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e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.10 No. 21 September 23-29, 2017 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

BRICS must end terror's

support systems in South Asia
Trump
l By Arul Louis

New York: India's External Affairs

Minister Sushma Swaraj on
Thursday said that the fivemem
threatens
N. Korea's
ber BRICS, which includes China,
should work to end terrorism's
"support systems in South Asia,"
making a pointed reference to
Beijing's ally, Islamabad.
At a ministeriallevel meeting of

BRICS here, she said without
naming any country: "Terror
groups draw sustenance from
support systems in South Asia."
"Terrorist funding, their
weapons supply, training and
political support must be system
atically cut off," she said sitting
around the same table as China's
Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "There
is need for collective efforts to
disrupt terrorist networks, their
Musharraf
blames Zardari
for Benazir
Bhutto's killing
Asif Ali Zardari had the most to
gain from his wife Benazirs demise,
argues Musharraf. (Photo : flickr)
Islamabad: Former Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf has
accused Peoples Party of Pakistan
leader Asif Ali Zardari of "having
the most to gain from Benazir
Bhutto`s murder" in a video posted
on his official Facebook page. The
video came days after he was
Continued on page 4
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SUSHMA SWARAJ SPOKE
AT A MINISTERIALLEVEL MEETING OF BRICS THURSDAY.
financing and movement."
China has repeatedly blocked
efforts to put UN sanction on
Pakistanbased Jaishe
Mohammed chief Masood Azhar,
who India says is the mastermind
of the 2016 terrorist attack on
NRIs can contribute to
nation, party: Rahul
Special to
The South Asian Times
New York: Congress party Vice
President Rahul Gandhi has said
NRIs can contribute significantly
to the country and even his party.
He pointed out that great
Indian leaders like Mahatma
Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar
Patel and B.R. Ambedkar were at
one time NRIs. More recently
Verghese Kurien, trained in the
US, returned to India and ensured
a white revolution by expanding
greatly the national milk produc
tion. "They brought in ideas and
implemented them in India (suc
cessfully). And thousands of oth
ers have too but not been so rec
ognized," the youthful leader said
Continued on page 4
the Pathankot air force base. It
has also protected Pakistan from
action for protecting those under
UN sanctions.
"We must condemn efforts,
including by states, to use
Continued on page 4
hammer, honed and hardened over front the wicked few, then evil will
mission," Trump said, with a deri
sive reference to Kim.
Congress Vice President Rahul
Gandhi speaking at a public meet
ing in NYC Wednesday. (Photo IANS)
destruction
President follows up with more
sanctions; Kim hurls abuses
United Nations: Not pulling
punches, President Donald
Trump threatened North
Korea with total destruc
tion if his country is forced
to defend itself and its
allies against the threats
from Pyongyang.
Delivering his first
address to the highlevel
meeting of the General
Assembly on Tuesday,
Trump said that North
Korean dictator Kim Jong
Un "threatens the entire
world with unthinkable loss
of life" and if the US was
"forced to defend itself and
its allies, we will have no President Trump
choice but to totally destroy addressing UN General
North Korea".
Assembly Tuesday;
(inset) North Korean
North Korea has issued a
leader Kim Jongun.
threat that "we will strike a
merciless blow at the heart of the for. Let's see how they do.
US with our powerful nuclear "If the righteous many don't con
time". "Rocket man is on a suicide triumph," he said. On Thursday,
President Trump announced new
financial sanctions targeting North
But he said that he hoped the UN Korea as his administration seeks
to build international support for
would be able to stop North Korea.
"That's what the United Nations is Continued on page 4

