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Vol.5 No. 51 April 13-19, 2013 60 Cents
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US backs India's emergence as regional anchor

Pentagon budget provides $4.6 billion in support of re-balancing toward the Asia-Pacific
By Arun Kumar Washington: Rebalancing its security posture in the Asia-Pacific region, the US says it is investing in a longterm strategic partnership with India to support its ability to serve as a regional economic anchor and security provider. The US defense department's "commitment to the Asia-Pacific region is part of a broader US Government Continued on page 4
India, Germany ink six deals to enhance cooperation
Indian Defense Minister A K Antony at the Pentagon
Court orders reopening of 84 riots case against Tytler

Open to lie detector test, says Congress party leader of Delhi
New Delhi: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, facing reinvestigation in a 1984 antiSikh riots case, said Thursday there was nothing against him as yet to prove that he was present at the scene and is ready to undergo a lie detector test. The Congress leader alleged that witness Surinder Singh was put under pressure to give a statement against him. Surinder Singh changed his statements five times and his son called from the US to say that his father was under pressure to give a statement against me, Tytler said, a day after a Delhi court ordered Continued on page 4
Jagdish Tytler
Trailblazer India-born lawyer set to become top US judge

Washington: Chandigarh-born IndianAmerican legal luminary Srikanth 'Sri' Srinivasan appears set to become the first South Asian judge in the prestigious US Court of Appeals for the American capital. Called a "trailblazer" by President Obama, Srinivasan, currently the principal deputy solicitor general of the US, Wednesday headed toward confirmation to what is "often called the nation's second-highest court" with little opposition from Republican senators. If confirmed, Srinivasan, 45, who succeeded another Indian American, Neal Kumar Katyal, in August 2011 in his current job, will be just the third South Asian named to any federal judgeship.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Thursday.
By Gyanendra Kumar Keshri Berlin: India and Germany Thursday signed six agreements to enhance cooperation in the areas of green energy, education, agriculture and science and technology. The agreements were signed in the presence of visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the second inter-governmental meeting between the two countries.
Srikanth 'Sri' Srinivasan will become the first South Asian judge in what is called the nations second highest court.
More details on page 8.
The prime minister and the chancellor cochaired the meeting and discussed the areas of cooperation. Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, Manmohan Singh said the high level bilateral engagement between the two countries in the recent years had substantially and tangibly raised the quality of cooperation across a broad range of areas. "We look forward to expand defense Continued on page 4
The Arts 15
Ultimate Bollywood 16
Womens Rights 25
Spiritual Awareness 30
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April 13-19, 2013
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April 13-19, 2013
Dr Kavita Gupta elected as AAPI Secretary Once-disgraced Weiner eyes wide open mayor race
New Jersey: Dr Kavita ties in the US and in India, Gupta made history by she says. becoming the first second While urging all Indian generation doctor to get physicians in the US to get elected to the AAPI more actively involved in Executive. A medical graduAAPI, she appeals in particuate of the UMDNJ , NJ, who lar to the second generation practices Interventional Pain because they are the future Management in South Jersey of AAPI. Being fortunate to , Gupta won the election last have been elected I hope to weekend as Secretary with create a pathway for young an overwhelming majority, Indian physician leaders to defeating Dr Ajay Lodha. step forward to seek a role Although it wont be for within AAPI. She also another three years that a wants to bring the specific South Jersey based second generation President issues of the second generaDr Kavita Gupta of AAPI will come to pass, tion to AAPI agenda. but in the 30 years history of AAPI this beginDr Kavita Gupta has served AAPI for 18 ning indicates that members are ready for a years. She founded an AAPI chapter in her New Era in AAPI (American Association of medical school and continued as vice presiPhysicians of Indian Origin). Dr Guptas dent of AAPI-MSRF and then President of dream of a New Era in AAPI is, however, a YPS (Young Physician Section) in 2002. She United AAPI, because if we are united was vice president, AAPI-Philadelphia and everything else will fall into place including later President, AAPI- NJ, DE chapter in financial strength, legislative and academic 2011. She helps her husband Dr. Sanjay Gupta achievements. AAPI represents the interests in directing the weekly TV show on NBC of around 100,000 Indian physicians in the Philly educating public about health issues. US. United our power and potential is For the post of AAPI Treasurer, Dr Vikas unimaginable. We have the strength to echo Khurana was elected albeit with a wafer thin our voices to legislative allies as well as to lead over Dr Gautam Samadar, and a recount grassroots of our individual Indian communi- is likely. New York: Former US Democrat contenders, he Rep. Anthony Weiner is would likely be an undermulling a run for mayor of dog. New York City, in an People are generally attempt to return to public prepared to get over it (the life two years after he quit scandal), but they dont in a scandal over sexually know if theyre prepared explicit messages sent to to vote for me. And theres young women. a healthy number of peoThat he is eyeing the ple who will never get wide open mayor race over it, he said of the Weiner has revealed in an polling done on his behalf. interview he gave to An the His wife of over two New York Times years, Huma Abedin, the Magazine. half Indian former deputy Weiner has spent over chief of staff of Secretary Former Congressman $100,000 from his city Anthony Weiner with his half of State Hillary Clinton, campaign account to con- Indian wife Huma Abedin. is supportive, saying he duct polling and research. does not dwell on the past Before his resignation from a congres- and that he should run for public office sional district that covers parts of again. Brooklyn and Queens, he had been a frontYet, it seems certain that the sexually runner in the race to succeed Mayor charged scandal will follow Weiner into Michael Bloomberg. He finished second in the political fray. The first declared candithe Democratic mayoral primary in 2005, date to discuss his possible candidacy and he considered running in the primary immediately brought up the subject. again 2009 to vie against Bloombergs If Anthony wants to be mayor, he ultimately successful bid for a third term. should run, said City Comptroller John But the scandal put paid to his political Liu. I would just suggest getting rid of ambitions. In entering the mayoral race his phone and closing down the tweeting now, though he is better known than other account.
India visit left me shocked and sad: Lindsay Lohan

New Delhi: Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan, who visited India in 2009 to shoot a documentary on child trafficking in the country, says it was an unforgettable experience that left her "shocked and sad". The troubled actress, 26, gearing up for the release of her film "Scary Movie 5", which hits screens in the US April 12 and in India a week later, said about her India trip: "It was an experience I would never forget." "It left me shocked and sad.... Making this documentary for BBC3 has allowed me to lend my voice to the real hardship faced by children who are trafficked. The strength of the young boys and girls I met has been truly humbling, and I hope my pres-
Architect ranked with top design firms in Garden State

Edison, NJ: The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) will recognize P.K. Architecture at the 2013 Good Neighbor Awards for the firms design work on Shanghvi Plaza, a 10,000 sq ft commercial facility located in Irvington, NJ. The award will be presented on May 31 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. During the ceremony, 12 projects will be honored based on their economic benefit, architectural merit, and ability to create jobs. These projects represent a total $1 billion in new investment and 11,000 jobs. It is a great honor to be recognized by the NJBIA for our work on Shanghvi Plaza. To be on the same list of project awards completed by the top architect firms in New Jersey is humbling,
Lindsay Lohan in India while making the BBC documentary on child trafficking.
ence in India will bring awareness to the really important issues raised in making this film," she said in an email interaction from Los Angeles ahead of the film's release. Lohan's India visit had courted controversy with reports saying she violated visa rules. Her detractors felt she took up the BBC offer to scrap her wild
party-girl image. The former child artist and "Mean Girl" star, who is battling legal as well as alcohol issues, has to spend 90 days in a rehab in a misdemeanor car case. She says she is thankful to "Scary Movie 5" co-star Charlie Sheen, who has also been in the spotlight for his wild ways, for offering her monetary help.
Paritosh Kumar, of P.K. Architecture, showing design renderings of the Shanghvi Plaza in Irvington, NJ, which has won the 2013 Good Neighbor Award.
stated Principal Architect Paritosh Kumar, AIA, of P.K. Architecture located in Union County, NJ. This project revitalizes the community and turns an eyesore neighborhood into an aes-
thetically beautiful and vibrant environment which creates a better quality of life for the residents and the community as a whole. The project was nominated by Mayor Wayne Smith.
April 13-19, 2013
TURN PAGE
India, Germany ink six deals Story Continued from page 1 cooperation anchored in technology transfer, co-development and coproduction in India," he said. India's Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah and German parliamentary state secretary Gudrun Kopp signed an agreement for establishment of a "green energy corridor". Two agreements were signed to enhance cooperation in education and research. Joint declarations of intents were signed for cooperation in agriculture, food security and civil security research. "High technology commerce would benefit from further easing of German export controls to India. The agreement today on scientific collaboration on technologies for civilian security adds a new dimension to our growing security cooperation," Manmohan Singh said. Chancellor Markel said the intergovernmental talks had helped strengthen economic and strategic ties. "The scale and spectrum of agreements signed after the intergovernmental cooperation was a testimony of deep and close cooperation between the two countries," she said. US backs Indias emergence as regional anchor story Continued from page 1 focus", the Pentagon said Wednesday as it rolled out a $527 billion budget for fiscal 2014 starting Oct 1. The budget provides $4.6 billion in support of re-balancing toward the Asia-Pacific, indicating a $843 million increase over the previous year. "US military engagements in the Asia-Pacific region complement these efforts with investments in presence operations, posture, partner capacity building and defense diplomacy," the Pentagon said. Key enhancements or protected investments in FY 2014 include
"deepening our defense cooperation with India; and strengthening our military-to-military relationship with China", it said. "The US is also investing in a long-term strategic partnership with India to support its ability to serve as a regional economic anchor and provider of security in the broader Indian Ocean region," the Pentagon said. President Obama's November 2011 trip to the region and statements by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton underscore the strategic importance of the region to US national interest as well as the diplomatic and economic efforts that form an important component of US leadership there, it said. US armed forces "will have a global presence that emphasizes the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, while still ensuring our ability to maintain our defense commitments to Europe and strengthening alliance and partnerships across all region", the Pentagon said. US defense efforts in the Middle East will be aimed at countering violent extremists and destabilizing threats as well as upholding commitments to allies and partner states, it said. "For much of the past decade, the defense department has focused on fighting terrorism and countering violent insurgencies, and it will continue to do so as long as these threats exist," the Pentagon said. But as "the world has changed", Pentagon's new defense strategy "creates a smaller, lighter, more agile, flexible joint force to conduct a full range of military activities necessary to defend US national interests. "More change is taking place as US economic and security interests are inextricably linked to developments extending from the western Pacific and East Asia into the Indian Ocean region and South Asia," it said. Jagdish Tytler story Continued from page 1 the reopening of a riots case against him. "There is nothing against me as yet...till nobody has put a question mark on me," Tytler told TV channel CNN-IBN in an interview. "My name comes back on the basis of the statement made by Surinder Singh and Jasbir Singh. Surinder Singh first gave a statement in English and then gave a written statement in Gurmukhi. I want to know that why HS Phoolka (senior advocate representing riot victims) forced Surinder Singh to write a statement," he said. "Do you know Jasbir Singh is an absconder? He is wanted by court of law. Do you know the CBI tracked down that he was not even in Delhi, he was in Jodhpur?" he said. Tytler is accused of instigating a mob that led to the murder of three men who had taken shelter at a Delhi gurdwara Nov 1, 1984. The mob attack was part of violence against Sikhs after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi Oct 31, 1984. Tytler said he was ready to undergo a lie-detector test, provided Phoolka also agreed to it. On the court order to reopen the case, Tytler said: "They should do it. I have no objection. But where were the witnesses when the case was registered in 1984?" "His father says Surinder Singh is lying. I will show you affidavit given to CBI. His brother says he is telling lie, I was with him. The gurdwara secretary says he was telling lies. In the end, he wrote to the PM, saying I'm sorry I told lies," he said. The Congress leader said he was ready for 100 percent scrutiny in the matter and won't take any responsible position in the government till his name was cleared in the matter. Tytler said the CBI closure report in the case submitted in the trial court was made for the first time when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani was the home minister.
Punjab NRIs to get 10 percent quota in projects, plots

Chandigarh: Announcing its aim to make Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) equal partners in Punjab's development, the Punjab government last week announced a comprehensive plan to reserve 10 percent quota in projects and plots in the state for them. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Friday said the new industrial investment policy being notified by the state government would have 10 percent quota in industrial plots for the Punjabi Diaspora. He said the NRIs had been demanding this for investing in Punjab. "All new colonies of urban development agencies would also have 10 percent quota in residential plots for NRIs," he announced after reviewing the implementation of promises made to NRIs at the two-day NRI conference in the state earlier this year. He said that Punjab is the first state in the country to make registration of marriages by NRIs mandatory to curb fraudulent marriages by them. He said that there have been scores of instances of NRIs leaving behind innocent brides in the lurch. Badal said the Punjab Human Smuggling Act has been notified to check frauds on innocent youth by illegal travel and immigration agents in the name of sending them abroad. "I have issued strict instructions to Punjab Police to launch a concerted drive against such agents, so that they could not destroy the life of innocent youth," Badal said.
Gudi Padwa, Maharashtrian New Year, was celebrated in Mumbai with fanfare April 11.
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April 13-19, 2013
Gupta not liable to Goldman for Rajaratnam tips: US court

New York: A US appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit brought against former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta by a shareholder of the firm who sought that the IndianAmerican repay profits made after hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam traded in shares based on insider tips passed by him. The lawsuit brought by Goldman investor James Mercer was dismissed by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals here which said that Mercer had failed to prove that Gupta was a "beneficial owner" of Goldman Sachs shares. "Plaintiff has failed to allege that Defendant Gupta had 'pecuniary interest' in Goldman Sachs shares that would make him a 'beneficial owner' of the shares," the three judge panel ruled. avoiding losses. Gupta had an interest in sharing information with Rajaratnam as he was a director of and had a balance of over 16 million dollars in the Voyager fund that invested in other Galleon hedge funds. Mercer further said that Gupta knew that Rajaratnam paid former McKinsey executive Anil Kumar in exchange for insider information. Mercer said Gupta is a beneficial owner of Goldman Sachs shares since Rajaratnam made quid pro quo payments to him in exchange for insider information and Gupta had the "opportunity to profit" in Galleon due to his close business relationship with Rajaratnam. Mercer alleged that Gupta profited from Galleon's Goldman Sachs transactions due to his close business relationship with Rajaratnam. Mercer's suit had been rejected by US district court in December 2011 and the appeals court upheld that decision. The court said Mercer has failed to adequately allege that Gupta received profits from Goldman Sachs shares as opposed to payment for insider information. Mercer said Rajaratnam gave Gupta the "opportunity... To profit" in the Goldman Sachs transactions by giving him an interest in Voyager in exchange for insider information. "We have held that the "presumption" that a defendant "derived some pecuniary benefit" from anothers short swing transactions is not enough to establish pecuniary interest. Business dealings alone do not establish beneficial ownership," the court ruled.
Rajat Gupta
In his suit, Mercer had said Gupta repeatedly shared information about Goldman's share price with Rajarat-
nam whose hedge fund then engaged in "short-swing trading" of Goldman shares, earning profits or
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Jain Conference to focus on womens perspectives in Dharma traditions

New York: Center for Jain Studies at Claremont Lincoln University at Claremont, California, Jain Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, International School for Jain Studies and Federation of Jain Associations in North America ( JAINA) will be holding a two day International Jain Conference on Aug 23-24, 2013 on Womens Perspectives in the Dharma Traditions. Womens voices are not always easy to hear among traditional and contemporary Dharma texts. Yet, women are active and vibrant members of these communities. They are leaders, teachers, artists, philosophers, mothers, wives, professionals, politicians, monastics. Women are at the forefront of identifying crucial issues and fractures that hinder their own thriving and that of their community and ecosystem. This conference will provide a place to identify problems, to discuss underlying causes, and to propose and inspire solutions (especially) within religious communities. The conference will be anchored on six Keynote presentations. First, a specialist in global womens issues will set the stage, highlighting the five or six main areas of concerns, offering vital statistics, and issuing a call for the religious traditions to get actively involved. Additionally, an invited speaker will approach womens issues from each of the Dharma traditions (Hindu, Buddhism, Jain, Sikh). As specialists in their field, they will have freedom to choose their approach and topic. Some guiding questions: What is the state of women in this tradition?; What texts are relevant?; What are the primary challenges for women in marriage (non-marriage), society, culture, and politics?; What new arenas or spheres are womens voices emerging within?; and What challenges to tradition or reinterpretations of norms are shaping current contexts? The conference will also feature a Keynote Panel with women from western traditions. Submissions are welcome from any tradition, gender category, sexual orientation, or philosophical perspective, with the only stipulation that the proposals intersect the Dharma traditions as a significant component of their content. Younger scholars and practitioners from the Dharma traditions are encouraged to submit proposals.
MyPref launches new Indian Food Mobile App!

New York, NY: MyPref introduces a brand new smartphone app allowing foodies to search and locate specific food items from restaurants. Craving the best Biryani, or the spiciest Chicken Tikka Masala? MyPref, takes the guesswork out of specific menu items by providing reviews for each dish on a restaurants menu. The app available on Android and iOS smartphones is free to download and makes finding your favorite food more simple, effortless and efficient. In less than 60 days of commercial launch, MyPref cracked the Top100 free Food & Drink apps for iPhone, ranking at #58. The idea behind MyPref came to us when Manan and I (MyPref cofounders) were sitting in a restaurant trying to figure out what to eat there. A friend of ours had suggested something to try and we just couldnt remember it. Thats when we thought, what if there was an app that could track our preferences and based on location, tell us where to find them. We felt our frustration and concerns were not unique. There should be an app to take care of these things for us. says MyPref Co-Founder Abhishek Chhajlani Aside from searching for dishes on the app, MyPref also tells you
exactly where to locate it. Once you arrive and check-in at the restaurant via the app, it also reminds you of your previous food preferences and their reviews. This emphasis on menu items and not just restaurants is what differentiates MyPref from other competitive food and drink apps. MyPref hosts an extensive database of restaurants in various cuisines; however keeping its forte is Indian food. MyPref founders, Abhishek Chhajlani and Manan Bhandari believe the Indian food industry is a highly untapped and unexploited market from the application industrys point of view. They believe there are only a few applications that are primarily addressing this market and the number of restaurants using such applications as mediums to reach out to their target market is also extremely sparse. Abhishek and Manan also highlight that Indian cuisine is not just popular among Indians but also amongst numerous other food lovers, therefore, ensuring to provide one of the largest and most ex-
A screenshot of the app.
haustive databases of Indian restaurants across US available for search on MyPref. MyPref is currently a proud platinum sponsor of the Varli Kids Food Festival to be held on April 14th, 2013 at Hyatt Morristown NJ. The festival conducted by Varli Magazine is a great avenue that brings food lovers, restaurateurs and chefs together for an extremely palatable experience. MyPref will play a pivotal role at the Food festival allowing guests to sample and review the food instantly! More information on MyPref is available on http://www.mypref.com/.
April 13-19, 2013
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Indian American couple found dead in murder-suicide

