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US Affairs 11

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Humor 28

Spiritual Awareness 30

NEW YORK EDITION
Vol.5 No. 13 July 14-20, 2012 60 Cents
Indian American Mensa boy, 9, working on college degree South Asians celebrate America’s Independence Day

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Dara Singh - the champion loses his final fight Bollywood, Page 16

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Miss India UK faces 'racial insults' on Big Brother Diaspora, Page 21

Conservatives press Romney to deliver counterpunch
Washington: Mitt Romney and his strategists built a reputation during the Republican primaries as tough street fighters who tore apart Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and the rest of his rivals. But now, even with polls suggesting he is battling Barack Obama to a draw at this stage of the presidential race, Romney is being confronted with concerns in his party for not being aggressive enough to withstand the Democratic assault. It is the Obama team defining Romney and attacking him in recent days

Africa gets major share of Indian investments worldwide
Accra, Ghana: Africa has bagged a major share of about $3 billion that Indians invested every month around the world, says the head of a government agency that facilitates Indian investment abroad. Dushyant Thakor, general manager of Invest India, spoke Wednesday on the sidelines of a three-day Indian trade expo organized jointly by FICCI and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Thakor, however, could not state the exact percentage of Indian investment in Africa but said the agency "has been able to assist investors who want to establish in Africa and this has been substantial". He said the event saw the participation of over 200 Indian companies and "has been helpful to Indian businesses that want to invest in West Africa".

Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican candidate for President on taxes, outsourcing jobs and his bank accounts. So, a powerful counterpunch from Romney is what the base of the Republican Party is craving. Now in his second run for Continued on page 4

Commerce Minister Anand Sharma (left) and Hannah Tetteh, Ghana's minister of trade and industry, at the India Show in Accra. Invest India has been building investment contacts and networking with various investment centers in West Africa to provide Continued on page 4

1st India Day Parade in Long Island set to roll on August 11

SBI disfavors winding up of Kingfisher airlines
New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI), the main lender to Kingfisher Airlines, on Thursday said it is not for shutting down of the cashstrapped carrier but the lenders needed to take measures to recover loans given to it. "We do not like shutting down of Kingfisher, but we also need to take measures as taken in the last couple of weeks. We have asked Kingfisher to start the process of valuation of non-core assets so that we know how much we could get if they were disposed of," SBI Managing Director A Krishna Kumar told CNBC TV18. The cash-strapped airline owes Rs. 7,500 crore and accumulated interest from January 2012 to the 17-bank consortium, led by the SBI, which alone has an exposure of Rs. 1,400 crore. On July 5, the consortium had a meeting with the airline management, after which the lenders said they had hired HDFC Securities to do a valuation of Kingfisher properties and come up with a report within 15 days. Asked how much the lenders could raise from these properties, Kumar said, "At the moment I do not know. Once the valuation is done, we will have the correct estiContinued on page 4 mate."

Core committee chairs at the kickoff meeting-- Animesh Goenka, Gobind Munjal, Indu Jaiswal, Kamlesh Mehta, Mohinder Taneja, and Mala Bakshi By Vikas Girdhar Hicksville, NY: Representatives of over 100 Indian community organizations cutting across region, religion, language or political ideology joined distinguished guests here Thursday to announce the inaugural Long Island India Day Parade on August 11 in Hicksville. Organizers of the parade celebrating India’s Independence Day (akin to the parades in Manhattan and New Jersey) expressed great excitement for the huge accomplishment. The procession will begin at 1 p.m. on August 11 from Patel Brothers and wind down Broadway for one mile on Route 107 to the Continued on page 4

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July 14-20, 2012

‘Trishna’ leading lady walks Red Carpet in NYC
By Vikas Girdhar New York: Indian actress and model Freida Pinto headlined a Red Carpet premiere of her new film, ‘Trishna’, on Tuesday. The event, held at IFC Theatre in New York City, was sponsored by fashion designer Rachel Roy. Pinto wore a sparkling white summer dress and topped it off with black heeled shoes, all designed by Roy. Pedestrians passing by the IFC Theatre flocked to catch a glimpse of the ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ fame actress who has managed to make headway in Hollywood. ‘Trishna’, which also stars Riz Ahmed and is directed by Michael Winterbottom, is Pinto’s fifth film and is releasing on July 13. Set in modern India, the British film is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel, “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”. Premiering first at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival last September, ‘Trishna’ (meaning desire in Hindi) tells the story of a young woman whose learning and dreams conflict with what rural Indian society dictates. The film is a journey of obstacles for the title character in light of love and circumstance. Joining Pinto on the Red Carpet was the director Winterbottom, Rachel Roy, and Pinto’s co-stars. Pinto was born into a Mangalorean Catholic family in Mumbai. She now lives in Los Angeles.

Freida Pinto on the Red Carpet for her new film in Manhattan.

Website for stamps on gems and jewelry launched
New York: Dr. Rajnikant Shah, a New York jeweler, has created a web museum for his collection of 10,000 stamps from over 200 countries on gemstones, minerals, jewelry, clocks, coins and gold/silver. The educational site www.stampsongemsandjewelry.co m, that went live in end June, is aimed to “introduce the beauty of gems and jewelry that engravers have seen and reproduced on stamps from all over the world,” says Dr Shah, “so that collectors, gemologists, students, and others can learn and appreciate the collection.” Objectives include: Provide details about gems and jewelry with their qualities and characteristics, etc, and assist the jewelry trade to appreciate how the various designs can be used in daily life. All the stamps have been sorted as per the group where they belong. Once you go in a particular group, it will show names of stones, minerals or categories of jewelry, clocks and coins. All group items or categories are arranged in alphabetical order with a small write up on gems, minerals and various categories. Each country or group items and categories have been presented in two different views - grid view and list view. Dr Shah has been collecting stamps for the last 55 years from the age of 12 when he was in school in Jaipur, India. His collection continued even when he studied medicine and then came to the

Time and money curtail gymming for students
New York: While Mayor Michael Bloomberg and First Lady Michelle Obama are among those making childhood obesity a public cause, many American students are being granted little or no time in the gym. In its biennial survey of high school students across the nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in June that nearly half said they had no physical education classes in an average week. In New York City, that number was 20.5 percent, compared with 14.4 percent a decade earlier, according to the C.D.C. That echoed findings by New York City’s comptroller, in October, of inadequate physical education at each of the elementary schools that auditors visited. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found just 20 percent of elementary schools in San Francisco’s system were meeting the state’s requirements: 20 minutes per day. At Anatola Elementary School in Van Nuys, Calif., not only are there no gym teachers, but there is also no gym. The principal, Miriam King, has relied on $15-an-hour aides to oversee once-weekly exercise regimens for her 450 students at an outside playground. In the Miami-Dade School District in Florida, physical education

A section of Dr Rajnikant's web museum homepage USA in 1976 to work in the gemstone business. Traveling the world over for his business gave him a chance to collect stamps from all over the world and see some rare minerals and stone specimens.

Investor friendly Gujarat woos American businesses
New York: The Indian state of Gujarat has invited American investment, saying even in a turbulent global economic scenario and with a domestic slowdown in India, Gujarat continues to grow and remains an investor friendly state. The message was delivered by a high powered government and business delegation from Gujarat led by D.J. Pandian, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, during a roadshow here Monday. The event to interact with the American business community was organized jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the US India Business Council (USIBC). The delegation of 18 industry leaders, representing sectors like financial services, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, clean energy are accompanying Pandian and other Gujarat Government officials for a 10-day visit to the US and Canada. Pandian spoke of the tremendous strides made by Gujarat in becoming an attractive investment destination with world class infrastructure, skilled labor force, and a stable and transparent bureaucratic, judicial and legal system. He invited investors and industry representatives in New York to attend the Vibrant Gujarat 'investment festival' scheduled for January 11-13, 2013. Pandian particularly attributed the singular success of Gujarat in attracting and retaining businesses from all over the world to a combination of political will and administrative skill. He also emphasized that if the central government asked the states whether they would be open to multibrand retail, Gujarat would respond positively.

classes for middle school students were threatened by state legislation last year, in the face of anemic local tax collections and dropping property values In East Harlem, at TAG Young Scholars, an elementary and middle school for gifted students, there was no gym teacher for elementary students, according to Patricia Saydah, whose son Mitchell Deutsch just finished the first grade there. Senator Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, has proposed injecting language into the federal budget creating incentives for schools to report how much physical activity students are getting. He also asked the Government Accountability Office to look into the issue and, in February, it released a survey showing that while schools appeared more aware of the benefits of physical education, “they have reduced the amount of time spent” on such classes. Principals most frequently blame budget cuts, and in New York, they also cite pressures to devote resources to test preparation, and what one union leader called a lack of interest from the department headquarters.

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Romney story Continued from page 1 the White House, the former Massachusetts governor has shown consistent discipline, sticking doggedly to his strategy of making the election about Obama’s stewardship of the economy and for the most part avoiding being baited into traps set for him by rivals. “If you’re responding, you’re losing,” he told Fox News on Wednesday. But the latest Democratic offensive has become so intense that the Romney campaign are starting a new wave of TV commercials, aides said. In a rapid-fire era of presidential politics and news cycles, when candidates have the ability to respond at a moment’s notice, the restraint of the Romney campaign over the last two weeks has opened a round of second-guessing about his narrow focus on the economy. Conservatives have lit up talk radio programs across the country, worrying whether Mr. Romney’s business record has been “Swift Boated,” referring to attacks waged against Senator John Kerry’s military record in 2004. The Romney campaign headquarters in Boston has been inundated with advice and criticism from donors and supporters who worry that Mr. Romney has lost an opportunity to introduce himself on his own terms. “Team Obama is doing just what we did in 2004, which is to define the opposition furiously and early,” said Mark McKinnon, a strategist who worked on George W. Bush’s re-election campaign. “Most voters don’t have a deep sense of Romney other than he’s not Obama. And in this cycle, that may be enough, but it’s a very risky approach.” Advisers to Romney acknowledge that the questions about his record at Bain and wealth have added to his unfavorable rating among voters. But the campaign does not believe that the overall position of the race has changed, with voters still seeking an alternative to Obama. Some Republicans worry that Romney is not taking full advantage of the chance to defeat Mr. Obama. Some think he botched his chance to capitalize on the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the individual mandate portion of Obama’s health care law when his campaign contradicted itself, calling the mandate first “a penalty” and only later “a tax.” Indian Investment story Continued from page 1 a platform for good working relations between Indian businesses and those who want to trade with them, Thakor said. Ibrahim Bocar-Bah, the ECOWAS commissioner of macro-economic policy and private sector development, said India can help in the transformation of the region with its technological know-how which is lacking in the region. Bocar-Bah said: "The show has given the opportunity to West Africa to see how far India has gone in the development of appropriate technology which West African countries can adapt for their development." He said "it was a very good exhibition and it was important that Ghana hosted it because of the country's economic growth over the past year." Most of the Indian participants described the show as a success. Parimal Kumar of the Defence Research and Development Organisation said the show has exposed them to "lot of limitless opportunities in the West Africa region". Kotsons vice president (Marketing) C. Singh said: "We have made contacts for new businesses and have seen exactly what the West African sub-region has to offer in terms of trade with India." "West Africa is a huge market with opportunities that we intend to explore." A Ghanaian businessman, Terry Adjetey, said: "The event has opened up opportunities that exist in India for businessmen in Ghana and the West African region to take advantage of." Kingfisher Airlines story Continued from page 1 After the meeting, the airline had said in a statement, "As far as Kingfisher House is concerned, this property is now vacant following the move to The Qube. This property is intended for sale and once again, the consortium was voluntarily approached for permission to sell with the proceeds being paid to the banks." It had also said the meeting with the bank Strategy & Business Development Namit Narain, C: 516.303.2075 [email protected] consortium was convened in the "normal course with a properly circulated agenda. There was no discussion on loan recovery or forced sale of any collateral." 1st India day parade story Continued from page 1 Asa Mai Hindu Temple on E. Barclay St. There will be about 25 floats, marching bands, and dance troupes depicting India’s culture and traditions. The announcement of a celebrity Grand Marshal is expected soon. A review stand will be set up along the way for the Grand Marshal and invited dignitaries. An estimated 10,000 people are expected to participate and enjoy the illustrious heritage of Motherland India. There will be daylong cultural programs along with food and shopping stalls at the parking lot opposite the Hindu temple. The theme of the parade will be Celebrating Democracy and Unity and all will carry flags of both India and America. “It has been quite an ambitious step to bring the whole Indian community together on one platform,” said the organizers. Committee members who spoke at the kick-off meeting included Animesh Goenka, Gobind Munjal, Indu Jaiswal, Kamlesh Mehta, Mohinder Taneja and Mala Bakshi. Hicksville has been chosen as the venue because it has become a magnet for the growing Indian community and businesses in the area. The annual parade will help make the town grow further as Little India on Long Island. Besides the August 11 parade, on August 15, there will be a flag-hoisting ceremony in front of the prestigious Nassau County Legislative & Executive Building in Mineola. The beautiful dome of the Theodore Roosevelt Building will be illuminated with Indian flag colors in the evening. For the finale a gala dinner will be held on August 17 at SUNY campus, Old Westbury. A souvenir journal marking India’s 66th Independence Day will be released at the function. The kickoff meeting was held at the premises of the All-American Political Party, on whose behalf Bobby Kumar Kalotee welcomed all attendees. 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

July 14-20, 2012

Indian jeweler pleads guilty to illegally dealing in ivory
New York: Following seizure of a ton of illicit ivory in New York, two jewelers and their stores pleaded guilty on Thursday to marketing what prosecutors said was more than $2 million worth of the goods. One of the jewelers is Mukesh Gupta, owner of Raja Jewels, who pleaded guilty before a Manhattan Criminal Court to one count of illegal commercialization of wildlife; his company pleaded guilty to two counts. The other guilty dealer is Johnson JungChien Lu of New York Jewelry Mart. Under state law, ivory dealers must have a license from the State Department of Environmental Conservation and be able to show that their ivory was from before the ban on ivory and was legally obtained. The offence does not carry jail time. Gupta agreed to $45,000 in fines and forfeit the ivory. Prosecutors said they were still investigating how Raja Jewels and New York Jewelry Mart obtained the ivory objects.

30-year mortgage rate falls to record 3.56%
New York: Mortgage rates on 30-year and 15year fixed-rate mortgages fell to historic lows once again this week, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. The rate for a 30-year mortgage fell to 3.56%, down from 3.62% last week, Freddie Mac said in its weekly report. The 30-year fixed rate has matched or hit a new low for 11 of the past 12 weeks. Last year, the 30-year fixed rate stood at 4.51%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate fell to 2.86%, down from 2.89% last week. A year ago, the rate was 3.65%.

Printed Every Saturday by Forsythe Media Group, LLC ISSN 1941-9333 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Hicksville, NY 11801 P: 516.390.7847 Website: TheSouthAsianTimes.info Updated Daily Chairman and Co-Founder Kamlesh C. Mehta Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull President: Arjit Mehta Board Advisors (Honorary) Ajay Lodha, MD, Lakhpat B. Mehta, Esq. Rajasthan High Court & Supreme Court

Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra C : 516.710.0508 [email protected] Associate Editors Vikas Girdhar, Hiral Dholakia-Dave, Meenakshi Iyer Contributing Editors: Melvin Durai, Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Harry Aurora, Ashok Vyas, Ashok Ojha, Jinal Shah, Dr Akshat Jain, Nupur Joshi West Coast Correspondent Pooja Jain, [email protected] New Delhi Bureau Meenakshi Iyer [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.

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July 14-20, 2012

Indian community opposes resolution Nassau County honors President & CEO of Indus marking10 years of Gujarat anti-Muslim riots New York: Jagdish Sewhani, president of the AmericanIndian Public Affairs Committee, met with Congressman American Bank Steve Chabot, Chairman of the House Sub-Committee of
Foreign Affairs and Southeast Asia, and informed him that the Indian American community strongly opposes H.Res. 569. A formal memorandum was submitted. H.Res.569 was introduced by Congressman Keith Ellison and formally recognizes the tenth anniversary of the tragic communal violence in Gujarat, India. Sewhani informed Congressman Steve Chabot that H.Res. 569, described as “Recognizing the tenth anniversary of the tragic communal violence in Gujarat, India,” is not only biased and misleading, but also deceitful in its motive. “It is driven by mendacious intent to tarnish the image of Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat,” he said.

Police probe on for missing Indian American woman from Queens
Indus American Bank President and CEO Jasbir Chopra seen receiving the award from Nassau County Executive Edward P Mangano Long Island, NY: Nassau County in Long Island NY recently honored Americans of Indian heritage who “have contributed to the economic, social and cultural enrichment of our country and their local communities.” This year on June 24, 2012, the President & CEO of Indus American Bank, Jasbir Chopra was recognized for his “dedicated service to the community”, by Nassau County Executive Edward P Mangano. Indus American Bank, a bank for the South Asian community sets itself apart by focusing on and reinvesting in the communities in which it operates. The bank’s philosophy is to encourage entrepreneurship and help businesses grow and this is reflected in its support of small businesses. It is living up to its motto of “Come Grow with us.” Headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, Indus American Bank has branches in Iselin, Jersey City, Parsippany and Hicksville (NY) and plans to expand to other cities in New Jersey and New York. Indus American Bank specializes in SBA loans to small businesses, Lines of credit to medical professionals, Home Equity Line of Credit and free rupee money transfer to India. Indus American Bank is a member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, call 732603-8200 or visit www.indusamericanbank.com.
New York: The family of an Indian American Queens woman missing since Sunday fears she may be in serious danger. Police are searching for 26-yearold Rajwinder Kaur, who was last seen Sunday night at her home on 198th Street in Hollis. She left at about 8 p.m. to volunteer at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn and never returned home. Later that night, Kaur's sister Gurpreet received a text mesRajwinder sage from her sister's phone. Kaur "It said, 'The girl with this phone is dead,'" Gurpreet Kaur told NBC 4 New York. "It's too disturbing," she said. "At first when I saw it, I thought it was probably like a joke." But she knew her sister wouldn't write a message like that. Police said Kaur's phone was tracked to Brooklyn Sunday night then shut off. They were in the process of getting a search warrant to go through her emails, law enforcement sources said. Kaur reportedly sold her family possessions on eBay before disappearing, sources said. Her family said she had become more spiritual after a trip to India last winter but don't believe she would have disappeared abruptly. Family members have posted fliers around the neighborhood and in Brooklyn near places where Kaur volunteered. They are offering a $1,000 reward for information. Anyone with information on Kaur is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or at nypdcrimestoppers.com.

The American-Indian Public Affairs Committee President Jagdish Sewhani meets Congressman Steve Chabot, Chairman House Sub-committee on Foreign Affairs and Southeast Asia
“Keith Ellison has repeated the politically motivated lies and allegations by anti-Modi lobby in India and America. In fact, there is not a single person who can prove that the state government was culpable, or can prove that the riots were a genocide or a massacre. In fact, the riots were spontaneous. The roasting alive of 57 innocent people by extremist Muslims on the Godhra Railway Station was the last straw which triggered the peaceful Hindus to take on the law,” Swehani said in a press release.He added, “In a written reply in Parliament on May 11, 2011, Union Minister of State for Home Shriprakash Jaiswal, a member of the Congress Party, stated that 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus were killed in the Gujarat riots. Hence, it was neither a genocide nor a massacre, as falsely stated by Keith Ellison.” The formal memorandum supports the impartiality of Modi government by quoting a Muslim newspaper “Milli Gazette” which in its June 1-15, 2005 issue stated that "Millions of Indian rupees were paid by the state government to the kith and kin of the people affected by communal riots." Substantiating its opposition to the H.Res.569 the memorandum states that “it is worthwhile to pay attention to a scientific field study conducted by Justice D.S. Tewatia under the banner of the "Council for International Affairs and Human Rights" which in its report said that “The strategy [of inimical forces] is to keep India engaged in communal and caste strife so that the nation’s focus on development is diffused and its endeavor to emerge as a super- power is thwarted.””