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
We have developed shortrange
Narms to counter India: Pak PM
In New York for UNGA, PM Abbasi complained to Vice President Pence
about President Trump giving greater role to India in Afghanistan
New York: Pakistan has developed
shortrange nuclear weapons as a
counter to the "Cold Start" military
doctrine allegedly adopted by the
Indian armed forces, Prime
Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
said here.
Addressing an event organized
by the Council on Foreign
Relations, Abbasi, who is currently
in New York for the UN General
Assembly, said: "We (Pakistan)
have a very robust and very secure
commandandcontrol system over
our strategic nuclear assets, and I
think time has proved that it's a
process that is very secure.
"As far as tactical nuclear
weapons, we do not have any field
ed tactical nuclear weapons. We
have developed shortrange
nuclear weapons as a counter to
the Cold Start doctrine that India
Two Apna Bazar stores plead guilty
to not paying full wages to workers
New York: Two Apna Bazar gro
cery stores in Queens and
Hicksville, NY, which owed their
workers almost half a million dol
lars in back wages, pleaded guilty
and have made restitution, prose
cutors said on Wednesday.
S&L Vegetables Corp. of Floral
Park, Queens, and J&B Vegetables
Inc. of Hicksville also owed the
state Department of Labor
$162,445 for withholding unem
ployment insurance contributions,
the prosecutors statement said,
reported Newsday.
The defendants in this case
acted out of greed, cheating over
150 hardworking employees out
of hundreds of thousands of dol
lars in wages they earned, said
state Attorney General Eric T.
Schneiderman on Wednesday.
Apna Bazar repeatedly failed to
pay its workers the correct mini
mum wage and overtime
between 2012 to 2015, prosecu
tors said. The stores, which did
business as Apna Bazar Cash &
Carry, pleaded guilty to grand lar
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
has developed," he was quoted as
saying by the Associated Press of
Pakistan. Abbasi was scheduled to
address the UNGA on Thursday
evening.
Reports also said that Abbasi has
complained to the United States
about the greater role President
Trump wants for India in
Apna Bazar in Hicskville, NY (pictured) and in Floral Park, Queens have
repaid the sums of half a million they owed, the attorney general said.
ceny, falsifying business records,
failure to pay wages, and willful
failure to pay contributions, he
said. The defendants have fully
repaid the sums they owed,
Schneiderman said, including
$447,832 for back wages.
A state Supreme Court justice in
Queens sentenced the two markets
to a threeyear conditional dis
on H1B visas: US ofcials
Prime
Minister
Shahid
Khaqan
Abbasi
speaking at
Council on
Foreign
Relations in
New York.
(Photo:
Reuters)
consular dialogue that discuss
Afghanistan. Pakistan Foreign
Secretary Tehmina Janjua said that
in a meeting in New York on
Tuesday with Vice President Mike
Pence, Abbasi expressed concern
over the greater role that Trump
advocated for India in his new
Afghan policy, according to the
Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
may fall short of one or two votes
charge, and they must be moni
tored for one year, prosecutors
said. State Labor Commissioner
ketplaces, slash Medicaid funding
Roberta Reardon said in a state
and give almost all of the federal
ment: The Department of Labor
money propping up Obamacare
takes the responsibility of investi
to states to create health pro
gating these crimes very seriously
and will continue to refer these
cases to law enforcement offices
the last day of the 2017 fiscal
around the state.
September 23-29, 2017 3
No restrictions for now
USCIS also resumes premium
processing of H-1B visa petitions
New Delhi: For
now, the US is mak
ing no changes to
the H1B visa poli
cy that affects
thousands of
Indians, said
American diplo
mats last week to
NDTV. This reassur
ance will be made
when Indian and US officials tery, though a committee that
meet on September 27 in is examining the program and
Washington DC for an annual is tasked with recommending
reforms has not been given a
timeline, stressed US officials in
es issues like promoting
Delhi.
tourism, travel and business
Interestingly, the US says
between the two countries.
there has been a 25 per cent
"The program is going on as it
jump this year in the number of
was, in fact we have issued
Indian students who have
more H1B visas to Indians this
enrolled in US colleges. There
year than we did last year", said
are 1 lakh 66 thousand Indian
a US official, confirming that
students currently studying in
there are no restrictions being
applied that would reduce the the US, second only to China.
number of Indians who can get
H1B visas. India's giant soft
ware industry, worth about
Meanwhile, the USCIS on
Monday announced that it has
resumed the premium process
$150 billion a year, depends
heavily on the visas for highly
ing all H1B visa petitions sub
ject to the Fiscal Year 2018
skilled workers to send techies cap. The FY 2018 cap has been
and others to the US to serve set at 65,000 visas.
clients there at salaries that are Premium processing has also
lower than hiring from within resumed for the annual 20,000
America. additional petitions that are set
Donald Trump has ordered a aside to hire workers with a
review of the H1B visa pro U.S. masters degree or higher
gram, suggesting it should be educational degree.
skewed towards the highest In March, USCIS announced
paying, highestskilled jobs that it is suspending the premi
rather than deciding recipients um processing facility of all H
on the basis of a random lot 1B petitions.
Obamacare on knifes edge
Washington: Senate Republicans year. After that, Republicans
are making a lastditch health wont be able to use budget rec
care vote next week, but they onciliation, a special Senate pro
cedure that allows them to pass
to pass the CassidyGraham plan. the bill with only 50 votes rather
That bill would dissolve ACA mar than the usual 60. So far Senator
Rand Paul (Kentucky) is a firm no
vote. Senators John McCain
(Arizona), Lisa Murkowski
(Alaska) and Susan Collins
grams as they wish. The vote (Maine) are fencesitters even
needs to occur before Sept. 30, though all three voted no to gut
the last repeal/replace effort.
 4 September 23-29, 2017 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump threatens about what has happened to the toler 21st century and that is why we cannot
At UN, India slams Pakistan, N. Korea's destruction ance that used to prevail in India," he
said. "NRIs have tremendous knowledge
afford to lose our most powerful asset.
Pitroda said the Indian National
Continued from page 1
calls it Terroristan more aggressively confronting the
rogue nation, whose escalating nuclear
and understanding in different fields. I
invite you the backbone of India to
Overseas Congress (INOC), which is
present in 18 countries, will have pres
New York: Exercising its be gauged from the fact that work with the Congress and discuss the ence in 30 nations in a short time. He
and ballistic missile capabilities have