York, PA: Authorities in central Pennsylvania have released the names of the Indian American man and woman killed in an apparent murder-suicide, AP reported last week. Police in York County say the bodies of 43year-old Parag Patel and 41-year-old Niha Patel were found in their Manchester Township home at about 1:45 p.m. April 2. Chief Deputy Coroner Claude Stabley said the two apparently died between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. that morning. Stabley said the woman was in bed and may have been asleep when she was shot in the head. The man was found on the floor next to the bed with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Stabley ruled the case a murder-suicide and said no autopsies were planned. He said investigators had determined that the couple had been having marital problems although no note was found. According to a report in the York Daily Record, the couple was described by neighbors as outgoing and friendly. Parag Patel shot his wife Niha in the head before taking his own life in the family home in the 900 block of Hedgegate Lane, said Stabley. Both are believed to have died instantly, he added. Northern York County Regional Police
Sony Entertainment Network announces launch of New Music Channel MIX on DISH Network
New York: Sony Entertainment Network announced the launch of MIX, A pure Hindi Film Music channel on DISH Network for the South Asian diaspora in the USA. The newest addition of the SEN bouquet is a channel dedicated to music and all that belongs to it. Coming from the SET, MAX, SAB & AATH family of channels - a group that has prided itself on providing fresh breakthrough programming MIX too promises an exciting and expansive library of Hindi film songs spanning all eras. Addressing the fact that other channels in the genre carry out comic interstitials to drive differentiation, MIX shall reinforce its brand promise of being a destination dedicated to music by providing musical factoids. The songs lined up MIX as a channel where everyone will find their favorites daily. In addition to the extensive variation of music, MIX will maintain its undeterred focus on content by producing packaged shows offering right from user generated content to people profiles executed in the most unmistakably musical fashion. Moving into the gap created by erstwhile music channels rechristened as youth channels and other music channels dishing out non-music content as interstitial programming, the channel is confident that viewers shall enjoy MIX as a channel that remains true to the music genre. Commenting on the launch of MIX, Jaideep Janakiram, SVP International Business-Head of North America said We are proud to announce the launch of our music channel MIX on DISH Network for the discerning South Asian lovers of Hindi film music. We are confident that MIX will connect with every viewer with its variety of music and special programming. MIX is and shall stay true to music Sruta Vootukuru, DISH Director of Programming, states, Sony MIXs unique theme-based music format helps DISH deliver a better experience to our customers. Adding the Sony MIX channel compliments DISHs robust international programming and enhances our South Asian offerings. MIX is a music channel by the music lovers, for the music lovers and of the music lovers.
Niha and Parag Patel
Chief Mark Bentzel said police were called to the scene about 1:43 p.m. Police said Niha Patel's mother was in the home at the time of the shooting, but according to a report in pennlive.com, she told police that she did not hear anything out of the ordinary, police said. Stabley added that two other adults were also in the home, but he didn't know their relationship to the couple. It was unclear who made the call to 911. The couple's two school-age children were not home at the time of the shooting, police stated. Stabley said the .38-caliber gun used in the shooting didn't make much sound because the gun was held close to the victims.
Indian origin woman pleads guilty to lying to federal agents

New Jersey: A Little Ferry woman, who agreed to be a confidential informant in a federal probe into immigrant smuggling and visa fraud, pleaded guilty Tuesday to lying to federal agents about disclosing details of the investigation. Vaidehi A. Patel, 26, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court in Newark to knowingly making materially false statements to special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said in a press release Tuesday. Joseph D. Rotella, Patels attorney, said Tuesday afternoon that he would not comment as the matter was still pending. The government alleged that Patel agreed to work as a confidential source for Homeland Security Investigations, which was looking into widespread immigrant smuggling, harboring, and visa fraud involving Iselin-based Vision Career Consultants USA Inc. and Jersey City-based PC Tech Learning Center. Last June, Fishman announced that he had charged nine people, including Vision Career Consultants president and owner, in connection to student visa fraud. Patel started working with investigators around Jan. 12, 2012, and agreed not to reveal her cooperation without getting permission from the department, according to the complaint filed Nov. 14, 2012. But on the same day she made the deal, Patel told at least three people that she had been arrested by immigration authorities and that the department was conducting a visa fraud investigation into Vision Career Consultants and PC Tech Learning Center, the complaint alleges. About a week later, she told an individual about whom agents had inquired that she had been questioned specifically about that individual and Vision Career Consultants, the complaint further states. She allegedly lied to federal agents on Jan. 30, 2012, when she was questioned, according to the complaint. Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16.
RCN New York launching SONY Entertainment Television Asia

New York: RCN, the preferred all-Digital Cable, Internet & Phone provider in New York City, continues to provide an extensive array of entertainment options for their subscribers. Beginning on April 2nd, customers will be able to enjoy SONY Entertainment Television Asia as part of RCNs 100%-digital TV platform. An award-winning network that offers viewers innovative and quality South Asian programming 24 hours a day, SET Asia has become a household name for entertainment through their delivery of dramas, movies, reality shows, comedies, soaps, talk shows, world television premieres, and reality game shows. The channel will be part of the brand-new RCN Sona tier, including other premium South Asian networks. The exceptional mix of channels provides customers with an exciting blend of programs the entire family can enjoy. Were very excited to announce the launch of SONY Entertainment Television in New York City, said Bruce Abbott, General Manager of RCN New York. It falls perfectly in line with our goal to continually add more networks that provide maximum entertainment and value for our customers. Jaideep Janakiram, SVP International Business-Head of North America said, At Sony Entertainment Television, we continue to lead in ways to make our programming available to the widest possible audience. We are proud to announce the launch of SET ASIA on RCN and are committed to bring our viewers the best family entertainment and Bollywood blockbusters. Those looking to enhance their South Asian programming can call 800.RING.RCN.
Share & Care Foundation launches Educate to Success program

New Jersey: Share & Care Foundation launched an Educate to Success program - E2S, at an exclusive premier of Gujarati film produced by Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp, written by Boston based Chandrakant Shah, in the presence of the film's star Swaroop Sampat. The Actress Swaroop ''Invitees only'' event was co-hosted Sampat at the by Share & Care Foundation and TV event Asia, on March 30that BIG Cinema Edison, NJ. After the movie all guests attended a grand reception. Guests thoroughly enjoyed an insightful Q & A session by the artist Swaroop Sampat and script writer Chandu Shah and the evening ended with a respectable fundraising supporting the cause Educate to Success.
IALI celebrates "Holi hai bhai holi hai" at Akbar restaurant

New York: India Association of Long Island (IALI) celebrated Holi at Akbar Restaurant on Sunday March 31, 2013 which was organized by its Sangeet Forum group, Chaired by Mrs. Jyoti Gupta and Co-Chair Mrs. Rashmi Mittle. The event which had an overwhelming turnout of more than 150 guests, was celebrated in a very traditional style, with lots of fun and gaiety. The guests dressed up in traditional colorful clothing, men in kurta/pajamas , ladies in beautiful sarees and suits etc. As guests arrived, they were welcomed with gulal teeka, gajras and laddoos, followed by thandai drink along with delicious snacks and lunch by Akbar Restaurant. The program was commenced by the IALI President, Dr. Kishore Kuncham with a beautiful reading of the tradition of Holi by poetries were recited by Dr. Krishna Jhaveri and Dr. Vijay Chhabra. The biggest surprise of the afternoon was Dr. Kuncham's rendition of two of Yesudas's famous songs. There was a special appearance by Dr. Chopra who brought the house down by his singing of a classic Dilip Kumar / Rafi song in his melodious voice - "Mere pairon me ghunghroo bandha de to phir meri chaal dekh le'' and concluded with an exquisite Holi dance performance by Mrs. Gunjan Rastogi to a medley of Holi songs. Dr. Kishore Kuncham and Mrs. Gunjan Rastogi emceed the program with entertaining Kavita and sher-o-shayari, ably supported by Mrs. Jyoti Gupta. After the official program concluded, there was an open mike session for the guests, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everybody.
IALI President Dr. Kishore Kuncham (left) and others at the event Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and unveiling of the new colorful banner by Mrs. Raji Kuncham and Mrs. Bina Sabapathy. The program was followed by singing of Holi and other popular movie songs on Karaoke by many talented IALI Members. A couple of poems and
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
April 13-19, 2013
Immigration deal expected soon

Washington, DC: A bipartisan group of senators plans to announce a deal within a week on the fate of over 11 million illegal immigrants, including some 260,000 Indians, living in the shadows, according to a media report. But a committee markup on the legislation being prepared by the Senate's "Gang of Eight" - four Democrats and four Republicans -- is not expected until at least the week of May 6, providing a long period for debate and changes, Politico reported Tuesday citing Senate aides. The influential Washington news site focusing on the capital said the schedule outlined by the aides is meant to satisfy Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a favorite of arch conservative tea party movement, who has said repeatedly that he wants a full debate and amendment process, to maximize the chances that the final vote is an overwhelming majority. "We are optimistic that we will be able to introduce legislation soon," the Politico cited a Senate aide as saying. Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick "Leahy has agreed to hold a hearing as soon as possible after the legislation is introduced, and has promised to have unlimited debate and amendments during the committee markup." "Assuming Republican members push for as much time as possible, the committee debate will last through the next recess, giving plenty of time for public debate and review," the aide added. The Senate will return May 6 after a break for the last week of April.
Google pays $100 mn to keep Indian American from Twitter

New York: Google has paid a staggering bonus of $100 million to IndianAmerican executive Neal Mohan, just to keep him from accepting a job at Twitter. Mohan is the man in charge of display ads for Google. He launched and developed the companys approach and execution for that side of Googles business. According to Business Insider which carries an excellent detailed profile of Mohan, he has a special ability to understand whats newly possible thanks to technology, and how this might be applied to serve a business strategy. He is expected to bring in an estimated $7billion for Google this year. The report added that the bonus had come just as Mohan was on the verge of accepting an offer by Twitter to become chief of product in 2011. A report in TechCrunch estimated that he was paid $100 million then and Business Insider says that given the current value of Google stock, those shares are probably worth around $150 million today. The stock options will fully vest in three years. Mohan graduated from Stanford in 1996 and worked for Accenture and NetGravity, before the latter was acquired by DoubleClick. According to Daily Mail, a pri-
US uses lottery to choose recipients of H-1B visas

Washington, DC: The US, which received nearly 124,000 applications for the H-1B visas, has used lottery to determine who all would be given the most sought after work visas among IT professionals. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today said that the lottery was done on April 7. The federal agency had started receiving applications for H-1B visas on April 1 and five days later on April 5 it announced to have reached the cap. "For the first time since 2008, USCIS has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period," an official statement said, adding that it also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. "USCIS received approximately 124,000 H-1B petitions during the filing period, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption," USCIS said. The agency conducted the selection process for advanced degree exemption petitions first. All advanced degree petitions not selected were part of the random selection process for the 65,000 limit. USCIS said it will however continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted towards the congressionally-mandated fiscal year 2014 H-1B cap, it said. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the US, change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers, allow current H-1B workers to change employers and allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
Neal Mohan
vate equity firm bought the company for $1.1billion and the CEO hired Mr Mohan to help rehabilitation. About 18 months later, after Mr Mohan implemented an aggressive plan to streamline and focus the business, Google bought it for $3.1billion.Since then, he has overseen Googles acquisition of start-up companies to help bolster Googles ad market.
GOPIO to honor American charity, three others

Washington, DC: The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has selected AmeriCares, the non-profit global health and disaster relief organization, for its Service to India Award. The Connecticut Chapter of the community organization would present the award to the charity that delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in need around the world at its annual awards banquet on April 20 at the Italian Centre, Stamford. Three Indian Americans will also be honored for service to the community and/or India or the society at large, according to a GOPIO release In 2006, AmeriCares deepened its commitment to India by establishing a local presence in Mumbai. AmeriCares India today responds to emergency medical needs and delivers medical aid to health care providers in 26 Indian states and union territories. AmeriCares India continues to expand its reach with free mobile medical clinics that provide access to health care in the Mumbai slums. Dr. Ramamurti Shankar, John Randolph Huffman Professor of Physics and Professor of Applied Physics Yale University, New Haven will be recognized for his contribution to Basic Sciences. Shankar works on the application of Quantum Field Theory to particle, statistical and condensed matter physics in which he has over 100 publications. Rakesh Narang, President and Founder of Wire & Plastic Machinery Corporation, New Haven, Connecticut, will be recognized in the category of Entrepreneurship and Business Acumen. His company is a leading global equipment supplier for the wire and cable industry. Suresh Sharma, founder of Milan Cultural Association, Hartford, Connecticut has been selected for community service. Sharma founded Milan to create visibility of Indian American community for mainstream America and a legacy not of diversified regionalism but of cultural heritage and unity in diversity.
April 13-19, 2013
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
ANALYSIS
Preet Bharara's lament remains unanswered in Casablanca

By Ravi Batra
Sikh moves court against California gun law

Chandigarh: A US-based Sikh Gursant Singh Khalsa has filed a lawsuit against the state of California, saying its gun law is "stopping me from fully practicing my religion by not allowing me to own and use assault rifles and high-capacity magazines." According to California's laws, militarystyle, semiautomatic weapons and highcapacity magazines are banned in the state. Gursant, who offers classes in fireams training, rifle use, self-defence and the security of Sikh gurdwaras across the United States and Canada, has abundantly mentioned the doctrines of tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh and tenets of Sikh religion to argue his case in the federal court of California. The suit was filed in March last week and the case is set to be heard on April 13. "The Sikh doctrine requires Sikhs be fully prepared all the time to defend themselves and others against injustice. Our Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh instructed Sikhs that without uncut hair and weapons, they should not come before me," the lawsuit pointed out. It said, "I feel my religion dictates that we should all have weapons of all kinds to defend ourselves. By not being able to carry an assault rifle or weapon that has a high-capacity magazine, I don't feel that I can defend myself or my family." Gursant also pointed out that some practicing Sikhs already carry a popular religious weapon called kirpan or dagger for protection. The lawsuit has also made explicit references to the attack at the Wisconsin gurdwara on August 6 last year. "If assault weapons were legalized in California, the loss of life in mass shooting tragedy in Wisconsin in July last year could have been averted," Gursant is quoted as saying in the lawsuit. Seven people, including a US police officer and six Sikhs, had been killed in the shooting at the gurdwara. "We believe in self-defence and standing up for our rights. And to defend oneself, if necessary, use lethal force," he added. Gursant, who is a son of a US Marine Corps officer and was five times in the running for the US Olympics rifle team, said such a right should be available to all Americans with proper training.
xcitement over last weeks installment of Preet Bhararas Political Greed Indictment show caused breathless stories and many editorials to issue. The editorials, all, use a polite "working-within-the-system" incremental approach to incredulously nudge the corrupt and the corrupters towards integrity and honesty - which then permits the "blind eyes," that United States Attorney (USA) Bharara lamented as un-indicted co-conspirators, to remain blind to the corruption they tolerate, or worse, cause. The irony is that those who accumulate power speak of reforms, after they have neutered the essential exceptionalism that is America: separated powers regime. To a student in elementary school it is clear to accumulate power is un-American and the corruption-root. Every kid gets it. In my near one-year experience as a member of NYS Joint Commission on Public Ethics, I witnessed the effects of JCOPEs extra-legal controlled existence, over and above that which was infused into the law that gave it birth defects, resulting in extra-legal activities of JCOPE, inter alia, changing the effective date of PIRA's source funding disclosure to cloak those who gave to a 501c4, with admitted political candidate-coordination equals nothing less than unregulated, excessive and secret donations of "political money" that is tax deductible to boot, and may even permit money laundering of illegal political campaign contributions by foreigners to a "slush fund." It had been my intention, when I called the Feds in August 2012 to ask for an independent "look-see" of JCOPE, per the MTA principle of citizenship post 9/11 - "See something, say something," to stay on JCOPE and work within the process to help it achieve what the law allowed it to; but hearing two governors on the radio issuing a calculated insult of my independence was, and is, a price too much to bear for serving the public trust in Casablanca. That Moreland Act powers were officially considered earlier in the day to subjugate JCOPEs left-over independence, not free it of illegal control as I sought Moreland powers to be unleashed for, makes for a great Kabuki play called "Albany." A trademark lawyer would tell you that "Albany" has taken on secondary meaning. USA Preet Bharara intimated as much. DA Joe Hynes 10 years ago spoke of the need for "cultural change" if corruption is to be arrested. Preet Bharara said the same thing last week. I heard Preet Bhararas "But here we go again. Apparently what weve got here is a failure to communicate" statement on March 10, 2011 upon indicting Sen. Carl Kruger - one that I recited while officially sitting on both NYS Boards - IOLA, and later, JCOPE - saying I hear USA Bharara loudly and clearly. It didnt matter. The cancer is cellular, and has metastasized. All one can hope for is that our great USA Preet Bharara will become a cancer surgeon and continue to roll out new installments, albeit, with a quicker drumbeat, and thereby arresting New Yorks corruption-cancer such that the body politic has a "ribbon of clean cells" around the political class. Otherwise, Jane and John Q Public who have given up see our dismal percentage of registered voters
All one can hope for is that our great USA Preet Bharara will become a cancer surgeon and continue to roll out new installments, albeit, with a quicker drumbeat, and thereby arresting New Yorks corruption-cancer such that the body politic has a "ribbon of clean cells" around the political class.
actually voting - will not re-engage with, nor believe in, Lincolns government "for the people." Before any so-called "reforms" are accepted, let there be a public confession, like Lady Macbeths unclean hands seen in public, for the singular reform-pledge broken in, and by, Albany to Mayor Koch -- the Independent ReDistricting Pledge -- when 10-year Incumbency-Protection Plan was signed into law a year ago to great scripted support of Goo-Goos (Palace Puppies all who roll over and do tricks for their power-masters) is a glaring truth that is Albany. Public financing can be a great way to rob the public - I recall in November 2003 then DA Bob Morgenthau, the world's District Attorney, prosecuting and a just jury, that looked to the evidence and not reputation in convicting a City Councilman, Sheldon S. Leffler, despite his great witnesses in court, for having his real estate contributor, Ms. Stark, break up her obese $10,000 illegal political contribution into $250 checks and money orders so as to rob the publics match funds pot. Our media, driven by a 24 hour news cycle, twitter-length stories, and lack of any time for investigations and deliberation, have bankrupted their vital function to protect society from the three branches of government. The Fourth Estates reckless speed matches its financial insolvency, while we all see Rome burn and the front pages carry press releasebased stories of new laws and "best thing since sliced bread" a la Malcolm Smith. The lack of oversight by the Fourth Estate is the greatest gift to the corrupt and the corrupters - no one is seeing what is in open sight: control-cancer leads to diminishing Americas exceptionalism and threatens to make us a third world Banana Republic. No less than Thomas Jefferson warned that "eternal vigilance" is the price of liberty. Who will help us be free of phony reforms dished out by "blinded eyes" in Casablanca? The author is an eminent attorney.
Obama pushes hard for Chandigarh-born judge

Washington, DC: President lawyers like Kenneth W. Barack Obama is making a Starr, the special prosecutor hard push for the Senate conwho investigated the firmation of a ChandigarhClintons." born Indian-American legal "If the effort fails, it could luminary, Srikanth 'Sri' lead to a confrontation with Srinivasan, to what is "often the Senate over the long-simcalled the nation's secondmering issue of judicial nomihighest court". nees," the Times said. If confirmed Srinivasan, 45, The Washington Post who in August last year was Editorial Board giving the named principal deputy soliciPost's View wondered how tor general of the US, sucfar Senate Republicans' ceeding another Indian "unwarranted obstruction" of American, Neal Kumar Obama's nominees would Sri Srinivasan Katyal, would create history extend? as the first appeals court judge of South Asian Srinivasan's "gold-plated legal resume is outheritage. matched only by the glowing terms conserva"With a coordination and an energy that echo tive advocates such as Theodore B. Olson, a Supreme Court nomination fight, the Obama Kenneth W. Starr and Paul Clement used in administration is pushing for" Srinivasan's con- their endorsements of his nomination," it firmation," said The New York Times on the noted. "It would be a counterproductive miseve of Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing take for lawmakers to confuse consideration of Wednesday on Srinivasan's nomination to the Srinivasan's nomination with a vote on the US Court of Appeals for the American capital. Obama years or policies," the Post said. "The White House is lobbying some of the The Huffington Post, meanwhile, reported president's most vocal foes," noted the influen- that some unnamed "legal analysts" are floattial US daily with administration officials ing Srinivasan "as a potential frontrunner for "trumpeting the endorsement of top Republican the next Supreme Court opening."
Meng attends Senate confirmation hearing of Sri Srinivasan

attended the proceeding to show her personal support for this outstanding and historic candidate.Meng also met with Srinivasan during a meeting he had with the members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), of which Meng is a member.Photo: Congresswoman Grace Meng (second from left) on Capitol Hill during meeting the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) held with Sri Srinivasan (sixth from left).
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (DQueens) April 10 attended the Senate judicial confirmation hearing for Sri Srinivasan, who if confirmed
would be the first Circuit Court judge of South Asian descent, and the first Asian American to serve on the D.C. Court of Appeals.Meng
US AFFAIRS
April 13-19, 2013
Obamas $ 3.8 T budget hikes taxes and cuts Social Security

