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NRIs launch Punjab Chalo to help Congress in poll Tristate Community, Pages 18-19
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Abhi-Ash to host Oprah Winfrey in India Bollywood, Page 26
Pravasi Bharatiya award winners with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his counterpart from Trinidad & Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, at the Jaipur PBD.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has called a meeting of the defense committee Saturday and the army chief will attend, a possible sign of efforts to defuse tensions. approval in the case over a memo sent to Washington that said President Zardari feared a military take-over following last year's killing of Osama bin Laden. The Inter-Services Public Relations, the military's media arm, took a serious view of Gilani's statement: "This has very serious Continued on page 4
Trinidad & Tobago prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar visiting her ancestral village in Buxar district of Bihar.
Guyanese Indian broker in Queens accused of massive mortgage fraud Ahmad is currently engaged in intensive plea-bargain negotiations with federal prosecutors, according to court documents, but it appears that the impact of the loans will endure for years. Richmond Hill has been hit harder by the foreclosure crisis than most other neighborhoods in the city, officials and analysts said. Mr. Ah-
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni presented the first copy of English edition of the magazine Aahwan to President Pratibha Patil last week in Delhi. Cabinet Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal and Swami Chidanand Saraswati were present on the occasion. The Acharya, founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, talked about their campaign against female feticide, drug addiction and environment pollution and announced Clean Election Campaign in 5 states going to the polls.
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PBD Story Continued from page 1 India said it would allow NRIs to vote and participate in the election process. "Pursuant to the law that was enacted to enable NRIs to vote in our national elections, the government has issued notifications for registration of overseas electors under the Representation of People Act, 1950," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced while inaugurating the event. "This constitutes the first major step to enable Indian residents abroad to participate in our election process," the prime minister added. In another major initiative, India asked its 30million strong diaspora, spread over 130 countries, to contribute in the development of healthcare, energy and infrastructure sector. The Indian government also launched a special pension and life insurance scheme that would benefit over 5 million unskilled and semi-skilled workers employed overseas mostly in Gulf countries on temporary contract visas. Chief ministers of several states urged overseas Indians to step up investment, assuring a businessfriendly environment. Showcasing the development initiatives launched by their respective governments, they assured NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) that their states would facilitate investment providing all possible support. "We welcome with open hearts whatever support or contribution you may wish to extend. Your support will be a great morale booster for us," said Ashok Gehlot, chief minister of Rajasthan. On the last day, President Pratibha Patil conferred the "Pravasi Bharatiya Samman" awards to 14 eminent overseas Indians, including Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and a Canada-based institution, for their outstanding contributions in enhancing India's image globally. PPP Vs. Army Story Continued from page 1 ramifications with potentially grievous consequences for the country." Pentagon spokesperson George Little said that US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey had spoken to General Kayani. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said US fully backs the civilian government. Soon after Lodhi was dismissed for "gross misconduct", General Kayani decided to call an emergency meeting of his top commanders. Lodhi's dismissal came after the Pakistani Army angrily reacted to Gilani's recent remarks to a Chinese daily that the statements of Kayani and ISI chief submitted to the Supreme Court were "unconstitutional". As the military and the government slugged it out, political parties made it clear that they were against any army coup. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said the party would not support a military coup. The former cricketer said in Lahore that any unconstitutional way would not be tolerated. Awami National Party leader Asfandyar Wali said that his party would continue to back the government and fully oppose any undemocratic move. Punn Story Continued from page 1 abuse. Dr. Punn then compounded his charged offense by billing insurance companies for his sexual misconduct. He will now be held to account. Evidence seized in this case includes cellphones, a video camera and Punns laptops and computers, which contained a self-compiled how-to guide on molestation and included passages from the Kama Sutra and naked photographs and videos of young girls, prosecutors say. Prosecutors have also noted that Punn has a 24year old wife living in India and had a large amount of cash at his Bethpage residence at the time of his July 2010 arrest. Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen M. Rice said that as a doctor in the Indian community, Punn was wellrespected and trusted by many parents, who would often send their children to Punn in Bethpage for private visits. Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas V. Dale stated that the arrest and prosecution of Dr. Punn is the direct result of an investigative commitment to end this alleged criminal conduct, and to prevent others from falling victim to the reprehensible acts charged in the indictment. These efforts demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcements combined efforts to apprehend sexual predators and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Punn, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment for each individual count of sexual exploitation of a child, if convicted. In addition, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for each individual count of health care fraud, if convicted. Punn is due back in federal court on March 2 and has thus far been unable to post bail.
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Salman Rushdie Oprah Winfrey. Rushdie is scheduled to appear at three events during the five-day festival, has vowed to attend regardless, tweeting: "Re my Indian visit, for the record, I don't need a visa." The Indian government has also refused to intervene, confirming that Rushdie - who holds a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card does not need a visa to enter the country.
Dr Prasad taking the oath New Jersey: Indian-American physician Dr Sudhanshu Prasad, who was re-elected on a New Jersey township council, took oath of office on Gita for his second-term. An internal medicine physician and a resident of the Iselin-Edison - which is dominated by Indian Americans -- area in New Jersey for over 25 years, Prasad was re-elected for his second term in the November 2011 elections. 57-year-old Prasad, with his roots from Patna in Bihar, said he chose the Gita because he grew up believing in it, and it is "where my conscience is." He said his top goal in his second-term is to ensure that municipal property taxes remain as stable as possible, especially in the current challenging economic times, and to make the township more businessfriendly. Prasad, a former chairman of the JFK Hospital Department of Medicine in Edison, in his acceptance speech said in addition to providing essential services like police protection, fire safety and public works, he wants to be able to preserve high-quality health services for senior citizens and children in Edison.
Gurmeet Singh They matched his DNA, obtained through a glass of water they had offered to him, with evidence uncovered in the police investigation of the sex assault. Singh has been driving a cab since 1999 and his license was suspended in 2007 for violating motor vehicles rules.
The Sikh Coalition delivering first-ever presentation on Sikhs and Sikh practices to the New York Police Departments (NYPD) newest graduating class of 1500. The new police officers watch the presentation by the Coalition members which also included a turban tying demonstration.
Joker and, Bobby are the rest of the films being showcased in this film festival.
Arun Narote was shot through the plexi glass at grocery store him at Norman's Grocery and Deli in Bridgeport, Conn. Luis Torres, 25, who pleaded guilty to the same charges as Ortiz,
directly to the applicants legal counsel empanelled with the concerned Indian Mission/Post, or through the Indian Community Associations /Womens organizations / NGOs acting on the womans behalf in an overseas legal institution; (x) The assistance will be limited to US$ 3000 per case and will be released to the empanelled legal counsel of the applicant or Indian Community Association / Womens organization / NGO concerned to enable it to take steps to assist the woman in documentation and preparatory work for filing the case; (xi) The Indian Womens Organizations / Indian Community Associations / NGOs will make efforts to enlist community advocates, preferably women advocates, to extend further legal assistance / appearance in court etc on a pro-bono basis. The Scheme has been posted on MOIA's website "http://moia.gov.in/".