Indian MPs, US think tank discuss policy issues
Washington, DC: A group of 11 visiting Indian MPs and a leading US think tank have discussed the need for focused policy initiatives to accelerate India's economic growth agenda and unleash the vibrant India-US relationship. How to boost India-US relations with an in-depth understanding of each other's policy initiatives was the focus of discussions at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) during the 6th India-Yale Parliamentary Leadership Program. Karl Inderfurth, former US assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs, who chairs the Wadhwani Foundation Program in US-India Policy Studies Chair at CSIS, briefed the Indian parliamentarians about "our (US) efforts to strengthen the economic partnership between our two countries and accelerate India's economic growth." Inderfurth also called attention to the work of the Wadhwani Chair at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) in New Delhi, led by Hemant Singh. "Both of these chairs represent valuable public policy arms of the Wadhwani Foundation," he said. During the discussions, it emerged that breadth and depth of collaboration between India and the US across a number of policy initiatives has progressed well, according to a media release from the Wadhwani Foundation. However, it was felt there is significant opportunity to develop focused policy initiatives that not only accelerate the economic growth agenda for India but also deepens the collaboration in geopolitical issues, regional security and defence, among others. Ajay Kela, president and chief executive officer of the Wadhwani Foundation, said: "It was an opportunity for the Indian MPs - from several states, representing a number of parties - to share with CSIS their views on the state of India-US relations, and where improvements can be made." "This is precisely the kind of exchange that will, over time, lead to better understanding and concrete results in advancing India-US ties," he said. The two-way exchange process was vital for understanding the key local issues in each other's countries, thereby enhancing the policy analysis, research and study, Kela added. The participating MPs were Baijayant Panda (Biju Janata Dal), Dinesh Trivedi (Trinamool Congress), Birendra Prasad Baishya (Asom Gana Parishad), Thomas Sangma and Vandana Chavan (both Nationalist Congress Party), Madhu Goud, Yaskhi Manicka Tagore and Mukut Mithi (all Congress), Shivkumar Udasi and Kamlesh Paswan (both BJP).

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July 14-20, 2012

IN BRIEF

Rana Samaj organizes health fair

NY filmmaker releases film online
New York : based independent filmmaker Shailja Gupta, who is also the US country head of Shah Rukh Khan's production company Red Chilies Entertainment, has launched her maiden film "Walkaway" online for viewers in India this week. "My unique method of launching this movie in the country might just inspire more independent filmmakers who get tired running after distributors. To release their movies online is a more viable option to showcase their art," Shailja said. The story weaves through the lives of four couples from diverse backgrounds, as they face the dilemmas of living in an international contemporary society, away from home, while still being expected to fulfill archaic and age-old Indian tradition and how

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ana Samaj USA, a nonprofit organization based in Passaic/Clifton, held Indian community health camp on July 1st at Passaic high school. About 250 people attended the fair. Present at the occasion was Passaic City Mayor Dr. Blanco, saints of Swami Narayan of YDS, wellknown community leaders Piyush Patel, Harkesh Thakur, Atma Singh and local community leaders. 170 people participated in the camp who did not have any health Insurance. Health screening consisted of blood tests, EKG, eye examination, physical examination, review of EKG interpretation and counseling, heart disease screening, cancer screening/ prevention education and dental examination. Nine doctors volunteered their time along with their staff. Certified medical assistants

170 Indian Americans benefited through the health fair from the community also helped at the camp. President of the organization Bharat Rana thanked the team of doctors, sponsors of the camp, Quest Labs, Rivas Medical supply, all committee members and all participants.

Filmmaker Shailja Gupta they deal with it. New York's best South Asian acting talent - Manu Narayan, Samrat Chakrabarty, Manish Dayal, Saniv Jhaveri, Deepti Gupta, Carrie Anne James, Pallavi Sharda and Ami Sheth have been cast in the film.

Ranbaxy CEO planning expansion in US, elsewhere
he head of Indian drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. says he's charging ahead with plans to expand sales in the crucial U.S. market, despite extra oversight from American regulators over quality questions that have blocked imports of 31 of its medicines. Ranbaxy, which almost exclusively makes generic pills, particularly is aiming to regularly be first on the U.S. market with just-approved generic drugs, CEO Arun Sawhney told The Associated Press in an interview Monday. Discussing his plans during a visit to Ranbaxy's U.S. headquarters in central

India business delegation visits South America

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New Jersey, Sawhney noted his company has just launched its first brand-name drug, a malaria treatment called Synriam that is the first brand-name drug ever developed in India. That's because the hundreds of drugmakers based in India all make inexpensive generic medicines, as most of the country's 1.1 billion people cannot afford brand-name drugs that can cost thousands of dollars. Sawhney is hoping to sell some brandname drugs in the U.S. eventually and plans in about six months to start selling a recently approved generic version of acne drug Accutane.

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25 member business delegation led by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia is visiting South American countries of Colombia and Venezuela, as also Cuba, in a bid to strengthen the economic engagement with them. The delegation organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has participation from prominent Indian companies like Larson & Toubro, Godrej, Mahindra & Mahindra, Emcure pharmaceuticals, Ennore Coke Ltd, Forbes Marshall, ONGC Videsh, Apollo International and Continental Devices Indian Ltd. Participation in the delegation comes

from diverse sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, automobiles, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and mining and minerals. The July 6-13 visit has a strong focus on enhancing business and investment ties with Colombia and the two socialist countries, CII said in a statement. Colombia is emerging as an important focus country for Indian business. The total bilateral trade between India and Colombia stood at $1.4 billion in 201011, with India's exports to Colombia amounting to $0.55 billion and imports from Colombia amounting to $0.85 billion.

The Indian Public School buys US South Hills Academy for $10M
amil Nadu-based The Indian Public School (TIPS) has acquired South Hills Academy, a Los Angelesbased school for $10 million. This acquisition will help TIPS to expand its presence globally. Started in 1957, South Hills Academy is located in a five-acre campus and offers accelerated learning with an advanced math and science program and following the Baccalaureate system, wherein student are deputed to foreign countries for short stints. South Hills , which also offers pre-

NAMI NJ produces documentary on mental illness
AMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NJ has produced ‘Documenting Our Presence: Multicultural Experiences of Mental Illness’ as a compassionate, hopeful look at the experiences of people of diverse backgrounds, affected by serious mental illness. The documentary traces their lives through a cultural lens, focusing on the onset of mental illness, the process of coping and acceptance, and finally, their journey to recovery. All these stories, diverse as their backgrounds, are linked together in segments that flow naturally through the video and book-

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school, elementary, junior and high school programs, will now be known as TIPS South Hills Academy. TIPS runs a chain of international baccalaureate (IB) education system schools in India and also offers professional development programs. Currently IB works with 3,456 schools in 143 countries to develop and offer four challenging programs to over 1,041,000 students aged 3 to 19. TIPS, which has 10 campuses in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, plans to start 20 more schools in India and ten abroad in five years.

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mark the various stages along the journey towards wellness and recovery. The documentary was produced as a NAMI NJ Multicultural Outreach Initiative with the support of NAMI - National Alliance of Mental Illness and NJ Division of Mental Health Services. The mission of NAMI NJ Multicultural Programs is to improve the lives of people from all cultures who are affected by mental illness through support, education and advocacy. Omusha Communications is the producer of this documentary. A DVD of this documentary is available for interested mental health organizations across the nation.

Pratistha Mahotsav at Jain Center of Central Ohio from July 20-23
Columbus, Ohio: The Jain Center of Central Ohio (JCOCO) is celebrating its official opening, or Pratistha Mahotsav, from July 20th to 23rd, 2012. JCOCO has a very small and vibrant Jain community which was founded in 1991. Since its beginning it has focused on building its own temple and now that dream has come true. The structure itself is a traditional temple with an area of over 7600 square feet. Ghabharo (inner Sanctum) will have the presence of Shvetambar pratimajis of Adinath Bhagwan (Mulnayak) and Parshwanath Bhagwan, and a Digambar pratimaji of Mahavira Bhagwan. The Rangmandap will have Guru Pundarik ence of dignitaries such as Shri H.H. Charukeerthiji Bhattarakji, Amrender Muniji, Dr.Tarlaben Doshi, Shri Girishbhai and Sushilaben Shah, Nareshbhai and Minaben Shah, Narendrabhai Nandu, Narendrabhai Shah, Ashutosh Vyas, and JAINA president Dr. Sushil Jain and his wife Asha Jain. The four day program is full of activities such as colorful varghoda (procession) various pooja vidhis to purify all moorties, a cultural drama entitled “Munnabhai Mile Chetna Se” directed and written by Rakesh and Neha Jain, and inspired by the 9th century classic Sanskrit work “Upmiti Bhav Prapanch Katha” (A Metaphorical Story of the Worldly Journeys).

The Jain Center Swami and Guru Gautam Swami and also rangmandap. There is an upasra where marble patts of Sammetshikhar Maha Tirth people can perform samayika, meditation, and Shratunjay Maha Tirth along with etc., library, and a class rooms for adult Navkar Mahamantra and Siddha Chakra and children religious classes; and a large patts. Chakreshvari Devi, Sarsvati Devi, multipurpose room. Shri Manibhadravira, and Shri During the Pratishtha Mahotsav, the Ghantakaranveer will also reside in the community will be honored with the pres-

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

7

July 14-20, 2012

9-yr-old Indian American Mensa boy’s working on college degree
New York: A nine-yearold Indian American boy is already working on earning his college degree. Tanishq Abraham was inducted into genius society Mensa at the age of 4, and scored in the 99.9 percentile on a standardized intelligence test. The youngest student to be accepted at American River College in Sacramento, California at the age of 8, Abraham spends his days among students more than twice his age - whom he also occasionally lectures. "I like particle physics and contemplating the fate of the universe," the Daily Mail quoted him as telling the Digital Journal. Precocious being an obvious description for him - while his acute intelligence was first recognized by his mother at the age of 2-1/2 - Abraham keeps his parents busy trying to keep up. His father, Bijou, is a software engineer, and his mother Dr. Taji Abraham, a doctor of veterinary medicine. "A typical comment is that we are really pushing him," his father laughed to Fox40. 'He's pushing us,”

Time wonders if 'underachiever' Manmohan can overcome
Washington, DC: Dubbing Indian "With the rupee hitting record Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lows, a yawning fiscal deficit and a as an "underachiever" the prestilack of economic direction from gious Time magazine asks whether the government's top brass, the architect of 1991 economic investors at home and abroad are reforms can rouse himself and put beginning to get cold feet," Time India back on the high growth said. Voters too are losing confipath. dence, as rising inflation and a "Narrowing the gap between litany of scandals chip away at the heightened expectations and the government's credibility, it said, nation capacity to deliver, should citing a recent national poll sugThe cover page of Time be a job for the man who launched gesting that 66 percent of urbanmagazine’s latest issue those expectations 21 years ago ites believed Singh and his coaliwith such oratorical flourish," Time says in tion had lost the right to govern. the cover story of its Asia edition. "How has India's technocrat-in-chief fallen "India can only wait to see if Singh can so far from grace," wondered Time magazine, rouse himself, let alone prevail or overcome," noting that during his first term, India's econowonders the cover story of the July 16 issue my reached a clip of 9.6 percent growth. with the blurb: "The Underachiever. India "Singh's coalition passed laws to guarantee needs a reboot. Is Prime Minister Manmohan the right of rural Indians to work while Singh up to the job?" improving civic rights and political transTracing Manmohan Singh journey to the top parency. In 2009, when the government was from his remote farming village in Gah, now re-elected, the headlines trumpeted: SINGH in northeast Pakistan, the magazine suggests IS KING!" that the 79-year-old prime minister today Asking whether Manmohan Singh was appears "unwilling to stick his neck out" on "Asleep at the Wheel", Time said: "Businessreforms that will put the country back on the friendly laws that could spur growth to offset growth path. that spending are languishing, and industry is "Last quarter, India's GDP growth fell to a struggling." nine-year low of 5.3 percent, a steep drop Industry leaders are demanding a host of from 9.2 percent the same period last year and bold reforms, such as an end to expensive a worrying turn for a country that needs to subsidies, deregulation of diesel prices and stay on a high growth path to pull hundreds of resumption of a law to allow multibrand millions out of poverty," the magazine noted. retailers like Walmart into India, it noted.

Tanishq Abraham

he insists. People think we want all these things, but it's his passion. This is what he loves," his mother added. Able to count to 100 at the age of 2, and having to skip the first grade when fully capable of performing 4th and 5th grade mathematics instead, Abraham's life could be seen as a challenge for him to fit in. "Our challenge is to keep him stimulated, not bored and to advance. We don't want him to stagnate," his father told News 10. "I'm not very good because kids and people are kind of rude to me,'" Tanishq, which means jewel in Sanskrit, told the

Sacramento Bee of his previous school with children his own age. Thanks to his college enrolment today he instead gives class presentations and occasionally guest lectures on subjects like paleontology, astronomy and one of his favorites, dinosaurs. His little sister Tiara, too is in MENSA. At the age of six, she was inducted after scoring in the 98.8 percentile. Balancing his academia, Abraham performs in the San Francisco Boys Chorus, in gymnastics, soccer, piano and even sang the National Anthem at the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's games.

Indian Oil, Reliance lead Indian 8 in Fortune 500
Washington, DC: Eight Indian companies have made it to Fortune magazine's 2012 list of world's 500 largest companies with public sector Indian Oil and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries among the top 100. While Indian Oil with revenues of $ 86,016 million took the 83rd spot up from 98th place last year, Reliance Industries with revenue of $76,119 million moved up from 134th to 99th position to become the first Indian private firm to join the top 100. Third placed Bharat Petroleum with revenue of $44,582 million is ranked 225th globally, Hindustan Petroleum with $38,885 million comes next in 267th place followed by State Bank of India with $36,950 million in the 285th spot. Tata Motors with revenues of $34,575 million is ranked 314th followed by Oil & Natural Gas with $30,746 placed 357th and Tata Steel with $27,739 million brings up the rear for Indian companies in the 401st place. Interestingly, the 2011 list also featured the same eight Indian companies. Last year, Bharat Petroleum was at the 272nd position, followed by SBI (292), Hindustan Petroleum (336), Tata Motors (359), ONGC (361) and Tata Steel (370). Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal's Luxembourg based ArcelorMittal with revenues of $94,444 million is ranked 70th while American banking giant Citigroup led by Indian-American chief executive Vikram Pandit takes the 60th spot with revenue of $102,939 million. Royal Dutch Shell with revenues of $484,489 takes the top spot in Fortune 500 global list ending retail major WalMart Stores' two-year winning streak. Energy firm Exxon Mobil takes the second place followed by Wal-Mart Stores, energy company BP, and oil producer and refiner Sinopec Group. American companies have cornered 132 places in the list, followed by China with 73 positions and Japan coming next with 68 spots.

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National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

IN BRIEF

Chicago & Atlanta MetLife Spelling Bee winners announced

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he 2012 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee continued its 11 city tour this past weekend with two events in the Chicago & Atlanta areas. With a huge turnout this year as well, the bee attracted some top talent as well as young and new spellers that competed for the coveted prizes and titles. In Chicago, Sai Allu from Ballwin, MO was the regional champ and Roshni Asirvatham from Rochester, MN was the first runner up while Gokul Venkatachalam from Chesterfield, MO was second runner up. In Atlanta, Sumedh Garimella from Duluth, GA was the regional champ and Sadhana Durbha from Suwanee, GA was first runner up while Prutha Patel from Fayetteville, NC was second runner up. The winners received cash prizes of $500,

these vendors and exhibitors, the festival has stage performances, talent contests, interactive demonstrations, tennis clinics, and many fun filled activities for you and your family and friends. KAGW is celebrating “Incredible India” through the “Indian Village” by exploring dif-

ferent Indian regions and their colorful and varied cultures, products and special cuisines. They will be show-casing 25+ retail vendors and 5 authentic Indian cuisines. The Indian cultural performance groups will have a strong presence in the main stage along with some Bollywood style entertainments.

Comedian Aziz Ansari makes a campaign ad for Obama

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Winners of Atlanta round $300 and $200 respectively. Children up to 14 years of age are eligible to participate and the contest saw spellers of even 6 years of age compete and make it past a few rounds. There are 9 more cities on the anvil before the August 17 finals in NJ.

America’s Best Franchising to hold annual meet Sept 5-7
merica’s Best Franchising, Inc. will hold its annual conference of owners and general managers on September 5 through 7 at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta. More than 200 attendees are expected to participate in an agenda that will include a variety of speakers, panel discussions, and educational workshops, plus a trade show. About 75% of America’s Best Franchising hotel owners are Indian American. Among the guest speakers are: Fred Schwartz, President, Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA); Mark Woodworth, President,

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PKF Hospitality Research; Marlene Colucci, Executive Vice President for Public Policy, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA); John Russell, hotelier and former chairman of the AH&LA, and Nitin Shah, banker and former chairman of AAHOA, in a panel discussion moderated by Doug Collins, chairman and CEO of America’s Best Franchising; Mark Lommano, New Brand Analytics, and Cindy Green, Kalibri Labs; and Chuck Vollmer, entrepreneur and author of “Jobenomics” which describes how to create 20 million new private sector jobs by 2020.

here is like the only thing ziz Ansari, an Indian-origin she thinks is worth me doAmerican writer ing,” Obama said. He also added, “I know he’s backand stand-up comedian stage but I just want to rehas come up with an ad mind him: I’ve got more for President Barack Obama’s voter registraTwitter followers than tion campaign, which you, man. I just want to keep him humble and says “I’ll blink when you hungry.” register.” Ansari responded to this Ansari has been supby tweeting, “President porting Obama’s reelecObama gives me a tion campaigns from the past many months and shoutout, calls me out on lack of Twitter followers. previous year he attended Unreal.” a fundraiser for Obama Ansari’s and Obma’s rein New York City. ObaComedian Aziz Ansari lationship became ma pointed out Ansari during the dinner that followed, telling that stronger when the former attended the White his daughter is a huge fan of Ansari. House Correspondence dinner with several “Now, this is big because Malia is a big other celebrities in the month of April, ‘Parks and Recreation’ fan. So having Aziz last year.

Bobby Jindal defends Romney on offshore investments

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Kerala Association to showcase Indian culture at 9th Asian Festival

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erala Association of Greater Washington has partnered with other Asian countries, Thai Tennis Association in America, Singha Beer and USTA in organizing the 9th Annual Asian Festival at the main campus of the George Mason University, Fairfax VA. This two-day festival on July 2122 is a free admission event to promote a

greater understanding of the Asian-Americans and their cultures. The fest attracted over 50,000 people last year from the DC Metro Area. This year, the organizers have lined up more than 200 multi-cultural vendors and exhibitors along with 30 traditional Asian food vendors, including Thai, Indian, Philippines, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. In addition to

ouisiana's Indian-American Governor Bobby Jindal, whose name often figures among Mitt Romney's likely running mates, has defended the presumptive Republican presidential nominee against attacks over his offshore investments. "Look, I'm happy he's a successful businessman. We've got a president today who's never run a business, never run anything including a lemonade stand before he was president of the United States," Jindal said on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. His comments follow a week of Democratic criticism of Romney for placing his money overseas in so-called tax havens,

such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Switzerland. Asked whether or not Romney's finances should be an influential factor in this election, Jindal described the attacks as "distractions" but said voters will likely remember them as they head to the polls. "I think voters will consider all of the distractions thrown out by the Obama campaign," Jindal said. President Barack Obama's re-election campaign immediately seized on Jindal's comments, pointing out that Jindal declined to directly address questions about Romney's overseas investments and saying the governor "can't explain away" the candidate's accounts.

Indian-American woman murdered in California motel
Washington, DC: A US Army veteran has been charged in the brutal sexual assault and murder of a 62-year-old Indian American woman at a motel in California run by her family, according to local media report. Stephen Carreiro, 25, was arraigned Tuesday in San Joaquin Superior Court on charges that he raped and murdered Lalita Patel Saturday night at the Hacienda Inn, in Tracy city, California, San Jose Mercury News reported. Carreiro was naked when he was arrested around 7:15 p.m. Saturday after fighting with witnesses and police at the motel, it said. In addition to charges of murder, elder abuse, and resisting arrest, prosecutors filed five special-circumstances counts of murder during the commission of a burglary, rape, rape with a foreign object, sodomy and mayhem, Mercury News said. Police said that Carreiro had also attacked the victim's 82-year-old mother, but would not give the details of that assault. She is expected to recover from her injuries. But it would not describe the nature of Carreiro's attack on Patel or reveal whether a weapon was used.Carreiro had recently been discharged from the Army, Mercury News said citing Tracy police Capt. John Espinoza. Patel was found near the office of the motel, where she was working Saturday night, Espinoza said. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Espinoza confirmed that there was a live-in unit next to the motel office for employees, but would not say if that room was where Patel was found.Carreiro is being held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail. He will appear next at a hearing on July 24.

