US Affairs 11

Travel 26

Humor 28

Spiritual Awareness 30

NEW YORK EDITION

Vol.5 No. 9 June 16-22, 2012 60 Cents
NFIA holds Congressional luncheon and White House briefing Zindagi Na...', 'Rockstar' rule at IIFA in Singapore

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India, US resolve to harness full potential of ties

Washington: India and the US concluded their strategic dialogue with a resolve to harness the full potential of their multifarious relationship from strategic to economic to defense to the struggle against terrorism. It's a "unique opportunity to bring together all the threads of our cooperation that constitute the extraordinarily rich tapestry of our relationship," said External Affairs S.M. Krishna at the opening session of the third annual dialogue he co-chaired with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "In the process of our engagement, we have built something Continued on page 4

India's next president: still mired in uncertainty

New Delhi: Manmohan Singh would continue as prime minister till 2014, the Congress declared emphatically Thursday but the crucial question of who would be India's 13th president continued to Congress preferred candidate is Pranab Mukherjee, be mired in uncerbut Mamata-Mulayam suggested the names of APJ tainty with the Abdul Kalam and even Manmohan Singh. political intrigue The Mamata-Mulayam nexus of and hectic consultations yielding no the Trinamool Congress chief and answers. The announcement of Congress the Samajwadi Party head has made candidate would be made now after it known that former president A.P.J. the United Progressive Alliance Abdul Kalam was their first choice. Continued on page 4 (UPA) meets Friday.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian Minister of External Affairs S.M. Krishna address the press following the US-India Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC June 13.

Allegations against Justice Chaudhry aimed to paralyze judiciary: Imran

Islamabad: Cricketer-turnedpolitician Imran Khan has said the allegations being leveled against Pakistan Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry are actually meant to paralyze the superior judiciary, Daily Times reported Thursday. Expressing the support of his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to the country's judiciary, Imran Khan said the target was not only the chief justice but the entire Supreme Court. Pakistani tycoon Malik Riaz has accused Justice Chaudhry of turning a blind eye to his son's wrongdoings and claimed that the chief justice was aware of his son's activities much before he took suo motu notice of it last week. Appearing before court Tuesday, Riaz detailed the alleged payments he made to Arsalan Iftikhar over the past three years, including for his foreign visits, stay at high-end hotels in London and Monte Carlo, and picking up his gambling losses. Imran Khan said Riaz has turned Pakistan into an auction house by allegedly paying money to politicians, generals, journalists and bureaucrats. He said Riaz should reveal the names of the people he claims to have bought and they be held accountable too.

Shudh Prakash Singh (middle), Founder of Kundan and Jasuja Foundation, was honored along with three other prominent Long Islanders by Raj & Rajeshwari Foundation at its 6th annual fund-raising gala held at Woodlands in Woodbury, NY, June 13. Over $1,00,000 was raised to provide medical aid to the poorest in rural UP, India. For detailed report and more pictures, turn to pages 14-15.

Pakistan Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry: his son has been accused of corruption.

Awards TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Actor Manoj Kumar among 35 bestowed Bharat Gaurav awards in NJ

Founder President of Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha, Pt Suresh Mishra, addressing the audience. By Jinal Shah/SATimes Newark, NJ: Veteran Bollywood actor-director Manoj Kumar, Zee TVs head honcho Subhash Chandra and singer late Jagjit Singh were among 35 persons felicitated with the Bharat Gaurav Life Time Achievement Awards last Saturday in New Jersey. The awards instituted by Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha, a non-profit from India, recognize excellence and exemplary achievements of Indians settled abroad. The honorees at the Hilton Newark event included technocrats, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and religious leaders of Indian origin from the world over. This was Sanskritis first internationally held award ceremony, the last was in Rajasthan. On Manoj Bharat Kumar s behalf the award was accepted by his son Kunal Goswami; Subhash Chandras award was collected by Suresh Bala, CEO of Zee TV America; Jagjit Singhs by his niece. Other honorees from North America, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Kuwait, India and Thailand included Lal Motwani, President of NFIA, prominent jeweler Haridas Kotahwala, Kamlesh Some of the honorees and organizers of the Bharat Gaurav award. (Photos: Malak Designs)

Chairperson of Indias National Commission for Women Mamta Sharma

(from left) Rajput leader Lokender Singh Kalvi, Pt. Suresh Mishra, Mamta Sharma, and Upendra Chivukula at the event S. Abhaya Kumar of Chennai being honored. Mehta, Chairman of The South Asian Times, and Naveen C Shah, chief of Navika Group, Ajit Swaran Singh, district court judge from New Zealand, said, I am honored to be the recipient of the Bharat Gaurav award. Sanskriti has done wonderful work in education, environment and projects for the youth. Without our culture, our religion and knowledge we are likely to lose our youth in future. It is important to reconnect with our culture. I was born in Fiji Talking to the SATimes, President of Sanskriti Pt. Suresh Mishra said, The awards are given to honor people for their extraordinary accomplishments, philanthropy, and contributions to humanitarian causes. This awards program will hopefully connect NRIs from different parts of the world so we can continue to support social programs in India. Chairperson of Indias National Commission for Women Mamta Sharma was the chief guest and New Jersey deputy speaker Upendra Chivukula the guest of honor. Ex railway minister of India, Dinesh Trivedi could not attend the function but addressed the audience by video conference. I am looking forward to see more female awardees next year. Many Indian women have made it to the top not just in India but worldwide and they need to be felicitated

Naveen Shah, chief of Navika Group, being honored for their work, said Mamta Sharma. Chandmal Kumawat, President of Maneesh Media Inc, was co-sponsor of the event. Other prominent people at the ceremony included Rajput leader Lokender Singh Kalvi from Jaipur. Gobind Pareek, Media Secretary of Ashok Gehlot Chief Minister of Rajasthan was emcee.A coffee table book Bharat Gaurav Life Time achievement award was released at the event. Sanskriti is a social organization in Rajasthan, working to create awareness about the Indian culture and traditions especially among youth. It organizes the annual Jaipur Marathon and is to host the second Bharat Gaurav awards in England in 2014.

My father (Manoj Kumar) told me to talk about his film Purab Aur Paschim, so I will repeat two lines from the films song Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada, Mein Geet Wahan Ke Gaata Hoon, Bharat Ka Rehnewala Hoon Bharat Ki Baat Sunata Hoon. It is great to be here in the US for this event and especially for receiving this award on behalf of my father. I am thankful to god and thankful to all the people. --Kunal Goswami, on receiving Bharat Gaurav award on behalf of his famous father, actor-director Manoj Kumar.

Chandmal Kumawat (middle) at the release of the coffee table book on Bharat Gaurav awards.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Doshi STEM Charter School to open Obama names in Long Island in 2013 Indian-American as federal judge
Washington: Legal luminary Srikanth 'Sri' Srinivasan has been nominated by President Obama to what is "often called the nation's second-highest court", the US court of appeals for the American capital. Srinivasan, 45, who in August last year was named principal deputy solicitor general of the US, succeeding another Indian American, Neal Katyal, creates history in becoming the first South Asian to be ever nominated to the circuit court. When confirmed, he will be just the third South Asian named to any federal judgeship. Along with Srinivasan, the president also nominated Caitlin Halligan, to also serve on the same court. "Caitlin Halligan and Sri Srinivasan are dedicated public servants who will bring their tremendous experience, intellect, and integrity to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit," Obama said, adding: "Srinivasan will be a trailblazer and, like Halligan, will serve the court with distinction and excellence." Srinivasan is a highly-respected appellate advocate who has spent a

Dr Leena Doshi, founder of AU Foundation, which is partnering with SUNY College. Legal luminary Srikanth 'Sri' Srinivasan distinguished career litigating before the US Supreme Court and the US Courts of Appeals, both on behalf of the US and in private practice. Srinivasan was born in Chandigarh and grew up in Lawrence, Kansas. He is an alumnus of Stanford Law School and has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Busines. In 2007, Srinivasan became a partner with O'Melveny & Myers LLP. In 2011, he was named the chair of the firm's appellate practice group. He was named as the Principal Deputy Solicitor General in August 2011.
New York: SUNY College at Old Westbury and the AU Foundation, Inc. are partnering to develop the Doshi STEM Charter School, which would open on the College campus in 2013 and will emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as a means to prepare students for the challenges of college and career in the 21st century. In the new global economy, an education with a STEM focus is a vital step towards providing students with the needed skills and technological familiarity that will enable them to take part in the exciting economies of the future. The Doshi STEM Charter School will serve a high school population, beginning with a projected class of 125 ninth grade students. Through a rigorous Advanced Placement curriculum, application based learning, and supportive extracurricular services and activities, the School will seek to enable students to become active classroom contributors and critical thinkers, an approach that is necessary for college admission and success. Moreover, in keeping with the goals outlined in the State University of New Yorks Strategic Plan, a successful STEM Charter School will serve as a model for replication in other communities across the state as a means of contributing to an improved education pipeline for all New Yorkers. Much has been discussed about the need for a skilled workforce related to STEM on Long Island and the pivotal role it can play in the future of our region, state and nation. Through this collaborative effort, we as a liberal arts college will successfully address this issue at its core through the education of students, the expansion of knowledge of our professors, and the enhanced preparation of the future teachers our College educates, said Calvin O. Butts, III, president of SUNY College at Old Westbury. Leena Doshi, founder, AU Foundation, Inc, said, The Doshi STEM Charter School will offer an education that blends experiential learning with the critical elements of education in mathematics, science and more. We hope to draw applicants that will represent the diversity of Long Island. We will then challenge our students to set their sights high and to exceed their own expectations. A community forum to discuss the plans for the Doshi STEM Charter School will be held on the evening of June 25 at SUNY College at Old Westbury.

Sonu Nigaam packs 8,000 in NJ concert hall

Rajat Gupta was 'very upset, stressed' over $ 10 million loss: Daughter
New York: The eldest daughter of former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta, facing trial for insider trading, Tuesday told the jury that her father was "very upset, frustrated and stressed" about his $ 10 million loss in an investment fund parked with convicted hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam's Galleon group. Geetanjali Gupta, a masters from Harvard Business School, works for the Harvard Management Company, an arm of the university that oversees the investment of its endowment, testified in the Manhattan federal court as a defense witness. When asked by the prosecutor do you love your father, would you do anything to help him, she said, Yes I love him. I will do anything to help him but I would not lie on the stand," she said. As she walked out of the courtroom, 63year-old Gupta looked at her and choked up and became visibly emotional. Gupta's wife and his three other daughters were sitting right behind him in the court's spectator gallery. In her testimony, Geetanjali told the jury that her father was "very upset, frustrated and stressed" about his $ 10 million loss that he had incurred in the investment fund with the Sri Lankan-origin Rajaratnam. The daughter said her father is a relatively calm and collective person but he was very stressed and was running his hands through his hair when he discussed with her about the investment loss. The defense showed an e-mail to the jury from Gupta's daughter to him in which she addressed him as "Baba" and asked him "how bad are things with Rajaratnam fund." If convicted 63-year-old Gupta, who served on boards of various companies, faces up to 25 years in prison. The former McKinsey head is accused of breaching his fiduciary duties by passing secret corporate information to Rajaratnam, who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence.

onu Nigaam, the popular Bollywood playback singer, had a sold out concert on June 9 in Trenton, NJ. He and his troupe entertained the 8,000 strong crowd with melodies from the 1970s to popular contemporary songs while also paying tribute to music

legends Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. Enthused by the response, Kanu Chauhan, of Rajsun Megastar Entertainment, is organizing another Sonu show on July 14 at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. Photographs by Gunjesh Desai/ masalajunction.com

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Anand Mahindra gets global leadership award

Washington: Anand Mahindra, vice chairman & managing director of Mahindra Group, and Alan Mulally, president & CEO, Ford Motor Company, have been honored with Global Leadership Awards for their outstanding contributions to the US-India growth story. The Indian and US business leaders were given the awards at the 37th anniversary leadership summit of the US-India Business Council. The Mahindra Group continues to invest heavily in the American agricultural sector. Since starting Mahindra USA in 1994, the company has grown 20 times over and sold over 10,000 tractors. More than 90 percent of India US resolve story Continued from page 1 more precious -- friendship, goodwill, trust, mutual confidence, candor, and belief in the importance of a successful partnership," he said. "Sometimes there are questions and doubts about the relationship. They are inevitable in something so unique and new," Krishna acknowledged.

5 Rajasthan forts proposed as world heritage sites

By Prakash Bhandari/ SATimes Jaipur: The names of five forts of Rajasthan have been sent for approval to be included as UNESCOs world heritage site. Rajasthans tourism minister Bina Kak said the forts of Rajasthan, because of their special features and outstanding universal value of Rajput architecture, would always find importance among the heritage lovers and historians. The five forts are of Amber, Ranthambore, Gagron in Jhalawar district, Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh. Kak said the final decision for approval of these sites will be taken up at the World Heritage Session at St Petersburg from June 24 to July 7. The Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur and the astronomical observatory of Jaipurs Jantar Mantar are currently listed as world heritage sites. These are among 28 such sites in India and the list includes Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Kaziranga Park.

IALI to honor 6
Hicksville, NY: The India Association of Long Island (IALI) is holding its 33rd annual gala dinner on June 17 at Leonards, Great Neck, NY. The community organization will honor six Long Islanders at the event, said its President Sukhvinder Ranu . They are Dr Ajay Lodha, Internist, Treasurer National AAPI; Dr Jagan Pahuja, PediatricEndocrinologist; Animesh Goenka, businessman, President National AIA; George Abraham, President INOC; Raj Mehta, CEO Infosys International; and Sher S. Madra, Chairman, Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation. The mission of over three decade old IALI is to promote, share, and celebrate the culture of India through cultural programs and educational activities that foster a better understanding of the diversity and rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent to Indians and the larger community of Long Island. threw a spanner in the presidential poll works with its shock list of Manmohan Singh, Kalam and former speaker Somnath Chatterjee as their preferred choices. The two, accounting for 10.7 percent of the electorate for the presidential election, virtually rejected the Congress choices of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari. There were also signs that the ruling party would woo the SP against Trinamool and seek support from smaller parties and even sections of the Left. Congress has said emphatically that it cannot spare Manmohan Singh, who would remain prime minister till 2014. It also summarily rejected Kalam and Chatterjee. Close aides of the SP said that Mulayam Singh was not averse to a "slight climbdown" on Mukherjee as president but was completely against Ansari. The opposition BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is also meeting Friday to take a decision on its choice. Photo Journalist: Parveen/Bhanu Seth Chief Cartoonist: Mahendra P. Shah Art and Design: Vladimir Tomovski Bhagwati Creations, Rahul Sahota Web Editor: B.B.Chopra News Service: HT Media Ltd. IANS Newswire Services Printing: Five Star Printing, NY Richner Publications Contacts [email protected] [email protected] Advertisements [email protected] P : 516.390.7847 F : 516.465.1343

Anand Mahindra their employees in this enterprise are American, USIBC said. Ford Motor Company has recently laid the foundation stone for its new $906 million manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat.

President Obama calls Prime Minister Singh

resident Obama spoke Thursday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The two leaders agreed on the importance of steps to strengthen the resilience of the global economy in response to persistent risks in the Eurozone. They also agreed to work closely together toward a successful G-20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico, on June 18-19.

"But I believe that having settled the question of whether India and the US can or should work towards a close relationship, the question we ask now are how to harness the full potential of that relationship," he said. Echoing Krishna, Clinton said: "The effectiveness of our partnership hinges on our ability together to convert common interests into common actions." But "It's not enough just to talk about cooperation" on various issues, she said. "We have to follow through so that our people - citizens of two great pluralistic democracies - can see and feel the benefits." Forging a new and more mature phase in their critical bilateral relationship, Clinton said: "There is less need today for the dramatic breakthroughs that marked earlier phases, but more need for steady, focused cooperation." Noting that bilateral trade and investment may exceed $100 billion this year, up tenfold since 1995 and up more than 40 percent since 2009, Clinton made a call to keep up the

momentum. She sought to advance negotiations on the "Bilateral Investment Treaty, to further reduce barriers to trade and investment in areas like multi-brand retail, and to create hospitable environments for each of our companies to do business in the other's country". Noting that the bilateral defense trade has surpassed $8 billion over the last five years, Clinton said: "We are convinced this partnership can grow in the future to include joint research, development and co-production of defense systems." Indias next president story Continued from page 1 The 81-year-old was president from 20022007 and would be 86 by the time he finishes his second tenure. Mamata Banerjee is skipping the meeting of the UPA-sings of a fall out with Congress party. Banerjee and Mulayam Singh Wednesday Strategy & Business Development Namit Narain, C: 516.303.2075 [email protected]

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Notice: The South Asian Times is published weekly by The Forsythe Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send all address notices, subscription orders/payments and other inquiries to The South Asian Times, 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Copyright and all other rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be reprinted without the consent of the publisher. The views expressed on the opinion pages and in the letters to the editor pages are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The South Asian Times. The editor/publisher does not warrant accuracy and cannot be held responsible for the content of the advertisements placed in the publication and/or inaccurate claims, if any, made by the advertisers. Advertisements of business or facilities included in this publication do not imply connection or endorsement of these businesses. All rights reserved.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

NFIA holds Congressional luncheon and White House briefing

Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ), former co-chair of the India caucus, at the NFIA luncheon. By Vikas Girdhar Washington DC in

Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY) making a point. ed a dinner at the Indian Embassy. In his address at the luncheon, NFIA President Lal Motwani acknowledged major progress during his time with the NFIA, an apex body of Indian organizations in the US and said, As a priority, I have taken an initiative to get more involvement from youth, women and senior citizens in NFIA. Congressmen and women who showed up included Chris Van Hollen (8th District of Maryland), Jaime Herrera Beutler (3rd District of Virginia), and Yvette Clarke (11th District of New York) and they all underscored the importance of Indian culture and values in America. Congressman John Garamendi, of the 10th Congressional District of California, said, The issues your community faces are the same as faced by the entire nation, and theres an additional set of issues beyond that. One thing we are working hard to accomplish hereat least, my Democratic

Jaime Herrera Beutler (VA), youngest woman serving in the US Congress. colleagues and Iis to create a jobs program to get people back to work. Senator Barbara McCloskey (Maryland) could not attend but sent a message. At the Indian embassy, Amb. Nirupama Rao lauded NFIA and its annual Washington D.C. events and the strong role the IndianAmerican community plays in India-US relations. We deeply value your contribution and your abiding commitment to promoting friendship, understanding and cooperation between the worlds two leading democracies, India and the US, said Rao. The event that you organize every year on Capitol Hill is testimony to your growing presence and your role in the US and the strong influence you bring to guiding the course of US-India relations and the great expectations we have from you in taking this important relationship forward. People-to-people contact is at

Congresswoman Judy Chu posing with a group.