Washington: President Obama is facing criticism both from the left and the right after he sent Congress his 2014 budget proposal. The $3.77 trillion spending plan, which is being delivered to Congress two months late, tries to curb deficits by further raising taxes on top earners and reining in the growth of Social Security. But Republicans argue they already consented to increased taxes as part of the fiscal crisis deal and have expressed little interest in negotiating another hike. And liberal Democrats -- particularly powerful advocacy groups -- have launched a series of campaigns to oppose the changes to Social Security. The president's proposal being unveiled Wednesday includes an additional $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade, bringing total deficit savings to $4.3 trillion, based on the administration's calculations. It projects that the deficit for the 2014 budget year, which begins Oct. 1, would fall to $744 billion. That would be the lowest gap between spending and revenue since 2008. The president's plan tracks an offer he made to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, during
The most sweeping proposal in Obama's budget is a switch in the way the government calculates the annual cost-of-living adjustments for the millions of recipients of Social Security and other government benefit programs.
December's budget negotiations, which Boehner ended up walking away from because of his opposition to higher taxes on the wealthy. The Obama budget proposal will join competing budget outlines already approved by the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-run Senate. The most sweeping proposal in Obama's budget is a switch in the way the government calculates the annual cost-of-living adjustments for the millions of recipients of Social Security and other govern-
ment benefit programs. The current method of measuring increases in the consumer price index would be modified to track a process known as chained CPI. The new method takes into account changes that occur when people substitute goods rising in price with less expensive products. It results in slightly lower annual reading for inflation. The switch in the inflation formula would cut spending on government benefit programs by $130 billion over 10 years, although the administration said it planned to protect the most vulnerable, including the very elderly. The change would also raise about $100 billion in higher taxes because the current CPI formula is used to adjust tax brackets each year. A lower inflation measure would mean more money taxed at higher rates. In the tax area, Obama would raise an additional $580 billion by restricting deductions for the top 2 percent of family incomes. The budget would also implement the "Buffett Rule" requiring that households with incomes of more than $1 million pay at least 30 percent of their income in taxes. Charitable giving would be excluded.
White House welcomes spring with first blossom of the season even as President Obama and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough take a stroll in the South Lawn April 9.
Senators reach bipartisan deal on checks of gun buyers

Washington: A bipartisan collection of senators on Wednesday announced a compromise measure to expand background checks for gun buyers, increasing the chances that a viable package of new gun safety laws will soon hit the Senate floor. Senators Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia, and Patrick J. Toomey, Republican of Pennsylvania, have joined forces on the deal. Under the terms of the agreement, background checks for gun buyers would expand to gun shows and online sales a huge portion of gun sales that are made without the background checks used by gun stores and will maintain recordkeeping provisions that law enforcement officials find essential in tracking criminal gun use, but that gun rights groups find anathema. The bill would modify the current measure, which will receive a procedural vote on Thursday, in other key ways. For example, the background checks provision would extend to fewer gun buyers than many gun control groups, and some Democrats in the Senate, would like. Inter-family sales, for instance, would be exempt.
Young diplomat among 4 killed in Afghansitan

Washington: A 25-year-old foreign service officer from suburban Chicago who was among five Americans killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan was remembered Sunday as "a bright and brave young woman." Anne Smedinghoff died Saturday in a suicide bombing while donating books to a school in Qalat in Zabul province. Three U.S. troops and a civilian employee also died. Four State Department employees were injured, one critically. Secretary of State John Kerr said the nation mourns all the victims, adding he recently met Smedinghoff during a visit to Afghanistan. "A brave American was determined to brighten the light of learning through books written in the native tongue of the students that she had never met, but whom she felt compelled to help," Kerry said Sunday while visiting Turkey. "She was met by cowardly terrorists determined to bring darkness and death to total
USPS relents, Saturday service to continue

Washington: The US Postal Service has canceled a plan to end Saturday letter delivery this summer, conceding Wednesday that Congress had won a recent legal bout over the agency's attempt to cut costs. The USPS had announced in February that letter delivery would drop to five days starting Aug. 5. But Congress responded by adding a rider on a spending bill mandating Saturday delivery. The Postal Services Board of Governors reviewed Congress decision and determined Congress had the authority to make it, it said in a press release Wednesday. Although disappointed with this Congressional action, the Board will follow the law, the USPS said. The Postal Service had intended to cut $2 billion per year from its budget with the service reduction, which would have ended Saturday letter delivery but retained package delivery, on which it makes money. Last year, the agency lost nearly $16 billion even as it pleaded with Congress to pass reforms that would improve its fiscal health. Congress failed to pass a bill, spurring the agencys decision to drop to five-day delivery.
Class of 2013 faces dim job prospects

Washington: The Great Recession and its aftermath have decimated job prospects and earnings for young workers, a new EPI (Economic Policy Institute) briefing paper shows. In The Class of 2013: Young graduates still face dim job prospects, the researchers find that for the fifth consecutive year, new graduates will enter a profoundly weak labor market and will face high unemployment and underemployment rates and depressed wages. Because young workers always experience disproportionate increases in unemployment during downturns, young workers have confronted particularly high unemployment rates since the end of the Great Recession. For young high school graduates, the unemployment rate is 29.9 percent, compared with 17.5 percent in 2007, and the underemployment rate is 51.5 percent, compared with 29.4 percent in 2007. For college graduates, the unemployment rate is 8.8 percent, compared with 5.7 percent in 2007, and the underemployment rate is 18.3 percent, compared with 9.9 percent in 2007. Young workers have also seen their wages decline. Between 2007 and 2012, the wages of young high school graduates dropped 11.7 percent, and the wages of young college graduates dropped 7.6 percent. However, the wages of young graduates fared poorly even before the Great
Anne Smedinghoff was US foreign service officer
strangers." Smedinghoff was the first diplomat to die on the job since the attack in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens almost seven months ago. Kerry described Smedinghoff as selfless, idealistic and determined to make the world a better place.
Recession began, as most groups of young workers also saw wage declines between 2000 and 2007. In all, between 2000 and 2012, the wages of young high school graduates declined 12.7 percent, and the wages of young college graduates decreased 8.5 percent. For full-time, full-year workers, this represents a roughly $2,900 decline in annual earnings for young high school graduates and a roughly $3,200 decline for young college graduates. Washington based EPI is an independent, nonprofit think tank that researches the impact of economic trends and policies on working people in the United States.
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April 13-19, 2013
INDIA
Modi goes all guns blazing at UPA

Kolkata: After advocating women's empowerment in Delhi, Narendra Modi - widely seen as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate - wooed Bengal business here while attacking the UPA government on issues including discrimination against opposition-ruled states. The Gujarat chief minister took part in an interface with the industry at a five-star hotel before addressing a party programme at Mahajati Sadan. At both venues, the suave leader's main target was the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) - the BJP's arch rival ahead of next year's general elections. The UPA got the rap from the 62-year-old leader for its handling of foreign policy matters, stalling development work and paralysis of the central machinery. Perhaps keeping in mind the general elections, and the BJP's need of partners to consolidate its National Democratic Alliance, Modi appeared to be going soft on Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, but blasted her main opponent Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Front. Addressing a meeting of business chambers, Modi dwelt on how the UPA government discriminated against states run by parties opposed to the Congress, an issue on which Banerjee had been vocal since walking out of the UPA in September last year. "Defying the constitution, the UPA government has been constantly discriminating between states ruled by the parties in the UPA coalition and those run by non-UPA parties," Modi said. He said the bias of the central government overlooking the country's federal structure was threatening national integrity, and "shattering the dreams of many states like West Bengal". "The UPA government in Delhi has been sitting on all development projects and no work is on for the last two years. The central machinery is at a standstill," Modi said. "The UPA government doesn't even bother to open pending files and is not even worried about anything. The government is like an ailing man with an eye on the
Narendra Modi dwelt on how the UPA government discriminated against states run by parties opposed to the Congress
clock, not the calendar," he said. Later, at the party programme, he called for uprooting the Congress. "Should the Congress exist? Should this party be ever allowed to rule the country? For the sake of the country, it is essential that
India becomes Congress-free," said Modi. On foreign policy, Modi said at the business meet that the diplomatic row with Italy over two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen off Kerala coast last year was an "insult" to India.
Pawar apologizes, opposition wants him out Modi uses FICCI meet to showcase himself
Mumbai: Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar again apologized for his widely condemned comments on drought-hit areas but a fuming opposition insisted that he be sacked. The uproar in the legislature forced as many as five adjournments during the day on April 11. The house was finally adjourned for the day. When the house assembled, all opposition parties demanded Pawar's resignation for his remarks Sunday at Indapur in Pune which they termed as "shameful" and "objectionable". National Congress Party's Pawar shot off his mouth Sunday when he was asked to comment about protests in the drought-hit regions of Maharashtra. "Who is that (Bhaisaheb) Deshmukh? What is the point of his protest? Will it yield water? When there is no water, where will I arrange water from? Should
New Delhi: Widely seen as a prime ministerial candidate, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi advocated women's empowerment even as he took a dig at the Congress and its star leader Rahul Gandhi. Four days after Gandhi used a CII forum to make a political pitch, Modi observed at a meeting of the women's wing of industry lobby FICCI that no human was perfect and he was no different. "Everyone has some weakness or the other. I too have shortcomings," Modi said here, and asked people to point out his weaknesses through the social media. Asked to reveal his weakness, he said no individual can correctly evaluate himself. "I may have some weakness which I may not be able to see but you will be able to. if you spot any such weakness (in me), please convey them through the social media ... so that I can free myself of my weaknesses." Modi didn't speak about his prime ministerial ambition but there was loud clapping and even whistling when one woman asked what
Narendra Modi advocated women's empowerment
For water, should I urinate in the dams? Pawar had asked
I urinate in the dams?" Pawar asked. The shocking remark triggered disgust and protests across the state. Pawar also said: "The population is increasing due to load shedding as people have nothing to do when there is no electricity."
he would do about women's reservation in politics "when you come to the centre". The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader used the forum to strongly advocate women's empowerment, saying only this would help India become an economic powerhouse. In his 70-minute interaction, which included questions he took from the overwhelmingly female audience, Modi took a swipe at both the Congress and its vice president Rahul Gandhi.
Mamata in nursing home, afraid to visit Delhi

from an "unsafe" Delhi, after she complained of breathing problems, palpitation and body pain. "She has low blood pressure and low pulse rate. She needs rest and analgesics... Needs close monitoring," said a bulletin issued by the nursing home. Earlier in the day, speaking to newspersons in Delhi, Banerjee said she was returning to Kolkata as she was unwell and on oxygen whole of Tuesday night. Doctors suggested hospitalisation but I don't want to go to hospital". "I am going back. I will come again... Delhi is not safe," she said. In Kolkata, belligerent Trinamool members took to the streets flexing their muscle, with activists of the party's students arm storming the Presidency University campus and beating up its students. "They were carrying Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad flags and shouting slogans. They broke the gates and entered the campus. They beat up our students," Presidency University vice chancellor Malabika Sarkar told a media conference here. Sarkar said that police "did not take any action. It is absolutely unacceptable. They vandalised the physics department. This is an unprovoked attack on peaceful students in a university campus". The heritage Baker's Building, which celebrated its centenary recently, also faced the wrath of the vandals. After the mob left, students supporting SFI and Independent Consolidation (IC) held a meeting and called a strike Thursday to protest the violence by the TMCP. The Trinamool and its mass organisations, which observed a condemnation day, staged protest rallies across the state, with many of the participants tying their mouth with black cloth or wearing black badges. Led by the party's all India general secretary Mukul Roy, the Trinamool members also held a protest at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan used strong words as he expressed shock over the "pre-meditated assault" on Banerjee and state ministers in New Delhi, and asked the CPI-M politburo for a public apology. Stating that the incident was "unprecedented in India's modern history", he said those "responsible for the attack and their instigators have forfeited the right to function within a democratic framework".
"I am going back. I will come again... Delhi is not safe, " said Bengal Chief Minister
Kolkata/New Delhi: West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress activists took to violent protests, vandalizing the prestigious Presidency University and allegedly attacking offices of the Left Front constituents.
The violence took place as chief minister Mamata Banerjee was admitted to a private nursing home a day after being heckled by SFI activists in Delhi. Banerjee was taken to the Belle Vue Clinic, shortly after returning
INDIA
April 13-19, 2013
11
Reopen 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: court

New Delhi: In a setback to Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, a Delhi court has ordered the reopening of a case against him related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Additional Sessions Judge Anuradha Shukla Bajaj also set aside the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) closure report which had given Tytler a clean chit, claiming there was no evidence against him. The court's order came on a plea filed by a riot victim, who sought further probe in the killing of three people near Gurdwara Pul Bangash in central Delhi. Tytler is accused of instigating a mob that led to the murder of three men who had taken shelter at the Pul Bangash Gurdwara in north Delhi Nov 1, 1984. The mob attack was part of violence against Sikhs after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi Oct 31, 1984. The court directed the CBI to examine eye-witnesses and people who claimed they have information about the riots. three men was re-investigated by the CBI after a court in December 2007 refused to accept its closure report. The CBI had claimed Tytler was at Teen Murti Bhavan, the residence of the then late prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, where Indira Gandhi's body was laid, at the time of the Pul Bangash incident. It added that the agency has already re-investigated the case on the order of trial court but there was no sufficient evidence against Tytler. Tytler was given clean chit by the CBI April 2, 2009, which claimed that the agency had no evidence against him. For Lakhvinder Kaur, the judgment has given hope of justice, though after more than 28 years. "I died the day my husband was killed in the riots," said Lakhvinder Kaur. Amid demands for Tytler's removal from the party, Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdury said: "Once the court comes out with something conclusive, it will be examined and we will take a call on that."
US-based Sikh group seeks probe

New York: In the wake of a Delhi Court ordering the reopening of a case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler related to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, a US based Sikh group would seek a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a New York based human rights advocacy group, announced it will file a writ petition before Delhi High Court asking it to set up an SIT led by former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Chief Joginder Singh. The petition will be based on the CBI's conduct of disregarding the material evidence against Tytler and refusing to record the testimony of witnesses which amounts to shielding the accused, it said. SIT should be asked to investigate and depose former police commissioner Gautam Kaul, close associate of Gandhi family R.K. Dhawan and film star Amitabh Bachchan who according to CBI's closure report were in the company of Tytler Nov 1, 1984 at Teen Murti Bhavan. SFJ also circulated a joint statement by US-based witnesses Resham Singh and Jasbir Singh saying they are willing to appear as witness in any court of law once murder charges are filed against Tytler for his role in killing of Sikhs in November 1984.
Congress leader Jagdish Tytler Tytler is accused of instigating a mob that led to the murder of three men
The court, setting aside the magisterial court order that accepted the CBI's closure report, said: "The order of the trial court accepting the closure report is set aside. The CBI is directed to conduct the investigation and examine the claimants/eye witnesses in the case." Opposing the victim's plea against the CBI closure report, the agency had sought its dismissal, saying the probe has made it clear that Tytler was not present on Nov 1, 1984, at
Gurudwara Pul Bangash where three people were killed during the riots. However, senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, appearing for petitioner Lakhwinder Kaur had said there was material which the CBI had ignored and evidence was also there before the trial court against Tytler. Three men - Badal Singh, Thakur Singh and Gurcharan Singh - were killed near Gurudwara Pul Bangash, allegedly on Tytler's instigation. His role in the killing of the
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April 13-19,2013
INDIA
Congress dubs WikiLeaks on Rajiv baseless EU trade pact: Manmohan to seek German support
1975, says that the "Swedish Embassy Official has informed us that main negotiator with Swedes on Viggen (a fighter aircraft) at New Delhi end has been Mrs Gandhi's older son, Rajiv Gandhi. Latter's only association with aircraft industry (to our knowledge) has been as pilot for Indian Airlines and this is first time we heard his name as an entrepreneur." In another cable, the Swedes said they "understood the importance of family influences" in the final decision. The cable adds: "Our colleague describes Ranjiv Gandhi [sic] in flattering terms, and contends his technical expertise is of a high level. This may or may not be. Offhand, we would have thought a transport pilot [is] not the best expert to rely upon in evaluating a fighter plane, but then we are speaking of a transport pilot who has another and perhaps more relevant qualification." Dwivedi said: "Today a reputed newspaper of the country has published a peculiar report. What is a matter of deep regret is that those sections of media, in whose wisdom, most people in the country rely have also now begun to believe in sensational news." The Bharatiya Janata Party, however, seized the opportunity to launch an attack on the Congress and sought clarification. "The WikiLeaks revelations are serious," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters. New Delhi: Prime M i n i s t e r Manmohan Singh said he will seek Germany's support for an early conclusion of a balanced trade and investment agreement with the European Union (EU) during his three-day visit to Berlin. "I will seek C h a n c e l l o r (Angela) Merkel's support for an early conclusion of an EU trade pact: Manmohan to seek India-EU broadGerman support based trade and investment agree"I intend to seek greater trade ment," the prime minister, whose and investment ties with Germany delegation includes five cabinet as we continue to take steps to ministers, said in a statement, boost domestic investment, attract ahead of his departure to Berlin. foreign investors, and spur the "I will also propose that Europe economy back to its long term keeps its doors open to Indian growth potential of 8 percent," the investors and professionals," he prime minister said. added. The prime minister is visitHe said Germany plays a key ing Germany on the invitation of role in the global economy and, in Chancellor Angela Merkel. particular, in stability and growth Manmohan Singh said he was in the Euro Zone, which has an hopeful of signing a number of important bearing on the Indian agreements and memorandums of economy. "At a time of persisting understanding (MoUs) in areas global economic weakness and like infrastructure, manufacturing, uncertainty, I look forward to disscience and technology, higher cussing these issues with education, professional training, Chancellor Merkel," the prime and clean and renewable energy. minister said.
Rajiv Gandhi was the main Indian negotiator for a massive aircraft deal for which his family connections were seen as valuable, says leaked cable
New Delhi: An explosive Wikileaks cable that claimed the late Rajiv Gandhi may have been a middleman for a Swedish firm trying to sell its fighter aircraft to India has led to a storm, with the Congress dismissing it as "baseless" and the BJP asking the government to "come clean". The Congress slammed the claim in the WikiLeaks cable as "baseless" and "unfounded". Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi asserted there was no basis to the allegation against Rajiv Gandhi that he may have acted as a middleman much before he became prime minister. He accused WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange of "spreading lies and falsehoods". Dwivedi also urged the media
not to fall for "temporary gains". "...We are very hurt with the news," he told reporters after The Hindu newspaper, which as part of a collaboration with WikiLeaks, accessed and published the cable on its front page. "Having noted what the Swede has said, the cable makes the comment that there was no additional information to either refute or confirm the information. The foundation of the whole story falls flat here," Dwivedi said, quoting parts of the cable. The leaked US embassy secret cable claimed that Gandhi was the "main Indian negotiator" for a massive aircraft deal for which his "family" connections were seen as valuable. The cable dated October 21,
'Three attempts were made In Germany, Khurshid made to revisit Nirbhaya to kill Sanjay Gandhi'
New Delhi: There were three assassination attempts on Sanjay Gandhi, a key figure during the Emergency, including one where a high powered rifle was used when the leader was visiting Uttar Pradesh, a US cable outed by WikiLeaks has claimed. In a September 1976 dispatch, the US embassy reported the then prime minister Indira Gandhi's younger son was targeted by an unknown assailant in a "well planned assassination attempt" which failed. The date suggests the incident occurred during the Emergency. "Indira Gandhi's son Sanjay was shot three times on August 30 or 31 by an unknown assailant," the cable says, attributing the information to a clandestine source. The report says Sanjay escaped and was not critically injured. If Sanjay did suffer injuries, their nature is not specified but interestingly the cable bases its information on information provided by Indian intelligence sources. "According to Indian intelligence, this is the third attempt on the younger Gandhi's life," the cable Berlin: Nirbhaya continues to work on people's sensibilities around the globe, with foreign minister Salman Khurshid falling back on a long narration of Congress's manifesto of entitlements to ward off concerns that women and children were not a priority for the Indian government. Khurshid's awkwardness was caused by a question from a German correspondent at the joint press conference with his German counterpart. The query veered away from strategic-economic issues of Eurozone crisis, Iran and North Korea and wondered why Germany was not nudging India on the state of women and child mortality -- 2 million women and 1.7 million infants die annually for want of care. A surprised host foreign minister Guido Westerwelle spoke in India's defense. "You have to see how the situation was decades ago. The direction taken by India is right. The social needs and misery in a country of India's size are (to be understood) but the efforts are visible," he said.
Sanjay Gandhi was killed in a plane crash in New Delhi on June 23, 1980
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle in Berlin
states and goes on to surmise that the attack will eventually be blamed on revolutionary elements sponsored by outside powers. Sanjay was killed in a plane crash in the Capital on June 23, 1980 soon after Congress came back to power after internal bickering consumed the Janata Party. He was 33 and a rising star in the Congress clearly seen as successor to his mother. His early death brought his elder brother Rajiv into politics who till then was a commercial pilot with Indian Airlines.
While the question passed Khurshid, an eager minister finished his answer on Iran and said he wanted to speak on the earlier issue. What came out was a crash course on "UPA's entitlement regime". Khurshid said while India was not happy with results on the women and child front, it was focusing on people below poverty line with targeted policy measures. He referred to Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana to say how the poor could avail of health insurance with the swipe
of a card. The brave defense notwithstanding, German observers say Nirbhaya case has put the focus on poor security of women and children in India after nearly a decade when its emergence as an IT power, a reforming economy and a big market had successfully obscured these concerns. The gang-rape sent India's stock crashing, with reporters and officials here saying it was the biggest story to come out of India in recent years. It was in the papers, on TV and online.
TRIBUTE
April 13-19, 2013
13
'Iron Lady' is no more