India's Mahindra halts plans to sell pickup truck in U.S.
Washington, DC: India's Mahindra & Mahindra has halted development work on a pickup truck aimed at the U.S. market, the company said, following legal disputes and failure to win needed certification. India's largest utility vehicle maker, which sells tractors in the United States but not passenger vehicles, had been working on the development of a pickup truck version of its popular Scorpio utility vehicle since 2006, spending about $100 million. But the company said those plans are now scrapped, reports Reuters. Mahindra "recently decided not to proceed further with the project due to changes in the U.S. regulatory and market situation," the company said in a statement on Tuesday. "M&M will continue to monitor the U.S. situation and remain flexible with its approach to this market." Last month, the company said it had not obtained the necessary certification to enter the U.S. market with the vehicle, but did not give specifics. The company had also been involved in a dispute with distributor Global Vehicles, with which it had agreed to launch the Scorpio version in the U.S. market. But earlier this year, an international arbitration panel ruled in favour of the Indian automaker, the flagship company of the $15.4 billion Mahindra Group conglomerate. The company faces a more recent lawsuit filed by American dealers, who allege "intentionally delayed certification of its vehicles." Mahindra has refuted their claims.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

9

July 14-20, 2012

Atlanta Telugu meet a great success: president
Atlanta: The American Telugu Association, known as ATA, held its 12th biennial gathering at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. According to ATA President Dr Rajinder Jinna, up to 9,000 people participated in the three-day event. "We had earlier expected about 6,000 people and the final response was so much that it exceeded our expectations," Jinna said in a post-event interview. "Because of our anticipatory preparations, everything went on smoothly barring very minor inconveniences here and there." The highlights of the meet were the inaugural banquet (July 6), where awards were given to achievers in various fields; revival of the efforts to set up a chair at a local university; the film stars nite; the multi-course regional cuisine at all the meals; a session on music and songs; seminars and meetings on such subjects as women, seniors, youngsters and matrimony. Chief Minister Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy of Andhra Pradesh was originally scheduled to address live from Hyderabad but that could not take place because of "technical difficulties", clarified Jinna, adding that Minister of State for Defense Pallam Raju was the chief guest at the convention. In a message, given on the occasion, Reddy said, "I appreciate the efforts of Telugu diaspora and the contributions to their adopted land. I appeal to the participants not to forget their motherland and continually work for its development. I assure you on behalf of the Venu Madhav, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, Srinivas Reddy and Hema were among those that regaled the packed audience with their comedy. Among the literary sessions, Ashtavadhaanam by Garikapati Narasimha Rao drew considerable response. It was described as "one of the best ever." The theme of the conference was "smskriti, sampradayam, samaaja seva" (culture, customs and community service), according to information available in Telugu on the ATA website.

Emory University to have chair
ATA President Rajinder Jinna lighting the traditional lamp to formally inaugurate the event mory University in Georgia has embarked upon the task of establishing a chair in Telugu studies—the first such effort in the US. The effort, expected to lead to the setting up of a professorship and a separate permanent department for Telugu, is intended to teach the language, literature, culture and history in the US. The Telugu initiative was taken by Professor Ms Joyce Flueckiger, of the Department of Religious Studies at the university. The professor has a long association with Andhra Pradesh, which includes her extensive anthropological fieldwork in Hyderabad and Tirupati. “She works closely with Dr Velcheru Narayana Rao, the distinguished visiting professor at the university,” a statement released in connection

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government all assistance." Vempati Chinna Sathyam, the veteran guru of the kuchipudi dance form, was honored in absentia with a lifetime achievement award. He could not be present because of health reasons, according to the organizers. Dr S Rao Rapaka of the National Institute of Health was recognized for his biomedical research. Dr Lakshmireddi Animireddy was declared the philanthropist of the decade (for the past 10 years). Along with Raju, Andhra Pradesh ministers D K Aruna and Sridhar Babu, parliament member Madhu Yaskhi and several state lawmakers attended the event that ended on July 8. The winning team of a cricket competition was given an award by former India captain and present MP Mohammed Azharuddin. Ileana, Surendra Reddy and other filmrelated persons were present at the "Tollywood meet-and-greet" session. AVS,

Minister for State for Defense Pallam Raju, Professor Joyce Flueckiger, Velcheru Narayana Rao, Magam Ranga Reddy and Rajender Dichpally (Secretary - Indian American Forum for Political Education) and others
with the initiative said. “They have already raised over 750,000 dollars and are looking for active support and donations for another 750,000 to establish it at Emory.” In October 2009, the university said in a report that the family of Florida biochemist Visweswara Rao Koppaka had made a lead gift of 750,000 dollars to help set up the professorship in Telugu and other South Indian traditions. “Emory is committed to building a strong program in Telugu studies to enhance its South Asian studies through internal funding and support from the Telugu community. Emory hired world-renowned Telugu scholar Rao in 2007,” the report said.

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL HINDU UNITY DAY
Shivaji Maharaj

(Hindu Sangathan Divas)

Swamy Vivekananda
The fearless Hindu monk

The great Hindu warrior king

Hindu Temple Society of North America and Indian American Intellectuals Forum, in cooperation with Hindus of the Tri-State area celebrate the 18th Annual Hindu Unity Day (Hindu Sangathan Divas)

Date: Saturday, July 21st, 2012 Assembly Time: 3:30 PM Program: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: HINDU TEMPLE AUDITORIUM 143-09 Holly Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355
Please come and celebrate Hindu Unity Day in commemoration of the coronation of Ch. Shivaji Maharaj, Hindu warrior king who, after demolishing Islamic domination, established Hindu kingdom in India in 1674. You are cordially invited with your family and friends to participate in this Yagna. Our aim in organizing this celebration is to create a feeling of pride about our Hindu identity and heritage in our community.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Subramanian Swamy, President of Janata Party, former Law Minister, Govt. of India Topic of Speech: “Globalization of Hindu Unity”

Pt. Swasti N. Dubey

Dr. N. Kukar

Pt. Jagdish Tripathi Ms Sheetal Shah

and Badri

Hiriyur – Vedanta Society

MORE INFO & TO SIGN-UP: Essay Competition y ngs : u y Subject: Hindu Unity www.nyganeshtemple.org tic so e r n Deadline for submission Patrio nces by www.hinduunityday.org d da rtists s e , is June 22nd, 2012 an PATRONS: n r s e 1 Open for Students Age 11 -25 uted a rep h s l e d Cash Prizes will be awarded Dr. Usha Mukhtyar, Dr. Dilip Mukhtyar, o t e f 1 to 1st Place of $251 Dr. Urmlesh Arya, Dr. Yashpal Arya, Dr. Veena Gandhi, d d e f and 2nd Place of $101 Dr. Narinder Kukar, Mohan Ramchandani of Mohan Tailors, n e s In three categories l r l r l Call or E-Mail for Full Dr. Rakesh Shreedhar, Balram Advani, P Raj of “Sterling”, .L. n s d Competition Details and Rules. Dr. C.B. Singh, Dr. Raj Gupta, Ram Sakhrani, Jyoti Pandya, : . . a r t E-Mail: Att. Dr. Uma Mysorekar at Vinod Kotahwala, Dr. C.K. Hiranaya Gowda, Divyang Dave, m r [email protected] or l 4 Call 718-460-8484 Rajyalakshi ji, K.L. Sardana.
SUPPORTERS: Dr. Ramesh Sarecha, Dr. A.R. Gupta, Bijoy K. Mehta, M.D., Dr. Harish Shah, Dr. Banani Nandi, Dr. Rajni Goel, Rama Shankar Singh, Jagdish Kakwani, Smile Fashion Corp., Animesh Goenka, Aruna Pal, Mohan Pillai, Dharanjit Singh, Rajeev Kaul, Thakur Nagrani, Shashi Dave, Kishore Malik, Ramen Nandi, Dinesh Aggrawal, Dr. Ila Sukhadia, Jagdish Sewhani, Babu Ram Gupta, Ram M. Suchdev, Kishore Malik, Prigyakant Manglik, Virendra Patel, Dilip Roc, N. Lalchandani, Arun Agrawal and Ranjana Agrawal, Rakesh Agarwal, LLM, Subhash Thapar, Rakesh Bhargawa, Kripal Singh, Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, Gaurang Vaishnav, Raksh Pal Sood, Manish Bhambhani, Chetna Shah, Rajinder Singh Khalsa, Rajesh Shukla, Dr. Babu Suseelan, Yeloji Mirajkar, Pushap Churra, Ramana Moorthy, Dr. Sudhakar Reddy, Raj Bassit, Lal Motwani, Mohini Sarin, Raju Bathija, Bhim Kalyandasani, Kenny Lakhani, Janak Moolani, Harish Hemrajani, Kishore Moolchandani, Naresh Khanna, Mahesh Shahani, Yogesh Kashap, Shibaji Kar, Arvind Sant, Vinay Dogra, Dharanjit Singh, Purnima Desai, Devinder Singh, Ratan Behari Pallod, Ram Kamath, Suresh Jani, Shree Sidhwani, Ramesh Chandriani, Raju Patel. Jagdish Mistry, Ravi Kaur, Shyam Bhaya, Nagendra S. Rao, Shankar Dutt, Dharam Dutt, Prakash Waghmare, Bipin Patel, Bipin Trivedi, Vikram Nair, Sivadasan Nair.

IF ANY QUESTION, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT:

NARAIN KATARIA (718) 478-5735
INDIRA NARASIMHARAJAN (917) 374-7030 DR. RAJ GUPTA (718) 539-5053 K. RAM (347) 400-1900 PATANJALI RAMBRICH (718) 496-0416 KRISHNA MURTHY 718) 461-6010 SURINDER VERMA (516) 343-3636 PABITRA CHAUDHURY (718) 853-3091 VASU CHIKKATUR MURTHY (516) 209-4843 NAND RAMSINGHANI (718) 651-9635 RADHA RAMAN UPADHYAYA(718) 465-3953 CHAMPAK BHAI PARIKH (718) 961-1123 SATYA DOSAPATI (732) 939-2060 RAM SAKHRANI (718) 445-3135

ARISH K. SAHANI (718) 271-0453
RAJU NANOO MANESH DAVE RAMESH GATHORIA BIDYUT SARKAR DR. SUDHAKAR REDDY P.R. MOHAN SHER B. SINGH LALIT SHOREY SATYA NIMANA SUBHASH ARORA MEENA GULATI RAVINDRA KOLHAPURE PUSHAP CHURRA (718) 740-7226 (516) 775-8066 (718) 888-7804 (212) 673-5628 (212) 683-6592 (718) 279-0866 (718) 470-0345 (718) 343-0012 (732) 264-5756 (718) 424-4204 (212) 662-3151 (646) 322-3827 (718) 962-0180

HINDU TEMPLE (718) 460-8484, Ext. 112
RAJINDRA BHAGAT RAMANA MOORTHY KAMAL MALHOTRA KAMAL PANDEY KISHORE MALIK LATA SIDHWANI BIPIN PATEL ARVIND SANT RATAN BIHARI PALOD PRASAD YELAMANCHI INDRASEN REDDY, Ph.D. (718) 591-1420 (516) 796-2735 (347) 944-1481 (347) 835-0438 (516) 798-4600 (516) 728-2940 (516) 354-1025 (718) 979-6144 (718) 760-4035 (630) 418-1122 (732) 770-2448

FREE
Admission
Snacks will be served at the end

Parking available at Flushing Hospital Garage: one block from HinduTemple auditorium at 146-01 th 45 Avenue, Flushing, NY Tel: 718-539-3375

US Affairs TheSouthAsianTimes.info

11

July 14-20, 2012

Obama expands lead on Romney,voters more optimistic
Washington: President Barack Obama expanded his lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney to 6 percentage points in the White House race this month as voters became slightly more optimistic about the economy, a new Reuters/IPSOS poll showed on Tuesday. Four months before the November 6 election, Obama leads Romney among registered voters 49 percent to 43 percent. In June, Obama held a slim 1-point lead over the former Massachusetts governor. Obama's improved standing was fueled in part by a slight rise in optimism about the future, with the number of Americans who think the country is on the wrong track dropping 5 percentage points to 58 percent. ries deepened and Romney consolidated Republican support after clinching the party's nomination to challenge him in November. Obama had led Romney by 7 points in May's poll. "Last month was a particularly bad time for Obama but now the race seems to have returned to its normal position, which has Obama up a few points," pollster Chris Jackson said. The poll of 1,154 adults, including 885 registered voters, was taken between Thursday and Monday. During the period, a weak labor report was issued on Friday that showed sluggish job gains and an unchanged unemployment rate of 8.2 percent in June. It also followed a long-anticipated Supreme Court decision late last month upholding Obama's landmark healthcare overhaul. At the same time, gas prices have dropped as the summer driving season gains steam and concerns about the European debt crisis have eased slightly. "It's not like consumer confidence has turned a big corner, but people feel a little better about where they are and where they are going," Jackson said. "Nothing bad has happened recently, and when nothing really bad happens people start feeling more optimistic." Other national polls have shown a tight White House race, with Obama generally holding a slight lead over Romney. A Washington Post/ABC News poll on Tuesday had the two rivals running dead even.

President Obama speaking in Pittsburg, PA, last week. Obama's approval ratings ticked up 1 point to 48 percent and the number of Americans who disapprove of his job performance dropped 3 percentage points to 47 percent. The shift follows a low point for Obama in June as economic wor-

Obama challenges Republicans to keep tax cuts for middle class
Washington: President Obama called on Monday for a one-year extension of Bush-era tax cuts for families earning less than $250,000 a year, seeking to steer the election-year debate away from high unemployment and portray himself as a champion of ordinary Americans. The tax proposal is unlikely to sway Obama's Republican opponents in Congress, who argue that the cuts should be maintained for everyone, including higher earners. Obama said both sides agree on the need to keep tax rates down for middle income groups at least. "Let's not hold the vast majority of Americans and our entire economy hostage while we debate the merits of another tax cut for the wealthy," Obama said at the White House. "We can have that debate, but let's not hold up working on the thing that we already agree on."

Romney tries to woo black voters
Houston: For someone considered too-white and too-conservative, Mitt Romney must be commended for speaking to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Unflinching, the presidential hopeful promised Wednesday that he'd do more for African-Americans than Barack Obama, the nation's first black president. He drew jeers though when he lambasted the Democrat's policies. "If you want a president who will make things better in the African-American community, you are looking at him," Romney told the group's annual convention. Pausing as some in the crowd heckled, he added, "You take a look!" "For real?" yelled someone in the crowd. The reception was occasionally rocky though generally polite as the Republican presidential candidate sought to woo a Democratic bloc that voted heavily for Obama four years ago and is certain to do so

Gates pledge for contraceptives in developing countries: $1 billion
London: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced Wednesday that it will spend more than $1 billion over the next eight years to increase access to contraceptives in the developing world and research new methods of birth control. Melinda Gates made the announcement Wednesday at a family planning summit in London chaired jointly by her Seattle-based foundation and the British government. The new funding level represents a doubling of Gates spending for family planning and puts the topic on a par with some of the foundation's other top priorities, including work on vaccines and treatments for malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. Giving women access to contraceptives will reduce unwanted pregnancies, slash the number of women who die in childbirth and reduce abortions, she said. "Family planning leads to more prosperous families, and at the national level, it's even linked to increased GDP growth," she said. The London summit exceeded its goal of raising $4.3 billion in pledges from nations, foundations and companies, to make contraceptives available to an additional 120 million women in the poorest parts of the world. Developing countries pledged $2 billion, while wealthy nations and foundations agreed to ante up $2.6 billion, said Andrew Mitchell, the United Kingdom's International Development Secretary. The biggest single commitment was from the U.K. government, which pledged an increase of $800 million over the next eight years, bringing the nation's total spending to $1.6 billion. The U.S. government, the world's biggest funder of international family planning programs, did not pledge any additional money.

Mitt Romney addressing NAACP
again. Romney was booed when he vowed to repeal "Obamacare" — the Democrat's signature health care measure — and the crowd interrupted him when he accused Obama of failing to spark a more robust economic recovery. At other points, Romney earned scattered clapping for his promises to create jobs and improve education. On his part, Obama has dispatched Vice President Joe Biden to address NAACP on Thursday.

9/11, JFK killing, Saddam execution among most memorable TV moments
New York: Watching news coverage of the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina disaster, and the O.J. Simpson murder verdict proved to be the most impactful TV moments of the past 50 years in the United States, according to a study released Wednesday. Television researcher Nielsen and Sony Electronics partnered to find which TV events were the most memorable for audiences. The Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986 and death of Osama bin Laden rounded out the top five. "What we were trying to measure was perception," Paul Lindstrom, a senior vice president at Nielsen told Reuters. "The most significant things, when it comes to television, weren't the events, but the moments shared with people. Things like ‘watching baseball with my dad,' seeing the Olympics together, all those types of things brought emotional memories together." The study questioned 12,000 participants online over three days in February. Respondents were provided a list of choices selected by media experts that ranged from news coverage such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to pop culture events such as the airing of final episodes of "Friends," "Seinfeld," and "Cheers." tions that audiences attach to TV with an eye toward boosting its program development and marketing. Following is a list of the top 20 most impactful TV moments of the past 50 years, according to the study. 1. September 11 attacks 2001 2. Hurricane Katrina - the levees break 2005 3. OJ Simpson murder verdict 1995 4. Challenger space shuttle disaster 1986 5. Death of Osama bin Laden 2011 6. OJ Simpson high-speed car chase 1994 7. Earthquake/tsunami in Japan 2011 8. Columbine school shooting 1999 9. BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010 10. Funeral of Princess Diana 1997 11. Death of Whitney Houston 2012 12. Capture and execution of Saddam Hussein 2006 13. Barack Obama acceptance speech 2008 14. Prince William, Kate Middleton wedding 2011 15. Assassination of John F. Kennedy 1963 16. Oklahoma City bombing 1995 17. Bush/Gore election results 2000 18. Los Angeles riots/Rodney King beating 1992 19. Casey Anthony murder trial verdict 2011 20. Funeral of John F. Kennedy 1963

World Trade Towers collapse and Hurricane Katrina topped the list in the study by Nielsen and Sony.

News-oriented items that crossed generations proved to be the most influential TV experiences, and stories of a communal nature or with widespread relevance also resonated with viewers. Princess Diana's funeral, the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado, the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the 2010 earthquake in Japan and football star O.J. Simpson's famous car chase by police also scored in the top 10. "What's interesting for me is not what's on the list, but what's not on the list," said Brian Siegel, vice president of television for Sony Electronics. "There wasn't entertainment - no Super Bowl, no "Friends" finale. It was all news and events ... Memories that are ubiquitous among all of us." Sony commissioned the study to assess emo-

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India TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

Ice cream remark: Opposition heat on Chidambaram
New Delhi: Under fire for remarks allegedly mocking the urban middle class on rising prices, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said he had made a "matter-of-fact" statement that had been distorted by the media and had not taken a dig at the common man. But his opponents, including the ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), refused to buy the Chidambaram clarification, saying the remarks by the senior minister were uncalled for. In a statement, Chidambaram said he was "shocked and disgusted by the deliberate distortion of the relevant question and answer at the media briefing in Bangalore on Tuesday". The statement quoted the minisbut we will not bear one rupee increase in the price of a kilo of wheat or a kilo of rice." "We are prepared to pay rupees 20 for an ice cream cone, but won't pay one rupee more for a kilo of wheat or rice." "The home minister made a matter-of-fact statement. He did not 'mock' or 'chide' anyone. If the interview is viewed, it will be seen that he spoke in a matter-of-fact manner," the statement said. Clarifying further, the home minister said that in his Bangalore briefing he had referred to the price of crude oil and how the government was constrained to first raise petrol prices and then how the prices were reduced twice to benefit the middle class. Admitting that food inflation was high, the minister said that higher procurement prices would benefit millions of farmers though there would be slight increase in food prices. "The minister used the word 'we'. He did not use the words 'why do they make so much noise about price rise'. He did not say 'There needn't be any complaint for price rise when things are on the side of poor farmers'," the statement said, adding that the media had distorted his statement. Chidambaram's comment created a storm, with some saying that he was mocking the urban middle class. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused him of not feeling the pain of the common man.

“We are prepared to pay rupees 20 for an ice cream cone, but won't pay one rupee more for a kilo of wheat or rice,” media quoted P. Chidambaram as saying ter as saying in response to a question on rising price burden on the common man: "We are prepared to pay 15 rupees for a bottle of water

67 pilgrims die in 2 weeks of Amarnath yatra
Srinagar: The death of 67 Amarnath pilgrims, mostly due to cardiac arrest, in just 17 days of the yatra to the holy cave in south Kashmir Himalayas has left the Board managing the pilgrimage worried and it has asked authorities to address all health-related issues. Although 105 persons died during the 45-day yatra last year – which was highest due to natural causes, the high number of deaths in the first two weeks of the pilgrimage this year has the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), which is headed by Governor NN Vohra, worried. "As many as 67 yatris died during the ongoing pilgrimage, mostly due to cardiac arrest, during the first 17 days," an official of the Shrine Board said. Cardiac arrest caused by rarefied oxygen at high altitude has been one of the most common natural causes of death among the pilgrims. Officials of the state health department, which is running dozens of medical camps along the twin yatra routes, said in many cases the pilgrims were found to be in possession of fake fitness certificates. "We have seen cases where some people are suffering from diabetes and respiratory problems. This is not a place for them to come but we cannot stop them as they come with fitness certificates issued by medical practitioners,"

2G probe: ED questions Raja for first time
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has questioned former telecom minister A Raja in connection with its money laundering probe in the 2G spectrum case. This is the first time that the ED has questioned Raja in the case. During questioning, ED investigators grilled Raja on various issues related to spectrum allocation under his ministership and also about his personal finances, sources said. Raja, according to sources, was also questioned about his ministry associates and their role in the grant of telecom licenses. Raja had got bail in May this year after he was arrested by the CBI last year in the same case.