Washington DC: The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) held its 21st annual Congressional luncheon and White House briefing June 7 with over a dozen Congressmen and women addressing the delegation. The day-long program attracted over 250 delegates from various parts of the USA as well as 40 from India for the first time under the umbrella of NFIAs Rajasthan chapter. The luncheon featured distinguished guests and speeches by event organizers as well as Congress members. A the White House briefing, half a dozen Indian-Americans serving in the Obama administration shared their views and expertise about areas of concern for the audience. In the evening Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao addressed the delegation and host-

Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) addressing the NFIA delegation the heart of the US-India relationship and how we nurture this contact will determine how firmly our relationship stands in the years to come. We are fortunate to have an Indian diaspora in the US whose capability and contributions instill enormous confidence. NFIA also organized a womens seminar the next day in the city. Motwani has thanked his Washington DC committee, particularly Rajen S. Anand and Parthasarathi Pillai, for their support in making the event a success. This year, they also brought about a 40-page souvenir.

Veteran community leader Joy Cherian.

Mamta Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, India

Arun K. Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission in the Indian Embassy Washington, addressing the audience.

NFIA President Lal Motwani speaks at the Congressional luncheon.

Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing the NFIA delegation and (below) posing with them.

NFIA office-bearers and team.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Ram Jethmalani advocates criticism of Gandhi

Ashok Ojha/SATimes Edison, NJ: Eyebrows were raised when the noted Jurist and lawyer Ram Jethmalani, known for his blunt views, strongly criticized Mahatma Gandhi and his policies of non-violence and tolerance at a gathering of Indian Americans in Edison, NJ. Expressing his displeasure over the hosts request to speak on non-violence, the former Law Minister of India said, India didnt win its freedom from the British because of Gandhis non-violence. There were many factors responsible for it, such as, Britains waning power after the Second World War, defeat of Churchill in British election and the rise of Labor leaders in Britain along with Mumbais Naval Mutiny. depended on the Britishers faith in the rule of law in order to make his Satyagraha succeed against them. He knew that the British would never use force against non-violent protesters. Protesting Jethmalanis views, a member of the audience asked, If that was the case why did Jalianwala Baugh happen? Jethmalani responded, It happened before Gandhi came to limelight. In addition General Dawyer was tried in Britain, even though he was not punished for his crime. Jethmalani also said that the title of Mahatma suited Gandhis style of leadership. He never opposed use of this title on him. Pointing to the objections of the audience who were uncomfortable listening to the criticism of Mahatma Gandhi, Jethmalani pointed out, We as a nation should mercilessly criticize national leaders of India. Other controversial comments made by Jethmalani were: I was the first Indian to have received political asylum in the USA and Narendra Modi is the future Prime Minister of India. Jethmalani said that he left Indian during the emergency with permission of Nani Palkhiwala, his superior at the Bar Council. I came to USA to tell the whole world that Democracy was throttled by Indira Gandhi. I appeared for a hearing before the US Senate on this issue, he said. The meeting was jointly organized by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and TV Asia to celebrate the birth anniversary of Bhavans founder Kanhaiya Lal Munshi.

Ram Jethmalani The 88 years old jurist not only raised his voice many times during his speech in order to make his point across, he also demonstrated that he continued to be in good health and possessed unfettered conviction for his opinion. Indirectly praising the British style of governance, Jethmalani pointed out, Gandhi

NJ Indian Americans plan grand 4th of July celebration in Edison.

Ashok Ojha/SATimes Edison, NJ: Indian American entrepreneurs, professionals and business got together under the banner of South Asian Community Outreach to organize a spectacular Independence Day of United States celebration on 4th of July in Edison, NJ. At a recent meeting of the executive committee of the organization volunteers agreed to showcase Indian and Asian heritage at an especially designated park in the township of Edison, which is known as home of largest number of Asian Americans in New Jersey. Sam Khan, a Republican hopeful for the Freeholder seat in Middlesex County said that SACO is working hard to bring all South Asians at one platform to demonstrate their commitment to American values and ideas. Celebrating 4th of July is one way to do that, he pointed out. We will erect a big stage for performers to present entertaining programs, said Sarvesh Dharayan, Executive Vice- President of SACO. We are expecting about ten thousand people to attend this celebration, he said. According to Atma Singh, President of 4th of July Celebration Committee, dozens of vendors agreed to set up their stalls to sell souvenirs, goodies and food. We have invited a wide range of vendors to be part of this celebration. Sam Khan, Founder of South Asian Community Outreach, said, We are celebrating US Independence Day for the first time on such a large scale. The goal of SACO is to build a wider platform to provide a strong voice for our constitutional rights, responsibilities and duties as American citizens.

Indian Americans honor Seymor James

New York: Samir Chopra, President of Indian Americans of New York recently honored Seymour W. James, Jr.,at a ceremony at the Long Island Marriot. Mr. James is President of the New York State Bar Association; where he will lead the 77,000- member organization. James currently serves as a member of Chief Judge Lippmans Justice Task Force, the New York State Permanent Sentencing Commission, the Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department, the Committee on Character and Fitness for the Second Judicial Department and the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission for the Second Judicial Department. He also serves as the secretary of the Correctional Association. Samir Chopra said, Seymour is a wonderful friend of the community and extends himself for the protection of civil rights important to all Americans, he has a proven track record of service to the community and his example is motivational. Samir is a Recipient of President Obamas Volunteer Service Medal. He is Trustee of the Hindu Center and a former Director of the South Asian Bar Association. Samir was awarded the Walter Upjohn Award and completed his education at Emory, INSEAD

Dr. Parveen Chopra (President Asian American Coalition ), Seymour James President NYSBA; Samir Chopra ( President Indian Americans of New York)

and Harvard and has completed several Marathons and triathalons. Dr. Parveen Chopra is a Board Member of the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan and served for over 25 years as a Commissioner. He was one of the first Indian Americans to serve in public office on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States and is a Recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor - a distinction he shares with six President of the United States of America.

Health Awareness program held in Long Island

ers included Dr Sunil Mehra Director of ICU and Pulmonary Medicine; Dr Prem Goel Cardiologist and Internal Medicine; and Rita Batheja, Registered Dietitian and Founder of Indian American Dietetic Association. People of Indian Origin (PIO) are at a higher risk to develop Diabetes and Heart Disease than their fellow Americans. Amongst the 3 million Asian Indians in the USA, 1 in 5 has Diabetes and 1 in 3 has PreDiabetes. The US-PIOs have a significantly higher risk of heart diseases, particularly heart attack rates that are estimated to be 1.5 - 4 times greater than the white American population.

SET kicks off Indian Idol Season 6 on June 1

Darshan Singh Bagga, President of GOPIO-LI and others at the event Long Island, NY: "A Health Island Chapter in collaboration with Awareness Program" was held in IALI and AAPI. Chaired by Long Island, on June 10 and was Darshan Singh Bagga, President of attended by 90+ PIOs and commu- GOPIO-LI, assisted by Secretary nity leaders. The session at Mint Gobind Munjal, it was moderated restaurant in Garden City, NY, was by GOPIO Health Council Chair co-sponsored by GOPIO Long Sangeeta Ahuja. The panel of speak-

Sony Entertainment Networks flagship general entertainment channel Sony Entertainment Television, Asia has announced the exclusive launch of Indian Idol for yet another great season.Indian Idol Season comes to you this year with four music gurus - Salim Merchant, Anu Malik, Sunidhi Chauhan and the legendary Asha Bhosle. Witness new idol in the making every Friday & Saturday starting June 1st at 830 PM EST on Sony Entertainment Television Asia.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Breakthrough on n-deal boosts India-US ties

Washington,DC: With the looming shadow of Iran oil sanctions removed, India and the United States made substantial progress at their third strategic dialogue, including a breakthrough on the stalled civil nuclear deal. Though the agreement between USbased Westinghouse and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd for preliminary site development for future construction of nuclear power plants in Gujarat came outside the conference room, it set the tone of discussions at the dialogue. Both Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary, who co-chaired the wide-ranging dialogue, welcomed the removal of a major hurdle in the implementation of the landmark India-US civil nuclear deal stalled over US concerns over India's tough nuclear liability law. "It should put at rest some of the interpretations and some of the confusion" over the nuclear deal to allow "nuclear commerce to expand itself," said Krishna hoping more Indian and American companies will come forward to invest in India. Clinton called it a "significant step toward the fulfillment of our landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement" and said she looked forward to additional deals with other American companies, including General Electric-Hitachi. But she said "there is still a lot of work to be done, including understanding the implications of nuclear liability legislation" that has kept US companies away though the 2008 agreement had reserved two sites for American companies. ence later that Iran issue only "came up in passing" and the US "fully understood India's position" and its oil imports from Iran which "has been one of the important sources" for India had been "coming down because of the "international situation." There was no one single overarching outcome of the dialogue, but a 13 point joint statement listing progress in seven key areas took note of "the remarkable expansion and growth of the bilateral relationship since the inaugural Strategic Dialogue in 2010." "They committed to further broaden and deepen the US-India global strategic partnership and charted a vision for the future, centred on promoting shared prosperity, peace and stability," it said. Recognizing the importance of people to people contacts, the statement said "leaders of both countries have placed promotion of closer ties between the people, private collaborations and public-private partnerships at the centre of the Strategic Dialogue." The seven key areas listed encompassed: strategic cooperation; Counter-terrorism, Intelligence, Homeland Security and Cyber Security; Energy and Climate Change; Education and Development; Economic, Trade and Agriculture; Science & Technology, Health and Innovation; Global Partnership; and People -to-people ties. The next meeting of the Strategic Dialogue is planned in New Delhi in 2013.

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at their meeting at the Department of State on June 13, 2012 in the framework of the 3rd round of India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC Another key outcome was an agreement to hold a trilateral dialogue with Afghanistan, seen as a recognition of India's constructive role in the trouble torn nation, with Clinton welcoming India's hosting of the Delhi Summit on Investment in Afghanistan on June 28 in New Delhi. Referring to the exemption given to India from Iran oil sanctions, Clinton also appreciated steps taken by India "to diversify its sources of imported crude by reducing purchases of Iranian oil." But Krishna suggested at a press confer-

India, US announce eight educational partnerships

Washington,DC: In a milestone in the educational partnership between India and the United States, eight institutional partnership projects, four each led by either country, were announced for the first Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative awards. The goal of the initiative is to further strengthen, through faculty exchanges, joint research, and other collaboration, partnerships between American and Indian institutions of higher education in priority fields, including food security, climate change, sustainable energy, and public health, the US State Department announced Tuesday. Each project will receive an award of approximately $250,000 that can be utilised over the three-year grant period to encourage mutual understanding, educational reform, and economic growth, as well as the development of junior faculty. Indian-led Partnerships: Mahatma Gandhi University: An Interdisciplinary and Community Oriented Approach toward Sustainable Development in partnership with Brown University, Duke University and Plymouth State University. Banaras Hindu University: Paradigm Shift in Energy Scenario for the 21st Century toward Renewable Energy Sources required for both India and the US in partnership with University of Pittsburgh. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur: International Programme for

Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the US Department of State on June 12, 212 during the opening session of the India-US Higher Education Dialogue. From L-R: Ambassador Nirupama Rao,Tara D. Sonenshine, Under Secretary Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Robert Blake, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian, and US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell. Sustainable Infrastructure Populations in partnership Development in partnership with Bangalore University. with Virginia Tech Cornell University: University. Implementing Reformed Indian Institute of Curriculum in Emerging Technology, Delhi: Resource areas of Agriculture and Building for Ecosystem and Food Security in Two State Human Health Risk Agricultural Universities of Assessment with Special ref- India in partnership with erence to Microbial University of Agricultural Contamination in partner- Sciences, Dharwad and ship with Drexel University. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel US-led partnerships: University of Agriculture Rutgers, the State and Technology, Meerut. University of New Jersey: University of Michigan: Capitalising on the The Joint Development of a Demographic Dividend: Master's Degree in Enhancing Talent Education for Health Development Capacity for Professions Faculty in the India and the US in the 21st United States and India in Century in partnership with partnership with Tata Institute of Social Maharashtra University of Sciences, Mumbai. the Health Sciences. University of Montana: The next request for proImpacts of Climate Change posals for grants from the and Changes in Socio- Obama-Singh Initiative Economic Structure on announced by Prime Traditional Agriculture and Minister Manmohan Singh the Development of and President Barack Obama Sustainable Communities in November 2009 will be among Indigenous announced in July 2012.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

IN BRIEF

Asian Pacific American leaders applaud Sri Srinivasans nomination

Preparations in full swing for Franklin Township Pratistha Mahotsav 2012

he devotion and love for the Non-violent Jain philosophy has never wavered through time or space in the hearts of every Jain. In spite of migrating around the globe, Jains have always attempted to preserve the teachings of their Tirthankars by building places of worship known as Derasars.. The Jain Center of New Jersey (JCNJ) is one of the many Sanghs with a large presence in the Continental United States. JCNJ embarked on a journey to build a Shikarbhandi Derasar that would symbolize the message of world peace and non-violence to all. JCNJ is celebrating the inauguration of its new Derasar in Franklin Township, New Jersey with a Grand Pratistha Mohastvav from June 29th to July 8th, 2012. The Pratistha Mahotsav will be celebrated with pomp and joy amidst ceremonial pujas, bhakti sangeet, dramas, cultural programs and community feasts. Renowned singers, vidhkaars, and musicians will enrich this event along with the presence and blessings of renowned Jain spiritual leaders, scholars, and various

ational Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) has lauded President Obamas nomination of Sri Srinivasan to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. If confirmed, Srinivasan will be the first Asian Pacific American in history to serve on the D.C. Circuit, and the first South Asian American ever to serve as a federal circuit court judge. "Sri Srinivasan is an exemplary attorney who has the judgment, experience, and temperament to be an outstanding addition to the D.C. Circuit," said Nimesh M. Patel, president, NAPABA. "NAPABA is extremely

pleased that President Obama has nominated Mr. Srinivasan to the bench, and we plan to work with the Senate to ensure that he is confirmed to the D.C. Circuit as soon as possible. This is truly a historic nomination. "We commend the President on nominating Sri Srinivasan to the D.C. Circuit," said Mee Moua, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. "Mr. Srinivasan is one of the nations most experienced appellate attorneys and he clearly possesses the credentials and experience to serve with distinction on this important court.

dignitaries. As a symbol of utmost bhakti and reverence towards the bhagwans, helicopters will shower the compound with multi-colored, fragrant flowers. A varghodo procession consisting of silver chariots, horses, live bands, an exquisite wooden elephant, 14 swapnas and other commemorative activities will also take place. Over 6000 sadharmiks are expected to attend this sacred event and hotel as well as bus provisions have been made for out-of-town guests. The derasar will house beautiful and captivating Anjanshalaka Pratimajis of 5 Tirthankar Bhagwans. These are Shri Munisuvratswami (41 tall ), Shri Mahavirswami (37), Shri Simandharswami (37), Shri Vasupujyaswami (37) and Shri Sankeshwar Parshwanath (37) . In addition sculptures of Dev, Devi, and Guru Bhagwant will accompany the 24 Tirthankars. These sculptures will be housed in artistic deris surrounding the main deities. Under a single roof, unity in diversity can be observed through the presence of a Digambar Derasar, Sthanakvasi Hall, and Shrimad Rajchandra Bhakti Hall.

BAPS hosts walkathon in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC

Cruise for a Cause

Cruising to benefit the Cross Island YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
Bellerose, NY: The Cross Island YMCA hosted its 1st annual Cruise for a Cause, a Strong Kids Campaign fundraiser on Saturday, June 2. Families enjoyed New Yorks world-renowned skyline. The event was a fourhour lunch family cruise around Manhattan. There was a variety of family friendly entertainment, games and variety of live music for dancing. The event supported the YMCAs Strong Kids Campaign. The Strong Kids Campaign is an annual community support campaign that works to create stronger, closer families; healthier, more involved kids; and enriched and revitalized communities. According to the U.S. Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention, while nearly all kids in the U.S. play computers or handheld games only 38 percent participate in regular organized physical activity. Even more sobering, 50 percent of family member meals are eaten away from

Over 450 participated in the walkathon New York: In keeping with its theme, Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time, the BAPS Charities 13th annual walkathon was held on Sunday, June 13, 2012 in New York City, NY. Over 450 members of the community participated in this years walkathon. Coming together to walk for a singular purpose, participants of all ages joined hands and raised funds to support this years local beneficiary, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. Walking for such a notable cause is a great honor, said Nilkanth Patel, President of BAPS Charities. Being able to organize this kind of event is always an exciting opportunity for BAPS Charities. Walkathons like these unite members of the community, no matter the age, to serve other causes. The enthusiasm behind this event is really the driving force to ensuring the success of the todays event Not only is it amazing how everyone can come together to support one cause, it is also great to walk with others who believe in building a better community, said Pritam Shah, Community Outreach Coordinator of BAPS NYC. Benefiting a charity that mentors children is a great way to bring the community together, and getting a chance to walk with a big group of people who feel the same way is a fun way to get some exercise! Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national organization with local roots that aims to provide mentoring and guidance to children. We appreciate BAPS Charities for choosing us as the beneficiary of the walk and it means so much to us, said Emily Daniels from Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC. We are proud to be part of giving back to our community and supporting such an excellent organization that helps our most precious group in our communities, namely children. Taking part in the Walk also lets our community in Flushing know of our activity and involvement in supporting noble causes and walking with like minded people said Dr Vipul Patel of Fresh Meadows, NYC. In attendance at this years BAPS Charities Walkathon was Peter Koo, NYC Councilman of Flushing. Renu Lobo, NYC Human Rights Commission members presence showed her appreciation for the efforts of the participants. I am very happy to join you in this very meaningful and wonderful walk with BAPS for the many years of community service to the good borough of Queens explained Peter Koo.