London: Margaret Thatcher, a grocer's daughter who became Britain's only woman prime minister, died Monday after suffering a stroke, her family announced. She was 87. An admirer of Indira Gandhi, Thatcher was called the "Iron Lady". The funeral of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher will be held in London on April 17, the office of Prime Minister David Cameron said. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the funeral ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral. Besides Ronald Reagan with whom she shared conservative values, Thatcher enjoyed a strong bond with Indira Gandhi. Born Margaret Roberts in 1925, Thatcher became the Conservative MP for Finchley in north London in 1959. After a long and eventful career, she quit the Commons in 1992. She successfully challenged former prime minister Edward Heath for her party's leadership in 1975. She won general elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987. She presided over Britain's war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands in 1982. Thatcher was credited with putting Britain back among the leading industrial nations of the world.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with then US President Ronald Reagan at the White House in Washington, DC, on Feb 20, 1985.
Thatcher admired Indira Gandhi

New Delhi: With similar temperaments, Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman prime minister, was an undisguised admirer of Indira Gandhi, another woman politician known for her toughness. Thatcher, who died Monday at age 87, came to know well Indira Gandhi -- who was prime minister for 16 years, both as Britain's opposition leader and later as prime minister. "Very early on, we struck up a close rapport, for we both felt the loneliness of high office and it was good to be able to talk to someone who understood," Thatcher said during a 1995 visit to India. Thatcher, who ruled Britain from 1979 to 1990, admitted that she and Gandhi "had very different ideas about politics. "But I found in her qualities which seem to me essential in a statesman. She was passionately proud of her own country, always courageous and very practical." In 1984, Gandhi was among the first to message Thatcher when she
Thatcher was nicknamed the "Iron Lady" by a Russian journalist in 1976 for her opposition to Soviet communism. It is a moniker that stuck. Her coming to power in 1979 signaled the end of an era when trade unions ruled the roost. She stripped the unions of many of their powers with the aim of transferring them to managements and individual consumers, recalled Daily Mail.
A leadership challenge forced her to leave No.10 Downing Street in 1990. Two years later she was made a life peer as Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven. In recent years, she led a quiet life cared for by her housekeeper Kate. She suffered a minor stroke in 2002 that left her with short-term memory loss. Her husband Denis died in 2003. Her children Mark and Carol both live abroad.
Margaret Thatcher was an undisguised fan of Indira Gandhi
narrowly survived when the Irish Republican Army bombed the Conservative party meet at a hotel in Brighton. The attack killed many of her colleagues. Weeks later, Thatcher "learned the terrible news of her (Gandhi's) own assassination. The unthinkable had happened". Thatcher added: "Gandhi's death by terrorism is forever linked in my mind with my own survival of it." Years later, when Indira Gandhi's son and successor Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991, Thatcher again felt outraged -- "personally bereaved and angry that it should have happened". Earlier, in 1982, when
Britain hosted the Festival of India, Thatcher gave a warm welcome to Indira Gandhi, calling her a "distinguished leader of a great country". She recalled how well she was treated during her India trip, how she got garlanded and swathed in silk, and how her husband Denis "was made to look every inch the rajput warrior"! Thatcher introduced Gandhi as the "prime minister of the world's largest democracy". She remarked in a lighter vein: "Prime Minister, you have, I am told, one and a half million constituents. I have only fifty-five and a half thousand. Which leads me to ask: How do you do it?"
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April 13-19, 2013
OP-ED
Hobbled by inertia
Rahul Gandhi appears to have influenced his mother to shed some of her left-leaning predilections and speak of the "aspirational" middle class
Can Rahul reform his party and system?

By Amulya Ganguli he recent reaffirmation by the Congress of its governing model of dual centers of power, notwithstanding party general secretary Digvijaya Singh's caveat, was further substantiated by Manmohan Singh's and Rahul Gandhi's addresses to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). While the prime minister reiterated the government's commitment to reforms, the Congress vice president outlined his vision for the country's progress. In doing so, Rahul can be said to have given glimpses of his great grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru's philosophical mindset. It was evident that Rahul is much more of a thinker than either his grandmother, Indira, who was a ruthless practitioner of realpolitik, or his father, Rajiv, who didn't have the time to develop his vision, or his mother, Sonia, who has been preoccupied with the nuts and bolts of politics instead of formulating a broad strategy. It is Rahul's interest in theorizing about the system rather than being involved in the nitty-gritty of administration which explains why he refused to accept a ministerial post, although Manmohan Singh had said he would have been happy to have him in the cabinet. And, now, the same unwillingness is clearly the reason why Rahul has not only been shying away from the speculation about becoming prime minister, but has
A November election in India may not yet be absolutely inevitable, but it's certainly desirable By Barkha Dutt t was Shakespeare's soothsayer who first immortalized the warning against impending political upheaval. "Beware the Ides of March," he told Julius Caesar, prophesying the day of his violent death at the hands of a group of Roman senators. The otherwise distinctly literary Kalaignar may or may not have consulted his copy of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, so one can only call it an odd coincidence that it was on the exact same day in March (the 15th) that the DMK leader first announced the "pointlessness" of remaining with the UPA. The season of political termination had announced its arrival. But unlike the abrupt and relatively painless end delivered by an assassination, this was to be slow death. Like a gravely ill patient forced to confront her own diminishing strength, her mortality both a curse and deliverance, the UPA has been left stranded in the nether world that lies between life and death. Its end is imminent and its present is paralyzed. In other words, it now needs the definitive mercy of euthanasia, and not the tantalizing promise of closure from allies who would be very happy to dance on its grave just as soon as they have a fix on what the swansong should be. In the meantime, the Darwinian games for political survival have been declared open. Here stealth is strategy and fitness levels are an elaborate mindsport. Nothing, then, is as it seems. Nitish Kumar won't say a yes to Narendra Modi as the NDA's prime ministerial candidate, but won't settle for pre-election ambiguity either. His insistence that the BJP declare a name is clearly in anticipation of a rupture that has already become inevitable. Mulayam Singh Yadav's contradictory statements that alternate between support and criticism combined with his unlikely praise for LK Advani - while putting down his own son - are tactical wedges driven between the various factions of the Sangh parivar. As the main charioteer of the Ayodhya movement, Advani was till recently a political untouchable for Mulayam's party; today the UP stalwart's praise for him is designed to counter the rise of Modi and add chaos to the general confusion. Further, the same Bengal chief minister who stalled the Teesta water-sharing accord suddenly sounded a platitudinous note on how the foreign policy of a country must always be shaped by the Centre. Now her party has demanded the resignation of the Manmohan Singh government. Meanwhile the cash-strapped government is suddenly willing to open its coffers for special packages to Bihar and Bengal, while expressing flustered dismay at CBI raids it says it didn't order on MK Stalin. Is there a dangerous ad-hocism in the air or is there a method to anyone's madness? Probably neither or a bit of both; red-herrings in election season are designed to test waters, confound the opponent and camouflage actual battleplans. So, when the PM cryptically says that Mulayam may withdraw, but the UPA can still survive, he is visualizing a Parliament floor test which forces players to declare their hand. If you speak only mathematically, the Congress may well have calculated that there are still enough parties who aren't ready for earlier elections. It's the reason no one has yet thrust a no-confidence motion on the government. Politicians of all parties will tell you privately that given the costs of campaigning and the trauma of possible defeat, no MP ever wants to give up a single day of power. That conspiracy of covert consensus may be what has kept the UPA from falling over a precipice; one that it precariously continues to stare down. The real crisis for the Congress is stagnancy. Its challenge now is not just to enthuse voters; but also its own cadres. Complex electoral arithmetic means that neither national party - the BJP or the Congress - is likely to get more than between 120-140 seats. But whether Narendra Modi is eventually the BJP's prime ministerial face or not (my wager is that no candidate will be announced), he has succeeded in creating an energy among the party workers. By contrast, the momentum that could have been built on after Rahul Gandhi's Jaipur speech has quickly dissipated into inertia because of the complacent vagueness that continues to vex the party's leadership questions. Forget voters, even Congress workers have a right to know who they should draw direction from. So far, they have no idea. A November election may not yet be absolutely inevitable, but it's certainly desirable. (The views expressed by the author are personal)
even started mocking the idea by emphasizing its irrelevance for him. Instead, he wants to delineate his outlook for this "beehive" of a country, different in his view from the concept of a lumbering elephant, which is usually projected in contrast to the energetic Chinese dragon. For Rahul, the beehive comprises a billion-plus people who are throbbing with energy. It is this energy which he wants the industrial magnates to tap. In the last few months, however, Rahul appears to have influenced his mother to shed some of her left-leaning predilections and speak of the "aspirational" middle class. Considering that he represents the future, it can be assumed that he will take the Congress along a path which defies a neat left-right classification. In a way, it is fairly revolutionary since Rahul intends to overhaul the entire system by taking the power away from MPs and MLAs and investing it in the village pradhans or heads of the local panchayats. Earlier, too, he had spoken of his wish to do away with the coteries or select groups of people in the parties, including the Congress, which take all the decisions. If Rahul can seriously introduce an element of democratic functioning in the Congress, then the party can hope to return to its glory days when its corridors of power in the center and in the states were full of towering personalities.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
THE ARTS
April 13-19, 2013
15
Art with roots in the subcontinent flowering here

By Jinal Shah
hen Ruee Gawarikar first came to the US in 2004, she was a homemaker like most married women on dependent visa are. She had a supporting partner but could not break into what she loved the most painting! Except that, unlike other professions, she had the liberty to work out of home. But where was the audience? Back home in India, my work as an artist was getting noticed. I felt special as an artist. Here even if I painted, there was no way I could exhibit my work, said Gawarikar, a painter and Kathak dancer. She established herself as a dancer with a renowned Indian dance troupe here. However, Gawarikar was still waiting to exhibit her visual art work. When last year she learned about Indo American Arts Councils (IAAC) annual exhibition, she sent her work and got selected. Like Gawarikar, many artists with roots
Curator Vijay Kumar and IAAC founder and executive director Aroon Shivdasani.
IAACs annual Erasing Borders Exhibition of Contemporary Indian Art of the Diaspora featuring 28 artists is running in Flushing, NY, from April 5-May 12.
sen by curator Vijay Kumar. The resulting works often meld Indian and western ideas about color, form and subject. The 28 participating contemporary artists interpret diverse subject matter - figurative, abstract and conceptual - in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, prints,
back in the Indian subcontinent are featured in IAACs 10th annual Erasing Borders show. The artists confront issues like sexuality, terror, disease, the environment, racial politics and multiple identities to weave together existence in a globalized context. While the subject matter is often
drawn from the country of origin, many of the aesthetic values and political concerns come from the artists newfound situation. The result deserves a new ism, a new journey to an old destination, said IAAC founder and director Aroon Shivdasani. This eclectic mix of artists is cho-
hotographs, etchings, sculpture and installation, said Kumar. The featured artists include: Aaliyah Gupta, Anjali Deshmukh, Anujan Ezhikode, Avani Patel, Bivas Chaudhuri, Dhanashree Gadiyar, Ela Shah, Tara Sabharwal, Firoz Mahmud, George Ommen, MD Tokon, Mansoora Hassan, Mumtaz Hussain, Mustafa Faruki, Niamul bari, Nirmal Raja, Parul Mehra, Pritika Chowdhry, Reet Das, Ruee Gawarikar, Sangeeta Reddy, Veru Narula, Alkananda Mukerji, Antonio Puri, Claudia Dias, Reeta Gidwani Kamarkar and Kulvinder Kaur Dhew. The exhibition is currently running at Flushing Town Hall in Queens. It will be shifted to Hammond museum and Japanese stroll garden from June 12th to September 7th before the final exhibition at MIT. Some of the artists and their work from the exhibition:
Photos: Shhivika Chauhan Photography
Ruee Gawarikar
Painting: Chaos and Calm
Theme and inspiration: My work is about the predicament of an individual in a chaotic, urban environment. They stream from my experiences of being born and brought up in India. Having been part of a booming and vigorously developing nation, I witnessed an extreme change in lifestyle and subsequently in outlook and priorities. My paintings depict the extreme fragmentation of a multifaceted man arising from contrasting thoughts of higher aspirations and complex material ambitions. They portray the excesses of human and subsequent consequences on the psyche and mind, says the artist.
Dhanashree Gadiyar
Artwork: Watercolor on paper cutout: The Play
Parul Mehra
Photography: Coastal Retreat
Theme: Her methods and selections of color and shades take reflection from the rendition of color through light and its exposure that creates subliminal effects only seized at an instant. These themes represent Life Recycled, Truth in Texture, Coastal Retreat and Pure Bucolic. Inspiration: A textile designer by profession, Mehra has worked in the fashion industry for years with major brands like Coach and Ralph Lauren. Her inspiration has come from the Indian and French classic motifs harmonized with western themes. Her creations can be found decorating corporate houses, healthcare centers and homes. Her work represents multi-cultural themes also that surround our society and are omnipresent in our ever changing environment. The two photos selected for the exhibition are a part of a bigger project Coastal Retreat. These were shot in New England. The colors in my pictures are very vibrant, which is very typical of India, said Mehra.
Mumtaz Hussain
Sculpture: The pillar of wisdom
Dhanashree Gadiyar with her work titled 'The Play'
Ruee Gawarikar and her 'Chaos and Calm'
Theme: The current theme of work The shift presents simple objects like moon in a metaphorical way to allow different and divergent interpretations by the audience which experiences it. I have explored emotions by using bright colors that is seen throughout my work. The dream like quality in my painting is explored in blue, said Gadiyar who refrained from using facial characteristics to not obstruct the audience imagination. Inspiration: The color palette used is inspired by the vibrancy and diversity of folk culture and festivities of western India as well as Gadiyars exposure to the western culture that has also greatly influenced her work. Although my culture is a driving inspiration, it hasnt stopped me from being inquisitive and exploring other cultures, she added. This piece of art particularly reflects my emotions of moving to a foreign land and my life as an immigrant. The freedom I sensed as well as the sense of longing for my folks back home. The use of clouds symbolizes floating, floating into a new place, new people and new environment.
Mumtaz Hussain
Parul Mehra and two photos from her 'Coastal Retreat project.
Theme and inspiration: Fusion is the best way to describe Mumtaz Hussains work, which includes elements from his native country, Pakistan, as well as his life in New York. His work blends European and American influences, and seeks to reflect its own new culture which struggles with and at the same time exalts visually rich and beautiful ancient art. Springing from his own South Asian calligraphy to modern mixed media, it straddles the cultural divide that separates the East from the West by drawing inspiration from artistic traditions of his homeland as well as Cubism and Impressionism in particular and a synthesis of European and American modernism in general. Continued on page 24
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April 13-19, 2013
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
Barfi! wins top honors at TOIFA

he story of a deaf and mute boy, "Barfi!" turned out to be the top winner at the maiden edition of the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) cornering the best film, best director, best actor and best actress trophies. At a glittering awards function Saturday, Anurag Basu picked up the best director award while Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra carried home the best actor and best actress trophies, respectively. Southern actress Ileana D'Cruz, who made her bow in Bollywood
with "Barfi!", won the best debut female award for her performance. The award for the best debut male went to Ayushmann Khurrana for super hit "Vicky Donor", in which he played a sperm donor. Rishi Kapoor won the best actor in a negative role trophy for "Agneepath". In the critics awards category, Gauri Shinde won the best debut director critics award for telling a heart-warming tale in "English Vinglish", best actor female critics award went to Deepika Padukone
for "Cocktail"; best actor male critics award was given to Irrfan for playing the steeplechase-runner turning into a dacoit in the ravines of the Chambal in "Paan Singh Tomar". Anurag Kashyap-directed "Gangs of Wasseypur", a gritty celluloid saga of the coal mafia and blood thirsty vengeance, won the best film critics award.
t was entertainment reloaded when two big Bollywood stars - Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai - joined other B-town big wigs on the stage at the TOIFA awards night, where "Barfi!" walked away with top honors. In fact, this was Aishwarya's first stage performance abroad after the birth of her daughter in 2011, and she didn't disappoint. She not only dazzled everyone, her act was one of the highlights at the gala night. Looking gorgeous in a black free-flowing attire, she performed to songs like "Khwaja mere Khawaja" and the title track from "Dhoom 2". Priyanka dedicated her act to
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan performing at Times of India Film Awards ceremony in Vancouver
women power, while Katrina's "Chikni Chameli" performance set the stage on fire. In a true filmy style, Abhishek made a hero like entry from the middle of the audience and performed bhangra moves and thoroughly entertained his fans, like his wife.
Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma at Times of India Film Awards ceremony in Vancouver
INTERVIEW
'Chennai Express' nice change: Shah Rukh Khan
'No one should dare to remake Mother India'
emaking Mehboob Khan's Oscar-nominated "Mother India" is an unachievable feat, says Vidya Balan and if someone dared attempt this, she wouldn't be a part of this. As a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema, Vidya has donned Nargis' look from the 1957 cult film "Mother India" and Meena Kumari's from the 1962-classic "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" for Cineblitz's special edition. But the actress, who entered filmdom with the
"Parineeta" remake, has no intention of working in a "Mother India" remake. "I don't think anybody would even dare to remake 'Mother India' and if someone does then I will salute him, but I will not do it. It is unachievable, really," Vidya 35, told reporters at the unveiling of the cover page of the magazine. "Mother India" is known for Nargis Dutt's power-packed performance as a righteous mother, who shoots down her son, played by Sunil Dutt.
Vidya Balan donned Nargis' look from the 1957 cult film 'Mother India'
uperstar Shah Rukh Khan picks films instinctively, but he is especially happy with Rohit Shetty's "Chennai Express" as he believes it is a comedy, action and entertainment-packed project "different" from the intense and serious films he has done in the recent past. "I do films which I like at a given point of time and as and when I get the opportunity. So when Rohit narrated a couple of films to me two years back, one was the remake of 'Angoor' and other was 'Chennai Express'. I like Shah Rukh Khan at both of them. But Rohit felt he would TOIFA ceremony in Vancouver like to do the latter one first as it is a bigger film and has fantastic comedy, action and amazing songs," Shah Rukh said. The film, produced by the actor's wife Gauri Khan under their production banner Red Chillies Entertainment, features Deepika Padukone opposite King Khan. Shah Rukh is, of course, happy with the way the movie is shaping up, revealing that he injured his right shoulder while shooting for the film. "It's awkward for me to speak of film that I produce, but I just have to say that Rohit has done me great favour while making a film like this for me. It's fun and I am enjoying it. Yes, I end up doing very intense films like 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' , 'Chak De! India' and 'My Name Is Khan', and so, it ('Chennai Express') is a nice change for me," he said.
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
April 13-19, 2013
17
I told Sanjay to go for review plea: Bhatt

