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This week’s question

Modi is right to stress onneighborhood?

Last week’s result

YES 76% NO 24%

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CONTENTSBollywood ---------------------- 36-37

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Community Post -------------- 16-32

Date Book -------------------------- 50

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

HealthScience Post --------- 45-47

Horoscope ------------------------- 51

Immigration Post ------------- 48-49

Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35

Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 41-43

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OATH OF A NEW ERA: Under the backdrop of a magnificent view ofthe Central Vista and in the presence of SAARC leaders and 4000guests from among India's best and brightest, Narendra Modi being

sworn in the 15th Prime Minister of India by President PranabMukherjee (inset) at a Swearing-in Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan

in New Delhi on May 26. (Details on page 5)

Details on page 5

SPECTACULARBEGINNING

Modi raisesterrorism issue intalks with Sharif

Prime Minister Narendra Modiwith Pakistan Prime Minister

Nawaz Sharif

Sharif: Changeconfrontationinto cooperation

First decision: SITon black moneyconstituted

Arun Jaitleypromises tocontain inflation

Law Ministerpromises stabletax regime

Jubilant IndianAmericanscelebrate change

NaMo chantfills Bay Areaair waves

Crystal LakeIndian wins$300,000 lottery

Should Modi visitUS this year?

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Bollywood:Delhiwala vs MumbaiwalaWhen Arjun Kapoor was in Delhi, hespoke about the typical traits that com-prise a Delhiwala and a Mumbaiwala.

5Cover Story:Talks with Sharif

16Community:Modi victory

48

45Health Science:

President Obama celebrated when sign-ups for health care law topped 8 million,but most Americans are unimpressed.

34Techbiz:

An investigation into price-fixing in theauto parts industry has mushroomed intothe largest criminal antitrust probe

41Travel:KhandalaKhandala is endowed with abundantnatural beauty and like Lonavala, it alsoprovides a popular getaway

Price-fixing

Indian Americans across the countryhave expressed their joy with congratu-latory messages & jubilant celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised is-sues of terror in his first bilateral meetingwith Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif

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What is it about men and their need to establish their supremacy usingwomen as instruments of power? If it was wars of yore, it is thecurrent day communal riots, ethnic strife, or simply the need to project

religious fundamentalist ideology, where women seem to be the most convenientof mediums to prove their machismo among men.

It's 2014, and men haven't evolved in their fundamental nature by consider-ing women as human beings, and not continue to variously regard them asproperty, cattle, objects, etc.

I have to make sweeping generalizations - because men, by nature, do notlike equals.

So where am I going with this rant, you may ask. From the nearly 300 girlsabducted by the Boko Haram in northern Nigeria to the 1000-odd Christian andHindu girls abducted every year in Pakistan, the story is the same.

The tenth and latest annual human rights report released by the Hindu Ameri-can Foundation finds that Hindu and Christian girls, some as young as five or sixyears of age, are routinely abducted in Pakistan and are forcibly converted toIslam before being married off to older Muslim men or sold into the sex trade.

The issue is not about Pakistan, it is about ideologies that allow preying onwomen with such impunity in the name of religion. The HAF report documentsthe plight of women similarly subjugated in 10 countries including Afghanistan,Bangladesh, Malaysia, Bhutan, Fiji, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad & Tobago and theIndian state of Jammu & Kashmir.

It's more than a month now, and the abducted Nigerian girls are yet to bebrought home from their twisted abductors.

It takes more than people holding placards with "Bring back our girls"written on them to give a dignified human status to women. Left to men, they willsimply keep fighting their own turf wars, but at the fundamental level, the fighthas to be waged by women themselves. Remember the movie 'Mother India'? IfI am not mistaken, the mother in that film, guns down her own son for attemptingto abduct a girl.

Immigration:

A shift by immigrant smugglers to targetthe U.S.-Mexico border in southernmostTexas has accelerated this year

Smugglers’ strategy

India PostMay 30, 2014 5

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Modi raises terrorism issue in talks with SharifNEW DELHI: Prime Minister

Narendra Modi raised issues ofterror and the trial in Mumbai at-tack case in his first bilateral meet-ing with Pakistani counterpartNawaz Sharif here.

Modi raised the issue of slowpace of trial in 26/11 terror casewhich was being held in Pakistanand as also India's core concernof terror with the visiting Paki-stani leader.

Briefing the media on the meet-ing between the two leaders, For-eign Secretary Sujatha Singh saidthe two leaders also talked aboutways to enhance cooperation in thefield of trade during the meeting.

The two leaders had a firm hand-shake and posed for photographersbefore heading towards the meet-ing room for talks at the ceremonialHyderabad House. The meetingwas also attended by External Af-

is the first time when all theSAARC leaders have beenpresent on an occasion like this,"she said adding one leader won-dered whether there should havea SAARC summit here.

Asked whether Modi raisedthe issue of the presence of un-derworld don Dawood Ibrahim,Singh said many things includingterrorism were discussed. "I don'twant to speak more on this."

On whether Kashmir issue wasdiscussed, the Foreign Secretarysaid the two Foreign Secretarieswill be in touch to see the bestway to move forward.

On trade, she said the two lead-ers discussed the issue of non-discriminatory market access to begiven by Pakistan and said the twocountries are fully ready to re-sume normalization of trade rela-tions at the earliest.

Asked whether Modi will travelto Pakistan, Singh said invitationshave come and they have beenaccepted but no dates have beenfinalized. "Dates have to beworked out," she said.

When queried whether theComposite Dialogue processwould be resumed, she said theForeign Secretaries will meet tofind a way forward.

To another question, she said"we want peaceful and friendlyrelations with Pakistan. However,for such relations to proceed, it isimportant that terror and violenceis brought to an end."

Asked if India was satisfiedwith the discussions on the 26/11issue, Singh said the meeting wasvery constructive and both sideswanted to understand the con-cerns of the other side.-PTI

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, in New Delhi on May 27.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is also seen

fairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.Singh said they decided that

the Foreign Secretaries of the two

countries would be in touch toexplore how to move forward.

Modi remarked during the talks

that Pakistan must abide by its com-mitment to prevent territory of Paki-stan and the territory under its con-trol used to spread terrorism in India.

He also hoped that necessarysteps will be taken to expedite thetrial in Pakistan relating to Mumbaiterror attack case and ensure pun-ishment to the accused.

Modi said the two countriescould move towards trade normal-ization on the basis of the Sep-tember, 2012 road-map on politi-cal and economic relations.

The Foreign Secretary said theacceptance of the invitation by theSAARC leaders and their pres-ence in the swearing-in ceremonymarks a new starting point in therelations. Modi noted that it wasgood to see all the eight leadersgraciously accepting the invita-tion and their presence has en-riched the celebration of Indiandemocracy.

"This is a new beginning. This

Need to change confrontationinto cooperation: Sharif

NEW DELHI: Pakistan PremierNawaz Sharif pitched for "work-ing together" in his maiden meet-ing with newly-elected Prime Min-ister Narendra Modi and said bothwill have to strive to change con-frontation into coopera-tion.

Sharif, who attendedModi's swearing-in cer-emony, described hismeeting as "good andconstructive" and saidthey have agreed thattheir Foreign Secretar-ies would be meetingsoon to review and carryforward the bilateralagenda in the spirit ofthis meeting.

Before his departurefor Pakistan, Sharif metthe press and read out astatement which saidthat his governmentstands ready to discussall issues between thetwo countries, in a spiritof cooperation and sin-cerity.

"We agreed that ourmeeting in New Delhi,should be a historic op-portunity for both ourcountries. I pointed out that wewere at the beginning of our re-spective tenures, with a clear man-date. This provides us the oppor-tunity of meeting the hopes andaspirations of our peoples that wewill succeed in turning a new pagein our relations. The one and a halfbillion people of the two countrieswant us to focus on their well-be-ing and welfare," he said.

During his 45-minute long meet-ing, Sharif said he also recalled hisinvitation to then Prime MinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee to Lahore inFebruary 1999 and that he "in-tended to pick up the threads of

the Lahore Declaration, fromwhere it had to be left off in Octo-ber 1999".

"I stressed to Prime MinisterModi that we have a commonagenda of development and eco-nomic revival, which is not pos-sible to achieve without peace andstability in the region.

I urged that together, weshould rid the region of instabil-

ity and insecurity, that hasplagued us for decades.

"Consequently, it was impor-tant for us to work together forpeace, progress and prosperity.Finally, I urged that we had to

strive to change con-frontation into coopera-tion.

Engaging in accusa-tions and counter-accu-sations would becounter-productive, Iemphasized....After all,we owe it to our peopleto overcome the legacyof mistrust and misgiv-ings," the PakistanPrime Minister said.

He said they agreedthat this common objec-tive could be facilitatedby greater people-to-people exchanges, at alllevels.

"Prime MinisterModi warmly recipro-cated my sentimentsand remarked that myvisit to New Delhi wasseen as a special ges-ture by the people ofIndia. He stated that itwas incumbent on both

of us to work together, to achieveour common objectives for peaceand development.

"I take leave of this historiccity. I do so with a strong sensethat the leaderships and thepeoples of our two countries sharedesire and mutual commitment tocarry forward our relationship, forthe larger good of our peoples,"Sharif added.-PTI

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a visit to

Jama Masjid in New Delhi on May 27

Chinese PM congratulatesModi, vows enhancing tiesBEIJING: Premier Li Keqiang

has said China views India as a"natural cooperative partner"and it is ready to work with thenew Narendra Modi-led govern-ment to take their strategic co-operative partnership to a "newlevel".

Congratulating Modi on be-ing sworn in as India's 15thPrime Minister, the Chinese Pre-mier said, "China and India areimportant neighbors to eachother and the top two emergingmarkets in the world. China-In-dia relations have moved be-yond the bilateral scope andtaken on global and strategicsignificance."

"By working together forpeaceful, cooperative and com-

mon development, China andIndia will not only bring ben-efits to their own people butalso contribute to peace, stabil-ity and prosperity of Asia andbeyond. China stands ready towork with India to bring China-India strategic cooperative part-nership for peace and prosper-ity to a new level," he wasquoted as saying by an officialstatement.

The statement acknowl-edged that in the new century,the two countries have estab-lished a strategic cooperativepartnership for peace and pros-perity and found a way to ac-tively expand cooperation while"properly handling disagree-ments".-PTI


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Jaitley promises to containinflation, promote growth

NEW DELHI: New Finance andCorporate Affairs Minister ArunJaitley has pledged to containprice rise, restore confidence ofinvestors in the economy andpromote growth while keepingthe fiscal deficit under check.

Stating that the country'seconomy was passing throughdifficult times, he said, "the chal-

Defense Ministeri Arun Jaitley interacting with the three Service Chiefs

General Bikram Singh, Air Marshal Arup Raha, Admiral RK Dhowan and

Defence Secretary RK Mathur after taking charge of the Ministry,

in New Delhi on May 27

Defense modernization tobe speeded up: Jaitley

lenges are very obvious. Wehave to restore back the pace ofgrowth, contain inflation, andobviously concentrate on fiscalconsolidation itself."

Veteran lawyer and senior BJPleader Jaitley was talking to re-porters soon after taking chargeof the Finance Ministry.

Referring to his priorities as

Finance Minister, Jaitley said, "Iam conscious of the fact that Iam taking over at a very chal-lenging time particularly whenthere is a need to rebuild the con-fidence of the Indian economy.

"The mandate that our gov-ernment has received has aninbuilt hope in it...the politicalchange itself sends a strong sig-nal to the global community asalso the domestic investors. Ithink over the next two monthsby expediting decision makingprocesses we will be able tobuild on that."

On whether he would focuson inflation at cost of growth,Jaitley said a "the balancing act"will have to done.

India had registered over 9per cent growth for a few yearsbefore the global financial melt-down of 2008 pulled it down. Theeconomic growth rate slipped todecade's low of 4.5 per cent in2012-13. It inched up to 4.9 percent in 2013-14.

In the current fiscal thegrowth rate is expected to risefurther to 5.5 per cent. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Defense modern-ization had "slowed down" in thelast few years and providing therequired equipment to the armedforces in a speedy manner wouldbe the top priority of the Modi

government, Defense MinisterArun Jaitley said here.

"Speeding up the (procure-

ment of) equipment required fortheir support are going to be pri-ority areas as far as our Govern-ment is concerned.

"We are certainly concernedthat in last few years, some of

these areas had actually sloweddown and therefore expeditingthem would be a matter of top pri-ority," he said while taking the"additional charge" of the minis-try here.

He did not elaborate but wasapparently referring to the delayin acquisition of modern equip-ment for the armed forces such asthe 126 multirole combat aircraft,197 light helicopters and a num-ber of other acquisitions stuck upin the Ministry due to one reasonor the other during his predeces-sor AK Antony's regime.

Jaitley, who primarily holds theportfolios of Finance and Corpo-rate Affairs, said the Defense Min-istry is expected to get a full-timehead in a "couple of weeks" afterthe expansion of the council ofministers.

Asked about the demand forraising the 26 per cent FDI cap inthe defense sector, Jaitley said itneeds a deeper look.

"This is an issue, which in bothlimbs, would be dealt by both mydepartments. It has already comeup in my preliminary discussionsand therefore I do not want to sayanything more before I lookdeeply into the matter."

Soon after taking over, Jaitleyheld a series of meetings with thevarious departments of the De-fense Ministry.

He held meetings with the threeServices chiefs, the Defense Sec-retary, Secretary (ExservicemenWelfare) and Secretary (DefenseProduction) and all the officersabove the rank of Joint Secretaryin the Ministry.-PTI

Law Minister promises stabletax regime for investors

NEW DELHI: Seeking to assureglobal investors of a stable taxa-tion regime, Indian Law MinisterRavi Shankar Prasad said retro-spective taxshould be gen-erally avoided asthe countryneeds foreigninvestment toboost theeconomy.

"The largerview is thatretrospectivityis avoided to themaximum. Thefiscal regime, thepolicy regime,taxation regimemust be veryevident becauseIndia needs in-vestment," hetold reporters af-ter taking chargeof the ministry.

Amendment to Income-tax Actwith retrospective effect by theUPA government caused uncer-tainty among global investors andIndia was even slapped with anarbitration notice in a Rs 20,000crore tax case by British telecommajor Vodafone.

On the Vodafone notice, Prasadsaid: "We will look into it. Ourmanifesto has been very specificthat we want a stable regime where

those who invest in India may nothave to face uncertainty."

The goal of the government, hesaid, is that those who invest inIndia must have the assurance ofa stable fiscal policy and also le-gal regime under which they areinvesting.-PTI

Ravi Shankar Prasad taking charge as the Union

Minister for Law and Justice, in New Delhi on May 27

First decision: SIT onblack money constitutedNEW DELHI: In the first de-

cision after assuming office, theNarendra Modi government onMay 27 constituted a special in-vestigative team (SIT) headedby former Supreme Court judgeM B Shah to unearth blackmoney.

The SIT will be headed byformer Supreme Court judge MB Shah and will in-clude Revenue Sec-retary, CBI and IBdirectors, Enforce-ment Directorate of-ficial, CBDT Chair-man and RBI deputygovernor. FormerSupreme Courtjudge Arijit Pasayatwill be the vice-chairman of the panel.

The Supreme Court hadgranted the government one weekto constitute the SIT for monitor-ing of all black money cases.

"In the first Cabinet of thenew government...in the light ofthe directions of the SC, we haveconstituted an SIT for unearth-ing black money... This was animportant issue for us," Law andTelecom Minister Ravi ShankarPrasad told reporters after a one-

and-a-half-hour long Cabinetmeeting.

"This shows the commitmentof the government (to curbingblack money)," Prasad said,adding that the SIT was formedin accordance with orders of theSupreme Court.

In course of its election cam-paign, the BJP had repeatedly

vowed to fight corruption andblack money, with Prime Minis-ter Narendra Modi himself re-ferring to the issue in his stumpspeeches.

After resisting for more thanthree years, the immediate pastUnited Progressive Alliance(UPA) government on April 29disclosed the names and docu-ments of 26 Indians who alleg-edly have illicit money stashedabroad. -PTI

This shows the commitmentof the government (to curb-ing black money)," Prasadsaid, adding that the SIT wasformed in accordance withorders of the Supreme Court

Arun Jaitley taking charge as the Union Minister for Finance,



May 30, 2014


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Mauritius to provide automatictax info exchange

NEW DELHI: Seeking to allayapprehensions about Mauritiusbeing used for money launderingactivities, its Indian-origin PrimeMinister Navin Ramgoolam hassaid the island nation has decidedto provide automatic exchange oftax related information with In-dia.

Ramgoolam, who was here toattend BJP leader NarendraModi's swearing-in as Prime Min-ister, also said that Mauritiuswould not allow anybody toabuse or misuse its jurisdictionfor any illicit activities.

Speaking to reporters after abilateral meeting with Modi,Ramgoolam said he has also in-vited the Indian Prime Ministerto visit Mauritius.

On the contentious issue ofrevision of a tax treaty betweentwo countries, the MauritiusPrime Minister said that "theremust be a quick resolution to re-solve all issues related to the di-rect tax avoidance agreement be-tween the two countries".

"We both agreed that theremust be quick resolution (on theissues) for certainty, clarity andpredictability," he said.

A proposed revision of the taxtreaty has been hanging in thebalance for a long time and therehave been reports that Mauritiuswas not agreeable to certain sug-gestions made by India, whichhas been seeking to make the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr.

Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in New Delhi on May 27

agreement stronger to check anypossible round tripping of Indian

funds through the Indian Oceanisland nation.-PTI

17 ministries clubbedunder 7 ministers

NEW DELHI: In a restructur-ing of his Cabinet, Prime Minis-ter Narendra Modi has com-bined 17 related ministries intoseven different groups, includ-ing some infrastructure depart-ments, in an apparent bid to en-sure synergy and better results.

First the Ministry of Over-seas Indian Affairs, created inUPA-II, has been brought to-gether with External AffairsMinistry under Sushma Swarajwhile Corporate Affairs hasbeen brought back to Financeunder Arun Jaitley.

In infrastructure sector, thePrime Minister has combinedRoad Transport and Highwaysand Shipping in the ministryto be headed by Nitin Gadkari,who had made a name for him-self by adopting an innovativeapproach in expanding roadtransport network and bridgesin Maharashtra when he was aminister there in BJP-Shiv Sena

Government.Another important infra-

structure combination is bring-ing together Power, Coal andNew and Renewable Energyunder the independent chargeof Minister of State PiyushGoyal. These used to be sepa-rate ministries with Cabinetministers in charge in the UPAgovernments. Related minis-tries of Urban Development,Housing and Poverty Allevia-tion have been placed underthe charge of M VenkaiahNaidu, while Rural Develop-ment, Panchayat Raj andDrinking Water and Sanitationhave been grouped togetherunder the charge of GopinathMunde.

In another minor combina-tion of ministries, Goa'sShripad Naik has been givencharge of Culture and Tourismas Minister of State with inde-pendent charge.-PTI

Nirmala says no to FDIin multi-brand retail

NEW DELHI: Reaffirming BJP'sstand on FDI in multi-brand retail,new Commerce and IndustryMinister Nirmala Sitharaman hasindicated that foreign players willnot be allowed to open megastores in the country as itmay adversely impact thesmall traders and farmers.

"At this stage the partyposition is very very clear.We have explained aboutFDI in multi-brand retail(MBR) that it probably isnot best opened up nowbecause medium and smallsized traders or small farm-ers have not been ad-equately empowered... ifyou open up the floodgates of FDI in MBR, itmay affect them," she said.

Sitharaman, who tookcharge of the ministry,was replying to a questionwhether the governmentwould rescind the current FDIpolicy of allowing foreign invest-ment in MBRT.

The Minister further said thatshe would "sit with the officialsas to what has happened all thewhile (to) further the manifestobased agenda of BJP we shallwork."

The BJP manifesto had said,"barring the multi-brand retail sec-

tor, FDI will be allowed in sectorswherever needed for job and as-set creation, infrastructure andacquisition of niche technologyand specialized expertise."

Although the previous govern-

ment had allowed Foreign DirectInvestment (FDI) in multi-brandretail, only one investment pro-posal of UK-based Tesco wascleared by the earlier government.

She said the ministry wouldlook at the current FDI policy incalibrated way.

Further, the new minister saidthat boosting exports will be theone of the top priority.-PTI

Nirmala Sitharaman taking charge as the

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for

Commerce and Industry, in New Delhi

Govt change not to affect ArmyChief appointment

NEW DELHI: The appointmentof Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag asthe next Army Chief will not beaffected by the change of govern-ment, said new Defense MinisterArun Jaitley, whose party BJP hadstrongly opposed the UPA gov-ernment for elevating him to thetop post.

"Well, I believe that thereshould be no controversy or is-sue about the appointment of anyperson. Some comments may havebeen made about the conduct andprocedures of the process. It isnot going to have any effect onany person concerned in anymanner," he told reporters here.

Jaitley, while taking charge ofthe Defense Ministry, was askedto comment on the opposition byBJP during the elections on theappointment of Lt Gen Suhag asthe next chief.

The BJP had questioned whythe UPA government was rushing

to appoint him as the Army Chiefwhen the incumbent was going toretire only on July 31. It had evenmoved the Election Commission(EC) seeking directions to stop the

government from making such keyappointments.

Former Army Chief Gen VKSingh, who is now a BJP memberand Minister, was in the forefront

of questioning the UPA govern-ment on this issue.

He had contended that Suhagdid not have "vigilance clear-ance" in a Jorhat dacoity case.

V K Singh, as Army Chief, hadput a 'Disciplinary and Vigilance'ban on Suhag when he was the 3Corps Commander two yearsback. The ban, which prohibits apromotion, was lifted immediatelyafter incumbent Army Chief GenBikram Singh took over on May31, 2012.

"What and whom are they try-ing to protect? What are the De-fense Ministry and UPA-II scaredof? This harms the individual aspeople will question the UPA'smotive," he had said.

Gen Bikram Singh is retiring onJuly 31 and the Manmohan Singhgovernment had appointed Lt GenSuhag on May 14, two days be-fore the election results were an-nounced. -PTI

Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag


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Govt open to debate on Article 370: PMO

Dr Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister for State for Personnel, Public

Grievances & Pensions, in New Delhi on May 27

"The Prime Minister had said we want to havea debate. This does not mean that we want tohave a debate because certain section ofmedia interpreted that Prime Ministerdeviated from its stand”

NEW DELHI: The NarendraModi government is open to de-bate on Article 370 in Jammu andKashmir, Minister of State in PrimeMinister's office Jitendra Singhsaid here while making it clear thatefforts would be made throughthis exercise to "convince" the

"unconvinced".Repeating the stand of Modi

during his rally in December lastyear, Singh, a first time Parliament

Member and a surprise choice asMinister of State in the PMO, said,"his (Modi's) intention and thatof the government is that we havea debate so that we can convincethe unconvinced about the dis-advantages of Article 370.

"If we do not have debate and

discussion how would you be ableto tell those who have been un-able to understand what theyhave been deprived of on account

of Article 370," he said after tak-ing over as Minister of State incharge of Department of Person-nel and Training, which has ad-ministrative control over the CBI.

