi Milan. One of Holiʼs
Foremost is the legend of Prahlad and sticks. known as the warrior Holi, is celebrated in
biggest customs is the loosening strictness
Hiranyakshyap in which Lord Vishnu incar‑ Basant Utsav and Dol Jatra ‑ West Bengal: Punjab. This festival is observed by Nihang
of social structures, which normally include
nates as Narsimha to vanquish the evil The Basant Utsav is a way to welcome the Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts, and sing
those of age, sex, status, and caste.
demon. Holi also celebrates the legend of spring season. On this day, there is a special their hearts out on this day that is usually
Holi is of course celebrated in different
Radha and Krishna, which describes the celebration at Shantiniketan, set up by celebrated a day before Holi.
parts of India in their own unique way. Here
extreme delight Krishna took in applying Noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Boys Holding of kavi sammelans around Holi
is a sampling:
color on his beloved and other gopis. In
Lathmar Holi – Barsana, UP: Holi is said to and girls dress up in yellow clothes and sing time, predominantly featuring humorous
South India, a popular legend of Holi is that and dance. Dol Jatra is when idols of Radha poetry is another tradition that has grown
have originated in the Barsana region of UP,
of Lord Shiva and Kamadev. People there and Krishna are taken out in a procession over the years.
the play ground of Kirshna. Interestingly,

Traditional 9 songs for your perfect Holi

(1) ʻRang Barse Bheege Chunarwaliʼ (6) ʻBalam Pichkaariʼ
Holi delicacies No Holi
party is
The most
recent gift

R
ight from the burst of vibrant colors to some complete from
heavenly gujiyas and bhang pakoras, this festi‑ without Bollywood
val is all about enjoying the good times with people for Holi
friends and family. Here are some items relished getting parties,
around Holi time. high on this song
bhang and from ʻYeh
Gujiya dancing to Jawani Hai
Made with this song Diwaniʼ is
semolina, khoya, from yet another
dry fruits and ʻSilsilaʼ, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha with must‑play. The fun level in the song takes the exist‑
powdered sugar, an adultery angle. ing entertainment factor at the party up by a cou‑
this deep fried
ple of notches.
sweet recipe is
(2) ʻAaj Na Chhodengeʼ
world famous
and is made
This song from the 1970 film ʻKati Patangʼ was (7) ʻHori Khele Raghuveeraʼ
across India with a regional twist. brought to life by Asha Parekh and Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan has given us some amazing Holi
bringing romance, fun and open flirting out in the numbers. This item from ʻBaghbanʼ is a yet another
Malpua open. favorite amongst people of all age groups.
This simple, sweet and delightful delicacy is made with
(3) ʻDo Me a Favourʼ (8) ʻJai Jai Shiv Shankarʼ
all purpose flour, milk and sugar. To add an edge one
can top it with sweet khoya.
Anu Malik crooning to ʻDo Me A Favourrrr, Letʼs How can any Holi party be complete without
Play Holiii!ʼ from ʻWaqtʼ, starring Akshay Kumar bhang? And where there is bhang, there has to be
Moong Dal Kachauri and Priyanka Chopra, is a must amongst the this song featuring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz in
younger crowd. ʻAap Ki Kasamʼ. With visual
Spicy and crunchy, Moong Dal Kachauri is made with
soaked moong dal sauted with black pepper, garam
(4) ʻAng Se Ang Laganaʼ (9) ʻLahu Muh Lag Gayaʼ
masala and coriander powder. This simple recipe goes
well with spicy aloo curry.
This 1993 movie ʻDarrʼ starring Sunny Deol, Juhi Deepika
Chawla, and Shahrukh Khan brought a change in Padukone
Thandai the kind of roles played by lead actors. And along and Ranveer
with it came this song, which is a favorite amongst Singh chem‑
Thandai is spe‑
Holi enthusiasts. istry is to
cially prepared
watch in this
during Holi, with
or without
(5) ʻHoli Ke Din Dil Khil Jaate Hainʼ Holi song
bhang. It is This evergreen song from the ever popular movie from
packed with the ʻSholayʼ is a hit amongst all generations and simply ʻGoliyon ki
goodness of milk, cannot be missed when you are totally immersed in Raasleela‑
dry fruits, herbs and spice. playing Holi. Raam‑Leelaʼ.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info FESTIVAL March 23-29, 2019 17

Modi’s saffron vs Maya’s blue

& Akhilesh’s red in Braj ki Holi
Agra: Expect the streets of Uttar Pradesh to shades. There can be short‑
be bathed in colors of politics this Holi. age of saffron and blue color
Falling weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, gulal in local markets near
the festival of colors is witnessing sale of Holi.” Agarwal said most
merchandise themed on elections. girls go for water tank
Shopkeepers in the Braj region, compris‑ pichkaris with Priyanka
ing Agra, Mathura and a few other neigh‑ Gandhiʼs picture while Modi‑
boring districts, are selling Modiʼs saffron Yogi pichkaris are a hot
gulal, Mayaʼs blue color and pichkaris with favorite among boys. Vineet
pictures of Priyanka Gandhi and Akhilesh Goyal, a retailer based in
Yadav among other things. Premium quality Rawatpara, said, “Pichkaris
Rahul Gandhi herbal green color (abeer) is with photos of Modi, Yogi,
particularly in demand, Times of India Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi
reports. are available with us.
Ramesh Agarwal, a whole seller of Holi Colored balloons with pic‑
merchandise based in Agraʼs Bodla, said, tures of political leaders are
“Colors associated with political parties like also in demand.” Karan
saffron of BJP, blue of BSP and red of SP are Verma, another shopkeeper in Naimer, said, sion. This trend was absent in last yearʼs
in great demand this year. We have received “This year, people are buying colors and Holi. Masks of political leaders are also
pre‑orders of organic gulal of political other items for Holi with political expres‑ in good demand.”

Ladies, here are 3 essential

hair care tips for Holi
H
oli is the harbinger of spring in India, and Holi
colors have made their way onto every store in
the market. But donʼ forget that Holi tends to
take a toll on our skin and hair. The
colors used are usually rich
in chemical content and
can be harsh on the
exposed areas of our
body. Because it is
next to impossible to
escape the
colour
play, the
best we
can do is
follow some precautionary measures to stay protected
before and after the celebrations.
Oil your scalp
Applying a good amount of oil all the way from the
roots to the tips of hair is a simple mantra if you wish
to enjoy Holi without harming your hair. This will pre‑
vent Holi's chemical laden colors from sticking to the
strands and will also allow easy washing post the fes‑
tivities. There's no better protective layering to your
hair than oils like coconut, jojoba, and castor and
hence it is an indispensable hair care ritual before Holi.
Pinup or keep your hair covered
Another great way to prevent any form of hair dam‑
age during Holi is to carefully cover it with a scarf.
This will not only ensure that your tresses are totally
safe from coming into contact with colors but will also
help you wash your hair post celebrations with lesser
effort. However, when covering your is just not be
possible, you can choose to braid your hair so that it is
at least partially protected. This is a good way to pre‑
vent hair breakage that many women experience after
Holi.
Rinse off the right way
Rinsing off colors from your hair in the right way is a
golden rule. It is important to ensure that you rinse off
your hair only with cold water as warm water tends to
solidify the colors, making them linger on the surface
of your hair and scalp. You can also choose to prep
your hair with a conditioner that will ensure that the
colors wash out easily. Going herbal while washing and
treating your hair post the color splash can be a wise
decision. Aloe‑vera and tea‑tree oil are good natural
shampoo ingredients to choose from.
 18 March 23-29, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Indian‑origin YouTube star ‘Badhaai Ho’ writer slams film

lands US late night show awards for dropping her name
Y B
adhaai Hoʼ writer Jyoti Kapoor stated that if any part of her story or
ouTube sensation
has called out the Filmfare character is used, she would be given
Lilly Singh, who
Awards for dropping her credit. However, her bit wasnʼt used.
goes by the stage
name from the Best Story category However, Jyoti maintains that the
name Superwoman and
nomination, the Hindustan Times premise of the film (parents of adult
has her roots in Punjab,
reported. While she was credited children get pregnant, leading to a
has landed a rare chance
along with Akshat Ghildial and crisis in the family) was her idea and
to host a late night talk
Shantanu Srivastava initially by it was duly registered. Her basic story
show on a major broad‑
Filmfare, her name was unceremoni‑ was called Hum Do Hamaare Char, on
cast network ‑‑ a feat for
ously dropped later. “My name was the basis of which, Junglee had hired
a woman of color.
included in the nomineesʼ list…, until her. Jyoti further said that she would
Canadian‑born Singh
it magically disappeared...” legally pursue the matter.
will replace Carson Daly
However, the report goes on to give Ayushmann Khurrana starrer
as the host of NBC's late
the film producersʼ side as well. Priti ʻBadhaai Hoʼ was directed by Amit
night talk show. The
of Junglee Pictures said that though Sharma and also starred Neena
show will be re‑titled "A
Jyoti was part of the initial team, her Gupta, Gajraj Rao, Surekha Sikri and
Little Late with Lilly
contract ended in 2016. The contract Sanya Malhotra in important roles.
Singh" and will launch in
September, making her
the only woman to cur‑
Lilly Singh has more than 14 million subscribers on YouTube.
rently host a late night
talk show on one of the big networks, report‑ Singh's Unicorn Island Productions, will serve
ed variety.com. as co‑executive producer.
"A Little Late" will feature Singh, who first Superwoman, as she is popular, has been
became famous as a YouTube star, conducting famous with video series like Battle of Sexes,
in‑studio interviews, as well as feature pre‑ The Parents Lols, My Parents React, #GirlLove A still
or Awkward Message Thoughts. from the
taped comedy sketches and other "signature
movie
elements." Singh, who has more than 14 million
ʻBadhaai
"Lilly is truly a star and we're thrilled to wel‑ YouTube subscribers, was overwhelmed with
Hoʼ.
come her to our NBC family," said Doug all the messages that came her way.
Vaughan, executive vice president, special She wrote: "My heart is so incredibly full.
programmes and late night, NBC Thank you so much for all the love and posi‑
Entertainment. tive energy. I'm speechless. I'm overwhelmed...
Singh will serve as executive producer on "A Oh... and India I can't wait to celebrate with
Little Late", while Polly Auritt, who heads you. Mamas timing ain't no mistake."