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal takes the oath of office from Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine Kitty Kimball. He expressed the need for more jobs and even more gains in public education. When it came to overhauling education, Jindal said "I believe
Wadhwani Foundation and Virginia Foundation for Community College Education sign MoU
New Delhi: The Wadhwani Foundation (WF) and the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) USA signed a memorandum of understanding here Jan 10. The memorandum was signed by Dr. Ajay Kela, President and CEO of Wadhwani Foundation and Dr. Glenn DuBois, member, Virginia Foundation for Community Colleges Education and Chancellor of Virginias Community Colleges. Union Minister of HRD for India, Kapil Sibal and U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Co-chair of the Senate India Caucus who is visiting India with his delegation were also present at the occasion. Speaking on the occasion Kapil Sibal underlined the requirement for enhanced skilled development in the country. He said that considering the high rate of growth India needs massive skill upgradation to prepare for the jobs that will be created. The Wadhwani Foundation and Virginia Foundation for Community College Education partnership seeks to leverage the combined expertise of Virginias Community College system in running industry relevant professional education sharing technical and organizational know-how, curriculum/courseware and teacher training to enhance such programs in India. As part of the memorandum, the VFCCE and the WF will together identify highimpact skill development programs in India that need such support. These partnerships could be forged with government or private initiatives and would involve vibrant exchange of ideas and technology transfer, adapting U.S. expertise to position Indian institutions to meet local needs. Virginia Community College experts will serve as consultants, sharing best practices. The Wadhwani Foundation will provide local support and co-funding for this capacity building. Virginias two-year community colleges play a vital and unique role in our workforce training efforts, Senator Mark Warner said. This partnership agreement will allow Virginias Community Colleges to share their expertise and materials as we work with the Wadhwani Foundation to expand skills-based job training for Indias young people he added.
Hotelier C K Patel named 2011 Person of the year by Blue Mau Mau
Atlanta: Hotelier and immediate past chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Chandrakant C.K. Patel has been named 2011 Person of the Year by the daily franchise news site Bluemaumau.com for his many innovative initiatives on behalf of hotel franchisees. During his term as chairman, C.K. Patel led AAHOA to combine forces with the Coalition of Franchisee Associations so together the two groups can push for better contracts with franchisors as well as for stronger lobbying influence on behalf of franchise owners. He became one of the founding drafters of a Bill of Rights for franchisees in all industry segments. In announcing the Person of the Year recognition, Blue Mau Mau founder and editor Don Sniegowski said, Years grams begun last year at AAHOA by Patel were an online supply chain cooperative and an online travel portal mybesthotelrate.com to book hotel rooms at the 20,000 properties owned across the country by AAHOAs 11,000 members. Patel, who has been a hotelier since 1982, is president of Atlanta-based BVM Holdings, which owns and operates hotels as well as certain commercial real estate investments in Georgia. In January of 2011, he was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to the prestigious 30-member Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which advises about industry program and policies. He was a founder of two community banks in Georgia Quantum National Bank in 1996, the first bank owned by Indian Americans in the southeast, and Home Town Community Bank in 2005.
Chandrakant CK Patel from now franchisees may affectionately look back to 2011 and refer to C.K. Patel as the franchise industrys George Washington. Also last year, Patel launched a study by AAHOA of return on investment (ROI) for franchise units among various hotel brands so potential owners will be able for the first time to compare independent information with the disclosure documents provided by franchisors. Two other pioneering pro-
American community's next generation of leaders by placing them in Congressional offices or Government Agencies for eight-week summer internships and a structured leadership-training curriculum. The students gain a firsthand view of the policymaking and legislative
process, as well as gain access to high-profile South-Asian leaders in the nation's capitol. Applications are available online at http://www.thewlp.com/wl p-2012-application.html. The deadline for submitting applications is January 20, 2012.
The awardees with GOPIO members Prominent Indian classical dancer and teacher with exemplary contribution to social and humanitarian activities that include active collaboration with UNESCO for promotion of art and Indian culture worldwide. He offers basic education, training facilities, shelter, access to art & culture, including handicrafts, to the disabled, blind persons and kids and disadvantaged persons through his own school based in Pondicherry. Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda (USA): Director of the International Legal Studies Program at the University of Denver and an internationally renowned jurist. He was also the former president of the World Jurist Association and President of
Satyendra Huja opportunity to serve as mayor. It says a great deal about our
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US Affairs TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney with his wife and sons, who are aiding his poll campaign. is sometimes part of the underbelly of politics," the former Massachusetts governor said when asked if he was prepared for a whisper campaign about his Mormon religion or other aspects of his
The First Lady gave an interview to Gayle King for CBS that matter," she told King. The first lady admits she's one of her husband's "biggest confidantes, but he has dozens of really smart people who surround him. ... That's not to say that we don't have discussions and conversations. That's not to say that my husband doesn't know how I feel." "You know, I just try to be me. And my hope is that over time people get to know me. And they get to judge me for me." As for living in the White House, Mrs. Obama told King, "It has been a privilege, from day one. Now, there are challenges with being a mother and trying to keep your kids sane. And I worry a lot about that. I mean, if there's any anxiety that I feel, it's because I want to make sure that my girls come out of this on the other end whole. But me, Barack, we're grown-ups. You know, all the ups and downs, we take it on."
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A video of Jarawa women a tribal group inhabiting the islands allegedly dancing for food was released by The Observer, a London-based newspaper.
New Delhi: The Union government has asked the Andaman and Nicobar authorities to file a report on the incident of Jarawa women dancing for food. A video of Jarawa women a tribal group inhabiting the islands allegedly dancing for food was released by The Observer, a Londonbased newspaper, along with a report. The video enraged both rights activists and the authorities. Even though the authorities say the video, which is doing rounds on networking sites like Facebook, is fourfive years old, the home ministry
The issue surfaced after an alleged memo from the Director General of Military Intelligence, Foreign Division appeared in the cyber world.
Madhuri Gupta was arrested in 2010 for passing country's sensitive information to Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.
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BJP leader Uma Bharti said that the Muslim community should also oppose the proposal as it was "against the basic tenets of Islam".
The party, led by Mulayam Singh Yadav, is busy finalizing the party manifesto that might push the Congress to the wall on the issue of reservation to Muslims. Lucknow: The Muslim quota politics seems to be the flavor of UP poll season. Even as the Election Commission directed the Centre to put on hold the 4.5% sub-quota to minorities it announced recently, the Samajwadi Party think tank is busy finalizing the party manifesto that might push the Congress to the wall on the issue of reservation to Muslims. "It would be something no one would have imagined," said a senior SP leader who is also a member of the party's manifesto drafting committee. The committee includes Mulayam Singh Yadav, Ram Gopal Yadav, Mohan Singh, Azam Khan and Akhilesh Yadav. Reports suggest the committee has given its nod to the proposal of offering reservation to Muslims higher than whatever given in any state of the country. Though Mohan Singh was the only senior member of the committee who did not attend the meeting, party leaders said he was unwell. "He had instead sent a detailed representation comprising his views on various topics on the agenda," a senior leader said. Some party leaders, however, said Singh is annoyed after being removed as party's national spokesperson. Apart from Muslim reservation, the SP election manifesto is likely to promise sops like free irrigation, water and cheaper power supply to farmers, additional unemployment allowance to jobless, free medical treatment for all including advance level surgeries and free education.