57-year-old Singh said Article370 was more of a psychologicalbarrier than a physical one andadded that the Modi-led Govern-ment was open to debate with allstakeholders, including youths,pros and cons of retaining or with-drawing the Article.

Singh said Modi supports de-bate on Article 370 keeping in minddemocratic values. "The PrimeMinister had said we want to havea debate. This does not mean thatwe want to have a debate becausecertain section of media inter-preted that Prime Minister devi-ated from its stand. It's not so. Hesaid so with respect to the high-est values of democratic system."

Singh, a doctor by profession,noted that BJP has won half ofthe six Lok Sabha seats fromJammu and Kashmir. "You see BJPhas won half of the seats in Par-liament from J and K.

While BJP won three seats,PDP bagged the remaining three.

"If you take voter account, wehave more that 50 per cent voteshare, he said." Singh said hisparty has been inviting all stake-holders to get on board and suc-ceeded to a greater extent in theValley particularly with theyouths.

He said people in J and K needto have an outlet. "A mainstreamopposition outlet to dissent whichwe would not stifle because if youstifle that, that will lead them toan undemocratic outlet.

"But within that framework wealso want to explain to them howthey have been deprived of enor-mous advantage which the otherstates of this country have en-joyed because they were not un-der the constraint of Article 370.Please remember that Article 370off late has been more of a psy-chological barrier than a physicalbarrier," he said.

Singh, who won fromUdhampur constituency in Jammuand Kashmir, said the BJP has al-ready gained considerable suc-cess through its discussion withall stakeholders on Article 370.

"We have tried to interact withthem (stakeholders) through me-dia, through discussion andthrough seminars. We have al-ready gained considerable suc-cess in this," the Minister said.

Asked whether discussions

have been held with Kashmiriyouths and separatists, Singhsaid the process is already on.

"No youth has separatist writ-ten on his forehead. We have triedto convince the youths of Kash-mir that look here if you have agrievance against the Governmentof India, against Government, thatdoes not necessarily make you aseparatist and if it is done then itis unfair to them," said Singh.

Singh said J and K has comeout of a difficult phase of mili-tancy which was there for last 20-25 years and it appears that thereis normalcy.

"Our efforts will be to supportit. The youth section there is de-moralized due to unemploymentand many other reasons, due tomilitancy.

"Our efforts would be to en-sure sufficient opportunities ofemployment to them. For example,Narendra Modi has clearly saidthat he will take forward the initia-tives started by the then PrimeMinister Atal Bihari Vajpayee withregard to J and K," he said.-PTI

Paswan plans improving PDS,curbing price rise

NEW DELHI: Food MinisterRam Vilas Paswan has said histop priorities will be to containprice rise in food items, improvepublic distribution system (PDS)and create adequate storage ca-pacity for foodgrains.

Speaking to reporters after as-suming charge as Minister ofConsumer Affairs, Food and Pub-lic Distribution, Paswan said: "Iwill discuss important issues such

as PDS, FCI godowns and ensur-ing minimum support price (MSP)to farmers with food and consumeraffairs secretaries and then fix pri-orities."

He said his ministry will workfor providing maximum benefits topublic and farmers.

"My priority will be to correctthe deficiencies in public distribu-tion system. We will strengthenthe PDS," said Paswan, who was

accompanied by his son ChiragPaswan while taking charge.

Stating that the grains pur-chased by the government shouldnot "rot", the minister said theCentre would create adequatestorage space.

"Our government's priority willbe to check price rise and corrup-tion," Paswan added.

The Centre will also ensure thatfarmers get the MSP for their pro-duce, he said, adding that it willwork in co-ordination with thestate governments.

With his latest victory fromHajipur seat in Bihar, Paswan willenter Lok Sabha for a record 9thtime. He made a dream debut inParliament in 1977 by a margin of4.24 lakh votes that took himstraight to the Guinness Book ofWorld Records.

Known in political circles forcorrectly judging which way thewind was blowing, the 67-year-oldLok Janshakti Party (LJP) leaderwill be a prominent Dalit face ofthe new government. -PTI

Ramvilas Paswan taking charge as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs,

Food and Public Distribution, in New Delhi on May 27


May 30, 201410


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List of Ministers with portfolios

President Pranab Mukherjee administering oath to Cabinet Ministers (Pic One from top left) Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, M Venkaiah Naidu,

Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Uma Bharti, Najma Heptualla, Gopinath Munde, Ramvilas Paswan and Kalraj Mishra

(Pic Two from top left) Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Ananthkumar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, Anant Geete, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Narendra Singh Tomar,

Jual Oram, Raja Mohan Singh, Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Smriti Irani and Harshwardhan

Narendra Modi - Prime Minis-ter; Personnel, Public Grievancesand Pensions; Department ofAtomic Energy; Department ofSpace; All important policy issuesand all other portfolios not allo-cated to any Minister

CABINET MINISTERS

Rajnath Singh - Home AffairsSushma Swaraj - External Af-

fairs and Overseas Indian AffairsArun Jaitley - Finance; Corpo-

rate Affairs; DefenseM Venkaiah Naidu - Urban De-

velopment; Housing and UrbanPoverty Alleviation; Parliamen-tary Affairs

Nitin Gadkari - Road Trans-port and Highways; Shipping

D V Sadananda Gowda - Rail-ways

Uma Bharati - Water Re-sources, River Development andGanga Rejuvenation

Najma Heptulla - Minority Af-

fairsGopinathrao Munde - Rural

Development; Panchayati Raj;Drinking Water and Sanitation

Ramvilas Paswan - ConsumerAffairs, Food and Public Distribu-tion

Kalraj Mishra - Micro, Smalland Medium Enterprises

Maneka Gandhi - Women andChild Development

Ananthkumar - Chemicals andFertilizers

Ravi Shankar Prasad - Com-munications and InformationTechnology; Law and Justice

Ashok Gajapathi RajuPusapati - Civil Aviation

Anant Geete - Heavy Indus-tries and Public Enterprises

Harsimrat Kaur Badal - FoodProcessing Industries

Narendra Singh Tomar -Mines; Steel; Labour and Employ-ment

Jual Oram - Tribal AffairsRadha Mohan Singh - Agricul-

tureThaawar Chand Gehlot - Social

Justice and EmpowermentSmriti Irani - Human Resource

DevelopmentDr Harsh Vardhan - Health

and Family Welfare.

MINISTERS OF STATE

General V K Singh - Develop-ment of North Eastern Region (In-dependent Charge); External Af-fairs; Overseas Indian Affairs

Inderjit Singh Rao - Planning(Independent Charge); Statisticsand Program Implementation (In-dependent Charge); Defense

Santosh Kumar Gangwar -Textiles (Independent Charge);Parliamentary Affairs; Water Re-sources, River Development andGanga Rejuvenation

Shripad Yesso Naik - Culture(Independent Charge); Tourism(Independent Charge)

Dharmendra Pradhan - Petro-

leum and Natural Gas (Indepen-dent Charge)

Sarbananda Sonowal - SkillDevelopment, Entrepreneurship,Youth Affairs and Sports (Inde-pendent Charge)

Prakash Javadekar - Informa-tion and Broadcasting (Indepen-dent Charge); Environment, For-est and Climate Change (Indepen-dent Charge); Parliamentary Af-fairs

Piyush Goyal - Power (Inde-pendent Charge); Coal (Indepen-dent Charge); New and Renew-able Energy (IndependentCharge)

Dr Jitendra Singh - Scienceand Technology (IndependentCharge); Earth Sciences (Inde-pendent Charge); Prime MinisterOffice; Personnel, Public Griev-ances & Pensions; Department ofAtomic Energy; Department ofSpace

Nirmala Sitharaman - Com-merce and Industry (Indepen-

dent Charge); Finance; CorporateAffairs

GM Siddeshwara - Civil Avia-tion

Manoj Sinha - RailwaysNihalchand -- Chemicals and

FertilizersUpendra Kushwaha - Rural

Development; Panchayati Raj;Drinking Water and Sanitation

Radhakrishnan P - Heavy In-dustries and Public Enterprises

Kiren Rijiju - Home AffairsKrishan Pal - Road Transport

and Highways; ShippingSanjeev Kumar Balyan - Ag-

riculture; Food Processing Indus-tries

Mansukhbhai DhanjibhaiVasava - Tribal Affairs

Raosaheb Dadarao Danve -Consumer Affairs, Food and Pub-lic Distribution

Vishnu Deo Sai - Mines; Steel;Labor and Employment

Sudarshan Bhagat - SocialJustice and Empowerment.-PTI


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Modi visits ManmohanSingh as courtesy call

NEW DELHI: In a special ges-ture, Prime Minister NarendraModi visited his predecessorManmohan Singh to make a cour-tesy call.

Modi drove to 3, Motilal NehruPlace, the new abode of Singh, tomeet him a day after being sworn in.

He was received by Singh andhis wife Gursharan Kaur who shiftedto the new residence after attendingthe swearing-in ceremony of Modiat the Rashtrapati Bhawan, vacating7, Race Course Road, his official resi-dence for 10 years.

Sources described Modi's visit

to Singh's place as a courtesy call.Modi has not yet moved into

the Race Course Road residenceand is staying put in GujaratBhawan. He is likely to shift a fewdays later as the new residence isbeing refurbished, according tosources.-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur at a meeting

at their new residence 3, Motilal Nehru Marg, in New Delhi on May 27

No external regulation of media:Javadekar

NEW DELHI: Modi governmentbelieves in freedom of press as it isthe essence of democracy and no"external" regulation has worked inmedia, Information and Broadcast-ing minister Prakash Javadekar saidon his first day in office.

"We believe that press free-dom is the essence of democracy.And to make democracy a suc-cess, we require this press free-dom because it gives people thechoice in a rainbow of differingopinions," the Minister said.

He recalled restrictions im-posed on media during the Emer-gency and said that he was amongthose who had opposed it.

"There is no external regulationwhich works in media.

Once in 1975, the media free-dom was trampled upon but wefought against it. The peoplefought against it and I personallywas very active on this front be-

cause I belong to a family of jour-nalists and therefore we foughtand were in jail for sixteenmonths," he said.

Javadekar said that dissent hasits place in democracy and addedthat the government would wel-come constructive criticism.

When queried about remarksreportedly made by his predeces-sor Manish Tewari that the I&B

ministry belonged to a past era,Javdekar replied that an institu-tion can be brought to an endquickly but it takes time to nur-ture work culture in an institution.

He said he would study in de-tail issues related to his ministryand then give a presentation tothe Prime Minister after which acourse for the future would becharted out.-PTI

Prakash Javadekar taking charge as the Minister of State (Independent

Charge) for Information and Broadcasting, in New Delhi on May 27

Rajan calls on Jaitley;discusses inflation

The Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Dr. Raghuram Rajan calling on the

Union Minister for Finance, Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on May 27

NEW DELHI: Reserve Bank ofIndia Governor Raghuram Rajancalled on new Finance MinisterArun Jaitley and discussed theprevailing economic situation aswell as the issues related to therise in prices.

The meeting, which comes justdays before the next bi-monthlymonetary policy review on June3, lasted for about 50 minutes.

"It (curbing inflation) is abso-lutely a task that the government

and the RBI are engaged with,"Rajan told reporters after the meet-ing.

Amid RBI maintaining high in-terest rate regime to tame inflation,Jaitley stressed on the need of a"balancing act" to deal with the de-clining growth and high inflation.

"Absolutely, RBI has alwaysmaintained the balance betweengrowth and inflation," Rajan said,adding that the central bankwould continue to do so.-PTI

Quota no solution to issuesof Muslims: Heptulla

NEW DELHI: Stating that pro-viding reservation was no solu-tion to development concerns ofMuslims, Najma Heptulla, whotook charge as Minister for Mi-nority Affairs, stressed that thenew government will ensureprogress of all communities, withspecial focus oneducation facilitiesfor minorities.

"We want to workfor economic, socialdevelopment and in-clusive development(of minorities). Un-less they become apart of developmentprocess, there will belopsided develop-ment," she said.

When asked byreporters aboutsteps she plans totake for welfare ofMuslims, Heptulla re-sponded, "Why onlyMuslims? This is not a Ministryfor Muslims affairs, but Ministryof Minority Affairs.

"Muslims are not a minority. Infact, the Parsis are a minority andtheir number is dwindling. Theyneed help so that do not diminish."

According to 2001 census,there are 138 million Muslims inthe country who account for 13.4per cent of the population

Replying to another questionon reservation for minorities, theMinister said that it was not a "so-lution" but an "escape route".

"We never promised reserva-tion for Muslims. It was the Con-gress which did that. It is no solu-tion to development concerns ofMuslims, but an escape route.And what about others (minoritycommunities)?

Dr Najma A. Heptulla taking charge as the Union

Minister for Minority Affairs, in New Delhi


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Health Minister promisestransparency, e-governance

NEW DELHI: Promising trans-parency and e-governance, newHealth Minister Harsh Vardhanhas said he will be interacting withnational and international expertsto formulate policies and executethem successfully.

"I will ensure that at every levelwhere public has an interface withthe ministry, there is complete

transparency so that people arefree from any corruption," he toldreporters as he took charge of thecrucial ministry.

Vardhan, whose term as a healthminister in Delhi government be-tween 1993-98 is rated highly byhis admirers, said he would speakwith officials to get a grip over thework going on presently before he

could set his priorities."Health is more important than

wealth. It is the duty of every gov-ernment to keep all its citizenshealthy. What all I plan to do toachieve is something I can tell youonly after some time," he said. Hepromised more frequent interactionwith media to inform public aboutthe ministry's initiatives.-PTI

Harsh Vardhan taking charge of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi on May 27

Rail Minister Gowdastresses on safety

D.V. Sadananda Gowda taking charge as the Union Minister for Railways,


NEW DELHI: Against the back-drop of the Gorakhdham train mis-hap that has claimed 25 lives, newRailway Minister D V SadanandGowda said railway safety was amatter of concern and listedsafety, security and speed as histop priorities.

Promising to come up with aroadmap for the ministry, he saidit is a priority sector for the BJPgovernment and he would be seek-ing the Prime Minister's views onthe subject as Narendra Modi hascertain "ideas" about the devel-

opment of railways.On the Gorakhdham train mis-

hap, the Minister told PTI, "Theaccident was unfortunate and itshould not have happened.

"I need to study in depth theissues involved as railway safetyis a concern for us. I want to havedetail discussion with railway of-ficials about this. My priority is

three Ses - safety, security andspeed," Gowda said.

The death toll in the train mis-hap that took place near SantKabir Nagar in Uttar Pradesh hasrisen to 25 with preliminary reportsuggesting that a fracture in thetracks could have led to the acci-dent.

Observing that there are manychallenges confronting the Rail-ways, Gowda said they wouldbrace them and resolve the prob-lems.

The minister said he has to

study all the issues in detail anddiscuss with the Prime Ministerthe goals ahead.

"I would discuss with my PrimeMinister what is his idea andwhich aspect we should give fo-cus to...I need another 10 daystime to come before the public toexplain what is the road map be-fore me," he said. -PTI

Govt to restructure MNREGA, implement land law

HONORABLE GUESTS: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Heads of SAARC countries

after the Swearing-in Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on May 26

NEW DELHI: Narendra ModiGovernment will restructure UPA'sflagship program MNREGA bylinking employment with devel-opment in rural areas and "rigor-ously" implement the new landacquisition law.

Senior BJP leader GopinathMunde, who took over as theMinister for Rural Development,said that proper implementationof recently enacted Land Acqui-sition law and Modi's key elec-toral plank that every householdwill be provided sanitation anddrinking water will be his prior-ity.

Munde, who is also the Min-ister for Panchayati Raj and Sani-tation, said that the rural jobscheme Mahatma Gandhi Na-tional Rural Employment Guaran-tee Act (MNREGA) will be re-structured to ensure develop-ment of villages and provide em-ployment to rural poor.

"I like this scheme. It is bestfor villages. Basically, people getemployment," the Minister saidabout MNREGA - an ambitiousAct passed by the UPA-I aimingat enhancing the livelihood se-curity of people in rural areas byguaranteeing 100 days of wageemployment in a financial year to

a rural household.Noting that he supported the

scheme during a debate in Parlia-ment, Munde, however, saidthere were "problems" in itsimplementation. "Proper manage-

ment was a problem, proper dis-bursement of money was a prob-lem. I think the MNREGA moneyshould go to the development ofvillages and people should getemployment. -PTI


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Hindujas say Modi Cabinet orientedto implementation

Ambani, Hinduja, Adani lead India Inc at swearing-in

Sports ministry to be made'important and visible'

NEW DELHI: SarbanandSonowal, the new sports minister,wants to make his ministry "im-portant and visible" and will seekadvise from experts and sportspersonalities of the country todischarge his duties.

Welcomed by the ministry of-ficials at his Shastri Bhawan of-fice, Sonowal was cautious tak-ing questions from media.

"I need your (media) supportand support of the countrymen tomake this ministry important andvisible," Sonowal, the Lok SabhaMP from Lakhimpur constituencyin Assam, told reporters after tak-ing charge.

"I want the sports personali-ties to grow from our country-side," he added.

Quizzed about his priorities, the

51-year-old leader said, "Someother day I will talk in detail aboutmy future plan and action. I willdiscuss (matters) with sports ex-perts and sports personalities ofthe country to carry out my func-tions and responsibilities effec-tively."

After his brief interaction withmedia, Sonowal sat with SportsSecretary Ajit M Sharan and otherofficials to discuss the roadmapahead.

Sonowal was President of AllAssam Students Union from 1992-99. He was also an MLA in AssamAssembly from 2001-04 beforewinning the Lok Sabha electionfrom Dibrugarh.

Before joining BJP in 2001, hewas associated with Asom GanaParishad (AGP). -PTI

Industrilaists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani at the swearing-in ceremony of the NDA government at

Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 26

NEW DELHI: A galaxy of in-dustry leaders, including MukeshAmbani, Gautam Adani, SunilMittal and Ashok Hinduja, at-tended the star-studded swear-ing-in ceremony of Prime Minis-ter Narendra Modi at RashtrapatiBhavan.

The who's who of corporateIndia rubbed shoulders with po-litical big-wigs and diplomats on

the forecourt of RashtrapatiBhavan, which hosted its biggest-ever ceremony with close to 4,500people attending Modi's inaugu-

ration.Reliance Industries Chairman

and Managing Director MukeshAmbani, his wife Nita and twosons, his brother Anil and family,and their mother KokilabenAmbani were in attendance, aswere Adani Group head GautamAdani and his wife.

Hinduja Group of Companies(India) Chairman Ashok Hinduja

as well as Essar head Shashi Ruiaand its CEO Prashant Ruia werepresent.

The Mittal brothers - Sunil,

Naresh Goyal and CEO of newentrant AirAsia India MittuChandilya were present.

From the financial sector, YesBank head Rana Kapoor, who isalso president of industry cham-ber Assocham, attended.

Representation from the ITsector at the inauguration was ledby Nasscom president RChandrashekhar.

Among the major names miss-ing from the ceremony were TataGroup Chairman Emeritus RatanTata and his successor at the salt-to-software conglomerate CyrusMistry, who were invited butcouldn't attend as they were trav-

eling abroad.M&M Chairman Anand

Mahindra and UB Group chiefVijay Mallya were both also outof the country and couldn't makeit.

HDFC Chairman DeepakParekh was unable to attend be-cause of a prior engagement inMumbai. Aditya Birla GroupChairman Kumar Mangalam Birlatoo had been invited for the event.

Ficci President Sidharth Birla,PHD Chamber President SharadJaipuria and IFFCO ManagingDirector U S Awasthi were amongthe industry leaders who attendedthe function. -PTI

Industrialist Anil Ambani, his mother Kokilaben and wife Tina at

the swearing-in ceremony

Rajan and Rakesh, DLF vice chair-man Rajiv Singh, Hero MotoCorpManaging Director and CEOPawan Munjal, Suzlon GroupChairman Tulsi Tanti andVideocon Group's RajkumarDhoot were also present.

From the aviation sector, JetAirways founder Chairman

NEW DELHI: CongratulatingPrime Minister Narendra Modi onassumption of office, leading in-dustrialists Hindujas said herethat with an excellent choice inministers, the Cabinet seemsgeared towards implementationand success.

Hinduja Group Chairman S PHinduja said the decisivenessand confidence with which Modiconstituted his council of minis-ters augurs well for the future.

"After a long time, India hasshown the world the reality as to'what is India'," he said. "Now the

question is of implementation. Thechallenges ahead have to be tack-led well."

His brother G P Hindujacomplimented Modi for picking aCabinet that indicates his deci-siveness and clarity of thought.

"I believe the choice of minis-ters is excellent as all of them ex-ude great energy and will syner-gies with Modi's objectives togalvanize the Indian economy,both from a social as well as aneconomic perspective," said thejunior Hinduja, who is Co-Chair-man of the Hinduja Group.

Stating that the swearing-inceremony indicated the business-like nature of the Cabinet as awhole, he said the new Cabinetseems implementation and suc-cess-oriented, which should bodewell for India.

"I would take the liberty of sug-gesting the incorporation of 'time-bound' accountability and monitor-ing of this Cabinet and its perfor-mance so as to ensure that resultshappen quickly and are in tune withModi's overall vision. My congratu-lations to him," he added.-PTI


May 30, 2014

www.indiapost.com May 30, 2014

COMMUNITYACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

Desi News

Details on page 25

FIA plans IndiaDay event withConsular Expo

Details on page 28

Jubilant Indian Americans celebrateModi victory all over US

Chicagoans hoping for PM visit in SeptemberRAMESH SOPARAWALA &SURENDRA ULLALIndia Post News Service

CHICAGO: Now that NarendraModi has finally been crowned asPrime Minister of India, a host ofIndian Americans across thecountry have expressed their hugesatisfaction and joy with pouringcongratulatory messages and ju-bilant celebrations.

The talk of the town at least inChicago is if Narendra Modi, whilecoming to USA in September os-tensibly to attend UNO Session,will pay a visit to major US citiesas well. Chicagoans are very muchinterested in getting him here.

Dr Bharat Barai, an ardent sup-porter of Modi, had a series ofmeetings with the leader prior toBharatiya Janata Party rompinghome victorious, and even afterthat. He assured all possible helpfrom the NRI community for theoverall development of India andat the same time took the opportu-nity to extend him an invitation forcoming to Chicago now that USPresident Barack Obama and theadministration is all set to welcomehim to USA. Thisis despite allegedmaneuvering andmanipulations bythe groups withinand outside thecountry.

Barai in an e-mail from Indiasaid "He is plan-ning to come toUN in September.I extended him aninvitation to visitChicago and ad-dress the people from the Fuller-ton Hall of the Chicago Arts Insti-tute, from where SwamiVivekanand spoke in September1893.

He liked that idea very much. Iextended an invitation for meetingwith Indian American Communityin NY-NJ area, on behalf of H RShah and many other friends fromthat area as well as OFBJP Presi-

dent Chandrakant Patel. I sug-gested that he should acceptPresident Obama's invitation tovisit White House and address USCongress, should that invitationmaterialize.

Modi, according to Barai,merely smiled expressing his will-ingness to meet members of Indian

community in Chicago time andopportunity permitting. Dr BharatBarai was accompanied by hisdoctor wife and active womancommunity activist in Indiana, DrPanna Barai.