HERE'S WHAT SELFIE EPISODE 'Hamid': Local flavor,

TAUGHT NAWAZUDDIN universal appeal
C By Troy Ribeiro
ritically acclaimed
actor Nawazuddin REVIEW

S
Siddiqui is always et in Kashmir and
open to interacting with his inspired by true inci‑
fans but after an admirer dents, Aijaz Khan's film
recently dragged him for a Hamid is a fictional tale with
selfie, he has learnt that occa‑ local flavor and universal appeal.
sionally he needs to be "more An adaptation of Amin Bhat's
careful". play 'Phone No. 786', it's a well‑
Last month, he was in crafted portrayal of a boy's loyal‑
Kanpur, shooting for "Raat ty to his father and his determi‑
Akeli Hai". In a video that nation to get him back to make
surfaced online, he can be his family whole again. Seen
seen surrounded by fans. through the eyes of Hamid, 7‑
One of his over‑enthusiastic year‑old son of Rehmat, a ship‑
fans dragged him for a selfie. wright (a person who makes
Asked if he is scared of get‑ boats for a living), the film is a With arresting demeanor, Talha Arshad Reshi
ting close to his fans now, testament to the lives of those
portrays Hamid with all earnestness.
Nawazuddin told IANS in an waiting for their loved ones to return. It Arshad Reshi who with sparkling eyes and
e‑mail interview: "I am reveals their pain and grief. arresting demeanor, portrays Hamid with all
always open to meeting and The tale is narrated in a simple and yet earnestness. He is simply charming. You'll
interacting with my fans. But An over‑enthusiastic fan dragged actor love his spunk and honesty and he does full
savvy manner with layers to interpret. It
Nawazuddin Siddiqui for a selfie.
I have learnt that I need to be touches upon issues like the state of affairs justice to his character.
more careful... This is something I did as "Bole Chudiyan". He is also happily in Kashmir, how life has changed and the There are some moments that seem forced
not really think about. fronting advertisements of online hardships the people have to bear. in the narrative, especially when at a bus
"But it does not mean that I won't poker brand PokerStars India. The casting too is pitch perfect. Each actor stop, when a funeral passes by, Rehmat
interact with them because they are But if one looks at his filmography, plays his part with all honesty. Rasika Dugal stops to "give shoulder" to the coffin, despite
very important to me and they right‑ he has acted in just one sports related is a competent actress and as Hamid's sto‑ knowing that his son would miss the bus.
fully deserve the respect," added the film ‑‑ "Freaky Ali". Does he wish to ically suffering mother Ishrat, she is consci‑ DOP John Wilmor deserves kudos as the
actor, who is followed by 2.59 million add more films in the genre to the list? entious and convincing. So is Sumit Kaul as cinematography, is yet another highlight of
people on Twitter. "Yes, if a good script comes across, I Hamid's father Rehmat and Vikas Kumar as the film. His lens captures the beauty of the
Apart from this film, the "Thackeray" would love to be a part of it," said the the repentant Abhay. locales as well as emotions of the people
actor has more projects lined up such National Award winning actor. But the star of the film is definitely Talha with equal candor.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD March 23-29, 2019 19

Actors make the worst Ten weeks and five hits:

friends: Sunny Leone Content matters
By Vinod Mirani are the real heroes, mak‑
ing films run. One of the

W
hen a maker has solid reasons being that the
content, a superstar is new breed of stars like
not needed. Of the reign‑ Ranveer Singh, Varun
ing but 50+ superstars, only Aamir Dhawan, Ayushmaan
Khan seems to have realized this Khurana, Tiger Shroff,
fact! Or, so his film ʻDangalʼ and his Alia Bhatt, Anushka
portrayal of a determined Haryanvi Sharma, Kangana
father, wanting to turn his daugh‑ Ranaut, Yami Gautam or
ters into world class wrestling even Shahid Kapoor and
champs, has proved! John Abraham are all
Salman Khan played varied char‑ willing to try newer
acters all along in films like themes and have avoid‑
ʻBaaghi: A Rebel For Loveʼ, ʻSaajanʼ, ed being slotted.
ʻHum Aapke Hain Koun..!ʼ to a typi‑ Not to rob them of
cal South Indian theme like due credit, these actors
ʻBandhanʼ. He did not stick to a par‑ ‑ male and female ‑ are
ticular genre. He did a series of getting a great band of
action/comedies starting with talented supporting
ʻWantedʼ for over half a decade, actors who have
Actor Akshay Kumarʼs choice of films is
changed tracks with ʻBajrangi become stars in their
relevant to what is happening around us.
Bhaijaanʼ and ʻSultaanʼ. own right. The cur‑
Actress Sunny Leone expressed her views on a TV show. Shah Rukh Khan is the latest case to survive. His choice of subjects is rent favorites are Saurabh Shukla,

S
of a star being the prisoner of his varied, relevant to what is happen‑ Annu Kapoor, Piyush Mishra,
unny expressed her said: "I don't set very high ing around us. The process started Yashpal Sharma, Pavan Malhotra,
own image. The couple of times
views when she expectations when it comes to with films like ʻTanu Weds Manuʼ, Zakiir Hussain, Rajesh Sharma,
when he tried to be different was
appeared on an episode the industry reaching out and ʻABCDʼ, ʻPikuʼ, ʻMasaanʼ, ʻ2 Statesʼ, Brijendra Kala, Vipin Shrma, and
with ʻMy Name Is Khanʼ and
of show "By Invite Only" on appreciating me, so I'm never ʻEk Villainʼ, ʻHighwayʼ, ʻQueenʼ, many more.
ʻRa.Oneʼ. He stuck to his image in
zoOm Styled by Myntra. really disappointed." ʻVicky Donorʼ, ʻFukrayʼ, ʻDirty Look at how the year 2019 has
ʻRaeesʼ, ʻJab Harry Met Sejalʼ, ʻZeroʼ
"Actors and entertainers make Sunny has been trolled time Pictureʼ, ʻKahaaniʼ, ʻNeerjaʼ, ʻKapoor started and been so far – about 21
or ʻFanʼ where he preferred to play
the worst friends because they and again. But she wouldn't & Sonsʼ, ʻPinkʼ, ʻHindi Mediumʼ, ʻA new releases. No superstar to hog
larger than life romantic charac‑
are never available, neither emo‑ want to be trolled about her Wednesday!ʼ, ʻJolly LLBʼ, ʻThe Ghazi the premiere release dates like the
ters.
tionally, nor physically. We are children. Attackʼ, ʻʼMuktii Bhawanʼ, ʻHichkiʼ, January 26 weekend! And, we
There are the second rung stars
not there for our own birthdays, "I don't care what people say ʻRaaziʼ, ʻ102 Not Outʼ, where one already have five hits, all content
with Akshay Kumar leading the
let alone somebody else's birth‑ about me but I wouldn't want out of a score worked as so many based and controlled budget. All
pack followed by Ajay Devgn.
day," Sunny said. people to say bad things about such experiments failed. But, that these films did not break box office
Akshay Kumar has his strategy well
On the appreciation she has my kids," said the actress, who seemed to be the only way! records on day one. They had to let
sorted out. Akshay does three to
received from the industry, she has three children. In the last year or so, the stories the word spread.
four films a year and yet manages

AAMIR KHAN SAYS SON JUNAID Jeetendra's 'Caravan' to

IS MORE INTERESTED IN THEATRE be screened in China fest

A V
eteran
ctor Aamir Khan has said actors
that his son Junaid is cur‑ Jeetendra
rently more interested in and Asha Parekh
doing theatre and he supports starrer "Caravan"
his decision, a report in the will be screened
Hindustan Times said. at the upcoming
Junaid, Aamirʼs elder child Hainan Island
from his previous marriage to International Film
Reena Dutta, has worked as an Festival (HIIFF) in
assistant director on Rajkumar China. The 1971
Hiraniʼs ʻPKʼ, which featured the Bollywood classic
Bollywood superstar in the lead. will be shown
“It is up to him (about making under the catego‑
his film debut). He should lead ry of 2019 Spring
Actors Jeetendra and Asha Parekh
his own life and take his own screening Gems of
in a still from ʻCaravanʼ.
decisions. I donʼt want to take it Asia ‑ Spotlight on
for him. I have left it all to him. India. Happy about the screen‑ filmmaker Nasir Hussain,
He certainly has an inclination ing, Jeetendra said in a state‑ "Caravan" was a thriller which
towards the creative world and ment: "I am honored to know also starred actress Aruna Irani
towards filmmaking. “He is actu‑ that 'Caravan' movie has been in a pivotal role.
ally more interested in theatre chosen by committee to be The film was released in
than films. I am allowing him to screened on the day of opening China later and its music by the
go and find his own path. Thatʼs ceremony in the festival. "This "Mozart of Bollywood", RD
how it should be,” Aamir said in Actor Aamir Khan said he wonʼt take decisions for his son. is the great initiative which will Burman become very popular
an interview. enrich and promote the cultur‑ then, read a statement. The fes‑
The superstar once again made the proper process and give in, then only (I will cast him)... He al exchanges between China tival will be held from March
it clear that if Junaid wants to audition for roles. will have to go through a casting and India." 23 to April 16 in the city of
venture in to Bollywood as an “If I feel there is something process. He hasnʼt audition for Directed by the legendary Sanya on the Hainan Island.
actor, then he will have to follow that I got and if he (Junaid) fits anything,” Aamir said.
 20 March 23-29, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

All are alive and all is well: JeM

M
asood Azhar, the head
of the proscribed Jaish‑
e‑Mohammed terrorist
France freezes assets of JeM chief
Paris: The French government announced that it has decided to
group, said in a purported col‑
freeze the assets of Masood Azhar. A joint statement issued by the
umn false news was being spread
French Interior Ministry, Finance Ministry and Foreign Ministry said
about the losses incurred by the
that France would also discuss putting Azhar on an European Union
JeM and about his health and all
list of people suspected of being involved in terrorism, Reuters
these were untrue. “Nothing like
reported. Pakistan is under pressure from many countries to act
that. All are alive and all is well,”
against terrorist groups including the JeM, which claimed responsi‑
he wrote in his column.
bility for the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir
In his most recent column writ‑
that killed 40 CRPF personnel.
ten, under his pen name Saadi, in
the latest edition of JeMʼs weekly
paper Al‑Qalam, Azhar chal‑ in Afghanistan. tor for several years.
lenged Indian prime minister On his own health, Azhar said He also said a Quran inspired
Narendra Modi to a shooting or that this was a topic on which he diet have freed him from the
Masood Azhar is the head of Pak‑based was usually reluctant to talk, but clutches of ailments such as
archery competition in a bid to
terror group Jaish‑e‑Mohammed.
prove how medically fit he is, a that g iven the propag anda hypertension and diabetes.
Hindustan Times report said. porters are well. Kashmir as a freedom movement against him, he was forced to “T here is nothing to worry
Al‑Qalam is widely known as Azhar said that the fire started and claimed it would spread write about his personal situa‑ about,” the Je M chie f said,
JeMʼs mouthpiece and Saadi is a by Kashmiris like Adil Ahmad across the region and out of the tion. He claimed he was fit and adding that in his spare moments
we ll‑known pseudonym of Dar (the suicide bomber behind valley as t ime prog ressed fine. he practised archery. “Unlike
Azharʼs. Comparing his situation the Pulwama attack that killed because this is how such move‑ “I am fully well. My kidney and Narendra Modi, I am fully fit. I
and that of his organization to 40 Indian troopers) was not ments evolve. liver are perfectly fine.” He said challenge him to a g ame or
that of Muslims during the time going to be extinguished any Azhar wrote that the situation that for 17 years he had never archery or a shooting competi‑
of Prophet Mohammed, Azhar time soon. Azhar also referred to in the region is critical and drew been to a hospital, and added tion to prove I am more fit than
said that both he and his sup‑ terror activities in Jammu & attention to what was happening that he had not consulted a doc‑ he is.”