Dancers performed during the Cross Island YMCA Cruise for a Cause. home. Sobering statistics like Queens and a beacon of hope those can lead one to ask, to many. The Strong Kids Whats happened to our Campaign helps provide famsense of community and how ilies and kids in our commucan we get it back? nity with the support they Every day, the Cross Island need to overcome adversity Y serves as a vital gathering and to thrive said Walker. place for the community. Please join us as we work toKids pour through our doors gether and support one anothafter school to play, do home- er to make our home work, and get involved in stronger. their communities. Seniors With the Strong Kids meet for coffee, group activi- Campaign, we want more ties, and to connect with one people to understand that we another. The Strong Kids are more than where to go to Campaign ensures that the Y exercise or swim and that can continue to provide we rely on their financial supQueens with these and other port to do our vital work. life-enhancing services. Dana Feinberg, Executive DiThe Y is a fixture in rector of the Cross Island Y.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

'US has enormous stake in India's India seeks access to Headley, Rana Washington,DC: As India and the US reiterated Headley and Rana, he said: "We are looking for their commitment to bringing to justice the per- access right now. We will discuss the next steps emergence as a global power' petrators of the November 2008 Mumbai terror after that."
Washington,DC: Saying that US has enormous stake in India's emergence as a global power, President Barack Obama's top adviser on international economic issues has voiced US businesses concern over the investment climate in India. "US firms have increasingly grown concerned about the economic relationship, fearing that the investment atmosphere has deteriorated or that domestic political challenges are slowing the pace of reform," Deputy National Security advisor Michael Froman said at the US-India Business Council Tuesday. "While there has been significant improvement in the bilateral trade and economic relationship, there is much more that can be done," he told the business forum comprising over 350 top US and Indian companies. "As strategic partners, it is important that we be open and frank about how best to go about that," Froman said course world's largest democracy and soon to be perhaps the most populous country." "Its economy is growing at a rate that envies the industrialized nations and has the potential to be a significant driver of global economic growth," said Froman noting that in many ways the bilateral economic relationship was the driver of the political relationship. However, the current mood of US businesses should be "worrisome" as the business community has been one of the strongest proponents of a strong US-India relationship, he said listing issues ranging from civil nuclear power deal, to taxes to implementation of the regulatory reforms. "When we think of India as an emerging power, one of the key component on which India would build its influence is its economic strength and attractiveness," Froman said asserting all these areas can be addressed if there is a "political will" to do so.
attack, India sought access to two key plotters David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Both Headley, son of a Pakistani father and an American mother who changed his given name of Syed Daood Gilani to scout targets for the 26/11 attack for Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and his boyhood friend Rana who provided him the cover of his travel business, are currently in a Chicago jail. "India's interest in further access to Headley and Rana, in accordance with our legal procedures," for the investigations into the Mumbai attack was raised during the just concluded India-US strategic dialogue, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters Wednesday. Asked if India had sought the extradition of The joint statement issued after the dialogue also "reiterated their commitment to bringing to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008 and to comprehensive sharing of information on the investigations and trials relating to that attack." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who cochaired the dialogue, said the two countries are sharing information related to terrorism and other related issues. "With respect to information-sharing it is our policy and practice to share information, and we do that," she said declining to go into details. A Chicago court last week dismissed a retrial plea by Rana and set his sentencing for Dec 4. But the sentencing of Headleyis yet to be announced.

Deputy National Security advisor Michael Froman ahead of Wednesday's IndiaUS strategic dialogue cochaired by External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. President Barack Obama views India as one of his top foreign policy priorities and "is committed to forging a long term truly global partnership with India, recognizing India's increasing role as a 21st century power," he said. "We have enormous stake in India's emergence as a global power. India is of

For Hillary, ties with India are an 'affair of the heart'

Washington, DC: For US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, India-US relationship is an "affair of the heart" and her commitment to it has not diminished any with its ups and downs. "With respect to affairs of the heart, they usually have ups and downs," she said amidst laughter at a joint press conference with Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna at the end of the third edition of India-US strategic dialogue. "But that does not make them any less heartfelt or any less of a commitment," Clinton said when asked if given the ups and downs in their ties, the sentiments that she had voiced standing on the same podium with Krishna two years ago had changed. "And so I feel as strongly today as I did two years ago," she said noting that "it's always a temptation to zero in on what the differences are." "But whether it's one country or another or, in particular, India, I always look at the totality of the relationship," Clinton said. While "two great nations with our histories and our political systems - these raucous, incredibly pluralistic democracies" were bound to have differences," she said, "there is no doubt that our values and our interests are converging." "So I'm very positive about our relationship, and we will continue to work through the differences as they arise," Clinton said.

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National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

'Patang' brings healing touch to Gujarat

Washington, DC: IndianAmerican director Prashant Bhargava chose to set his awardwinning first feature film "Patang" (Kite) about family conflict in Ahmedabad because of the unique way people of Gujarat handled tragedy with kites playing a key role. "What touched me about Gujarat was the way people handled tragedy - riots, natural disasters. And kite flying played such an important role in providing them that momentum to pursue (happiness) and persevere," says Bhargava. "For me kite flying was a meditation and a purifying experience," said Bhargava, who focused on the nucleus of a family to tell his story - a successful Delhi businessman "returning to his childhood home with his daughter, a big city girl, who parties a lot and is very sexually aware, and his family there." "That magic that I saw during the research period was something that I wanted to preserve," said Bhargava, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. "And so I designed the whole film, the whole scene the whole shooting style living that life on screen and preserved that authenticscene sometimes taking two hours. For one particular scene on the roof, the whole cast was in character for six hours with Seema Biswas of "Bandit Queen" fame moving around in character, preparing food for everyone the night before. "That was the way we worked," said Bhargava. He did a two-and-a-half month workshop for the street kids with games and memory exercises to make them comfortable in front of the camera. "I would never give a kid the line. I'll tell him catch the kite and when he would see the kite, he would run after that sometimes through traffic; they would get angry with him. "Some other kid would catch the kite he would be sad; he would catch the kite he would be happy," he added. In the case of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who plays the role of Chakku, an angry young man who resents the way his big city uncle descends grandly on the small town relatives, "I told him to roam around for two weeks. Do whatever you want to do. Find that Chakku character." "So for two weeks he would go to chai shops, listen to people, watch out how they spoke. And he met a character who was like Chakku in real life," he said. "Eventually when he had to act in the film with kids, I introduced him as Chakku the character." It's "for the first time a film showcases Ahmedabad to national audiences that shows not the riots but something positive," said Bhargava, expressing confidence his refreshingly different film will do well in India too. It's "very Indian in its root. Very musical" and "I think Indian audiences are ready for something new," he said. After winning awards and acclaim at prestigious film festivals like the Berlin and Tribeca, "Patang" releases in US theatres June 15 - in New York City, New Jersey and Chicago. Following that, it will release June 22 in Toronto and June 29 in Vancouver, the San Francisco Bay Area, and additional US cities in July and India soon after.

Prashant Bhargava, Indian American director of award-winning film "Patang", set in Ahmedabad. The film releases in US theatres on June 15. ity and pride of that everyday stuff." Coming from a director who has made music videos and commercials, it's not surprising that the film has a lyrical visual quality, but it's the naturalistic performance of the cast, 90 percent of which is made up of non-actors, that has taken everyone by storm. How did he do that? For one, he paired an actor with a non-actor during the shooting and gave them small objectives. The result was very long takes with a one-minute

Will take Obama's cooking challenge after polls: Indian chef

Washington, DC: Indian-origin chef Vikas Khanna, who recently cooked for Barack Obama at a fund-raiser event, says he would like to take up the American President's challenge and compete with his cooking of keema curry some day after the US elections. "President Obama actually is a very big foodie. The President loves spicy food and I'm sure he enjoyed our creations, inspired by Himalayas...," says the Michelinstarred chef. "Time and again he has asked me to compete with his cooking of

Chef Vikas Khanna keema curry. One day after the elections, I'll take him on the challenge," Amritsar-born Khanna, who recently came out with a cookbook "Flavors First: An Indian Chef's Culinary Journey."

US Affairs TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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June 16-22, 2012

Republican Senators criticize Attorney General over response to leaks

Washington: Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday strongly criticized the recent decision by Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to appoint two United States attorneys to investigate recent disclosures of classified national security information, saying that the move was not enough and that he should appoint a special prosecutor. At a committee hearing, the Republican senators led by Lindsey Graham of South Carolina accused the administration of leaking the information and said Mr. Holder was trying to shield the Obama administration from the scrutiny of a prosecutor who would be completely independent of the Justice Department. Mr. Graham said an excerpt recently published by The New York Times from the book and its been like pulling teeth to get information about Fast and Furious, who did what and when, he said, referring to Operation Fast and Furious, a bungled gun trafficking case. But when you have programs on the national security front that seem to show the president as a strong leader, you read about it in the paper. So my concern, I think, is that a lot of us believe if there was ever a need for an outside special counsel, it is now. What do you say? Mr. Holder said the two United States attorneys he appointed Ronald C. Machen, the United States attorney for the District of Columbia, and Rod J. Rosenstein, his counterpart in Maryland were exemplary prosecutors and, like all federal authorities, had the freedom to pursue the evidence wherever it led.

Would-be mayors criticize Bloomberg on diversity in NY

New York: Bill de Blasio, New York Citys public advocate, called him imperial. William C. Thompson Jr., the former comptroller, described his record as an embarrassment. Totally unacceptable was the verdict of the current comptroller, John C. Liu. Were going backward, added Scott M. Stringer, the Manhattan borough president. But, in the first official gathering of the presumed 2013 candidates for mayor, in a forum at New York University on the subject of expanding business opportunities for minority- and women-owned firms, the City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, declined to vilify Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, rports New York Times. Ms. Quinn, a likely candidate, described the citys record of giving contracts to minority- and womenowned businesses as clearly not satisfactory. But while other candidates criticized the mayor for a lack of diversity in his administration and suggested that his officials saw minority- and women-owned firms as unqualified, Ms. Quinn steered clear of invective, focusing instead on specific changes she said she would make and trying to accentuate the positive. Whoever the next mayor is, we have tremendous potential to get an A-plus on diversity issues, she said at one point. I dont think there are a lot of problems out there that New Yorkers cant come together and solve. The forum, organized by the newspaper City and State, offered a clear preview of how the mayoral field will divide in the coming months. Mr. de Blasio, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Liu and Mr. Stringer attacked the policies of Mr. Bloomberg. Ms. Quinn promised to build on them. Mr. de Blasio said City Hall was not serious about diversifying the citys contractors and condemned the mayor for having an administration that he said did not look like New York City. He also suggested that city officials were biased against minorityand women-owned firms. Ms. Quinn suggested that City Hall should have a chief diversity officer. Of the five panelists, only Mr. Thompson and Mr. Allon have officially declared their intention to run for mayor. Mr. Bloombergs office, girding for what is likely to be a year of being used for target practice, responded swiftly to the criticism. Our successful record helping M.W.B.E. firms and increasing diversity is based on results, not rhetoric, a mayoral spokeswoman, Julie Wood, said in a statement. Since 2005, minority- and womenowned businesses have gotten more than $2.7 billion of city work, including more than $500 million in fiscal year 2011.

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. testified before a Senate committee on Tuesday and said he would not resign. Confront and Conceal by David ing stories that involve highly clasE. Sanger, a Times correspondent, sified information. The concern we have is that about cyberattacks by United States against Iran had convinced youve got one program, Fast and him that there are clearly people Furious, that has been an embararound the president who are leak- rassment for the administration,

Healthy women advised against Calcium and Vitamin D to prevent fractures

Washington: The United States Preventive Services Task Force, an influential group that recently recommended against routine P.S.A. tests to detect prostate cancer, issued a draft statement on Tuesday recommending that healthy postmenopausal women should not take low doses of calcium or vitamin D supplements to prevent fractures. The group, an independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care appointed by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, also considered use of the supplements by healthy premenopausal women and men. For those groups, it said, there was insufficient evidence to recommend taking vitamin D with or without calcium to prevent fractures. The supplements also have been studied to see if they prevent cancer. But, the group said, there is insufficient evidence to say they do or do not. The cancer studies included ones testing the supplements to prevent all cancers as well as ones asking about colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer. Their analysis of the effects of the supplements included 137 studies, including randomized controlled trials, the gold standard for clinical evidence.The low doses that the group referred to, at least for the postmenopausal women, were a typical level of 400 international units or less of vitamin D a day and 1,000 milligrams or less of calcium.

Flirting app suspends teen community after child-rape charges

New York: Flirting app Skout has suspended its teen community, following a report of three child-rape allegations stemming from the use of its service. Skout founder and CEO Christian Wiklund announced the suspension in a blog post Tuesday. "We are extremely sorry about this, but we don't believe we have any other choice," he wrote. The post and suspension followed a New York Times report about three separate cases, in which three men are accused of raping minors they met after posing as teens in Skout's community for 13- to 17-year-olds. The alleged victims are 12, 13 and 15 years old. Wiklund told the Times he was "disgusted" and that the situation is his "worst fear." The company -- whose free iPhone app bills itself as a place to "Flirt, Friend, Chat" -said in its post that it opened up the teen community about a year ago after noticing underage users in the 18+ section. Skout also said that more than 25% of its staff is dedicated to "community

management," and that it screens for suspicious or inappropriate content. The Skout app allows users to share their location, but Wiklund's post noted that the feature is opt-in and provides "general rather than specific location information."

Commerce secretary cited in car accidents had seizure

Washington: US Secretary of Commerce John Bryson, who is under investigation for possible felony hit-and-run after allegedly causing two car accidents in California, suffered a seizure, a Commerce Department spokeswoman said Monday. Bryson was issued a citation at an area hospital after sustaining minor injuries in the Saturday accidents, said Lt. Ariel Duran of the San Gabriel Police Department. Authorities must still decide whether to formally file any charges. The investigation is in its preliminary stages. At this point in time, there is no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the collisions, police said in a statement Sunday. A preliminary alcohol screening of Bryson was negative, Duran said. Results from a blood alcohol test were pending, he said. Secretary Bryson was involved in a traffic accident in Los Angeles over the weekend, said a statement by Commerce Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Friedman. He suffered a seizure. He was taken to the hospital for examination and remained overnight for observation. He was released and has returned to Washington. The investigation is ongoing. According to a Commerce official, Bryson was on personal time with no security detail when the Bryson, who was driving a Lexus, rear-ended a Buick occupied by three men that was stopped at a railroad crossing in San Gabriel, said the police statement Sunday. Bryson spoke with the males, then left the scene, hitting the same car again as he left, the statement said. The men in the Buick followed Bryson while calling 911 to report the accident, it said. Bryson then drove to the neighboring city of Rosemead, where he hit a second car, according to authorities. The commerce secretary was found alone and unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle, according to the police statement.

Secretary of Commerce John Bryson accidents occurred and was driving his own vehicle. The official, who spoke to CNN on condition of not being identified, said Bryson was given medication to treat the seizure.

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India TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Race for new Indian President enters last lap

New Delhi: On a day of high drama, India's presidential sweepstakes were thrown wide open after two key allies of the ruling UPA, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee, sprang a surprise by suggesting three new names, including that of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, while virtually rejecting the two Congress candidates, Pranab Mukherjee and Hamid Ansari. Banerjee announced after a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi that the ruling party's first choice for president was Finance Minister Mukherjee and the second was Ansari, the current vice president. Barely an hour later, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee, in a joint press conference, said their preferred choices were former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh and former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee. "We discussed three names ... (NCP) P.A. Sangma -- the political world was thrown into a whirl. With two key allies virtually saying that he should leave 7, Race Course Road for Rashtrapati Bhavan, was this the end of Manmohan Singh's prime ministership? Where would it leave Mukherjee, the quintessential second-in-command and the government's most valued troubleshooter? Most political observers were of the view that Chatterjee and Kalam were red herrings and the Congress may not have been all that serious about Ansari - who did not get the support of the SP, which had said it wanted a political nominee, preferably a Muslim. The SP and the Trinamool with their decisive numbers are critical to the UPA pushing ahead with its choice for president. The other allies, NCP and DMK, had earlier said they would go with whoever the Congress chooses. But with no one name, it was confusion confounded. With the government under unprecedented attack, its very leadership being questioned because of a perceived policy paralysis and a floundering economy, how this roulette will play out in the next days will have a bearing on the future of the UPA, its government and the way it prepares itself for the next general election scheduled for 2014. There were many questions doing the rounds. Was this a wellscripted drama or did the allies pull the rug from under the Congress' feet? The Congress retreated into a shell and no comments were forthcoming from their spokespersons. The Prime Minister's Office also said "no comment" to journalist questions about the prime minister's future. Both alliances have till June 30 to file nominations. Elections, if required, would be held July 19.

Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee have rejected the two Congress candidates, Pranab Mukherjee and Hamid Ansari (in the picture) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh and Somanth Chatterjee," Mulayam Singh told reporters, bringing the prime minister's name in the reckoning for the first time. "We decided the names based on the persons who are honest, know the constitution and can work for the nation. It will be good to have a president elected unanimously by all political parties," Banerjee said. Both leaders denied the names were in any order of priority and said it was for the political parties to support one of them. The fact that Banerjee, who spent the day confabulating with key political leaders, announced one set of names and then another in a space of just a short time set tongues wagging. With five names in the running where there was only one -Nationalist Congress Party's

We can't spare Manmohan: Congress

Govt to shortly decide on candidate: Pranab

New Delhi: The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Congress will shortly decide on a presidential candidate, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee who was named as the Congress party's first choice for the post, said. "The question is that UPA and Congress have to come up with a candidate and who will be the presidential candidate will be decided shortly," Mukherjee told reporters here. Mukherjee, who met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi Thursday morning, is the ruling party's first choice, followed by Vice President Hamid Ansari. However, UPA allies, the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party threw a spanner in the works Wednesday by coming out with a list of three names Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee.

CBI court denies bail to Yeddyurappa

Bengaluru: The threat of arrest loomed large over former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, both his sons and a son-in-law, as a special CBI court has rejected the anticipatory bail petitions filed by him and his family members in connection with an illegal mining case. Special CBI judge R Venkata Sudarshan dismissed two anticipatory bail petitions, one filed by Yeddyurappa, and another by his sons BY Raghavendra and BY Vijayendra and their brother-in-law Sohan Kumar. CBI is investigating charges of bribery against Yeddyurappa on a Supreme Court directive. Payments made by a Jindal group company to a trust run by Yeddyurappa's sons and a mining baron, R Praveen Chandra, to firms owned by the two brothers in return for favours, including grant of mining licences and denotification of prime land acquired in violation of rules, are under the CBI scanner. The CBI judge said that he rejected anticipatory bail to the four applicants given "the magnitude of the case" and to ensure "free and fair investigation". The 75-page order

Mulayam and Mamata have listed Manmohan Singh as their preferred candidate New Delhi: The Congress cannot spare Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the party said, ruling out his candidature as president. The Congress also rejected former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and former speaker Somnath Chatterjee proposed by the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) for the high post. "During United Progressive Alliance (UPA) second (term) it was decided that Manmohan Singh will stay prime minister till 2014. We cannot afford to spare Dr. Manmohan Singh. He is our prime ministerial candidate and this is our commitment to the people of the country," Congress leader Janardhan Dwivedi told reporters. It was the first comment of the party since Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav listed Manmohan Singh as one of their preferred choices for the president's post. "I want to keep it straight... Congress president as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson started talks with all allies and supporters. During the first round of talks, two names came up and they were of Pranab Mukherjee and Hamid Ansari," Dwivedi said. "When Mamata met her (Gandhi), the Congress chief told her that these two names have come up for presidential elections. When two names have come up, this does not mean that Congress has decided on one name," he said.