Although 105 persons died during the 45-day yatra last year – which was highest due to natural causes an official of the health department said. The yatra will end on August 2, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

Creating monsoon music with ancient rain-maker
New Delhi: Rains are a cause for celebration in India and there is nothing better than welcoming it with music and song. Classical music lovers herald the arrival of the first monsoon showers with a festival centered around the 'malhar', the rain-invoking raga, one of the six musical modes in the pantheon of Indian classical music. Heavy rain drenched the parched capital after nearly two months of scorching summer to coincide with the three-day Malhar Festival at the Kamani Auditorium. "Rains are a seasonal event. When the earth is parched and dry, the rains come. But I think classical music has psychic link with seasons... They reflect the mood of the season," Karan Singh, the president of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), said. Singh, a scholar of classical music, said the rhythm and He had to dip in a nearby river to cool himself. The river began to boil and Tansen realized that he had to find someone to sing raga malhar to him. He reached Vadnagar in Gujarat, where he found two sibling musicians, Tana and Riri, whom he asked for help. When they sang the raga malhar, the rain came down in torrents, cooling Tansen's body. Raga Malhar has been popular in Hindi movies too and K.L. Saighal sang "Diya Jalao" in Raga Deepak for the 1943 movie "Tansen" after which he sang "Baagh Laga Doon Sajni" in Malhar. Naushad used the raga in "Mother India" to herald the rain in "Dukh bhare din beete re bhaiya ab sukh aayo re". "Legends come from reality, ragas affect cycle of seasons. The most beautiful thing about the Indian ragas are their time boundedness. We have ragas which are related to seasons like 'malhar' for the monsoon and 'basant' during spring," vocalist Meeta Pandit told IANS at the festival. She rendered Soordasi Malhaar a variation of Malhar. "Malhar has several variations with slight technical differences," she said. Some of these variations of Malhar include, Suddha Malhaar, Megh Malhaar, Gaud Malhaar, Miyan Malhaar, Ramdasi Malhaar, Nat Malhaar, Mirabai ka Malhaar, Dhulia Malhaar, Charju ki Malhaar, Des Malhaar and many more. Bharatanatyam dancer Rama Vaidyanathan says dance has an effect on the cosmic cycle because of the vibrations it generates. "Dances set to compositions in rain-invoking ragas can bring changes in the atmosphere," Vaidyanathan said.

Classical music lovers herald the arrival of the first monsoon showers with a festival centered around the 'malhar' melody of the raga malhar - the asked his court musician Tansen in theme of the festival - had worked Fatehpur Sikri to sing raga 'deepon the atmosphere to soothe the ak' - the raga of light (lamp). The intense heat and invoke rain. power of the music was such that Historians point to an interesting the lamps in the courtyard lit by 500-year-old Muslim legend. themselves and Tansen's body Mughal emperor Akbar once burned with heat.

India TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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July 14-20, 2012

Online campaign against 'untouchability' in Rajasthan
New Delhi: An online signature campaign has sought action against alleged untouchability in a Rajasthan district where Dalit women are forced to remove footwear while passing through upper caste neighbourhoods, an The illegal practice, highlighted during activist said. The alleged practice Aamir Khan's show 'Satyamev Jayate,' still a part of the Indian tradition was going on in Dangariya village in Karauli district since generations though such acts are punishable under the constitution, said campaign initiator and Goa-based social activist Stalin K. Stalin appeared in last weekend's episode of actor Aamir Khan's TV show "Satyamev Jayate" to discuss the issue of untouchability and how this illegal, abhorrent practice was still a part of the Indian tradition. "In Dangariya village, lower caste women are asked to remove their footwear as they pass through upper caste neighborhoods. This has been happening for several years, despite of untouchability having been declared illegal by the constitution," said Stalin. "If these women wore slippers in front of the so-called upper caste neighborhoods, they would be abused and their husbands would be troubled for days," said the activist. Stalin said that he started the campaign on www.change.org to "help these women get their dignity back". The campaign, which received close to 2,000 hits within hours of its launch, asked District Magistrate Bishnu Charan Mallick to abolish the practice and punish the perpetrators. Karauli is around 180 km from state capital Jaipur. The campaign's webpage also carried a video showing Dalit women of Dangariya village walking barefoot, carrying their slippers in hands.

India, Singapore extend military training agreement
New Delhi: India and Singapore have signed three key agreements including one on continuing the military training that Indian armed forces extend to their Singaporean counterparts. The agreements were signed to coincide with the state visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and after the two leaders met for formal talks. One agreement was signed by Indian Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo. India is already training the Singaporean air force personnel at the Kalaikunda air base in West Bengal where the city state has permanently placed its air assets for training purposes. "Prime Minister Lee and I have decided to step up bilateral cooperation and exchanges in the fields of defence and security. To this end, we have just signed a memorandum of understanding to renew the bilateral arrangement between our air forces on joint training and exercises," Manmohan Singh said in a statement to the media. On the occasion, the two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian labour and employment ministry and Singapore's education ministry concerning cooperation in the field of vocational education and skills development. The MoU was signed by Indian Labour Minister Malikarjun Kharge and Singapore Education Minister Heng Swee Keat. Another MoU signed was between the Delhi government's training and technical education department and Singapore's Institute of Technical Education on cooperation in the field of vocational education and skills development.

86 designers to showcase at LFW Winter fest
Mumbai: In its 13th year, Lakme Fashion Week has lined up 86 designers, including veterans Pallavi Jaikishan and Ritu Beri, from across the country. From big names such as Wendell Rodricks, Neeta Lulla, Anita Dongre, Krishna Mehta to young talents Pooja Kapoor, Atithi Gupta, Roma Narsinghani, Isabelle Mittal have been roped in to present exotic designs on the ramp at the upcoming edition of winter-festive 2012 starting August 3. "Buoyed by extremely positive industry feedback at LFW Summer-Resort 2012, we are now resolved to make the upcoming season even more successful with a formidable mix of relevant designers," Anjana Sharma, director-fashion at IMG Reliance, said in a statement. Aartivijay Gupta, Aastha Bahl, Abhishek Dutta, Payal Khandwala, Pernia Qureshi, Anushka Khanna, Pia Pauro, Babita Malkani, Bhairavi Jaikishan, Priyadarshini Rao, Debarun Mukherjee, Deepika Govind, Gaurang Shah, Sanchita Ajjampur, Jatin Varma, Kapil & Mmonika Arora, Shivan & Narresh, and Shyamal & Bhumika Shodhan. Keeping the tradition of introducing new designers, this season LFW will launch Aniket Satam, Mehak Pruthi, Kanika Seth and Ankit Sharma, Asa Kazingmei, Richa Aggarwal, Astha Sethi and Sidharth Arora, Sneha Arora and Kavita Sharma. Another highlight of the event will be the grand finale where relatively young designers Kallol Datta and Pankaj & Nidhi will jointly present their creations.

Other names finalised for the five-day event include, Archana Kochhar,

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India TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

Shettar sworn in as Karnataka chief minister
Bangalore: Jagadish Shettar has been sworn in as Karnataka chief minister, becoming the third Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to head the party government in four years. Governor H.R. Bhardwaj administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shettar at a simple ceremony in the glass house of Raj Bhavan in city centre. Shettar, 56, took over from D.V. Sadananda Gowda, who was forced out of office without completing a year following months of dissidence orchestrated by the BJP's first chief minister in southern India, B.S. Yeddyurappa. Yeddyurappa was shown the door by the party last July over mining bribery charges. Karnataka's new chief minister hails from a family with close association to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP's predecessor Jan Sangh. Shettar is a four-time legislator representing Hubli rural constituency in Dharwad district, about 400 km north of Bangalore.

SC suspends Sajjan's trial in 1984 riots case
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has suspended the trial of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for his alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that took place in the aftermath of then prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination. An apex court bench of the Justice P. Sathasivam and Justice B.S. Chauhan stayed the trial court proceedings till July 27 on Sajjan Kumar's petition challenging a high court order. The Delhi High Court had directed the trial court not to pronounce any verdict in the case but allowed the proceedings to go on. The high court on July 3, while directing the listing of the matter July 27, said: "It is expected that the additional sessions judge will not pronounce the final judgment in the case during the pendency of the present petition." The apex court order said: "Considering the fact that the high court has to hear all the parties in the revision, we direct the trial judge not to proceed till July 27." "All the parties are at liberty to put forth their respective claim/stand before the high court on July 27 and the high court is free to pass appropriate orders as to continuance of the interim protection beyond July 27," the court said. "Inasmuch as the matter has a long history, we request the high

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar court to dispose of the revision (petition) either way at an early date without further adjournment," the court said. Appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation, counsel D.P. Singh and Trannum Cheema described Sajjan Kumar's plea as an attempt to delay the proceedings. "This is nothing but an effort to delay," said a CBI counsel. The CBI counsel told the court that in August 2010, the trial court was asked to complete the trial within six months. Then it was asked to wrap up the proceedings in one year which ended September 2011. Sajjan Kumar has challenged the refusal by the trial court to present the evidence that was tendered by one of the victims and key witness, Jagdish Kaur, before the Justice Ranganath Commission and the Justice Nanavati Commission which probed the riots.

Jagadish Shettar

Team to move SC if Sangma loses presidential poll
New Delhi: Presidential candidate P.A. Sangma's team has threatened to file an election petition in the Supreme Court against United Progressive Alliance nominee Pranab Mukherjee if the former Lok Sabha speaker loses the July 19 presidential poll. "Our case has a strong merit but any election petition can be filed only after the result. We are confident that Sangma will win but in case he does not, we will challenge Mukherjee's candidature," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legal cell chief Satya Pal Jain said. The decision was taken in a meeting attended by Jain, BJP leader and former law minister Ram Jethmalani and Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy. The meeting was called after the Election Commission Tuesday rejected team Sangma's plea against Returning Officer V.K. Agnihotri's on July 3 order accepting Mukherjee's nomination papers. According to Jain, the apex court may dismiss the election petition, declare the election void and order fresh poll or declare the poll void

P.A. Sangma and pronounce the other candidate the winner.

Infosys revenue guidance dips on negative growth
Bangalore: For the first time in many years, India's IT bellwether Infosys Ltd. has lowered its annual revenue guidance in dollar terms on negative growth sequentially during the first quarter (April-June) of the 2012-13 fiscal. As against the projected revenue of $7.6 billion for this fiscal (FY 2013) with nine percent year-onyear (YoY) given April 13, the global software major Thursday said its revenue would grow to at least $7.34 billion, posting five percent YoY, as per the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In rupee terms, however, the company's consolidated revenue is expected to grow 20 percent YoY to Rs.40,364 crore for the fiscal under review (FY 2013), which is marginally higher than Rs.38,784 crore projected in April with 15 percent growth YoY owing to steep rupee depreciation during the first quarter (Q1). With 98 percent of its earnings accruing from export of software services and products to the US, Europe and the rest of the world, revenue for first quarter at $1.75 billion is 1.1 percent less sequentially from $1.77 billion in fourth quarter (Jan-March) of previous fiscal (2011-12) though 4.8 percent up YoY from $1.67 billion a year ago. "Our focus on Infosys 3.0 (version) and building tomorrow's enterprise coupled with disciplined execution will help us deliver highquality growth, despite challenges seen in the global economic situation resulting in slower IT spends by large corporations," chief executive S.D. Shibulal said in a statement here. As the rupee depreciated to 55 to a term needs with long-term opportunities," chief financial officer V. Balakrishnan said. In rupee terms, however, revenue for first quarter increased 29 percent YoY to Rs.9,616 crore (Rs.96.16 billion) and net profit rose 33 percent YoY to Rs.2,289 crore (Rs.22.89 billion). Sequentially, though revenue went up 8.6 percent from Rs.8,852 crore (Rs.88.52 billion) in fourth quarter, net profit declined 1.2 percent from Rs.2,316 crore (Rs.23.16 billion). The company also dispensed with revenue guidance for the second quarter (July-September) as against the practice without assigning any reason. The company and its subsidiaries added 51 customers during the quarter, taking the total number of active clients to 711 from 628 a quarter ago and 694 a year ago.

India's IT bellwether Infosys Ltd dollar from 51 to a dollar during the quarter (Q1) under review, net income in dollar terms declined sequentially 10.2 percent to $416 million from $463 million in fourth quarter (Q4) of FY 2012, though 8.3 percent up YoY from $384 million a year ago. "Globally currency volatility continues to be a big challenge for the industry. We are making the right investments balancing the short-

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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July 14-20, 2012

South Asians in US celebrate American Independence Day

On the West Coast
Washington: Two leading associations of Indian Americans celebrated the American Independence Day and Indian American Heritage by paying tribute to the pioneers and patriots of the two nations. The July 4 event was organized by India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) in collaboration with Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at Royal Delhi Palace Indian Restaurant, West Hills, California. "If we, Indian Americans, want others to know about us, then we must first know who we are," said GOPIO chairman Inder Singh, who co-coordinated the seminar at the event. IALA president Gursharan Nat said the association which has been celebrating the Indian Independence and Republic Days every year will from now also mark July 4 in celebration of America's independence and as a tribute to Indian American pioneers. Topics covered at the seminar included America's war for Independence and its Heroes; Early Indian Immigration and Settlement Problems; Struggle for US Citizenship and Indian Community's Contributions to India and USA. Joyce Pearson, a candidate for the Los Angeles City Council, recalled the sacrifices of American heroes, patriots and pioneers in the struggle for gaining independence from the British. Kewal Kanda of FIA recounted the problems faced by early Indian immigrants, while Ashok Madan spoke of the struggle which Indians had to wage in getting the right of citizenship in America. Dinesh Lakhanpal of IALA stressing the necessity of getting involved in the political process in America suggested active involvement of the Indian community to gain political empowerment. IALA Chairman Bobby Kumar thanked the speakers saying that history of Indians in the United States could only be taught through such seminars.

On the East Coast
New York: Two events were held to mark America’s Indpendence Day by the tristate South Asians, one in Edison, NJ, and the other in Nassau county, NY. Over 15,000 South Asian Americans gathered in a New Jersey park to celebrate July 4 with a cultural program by Indian, Chinese, Jewish and American performers and a spectacular firework display. The July 4 event at the sprawling Edison Municipal Park also featured plenty of food booths and kids rides, according to event organizers South Asian Community Outreach (SACO). "This celebration is very significant," said guest of honor state senator Samuel D. Thompson calling it "a loud expression by the South Asian community, whose members have contributed a great deal in sustaining the economy of New Jersey." The event was sponsored by TV Asia, JFK Health Care Systems and Edison Lions Visionary Club. SACO founder and chairman Sam Khan said the organization's objective is to build a bridge between various ethnic groups in the diverse Central Jersey community and create social, cultural and political awareness among the South Asian community in America. SACO will provide South Asian immigrants with an opportunity for transition and integration into the community, he said noting the community is moving forward to be a force to reckon with in mainstream America. "We are connected with our roots while making our contributions as responsible citizens of the US," he said. "People of South Asian origin are proud to be part of the American culture", said Piyush Patel, Chairman & leader of the celebration committee. "We are celebrating the American Independence Day as our way to express our gratitude to this great nation," he said. Other prominent attendees included state senator Joe Kyrillos, Edison mayor Antonia Ricigliano, Edison Council president Robert Karabinchak, and Edison

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano with honorees and organizers at the event on Long Island. Chambers of Commerce President Barbara Roos. he South Asian community’s celebration at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Sunday was presented by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and the county’s Hunan Rights Commission Chairman Zahid Syed and enjoyed by over 5000 people. Anusha Syed was the MC who introduced Honorable Mangano, who in turn, presented citations to the honorees. Bobby Kumar, CoChair of the event, welcomed the audience and introduced the organizing committee. The event offered free kids rides, mehndi, face painting, health screening besides entertainment in the form of live performance by well known Indian and Pakistani Singers. There were also stalls of food, clothes, jewelry and gift items. Purvi Joshi came from India and sang a famous song ‘No touching no touching’ with Haider Afzal a Pakistani singer.

T

Children presenting a dance item at the celebration on July 8 in Eisenhower Park.

Children singing the American National Anthem at the Edison I-day event.

Food booths and kids rides were highlights of the event organized by South Asian Community Outreach.

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Ultimate Bollywood TheSouthAsianTimes.info TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Ultimate Bollywood

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July 14-20, 2012

July 14-20, 2012

Dara Singh - the champion loses his final fight
e wrestled his way from the ring to the big screen and the small one to enormous success. Dara Singh went from muscle man to hero and then uncle, father and friend in numerous character roles that endeared him to generations of fans. Few people would have made the transition from the 'akhara' to the showbiz stage with the success of Dara Singh, who passed away at his home in Mumbai on July 12 morning at the age of 84 after a brief illness. A wrestling hero to some and a much loved cine artist to others, it was a long and eventful life that triumphed many odds. In his over five-decade long acting journey, he featured in over 140 films, including classics such as "Anand" and "Mera Naam Joker". It was a many splendoured life. There was Dara Singh the wrestler, Dara Singh, the hero of 'B' category action films such as "Tarzan Comes to Delhi" and "Samson" in the 1950s and 1960s, Dara Singh, the friendly 'pehelwan' in "Anand", and then Dara Singh who played Hanuman with

H

Dara Singh with his son great effect in the TV blockbusters "Ramayan" and "Mahabharat". He was last seen in the Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapoor starrer "Jab We Met" as the stern, lovable 'Daarji' who ruled over a noisy, close-knit Sikh family. Quite like the real life man, who intimidated people with his 6' 2" frame but soon won them over with outgoing nature and warmth. Born to Balwant Kaur and Surat Singh Randhawa Nov 19, 1928 in a village in Amritsar, Punjab, Dara Singh was encouraged to take up wrestling due to his imposing physique and trained in 'pehelwani', an Indian style of wrestling. He became a star wrestler - and not just on Indian turf. Dara Singh took on international wrestlers like Lou Thesz and Stanis-

laus Zbyszko, and had over 500 professional fights to his credit - all undefeated. He won the Professional Indian Wrestling Championship in 1953, and took away the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship trophy in 1959 by defeating Canadian champion George Godianko. A recipient of titles like Rustam-EPunjab (1966) and Rustam-E-Hind (1978), Dara Singh retired from active wrestling in 1983. In 1989, he published his autobiography "Meri Atmakatha" in Punjabi, and seven years later was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. And while he was wrestling, he was making a name in cinema - both Hindi and Punjabi. His first release was the 1952 "Sangdil" and then came a succession of films like "King Kong", "Faulad", "Sher-e-Watan" that earned him the name of Bollywood's action king. During his hey day as a hero, he teamed up with Mumtaz in 16 Hindi films, including "Jawan Mard",

"Raaka", "Aandhi Aur Toofan", "Daku Mangal Singh", "Boxer" and "Veer Bhimsen". Another successful phase in Dara Singh's acting career came when he bagged the role of Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar's epochal TV series "Ramayan" in 1986. People liked him so much that B.R. Chopra roped him in to play the same role in "Mahabharat". Dara Singh gave viewers a glimpse of his humorous side through shows like "Hadd Kar Di" and "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka". He became a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to August 2009. Dara Singh also took on the role of a writer, director and producer. In 1978, he launched Dara Studio, a self-contained mini-city with all facilities within the compound, in Punjab's Mohali district. Dara Singh, who was widowed and got married for the second time, leaves behind his wife, six children three sons and three daughters. And legions of fans of a man who defined machismo.