Bangladesh FIFA Afghan city shuts down over

official held for police chief appointment
'defaming' PM
Kabul: Afghanistan's northern city
of Mazar‑e‑Sharif observed a shut‑
down as armed supporters of a
powerful former Governor clashed
with government forces over the
appointment of a new provincial
police chief. The central govern‑
ment cleared the appointment of
Abdul Raqib Mubariz as the new
police chief of Balkh, replacing Gen.
Akram Sammeh, amid worsening
security situation in the northern
province, Efe news reported.
The northern city of Mazar‑e‑Sharif is famous
"In order to improve the security for the historic Blue Mosque.
situation of Balkh, it was decided to
bring change in police leadership," holds great sway in Balkh province. in a statement on social media. He
the Interior Ministry said in a state‑ Mazar‑e‑Sharif is the provincial cap‑ alleged that the Presidential Place
ment. But the decision was objected ital of Balkh. in Kabul had plotted against him
by former Governor and powerful "I call upon on all residents of and "brought the war to Mazar‑e‑
warlord Atta Muhammad Noor, who Mazar‑e‑Sharif to stay indoors. Sharif ", indicating that there is an
is also Chief Executive of the Shops and markets must be kept all‑out war between him and
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has made shut until further notice," Noor said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
Jamiat‑e‑Islami political party, and
no public comment on the issue.
Dhaka: Bangladeshi authorities tough media laws to stifle dissent
have arrested a senior member of
football's world governing body
in the country.
Last August, renowned
Pak seeks UN probe into disclosure
FIFA for allegedly defaming the
country's prime minister.
Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, a FIFA
Bangladeshi photographer and
activist Shahidul Alam was jailed
for "spreading false information"
of Saeed's info to Indian media
Council member, was detained during mass demonstrations. New Delhi: Irked over disclosure enquiry to find out which of the
after she had said that Prime During a recent TV talk show, of information regarding the UN's 15 members of the Committee
Minister Sheikh Hasina was Kiron said Hasina was neglecting rejection of Jamaat‑ud‑Dawa chief had provided the information to
neglecting football, the BBC report‑ football in the cricket‑mad Hafiz Saeed's plea for removal of India's ʻof ficial news agency'
ed. Bangladesh. his name from the list of global about the UN's rejection of Hafiz
A defamation claim was then This prompted local sport offi‑ terrorists earlier this month, Saeed's plea for removal of his
filed by a local sport official, alleg‑ cial Abul Hasan Chowdhury Prince Pakistan has written to the global name from the list of global ter‑
ing that the comments embar‑ to file a defamation claim. body urging the setting up of an rorists earlier this month,” a gov‑
rassed the entire nation. The defamation claim alleges enquiry to find out how Indian ernment source said here. This is
Kiron was denied bail and sent to that such comments about the media got the information. one of the rare occasions when a
jail, her lawyer said. sports‑loving prime minister “In a letter to the UN last week, country has written to the United
The government of Sheikh embarrasses the entire nation. Pakistan's Ambassador to the Nations seeking a probe into pub‑
Hasina has been accused by Sheikh Hasina has so far made United Nations Maleeha Lodhi lishing of happenings at the world Jamaat‑ud‑Dawa chief and
urged the sett ing up of an body. 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
human rights groups of using no public comment on the issue.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL March 23-29, 2019 21

NZ carnage: Suspect charged with

murder; death toll mounts to 50
Christchurch: An Australian man,
who is the main suspect in the
NZ PM questions Facebook
N
massacre of people at two
mosques in Christchurch, ew Zealand Prime Minister
appeared in a court here where Jacinda Ardern said she
he was been charged with mur‑ intends to ask Facebook
der. Brenton Harrison Tarrant, how the Christchurch gunman,
28, appeared be fore the who slaughtered 50 people during
Christchurch district court Friday prayers, was able to
dressed in a white prison jump‑ livestream the massacre. Using a
suit, handcuffed and barefoot. He GoPro camera, the terrorist broad‑
did not speak but appeared to cast extremely graphic footage of
make a white supremacist sign him shooting people at the Al Noor
with his hands, the Guardian Mosque via Facebook Live. The
reported. livestream was available to watch
He has been charged with one on social media for hours after the
count of murder. Judge Paul attack, newshub.co.nz reported.
Kellar did not reveal the victim's Besides being livestreamed on
People mourn for victims of Christchurch attacks.
name on grounds of undue hard‑ Facebook, the video, lasting 17
ship to his family. He was man stormed the mosque and Australian police are investigat‑ minutes, was shared repeatedly on
remanded in custody without a went on a shooting rampage, ing Tarrant's connections around YouTube and Twitter, before being
New Zealand Prime Minister
plea and is due to appear in court Police Commissioner Mike Bush Grafton. removed by the social media giant. Jacinda Ardern.
again on April 5. told a press conference. Tarrant was one of three people In a press conference, Ardern dis‑
The death toll from the terror Tarrant, who grew up in the arrested in connection with the approved of the social media giant Facebook's incompetence at allow‑
attack rose to 50 as one more vic‑ Australian town of Grafton, had shootings at the Al Noor Mosque ing graphic content to be uploaded and shared thus widely. Facebook
tim was found at one of the shoot‑ been living in the Dunedin, about and the Linwood Avenue Masjid. has on its part said that as many as 1.5 million videos of the attack
ing scenes, the police said. 360 km south of Christchurch. The other two remain in custody were removed from its platform in the first 24 hours.
Investigators found the victim New Zealand police closed the but their role in the shootings
while removing bodies from the Christchurch court to the public remains unclear, CNN said. A determined to be an armed Indonesia all say some of their cit‑
Al Noor mosque where more than over security concerns, but the fourth person who had been bystander who wanted he lp izens were killed in the shooting
40 people were killed as a gun‑ media was able to attend. taken into custo dy was later police. India, Bangladesh and and others are unaccounted for.

UK MPs vote by NORTH KOREA MAY BREAK

majority to delay Brexit OFF US TALKS: TOP OFFICIAL
Pyongyang: North Korean leader
Kim Jong‑un may break off denu‑
clearization talks with the US and
British PM resume missile and nuclear test‑
Theresa May ing, a senior official here said.
is planning Vice Foreign Minister Choe
another Sun‑hui told foreign diplomats
vote on her here that Washington threw
withdrawal away "a golden opportunity" at
deal. the Vietnam summit between US
President Donald Trump and
Kim, the BBC reported.
Choe accused the US of taking
a "gangster‑like" stance at the
February summit which was held
London: UK MPs have voted in series of vital parliamentary to discuss the regime's denu‑
favor of delaying the Brexit decisions on Brexit over several clearization process. Trump and
process by at least three days, mean that Britain's depar‑ Kim first met in Singapore last
year. North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un may resume
months, acknowledging that ture from the EU should not missile and nuclear testing.
more time was needed to break now take place before June 30 North Korea had earlier offered
the deadlock over Britain's and gave May a window to to dismantle its main Yongbyon Trump said after talks broke full sanctions relief.
departure from the European resuscitate her plan. nuclear complex. But talks col‑ down. "What is clear is that the "It was all about the sanctions.
Union (EU), although a call for a May will now ask European lapsed after Trump refused to lift US has thrown away a golden They wanted the sanctions lifted
second referendum was deci‑ leaders to grant an extension to sanct ions unless Pyong yang opportunity this time. I'm not in their entirety and we couldn't
sively rejected. The MPs voted Article 50, the mechanism tak‑ destroyed all its nuclear sites. sure why the US came out with do that," Trump said that time.
412 votes to 202 to approve of ing the UK out of the EU on "We have no intention to yield this dif ferent description. We "Sometimes you have to walk and
Prime Minister Theresa May's March 29. to the US demands in any form, never asked for the removal of this was one of those times."
plan to delay Brexit, after the Unless a delay is approved by nor are we willing to engage in sanctions in their entirety." In Washington this week, the
House of Commons earlier this all 27 remaining EU leaders, negotiations of this kind," she Choe said that Kim will make US special representative for
week overwhelmingly rejected Britain is heading for a chaotic told reporters in North Korea, an official announcement on his North Korea, Stephen Biegun,
her withdrawal agreement by a exit on March 29. according to Russian state Tass position regarding future talks said that diplomacy was "still
large margin, for a second time, The MPs, earlier rejected an news agency. with the US soon. very much alive", though he did
and then voted to reject a no‑ attempt to secure another Choe said that North Korea's Trump and US Secretary of not say if there had been any
deal Brexit, CNN reported. Brexit referendum by 334 votes demand during the summit was State Mike Pompeo stated after negotiations since the summit or
The votes were the last in a to 85, the BBC said. for five key economic sanctions talks in February that North outlined any plans for
to be lifted, not all sanctions, as Korean of ficials had asked for further talks.
 22 March 23-29, 2019 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HDFC Bank joins Reliance Ex-Nissan chief Ghosn