CBI sources said there were no immediate plans to arrest Yeddyurappa or his family members also said that the CBI's concern about Yeddyurappa and Raghavendra, a sitting MP, being "influential persons" could not be discounted. "But mere rejection of anticipatory bail cannot be a ground for arrest," the judge said. Within hours of the special court rejecting their petitions, lawyers for Yeddyurappa made a futile bid to mention the issue before the high court but the judge Subhash B Adi said the matter could be taken up on Thursday. CBI sources, however, said there were no immediate plans to arrest Yeddyurappa or his family members. They only said that "appropriate steps" will be taken. The court's rejection of Yeddyurappa's anticipatory bail has apparently disheartened the former CM, who blamed it all on his fate. Yeddyurappa was alone and had confined himself to a room in his Race Course residence when news of the court decision came in.

India TheSouthAsianTimes.info

13

June 16-22, 2012

Advani skips BJP core committee meeting

New Delhi: Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani will not be present at the party's core committee meeting which was likely to take up a number of issues, including the upcoming presidential election, party leaders said. The meeting was scheduled to be held at party president Nitin Gadkari's residence here at 6pm. Advani, who has had differences with Gadkari, has left for Tamil Nadu for a "pre-scheduled" programme, a BJP leader said. "Advani's visit to Tamil Nadu was pre-scheduled. He is there for a meeting related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP)," the leader said The BJP's next course of

Black money: Mulayam extends support to Ramdev

New Delhi: Underplaying attacks by Team Anna, SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav has extended support to yoga guru Ramdev in his campaign on the issue of black money, saying till it is brought back, the poor won't benefit. Ramdev met Yadav at his residence here for over an hour to seek his support on bringing back Indian black money stashed away abroad. "Ramdev is fighting against black money. It has my full support. We had been against black money and will continue to do so," Yadav said after the meeting. Interestingly, BJP veteran Jaswant Singh also reached Yadav's 16, Ashoka Road residence when Ramdev was meeting the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister. He left Yadav's residence after 10 minutes. In reply to a poser on Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal dubbing Yadav, along with other politicians, as "corrupt", he said, "I don't give importance to such people, nor do I take notice (of their statements)." "Socialists have fought against black money from the time of JP (Jai Prakash Narayan) and (Ram Manohar) Lohia had been against black money. You should read the literature," Yadav said. Ramdev also sought to support Yadav by saying that "the talk (on black money) should be on issues, not people." During the June 2 day-long joint fast of Ramdev and Anna Hazare here, differences had erupted after Kejriwal named politicians. Ramdev said the protocol decided was that no one would be named. Yadav said Ramdev's "struggle" will be "successful". "Till the time black money is not brought back, the poor won't benefit. It also leads to corruption...the war had weakened. But I am happy that Ramdev has relaunched it," Yadav said.

Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani action for the upcoming presidential poll and the proposed nationwide agitation on the issue of rising prices are on the agenda of the core committee's meeting. The presidential election will be held on July 19. The last date for filing nominations for the post is June 30.

Snow hits Amarnath Yatra preparations in Kashmir

Baltal Base Camp: Snow and inclement weather have hit the setting up of free kitchen (langar) services at this Amarnath Yatra base camp in north Kashmir, organizers said. "I've been coming to Baltal for 14 years to set up the langar for the pilgrims but have never seen so much snow. We are unable to set up the langar because of accumulated snow on the ground," Ajay Kumar, a coordinator, said. Thousands of pilgrims come each year to this camp, 87 km from Srinagar, to start their pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine of Amarnath. The 14-km trek from here to the shrine passes over glaciers and treacherous mountains. Even a drizzle on the slippery trek is enough to halt the passage of the pilgrims. "I've been coming for 18 years. Never before have I seen such snow at the base camp. It is proving difficult to pitch tents and shift materials to set up the langar," said Phulwinder Singh, another coordinator.

Controversial guru Nityananda gets bail

Bangalore: Controversial godnews channel for causing hurt man Nityananda was granted and criminal intimidation at a bail by a Karnataka court in a media conference June 7. "Nityananda will be released case of causing hurt and criminal intimidation last from police custody on month.District Judge Komala depositing a surety (bond) of (who uses only one name) heard Rs.50,000 as directed by the Nityananda's application at court," Public Prosecutor Mohan Kumar told reporters Ramanagara, about 30 km from Swami Nityananda Bangalore, and granted him bail. outside the court. He has been The case was filed against him by a local out on bail since June 2010.

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14

Charity TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Over $100,000 raised for hospital for poor run by Dr Singh in India
NY State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto spoke at the fundraiser in Woodbury, NY, for Raj & Rajeshwari Foundation, where four prominent Long Islanders were honored.
By Parveen Chopra and Vikas Girdhar Woodbury, NY: The Raj & Rajeshwari Foundation held its 6th annual gala June 13 at the Woodlands here on June 13 to raise funds for its charitable hospital in the most underserved area in Uttar Pradesh, India. Over $1,00,000 was raised at the event attended by over 400 prominent Long Islanders, including many from the Indian American community. Guest speakers included New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto. Four prominent Long Islanders honored were: Mark Lesko, Supervisor of Town of Brookhaven, Dr Lawrence Eisenstein, Commissioner, Nassau County Health Department, Leonard Genova, Attorney, Town of Oyster Bay, and Shudh Jasuja, founder, Kundan & Santosh Jasuja Foundation. All the speakers and honorees expressed fulsome praise for Dr Rajesh Singh, a retired Thoracic & Cardio Vascular Surgeon of New York, who is devoting his life since 2001 to save lives and improve the quality of life of those in dire straits in and around the village of his birth in district Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Founded by Dr. Singh, M.D., FACS, FRCS, and his wife of 56 years Rajeshwari Devi Singh, the Raj & Rajeshwari Foundation (RRF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers aid to people affected by exclusion from health care, by reason of poverty and lack of infrastructure in an around Dist. Gonda. RRF is ably supported by Dr. Singh's sons Harendra Singh and Dr. Jitendra Singh, and his son-inlaw Dr. J.P. Singh. solving the ones we can. Dr Singh went on to say, It is a mammoth task and no single organization or individual can tackle these problems in rural and poverty stricken areas in the world. However, RR Foundation has made humble beginnings and the hope is that others will follow. At the graceful gala venue of Woodlands, there was also set up silent auction of certain items. Dr Singh and H. Singh underlined in their remarks that cent percent of the money that is given for RRF goes towards the hospital in India. Kamlesh Mehta, Committee Co-Chair, said that Rotary Club Hicksville-South has offered assistance in getting a Mobile Unit for the hospital in India. Jerry Kohli of AW Mobile, Jagadeesan Poola, Dr Dev Ratnam and Ravi Bhooplapur were also among the major donors to the mission of Dr Rajesh Singh. The 16 who's who of Long Island were members of the fundraising committee which was chaired by former federal prosecutor Joseph Conway and cochaired by Director of Business & Economic development, Nassau County Kamlesh C Mehta. Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Timothy Driscoll, Nassau County Deputy Executive Vic Polati were members of the committee.

Dr Rajesh Singh, retired Thoracic & Cardio Vascular Surgeon of New York, has devoted his life to take lifesaving medicare to the poorest of the poor around his village in Uttar Pradesh. Harendra Singh, better known as H Singh, who heads the Singh Hospitality Group that manages, among other properties The Woodlands, also came in much praise for masterminding the evening show, brining everybody together and being a peoples person. Tom DiNapoli in his address said that if H ran for president of USA, he would win hands down. Hon. Mangano in his address said, I want to thank and congratulate each and every person in this room. Everyone that has reached in their wallet to provide dollars for this wonderful foundation has saved a life. The life that you save could be the next Dr. Singh, someone who has dedicated his life to saving patients and treating patients, establish a hospital in his hometown. Or the next life you save could be the next Harendra Singh, the person that brings us all togetherthe person that has touched almost everyone in this room. You should feel good about yourselves. Supervisor Venditto had this to say in his brief address, People like Dr. Singh and Mr. H and their families always do the right thing by their community. I am so proud that they are so closely associated with the beautiful town of Oyster Bay. May God bless Dr. Singh for all his good work and the great nation, the United States of America. Leonard Genova said that even though he is an honoree, the night is far from about him. Rather, it is about all that Singh is doing in India Shudh Singh acknowledged that there is no place like America, where he has seen and come across a general willingness of people to help one another. The best part of the evening was kept for the end, when Dr Rajesh Singh introduced to the audience the conditions under which he was working in an impoverished, underserved part of Uttar Pradesh. He recounted his and his foundations association with the guest speakers and the honorees, thanking them for their support. He said it is because of the American friends generous support that his hospital in India has come to be known as American Hospital. Dr Singh quoted Robert Macauley, founder of Americare, We cant solve all the problems in the world, nobody can. Only God can do that. But it does not absolve us of the responsibility of

Linda and Ed Mangano immersed in the evenings proceedings.

The Police Band of Nassau County played before the event began.

Charity Thesouthasiantimes.info

15

June 16-22, 2012

All praise for Dr Rajesh Singhs humanitarian work in India

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, who addressed the audience, was greeted by Harendra Singh. Mangano is all admiration for Dr Rajesh Singhs mission.

Dr Rajesh Singh with former Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Akhand Pratap Singh, who related the good work carried out by Dr Singh in the state.

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko, Judge Timothy Driscoll, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Roger Peganos, Joe Conway, Cristina Anturi, Kamlesh C. Mehta, Harendra Singh, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto (left) was given a memento by Harendra Singh after he addressed the audience.

Dr Lawrence Eisenstein (middle), Commissioner, Nassau County Health Department, was one of the four honorees at the event.

Raj & Rajeshwari Foundation Co-Chairman Kamlesh C. Mehta (right), and the Chairman, Joseph R. Conway.

Photos: Fine Art Photography & Video

Honoree Leonard Genova (middle), Deputy Supervisor & Town Attorney, Town of Oyster Bay, holding the plaque.

$10,000 from the money raised at the gala was donated to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Mark Lesko (left), Supervisor of Town of Brookhaven, was one of the honorees.

16

13th IIFA Awards TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Singapore, the Lion City, rolled the green carpet for Indian cinestars. From evergreen Rekha, effervescent couple Rishi and Neetu Kapoor to maverick filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and a whole gamut of filmmakers, writers, actors and singers Bollywood's gliteratti rocked the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.

'Zindagi Na..', 'Rockstar' rule at IIFA

Ranbir Kapoor performs with his father Rishi Kapoor during the IIFA awards ceremony in Singapore oya Akhtar's 'Zindagi Na Milegi Parineeti Chopra was in for a surprise and Dobara' and Imtiaz Ali's 'Rockstar' tri- couldn't control her tears when she won two umphed at the 13th International Indian awards for best debut female and best actress Film Academy (IIFA) awards, with each win- in a supporting role female for "Ladies v/s ning four trophies. 'Zindagi Na..' won the Ricky Bahl". Actor Vidyut Jamwal walked awards for best film, best story, best actor in away with an award for best debut male for supporting role for Farhan Akhtar and best his performance in "Force". director for Zoya. 'Rockstar' won the best Veteran actor Prakash Raj won the IIFA actor in the leading role for Ranbir, best music award for best performance in a negative role direction for A.R. Rahman, best lyrics for the for "Singham". He was nominated alongside song and best playback singer male for Mohit Naseeruddin Shah for "The Dirty Picture", Chauhan for 'Nadaan Parindey'. Irrfan Khan for "7 Khoon Maaf", Boman Irani Ranbir, who played the role of an aspiring for "Don 2" and Vidyut Jamwal for "Force". singer who aims to make it big, beat actors The award for best performance in comic like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah role went to Riteish Deshmukh for the film Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan to walk away "Double Dhamaal". with the trophy. While, hosts Shahid Kapoor and Farhan On the other hand, actress Vidya Balan con- Akhtar kept audience in splits with their wit tinued her winning streak by picking up the and humour, the show saw star-studded peraward for best actress in a leading role for formances by Sonakshi Sinha, Bipasha Basu, 'The Dirty Picture'. She emerged victorious Prabhu Deva, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid, Rishi among Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor. Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy Mahie Gill and Kangna Ranaut. was honored at the gala for his outstanding The award for best playback singer female contribution to Indian cinema, while veteran went to Shreya Ghoshal for her song "Teri actress Zohra Segal received a special award Meri" from the film "Bodyguard". for her contribution to 100 years of Indian cin-

Vidya Balan after receiving the 'Best Actress' award for her role in 'The Dirty Picture' as Kamal Hasaan looks on, at the IIFA awards

Bipasha Basu performing during the IIFA ceremony ema, though she couldn't make it to the event. Yesteryear's actress Rekha was honored for her outstanding achievement in Indian cinema, while Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann was given an award for her contribution to international cinema.

Haasan to make Hollywood debut with Osborne

fter earning popularity and critical acclaim in his native land, veteran Indian actor Kamal Haasan is ready to go international. He will make his Hollywood debut with "The Lord of the Rings" producer Barrie Osborne, who hopes to tell an Indian story in Hollywood style. Kamal and Osborne announced their tie-up at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend awards. The actor-film-

Filmmaker-actor Kamal Haasan speaks as co-stars Pooja Kumar and Andrea Jeremiah look on, during the IIFA awards

maker is looking forward to working with Osborne, who he says has worked with "champions of Hollywood". "The world has seen his work. You keep doing hard work but you are not sure if it is good work. It is only after people like Barrie approach you and make you realise," said the 57-year-old. "The lineage that Barrie comes with is close to my heart. All the heroes that I have looked up to have worked with him. He has

worked with champions of Hollywood like Cappola (Francis Ford Coppola)," he added. Some of Osborne's notable works include "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King", "The Waterhorse", "The Warrior's Way" and "The Prophet". Osborne hinted that the project with Haasan will be a mix of Indian and western sensibilities. "We plan to tell the story of Indian history and tradition in Hollywood style," he said.

13th IIFA Awards Thesouthasiantimes.info

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June 16-22, 2012

'Great time for actresses in Indian cinema'

riyanka Chopra admits that Indian cinema remains male- dominated but says changed perspectives towards female actors have helped current times become great times for actresses to work in the industry. "The film industry is male dominated but it's hugely fascinating to see how a change has come about. People's mindset towards actresses is changing so that we can do roles which are beyond playing just being a coy girl. It is a great time for Indian actresses to be in cinema," Priyanka said. She spoke at a press conference of her forthcoming film "Teri Meri Kahaani", on the sidelines of the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards. She was accompanied by co-star Shahid Kapoor and director Kunal Kohli. "Teri Meri Kahaani", releasing on June 22, is a love story that spans across three eras - 1910, 1960 and 2012.

Priyanka Chopra shakes a leg with veteran actor Rekha during the IIFA awards ceremony

The actress, who won a National award for her performance in "Fashion", said she is proud to have started the trend of womenoriented films. "When 'Fashion' happened, everybody told me it is a big risk, nobody comes to watch womenoriented movies. I feel like I have kick-started all the gamut of films being made with female-dominated parts," she added. Priyanka revealed her journey so far has been a learning experience. "Nobody can ensure anything in life. You just have to work hard. You just need to take care of the opportunities given to you. I am somebody who came to the film industry without knowing anyone. "It was completely new for me as I started at the age of 17. Everything I have learned is my own. I have fallen, bruised myself so I take a lot of pride in it," she added.

India taught me to share: Liv Ullmann

egendary Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann is bowled over by the warmth she received from people in India and says that they taught her to share. Sharing one of her heartwarming experiences, the 73year-old said: "Once I was going

through the streets of Kolkata and it started to rain very heavily. I saw a lady, who had covered herself and her kids in a shawl. She saw me and gestured that I join her, and the next moment we were sharing a shawl together. This was a learning experience. She taught me

how to share despite language barriers." Ullmann showcased her latest film "Liv and Ingmar" at the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. Based on her life story, the film is an affectionate yet truthful account of her 42-year-long

journey and her long association with filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. The actress, who was wearing an India-style stole over a long kurta that she teamed with a pair of trousers, said she has already become half-Indian. "I have already become half-

Indian in this attire and will become a complete Indian in the next few days," she said. IIFA, a three-day cine extravaganza, kicked off Thursday. It will feature fashion shows and a musical night and the celebration will be concluded with an award ceremony.

Actor Parineeti Chopra celebrates after winning the 'Best Female Debut' award

Actors Chitrangada Singh and Ayushman Khuran pose with a 'Maharaja' statue during the IIFA awards

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Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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June 16-22, 2012

One simple step to Joshi vs Modi: no clear increase India's GDP winner in tangled BJP web
By Amulya Ganguli even years after Sanjay Joshi had to distance himself from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the surfacing of a sleazy CD involving him, this low-key apparatchik of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) has had to leave the party again. It was said during the CD episode in 2005 that Joshi had been "fixed" by his opponents in the party. The same charge may be voiced again. Only this time, the person who will be identified in this context as his main adversary is none other than Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The two pracharaks - or preachers of the Hindu nationalist RSS' world-view - have never been the best of friends. However, if Modi has had the last laugh - as of now - in this mutual game of oneupmanship, it is obviously because the chief minister's career has blossomed compared to that of his one-time rival in Gujarat. It is, however, difficult to say whether there has been a clear winner and loser this time. The fact that Joshi was able to claw his way back to the BJP's national executive despite the earlier scandal underlined his staying power which could only have been due to support from the RSS. There is nothing to indicate that he still does not enjoy the support. After all, it took Modi all of seven months - from September 2011 to May 2012 - to oust Joshi from the BJP's highest policy-making body although he remained in the party at the time. Not only that, Modi had to boycott one national executive meeting and threaten to stay away from another before he could have his way. Modi also refrained from campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and elsewhere to give vent to his dis-

Narendra Modi is not on as much of a strong wicket as he supposed when Sanjay Joshi was shown the door from the party pleasure about Joshi's rehabilitation in the party. Arguably, Joshi might still have survived but for a few gaffes of Nitin Gadkari's own. These included backing a controversial London-based businessman for a Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand and asking the tainted B.S. Kushwaha to join the party on the eve of the Uttar Pradesh elections. Having been weakened by these missteps, the BJP president presumably came to the conclusion that removing Joshi from the national executive was a small price to pay for placating Modi. However, even at the time of parting, Gadkari complimented Joshi's large-heartedness for stepping down for the sake of a sulking chief minister. But what he may not have anticipated was the anti-Modi campaign which the supporters of the "large-hearted" Joshi would launch by pasting posters in Delhi, Ahmedabad and elsewhere, saying that "chhote man se koi bada nai hota (the small-minded cannot become big)". It is unlikely that Modi has faced such a direct attack from his own party men before. But, if Joshi's supporters dared to carry it out, the reason is apparently the belief that the RSS is not quite pleased with the chief minister's antics. Moreover, the latter has been facing an offensive in recent months from the influential Patel lobby in Gujarat led by former chief minister Keshubhai Patel. Besides, the latest ModiGadkari-Arun Jaitley line-up has predictably alerted L.K. Advani to the possibility of being sidelined. Hence his indirect criticism of Gadkari on the grounds that the BJP is unable to fill the vacuum created by the growing popular dissatisfaction with the Congress. Modi, therefore, is not on as much of a strong wicket as he supposed when Joshi was shown the door. As much was clear when Sushil Modi, Bihar's deputy chief minister, pointed out that the manner in which Joshi was made to leave was not correct since no one had the right to "hijack" the party and dictate terms. Till now, Modi has had a roller-coaster ride, winning two successive elections and presenting himself as an able administrator focused on development. It was natural for him to think, therefore, that his next goal of moving to the national stage would be easy. But the trouble he is having with a former fellow pracharak must warn him about the tangled web that is politics.