Yet another community leaderand a prominent Chicago busi-nessman Mafat Patel, often de-scribed as uncrowned king of De-von Avenue had a chance to meet

Dr Bharat Barai, Dr Panna Barai with PM Narendra ModiChicago businessman Mafat Patel with PM-elect

Narendra Modi

Modi before he was crowned asPM. He also voiced the desire ofChicagoans that Modi make it apoint to come to Chicago when-ever he happened to be in USA.

Whether Narendra Modicomes to Chicago this year or not,is a matter of opinion but it is amatter of fact that he was in Chi-cago in 1996 and was accorded

huge reception by his sizeablenumber of supporters and fans.One of the community activists,Dr S. Vemury, was in forefront inorganizing the reception for him.

Meanwhile, host of communityorganizations have congratulatedNarendra Modi on his leading BJPto a smashing victory in the Gen-eral Elections in India.

Narendra Modi (extreme right) in Chicago in 1996with Dr S Vemury

Feisty celebrationsin New York, NJ

SUDHIR VYAS

NEW YORK: Diwali celebra-tions came almost five monthsearly for the Indian Diasporasettled all over the world.Though the Festival of Lightsis scheduled for October 25, In-dians celebrated on May 16with the emphatic victory ofNarendra Modi. It seemed as ifthe Indians were celebratingDiwali.

Be it New York, Jersey City,Edison in New Jersey, or the en-tire East Coast of the UnitedStates, Indians and Gujaratis in

particular distributed ladoos, ex-changed pleasantries anddanced in joy as election resultstrickled late in the night.

A new government led byNarendra Modi was set to ruleIndia, putting an end to theNehru-Gandhi family rule. TheNRI community in the US hopedthat Modi remains in touch withthe Diaspora despite him neverbeing allowed to step on the USsoil as Gujarat chief minister.

Cont’d on page 22

NaMo chantfills Bay Areaair waves

India Post News Service

As election results started pouring in starting Thursday

evening, Bay area supporters ofNarendra Modi and BJP, led byOverseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)and Overseas Friends of NaMosprang into action for consecutivedays with a rally in support of thesweeping victory of BhartiyaJanata Party led by NarendraModi.

The rally was attended by vari-ous groups and community lead-ers including Gujarati Samaj,Friends of India Society Interna-tional (FISI), Friends of TeluguDesam Party (TDP), Sewa Interna-tional, FIA, GITPRO, HSS, NirajBaxi, past president of NFIA,Vinod Patel of ICA and many oth-ers.

OFBJP Chicagoorganizes bigcelebration

HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Overseas Friends ofBJP Chicago organized a celebra-tion on May 18 to mark the his-toric victory of BJP in 2014 LokSabha elections.

More than 200 non-residentIndians joined the event at BestWestern Plus banquet hall inSchaumburg.

The program started with re-corded victory speech of PrimeMinister elect Narendra Modi andthe crowd cheered him with chantsof Vande Mataram and "Bar BarModi Sarkar".

Details on page 18

UIC honors DrGhanshyamPandey againAsian Media USA

CHICAGO: Dr GhanshyamPandey, Professor of Psychiatryand Pharmacology at the Univer-sity of Illinois, College of Medi-cine at Chicago, has been honoredwith the 2014 Distinguished Fac-ulty Award.

Details on page 21

India Post 17May 30, 2014 Community Across Americawww.indiapost.com

Views & comments of community torch bearersCOMPLIED BY SUNTHAR V & RAMESH SOPARAWALA

It was Modi Modi everywhereand India Post wanted totouch base with lead

communitytorch bearers abouttheir views. Selection was from thecross section of the society -

Need for 'samman' imperative in Indo-US ties

Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Gujarati,Punjabi, Maharastrian and others.

Without much ado we would be

happy to share their views as ex-pressed to us with our readers:

RAJIV VARMA(Political activist, Houston TX)

India has delivered a historicelectoral verdict in favor of theBJP and its leader Narendra

Modi. After 1984, it is the first timethat a political party has gained amajority in Lok Sabha on its own.The clear mandate to the BJP is anepochal one, because for the first-time a political party that representsIndia's cultural nationalism hasobtained the unequivocal seal ofapproval from the Indian masses.

Also, equally important is thecomplete rout of the CongressParty. The year 2014, is as histori-cally significant as 1920, whenGandhi took over the leadershipof the Indian freedom movement,and 1947, when Nehru took con-trol of free India's destiny. Year2014 represents the eclipse of both,the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty andthe Indian National Congress.

Future politics in India willswing between the BJP and a non-BJP formation, the latter represent-

ing disparate socialist and re-gional forces. Congress Party maysurvive as a minor feudatory ofleft-oriented formations, but it isvery unlikely they would regaintheir polarity in Indian politics.This epochal change has comefrom down under, from the strug-

gling masses aspiring for liveli-hood with dignity and not hand-outs from the government, whichhas been masterly channelized bythe BJP led by Narendra Modi,into an electoral tsunami.

As soon as the results were an-nounced world leaders called upModi to congratulate, includingPresident Obama. This is a goodearly indicator of what is in storefor Indo-U.S. relationship. Amit

Shah, a key BJP strategist, in a re-cent TV interview defined two vi-tal parameters for BJP's conductof foreign policy, samman aursuraksha (respect and security).

The BJP is expected torecalibrate India's foreign relationsincorporating these two vital pa-

rameters. While the latter is a moretechnical matter, it is the former,the respect factor, which has anemotional dimension to contendwith. Perhaps Shah was hinting atthe recent Khobragade episode,but also the larger hint is at theissue of visa denial to Modi.

These are two prominent epi-sodes that lay bare on the vortexof samman, one in recent memory,but the other more personal which

directly impacts the incomingprime minister.

Even though BJP officials haveskirted the issue by saying that"individual incidents cannot influ-ence foreign policy" but humanaffairs are conducted by real hu-mans and not robots, the issue ofvisa denial to Modi will be a hugefactor in Indo-U.S. relationship, nomatter how hard the two sides tryto brush it under the carpet. AmitShah has already tabled thesamman imperative, now it is theturn of U.S. to make amends.

A good beginning would be forthe U.S. Government to institute aninternal State Department inquiryinto the whole episode as it hap-pened ten years ago and fix respon-sibility. Since President Obama hasalready invited Modi to visit theUSA, the State Department now hasno legal or moral case to deny entry.And if there is no case today, thenobviously there was no case backin 2005. Such an inquiry will go along way in redeeming the sammanin the Indo-U.S. relationship.

The issue of visa denial to Modi will be ahuge factor in Indo-U.S. relationship, no mat-ter how hard the two sides try to brush it underthe carpet. Amit Shah has already tabled thesamman imperative

It is the victoryof IndiandemocracyBG DHAKE(CEO Dhake Industries Pvt LtdPlymouth MI)

Across the USA, peoplehave been welcoming andcelebrating the landslide

win of Narendra Modi ledBharatiya Janata Party in the In-dian general elections held this

month only. I am one of those whowould love to participate in thejoyous festivities but I dostrongly feel that we should ratherbe celebrating the resilience of In-dian democracy, the openness ofits society, and the materiality ofits electorate, many of whom areilliterate.

BG Dhake

Cont’d on page 19

May 30, 2014India Post18 Community Across Americawww.indiapost.com

OFBJP organizes big celebrationHARISH RAO

Indian CG with members of the gathering at the celebration

CHICAGO: Overseas Friends ofBJP Chicago organized a celebra-tion on May 18 to mark the his-toric victory of BJP in 2014 LokSabha elections.

More than 200 non-residentIndians joined the event at BestWestern Plus banquet hall inSchaumburg.

The program started with re-corded victory speech of PrimeMinister elect Narendra Modi andthe crowd cheered him with chants

OF-BJP members and supporters at the celebration

of Vande Mataram and "Bar BarModi Sarkar".

Vrinda Pandav kicked off theprogram officiallywith Vande Mataramsong.

Consul General ofIndia Dr AusufSayeed attended theevent with his wifeand addressed thegathering as chiefguest. Dr Sayeeddrew the attention ofthe audience to hugedemographic divi-dend for India result-

ing from high proportion of Indianpopulation being under the age of35.

Greeting Indian CG

Cont’d on page 20


It can easily be dubbed as themost unique General Election heldin any part of the world. An un-paralleled 400 million people votedin a most democratic way in thecourse of six weeks time withoutany untoward incident or violence.There were no bomb blasts or kill-ing of the candidates. And therewas no curb on freedom of speechor expression. It was an eyeopener to the world that a changein the government can be broughtabout not by bamboozling by radi-cal groups or party or militarycouples but in a civilized way thatthe right thinking people acrossthe globe could be proud of.

The Indian electorate showeda rare degree of maturity. Fed upwith day in and day out of scan-dals, endemic corruption, indiffer-ence to people complaints, sys-tematic effort to foist immature andpuppet rulers as well as dynastyrule by pushing immature candi-dates to the fore, the Indian elec-torate by overwhelming majoritybooted out those in power.

There were concerted efforts toput one group of people againstother - the divide and rule policy ofthe British was masterly domesti-cated. To the dismay of the rulingclass, even a good number of thosefrom minority groups also voted forModi and his party. And that speaksof high level of maturity shown byIndian electorate and masses.

This is what needs to be cel-ebrated not only by NRIs but alsoby all who pitch for spreading de-mocracy across the world.

It is the victoryof Indiandemocracy

Views & comments of community torch bearers

Cont’d from page 17

Indians assert: govt by the people,for the people, of the people

NIRANJAN SHAH(CEO, Globetrotters Group,Chicago, IL)

For almost the first time inIndia's history, post-independence or even pre-inde-

pendence, the Indian people havecome together for the best inter-est of India. This coming togetheris not because of communallydriven forces or smallish personalconsiderations or selfish reasons.

If Indians at large had come to-gether over a thousand years ago,or even longer than that, foreigninvaders and rulers would nothave been successful. As the in-

ternal division within the countrydivided us, the great country andthe great population got reducedto nothing but narrow-mindedbunch of smallish people fightingagainst each other.

For the first time in recent years,the people have come togetherand said that we want better op-portunity. We want to eliminate orreduce corruption. We want bet-ter services. We want a strongerdefense. We want a relationshipwith large economic powers in-cluding the U.K., Germany and theUnited States on the basis of re-ciprocal respect, not on the basisof big brother dictating terms.

Narendra Modi is a very strongleader and supports these aspira-tions. A great nation like the UnitedStates refused him visa to enterthe country. He did not fight theirdecision. Simply with his mentalstrength and bringing his peopletogether, he changed that equa-tion, and the US President invitedhim for a State visit prior to histaking office.

Nothing beats success in life,and success of the nation is moreimportant than the success of theindividual. What has happened inthe last election is that we haveshown the power of the elector-ate. We have demonstrated that amajority of our people are still poor,don't have a roof over their head,a decent healthy meal or all thephysical comforts, yet they are thechampions of democracy.

They recognize their power inthe democratic process, citizen-ship, and right to vote. It is a factthat 60+% of India's populationwent to the polls, and yet manynewspaper editors and newspeople are harping on the past andin a way casting their judgmentthrough commenting on whatModi did in 2002. None of theseindividuals were elected to anyposition.

It is one person's opinion orcomments by a few so called en-lightened commentators whowould project it to be the voice ofmillions of people. However, over400 million people have spokenand spoken in no unmistakableterm.

The Indian Supreme Court hasspoken: Modi had nothing to dowith the 2002 riots. It is power tothe people. As one of the greatU.S. presidents said, it is "govern-ment by the people, for the people,and of the people."

Niranjan Shah

Will he make Gujarat land of Gandhi & Modi?USMAN BAKI(Founding President, Gujarati MuslimAssociation of America)

I am a Gujarati Muslim from atown that happens to be astone's throw away from the

birthplace of our Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, and have mixedemotions on hisresounding vic-tory in the justconcluded 2014Parliamentary elec-tion of India.

From the landof "a half-naked,seditious fakir"( W i n s t o nChurchill) and"Father of the Na-tion" (of morethan a billion Indi-ans) that achievednot merely domin-ion status for In-dia, but complete independencefrom the hated British rule and now

living in the land of Lincoln, I amwitnessing an event that has apotential to impact the history andlegacy of India in this twenty-firstcentury.

The pursuit of an ideal costNelson Mandela 27 years in prisonbut for Mohandas Gandhi theprice was life. Gandhi learned from

Thoreau andTolstoy; Mandela,Martin LutherKing Jr. andWalesa (all NobelLaureates) learnedfrom Gandhi. Butthere are other ac-tivists and otherideals. Modi's vi-sion and ideals willbe learnt duringhis next 60 monthsleadership that In-dians have puttheir trust in.

Though votedin by only 31% of the Indian elec-torate, Modi nonetheless is Prime

Usman Baki

Rama Tirtha's vision coming alive

Minister and leader of the nationand all Indians, including morethan 120 million Muslims, who sawthe worst communal riots underhis watch in 2002 in Gujarat.

In democracy, majority rules butminority should be heard. In thechain of democracy one is asstrong as its weakest link.

Depending upon the course ofactions Modi takes, history willnote whether Gujarat that weproudly call "Land of Gandhi" willbe known as the "Land of Gandhiand Modi." As a Gujarati Muslimand a proud Indian, I wish Modiall success in transforming the'largest democracy of the world"into the "largest and the strongestdemocracy" of the world. This isall up to Modi.

SHIV R JHAWAR(Noble World Foundation)

The voters of India, theworld's largest democracy,have elected Narendra

Modi as their next prime minister.Modi promised Indian citizens thedawn of a new era, one that will befilled with economic growth andsolid governance. In his accep-tance speech, Modi told a cheer-ing crowd, "I didn't get a chanceto sacrifice my life in India's free-dom struggle, but I have thechance to dedicate myself togood governance. I will developthis country. I will take it to newheights."

Does India have what it takesto become the next global power?Renowned Swami Rama Tirtha(1873 -1906), who was a brilliantProfessor of Mathematics, pre-dicted prosperity for the Indiansubcontinent by explainingcycles of time called "Law of Pe-riodicity." More than a centuryago, he wrote: "Everything in thisworld moves rhythmically, andthe Law of Periodicity governs allphenomena.

Nature shows that the sunmoves from east to west, comingback to the east to begin a newcycle." In accordance with thislaw, financial prosperity has beenmoving in the past 5000 yearsfrom the peak of civilization inIndia.

Rama Tirtha predicted: "AfterJapan, China will rise and gain

prosperity and strength. AfterChina, the sun of prosperity andlearning will again smile at India."

The peak of economic and cul-tural growth in India was wit-nessed during the Indus Valleycivilization, which flourished 4500years ago. Although South Asiais the most poverty stricken re-gion of the world today, it holdstremendous potential for transfor-mation and development.

SAARC (South Asian Associa-tion for Regional Cooperation)was formed in 1985 to promote theeconomic welfare of this regionbut has not proved to be very ef-fective.

Just as the European Commu-nity developed into the EuropeanUnion (EU) in 1993, so alsoSAARC could develop into an"Indus Union." The formation ofregional union based on the EU

model is the best way to bringabout radical and positive changein the entire region.

It is time to unify the econo-mies of India, Pakistan, Afghani-stan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh,Sri Lanka, the Maldives,Myanmar, and others that wereonce an integral part of India intoan "Indus Union."

The formation of an "IndusUnion" would result in overallgrowth. With a combined popu-lation of over 1.7 billion (World:7.2 billion), these neighboring na-tions together would become theworld's largest consumer market,attracting unprecedented levels ofcommerce and investment fromforeign countries.

An EU inspired "Indus Union"model could solve the long-standing Kashmir dispute be-tween Pakistan and India and de-escalate their deadly arms race.The funding for the combineddefense budgets of Pakistan andIndia - over $47 billion - can thenbe used instead to reduce thedesperate poverty of the peoplein South Asia and to promotemodernization.

It could ultimately create acommon currency, say "Indo," formember nations just as Euro iscurrently the official currency ofthe Eurozone.

The formation of an "IndusUnion" would result in rapidgrowth, reduction in poverty, andwould mark the beginning of agolden era for South Asia.

Shiv R Jhawar

Cont’d on page 20


Views & comments of community torch bearersMay 16, a turning point in Indian history?

SHALLABH KUMAR(Chairman NIAPPI)

May 16th 2014 will beknown as the "watershed moment" in

India's history when the largestelectorate in the world shed thepolitics of division imposed in In-dia since the formation of the statein 1947.

Despite the attempts of the Con-gress party, which in the past hasalways engaged in vote bank poli-tics based primarily on religion, tolabel Narendra Modi as a Hindunationalist and communal leader andconstantly beating the drum of the2002 Godhra riots, India rose as one,setting aside all considerations ofreligion, caste and social status.

The country overwhelminglyvoted for good governance andprosperity for all, no matter thesectarian affiliation. Muslims

voted in large numbers for Modi.Consider the constituency of Lehin Kashmir where over 90% of vot-ers are Muslims. Modi waveswept in Leh and elected a BJP MP.Almost 80% of landmass voted forBJP including areas where the

Muslim vote is more than 20% ofthe total.

Indian Muslims love Modi andit is about time that Indian Ameri-can Muslims follow their brethren

in India and reject the hate narra-tive they have stuck to for a longtime. It is amazing to note thatMuslims living in India, who areand would be directly impacted bythe Modi administration in Delhi,reject the label of "maut kasaudagar" (merchant of death) forModi, while Indian AmericanMuslims such as Indian AmericanMuslim Council (IAMC) continueto beat that old and tired drum.

It is time to reject the politics ofdivision and hatred and work to-gether for the progress of ourmother land, Bharatvarsha.

Indian Americans for Freedom,the sister organization of NationalIndian American Public Policy In-stitute (NIAPPI) that took the firsthigh level congressional delega-tion to visit Modi in March lastyear, spent a considerable amountof time and effort to contribute tothe BJP win.

Shallabh Kumar

Creating jobs has to be topmost priorityTHAKAR BASATI(Independent Associate, Director)

Yes, I have been involvedin the election campaigning to some extent. We did

support the AAP in Punjab fromhere and AAP did win four seats,which will make a difference inPunjab.

Punjab faces horrible epidemicof drugs. When I go there for 2-3months, I sometimes attended adeath ceremony every other weekdue to alcohol or drug abuse.Most of these young people arebetween 30 to 40 years, marriedand have 2-3 children. They leavebehind young widows. Hopefullydrug dealers won't have govern-ment protection anymore and po-lice will not be supporting drugdealers openly.

As far the BJP win all over In-dia is concerned, people listenedand trusted Modi' promises. Timewill tell how much he can deliver.India needed a strong hand in deal-

ing with corruption. Many familiarfaces in Congress did not dare touchcorrupt officers. Hopefully, withModi at the Center now, people will

enjoy some rights. India may be theonly country where we have tostand in lines to pay utility bills. Somany young people don't have jobs;why doesn't the government pro-vide them agencies?

In the U.S., convenience storescollect utility bills and make money,whereas in India, only the govern-ment babu will take your money.He takes a tea break every hourwhile people are standing in linefor hours. Here in the US, workersget half-an-hour coffee break andhalf-an-hour lunch break, whereasin India, there is a break every hourwhen someone familiar walks in.

There is a lot to be done. Hope-fully, it is a step in right direction,we shall see. He does need to takecare of the minorities, now that heis the leader of India not just of acertain constituency.

Thakar Basati

BJP should rise abovenarrow outlook

RAJINDER SINGH MAGO(Past President PunjabiCultural Society)

As a long time US citizen,born and raised in India, Ialways wish for the best

for my motherland, including allthe people of India. If this elec-toral change improves the life ofall Indians with jobs, opportuni-ties, dignity, and if the politiciansdo not stuff their own pockets,that would make me happy. I hopethe new government improvesthe business climate byremoving bottlenecksand gives people achance at jobs, oppor-tunities and dignity.

The downslide ofthe Indian economy,rotting of the rulingCongress party due toits dynastic powerbase, perceived foreignflavor, cronyism, cor-ruption, internal bicker-ing, a weak leader inRahul Gandhi with noconcrete agenda for thedevelopment of thecountry and who couldnot fire the imaginationof Indians, and a placeholderprime minister Manmohan Singh,who was given a throne and ascepter but no sword or decisionmaking power, all these havecontributed to the Congress de-bacle.

The BJP, on the other hand,successfully exploited all theseweaknesses through the mediaand marketed Modi's manifestoof good governance and eco-nomic development based on hisGujarat model to heal all the In-dian economic ailments.

BJP and its affiliated wings

have also been able to whip upHindutva-based nationalism. Ihope that Modi is able to fulfillhis promises and create jobs inIndia, but I don't think all in BJPare experienced MBAs, or thatthe BJP itself is devoid of cor-ruption, cronyism, self-interestsand extremist factions.

Modi may be good at attract-ing businesses to Gujarat andlater to other Indian states, buthis speech is usually acidic and,coupled with his dictatorial atti-tude, may bring about dissen-

sions and non-cooperationamong his own ranks when thehoneymoon and celebrations areover.

The BJP has to rise above nar-row thinking and control its ex-tremist affiliates to become a trulysecular national party and earninternational credibility, ratherthan let India become anotherAfghanistan or Pakistan.

As for the future of India, itseems bright in the long run. Ialso hope that BJP understandsthe delicate balance between US,China and Russia.

Rajinder Singh Mago

This fact was also mentionedby Prime Minister elect Modi sev-eral times during his electoral cam-paign. Senior HSS leader SaumitraGokhale was also present on theoccasion. Senior communityleader Amrit Mittal, former OFBJPUSA president SubramanyaVemuri and Amar Upadhyay, VicePresident of OFBJP USA, ad-dressed the gathering.

Global India Bharat Vikas andOFBJP youth coordinator NiravPatel shared his experience of cam-paigning in India in Anand and

OFBJP organizes big celebrationCont’d from page 18 Khera, two of the toughest

constituencies for BJP inGujarat.

Other highlights of theevent were a dance perfor-mance by Abby Mohan,recitation of former PrimeMinister Atal BehariVajpayee's poem by ManjariV. and songs sung byJitendra Bulsara.

Vandana Jinghan andJitendra Diganvekar MCedthe event on behalf ofOFBJP. The mood of thegathering was triumphantand upbeat.

Gathering of Chicagoans at the celebration site

A danceperformanceby localartistes


UIC honors Dr Ghanshyam Pandey againAsian Media USA

CHICAGO: Dr GhanshyamPandey, Professor of Psychiatryand Pharmacology at the Univer-sity of Illinois, College of Medi-cine at Chicago, has been honoredwith the 2014 Distinguished Fac-ulty Award.

Dr Pandey received the medalfor this award in a CommencementCeremony of the UIC College of

Medicine held on 9th of May atthe UIC Pavilion. Earlier, DrPandey had received the Re-searcher of the Year award from

the University of Illinois at Chi-cago in 2011.

The citation of the award read:"This honor is in recognition ofthe international recognition youhave brought to UIC through yourexceptional research on the neu-robiology of mood disorders andsuicide. Your work has led to origi-nal discoveries by elucidating themolecular and cellular nature of

Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey, Prof at theUniversity of Illinois, College of

Medicine at Chicago, was selectedfor the 2014 Distinguished Faculty

Award

abnormalities associated with thepatho-physiology of mood disor-ders and suicide, and you are con-sidered a world-wide leader in the

field of biologicalpsychiatry."