Sanjay Dutt
'I'm releasing Krrish 3 on Sunday'

akesh Roshan has taken the prized Diwali release to the next level. Moving away from the traditional Friday screening, he has has decided to release 'Krrish 3' on Sunday, Nov 3, which is Diwali. Confirming the development Roshan said: "Nov 3 is an auspicious day, so we're releasing 'Krrish 3' on that day."
Sanjay working double shifts

he post-production work might have been difficult to wrap up for 'Policegiri' with its cop, Sanjay Dutt, who has multiple projects to finish before his imminent incarceration. But the way our Munnabhai had planned his schedule everything is going as planned. With limited time left, Sanjay Dutt is trying to make use of each and every moment he has. To keep up with his promises, Dutt is working double shifts for Rahul Aggarwal's film Policegiri. After working hard whole day to shoot for Policegiri, the actor has started dubbing for his cop role in the film at night.
n March 21, the Supreme Court slapped a five-year jail term on Sanjay Dutt under the Arms Act. Around 10 days ago, the actor publicly stated: I will surrender in the given time of Supreme Court. I have not applied for any pardon. I want to tell the media and the citizens of our country, when I am not going for a pardon, then there is no debate about it (sic). In a surprising twist, however, the actor might now move the SC with a review petition. A Delhi-based legal team seems to have prepared the petition. Back in Mumbai, Dutts former lawyer, Majid Memon, is clueless. I got involved with the case only when Sanjay called me on March 21. But we (including Justice Markandey Katju) arent aware of the review petition. The move has been backed by his legal team and friends from the film industry. Mahesh Bhatt has been the link between Sanjay and us, says Memon. When contacted, Bhatt accepts that he urged Sanjay to file the petition.
Roshan's upcoming directorial venture will take forward the story of the superhero, played by Hrithik Roshan, seen in "Koi... Mil Gaya" and "Krrish". The film also stars Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi.
Hrithik Roshan in 'Krrish 3'
ctorturnedfilm producer John Abraham who is currently busy with his next production venture titled 'Hamara Bajaj' seems to have run into a spot of legal trouble. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, automotive major Bajaj has reportedly sent a legal notice challenging the title of the film. The received notice states that the production house will have to change the title or face legal action. While on the other hand, it is learnt that John along with the co-producer of the film Viacom 18 Motion Pictures have approached Bajaj Auto, suggesting that both parties work together on a co-branding tieup.
John's 'Hamara Bajaj' in legal trouble
Review
A scene from 'Chashme Buddoor'
'Chashme Buddoor,' back to era of innocence

he idea of releasing the original "Chashme Buddoor" alongside its remake is original! Audiences, who perhaps were not even born when Farooque Sheikh and Deepti Naval captivated a whole generation of moviegoers with their unaffected camaraderie, get a chance to see why the movies in the 1970s and 1980s by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee and Sai Paranjpye were considered heartwarming windows into the soul of the middle-class. 'Chashme Buddoor' harks back to that era of innocence when college students chased girls all
across town hoping to get them to agree to a coffee or a movie. Sex, if at all, was never discussed. The gently clever plot of Paranjpye's film could be divided into three movements. In the first movement, Rakesh Bedi and Ravi Baswani playing despicably deceptive pals to the relatively sober Farooque Sheikh, cook up an elaborate fantasy romance with the girl-next-door Deepti Naval. In the second movement, the devilish duo tries to mess up Sheikh's romance with Deepti, and in the third and final movement, Bedi and Baswani desperately try to reconcile the lovers. Farooque and Deepti are as
convincing as a couple as any two strangers who decide to forge a relationship probably because they haven't met too many potential soul-mates to choose from. Baswani and Bedi's roguishness bolsters the plot's action forward into a logical finale. 'Chashme Baddoor' is a world free of pain. Though the characters inhabit the middle-income group, they are untouched by suffering. No one dies in 'Chashme Buddoor'. Not even while laughing. There are no 'LOL' moment in Paranjpye's scheme of humor. We smile because the sound of loud laughter doesn't suit this film's purposes. Easy does it.
18
April 13-19, 2013
TRAVEL
Elephant riding in the Thai jungle is just one of the events programmed in the Four Seasons luxury, Around the World tour.
Around the world in thousands of dollars

The luxury Burj Al Arab in Dubai is there, of course. But there are other memorable properties now for the discerning traveler.
A
uxury hotel brand The Four Seasons has announced an Around the World travel itinerary that touches down in Hawaii, Bora Bora, Bali, Sydney and Mumbai aboard a private luxury jet that comes with a personal chef and onboard concierge. Built around Four Seasons properties around the world, the 23-day itinerary for 2014 includes stops in Bali, where guests will take part in Balinese cooking classes and in Chiang Mai, where theyll ride elephants in the T h a i jungle. Guests on the Around the World Tour will be shuttled on a Boeing 757 which will come with a private chef, a physician, and an onboard concierge who will help build personalized travel itineraries such as spa appointments, sightseeing tours, and anniversary dinners for couples celebrating a special occasion. The price tag for this oncein-a-lifetime trip around the world? $87,950 for double occupancy and $8,950 for additional guests. Four Seasons's Rediscover the Americas itinerary, meanwhile, takes guests on a tour of the American west
coast and South America with stopovers in Miami, Nevis, Buenos Aires, Carmelo, Costa Rica, Punta Mita and Beverly Hills. On the Americas tour, the travel itinerary may include a beachfront yoga session in Mexico, for example, or a horseback ride through the grasslands of Uruguay. Double occupancy on the Americas tour is $62,950 while the single supplement is $7,650. National Geographic is also offering a once-in-alifetime, around-the-world tour they dub an expedition, guided by National Geographic experts in a private jet. Stops along the 24-day tour include historical and ancient sites such as Machu Picchu, Tibet, Egyptian pyramids and Marrakech. The Four Seasons Rediscover the Americas tour is scheduled for February 24 March 13, 2014, while the Around the World tour kicks off March 14, 2014 for 23 days. National Geographic dates are December 27- January 19, 2014; January 21 February 13, 2014 and October 6 to October 29 for about $71,000.
hotel for train enthusiasts, sleeps in a grounded jumbo jet in Sweden, or on a boat floating along the Venetian canal are among some of the accommodations pitched as destinations worth the journey in and of themselves. In its list of unique sleeping experiences Hotels.com singled out properties around the world which the site deems to be as memorable as the trip itself. Featherbed Railroad Company, in Nice, California, for instance, was named for indulging boyish, childhood dreams. Guests have the choice between nine railway cabooses with themes that range from the Orient Express, the Wild Wild West, and Casablanca. Jumbo Stay in Sweden also indulges travelers fantasies of joining the mile-high club with all the accoutrements of a plane, but on terra firma. Preserved in its vintage 1970s state, guests stay in one of 25 rooms -- one of which includes
the cockpit. Sarah Cruise also offers couples the chance to spend the night on the Venetian canal, while Capsule Hotel and Sauna Cosmo Plaza Akabane in Tokyo offers guests an authentic Japanese experience. Often
used by busy Japanese commuters who need a place to crash overnight, travelers crawl into the futuristic, pod-like capsules, not unlike those seen in the Bruce Willis film The Fifth Element on an intergalactic cruise ship.
Here are other hotel destinations singled out by Hotels.com:

Hotel Im Wasserturm, Cologne, Germany Guests at this hotel stay in a historic German landmark, the biggest water tower of the 1880s. Madonna Inn Resort & Spa, San Luis Obispo, California Rooms at the Madonna Inn take on a wide range of themes which include everything from Antique Cars, Crystal Room, Fabulous Fifties, Jungle Rock and Safari. Burj Al Arab, Dubai Shaped like a sail standing erect in the desert, the building has become an instantly recognizable landmark in the city and offers extravagant accommodations and experiences for the deep-pocketed. Dream Cave Pension, Goreme, Turkey This property capitalizes on the areas natural rock formations, building rooms out of the regions fairy chimneys.
he Icehotel in Jukkasjrvi, in northern Sweden, is the world's first and biggest ice hotel. After its first opening in 1990, the hotel has been erected each year from December to April. Everything, including the chairs and beds and glasses in the bar, is constructed from snow and ice blocks taken from the nearby Torne River. The structure remains below freezing, around 23 F. It is about 200 km from the arctic circle and boasts The Northern Lights (shafts or curtains of colored light visi-
The Ice Hotel
ble on occasion in the night sky) and the Midnight Sun. The hotel features a bar,
church, main hall, reception area, plus rooms and suites for over 100 guests.
FASHION & BEAUTY
April 13-19, 2013
19
For a breezy, trendy summer - go for breathable fabrics

t's summer and time for a wardrobe revamp. There's plenty to choose from, say experts, with A-line skirts, short, chic dresses, long flowing silhouettes with floral prints, casual jumpsuits and plenty more ruling the style charts this season. And there's that thumb rule - go for breathable fabrics like cotton to beat the heat. If you are planning to go for a movie or shopping with friends, step out in multi-colored casual cotton tees paired with trousers or skirts. Short dresses look chic in summer too. Delhi-based designer Parul Grover offers more suggestions for that casual, cool look. "One should go for long flowing silhouettes with floral prints," Grover said. "Mid-length skirts, trousers with fitted shirts are perfect for the corporate wear," she added. With temperatures climbing and humidity on the rise as well, choosing the right fabric is key to staying cool. Said designer Payal Sen: "In this season, breathable fabrics like cottons and georgettes are preferred." Sen, who is stationed in Delhi, has recently launched her summerspring collection, Ultimate Diva. "Animal prints like leopard, clas-
Long flowing silhouettes with floral prints will be the trend this summer.
sic black and white zebra prints and tiger prints are also in vogue. One should go for pastel shades and avoid colours like emerald green and fiery red," she said. "Women should also avoid denims and crepes and opt for cotton skirts, jumpsuits and trousers," she added. Dresses in mulmul and organic cotton are good too as they help absorb sweat and keep one fresh daylong. Choices galore for formal occasions too. Pick classy evening gowns or strapless off shoulder one-piece dresses for cocktail parties. Fretting over summer weddings? Ethnic wear like floor length
anarkalis with churidaars or designer kurtas embellished with light intricate thread work in neon colors like orange, pinks, blue, cheerful yellow and green are perfect for the occasion. However, avoid embellishments or over-the-top embroidery. "One should avoid textured garments. Also, go for pastel colors or soft shades. Avoid outfits that cling to the body," said Grover. If you like elaborate dressing, style experts say outfits with nets, frills and lace may give you the desired look for formal summer outings. Mumbai based designer Harshita Kalra advises mixing comfort with style. "I always believe in comfort and
Mid-length skirts and trousers are perfect for corporate wear convenience. Outfits reflect one's personality and attitude. So choosing right dress for the right occasion is very important," she added. Delhi-based designer Kanika Saluja concluded by saying, "Easy pieces with shades like lemon, misty grey, mint green, soft yellow, orange are perfect. Avoid fitted silhouettes.
How to stay beautiful this summer

matology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Switch between using an AHA lotion and a BufPuf or scrubbing granules.
2. Layer lip balm with SPF

Slick on a formula with a builtin SPF of at least 15 underneath even an SPF-containing lipstick or gloss to further guard against thinning, dryness, and sun spots. "Lips lack a protective outer layer, so they're incredibly sensitive to UV rays," says Baumann.
cream containing the lightener kojic acid to soften brown spots. Try Hollywood Hands Professional Anti-Aging Hand Treatment ($16; drugstores). At night, apply a hand cream that contains skin-firming retinol. Try Sally Hansen Age Correct Retinol Hand Cream ($6.50; drugstores). Be sure to wear a sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 as well; these ingredients make skin sensitive.
8. Mop your hairline after wearing a hat

Increased oils can get trapped underneath hats and headbands, causing acne along your forehead, says Cheryl Karcher, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. Run an antibacterial wipe along your forehead to prevent pimples
6. Wear sandals to keep soles soft

It's tempting this time of year, but avoid walking barefoot--even in the house or on the beach. "The added pressure causes painful and unsightly calluses to build up," explains Allison Tangorra, a nail artist at DePasquale the Spa in Morris Plains, NJ.
itching your foundation and blush for a simple swipe of bronzer; letting your locks succumb to their natural waves. The flip side to warm weather's unbuttoned ease is the number it can do on your looks. "Harmful UV rays are the most obvious culprit in causing wrinkles and brown spots, but they can also make your skin and hair appear dry, so you look older than your years," says dermatologist David H. McDaniel, MD, director of the Anti- Aging Research Institute in Virginia Beach, VA. Then there's the havoc high humidity and heat can wreak on hair texture and color. Here are 10 summer-friendly tips guaranteed to keep every part of you looking gorgeous and
Summer is about lightening your beauty routine, advises Prevention magazine

young all season long as advised by leading dermatologists and as gleaned from research and products on offer.
3. Use sunscreen to protect hair in a pinch

Before swimming, comb your regular sunscreen through your strands; this forms a barrier that prevents chlorine and salt water from stripping your color and drying out hair, explains LA hairstylist Jessica Galvan.
9. Shampoo with baking soda to remove smog

Higher summertime pollution means more free radicals to zap the shine and color from hair. To remove dulling residue, add a pinch of baking soda to your regular shampoo instead of using a harsh clarifying cleanser. "It rinses out chemicals without stripping color," says Galvan. Bonus: This trick helps prevent discoloration caused by chlorine and salt water, too.
1. Exfoliate the smart way

Alternate between daily use of chemical and mechanical exfoliation. This does a better job of removing the dead cells that build up more on the skin's surface in the summer, which leaves a radiant glow, says Debra Jaliman, MD, an assistant professor of der-
4. Boost postsun hydration

Reduce UV-induced dryness from sun exposure by slathering clean skin with moisturizer and covering with a warm, damp towel for 5 minutes.
7. Choose metal-free hair bands

Avoid ponytail holders that are joined with a small metal bar: They can snag hair and cause split ends, especially when hair is wet and weaker after swimming, explains Rick Mahoney, senior stylist at Devachan Salon in New York City. Instead, look for ties covered entirely with snagproof fabric. Try Goody Ouchless Extra Thick Elastics ($3; drugstores).
10. Unclog pores with papaya

Mash up fresh papaya and apply to clean skin for 3 minutes. "This summertime fruit contains enzymes that slough pore-clogging dead cells, leaving skin soft and radiant," says Karcher.
5. Get younger hands with moisturizer

During the day, use a hand
20
April 13-19, 2013
DIASPORA
Sought details on Indian couple in Britain: Khurshid

New Delhi External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Monday said the government has sought more information on an Indian couple living in Britain whose child was reportedly taken away by British social service officials. "We have sought more information (in the case)," Khurshid said here on the sidelines of an event. He added: "We can't be interfering in every administrative, legislative, or executive action taken by countries all over the globe. But yes, if they have an Indian connection or Indian citizenship then we will provide them with consular support but we don't have enough details on this and have sought details." An Indian couple -- Rajat Puri and Shruti Beri -- living in Oxford is fighting to get their five-and-a-half-year-old son back from foster care after he was taken away by British social service officials on suspicion that he was being "sexually abused and improperly touched" by his father. Their son had told his school that his father "is a bad man" who does "dirty things." Teachers from the boy's school, Bayards Hill Primary School, called police
Noted Indo-Canadian journalist joins Al Jazeera America

Washington, DC: Al Velshi, nary US news-gathering noted Canadian TV journalcapabilities the channel is ist of Indian descent, is leavbuilding and working with ing CNN after 12 years to such a diverse and talented join Al Jazeera America to group of colleagues to tell host an as-yet-unnamed compelling stories that matprimetime business show. ter to Americans." This marks the first major Born in Nairobi, Kenya hire for the new network, and raised in Toronto, which will replace Current Ontario, Velshi is the son of TV when it launches this Murad Velshi, the first summer the network Canadian of Indian origin announced Thursday. elected to the Legislative Former Vice President Al Assembly of Ontario. Gore' s Current TV was sold Velshi's "magazine-style" Al Velshi to Al Jazeera for about $500 half-hour program on Al million in early January to make way for the Jazeera America will initially launch in a network's US debut. weekly format before it is expected to run "I'm thrilled to be joining Al Jazeera five nights per week by the end of this year, America, an organization that puts quality, the network said in a press release. fact-based journalism first," Velshi, 43, cur"The program will draw upon the extenrently CNN's chief business correspondent, sive global resources of the Al Jazeera said in a statement Thursday. Media Network and will employ specialists "It's a tremendous opportunity and I look and other correspondents who will lend their forward to taking advantage of the extraordi- expertise," it said.
Rajat Puri and Shruti Beri's five year old son has been taken away by British social service officials.
and social service officials on March 6. The parents have written to British Prime Minister David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg on the issue.
Indians can become kingmakers in Malaysia's upcoming general elections, says PM

role to play because their percentage as voters in most constituencies could be the determining factor. According to the Star, Najib pointed out that in Selangor, no temple had been demolished by Barisan while the Pakatan-led state government had taken action against some, including private ones. He added that Indian voters could ensure Barisan's overall victory, especially in states like Selangor, Perak, Penang, Johor, Negri Sembilan and Kedah. He said he was touched that parties like the Indian Progressive Front and Indian non-governmental bodies were not only supporting but working to ensure a Barisan win. Najib said ultimately, what was important were not certain individuals but the party which would be forming the government and the person appointed as prime minister, the report added.
Indian confesses to killing wife, daughter in Italy

Cisterna di Latina (Italy): An Indian laborer has confessed to stabbing to death his Italian wife and her teenage daughter south of Rome in a fit of rage over money. Kumar Raj confessed to the fatal stabbings of 56year-old Francesca Di Grazia and her 19-year-old daughter Martina Incocciati early Saturday at their home outside the town of Cisterna di Latina. "I was exasperated - they kept asking me for more and more money," Raj, 35, told police during questioning, as cited Monday by Latina Oggi newspaper. He was arrested Sunday in nearby Aprilia on suspicion of murdering the two women after police bugged his phone. Di Grazia was found dead in the kitchen of her home with a single stab wound to her neck, while her daughter from a previous marriage was stabbed four times in the neck in her bedroom. Raj wed Di Grazia in the city of Kurukshetra in India's northern Haryana state in December 2008 in what appears to have been a marriage of convenience. As Di Grazia's husband, Raj obtained Italian citizenship and agreed to pay her 8,000 euros in installments of 150 euros. But Di Grazia had recently been nagging him for ever-bigger chunks of the cash, according to Raj. Raj comes from the village of Ram Saran Majra in Haryana and worked in Italy as a manual laborer on building sites.
Indian social club in UAE turns 46

Abu Dhabi: An Indian social club that started in a small building way back in 1967 is celebrating its 46th anniversary this year. Considered the biggest Indian recreational club in the Middle East, the now worth 35-million dirham five-storey building houses the Indian Social and Cultural Center (ISC), one of the oldest social clubs in the UAE capital, the Gulf News daily reported. About 2,600 members of the center and their families and friends celebrated the 46th anniversary at a ceremony recently. A large number of people enjoyed a musical program where famous South Indian singer Rimy Tomy and her team performed. Several projects and programs have been planned for this year, along with the establishment a kindergarten for the community, Thomas John, honorary president of the center, told Gulf News. The center has taken this initiative considering the acute shortage of seats in Indian schools in the UAE capital. The annual event "India Festival season-4" will be held Dec 5 to 7. The event will showcase India's diverse cultural and culinary delights, apart from stalls selling different products. Apart from organizing socio-cultural events, the center is extending help to the needy in the community, the honorary president said. "We provided financial assistance to a community member who is undergoing a liver transplant surgery. A woman who went back home on the amnesty scheme but needed support to construct her own house was also given assistance recently," he said. When the center was established in the late 1960s, it was the only venue for Indians to celebrate their festivals. Most of the members were employees of oil companies. The facilities of the center were limited. There were sandy volleyball and badminton courts, billiards and playing card rooms. But the present building has all kinds of sports and games facilities, and provisions for cultural and recreational use.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has said the Indian community in the country can be the determining force in the upcoming general election although it does not form the majority in any parliamentary seats or state constituencies. He said that Indians had a big
SUBCONTINENT
April 13-19, 2013
21
LeT becoming global: US report