Congress courted a fresh controversy when Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid promised nine percent sub-quota for the backward Muslims in the state jobs. his wife over the remark. The statement was made in the constituency of Salman's wife Louis Khurshid in Farrukhabad. Before the announcement of poll dates in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress had played its Muslim card as the union cabinet announced a 4.5 per cent sub-quota for the minorities under the 27 per cent quota reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). With Muslims forming a major chunk of the vote bank (18.5 percent) in Uttar Pradesh, the political parties are in a battle to woo the community with promises and sops. The Congress led by Rahul Gandhi and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by present UP chief minister Mayawati are engaged in a fullscale war over Uttar Pradesh, a state the Gandhi scion is desperately trying to get back to the Congress fold. UP is going to a seven phase election in Feb-March this year.
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By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur: Fulfilling a long-standing demand of its diaspora, India said it would allow NRIs to vote and participate in the election process. "Pursuant to the law that was enacted to enable Non-resident Indians to vote in our national elections, the government has issued notifications for registration of overseas electors under the Representation of People Act, 1950," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. "This constitutes the first major step to enable Indian residents abroad to participate in our election process," the prime minister said while addressing the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas diaspora meet here.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh launching a book at PBD-2012 in Jaipur. He said the diaspora plays an important role in the growth and development of the country. The government recognizes it, and was committed to address their concerns and fulfil their demands. "The government and people of India recognize and value the important role being played by Indian communities living abroad. We believe that Indian diaspora has much more to contribute to the building of modern India," the prime minister said. "We propose to facilitate, encourage and promote this engagement. Over the past year, we have taken a number of steps towards
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressing the session on Global Indian: State Initiatives and Opportunities at PBD-2012. He said the proposed Delhi- the development of the state. Jaipur: Chief ministers of severHe said remittances by nonal states urged overseas Indians Mumbai Industrial Corridor to step up investment, assuring a would boost manufacturing resident Indians to Kerala were activities in Rajasthan as the to the tune of Rs.49,965 crore business-friendly environment. Showcasing the development maximum 39 percent of the dedi- (around $10 billion), which is initiatives launched by their cated corridor would pass almost 22 percent of the state's respective governments, they through the state. "Infrastructure gross domestic product (GDP). According to a World Bank assured the Non-Resident will be developed in a band of Indians and Persons of Indian 150 km on both sides of the cor- report, the total remittance flow to India was around $58 billion Origin at the 10th Pravasi ridor," he added. Gujarat Chief Minister in 2011, which was around 4.2 Bharatiya Divas here that their states would facilitate investment Narendra Modi said his state was percent of the country's GDP. Chandy said Kerala planned to a model of development and providing all possible support. "We welcome with open hearts overseas Indians should play a organise a global investor meet called "Emerging Kerala" in whatever support or contribution role and benefit from it. Modi, however, said he was September this year to woo you may wish to extend. Your support will be a great morale concerned about the well-being investments from the diaspora. Urging overseas Indians to booster for us," said Ashok of overseas Indians. "The first Gehlot, chief minister of thing that we in Gujarat think is come and invest in the state, Rajasthan, which is co-hosting what we can do for the diaspora Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun instead of expecting something Munda said: "I assure you that the meet. the government will extend all Gehlot said his government from them." Kerala Chief Minister necessary help in making was taking proactive measures to attract investments from over- Oommen Chandy said the dias- Jharkhand the first choice for pora played an important role in your valued investment." seas Indians.
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Jaipur: President Pratibha Patil Monday conferred the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman' awards to 14 eminent overseas Indians, including Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, and a Canada-based institution, for their outstanding contributions in enhancing India's
Sachchidanand Sahai
Satish Thakkar
Jose Parayanken
Guests such as Dev Ratnam and his wife Runi (middle) were given a traditional welcome.
The coffee table book features 64 Non-Resident Rajasthanis. Chandu Patel (left) Chair of NFIA, was special guest at the event.
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Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah and Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, during a seminar on solar energy.
Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi addressing a Seminar at PBD-2012.
Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad addressing the seminar on health care. "extra mile to adequately liberalise policies and set up a single window within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ease the process of your meaningful participation." Azad also noted that the government is now recognising post-graduate degrees of five English speaking countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for teaching as visiting faculty in the country. He also said there are 300,000 doctors of Indianorigin working abroad out of which 40,000 work in the National Health System of the UK alone, forming the core of its service delivery.
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By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur: Speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2012 Conclave, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said new India should stand on the three pillars - Scale, Speed and Skill a model propagated by the state of Gujarat, to realize its full potential. The Gujarats chief minister was the star performer at the event and shared the platform with three chief ministers - Keralas Ooomen Chandy, Rajasthans Ashok Gehlot and Jharkhand's Arjun Munda. The Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister were absent. Modi was given a standing ovation by the audience after his 30-minute speech, highlighting the growth achieved in his state. Modi said Gujarat is the Indias rather global capital of solar energy. Gujarat and Rajasthan are major hubs of solar energy radiations. When I think of Gujarat, I think of Rajasthan too. Gujarat is the first state in
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the PBD-2012 in Jaipur. India to have a solar energy policy which was later adopted by the Government of India. Worlds largest solar park with 3,000 MW capacity is being established in Gujarat jointly with Clinton Foundation," he added. He said that when he became the chief minister of Gujarat in 2001, there was a shortfall of 2,000 MW power in the State. "Whereas the nation is still facing a similar situation, we introduced the Jyotigram scheme to provide round-the-clock power in every nook and corner of Gujarat and today state has become, a power surplus state," he added. Narendra Modi said that Gujarat has 4,000 MW suplus electricity and it will generate
Artists performing Rajasthani folk dance at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2012 conclave outside the B.M. Birla Auditorium in Jaipur. Jaipur: Dal-bati-choorma, lak jewelry, bandhej textiles...Most overseas Indians participating in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) here took time off from their busy schedule to shop, sightsee and soak in the rich culture of Rajasthan. The state government spruced up Jaipur's old city areas, known as the Walled City, for them. The pink-colored buildings and shops are sparkling with glittering lights and decorative items. Many enthusiastic delegates, braving the winter cold, went for a ride of the Walled City after dinner at Sisodia Rani Garden. "I really liked the rich heritage of the city. The Walled City is really beautiful. The outer part of the city has a sign of modern development, but the old city still has the old charm," said A. Bhattacharya, a delegate from the US. He said he was attracted the most to the small shops on both sides of the road in the Walled City selling traditional items. The markets here are crowded with delegates who were seen shopping. Traditional clothes and accessories, including lugadis, chunnis, bangles and handbags, are turning out to be a major draw. "I've come with my family. So while I am attending the sessions here, my family is busy shopping. They bought lak bangles, bandhej and some jewellery," said Mahaveer Singh from France. Another delegate said apart from meeting businessmen from all over the world, getting an opportunity to observe Rajasthani culture had been a major advantage of his visit to Jaipur. "I really enjoyed Rajasthani food like dal-bati-choorma, which I had at a place near the main bus station," said Deepak Kumar from Canada. However, he said, the traffic and encroachments seemed to be a major problem. "The authorities should do something about the traffic," he said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot with Indian Overseas Minister Vayalar Ravi at one of the pavilions at PBD-2012.