Most regular schools in India deny admissions to children with disabilities By Aamir Khan n America, 12% of its population is counted as disabled, the percentage in England is 18, and Germany 9. In India, the official government statistics claim it is 2%. Mr Javed Abidi, of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, has a very poignant question with regard to the above statistics. What is so amazing about the Indian environment or climate or gene pool, that we have 1/10 or 1/5 the number of persons with disabilities as compared to other countries? Or is it that there is something wrong with our counting? One, they must have done something wrong in their previous birth, because of which they are born disabled and therefore deserve what they have got. And two, let us use them as a ticket to heaven. Give some donation to an organization doing work for the disabled, or give some money to some disabled person asking for alms, and score some brownie points with God. If this is how a bulk of us, behave with our disabled, then it is a sorry picture we see of ourselves in the mirror. Time to change guys. So where and how should this change begin? Education. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Right to Education say that every child in India is guaranteed Education. Despite that, most regular schools in India deny admissions to children with disabilities. They site reasons of lack of infrastructure and lack of trained special educators. They are probably right. But what has stopped so many schools across India to be inclusive and disabled friendly? Who was putting a gun to their heads, not allowing them to do this? I'm afraid it was our own lack of thought, and application of mind, and maybe heart. So lets change that. If we start today, individually each school (if it really wants to) can become a truly integrated school within a period of two at the most three years. Let each school make this their target. (The writer is a famous Bollywood personality and host of Satyamev Jayate TV show.)

ntil the year 2000, which is 53 years after Independence, the census report of India did not record a single disabled person!In other words, in the minds of people making policy, taking decisions, allocating funds etc. the disabled did not exist. And if they did not exist, obviously we did not do much for them. So in the first 53 years of Independence, while we were building the infrastructure of our country, we have done little or nothing to include them in our thoughts and actions. Therefore, a bulk of our infrastructure is not disabled friendly, leaving them further marginalized, and disabling them further. How we behave with the disabled amongst us, tells us what kind of a people we are. Mr Ketan Kothari, another expert on our show, explained to us that by and large we have two kinds of reaction to our disabled.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.

20

Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Sweden child custody case: Diaspora ministry asked to take action

Kolkata: The Overseas Indian Affairs ministry has been asked to take action for release of an NRI mother's son from custody of Swedish authorities in Gotland, close on the heels of the successful diplomatic efforts that led to the return to India of another NRI couple's children from forced foster care in Norway. In a communication to the joint secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, undersecretary in the home ministry S.R. Meena forwarded the complaint from NGO India's Smile and sought "appropriate action in the matter". The incident came to light after Fam Christer Johansson and his wife NRI Annie Johansson (nee Annie Nirmalkumar Bharos) wrote to the city-based India's Smile that their 11-year-old son Domenic had been taken into custody by the child welfare services of the Scandinavian nation in 2009. The child welfare services Gotland Municipal Social Welfare Committee - claimed that Domenic was not properly cared for as per Swedish law. The authorities cited two cavities in his baby teeth and that the Johanssons had opted to forgo immunizations for Domenic. They also said Domenic was not socialized enough with other children. The Johanssons had opted for home schooling which is legal in Sweden and also wanted to set up base in India in the long run. They had told the Swedish authorities that they were planning a short visit to India and would do all medical tests and procedures on the child once they returned. On June 25, 2009, when the Johanssons were sitting inside an aircraft for India, police entered and took Domenic away. The child has been put in emergency foster care. Since then, the couple has been doing the rounds of courts, police stations, and welfare committee offices, without any luck. They have been allowed to see their son only rarely.

India, Finland sign social security accord

New Delhi: Providing a boost to Indians working in Finland, India Tuesday signed an agreement with the Scandinavian country to extend social security benefits to them, a development that could help enhance trade and investment between the two countries. The agreement, signed between Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) Joint Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari and Finnish Ambassador to India Terhi Hakala, was arrived at after successful negotiations completed by both sides recently. The deal was signed in the presence of Overseas Indians Secretary Parvez Dewan. "This agreement is important in that there is a lot of scope for bilateral trade between the two nations to grow further," Hakala said. "This gives a good signal to businesses and partners that we are serious about good bilateral business relations," she said, calling for quick implementation of the social security pact. The agreement envisages that for a short term contract up to five years, no social security contribution would need to be paid under the Finnish law by the detached workers, provided they continue to make social security payments in India. This benefit would be available even when an Indian company sends its employees to Finland from a third country. Indian workers will be entitled to the export of the social security benefits if they relocate to India after the completion of their service in Finland. Even self-employed Indians in Finland would be entitled to export of social security benefit on their relocation to India. The period of contribution made in one nation will be added to the period of contribution in the other nation for determining the eligibility of social security benefits. "This is a very good social security agreement and with this, our relations with Finland had further expanded. It is a great effort," Dewan said, endorsing the ambassador's views. The agreement is part of a series of deals that India has signed with Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark, the Czech Republic, South Korea, and Norway.

Trinidad and Tobago honors 'nani' to mark Indian Arrival Day

New Delhi: Trinidad and Tobago marked the 167th anniversary of Indian Arrival Day - the day the first group of Indians reached Trinidad - by honoring Samoodarie Doon, an Indian immigrant who arrived in the Caribbean about a hundred years ago. Samoondari Doon was presented a memento by Trinidad Education Minister Dr. Time Goopeesingh at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturism at the National Archives in Port of Spain earlier this month. Samoondarie expressed a wish to visit India after the ceremony. According to her grandson, Michael Salazar, she has never traveled outside Trinidad. "Nanny (nani - maternal grandmother) is in good health for her age. She can grow anything - she is an excellent gardener and loves to cook. She likes to meet new people and talk about the old times. She has seen a great deal of history," Salazar said in an email. Samoondarie Doon was a 10day old babe in her mother, Makhani's arms, when she arrived in Trinidad. Samoondarie was born on the high seas on board the ship, SS Mutlah which was carrying a group of Indian indentured workers to Trinidad to work on the sugarcane plantations. The new born child was named after the ocean (samoondar). The SS Mutlah reached Nelson Island in Trinidad on Oct 14, 1912. Samoondarie's father, Baal Mohotam was a cook on the ship. He died during the voyage and was buried at sea. Makhani and Samoondarie had no one to take care of them when they reached Trinidad.

Through YouTube, Indian envoy reaches out to Indonesians

Jakarta: In his first outreach to the people of Indonesia, India's new ambassador Gurjit Singh has used YouTube to say that the two countries would contribute to development of a new international order and had "set a bilateral trade target of $25 billion by 2015". In his YouTube message that is little over six minutes long (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R X8vHORzyHo), Gurjit Singh said India and Indonesia together will contribute to development of a new international order which is "inclusive and provide adequate space to the views of the developing countries". "Economic cooperation between India and Indonesia has taken enormous strides with growing complementarities emerging. Indonesia is now India's largest trading partner in ASEAN and we have set a bilateral trade target of $25 billion by 2015, which we hope to meet well before that date," he said. There are around 100,000 people of Indian origin in Indonesia. They are mainly engaged in trade dealing in textiles and sports goods. There are around 9,000 Indians living in Indonesia, including engineers, con-

India's new ambassador to Indonesia, Gurjit Singh

sultants, chartered accountants, bankers and other professionals. The ambassador said: "We would like to expand our cultural linkages and public diplomacy events to emphasize the depth and diversity of our cultures. "This is the centenary year of the birth of Indian cinema, which has great resonance in Indonesia. The epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are immortalized in Indonesia and thus I can see in many areas where we can engage in the public domain." He said capacity building is another area where India has proven expertise. "The Indian success story has been primarily built on its human resources capability. As the world economy gets increasingly globalized, it is the strength of human resources which will lead the economy. We have a very active program in Indonesia where we offer training program and scholarships...and educational scholarships for under and post graduate courses. We offer a 125 scholarships for various kinds of study in India." On his employing YouTube to reach out, Gurjit Singh said, "Indonesia has a large youth population and they are heavily into social media. Our Facebook page is becoming more popular than our website and in my interaction with students I saw the potential. Did it as an experiment... seems to have worked"

Chandy seeks immediate reduction in Middle East airfares

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Sunday sought the immediate intervention of the central government to ensure that airfares to and from Middle East destinations, which have gone up a whopping 600 percent for the JulySeptember period, be reduced. Chandy said airfares from and to the Middle East should not be based on the supply-demand policy. "We are aware of the present scenario as the fares have all gone up dramatically with the holiday season in the Middle East fast approaching. I have written to the centre to seek immediate intervention to reduce the exorbitant fares," Chandy told IANS. The Kerala Association of Travel Agents (KATA) alleges that the biggest gainer on account of the strike seriously affect the average Keralite, who wishes to come to the state during the vacation time in Middle East. "In my last tenure as chief minister (2004-06), I did call a meeting (on the same issue), but today the situation is far different with market forces all the more strong. If need be, I will call a meeting here and at the same time put pressure on the centre," he added. The July-September season sees the maximum traffic from the Middle East as schools have vacations there besides the Onam festival occurs in August. Muraleedharan meanwhile suggested that the central government should immediately go ahead to implement the open sky policy and thereby allow more carriers to operate in the Middle East sector.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy

by the Air India pilots is the foreign airlines who are making a killing. "The average price of a one-way ticket from any Middle-East country to Kerala which was in the range of Rs.6,000 to Rs.10,000 will be available in the market at the peak season of July to September in the range of Rs.25,000 to Rs.62,000," said KATA president K.V. Muraleedharan. Chandy said the high airfares will

Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info

21

June 16-22, 2012

Siachen row: India, Pak to continue talks

Islamabad/New Delhi: India and Pakistan have reaffirmed their resolve to make "serious, sustained and result-oriented" efforts for seeking an amicable resolution to the dispute over the Siachen glacier, the world's highest battlefield. A joint statement issued at the end of the two-day defense secretary-level talks in Rawalpindi said the two sides agreed to continue dialogue on Siachen in keeping with the desire of the leaders of both countries for early resolution of all outstanding issues. The Indian delegation was headed by Defense Secretary Shashikant Sharma while Pakistan was represented by its Defense Secretary Nargis Sethi. acknowledged that the ceasefire was holding since 2003. Sharma also called on Pakistan Defense Minister Syed Naveed Qamar during his stay in Pakistan. The Siachen glacier dispute was highlighted after a massive avalanche struck a Pakistan Army camp and killed 139 soldiers and civilians in early April. There have been calls to find out solution to the long-standing dispute where harsh weather has killed more soldiers than actual fighting. Both countries have held a series of talks on the issue but have failed to reach any agreement. They last held a meeting on the issue in the Indian capital of New Delhi in mid-2011 without making any progress. Pakistani Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who visited Siachen in the wake of the avalanche April 18, called for a negotiated end to the confrontation and said the glacier should be demilitarized. "Peaceful coexistence between the two neighbors is very important so that everybody can concentrate on the well-being of the people," he said. "Both countries should sit together to resolve all the issues, including Siachen," Kayani added. India and Pakistan are deadlocked over differences on the location of the 110-km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) which passes through the Saltoro Ridge and Siachen Glacier.

India and Pakistan are deadlocked over differences on the location of the 110-km Actual Ground Position Line "The talks were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere," an Indian defence ministry statement issued in New Delhi said. The two nations also agreed that the next round of talks on Siachen will be held in New Delhi on mutually convenient dates, to be fixed through diplomatic channels. Both sides

Haqqani indeed wrote secret memo to US: Panel

Islamabad: A secret memo that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari feared a coup after Osama's killing was "real" and was written by Husain Haqqani, said a probe panel report submitted to the Supreme Court. Pakistan's former envoy to the US was quick to tweet that this "will be challenged by my lawyers". The "memogate" commission's report was submitted to a nine-judge larger bench of the apex court, reported Geo News. The report also said Haqqani was not loyal to his country as he was living abroad. Minutes after the probe panel's report was out, Haqqani tweeted: "One-sided proceedings of Commission that refused to hear me will be challenged by my lawyers." The Supreme Court-appointed commission probed Pakistani American businessman Mansoor Ijaz's claim that he last year delivered a secret memo to then US joint chiefs chairman Admiral Mike

Obama using drone strikes for political gains: Gilani

Islamabad: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that US President Barack Obama is using drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal regions for political motives, Xinhua reported. Gilani's statement came after Obama reportedly ordered a "sharp increase" in drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal areas in recent months. "The United States is into the election year and Obama's decision has been aimed at gaining political mileage," said Gilani during a press conference in Lahore city. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stated in Kabul that the US was running out of patience with Pakistan. He alleged that the country was being used as a safe haven by insurgents from neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistan rejected this claim. A day earlier in New Delhi, Panetta had said that the US would continue drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal regions. Gilani, referring to the need to shed US assistance and become a self-reliant nation, said that economic self-reliance was very essential as a nation. He said presently Pakistan was maintaining cordial political and trade relations with neighbouring countries including Iran, China, Afghanistan, Russia, Central Asian Republics and India which would

Husain Haqqani. Mullen at the behest of Haqqani and the Pakistani government. The memo said that Zardari feared a coup after Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed last May by US commandos at his hideout at Abbottabad, Pakistan. The existence of the memo triggered a scandal and cost Haqqani his job. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, was constituted Monday after the commission submitted its report in a sealed envelope.The alleged memo was real and was written by Haqqani who sought US support through the memo, Geo News reported, citing the report.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. boost country's economy. He also said many energy projects with Iran, India and China were in the pipeline. On reopening of NATO supply line, Gilani said all stake-holders would be taken on board and national interests will be safeguarded if the NATO supplies were restored. Dialogue was going on with the US on the NATO supply line issue, Gilani said, in light of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, which had sought apology from the US over the killing of 24 soldiers last November.

Suu Kyi on landmark European tour

Yangon: Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has left Myanmar on her first trip to Europe since 1988 to formally accept the Nobel Peace Prize that thrust her into the global limelight two decades ago. Her visit marks a new milestone in the political changes that have swept the country formerly known as Burma since decades of military rule ended last year, bringing to power a new quasi-civilian government. "I would like to do my best for the interests of the people," Suu Kyi told reporters before her plane left Yangon airport. She will visit Switzerland, Norway, Britain, France and Ireland on her more than two week tour, which will include a speech in Oslo for her 1991 Nobel Peace Prize. She leaves as western Myanmar is rocked by sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslim Rohingya that has left dozens dead and prompted President Thein Sein to warn of disruption to the fragile reform process. Suu Kyi could face calls in Europe to address the

Pakistan rejects Panetta's safe haven comment

Islamabad: Pakistan has rejected US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's recent comment on militant safe havens in the country. "We strongly believe that such statements are misplaced and unhelpful in bringing about peace and stability in the region," the Foreign Office said in a statement. Panetta is "oversimplifying some very complex issues Pakistan is dealing with" in its fight against terrorism, Geo TV quoted the statement as saying. With regard to the recent terror attacks in the country, Panetta had said the US was running out of patience with Pakistan over safe havens of insurgents who attack US troops across the border in Afghanistan. "Safe havens still exist on the other side of the border. Pakistan has to take action from allowing terrorists in their country to attack our forces on the other side of the border," he said in Afghanistan. "We are reaching the limits of our patience here," he added.

Aung San Suu Kyi will visit Switzerland, Norway, Britain, France and Ireland underlying sectarian issues, although analysts say she may instead choose to focus on the wider topic of human rights. "It's a very explosive situation and whoever touches the issue will have to walk a very, very fine line," said Aung Naing Oo, a Myanmar expert with the Vahu Development Institute in Thailand.

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International TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

US exempts India from Iran oil sanctions

Car bombs kill 63 during Iraq pilgrimage

Baghdad: Coordinated car bombs struck mainly Shia pilgrims in several Iraqi cities, killing at least 63 people and wounding dozens more in one of the deadliest attacks since US troops withdrew from the country. The bloodshed was a stark reminder of the political tensions threatening to provoke a new round of sectarian violence that once pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war. The pilgrims were headed to the northern Baghdad neighborhood of Kazimiyah to mark the anniversary of the death of a revered Shia saint who is interred there. The first bomb struck a procession at around 5am in the town of Taji, north of Baghdad, killing seven people and wounding 2, two police officers said. That was followed by four more morning blasts that hit other groups of pilgrims across the capital, killing

India and South Korea were the third and fourth-largest buyers of Iranian oil in the first half of last year Washington: The US has exempted India and six other nations from its tough Iran oil sanctions for significantly reducing their oil purchases from Tehran. Besides India, the US has added Malaysia, South Korea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Taiwan to the exemption list, leaving China and Singapore, the top two buyers of Iranian crude, still exposed to possible penalties by the end of this month. They "have all significantly reduced their volume of crude oil purchases from Iran", US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said of the countries added to the exemption list. "By reducing Iran's oil sales, we are sending a decisive message to Iran's leaders: Until they take concrete actions to satisfy the concerns of the international community, they will continue to face increasing isolation and pressure," Clinton said. "We have implemented these sanctions to support our efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to encourage Iran to comply with its international obligations," she said. "The US remains committed to a dual-track policy that offers Iran the chance to engage seriously with the international community to resolve our concerns over its nuclear programme through negotiations with the P5+1," she said. "Iran has the ability to address these concerns by taking concrete steps during the next round of talks in Moscow. I urge its leaders to do so," Clinton said. Clinton announced in March that an "initial group" of countries - Japan and 10 European Union nations - had "significantly reduced" their Iranian oil purchases and thus qualified for an exemption under a sanctions law for a renewable period of 180 days. India and South Korea were the third and fourth-largest buyers of Iranian oil in the first half of last year, according to the US Department of Energy.