Industries, TCS in
$100‑billion m‑cap club released on bail
Tokyo: Former Nissan Motor
chairman Carlos Ghosn was
India now has three companies in the released from a Tokyo detention
facility on Wednesday after more
global top 100 list in terms of market value than 100 days of incarceration in
a case of financial misconduct.
Ghosn, 64, had been charged
with under‑reporting his remu‑
neration in Nissan's securities
reports and aggravated breach of
trust, but he denies any wrong‑
doing. His previous requests for
bail were turned down and his
lengthy detention has drawn
international criticism.
A Tokyo court made the sur‑
prise decision to allow his
release on Tuesday, setting bail
at 1 billion yen ($8.9 million), the
BBC reported.
New Delhi: Private sector lender At fourth and fifth place are con‑
Carlos Ghosn
He left the detention center
HDFC Bank has joined the $100‑ sumer goo ds companies after a "terrible ordeal" of 108 ed access to the use of mobile brought Mitsubishi on board in
billion market capitalization (M‑ Hindustan Unilever and ITC, with days surrounded by guards, phones and computers. Ghosn, 2016. He ran the alliance of the
cap) club. Including the value of a market cap of $55 billion and wearing a cap and white medical who was arrested in November three global carmakers as both
its American depository receipts $53 billion, respectively. face mask. Ghosn, who must stay 2018, would also be required not Chief Executive and Chairman
(ADRs), the Mumbai‑based India now has three companies in Japan after his release, will to contact Nissan executives or and had claimed his arrest was
lenderʼs market value currently in the g lobal top 100 list in live in a court‑approved resi‑ others involved in the case, to the result of a "plot and treason"
is $101.6 billion. terms of market value. dence in Tokyo and prepare for a prevent any attempt at tamper‑ against him ‑‑ a bid by some
Only Reliance Industries (M‑ Reliance Industries (RIL) ranks trial that could begin late this ing of evidence. Nissan executives wanting to
cap $123 billion) and Tata 72, Tata Consultancy Services year. He will also have to remain Ghosn was the architect of the stop his plan to integ rate
Consultancy Services ($108 bil‑ (TCS) is at 86 and HDFC Bank under limited video surveillance alliance between Nissan and the Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi,
lion) have higher market value. at 99. and will only be granted restrict‑ French carmaker Renault. He the BBC reported.

New Zealand firms to pull Top Facebook, WhatsApp

ads from Facebook, Google executives quit
A
Wellington: A collective of some of unmoderated content on the Internet. s Facebook pushes for a more private platform that balances expression, safety, secu‑
New Zealand's biggest companies is set At this stage, it is still unclear how and encrypted communication across rity, and privacy.
to pull ads from Facebook and Google extensive the pull‑back will be or for its apps, two of its top executives ‑‑ "This will be a big project and we will need
in the wake of the March 15 how long the companies are likely to Chief Product Officer Chris Cox and WhatsApp leaders who are excited to see the new direc‑
Christchurch mosques shootings in pull their digital ads. Vice President Chris Daniels ‑‑ have quit the tion through," wrote Cox, who was one of the
which the gunman live‑streamed his Other brands have also acted inde‑ company, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has first 15 engineers Facebook hired 13 years
massacre of 50 people. pendently, The New Zealand Herald announced. back.
Using a GoPro camera, the gunman reported. Embroiled in data privacy scandals amid the Zuckerberg also announced the departure of
broadcast extremely graphic footage Kiw ibank suspended all dig ital unabated spread of fake news on its platform, Chris Daniel, who helped Facebook define the
of him shooting people at the Al Noor advertising on March 15 shortly after Facebook has lately seen several high‑profile business model for WhatsApp going forward.
Mosque via Facebook Live. The live the carnage took place at the Al Noor exits. "Daniel has also done great work in many
stream was available to watch on mosque and the Linwood Avenue "Cox and I have worked closely together to roles, including running our business develop‑
social media for hours after the attack. Masjid that also left over 40 others build our products for more than a decade and ment team, leading Internet.org, which has
Besides being live‑streamed on injured. I will always appreciate his deep empathy for helped more than 100 million people get
Facebook, the video, lasting 17 min‑ On Sunday, New Zealand Prime the people using our services and the uplifting access to the Internet," said the Facebook CEO.
utes, was shared repeatedly on Minister Jacinda Ardern said that she spirit he brings to every thing he does," Daniel was in India last year where he met IT
YouTube and Twitter, before being intended to ask Facebook how the gun‑ Zuckerberg said in a blog post late Thursday. Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to discuss ways
removed by the social media giant. man was able to live stream the mas‑ In a separate Face book post, Cox said to sanitize WhatsApp amid several lynching
The New Zealand Herald said on sacre. Facebook is turning a new page in its product episodes that happened owing to the spread of
Monday that the collective, including Facebook has on its part said that as direction, focused on an encrypted, interopera‑ rumors on the platform. "Will Cathcart will be
ASB Bank, Lotto NZ, Burger King, many as 1.5 million videos of the ble, messaging network. the new head of WhatsApp. Most recently, he
Spark, has come together to take a attack were removed from its platform "It's a product vision attuned to the subject has done a great job running the Facebook
stand against the harm caused by in the first 24 hours. matter of today: a modern communications app," Zuckerberg informed.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS March 23-29, 2019 23

Lost a battle, hope not the war

By Yajurvindra Singh selection of the World Cup side. But keeping, but he definitely does not
the IPL is such a popular tourna‑ look like India's best option to fill

I
ndia, with a 2‑0 lead against ment that a good performance by the No. 4 position. Dhoni should be
Australia in the five‑match One the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, used as a floater, as his astute crick‑
Day International (ODI) rubber Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, eting brain is important in getting
at home, looked certain to clinch Mayank Agarwal or the other aspir‑ the best from whomsoever he may
another series. But the final result ing prospects may garner public be batting along‑side.
of a 2‑3 defeat did come as a rude support which may be hard to The street smart cricketer, Kedar
shock to the Indian camp. ignore, g iven the weakness in Jadhav, has cemented his place at
What is more worrying is the India's middle‑order. the No. 6 position. He is a shrewd
false bravado that followed the loss. The Indian side should have four spinner and a very handy lower
One does understand that the focus possible openers in their fold. order finisher.
of the Indian cricket think tank is Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and The bowling all‑rounder's posi‑
A rookie Australian side mauled the strong Indian bowling attack,
on selecting the players for the scoring over 300 runs on two occasions. K.L.Rahul at present look certain. tion will revolve around Hardik
upcoming World Cup. But losing The weather conditions in England Pandya and Vijay Shankar. The lat‑
three matches on the trot is defi‑ Cup champions, was not looked at dynamics of the situat ion. in June are likely to be wet and ter has also shown that he has the
nitely a cause for concern. as a front‑runner for the showpiece Unfortunately, the Indian team has cold. The Indian team has struggled technique to bat higher up the
A rookie Australian side mauled event this year. But the series victo‑ to once again look at the "tried and in England in the past and more order, if and when required.
the strong Indian bowling attack, ry against India has given them tested" players. Going by his last than flamboyant stroke‑play, the Although Dinesh Kartik looks to
scoring over 300 runs on two occa‑ that extra pair of wings and confi‑ press interview, it seems that technically correct and subtle be a strong contender for the sec‑
sions. The Australian batsmen, who dence. Indian captain Virat Kohli has placements get better results. This ond wicketkeeper's slot, the young
earlier looked vulnerable against India, one felt on sheer past per‑ finalised his playing eleven, as well is precisely why Rahane could be and talented Rishabh Pant should
spin and pace, seemed to have got formance, had a pool of players as the core group of players. One preferred as a possible alternative. be chosen. He is an ideal limited
the measure of the Indian bowling who could be interchanged without hopes that the Indian selectors and The No. 3 spot should be a perma‑ overs batsman, who has the natural
unit. showing any major weakness in the Kohli are on the same page, espe‑ nent fixture for Kohli. He is by far flair to be a match‑w inner. In
India probably exposed their composure of their final playing cially as April 23 is the last date for the best batsman in the Indian side England, the ball will not spin the
bowlers more than it was neces‑ eleven. submitting the Indian side for the and the more overs he gets to bat, way it does in India and with more
sary. T his, therefore, gave the This has now been proved wrong, World Cup to the International the better it is for the team. The No. pace bowlers operating, Pant will
Australian batsmen the time to as the young Indian players, Cricket Council (ICC). 4 and No. 5 slots are where India is feel much more at ease. Now the
make the finer adjustments to play blessed with plenty of natural tal‑ Kohli also said that the perform‑ showing a certain weakness. entire country will cherish if they
them successfully. ent, have shown that they lack ances in the Indian Premier League Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a cer‑ win the "war" of cricket by clinch‑
Australia, the defending World maturity and understanding of the (IPL) will have no bearing on the tainty in the side for his wicket‑ ing the World Cup.

Afghanistan notch SC lifts Sreesanth's life ban

up maiden Test win
New Delhi: The Supreme Court
S. Sreesanth cheers
canceled life ban on India crick‑
after the Supreme Court
eter S. Sreesanth and asked the canceled life ban on
Board of Control for Cricket in him. (Photo: IANS)
India (BCCI) to reconsider his
punishment.
Sreesanth was arrested by
De lhi Police along w ith Ajit
Chandila and Ankeet Chavan on
charges of spot‑fixing during the
2013 edit ion of the Indian
Premier League (IPL).
In a relief for the pace bowler,
the apex court set aside the life
ban imposed on him as a bench
Afghanistan's cricket team with the trophy. (Photo: IANS) headed by Ashok Bhushan asked
the BCCI to consider the quan‑ bett ing/match‑fixing. De lhi picked up from the team hotel as
Dehradun: Afghanistan registered Afghanistan a memorable win.
tum of punishment on Sreesanth. Police had arrested Sreesanth the three were plying their trade
their maiden win in the longest Earlier opting to bat, Ireland
The top court though maintained from his friend's house while for Rajasthan Royals in the T20
format of the game on Monday were bundled out for 172 runs,
that he is guilty of Chandila and Chavan had been league.
after hammering Ireland by seven courtesy some decent bowling by
wickets in the one‑off Test here. the Afg han bow lers ‑‑ Yamin

BCCI agrees to work with

Chasing 147 for victory, Ahmadzai (3/41), Mohammad
Afghanistan comfortably crossed Nabi (3/36) and Rashid Khan
the line on the fourth day of the (2/20).