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Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee addressing at PBD-2012. entrepreneurs. But I think it is far less than the potential and perhaps too concentrated on the formal sector," he said. "Rather, we must pursue an alternative
PBD-2012 In Pictures
Former West Indies cricket player Brian Lara attends the closing ceremony of the 10th PBD-2012.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot felicitating Chief Guest and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor at the session on 'Partnering for Prosperity' at PBD-2012.
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Shudh Prakash Singh, Chief Coordinator of Chalo Punjab campaign, gave a rousing speech at the Sunday event.
Former chief minister of Punjab, and Patiala Maharaja Capt. Amarinder Singh, spoke to the gathering via video conferencing. (Photos: Baldev Singh/BJ Digital Video & Photo)
Honor to Kanwal Sra of KSRA group for serving the community in Punjab was presented by Comptroller DiNapoli. Jaswinder Singh Johal and Desh Deepak Bharadwaj, co-owners of Apna Bazar, were also honored.
Rajesh K Singh of Raj and Rajeshwari Foundation receiving the plaque from DiNapoli.
New York Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel lauded Indias democracy and Punjab Chalos Get Out The Vote campaign.
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NRIs for Congress launch Chalo Punjab to woo voters in Jan 30 state poll
By Jinal Shah/SATimes New York: On Sunday a group of NRI Punjabis gathered under the banner of NRIs for Congress at Worlds Fair Marina in Flushing to demonstrate their solidarity for the Indian National Congress which is contesting the state assembly elections later this month to wrest power from the Akali Dal-BJP alliance. The gala event, also graced by New York State comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, saw the launch of the Chalo Punjab campaign with Shudh Prakash Singh as chief coordinator. The event was aimed to urge Punjabi NRIs to visit their state to campaign for Congress party. We are trying to take about 200 NRIs to support the party in Punjab as a whole and also in their respective constituencies. The visiting group will be received in Delhi from where a luxury coach will be flagged off from the AICC headquarters, said Shudh Prakash Singh. He said about 125 NRIs had already registered for the campaign. The group will head to India on January 19 and will campaign till the end of elections on January 30. About expenses on the trip, Shudh
Lavika Bhagat Singh, General Secretary, Punjab Election Campaign Committee (USA) compered the program. maintained, NRIs will be bearing the cost of flight and hotel accommodation themselves. Shudh Singh, who was recently appointed as chief coordinator of Congress partys Election Campaign Committee (USA), had asked for at least five assembly seat tickets for NRIs. We had demanded at least five seats for this election however except for the two already given, no fresh seats have been given to the NRI community, said Singh partly blaming the NRI community for the same. No new member of the NRI community applied for it. How will the recent corruption scandals rocking the Congress party and its partners in the UPA government affect the partys prospects in five states going to the polls in the next two months? Shudh Singh is optimistic. Corruption is everywhere, however people understand Congress is the first party to have actually taken action against their own party leaders, putting them behind bars. Shudh Singhs personal take on the Lokpal bill. Lokpal bill itself is a good effort to curb corruption.
Phuman Singh, President East Coast of Punjab Election Campaign Committee (USA), giving his speech. (Photos: Baldev Singh/BJ Digital Video & Photo) However, Anna Hazares version goes too far in putting the prime minister under radar. In my opinion prime minister and president should not be screened under Lokpal to keep sanctity of the high office. Prosecuting them after their tenure is the right thing to do. At the Sunday event, Captain Amarinder Singh, President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Dr Karan Singh, head of the Foreign Affairs Deptt, AICC, and Inder Dev Singh Musafir, chairman, NRI cell (PPCC) addressed the gathering from India through pre-recorded video messages shown on overhead screens. The gala event also honored illustrious Punjabis rendering service in India: awards were given in the field of medicine to Dr Kiranpreet S. Parmar, a physician at Staten Island University Hospital, in philanthropy to Kanwal Sra of KSRA grou and Rajesh K Singh (not strictly from Punjab) of Raj and Rajeshwari Foundation and for extraordinary friendship and brotherhood to Jaswinder Singh Johal and Desh Deepak Bharadwaj, coowners of Apna Bazar.
Badal. He said Punjab had become debt ridden, rife with lawlessness and faced with rising unemployment, particularly among the youth who were getting trapped by drugs. He promised that the Congress government will initiate a number of development projects, add new crops to revive agriculture and bring in new industry. In sports like hockey too, he said, Punjab will again see its glory days of old. The Patiala Maharaja promised his NRI audience that the Congress government would set up an NRI affairs department to resolve their cases and problems in the state on a priority basis. For the development
projects NRIs want to set up in their town or village, the government will give a matching grant and give a single window clearance. Arguing that Captain Amarinder Singh led Congress government in Punjab (2002-07) was the most honest, most transparent ever, Shudh Prakash Singh in his speech implored NRI Punjabis to join the Chalo Punjab kafila going to their home state to bring back Congress to power. It was their responsibility, he added, to volunteer in this project for a better Punjab, for a corruption free Punjab. He also gave logistics and flight cost etc details of the travel to
Some more prominent Punjabis were honored with saropas by New York Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel. Delhi and further on to Punjab. Shudh Singh also praised the honorees mentioning the community service they were rendering back home in India. The honorees were also given an opportunity to speak. Dr Karan Singh also spoke to the audience via video conferencing. He said each NRI was an asset for India. He deplored factionalism, and invited NRIs from Punjab to join the group coordinated by Shudh Prakash Singh and visit their village or constituency in Punjab where they have rapport and support the Congress. Inder Dev Singh Musafir, chairman, NRI cell (PPCC), in his prerecorded speech, gave details of the welcome awaiting the Chalo Punjab kafila of NRIs converging on Punjab via Delhi from New York, Chicago and Toronto. New York Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, in her address, lauded Indias democracy as the largest in the world. She highlighted the importance of Get Out The Vote (GOTV) in a democracy, and so the significance of Chalo Punjab campaign to make India and the world a better place.
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Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Alok Gupta murder: No racist angle Hindus in Russia celebrate Gita verdict; brace for in the attack, says Canadian envoy
New Delhi: Canada has assured that there will be no repeat of incidents like the murder of Indian student Alok Gupta. It also added that there was no racist angle in the attack. In an interview to Headlines Today, the Canadian high commissioner to India, Stuart Beck said: We regret the tragic incident and will ensure that there is no repeatThere is no racist angle in the attack. We value Indian Diasporamillions of Indians in Canada. I can assure people of India that Canada is safe for Indian students and visitors, Beck was quoted as saying to Headlines Today. Alok, an Indian student, working part time at a convenience store, was shot dead in the west-
possible appeal
Alok Gupta was shot dead in a shocking Christmas Day attack ern Canadian city of Surrey, in a shocking Christmas Day attack. 27-year-old Alok had volunteered to work the afternoon shift to allow the store owners celebrate Christmas together and was killed by an unidentified gunman. It is not yet clear whether Alok was shot during a robbery attempt. Police is yet to make an arrest in connection with the case, but say they do not believe it was gangrelated.