right of reply in the general Hafiz Saeed, leader of the vision forward." said all major US cities will have INOC
reached what U.S. officials consider a
debate at the ongoing UN UNdesignated terrorist out UNEMPLOYMENT chapters to cater to the 4 million Indian
crisis point. On his part, Kim Jongun
General Assembly Session fit LashkareTaiba, was now On the issue of unemployment, he Americans.
escalated the rhetoric and vowed to take
here, India slammed seeking to be legitimized as noted that 30,000 youngsters enter the
the "highestlevel" of action against the
Pakistan for its support to a leader of a political party. "mentally deranged US dotard (senile
job market every day in India and only Musharraf blames Zardari
terrorism, labelling it as She described Pakistan as old person), referring to Trump.
450 of them are employed, He added for Benazir Bhutto's killing
Terroristan. a country whose counterter that it is not easy to provide jobs to all Continued from page 1
of them in the current circumstances.
In its short history, rorism policy is to main BRICS must end terror's accused of being involved in the murder.
Pakistan has become a geog stream and upstream terror Gandhi said India will have to empow "Asif Ali Zardari is responsible for the
support systems in er small and medium businesses if it has
raphy synonymous with ter ists by either providing safe Bhutto family`s demise and is involved
ror, Eenam Gambhir, First havens to global terror lead
South Asia to produce millions of jobs. Currently, in the deaths of Benazir and Murtaza
Continued from page 1 the government lays stress only on 50
Secretary in Indias ers in its military town, or Bhutto," he said in a startling address
religion to justify, sustain and sponsor 60 big business houses. Agriculture and
Permanent Mission to the protecting them with politi directed at the three BhuttoZardari chil
terrorism against other countries," food processing sectors should also be
UN, said on Thursday in cal careers. dren, the Bhutto family and the people
Sushma Swaraj told the ministers from developed in such a way that they are
response to Pakistani Prime It is an obvious reference of Sindh. "Every time there is a murder,
other BRICS members, Brazil, Russia and laborintensive, he argued.
Minister Shahid Abbasis to Al Qaeda leader Osama the first thing that needs to be seen is
South Africa. "They continue to find sup In a veiled attack on the government
statement that the struggle bin Laden being tracked who has the most to gain from the
port and shelter in countries which use of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul
of the people in Kashmir was down and eliminated by US death. In this case, I had everything to
terrorism as an instrument of state poli Gandhi said divisive politics is being
being brutally suppressed forces in Pakistans lose as I was in power and the murder
cy." "We must condemn efforts, includ practiced in India and people around the
by India. Abbottabad city. put my government in a difficult situa
ing by states, to use religion to justify, world are questioning the lowering tol
The quest for land of pure Stating that nothing can tion," the former military chief said.
sustain and sponsor terrorism against erance level in our great nation.
has actually produced a justify Pakistans avaricioius "There was just one person that had
other countries," she added. Sushma "For thousands and thousands of
land of pure terror, efforts to covet territories of everything to gain from Benazir`s assas
Swaraj asked the BRICS ministers to years, India has had a reputation of
Gambhir said. Pakistan is its neighbours, Gambhir said: sination and that was Asif Ali Zardari,"
"work for early conclusion of negotia peace and harmony. There are forces
now Terroristan with a In so far as India is con he added, proceeding into what he
tions and adoption of the CCIT in the dividing India and ruining our reputa
flourishing industry produc cerned, Pakistan must termed as his analysis of the case.
United Nations". tion abroad. And it is very dangerous for
ing and exporting global ter understand that the state of He added: "Zardari was in power for
On North Korea's recent offensive mil the country," said the 47yearold leader,
rorism. Jammu and Kashmir is and five years, why did he not look into the
itary posturing, she said: "The action who is willing to be the prime ministeri
Gambhir said that the cur will always remain an inte case, why was the investigation not
and rhetoric of North Korea has been a al candidate if the party endorses him.
rent state of Pakistan could gral part of India. active because he was involved in
source of growing global concern." IANS Stressing the need for health care, Benazir`s murder."
Gandhi noted that the country has the Musharraf went on to add: "The evi
Kuldeep gets hat-trick as India NRIs can contribute to capacity to become a hub in this sector. dence is clear that Baitullah Mehsud and
nation, party: Rahul "We then will need 1015 Sam Pitrodas." his people were involved in the murder,
beat Aussies in 2nd ODI Continued from page 1 He was referring to the new chief of but who had asked them to target
Kolkata: Kuldeep Yadav bagged a addressing a public meeting at the overseas Congress party affairs who has Benazir Bhutto it could not have been
hattrick as India rode a dominant Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, been credited with making significant IT me, the group hated me and the feeling
bowling performance to bowl out which was attended by around 1,500. and telecom reforms in the 1980s. was mutual."
Australia for 202 and win the sec On a two week visit to the US, Rahul Pitroda was present on the podium. "It is a known fact that I wanted
ond ODI by 50 runs at the Eden Gandhi said wherever he went in the "Some people view India as a piece of Mehsud dead and so did the government
Gardens here on Thursday. In three country, he was reminded of the NRIs land, But I view India as a set of ideas, of Pakistan, after his group had attempt
successive deliveries, Kuldeep who all "make me proud to be an we have many religions, many lan ed to kill me," Musharraf argued. On
(3/54) took the wickets of Mathew Indian." guages, every one of them living happi August 31, an AntiTerrorist Court in
Wade, Ashton Agar and Pat Cummins in the 33rd over to INTOLERANCE ly, that is due to ideas of Congress," he Rawalpindi acquitted five alleged opera
become the second bowler in limited overs cricket to script Rahul Gandhi claimed intolerance has claimed. tives of the outlawed TehreekeTaliban
a hattrick at this venue and only the third Indian to record been rising in India since BJP came to Gandhi said many countries facing Pakistan (TTP) for want of evidence
the rare feat in 50 overs cricket. Earlier, India posted 252 power in 2014. violent times are looking toward New over the assassination of Benazir in a
riding Virat Kohli's 92 and Ajinkya Rahane's 55. India now "I had many conversations during my Delhi, anticipating that India has the gun and suicide attack in Rawalpindi on
lead the fivematch series 20. (current) trip. Most people were worried answer for peaceful coexistence in the December 27, 2007. IANS