'Aashiqui 2' will be family film: Bhatt

'Kyaa Super Kool...' not for high-brows: Ekta

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A scene from the original 'Aashiqui' he romance in "Aashiqui 2" will be "gentler" and the film will have a "U/A or U-certificate", says filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who has of late been churning out erotic and violent dramas. Directed by Mohit Suri, "Aashiqui 2" features Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor. Scheduled for a Valentine's Day release, the film's shooting will commence from next month. "I would say he (Suri) would perhaps be making a film which is certainly a U/A or U-certificate film. Because the theme is slightly mature, the romance will be more gentler with palatable scenes unlike 'Murder 2'," Bhatt said. "There will be people who will be reliving the romantic eras; they will come to check out how 'Aashiqui 2' has shaped up." Bhatt said Suri was making a product catering to "the constituency that always asks me why do I make only 'Murder 2', 'Jism 2', 'Jannat 2' - erotic films and not the kind of cinema that I used to make earlier like 'Dil Hai

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Ke Manta Nahi' and types." The filmmaker, known for serious meaningful cinema high on emotions like "Arth", "Saraansh", "Naam", "Kaash" and "Daddy", says that he was just following the thought process of new breed of filmmakers.

napologetic about her forthcoming production "Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum", Ekta Kapoor says that people with "pristine sensibilities" should stay away from it. "I am not going to give any justification to anyone. Those who don't like it, sorry, but if you like it, we love you. It took us seven years to gather the guts to make 'Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum'," the 37-year-old said while promoting the film at a radio station. "We are not bothered about anyone. Yes, I do worry about going to jail or being killed, otherwise nothing," she added. "Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum" is a sequel to Ekta's 2005 film "Kyaa Kool Hai Hum". Ekta has a set target audience in mind for her film that hits theatres July 27 and cautions others against watching it. "If you are a fuddy-duddy and have very pristine sensibilities, please don't watch it because it's not for you. It's for the masses, for youngsters. It's actually for those who loved part one and enjoyed that mad humour. It's not for the high-brows, the tight-asses. If you are one of those, please don't come," said Ekta who turned to film production with "Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta" in 2001. A poster of 'Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum'

'Bol Bachchan' has terrific opening in North America

Savor a mix of friendship, love in 'Cocktail'
Review
f you've loved films like "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Dostana", chances are you would want to taste "Cocktail" too! With a heady mix of friendship, love, oodles of trendsetting fashion statements, and topped with a soundtrack of chartbusters like "Tum hi ho bandhu" and "Daaru desi", the film has a great buzz among youngsters. Directed by "Being Cyrus" director Homi Adajania, "Cocktail" features actors Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and newcomer Diana Penty, in lead roles. Co-produced by Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan of Illuminati films, the story is centred around Gautam (Saif), Meera (Diana) and Veronica (Deepika). Gautam is an incorrigible flirt, while Meera, a pretty girl who wears Indian clothes and exudes Indian values, comes to London from Delhi for a fresh start, and Veronica is a party animal. As three people living together, they all have a blast - until love happens! The perfect friendship turns confusing, and love becomes complicated. Adajania says Imran Khan was his first choice for the film. "Saif was not the first choice. Imran was supposed to do it but he was not sure if he wanted to do it at that point of a time," Adajania told said. Actors Dimple Kapadia and Boman Irani feature in supporting roles. Explaining their presence in the cast, he said: "Dimple and Boman are also there in the film and it is not like they were in 'Being Cyrus' so are part of this film as well. It is not a

'Ek Tha Tiger' not anti-Pakistan: Kabir
irector Kabir Khan is upset after Ek Tha Tiger promos were banned in Pakistan following allegations that it portrays the neighbouring country's intelligence agency in a bad light. But he says this is a misconception and that his film is neither insensitive nor derogatory. "I will say it once more... Ek Tha Tiger is NOT anti Pakistan....In this day and age, it's stupid to make films that are insensitive or derogatory to any country or community," Kabir tweeted. The director, who earlier made Kabul Express on post-Taliban Afghanistan and won critical acclaim for it, says that jingoistic films lead

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A poster of 'Ek Tha Tiger'

to such situations. "This is the price we have to pay because unfortunately our industry has made insensitive and jingoistic films in the past," he wrote. According to reports, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the country`s media regulatory watchdog, has directed cable operators and satellite TV channels to refrain from airing promos/reviews of the movie till it is issued a no-objection certificate by the Central Board of Film Censors of Pakistan. PEMRA alleges that the film shows the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI in a bad light.

A scene from 'Bol Bachchan' ndian comedy adventure "Bol Bachchan" starring Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan scored a terrific opening in North America generating the best debut this summer for any Bollywood film. Released by Fox International Productions, Rohit Shetty's comic hit grossed $562,000 in its first three days beating the opening of Akshay Kumar's "Rowdy Rathore" by a remarkable 47 percent despite playing in fewer theatres, according to Boxofficeguru.com. It also debuted bigger than "Teri Meri Kahaani" starring Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. In addition, "Bol Bachchan" more than tripled the opening weekend of the last Rohit Shetty-Ajay Devgn project "Singham" which released in July of last summer. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that Abhishek Bachchan gives "one of his best performances to

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date" and that the film is filled with "engaging performances and ever-spiraling hysteria." "Bol Bachchan" landed in the Top 20 at the North American box office and also scored a huge number one opening in India. Back home, after a promising opening day collection of Rs.12.10 crore, 'Bol Bachchan' went nearly houseful on the weekend and amassed Rs.50.13 crore. Said to be inspired by 1979 movie "Gol Maal", "Bol Bachchan", made on a budget of Rs.70 crore, features Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Asin Thottumkal and Prachi Desai. Internationally too, "Bol Bachchan" is doing extremely well when compared to other recent releases overseas. It earned $255,000 (Britain), $650,000 (Middle East), $167,000 (Australia) and $450,000 from the rest of the world.

A scene from the film 'Cocktail' matter of familiarity but using tal- for its music, composed by Pritam Chakraborty. ented actors who fit the bill." Actor Randeep Hooda will be seen Quirky song "Second hand in a cameo. The film has already jawaani", with Saif, Deepika and grabbed eyeballs for its ultra-modern Diana grooving together, has also styling by designer Anaita Shroff gained popularity among music Adajania, and bagged a thumbs-up lovers.

Hear these wacky scores of Bollywood
acky, quirky and full of double entendre, Bollywood songs are going irreverent with a vengeance. If "Bhaag D.K. Bose" was a shocker, what about recent numbers like "I am a hunter", "Madam malai" and "Womaniya". Their lyrics are sometimes senseless, sometimes outrageous and sometimes offensive too, but youth, at least, aren't complaining. Old timers like Javed Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan have often expressed their disappointment with the growing popularity of songs with in-the-face, explicit lyrics. Amitabh, whose father Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a renowned poet, wrote on his blog: "Lyrics and poetry do not dwell much on the unknowns of the hemisphere. They now wonder quite amusingly 'ki choli ke peeche kya hai' or ask fervently for 'DK Bose to run' and at times tell 'Bachchan to Bol'." Here's a sample of latest hits across genres: "I am a hunter" ("Gangs Of Wasseypur - Part I"): It doesn't get more double entendre than this! The words, "I am a hunter and she wants to see my gun, when I pull it out boy, the

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Tom-Katie wrap up speedy divorce
ollywood superstar Tom Cruise and actress Katie Holmes settled their divorce, taking less than two weeks to end a nearly six-year marriage that captivated the world and prompted questions about raising their daughter in the Church of Scientology. Mission: Impossible star Cruise, 50, married Holmes, 33, who Tom Cruise with actress Katie Holmes first gained fame on television drama Dawson's Creek, in a glamorous wedding in an Italian castle in November 2006. Suri was born about six months earlier. The couple and their young daughter became a favorite of celebrity magazines and seemed happy until late last month when Holmes filed for a divorce in New York. Her move surprised fans and even Cruise, who was in Iceland shooting a movie.

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Womaniya song from the movie 'Gangs of Wasseypur' is a playful song

woman starts to run..." beat "Bhaag D.K.Bose" left, right and centre. With its foot-tapping calypso beats, the number is a hit, particularly amongst youngsters. "Teri shirt da button" ("Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum"): "Tere shirt da main ta button soniya, baalon ka tera main clip ho gaya" -- an unusually funny, yet romantic number, is crooned by Sonu Nigam. There is nothing double meaning about this one, but its unique lyrics and melodious tune are drawing interest. "Womaniya" ("Gangs Of Wasseypur - Part I"): With its folk flavor infused with new-age beats, "Womaniya" is a playful, pre-wedding celebratory song, where women advise the bride how to behave when the groom begins to get cosy. Needless to say, with lyrics like "Maange jo babuna prem nisaniya, bole jo thodi katiho kaniya" (When the husband asks for a token of love, bite his ears), it fits this list to the T. "Dil garden garden" ("Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum"): Extremely peppy and catchy, this number is 'super kool'! The song describes the

excitement of being bitten by the love bug. Sung in male voices, the number's plus point is also its colourful picturisation, featuring comedy stars Riteish Deshmukh and Tusshar Kapoor. Female leads Sarah Jane Dias and Neha Sharma, along with a pug dog, also add to the song, the video of which has a very retro feel. "Madam malai" ("Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai"): "Meri kamar hai jaise Jaipuri suraahi, main hoon Madam malai" -- Pakistani actress Veena Malik gets a cheesy item number with this song. The number doesn't score too much on the choreography scale, but those who have loved the beats of "Jalebi bai" and "Shake it saiyaan" would perhaps lend an ear even to this song. "Aa re pritam pyaare" ("Rowdy Rathore"): Fast and energetic, "Aa re pritam pyaare" is a Bollywood dance enthusiast's delight. With lyrics like "Pallu ke neeche chhupa ke rakha hai, utha dun toh hungama ho...", it is definitely bold. Its powerhouse dance moves and crowd-laden picturization also contribute to the recall value of the song.

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Travel TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

5 destinations to get drenched this monsoon
By Shruti Menon aterfalls, mist-covered mountains, lush greenery, cool weather, and hot meals...don't these remind you of the onset of monsoons and monsoon vacations? There is indeed nothing quite like a monsoon vacation! India is a land of many seasons and monsoon is the one most people look forward to. Monsoon is that time of the year when you can enjoy the blooming of the flowers, rivers flowing swiftly and the sky with rain bearing clouds. Here are a few must-visit monsoon getaways that you would love.

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Goa - Fresh cool breezes, colorful sunsets, giant sea waves hitting the beach and lush green landscape, this is Goa for you during monsoons. Usually tourists prefer coming to Goa during winters but if you want to enjoy the greenery, Leh and Ladakh - Traveling anywhere in the Himalayas is an experience in itself. Starting with northern India, the beautiful Leh and Ladakh are must visits during the onset of monsoons. Ladakh, at an altitude of 9000 feet, is a plateau with interspersed valleys lying close to the Greater Himalayas. The beauty of the landscape is enchanting. Wind-swept mountains, crysLADAKH tal blue lakes and monasteries with colorful prayer flags waving in the wind add to the charm. Leh is accessible by road only between May and October. This is the time of the year when the roads are clear of snow, making travel a lot easier. Trekking in the Leh-Ladakh region gives an exciting opportunity to have captivating views of snow-capped mountain ranges, lush green valleys and rivers. In June-July, don't miss the two-day Hemis festival in Ladakh to commemorate birth of Guru Padmasambhava, founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. Monsoon activities: Mountaineering, biking, white water rafting, jeep safari, camel safari and trekking. Coorg or Kodugu - Also referred to as the "Scotland of India", Coorg is one of the favorite travel destinations in Karnataka, especially during the monsoons, considered to be the most romantic time for honeymooners. Rainfall during July-September is quite intense and the weather normally cold, tempting couples to sit around cozy fires and cuddle! This is also the best time to see cascading waterfalls, green landscapes and thundering rivers. The mountains and fields cover themCOORG selves with green carpet and the fog and mist adds to the charm. Coorg is also known for its rich wildlife and has three wildlife sanctuaries and one national park. Monsoon activities: White river rafting, fishing, plantation visits.

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the Arabian Sea getting furious with giant waves and most of all get good deals on luxurious resorts and hotels, monsoons are the best time of the year. Goa beaches are less crowded unlike that during peak season. The Dudhsagar Falls and the much-admired Savoi (spice plantation) are the best during the monsoons. Vibrant festivals are also celebrated around this time. Sao Joao or Feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated in late June and involves men jumping into overflowing village wells to retrieve bottles of 'feni'. Also look out for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Bonderam flag festival and Ganesh Chaturthi. For some, Goa may not be fun during monsoons as there are fewer restaurants on the beach and no water sport activities. Monsoon activities: Hire a bike and enjoy the rains. Take a boat ride up the Mandovi River and get a feel of the historic Goan architecture, jeep safari to Mollem National Park, Bondla, and Cotigao wildlife sanctuary.

Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand Widespread alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty make the Valley of Flowers National Park, situated at 3600 meters above sea level, a must visit during the monsoons. The flowers are in full bloom and your eyes are treated to a riot of color. Open from April to VALLEY OF FLOWERS October, the meadows are laden with nearly 300 varieties of alpine flowers which appear like a sheet of the most beautiful colors, framed by the snow capped Himalayan Mountains. If fortunate, you may even encounter some endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Musk Deer and Blue Sheep. A 13km long trek from Govind Ghat will take you to the Valley of Flowers, which stretch out before you like the Garden of Eden, a magical land. Monsoon activities: Trekking, mountaineering and bird watching Mandu or Mandavgarh Historical locations dotted with forts, lakes, hills and waterfalls can be equally exciting and relaxing during monsoons. Just about 100 km from Indore is a ruined city in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh called Mandu. Often referred to as the "City of Joy", Mandu is on the southwestern edge of the Malwa Plateau, with MANDU sweeping views of the Nimar Plains below. The beauty of Mandu is only enhanced during monsoons when the waterfalls gush down the plateau and old buildings of the fort get mirrored in the lakes making it one of the most romantic historical sites in India. It also has the good fortune of not having been invaded by armies of tourists so far. Monsoon activities: Hire a bicycle and ride around the city.

Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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July 14-20, 2012

The most innovative decade in history
By Vivek Wadhwa

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any people believe that we’ve run out of ideas and that the future will be one of bleak shortages of food, energy, and water. Billionaire Peter Thiel, for example, argues that despite spectacular advances in computer-related fields, technological progress has actually stalled because the internal combustion engine still rules our highways, the cancer death rate has barely changed since 1971, and the top speed at which people can travel has ceased to improve. Why am I so optimistic? Because of the wide assortment of technologies that are advancing at exponential rates and converging. They are enabling small teams to do what was once only possible for governments and large corporations. These technologies will help us solve many of humanity’s grand challenges, including energy, education, water, food, and health. Let me give you a taste of what lies ahead. Most people in the world have been affected by the advances in computing and mobile technologies. In a short 15 years, the Internet has changed the way we work, shop, communicate, and think. Knowledge, which used to be available only to the elite through books such as the Encyclopedia Britannica, is today abundant and free. All because computing power is growing exponentially. The technology industry knows this growth as Moore’s Law. The advances are happening also in fields such as genetics, AI, robotics, and medicine. For example, in 2000, scientists at a company called Celera announced that it had raced ahead of the U.S. government–led international effort decoding the DNA of a human being. Using the latest sequencing technology as well as the data available from the Human Genome Project, Celera scientists had created a working draft of the genome. It took decades and cost billions to reach this milestone. The price of genome sequencing is dropping at double the rate of Moore’s Law. Today, it is possible to decode your DNA for

a few thousand dollars. With the price falling at this rate, a full genome sequence will cost less than $100 within five years. Genome data will readily be available for millions, perhaps billions, of people. We will be able to discover the correlations between disease and DNA and to prescribe personalized medications—tailored to an individual’s DNA. This will create a revolution in medicine. We can now “write” DNA. Advances in “synthetic biology” are allowing researchers, and even high-school students, to create new organisms and synthetic life forms. Entrepreneurs have developed software tools to “design” and “compile” DNA. There are startups that offer DNA synthesis and assembly as a service. In another emerging field called digital manufacturing, 3D printers enable the production of physical mechanical devices, medical implants, jewelry, and even clothing. These printers use something like a toothpaste tube of plastic or other material held vertically in an X-Y plotter that squirts out thin layers of tiny dots of material that build up, layer by layer, to produce a 3D replica of the computer-generated design. The cheapest 3D printers, which print rudimentary objects, currently sell for between $500 and $1000. Soon, we will have printers for this price that can print toys and household goods. Within this decade, we will see 3D printers doing the small-scale production of previously labor-intensive crafts and goods. With every good comes a bad, and our optimism always needs to be grounded. Synthetic biology could lead to new forms of bioterrorism; surveillance technologies— which are becoming ever more sophisticated—already provide governments more information than Big Brother ever dreamed about; no guidelines have yet been developed for ethics in the exponential era. My worry: will humanity evolve fast enough to fulfill its increasing responsibilities? (Vivek Wadhwa is Vice President of Academics and Innovation at Singularity University.)

UK tightens laws for Afro-Asian migrants

Let there be no race or color bar under the camouflage of national or continental European Union By Subhash Chopra further tightening the screws in shutting the doors on the colored inflow from the Commonwealth. (Shush... the C word is never mentioned in either party’s migration debate.) In the latest round, Tory Home Secretary (minister) Theresa May is planning to tear up Labour’s ‘Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship ’ guide book and replace it with one containing a number of stridently patriotic requirements for gaining British citizenship. Out goes the Labour government’s softtouch 45-minute citizenship test with questions about customs, legal practices, welfare rules, human rights and the role of parliament, monarch, and local and central government. In comes what the Sunday Times front page lead headline called ‘God Save the Queen test for migrants’ under the new Tory guidebook. The real story is about keeping out colored migrants, yet the word color is studiously left out of it. The huge influx of migrants (over half a million instead of the a mere 13,000 under Labour estimates) since 2005 has been from the new member countries of the European Union. Yet the target of exclusion are people from the colored Commonwealth countries – Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, West Indians, Africans and others. The Poles, the Hungarians, the Latvians, the Lithuanians and other non-Englishknowing newcomers are not outsiders. Instead, the highly skilled doctors, engineers and others from Asia and elsewhere are labeled outsiders – easy scapegoats! One of the factors that led to the defeat of the last labour government of Prime Minister Gordon Brown was undoubtedly the party’s inability to handle the East European migration, which the party under the leadership of Ed Miliband is no longer shy of debating in public. Indeed, Miliband in a signed newspaper article writes: “ I am the son of immigrants and proud of it. My father arrived here as a boy to escape from the Nazis. My mother came to this country just after the war as another Jewish refugee... “ Britain was experiencing the largest peacetime migration in recent history partly because of global factors like the low cost of travel but also because the last Labour government severely underestimated the number who would come here when the EU expanded.” British and European migration policies are thrown into sharp contrast by President Obama who just recently declared an amnesty for nearly 800,000 so-called ‘illegals’ born of parents who entered USA as illegal migrants. And they include people of colors, religions and backgrounds, though mostly Mexicans and other Latinos. Every country has the sovereign right to manage its migration intake, but let there be no race or color bar under the camouflage of national or continental European Union.

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The new technologies will help us solve many of humanity’s grand challenges, including energy, education, water, food, and health

imes are hard in Britain today. The country is facing a double dip recession. The search for scapegoats who can be blamed for scarcity of jobs, pressure on housing , education and other welfare facilities has acquired a renewed urgency. Who could be a better target than the Afro-Asian diaspora from the Commonwealth? Migrants from Eastern European countries can’t be touched because they belong to European Union whose charter ensures free movement of labor and capital. EU workers need no visas or work permits. Times are also hard in America but President Obama’s administration has refused to pander to the conservative lobby and instead declared a virtual amnesty for thousands of young ‘illegals’ -- a cool contrast to Britain’s Tory tabloid press inspired paranoia against non-European immigrants, a euphemism for colored from the Commonwealth. Never mind, Britain’s historic role as the ‘mother’ of the Commonwealth and the Queen’s Jubilee message stressing Commonwealth links, the ruling Tory government is determined to out do the previous Labour regime by reducing immigration to tens of thousands from hundreds of thousands under Labour rule. Having failed to achieve that target in the first two years of its rule, Prime Minister David Cameron’s government is

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

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Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

From Gurgaon to Delaware: in search of a better life
By Brotin Banerjee hat's common between Thane and Tennessee or between Dombivli and Delaware? Apparently, there's a lot. Proud suburbanites across Goregaon and Gurgaon may not be aware of this but many of them are living the quintessential American suburban dream. The 'suburbanization' of America, of course, started way back in the mid-1940s and continues unabated till date. For the uninitiated, American suburbanization — triggered by the end of World War 2, and coupled with lifting of spending curbs in the US and a host of financial sops by the US federal government — saw millions of Americans setting up homes in the suburbs — away from the hustle and bustle of the city centres or from distant rural areas — for want of a better quality of life. Kenneth T Jackson, the famous American social historian, wrote that 18 of America's top 25 cities suffered a net loss of population between 1950 and 1970 with US suburban population doubling from 37 to 74 million people during the same time period. India, too, is witnessing a mass movement to the suburbs. In Mumbai, for example, the share of population between island and suburbs has completely reversed with time. In the early 1960s (Source: Urban Environmental Evolution: The Case of Mumbai by Dr Sudhakar Yedla), Mumbai (then

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Like the US, India, too, is witnessing a mass movement to the suburbs Bombay) used to house 68% of the satellite towns such as Kharghar, ond and the third generations. With population, while the remaining Sanpada, Vasai, Mira Road, Thane, six-eight family members constant32% lived in the suburbs. The Kalyan-Dombivli, and all the way ly jostling for space and privacy or 1990s and 2000s saw suburban to Vasind and Boisar, which offer a for that vantage position in front of population overtaking their city better quality of life than the con- the living room television, moving counterparts. Currently, it's esti- gested by-lanes of central Mumbai. into a more spacious home in the mated that more than 80% of More and more people in Delhi's suburbs has emerged as a solution Mumbai's population lives in the Chandni Chowk-Connaught Place for many erstwhile city-dwellers. suburbs. or from Kolkata's Burrabazar area City properties across India have The numbers include are feeling claustrophobic in the become frightfully expensive and Mumbaikars, who have moved ever-growing commercial hum- are now virtually out of bounds for from Girgaon to Goregaon (central drum in the neighbourhood and the the middle class, while suburban districts to the suburbs), and absence of open spaces. The two- residential complexes continue to migrant households from other bedroom residential premises — be available at comparatively reaparts of Maharashtra and/or from which were once perfect for the sonable rates. The twin attractions other states. There is a clear trend Indian urban nuclear 'hum do, of comfortable living and affordwhere the existing population of hamare do' family — have now able rates are hard to ignore. central Mumbai is spreading out to turned inadequate to house the secIf the US government —

between 1944 and 1956 — constructed 41,000 miles of interstate highways to facilitate suburbanisation, the Indian government is also doing its bit by constructing modern railway networks across metros and surrounding suburbs. The Delhi and Kolkata metro networks are already a huge success, while work for the Mumbai and Bengaluru railway networks is underway. Mumbai civic authorities, meanwhile, have finalised a blueprint to connect Nariman Point (south Mumbai) to Borivali in the western suburbs. Reclaiming the sea seems to be high on the agenda. What's really important is that a majority of the new Indian suburbanites belong to the affluent and, therefore, dominant section of Indian economics. Affluents — traditional and professional — are defined as a distinct group of households with an annual income of approx R9.25 lakh and above. If the US, between 1946 and 1964, witnessed the 'baby boom', Indian suburbia is not to be left behind. A casual stroll in the playareas of the suburban residential complexes will reveal enough perambulators, while the swings and the see-saws will be invariably full of screaming children. Welcome to modern Indian suburbia, American-style. (Brotin Banerjee is managing director and CEO, Tata Housing Development Company. The views expressed by the author are personal.)