Washington: Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT), the Pakistani militant group that has waged a campaign of asymmetric warfare against Indian security forces in Kashmir for two decades, is now becoming global in its interests and priorities, a new US study warns. Its high-profile November 2008 terrorist attack on Mumbai and the case of Pakistani American LeT operative David Headley, who conducted the reconnaissance for the attack, had spotlighted the evolving threat it poses to regional security and Western interests, it says. Titled "The Fighters of L a s h k a r- e - Ta i b a : Recruitment, Training, Deployment and Death," the 61-page report by the Combating Terrorism Centre at the US Military Academy in West Point, New York is primarily focused on LeT and its integration into Pakistani society. The Mumbai "attack, coupled with LeT's recruitment of Westerners and linkages to a number of other international terror plots over the past decade, have heightened concerns that the group's interests and operational priorities are no longer just regional, but that they are also becoming (or have already become) global," the study said. The vast majority of LeT's fighters are recruited from Pakistan's Punjab province, the report says.
Musharraf's trial will help Pak: Daily

Islamabad: The trial of former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf can help the Pakistan and its polity come to terms with the many anti-democratic chapters of its history, a leading daily said. Pakistan's Supreme Court has summoned former president Pervez Musharraf in a treason case against him and directed authorities to ensure that he does not leave the country. Four military dictators have come and gone but never before has one been summoned to court to answer for his crimes against the Constitution, said an editorial in the Dawn. "Pervez Musharraf may not have been in court (Tuesday) but his determination to return to Pakistan and participate in the upcoming elections has already triggered events that could have far-reaching consequences for the country's latest attempt to entrench democratic norms," it said. The daily said it is essential that justice be done and also be seen to be done. "The chief justice recusing himself from the hearings was a welcome first step given how the ex-military strongman targeted Chief Justice (Iftikhar Muhammad) Chaudhry personally. Another good sign was that the two-member bench that began hearings demonstrated no undue haste or eager-
Sri Lanka blames India for protracted war

Colombo: Sri Lanka has blamed India for the Tamil separatist war which dragged for 30 years on the island. The information department quoted Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as telling the local media that India could never absolve itself of the responsibility for creating terrorism in Sri Lanka. India's former permanent representative to the UN, Hardeep Singh Puri, called for an investigation into specific allegations of war crimes during the last 100 days of military operations in Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa, however, said those demanding accountability on Sri Lanka's part for alleged atrocities committed during the last 100 days of the conflict were silent on the origin of terrorism in Sri Lanka. He said Puri should realize that India's intervention in Sri Lanka had caused a major regional crisis when "Indiantrained Sri Lankan terrorists" raided the Maldives in November 1988.
Pak's Supreme Court has directed authorities to ensure that Pervez Musharraf does not leave the country
ness to see Musharraf behind bars or gratuitously humiliated. "The ex-president and dictator may have shown enormous contempt for the Constitution and democratic process but the majesty of that very system requires that he be treated fairly and lawfully," it noted.
Media Partner
Pak tests N-capable missile

Islamabad: Pakistan successfully launched an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) this week that can carry nuclear warheads, the military said. The missile is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 900 km, an army statement said. "Pakistan conducted a successful launch of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Hatf IV Shaheen-1 Weapon System," Xinhua reported citing the statement from Inter-Services Public Relations. It said the missile incorporates series of improvements in range and technical parameters of the existing missile.
India assures Maldives of stronger ties

Male: India has assured the Maldives of stronger ties between both countries, the Maldivian government said. India's newly appointed high commissioner to the Maldives, Rajeev Shahare gave this assurance after presenting his credentials to Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed. At a ceremony held at the president's office Wednesday, Waheed congratulated the new Indian envoy and welcomed him to the Maldives. The president and the Indian high commissioner later discussed bilateral relations. Shahare reassured Waheed that relations between the countries would continue to flourish, and that it was his highest priority to further strengthen the relationship, a Maldives government statement said. Ties between India and the Maldives went to an all-time low, after Male terminated a contract given to India to modernize the Maldives international airport. The Maldives and India were also at loggerheads after former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed sought refuge at the Indian High Commission in Male in February at a time when there was an arrest warrant against him. The Indian government refused to force Nasheed to leave the High Commission premises. The Maldivian government protested and summoned the then Indian high commissioner and raised concerns over the move.
22
April 13-19, 2013
INTERNATIONAL
'North Korea highly likely to launch missile'

Seoul: North Korea is highly likely to launch mid-range missiles "at any time from now on", said South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se. "According to intelligence collected by our side and the US, possibility for North Korea's missile launch is very high," Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said at a parliamentary meeting for foreign affairs and unification. "The possibility can be realized at any time from now on." The missiles were estimated to be a new type of 'Musudan' missile, Yun said, noting that "the missile has a range of around 3,500 km. How far the missile will reach depends on North Korea", reported Xinhua. On April 4, Defense Minister believed to be mounted on mobile launchers known as the transporter-erector-launcher (TEL). The missiles may be fired around April 15 when Pyongyang celebrates the birthday of Kim Ilsung, North Korea's founder and the late grandfather of the current leader Kim Jung-un. Yun warned that if the North Korea launches the missiles, the UN Security Council will be convened automatically as the UN resolutions have banned Pyongyang from conducting a ballistic missile test.
US warns N Korea against N-test

The missiles may be fired around April 15 when Pyongyang celebrates the birthday of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung
Kim Kwan-jin told lawmakers that North Korea moved intermediate-range missiles to its east
coast. The missiles, estimated to be 'Musudan' that could reach the US military base in Guam, were
Washington: The US has warned North Korea not to undertake another nuclear test or missile launch. "Any future nuclear test or missile launch would be in direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and would lead to further pressure and isolation," State
Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said. "So, we would strongly discourage against that course of action," he added, refusing to say what actions might be taken by Washington in the event of a fresh nuclear test or missile launch by North Korea, reported Xinhua.
US condemns killing of 5 Indian peacekeepers

Washington: Condemning in the "strongest terms" the killing of five Indian UN peacekeepers in a rebel attack on a UN convoy in South Sudan, the US has asked it to ensure the perpetrators are brought swiftly to justice. Five Indian UN peacekeepers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed in a gun-battle after a rebel group ambushed them in South Sudan while escorting a UN convoy. "India has long been a leading supporter of UN peacekeeping operations, a fact we recognize and applaud," State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell told reporters conveying Washington's sympathies to the families and friends of those killed and injured and the Government of India. "We condemn in the strongest terms today's attack by unknown assailants on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan convoy carrying peacekeepers and civilians in the state of Jonglei, which resulted in the deaths of five Indian soldiers and at least seven civilians and injuries to several more UNMISS (United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan) personnel," he said. Calling "on the Government of South Sudan to conduct a full investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought swiftly to justice," Ventrell urged "restraint among the affected communities of the region." "We reiterate our strong support for UNMISS which continues to carry out its mandate with admiral determination and dedication, and we refer you to the United Nations for additional details on the attack," he said.
China's ex-railways minister charged with corruption

Beijing: Former Chinese railways minister Liu Zhijun has been charged with bribery and abuse of power, the authorities said. The Second Branch of Beijing People's Procuratorate filed the charges against Liu with the city's No.2 Intermediate People's Court. The court has accepted the case and will set a trial date. The procuratorate has told Liu of his rights. It has interrogated him and heard the opinion of his legal defender during examination and prosecution. According to the indictment issued by the Second Branch of Beijing People's Procuratorate, as a state functionary, Liu sought benefits for others by taking advantage of his position and accepted huge financial incentives from others. The indictment said as a staff member of a state organ, Liu engaged in malpractices for personal gain and abuse of power, leading to huge losses of public properties and of the interests of the state and its people.
Five Indian UN peacekeepers were killed in a gun-battle in South Sudan
Indian Army has contributed to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world for over six decades and has currently over 7,000 troops on four missions.
Former Chinese railways Minister Liu Zhijun
UNSC condemns peacekeepers' killing

New York: Members of the UN Security Council have condemned in the strongest terms the killing of five Indian peacekeepers on South Sudan and asked that the perpetrators be brought to justice. The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the families of the peacekeepers and the UNMISS staff killed in the attack, as well as to the government of India. They called on the government of South Sudan to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
With "especially serious circumstances", Liu should be subject to criminal liabilities for bribe taking and abuse of power according to law. The prosecution comes two years after he was dismissed from his post for serious disciplinary violations. He was also stripped of his position as Communist Party of China (CPC) chief at the ministry. Liu had accepted massive bribes and bore major responsibility for rampant corruption in the railways industry, according to an earlier statement of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
Use of death penalty declines: Amnesty

London: The use of the death penalty is broadly diminishing around the world although a handful of countries that had not used capital punishment for several years resumed executions in 2012, Amnesty International said. India, Japan, Pakistan and Gambia, all countries which had not put people to death for some time, resumed executions last year, and there was an "alarming escalation" in executions in Iraq, the rights group said in its annual survey of the death penalty. London-based Amnesty said at least 129 people were executed in Iraq last year, almost double the 2011 figure of 68. India carried out its first execution since 2004 when Ajmal Kasab, one of the gunmen involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was hanged in November. But the use of the death penalty continues to be restricted to an isolated group of countries, and progress towards its abolition was made in every region of the world. A total of 21 countries were recorded as carrying out executions in 2012 - the same number as in 2011, but a sharp drop from 28 countries in 2003. In 2012, at least 682 executions were known to have been carried out worldwide, two more than in 2011. At least 1,722 newly imposed death sentences in 58 countries could be confirmed, compared to 1,923 in 63 countries the year before. The United States remains the only country in the Americas to carry out executions the total number, 43, was the same as in 2011, but only nine states executed
India, Japan, Pakistan and Gambia resumed executions last year
in 2012, compared to 13 in 2011. Connecticut became the 17th abolitionist state in April, while a ref-
erendum on the abolition of the death penalty was narrowly defeated in California in November.
BUSINESS
April 13-19, 2013
23
Inflation to remain stable in advanced economies: IMF

Washington: Massive monetary stimulus taken by the major central banks is unlikely to ignite inflation as the inflation expectations have become more anchored than in the past and the response of inflation to changes in cyclical unemployment has become more muted, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "Inflation has been remarkably stable in the wake of the Great Recession even though unemployment has increased significantly," the IMF said in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report. In contrast to previous recessions when the inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment appeared relatively steep, inflation in advanced economies has not fallen sharply during the latest recession, and it is unlikely to spike as the recovery strengthens, Xinhua quoted the IMF as saying in the analytical chapters of its flagship WEO report. The relative stability of inflation reflects the success of inflation-targeting central banks in anchoring inflation expectations and less responsiveness of the inflation to the changes in economic conditions, it analyzed. Since the onset of the financial crisis, major central banks have been pumping massive stimulus into the economy. The US Federal Reserve has kept the short-term interest rate near zero for over four years and now buys $85 billion of treasury securities
Tech wars: Microsoft attacks Google again

San Francisco: Microsoft is skewering Google again with ads and regulatory bashing that say as much about the dramatic shift in the technology industry's competitive landscape as they do about the animosity between the two rivals. The ads mark the third phase in a five-month-old marketing campaign that Microsoft Corp derisively calls "Scroogled." The ads, which have appeared online, on television and in print, depict Google as a duplicitous The ads depict Google as a duplicitous company company more interested in increasing more interested in increasing profits profits and power than protecting people's privacy and providing unbiased search results. This time, Microsoft is vilifying Google Inc for sharing some of the personal information London: Tech giant Apple is likely to that it gathers about people who buy applicabegin the production of its new iPad tions designed to run on smartphones and in August this year, a report has said. tablet computers powered by Google's According to a report by DigiTimes, Android software. Earlier ads have ripped the next generation iPad will be thinGoogle's long-running practice of electroniner and lighter than the fourth-generacally scanning the contents of people's Gmail tion model. accounts to help sell ads. Sources revealed that the new Other ads attacked a recently introduced device would have a streamlined bezel policy that requires retailers to pay to appear design similar to that of the iPad mini, in the shopping section of Google's dominant search engine. the Independent reports. Sources As Microsoft attacked Google in the United added that LG Display and Sharp are States, a group led by Microsoft asked expected to supply display for the new European authorities to investigate whether device. Meanwhile sales of the iPad Google has been using its free Android operatmini are surging ahead and are reporting system to stifle competition from other edly already outstripping those of the mobile services besides its own. One such full size version, the report said. rival is Microsoft's Windows Phone system.
While the US economy is struggling on its way to recovery, inflation persists below the Fed's 2 percent target
and mortgage-backed securities each month. While the US economy is struggling on its way to recovery, inflation persists below the Fed's 2 percent target and growth has not been strong enough to achieve significant reduction in unemployment. The Fed has pledged to bolster the economy until the unemployment rate falls to 6.5 percent or inflation looks likely to exceed 2.5 percent. The report suggested that ongoing monetary accommodation of major central banks is appropriate given the current economic slack in most advanced economies, and it is unlikely to have significant inflationary consequences, as long as inflation expectations remain anchored. "An essential element behind the anchoring of inflation expectations is the independence of central banks," said John Simon, lead author of the report.
Apple's new iPad in August
24
April 13-19, 2013
SPORTS
India is the next NBA frontier Viru, Bhajji dropped again

Washington: India may rank below Mali and Cape Verde in the world basketball (Ranked 58), but when it comes to market size and running a business, there can be no comparison. The success of Indian Premiere League (IPL) has attracted Americas National Basketball Association the world's richest sporting league to India. NBA Commissioner David Stern arrived in Mumbai on April 8, presumably to test waters. While talking to reporters, Stern boldly predicted that India would have a player in the NBA in the next five years. His visit has come at a time when an Indian-origin millionaire, Vivek Ranadive, is bidding for Sacramento Kings, in a contest that has pitched him against Seattle group that boasts of Microsofts Steve Ballmer. Ranadive already co-owns an NBA franchise, Golden State Warriors. Both bidders made their presentation in New York city shortly Mumbai: Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan have not been included in the probables list for the ICC Champions Trophy in England from June 6 to 23. Sehwag, who was overlooked for the ODI series against England, has not found a place in the BCCI's list of 30 probables for the last edition of the Champions Trophy. The explosive batsman was also dropped for India's last two Tests against Australia. Harbhajan last played an ODI in June 2011 and appears to be past his prime. The off-spinner also did not
play the last two Tests against Australia. Another exclusion from the list is of veteran pacer Zaheer, who has not played an international game since the Kolkata Test against England in December. Cheteswar Pujara and Pragyan Ojha, who did well in the Tests against Australia, have also failed to make the cut. Shikhar Dhawan has been rewarded for his 187 on debut against Australia in Mohali Test and is in contention for a place in the final squad to be announced next month.
NBA Commissioner David Stern with kids in Mumbai
before Stern began his India tour. The NBA Board of Governors will decide the matter on April 19. The current owners of the Sacramento Kings, the Maloof family, have agreed o sell 65 per cent stake to Seattle's Ballmer & co for $341 million. If sold, Kings will be owned by Seattle and be renamed as Seattle
Supersonics for the 2013-2014 season. Although Sterns India visit was planned several months in advance, his presence in the midst of IPL fever will provide him the opportunity to check the market and consider if NBA can use an Indian-American to make basketball more popular in India.
Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh
Continued from page 15
Reet Das
Painting: The Benefits of Imperfect Navigation
Veru Narula
Painting: Oil on Canvas, computer mouse on wood. At the call of prayer, the man is prostrate on the ground. The second part of the painting arrangement contrasts the contour of the devotees piety to the everyday life, the computer mouse. Theme: It was truly the aesthetics of the curve of the spine of the man praying and the mouse that generated ideas. Is there a hand of a broader force on the man praying? Inspiration: I was inspired by my visit to Haji Ali in Mumbai. I am Hindu born but I admire Islam seriously and I view both religions as complementing. The mouse is really a representation of todays India The back office culture. I grew with strong South Asian religious and cultural iconography, which sparked my imagination at a very early age. My roots and heritage spans ancient lessons and contemporary innovations. In the last 10-15 years of global events occurring in the post 9/11 world, one has to consider many cultures and also the implications on the south Asians after 9/11. Some of my works include comparing seven different international conflicts to Shakespearean tragedies and comparing India and Pakistan to Romeo and Juliet.
IPL: CSK openers stun Punjab

Mohali: In one of the most dominant wins of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey helped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) thrash Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 10-wickets here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on April 10. After losing their opening game against the Mumbai Indians on April 6, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side won their first match of the sixth edition of the IPL after Australian Hussey (86 not out) and Vijay (50 not out) struck an unbeaten opening wicket partnership of 139, chasing down the home side's total of 138 with 16 balls and all wickets to spare. The CSK openers whipped the Punjab bowlers all over the stadium with three deliveries flying
(right) Reet Das 'The Benefit of Imperfect Navigation' and (left) Veru Narula Prostrate in Prayer.
Theme: The work that I have been doing over the years weaves together layer upon layer of translucent imagery of flora, fauna, architecture and corporeal forms. They are created on surfaces that include worn out blueprints, out of date maps and stained multi-tonal paper. These landscapes relate struggle, convergence, harmony and dissonance. The smaller works are a moment captured in time while the larger paintings are animal allegories - overlapped with a crisp ribbon of color that acts like a narrators voice recounting various events. The dense and delicate imagery repeats and blends into pattern from one work to the next: each new painting and drawing continuing to recount and document their existence among us, explains Das. Inspiration: Dass inspiration comes from his love for animals right from childhood when he was all alone in the house as both his parents went to work. Says he: I have been shaped by my experiences, memories and dreams of growing up around animals in urban settings. Besides the many pets my family had, I marveled at wildlife existing on rooftops, crevices in sidewalks and the gaps within abandoned buildings. As a child my love and curiosity of the natural world was dependent through Rudyard Kiplings Just So Stories and the Jungle Book.
Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey helped Chennai Super Kings thrash Kings XI Punjab by 10 wickets
into the stands, much to the disappointment of the crowd, who had hoped for a consecutive win for KXIP. Hussey's knock came in 54 balls which included 11
fours and two sixes and with a strike rate of 159.25. Vijay made a run-a-ball half-century which was studded by three boundaries and a six.
IPL teams standings

Teams Mumbai Indians Rajasthan Royals Royal Challengers Bangalore Sunrisers Hyderabad Kings XI Punjab Chennai Super Kings Kolkata Knight Riders Delhi Daredevils Pune Warriors Mat 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 Won 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 Lost 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 Tied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pts 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 0 0 Net RR +0.850 +0.600 +0.352 +0.083 +0.986 +0.296 -0.231 -1.024 -1.915
(As on April 11. Courtesy: Cricinfo)
WOMENS RIGHTS
April 13-19, 2013
25
'We are survivors, not victims'