Jaipur (India) Bureau IANS Newswire Services

Prakash Bhandari IANS Washington Bureau
Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Arun Kumar
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Former Federal Prosecutor Preet 52 IndianAmericans
Bharara to launch new podcast adopt native villages
To take on justice
issues, President Trump
New York: Indiaborn former top
US federal prosecutor, Preet
Bharara, who was sacked by
President Donald Trump, will
launch a podcast to discuss jus
tice and fairness issues including
the probe into the alleged Russian
meddling in the 2016 presiden
tial polls.
The 48yearold attorney told
USA Today that he also plans to
address his firing by President
Trump in one of the first pod
casts, "so people will understand
the context from which I'm speak
ing."
Bharara, an Obamaera
appointee, was fired in March
from his post as the US attorney
for parts of New York City, includ
ing Manhattan.
"I'm not putting anything off
limits," Bharara said. "I'm not
doing a weekly podcast to throw
bombs. I'm a private citizen, I'm
not special counsel Mueller,"
Bharara said, referring to former
FBI director Robert Mueller,
who's investigating Russia's sus
Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurates a
Sanskrit treatise of historic importance
Robbinsville, NJ: Mahant Swami
Maharaj inaugurated
SwaminarayanaSiddhantaSudha,
a classical Sanskrit treatise com
posed in the ancient genre and
style celebrating and pronouncing
Swaminarayan theology, at the
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
in Robbinsville, NJ on September
17th. Bhadreshdas Swami, its
author, was honored by distin
guished scholars as well as digni
taries, including Professor Deven
Patel, Professor Graham Schweig,
Professor Jyotindra Dave,
Professor Timalsina, Professor
Cardona, and Paramacharya
Sadasivanatha Palaniswami from
Hinduism Today.
The significance of Bhadresdas
Swamis achievement was well
noted by Professor Deven Patel.
He expressed, "This work has
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
pected campaign of cyberattacks
and fake news to influence the
2016 presidential election and
possible collusion with President
Trump's associates. A Podcast is a
digital audio file made available
on the Internet for downloading
to a computer or mobile device,
typically available as a series.
The podcasts could present
Bharara with opportunities to dis
cuss President Trump and the
new administration from his per
spective, the report said. "I have
personal experience with how
this president seems to view rule
of law and law and order issues,
Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurating the treatise
already been not only approved,
but celebrated by the Akhil Bharat
Vidvat Parishad. This is the pan
and I have not been especially shy
about that on social media,"
Bharara says.
His new podcast series is titled
"Stay Tuned With Preet" that
launches on Wednesday a wink
ing reference to the catchphrase
Bharara frequently employed to
parry questions from news
reporters about continuing feder
al investigations, the report said.
President Trump fired him and
45 other US Attorney holdovers
from the Obama administration
after Bharara says he declined to
return a phone call from the pres
ident, the report said PTI
philosophical work by
dits of Benaras, Kashi, who for
centuries test a work before they
approve it and test to see if it is
September 23-29, 2017
to turn them into
smart villages
New York: Fiftytwo Indian
Americans, who settled down in
the US years ago, have adopted
their native villages back home
to convert them into Smart
Villages. This has been one of
the important outcomes of a
marathon, 9,602milelong
(15,452kms) road journey
undertaken by Indias leading
trade and business consultant
Jagat Shah in the June
September 2017 period, with
the aim of connecting entrepre
neurs of the two democracies
with each other, encouraging
investments and creating jobs.
Even former Indian Army
chief General Dalbir Singh
Suhag, who interacted with us
at one of our events in the USA,
has adopted his native village,
Shah informed at the conclud
ing ceremony of his mission
held here on Tuesday under the
auspices of the US Commercial
Service (USCS), Startup India, a
Swaminarayana-Siddhanta-
Sudha is an historic
Bhadreshdas Swami, an
eminent Sanskrit scholar and
ordained monk of the BAPS
Swaminarayan Sanstha
worthy of praise; and in this work
it has not only received praise but
it has received admiration of the
highest order."
Bhadreshdas Swami, an eminent
Sanskrit scholar and ordained
monk of the BAPS Swaminarayan
Sanstha, completed the
Swaminarayana Bhashyam, a five
volume classical Sanskrit commen
tary on Hinduisms three Vedic
canonical texts (Prasthanatrayi)
the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
and Brahma Sutras in 2007.
These three texts form the inter
pretive foundation for the philo
5
mission of the Indian Ministry
of Commerce, the USIndia
Importers Council, and Etihad
Airways.
Shah, who travelled across 35
cities in 24 states of the USA
during his 78daylong journey
on two legs, as part of his multi
nation mission called Mentor on
Road (MoR), said he interacted
with nearly 4,400 small and
medium, entrepreneurs, women
entrepreneurs and startups in
the USA to make them aware of
business opportunities and ease
of doing business with India in
different sectors. MoR has
already submitted quick market
research (QMR) reports to 60
companies in the
US that have evinced interest.
At least 18 women owners of
enterprises also interacted with
MoR. Investment discussions
are in progress with 27 start
ups, he said. (source: thehin
dubusinessline.com)
sophical beliefs of the Hindu
Vedanta (commentarial) traditions.
Bhadreshdas Swami's
Swaminarayan Bhashyam is the
first classical Sanskrit commen
tary on the entire Prasthanatrayi
to have been completed by anyone
in the last several centuries. In his
commentary, Bhadreshdas Swami
expounds the Swaminarayana
Darshana, illuminating the Vedic
roots of the AksharPurushottam
Swaminarayan philosophy, which
was propounded by the 19thcen
tury Hindu leader, Bhagwan
Swaminarayan, and later institu
tionalized by Shastriji Maharaj, the
third spiritual successor of
Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the
founder of the BAPS
Swaminarayan Sanstha (organiza
tion). Even more significantly, in
2017, Bhadreshdas Swami also
completed Swaminarayana
SiddhantaSudha, a vaadagrantha,
or classical dialectic treatise that
offers an exposition, justification,
and defense of the Akshara
Purushottama Darshanas philo
sophical principles.
 6 September 23-29, 2017 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Friends of MP have picnic Gita talk highlight