New Delhi/Moscow: As Hindus in Russia celebrated their legal victory over efforts to have the Bhagavad Gita banned, they are bracing to counter any move by Tomsk city state prosecutors to appeal against the Siberian court verdict dismissing the plea to brand the revered text as "extremist" literature. With the Leninsky district court Federal Judge G.E. Butenko rejecting the petition of Tomsk city state prosecutors to ban the Gita, Hindus and Krishna devotees in Russia and members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) in India held celebratory sessions at their temples and held prayers to express their happiness over the verdict. "We are very happy with the judgment of the Tomsk city court. To express thanks and our joy, several thousands of Hindus in Russia and Iskcon devotees gathered at the Krishna temple in Moscow and other Iskcon centres in 80 cities of Russia to celebrate and hold prayers," Sadhu Priya
Das, a leader of the Iskcon movement in Russia, told over the phone from Moscow. The Tomsk court verdict came about after India took up the matter with Russia, following an IANS report on the case caused a political storm in parliament, with MPs calling for the government to protect the rights of Hindus in Russia. Meanwhile, Hindus in Russia are watchful of the Tomsk state prosecutors as the law provides for them to appeal in the supreme court of Russia in their case seeing a ban on "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" written by Iskcon founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhapada and declare distribution of its Russian translation in Russia illegal. He said personally, he was hopeful the state prosecutors may not appeal, as there was no private party in the case that was aggrieved by the judgment. "It is a state prosecutors' case. So they may decide against appealing. We hope they decide against it," he
Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Yousuf Raza Gilani warned earlier Wednesday that the prime minister's recent "critical comments" of the military would have "serious ramifications" with "potentially grievous consequences for the country". The public criticism of the prime minister by the army and Gilani's counter quickly fuelled speculation of a possible military takeover in the world's only nuclear-armed Islamic state.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. Party chief Asfandyar Wali, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Muttahida Quami Movement leaders Farooq Sattar and Babar Ghauri and other leaders of the PPP.
Bangladesh is among the fortunate to have a substantial volume of natural gas resources. does not encourage such logical moves that may not serve their self-interest. Let us take Sri Lanka first. It produces almost 150,000 tonnes of rubber annually. This trend continues with Sri Lanka exporting about 20 percent - 30 percent of the rubber production in raw form while 70 percent80 percent is used by domestic industries. So, given the quantity and quality of the rubber produced in Sri Lanka, they can even produce more quality tyres than the total demand of the South Asian countries and then even
export some. If its tyre industry gets a boost from SAARC, or just India, it can produce enough tyres itself and for the whole region. Then countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh will not have to import tyres from Western countries. They will also have to spend less on freight due to the proximity of the supplier. Bangladesh is among the fortunate to have a substantial volume of natural gas resources. Part of it is discovered, and only part of discovered resources has been proven. But the natural gas situation in Bangladesh is a desperate situation because it is letting its gas fields to hibernate. So it needs swift development and production of natural gas in order not to allow it to hibernate. SAARC countries can help Bangladesh do it and at the same time produce fertilizer and also power in some sectors. Such a pragmatic move can help Bangladesh in producing power and also fertilizer to meet the demand of the whole region, eliminating the need for importing fertilizer from the West by India, the biggest importer of fertilizer in the region..
Power is also in shortage in Nepal that has a huge hydropower potential. In fact, the perennial nature of Nepali rivers and the steepness of the country's topography provide ideal conditions for the development of some of the world's largest hydroelectric projects there. According to some estimates, Nepal's hydropower potential is more than 40,000 MW of which it has developed less than 1,000 MW. Therefore, bulk of this economically feasible generation has not been realized yet. SAARC countries can help Nepal generate enough hydroelectricity for domestic consumption and then also for export to neighboring countries like Pakistan and India. So, if the SAARC countries begin looking beyond their noses, they can prosper themselves and in the process make South Asia a self-reliant region, perhaps to the envy of the West. (Ravi M. Khanna is a longtime South Asia observer. He has also headed the South Asia Desk in the Voice of America Newsroom in Washington.)
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International TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Tehran: An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed in a Tehran car bomb assassination blamed on Israel that threatens to ignite a dangerously tense international standoff over Iran's atomic program. An Iranian official immediately blamed "the Zionist regime" for the explosion, saying the method -- two men on a motorbike attaching a magnetic bomb to the target's vehicle -- was similar to those used in the assassinations of three other scientists over the past two years. Iran's parliament erupted with yells of "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" during a speech by one MP who said Wednesday's attack would not dissuade the Islamic republic from "achieving progress." Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, 32, died immediately in the blast, which occurred in
Iran N-scientist killed in China criticizes new US defense policy car bomb blast
Beijing: Beijing said a new US defense strategy focused on countering China's rising power was based on "groundless" charges, and insisted it posed no threat to any nation. President Barack Obama unveiled the strategy, calling for a leaner US military focused on countering China's rising power and signaling a shift away from large ground wars against insurgents. But China, whose People's Liberation Army has benefited from a huge and expanding budget boosted by the nation's rapid economic growth, said the fears were baseless, urging the United States to "play a more constructive role". "The charges against China in this document are groundless and untrustworthy," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said in response to a question from state media about whether China poses a threat to US security. Liu was referring to the strategy document released last week, which said the growth of China's military power "must be accompanied by greater clarity of its strategic intentions in order to avoid causing friction in the region". "To maintain the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region serves the common interest of all countries within the region," he added. "We hope the US side will play a more constructive role to this end."
President Barack Obama unveiled the strategy, calling for a leaner US military focused on countering China's rising power. Washington's focus on Asia is fueled by concerns over China's growing navy and its arsenal of anti-ship missiles that could jeopardize US military dominance in the Pacific. China's responses to recent US moves to boost its military presence in Asia -- including the deployment of up to 2,500 Marines to northern Australia -- have so far been restrained. China's official Xinhua news agency said it welcomed a bigger US presence in Asia as "conducive to regional stability and prosperity", while urging it against "warmongering". China "adheres to the path of peaceful development, upholds an independent foreign policy of peace and a defense policy that is defensive in nature," said Liu.
Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, 32, died immediately in the blast. front of a university campus in east Tehran. Two other occupants of the Peugeot 405, one of them his bodyguard/driver, were wounded, Iranian media reported. Ahmadi Roshan was a deputy director at Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility, according to the website of the university he graduated from a decade ago, Sharif University. He was specialized in making polymeric membranes to separate gas. Iran uses a gas separation method to enrich its uranium. "The responsibility of this explosion falls on the Zionist regime," the deputy governor of Tehran province, Safar Ali Bratloo, told Iran's Arabic-language Al-Alam broadcaster, using Iran's term for Israel. "The method of this terrorist action is similar to previous actions that targeted Iran's nuclear scientists," he said.
Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Until now, global retailers owning a single brand had to look for an Indian partner as the cap on foreign equity was 51 percent. market," said Commerce and ing a single brand had to look for Industry Minister Anand Sharma. an Indian partner as the cap on Until now, global retailers own- foreign equity was 51 percent.
The 11th edition of the Auto Expo promised a slew of launches and first-time exhibits of vehicles in virtually every segment. Here is, the Tata Pixel concept car.