Delhi-Kabul: strengthen the bond
By Larry Hanauer and Peter Chalk

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uring their visits to India over the past two months, both US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta reiterated President Barack Obama's 2012 statement that Washington's relationship with New Delhi will be "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century". While they sought to enhance cooperation on a range of issues during their visits, the most significant proposal that emerged was Panetta's recommendation that India play a more robust role in Afghanistan, particularly by training the country's nascent military and police forces. Not only does this suggestion represent a significant shift in the US policy away from Pakistan, but it also indicates that American policymakers have concluded that New Delhi has more to contribute to Afghanistan's internal stability than Islamabad does. India also has a direct stake in deepening its engagement with the Hamid Karzai government — both to advance important political, economic, and strategic interests and to help bolster its status as a leading regional power. For years, India has played an important,

albeit low-profile, role in Afghanistan, focusing primarily on the provision of economic and commercial assistance. New Delhi has so far pledged more than $2 billion in development support, making it Kabul's fifth-largest aid donor. Indian firms have also invested heavily in transportation infrastructure projects which will facilitate the export of Afghan goods to regional and global markets. Paralleling these efforts has been a concerted campaign to integrate Afghanistan into the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, which, if achieved, will potentially generate as much as $2 billion in economic activity. With Afghanistan likely to experience significant changes in 2014 — not only will the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) start the process of drawing down their troop levels, but Afghanistan will also elect a new leader, as President Hamid Karzai has pledged not to stand for a third term — India faces important decisions about the nature of its future involvement in the country. Some commentators have called for an end to economic assistance, arguing that it has failed to advance New Delhi's influence and endangered aid workers by exposing them to insurgent attacks. Others believe that years of well-publicised

India should not shy away from expanding security cooperation with Kabul development projects have made India popular among ordinary Afghans. India should not shy away from expanding security cooperation with Kabul. More than 100,000 Indian troops have participated in 40 United Nations peacekeeping missions since the 1950s; the Navy has deployed ships on counter-piracy missions off the coast of Somalia; and within the region, New Delhi has provided military training and assistance to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal. Similar force projection in Afghanistan — through advanced training or operational troop deployments — would solidify India's role as the primary provider of security in South Asia.

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

Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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July 14-20, 2012

Miss India UK faces 'racial Australian found guilty of insults' on Big Brother killing three Indian siblings
London: Five years after actress Shilpa Shetty was subject to racist behavior on Celebrity Big Brother, Miss India UK Deana Uppal has faced similar 'insults' from a fellow contestant, prompting regulator Ofcom to launch a probe on receiving over 1,000 complaints. Hailing from Birmingham, Uppal is the current Miss India UK and has done modeling assignments in the UK and India. In 2007, following an uproar over racist comments by contestant Jade Goody against Shilpa, Ofcom had ruled that Channel 4 had breached its code of conduct. The issue snowballed into a major row, with the Indian and the UK government intervening. The show is being broadcast on Channel 5. On June 5, fellow contestant Conor McIntyre was reportedly seen screaming at Uppal and was later warned for the aggression towards her. On June 25, he was seen shouting at a weeping Uppal, brandishing her epilator, and abusing her. McIntyre's remarks prompted demands from women charity organizations for his removal from the Big Brother house, saying that Uppal should not have to live with such an intimidating presence. Many took to Twitter to blast Conor's alleged bullying and over 1,000 Melbourne: A 42-year-old Australian faces up to 45 years in jail after a jury Tuesday found him guilty of murdering three siblings of an Indian-origin family in Brisbane in 2003. The Supreme Court in Brisbane found Max Sica guilty of murdering 24-year-old Neelma Singh, 18-year-old Kunal Singh and 12-year-old Sidhi Singh at their family home in Bridgeman Downs, in north Brisbane April 21, 2003, the couriermail.com.au website reported. During the 77-day trial, the court heard allegations about relationships involving Sica and the Singh family. The prosecutor said Neelma Singh and Sica had a relationship in 2002, and Neelma wanted to break it off. However, in the weeks before her death, Neelma had willingly seen Sica after he falsely claimed he had a brain tumour and had just weeks to live, the report said. Sica went to the Singh home on the night of April 20, 2003, to talk with Neelma. The prosecution said that for some reason - perhaps out of jealously or rejection Sica strangled Neelma in a fit of rage. Sica allegedly attacked Kunal and Sidhi with a garden fork because they could identify him as Neelma's killer.

Neelma Singh and Max Sica Sidhi was beaten to death, most likely in her bed. Kunal, who was also most likely in his bed, was knocked unconscious. All three siblings were dressed for bed. The bodies were dumped in a spa, and Sica used bleach to clean the murder scene and wash away DNA. On Tuesday, Sica showed no reaction when the jury handed down their verdict. He only spoke when the judge asked him if he had anything to say. "Well, I didn't kill no one and the Queensland justice system is corrupt, okay? Sorry, that's all I have to say," Sica said. Sentencing was adjourned as the victims' father, Vijay Singh, was not present in court.

Miss India UK Deana Uppal people lodged complaints with the regulator, prompting Ofcom to launch an investigation into whether the airing of the arguments may have breached the broadcasting code. "Channel 5 is committed to complying with Ofcom's broadcasting code and will help to facilitate a speedy investigation into this particular episode of Big Brother and Big Brother's Bit on the Side," said a Channel 5 spokesman.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up an NRI cell for people from the state to track their growth and safety and also look into issues such as health, says Labor Minister Waqar Ahmad Shah. "A large number of people from Uttar Pradesh are settled in Gulf countries or have gone there for jobs and face problems," said Shah Tuesday. Instructions, he said, had been issued to all district magistrates in the state to collect data on the

UP plans special cells for NRIs

number of people from each district who are overseas. The special cell for NRIs would also inform on possibilities of employment if and when they decide to come back to the state. "There are many situations like that of safety, health and communication with relatives back home that need to be attended to. All such issues would be addressed through the special NRI cell," the minister added. Budgetary provisions were being made for creation of such a cell, he said.

Anuj Bidve killer sadistic, says psychologist
London: A Briton dent at Lancaster standing trial for the University, was shot killing of Anuj dead on December 26 Bidve had an antilast year. social personality The psychologist disorder with psysaid that Stapleton's chopathic and sadisbreak-up with his girltic features and friend and separation acted impulsively from his daughter when he killed the would have made him Indian student, a very angry. psychologist who He was holding on to assessed him has his anger and rage over said. his girlfriend and acted Kiaran Stapleton, impulsively in the Kiaran Stapleton scored 21, who previously worst imaginable way highly on sadistic, called himself when he killed Bidve, aggressive scale 'Psycho' Stapleton Krljes said. at a court hearing, was put through This was a man who could not tell several personality assessments by if he was angry or not - he acted defence psychologist Sanya Krljes, impulsively in the worst imaginable who gave evidence at the ongoing way, she said. trial in the Manchester Crown Stating that Stapleton scored Court. highly on the sadistic aggressive Stapleton has pleaded guilty to scale, Krljes said the traits showed manslaughter but not murder on the by Stapleton during interviews grounds of diminished responsibili- included sadistic, depressive, antity. Bidve's parents are attending the social, impulsive and passive trial. Bidve, 23, a postgraduate stu- aggression.

Global Indian school chain gets IFC funding for new schools
New Delhi: A global chain of schools providing education with Indian values, especially meant for the diaspora, has received funding from the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) to set up more institutions in India and Southeast Asian countries. The IFC will provide Singaporean $25 mn ($19.4 mn) to the Global Indian International School(GIIS), run by the Global Schools Foundation (GSF) that has 20 campuses in seven countries, for setting up/acquiring new schools in South and Southeast Asian countries, GIIS officials said here Monday. A GIIS statement cited IFC director Vipul Prakash as saying that "GIIS' ability to implement high standards of educational delivery helps in driving innovation in the primary and secondary education sector and fulfils the growing need for quality education in emerging markets." The investment is in line with IFC's strategy for education sector in Asia, which includes supporting service providers, he added.

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Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

LeT more dangerous than Qaeda: US expert
Washington: With Al Qaeda on the ropes, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with the help of its Pakistani backers, is now probably the most dangerous terror group in the world, according to a former CIA analyst. The November 2008 attack by ten LeT terrorists on multiple targets in Mumbai, India was the most significant and innovative terrorist attack since 9/11, Bruce Riedel, Senior Fellow Foreign Policy at Brookings Institution, a Washington based think tank, wrote in The Daily Beast. The Mumbai attack, he wrote, marked the maturation of LeT from a Punjabi-based Pakistani terror group targeting India exclusively to a member of the global Islamic jihad targeting the enemies of Al Qaeda: the Crusader West, Zionist Israel, and Hindu India. The arrest of Sayeed Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jindal, one of the masterminds of the Mumbai attack, by India is a major breakthrough in in the decision to murder Americans," Riedel said. The Saudi role in capturing Abu Jindal is also significant, he wrote noting Riyadh is Islamabad's closest ally and the ISI has very strong links with its Saudi counterparts. If Saudi Arabia is now ready to act against LeT then the group will face some financial trouble as the Pakistani community in the Kingdom and the Gulf states has long been a major source of the LeT's finances, Riedel wrote. However, LeT operates freely in Pakistan and has continuing connections with the Pakistani intelligence service and army, he said. LeT has a global presence, with cells throughout South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and into Europe, Australia and North America. "With Al Qaeda on the ropes, LeT, with the help of its Pakistani backers, is now probably the most dangerous terror group in the world," he concluded.

Cops demolish Ahmadi sects’ minarets in Pak
Islamabad: Pakistani police demolished six minarets of persecuted minority Ahmadi place of worship in the country's Punjab province. Reports said the demolition took place at Kharian in Gujrat district on the insistence of a conglomerate of religious organizations. "Members of the organization had filed an application asking the police to take action in accordance with the constitution, which had declared it illegal for Ahmadis to act or look like Muslims, to practice or propagate their faith and to call their worship place a mosque,'' said Raja Basharat, Gujrat's top police officer. About a million Ahmadis in Pakistan are prohibited by law from identifying themselves as Muslims, and their freedom of religion has been curtailed by a series of ordinances and constitutional amendments.

LeT operates freely in Pakistan and has continuing connections with the Pakistani intelligence service and army the investigation of the deadliest terror attack in the world since 9/11, Riedel said. "He is already confessing to his role and implicating Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate directly in controlling the attack as it went down," he noted. "If the press reports about Abu Jindal's accusations are confirmed then the ISI was involved directly

22 journalists killed in Taliban commander: We can’t win Afghanistan war four years in Balochistan
Kabul: One of the most senior Taliban commanders has admitted that it is unlikely the insurgents can win the war in Afghanistan, according to an interview published by Britain's New Statesman magazine. The identity of the Taliban leader is not revealed but the interview was conducted by Taliban expert and author Michael Semple, who was a UN envoy to Afghanistan and is now with the Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy at Harvard. "It would take some kind of divine intervention for the Taliban to win this war," the commander, who is referred to only as Mawlvi (mullah) tells Semple, according to excerpts of the interview on the magazine's website. "The Taliban capturing Kabul is a very distant prospect." he Islamists were in power in Afghanistan from 1996 until they were ousted by a US-led invasion in 2001 Tfor harboring al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, and have since waged an increasingly bloody insurgency. "At least 70% of the Taliban are angry at alQaida," Mawlvi is quoted
Islamabad: As many as 22 journalists have been killed in Pakistan's Balochistan province in the last four years, a media report said. Participants at a workshop on Media and Civil Society in Balochistan, held in Quetta, said that said the media in Balochistan was not free and journalists on professional duty often faced harassment, reported Dawn. According to figures presented at the workshop, at least 22 journalists have The Taliban insurgents now face the growing been killed in the province forces of the Western-backed government of during the past four years. President Hamid Karzai Centre for Research and as saying. "Our people war that both sides dream Security Studies executive director Imtiaz Gul said consider al-Qaida to be a of victory.

journalists faced challenges and difficulties in reporting. The entire province has become a battleground, said Quetta Press Club general secretary Abdul Khaliq

Rind. "You cannot look at media's work in isolation. You cannot write about any group. It is very difficult for all of us," he was quoted as saying.

plague that was sent down to us by the heavens. To tell the truth, I was relieved at the death of Osama. Through his policies, he destroyed Afghanistan. If he really believed in jihad he should have gone to Saudi Arabia and done jihad there, rather than wrecking our country." The Taliban insurgents now face the growing forces of the Westernbacked government of President Hamid Karzai, supported by some 130,000 US-led Nato troops, who are due to withdraw by the end of 2014. "It is in the nature of

But the balance of power in the Afghan conflict is obvious," says Mawlvi, who is described as one of the most senior Taliban commanders and a confidant of the movement's leadership. "Any Taliban leader expecting to be able to capture Kabul is making a grave mistake. Nevertheless, the leadership also knows that it cannot afford to acknowledge this weakness. To do so would undermine the morale of Taliban personnel. The leadership knows the truth — that they cannot prevail over the power they confront."

Indian Army Lt. Col. in soup over Bangladeshi woman link
New Delhi: An Indian Army lieutenant colonel is in the dock over his links with a Bangladeshi woman on a social networking site, despite the fact that another officer had been caught in an honey trap by her earlier, army sources said. A court of inquiry is currently on against the lieutenant colonel for remaining in touch with the woman, suspected to be an agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and also chatting with her through Facebook.com, a popular social networking site. The lieutenant colonel belongs to an Armored Corps unit and is posted in Suratgarh, Rajasthan. He is now facing the court of inquiry, which was ordered after his online activity was monitored by the Intelligence Bureau for a while and later intimated to the army authorities. The woman had about a year ago allegedly forced another Indian Army officer, who was in training in Dhaka, to spy for the ISI after honey trapping him. That officer immediately rushed to the Indian mission in Dhaka and confessed to his link with the woman and getting honey trapped, following which he was secretly sent out of the Bangladeshi capital to New Delhi. He too is facing a similar inquiry in that case.

International TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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July 14-20, 2012

Syria Faces UN Sanctions
United Nations: Syria would face United Nations sanctions under a Security Council resolution drafted by Western powers seeking to overcome Russian resistance to measures that would hasten the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The move came after Kofi Annan, the UN’s special envoy to Syria, today asked the UN’s decision-making body to “send a message to all that there will be consequences for noncompliance” with his peace efforts, according to a copy obtained of his prepared remarks delivered via video link from Geneva. The U.S, France and the U.K. are behind measures submitted today that would fall under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, a provision that paves the way for economic sanctions should Assad fail to halt attacks on protesters and agree to a transition process. Meanwhile, the US has insisted that it sees no role for Iran in ending violence and bloodshed in Syria, Xinhua reported. "I don't think anybody with a straight face could argue that Iran has had a positive impact on developments in Syria. That's our view," White House spokesperson Jay Carney told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Iowa state. Iran has opposed any form of foreign intervention in Syria, its close ally, but called on the Syrian government to listen to its people's demands and carry out reforms. About the UN-Arab League special envoy for Syria Kofi Annanbrokered peace plan, Carney called it "essential" for the international community to rally behind it, for it to be implemented and for Al-Assad to step down to make way for a political transition in Syria.

David Cameron faces biggest party revolt
London: A revolt against British Prime Minister David Cameron within his own Conservative party has damaged his authority this week, threatening an already fragile coalition government at a time of growing public anger with his leadership. In a dramatic move, 91 rebel Conservatives forced Cameron to drop a crucial vote on reforming parliament's upper chamber, or the House of Lords — a key demand of his Liberal Democrat partners in the coalition government. Lawmakers have described a furious Cameron confronting the rebellion's leader late on Tuesday at Westminster after the biggest revolt against his leadership since he came to power in 2010. If Cameron fails to keep his promise on the House of Lords, Liberal Democrat lawmakers may in turn decide to oppose Conservative policies, crippling the government's legislative agento hold a referendum on Britain's ties with Europe, a thorny point that has in the past helped fell previous Conservative governments, triggered a major Conservative rebellion late last year. Members of parliament described dramatic scenes after the vote on Lords reform was pushed to the autumn at the last minute to avoid what would have been the coalition government's first major parliamentary defeat. "Just witnessed a very angry PM lambasting Tory (Conservative ) MP Jesse Norman. Finger pointing and prodding towards Norman. Not very prime minister like," opposition Labour lawmaker Karl Turner said in a tweet. One newspaper report of the incident quoted a Conservative lawmaker as describing Cameron's behavior as "disgraceful". An aide to Cameron said that there was no major argument, and only that the PM was "rightly annoyed".

British Prime Minister David Cameron da and placing the increasingly frayed coalition under further strain. Conservative rebels gave different motives for their dissent, but restiveness within Cameron's party is only likely to grow as calls mount for the government to take a stronger stance on Europe, and as the economy continues to falter. The explosive issue of whether

China’s state TV does a cover-up on Michelangelo’s David
Beijing: Revealing its prudish side, state-run China Central TV this week blurred the genitals of Michelangelo's masterpiece David during a program on an art festival in Beijing, where the sculpture is on full view for those visiting the exhibition. The 15th century marble statue is among 67 masterpieces by renowned artists, mostly famous works from the Renaissance period, which have been brought to Beijing as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the National Museum of China. CCTV covered the genitals with a digital mosaic while broadcasting images from the museum on Monday morning. CCTV's decision to treat the Italian master's 17-foot work, which was flown down from a Florence museum, like porn material spread like wildfire over Chinese internet almost immediately. The TV station reacted quickly to the criticism and removed the digital mosaic in its Monday evening bulletin, which showed the statue as it is. But interest in the CCTV move continued with several thousands of people speculating about why this was done. Sina micro blogs that follow the Twitter pattern reported that searches with keywords, "CCTV adds mosaic to statue" became the third most important search on Tuesday. CCTV did not offer a full explanation for covering the genitals and then showing the David statue as it is. An insider let on that the programme's director was worried that David's "carrot and two vegetables" might upset viewers.

Berlusconi set to run again to become Italian PM

CCTV’s decision to treat the Italian master's 17-foot like porn material spread like wildfire over Chinese Internet

Silvio Berlusconi Italy: Silvio Berlusconi plans to contest next year's elections in Italy and attempt to become prime minister for a fourth time, according to a close aide. One of Mr Berlusconi's closest confidantes and most loyal supporters said he thought it was very likely that the three-times prime minister would contest the next election. "There's a big groundswell of support behind him becoming a candidate," said Angelino Alfano, whom Mr Berlusconi anointed as his successor before having to step down late last year. "I believe that he will decide to offer himself for re-election," said Mr Alfano, a Sicilian who is chairman of the PDL party. "Many people are asking him to do it, including me." The billionaire businessman believes he has a good chance of winning office, despite all the sex scandals, corruption trials, international gaffes and broken promises to the Italian electorate that have marred his reputation domestically and made him an international figure of fun. "Berlusconi is determined to run again and he believes millions of Italians will vote for him," an insider in Mr Berlusconi's People of Freedom Party told The Daily Telegraph. Mr Berlusconi's political comeback was also confirmed by one of his most ardent supporters, Daniela Santanche, who is an MP in his party. The prospect of the 75-yearold Mr Berlusconi returning to power in Italy may cause bewilderment abroad, after all the compromising chapters in his tumultuous political career, but he has repeatedly insisted that huge numbers of Italians are clamouring to have him back as prime minister.