The attacks were the third this week targeting the annual pilgrimage 25 people and wounding more than one health worker. The attacks were the third this 70, according to police and health officials. week targeting the annual pilgrimSouth of Baghdad, two car bombs age that sees hundreds of thousands exploded minutes apart at dawn in of Shias converge on Baghdad on the center of the city of Hillah, foot to commemorate the 8th centukilling 21 people and wounding 53, ry death of revered Imam Moussa according to two police officers and al-Kadhim.

Syria now in civil war: UN official

Damascus: Syria is now in a full-scale civil war, UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said, as the United States voiced fears the UN mission in the country may not survive once its mandate expires in July. World powers are groping to find a way to end the bloodshed in Syria with the toll growing daily despite a ceasefire that should have gone into effect from April 12, and amid reports of children being used as human shields. Asked whether he believed Syria is in a civil war, Ladsous told reporters: "Yes I think we can say that. Clearly what is happening is that the government of Syria lost some large chunks of territory, several cities to the opposition, and wants to retake control. "I think there is a massive increase in the level of violence, so massive indeed that in a way it indicates some change of nature," Ladsous added. The under secretary general for peacekeeping operations is the most senior UN official to indicate he believes there is a civil war. UN leader Ban Ki-moon said last week that he believed it was "imminent". Given the prolonged violence in the 15-month conflict, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton openly questioned whether the UN mission in Syria could survive once its 90-day mandate expires on July 20. "If there is no discernible movement by then it would be very difficult to extend a mission that is increasingly dangerous for the observers on the ground," Clinton told a forum in Washington. She also accused Russia, a longstanding ally of Syria, of helping to escalate the violence by sending attack helicopters to the military forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan has been trying to implement on the ground his six-point peace plan, which calls for both sides to lay down their arms immediately and participate in a Syrian-led political transition.

NATO chief vows not to abandon Afghanistan

Sydney: NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has vowed not to abandon Afghanistan as foreign nations plan to transition forces out of the country after a decade of conflict. "We will not abandon Afghanistan, we will not leave behind a security vacuum," he told a National Press Club lunch in Canberra. NATO plans to withdraw its 130,000 troops by the end of 2014, and Rasmussen said there would also be a likely political transition as Afghan President Hamid Karzai is expected to step down at the next election, due the same year. "Yes, we would expect President Karzai to abide by the Afghan constitution which... doesn't allow him to run again for president," he said. Secretary General Rasmussen said the international community had a "common interest in and a common responsibility" to see the decade-long intervention in Afghanistan through to a successful end. He said he understood impatience regarding the conflict in which foreign troops have been helping Afghans fight an insurgency by hardline Taliban militants, saying people "want to see the light at the end of the tunnel".

US suspends NATO supply talks with Pak

Washington: Frustrated over lack of progress over talks with Pakistan to reopen critical supply routes into Afghanistan to US and NATO forces, the United States has called back American negotiators from Islamabad. Several members of the US negotiation team had already left Islamabad, with the remaining members scheduled to depart the country within days, Defense Department spokesman George Little told reporters. The team had been in Pakistan for the last six weeks, attempting to hammer out a deal to reopen the supply lines that had been closed to American and NATO forces since last November when a botched US air strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. The team's withdrawal was a "US decision", according to Little, who added that getting the supply lines reopened remained a top priority for the Pentagon and the White House. Military officials at the American embassy in Pakistan will continue informal talks on the issue with their counterparts in Islamabad, he said. The Pentagon spokesman also did not rule out the chance that negotiators could return to Pakistan at a later date. American and Pakistani negotiators were reportedly close to a deal weeks before NATO's annual summit in Chicago in May, but an eleventh-hour demand by Islamabad to increase the price-per-truck cost to move supplies through Pakistan brought negotiations to a grinding halt.

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "People want to see progress, so do I," he said, adding that foreign forces had deployed to Afghanistan to prevent the country from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists from which to launch attacks. The NATO plan is to progressively hand control for security in the country to Afghan forces, and Rasmussen said he was confident they would be up to the task even as some nations accelerated their drawdowns.

Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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June 16-22, 2012

S&P warns India risking investment downgrade

Mumbai: International ratings agency Standard and Poor's has warned that India may lose its investment-grade rating because of slowing growth and political roadblocks to economic policymaking, among other reasons. The assessment jolted the equity markets, with the Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark Sensex snapping five days of gains. And the Indian rupee fell to a week-low of 55.74 against the dollar weaker than the earlier close of 55.42 against a dollar. In its report 'Will India be the first BRIC fallen angel', S&P said the government's reaction to the vulnerability to economic shocks could largely determine whether the country can maintain an investment-grade rating or become the first "fallen angel" among the BRIC nations comprising Brazil, Russia and China besides India. The S&P's warning came in less than two months after it revised India's outlook from stable to negative. It reaffirmed the country's sovereign credit rating at investment grade at that time but suggested that the probability of a downgrade was higher than before. India currently has the 'BBB-' long-term sovereign credit rating. The report examined the forecasts for economic growth, and the possible effects on business confidence and the government's commitment to economic reform. The report also suggested that despite recent problems, the Indian economy remained in much better shape to withstand heightened global uncertainty than it was in the early 1990s when it faced a balance-of-payments crisis that triggered the economic reforms.

The S&P's warning came in less than two months after it revised India's outlook from stable to negative

India, US share a common DNA: Ajay Banga

USIBC Chairman Ajay Banga Washington: New USIBC Chairman Ajay Banga has vouched for a deeper collaboration between the United States and India and the importance of investment and action from the business community. Speaking at the USIBC's 37th Anniversary Leadership Summit, he said: Let us not forget that India and the United States share a common DNA. Our mutual values of freedom, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit bind us in a common cause. There is no doubt our countries were born to be together! Banga spoke of India's miraculous economic rise since its liberalization in 1991, and urged investors to focus on the challenges that still remain. "Matters that affect people in their daily lives...jobs, education, healthcare, infrastructure, safety and security, food, and water...basic quality of life needs essential to human dignity and to progress. These also happen to be the areas of maximum interest for American investors," Banga stated. "Make no mistake, these opportunities exist because we, as U.S. business leaders, have chosen to invest our valuable time, energy, and resources in India...and we have chosen to pursue relationships with India for the long-term." Banga officially took the reins of leadership from outgoing USIBC Chairman, Harold "Terry" McGraw III, President, & CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

New Delhi: India's industrial output grew by a meagre 0.1 percent in April due to a contraction in capital goods and dip in manufacturing and mining sectors, government data showed, underlining the need for a monetary stimulus to revive growth. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee voiced disappointment at the numbers and said there is a need to take measures. "I am disappointed ... we shall have to take some steps which signals positivism," he said while addressing a meeting of chiefs of public sector banks. The data released by the Central Statistical Organisation showed that growth in factory output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed down to 0.1 percent in April from 5.3 percent a year ago. The figures showed that capital goods output declined by 16.3 percent as against a growth of 6.6 percent in the same month last year. The mining output contracted by 3.1 percent against a growth of 1.6 percent in the same month a year ago. The manufacturing sector grew only at 0.1 percent. Industry associations reacted calling for a rates cut by the Reserve

Need to take tough measures: Pranab

Industry associations want rates cut by the Reserve Bank of India Bank of India in its mid-quarter review of monetary policy on June 18. "The government, to rejuvenate business confidence and get industrial growth back on track, must initiate actions to revive industrial growth. RBI should reduce repo and CRR rates by 100 basis points to revive investment sentiment," said Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Director General Chandrajit Banerjee. FICCI President R.V. Kanoria said: "In the immediate term, the government must push for reforms in areas where Parliament's approval is not required so as to boost business confidence, which would encourage investments." The meagre growth comes in the backdrop of a fall of 3.5 percent in industrial production in March, the first such contraction since October 2011, when it shrank by 4.7 percent. Mukherjee, however, said that several measures were being taken and growth would revive. The government will ensure faster project clearances and fix regulatory issues to boost investor confidence, he said. At the Bombay Stock exchange, the benchmark index rose 1.2 percent to its highest close in over a month after the weak IIP data raised hopes of a cut in interest rates.

India will restore confidence, Krishna tells US

Washington: Allaying doubts about India's success story, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has assured American business that India will restore investor confidence and regain economic momentum and growth. "In an era of global inter-dependence, not everything is within the powers of national governments," he said in a keynote address at 37th US-India Business Council (USIBC) Leadership Summit on the theme 'Securing the 21st Century Partnership.' India's confidence, Krishna said, "stems not just from the strong fundamentals of our economy, but, also from the fact that virtually every political party in India has been at some point part of the reform process." While expressing "great confidence in the future of India-US economic partnership" the minister outlined various pressing issues faced by Indian businesses in America. These included "the worsening environment for mobility of professionals, the protectionist sentiments against the global supply chain in services industry and the refusal to even consider a Social Security Agreement affecting 300,000 nonimmigrant Indian professionals in the US. Krishna also expressed concerns over "the unresolved market access issues, or, the persisting presence of India in the Super 301 priority watch list and the US Department of Labour's list" identifying trade barriers to US companies and products. However, the progress the two countries have made gives them the confidence to deal with the challenges in their relationship, Krishna said noting that India-US trade in goods and services has reached a milestone by crossing $100 billion dollars last year.

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna

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London Olympics TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

76 Indians qualify for Olympics

New Delhi: India had 56 competitors at the Beijing Olympics four years ago. The number has risen to 76 and is expected to be 85 at the July 27-August 12 London Games. In 13 events, 56 men and 20 women have booked their Olympic berths and the number is expected to go up further as quite a few disciplines are still in the process of holding their qualifiers. Sports minister Ajay Maken expects it to be 85. The Beijing number came down drastically because the Indian hockey team failed to qualify. This time around the eight times Olympic champions are through ad

Shooter Abinav Bindra and wrestler Sushil Kumar. The expectations will be high from the 11 shooters, five wrestlers and eight boxers a 16-member squad has been named. The expectations will be high from the 11 shooters, five wrestlers and eight boxers. Rifle shooter Abinav Bindra, who won India's first individual gold medal in Beijing, will be looking for an encore. Another rifle shooter Gagan Narang and shot-gun exponent Ronjan Singh Sodhi are also potential medal prospects. Among the wrestlers, Beijing Games bronze medalist Sushil Kumar and 2012 Asian champion Yogeshwar Dutt are medal hopes. While boxer Vijender Singh, a bronze medallist in Beijing, five times women's world champion M.C.Mary Kom are also potential medal winners. For Mary Kom this is the first and definitely last opportunity to return with a medal from London. She can't ask for a better platform than to end her illustrious career on a high. Women's boxing has been included in the Olympics for the first time. The government has spent around Rs.238 crores on training the athletes and an additional Rs.20 crores on foreign coaches.

It's now or never for wrestler Yogeshwar

New Delhi: India's wrestling hope Yogeshwar Dutt, who narrowly missed an Olympic medal in Beijing four years ago, says it is "now or never" for him at the London Games. According to Yogeshwar, the pressure of expectations is high as he gets bout-fit to take on a strong field in the 60 kg freestyle in his third Olympics, more so after his childhood buddy Sushil Kumar won the bronze at Beijing. "Well, I won't say there is no pressure. In fact, there is immense pressure on all the wrestlers, but then we can perform better when there is pressure. I feel the pressure acts more as inspiration. To be honest, when we step on the mat, pressure vanishes," Yogeshwar, who is training at the SAI centre in Sonepat, said. Yogeshwar hastened to add that he is not weighed down by the expectations -- he is only getting inspired. Indian wrestlers, he said, now eye only gold at the Olympics, not just a medal. "Earlier for us winning a medal at the Olympics was a big thing. But now we aim only for gold, there has been a huge change in the mindset." In the last four years, he has had a tough run. After the heartbreak in Beijing, he had to undergo two careerthreatening knee surgeries in 2009. All these setbacks, he said, made his resolve to get back stronger. Gold medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 Asian Championships have only reinforced Yogeshwar's belief that he is destined for better things in London. The Olympics are being held from July 27 to Aug 12. "I was apprehensive after the surgery; it was a horrifying experience. But I always had the belief in my ability to turn things around. By the grace of God I am fully fit and in perfect shape," said Yogeshwar, who idolizes legendary Russian wrestler and three-time Olympic champion Buvaisar Saitiev, popularly called the Silent Gladiator. Yogeshwar has been watching videos of Saitiev and Aleksandr Karelin, also a three-time Olympic champion, to pick up a few tricks. "I have grown up watching Saitiev and Karelin. They make wrestling look so simple. They were famous for their sudden moves and quickness. In modern wrestling,

Last chance for archers to qualify for Olympics

New Delhi: India's three-man archery recurve team has left for Ogden in the US in a last-ditch effort to qualify for the London Olympics. Before leaving Kolkata en route to the US, Jayanta Talukdar said he and his teammates Tarundeep Rai and Rahul Banerjee are confident that this time they would qualify for the London Games as they had a good 20-day training camp in Sikkim. The team will simultaneously compete in the Olympic qualifier and World Cup Stage Three from June 18-24. The qualifier is from June 21-22.Talukdar, the highestranked Indian at 17, is the lone member to have made the cut for the Olympics in the individual category. But India's medal chances will brighten if the team can qualify. Once the team qualifies all three members will automatically compete in the individual event. "We have a good chance of qualifying as most of other teams have already booked their berths. The Sikkim camp has helped us tremendously. In Kolkata it was hot and humid and we could hardly train, whereas the weather was pleasant in Gangtok and it allowed us to practice eight hours a day. So, we are fit and confident," Talukdar said.

Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt surprise element and speed are very important. I hope I can pick up a thing or two from their videos," he said. A life-size poster of Yogeshwar is up on the wall at the Sonepat gymnasium alongside one of good friend and akhada-mate Sushil, a testimony to his enormous popularity in his hometown. The Sonepat boy, who won a bronze in the 2006 Asian Games, said experience of the 2004 (Athens) and 2008 made him a mature wrestler and he sees London as his best chance to win a medal. "I still remember my first Olympics in Athens. I was 21 and for me qualifying for the Games was a big achievement in itself. I was young and the momentous occasion got the better of me. "Four years later at Beijing, I realized Indian wrestlers can win medals. When I lost in the quarters, I was devastated. Now, I am confident and see Indians winning two-three medals in London," he said. Sushil's medal in Beijing has inspired him to win a medal at the July 27-Aug 12 event. "We have been together right from the age of 15. We have grown up watching each other. It was his medal at Beijing that made me realize that I can also win an Olympic medal. Nothing is impossible. The last four years I have worked hard on all the aspects of my wrestling," he said. Yogeshwar said an occasional bout with Sushil during training sessions made him stronger. He said he has worked hard on his ground wrestling skills and counterattack.

Badminton
Bangkok: India's Saina Nehwal waged a tough battle against local hope Ratchanok Inthanon to win the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold badminton event. The world No.5 shrugged off a slow start to beat 11th-ranked Inthanon 19-21, 21-15, 21-10. It was Saina's second title of the year after the Swiss Open in March. The Indian was the lone top-10 player in the tournament but the win could only give her confidence going into the London Olympics next month. Saina trailed 9-15 in the first game and unlike her semifinal against another Thai Porntip Buranaprasertsuk, she could not cut the deficit. She changed gears in the second game, racing to a 8-2 lead and winning it comfortably. The Hyderbadi

Saina wins Thailand Open

Saina Nehwal controlled to the decider from point one to seal the victory. It was her play close to the net that made the difference in the outcome of the match. She earned almost half of her points through net winners in the 1 hour 5 minute contest.

Tribute TheSouthAsianTimes.info

25

June 16-22, 2012

Ghazal loses its Shahanshah

Born to a family of Kalawant musicians in Luna village, now in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Hassan was musically baptized by father Ustad Azeem Khan and uncle Ustad Ismail Khan, who were Dhrupad musicians. The family migrated to Pakistan after partition and sank into penury. Eking out a living was difficult. Young Mehdi began to work in a bicycle shop and later became an auto-mechanic. In his book "Mehdi Hasan: The Man & his Music", Pakistani author Asif Noorani has highlighted this phase of Hassan's life and written that his humility stood tall against the fame and greatness he had achieved later. "He had earned his living by repairing automobiles during his younger days. During his years of stardom, his harmonium broke and he started repairing it himself, wittingly replying to the people surrounding him that this was a piece of cake compared to the number of engines that he had repaired in the past," Noorani wrote. The hardships of life notwithstanding, Hassan stuck to his music and continued with his "riyaz". His patience paid off when he was invited to sing for Radio Pakistan in 1957 - first as a 'thumri' singer and then as a 'ghazal' exponent. Hassan had to work harder than many of his younger colleagues but his innovative approach earned him fame. Traditionally, ghazals were sung in a thumri-like manner. They were set to ragas like Khamaj, Piloo and Desh. The classical format stymied the scope of the compositions - preventing it from innovating. However, Hassan pioneered a "ghazal gayaki" that played upon the mood of the music rather than on the classical nuances. A composer of rare brilliance, he had a flair for using the ragas best suited to the ghazal's appeal. Hassan's style combined dhrupad, khayal and Rajasthani folk music. His magic was not confined to Pakistan, he was equally popular in India. In fact, he was one of the first Pakistani ghazal singers who charmed Indian audiences. In 1978, when Vajpayee was foreign minister, Hassan had performed at his residence.

Mehdi Hassan's style combined dhrupad, khayal and Rajasthani folk music. His magic was not confined to Pakistan; he was equally popular in India

hazal maestro Mehdi Hassan first mesmerized connoisseurs with his rendition of "Gulon main rang bhare", step one of a long musical journey that lasted five decades. The death of the artist, who gave voice to ghazals such as "Patta patta boota boota" and "Abke bicchde khwaabon mein mile", brings the curtains down on an era of lyricism, melody and poetry in light Hindustani classical music. Born in undivided India in 1927, the ghazal singer, who passed away in a Karachi hospital Wednesday after a prolonged illness, was instrumental in opening up the evocative world of Urdu poetry. He popularized the poetry form as a musical genre for millions of Pakistani and Indian homes in the process. The soft-spoken man was the

uncrowned king of music for Pakistan's movie industry and further raised the profile of the ghazal, once considered passe among elite exponents of Hindustani classical music. According to an estimate by his son Arif, Hassan gave voice to more than 20,000 songs and, apart from Urdu, also sang in Bengali, Punjabi and Pashto. Some of his famous ghazal renditions include "Zindagi mein sabhi pyar kiya kartein hain" (written by Qateel Shifai); "Dekh tu dil ki jaan se uthta hai" (by Mir); "Shola tha jal bujha hoon"; "Yeh mojeza bhi mohabbat dikhaye mujhe" (by Qateen Shifai); "Abke bicchde khwaabon mein mile" (Ahmad Faraz); "Baat karni mujhe mushkil" (Bahadur Shah Zafar); Uzr aane mein bhi hai (Daagh Dehlvi)

Bollywood remembers 'immortal' Hassan

is fans feel that the world of ghazal is left with a void with the passing away of "immortal" Pakistani maestro Mehdi Hassan, who died in Karachi Wednesday. From Shreya Ghoshal to Anupam Kher, they all mourn his death, but feel his songs will keep him alive forever. Here's what they had to say: Shreya Ghoshal: Mehdi Hassan saab is no more. The voice, who made many music lovers and lovers find an expression of their hearts' stories, is gone. R.I.P. Saddened beyond comprehension. "Jagjit ji (Jagjit Singh), now Mehdi saab. The voices who kept the legacy of ghazals alive are gone... This void can never be

filled ever again." Anupam Kher: Very saddened to hear about my favourite ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan's demise. As a student I had gate-crashed into Pakistan Embassy to listen to him. RIP. Kailash Kher: Another Legend (Mehdi Hassan) has gone from this world. Lagta hai ghazal ka suraj dukhon ke baadalon ne dhak diya (It seems the sun of ghazals is hiding behind clouds of sadness).Shankar Mahadevan: RIP Mehdi Hassan saab, huge loss to the world of music. Your voice is immortal though. Madhur Bhandarkar: Emperor of ghazals no more... R.I.P Mehdi Hassan. You will be missed sorely!