NADA for 6 months

contest, thanks to the 139‑run The war‑torn nation then rode
second w icket partnership Shah, Shahidi (61) and skipper
between between Rahmat Shah Asghar Afghan's (67) knocks to
(76 off 122) and Ihsanullah Janat post 314 runs, taking a healthy New Delhi: The Supreme Court‑ that the board was willing to per cent samples for testing.
(65 off 129). 142‑run lead. appointed Committee of work with NADA for a period of "The board feels that with the
It was also Shah's second fifty of This was Afghanistan's second Administrators (CoA) of the six months, but the agency would 2022 Commonwealth Games in
the match as he had played a 214‑ Test outing after making their Board of Control for Cricket in be allowed to collect only 10 per sight, India would like to field the
ball 98‑run kno ck in debut in 2018 against India, while India (BCCI) met ICC chairman cent samples for testing. women's team in the event at
Afghanistan's first innings score Ireland have also played two five‑ Shashank Manohar in Mumbai "The Indian board has agreed Birmingham and this is a move
of 314. day games. on Monday and decided that the to try and work with NADA for aimed at that direction," the
With just three runs needed for Afghanistan played India in Indian board will work with the the next six months and then source said.
victory, Afghanistan lost Shah and their maiden Test in Bengaluru National Anti‑Doping Agency decide on the road ahead. While the International Cricket
Mohammad Nabi in successive last year which was a goodwill (NADA) for the next six months "Trust has been an issue and Council (ICC) has decided to
deliveries before incoming bats‑ gesture from the Narendra Modi on a trial basis. that needs to be gained with remain compliant to the WADA
man Hashmatullah Shahidi hit the government to help the war‑torn Speaking to IANS, sources in quality work from the agency. directives, the BCCI had reserva‑
w inning boundary to hand nation play the game. the know of developments said The agency will collect only 10 tion on dealing with NADA.
 24 March 23-29, 2019 RELIGION TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Post‑Christchurch mosque attack, people

of many faiths rallied around Muslims
C
hurches are opening their
doors after mosques were
told to close for security
issues in the wake of the
Christchurch, New Zealand, ter‑
rorist attacks. Mosques are
receiving messages of solidarity
and flowers. A fundraiser for the
victims is nearing $400,000. And
a UK‑based national forum for
Christian‑Muslim engagement is
calling on Christians to go along
to Friday prayers at their local
mosques ‑‑ a call the archbishop
of Canterbury endorsed.
These are only a few examples
of how people and institutions are A man who stood outside a Manchester mosque after the shooting People of various faiths pray for victims of the Christchurch
showing solidarity and of fering of 49 people at mosques in New Zealand said he wanted to shootings at Lakemba Mosque in New South Wales,
help to Muslim communities all "respond with friendship". (Photo courtesy BBC) Australia. Picture: (Photo courtesy: AP)
over the world after March 15th
shoot ing attacks on two closed. "Tonight we will open up port by Justin Welby, the arch‑ dent Andrew Graystone was pic‑ protest or whatever'.
Christchurch mosques that killed The Meeting Place from 7pm to bishop of Canterbury. tured with a placard saying: "You "And then when they saw the
at least 49 people and seriously 8pm for prayer for Christchurch. People started writing support‑ are my friends. I will keep watch message say ing 'You are my
injured 20 others. Come and light a candle, say a ive messages using the hashtag while you pray." friend', their faces broke and
In some of the worst terror silent prayer and stand with our #T heyAreUs to signal that He said Muslims at a they beamed and smiled."
attacks and mass shootings of fellow kiwis. All welcome," the Muslims are welcome in New Levenshulme mosque "beamed" Mr Graystone, who runs a
recent years, Muslim communi‑ post said. "We especially invite Zealand. The phrase gained trac‑ when they saw his act. Christian charity and led London
ties have stepped up to help in the Muslim community whose tion after New Zealand Prime "There are two ways you can 2012's multi‑faith chaplaincy
dif ferent ways. In the aftermath mosques have been closed, to Minister Jacinda Ardern used the respond to an attack like this ‑ team, said he was surprised the
of October's Tree of Life come and join us tonight." words when discussing the attack you can respond with fear or you image of him was widely praised
Synagogue shoot ing in Other landmark churches, such on Friday. Ardern said migrants can respond with friendship," he on social media, including by
Pittsburg h, for example, the as St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and refugees could have been said. Paralympian Baroness Tanni
Muslim‑American nonprofit said it was offering prayers dur‑ caught up in the attack. Mr Graystone said he chose to Grey‑Thompson.
g roups Ce le brate Mercy and ing daily services for those affect‑ "They have chosen to make New stand outside the Medina "I hadn't intended for anybody
MPower Change launched a ed by the shoot ings in New Zealand their home and it is their Mosque on Friday because he other than the people at Medina
crowdfunding appeal that raised Zealand. The Christian Muslim home. They are us," she said. "The "wanted to make sure that peo‑ Mosque to know about this," Mr
thousands for the victims. Forum called on Christians to go person who has perpetuated this ple know we can respond with Graystone said.
Immediate ly after Friday's to Friday prayers at their local violence against us is not." friendship". "But I guess there are little
mosques "to stand in solidarity." "As people walked up, you things that lots of people can do
attacks in Christchurch, the Te
Atatū Baptist Church in Auckland, "Churches are visiting mosques Friendship could see in their eyes that they to just express friendship rather
New Zealand, announced it was
opening its doors to Muslims
across the country today in soli‑
darity," the group told CNN. The
over fear were looking at somebody stand‑
ing outside their mosque, think‑
than fear with Muslim friends,
and neighbors and colleagues ‑
because mosques had been message was retweeted in sup‑ In England, Manchester resi‑ ing 'Oh no, is this some kind of so I just took one little action."

UN expert urges countries to protect freedom of religion

Geneva: States must step up measures to pro‑ Muslims. anti‑blasphemy laws, with 30 States also car‑
tect freedom of religion or belief, a UN 8 Ashraf Fayadh, Palestinian poet and rying anti‑apostasy laws. In some jurisdic‑
human rights expert said earlier this month, artist, who was sentenced to death in the tions, either or both of these laws may pro‑
citing concerns about the increasing use of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for apostasy in vide for the use of the death penalty.
anti‑blasphemy laws and the imposition of 2015, after which an appeals court commut‑ “There has been a revival of anti‑blasphemy
draconian criminal penalties for expressing ed the sentence to eight years in prison and and anti‑apostasy laws, a proliferation of, and
an opinion about religion. 800 lashes. He was accused of apostasy increasing reliance on, public order laws to
“The increasing application of limits on because he allegedly questioned religion and limit expression deemed to be of fensive to
freedom of expression, including new legal promoted atheism through his poetry. Mr. religious or belief communities, along with
and extra‑legal limitations by State and non‑ Fayadh remains a prisoner of conscience, increasing investments in strategies that
State actors, is having a concerning impact detained for the mere peaceful expression of combat expression which incites persons to
on freedom of religion or belief, globally,” his opinion. discrimination, hostility or violence against
Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special 8 “Pussy Riot”, the Russian feminist punk persons on the basis of religion or belief,”
Rapporteur on freedom of religion or
on freedom of religion or belief, told the rock protest group which briefly performed said the Special Rapporteur. At the same
belief, spoke to the Human Rights
Human Rights Council in Geneva. (and filmed itself performing) a song deemed time, he welcomed that some countries have
Council in Geneva.
“Freedom of religion or belief and freedom critical of the authorities on 21 February recently repealed their former anti‑blasphe‑
of expression are closely interrelated and ures, anti‑blasphemy, anti‑proselytizing and 2012 in the restricted part where the altar is my laws.
mutually reinforcing rights when exercised anti‑apostasy laws, as well as policies to com‑ lo cated in Moscowʼs largest Russian Shaheed urged States developing strategies
within the legal framework established by bat religious hatred and extremism. Orthodox Church. Members of the band were to tackle the issues to be guided by interna‑
internat ional human rig hts law. 8 Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman arrested and criminally charged with hooli‑ tional initiatives like the Rabat Plan of Action,
Consequently, where we observe abuses of sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2010. ganism. which seek to operationalize Statesʼ obliga‑
one right, we are likely to see the stage being Bibi was reportedly accused of defiling the 8 Adoption of an amendment to Nepalʼs tions to respond to any promotion of reli‑
set for abuses of the other,” he said. cup meant for her Muslim colleagues after penal code in 2017, which criminalizes ʻhurt‑ gious hatred. He also stressed that the Beirut
In his report to the Council, Shaheed pre‑ drinking water from the vessel, on the ing of religious sentiment” and religious con‑ Declaration on “Faith for Rights” was a
sented examples of restrictions on freedom grounds that as a Christian she was ʻuncleanʼ version. source of important guidance and inspiration
of expression, including public order meas‑ and forbidden to use the same utensils as Shaheed said that nearly 70 States have for action.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info HEALTH March 23-29, 2019 25

Night shift can affect bladder, health

Rome: Working night shifts nary frequency as well as a an average of 9.1 hours per day.
may deteriorate your quality of decline in their own quality of Using the generally accepted
life by af fecting your bladder, life," said De Nunzio. Overact ive Bladder
researchers have warned. "One of the most concerning Questionnaire, the team found
Night shift workers reported a things about this work is every‑ that those on night shift report‑
significantly hig her rate of one in our sample was ed an average total score of 31,
overactive bladder, and a poor‑ under 50. We normally expect as against a score of 19 for
er quality of life when com‑ bladder problems with older those working day shifts.
pared with day shift workers, people, but here we have T he team also found that
suggests the study presented at younger people expressing a night workers scored a signifi‑
the European Association of deteriorating quality of life," the cantly worse quality of life, with
Urology Congress in Barcelona. author added. scores of 41 against 31 with
They also need to pee more, For the study, the researchers day shift workers.
said researchers, including surveyed 68 men and 68
Cosimo De Nunzio of women between March and Long‑term night work is
Sant´Andrea Hospital, Rome. October 2018. All were workers stressful and bad for health.
"We know that long‑term in the Italian National Health But new research shows that
night work is stressful, and is System, with 66 of the volun‑ night workers may have a
associated with increased levels teers working night shifts, on higher urinary frequency as
of health problems. This work average, 11 hours per night well as a decline in their quality
shows that constant nig ht shift. of life. (Photo : Lifehacker)
workers may have a higher uri‑ The 70 day workers worked

4 simple hacks to beat Excessive hygiene can

seasonal allergies cause antibiotic resistance
W
hile maintaining hygiene intensive care unit of the institute become ill and die from antibiotic‑