fun in Mercer Park in NJ
Princeton, NJ: Friends of MP
NY/NJ held its 3rd annual picnic
cum get together last Sunday at
Princeton Country Club Picnic
Area of Mercer Park in NJ.
Around 300 participants originat
ing from Madhya Pradesh towns
and cities were joined by commu
nity leaders from other Indian
sociocultural organizations in the
tri state area.
First came breakfast slated as
Indore Kaa Sarafa the elabo
rate fare included traditional
Indori dishes like pohe, kachori,
saboodana khichdi, and Indore s
unique spicy food delicacy
garadu. Lunch included dal, batee,
choorma served in special thali.
The picnic area displayed ban
ners showcasing MP states
unique features.
Fun activities for all age groups
included sports like cricket and
volleyball, photo booth with MP
memorabilia, snow cones and
candy oss. At the picnic many
A group posing at the picnic
people got a chance to reconnect
with friends from their home
towns after 1015 years.
Greetings from the Chief
Minister of Madhya Pradesh,
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP
National General Secretary
Kailash Vijayvargiya (who is from
Indore) and others were relayed
in the afternoon. It was the birth
day of Shri Narendra Modi, so the
gathering conveyed their best
of program on 911
Special to
The South Asian Times
New York: Among different events
held across New York City to com
memorate the 16th anniversary of
911 terrorist attacks was the
Discover India Program. Described
as an evening of dance, theater,
martial arts and live music, it
evoked an enthusiastic response
not just from Indian but also from
American communities at
Kaufman Music Center in New
York City. A discourse on the
BhagavadGita by USborn
Indradyumna Swami was the high
wishes for Indias Prime Minister.
light of the program in which 40
The picnics organizing team
artists from 15 nations, including
included the families of Jitendra
a few from India, participated.
Muchhal, Rajesh Mittal, Sandeep
Describing the Gita as the
Jain, Raj Bansal, Pankaj Gupta,
unabridged spiritual dictionary,
Rajiv Goyal, Anupam Sarwaikar,
the swami said that one has to fol
Rakesh Bhargava, Dr Rajesh
low it to attain inner peace. There
Kakani, Nipun Joshi, Anjani
are more than 8 million species in
Mittal, Avinash Jhawar and
the universe and homo sapiens is
Navneet Trivedi.
the most important of them all, he
For more information:
pointed out. A practitioner of
www.friendsofmpNYNJ.com
bhakti yoga for ve decades, the
swami known as the Traveling
Monk has followers across the
world. BhagavadGita is a synthe
sis of religion and science, noted
the swami. And Bhagavatam is
the ripen fruit of Vedic literature.
Citing a survey, he said even in a
predominantly Catholic society
like Poland, 28 percent believe in
reincarnation and many cremate
human bodies like they do in
India. Sankhya, Vaibhav Arekars
troupe from Mumbai, gave a
dance performance, both classical
and contemporary. Then followed
segments on the Ramayana and
Bhagavatam, which carries univer
sal wisdom on the fundamental
questions of happiness, mortality
and ultimate reality. Pama
Lochana excelled in the martial
arts segment by bringing in a cre
ative presentation of ancient
weapons such as the wheel, sword
and staff. His technique is inspired
by Kalaripayatt, a martial art from
Kerala.

l By Mayor Bill de Blasio

3K for All
I
am writing not just as your
Mayor, but as a parent, because
every child needs the strongest
possible start in life our city can
give them. Thats why Im so proud
that this school year, New York
Citys rst ever preK classes for
threeyearolds started in Brooklyn
and the Bronx.
Earlier this year, we announced
Consul General of India in New York Sandeep Chakravorty was presented an
Honor Citation from New York State Legislature by Assemblyman Tom McKevitt
3K for All, our plan to bring high
at a reception for the diplomat in Albertson, Long Island, organized by the Indian quality, fullday, 3K education to
American Voters Forum. Also in the picture, Varinder Bhalla, founder of the every threeyearold in New York
forum, Congressman Tom Suozzi & NY Supreme Court Justice Steven Bucaria. City over the next four years. We
know this is one of the best invest
ments we can make in our kids and
Ustad Mashkoor Ali performs at Consulate event in our citys future.
Mayor Bill de Blasio with 3K for All kids