Dr Pandey hasconducted extensiveresearch aimed at un-derstanding the neu-robiology of depres-sion and suicide,which could be usedfor targeting bettertreatment for thesedisorders and for anearly identification ofthe people with thesediseases.

Dr Pandey wasalso honored by theAmerican Founda-

tion for Suicide Prevention for hissignificant research in the under-standing of pathophysiology ofsuicide which has significant im-pact in the prevention and treat-ment of suicide.

For the last several years DrPandey has studied the role of bio-chemical factors associated withsuicide in postmortem brainsamples obtained from suicide

victims and normal controls. In aninitial study, he showed that oneof the receptor subtypes of a neu-rotransmitter serotonin is highly

expressed in the postmortem brainof suicide victims compared withnormal controls. He also reportedthat this particular receptor is alsohigher in blood cells of suicidalpatients compared with non-sui-cidal patients and normal controls.

Stress and depression are im-portant risk factors for suicide. DrPandey has also been investigat-ing the role of stress hormones

and immune factors in suicide. Hehas shown that the mechanism bywhich levels of stress hormonesare regulated is compromised in

the brain of suicide victims. Hehas also shown that those chemi-cals which regulate the immunefunction are abnormally expressedin the brain of suicide victims.

Dr Pandey is currently Profes-sor in the Department of Psychia-try and Director of the Mood Dis-orders and Suicide Research at theCollege of Medicine, University ofIllinois at Chicago.

Dr Pandey is seen with Dr Dimitri T. Azar, Deanof the College of Medicine, University of Illinois

at ChicagoGhanshyam Pandey with members of his family


In New Jersey the Indian streetwas closed for general parking on16th May so that it would be easierfor the people to celebrate the vic-tory. People smeared each otherwith colors and danced the nightaway. Sweets were distributedamong people. New Modi Thalihas been introduced in the vari-ous Gujarati restaurants. Even theModi kurtas have gone up for salein various Indian shops. This wasjust a glimpse of the popularity ofNarendra Modi among the IndianDiaspora.

However the live streaming atthe busy Times Square in NewYork proved to be a flop shop withpoor video quality.

A resident of New JerseyPrashant Pandya said many cameout on streets and celebrated tilllate in the night after Modi's vic-tory seemed certain. "Despite therain, Gujaratis played the tradi-tional 'Dandia' and smearing col-ors on each other's faces. Manystores were playing music andeveryone seemed excited."

In Atlanta, an NGO called Glo-bal Indians for Bharat Vikas, runby Dhiru Shah, organized an event2014 Bharat-BJP-Namo Victory tocongratulate Modi. More than 100NRIs attended the event. Theywished Modi well and hoped thatunder his leadership India will rise

Feisty celebrations inNew York, NJ

to become a strong economicallyand socially developed country.

Indian Americans in Edison,New Brunswick, Piscataway, andother parts of New Jersey partiedtill late in the night. Dishank Shah,who stays in Clifton, said Indianscame out on the streets and played'dhol' and danced to celebrateModi's victory. Many Indians hadput up big screens to watch livethe election results and Modi'svictory.

Celebrations were held acrossNew York. People danced, sangand shouted slogans in supportof Modi to the tune of dhols andfree food and drinks were distrib-uted. "People are finally optimis-tic about their motherland's futureand were very happy that BJP gota landslide majority victory in theelections," an Overseas Friends ofBJP (OFBJP) spokesperson said.

Congratulatory messages alsocame from the opposition party.George Abraham, chairman of theIndian National Overseas Con-gress (INOC) also congratulatedthe BJP party. He said, "Thepeople of India have spoken andthey have thrown in their lot withBJP-led NDA and their verdictought to be respected by all". Headded, "It is also a tribute to Indiathat has proven beyond any doubtthat it is a vibrant democracy thatfacilitates a peaceful transition ofpower."


VHPA congratulates the people of India

FIA Chicago hails Modi's landslide victoryHARISH RAO

Federation of Indian Associa-tions-Chicago [FIA] - a premier community umbrella or-

ganization of 30-years - passed aresolution hailing the landslidevictory of Narendra Modi andwarmly welcomed the clear man-date given to the BJP party by theIndian electorate in the historicelections held in India.

This distinctive resolution wastabled and adopted at a speciallyconvened FIA board meeting heldon Sunday May 18 in Chicago.

With a spirit of jubilation, FIAcelebrated Narendra Modi's re-sounding victory and his ascen-sion to the office of the Prime Min-ister. FIA further observed that theimperatives of good governanceand development have driven theanxious and restless India in huge

FIA Board and the Trustees (L-R)Ranjit Ganguly, Iftekhar Shareef,

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori (FIAPresident), Babu Patel, Kanti Patel(Standing L-R) Jyotindra Patel, Ajai

Agnihotri, Veenod Patel, Ajeet Singh,Victor Solia and Shailesh Patel

droves to the polls - thus electinga leader who has the fire in hisbelly to bring quantum leap to In-dia with effective governance.

The FIA resolution furtherlauded Narendra Modi for his in-defatigable energy and unshak-able devotion to the ideals of goodgovernance and his resolute willto lead India in the 21st centuryushering a rapid all round eco-nomic development of global mag-nitude. In its resolution, FIA ex-tended its warmest and heartfeltbest wishes to the Prime Minister.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, FIAPresident said in a statement, "Weat FIA believe and hold our fer-vent hope that Shri Narendra Modiwill hit the ground running in eradi-cating the stubbornly enduringevil of corruption and usher a'Clean India' bereft of scams, scan-dals, apathy, inertia and championthe causes of the poor and launchrobust governmental machinerythat will uplift the teeming massesfrom the clutches of grinding pov-erty and hopelessness."

Modi will rule for all Indians


The World Hindu Council ofAmerica (VHPA) has congratu-lated the people of India for suc-cessfully electing a new govern-ment in the most elaborate exer-cise of democratic process, any-where in the world.

In a statement, the VHPA said,"As the geographical and spiritualhomeland of the largest number ofHindus worldwide, India is oftenconsidered as the Punnyabhumifor the community.

"In the past one month morethan 1.25 billion people partici-pated in a complex election pro-cess that included issues relevantto the survival of the Indianeconomy and socio-political iden-tity. The ruling coalition whichhad dominated the political dis-course for most of the past six de-cades was defeated by theBharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ledby Narendra Modi. This paradigmshift in the Indian political dis-

course, to an identity rooted in theconcept of "Hindu Universalism",is in stark contrast to the divisiveand appeasement politics that hadmired the country over the pastfew decades.

"The decisive mandate offersthe new government an opportu-nity to tackle some of the intrac-

table problems plaguing India,such as the situation of the Hindurefugees from Kashmir, uniformcivil code for all citizens of Indiaand the perpetual threat of terror.It also allows the government theability to have a more global out-look in preserving and promoting

the values of Hindu Dharma."The World Hindu Council of

America (VHPA) wishes the newgovernment, led by NarendraModi, all possible support in ful-filling their mandate. We believepeople of India have entrusted BJPwith the task of bringing aboutsocial equity and economic

growth, for all. We are confidentthat a better understanding andpartnership will develop betweenIndia and the United States that isrooted in mutual respect, sharedthreat perception and a move to-wards increased prosperity for all,"the press release added.


NEVADA: Indo-Americanshave congratulated BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) and its leaderNarendra D. Modi on their land-slide victory in India's parliamen-tary elections.

Indo-American statesmanRajan Zed, in a statement in Ne-

vada (USA) commended Modi'sstatement that he would rule forall Indians.

Zed, who is Chairperson ofIndo-American Leadership Con-federation, expressed the hopethat the new Indian governmentwould take India to the next level,bring its past glory back, reviveIndia's stalled economy, and make

it an economic powerhouse andmajor cultural influence.

Rajan Zed further hoped thatthe new government would skill-fully capitalize India's manystrengths to move India forward;end poverty and endemic corrup-tion; bring development to ruralareas; successfully handle eco-nomic, environmental and socialissues; and strengthen India-USrelations.

Zed also congratulated multi-lingual India for successfully com-pleting world's biggest exercise inelectoral democracy with about814 million eligible voters.

"The decisive mandate offers the new gov-ernment an opportunity to tackle some of theintractable problems plaguing India, such asthe situation of the Hindu refugees from Kash-mir, uniform civil code for all citizens of Indiaand the perpetual threat of terror.

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Crystal Lake Indian wins $300,000 lotteryKARINA ROSADO

CRYSTAL LAKE: "I won thelottery by playing the birthdaysof my family!" PrabhakarGumidyala said when he pre-sented his winning Lucky DayLotto ticket at the Illinois LotteryPrize Center in Des Plaines.

The Crystal Lake resident wonthe $300,000 jackpot prize whenhis ticket matched all five numbers- 07 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 21 - in the Mon-day, April 28, midday drawing.

Gumidyala discovered his winthe day of the drawing when hechecked the winning Lucky Day

Lotto numbers onIllinoislottery.com. "I combine ourseven birthdays and use themonce a week to play Lucky DayLotto, always hoping to win bigsomeday. I couldn't believe it whenI saw my numbers on the com-puter screen. I'm still in shock!"

Gumidyala is originally from In-dia and has been working in theauto industry in Illinois for over20 years.

He is married and has fivedaughters. He plans to use thewindfall to buy a larger house for

his family of seven. When askedif he had advice for other playershe said, "Don't give up!"

The winning ticket was pur-chased at Citgo, 282 Dundee Av-enue in Elgin. The retailer will re-ceive a $3,000 bonus, equal to 1percent of the prize amount, forselling the winning ticket.

Jackpots for Lucky Day Lottostart at $100,000. Drawings aretwice a day, seven days a weekwith an average of 40,000 winnersevery day. That's over 250,000 win-ners in Illinois each week!

IPCC and Consulate host 'Glimpse of India'

Ameera Nimjee (L) and Komal Shah from Kalapriya performing apure Kathak duet


CHICAGO: The ConsulateGeneral of India here offered "AGlimpse of India" on May 15 at itspremises in Chicago downtown tohighlight the country's cuisine,culture and achievements.

The public relations event washosted in conjunction with theInternational Press Club of Chi-cago (IPCC), with many IPCCmembers, including students,

present. Consul General AusafSayeed made the slide presenta-tion.

The program opened with anaddress by IPCC PresidentWayne Toberman, who was intro-duced by Gigi Callaway and inturn introduced Sayeed at somelength, also referring to his threebooks.

Having praised Toberman forhis initiative, the Consul General

presented "India: a Land of Op-portunities," which succeeded incramming a wealth of informationin the span of a few slides.

A recurring theme was thenation's amazing diversity at alllevels boasting, for example, agreater variety of sects of Islamthan may be found in many Mus-lim countries. On the eve of thedeclaration of results of the 2014General Elections, he dwelt espe-cially on the Herculean enterprise

of conducting the elections ev-ery five years, which has no par-allel elsewhere.

Several consuls, includingthose of Pakistan, Bangladesh,Turkey, Japan and Lithuania werepresent, as was consulate stafffrom Serbia, Indonesia, China, etc.The presence of several pastIPCC presidents was duly ac-knowledged. Sayeed took ques-tions, mostly from IPCC members.

Two Indian dance items werepresented by Praneeta Jain'sKalapriya. Komal Shah performedSona Mohapatra's "Pyar Se NainaMilayee Re" as a fusion solo andthen a pure Kathak duet "BolParan" together with AmeeraNimjee.

A 10-minute tourism film tookthe audience on a whirlwind itin-erary crisscrossing the country.Attendees were invited to helpthemselves freely not only to a

light buffet lunch but also to pilesof books, DVDs, CDs and shrink-wrapped albums illustrating In-dian culture, society and politics.

IPCC organizes such network-ing events monthly in order to ex-pose its members and especiallyjournalism students to the vari-ous nations featured. India wasbeing featured for the first time inthis program as the final event forthis season.

Consul General of India Ausaf Sayeed (C) with International Press Club of Chicago members after "Glimpse of India"event. To his left are Gigi Callaway and IPCC diplomatic liaison Sevil Kutay. Second to his right is

IPCC President Wayne Toberman


Sonu wins heart and soul of ChicagoansAsian Media USA

CHICAGO: On a 90-day tour in USA,Sonu Nigam, one of the most versatile sing-ers and entertainers from India, treated Chi-cago music lovers to an evening of extraor-dinary music with his band of musicians.

The event on Friday May 17 at SearsCenter Arena in Chicago attended by closeto 8000 people not only from Chicago butalso from neighboring States of Indiana,Michigan and Wisconsin, was a grand suc-cess. Appropriately named "Klose to my

Sonu Nigam with Nick Patel, Babbu Patel, Bhavesh Patel and Mayur Patel

Sonu Nigam and Jonita

Soul", Sonu lived up to the theme of theshow and expectations of the audience belt-ing out over 50 songs close to his soul.And it would be no exaggeration to say thatall sections of the audience had their soulstapped to the tune of music of Sonu and hisartistry.

Echoing the same sentiment BhaveshPatel of Sahil, an organizer, said that Sonuhas been "Klose to the hearts of Chicago-ans and Chicagoans are Klose to his heartand Soul. Though it was not his first perfor-mance, the way audience reacted, Sonu has

not only carved a place in their heart butalso in our heart." Nick Patel from La Tanand a partner to Bhavesh, paid handsomecompliments to Chicagoans for showingtheir love for Sonu but also to Sonu for sus-taining his popularity with music lovers.Buoyed by the huge response, he held outpossibility of performing for the second timein July, Inshallah.

The concert started with Nick Patel fromLa Tan who paid handsome compliments toChicagoans for showing their love for Sonubut also to Sonu for sustaining his popular-ity with music lovers. Echoing the samesentiment Bhavesh Patel of Sahil, an orga-nizer, said that Sonu has been "klose to thehearts of Chicagoans and Chicagoans areKlose to his heart and soul."

Sahil and La Tan are promoting Indiancultural and heritage and generously en-courage young generation by giving a plat-form to singers and dancers. Shruti Menonperformed as Master of Ceremony for theentire program.

Jonita Gandhi was the opening performerof Sonu's "Close to my Soul" concerts, andshe sang two songs. Perhaps Sonu is the

only singer who can sing not only in hisown style but also in the style of Mukesh,Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, MannaDey, R.D. Burman with ease and flair. Thethunderous applause received after eachsong was a standing testament to his everincreasing popularity. He also entertainedrequests from his fans during the show. Hewas accompanied by Jonita Gandhi andShruti Menon.

"Meher Dance Troupe" performed adance. Local singer from Chicago ACEBoogie group, Sabah and Shariq Sidz also

sang songsIndian Consul General in Chicago, Dr

Ausaf Sayeed, a few elected officials, dig-nitaries, American politicians, Indian andPakistani Community leaders seniors andtheir families were part of the audience

Besides performing some of his popularhits, he also paid tribute to Late Jagjit Singhand Mehdi Hasan who have made a signifi-cant contribution to Indian music industry.He belted out evergreen hits of MohammedRafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar and Manna Deybringing back the nostalgia of yesteryears.

Bhavesh Patel thanking the crowd, said,"Thank you Chicago, Thank You the entireMidwest for making tonight's concert soldout." He then thanked his sponsors Kannuof Al-Mansoor for "all your hard work; andlast but not the least, all the ticket outletsand you the fans for you continues sup-port."

Babubhai Patel from Sahil and MayurPatel from La Tan told the audience thehappy news that another great concert iscoming - Melody Queen "Shreya Ghoshal."Save the date - August 15 at Sears CentreArena, they said.

A section of the audience


FIA plans India Day event with Consular ExpoSURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Federation of In-dian Associations-Chicago [FIA]will host the Kick-Off event to her-ald their flagship India Indepen-dence Day festivities on SundayJune 8, 10:30 a.m. at the Indo Ameri-can Center.

Significantly, FIA has per-suaded the Indian Consulate inChicago to host its 'Consular Expo'[Passport/Visa Camp] that will beconducted immediately followingthe ceremony in partnership withthe Indian Consulate staff

This Kick-Off event will be at-tended among others by specialguests Dr Ausaf Sayeed, ConsulGeneral of India, Debra Silverstein,Alderwoman 50th Ward and StateSenator & Committeeman IraSilverstein besides leading busi-ness and community leaders. TheKick-Off ceremony will featurelighting of the lamp and an invo-cation dance presentation withremarks from the guests.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, FIAPresident in a statement disclosedthe preliminary plans to host theIndia's Independence Day Paradeon Saturday, August 16 at noon;

Grand Gala Banquet on Sunday,August 10 and Flag-Hoisting Cul-tural program on Friday August15, 2014 on Daley Plaza in down-town Chicago.

This year there will be an excit-ing addition to the festivities"Grand FIA Mela" at the RepublicBank premises on Devon Avenue

that will begin immediately afterthe completion of the Parade. ThisGrand FIA Mela will feature color-ful dances, non-stop pulsatingmusic and singing by local talent.FIA is making arrangements toprovide complimentary Indiansnacks and cold drinks to all at-tending the Mela.

This Consular Expo will providean opportunity to the families andthe individuals in the communityto avail a wide range of servicesprovided by the Indian ConsulateOffice, including informationabout expeditiously acquiringPassports, Visas, PIO and OCIcards. At the Consular Expo, Cox& Kings Global Services will beintroduced as the only authorizedservice provider for Embassy ofIndia and its Consulates acrossUSA for Visa/OCI/PIO/Renuncia-tion of Indian Citizenship supportservices with effect from May 21.

The Indian Consulate and rep-resentatives from Cox & Kings willactively field questions, enquiriesand address issues surroundingthe application and documentaryrequirements for passports and

visas. In addition, the ConsularExpo will feature guest speakersfrom the Illinois Attorney GeneralOffice to address civil rights issuesconfronting the community; whileRepresentative from the Kiwaniswill also be present to highlighttheir role in the community. ThisConsular Expo is also an opportu-nity for the Indian Consulate and

outsourcing firm to hear the diffi-culties and challenges faced bythe Indian Diaspora.

FIA-Chicago is spearheadingthis 'Consular Expo' to address thegrowing demands of the IndianDiaspora in reconnecting with In-dia and in light of the recentchanges in the law in Illinois State

that provides driver's licensesprivileges to certain qualified un-documented immigrants.

This camp will provide valuableinformational assistance in acquir-ing Passports, Visas/OCI/PIOcards. Given the growing need forclarity of information surroundingvaried services provided by theoutsourcing office, this Consular

Expo will give common folks andtheir families an understandinginto the processes and documen-tation-compliance surroundingthe issuance of Passport, Visas,OCI /PIO cards, etc. This Consu-lar Expo will be co-chaired byFIA's Veenod Patel and MinhajAkhtar.

This Consular Expo will provide an opportunityto the families and the individuals in the com-munity to avail a wide range of services pro-vided by the Indian Consulate Office, includ-ing information about expeditiously acquiringPassports, Visas, PIO and OCI cards.

FIA President Keerthi Ravoor

Asians celebrate Heritage Month with awards ceremonyAsían Media USA

CHICAGO: Chicago Asianscelebrated their 14th AnnualAsian-Pacific American HeritageMonth (AAHM) on May 16 withan awards ceremony and culturalprogram at Richard J. Daley Cen-ter downtown.

The reception was hostedjointly by Dorothy Brown, Clerkof the Circuit Court of CookCounty (CCCC), and Beena Patel,president of the 14-year old AsianAmerican Employees Social Club(AAESC).

This year Mrs Dorothy Brown,

due to conflict inschedule, could not at-tend the event in per-son. Her place wassubstituted byMichael Moore, execu-tive clerk of Court Op-erations and Adminis-tration Principal HostBeena Patel, AsianCommittee Chair.Beena opened theevent and first con-gratulated Prime Min-ister elect of India,Narendra Modi for histriumphant overwhelm-

ing election victory in recent In-dian general election.

Master of Ceremony 'Miss Chi-cago' Marisa Buchheit individu-ally thanked all the AAESC mem-bers and event sponsors. She re-counted how AAHM was startedover 10 years ago to celebrate con-tributions of American Asian-Pa-cific communities.

Award recipients for 2014were: Jayal Amin- CommunityService; Dr Bharat Barai- Leaderin Medicine Service; Sgt. AbdulKapadia- Law Enforcement Ser-vice /Cook County Sheriff; RanaJaved Khan- Public Relations/Media; Judge Pamela Leeming-

Judiciary Service; Judge JessicaO'Brien- Judiciary Service; SavitaPunjabi- Clerk of Circuit CourtAsian Employee; Dr Ashish Sen-Political Service.

A breathtaking fashion showand designer clothing was pro-vided by Prina Bagia. Prina's pas-sion for fashion and designstarted at a young age and herdream is finally turning into a re-ality.

Vote of thanks and closing re-marks were done by Beena Patel.The program was followed by aluncheon reception at the Clerk'sOffice at the 10th floor ConferenceRoom.

Beena Patel, the Asian American Heritage Month celebration host, 'MissChicago' Marisa Buchheit and Michael Moore, with Award recipients

Beena Patel with Fashion Show performers and Prina Bagla


Prana Prathista for three new shrines plannedRAJA RAJASEKARAN

ST. LOUIS: The Hindu Templeof St. Louis is completing the con-struction of three new shrines forSri Ayyappa, Sri KanyakaParamesweri and Sri Anjaneya(Hanuman ji). The temple hasslated Prana Prathista from June5-9 and expectations are that fewthousand devotees from andaround IL and MO would join thecelebration.

Sri Ayyappa MahaSannidhanam is the second of itskind in the U.S., the first being theSri Shiva Vishnu Temple inLanham, Maryland. The MahaSannidhanam is a masterpiece ofspiritual harmony whose architec-ture resembles that of Sabarimala.The panchaloha vigraha of SriAyyappa was sculpted by inte-grating five metals (copper,bronze, iron, gold and silver) thussymbolizing the cosmic energiesof earth, fire, space, water and air.

The Maha Sannidhanam wouldserve as a spiritual center for ex-hibiting Ayyappa avatars (forms)from five Ayyappa temples inKerala, India - Erumeli, Achankovil,Ariyankavu, Kulathupuzhai andPandalam. It also provides a divineopportunity to Ayyappa swamisin the Midwest to climb the holy18 steps carrying their Irumudisthus representing the spiritual pathto self-realization.

There are shrines forKannimoola Maha Ganapathy,Nagaraja and MaligapurathuManjamatha that are similar toSabarimala.

Lord Ayyappa or DharmaShastha who represents a combi-

nation of spiritual powers symbol-ized by the forms of Lord Vishnu,the power that maintains the uni-verse and Lord Shiva the powerthat periodically reabsorbs themanifestations into reality.

Ayyappa devotees would engagein vratham during Mandala festi-val that cleanses physical bodyand mind which in its turn leads topeace and realization of self.

The Maha Sannidhanam for SriKanyaka Parameswari has beenbuilt with finest architectural de-sign. A marvelous inside domeforms an elegant feature of thisshrine. With a detailed sculpturalworkmanship, the MahaSannidhanam for Sri KanyakaParamesweri in St. Louis is unique

of its kind in the Midwest. Theshrine for Sri KanyakaParamesweri will be consecratedon June 7 on the South side of theHindu Temple of St. Louis.