A
llergies are the is good for health, excess with clean rooms subject to strong resistant germs is increasing world‑
sixth leading cleanliness could lead to microbial control in the aerospace wide, said the study, published in
cause of chronic antibiotic resistance often resulting industry and with public and private Nature Communications. Hence, the
illness in the U.S. and in death and illness as well, suggests buildings which have hardly any results indicated that a stable micro‑
more than 50 million a new study. microbial controls. "In environ‑ bial diversity in clinical areas coun‑
Americans suffer from Comparing all existing microor‑ ments with strong microbial control teracts the spread of resistance.
them each year, accord‑ ganisms and antibiotic resistance, in the intensive care unit and indus‑ With the microbial control of
ing to the Centers for the researchers at Austria's trially used clean rooms, there are pathogens already being used in cul‑
Disease Control and University of Graz, showed that increasing antibiotic resistances tivated plants and also in humans in
Prevention. When it microbial diversity decreases in which show a high potential for the framework of stool transplanta‑
comes to spring aller‑ areas with high levels of hygiene combining with pathogens," said tion, pursuing such ideas in indoor
gies, you donʼt need to and the diversity of resistance Alexander Mahnert, director at the areas in future is recommended,
anticipate the season increases. The team compared the varsity. The number of people who said Gabriele Berg from the varsity.
with dread.
There are steps you
can take to proactively If you suffer from outdoor allergies, switch Free sanitary products for female students in UK
T
dodge allergens and miti‑ to evening showers. This will rid your hair
he UK will provide free san‑ said. gin activist, in order to secure free
gate debilitating symp‑ and skin of pollen, so you donʼt bring it to
itary products to female In December 2017, a survey of sanitary products for school stu‑
bed with you. (Photo: Statepoint)
toms, according to the high school students in a 1,000 women and girls in the UK, dents. Last year, Scotland became
experts at AccuWeather. when the weather seems quiet, fully funded government program, carried out by charity Plan the first in the world to offer free
Change Your Routine allergens can be present and con‑ the media reported. Chancellor of International UK, revealed that 10 sanitary products to all students.
tribute to illness. For example, the Exchequer Philip Hammond per cent had been unable to afford Earlier this month, National
Are you a morning bather?
when rain begins and washes said last week that the sanitary sanitary products, while 15 per Health Services England said it
Experts say that if you suffer from
pollen out of the air, mold spores products will be available to sec‑ cent had "struggled" to afford would provide free sanitary prod‑
outdoor allergies, you would be
can climb and cause allergy prob‑ ondary school and college stu‑ them and 12 per cent used ucts to hospital patients who need‑
wise to switch to evening showers.
lems.” dents, who are typically between makeshift sanitary protection. The ed them, after a report by the
This will rid your hair and skin of
pollen, so you donʼt bring it to bed Protect Indoor Air the ages of 11 and 18, reports same month, more than 2,000 British Medical Association found
with you. No matter what time of CNN. The program, which will be people protested at Downing that 42 per cent of hospital trusts
Fresh air may sound appealing,
day you shampoo and scrub, youʼll developed by the Department for Street as part of the #FreePeriods and health boards in the UK did
but opening your car and homeʼs
want to wash your linens in hot Education, will be implemented in campaign, started by Amika not offer free sanitary products or
windows is a fast‑track to a high
water, to remove as much pollen as the next school year, Hammond George, an 18‑year‑old Indian‑ori‑ provided only a limited amount.
pollen count indoors. For a breeze,
possible. stick to air conditioning, as fans
Stay in‑the‑Know can kick up dust and pollen into
the air.
From dry winds blowing tree
pollen into the air, to wet, rainy Consider Your Wardrobe
days causing dust mites and mold For those times when you must
to thrive, weather has a huge be out and about on high‑pollen
impact on the spread of allergens count days, wear a wide‑brimmed
and, subsequently, the way you hat and sunglasses to protect your‑
feel, say experts. self. A scarf or mask over your
“Spring allergies are driven by mouth and nose can be useful
trees and grass pollen, and differ‑ when symptoms are severe. When
ent people will have their own you get home, be sure to remove
reactions. If you do suffer from outerwear, including shoes, in your
spring allergens, a cold front pass‑ mud room or foyer so you donʼt
ing through can bring some relief,” track allergens throughout the
says Alan Reppert, AccuWeather house, particularly in areas where
senior meteorologist. “But even you sleep and spend the most time.
 26 March 23-29, 2019 LIFESTYLE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Deepika gets a wax statue at Digital media linked to

Madame Tussauds London depression in young adults New York: Increased use of digital 1971. T hey looked at survey
London: As actress Deepika media may be partly responsible responses from more than 200,000
Padukone unveiled her Statue of for the growth in the percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 from
Purpose at Madame Tussauds young adults experiencing certain 2005 to 2017, and almost 400,000
here. The actress, who has been types of mental health disorders in adults aged 18 and over from 2008
an active voice in creating aware‑ the US over the past decade, sug‑ to 2017.
ness about mental health has ded‑ gests new research. The rate of individuals reporting
icated the Statue to her initiative, "More US adolescents and young symptoms consistent with major
and hence it is named as Statue of adults in the late 2010s, versus the depression in the last 12 months
Purpose. mid‑2000s, experienced serious increased 52 per cent in adoles‑
Apart from giving blockbusters, psycholog ical distress, major cents from 2005 to 2017 ‑ from
the actress has created awareness depression or suicidal thoughts, 8.7 per cent to 13.2 percent ‑‑ and
about the significance of mental and more attempted suicide," said 63 per cent in young adults aged
health and has been striving to lead study author Jean Twenge, 18 to 25 from 2009 to 2017 ‑ from
get rid of the stigma revolving Professor of Psychology at San 8.1 per cent to 13.2 per cent,
around various mental diseases. Diego State University in the US. showed the findings published in
She also runs a foundation Live this, or what is it that my fans will destigmatizing mental illness. I "These trends are weak or non‑ the Journal of Abnormal
Laugh Love to signify mental remember me for, remember my hope that it gives people a sense existent among adults 26 years and Psychology. "Cultural trends in the
health at every step. figure for, what is it that I would of upliftment and a sense of hope. over, suggesting a generational last 10 years may have had a larger
"As a little girl, I was a very curi‑ like to leave behind', and the I hope that message comes shift in mood disorders instead of effect on mood disorders and sui‑
ous kid, for me, purpose is some‑ cause of mental health is very through." an overall increase across all ages," cide‑re lated outcomes among
thing that is very important. close to my heart, it is something Deepika was accompanied for Twenge added. younger generations compared
However, big or small, whatever I that I am extremely passionate the wax statue launch by husband For the study, the researchers w ith older generat ions," said
am doing in my life, purpose and about. Ranveer Singh, her parents and analyzed data from the National Twenge. She believes this trend
why we do what we do is very "I said that's it, I would like for her in‑laws. Survey on Drug Use and Health, a may be partially due to increased
important to me," Deepika said in my fans when they see my figure I The "Padmaavat" actress is cur‑ nationally representative survey use of electronic communication
a statement. hope it reminds them of someone rently gearing up for her first pro‑ that has tracked drug and alcohol and digital media, which may have
"After I got a call from Madame who did something for the cause duction venture which will have use, mental health and other changed modes of social interac‑
Tussauds, I thought 'What is the of mental illness, who worked her essaying the role of an acid health‑related issues in individuals t ion enoug h to af fect moo d
purpose of this, why are we doing towards creating awareness and attack victim. aged 12 and over in the US since disorders.

LMIFW celebrates sari's

multiplicity at finale

(Image courtesy: tribuneindia.com)

New Delhi: Popular designers such as Tahiliani and Urvashi Kaur.
Rimzim Dadu, Rohit Bal, and Wendell The fashion extravaganza was preceded
Rodricks celebrated the multiplicity of sari by a nationwide social media campaign
on the runway of the Lotus Make‑Up India celebrating six yards of magic.
Fashion Week (LMIFW) grand finale on For some, the sari is #sixyardsoflife; for
Saturday here. others, its #sixyardsof history, #sixyard‑
"The grand finale paid homage to the sofinheritance, #sixyardsofdrama, #six‑
adaptability ingrained in the warp and weft yardsofselfexpression, #sixyardsofmagic or
of this traditional fabric, which hasn't lost even #sixyardsofmischief.
its relevance pan‑India despite western T he #sixyardsof campaign invited
onslaught. Today, the sari has seen many women across India to post their images in
innovative and artisanal renditions to woo their saris on social media and tagged
the modern, thinking woman in a youthful them with the emotion evoked by the
way," Sunil Sethi, President FDCI, said in a draped wonder.
statement. Other designers or brands who "The sari has remained a symbol of femi‑
presented saris and their myriad interpre‑ ninity and versatility, two key elements of
tations included names such as Akaaro, our philosophy, making it a perfect fit for
Alpana & Neeraj, Amit Aggarwal, Anamika the ultimate showcasing at LMIFW. What's
Khanna, Anavila, Anita Dongre, Bodice, interesting is new dimensions are being
Gaurav Gupta, Little Shilpa, Neeru Kumar, curated out of the existing template of the
Pankaj & Nidhi, Payal Khandwala, Prashant sari to make it culturally emblematic,"
Verma, Raw Mango, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul added Nitin Passi, Jt. Managing Director of
Khanna, TAANI by Tanira Sethi, Tarun Lotus Herbals Pvt. Ltd.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION March 23-29, 2019 27

DENATURALIZATION-
ADMINISTRATIVE & JUDICIAL
VISA
By Dev Banad Viswanath, Esq. they are found to have violated become a naturalized citizen. to scare immigrants and espe‑
& Michael Phulwani, Esq. the terms of their status. The Trump administration is cially those who had committed
The Department of Homeland cracking down hard on immi‑ fraud decades ago or may not

T TALK
he Office of Immigration Security (DHS) had set up a task grants and wants to decrease the have understood the actions they
Litigation prosecutes and force to see how many finger‑ number of illegal immigrants as took when filing for permanent
defends the federal gov‑ print records were missing from much as possible. residence or citizenship.
ernment on immigration matters people who should have been Attempts to withdraw citizen‑ If you are concerned about the
in court that also bring denatu‑ Department of Justice as crimi‑ barred from obtaining citizen‑ ship is not new but has greatly means in which you or a loved
ralization actions against individ‑ nal naturalization fraud cases. ship. If an individualsʼ finger‑ increased under the Trump one obtained citizenship, you
uals who are suspected of cheat‑ The Department of Justice is prints are missing from the data‑ administration. should contact and experienced
ing or lying to obtain citizenship. allowed to file a denaturalization base, then it is possible for them Many immigration activists and immigration to discuss your
From 2004 to 2016, denatural‑ lawsuit against a naturalized citi‑ to have obtained citizenship attorneys believe that this plan is matter.
ization cases filed by that office zen if they obtained their citizen‑ under one identity at the same
and by United States attorneys ship illegally or they lied about time as having a deportation Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
averaged about 46 each year. In or hid something that was “mate‑ order under another identity. In The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
2017 and 2018, prosecutors rial” to their case during the citi‑ 2011, DHS found that 315,000 and Banad Immigration in India for which
filed nearly twice that many zenship process. If a naturalized people who had been convicted Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
cases. citizen loses in immigration of crimes or were fugitives, or Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
USCIS opened a new office in court, then they will return back who had been ordered deported Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
Los Angeles where agents have to having lawful permanent resi‑ from the U.S. since 1990 did not clients with all facets of the immigration process,
been reviewing over 2,000 natu‑ dent status. have their fingerprints in the including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
ralization files for possible denat‑ A lawful permanent resident Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
DHS database. The new
Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
uralization, usually for fraud and can have their legal status taken California office will be responsi‑
Applications based on Family or Employment.
willful misrepresentation. There away and deported through ble for finding out whether those
Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
have already been more than removal proceedings through missing fingerprint records [email protected] and 718‑361‑5999.
100 cases referred to the immigration court hearings if match to anyone who has since