The fact is the most important lose that opportunity, it never reach every child at the age of four
New York: In commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of India's
deve lopment of human minds comes back. with a highquality, fullday educa
Independence, Consulate General of India in collaboration with The
occurs before the age of ve. As Bluntly, society has missed the tion, and we have shown just how
American Academy of Indian Classical Music (AAICM), presented Indian
parents we see it and science con boat on this for decades. We much demand there is for it. Now it
Classical music of the Kirana Gharana by Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan on
rms it. havent focused on the youngest is time to reach every child at the
Friday, September 15th at the Consulate ballroom. In his introductory
3K programs lay a critical foun years of education, even though age of three.
remarks, Prof. Akeel Bilgrami, Prof. of Philosophy at Columbia
dation for children to grow and that's where we know we can have We begin this school year in
University & VicePresident of AAICM, spoke about his close personal
learn. Kids who have access to the biggest impact on children. We Districts 7 in the Bronx and 23 in
connection to the Gharana and the musical signicance of the Kirana
quality early childhood education also know how much families bene Brooklyn as we work toward mak
Gharana and its musicians to the evolution of Indian classical music. For
have higher reading levels, better t, saving $10,000 a year and giv ing 3K For All a reality by 2021.
the concert, Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan presented north Indian classical
social skills and increased academ ing moms and dads t ime to We believe we have a chance to
music specically of the Kirana Gharana which is his family lineage. He
ic achievement. If we reach kids advance their own educations and reach children now and start
started his performance with a chota khayal in Raga Puriya Dhanashree
during that time, they will do bet careers. changing their lives. It's a bold
followed by a couple of compositions in Raga Shankara. He delighted
ter and go farther throughout their Weve show with PreK for All move but a necessary one that will
the audience with a lilting chaiti (of the light classical tradition) in
educations and their lives. If we that in just a few years we can recast the future of this great city.
between, Yehi thaiyan motiya hairayee gaile Rama.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017
 8 September 23-29, 2017 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Indian doctor stabbed to death in KS, patient arrested

Washington, DC: A renowned Indian
doctor who expounded a system
called "Absolute Yoga" has been
stabbed to death in Kansas state.
One of his patients was arrested for
the killing, police said.
Achutha Reddy, a psychiatrist who
hailed from Telangana, was mur
dered at his clinic in East Wichita
on Wednesday night. An Indian
American man, Umar Rashid Dutt,
was arrested and charged with rst
degree murder, according to TV sta
tion KAKE. Reddy, 57, is the second
Indian killed this year in Kansas.
Another Telangana resident,
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, was shot dead
in Olathe in February.
Media reports quoted the police
as saying that the assailant repeat
edly stabbed the doctor after a con
versation. The attack on Reddy
began in his clinic and ended in a
nearby lane as the eeing doctor
was chased down by the assailant.
Police Lieutenant Todd Ojile said
on Thursday that the ofce manag
er of Reddy's Holistic Psychiatric
Services heard a disturbance in the
Dr Achutha Reddy
(Image courtesy: ndtv.com)
doctor's ofce on Wednesday
evening around 7 p.m. and saw the
assault taking place.
The manager tried to stop the
attack, allowing Reddy to ee. But
Reddy was chased by the assailant
and killed in a second assault in an
alley behind the clinic, Ojile said.
He said Reddy had several stab
wounds and was pronounced dead
by the emergency medical team
that responded. Dutt was arrested
near a country club a short time
later when a security guard alerted
police to a man covered with blood
AAPI condemns the brutal murder of Indian American Psychiatrist
API is heartbroken over the
A loss of Dr. Achutha Reddy
and want to express our
hearty condolences and prayers to
his family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out
to his dear family. Dr. Reddys
death is a tragic loss to our medial
fraternity, Dr. Gautam Samadder,
President of American Association
of Physicians of India Origin
(AAPI) said. In a press statement
Dr. Gautam Samadder condemned
the brutal murder and urged the
US administration and the local
leadership to bring to justice those
behind the cruel murder of the
Indian American physician who
in a car, Ojile said. Reddy's wife
Beena is also a doctor. Fellow doc
tors and members of the communi
ty described his death as a tragic
loss to society. Hailing from
Nalgonda in Telangana, Reddy grad
uated from Osmania Medical
had dedicated all his life for serv
ing the sick, the disabled and
those with mental health issues.
We at AAPI, the largest ethnic
medical organization in the nation,
urge the US administration to
make all the efforts possible to
prevent violence against medical
professionals and enable them to
continue to serve the country with
dignity, pride and security,
Recalling that from ancient
times, physicians across the world
have been revered for dedicating
their lives for the noble mission of
preventing people from getting
and saving millions of lives of peo
ple from illnesses, Dr. Samadder
College in 1986. He moved to the
US where he completed his residen
cy in psychiatry from the University
of Kansas Medical School in
Wichita. Reddy was afliated to var said Dutt, arrested for Reddy's mur
ious hospitals in the region and was
known to be a yoga and tness
said. We as a community of physi
cians and individual members of
this fraternity have decided to go
into the medical profession with
the best of intentions. We as
physicians want to help people,
ease suffering and save lives.
Physicians of Indian origin are
well known around the world for
their compassion, passion for
patient care, medical skills,
research, and leadership.
Expressing shock that despite
these noble intentions, many doc
tors and nurses put their own lives
on the line in the course of their
jobs, facing attacks from the very
people they are trying to help.
expert. He expounded a system he
called "Absolute Yoga."
According to TV station KAKE, a
Wichita State University spokesman
der, was a former student and was
last enrolled in the spring of 2015.