Sri Kanyaka Parameswari was

born on Vaisaka Suddha Dasami(Telugu month) at twilight duringconvergence of Uttara Nakshatraand Kanya (Virgo). GoddessKanyaka Parameswari, incarnationof Adiparashakthi madeAgnipravesham, Sacred Fire,along with the102 Gothraja couplesat Penugonda to prevent blood-shed due to war and varnasankarana. Later, Sri KanyakaParameswari emerged from the sa-cred Homa gundam in her Moolaswarupam of Adiparashakthi and

taught the noble principles of non-violence, universal brotherhood,world peace, love and sacrifice.

Later, the 102 couples who alsodid Agnipravesham attained sal-vation (Moksham). Hence the day

Magha Suddha Vidhia is cel-ebrated as a big festival through-out India and abroad. Sri KanyakaParameswaris message is"Dharmam-Sheelam-Ahimsa.

The shrine for Sri VeeraAnjaneya completes allupadevatas for Sri VenkateswaraSwamy, the main deity of TheHindu Temple of St. Louis. ThePrana Prathista of Sri VeeraAnjaneya is planned to be held onSaturday, June 7.

Sri Anjaneya visited Lanka

thrice. The first was on a missionsearching Mother Sita. He met herin the Ashoka Garden of Ravanain his land, identified himself withthe Kanayazhi - the wedding ringshe gave to Sri Rama and received

her Choodamani to prove to Ramathat he had met his consort. Inthis first visit, he also played therole of a wise diplomat to pursueRavana to hand her over to SriRama with all honor. As the LankaKing was unrelenting, he showedhis might by setting ablaze his city.The second was the march of thearmy, building of the Sethu bridgeand reaching Lanka with the Lord.The third was his departure fromLanka and return with the SanjeeviMount through the air route.

Lord Ayyappa Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Hanuman ji

Jain Society Health Fair meets with big successSURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Jain Society of Met-ropolitan Chicago (JSMC) orga-nized its annual Health Fair onMay 4 and May 11. These twodays of Health Fair provided nu-merous diagnostic screeningstests and health awareness edu-cation through personal consul-tation and use of visual aids to allthe Jain community members.

During the health fair, the teamof 90 volunteers including manyphysicians, specialists, nurses,microbiologist, phlebotomist, labtechnicians, and other healthcareprofessionals provided their ser-vices at no cost. Over 200 JSMCmembers including many seniorcitizens benefited. Laboratory ser-vice for blood tests was conductedby Medstar Laboratories at mini-mum charge per person.

All the medical equipment andnecessary medical supply for allkinds of screenings and tests were

donated by AMSCO Medical Sup-ply and Equipment. Dr ParagDoshi (Cardiologist) providednecessary equipment and staff toconduct Carotid Ultrasound testto screen for any existent steno-sis or obstruction. Loyola Univer-sity Public Health Dept. providedBone Mineral Density test ma-chine and staff to conduct screen-ing for either Osteopenia or Os-teoporosis.

Many doctors brought theirEKG machines with their staff toconduct Electrocardiogram test toscreen any irregular heart rhythmor heart disease. In addition toabove, many other members of-fered donations. For May 4, thebooths were set up with closedcurtain to maintain the privacy ofthe patient. Delicious breakfastwith freshly squeezed orange Juicewas set up for all.

Patients awaiting their turn at the Health FairCont’d on page 27


Vaishnav Samaj organizing free Health FairJAYANTIBHAI THAKKAR

Two large screen projectors were show-ing constant updates and instructions alongwith recognitions for sponsors, doctors, andvolunteers.

On May 11, around 200 patients benefitedfrom free consultation services provided byexperienced physicians, subject matter spe-cialists, and other healthcare professionals.Experienced panel of physicians reviewedpatients' lab results and provided recom-mendation for urgent and long term healthconcerns. Expert cardiologists, dentists,oncologists, audiologist, speech patholo-gist, gynecologist, ophthalmologists, gas-troenterologist, physical therapist, pharma-cist, dieticians, Sujok therapist, Homeopa-thy expert and stress management special-ists provided consultation. Blood pressure,height, weight, and BMI checkup were con-ducted as part of this service.

Many helped to make this Health Fairsuccessful. Following is the core planningteam for this health fair:

Vipul Shah (General Secretary, JSMC),Hitesh R. Shah (Vice President, JSMC),Himanshu Jain (Treasurer, JSMC), DrMukesh Doshi (Board of Trustee, JSMC),Dinesh Shah (Volunteer), Bharat Kothari(Volunteer), Mayuri Zaveri (Nurse), DrMahesh Shah (Physician), Dr KaushalMehta (Physician), Dr Hetal Gandhi (Cardi-ologist), Dr Shailesh Zaveri (Cardiologist),Dr Parag Doshi (Cardiologist), Dr SalilVasanwala (Physician), Dr D. U. Shah (Phy-sician), Dr Kirti Talsania (Physician).

Along with this core team, following doc-tors and specialists provided their expertservices during the fair.

Dr Dilip Shah (Physician), Dr Neeru Shah(Physician), Dr Pravin Shah (Physician), DrMandakini Pokharna (Physician), Dr RujutaGandhi (Physician), Dr Avani Shah (Chiro-practor), Dr Ishwar Patel (Gynecologist), DrPayal Trivedi (Dentist), Dr Monil Shah (Den-tist), Dr Reena Shah (Dentist), Dr Lata Jain(Audiologist), Kushalraj Singvi (Audiolo-gist & Speech Pathologist), Dr JagadishShah (Hematologist and Radiation Oncolo-gist), Dr Bharat Jailwala (Radiation Oncolo-gist), Dr Parag Majmudar (Ophthalmologist),Dr Jill Zaveri (Ophthalmologist), DarshanaVyas (Dietician), Dipti Shah (Dietician), PinaShah (Physical Therapist), Usha Doshi(Physical Therapist), Nisha Jani (Pharma-cist), Shilpa Shah (Pharmacist), Smita Shah(Sujok Therapist), Smita Gandhi (Homeopa-thy expert). Alexian Brothers Cancer Insti-tute provided cancer related educationalmaterial.

JSMC thanked all who helped to makethis amazing community service project suc-cessful.

CHICAGO: Vaishnav Samaj of MidwestTemple in association with Global Organi-zation of Peoples of Indian Origin (GOPIO)is organizing a free Health Fair on June 15and June 22 at the Temple (Shreejidwar) pre-mises in Addison, a north side suburb.

Registration for Health Fair will start at8:15 am and continue up to 11 am. Medi-cal testing will be done by 1 pm. TheHealth Fair is open to all in need of medi-cal checkup. Pre-registration is not re-quired.

This year The Health Fair is in two

parts. Part 1: Blood Test & Other tests.On June 15 following tests will be per-formed: height/weight, blood pressure,blood testing, EKG, urine analysis, bonedensity, social services and senior ben-efits. Patients requiring blood testing arerequired to be fasting for 12 hours beforethe test. No food or drinks after 8 pm fromthe previous night (Saturday night).

On second part on June 22, all the bloodtest results will be given to people whocame on June 15, 2014 and whose bloodwere drawn. Then they will see the phy-

sician with their blood test results for con-sultation. Doctors will review their bloodtest results and advise them for otherhealth screening tests as needed. In ad-dition, there will be ENT exam, chiroprac-tic consultation, physical therapy, dentalexamination, hearing test, eye screening,foot exam and physical examination. Ashort presentation (lecture) will be givenon Diabetic Education and Heart Disease

Over 25 volunteer doctors and 70 healthcare professionals will provide their vol-unteer services for the event.

Jain SocietyHealth Fair meetswith big successCont’d from page 26


NaMo chant fills Bay Area air waves

NaMo Rally City Hall


As election resultsstarted pouring instarting Thursdayevening, Bay area

supporters of Narendra Modi andBJP, led by Overseas Friends ofBJP (OFBJP) and OverseasFriends of NaMo sprang into ac-tion for consecutive days with arally in support of the sweepingvictory of Bhartiya Janata Party ledby Narendra Modi.

The rally was attended by vari-ous groups and community lead-ers including Gujarati Samaj,Friends of India Society Interna-tional (FISI), Friends of TeluguDesam Party (TDP), Sewa Interna-tional, FIA, GITPRO, HSS, NirajBaxi, past president of NFIA,Vinod Patel of ICA and many oth-ers.

Hundreds of Indians, from allwalks, came together on May 16,Friday evening in front of theMilpitas City Hall to celebrateNarendra Modi's victory.

On Saturday, May 17th, 40+cars conducted a Victory Car Rallydisplaying banners & placards,

which started at Milpitas HighSchool and ended at ICC.

The air was filled with slogansand chants of "Vande Mataram,"Har Har Modi - Ghar Ghar Modi","Baar Baar Modi Sarkar" and"Sab

Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas". Peoplealso carried signs with slogans"Rise Of India With NaMo","MODIfied India", "CongratsBJP" and "MODI and Idea of In-dia" in support of Modi.

At both rallies, laddoos, pedas

and many other kinds of sweetsand Chai were distributed. At theend of Car Rally at ICC, Ashok(Manager of Swagat Restaurant)brought specially made Mithai forthe participants.

Chandru Bhambhra, formerpresident, Overseas Friends ofBJP, said "In my 64 years, I havenever seen a visionary person likeShri Modi. His vision and hispower to execute ideas are amaz-ing. He has developed Gujarat in

past 12 years and taken it to envi-able heights and people have con-fidence and faith in him that he willnow develop India with the samezeal and take it to a very respect-able level."

Gaurang Desai, Northern Cali-fornia coordinator of FISI who re-cently visited Gujarat said, "I havewitnessed the development andforward thinking ideas like dailygarbage collection by truck. IfModi can accomplish even 1/10thof what he has promised, he wouldhave achieved more than whatCongress has in 60 years."

Khanderao Kand, founder-president, Global Indian Technol-ogy Professionals of India, says,

"We technological professionalsare very happy that a develop-ment-oriented leader like Modi gotsuch a decisive mandate. He eradi-

cated corrupt, dynastic, caste andappeasement-driven politics thatwas ruining India."

Suresh Patel, a founding mem-ber of Gujarat Samaj, who hasbeen responsible for Gujarat Daycelebrations in Bay Area said,"This was a clean sweep. This is atremendous victory for develop-ment of India. Such a mandate canonly mean that people of Indiaraised themselves against caste,religion and regionalism and voted

for development."Yagnesh Pathak, a member of

Sewa International said "He deliv-ers whatever he promises."

Participants of Car Rally in support of Narendra Modi's victory


May 30, 2014


OFBJP hosts Rajasthan BJP chief ParnamiIndia Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: On SaturdayMay 3, Bay Area Indian commu-nity led by Overseas Friends ofBJP (OFBJP) hosted AshokParnami at Arka Restaurant in Fre-mont. He is a past Mayor of Jaipur,member of Jaipur DevelopmentAuthority. He has held variousparty positions in BJP and is thecurrent President of BJP,Rajasthan.

Naren Baxi, Bay Area entrepre-neur and one of the founder mem-bers of TiE, introduced Parnami.He narrated his experience work-ing with Parnami in starting a TiEchapter in Jaipur.

Fremont and Jaipur are sistercities. Parnami had visited Fremontin 2005 as a representative of sis-ter-city of Jaipur. He was im-pressed with the cleanliness andwater supply and treatment herein the US. He implemented waterrecycling for irrigation and street

pavement / sidewalk construction,which earned him 7th spot in worldmayor's competition ahead of Ban-galore, which came in at 9th spot.

He spoke on the current status

of national elections. He high-lighted the low points of currentCongress led UPA government,which had put UPA on back foot.Congress, while ruling India had

not been able to control Inflation,corruption. Youth felt discontent,people felt insecure, there wasunabated terrorist activity and lackof conviction in securing borders.

People saw a ray of light inNarendra Modi after seeing hisextraordinary work done in

Gujarat. He dismissed the allega-tion of opposition that Modi wavewas a media hype! Media hype

can only take you so far, but can'tgive you three straight solid vic-tories in a row.

He narrated a story of visit bybig businessmen to Rajasthanduring Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas,when Narendra Modi stole theshow with his speech of visionand action. Even Ratan Tata, whonever speaks on politics or favoredany politician, indicated that In-dia needed strong leadership andonly Narendra Modi can providethis.

The major difference betweenpast elections and current electionis that people have decided to votefor Modi as Prime Minister and notMPs, who in turn select PrimeMinister. He narrated a story ofhis judge friend's father, whocould not find his name in thevoter list and bugged his son tillhis name was included, just so thathe can vote for Modi.

On personal note, he was alsovery grateful to RSS for helpinghis family migrate to India duringpartition. Since then, he has beenactive in RSS. He was accompa-nied by his wife, his daughter andson-in-law who live in Bay Area.

The meeting ended with a Voteof Thanks by Chandru Bhambhra,coordinator of the event.

Ashok Parnami with Chandru Bhambhra Ashok Parnami with Gaurang Desai

Ashok Parnami with his family and Naren Baxi

Fremont and Jaipur are sister cities. Parnamihad visited Fremont in 2005 as a representa-tive of sister-city of Jaipur. He was impressedwith the cleanliness and water supply andtreatment here in the US.


Shiv Durga Mandir's havan & aarti for Modi


SANTA CLARA: Shiv DurgaMandir, Santa Clara had organizeda special havan and aarti on May25 thereby sending best wishes tothe newly elected Indian PrimeMinister Narendra Modi. The Sun-day afternoon celebration was at-tended by over 400 Bay Areadevotees and special guests fromall over Bay area.

Pandit Krishna Kumar Pandeyis the founder, president of ShivDurga temple and is involved incommunity services all over theBay and had organized this grand

Community Walk hosted by BAPS CharitiesIndia Post News Service

CHINO HILLS: Urmila Patel is55 years old. Everyone that meetsher immediately smiles upon see-ing her beaming face. This year,Mrs Patel decided to fundraise fora cause close to her heart: findinga cure for breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure isa nationally recognized organiza-tion that is dear to Mrs Patel'scause. In December of last year,Mrs. Patel was diagnosed withStage One breast cancer. Fortu-nately, after two rounds of surgery,her biopsy report stated she was

Cont’d on page 32

negative and at low risk of relapse.Mrs Patel has become committedto living a healthier lifestyle andto raising awareness of organiza-tions like Susan G. Komen, so thatwomen can one day live withoutfear of breast cancer.

Mrs Patel was thrilled to knowthat her efforts were going to makea profound impact in the commu-nity. For the last three months, sheand her family took up the causeof raising funds to support theBAPS Charities Walk in Chino Hillsand raised over $1,000!

The annual BAPS CharitiesWalk, which took place on Satur-

day, May 17at Veterans Park inChino Hills, will support Susan G.Komen for the Cure in the InlandEmpire. This renowned organiza-tion, committed to serving womenand saving lives, is on a missionto eliminate breast cancer.

Beneficiaries like the Susan G.Komen foundation work to com-bat breast cancer through ground-breaking research, communityhealth outreach, advocacy, andprograms in over 50 countries.Representative Sarah Bryantnoted, "The impact of [BAPSCharities] and its activities withinthe community is remarkable and

noteworthy."This year's walkathon brought

together over 700 participantsranging from young kids at the ageof 5 to seniors at the age of 75.Prior to the walk, over 20 partici-pants raced through in a 5K run insupport of the cause. Followingthe run, the walk was launchedwhen the Boy Scouts Troop 220performed the opening ceremonyof colors and led the crowd in thepledge of allegiance.

In his opening speech, Assem-blyman Curt Hagman, expressedhis enthusiasm for service, saying,

celebration for Modi. He hails froma family of priests from NorthernIndia and is the third generationpriest in this family dynasty. He isan Acharya in Vedic Religion andAstrology from Sanskrit Univer-sity Varanasi, India.

Ganapathi Havan was startedaround 12:00 pm and many prayedfor the bright future of India andUnited States. This was followedby talks by special guests from allover Bay. The guest list includesJose Esteves, Mayor of Milpitas,Fred Flower, and Former Mayor ofSunnyvale, Teresa Cox, Dr DharamSalwan, Narendra Pathak, Rishi

Kumar, Sanjay Tripathi, SandeepKhandekar, Mahendra Yogi andCalifornia 17th congressional dis-trict candidate Ro Khanna. Theguests spoke on the mandate re-ceived by Narendra Modi andwished for his success and theirdream to see growing India.

Narendra Modi's victory inIndia's General Election has provedthat Indian democracy can delivera mandate for good governance,said Ro Khanna. He urged peopleto come out and vote on June 3primaries. This was followed byMaya Aarti and Preeti Bhoj spon-sored by Dr Rameshwar Singh.


Dance Karishma celebrates6th anniversary


With the musicin mind and

rhythm in feet, MrsJaya Sharma con-tinues to build hermusical empire inBay Area. She isthe Dance Directorat Dance Karishma,the academy ofvarious Indiandance forms, fromClassical (Kathak)to Bollywood, folkdances like Bihufrom Far East toLavani, Koli, Garbaand Dandia fromWest Coast or thefolklores from Kashmir to Kerala.

Mrs Jaya Sharma, disciple of

academy as Kathakanjali 2014 atShirdi Sai Parivaar, 1221 California

Circle, Milpitas, onSaturday June 7from 3:30PM to 5:30PM.

Admission tothe event is free.She extends the in-vitation to all musiclovers. She believesthere are 3 main as-pects of dancing:Layakaari, Adakariand Taiyari. Thisevent features seg-ments on those as-pects, by means ofKathak. After thestudents' perfor-mance, Mrs Jaya

Sharma will conclude the eveningwith her performance.

Community Walk hostedby BAPS Charities


"I am always proud and hon-ored to support BAPS Charities inits collective effort to better thelocal community." Chino Hills

Mayor Ed Graham mentioned,"BAPS Charities continues tosupport the Chino Hills commu-nity throughthese annualwalks. It's a tes-tament to ourwonderful work-ing relationshipand the commit-ment of eachBAPS Charitiesmember." Similarsupport wasshown by theother dignitariesalso in atten-dance, which in-c l u d e d :CouncilmembersRay Marquezand Art Bennett, CommissionerBarry Fischer, Chino Valley Inde-pendent Fire District Chief TimShakleford, and San BernardinoCounty Sheriff Department Lieu-tenant Robert Salas.

Funds were also raised for thebenefit of the local heroes from the

Chino Valley Independent FireDistrict and the San BernardinoCounty Sheriff's department,which serve to protect the publicon a day-to-day basis.

Roma Patel, a local volunteer for

the walk, commented, "Participat-ing in events like this is a wonder-ful opportunity for my entire fam-

ily to come together and contrib-ute to something that creates apositive impact in our community.Today, I walked with my son anddaughter!"

Upon completing the walk,Urmila Patel proudly stated, "Be-cause of BAPS Charities' efforts,

women whohave been di-agnosed withbreast cancerhave a fight-ing chance.The enthusi-asm gener-ated from thiswalk hasgiven me faiththat the cureis nearer tod i s c o v e r yand womenlike myselfshould con-tinue tofight."

Guru Ranjana Srivastava inBanaras Hindu University and

Guru Shambhavi Dandekar, willhost the 6th anniversary of her


May 30, 2014

34 India Post May 30, 2014www.indiapost.com

TechBizTech News

Auto parts price-fixing investigationrattles US industry

WASHINGTON: An investiga-tion into price-fixing and bid-rig-ging in the auto parts industry hasmushroomed into the JusticeDepartment's largest criminal an-titrust probe ever, and it's not overyet.

The investigation, made publicfour years ago with FBI raids inthe Detroit area, has led to crimi-nal charges against dozens ofpeople and companies, stretchedacross continents and reverber-ated through an industry respon-sible for supplying critical carcomponents.

The collusion has also saddledU.S. drivers with millions of dol-lars in extra costs.

``It's a very, very safe assump-tion that U.S. consumers paidmore, and sometimes significantlymore, for their automobiles as aresult of this conspiracy,'' BrentSnyder, a deputy assistant attor-ney general in the antitrust divi-sion, said in an interview.

So far, 34 individuals have beencharged and 27 companies havepleaded guilty or agreed to do so,the Justice Department says. Col-

lectively, they have agreed to paymore than $2.3 billion in fines. Newcases have arisen with regularity,with Attorney General Eric Holderpromising last September that in-vestigators ``would check under

every hood and kick every tire.''The most recent development

came when an executive from aJapanese company was chargedwith conspiring to fix the prices ofheater control panels sold toToyota and with persuading work-ers to destroy evidence.

Officials say the investigationstands out not just for its scopebut also for the cooperation theauthorities have received from Ja-pan, Australia and other countries.Despite the challenges of pros-

ecuting foreign nationals, the Jus-tice Department has won guiltypleas from a series of Japaneseexecutives who opted to get theirpunishment over with rather thanremain under indictment in theirhome countries and subject to ca-reer-crippling travel restrictions.

Though the techniques andstrategies sometimes differed, theexecutives generally carried outthe collusion by trading codedemails, meeting at remote locationsand destroying documents toavoid paper trails.

With an eye toward eliminatingcompetition and maximizing prof-its, they exploited an industry thatexperts say is in some ways vul-nerable to collusion: There are afinite number of purchasers andsuppliers, there's steady pressureamong companies to cut prices -and car parts, unlike certain prod-ucts that have a great deal of vari-ability, are generally standardizedand homogeneous.

``The firms will just make moremoney if they're able to reach andstick to an agreement to collectivelycharge higher prices so that cus-tomers can't get them to bid againsteach other,'' said Spencer WeberWaller, director of the Institute forAntitrust Consumer Studies at theLoyola University Chicago lawschool. ̀ `The problem is, of course,it's a felony in the United States.''

Attorney General Eric Holder pointing to an illustration of the auto partsduring a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington.

Indian appointed dean in Hong Kong varsitySINGAPORE: An Indian man-

agement scholar has been ap-pointed as the dean of the busi-ness school of the Hong KongUniversity of Science and Tech-nology.

Professor Jitendra Vir Singh,60, has been appointed as theDean of the School of Businessand Management at HKUSTwith effect from September 1,based on an open and competi-tive worldwide search.

Singh, an IIM-A alumnus,who left India in 1978, is cur-rently the Saul P Steinberg Pro-fessor of Management at theWharton School, University ofPennsylvania in the US, wherehe has played a number of sig-nificant roles in boosting theschool's global presence sincejoining the faculty in 1987.

"I am honored to have beenchosen to lead the School ofBusiness and Management atHKUST and it is exciting for meto be back in Asia at a time whenmomentous changes are underway.

"I look forward to working with

the university and businessschool leadership to build on thestrong foundations that are al-ready in place, and strive towardever higher goals, while contrib-

uting both to the region and toglobal society," Singh said.

Professor Tony F Chan, Presi-dent of HKUST, said he was verypleased that the University hasfound such an acclaimed scholarand able administrator to lead theBusiness School.

"With Prof Singh's wide-rang-ing experience and achievementsin the academic, business strat-egy and policy arenas, I am cer-tain he will bring HKUST Busi-

ness School to new heights. Weare excited about this appoint-ment!"

As Wharton's Vice-Dean, In-ternational Academic Affairs,from 1998 to 2001, Singh con-tributed to the establishment ofthe Singapore ManagementUniversity in Singapore, theworldwide alliance betweenWharton and INSEAD, and thefoundation of the Indian Schoolof Business in Hyderabad.