Olympic officials urged to review Dow sponsorship
London: London's municipal authority has urged organizers of the upcoming London Olympics to rethink their relationship with top games sponsor Dow Chemical Co. The London Assembly, which scrutinizes the activities of the mayor, argues that Dow has tarnished the reputation of the Olympics because of its links to a company accused in the 1984 gas leak in Bhopal, India. Dow bought Union Carbide 16 years after the disaster, which killed an estimated 15,000 people. Dow maintains it was not responsible for the catastrophe. Residents in Bhopal are trying to get more compensation for the disaster. The London Assembly said that the IOC needs to consider the environmental and social records of sponsor companies and exclude Dow from future sponsorship deals. London games organizers could not be immediately reached for comment.

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Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

Reconnaissance plane for India begins flight tests
Washington: The fully-loaded version of the first of the eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is building for the Indian Navy has begun its official flight test program. The plane had first flown last September but without any equipment on board. The test program began with the first P-8I built for India as part of a contract awarded in January 2009 taking off from Boeing Field in Seattle and landing three hours and 49 minutes later after demonstrating flying qualities and handling characteristics. The flight went as planned with all test objectives met, the St. Louis headquartered $32 billion Boeing Defence, Space & Security unit of the company said in a press release. During the coming months, Boeing test pilots will put the P8I, a Next-Generation B-737-800 derivative, through its paces over depth bombs and torpedoes. "This is an important milestone for the program and sets the stage for operational testing and weapons certification as we move closer to P-8I aircraft joining the Indian Navy," said Rear Admiral D.M Sudan, assistant chief of naval staff (Air). The P-8I flight and weapons testing follows on the heels of similar testing for the US Navy's P-8A Poseidon, of which it is a variant. To efficiently design and build the P-8I and the P-8A, the Boeing-led team is using a firstin-industry, in-line production process that draws on the company's Next-Generation B-737 production system. Assembly is complete on the second P-8I aircraft for India and it will make its first flight in the coming weeks. The Boeing-led team is on track to deliver the first aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2013, the company said.

Foreign tourist arrivals on the rise in India
New Delhi: The number of foreign tourists visiting India in the first half of 2012 increased by 7.4 percent, the tourism ministry said adding that foreign exchange earnings had also risen. "Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the period JanuaryJune 2012 was 32.37 lakh with a growth of 7.4 percent as compared to the FTAs of 30.15 lakh during January-June 2011, a growth of 10.8 percent over the corresponding period in 2010," said a statement issued by the ministry. June 2012 saw 4.32 lakh tourist arrivals as compared to 4.12 lakh during June 2011 and 3.85 lakh in June 2010, it added. Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism also grew by 24 percent between January-June 2012 reaching Rs.43,760 crore as compared to Rs.35,163 crore during the same period in 2011.

The first of the eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing a US Navy test range west of Neah Bay, Washington, and a joint US/Canadian test range in the Strait of Georgia, Boeing said. "Today's flight is another ontime milestone for the program," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We'll start out testing the P8I's mission system, which includes its sensors and communication systems. The team then will transition to 'stores' tests during which the P-8I will carry inert weapon shapes under its wings to demonstrate that the aircraft is capable of carrying all the weapons the Indian Navy will use during regular missions." The stores the P-8I will carry will have the identical shape and size of real weapons, including the Harpoon anti-ship missile,

A-I Boeing Dreamliners grounded by bureaucracy

Unemployment to touch 4.5 million in Europe: ILO
London: Unemployment in the Eurozone could reach almost 22 million over the next four years, up from 17.4 million, unless policies change course in a concerted manner, the ILO says in a new report released yesterday. This means an increase of 4.5 million in 4 years. At the beginning of 2012, around 31.5 per cent of the working-age population in the Eurozone were either unemployed or inactive an increase of 1.5 percentage points from 2007, the report said. A jaw-dropping 44 per cent of unemployed people had been without work for more than one year. Youth have been hardest hit in the current crisis. Joblessness among youth in the Eurozone was

Air India 787 Dreamliner New Delhi: Three of Boeing's cutting-edge 787 Dreamliners painted in Air India colors are parked in South Carolina, waiting for the ailing state carrier to pay for them and take possession. The 787, which promises to help modernize Air India's ageing fleet, has instead been a source of several headaches for the money-losing carrier. The three planes, the first of which was ready for delivery at the end of May, are caught up in a dispute between the US planemaker and India over compensation to the airline after production was delayed by four years. India has not yet signed off on an undisclosed package agreed between Air India and Boeing, according to a senior government official directly involved in the process. "We still do not have inputs from several ministries, including departments like expenditure secretary in the finance ministry. So the process is getting delayed," the official said on Wednesday, declining to be identified. Air India has ordered 27 Dreamliners in total and was to be the first non-Japanese carrier to take possession of the long-haul plane, whose carbon-composite construction makes it more fuelefficient than earlier models. At list prices, the three planes have a combined value of about $580 million, although discounts are common. They are being financed by Standard Chartered Bank. The Dreamliners are part of orders totaling $6 billion made by Air India in 2005, stretching already constrained finances that subsequently required a $5.8 billion government bailout.

It's not only the Eurozone that's in trouble, the entire global economy is at risk of contagion over 22 per cent. It exceeded 30 per cent in Italy, Portugal and Slovakia and was over 50 per cent in Greece and Spain. "It's not only the Eurozone that's in trouble, the entire global economy is at risk of contagion," said ILO DirectorGeneral Juan Somavia.

Delhi India's most competitive city
New Delhi: India's capital has emerged the most competitive city in the country for the third straight time with the commercial hub of Mumbai retaining the second spot, according to a report by an international think tank. Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, in that order, make up the top five in rankings of the India City Competitiveness Report-2012, compiled by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) that conducts studies in this area for use by businesses and governments. "Faridabad, with its high growth has drastically improved in its ranking and holds the 29th spot. Similarly Guwahati recorded a wide improvement in its position," says the report, unveiled Wednesday to coincide with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien's visit here. The fifth edition of the India City Competitiveness Report is based on a model that has been established by celebrated management guru, Michael E. Porter, Bishop William Lawrance University Professor, based at Harvard Business School. Regarding New Delhi, the report says the city has managed to demonstrate a phenomenal growth over a period of time by balancing demand and development in equal measure. The two areas it is found lagging in are administrative and institutional support. The report also says that Noida, another city with close proximity to New Delhi, is now giving tough competition to the metros, even as Pune and Ahmedabad, which had very high potential slipped a few notches, but remained in top 10 slots. Among the smaller cities, while Coimbatore, Mysore, Madurai and Guwahati climbed up, Surat, Lucknow, Agra and Allahabad dropped in their rankings.

Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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July 14-20, 2012

We should be back with a medal: Gopichand
events and we have been doing well in these events. We are optimistic of coming back with a medal On the Wembley Arena, the badminton venue: It is a perfect venue, it is fantastic. There is nothing to compare, conditions are very good for badminton. On the team's preparations: Broadly, our preparation depends on the kind of mistakes we have committed in the last few tournaments and looking at the venue what we should do. By and large that is how we prepare. And when we have the draw we strategise studying the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. On the strategy to tackle the Chinese: I think we are working on it, we have some ideas. We are working and hope we will be up to the challenge. On Parupalli Kashyap's prospects: It will be tough in the men's singles, but the way he has played in Indonesia he has great potential and we hope that he can put up a good show. On women's doubles and mixed doubles: We have a fairly good chance of winning a medal in the women's doubles. Jwala (Gutta) and Ashwini (Ponnappa) are looking good. They are a formidable combination. I would say I am very optimistic that we have a medal in women's doubles event and mixed doubles. In both these events we have strong representation and we expect to win a medal. Are the players mentally prepared for the challenge: I think they are geared up. Everybody is looking forward to the event and the expectations are huge. We expect some good results Will there be a pressure of playing Olympics: Yes, it will be there. It is a premier event. The atmosphere, the media, it is completely different from other tournaments. The scale, the grandeur everything is different. It definitely grips you. Definitely there is pressure. Some people play better under pressure, some crack. Much will depend how well they can absorb the pressure and perform to their potential.

Hyderabad: India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand is optimistic that the country's shuttlers will return home with at least one medal from the London Olympics. The five-member Indian team is undergoing intensive training under the former All-England champion at his world-class badminton academy here. After his heart-breaking defeat at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the 39year-old is working hard to realise his Olympic dream, albeit in a different role. Excerpts from an interview with Gopichand: On the team's prospects: Overall

India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand the team is good. We have strong players in women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles. Kashyap's performance at the Indonesian Open was encouraging. So we do expect some positive results out of this tournament On Saina Nehwal's chances of winning a medal: I think she is definitely a prospect, there is no doubt. But it all depends on how good she translates….. be pressure free playing those matches. It is going to be tough. Lot of players will be training hard to beat her. It will be challenging and interesting event. There are a lot of tough players, especially in the women's singles. It is very open field but definitely Saina has a chance. On the maximum number of Indian players at the Olympics: I think it is good. Women's doubles and mixed doubles are strong

Small town girl looks to achieve big in London
New Delhi: Little known Garima Chaudhary from Meerut, the sole judoka representing India at the London Olympics, feels winning a gold medal is not a far-fetched dream for her. The 22-year-old qualified for the Olympics in the 63 kg weight category, based on the latest rankings released by International Judo Federation (IJF) May 6. Garima, who is ranked 88th in the world, secured the continental quota spot along with Turkmenistan's 63rd ranked Gulnar Hayytbaeva. Garima qualified for the London Games after consistent performances at the international level, beginning with the Paris World championships last year, followed by an impressive showing in the World Cup in Warsaw and the Asian championship in Tashkent this year. "It is a dream come true for me but it doesn't stop here. Now my aim is to return home with an Olympic medal. "The 24 judokas competing in my weight are more or less of the same calibre. In recent months I defeated some of the top judokas from Belarus and Australia

Pinki: I was treated like animal, blackmailed
Kolkata: Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik, released from jail, alleged that she was treated like an animal during gender tests and blackmailed for money by the complainant. "When the gender tests were conducted in the hospital, I was treated like an animal," said Pinki, who was freed after 26 days in judicial custody for allegedly raping her live-in partner, a divorcee and a mother of one. The athlete was granted bail by the district and sessions judge of North 24Parganas district. Accusing police of harassment, Pinki said: "I was only waiting for my medical report. Police have been harassing me even after my

Asian Games gold medalist Pinki Pramanik release from the jail." Pinki was arrested June 14 and remanded in judicial custody by a court the next day after the athlete's partner filed a complaint accusing Pinki of being a male who repeatedly "raped and tortured" her. The athlete gives a different version. "She demanded money long back, which I could not give. So she framed me in connivance with police. She is trying to frame me further," Pinki said.

Garima Chaudhary in the World Cup and they will all be there in London. "Looking at the field and my recent performances, I am confident of my chances in the Olympics," Garima said before leaving for a three-week training stint in Germany and France.

Dope cheats must withdraw from Olympics: WADA
Ottawa: Doping athletes should withdraw from the upcoming London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA) has warned. WADA president John Fahey sent out this message in a statement from WADA as a strict antidoping programme has been set up for the July 27-August 12 Games, reports Xinhua. "I say this in the clearest way possible: if you are a doping athlete and you are planning to compete in London then you must withdraw from your Olympic team," said Fahey. "Doping is cheating, plain and simple. A doping athlete cannot achieve success, it is a complete contradiction. Even if a doping athlete won a medal he or she would never be able to look at themselves in the mirror and say 'well done, I deserved this'." Fahey also applauded the efforts of the world's anti-doping community in trying to identify doping athletes ahead of the Games, as well as the International Olympic Committee and Games organisers LOCOG for preparing a comprehensive anti-doping program. "These will be the most tested Games in Olympic history and doping athletes must know that they will be under the severe scrutiny of anti-doping officials from the moment they set foot in the Olympic Village," added Fahey. There will be up to 6,250 tests during the London Olympics while the anti-doping authorities are already sharing intelligence to assist with target testing of athletes under suspicion. "There has been a coherent effort to make London 2012 as 'clean' as possible and doping athletes should know that their chances of avoiding detection are the smallest they have ever been," he said. Despite the work of the world's anti-doping community, Fahey stressed that ultimate responsibility lay with athletes as to how free of doping London 2012 will be. "Athletes are responsible for what they put into their bodies and athletes are responsible for whether or not they choose to dope," added Fahey.

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Health TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

Eating time too impacts weight gain, shows study

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atest research holds that not only the quantity and type of food but also the time of day when it is eaten plays important role in contributing to obesity. Previous studies have shown that when mice consumed all of their calories during their inactive period, they gained more weight than when they consumed the same amount of calories during their active period. A team led by Susanne la Fleur and Andries Kalsbeek at the Academic Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, investigated how certain components of diet, such as sugar or fat, contributed to differences in weight gain during dif-

ferent times of the day. Joelle Oosterman, a team member, gave rats either rodent chow or chow plus either saturated fat

or a sugar solution. One group was allowed to consume the diets freely whereas the other groups were only allowed to eat either the

fat or sugar during their inactive period, according to an Amsterdam statement. Researchers found that rats consuming all of their sugar solution in the inactive period gained more weight than rats consuming all their sugar solution during the active period, even though their total caloric intake was the same. They also gained more weight than rats consuming the saturated fat solely during the inactive period. The greater body weight gain in rats consuming sugar in the inactive period was tied to less heat production. This study suggests that there are differences in the impact sugar drinking can have on body weight

gain, depending on the time it is consumed. Oosterman said: "In today's society where snacks containing saturated fat and beverages containing lots of sugar are readily available to people, it is important to understand the impact these food components have on energy balance." "Although there is a lot of attention for the content of the food people consume, little attention is been given to the best or worst timing for certain foods to be consumed," Oosterman added. These findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behaviour (SSIB).

Frequent tipple halves rheumatoid arthritis risk

The less you sit the longer you live
estricting the time you are seated to less than three hours daily might boost your life expectancy by two years, says an analytical study. Similarly, cutting down TV time to less than two 2 hours daily might extend life by almost 1.4 years. Several previous studies have linked extended periods spent sitting down and/or watching TV to poor health, such as diabetes and death from heart disease/stroke. The researchers used data collected for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2005/6 and 2009/10, to calculate the amount of time US adults spent watching TV and sitting down on a daily basis, the online journal BMJ Open reports. NHANES regularly surveys a large representative sample of the US population on various aspects of their health and lifestyle, according to a NHANES statement. They trawled the research database MEDLINE, looking for published studies on sitting time and deaths from all causes, and pooled the different relative risk data from the five relevant studies, involving

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pint of beer or a small glass of wine thrice a week halves risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a painful condition of the joints. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm think alcohol could help prevent the disease by damping down the immune system. They looked at alcohol consumption and rheumatoid arthritis in 34,000 women born between 1914 and 1948.They interviewed them twice, once in 1987 and once a decade later, asking them questions about alcohol consumption, diet, smoking history, physical activity and their level of education, the British Medical Journal (bmj.com) reports. A 150 ml drink was classified as a small glass of wine or half a liter of beer (just under a pint). All types

of drink appeared equally as effective, according to the Telegraph. About 400,000 people in Britain alone suffer rheumatoid arthritis, and it is three times more common in women than in men. Not all are old - almost half are under 65 years. Symptoms are joint swelling and pain, which is caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue. Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, warned: "It must be remembered that drinking alcohol in excess can be especially dangerous in rheumatoid arthritis patients who are taking some antirheumatoid drugs that may cause liver damage, and anti-inflammatory pain killers which can lead to gastro-intestinal problems, which can be exacerbated by alcohol."

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almost 167,000 adults. The database was then re-analyzed, taking account of age and sex. They combined these data and the NHANES figures to come up with a population attributable fraction (PAF) an estimate of the theoretical effects of a risk factor at a population, rather than an individual level to calculate the number of deaths associated with time spent sitting down. The PAFs for deaths from all causes linked to sitting time and TV viewing were 27 percent and 19 per-

cent, respectively. The results of life table analyses indicates that cutting the amount of time spent sitting down every day to under three hours would add an extra two years to life expectancy. Similarly, restricting time spent watching TV to under two hours daily would extend life expectancy by an extra 1.38 years. "The results of this study indicate that extended sitting time and TV viewing may have the potential to reduce life expectancy in the US," write study authors.

Potent anticancer drug isolated from weed

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cientists have isolated a potent anticancer compound from a Mediterranean weed that acts like 'molecular grenade'. In lab studies, researchers said they found that a three-day course of the drug called G202 reduced the size of human prostate tumors grown in mice by an average of 50 percent within 30 days. G202 outdid the chemotherapy drug docetaxel, reducing seven of nine human prostate tumors in mice by more than 50 percent in 21 days. Docetaxel reduced one of eight human prostate tumors in mice by more than 50 percent in the same time period, the journal Science Translational Medicine reports. Researchers from the Johns

Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre and Denmark also reported that G202 produced at least 50 percent regression in models of human breast can-

cer, kidney cancer and bladder cancer, according to a Johns Hopkins statement Based on these results, Johns

Hopkins physicians have performed a phase I clinical trial to assess safety of the drug and have thus far treated 29 patients with advanced cancer. Besides, the University of Wisconsin and the University of Texas San Antonio are participating in the trial. A phase II trial to test the drug in patients with prostate cancer and liver cancer is planned. The drug G202 is chemically derived from a weed called Thapsia garganica that grows naturally in the Mediterranean region. The plant makes a product, dubbed thapsigargin, that since the time of ancient Greece has been known to be toxic to animals. "Our goal was to try to re-engineer this very toxic natural plant

product into a drug we might use to treat human cancer," says Samuel Denmeade, professor of oncology, urology, pharmacology and molecular sciences, who led the study. "We achieved this by creating a format that requires modification by cells to release the active drug." The drug can be injected and can travel through the bloodstream until it finds the site of cancer cells and hits a protein called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). PSMA is released by cells lining tumors of the prostate and other areas, and in effect "pulls the pin" on G202, releasing cell killing agents into the tumor and the blood vessels that feed it, as well as to other cells in the vicinity.

Lifestyle TheSouthAsianTimes.info

27

July 14-20, 2012

Facebook, Twitter lowering your confidence?
ver felt low if your friend gets more likes or tweets than you? You're not alone. Comparisons on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter make people feel anxious and under-confident, according to a poll. The poll also found that more than half said these sites had altered their behavior, especially suffering a negative impact from social media. Two-thirds said they were unable to relax or to doze off after spending time on the sites. And one quarter of those polled said they had been left facing difficulties in their relationships or

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workplace after becoming confrontational online, the Telegraph reported. In total, 298 people were polled by Salford Business School at the University of Salford, for the

charity Anxiety UK. Of those, 53 percent said the launch of social networking sites had changed their behavior and of those, 51 percent said the impact had been negative.

The research also demonstrated the addictive powers of internet, with 55 percent of people saying they felt "worried or uncomfortable" when they could not access their Facebook or e-mail accounts. More than 60 percent of people said they felt compelled to turn off electronic gadgets in order to have a break, with one in three of those surveyed saying they switched the devices off several times each day. The findings about behavior changes after using social networking sites came from smaller in-depth research which was then carried out by Anxiety UK.

Nicky Lidbetter, the charity's chief executive said: "If you are predisposed to anxiety it seems that the pressures from technology act as a tipping point, making people feel more insecure and more overwhelmed." Linda Blair, a clinical psychologist said many people suffered increased anxiety because they failed to take charge of the demands being placed on them. She said: "I think one of the key things is that people have begun to behave as though technology is in control of them, instead of the other way round. We can switch the gadgets off but a lot of us have forgotten how to."

'Introspection nurtures self-development'
iven today's fast-paced life, moments for reflection are hard to come by. But introspection nurtures wellbeing and self-development, new research says. Psychological scientist Mary Helen Immordino from the University of Southern California and colleagues reviewed the existing research in neuroscience and psychological science, exploring what it means when our brains are "at rest". Research indicates that when children are given the time and skills necessary for reflecting, they often become more motivated, less anxious, perform better on tests, and plan more effectively for the future, the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science reports. In recent years, researchers have explored the idea of rest by looking at the so-called "default mode" network of the brain, a network that is noticeably active

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when we are resting and focused inward. Immordino and colleagues believe that research on the brain at rest can yield important insights into the importance of reflection and quiet time for learning, according to a Southern California statement. "We focus on the outside world in education and don't look much at inwardly focused reflective skills and attentions, but inward focus impacts the way we build memories, make meaning and transfer that learning into new contexts," says Immordino, a professor of education, psychology and neuroscience. She and her colleagues argue that mindful introspection can become an effective part of the classroom curriculum, providing students with the skills they need to engage in constructive internal processing and productive reflection.

Kids may be killing your marital joy

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hile many of us may feel parenthood brings an unforgettable joy in marital life, a British study says having children could ruin a couple's relationship after finding six out of ten new parents claiming to be having less sex and a third saying more often. The survey conducted by parenting website Yano found 42 percent of the women were not as attracted to their husbands or partners following childbirth. They blamed financial pressures and arguments over household chores for increased arguments, Daily Telegraph reported. As many as six in every ten parents said their intimate relationship had deteriorated since having children, with 28 percent having sex just once a month, five percent once a year and seven percent not at all. Over half of the couples reported rowing as a result of financial pressures, and 41 percent over who should do the chores. Six percent had already split up by the time their baby was born. Some of the new mothers said they resented their husband's approach to fatherhood as the women believed the men should take more responsibility for childcare. In the survey, nearly four in every 10 new mothers and fathers confessed to finding their partner

less attractive after having children, with 63 percent admitting their sex life had deteriorated. Another 61 percent of the parents claimed having rowed over parenting styles, with only half spending quality time together once a month. Over a third reported arguing more since having children than ever before.