Riz Ahmed makes history; first Sriram Krishnan

South Asian man to win
an Emmy acting award
Los Angeles: For nearly seven
decades, a South Asian man had
never won an Emmy in an acting
category.
That changed Sunday night
with Riz Ahmed, a British actor of
Pakistani descent, winning an
Emmy award for outstanding lead
actor in a limited series or movie
for his role in HBOs The Night
Of.
Prior to him, only one other
South Asian star had taken home
an acting award from the ceremo
ny Archie Panjabi, who won an
Emmy for her role in The Good
Wife in 2010.
Ahmeds win was seen as a
longoverdue victory for South
Asians and his fellow Muslims.
His success is signicant not only
because of his historic win, but
because of the character he por
trayed: Naz, a nuanced, relatable
college student from Queens
who also happens to be Pakistani.
While The Night Of tackles
Riz Ahmed (Image courtesy: mensxp.com)
issues of race and Islamophobia,
Nazs ethnicity and religion are
secondary to the storys main
plot.
Its always strange reaping the
rewards of a story thats based on
real world suffering, Ahmed, who
is also an activist and rapper, said
in his acceptance speech. But if
this show has shown a light on
some of the prejudice in our soci
ety, Islamophobia, some of the
injustice in our justice system,
then maybe thats something. He
also gave a shoutout to the
Innocence Project, a nonprot
organization committed to exon
erating wrongly convicted people,
and the Queensbased organiza
tion South Asian Youth Action.
joins Twitter as
senior director
New York: Indiaborn Sriram
Krishnan, a former top execu
tive from Facebook and Snap,
has been hired by Twitter as its
senior director of product.
Krishnan will be joining
Twitter from October 2 where
he will be responsible for a lot
of the core features inside the
main app, internally referred to
as "Bluebird," including time
line, direct messaging and
search, technology news web
site Recode reported. Sriram Krishnan
"I'm going to be joining (Image courtesy: Twitter)
Twitter and become a part of
#theock to work with the fan Sriram! Welcome home," tweet
tastic product team there," ed Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey .
Krishnan tweeted. Krishnan left Facebook in
A wellknown product execu February 2016 to help lead
tive around Silicon Valley, advertising efforts at
Krishnan has primarily focused Snapchat's parent company
on ad technology. Now he is Snap. He quit Snap in February.
taking on a consumer product At Facebook, he led "Facebook
role, the report said. Audience Network" to take on
So... excited to have you Google. (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY September 23-29, 2017 9

Actor Suriya formally launches ATEA north eastern chapter, flanked by founding members
Enthusiastic entrepreneurs gathered at the ATEA event in Edison, NJ
Krishna K Chari to his right, and Ram Nagappan and Venkatesh Sadagopan on to his left.

Tamil entrepreneurs group

launches northeast chapter
By Suchitra Srinivas
Edison, NJ: All young and aspiring dreamers
with stunning business proposals still looking
out for angel investors and those multiskilled
and welleducated women with stalled career
path, bundled along with their immigration,
here is some good news for you. The North
Eastern chapter of the American Tamil
Entrepreneurs Association (ATEA) has been
formally launched to provide a platform to
hear you and get you connected with
resources that matter.
Starting business in the US may seem to be
easy when it comes to complying with the
paper work formalities and registering a busi
ness by its name; but real journey that begins
from then on may not be so smooth if you do
not have the right GPS to guide you through.
Here comes ATEA to hold hands and kick
ATEA members support Agaram
'Link, learn and lead ' is the mantra to mentor new
business initiatives. And American Tamil
Entrepreneurs Association is not limited to Tamils.
start the promising journey of an entrepre
neur, said Ram Nagappan, ATEA North
Eastern Chapter chair and a prominent found
ing member.
Nagappan, an avid believer of innovation
and entrepreneurship, added that the non
profit ATEA will serve as a platform for the
startups to get mentoring help and the neces
sary introduction to potential investors. Link,
learn and lead will be the motto, he asserted.
Launching a support forum for Tamil entre
preneurs has been a long pending thought.
The enthusiasm and energy of business ideas
repeatedly pitched in by youths in the Tamil
community opened up the need for a strong
mentorship to help them to fly higher. This is
how ATEA has become a reality today.
The NorthEastern chapter was formally
inaugurated by wellknown Tamil actor and
social entrepreneur Suriya Sivakumar on
September 9 in Edison, NJ. ATEA Silicon
Valley chapter was started last October and
the midwest chapter will be launched soon.
Thus ATEA will have presence across the
nation, said Nagappan.
With around 200 men and women with var
ied levels of business exposures gathered to
ignite the business acumen in the region, the
September 9 event proved to be a promising
start.
The key focus of ATEA would be youth
with real business ideas. We are planning
monthly meetings to give knowledge
upgrades and networking opportunities.
ATEA will be extending support to women
employment and entrepreneurship opportu
nities as a priority. One of the greatest chal
lenge of the immigrant population faced by
women is a break in their career. They do
stumble to be back on track. ATEA will have a
special focus to help women aspirants. Over
20 organizations have come forward to train
women exclusively to get them ready and
employable in dif ferent industries, said
Nagappan. ATEA will work closely with
organizations like TiE in getting the necessary
help for the members. Plans are also on to
work with universities and help formalize the
business ideas.
We have had many cultural organizations
that unite us socially and connect us with our
roots and values. ATEA centers our attention
back in the US. The second generation is out
and ready with lots of entrepreneurial energy
and mentoring is one good way of channeling
these entrepreneurial sprits. We aim to proj
ect and organize our entrepreneurial flavor
through ATEA; though by nomenclature it

Foundation's education projects Young business aspirants will be able to make

their pitch before potential investors. We plan
reads Tamil entrepreneurs association. The
membership and the beneficiaries will be
to hold mentor sessions for the business ven including the whole diaspora of Indian ori
s a highlight of American are forced to stop education

A tures, said Nagappan. gin, asserted Nagappan.