From 2007 to 2009, while onleave from Wharton, he wasDean and Shaw FoundationChair Professor of Strategy,Management and Organizationof Nanyang Business School atNanyang Technological Univer-sity, during which time theSchool's profile enjoyed a sub-stantial international ascent.-PTI

As Wharton's Vice-Dean, InternationalAcademic Affairs, from 1998 to 2001, Singhcontributed to the establishment of theSingapore Management University inSingapore, the worldwide alliance betweenWharton and INSEAD

Lava launchesphone withKitKat system

NEW DELHI: Domestic hand-set player Lava has launched asmartphone, under Iris X series,with the latest Android KitKatoperating system for Rs 7,999.

"Currently, Lava Iris X1 is oneof the few devices in India and thefirst one from Lava that is built onthe latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat out-of-the-box platform," Lava Inter-national said in a statement.

KitKat platform offers fastermulti-tasking through optimizedmemory and improved touch re-sponsiveness. It also comes witha bunch of new features like itsphone application automaticallyprioritizes contacts based on thepeople a user talks to the most andits caller ID looks for matches frombusinesses with local listing onGoogle Maps.

"It is for the consumers who notonly want a high performance de-vice but also a beautiful design.We are confident that the latesthardware and software featurescoupled with its great design willsurely deliver a rich experience tothe consumers," Lava Interna-tional Chairman and ManagingDirector Hari Om Rai said.

The 4.5 inch phone comes with8 mega pixel camera, 4 GB of inter-nal memory that is expandable upto 32 GB via micro-SD card, dualSIM with 3G connectivity and 1800mAh battery. -PTI

Sebi asks KBCLIndia to refundinvestors

MUMBAI: Pulling the plug onan unauthorized investmentscheme run by KBCL India in garbof realty business, market regula-tor Sebi has asked the company towind up the scheme as well as re-fund the money with returns toinvestors within three months.

The Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Sebi) found thatthe company was running a 'col-lective investment scheme' (CIS)without requisite approvals andregistration.

In an order, Sebi also prohib-ited the company from collectingany funds from investors or carry-ing out any CIS.

Besides, the regulator hasbarred KBCL India and its direc-tors from the securities market tillall the CIS are wound up by it andall the funds mobilized throughsuch schemes are refunded to in-vestors.

The regulator had received sev-eral complaints, alleging illegal mo-bilization of funds to the tune of Rs118.69 crore through activities inthe nature of CIS by KBCL.-PTI

Cont’d on page 35

Amway India CEOarrested in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: William S Pinckney, Chairman and CEO of AmwayIndia has been placed under arrest by the Andhra Pradesh Police inconnection with a complaint against the direct-selling firm.

Kurnool Superintendent of Police Raghurami Reddy saidPinckney was apprehended in Gurgoan and was brought to Kurnoolon a warrant. The arrest was based on a complaint alleging unethi-cal circulation of money through Amway's operations.

"He will be produced in the court shortly. The CEO has beenbooked under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Ban-ning) Act," Reddy told PTI.-PTI

35India PostTechBiz PostMay 30, 2014

www.indiapost.com

E-com hiring to grow 30pcon Amazon push

NEW DELHI: As foreign anddomestic e-retail majors such asAmazon and Flipkart expand theirbusinesses aggressively, hiringactivities are expected to grow byover 30 per cent in the sector andmay help create up to 50,000 jobsin the next 2-3 years.

According to leading humanresources consultancy RandstadIndia, the hiring in this space is

likely to rise by 20-30 per cent innext few years on the back of en-try of domestic online start-upsand e-commerce MNCs into Indianmarketplace, as also because ofsetting up of back-office opera-tions for various global busi-nesses.

Another HR firm Unison Inter-national says that hiring has beenrather slow in the e-commercespace over last couple of years,but recruitments may grow rapidlynow by 33 per cent over the previ-

ous year as various retail brandsare also bringing in their businessonline.

As per findings of Jigsaw Acad-emy, the e-commerce industry maycreate 15,000-50,000 jobs in thenext three years for data analystsprofessionals alone.

"The companies are hiring ag-gressively and are also offeringlucrative salaries to attract the

right analytics talent," JigsawAcademy CEO Gaurav Vohra said.

The sector recently saw one ofthe largest merger deals betweenhomegrown e-commerce majorsMyntra and Flipkart, while an-other domestic firm Snapdeal hasalso got new investors.

"The deal will only makeMyntra's fashion business stron-ger and we will target more ag-gressive scale - to this end, ourhiring will continue to be ex-tremely aggressive but selective,"

Myntra VP-HR Pooja Gupta toldPTI.

"We are working also to makeHR more Technology andAnalytics driven and that focuswill continue," Gupta said.

According to global majorAmazon, which is seen as one ofthe major competitors for the do-mestic e-commerce player, the"the industry is growing rapidlyand there is still a huge potentialfor growth".

"Likewise, we have grown ex-ponentially over the last 11months and will continue to seegrowth. Our hiring will continueto match this pace and grow ac-cordingly," Amazon says.

HR consultancy MeraJobIndia's CEO Pallav Sinha said thatthe sector is "clearly poised forexplosive growth".

"While private equity invest-ments in e-commerce companiesis one of the reasons for the ex-pectation of this growth, the pri-mary drivers are - proliferation ofmobiles; development of digitalpayment platforms and social me-dia usage.

"Hiring in e-Commerce is there-fore poised for growth that couldmatch the job creation rate in mo-bile telecom in early 2000's. Fiscal2014-15 would be the tipping-point in this hiring growth in In-dia," Sinha said. -PTI

Flipkart, which is popular for selling books and electronics online, acquiredthe country's biggest fashion portal Myntra for around $300 million.

The Justice Department firstpublicly surfaced aspects of theinvestigation when FBI agents inDetroit raided the offices of DensoCorp, Yazaki North America andTokai Rika. All three companieshave pleaded guilty to their rolesin price-fixing and bid-riggingschemes.

Since the raids, the probe hasbroadened to encompass about$5 billion worth of auto parts, in-cluding seat belts, igni-tion coils, steeringwheels, air bags, wind-shield wipers and rub-ber parts that dampenvibration.

Similar cartels haveformed in industriesranging from oil andgas to cement and vita-mins, though there's debateamong economists about howlong they can last, given the con-stant incentive for one member tocheat the others and the ten-dency to collapse under their ownweight as they keep growing, saidDaniel Crane, a University of

Auto parts price-fixing investigationrattles US industry

Michigan law professor.But the collusion in these

cases, which in some instanceslasted more than a decade, was``deftly done,' ' said JoeWiesenfelder, executive editor ofCars.com, who has followed theauto parts investigation.

``If they get too greedy andthey make their prices too high,then someone smells a rat,'' hesaid. ̀ `When they set their pricesand fixed their prices, they had todo it in a way that wasn't obvious

and that took into account theentire market, including suppliersthat weren't involved.''

Wiesenfelder said that while thecollusion affected car consumers,it's hard to tell how much the in-vestigation has been noticed bythe average driver. -AP


The collusion in these cases,which in some instanceslasted more than a decade,was ``deftly done,'' said JoeWiesenfelder, executiveeditor of Cars.com

Samsung mobile chief Tanejajoins Micromax

NEW DELHI: Stepping up thebattle in the Indian mobile hand-set market, homegrown firmMicromax has roped in SamsungIndia's mobile and IT businesschief Vineet Taneja as its newChief Executive Officer.

Micromax, the country'ssecond largest smartphoneplayer, expects the move to helpit further strengthen its posi-tion in the segment, which iswitnessing explosive growth.

"This move is a testimonyto the vision and commitmentthat Micromax co-foundershave of bringing in the best tal-ent to build a strong organiza-tion and capitalize the oppor-tunities in this environment ofdata devices explosion,"Micromax co-founder RahulSharma told PTI.

The appointment will help thecompany consolidate its strongpresence in the market, drive glo-

bal partnerships and strategic alli-ances, while strengthening theorganizational capabilities withinMicromax, he added.

"Vineet will be an asset in our

next phase of growth, his diverseexperience will be a great additionto the Micromax leadership in In-dia both from organizational set-up and business growth perspec-

tive," he said.With over 25 years of experi-

ence, Taneja has worked with con-sumer brands like Hindustan Le-ver, Nokia and Bharti Airtel, prior

to Samsung. He holds a degreein engineering from IIT-Roorkeeand is an alumnus of IIM-Kolkata.

"We are witnessing an in-flection point in the smart de-vices globally. Therefore, it isa great opportunity for me tolead Micromax into its nextphase of growth by consolidat-ing and further strengtheningits position in India, and look-ing at global markets to com-plete its transition of becom-ing a global force to reckonwith," Taneja said.The company's former CEO

Deepak Mehrotra had quit the firmin October last year, citing personalreasons, and Sharma was manag-ing affairs in the interim.-PTI

Vineet Taneja

www.indiapost.comIndia Post

TOP TENHINDI FILM SONGS

1 Mast Magan: 2 States

2 Locha-E-Ulfat: 2 States

3 Party With The Bhoothnath:

Bhoothnath Returns

4 Whistle Baja: Heropanti

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6 Raat Bhar: Heropanti

7 Dard Dilo Ko: The Xpose

8 Fugly Fugly Kya Hai: Fugly

9 Baby Doll: Ragini MMS 2

10 Caller Tune: Humshakals

36 May 30, 2014

Arjun Kapoor was in the capital and he spokeabout the typical traits that comprise aDelhiwala and a Mumbaiwala.

"My cousins are from Delhi, and they're energeticand exuberant; and they wear their heart on their

sleeve. They're unabashedly proud of beingPunjabi, and are very family driven. I've spent all

my summer holidays in Delhi. My uncle and mybua live here. I've grown up here, done all the

normal things, and all the tourist-y things, too.Like that's what I loved when I saw Ranveer

in Band Baajaa Baaraat. He got that - wohDelhi wala laundapan pakda usne. Lekin

main hoon Mumbaiwala. Ab kyakaroon," Arjun said.

"But let me tell you," Arjun adds:"When I'm here with my cousins,I'm a total Delhi boy. I admire theway they are so emotional here,in Delhi. Delhiwalo ko faraknahi padta log kya sochte hain.'Hum aisey hi hain' is their at-titude, and that is what Ilove."

Ranveer Singh feels that rumors of him andactress Deepika Padukone being in a relationship are abuzz because they hang out

together."No (there is nothing between us)… She is a very

special person in my life and is a very close friend.She is one of the most wonderful people I have met.I have great amount of admiration and respect forher as an artist and as a professional. That's it,"Ranveer told in an interview.

Ranveer and Deepika have, however, never ac-knowledged that they are in a relationship. The ac-tor said he is completely into his work and does notkeep a tab of tabloid news.

"I think people are jumping the gun. I think it isvery presumptuous of people to assume

that two people are romanticallyinvolved if they are seen

going out together. I don'tthink that is correct judg-ment," he said.

But he also doesnot feel the need ofany sort of clarifica-tion even though hehas joined the social

networking websiteFacebook.

Abhishek Bachchan seems to have fallenin love with his wife all over again.The actor, who joined the former beauty

queen in the French Riviera, quips "I make herlook good".

At the amfAR gala, the star couple madea stunning appearance, with Abhishek

dressed in all black and Aishwaryamaking a style statement in an elegantshimmering gown. Picture perfect,Bollywood's star couple made for acosy and romantic eye-in-eye can-did photograph at the gala.

Junior Bachchan shared the'moment' with his Twitterati, andposted: "I make her look good!!Then again... anybody comparedto me will look good."

India Post 37May 30, 2014

www.indiapost.com

Bollywood

Sidharth Gupta, whomakes his acting debutwith Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand

Ho Gayi, and Varun Dhawan, werein for a shock recently, when aprank they played on Nargis Fakhriwent awfully wrong and shefainted. The 'jhand' was plannedas part of a reality show.

The two actors decided to upthe fear quotient to ensure thatthey succeeded in scaring Nargis.When the actress stepped out ofthe elevator, there was this manwaiting, pointing a gun at her. Ob-viously, she freaked out. "Nargisscreamed aloud and was so scaredthat she fainted," recalls a source.

"She was inconsolable and ittook a while for the guys to pacifyher," the source adds.

P riyanka Chopra is onthe cruise and is trav-eling with her mother

Madhu Chopra for two months.The actress plans to spend somequality time with her mother asso far she has had a choc o blocschedule promoting her singleand shooting and dubbingfor Mary Kom. Also be-fore leaving she hascompleted all her as-signments and in 20days, finished all hercommitments.

Priyanka says,"due to my hecticschedule I have notbeen able to spendtime with my mom sohopefully this will giveus enough time tocatch up."

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May 30, 201440

India Post41 May 30, 2014www.indiapost.com

Khandala is an important hill station in the state of Maharashtraand is the pride of the SahyadriMountains. Khandala is en-

dowed with abundant natural beauty andlike Lonavala, it also provides a popular gate-way from the hustle and bustle of the cities

of Mumbai and Pune. The picturesquegreen surroundings of this pretty hill sta-tion attract many travelers.

Khandala is located in the western partof Maharashtra, in the western region ofIndia. It is situated 101 km southeast ofMumbai and 69 km from Pune. It is 5 kmfrom Lonavala. Weather in Khandala is pleas-ant. Summers (April-June) are mild, whilewinters are cool (November-February). It ex-periences heavy southwestern monsoonrains between June and September.

The best time to visit Khandala is be-tween the months of October and May.

History: The origin of the place is ob-scure. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder ofthe first Maratha Empire, ruled the areaaround Khandala. Later it came under thePeshwa rulers, who founded the secondMaratha Empire. It was finally taken overby the British when they defeated thePeshwas.

Tourist attractions: Khandala is a smallhill station. The town provides a panoramicview of the lush green hilly environs. Trav-elers throng this place to escape the hecticlifestyle of Mumbai city. They can enjoythe scenic beauty of this place by taking awalk around. It has a number of trekkingtrails around it.

Places aroundThe popular hill station of Lonavala is

only 5 km from Khandala. Lonavala also hasthe same geographical settings as that ofKhandala.

There are a number of lakes aroundKhandala. Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake andBhushi Lake are worth visiting; so is theWalvan Dam. Cont’d on page 42


India Post- 41Travel & Hospitality Postwww.indiapost.com

Obama aims to lure more foreign travelersWASHINGTON: President

Barack Obama will move to reduceairport waiting times for foreigntravelers arriving in the UnitedStates in order to boost tourism,the White House has said.

The US is currently the world'ssecond tourist destination afterFrance, according to the WorldTourism Organization, and Obamasays that gaining the top spotwould create jobs.

Obama is going to ask his sec-retaries of commerce and homelandsecurity, Penny Pritzker and JehJohnson, to "develop a nationalgoal to improve the entry processand reduce wait times for interna-

tional travelers to the UnitedStates, and action plans at the 15largest airports for internationalarrivals," a White House statementsaid.

It is common for internationaltravelers arriving in the US tospend more than an hour at pass-port control and customs process-ing checkpoints at American air-ports, where controls there havebeen tightened dramatically sincethe September 11, 2001 terror at-tacks.

To speed things up, the Obamaadministration wants more check-points to be automated.

A view of the Merrick Butte in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal park, Utah.

KHANDALAPanoramic view of lushgreen hills & valleys

Karla and Bhaja Caves, lo-cated in the hills at a distance of16 km from Khandala, are impor-tant places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to2nd century BC and areamongst the oldest and finestexamples of Buddhist rock-cuttemple art in India, belonging

to the Hinayana sect of Bud-dhism. Adventure seekers cantry their hand at rock climbingat the Duke's Nose peak andother locations in the Karlahills, near Khandala. Travelerscoming from Mumbai toKhandala via the Mumbai-Pune

highway can see the Duke'sNose with its peculiar peak.

How to reachAir - Khandala does not

have an airport. The nearestairport is at Pune (69 km).

Rail - The nearest railwaystation is at Lonavala. AsLonavala is on the main rail-

way line between Mumbai(Bombay) and Pune (Poona), allexpress trains plying betweenthe two cities stop here andtravelers can take expresstrains passing throughLonavala to reach Mumbai andPune.

Lonavala Lake


Cont’d on page 43

India Post May 30, 201442 Travel & Hospitality Postwww.indiapost.com

Congress recently gave thegreen light for an additional 2,000border guards to be deployed.

On January 19, 2012 Obama setthe goal of making the UnitedStates the world's top tourism des-tination by, among other things,granting more visas to people fromChina and Brazil.

Two years later, the WhiteHouse says it has made significantprogress by reducing the averagetime people from those countries

must wait to get a visa.The White House says the to-

tal number of visas granted by theUnited States has gone up by 42percent since 2010, reaching 9.2million in 2013.

Obama wants the United Statesto lure 100 million visitors a yearby 2021. In 2013, the figure was 70million, compared to 55 million in2009, according to figures releasedby the administration.

The administration says nearlyeight million jobs in America arelinked to tourism. -AFP

Cyprus bets on Modi govt,tourism to boost ties

NEW DELHI: Keen to furtherboost bilateral ties with India un-der Narendra Modi-led govern-ment, Cyprus is looking to bol-ster tourism activities as well asmake the island nation a shoot-ing destination for Indian filmmakers.

Cyprus, the seventh largest

source of FDI into the country, isalso pinning hopes on the newIndian regime to sort out tax is-sues which has created "immenseobstacles" for investment activi-ties between the two sides.

Striking an optimistic note, aCyprus Foreign Ministry spokes-person said that a visit to India

by the country's President NicosAnastasiades would help in cre-ating a new atmosphere.

Emphasizing that Cyprus andIndia have traditionally had closeties, the official said the island na-tion was looking forward to thenew government in New Delhi sothat bilateral ties can be furtherenhanced and strengthened.

"The areas of trade, invest-ments and commerce remain ofprimary importance, while at thesame time we are looking to boosttourism in both directions.

"In addition, Cyprus being a'natural studio' is trying to estab-lish itself as a shooting destina-tion for Indian film productions,which in itself will enhance tour-ism and cultural relations," thespokesperson told PTI.

Many Indian films have beenshot in Cyprus, known for its sce-nic beaches and natural beauty.

"... a visit by the President ofthe Republic of Cyprus, NicosAnastasiades, to India, can do alot to create a new atmosphere,which will be conducive in thepromotion of our relations and theopening of new areas and avenuesof fruitful co-operation," thespokesperson said.-PTI

Uttarakhand to launchHimalaya Darshan programDEHRADUN: Uttarakhand

government will launch HimalayaDarshan program by air from Oc-tober 1 this year to promote tour-ism in the hill state.

Chief Minister Harish Rawathas asked the tourism and civilaviation departments to preparea detailed roadmap for the suc-cessful conduct of the ambitiousprogram, saying Uttarakhand isreputed all over the world as astate endowed with rare naturalbeauty.

"Under Himalaya Darshanprogram, proposed to belaunched from October 1, touristswill be flown in choppers over thepicturesque mountain ranges of

Uttarakhand," Chief Minister'smedia in-charge Surendra Kumarsaid here.

This will not only attract visi-tors from across the country andabroad to the hill state but alsohelp in establishing it as a majordestination on the world tourismmap, he said. -PTI

Cyprus beache

Role of private players intourism stressed

DEHRADUN: In order to boosttourism in the state, UttarakhandChief Minister Harish Rawat hasstressed on the participation ofprivate players and asked officialsto prepare solid plans for the same.

Reviewing the progress of tour-ism department at a meeting, Rawatdiscussed the setting up of a threemember single window system toencourage entrepreneurs in thesector.

He also stressed on promotionand propagation of tourism relatedplans and approved Rs 20 crorefor the same.

The Chief Minister directedthat plans be made for the provi-sion of helicopter-tourism of theHimalayan range in the state fortourists from across the countryand the world.

A Gangotri trekking route de-velopment board should be set upfor hikers and trekkers, he said.

Rawat also said that theMussoorie-Rajpur road would be

made two lane to allow Volvo ve-hicles to run smoothly. A bus sta-tion would also be set up on Rajpurroad for smooth flow of traffic.

The Chief Minister also di-rected for the setting up of an in-frastructure board under the tour-

ism department which would workfor the development of tourism ofthe state on a national and inter-national level.

Rawat also said that tax cuts fortourism operators during off-sea-son would be considered. -PTI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat

Obama aims to lure moreforeign travelers


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May 30, 2014

www.indiapost.com45 India Post May 30, 2014

Health ScienceHealth Line

Details on Page 47

'Mental illness

may be deadlier

than smoking'

Sign-ups impressive but Healthcare law still fails to impress

WASHINGTON: PresidentBarack Obama celebrated whensign-ups for his health care lawtopped 8 million, far exceedingexpectations after a slipshodlaunch. Most Americans, how-ever, remain unimpressed.

A new Associated Press-GfKpoll finds that public opinion con-tinues to run deeply negative onthe Affordable Care Act, Obama'ssignature effort to cover the un-insured. Forty-three percent op-pose the law, compared with just28 percent in support.

The pattern illustrates why thehealth care law remains a favoredtarget for Republicans seeking aSenate majority in the midtermelections.

The poll does have a brightspot for the administration: Thosewho signed up for coverage aren'treeling from sticker shock. Mostsaid they found premiums in linewith what they expected, or evenlower.

But even that was diminishedby another finding: More thanone-third of those who said theyor someone in their householdtried to enroll, were ultimately un-able to do so. For the WhiteHouse, it's an uncomfortable re-minder of the technical problems

that paralyzed the HealthCare.govwebsite for weeks after it went livelast fall.

The example of businessowner Henry Kulik shows someof the cross-currents of publicopinion.

Kulik is disabled as a result of

Lou Gehrig's disease, a conditionthat destroys the brain's ability tocontrol muscle movement. His fam-ily runs several stores that sell icecream and other summer refresh-ments in the Philadelphia area.

Kulik says he doesn't believethe federal government shouldrequire people to carry health in-surance, as the law does. And hecan understand worries about thecost to taxpayers. On the otherhand, he's been able to slash whathis family pays for health insur-

ance by purchasing coveragethrough the law's new insurancemarkets and by taking advantageof tax credits to lower the premi-ums.

Before the law, his family was

paying $2,400 a month. Now it'sseveral hundred dollars. AndKulik says the insurance for him-self, his wife, and three children iscomparable to what they had be-fore.

``I think there is a lot of misin-formation,'' he says.

Obama's health care law offerssubsidized private coverage tomiddle-class people who have nohealth plan on the job, and it ex-pands Medicaid to pick up low-income uninsured adults. But lastfall's launch of new health insur-ance markets was paralyzed bytechnical problems. The debaclecontributed to the departure ofhealth secretary KathleenSebelius.

After Congress approved thelaw in 2010, a political backlashover its Medicare cuts, tax in-creases and new regulationshelped Republicans win theHouse. This fall the GOP is fol-lowing a similar strategy with theSenate at stake.

``Republicans hold an advan-tage on this issue among peoplewho feel strongly about it,'' saidRobert Blendon of the HarvardSchool of Public Health, who fol-lows opinion trends on health care.

President Barack Obama speaks at White House in Washington. The Obamaadministration celebrated when sign-ups for the health care law crossed the8-million mark after a stumbling start. But most Americans are unimpressed.

No-smoking undertaking for jobs in RajasthanJAIPUR: Anyone seeking a

job through direct recruitmentprocess in Rajasthan govern-ment services will now have tosubmit an undertaking of "non-smoking and non-gutka use"with the application.