By Jinal Shah The stage at Lincoln Center was dark. A young Indian woman sat with her back to the audience. She described how, four years ago when she was just 24, a male friend brutally raped her. With a voice that sometimes cracked with emotion, the woman recounted the callousness of police investigators and a defense lawyer who suggested she just marry the man who had raped her. At court, she recalled, the defendant slapped high-fives with his lawyer when the judge decided against her. The case is now making its way through Indias Supreme Court. I seriously dont like the word victim, she said to great applause in the packed theater. I think were survivors, not victims. fter Divyas testimony, an impassioned panel featuring Indian journalists Barkha Dutt and Shoma Chaudhury, as well as Breakthrough CEO and president Mallika Dutt and Shakti Vahini president and activist Ravi Kant, spoke about rape and crisis of Indian masculinity, portrayal of women in India, bringing men on board to fight against rape and other assault, change in attitudes of judiciary and law enforcement officers especially towards rape victims including victims of marital rape all in the light of the recent gruesome rape case at the Women in the World 2013 summit. Last year on December 16, a 23 year old student now known as Nirbhaya (fearless) was brutally gang-raped on a private New Delhi bus in the southern part of the capital city. Physiotherapy intern was beaten and raped after coming home from seeing the movie Life of Pi with her male friend. Her resistance reportedly so infuriated her attackers that they disemboweled her and threw her off the moving bus. Nirbhaya died from her injuries 13 days after the attack while undergoing emergency treatment in Singapore. The case stirred up widespread protest nationally as well as internationally. According to the statistics quoted by Nightline co-author Cynthia McFadden, of the 600 rape cases tried in New Delhi there was only one conviction. While acknowledging the broad scope of the problemfrom entrenched cultural bigotry to lax law enforcement and institutional resistancethe panelists all expressed hope that the case might provide a tipping point and possibly a psychological shift in how rape is viewed in India. The silence has finally been broken, said Shoma Chaudhury, managing editor of the Indian magazine Tehelka. Thats the most crucial the shame has shifted from the survivor to the perpetrator, she added. Nirbhayas father now wants her daughters name known publicly Echoing Chaudhurys voice was panelist Barkha Dutt who said one of the most important things that resulted from the case is that others
Indias rape crisis gets international stage at the 4th Women in the World Summit organized by The DailyBeast/Newsweek in New York last week.
have come forward to tell their stories of how they were raped. She quoted one Indian rape survivor (who was present in the audience) had told her- Why should my face be hidden? The men who did this to me, they should have their faces hidden. However the horror for the victim does not end with rape or punishing the rapist. Other than blaming the victim, a big part of the problem is institutional discrimination and a lack of proper police procedure, said Ravi Kant, president of the NGO Shakti Vahini. Panelist pressed on the importance of bringing men on board to change cultural norms and stop sexual violence. Sexual autonomy is something people are not comfortable with, stated Chaudhury. ...An autonomous woman who is out with a boyfriend, other men think if she is out with one, she is certainly a fair game for others. In India, there is this imprisonment, either youre a
Panelists (from left) TV journalist Barkha Dutt, Shakti Vahini president Ravi Kant, Tehelkas Shoma Chaudhury, and Breakthrough chief Mallika Dutt at the Women in the World Summit, which was headlined by Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie.
slut or a goddess and so women are either devalued or cloistered away. And that misogyny ... is not endemic to India instead cuts across entire globe. Noted human rights activist and founder, president and CEO of Breakthrough, Mallika Dutt highlighting the issue of masculinity said, What we have is a global crisis of masculinity. Its time for us to really look at men and, as Tina Brown said, lean on them and say, Enough is enough. That would include getting laws changed to make marital rape a crime in India, Barkha Dutt said, and changing the attitudes of judges who often tell women that all marriages have to absorb some level of beating. The new laws established after the Delhi rape case are tough as compared to the older ones that includes death penalty however Dutt asserts that it does not acknowledge marital rape. One of the disappointing things
is our failure to get marital rape included within the ambit of the law. It is important because even today many women in India are struggling to assert it as rape. Why is marital rape not included? Because a parliamentary panel setup to include said this is impractical? However statistics suggest 90 percent of women who report rape or sexual assault in India, victim actually knows the man. This implies that the crime quite often is in the four walls of the house and that the conspiracy of silence still prevails, Drawing a parallel to the Steubenville, Ohio, case in the U.S., Mallika pointed out that at the heart of both cases is the idea that women are somehow second-class citizens. We never say male violence against women. We say 'violence against women' as if it just happens, coming out of this ether, she said. Lets start naming this stuff, said Mallika,
Lean on new mantra for women to demand equal rights

By Jinal Shah heryl Sandberg gave us Lean In, her neofeminist mantra that if women are to get ahead in American society they need to remain committed to the workplace and not let career take a back seat to family and marriage. The fourth annual Women in the World summit founder and co- host Newsweek and The Daily Beast editor-in-chief Tina Brown coined a new term women must lean on. on corporations, on courts, on governments and clerics, and, above all, on fathers, brothers, boyfriends, and male acquaintances to stop persecuting women and to safeguard the rights and well-being, and to free up the economic potential, of a full half of all [the worlds] citizens, Tina Brown said. The two day summit on April 4-5 was held in New York but millions more around the globe got the message through social media and the web. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton kicked off the star studded summit with increased vigor and urgency, adding to speculation that she will run for president in 2016. At the summit extraordinarily courageous women brought their stories from 16 countries about what it means to struggle against cultural repression, economic exclusion, and systemic violence. One among them was Divya, a rape survivor (as she would like to be called). Her
Tina Brown, Women in the World summit founder, actress Meryl Streep and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Women in the World summit kickoff. (left) Actress Angelina Jolie announced the Malala Fund, with a donation from Women in the World Foundation. The fund will be run by Malala to educate girls in Pakistan. extraordinary fight against the system for justice moved audiences. Vital issues such as womens education, rape and sexual violence, domestic violence, genital mutilation, maternal mortality, female feticide, compensation discrimination, human trafficking were discussed. From Pakistan to Syria, young women and girls demanded change. Now in its fourth year, the event draws world leaders, top CEOs, firebrand activists, and grassroots organizers to New York to discuss the most pressing global challenges to, and to spotlight the energetic momentum of, the womens-rights movement today. Young Pakistani activists Humaira Bachal and Khalida Brohiwhose courage moved the audience to applause and tearsare standing up to men in their homeland and insisting that girls be
granted the right to go to school and that honor killings become abhorrent to the men and women of their country. On Thursday night, actress and UN envoy Angelina Jolie honored Malala, and called her powerful, but ... also a sweet, creative, loving little girl who wants to help others, work for others. Jolie announced the Malala Fund, established by Vital Voices with a donation from the Women in the World Foundation. The fund will be administered by Malala to achieve her dream of educating girls in her homeland. Via a video address, Malala told the crowd with conviction (and a shy smile), This is the happiest moment of my life ... If we can educate 40 girls, we can educate 40 million girls. Issues ranged from acknowledging the existence of women to acknowledging women at work. Hillary Clinton highlighted technology as a radical new tool in the fight for global equality. The message echoed in the mornings next two panels. In the first, Grooming Titans of Tech, Clintons daughter, Chelsea, talked with TaskRabbit CEO Leah Busque, AT&Ts Esther Lee, Andrea Zurek of XG Ventures, and Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani about the importance of motivating American girls to enter the tech industry and of reducing the technology gap that leaves lower-income communities at a drastic disadvantage.
26
April 13-19, 2013
BOOKS
Lost in new Delhi at 98? Khushwant Singh muses

By Madhusree Chatterjee B o o k : "Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life" by Khushwant Singh, Penguin Viking, pages 188, Rs 399.
he New Delhi that writer-columnist Khushwant Singh knew like the back of his hand has now become an alien city in which the 98year-old thespian has lost his way, the writer says in his new volume of ruminations. "It has grown out of all proportions, extending from Alipur to Faridabad, from Ghazibad and Noida across the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh to Gurgaon in Haryana," Singh says in his just-published autobiographical account, "Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life". Luytens had planned a city for a few thousand civil servants and staff; it now has a population of 16 million; he had planned roads for a few thousand cars, tongas and bicycles; now almost every family has a car or two or three and the roads are jammed from sunrise to sunset - and even after, Khushwant Singh says of the metropolis that his father Sobha Singh, a pioneer architect, had laid out with Lutyens and his crew. "It is a city in which more than twice as many women get molested and raped than in Mumbai...I don't go out any more. The last time I had to step out to visit the doctor, I found the roads clogged," Khushwant Singh says. The author's soulsearching of the city, where he lived and worked for most of his adult writing life, is steeped in memories, nostalgia and umbilical cords that tie him to the growth of modern Delhi with blood. There is a wistfulness about his reflections that borders on mourning - the blues of a man suspended on a thin thread between living and passing away. But Khushwant Singh is nothing short of a marvel.
Gursharan Kaur, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife, receiving a copy of 'Khushwantnama from Khushwant Singh at his residence in New Delhi.
His pen keeps painting his musings even as his body - confined to a wheel chair - could be falling apart slowly. He wants to give up, but his zest for life refuses to let him off the hook. Death has been occupying Khushwant Singh for the last few years since he had published "The Sunset Club" - a novel about three 80-year-old men discussing about life, lust, politics and society. "In my 98th year, I have little left to look forward to, but lots to reminisce about. To draw a balance sheet of my life and failures. On the credit side, I have over eighty books, novels and collections of short stories, biographies, histories, translations from Punjabi and Urdu, and many essays," he writes, looking inward. One the debit side, the "reckless" sardar has "his character". "I spend many evenings going over my evil deeds I committed in my early years. With an airgun, I killed dozens of sparrows who had done me no harm," he discloses about his roster of heinous deeds. Two years ago, the writer decided it was time for him to withdraw into himself at 96. "Some people would describe it as retirement. I chose a hallowed Indian word, 'sanyas'," Khushwant Singh says with a hint of resignation. For nearly seven decades, the author, a former editor of the nowdefunct Illustrated Weekly of India and later the Hindustan Times, has remained on the top of the best-selling charts with
classics like "The Train to Pakistan", "I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale" and "Delhi". This pithy hard-bound book covers Khushwant Singh's orientation in pithy essays that explore "The State of the Nation", "The Importance of Gandhi", "What Religion Means to Me", "The Business of Writing", "Journalism Then and Now" and "Dealing With Death" - all subjects close to his heart. "Thinking Aloud" devotes itself to the writer's views on partition, the English language paradox, sex and the qualities of a president. The style is beguiling and, at intervals, shines with tongue-in-cheek selfanalysis. "I have always believed that sex is more important than romance. Romance is a waste of energy. It takes up time and loses it luster soon... There is too much of sexual frustration in our country," Khushwant Singh says with his usual candor. "I never rated myself very highly as a writer. At school, I was hopeless at all subjects. And although I was very keen on sports, I wasn't any good at games either. The only bright point was a comment from my English teacher in my report card," he recalls. "Ms. Budden, who had come from England to teach at Modern School for two years, wrote that I had the possibility of making it as a writer," the writer says. So typically Khushwant Singh that it almost mists the eye.
escribed by English writer-editor Ian Jack as the Jane Austen of India, awardwinning novelist and screenplay writer Ruth Prawar Jhabvala was renowned for her evocative novels of the rainbow societies of 19-20th century India - two of which became successful films. Jhabvala, 85, died last week in her Manhattan home of a pulmonary disorder, long-time friend and associate James Ivory told the media. She lived in a modest apartment in Manhattan decked up with books and the trophies she brought home for her writing. Her novels were full of rich color and details of India that she had adopted as her homeland, and the people inhabiting her books were like her - global citizens juxtaposed against Indian society and drawing on the commonalities and the clash of cultures. Jhabvala moved to India in the early 1950s following her remarriage to Parsi architect Cyrus Jhabvala. The era with its vestiges of the British Raj, the decadence of the native royalty, the economic gulf between the elite and the masses, cultures, relationships across multi-ethnic lines and lifestyles that allowed the tradition and western modernism to co-exist captured the literary imagination of the young English literature post-graduate from the University of London. Two of her iconic classics were "The Householder (1960)" and "Heat and Dust (1975)" that won the Booker Prize for 1975. Both of them were adapted into movies by MerchantIvory Productions, with
Ruth Prawar Jhabvala and the rich era of crossover literature D
Ruth Prawar with her husband Cyrus Jhabvala
whom she collaborated for nearly 50 years for nearly two-dozen scripts. "The Householder" built around its lead character Prem, who graduates from a student to householder. It chronicles his experiences his crisis of spiritual identity and matured independence through a cast of characters like Prem's mother, wife, his high school friends, the white folks in India and their servant, who is Prem's landlord. In "Heat and Dust", Jhabvala looks at two generations of impetuous IndoBritish women in the country who become pregnant outside wedlock and move to live in seclusion. The story is told through a narrator, whose life takes off on her English step-grandmother Olivia who is charmed by a nawab and flees his principality over a pregnancy scandal. The fair petite writer, born to a German Jewish family in Cologne, was influenced by the cultural milieu of central Europe before the world wars. "I am a central European with an English education and a deplorable tendency to constant self-analysis. I am irritable and have weak nerves," she wrote in one of her short story anthologies, "How I Became the Holy Mother".
Shashi Kapoor and Greta Scacchi in Ivory-Merchants Heat & Dust based on Ruth Prawars novel.
But her passion for central Europe changed one evening as the family sat on the terrace of their home watching a Nazi parade. Her parents, Marcus and Eleanora, were later arrested but let off. They fled to Britain with Ruth and son Siegbert in 1939. According to Jhabvala's biographers, Marcus committed suicide in 1948 after he came to know how his clan had died during the Holocaust. Her checkered childhood was a source of deep torment for the sensitive writer. Says writer Janet Watts in The Guardian: "Jhabvala never wrote of her early life. She never spoke of it in public, until 1979, when she received the Nell Gunn International fellowship and gave a public lecture in Edinburgh. Her chosen subject was disinheritance." "I stand before you as a writer without any ground of being out of which to write: really blown about from country to country, culture to culture till I feel till I am - nothing," Watts quoted Jhabvala, "who liked it that way" as saying. Literature became Jhabvala's shelter - her world of creative expression to pour out her angst and script a new identity. She wrote eight anthologies of short stories and more than a dozen novels which also included "Out of India", "Three Continents" and "My Nine Lives". Jhabvala was honored with several awards including two Academy Awards for the screenplays of the "The Room With A View" and "Howards' End", the Bafta award for "Heat and Dust", the O'Henry for "Refuge in London" and the Writers' Guild of America award.
FEATURES
April 13-19, 2013
27
Now call centers empowering underprivileged kids in India

Gurgaon: Call centers have long been identified among the young with well-paying jobs and an aspirational lifestyle. Now some of them are stepping out to help underprivileged children in India and fulfill their social obligations as well. For instance, Teleperformance, a US global customer service call center and social media company, encourages employees to create learning opportunities for less fortunate children across 49 countries. The Indian subsidiary of Teleperformance, established in 2001 in this corporate hub, offers such children food, books, education and clothing to help them meet basic needs and reach their potential, under the company's Citizen of the World (COTW) initiative. "Our primary focus is to support education of underprivileged children within 10 kilometers of our office locations in Gurgaon, Jaipur and Indore. In the process, our employees embrace the concept of Giving and Citizen's Social Responsibility," Teleperformance India managing director Sanjay Mehta says. "Teleperformance India believes that 'Citizen's Social Responsibility' is about tradition and culture, about imbibing responsible corporate citizenship," Mehta added. Beginning with just six students in Gurgaon in 2006, the COTW program has empowered 1,200 children from Jaipur and contributing to the growth of little angels." "I am proud to be part of this initiative, spreading smiles on the innocent faces. I don't work only for myself but am also responsible for a child's education," said his colleague Syed Ibrahim. The Teleperformance India team was voted as the Social Change Agent at the Asia Outsourcing Congress held in Mumbai last month. Teleperformance India enrolled over 600 children in COTW program in 2012, besides creating a 2-D Animation Lab with 10 light boxes in 2009 and a Computer lab, "TP Knowledge Centre", in 2007. The same year it helped relocate the Gurgaon school from tented classrooms in Chauma village to a functional, self-contained building in Bajgera village. Teleperformers also set up the Gyan Patra, a library set up at Literacy India School to enhance knowledge. Among the key initiatives since 2012 are monthly visits by the beneficiaries to meet Teleperformance employees, sharing meals and participating in day-to-day activities with them. Teleperformance India has set up a rainwater harvesting unit to recharge ground water levels by adding close to 1.4 million liters of water annually. This initiative will help reduce water logging and improve water efficiency in Gurgaon, with a population of 1.5 million.
The Indian subsidiary of Teleperformance offers children food, books, education and clothing to help them meet basic needs and reach their potential, under the company's Citizen of the World (COTW) initiative.
Indore as well. In 2010, Teleperformance India partnered with the National Thalassemia Welfare Society (NTWS) to set up a NTWS primary healthcare center focused on women and children at Gurgaon's Palam Vihar. Daniel Julien, chairman of the Teleperformance Supervisory Board, formally launched the COTW India initiative in 2006 as a voluntary program. Each employee donates Rs.100 every month towards supporting the initiative. Teleperformance employee Ankit Khanna described his interaction with innocent kids as "mesmerizing". "I have no words to describe the experience. It felt as if I was
28
April 13-19, 2013
HUMOR
Funny Bone by Nury Vittachi
Half the world missing from international TV news