How to keep your skin glowing during monsoon

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fter a hot and sweaty summer, the monsoon comes as a relief but the humid and damp weather takes a toll on the skin and eyes. Experts advise how small changes in the skin care routine during the season can keep the skin glowing and eyes fresh. Monsoon brings humidity and it's bad news for all type of skins: Oily Skin: The skin type is mainly the result of genetically determined hormonal changes. To treat oily skin one needs to remove excess oil by cleansing it twice or thrice a day, but not more than that. "Limit washing your face to two or three times a day as too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil. Avoid heavy cleansing creams. Scrub your face on a regular basis. This will help unclog the pores and remove the layer of dead cells from your skin," cosmetic surgeon Anup Dhir said. It is advised to use warm water while

Homemade pack made with "Chane ka atta and raw milk" can help in keeping skin refreshing and glowing. Dry Skin Dryness is a sign of dehydration and lack of skin repairing vitamins. During monsoon the problem worsens. One requires cream based cleanser, says Dr. Geetika Mittal, medical director of the International Skin and Anti-Aging Centre (ISAAC). "A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look and it is always advised one with dry skin opt for alcohol free toner," said Mittal. Also, apply glycerin and rose water mixture to keep skin soft. Combination Skin This type of skin is characterized with the T-portion as oily and the cheeks are usually normal or dry in condition. Since it com-

washing face as it dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water. Other than that, one also uses mud-pack.

bines both the oily and dry skin it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, said Dhir. "The dry area requires gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing. The oily part needs to be deeply cleansed and toned with regular scrubbing," Dhir said. Monsoon also brings skin infections Fungal and bacterial infections are common during rainy season. Moist and damp skin leads to these infections. Also, one can get rashes and ringworm and even skin gets discolored. Dhir advises keeping the body dry is the basic tip to tackle the infections. "Switch to cotton clothes as they allow your body to breathe. Allow damp hair to dry before you tie them again. To circumvent allergies from mosquito bites, wear fullsleeved clothes and use a mosquito repellent cream and head for air-conditioned rooms. Bathe twice a day to keep the problems at bay," he added.

28

Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info

July 14-20, 2012

Humor with Melvin Durai

Do you know where your children are?

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uring the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, TV viewers in America regularly heard this public service announcement: “It’s 10 p.m. Do you know where your children are?” It was a very effective announcement, causing millions of people to frantically search for their children, looking in as many places as they could during the commercial breaks. Some of them found their children on the street, others tracked them down in the neighbor’s yard and a few were surprised to discover, after reluctantly getting off their couches that they had been accidentally sitting on their children. “Oh, there you are, Matthew. Didn’t I tell you to get to bed by 9 p.m.” “I tried to, Dad, but I couldn’t move. You were watching Monday Night Football and didn’t hear me. And when I shouted, ‘Mom, I’m stuck on the couch,’ I heard her yell from the bedroom, ‘Yeah, like father, like son.’” The public service announcement may have seemed unusual to some viewers, but the question it asked — “Do you know where your children are?” — is perhaps the most basic one for parents to answer. After all, how can you feed your baby and change

her diaper if you don’t know where she is? Thankfully, most babies do not just walk away from their parents — they crawl away. Parents can usually catch them before they get to the street. But every now and then, a baby does escape and newspapers print headlines such as “Baby Crawls to Street, Tries to Thumb a Ride,” “Cabbie Takes Baby to Police Station, Became

Concerned After Baby Refused to Pay Fare,” and “Lady Gaga Denies Baby is Hers, Claims All Babies Say ‘Gaga.’” In May 2010, a bus driver in San Antonio, Texas, found a 14-month-old baby girl in the middle of the street around midnight. “We had the door open, but there’s a screen door,” the baby’s mother told TV station WOAI. “I had the lock on it, but I don’t know, maybe I didn’t put it all the way and she just snuck out.” That should serve as a warning to all mothers of babies. Your baby may look helpless and innocent, but behind that angelic face is a devious mind that may actually, at this very moment, be making plans to sneak out at midnight!!! So make sure you lock your doors and put the keys in a place where the baby can’t retrieve them, such as under your husband on the couch. Babies aren’t easy to control, but wait till

they grow up. That’s when it becomes a real challenge to keep track of them. Just ask British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha, who recently returned home from a family lunch at a country pub, only to realize they had left their 8-year-old daughter Nancy at the pub. Thankfully, Nancy was okay. She waited patiently for her parents to return, ignoring the handful of men who sidled up to her and asked, “Do you come here often, my love?” An important skill for parents — whether they have three children like the Camerons or half a dozen like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt — is knowing how to count. But counting didn’t help the Israeli couple who flew to Paris on a family vacation in 2008, leaving one of their five children behind at Jerusalem airport. Husband: “We need to do a count.” Wife: “I’m way ahead of you. I already did a count. Ten suitcases and eight carryon bags.” Husband: “What about the children?” Wife: “Good idea. The children should count too, just in case.” Keeping track of five children isn’t easy, but imagine what it’s like for New York Jets player Antonio Cromartie, who has 10 children with eight women. How’s he supposed to keep tabs on them all? Thankfully, professional athletes like Cromartie can turn to their iPads for help. All they have to do is download a special app called “Where my children at?” With just a touch of the screen, Cromartie can get reports from all the mothers, such as “Tanisha is watching TV,” “Tyrone is playing with his train set” and “Keisha is … hey, where you at, baby girl? It’s midnight! Get back in your crib now!!!”

Photo of the week

Dancer Gaura Prema performs the acro-yoga, an improvised Indian contemporary dance in New Delhi. Prema, founder of the contemporary Indian fusion dance troupe Natya Nectar, is an American brought up as a Hindu.

Astrology
TheSouthAsianTimes.info

29

July 14-20, 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: July 14-20, 2012
Aries: You are likely to become highly ambitious, determined and enthusiastic this week. Your high energy level would bring enormous gains and enhance your reputation. Financially you would become more comfortable and have plenty of time for recreational and other activities. Members of the opposite sex would be source of inspiration and will help you in need of the hour. Some tension might arise with close friends or relatives. Taurus: For those of you who have not been going out lately, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet and build new alliances. Anxiety and indecisiveness that has plagued you in the past seems to end, as optimism and confidence seems to take control. Financial gains likely but you need to be extra careful before entering into any new partnerships. House ladies are likely to be more involved into embroidery, cooking or other creative activities. Children and youngsters will look up to you for inspiration. Gemini: Though progress has been slow and not rewarding on financial front, some news will bring happiness and boost your morale. Business decisions and investments need to be made very carefully, as speculation will only bring major losses. Close relative might make an unexpected visit bringing gifts and presents. These pleasant and memorable moments bring happiness and harmony at home. Your interest in religious and spiritual activities would make you seek divine knowledge. Cancer: Finish your pending jobs that have been hovering over your head before you pick up any new assignment. Work pressure might leave you irritated and exhausted, but you should remember that harsh words and erratic behaviour would only bring disregard and criticism. Financial gains seem likely as you recover delayed and pending payments. Children would need careful handling and proper attention. Try to meditate to calm inner conflicts. Leo: Improvement in relationship with important and influential people would bring a change in your personality. Your confidence and determination would be upbeat and you are likely to win plenty of favours with your charms and pleasant personality. However deception from a close associate and losses due to hasty investment cannot be ruled out. Encourage children to spend their extra time with creative activities and sports. Spouse in a loving and caring mood banishes your troubles away. Virgo: You might be bestowed with rewards and recognition for your recent achievements. The appreciation you receive will have major contributions from your family members and friends. Religious feeling will arise, making some of you embark on a pilgrimage. Journeys and travelling that you undertake during this period would be highly rewarding and educating. Though gains of luxury items are foreseen, but few losses due to hasty speculation cannot be ruled out. Libra: This week you seem to possess the Midas touch. Gains from investment and speculation would be beyond expectations. New plans and offers would dominate the week. For those at service new job opportunities or some sort of monetary benefit cannot be ruled out. Domestic happiness and new romance will flourish. Despite such a prosperous time and financial gains, some tensions due to careless actions of your domestic servants, co-workers or working partners cannot be ruled out. Scorpio: A brilliant week for creative as well as literary activities. Your imaginative talent will prove to be highly lucrative. Financial gains are also expected from investments that you have made recently. New contacts and friendships will develop through social activities. Uncertainty regarding career opportunities of your children will seem to bother your mind, seek advice from an academic counsellor if necessary. Do not overspend on friends and spend more time with family members. Sagittarius: This week you should set your goals and make the best of your efforts to reap the rewards. Your confidence and ability to work on projects, which require high responsibility, would bring you benefits in the long run. This period is also good for building ties with influential people and important govt. officials. A short trip for pleasure later in week cannot be ruled out. Nuptial knots for some lovebirds. Capricorn: This week opportunities to travel should not be turned down. There would be improvement in your business as well as professional skills. Certain legal matters would need immediate attention, therefore seek an advice of a lawyer if necessary. Financial gains will accrue throughout the week, but you need to control your tendency to be extravagant, in order to save. Friends and relations will be helpful to complete pending jobs. Aquarius: Despite some tensions and botheration that you might have experienced last week, this period start on an optimistic note. Excitement and gaiety marks this week with plenty of gains in whatever you do. New ventures and assignments would improve your financial conditions. Your interest in outdoor activities will see you go out on short trips, outings and other entertainment activities. Children are likely to win laurels in extra curricular activities. Pisces: This week you will benefit provided you are willing to take bold decisions at workplace. Your determination and confidence will yield favourable results with each passing day. Money position improves as pending payments get cleared. Your life partner will bring you immense pleasure, but would behave highly possessive. During this period you should go out and build new relationship and contacts, but avoid strangers and people that you have ignored in the past.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week
July 14: Ruled by number 5 and the planet Mercury, you are practical, friendly, accommodating and possess a strong intuition. You are a no-nonsense, action-oriented individual to whom hard work and discipline takes high priority. But you need to control your tendency to behave skeptical and dominating at times. This year you can look forward to major changes in your professional career. A transfer or a promotion towards the middle of the year will bring additional responsibilities and good monetary gains. Those undertaking a foreign trip in the second quarter of the year would have a highly pleasurable and a very educating journey. Home front will not be that pleasant as frequent arguments and confrontations will always bring discomfort and dismay. Despite few initial problems your financial position will become better as new moneymaking ventures will be undertaken. August, November and March will be highly eventful. July 15: Dominated by number 6 and the planet Venus, you are attractive, emotional, and intelligent and possess a remarkable memory. You hate disharmony and disruption but once in a while you do enjoy an intelligent discussion. It would be wise to rein in your tendencies towards timidity and moodiness at times. This year you gain from past investments. New business ventures would prove quite Lucrative. Improved finances will make you spend more on luxuries and other living comforts. Children will cause some dissatisfaction but spouse will extend full support and affection. Any legal or property disputes should settle around the middle of the year. New romance for some could develop through social gatherings and recreational activities. Health of some elderly person in the family might cause stress and anxiety towards the end of the year. July, October and February will be important. July 16: Influenced by number 7 and the planet Neptune, you are ambitious, independent, Sincere and love peace and harmony. You are highly enterprising and have an in built talent to impress others, but at times you need to check your impatience and erratic behaviour. This year you will finally receive long expected recognition and rewards. New partnership and joint venture projects towards the beginning of the year will be worthwhile and highly rewarding. Renovation and beautification of your house will be high on your personal agenda. This year will also be significantly important for students wanting to follow higher education in the country or overseas, as they would manage to obtain admission in spite of tough competition. Middle of the year you would prefer to take a break from your hectic schedule and embark on a pleasure trips or a pilgrimage. New romance for some may initiate at a marriage that you attend towards the end of the year. July, August, November and March will be eventful. July 17: Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn, you are practical, systematic, original, authoritative and highly disciplined. For you your duties and responsibilities take precedence over everything else, but you need to control your tendency to behave cynical and stubborn. The beginning of year sees you finish many pending jobs and projects already in your hand. Speculation will not be much beneficial and sudden losses or gains likely on your business front. Middle of the year you come in contact with an eminent person, who would bring enormous change in your personality and thoughts. Relation with your spouse will be cordial and on an even footing. Watch out for over friendly strangers towards the latter half of the year as they could have a selfish interest in coming close to you. Romantic alliances will prosper and strengthen, but there won’t be much to celebrate on the financial side. August, September, January and February will be important. July 18: Influenced by number 9 and the planet Mars, you are active, courageous, energetic, and enthusiastic person. Your impressive personality and your command over your work can do wonders for you, but you loose many good opportunities due to your fickle -mindedness and indecisive nature. This year your mood will oscillate between extreme happiness and visible displeasure. You will feel more secure with your prevailing job and your monetary position will also improve. Businessmen should see their new plans and ventures getting executed. Frequent journeys in-between the year would bring in pleasure and an opportunity to build new and important contacts. Standing surety for someone will cause embarrassment and many legal problems. This might not be the perfect year for matters relating to your heart and forming a matrimonial alliance. The latter half of the year sees you undertake a pilgrimage for solace and peace of mind. August, November and April will be highly significant. July 19: Influenced by number 1 and the Sun, you are active, authoritative, assertive, practical, dignified and highly sensitive. You are charming, attractive and jovial by nature, but you need to check your tendency to behave spendthrift, dominating and restless at times. This year you need to concentrate on your goals to achieve desired results. New sources of income will see your financial position getting better. Speculation will also yield gains. Spouse and other female members will do their best to keep you happy. Traveling would be highly pleasurable and educating. New romance for some through social gatherings and family ceremonies. Avoid standing surety or a guarantee for others, as it would lead to embarrassment and legal problems. Real-estate transaction towards the yearend should bring monetary gains. Health needs care. July, October, November and February seems to be eventful. July 20: Ruled by number 2 and the moon, you are honest, simple, imaginative, generous, intuitive and broadminded. You are fond of intellectual conversation and soothing music, but you need to control your tendency to behave nervous and restless during adverse times. The upcoming few months will be very important for businessmen as new opportunities for growth are foreseen. Investments made during this phase will bring in good profits in the long run. Distant travel, may be overseas, brings pleasure and joy along with a possible reunion with a close relative. Speculations are going to yield excellent returns this time. Renovation of the house or construction related activities might be on the anvil this year. Chronic patients definitely need to be more careful of their health. Preventive medicines should not be avoided at any cost. July, September, December and January will prove to 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, don’t feel shy. It’s 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

July 14-20, 2012

Concluding part of the discourse 'Angel of love'

Be grateful for every breath
his eyes. A peep into the eyes of a Cupbearer draws our soul upwards to the seat of the soul. It provides the soul with an awakening to its own divinity. The magnetic attraction of the Cupbearer’s eyes pulls the iron filings towards it. This quickening of the soul is uplifting. It gives us our first reminder of the divine Wine on which we once had lived when we were in God’s home, but have since forgotten. He then teaches us how to open the faucet within ourselves so we can drink the divine Wine already Wine ourselves. God is the divine Wine. By becoming one with God, we are then one with the divine Wine and our whole being is Light, Love, and ecstasy. If we want to drink of the divine Wine that makes us forget the problems of the world, we need to learn meditation from a Tavern keeper, and sit in meditation daily. We should get a boost from the company of one who is pouring out the divine Wine. Then we can go within and drink as much as we want for ourselves. must feel like it is such a heavy burden to carry." The earth replied, "No, the mountains are not a burden to me." The man further asked, "You have such deep oceans and seas filled with millions of fish and sea life that live on you. Surely, that must feel like a heavy load on you!" The earth replied, "No, that is not a burden either." The man continued, "You have so many people, mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects living on you. I am sure that must be a to give us, we would sing God’s praises just as Sant Darshan Singh Ji does in this verse. Sant Darshan Singh Ji is thanking God with every breath. What does this mean? Every breath implies full attention at every moment. That means that Sant Darshan Singh Ji is suggesting that we live in God in every moment. Let us try an experiment. Go through a day and see how many times we can remember God. Is it once, or twice? Then, do we forget God and go back to thinking we are the doers, causing everything to happen? Try to increase the amount of time we live in God. Can we take God with us to work, to our families, to our friends, or to our activities? Can we keep God walking with us at every moment? We may call on God when our life is threatened, but can we call on God while eating, dressing, walking, talking, working, playing, or sleeping? Such a one who can do this will find ecstasy and inebriation at all times. He or she will find himself or herself rising above problems, unaffected by the ups and downs of life. Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj was not only the angel of love, but was, and is, love itself. On his birthday, let us celebrate by keeping his spirit alive every day, and not only every day, but also every moment. Living life by loving and thanking God at every moment means we never forget God. If we never forget God, then all our actions will be godly. All our decisions will be in accordance with the godly virtues. We will act in all situations as if God were with us and guiding our actions. We will be loving, caring, and helpful to all. Ultimately, we will attain communion with God. My prayer is that we will experience the divine Wine God has to give, we will live in bliss, and we will always be grateful to God for all God’s gifts. So, as we sit in remembrance of Sant Darshan Singh Ji, we can reflect upon his love, and be grateful for all the gifts he gave us. Let us honor his memory by also leading a life of love.Let us pray that he keeps his blessings always over our heads.

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
his is why the ones who have come to earth as Cupbearers to share God’s wine have been tireless, selfless souls who travel the earth ceaselessly to offer this cup to all who want it. We know them as saints, mystics, prophets, or Masters. They pour out without end the divine wine to put the tipplers in ecstasy. Once the tippler is intoxicated, he or she is no longer caught up in the vicissitudes of life. When one is intoxicated, one loses awareness of one’s body and surroundings. Unfortunately, worldly wine is such that this loss of awareness can end up hurting others and one’s own self because one is no longer fully conscious. But the divine wine makes one super-conscious. Although not aware of our own problems, we are super-aware of the problems and hearts of others. We become even more sensitive. Rather, we forget ourselves and become attentive to others. Beyond this, when we decide we want to sit in meditation, we are able to focus our attention so fully that we can become absorbed within and not be distracted by anything around us or our own thoughts. We can focus at the third or single eye, transcend body-consciousness, and see worlds of Light within us. To be embraced by God is to be lost in the greatest ecstasy. God is the greatest lover. The loves of this world are but reflections. God’s love is so fulfilling, every pore dances in ecstasy. There is so much incredible rapture in God’s love. Our problems melt away in God’s embrace. Where can we get the divine wine? The divine wine is spiritual. It is not physical. Because we are accustomed to getting input through our senses, many have not learned to realize the gifts that come to us spiritually because they are subtle. When our inner eye is opened, we can recognize the spiritual wine. Until then, we need guidance. The Cupbearer, in the form of a Master, teaches us how to drink the spiritual wine. He gives us a taste of it by his divine presence; he is pouring out the wine through

T

Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj is telling us that we should bow our heads in gratitude to God for every breath. We have seen what God is trying to offer us. God has given us our life. God has provided this wonderful earth with sun, water, air, plants to eat, and beauty to enjoy.
within us. The Cupbearer is not the only one with the divine Wine—we all have it within us. He just knows how to turn it on. He has come to turn on our own tap so we can drink from that which is already within us. He does this by teaching us meditation at the time of initiation. At initiation he opens the floodgates so the divine Wine pours out. He teaches us to recognize the spiritual Wine in the form of the divine Light and Sound. This Light and Sound flows within us. If we contact it, we can not only drink it, but travel on it back to God, the Home of the Divine Tavern keeper. The more we drink, the more we are immersed in God’s wine. When we return to God, a strange phenomenon happens. We merge with God and become the divine The next verse of Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj is: With every breath I must bow to my Friend, For I owe my life to his grace. This verse truly reflects the attitude we should inculcate in our lives. Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj is telling us that we should bow our heads in gratitude to God for every breath. We have seen what God is trying to offer us. God has given us our life. God has provided this wonderful earth with sun, water, air, plants to eat, and beauty to enjoy. For example, there is a story that Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj once told about the earth. A man once asked the earth, "You have such large, majestic mountains on you. It heavy burden on you." The earth smiled and said, "No, that is not a burden at all." Finally, the man inquired, "Is there anything that causes you to feel burdened?" The earth sighed deeply and said, "Yes, there is something. When someone is ungrateful to God for the gifts God has given—this burden I cannot bear." God has provided us many gifts to keep us alive. Besides that, God wants us to enjoy even further by providing us the divine Wine, the inner spiritual gifts of Light and Sound. God sends the Cupbearer to give us as much as we want. It is we who do not accept God’s gifts. We turn from them in pursuit of paltry enjoyments and temporary gains. If we could realize what God has given us and wants

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.

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