State Personnel and TrainingDepartment, in an order, circu-lated to all departments, corpo-rations, agencies, public servicecommission and district collec-tors, has asked to get the un-dertaking in writing from appli-cants seeking job through directrecruitment, official sourcessaid here.

Applicants should undertakean oath on a paper while apply-

ing that they do not smoke ciga-rette and chew gutka (betel-nutwith tobacco), the order categori-cally said.

Since the DOPT order was re-leased on the eve of Assembly

polls last year (October 2013) andthe Code of Conduct was effectedimmediately last year and now

during the Lok Sabha polls too,the order was lying pending forfresh job openings, they said.

Last month a Co-ordinationCommittee of five power compa-nies adopted this order effectively

and sought "undertakings of non-smoking and non-gutka use" fromapplicants in its direct job open-

ings in electricity corporations,the state energy and power de-partment sources said.

The DOPT order, made incompliance to the state-levelcommittee for tobacco control,had recommended that no per-son shall be offered a govern-ment job, if he or she smokes orchew tobacco.

Hailing the initiative ingovernment services, generalsecretary of Indian AsthmaCare Society DharamveerKateva said the move shouldbe welcomed everywhere, andnon-alcoholic undertakingshould also be added with thisoath. -PTI

Flu claims 107lives in NCthis season

RALEIGH, N.C.: Figures fromthe State Department of Healthand Human Services show that107 people died from the flu inNorth Carolina this season, com-pared with 59 the previous sea-son.

Just nine died in the seasonthat ended in spring 2011.

State medical epidemiologistZack Moore tells The News &Observer of Raleigh that one rea-son for the higher number ofdeaths may be that youngerpeople worry less about the fluand are less likely to get theirshots.

This season, nearly two-thirdsof the deaths were reported inpeople between the ages of 24and 65.

Typically, the virus beginsshowing up in late fall and casessubside by mid-May, when thestate typically issues its lastweekly flu statistics report of theseason. -AP

Cont'd on Page 47

Olive oil onveggies may lowerblood pressure

LONDON: A Mediterraneandiet that combines unsaturatedfats with nitrite-rich vegetables,such as olive oil and lettuce, canprotect you from hypertension, anew study suggests.

The findings led by King's Col-lege London help to explain whysome previous studies haveshown that a Mediterranean dietcan reduce blood pressure.

Such a diet typically includesunsaturated fats found in olive oil,nuts and avocados, along withvegetables like spinach, celery andcarrots that are rich in nitrites andnitrates.

When these two food groupsare combined, the reaction of un-saturated fatty acids with nitro-gen compounds in the vegetablesresults in the formation of nitrofatty acids.

The study, supported by theBritish Heart Foundation, usedmice to investigate the process bywhich these nitro fatty acids lowerblood pressure, looking atwhether they inhibited an enzymeknown as soluble Epoxide Hydro-lase which regulates blood pres-sure.

Mice genetically engineered tobe resistant to this inhibitory pro-cess were found to maintain theirhigh blood pressure despite beingfed the type of nitro fatty acids thatnormally form when a Mediterra-nean diet is consumed. -PTI

India Post Health Science Post46

www.indiapost.com

May 30, 2014

Dentist tries to extract 20teeth; kills patient

NEW YORK: License of an Indian den-tist was revoked in the US after he at-tempted to extract 20 teeth from the mouthof a 64-year-old woman in one sitting whichled to her death.

The dentist, Doctor Rashmi Patel wasperforming the procedure on Judith Gan onFebruary 17 when she gurgled and lostconsciousness.

The procedure included placing implantsin the woman's mouth after removing theteeth, according to the New York DailyNews.

The paper quoted Patel's assistant assaying that he had requested him to stopthe procedure before calling the emergencyservices.

"He wanted to complete the placementof implants as the assistant begged Patelto stop working, and finally ran out andcalled 911, but the patient had already flat-lined," the state Department of PublicHealth wrote in a report.

"The four count petition found, amongan array of other misdeeds, that Patel devi-ated from standard of care in that he didnot timely and properly respond to Gan'soxygen desaturation and/or respiratory dis-tress and/or cardio-pulmonary distress,"state records reported.

"Gan did not have to die to receive thisdental treatment and it is because of Patel'snegligence that she died," said a dentistwho was asked to review the case for theDepartment of Health.

Patel's license, issued in 2003, was sus-pended on April 21 pending a June 18 hear-ing in front of the state dental commission.Patel runs two clinics in Enfield andTorrington.

"Patel has been ordered to stay awayfrom his patients after one died and anotherspent six days in the hospital," state healthofficials said.

The horror of Gan's botched procedurecame after a December incident, when a 55-year-old man "aspirated the throat pack"and was rushed to the hospital. The victimstopped breathing and spent six days inthe hospital after suffering heart and lungdamage.

Patel was also sued for malpractice by aformer employee in 2009 after he performed"shoddy" dental work. Doreen Jasonis wonnearly USD 500,000 from a jury in 2011, butthe ruling was appealed and eventuallyended with an out-of-court settlement.

The dentist's attorney says both clinicsremain open and that Patel will fight thecharges. -PTI

Drinking alone increasesrisky behavior

LONDON: Want to avoid risky behaviorafter consuming alcohol? Drink in a group.

Being in a group when drinking moder-ate amounts of alcohol makes people viewrisk more cautiously, a new study hasfound.

Psychologists from the University ofKent and the University of East Angliafound that individuals who consume mod-erate amounts of alcohol in social situa-tions are likely to view risky situations with

greater caution when considering them aspart of a group.

Researchers asked Kent students whowere drinking in groups in bars and at amusic festival at its Canterbury campus todecide what levels of risk they thought wasacceptable before recommending someoneshould take various actions.

They accepted a higher level of riskwhen they were drinking and decidingalone, rather than when they were drinkingand deciding in a group of others.

In the study, 101 participants aged 18-30 who were in groups were approached totake part. The researchers compared groupsof people who were just under the drink-driving limit with groups that had not con-sumed any alcohol.

The participants first gave their privatejudgments about how much risk they wouldaccept before recommending a potentiallyrisky action - for example, whether it wouldbe acceptable to drive to collect a friend

from an airport afterdrinking.

They then re-joinedthe group and dis-cussed a second prob-lem and the group hadto agree how much riskwould be acceptable.

"When intoxicated,it is known that peopleare more likely to en-gage in risky behavior,including the use of il-licit drugs, engaging inviolent and other crimi-nal activity and drivingat dangerous speeds,"said Dr Tim Hopthrow,

of Kent's Centre for the Study of Group Pro-cesses.

"Our findings confirmed that individualrisk decisions are increased by higher al-cohol consumption.

"Our previous research, which had beenconducted in laboratory conditions,showed that effects of alcohol consump-tion that affect people drinking alone, suchas becoming riskier, are reduced or elimi-nated when people make judgments to-gether with other drinkers in a group. -PTI

States scrutinize insuranceenrollment workers

DOVER, Del.: Republican lawmakers inseveral states continue to push for tighteroversight of workers who help people ap-ply for health care insurance under the Af-fordable Care Act, even though there's nosign yet that enrollment assistants havemisused consumers' personal infor-mation.

More than a dozen GOP-con-trolled states have passed legisla-tion requiring licensing or back-ground checks for people helpingconsumers buy health insurance onthe federal marketplace, and similarbills are pending in other states. Pro-ponents say the requirements willhelp protect consumers from iden-tity theft.

Government officials have ac-knowledged that enrollment work-ers in some states, including Cali-fornia, Nevada and Delaware, have

criminal records, but a criminal backgroundtypically does not automatically disqualifysomeone from helping people enroll forhealth insurance. State officials have in-stead reviewed those applicants on a case-by-case basis. -AP

Cora Vay, right, a customer service representative,explains a health insurance plan to Michael Carradine,second from left, who came with his mother, Natividad

Martin, left, to sign up for health care

India PostHealth Science Post 47

www.indiapost.com

May 30, 2014

'Mental illness may bedeadlier than smoking'

LONDON: Serious mental illnesses re-duce life expectancy by 10-20 years - a lossof years that's equivalent to or worse thanthat for heavy smoking, a new Oxford studyhas warned.

Despite these stark figures and the simi-lar prevalence of problems, mental healthhas not seen the same public health prior-ity, researchers said.

The figures should galvanize govern-ments and health and social services to puta much higher priority on how mental

health services can prevent early deaths,according to Oxford University psychia-trists.

Researchers searched for the best sys-tematic reviews of clinical studies whichreported mortality risk for a whole range ofdiagnoses - mental health problems, sub-stance and alcohol abuse, dementia, autis-tic spectrum disorders, learning disabilityand childhood behavioral disorders.

Twenty review papers were identified,

including over 1.7 million individuals andover 250,000 deaths.

The average reduction in life expectancyin people with bipolar disorder was foundto be between 9 and 20 years, it's 10-20years for schizophrenia, between 9 and 24years for drug and alcohol abuse, andaround 7-11 years for recurrent depression.

The loss of years among heavy smokersis 8-10 years, researchers said.

All diagnoses studied showed an in-crease in mortality risk, though the size of

the risk varied greatly. Many had risksequivalent to or higher than heavysmoking.

"We found that many mental healthdiagnoses are associated with a dropin life expectancy as great as that as-sociated with smoking 20 or more ciga-rettes a day," said Seena Fazel of theDepartment of Psychiatry at Oxford.

"There are likely to be many rea-sons for this. High-risk behaviors are

common in psychiatric patients, especiallydrug and alcohol abuse, and they are morelikely to die by suicide.

The stigma surrounding mental healthmay mean people aren't treated as well forphysical health problems when they do seea doctor," said Fazel.

One problem is the tendency to sepa-rate mental and physical illness, said Fazel.

The finding was published in the jour-nal World Psychiatry. -PTI

All diagnoses studied showedan increase in mortality risk,though the size of theriskvaried greatly. Many hadrisks equivalent to or higherthan heavy smoking.

Pak docs train in Indiaon liver transplant

NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind train-ing program, a team of doctors from Paki-stan have come to India for training at aprivate hospital here.

Six doctors from Shaikh Zayadh Hospi-tal in Lahore, one of the leading hospitalsin Pakistan, are here for a month to undergoliver transplant training under the guidanceand supervision of Dr Subhash Gupta, se-nior consultant of Liver Transplant at theCentre for Liver and Biliary Sciences atIndraprashtha Apollo Hospital.

Dr Amer Latif, a senior liver consultantfrom Pakistan said the team basically wantedto learn the liver transplant procedure andtechniques used here in India which hasbenefitted many Pakistani nationals.

"Many Pakistani nationals underwentliver transplant in India and are now lead-ing a healthy life. This training program isaimed at exchanging ideas and sharing thetechniques and methods used during livertransplant," said Latif.

"This training program would help inbetter exchange of innovative ideas andlatest technology and would be beneficialto the patients as well as doctors. This isan important step towards building rela-

tions with fellow doctors across the bor-der," said Dr Subhash Gupta.

The doctors also went for sight-seeingin and around the national capital. Theyvisited Lal Quila and Chandni Chowkamong other places.

The team of doctors who are attendingthe training program include Dr Amer Latif(consultant, HPB/Liver Transplant Sur-geon), Dr Akif Dilshad (consultant, LiverTransplant Hepatology), Dr MuhammadAamir Khan (consultant, Radiologist), DrMuhammad Sarwar (Anesthetist) amongothers. -PTI

Dr. Subash Gupta, Senior Consultant, Centrefor Liver and Biliary Sciences, Indraprastha

Apollo Hospital

Still, just 17 percent of poll respondentssaid the law will be completely repealed.While that represents an increase of 5 per-centage points from March, the poll foundthat 67 percent believe the health law willbe implemented with changes, whethermajor or superficial.

In Walhalla, South Carolina, digitalpublisher Greg Freeman says he's no bigfan of the president. But now into his late30s, Freeman thought it would be a goodidea to get health insurance through thenew law. It took several tries to navigatethe federal enrollment website, but Free-man says he's generally satisfied. His maincomplaint is that his new doctor is aboutan hour away, in a bigger town to the east.

``I can see if some of the kinks can beworked out this could be a very positivething in the long run,'' Freeman said. ̀ `Weshould be in a position to be healthiestcountry in the world.''

The poll found that sign-up successtranslated into higher approval for thehealth care law. Among those who suc-ceeded in purchasing coverage, 51 per-cent back the law, compared with 30 per-cent among those who tried to sign up

Sign-ups impressive but Healthcare law still fails to impress

and weren't successful.In the tiny coastal Oregon town of

Reedsport, locksmith Marvin Plunkettsays he's disappointed that public opin-ion about the law remains so negative. Hewas able to gain coverage through thestate's expanded Medicaid program.

Plunkett recalled former Alaska Gov. Sa-rah Palin's discredited charge that the lawwould set up ``death panels'' to judge

whether seniors should receive medicalcare. ``The truth about it is pretty mun-dane,'' he said. ̀ `But the lies are really ex-citing and emotional.'' -AP

Cont'd from Page 45

In the tiny coastal Oregontown of Reedsport,locksmith Marvin Plunkettsays he's disappointed thatpublic opinion about thelaw remains so negative.He was able to gaincoverage through thestate's expanded Medicaidprogram.

48 India Post May 30, 2014www.indiapost.com

In Brief ImmigrationDetails on page 49

South Africavisa to Indianbusinessmen

in 4 days

Illegal immigration in Texassees increase

MCALLEN, TEXAS: A shift byimmigrant smugglers to target thetough-to-defend U.S.-Mexico bor-der in southernmost Texas hasaccelerated this year as the Bor-der Patrol scrambles to shift itsresources from states farther west,according to an internal agencyreport obtained by The Associ-ated Press.

From Oct. 1 through May 17,agents in the southernmost tip ofTexas made more than 148,000 ar-rests, on pace to match last year'stotal in less than eight months,according to the intelligence re-port. That compares with nearly63,000 arrests in the Tucson, Ari-zona, sector, which it surpassedfor the first time just last year. TheRio Grande Valley sector averagednearly 1,100 arrests per day fromMay 11-17, according to the docu-ment.

What these numbers look likeon the ground is a near-constantflow of people across the RioGrande. The arrests do not repre-sent the full level of traffic, onlythose who are caught, but thereport's hourly breakdownsshowed the arrests never stopped.Heat maps illustrating concentra-tions of arrests glowed bright redalong miles of the Rio Grandesouth of McAllen.

"I don't think we have any-where near the resources that we

would require to even make a dentin what we've got going on here,"said Chris Cabrera, a Border Pa-trol agent in McAllen and localvice president of the agents' union."I think it's common knowledgethat we don't have the resources,

that's why they're coming indroves like they are. They're ex-ploiting a weakness that they'vefound and quite frankly they'redoing a good job of it."

When a delegation of state ag-riculture commissioners fromaround the country visited theMcAllen Border Patrol station,they were told about 1,400 arrests

were made the night before. Theysaw more than 1,000 immigrants,many mothers with infants or soloteenagers, being held in spacesintended to accommodate only afraction of that.

In a statement, Department of

Homeland Security spokeswomanMarsha Catron addressed thegovernment's efforts to deal withunaccompanied children, whohave contributed to the crowdedconditions at Border Patrol sta-tions and overwhelmed availableshelter space. The governmenthas announced it would onceagain temporarily house as many

as 1,000 of the children at a SanAntonio Air Force base. DHS hasdesignated someone to coordinateefforts, sent additional senior staffto the region and expanded aware-ness campaigns in the immigrants'home countries.

Last month, at the McAllen sta-tion to welcome a new group oftemporarily assigned agents, thesector's Deputy Chief Raul Ortizsaid he and the new chief were talk-ing a lot about staff levels.

"We do plan to bring on addi-tional agents," Ortiz said. "Ourplan is to certainly increase thestaffing commensurate with thethreat level down here."

The Border Patrol has been try-ing to beef up its resources in thearea for more than a year. Mostnew academy graduates comestraight to Texas, and 115 agentsfrom sectors elsewhere in Texas aswell as Arizona and California havebeen temporarily detailed here. Atthe end of the last fiscal year, theTucson sector had 1,049 moreagents than the Rio Grande Val-ley.

The difference is not only inagents. Drones hum above theSouth Texas border with high-powered cameras, and a growingfleet of blimp-like aerostats aretethered at busy crossing spotsto watch with infrared cameras.

U.S. Border Patrol agents escort a group of undocumented immigrants intocustody with helicopter support from the U.S. Office of Air and Marine on

May 20, 2013 near the U.S.-Mexico border in Havana, Texas.

UK unpopular among Indian, Pak studentsLONDON: The number of

overseas students coming tostudy in Britain from Common-wealth countries like India andPakistan has dwindled from onelakh to 35,000 in the past threeyears, according to the latest im-migration report.

The official report issued bythe Office of National Statistics(ONS) indicated a steep declinein students from India and otherCommonwealth countries optingother international destinationsfor studies.

"The number of overseas stu-

dents coming to study in Britainfrom Commonwealth countriessuch as India and Pakistan had

fallen from one lakh to 35,000 inthe past three years", the reportsaid.

UK University bodies and crit-ics of the country's immigrationpolicy have been warning the UK

government over toughening visapolicies driving overseas stu-dents, who pay much higher fees,

to other countries such as theUS and Australia.

Most recently, a House ofLords committee had accusedthe government of creating anunwelcoming atmosphere for in-ternational students from coun-tries like India.

"It is important to note thatboth India and China are impor-tant markets for UK universitiesseeking to attract internationalstudents they're getting the coldshoulder and heading else-where.

"It is important to note that both India andChina are important markets for UKuniversities seeking to attract internationalstudents they're getting the cold shoulder andheading elsewhere.,,

Cont'd on Page 49

Cont'd on Page 49

Senate holdsimmigrant healthcoverage bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Thestate Senate is holding legislationthat seeks to extend health carecoverage to immigrants who arein the country illegally until law-makers find a way to pay for it.

The Senate AppropriationsCommittee held SB1005 by Demo-cratic Sen. Ricardo Lara of LongBeach. The move makes it harderfor the bill to advance because itwill require a two-thirds vote.

Federal health care reforms pro-hibit immigrants in the country il-legally from receiving subsidiesfor insurance or qualifying forMedicaid coverage, known asMedi-Cal in California.

The bill proposes to extendMedi-Cal benefits to them whilealso creating a separate healthbenefit exchange to provide sub-sidies.

It would cost as much as $900million in additional Medi-Calspending and up to $400 millionmore in state subsidies. -AP

Ethiopiansentenced for USimmigration crimes

DENVER: An Ethiopian jailguard accused of torturing andkilling dozens of people duringgovernment-sponsored violencein the 1970s has been sentencedto 22 years in prison for immigra-tion crimes by a federal judge whosaid the United States cannot be-come a refuge for human-rightsviolators.

Defendant Kefelgn AlemuWorku had lived quietly in theDenver area for eight years until2011, when another Ethiopian rec-ognized and confronted him out-side a cafe with the words, ̀ `I thinkI know you,'' before alerting au-thorities.

Worku was convicted last yearof assuming another man's iden-tity and lying on U.S. immigrationforms by denying that he commit-ted acts of political persecution.

``The risk that this country be-comes regarded as a safe havenfor violators of human rights issuch that the maximum sentenceis required,'' U.S. District JudgeJohn L. Kane said during sentenc-ing, adding there was undeniableevidence that Worku had a role inwar crimes. ̀ `The relatively harm-less lifestyle he has had in theUnited States does not change thecharacter flaw of psychopathy.''

Two witnesses testified duringthe hearing that Worku routinelybeat them and others at Higher 15,a detention center established dur-ing the political violence in Ethio-pia known as the Red Terror. -AP

India Post 49May 30, 2014 Immigration Postwww.indiapost.com

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The rules are seen as too com-plex and subject to endlesschanges, the visa costs are notcompetitive, and the rules relatingto work after study are so limitingthat prospective students areheading to the US, Australia,Canada and elsewhere," the LordsScience and Technology Commit-tee had said in a report last month.

The official migration figures,released on the day the UK is vot-ing in its European Union elec-tions, also show a rise in the ar-rival of EU citizens to the UK inthe year to December 2013.

The ONS found that 201,000 EUcitizens came into the UK as long-term immigrants, seen as a statis-tically significant increase of43,000 over the previous year.

These figures are likely to givea boost to the UK's anti-immigra-tion far-right party, the UK Inde-pendence Party (UKIP), which isbelieved to be on course to regis-ter a major win in the polls.

The overall net migration fig-ures show that the UKgovernment's squeeze on immigra-tion from outside the EuropeanUnion (EU) from countries like In-dia is working, with migration fromthe rest of the world falling to146,000 in 2013, down 11,000 onthe previous year and the lowestlevel for 10 years.

However the figures will still beseen as a blow to British PrimeMinister David Cameron, with mi-gration running at more thandouble his manifesto target of"tens of thousands" by next year'sgeneral election. -PTI

But one slide in a presentationby Border Patrol Chief MichaelFisher in March listed eachsector's "deployment density,"which it defined as having "suffi-cient assets to detect and respondto illicit cross-border activity." Atthat point, before the arrival of thetemporary detail, the Rio GrandeValley ranked third from the bot-tom on the Southwest border at58 percent, compared with 100 per-cent in San Diego.

The Southwest border totalsare less than half the arrests madeannually between 2004 and 2006,though they've been rising for thepast two years.

When most of the traffic wascrossing in Tucson, the over-whelming majority were Mexican

citizens.But of the 7,640 arrests made in

the Rio Grande Valley last week,Mexicans ranked fourth, behindpeople from Honduras, El Salva-dor and Guatemala. Widespreadgang violence and lack of eco-nomic opportunity are cited as fac-tors in the growing numbers ofpeople from those countries.Crossing through Mexico intoSouth Texas is their most directroute.

Immigrant smuggling is a hugebusiness dominated by Mexico'sdrug cartels, which either cross thegroups themselves or collect a taxper head from smugglers.

"These guys watch us,"Cabrera said. "They know wherewe're at, when we're going to bethere, when we're going to leave."-AP

South Africa visa to Indianbusinessmen in 4 days

NEW DELHI: South Africawould grant visa to Indian busi-nessmen who intend to exploreprospects in the country for mu-tual business gains within fourdays of submitting an application.

"Since South Africa enjoys acordial relationship with India andits companies are expanding theirbusinesses in South Africa, thedecision to grant visa facilities hasbeen taken to further cement busi-ness ties between both countries,"South African High Commissionerto India F K Morule said at a PHDChamber session here.

The High Commissioner furthersaid that the South African diplo-matic missions overseas wouldextend this facility to otherfriendly nations as well, a PHDChamber release said.

"India's relations with SouthAfrica have flourished over theyears. The bilateral trade betweenIndia and South Africa has grownsubstantially from USD 7.5 billionin 2008-09 to USD 11.15 billion in2013-14," Morule said.

"India ranks amongst the top

10 trading partners of South Af-rica and is now South Africa's fifthlargest export destination and sixthlargest source of imports. India'sinvestments in South Africa areestimated at around USD 6 billionto date and are expected to touchUSD 7 billion in the comingyears," he added.