was watching the international TV news the other day when I realized something huge was missing: there was no mention of the Eastern half of the world, home of 60 percent of the world's population. A Malaysian friend watching with me said she'd been at a meeting of members of The Meeja, a shadowy international group of datadealers whose mission is to shine the Bright Light of Truth and Justice into dark areas, preferably if celebrity cleavage is located therein. At the time, a rainstorm had caused an ancient tower in China to tilt perilously over a school. Should the story be covered? Naah, it's in Asia. "And it lacked a cleavage angle," she said. Meeja professionals instead printed a news-in-brief paragraph and a tiny picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, thus leaving lots of room for really important items such as: "[Celebrity Name] Stuns Beachgoers By Regaining Pre-Baby Bikini Bod," a dramatic follow-up to the previous week's mega-scoop, which was "[Celebrity Name] Stuns Beachgoers By Failing to Regain Pre-Baby Bikini Bod." Meanwhile at the wobbly tower, Chinese officials snapped into action to issue an announcement saying (this is not a joke) no immediate action could be taken because "several departments are involved". This is OfficialSpeak for: "It's not my job to catch falling buildings." The following day, I heard music fans arguing
over who was the industry's top producer. I suggested Johnny Kitagawa, producer of Japanese band Kis-My-Ft2. They looked blank. I showed them the Guinness Book of Records listing of Mr Kitagawa as the man responsible for 232 number one singles, some of which were almost, but not quite, listenable to by humans with functioning aural cavities. Try it yourself. Sneak the term "world's greatest sea disaster" into the conversation and then count the seconds before a writer or consumer of The Meeja says the word "Titanic", a sinking in the Western hemisphere in which 1,500 people died. Most know nothing about worse accidents in the Eastern Hemisphere, such as the sinkings of the Donna Paz (4,000 dead) and the SS Kiangya (3,000 dead). I once spent several months as a young reporter in an Asian suburb of London. I'd regularly call the big newspapers to sell them scoops.
"Father-of-three dressed in drag gets foot stuck in bucket in girls' locker room," I would say. News editors would ask: "Does he have black hair?" Stories about Asians were automatically rejected. Perhaps the most overlooked Asian tale of all is that of the original Leaning Tower of China, which nobody has heard of, possibly including people who live in it. Huzhu Pagoda in Tianma village near Shanghai is about 100 years older than the Leaning Tower of Pisa and leans at a much steeper angle (6.87 degrees off centre against Pisa's 3.97 degrees). And it is WAY more visually dramatic, having that "just about to crash and explode into a million pieces" look that Mel Gibson and Lindsay Lohan have in the early hours of Sunday mornings. I urge the Chinese authorities to publicize this amazing structure. Yes, build a cleavage enhancement center for female celebrities right under it, in the line of danger. It's Asia's only hope. *-* Big fat passengers are being made to pay more for air tickets than small skinny ones, a top airline official said last week. On Samoa Air, tickets are now priced at US$4.16 per kilo of traveler and baggage, said airline boss Chris Langton. Loads of airline chiefs have threatened this, but Chris has actually done it. Families with children love the new system, since kids and their hello kitty satchels weigh nothing. If this spreads, I foresee difficulties now that many people book their air tickets online. Airport official: "It says on your ticket you are a tiny anorexic midget weighing 45 kilos." Huge man: "That's right. These baggy clothes are rather unflattering, aren't they?" But there have been angry complaints. On a BBC web report about this, a reader who was six feet tall and weighed 90 kilos but isn't overweight asked why he should be penalized for having a high score "in the genetic lottery". Because, my friend, we short people are penalized for our low score "in the genetic lottery" every day of our lives, statistically getting worse jobs, worse salary, uglier partners, etc. So it's only fair that just for once you should suffer for your high score. *-*
A super-geek is spending his sixth straight year playing online games in an internet cafe. In 2007 he went into the cubicle cluster near Jilin University in China to check his email. He decided he liked it and has been there ever since. A Xinhua reporter who visited him found that he did not like talking face to face with humans, and revealed only that his name was Li Meng. Staff say he must earn money working via the computer, because he pays US$500 a month for the spot where he works, eats and sleeps. I am SO going to hide this article from my teenage son, since this is pretty much his dream come true. *-* The government of Nepal accidentally gave the entire population an extra day off recently. The official calendar listed an important Sherpa holiday so all offices and schools were closed, and President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattaarai extended their warm wishes to the Sherpa community, the Kathmandu Post reported. "Er, we already did that last month," the Sherpas replied. Amazingly, there were no complaints from school children or civil servants. *-* Hilariously out-of-control censors in China have added a new category to the list of items censored in China: "Censorship in China". Yes, acts of censorship are not censored. This became apparent last week when the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology published a report saying: "Myanmar recently unblocked the popular social networking site Facebook, which means only four countries in the world still ban the website: North Korea, Cuba, Iran and another country." China itself was of course the other country, but they could not include this. Censoring the existence of censorship is going to be tricky. Censor: "You cannot read this book." Citizen: "Is it censored?" Censor: "I cannot tell you whether it is censored or not, because that fact ITSELF is censored." Citizen: "But by stopping me reading it, you've let me know that it is censored." Censor: "Oh no! Now I must sentence myself to five years in re-education camp." Citizen: "Wanna borrow my book?" Censor: "Thanks." *-*
Laughter is the Best Medicine
by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
ASTROLOGY
April 13-19, 2013
29
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: April 13-19, 2013
ARIES: Auspicious week to start a new venture. You find relief, comfort and affection in the company of family members. Monetary gains from unplanned sources will brighten your week. Romance touches new heights, as partner positively responds. Pleasure trip would help in maintaining sound health this week. Trekking, hiking and outdoor activities are not meant for you. Have you realize that your financial conditions do not allow you to invest on property. Chances that you could be engaged in an uninteresting controversy. TAURUS: Time to learn how to tackle difficult & intricate problems to enhance career prospects. You succeed in making new acquaintances provided you participate in social /family function. Finances will definitely get a boost. But at the same time there will be rise in expenses too. If possible make sure you enjoy the lovely romantic journey to cement the bond. You must realize your true potentials to regain self-confidence. A leisure trip will prove to be a premium time for you. Rethink before you invest in a disputed property. Secondhand news should be verified to avoid problems. GEMINI: Policy of persuasive communications fails to bring desired professional success. Domestic pressure would make you short-tempered & restless this week. Some of you will possess a desire to earn quick money but might fail to find means. You are likely to find someone with whom you will enjoy the ecstasies of love. The feeling of restlessness could unnerve you. Better to imbibe positive thinking and increase physical activities to get rid from this. The idea of a holiday seems to be tired and rushed. Investing on a ship or a cruise is an exciting venture to be made. You are likely to learn the benefit of being enthusiastic. CANCER: Professional attitude at work brings success. Time spent with relatives will be to your advantage. New moneymaking opportunities will be lucrative. Love comes your way as friendship turns into romance. Yoga and meditation would help in keeping in shape and mentally agile. You might get a chance for business trip, which will help you in new connections. The best ideas for investment are to on invest on real estate business. Efforts on the path of progress would keep stagnation away. LEO: Seniors colleagues are likely to lend a helping hand. Family members will be very positive & supportive to your plans. You get some financial rewards as dedication & hard work gets noticed. Make sure you celebrate your new love by enjoying a pleasure trip with partner to make a perfect start. Chances of encountering with an unpleasant, embarrassing and discouraging situation are high. Looking for an adventurous holiday, unpleasant it would be. You have to be very cautious while investing on a plot which is too costlier. Be careful not to make harsh comments especially if you are pushed into an argument. VIRGO: Hard work & dedication would win the trust of seniors at work. Relatives will be willing to lend a helping hand at the time of need. Monetary gains are likely to be from more than one source. You will have to make some courageous efforts to renew romantic bond. your `lack of will might make it difficult to achieve your goals. Traveling overseas would be an experience full of spark that enlightens your imagination. Are you longing to buy a farmhouse, try for it? You are likely to spellbind others by wit & repartee. LIBRA: Mental clarity would remove past business confusions. New relationship at family front will be long lasting & highly beneficial. A new financial deal gets finalized paving the way for fresh money. You are likely find comfort in the arms of romantic partner. Blessings of a saintly person give peace of mind. Travel plans for better communication will be helpful for new horizons. If you want to invest on property, then go for residential one. Others are likely to feel the fragrance of your personality. SCORPIO: Travel undertaken for establishing new contacts and business expansion will be very fruitful. Guests visit would make it a pleasant & wonderful week. You will be presented with many new financial schemes. However you must weigh them considering all pros & cons before making any commitment. Interference of a third person could create frictions in love. Chances of recovering from physical ailment are high. Instead of traveling alone its better to avoid it. Dont deal in a property which is crime ridden. You might face some obstacles in land/property related matters. SAGITTARIUS: You might not face any opposition at work but dont take others support for granted. Gracefully accept the invitation with family, if you are invited to somewhere you havent been. Investment needs to be made keeping long-term perspectives in mind. Take love companion into confidence before taking any decision related to love. A friend might test your tolerance power. Traveling alone is your decision as you want it, so dont blame others. Selling your home privately can be an excellent way of saving on costs. You are likely to start a new construction work. CAPRICORN: Your artistic and creative ability would attract a lot of appreciation. You will be in the mood to celebrate with family and friends. Financial position will improve later in the this week. To enjoy the richer grandeur of infinite life, make it more sublime by absence of worry, which is the first step in this direction. Be sure of your traveling plans, otherwise unappealing it would be. Off-plan property investment is one of the easiest and most profitable methods to maximize gains in the real estate market. Long pending legal battle is likely to settle to your satisfaction. AQUARIUS: Lack of having a proper strategy on the part of marketing professionals will find it tough to achieve their targets. Arguments & disagreements with family members might bring some tense moments. Expenses might exceed budget, bringing many ongoing projects to abrupt halt. Sudden romantic encounter is foreseen this week. Inexhaustible energy enables to participate in outdoor activities. Planning a trip is not what you want, try to implant them. Your property prices will boost in the coming period. Decent manners and intellectual talk would catch others attention. PISCES: A long pending decision gets finalized at professional front. Good advice from family members brings gains. Real estate investment would be lucrative. A promising week for romance when your innovation infuses a new spirit in it. You attain a bloom in health on sharing happiness with others. Business or vacation traveling is what you needed right now. Deals which ought to be disturbed where legal matters are concerned may not be so successful. Choose your words with care while interacting in social gathering.
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

April 13 [Dominated by number 4 and the planet Uranus, you are simple, energetic, authoritative, jovial, reliable and highly systematic person. You possess a persuasive and magnetic personality. You have a great potential to handle complicated tasks and you seldom complain, but you need to check your tendency to behave vindictive, timid and spendthrift at times. This year long awaited promotions and monetary benefits will finally be yours. Financially you will face some problems initially, but things will become better later in the year. This is an excellent period to develop new contacts and revive old ones. Travelling will be undertaken for attending auspicious events. Avoid entering into any financial joint ventures and stay away from speculation. Wedding bells will ring for those eligible towards the end of the year. The months of July, October, November, January and March will be highly important. April 14 Ruled by number 5 and the planet Mercury. You are practical, sensitive, friendly, diplomatic and an optimistic person. You possess a sharp memory, excellent health, and a powerful character. You are highly respected in your group and people look up to you for inspiration and support, but you need to check your tendency to behave restless, nervous and timid at times. This year brings in appreciation and rewards that you deserve. Investments in real estate during this year will prove highly rewarding. However indulging in speculation will be detrimental and should be avoided. Legal disputes, which have been bothering your mind, will settle amicably to your satisfaction. Children will be a major source of happiness and spouse will keep you happy. Health of your parents will suffer due to stress, and rise in family medical expenses will bother your mind. The months of April, June, August, December and May will be highly important and eventful. April 15 Influenced by number 6 and the planet Venus. You are energetic, practical, systematic, methodical and a generous person. You are fond of charity and social work and you frequently associate with likeminded people to support the noble cause, but you need to control your tendencies to behave impatient, whimsical and jealous at times. This year businessmen are likely to diversify into new and more profitable avenues. Few unexpected trips would be taken this year. You could also be traveling to an exotic destination of your choice. Health however would need more attention than before. Some exhilarating news from your children later in the year would boost up your spirits. Investment would be profitable, but do not put all your money at one place. The month of May, August, September & January will be eventful and result oriented. April 16 Governed by number 7 and the planet Neptune. You are affectionate, charming, sober, courageous, original and an honest person. You are highly courageous and fond of accepting challenges, but you need to control your tendency to behave impatient, timid and short temper at times. This is going to be an extraordinary year for you, which would promise you financial growth and prosperity. This is also going to be a rewarding period for workingwomen. Your income would rise, but you would also spend more than necessary on luxuries and other comforts. Romance and new alliances look likely for the unattached. Your seniors and co-workers are likely to give you anxious moments at times. Health of your spouse would cause concern and anxiety. The months of April, June, August, December and March will be highly significant. April 17 Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn. You are creative, active, confidant, intelligent and an artistic person. Your strong determination always keeps you ahead of others and makes you popular in your surrounding, but you need to restrain your tendencies towards being erratic, stubborn and jealous at times. This year your self-confidence would be high and you would make financial deals, which would bring your extra cash. New alliances and partnerships for some. Speculation would prove to be rewarding and long-term investment is recommended. Long pending legal disputes would be sorted out bringing relief to your mind. Blessing from a saintly person would provide solace and mental comfort. Stay away from strangers and avoid spending on others. Health needs extra care. The months of May, July, August and November would prove to be result oriented. April 18 Influenced by number 9 and the planet Mars, you are energetic, courageous, aggressive, systematic and highly sentimental person. You possess great personality and confidence, and have a strong command over your work, but you loose many good opportunities due to your erratic and quarrelsome nature. This year your stars are in an extremely favorable position, bringing you happiness and prosperity. You would also make some major changes on the home front. You would be a good host and you would spend lavishly on the entertainment of others. Your beloved would be a major source of happiness and pleasure. Overall your health would be fine but it will be important to take necessary precautions. Pilgrimage or distant journey would be high on your agenda. The months of May, June, August, October, November and January will prove to be significant. April 19 Governed by number 1, and the Sun, you are original, active, responsible and a trustworthy individual. You are highly talented and skillful, but you need to control your tendency to dominate, overspend and behave destructive at times. This year some major decisions would be taken. You would be highly energized and ready to put extra efforts to achieve your career goals. Your excessive energy and tremendous drive would bring you remarkable financial benefits. Property disputes or legal matters which have been bothering your mind would settle amicably towards the middle of the year. Spouse would remain cooperative and shower love and affection upon you. Children would be a major source of happiness. The months of April, August, September, January and April will be highly important and eventful.
i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date, Time and Place of birth is accurate.
Before you consult...
ii) Careful: Did you check background of the astrologer before disclosing your secrets. iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, dont feel shy. Its his business. iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the outcome is not as desired, never give up. v) Consult: Take second opinion before spending thousands on cure/remedies.
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April 13-19, 2013
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
This article has been excerpted and reprinted from Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajs groundbreaking book and anthology, Meditation as Medication for the Soul, a must-read book for anyone seeking optimum health and wellness. Part 1 below demonstrates the proven benefits of meditation for physical, mental, and emotional health. In the next issue, Part 2 will discuss the spiritual benefit of Jyoti and Shabd meditation.
Meditation as medication for the soul

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
atent within each person is a spiritual energy that has the power to make us whole. The technique by which we can tap into this latent power is meditation. Once touched by this inner force we undergo a profound transformation. We experience improved health of the body, mind, heart, and soul. In recent years, people in the West have focused attention on finding ways to heal themselves at the level of the soul to live a more fulfilling life. Many new techniques have mushroomed throughout the world. The East offers a unique perspective. It has had a tradition for thousands of years, which the West is beginning to explore. It acknowledged a connection between the body, the mind, and the spirit. The sages of the East knew the power inherent in the soul. Western medical researchers and doctors are only recently discovering what those in the East have already knownthe healing power of meditation. Medical practitioners recognize its importance. Ironically, while many in the West are employing meditation as a medical treatment, those in the East, in their quest to assimilate modern advances from the West, at times ignore their ancient traditions. This is an exciting time to be a medical doctor. Daily, new research and medical breakthroughs astound us. Scientists and medical researchers search for cures for cancer, heart disease,
strokes, and many chronic diseases. New technological tools for diagnosis, treatment, and surgery are the norm for health practitioners. They offer faster, newer, and more complex solutions, but can obscure the profound simple approach to wellness. Doctors can perform surgery from a remote location using robotic equipment. Tiny cameras placed in the body allow for lessinvasive surgery. Body parts can be replaced in new ways. Failing hearts can now be revived. Doctors are working at the frontier of medicine. In this dizzying array of medical innovations, meditation requires no medical equipment. Meditation is a medication for the health of the body, mind, and soul. Meditation plays a role in preventative medicine. It has an effect on supplementing medication and speeding recovery. It has a benefit on the emotional and mental state of patients. It has a value when doctors are dealing with patients who are either terminal or who have a life-threatening illness. This book contains an array of essays on the above areas. Also, it will examine the benefits of meditation. Meditation is not meant to replace medicine or treatment, whether traditional or alternative, but is a powerful complementary tool. Being the father of two children who graduated from medical school, I intimately know doctors, their hours, and their stress. Doctors are a rare and noble breed. Doctors service to humanity is beyond words. Yet, while a doctor advises patients to avoid stress, the doctors own life
itself is filled with strain. Doctors often fail to think of their own health. Meditation helps medical practitioners deal with the intense pressures of their profession. Doctors need to stay healthy for both the sake of the patients and themselves. Meditation as Preventative Medicine Meditation helps reduce stress, which is a normal part of life that helps the body protect itself from danger. A physical threat causes our body to release the hormones cortisol and adrenaline to provide us with the strength for fight or flight. Throughout history, stress enabled people to run from an attack or to stand up to an attacker. The difficulty stress poses in modern times is that while we are seldom in physical danger from wild animals, even minor situations are perceived as mortal threats. We become stressed by events in life that we feel are earth shattering. For example, when our baby cries, we are concerned over what is wrong with him or her. If our child gets a bad grade, we worry how he or she is going to get into college. When we bring our car into a repair shop, we worry. Multi-tasking stresses us. The result is that cortisol levels flowing through our
bodies are elevated. Cortisol might have a short-term benefit, protecting us from true physical danger, but when everything is perceived by our mind and body as a danger, we respond by releasing higher levels of cortisol than we need. Besides its benefits, there are dangerous side effects even when cortisone is prescribed as medicine. For example, cortisone can cause the breakdown of body tissue resulting in weakened bones and muscle tears. Thus, increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline take their toll on the body. Medical researchers have linked certain illnesses to our state of mind and emotional condition. When we undergo mental stress, emotional pain, or depression, our physical resistance to disease drops. We become more susceptible to contracting a disease because our ability to keep our immune system in top working order decreases. Science has pinpointed heart disease, digestive problems, circulation and breathing problems, and migraine headaches to be sometimes stress-related. Spending regular, accurate time in meditation has been shown to reduce stress. One meditation study, by Dr. John L. Craven, published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, states: Controlled studies have found consistent reductions in anxiety in meditators. . . . Several stress-related conditions have demonstrated improvement during clinical trials of meditation including: hypertension, insomnia, asthma, chronic pain, cardiac tachyarrhythmias, phobic anxiety. (Meditation and Psychotherapy, 648-53).
In another study, Dr. Ilan Kutz states: As the ability to meditate develops, a hierarchy of sensation develops, ranging from deep relaxation to marked emotional and cognitive alterations . . . . Many of these peripheral changes are compatible with decreased arousal of the sympathetic nervous system . . . . The peripheral physiological changes have proven to be of value as a primary or adjunctive treatment for a variety of medical disorders such as hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias, as well as in relieving anxiety states and pain. (Meditation and Psychotherapy, American Journal of Psychiatry V142:1-8). Meditation is a way to eliminate the lack of balance caused by mental stresses. Through it, we create a calm haven and restore our equilibrium. Researchers have recorded brain activity in people. They found that our brain waves measure from 13-20 Hz when we are involved with stressful situations at work, driving in traffic, or in a fight-or-flight mode. Those who spend time in meditation register brain waves at 5-8 Hz, a state of deep relaxation. Their mind becomes calm, which, in turn, calms the body. If we could spend some time each day in meditation, we can reduce our stress levels. Besides reducing stress during meditation, there is a carry-over effect. We can have more inner peace of mind. As we perfect our meditations, we can maintain a calm state of mind in the midst of turmoil and strife. We can have control of our reactions and maintain an even keel. (To be continued...)
Spiritual master with worldwide following returns to Chicagoland to give a series of spiritual talks
Naperville, IL: His Holiness Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, international renowned spiritual Master, has returned to Chicago. On Sunday, April 7, he spoke in Naperville, IL to a packed hall of spiritual seekers from around the world on the topic of meditation and the importance of realizing the true purpose of our life to know ourselves at the level of the soul. Afterward, the spiritual Master put the audience in meditation. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj's next spiritual discourses are on Sunday, April 14, 2:30 PM at the Oakbrook Double Tree Hotel, 1909 Spring Road., Oakbrook, IL and Sunday, April 28, 2:30 PM at the Wyndham-Lisle Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Rd, Lisle, IL. All are welcome and there is never any charge. Science of Spirituality is a multi-faith, international organization with national headquarters at 4S 175 Naperville Rd., Naperville, IL, 60563. The Science of Spirituality Meditation Center is open from 10 AM 5 PM daily and offers programs on spirituality, meditation, vegetarian living, and related topics in and around the Chicagoland area. For more information: www.sos.org/usa/Naperville, 630-955-1200, or www.sos.org.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj greets the crowd of spiritual seekers who came from around the world to hear him speak.
April 13-19, 2013
April 13-19, 2013

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The South Asian Times

New York Edition

US backs India's emergence as regional anchor

India, Germany ink six deals to enhance cooperation

Indian Defense Minister A K Antony at the Pentagon

Court orders reopening of 84 riots case against Tytler

Trailblazer India-born lawyer set to become top US judge

More details on page 8.

April 13-19, 2013

April 13-19, 2013

India visit left me shocked and sad: Lindsay Lohan

Architect ranked with top design firms in Garden State

April 13-19, 2013

Punjab NRIs to get 10 percent quota in projects, plots

April 13-19, 2013

Gupta not liable to Goldman for Rajaratnam tips: US court

Call for papers

Jain Conference to focus on womens perspectives in Dharma traditions

MyPref launches new Indian Food Mobile App!

A screenshot of the app.

April 13-19, 2013

Indian American couple found dead in murder-suicide

Niha and Parag Patel

Indian origin woman pleads guilty to lying to federal agents

RCN New York launching SONY Entertainment Television Asia

Share & Care Foundation launches Educate to Success program

IALI celebrates "Holi hai bhai holi hai" at Akbar restaurant

April 13-19, 2013

Immigration deal expected soon

Google pays $100 mn to keep Indian American from Twitter

US uses lottery to choose recipients of H-1B visas

GOPIO to honor American charity, three others

April 13-19, 2013

Preet Bharara's lament remains unanswered in Casablanca

Sikh moves court against California gun law

Obama pushes hard for Chandigarh-born judge

Meng attends Senate confirmation hearing of Sri Srinivasan

April 13-19, 2013

Obamas $ 3.8 T budget hikes taxes and cuts Social Security

Senators reach bipartisan deal on checks of gun buyers

Young diplomat among 4 killed in Afghansitan

USPS relents, Saturday service to continue

Class of 2013 faces dim job prospects

Anne Smedinghoff was US foreign service officer

April 13-19, 2013

Modi goes all guns blazing at UPA

Narendra Modi advocated women's empowerment

For water, should I urinate in the dams? Pawar had asked

Mamata in nursing home, afraid to visit Delhi

April 13-19, 2013

Reopen 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: court

US-based Sikh group seeks probe

April 13-19, 2013

'Iron Lady' is no more

Thatcher admired Indira Gandhi

Margaret Thatcher was an undisguised fan of Indira Gandhi

April 13-19, 2013

Can Rahul reform his party and system?

April 13-19, 2013

Art with roots in the subcontinent flowering here

Photos: Shhivika Chauhan Photography

Dhanashree Gadiyar with her work titled 'The Play'

Ruee Gawarikar and her 'Chaos and Calm'

April 13-19, 2013