Mehdi was outstanding: Lata

Chhach, lassi and rabri for Rajasthan's son

By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur : When the news of Mehdi Hassan's death reaching the sleepy dusty village of Luna in Jhunjhunu district here, the people joined for prayers for the departed soul. It was in this village that Khan Saheb was born on January 18, 1927. Hassan belonged to a family of Kalawant clan who were court musician. His father Ustad Azeem Khan was a court musician with the Thakur (Nobles) of Mandawa, along with his brother Ustad Ismail Khan. The Khans were also patronized by the Patiala royal family. The family moved to Karachi after the partition. Reshma, another noted singer and known for her emotional number Lambi Judayi, also hailed from Churu district, Rajasthan. In fact, Mehdi as a youth learnt about music from his father while the family lived in Punjab and Mehdi Hassan had to struggle very hard to make both ends meet and he worked as a

In 2010, 'Tera Milana', a duet by the two legends was launched as part of an album named "Sarhadein" ndia's nightingale Lata in 2010. It was later mixed together Mangeshkar, who made a rare for a duet. Lata, 82, says they shared mutual collaboration with Mehdi Hassan for a song in an album, remembered respect. "I have shared a very good the Pakistani ghazal maestro as an relationship with him. I really "outstanding singer" and said the respect him a lot and even he used to news of his death Wednesday has respect me a lot. I have met him just two to three times, he was a wonderleft her upset. "It is a very sad news. I am really ful human being." "Gaana ek aisi cheez hai jo sabko upset ever since I heard this news. Not only me, the entire world loved nazdeek rakhta hai...Gaanewale his songs. There is no doubt about it hamesha nazdeek ke hi hote hai that he was an outstanding singer," (Music keeps everyone close, and Mangeshkar said. singers are always close to one In 2010, "Tera Milana", a duet by another)," added Mangeshkar. the two legends was launched as part She also took to Twitter to share of an album named "Sarhadein". her emotions and wrote that Hassan While Hassan recorded it in Pakistan "brought an important change in in 2009, Mangeshkar later heard the ghazal segment" and that it would be track and recorded her part in India difficult to "find an artist" like him.

Mehdi Hassan was born in Luna, Rajasthan, on July 18, 1927. mechanic repairing cycles and cars. When he went to Jaipur for a ghazal pro gramme, Mehdi stopped his car near a temple perched on top of a sand dune. It was here that he played with young friends as a child. A few old people recognized Mehdi when he reached the village. They called him Mehdiyo. The villagers treated him with chhach, lassi and rabri. The district Collector of Jhunjhunu hosted a dinner in his honor. The old mud house which belonged to Mehdis family has been taken over by a government official Bhagirath Meena, who has built a pucca house on it. The last he came to Luna, he had an emotion parting with Narayan Singh and some one whispered aabke bichure to shayad khwabon mein milenge, jaise sukhe hue phool kitabon mein mile.

26

Travel TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

KIP - An eye opener

A Sri Lankan girl who took part in the annual Know India Program (KIP) of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs had her image of India changed completely.
By K.G. Wickramasinghe hough I am a Sri Lankan Tamil, having Indian roots and brought up in a traditional Indian way, my image of India was not that great. We gather information from media, we watch Indian movies and we occasionally meet Indians mostly from Chennai. Our first impression was Indian cities are very unclean and unhygienic filled with lot of beggars and destitutes, Indian people are rude and waiting to cheat especially autowallas and Indian society is full of corruption, inefficiency and hypocrisy! But thanks to the Know India Program organized by the Ministry of Indian Overseas Affairs, now I have a new Vision of India which fills me with awe and respect for the country of my origin, my roots and I feel proud to belong to such a wonderful cultural heritage which is ancient yet open to all modern ideas! Since I am a shy person, conservative and reserved, I was not enthusiastic when my dad suggested I go on Know India Program. I was worried as to how I would manage with an unknown gang from different parts of the world for three weeks with my limited language skills and limited exposure to the modern world. But my father pushed me. Now I really thank him, otherwise I would have missed a glorious opportunity to mix with a wonderful bunch of youngsters, full of life, all keen and eager to explore and understand and to know the secrets of India! The organizers also took care to make us feel secure, comfortable, and at ease.

Earlier in Delhi, when we were taken to Jama Masjid, for the first time I saw a mosque. (As a girl I was never allowed inside a mosque). This is the uniqueness of India. Indian mind accommodates and respects all religious and cultural beliefs. With so many languages spoken, different customs and traditions followed, different religions practised, different ideologies and beliefs, the people here feel they are Indians first. I suppose this is the real greatness of India. On the Goan trip, we also did boating in the Mandovi river. It was so refreshing and delightful that we forgot everything. It is true when we are one with nature, when the mind is quite and cheerful, real Joy is experienced. Back to Delhi Back in Delhi we visited ISKCON temple and Akshar Dham, had a nice ride in Delhi Metro, met the Governor of Delhi (who spoke beautifully) and the Chief Election Commissioner of India. We were supposed to meet the President of India. But due to her busy schedule it couldnt happen. Even then we visited the Presidents estate which was fabulous with rare paintings and a unique statue of Buddha with a thousand hands! As I am from a Buddhist country I could not stop admiring the masterpiece which is most spectacular. I am so many wonderful memories I am so touched by the love and affection, sincerity and nobility of all the brethren of Indian Diaspora. And I have no words to thank the Indian Government and the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka who gave me this wonderful opportunity. When I was relating my experiences in India to my spiritual teacher (Acharya), he asked me, Everything is OK. What did you learn from all this? I said I learnt to be humble. All the eminent speakers, top artists and great leaders whom we met were highly educated, very proficient and holding high posts, yet they were simple, down to earth and cultured. This one aspect touched my heart the most and I bow down to the Mother India. Jai Hind! The author is Research Assistant, Ministry of Parliamentary affairs, Sri Lanka.

In search of Secret India! When I got down at the Delhi Airport, I could not believe whether I was in India. The new airport is very impressive and is of international standard in architecture and other facilities. This was my first glimpse of modern India and my thoughts about India started to change For the first couple of days, eminent speakers, including luminaries from renowned Indian institutes, addressed us regarding Governance in India, Internal Security and Preparedness, Indian Politics and Environmental issues, Cinema and Culture, the economy, Resource Conservation and Management, Emerging investment opportunities. I could sit only in awe and admiration for both the speakers (who spoke so

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi with the young group of Know India Program participants. beautifully and effortlessly) and What a Beauty! More so because visit places, we would be talking the spoken content. One speaker it is inspired by the most fascinat- only like the frog in the well. I said, India has got the greatest ing four letter word L O V E! The realized this when we visited youth population in the world and guide who accompanied us BITS Pilani. My God! What a therefore can become a super explained everything about the huge campus and what sort of power when the potential of the glorious monument to etch the facilities! I was impressed when I Indian Youth can be harnessed experience deep in our memory. heard about the varied courses and utilized properly. I recalled offered and the high academic Swami Chinmayanandas stateThe Goan experience standard maintained in such uniment, Youth are not useless, but Goa is the second biggest versities in India. used less! Youth are not careless, beach in India, I was told. Our visit to high tech industry in but cared less. Having come from an Island Verna Industrial estate only added The next few days we were nation, I was not that excited to the sense of awe and admirataken to Aurobindo Ashram (in about sunny beaches and the fun tion for India. It showed the New Delhi), CCRT (Centre for that accompanies it. We have seen growth of IT industry in India. Cultural Resource and Training), enough down south in our own Not only in IT, in Space Research, Qutab Minar, Delhi Museum, AIR country. But the other delegates in Medical treatment, in Auto (All India Radio), Doordarshan, were really excited and everyone Industry and in very many fields ICCR (Indian Council for had gala time in Goa. India is really booming! My visit Cultural Relations), ICWA (Indian We were taken to a village in to India taught me about the two Council of World affairs), Jama South Goa to get a feel of the dimensions of the Indian life and Masjid, Red Fort, etc We were Goan culture. We were truly Indian development. On the one exposed to history, culture, her- touched by the kindness and the hand there is tremendous progress itage, music, dance, contemporary hospitality of the simple villagers. in the modernization of India and art, literature, craft and all fine They received us with cute gar- on the other hand, India is all out things of glorious Bharat! Then lands made out of local flowers to preserve her cultural traditions one of my friends explained that and the little girls entertained us and identity. Bharat means one who revels in with Goan dance. We visited their In Old Goa, we visited an light (knowledge). Can there be a houses which reminded me of the ancient church built by the better word to express the identity line houses in our own upcountry Portuguese, which is Asias of our forefathers! and they hosted us to a sumptuous largest. The Father there was givI would like to mention a few Goan feast. I was surprised to find ing his sermon in Tamil! I was things which delighted me the many Goan dishes to resemble Sri wonder struck. Later I learnt a most. I was taught how to make Lankan ones in taste and texture. group of Christians from mud pots. I cannot express how Can you believe they still cook in Tirunelveli (in south India) had much I was thrilled and excited! I mud pots! come on a pilgrimage and this had not heard any sitar recital in There were interactions with the was a special program organized my life. When I heard for the first Governor, Assembly Speaker and for them. time, I was surprised to know how the Chief Minister of Goa. They With great joy I interacted with a simple musical instrument like explained to us the many facets of some of them and also joined Sitar with Tabla can export one to Indian society in general and them in prayers as I studied in a the realm of pure joy! And the lec- Goan society in particular. They Christian school and was familiar ture on Vedanta was simply out- talked to us about the higher edu- with what they were singing. standing. I recorded the whole cation possibilities and investment Later we visited Manguesh temple thing opportunities in India. where Lord Siva was sporting a Then, of course, the Taj Mahal. If we do not travel around and lovely moustache and beard!.

Lifestyle TheSouthAsianTimes.info

27

June 16-22, 2012

In summer of peace, Pakistani designer wear wows Kashmir

By Sheikh Qayoom ame any internationally renowned Pakistani designer brand and you'll find it on the tastefully decorated shelves of the Tradition of Finesse exhibition that opened Tuesday to an enthusiastic respone in this Jammu and Kashmir summer capital. On view at a local shopping complex is a Who's Who of the Pakistani fashion world: Junaid Jamshed, Bareeze, Chinyere, Working Woman, Kayseria, Leisure Club, Shahnameh and Urban Culture, to name just a few. Sheikh Feroz, 44, the managing director of the Alkhuddam Group of Companies under whose aegis the exhibition-cum-sale of Pakistani designer wear has been organised, told IANS: "I used to buy Bareeze for myself in Dubai. I said why can't Kashmiris wear such comfortable and traditional dresses? That was my inspiration. Our USP is the high quality of the

Women's wear on display at the "Tradition of Finesse" exhibition of Pakistani designer wear that opened in Srinagar on June 12. brands that we have on display here." Feroz said Junaid Jamshed and his team of designers had telephoned him from Pakistan Tuesday morning. "They said they had organised a special prayer meeting at their headquarters for the success of the exhibition," Feroz said. The exhibition is an affirmation that in spite of differences between

India and Pakistan, the people-topeople connect between people on both sides of the frontier, which has been boosted by cross-border bus services and trade, remains strong. From the traditional salwar kameez for women to kurta pajamas for men - and a host of other outfits in between - the exhibition is overflowing with brands Kashmiris till now only saw on television channels or read about in fashion magazines. Interestingly, the exhibition managers did not invite a celebrity to inaugurate it when it was thrown open to public Tuesday afternoon. "I did not invite a celebrity to inaugurate the exhibition because VVIP movements often inconvenience the public. Our exhibition is exclusively for the public and the power of the brands we have on display should be enough to convey a powerful message," Feroz said. He said that apart from the brands on display, seven others had also

shown interest in coming the next time around. "I told them let me start with the 12 brands we have now and wait for the local response. I feel the tradition of ethnic wear is immensely popular with Kashmiris and we should have enough lovers for the brands on display here." Although some dresses at the exhibition are highly priced, there are affordable ones for the middle classes as well. In the Bareeze cotton collection, for instance, women's dresses are priced up to Rs.10,000 while Junaid Jamshed kurtas and pajamas start at Rs.2,000. "The Chinyere cotton wear is a riot of floral colours. I have never seen such wonderful women's dresses sold in Kashmir," said a woman who said she had waited eagerly for the exhibition to open. Besides dresses for men and women, designer Peshawari sandals are also available at the exhibition.

Sahaja Yoga confers good health, busts stress: Australian study

By Shudip Talukdar ahaja Yoga founded by Mata Nirmala Devi, that is gaining greater acceptance worldwide for calming the mind and busting stress, contributes to promoting mental and physical health, according to a new study conducted in Australia. The essence of Sahaja Yoga, described as mental silence, is much more than mere tranquillity, having several dimensions, including medically beneficial ones, Ramesh Manocha, senior lecturer of psychiatry at the University of Sydney Medical School, told IANS from Australia. "We found that the health and wellbeing profile of people who had meditated for at least two years was significantly higher in the majority of health and well-being categories when compared to the (general) population," says Manocha. Manocha was referring to his latest study on Sahaja Yoga, which focused on meditation as mental silence, involving more than 348 people, conducted with colleagues Deborah Black and Leigh Wilson at the Sydney Medical School. Fifty-two percent of the volunteers experienced mental silence "several times per day or more" while 32 percent were experiencing it "once or twice per day", according to Manocha, who is at the forefront of research into meditative disciplines. "Our survey also demonstrated that practitioners had not only better mental and physical health but also a consistent relationship between health, especially mental health, and selfreported experience of mental silence," says Manocha. Elaborating on mental silence, Manocha says: "As one learns to slow down the thoughts, the practitioner

will start to perceive a small gap between each thought. With practice and by applying specific techniques, the meditator can widen the gap so that he experiences a thought or two and then a space of silence and then another thought or two." "In this way, the gap between thoughts can be widened until there are long moments of no thoughts. Ultimately, the thoughts stop completely and the meditator remains fully alert and aware, but experiencing no thinking activity. This is 'mind emptiness' or mental silence of Sahaja Yoga," he said. The outcome is a quietly joyful state rather than an extreme of manic happiness. Mental peace and emotional equilibrium in turn reduce levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the blood stream, decreasing blood pressure and lowering brain activity and slowing down the thinking processes, says Manocha. "The first ever quality-of-life survey of long-term meditators we conducted involved almost every Sahaja Yoga practitioner in Australia, which points to the findings being more concrete than individual stories," informs Manocha. Manocha's stressful life as a medical student turned his attention towards meditation and Sahaja Yoga. "I found the experience of mental silence distinctly powerful. The traditional western ways of dealing with stress, such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, were damaging my health," he recalls. Since western scientists had overlooked this phenomenon, Manocha decided that he would subject it to scientific evaluation to determine whether it could help people in the west facing common mental and physical problems.

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Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Funny Bone by Nury Vittachi

EAL MEN DON'T SHOP. We make incursions into enemy territory. 1) Locate supermarket. 2) Access aisles. 3) Liberate beer. 4) Return to base. 5) Mission accomplished. Cheers! During the mission, our main interest is keeping collateral damage to innocent parties, i.e., the banknotes in our wallets, within an acceptable range. It's totally different for the women in my family. Incredible but true, they ENJOY spending money. To me, bidding farewell to even the smallest banknote is like losing a family member. When asked for cash at shop counters, I frequently feel the urge to say: "Can you just take one of my uncles instead?" Now, here's some astonishing news. Boffins are working on technology to help men shop. A new service allows a man to go to the supermarket and be guided directly to the product he wants by a Sat-Nav (satellite-navigation) voice coming out of his phone. SAT NAV: "In five meters turn left. Nearly there. Turn left NOW. On the second shelf on your right you'll find the can of beer you wanted. Enjoy it, you pathetic drunk." ME: "What did you just call me?" SAT NAV: "Nothing." The system was set up last year at a branch of Tesco Supermarkets in the UK for trials, but the store has not released results. It is very suspicious. Rumor has it that executives want to

At last, a tool to help men who hate shopping

the customers were elderly, and I began to suspect that they had arrived as young people 40 years earlier, probably at the store's opening party. Had I not found a cargo lift in the staff corridor, I would still be there today. *-* A reader who lives in Sri Lanka told me: "My internet connection is so slow it would probably be faster to fly to the Google headquarters and ask them stuff in person." *-* Residents of Delhi are paying $200 a month each to have trained langur monkeys pee around their homes. The reason is that the langur-pee is so smelly that it scares off other monkeys, villains, etc, the New York Times India correspondent reported recently. So that time I lived near a bar and guys would visit my front yard on the way home, I should have paid them? *-* Latest stats suggest that half a billion Asians are overweight. Of course, those are just round figures. (Get it?) *-* The man who invented the TV remote just passed away at the age of 96. I wonder if anyone tried taking his remote, putting new batteries in it, pointing it at him and holding down the red button for three seconds? Worth a try. *-* Public toilets in China's capital can have "a maximum of two flies", according to new rules, the Beijing Post reported last week. If three or more flies are found, an unspecified punishment will be administered. From past experience, I reckon the janitor will lose his karaoke club card for a month while the third fly will get the death penalty. Or the other way round. In China you never can tell. But how do the authorities expect to get information about the "strictly two flies only" policy out to the 14-gazillion-strong fly population of Beijing? The only way I can think of is to equip each toilet with a little fly apartment containing two tiny chairs, two monogrammed mugs, two little sets of slippers, etc. *-* A shark named Florence in a UK aquarium has turned vegetarian. Florence now avoids meat and eats only broccoli, lettuce and celery, the media reported last week. Yeah, right. I can just picture the scene. Trainer standing on the side, thinking: "Shall I get in?" Florence, licking her lips, keep-

destroy the technology after they noticed that people who use the system spent less money. I believe the rumor. Shops don't want you to just get what you want. They want you to get 17 other things that you don't want as well. I mean, look at the way that department store staircases or escalators never match up with each other. You go up one level and then the next staircase or escalator is miles away, often hidden in a separate wing of the building or in the toilet corridor so that you have to pass every product on every shelf before you find it. I once was trapped on the fourth level of a department store in Tokyo and there didn't seem to be any downward escalators at all. Many of

ing her face straight, thinking: "Get in. GET IN." *-* Don't you just hate aircraft passengers who stand up and open the overhead luggage bins the moment the plane touches the ground? If I was a pilot I would always taxi along the runway for a hundred meters and then slam my foot down on the accelerator so the plane does a wheelie. (When I was a kid, I could do a wheelie on any type of bike, and a plane is just like a big winged tricycle, right?) That would teach those misbehaving louts a lesson. But their crimes are nothing compared to the antics of one Kamal Basha Ahmed, 23, an engineer. As soon as his plane landed at Chennai airport in India last week, he whipped off his seatbelt, leapt from seat 28D and raced to get off. He overpowered a flight attendant, opened the plane door and stepped out. But the plane was still moving and the steps were not in place, the Deccan Herald reported. He could have fallen to his death - but luckily the emergency chute inflated itself and he slid down to the ground level safely, the Times of India added. Mr Ahmed clearly wanted to be first in the passport queue, but alas for him, airline officials exacted a terrifying revenge by having him locked up for days. That's another thing. People are always criticizing the authorities in China, North Korea, etc., for making up laws whenever they feel like. These maligned officials can simply get jobs in airports, where they can make up instant laws to their hearts' content, arresting people for opening doors, making jokes, walking funny, and so on. Indeed, I'd be delighted if aviation people made opening the luggage bins while the plane is moving a death penalty offence. *-* There's a debate raging about whether bankers were right to value Facebook as being worth more than Coca Cola, Disney, McDonalds, etc. I back the bankers. Facebook makes a hugely important contribution to humanity. Without it, how would I know what some repulsive dorky friend of a friend had for lunch the previous day? The public has a right to know. Yes, I am being ironic. (Nury Vittachi is a columnist who travels around Asia. Send ideas and comments via www.mrjam.org. His column will alternate with Melvin Durais)

Laughter is the Best Medicine

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. This is his last cartoon to appear in South Asian Times.