According to Morule, eco-nomic cooperation between thetwo countries could be diversifiedinto areas such as transport equip-ment, computer software, engi-

neering goods, metals, minerals,textiles, agro-processing,healthcare, water and sanitation.

Besides, Minister Counselor(Economic) in the High Commis-sion of South Africa StefanusBotes expressed hope that withnew governments in place both inSouth Africa and India, negotia-

tion on India-SACU PreferentialTrade Agreement would progressto benefit both the economies.

South African Customs Union(SACU), with a common CustomTariff Policy, comprises of SouthAfrica, Lesotho, Swaziland,Botswana and Namibia.

During the sixth session of theIndia-South Africa Joint Ministe-rial Commission Meeting held inNew Delhi on 5-6 December 2005,both countries agreed that a com-prehensive Free Trade Agreementwithin a reasonable time.

In the interim, the two sidesagreed on a limited scope agree-ment providing for exchange oftariff concessions on select list ofproducts between India andSACU which would give furtherimpetus to bilateral trade and urgedfor its early conclusion. So far, fiverounds of negotiations of India-SACU PTA have been held.

India and South Africa are alsoengaged in various multilateralfora such as IBSA (India, Brazil,South Africa), G-20, and BRICS(Brazil, Russia, India, China, SouthAfrica) and have a common ap-proach on many global issues, in-cluding the future ofmultilateralism, South-South Co-operation and multilateral tradenegotiations. -PTI

Cont'd from Page 48

Illegal immigration inTexas sees increase

UK unpopular amongIndian, Pak students

Cont'd from Page 48

May 30, 2014India Post

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAUpcoming

Tue, June 3• La Disco Loca DishkiyaoonVenue: Mumbai Madness, 2691 RichterAve, Irvine, CA 92606Time: 7:30 pmContact: 949-345-1641

June 5th to 8th• Bombay Jayashree AndShubha Mudgal Live In BayAreaVenue: Sunnyvale Hindu temple, 450 Per-sian Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089Time: 6 pmContact: 510-305-9285

June 6 and 7,8• Mount Madonna School's 36thannual Ramayana!Venue: Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700Alum Rock Ave., San JoseTime: 7 pmJune 8 Time: 2 pmTickets: All Seats Reserved, $35 Adults/$25Children (18 and under)Contact : MountMadonnaSchool.org/ramayana

Sat, Jun 7• Swadeshi Ayya A Play ByY.Gee MahendraVenue: Carrington Hall, 1201 BrewsterAvenue, Redwood City, CA 94062Time : 4:00 pmContact: 408-892-9907

June 5th to 8th• Bombay Jayashree AndShubha Mudgal Live In BayAreaVenue: Sunnyvale Hindu temple, 450 Per-sian Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089Contact: 510-305-9285

ATLANTAUpcoming

Sat, May 31• ETV Paadutaa Teeyagain AtlantaVenue: Independence High School, 86School Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30009Time: 11:00 am

Sun, Jun 1• ETV Paadutaa Teeyaga inAtlantaVenue: Independence High School, 86School Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30009Time: 3:00 pm

Sun, June 29• Bollywood Dream GirlHema Malini As DurgaVenue: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303Time: 6:30pm

• J K Yog Satsang and BalMukund Hindi Classes are heldevery 2nd and 4rth Sunday ofMonthChicago Satsang Information:

J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda

Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets,

Board Room, 933 South Riverside

Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm

Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok

@ 630-561-4807

Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month• Chicago Children'sBal MukundCharacter Building Programand Hindi Literacy ClassesVenue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins

Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next

to Nissan Dealership)

Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @

630-561-4807

Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund

Mondays and Fridays• Free ESL - English as SecondLanguage ClassesWhere: Metropolitan Asian FamilyServicesVenue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL,

Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Contact: 773-465-3105

ILLINOISUpcoming

NEW JERSEYUpcoming

NEW YORKUpcoming

Sat, May 31• Ghulam Ali Live In ConcertVenue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 HollyAve, Flushing, NY 11355Time : 8:00 pmContact : 917-855-2057

Sat, Jun 7• Babbu Maan Live In New YorkVenue: York College, 94-20 Guy R, BrewerBlvd Jamaica, NY 11451Time: 07:30 pmContact : 516-946-4748

Sat, Jun 21• 17th Annual Event by AsavariVenue: Valimar Clubhouse, 166 Valimar Blvd,White Plains, NY 10603Time: 03:00 pmContact: 9149488969

Fri, June 6• Ghulam Ali (Farewell Tour)Venue: Edison Hotel, 3050,WoodbridgeAve, Edison, NJ 08837Time: 8: 00 pm

Sat, June 7• ETV Paadutaa Teeyaga in NJVenue: Green Brook Middle School, 132Jefferson Ave, Green Brook, NJ 08812Time : 11:00 amContact: 425-638-3298

Sat, June 14• 8th Annual Kite and ColorFestivalVenue: Buena Vista Camping Resort, 775Harding Highway, Buena, NJ 08310Time: 11:00 amContact: 856-293-1970

50

Sat, Jun 14• Desi Rock StarVenue: The Event Center, San Jose State

University, 290 S 7th St, San Jose,

CA 95112

Time: 07:30 pm

Contact: 510-677-2777

Sun, Jun 22•Halo Ne Apna Malak MaVenue: Jain Temple, 722 South Main Street,

Milpitas, CA 95035

Time: 4:30 pm

Contact: 408-646-0330


www.indiapost.com

Horoscope

Your Weekly FutureMAY 30TH - JUNE 5TH, 2014

by Pandit Parashar

(March 21 to April 20)

There is a strong chance of some kind of Jackpot. Investment

made in the past will get you tons of money and have no fear

about new partners in business, they will play on your tune later

on. People earlier suffering from ailments will cured with help of new

medications. There will be some dramatic positive change in career.

(November 23 to December 22)

You will put some assets in market to reduce ongoing financial

pressure. Mind will be inclined towards spiritually and it will

help restore peace in mind. You will be invited to couple of

upcoming social events. There are strong chances of money through

legal procedure. You will call someone for direction and advice.

(May 21 to June 20)

Money may pour in from totally unexpected places. Old pay-

ments will finally show up and the business should also pick

up suddenly. You will be making frequent phone calls to a

sibling and exchange few good news. Your past actions will pay off

now and you will be admired by everyone at the party. Let the past go

and think positive only.

(July 23 to August 22)

Property deal will also close this week. Just watch out for a

shady character trying to flirt and come too close. People in

business will be cheerful to see their sales almost double up in

short period. You are very close to getting some money out of a pend-

ing litigation. You may travel to a real nice and warm area with family.

(September 23 to October 22)

There will be lots of excitement about an upcoming trip. People

in business will see a sudden surge in sales with new first time

clients. An old appeal will get accepted and you will receive the

confirmation letter. Your car will need minor repairs. Boss will be happy

with your performance and make necessary recommendations.

(April 21 to May 20)

It will be a hectic week, Limited time and so many important places

to visit. You will buy some expensive but useful item for the house.

Things will be more relaxed at work and even of of your colleague

will offer his help. Transiting Sun in first can get you some money

through stocks also. Do not hesitate to try your hands at lottery.

(June 21 to July 22)

You may be sending some money overseas for a very good rea-

son. Drive within speed limits when on freeway and traveling

long distance. Some one who was too close long ago will once

again try to flirt with you. Legal matters will start moving in the right

direction and a comfortable settlement is almost within your reach in a

few days.

(August 23 to September 22)

There will be lots of activities in career. You may finally receive

more than one contract in your hands. Seems like a female will

be instrumental on the other side for these. It will be better to

ignore the immature comment from a sibling. You will be going on a

short trip with children to attend a social event this week.

(October 23 to November 22)

Chances of making money through stocks are very strong. You

will become very ambitious and try your hands in different

directions and will get some results too. Some of you may

join a short term course to improve your chances in this challenging

world. Children will keep you involved and plan more than one trip.

(December 22 to January 19)

Health issues will come under controls with right procedure and

medication. You may win some money in lottery too. Spouse

will get emotional quick so have patience with her. You will be

working on several brilliant ideas and one of them will click

soon.Business meetings will go well but results will come next week.

(January 20 to February 18)

(February 19 to March 20)

Idea of legal action to prove your point will cross your mind. Strategy

will silence people who have been taking undue advantage of your

generosity. You may be assigned a lighter project by the boss. You

will visit an old friend with family this week. There are strong chance of

a second source of income opening this week.

Some of you will get a lucky break in career. Position you al-

ways wanted will be offered with better benefits. You may spend

an evening with people from political background. Kids will be

excited about an upcoming long distance trip. Money wise you will

continue to do well and meet all commitments on time.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA isalso available for individual consultations.He can be reached at: [email protected]

510-886-4370www.parashar.com

52 May 30, 2014India Post

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Philosophy

Bhakti is both themeans and the end

What you are trying to find iswhat you already are

Let no man in the worldlive in delusion. Without aGuru none can cross overto the other shore.

- Guru Nanak

"O Lord, the world is onfire, save it by showeringyour grace. Save it bywhichever way it can besaved."

- Guru Amar Das

"There can be no rebirthwithout a dark night of thesoul, a total annihilation ofall that you believed in andthought that you were."

- Hazrat Inayat Khan,

One of the tragedies ofmodern times is thatpeople have come to be-lieve that something saidby someone in the past,perhaps for illustrative orprovocation purposes,actually represents thatperson's beliefs at the time

- Idries Shah

"Born because of thekarma of their past mis-takes, they make moremistakes, and fall into mis-takes."

- Sri Guru GranthSahib

As the Lord Himself en-gages him, so is he en-gaged, no one has anysay in this matter.

- Guru Gobind Singh

Those who focus theirconsciousness on theTrue Guru are perfectlyfulfilled and famous.

- Guru Arjun Dev

Manifestation may adopt any number of formsbut the substratum of all the myriad forms isConsciousness, without which there cannotbe anything whatsoever.

Narada Muni

Bhakti is intense love forGod. It is the nectar of love,getting which man be-

comes perfect, immortal, and sat-isfied for ever; getting which mandesires no more, does not becomejealous of anything, does not takepleasure in vanities. Knowingwhich man becomes filled withspirituality, becomes calm, andfinds pleasure only in God.

Bhakti cannot be used to fill anydesire, itself being the check to alldesires.

Sannyâsa is giving up both thepopular and the scriptural formsof worship. The Bhakti-Sannyasinis the one whose whole soul goesunto God, and whatever militatesagainst love to God, he rejects.Giving up all other refuge, he takesrefuge in God.

Scriptures are to be followed aslong as one's life has not becomefirm; or else there is danger of do-ing evil in the name of liberty.

When love becomes estab-lished, even social forms are givenup, except those which are neces-sary for the preservation of life.

The signs of love: When allthoughts, all words, and all deedsare given up unto the Lord, andthe least forgetfulness of Godmakes one intensely miserable,then love has begun.

As the Gopis had it - Because,although worshipping God as theirlover, they never forgot his God-nature; otherwise they would have

Ramesh S. Balsekar

The universe is uncaused,like a net of jewels in whicheach is only the reflection

of all the others in a fantastic in-terrelated harmony without end.

Self-Realization is effortless.What you are trying to find is whatyou already are. Enlightenment istotal emptiness of mind. There isnothing you can do to get it. Anyeffort you make can only be anobstruction to it.

If you but cease from uselessconceptualizing, you will be whatyou are and what you have alwaysbeen. Seeing truly is not merely achange in the direction of seeing,but a change at its very center, inwhich the seer himself disappears.

The only ultimate understand-ing is that nothing is, not even hewho understands. For enlighten-ment to happen the perceiver mustturn right around and wake up tothe fact that he is face to face withhis own nature - that HE IS IT. Thespiritual seeker ultimately findsthat he was already at the destina-tion, that he himself IS what he hadbeen seeking and he was in factalready home.

Concepts can at best only serveto negate one another, as onethorn is used to remove another,

and then be thrown away. Only indeep silence do we leave conceptsbehind. Words and language dealonly with concepts, and cannotapproach Reality.

Between pure Awareness andAwareness reflected as con-sciousness there is a gap whichthe mind cannot cross. The reflec-

tion of the sun in a drop of dew isnot the sun itself.

Ceasing to conceptualize meansceasing to perceive objectively,which means perceiving non-ob-jectively. It is to see the universewithout choice or judgment andwithout getting into subject-objectrelationship. What happens then?Nothing, except that you are whatyou were before you were born:everything.

When the apparent but illusoryidentity called a person has disap-

peared into the awareness of totalpotentiality that it is and has al-ways been, this is called enlight-enment.

Manifestation may adopt anynumber of forms but the substra-tum of all the myriad forms is Con-sciousness, without which therecannot be anything whatsoever.

Nothing can have any meaning,or even any existence, except interms of something else.

The man of wisdom is devoidof ego even though he may ap-pear to use it. His vacant or fast-ing mind is neither doing anythingnor not doing anything. He is out-side of volition, neither this northat. He is everything and noth-ing.

Your doubts will never be to-tally destroyed until perceptionhas gone beyond mere

As a man cannot satisfy his hunger by simpleknowledge or sight of food, so a man cannotbe satisfied by the knowledge or even theperception of God until love comes; thereforelove is the highest.

phenomenality, and such percep-tion is not a matter of will but ofGrace.

Only that which was prior to theappearance of this body-con-sciousness is your true identity.That is Reality. It is here and now,and there is no question of any-one being able to reach for it or

grasp it.The same Consciousness pre-

vails at rest as the Absolute and inmotion as duality. When the senseof 'me' disappears completely, du-ality vanishes in ecstasy.

To any conceptual problemthere cannot be any valid answerexcept to see the problem in per-spective as an empty thought.

Excerpted from A Net Of Jew-els. The 97th birth anniversary ofRamesh Balsekar was observedon May 25

Ramesh S. Balsekar

Narada Muni

committed the sin of unchastity.This is the highest form of love,because there is no desire of reci-procity, which desire is in all hu-man love.

Bhakti is greater than Karma,greater than Jnâna, greater thanYoga (Râja-Yoga), because Bhaktiitself is its result, because Bhaktiis both the means and the end(fruit).

As a man cannot satisfy his hun-ger by simple knowledge or sightof food, so a man cannot be satis-

fied by the knowledge or even theperception of God until love comes;therefore love is the highest.

This is what the Masters havesaid about Bhakti: One who wantsthis Bhakti must give up senseenjoyments and even the companyof people. Day and night he mustthink about Bhakti and nothingelse. (He must) go where theysing or talk of God.

The principal cause of Bhakti isthe mercy of a great (or free) soul.

Meeting with a great soul is hardto obtain, and never fails to savethe soul. Through the mercy of Godwe get such Gurus. There is no dif-ference between Him and His (own)ones. Seek, therefore, for this.

Evil company is always to beshunned; because it leads to lustand anger, illusion, forgetfulnessof the goal, destruction of the will(lack of perseverance), and de-struction of everything.

These disturbances may at firstbe like ripples, but evil company

at last makes them like the sea. Hegets across Maya who gives upall attachment, serves the greatones, lives alone, cuts the ban-dages of this world, goes beyondthe qualities of nature, and de-pends upon the Lord for even hisliving.

He who gives up the fruits ofwork, he who gives up all work andthe dualism of joy and misery, whogives up even the scriptures, getsthat unbroken love for God;

He crosses this river and helpsothers to cross it.

Nature of loveThe nature of love is inexpress-

ible. As the dumb man cannot ex-press what he tastes, but his ac-tions betray his feelings, so mancannot express this love in words,but his actions betray it.

According to the qualities orconditions, this love manifests it-self differently. The qualities are:Tamas (dullness, heaviness), Ra-

jas (restlessness, activity), Sattva(serenity, purity); and the condi-tions are: Ârta (afflicted), Arthârthi(wanting something), Jijnâsu(searching truth), Jnâni, (knower).

Of these the latter are higherthan the preceding ones. Bhakti isthe easiest way of worship. It is itsown proof and does not requireany other.

Excerpted from Narad BhaktiSutras, translated by SwamiVivekananda.

54 Edit Pagewww.indiapost.com

May 30, 2014India Post

India PostWell begun

Narendra Modi has begun his innings with a master-stroke- by inviting the neighboring country heads to be presentat his swearing in ceremony. The BJP called it celebration

of democracy. Pakistan and Sri Lanka responded to the gesture byreleasing Indian fishermen who may have unknowingly crossedthe sea area supposedly belonging to the other country. Morethan any labored diplomatic parleys which produce little resultssuch unusual but bold moves bring about a change in atmo-sphere. And much of the problems between countries are mattersof perception. The view of India so far that it is cold and unmov-ing and doesn't empathize with neighbors changes for the better.It brings a smile on the neighbors' faces. True, it raises lot ofexpectations but if it is matter of atmospherics, Modi seems tohave begun on the right foot. It is necessary that his meetingswith heads of state assembled for his swearing in produce re-sults. This is an occasion for building friendships and Modi wouldneed all the friends around him for the stupendous task he hasset for himself.

On the home front also, Modi had assembled a glittering gal-axy of India's best and brightest. A cross section of religiousleaders were also conspicuous making a sharp departure from theanodyne secularism of the departing government which was fright-ened of being seen with Hindu religious leaders. For the first time agovernment has shown that there is no need to be ashamed ofbeing Hindu and religious. The spectacular Varanasi ceremonywhere Modi offered prayers to the Ganga was telecast live by theTV channels and it was an event to remember. Something of ourculture to be proud of. Modi has given back to the majority com-munity the pride for being what they are.

The Modi cabinet has many familiar faces and many new onesalso. The ones we have seen before do not inspire faith for any-thing remarkable that can do. The new ones are still to be tested.But what makes the difference is Modi as the team leader. Will hebe able to carry out his agenda through this cabinet and wouldthere be ego tussles and hurdles? It is the personality of Modi andthe powerful mandate he has secured from people which will pre-vent any part of his government from not carrying out his wishes.It is a boon in the present times that he enjoys complete majority.The way he has begun, even before taking oath, by asking theministry secretaries to come out with video presentations of whatthey could not do and what they can do given a free hand gives ahint of the style of Modi and also that he means business.

There are lots of expectations from Modi and any shortcomingswill be directly blamed on him. But he is made of much steel and hismission to serve the country and lead it to brighter days has notappeared overnight. It seems he had set eyes on it long ago andseriously began pursuing his goal almost two years ago, soonafter he won the elections in Gujarat for the fourth time in succes-sion. It is possible that the ideas he has to take the country forwardmay be similar to what the previous UPA government also plannedbut the difference this time will be in their implementation.

What has been left vague in the Modi cabinet is the ministry ofdefense. No one person has been found to be given full charge ofit. Arun Jaitley, who already carries the heavy responsibility of thefinance ministry, has been given additional change of defense too.It seems Modi could not find a person in the present BJP strengthto head the defense ministry which is a very important one. Maybeit his way of indirectly keeping the reins of this crucial ministry inown hands!

Modi needs to evolve a newneighborhood strategy

D SUBA CHANDRAN

Multiple foreign policy in-puts have already startedpouring in terms of op-

tions available or likely strategiesthat the new Prime Minister could/should pursue. Narendra Modiwould have his own foreign policypriorities already in terms of whatneeds to be done.

One important foreign policyarea he has to address and makesubstantial intervention would bein terms of a strong and positiveinvestment in our region - SouthAsia. In particular, the new govern-ment should invest in India's ownsub-regions in North, Northeast,West and South to act as a bridgein reaching out to the neighbor-hood.

The focus of this commentary islimited to the above two points onthe need for New Delhi to prioritizeand invest in the region, and use

its own sub-regions as a positivetool and leverage.

A comparison could be madewith the previous government toavoid the mistakes and blunders.Manmohan Singh, though pro-fessed about the need to invest inthe region, he did consider US,China, European Union and EastAsia as big ticket items; if there wereany substantial investments in theregion in terms of political and eco-nomic during the previous govern-ment, it was primarily limited to Af-ghanistan and Myanmar.

For India, it is imperative that itinvests in the region, so as to growat a particular economic growth rateand more importantly, to maintainsocial and political stability at thenational level, and in particular, inits own sub-regions bordering theneighboring countries. It is inIndia's long term security interests- social, economic and political, thatthe new government makes ad-

equate political capital in all itsneighboring countries.

During the last decade, therewas a perception and a policy at-tempt to bye-pass the region, ifthey are not willing to go alongwith New Delhi. Such a strategyinvolved, for example bye-pass-ing Bangladesh in the east andPakistan in the West, and useMyanmar and Afghanistan re-spectively as a springboard toreach out to Central Asia andSoutheast Asia.

Despite substantial economicand political investment, such astrategy did not yield reciprocaldividend. The inherent ability ofthe neighbors, and the nuisancevalue of certain actors in theneighborhood is high; they couldpull India's development down -economically and socially.

It is imperative for the new

Prime Minister to invest substan-tially in the region. But this iseasier said than done. He wouldface three critical challenges inoperationalizing any approachtowards the region. First and fore-most, the likely response from theregion would play a substantialrole in his pursuit of a regionalpolicy.

The governments and theleading political actors, alongwith important pillars of the Statesuch as the military and intelli-gence in India's neighborhoodare not that euphoric aboutModi's victory.

They are apprehensive andnot sure of the new Prime Minis-ter and his likely approach. Hispast record, especially the ghostsof Godhra still haunts the neigh-bors in shaping their perceptionstowards Modi. Nor does the partyhe belong to and represent is wellperceived in the region.

Besides their own perceptions,the leading political actors andother institutions in the neighbor-hood also have to worry abouttheir own internal political equa-tions with the rightist forces withintheir own country in terms of shap-ing a positive approach towardsModi.

Even if they want to and de-cide to, the political actors will al-ways have to look behind theirback in walking along with Modi.Such is the internal situation andequations within most of the coun-tries in the neighborhood.

From radical non-State groupssuch as the Lashkar-e-Toiba to mili-tary and intelligence institutionssuch as the ISI, can easily provokeIndia with less investment but maxi-mum damage, as it happened withthe Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008.

Second major challenge forModi in terms of making sub-stantial investments in theneighborhood would come fromwithin - his own government andhis own party. The equation be-tween the Prime Minister's Of-fice and those crucial depart-ments of Home, External Affairs,Defense and Finance would playan important role, as it did dur-ing the previous government.

The Home and Interior Min-istries all over the world will al-ways remain apprehensive andcautious, for it is their job to doso. It is equally the job of thePMO to take calculated risks andensure that the foreign policy ispursued through the Ministry ofExternal Affairs. Besides theabove ministries, the PMO alsohas the advice and experts opin-

ion from the National Security Ad-visory Board (NSAB) and the Na-tional Security Advisor (NSA). Hewill have to carry them along, anddo not get bogged down by them.

The final set of challenges for astrong regional investment forModi would come from India's sub-regions, especially the Northeast,West Bengal, Tamil Nadu andJ&K. It is extremely important thatModi makes substantial invest-ments in these regions within In-dia as well and make them as abridge between the rest of Indiaand its neighborhood.

While the challenges are sub-stantial, so are the opportunities.Unlike the others, he can startafresh and does not have any bag-gage of the past vis-a-vis workingwith these sub-regions and alsothe region per se. He has an op-portunity that Vajpayee had - tostart afresh.

The writer is Director, IPCS

India's new Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre left) with SAARC leadersafter taking oath of office at the sprawling presidential palace in Delhi


May 30, 2014


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