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Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info
No rift in Indian dressing 2008 Monkeygate inspired India at Perth: Hussey room: Dravid
Perth: India's veteran batsman Rahul Dravid rubbished Australian media reports of a rift in the dressing room and defended the decision of some of the players to go for a go-karting session here at a time when the team has suffered two embarrassing losses in the first two Tests. Dravid laughed off rumors of rift between India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virender Shewag. "When you do badly, suddenly everything is seen as wrong with the team. There is no truth (in Sehwag vs Dhoni reports) to those matters. As I said, the spirit of the team is really good," Dravid said. Defending his team mate decision to skip nets for gokarting session, Dravid said: "One of the good things about traveling abroad is you are in a bit of a cocoon. You don't gauge what's happening back home. There's a sense of disappointment with the results so far, we would certainly like to do better but the Perth: Australia's veteran middle-order batsman Mike Hussey feels the 'Monkeygate' incident during the 2008 Sydney Test motivated the Indian team to come back strongly and win the Perth Test in the 2007-08 series. Australian Andrew Symonds had accused Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh of calling him a monkey during the acrimonious Sydney Test. The duo, however, made up later and played together in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Mumbai Indians. Hussey felt the Monkeygate incident galvanized India to rattle Australia at the WACA Ground by 72 runs, just a week later. Australia, however, held their nerve at Adelaide to secure a 2-1 series win with a draw in the fourth Test. "There was obviously a lot of controversy after the Sydney Test match, which I think in a way really galvanized the Indian team. They came to Perth with a real determination to do well," Hussey was quoted as saying by The Age. "I didn't feel at the time that it affected our team, but maybe it did a bit with all the controversy going on outside of the game," he said. With India trailing 0-2 in the current series, Hussey said it was too early to write off the visitors. Hussey also praised the calming influence of India captain
Rahul Dravid laughed off rumors of rift between India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virender Shewag. spirit of the team is very Dravid said young Indian good." batsmen have a daunting task Dravid also said that the in hand and the seniors will team was not bothered about always help them out. comments from Australian "There's no formal talk as vice captain Brad Haddin, such. In the course of spendwho said Indians are fragile. ing time in dressing room, at "We haven't bothered (with team dinners or go-karting Haddin comments) really. for that matter, conversations There are five days of impor- can happen which are useful. tant cricket to worry about It's not like a powerpoint and there is no time about presentation, that's not how anything else to be honest. teams work. We speak to You don't need anyone's com- each other, juniors to seniors ment to motivate yourself. and seniors to juniors, and it's We are not even bothered" he always a healthy conversasaid. tion," he said.
Mike Hussey. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with whom he shared the dressing room at Chennai Super Kings during the Indian Premier League. "Whether things are going well or whether things are going poorly, he keeps a very level head. He doesn't get too emotional. He's a very calm character and he tries to instil a lot of belief into his players," he said. Hussey also praised Australian skipper Michael Clarke, who posted an unbeaten 329 last week. "I think Michael Clarke learnt a lot from playing under Ricky Ponting for quite a few years. He wants the game to go forward all the time. He's an aggressive sort of a captain and he wants the team to be scoring quickly. He's always thinking as a captain and he's very passionate about the job," he said.
Health TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Controlling blood pressure through lifestyle changes: power of cutting salt intake
By Premila Bhat MD Director of Home Hemodialysis, Atlantic Dialysis What is sodium? Sodium is the main ingredient in table salt. Sodium is also found in some quantity in natural and processed foods. The body needs a small amount of sodium for survival, but most people eat much more sodium than their body requires. Why is it important to pay attention to sodium intake? Experts say that no one should have more than 2,300 milligrams a day, and many peopleparticularly those with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney diseaseshould have even less. Yet the average American man takes in about 4,000 milligrams of sodium each day and the average American woman about 3,000. One study of South Indians showed an average intake of 3,400 milligrams sodium daily. Lowering sodium intake can result in many health benefits: Lower blood pressure, resulting in lower risk of stroke, heart attack, blindness, and kidney damage. Reduced tendency to retain water, which is especially important for people with heart failure and kidney disease. Reduced chance of kidney stones Reduced risk of osteoporosis The relationship between blood pressure and sodium intake is very strong. In fact, high blood pressure is seen almost exclusively in societies with average sodium intake above 2,300 milligrams per day. High blood pressure is rare in societies with average sodium intake of less than 1,200 milligrams per day. Where is sodium found? The sodium content of several common foods is listed below. Notice that even foods that seem harmlesslike diet sodahave some sodium content. And foods that do not even taste salty, like donuts, can add a substantial amount of sodium. When eating out, keep in mind that you will usually have no idea of sodium content. Generally speaking, processed foods have the most sodium. These foods are processed from their original state and are usually sold in cans, boxes, and jars. Many of these foods do not taste salty. Often the sodium is hidden in the preservatives. In fact, 75-80% salt in the U.S. food comes from processed foods, not from salt added during food preparation or consumption. Many countries, including Japan and the United Kingdom, have regulations on salt content in processed food. The U.S. Institute of Medicine has strongly recommended that sodium in processed food should be regulated in this country. In the mean time, many companies have voluntarily started reducing sodium content in their foods. Here are some examples of foods that often have too much sodium: Canned soups Rice and noodle mixes Sauces, dressings, and condiments (such as ketchup and mustard, soy sauce) Pre-made frozen meals (also called TV dinners) Deli meats, hot dogs, and cheeses Smoked, cured, or pickled foods Restaurant meals Snack foods like crackers and chips Baking soda Also be aware that some medications contain sodium. For example, one tablet of Alka-Seltzer contains 445mg of sodium. How can I limit my sodium intake? The only way to know the sodium content is to look at the label. Food labels can be very helpful in monitoring and limiting sodium intake. Be aware that the %DV (Percent of Daily Value) is a calculation based on a 2,400 milligram per day sodium recommendation. Some people may be advised to consume only 1,600 or 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day, and will need to adjust their calculations accordingly. Also pay attention to serving size. Labeled sodium content is measured per serving, and sometimes the serving size on the label may be different from what you consider a portion of food. Some foods are advertised as having less sodium content. As per the Food and Drug Administration, a food can have the following labels if it meets certain criteria: Replace salt in cooking with herbs and spices Put away the salt shaker from the
In fact, 75-80% salt in the U.S. food comes from processed foods, not from salt added during food preparation or consumption
How can I reduce my sodium intake? The start of 2012 is a great time to make positive health changes for you and your family. No one is immune to the health consequences of excess salt intakenot even children or young adults. Changes in food choices that you make at home can impact the long-term health of your lovedones. Reduce your sodium intake gradually. Over time, your taste buds will adjust to the lower levels of salt and sodium, and you (and your family) will not taste the difference. Small steps that you can start taking today include:
table Replace regular foods with lower sodium versions when available. For example, replace buttermilk with plain yogurt and choose unsalted butter and margarine Replace canned foods with fresh or frozen Look at labels for sodium content. Read ingredients for foods and medications, and Avoid products that contain sodium carbonate or Sodium bicarbonate Ask for no salt when eating out and ask for any sauces or gravies to be served on the side.
The author of this article, Dr Premila Bhat is board certified nephrologist and internist.
Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, LLC (ADMS) provides new dialysis site development, day to day administration and management of dialysis services and related business development activities. Its business strategy is to produce economies of scale and maximize individual site results through consolidated activities. Central to the ADMS approach is the long term control of clinical services by nephrologists. In 2010, ADMS affiliates provided over 225,000 dialysis treatments to over 2,500 patients in New York City and Long Island.
Information provided in this article is only for educational purposes. Please consult your personal physician for specific advice on these and any other health related matters.
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alk-show queen Oprah Winfrey is coming to India next week and has expressed desire to meet Bollywood couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, whom she hosted on her popular talk show, and the junior B has confirmed the news. "Oprah is coming here to shoot a documentary and she has expressed a desire to meet," the 35-year-old actor said here at the Filmfare Awards press conference. Aishwarya made her maiden appearance on the "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2005, the year in which she featured in an IndoBritish production venture "Mistress Of Spices". In 2009, she was invited with her spouse Abhishek to the show and in the same year Ash featured in "The Pink Panther 2". Abhishek is looking forward to meeting Winfrey. "She is always very respectful and
very loving towards both of us and it'll be wonderful to meet her," said Abhishek whose latest flick "Players" received mixed reviews at the box office. Buzz is that the Bachchan clan is planning to host a private dinner for Winfrey. This is Winfrey's first visit to India and she is also expected to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival scheduled for later this month. The visit is largely a part of her new show "Next Chapter", which will see Winfrey travelling around the world and interviewing celebrities. Reportedly, she is planning to interview Indian spiritual guru Deepak Chopra for her new show. Buzz is that the Bachchan clan is planning to host a private dinner for Oprah Winfrey when she visits India.
ipasha Basu is comfortable with her sexuality and doesn't mind getting steamy on screen if the scene demands. Here's a look at her boldest B-Town moments. Bipasha Basu's crazy birthday party is out there on the internet for all to see. But the leaked video has left the actress miffed as she feels her privacy has been invaded. "I'm still in shock that my privacy has been invaded! These were private moments from my birthday that were leaked The actor turned 33 and true to her latest song Ho Gayi Tunn from her new release, Players, Bipasha seemed to be high in the video. She can be seen dancing around with celebrity friends like Milind Soman, Aftab
Shivdasani, Sikander Kher and Abhay Deol, amid a lot of drinks and cheers. She even cut a quirky cake, with special candles on it, and looked fabulous in a nudecoloured gown. She can even be seen dancing in the washroom with a couple of girls, and later grooving on the dance floor with Sikander. No wonder Bipasha is so upset. "Just because we are actors doesn't mean we are not entitled to our privacy! These troublemakers should just get more productive with their time!" Bips wrote on her Twitter account. I'm still in shock tht my privacy hs been invaded! These were pvt moments frm my bday tht were leaked n m very upset! She went on to add.
ate pop legend Michael Jackson's unreleased lyrics has been put up for auction. Singer's dermatologist Arnold Klein, is selling the eight-and-a-half line handwritten lyrics after being declared bankrupt. "It looks like it is written in poetic format. There are eight-and-a-half lines and they feel like lyrics. We could not find it in any of his published music so maybe it was a work in progress or is a song that has not yet been released, femalefirst.co.uk quoted Catherine Williamson an auctioneer from Bonhams, who is expecting offers from 3,000 pounds to 5,000 pounds. "These lyrics are pretty intriguing and we will expect they will attract a lot of attention," Williamson added. The verse reads as "Across the sea of time, we shall meet on endless shores, counting our blessings of love's eternity." The auction is set to take place in Los Angeles Jan 23.
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ilmmakers Abbas-Mustan, known for making fast-paced action thrillers, are set to entertain their fans with another lean and mean heist flick, "Players", that releases Friday. Co-produced by Viacom 18 and AbbasMustan, the film is the official remake of Hollywood movie "Italian Job" and stars Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sikander Kher and Omi Vaidya in prominent roles. Abhishek plays Charlie Mascarenhas, a chartered accounted by day and a master thief in the night. He's got razor sharp intelligence, is an expert in conning people and loves to call himself an artist. Naina (Sonam) is an expert in ethical hacking. A beautiful girl who did everything right in her academic life but for personal reasons decides to be a part of the heist. Riya (Bipasha) is known to charm her way into the hearts of rich and famous men
REVIEW
films. The way actors escape through tunnels and drainage pipes makes the film interesting. The double crossing, scheming and plotting are something that keeps people glued to the screens," said AbbasMustan. The makers started shooting in Goa and then embarked on a journey to places like Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand, Siberia and St Petersburg in Russia, as well as the North Pole to make the backdrop as thrilling as possible. "Shooting in foreign locations isn't new, but we chose locations that are different from the rest. We even shot a part of the film at the North Pole. It has been the best experience for us. We knew we couldn't go in the winter as it is dark all day," said Abbas-Mustan. Neil was left battered and bruised while doing stunts in the film. Sonam is getting rave reviews for her cool and glamorous
look in the film. "Players" found itself in trouble after the censor board raised objections over her middle finger act in the film. "Players" is the first big release of 2012 and many hope it will ring in profits in the new year.
'Heroine' Kareena Katie Holmes goes topless for jewelery ad will shock you: Bhandarkar K
ilmmaker Madhur Bhndarkar asserts that K a r e e n a Kapoor's performance in his latest project Heroine is not only fabulous, it will also be a shocker for her fans. "Her character Mahi Arora is very contemporary, very edgy, very hard-hitting and very real like my other cinema. Kareena will definitely be a shock element to the people because of the way she has worked in the film," the 43-year-old producerdirector said here at the launch of photographer Dabboo Ratnani's calendar. "I am looking at the film because I know the story, I know the screenplay, I know the dialogues. She will be fabulous," he added. Known for his films like Chandni Bar, Satta, Page 3, Traffic Signal and Fashion, Bhandarkar believes Heroine will be a milestone in Kareena's career.
atie Holmes has gone topless in the latest ad campaign for jewellery brand, H. Stern. In the sexy new commercial Holmes looks seductively into the camera as her long brown hair blows out around her as she showcases a pretty necklace, the Daily Mail reported. In another shot, mother-ofone is seen writhing around in the sand, advertising a pretty chain bracelet.
Katie Holmes.
Katie, who is married to Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise, is also seen displaying her stunning figure in a sexy black one-piece, going for the wet look with her hair slicked back to show off her modellike bone structure. While the advertisement, 33-year-olds third campaign for H. Stern, are currently only running in Israel, they are set to hit America this autumn.
K
Kareena Kapoor. "Heroine is 25% over. The next schedule is in February, March and April and the picture will release in September. The way you people are waiting for the film, so am I. I hope it finishes really soon," he said. The director found himself in a tight spot when Aishwarya Rai, the original choice for the film, decided to quit the project due to her pregnancy. Kareena is also expected to tie the knot with Saif Ali Khan early this year and the actress may wrap the film up before that.
anika Tiwari, a 15-yearold girl from the City of Lakes, got a life-time opportunity when she was selected to play Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan's younger sister in the forthcoming film "Agneepath". Kanika, who studies in Class 11 in the Sharda Vidya Mandir in Bhopal, was selected after the audition of 6,500 girls. "Agneepath", a remake of Amitabh Bachchan starrer 1990 movie of the same name, is scheduled for a Jan 26 release. "I used to take part in the cultural activities in school. I participated in a few dramas also. My grooming teacher Ravindra Mathur told me to take part in the audition of Dharma Production, which was searching for a young girl for Hrithik Roshan's younger sister role," said Kanika. She has almost an hour-long
A poster of Hritik's new film 'Agneepath.' role in the movie and she will Kapoor is the one who kidnaps me share screen space with Hrithik, in the movie." Priyanka Chopra, Rishi Kapoor The only connection Kanika has and Zarina Wahab. with showbiz is her cousin, televiExcited Kanika said: "Zarina sion actress Divyaka Tripathi of Wahab is my mother and Rishi "Bano Mein Teri Dulhan" fame.