SCI-TECH

Shooting livestreams a
new rage on social media
T
he Facebook livestreaming of place on social media.
New Zealand mosque shooting In January 2018, the family of a slain
has brought to the fore a critical Cleveland man sued Facebook, alleging
issue for the law enforcement agencies the social media platform could have
to deal with, as tech giants struggle to done more to prevent his murder. The
find a solution to pro‑actively stop such killing of Robert Godwin, Sr., 74, was
incidents. recorded and made viewable on
Strapped with a GoPro camera to his Facebook in April 2017.
head, the gunman broadcast graphic Steve Stephens, the man who killed
footage of shooting people via Godwin, announced his intent to kill
Facebook Live for nearly 17 minutes someone on Facebook before killing
that was later shared in millions on him. Stephens later logged onto
other social media platforms. Facebook Live and described the
The point here is not that the social attack.
media platforms removed the shooting In July 2016, a Facebook livestream‑
footage from their platforms, the real ing showed three men listening to
problem is: Why couldn't they automat‑ music inside a car in Norfolk, Virginia,
ically catch the upload and re‑uploads being suddenly shot by a gunman. The
of such footage? video posted on Facebook by TJ
According to The Verge, exact re‑ Williams was viewed 1,634,815 times
uploads of the video will be banned by and is still available on YouTube.
YouTube, but videos that contain clips In the same month, Antonio Perkins,
of the footage have to be sent to human 28, was shot in the head and neck in
moderators for a review. Chicago. The live video of Perkins
"Part of that is to ensure that news showed him and a group of people talk‑
videos that use a portion of the video ing before gunshots are heard. The
for their segments aren't removed in video was posted on Facebook. In July
the process," says the report. 2016, A Minnesota police officer shot Date: Friday, April 5  8:00 pm - 9:00 pm 
The YouTube tool searches re‑ and killed Philando Castile of African Location: Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 County Line Rd, AMITYVILLE, NY, 11701
uploaded versions of the original video origin during traffic stop. Castile's girl‑ Contact info: 631-822-7979 ext. 3 | [email protected] |  nyfytp.eventbrite.com
for similar metadata and imagery. The friend, Diamond Reynolds, took out her For more info. please visit www.sos.org
Facilitator: John Bednarik, OHST
real problem is that the YouTube's sys‑ cellphone and started livestreaming on
tem is not built to deal with breaking Facebook after the shooting. The video
news events. gathered over 2.7 million views before
This is not the first time livestream‑ the stream disappeared from Facebook.
ing of a shooting incident has taken ‑IANS
 28 March 23-29, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

A cheap cellphone makes life easier

M
y 12‑year‑old daughter, dards. I reluctantly parted with York City was traveling on a train,
Divya, had been asking $150 for the phone, fearing that I moving from one car to another,
me for a cellphone for a would regret the expense. when he dropped his phone on
couple of years and I finally My phone, in comparison, cost the tracks. So what did he do? He
decided to buy her one, not me only $80, and if I happen to pulled the emergency stop.
because I thought she absolutely lose it, I probably wonʼt lose much As reported by the Associated
needed one, but because I was sleep. Just a week or two. If Divya Press, Eric Jones apparently con‑
tired of her borrowing mine. loses her phone, I might lose a sidered it an emergency that he
“Daddy, can I use your phone month of sleep, especially if she was about to lose his phone.
for just a minute?” she would ask. starts borrowing my phone again. Thanks to his “emergency,” the
An hour later, she would still be What concerns me is that she other passengers on the train,
using the phone, and when I final‑ takes her phone to school. All the taking the morning commute to
ly retrieved it from her grasp, I other kids do it, she said, so why work, were delayed – and perhaps
would discover several new apps shouldnʼt she? Besides, how is she late for work. Other trains on sev‑
that she had downloaded. supposed to occupy herself dur‑ eral connected lines were also
The new apps didnʼt bother me ing the bus ride to school? delayed.
much, but I wasnʼt thrilled about “Why donʼt you talk to other Jones was charged with “defiant
receiving dozens of notifications kids?” I asked. much on a phone, Iʼd want it to be fall out of our grasp – and into trespass” and “interfering with
such as “Jessica liked your com‑ She looked at me like it was the immobile – not mobile. Iʼd want to the toilet. transportation.” The article does
ment” and “Rupa shared your most ridiculous thing she had keep it in one spot, preferably Numerous cellphones take the not say how much Jonesʼ phone
photo.” ever heard. “Oh Daddy, nobody inside our home, where I can plunge each year, not just into toi‑ was worth, but it was apparently
Divya wanted an iPhone, does that anymore.” make sure it doesnʼt get lost or lets, but into swimming pools, worth a lot to him.
because her friends have Apple I hate to see Divya being stolen. For many people, phones lakes, rivers and many other As for me, if my phone dropped
products and it would be easier to obsessed with her phone, and I are status symbols, no dif ferent places where cellphones arenʼt on railroad tracks, Iʼd just whis‑
communicate with them. T he also worry that she will lose it or from wearing expensive jewelry. intended to go. For the average per “bye” to it and turn toward
iPhone 6 and 7 were priced too have it stolen from her. But thereʼs one major difference: American, itʼs a loss of not just a my daughter.
high for our budget, so we settled I donʼt understand how people jewelry is usually attached to our few hundred dollars, but also a “Divya,” Iʼd say. “Can I borrow
for an iPhone 5, though it wasnʼt can walk around with phones that bodies in some way, unlike a cell‑ few hundred cat photos. your phone? Just for a minute, I
exactly cheap, at least by my stan‑ cost $750 or more. If I spent that phone, which is far more likely to Just recently, a man from New promise.”

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
New York Head Quarter
422‑S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801

516‑827‑1010 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.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY March 23-29, 2019 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
[email protected]; w.premastrologer.com

MARCH 23‑29, 2019

Aries: Chances that you will need Cancer: A wonderful week is ahead Libra: If you are just worried about Capricorn: A dominant attitude at
physical stamina to cope with the to enjoy the company of guests. own affairs and busy in personal life work could create some problems. You
stress and strains of high‑pressured Plan something special with your chances of people losing interest in need to be more supportive & cooper‑
career. Make sure you donʼt get disappoint‑ relatives. Software professional would suc‑ you are high. Make efforts to involve yourself ative to get the work done. Unexpected
ed on a sad beginning in romance. Your ceed in realising their aspirations. You are in social activities and gatherings to have an income would help in improving financial
brilliant ideas in business fetches handsome likely to get rid from backache/joint pain as enjoyable social front. Carelessly wasting health. You are likely to express gratitude to
returns provided you execute them to the you take the help of herbal treatment. Your money on goods, which are not immediately the relatives who have helped you at the time
perfection. Destination with a great deal is ideas blossom and plans would find support required, would only block the money. Early of crisis. You may fall in love at first sight as
on your way, be ready for trave ling. that you have been looking for quite some detection of a potentially serious ailment you are likely to meet your dream person.
Balanced & nourishing food coupled with time. would enable to cure it altogether by medica‑ Aquarius: You will experience fewer
daily exercise will keep you fit. Leo: Your habit of always complain‑ tion and a little modification in your diet. stress as you will have more
Taurus: Create a well‑defined and ing about lack of opportunities could Scorpio: Keep yourself away from resources to deal with these distress‑
mature set of values. Efforts on your land you in some trouble. It would be indulging in petty issues to enjoy ing encounters. Purchasing home loan is not
part would bring positive results, as in your interest if you heed to good advice peaceful environment. You need to the right decision for you. It would be in your
you are likely to be lucky in unexpected while making career plans. Make sure you handle investment with extreme care. interest to take the help of some expert to
areas. You are going to make love life happi‑ avoid playing comparison game especially Carelessness on your part might bring some give yourself a better option for investment.
er by expressing your true love. This would in love. Running after lucrative of fers by important projects to an abrupt halt thus Exciting time is foreseen for some as your
reenergize your lovely bond. You may face dubious financial schemes could cheat you. blocking the money. You need to keep your long pending wait for affirmation in love is
some chaos or disruption while traveling. To There might be a chance of acquiring a plot concentration and work relentlessly to going to materialize this week.
enjoy a sound health, avoid losing temper. from your closed relative. achieve success. Pretending what you are not Pisces: Long ambition to join market‑
Gemini: Your creat ivity g ives a Virgo: There are indications that you would only invite partnerʼs wrath. ing field might materialize. It will give
chance to succeed at work. Help of will see many of your professional Sagittarius: You need to be a little cau‑ you tremendous joy and remove all
experienced colleagues will be an dreams coming true. At academic tious while undertaking a long jour‑ hassles, which you had faced during procur‑
additional bonus. Some of you even might front, positive outlook and energy will lead ney. It is high time for you to re‑ ing the job. Going for a vacation is always a
get a hike in salary. Writers will have a very you in a right direction. Diabetic patients apprise your aspirations & pursue only firm big expenditure ‑ you must plan everything
goo d t ime in execut ing their plans. should involve themselves in moderate priorities. Little disturbances at family front in advance. If you have some money idling
Auspicious week is foretold to start a new exercises like walking. Valuation is must are foreseen for some. Those appearing for away in your saving account it is opportune
family venture. A good deal on the property before you purchase a plot. Take some cau‑ competitive exam need to keep their cool. time for you to put it in some work.
front might occur. You need to remain cau‑ tious moves to keep yourself away from Include definite time allocation for leisure & Optimistic attitude will give the courage to
tious at health front. gossips and rumours. exercise to enable you to maintain good health. fight health problems.