Astrology
TheSouthAsianTimes.info

29

June 16-22, 2012

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

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: June 16-22, 2012
Aries: This week you would put in some extra working hours finalizing the creative ideas, which are on your mind. Work quietly towards your goals and avoid discussing your project until you have results. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are certain. You will use your charms and intelligence to gain popularity, but you need to relax and go for a little recreation later in the week. Yoga and meditation will bring remarkable results. Overseas transactions will ensure good monetary gains. Taurus: Dealing with family members and issues would be the focus this week. You would be on the verge of breaking down emotionally, but do not loose heart. You will not be the cause of the problem, but you could certainly bring about some valuable solutions. An unexpected support from some near ones raises your spirits. Try to avoid inappropriate outburst of anger, as it would do no good. Blessing from a holy man provides mental peace. Gemini: Your energy would be at all time high and you would look forward to some highly exciting and entertaining time in the next few days. You wont have any trouble completing your work and also take out time for your hobbies. You would feel active, confident, and strong to accept any challenges. Everything would look beautiful to you and your positive attitude will turn things to your favour. Few unexpected things will happen for the good, and you will be pleased with the outcome. Cancer: This week you may be recipient of some false information, which might create little trouble with loved ones. Your spirits would be low and you would lack confidence. Sensitive issues might be touched at home which will play havoc with your mental peace. Emotional situation like these will make you stubborn and irritated. You will have two options to either go on your own or to bend down to others whims, but be extra careful not to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Leo: This week jealousy could come in the way of good relationship. Be sure you have all the facts before you speak anything. Even if you think you are being funny, others may not see it that way. Thoughtless remarks and comments could put you in an embarrassing situation. An older family member may be of significant help to you provided you are willing to give him the chance to speak his mind. By focussing on your goals, you will send a signal of your commitment and dedication to your seniors. Virgo: Financial gains are certain, but there would be lot of planning you need to do. Make a budget for yourself and stick to it to avoid financial constraint. There could be a sensitive situation at work, which might add lot of pressure to your mind. Ultimately the outcome will depend on how you handle people around you. Expanding your knowledge and signing for new courses will be beneficial. Someone at home will try to induce new confidence into you. Investment during this period will bring long-term gains. Libra: This week some disturbing news makes you worried about relatives who live at distant places. Although you might be much tensed, but in reality things would not be that bad. Avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary. Try to go out of the house and mix around with friends and acquaintances. If you must stay in, distract yourself from your thoughts with a book or a movie. Religious feelings will arise making you spend more time on religious and spiritual activities. Scorpio: This week take advantage of the new opportunities that present themselves to you. You would move with new confidence and would have an urge to learn new skills and techniques. You will gather knowledge through books, Internet and the discussions that you have with experienced people. Your views and thoughts will impress people around you and you will establish important contacts. Losses are likely if you leave financial decisions in the hands of others. Minor health problems could also trouble you. Sagittarius: This week you might need to spend more time on your job than you generally do, and the hardest part of the next few days would be in getting along with seniors at work. Some of you would be travelling. You would meet new and interesting people while en route. Opportunities for growth will develop through new contacts. Sportsmen, writers and marketing professionals can look forward to recognition and rewards for their recent efforts. A new romantic alliance might also develop for some. Capricorn: Hectic social activities would be on your agenda this week. You would be in the limelight wherever you go and would easily attract people with your charms, intelligence and wit. Financial gains are certain during this period, but avoid speculation or risky financial schemes. Friends are likely to disappoint you if you expect too much from them. Property related disputes would settle to your satisfaction. Aquarius: This week travel, although enticing, would cost you more than what you might expect. Although you would enjoy your exposure to new cultures, people and places, but excessive spending could send your budget on a spin. Arguments with spouse seem inevitable if you do not avoid interference of friends and family members into your personal life. A spiritual person might be an important source of inspiration in your life during these days. Pisces: This week financial gains are certain, but avoid putting too much money into any financial schemes just on the advice of others. Sudden good news later in the week brings happiness and cheers for the entire family. Your business sense would be upbeat and new ideas will bring you fresh gains. Residential moves will be beneficial. If you need to take a break then a pleasure trip with loved one will be both relaxing and rewarding.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

June 16: Governed by Number 7 and the planet Neptune, you are independent, creative, confident, practical and a systematic person. You are highly ambitious and want to be very rich and famous, but at times you need to check your tendency towards stubbornness and to ignore the opinion of others. This year financial gains will be from various fronts but uncertainty regarding your partner is likely to be one black spot on your chart of success and achievements. Do not trust others more than required. Time management and planning will be of immense importance. Socializing, parties and pleasure jaunts will be quite regular and pleasurable. Wedding bells will ring for those eligible and others will find romance to keep them going. Your over involvement in work will bring in some dismay and resentment among family members. The months of July, August, November and January will be highly significant. June 17: Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn. You are ambitious, energetic, confident sober and a simple person. You possess sharp memory and are always interested in improving your knowledge and skill, but your progress gets hampered because of your tendency to behave erratic and stubborn at times. Opportunities to lift your living standard will come through new contacts that you develop this year. You need to concentrate your maximum efforts into career improvement, as it will yield desired results. You will do extremely well socially if you travel and get involved in clubs and social events. Distant pilgrimage is on the cards for some of you. Spouse and children will be supportive but health of your parents will be a matter of concern. The months of August, October, December and February will bring in the desired result. June 18: Influenced by number 9 and the planet Mars, you are highly ambitious, dignified, independent, courageous, outgoing, and an enthusiastic person. You are a born leader and you have no trouble in motivating and leading others, but you need to check your tendency to behave erratic, impatient and arrogant at times. This year you should not be too generous with your time and money. Use the opportunities that come your way to improve your earnings and living standard. Your confidence and morale will be high and you are likely to win favors during this period. New partnership will be lucrative and investment will yield gains. You will strengthen your position in the social circle. If you propose any new ideas, you will be surprised, as many important people will back your thoughts. Participating in cultural activities will be educating as well as entertaining. The months of October, November, January and May will be important. June 19: Dominated by number 1 and the Sun, you are original, confident, honest, methodical and a systematic person. You have deep interest in spirituality and always search to find inner peace. You are deeply admired by people around you, but you need to check your tendency to behave impatient, extravagant and moody at times. Professional gains are all most certain but rise in expenses will bother your mind. There will be moments when your achievements will exceed your expectations, but most of the times you will have to put in your maximum to achieve bare necessary results. People who have stood besides you till now will continue their support. Relationship with your spouse will be highly cordial and on an even footing, but you need to control yourself from being to stubborn, which will create uneasy moments at home. Romantic alliances will prosper and strengthen. The months of July, September, November and February will be significant. June 20: Ruled by number 2 and the Moon, you are imaginative, simple, noble, friendly and highly disciplined person. You can easily accomplish difficult tasks with your dedication and hard work, but you need to control your tendency to behave cynical, stubborn and introvert at times. Pending problems will get sorted out. This new phase in your life will bring you rewards and recognition. Your financial position will also improve and you will feel more secured and satisfied with whatever you do. Family and friends will be there for you when you need them. Legal matters will be complicating and you should avoid standing guarantee for others, as it will cause embarrassment and many legal problems. Matrimonial alliances for few lovebirds. Pilgrimage and religious activities will bring peace of mind. The months of October, December, January and April will be significant. June 21: Governed by number 3 and the planet Jupiter, you are confident, creative, systematic, generous and an optimistic person. You are good at building new contacts, which in return bring you lots of popularity and benefits. You are smart and trustworthy, but you need to control your tendency to behave extravagant and dominating at times.Financial gains are certain provided you associate with people who are creative and experienced. Improved finances will make you spend more on luxuries and other living comforts. Legal or property disputes will settle around the middle of the year. New romance for some will develop through social gatherings and recreational activities. Health of an infant will cause stress and anxiety. Religious feelings will arise making you seek spiritual blessing later in the year. The months of July, September, December and February will be highly important. June 22: Ruled by number 4 and the planet Uranus, you are energetic, charming, peace loving, creative and an active person. You are always given great deal of responsibility at work because people know they can depend on you. You will receive major success in your career provided you check your tendency to behave jealous, self centered and overconfident at times. Your planetary position is offering major changes in your career. New opportunities look bright and recognition and rewards seem high on your cards. Your involvement in social activities will bring you close to important people, who will provide favors and benefits. Those wanting to travel overseas for business or pleasure will receive a boost to their plans. You will have abundance of energy and you will easily implement whatever you plan. Health however will need care. The months of August, November, March and July will be highly eventful.

Before you consult...

i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date, Time and Place of birth is accurate. ii) Careful: Did you check background of the astrologer before disclosing your secrets. iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, dont feel shy. Its his business. iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the outcome is not as desired, never give up. v) Consult: Take second opinion before spending thousands on cure/remedies.

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Spiritual Awareness TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 16-22, 2012

Concluding part of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj's discourse 'Yodeling for God'

Revel in divine bliss of God's love

Tansen was born into a Hindu family in Gwalior. When he was young, his parents brought him for musical training to a renowned music teacher, Swami Haridas. The lad became noticed when he played for King Ramachandra. Tansen studied under the great Sufi saint, Sheikh Mohammed Ghaus. He added the element of mysticism to Tansens life, teaching him about Sufism and spirituality. Tansen studied under Sheikh Mohammed Ghaus for three years, while also developing his musical talent. During that time Sheikh Mohammed Ghaus introduced Tansen to the ruler of Gwalior. Tansen and Gwaliors ruler became good friends. Tansen would frequently visit the rulers palace, where he would listen to other musicians. During his visits much so that the Emperors flowers wilted, people were panting for coolness, and the candles on the wall lit up with flames. In fact, there was such fear that Tansens music was so hot that the musician himself would burn up and die, that his daughter, out of concern, began singing another type of raga that would produce rain to cool down the atmosphere. As he sang his song of fire, she played her raga of rain, and suddenly rain came down and cooled down the premises. It brought coolness to Tansen so he did not burn up completely. It is said that the effect of playing that raga was so great that he was ill for two months. Such is the power that the music of a heart shattered with agony and pain has that it can be felt by all those around him or Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj. This is the fire which disciples pass through when they get in touch with their true nature as soul. This fire permeates the heart of those disciples whom we describe as being mad in love, or who have lost all senses. They cannot help themselves just as Tansen had no control over the pain of love he experienced or just as Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj and all great mystic saints and Masters could not stop the fire of love burning within their own souls. It is a stage on the path, and we need to be compassionate and understanding when we come across such disciples experiencing such pain. They cannot help themselves. It is not their fault. Their condition is expressed start identifying with the soul, the souls vision changes from the world to God. It stops seeing the world and starts seeing God, Gods expressions in the form of the Light and Sound in meditation, and the charged radiation flowing through the Master. It can make all sorts of vows and promises to resist the wine, but when the wine of God is dancing in the form of the Master, all tipplers are helplessly drawn to drink. Their vows and promises are thrown to the wind, and they come running. We may think that we are normal and they are abnormal. We may think we are sane and logical and they are crazy and mad in love. But the truth is, as Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj pointed out, that to reunite the soul with God we all have to reach that stage. Some have reached it sooner than others. We may look down upon them today, but one day, sooner or later, we too will be in that state. There is no getting around it. It is a gateway that each of us must pass to merge back into God. Since we will all reach that stage sooner or later, we need to be sympathetic to the plight of such disciples who are dancing to the music of their heart. They cannot help it. They want to act like everyone else. They want to behave according to the dictates of their society and culture. They are doing all they can to maintain the decorum expected of them. They want to look like a harmonium sitting on a table. But just touch them, stroke them, play them, and they start to sing in agony and ecstasy with the music of their heart. This journey back to God starts with crying out to God. Then, we must listen to the response coming from God. We will then be put in touch with the divine Light and Sound of God. This internal Music will carry us from this physical world into the Beyond. There we will experience the divine bliss of Gods love and the pain of separation when away from God. This dance of bliss and separation leads the soul higher and higher so we can go from being lost in this physical world to reach the spiritual mountaintop to merge back in God. (To be continued..) Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is an internationally recognized spiritual leader and Master of Jyoti Meditation who affirms the transcendent oneness at the heart of all religions and mystic traditions, emphasizing ethical living and meditation as building blocks for achieving inner and outer peace. www.sos.org.

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

ears are already flowing like waterfalls within the disciple. Imagine containing all the force of a waterfall behind a levee? But just give the disciple one more disappointment, and tears will no longer be held within the eyes but will pour forth from the eyes. The disciple is using all the human power to contain the grief and sadness felt when kept away from the Master and hiding it behind a smile. But just add one more disappointment and the smile will crack and turn into a sorrowful look. The disciple is trying hard to play by the rules and follow decorum and social structure, but give the disciple one more disappointment, and all caution is thrown to the winds. The amount of energy a disciple must expend in looking like a human being fulfilling its role in the world is so great that just one touch of the finger can unleash the depths of despair and pain welling up within the disciple and a song of either agony or ecstasy will come spilling out. Anyone who has experienced this will know that the disciple cannot help himself or herself. It is not the disciples fault. It is the captivating beauty of God expressed through the form of the Master either within or without that is pulling the soul of the disciple, and the disciple is helpless in its wake. Can an iron filing help itself being drawn to a magnet? Can a moth help from burning itself in the flame of a candle? Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj has beautifully related an account from history of a musician who illustrates the condition of such a disciple. There is a true account of Tansen, one of Indias greatest classical musicians. Tansen was a musician in the court of King Akbar. Tansen is known as the greatest musician of North India. He was one of the nine jewels or the Navaratnas at the court of Akbar, the third Moghal emperor in the history of India.

The journey back to God starts with crying out to God. Then, we must listen to the response coming from God. We will then be put in touch with the divine Light and Sound of God. This internal Music will carry us from this physical world into the Beyond. There we will experience the divine bliss of Gods love and the pain of separation when away from God.
to the palace, Tansen met Hussaini. Like her name "the beautiful one," Hussaini was truly beautiful. Tansen fell in love with her and married her. Tansen later caught the attention of the Moghal emperor Akbar, who made him one of the nine jewels of his court. Emperor Akbar called him Mian Tansen and since then he has been known by this name. Legend has it that the emperor requested Tansens beloved to leave him so that Tansens heart would break and his music would be raised to sublime heights. It is hard to refuse an emperor, and so she had to leave Tansen. It is said that he loved her so much that his heart shattered into pieces. Unable to see her again, his music became so heart-felt and poignant that all the listeners were equally moved upon hearing him play. This music not only achieved acclaim in his own times, but has been enjoyed and praised for centuries. Legend also has it that his music was so powerful that it could bring about miracles. When he sang it was like he was performing yogic siddhis and riddhis. It is said that one of his ragas was so powerful and generated so much heat that it heated up the room so her. They can try to hide what is contained within them, but the fire of their pain is so great that anyone who comes near will feel its heat. Tansens music was so moving that it brought its listeners to states of ecstasy and agony. It is like great poets who can touch the hearts of their listeners with even a few words. Anyone who reads the poetry of Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj will find it full of pain. A large part of mystic poetry has been written in a state in which the poet has been broken-hearted. Mystic poetry of saints and Masters is filled with references to pangs of separation, yearning, the heart undergoing torture from separation, and the trials and tribulations through which the lover passes. The poetry of the saints is drenched with cries of anguish suffered when away from ones Beloved, from the Master, or from God. We can see what depths of agony Tansen went through without his Beloved and the effect such works had on its listeners. We experienced the moving verses written by Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj who went through the fires of agony in separation from two great Masters, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj and beautifully in another verse by Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj: Why blame the tipplers for their yearning eyes, When the wine itself dances so ravishingly in the cup? A drunkard may go to a therapeutic program to get over his addiction. He may take a vow never to drink again. Yet if you put a beautiful goblet with rich wine dancing in the cup in front of him, what is the drunkard to do? It is all that he can do to say no, but his hand will immediately move towards the cup. He can try as hard as he likes, but the cup will soon be pressed against his lips and the warm liquid will be flowing into him. He cannot help himself. He is a drunkard. That is what drunkards do. Similarly, those drunk with the love of the Master and God are as helpless as that drunkard who thirsts for wine when they come into the presence of the Master. They are helpless. Why? The reason is that it is not they who are causing this attraction. The Master is radiating the power of God. The power of God is a magnet for all the souls. All souls are made of the same essence. When the soul comes in contact with God, it is helplessly drawn to God. Thus, when we stop identifying with the body and