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Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January14-20, 2012
or the last nine years or so, Ive been a stay-at-home dad, but I prefer to call myself a write-at-home dad. Thats because I spend a lot of time writing. I mostly write emails to my wife with questions such as: Why isnt the baby drinking from the bottle? Doesnt she like Coke? and Is it okay if the baby watches Law & Order with me? She seems to like it. Actually, I dont ask many questions these days. Thats partly because my three kids arent babies anymore - the youngest is 5 - and partly because Ive become an expert at being a stay-at-home dad. If this were a real job, I would have been promoted by now. Id be the Director of Domestic Affairs or the CEO of Home Management. Being an expert at this job does not mean doing everything well. It means making a list of everything that needs to be done and figuring out a way to get the kids to do it. My youngest child, Rahul, often helps me load the washing machine. My oldest child, Lekha, often helps me sort the socks and underwear. My middle child, Divya, doesnt help much, but at least she doesnt leave her dirty clothes lying around on the floor like a few other members of this household, who appar-
ently believe that Dad has nothing better to do than pick up after them. I do have something better to do: watch Law & Order. Yes, being a stay-at-home dad isnt easy, even when youre an expert. Theres so much to do at home -- cooking, washing, sweeping - and its hard to get it all done during the commercial breaks. I dont know how the stay-at-home moms do it - I just dont. Thankfully, I dont do most of the cooking - my wife does. Its her main responsibility when she returns from work, aside from spending time with the kids and asking me why the house is such a mess. Most of the cleaning falls on my shoulders - and then I flick it onto the kids shoulders. At least I try to. When I turn on the vacuum cleaner, my son gets excited and I can usually con him into doing some of the
vacuuming. He loves to watch things get sucked up. This arrangement has worked rather well, especially since my wife hasnt counted our children recently. The biggest challenge for a stayat-home dad, Ive come to realize, is dealing with societys expectations. Dads are not supposed to stay at home. Were supposed to go out and make money. And if we cant make money, were supposed to go out anyway - go out and play golf, go out and watch a movie, go out and do yoga under a tree. A woman can call herself a housewife and no one will bat an eyelid. But you should see the looks I get when I call myself a houseband. Stay-at-home dad is more acceptable, of course, but even then, the first question youll get is Are you looking for a job? Trust me, I know. Ive heard that question hundreds of times - and not always from my mother. Its going to take another century, perhaps, for society to completely embrace the idea of a father staying at home, looking after his kids. After all, the custom of fathers working outside the home goes back thousands of years. Just imagine a caveman saying to his wife: You go kill mammoth. I stay in cave, look after
baby. What do you think would have happened to him? Yes, he would have received a threat: You no kill mammoth, you no get my mud pudding tonight. Caveman: Me no need your nasty pudding. Wife: You no kill mammoth, you no get my fire-roasted worms
tonight. Caveman: Me no need your nasty worms. Wife: You no kill mammoth, you no pudding your little worm anywhere near me tonight. Caveman (grabs spear): How many mammoths you want me kill? One or two?
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.
by Mahendra Shah
Tech Life
Facebook, Angry Birds most downloaded apps in 2011
Toronto: Angry Birds and Facebook were the most downloaded iPhone apps of 2011, according to Apple, but some less predictable apps also made their lists. Craig Palli, a vice president at Fiksu, a marketing company for app developers, explained that this year's top apps incorporate three main trends: the ability to connect with friends, discovery and games that let users past the time and pick up where they left off. The top app in the social networking category was Facebook. But Palli said the trend of connecting with friends extends further. "It also encompasses Skype, all the free texting apps and even Bump. These are all apps that lend themselves to enriching our lives through an easier and greater amount of communication and connections with friends," Palli explained. In the music category, Pandora, which generates personalized radio stations for its users based on their music preferences, was the top app. TuneIn Radio Pro, which provides access to over 50,000 local and global stations, was another popular music app. In the games category, Words with Friends, a multi-player game, and Angry Birds were the most downloaded apps. Games captured nine of the top ten spots on the paid apps list. He added that phones are beginning to replace cameras, which explains the success of apps in the photo and video category. Groupon, the daily deal service, and Pimp Your Screen, which lets users customize their device with backgrounds and other visual features, were the top apps in the lifestyle category. Netflix, the video streaming service, was the top app in the entertainment category, along with FatBooth, which lets users visualize how they might look with a few extra pounds.
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Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj exemplified qualities that make a gold medal winner. His achievement was the Olympics of Meditation and Spirituality. He attained the goal that every person who meditates is trying to attainunion of the soul with God.
are focused within themselves on what they must do. They visualize the task they are going to perform over and over to set their mind in gear. They do not let anyone distract them. When they perform, they have one hundred percent attention on what they are supposed to do. When one watches those who make mistakes in gymnastics, in diving, or in any routine, one may at times see a moment of distraction set in. They lost focus. Those who win are those who are able to maintain full concentration for the entire duration of their performance. This is one of the keys to going from good to great. If we look at the qualities mentioned above in the field of sports, we will find they also apply to spirituality. We can look at the life of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj who left this earth in 1974. He started his mission in 1948, after Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji commissioned him to carry on the spiritual work of initiation into the Light and Sound for sincere seekers after truth. He continued his mission until his In the physical Olympics there can only be one gold medalist, but in the field of meditation and spirituality each of us can win the gold medal. Winning the gold medal means meditating on the inner Light and Sound, rising above physical body-consciousness, soaring on the current of Light and Sound through all the higher realms and reaching the abode of God, Sach Khand, where our soul merges with the Creator and becomes one with God. It is not restricted to an Olympics every four yearswe can participate in this Olympic all 24/7 and can attain it at anytime. The questions are: Why wait? Why not start now and complete the course now? We have observed each of the traits of a gold medal winner in the life of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj. 100% Focus on the Goal Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj had one hundred percent focus on his chosen goal. When he had matriculated from high school he took seven days to decide what ing answers by studying books and visiting those who could answer these questions. He had a continual prayer to meet a perfect Master who could lead him to the Truth. In fact, when he had compassionately nursed his own father back to health after a serious illness, his father told him to ask for anything he wanted. Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj said that all he wanted was to find someone who could show him the way back to God. When Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj began seeing the inner radiant form of a Master in 1917, he took the form to be that of Guru Nanak. That form continued appearing to him within until finally in 1924 he came in contact with Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj and realized that this was the form he had been seeing within all along. He thought it was due to the boon granted by his father that he was able to meet the Master who could show him the way back to God. Once he took initiation from Hazur, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj fully committed to fol-