March 23, 2019 to law and order will take some

Harnessed by number 5 and ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK more t ime to reach to any
planet Mercury. Love, career and verdict. Your young ones stars
family are interw ined and life as unexpectedly big bucks activities. Capital gains from the Your risk taking abilities will out‑ will take them to the new height
enlig hten your road ahead. will come to you. Your seasonal sale of property will be win‑ shine you in the outer world and of excellence. You will be satiate
Through your good reasoning parties will also benefit you as nowed out. On the front of you may win some prestigious both from domestic and profes‑
ability and the capacity to assess more and more people will add important issues, the month of awards. Apart from all these you sional front. You will get lot of
situat ions or circumstances up in your friend list. You are September, February and June need to crack the jinx of being opportunities to raise your bar at
shrewdly, you draw sound con‑ loyal and of high moral sense should be considered. restless and envious. An exotic your workplace, but be careful to
clusions. Despite of a pool of tal‑ throughout your life. Uneasiness and thrilling island is waiting for avail all the chances. Ef fective
ent and positive attitude towards and agitating on small matters March 26, 2019 you to celebrate your achieve‑ and meaningful time for you
life, you have to be careful of might takes your peace of mind, Shaped by number 8 and ments. To provide all the ameni‑ would be November, March and
your revengeful, temperamental so work on it. Tact of dealing Saturn, your pragmatic approach ties to your family members is June.
and spendthrift attitude. This with shrewd people and prompt‑ toward life makes you a veteran always in your mind. Check your
year you work hard to achieve ness in your attempt will make of your field. You can attract oth‑ mailbox, might be there is some‑ March 29, 2019
your target but because of a men‑ you fast among others to reach ers by your act ivit ies. You thing in return for your long You are manipulated by moon
tal or emotional strain by your to the worldʼs highest position. always head the group in which term contribution to the compa‑ and number 2 and that is the rea‑
employer, you are not fully rec‑ Dreams might fulfilled in the you get involve. Sometimes you ny in terms of incentives waiting son why you are so energetic,
ognized for your work. months of November, March and become spendthrift, obstinate for you. impressive and full of life. People
Financially you will be strong August. and careless which will af fect You need to recharge the will look at you with respect and
this year as there is a hike in your social circle. This year you health card of yours and your de ference. You w ill not only
your salary but manage your sav‑ March 25, 2019 will perform remarkably with family members before it gets enthrall the audience but make
ings carefully. Dominated by number 7and high energy and lots of spirits. too late. Inner peace, which is the them spellbound. Loyal to your
Advice for you, spend some planet Neptune, you are gener‑ You tend to complete your work need of the hour comes to you work and audacious attempt is
time with your partner to main‑ ous, flexible, and munificent and by all means. When you need soon through some sacred per‑ what makes you to hit the new
tain personal relations. Any con‑ have a sound knowledge. Others assistance, your fellow workers son. You ought to spend some frontiers. Be mindful towards
flict with regard to property have confidence in you and they are always there and they will long life cherishing moments your hasteness and capricious
might get settle down. Beneficial take your guidance. You have a become your admirers. Your with your spouse. September, attribute. Be proact ive and
months: September, February strong desire for success and financial gains would be impec‑ January, and July will bring luxu‑ change the ambience of the pro‑
and July. achievement. You are delightful cable but you need to review ries to your life. fessional life as per your require‑
and do not want yourse lf to your percentage time and again. ment to increase your overall
March 24, 2019 indulge in any dispute. You are Your search for a dream partner March 28, 2019 pro duct ivity. Meet ings w ith
Commanded by number 6 and solemnly dedicated but you will come to an end. Controlled by number 1 and world renowned delegates will be
planet Venus, you are self‑gov‑ should keep a check on your You w ill throw a big bash the planet Sun, af fectionate, on your hit list. Now you will be
erned and love to be what you brooding ill humour and your for your acquaintances and in earnest and industrious are your in posit ion to save for your
are. Soon you might come in con‑ extravagant nature. return might get lot of surprises. characteristics. You are brave future also.
tact with some spiritual leader This year you may start a new December, March and August enough to deal with any kind of You will enjoy to be in the com‑
who teaches you to know the venture. You are imaginative and proves happiest months situation. Your creativity and pany of your spouse. Romance
importance of traditional thera‑ it is the time to raise a toast for for you. newly designed structures will will take you to seventh heaven
pies. Your immunity is high and the successful completion of a catch everybo dyʼs attent ion and you will forget all your wor‑
keeps you away from all the challeng ing project. March 27, 2019 which makes you a big civil con‑ ries. You strongly believe in God
pains. Businesspersons would sign new Powered by number 9 and tractor. Ill humored and chippy and might soon experience a visit
Your flight for over the seas is profitable agreements. You will planet Mars, you like the compa‑ nature may take you away from to many sacred places. Interior
waiting for you to expand your be intervened by your admirers ny of healthy and sound thinking the so cial part ies. Potentate designing and buildings will
business horizons. Controversy when you are going to spend person. You always planned the nature might make you to lose attract your attention. Full of
might distract you but you need t ime w ith your partner. You things be forehand and run your credibility. Soon you will events and happiness would be
to have sharpened vision. You should not hurt the emotions of according to it. Amiability and take the marriage oath. Have the month of September,
will get all the luxuries in your others while organizing social simplicity characterizes you. patience as your disputes related December and May.
30 March 23-29, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The importance of Satsang

By Sant Rajinder Singh

Ji Maharaj

W
hen a fire is first lit, the
flame needs protection
from being extin‑
guished. Similarly, we need to
tend the spark of light illumining
our soul. A spiritual Master pro‑
vides a protective shield around
our spark to maintain it through
a spiritual gathering called sat‑
sang.
"Satsang" literally means "com‑
munion with truth." It is a gather‑
ing in which we can discover who
we are as soul, whether there is
God, and how to meditate to
experience these truths firsthand. outward. It takes tremendous and how to make the best use of saints come to take back only
What are the benefits of attend‑ strength to resist outer diver‑ initiation into the inner light and saintly people. There is a false Satsang is the
ing satsang? People are search‑ sions that keep our attention sound. If we look for spiritual idea that one must already be
ing for answers to the mysteries from meditation so we can know gifts in the outer world, our mind holy and perfect to come to the protective
of life and death. They want to God, know our soul, and connect will remain in doubt. It is only satsang of a saint. However, if we
discover if there is really God, if the two. To keep our attention when we go within that we can look back through history we shelter of a
there is a soul, if there is life after spiritually focused, saints offer remove all doubts and see for find that every saint came to help
death, and what will happen to us the gift of satsang. ourselves that we are a soul and anyone crying for the Lord, fire‑pit that
when this life ends. These basic Satsang offers protection to there is God. whether a pious person or a
questions lead one to explore keep the flame burning. A hectic We are all children of one God. sinner. protects the
spirituality. life leaves little time for spiritual The light and sound current is When one plants a young tree,
Spirituality is not only an intel‑ practices. available to all. That is why the the sapling is in danger of the flames from
lectual study. Intellectual We need to find time in our satsang of a Master teaching forces of nature that may knock
answers to questions about the daily routines for meditation. meditation on the inner light and it down. being exposed
mystery of life and death are not Satsang provides a sacred sound is open to people of all To protect the sapling, one puts
satisfying because one may still space in which we can close the religions, nationalities, cultures, a small hedge around it. Besides to the heavy
have doubts about whether or door to the world for an hour or ages, and walks of life. God wants meditation and ethical living, sat‑
not they are true or not. One two to focus on our soul and God. all to return Home. Just as a sang also offers a protective rains and
wonders if those who wrote or
orally gave answers to these spir‑
In a satsang meeting, people can
meditate together. There are no
mother feeds all her children,
God has made the gift of the light
hedge that helps our tree of spiri‑
tuality to grow. When new to the winds of a
itual questions through the ages
were right.
distractions because all are medi‑
tating. The rest of the time in sat‑
and sound available to all who
seek it. God does not discriminate
spiritual teachings it is easy to
become diverted from our goal
passing
The only answer that satisfies
those who want proof is a per‑
sang is sent listening to spiritual
discourses to remind us of our
between people of different reli‑
gions or even those who are
by the many temptations that
bombard us.
storm.
sonal experience. Only when we
can see for ourselves the truth of
true purpose of life. The dis‑
courses, meditation, and spiritual
agnostic or atheists. God does
not care if our skin color is dark
Satsang provides a protective
hedge to remind us to meditate.
The
what was written in the scrip‑
tures or described orally by
charging of the satsang refocus
our mind on the importance of
or light, or whether our eyes are
blue, brown, green, or black. God
It focuses us on leading an ethi‑
cal life. It helps us stay on a vege‑
charging of
saints over centuries do we truly
believe and have faith.
meditation, ethical living, the
vegetarian diet, selfless service,
does not care if we are rich or
poor, literate or illiterate. God
tarian diet. It gives us a chance to
cleanse and purify ourselves
the satsang
Spirituality is proven by first‑
hand experience. To attain this
and attaining communion of our
soul with God. It motivates us to
provides a way for all to return
Home. A satsang is a protective
through selfless
service. Our growing tree
helps to speed
proof, we need to do more than
read books and listen to lectures.
put in the time for meditation
through the rest of the week. It
place in which people from all
faiths can enter and commune
receives at satsang the nourish‑
ment of the charging and bless‑
our progress
We need to perform practices to
experience inner spiritual truths.
recommends us to engage in
spiritual practices on a daily
with God within their own selves.
The wine of God's love is for the
ings of the saint.
It fills us from our roots to our
on the
The process leads from this outer
world to the inner world. It is a
basis.
Satsang awakens us to activi‑
whole world. Saints and Masters
have come to pour out without
branches with love, grace, and
spiritual upliftment.
spiritual way
step‑by‑step scientific experi‑
ment. A Master teaches those
ties that are truly helpful. If we
engage all week in worldly pur‑
end so that the whole world may
drink. Masters lovingly give the
Satsang is the protective shel‑
ter of a fire‑pit that protects the
so we can
steps so we can see for ourselves suits, satsang draws our atten‑ nectar of the light and sound to flames from being exposed to the attain our
the inner proof of spiritual exis‑ tion to the spiritual side of life. all who are thirsty. heavy rains and winds of a pass‑
tence. Satsang is a wakeup call to peo‑ God has entrusted the saints ing storm. The charging of the goal of the
It is not easy to find God. It is a ple of all ages to spend some with the task of bringing the lost satsang helps to speed our
process of withdrawing our time daily communing with God children back Home. The saints progress on the spiritual way so soul's union
attention from the world outside within. walk the earth in search of souls we can attain our goal of the
to focus within. Many worldly At satsang, we are reminded of crying to return to God. Many soul's union with God. with God.
attractions draw our attention the spiritual treasures within us people have the idea that the (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info March 23-29, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info March 23-29, 2019