Tamil Entrepreneurs abruptly for want of money. In
Association (ATEA) new his address to ATEA, Suriya
chapter inauguration, the said that providing quality
Tamil entrepreneur communi education has most effective
ty partnered and committed to impact on the families of the
help actor Suriyas Agaram poor extending over genera
Foundation by financing high tions to come. The actor is on
er education initiatives for a US tour seeking sponsorship
Tamil film star Suriya
poor children in rural Tamil pledges for his social project.
who started Agaram
Nadu. Individual pledges were The cost of financing one
Foundation in 2006.
made to adopt high school childs professional degree
pass outs selected by Agaram Foundation. was estimated at $7,000 through the four
The Chennaibased Agaram foundation or fiveyear period of study, be it engineer
identifies underprivileged and deserving ing or medical courses. Pledges close to
children in remote villages of Tamil Nadu $500,000 to cover the cost for 75 children
and helps them with financial aid and men were made during the grand events in New
torship required for higher studies. Jersey. Many entrepreneurs even commit
Meritorious students are selected not just ted to provide technology support to
on the basis of marks scored in public Agaram initiatives. Suriya is also visiting,
exams but by using weighted measure Atlanta, Seattle, Bay Area and Dallas as part
accounting for economic and social condi of his US tour. Sure, more children in Tamil
tions of the family under review. Nadu are to see light through this initiative.
Many high scoring kids in Tamil Nadu Kudos to the actor.
 10 September 23-29, 2017
World Muhajir Congress holds
demonstration in support of
US Policy on South Asia
Washington DC: World Muhajir
Congress held a large demonstra
tion in front of White House to
support President Trumps recent
policy on South Asia as well as to
show solidarity with the victims of
9/11 and global terrorism. The
demonstration was attended by
leaders and activists of different
political and ethnic groups from
South Asia including Muhajirs,
Balochs, Afghans and Indians.
Participants of the rally called
for elimination of terror sanctuar
ies in Pakistan. They held banners
and placards highlighting
Pakistans role in promoting ter
rorism demanding the US
Administration to declare Pakistan
as a state sponsoring terrorism.
The participants of demonstra
tion special paid tribute to the vic
tims of 9/11 and fallen heroes who
gave their lives fighting terrorism
in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and
Convicted Church
killer wants to fire
Jewish, Indian
lawyers
Columbia, SC: A white supremacist
who was sentenced to death in the
2015 massacre of nine black wor
shipers has told a federal appeals
court he wants to fire his appellate
attorneys because one of them is
Jewish and the other is Indian.
Dylann Roof filed the handwritten
request himself Monday with the
4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in
Richmond, Virginia.
Roof further wrote that his attor
neys' backgrounds are "a barrier to
effective communication." He noted
that David Isaac Bruck, who repre
sented him at his federal trial, was
also Jewish and that, "His ethnicity
was a constant source of conflict
even with my constant efforts to
look past it."
In May, Roof asked the same
appeals court to overturn his con
viction and death sentence for the
slayings at Charleston's Emanuel
AME Church. (Source: AP)
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
other impacted nations. We stand
today in compassion with the peo
ple and government of the United
States at a time when the USA and
the rest of the world is facing the
menace of ruthless religious
extremism and terrorism. We also
express our deep sympathies with
the families of victims who lost
their loved ones in 9/11 terror
attacks and other acts of terrorism
around the globe speakers at the
rally said in a joint statement.
Participants at the demonstra
tion unanimously endorsed
President Trumps recent policy in
relation to South Asia that has
pledged to fight against all forms
of terrorism and bring stability in
South Asia. They said that
President Trumps loud and clear
message to Government of
Pakistan and its military establish
ment to cease forthwith their sup
port for terror outfits and groups
DC gets to see South Asian films at festival
l By Surekha Vijh
Washington DC: The presence of
Zeenat Aman, Bollywood heart
throb of the 70s and 80s as the
chief guest added power to the
6th South Asian Film Festival
2017 (DCSAFF) held at
Montgomery Colleges Robert E
Parilla Performing Arts Center in
Rockville, MD from Sept 811.
According to DCSAFF Executive
Director Manoj Singh, a diverse
selection of 34 independent,
award winning features, short
films and documentaries were
screened at the festival from
India and Pakistan. They were in
languages including Hindi, Urdu
and regional languages, but all had
English subtitles. This may be the
only opportunity to see many inde
pendent art films which may never
be released commercially, Singh
said. The inaugural night screened
two films: Bankster, an action
drama directed by Azaan Khan,
featuring Faizan Khawaja and
Naseeruddin Shah. The short film
is widely welcomed by the free
world. They further said that we
collectively extend our support to
US Administration in its efforts to
eliminate terror safe havens on
Pakistani soil.
World Muhajir Congress high
lighted and condemned the state
terrorism and atrocities including
genocide, enforced disappear
ances, extra judicial killings and
victimization of Muhajir and
Baloch Nation committed by
Pakistan Army and its notorious
Intelligence agencies.
Demonstration demanded immedi
ate cease of such gross violations
of human rights in Pakistan
against all ethnic groups and reli
gious minorities. World Muhajir
Congress is a human rights, politi
cal rights and advocacy organiza
tion for Muhajirs based in
Pakistan, mainly in the Southern
province of Sindh.
Zeenat Aman (third from left) was the chief guest at DCSAFF, where
Bankster, directed by her son Azaan Khan, was the opening night film.
Clash of Morality, written and
directed by Vinay Pujara, is the
story of two individuals, Mohamed
and Richard, who are stuck in an
elevator. The former confronts the
latter for judging him on his reli
gion and looks.
Films screened included Hotel
Salvation, Lipstick under My
Burkha, A Death in the Gunj, La La
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Aziz Ansari wins
Emmys 2017
Washington, DC: For
the second year in a
row, Indian American
actorwriterdirector
Aziz Ansari earned an
Emmy Award for
Outstanding Writing
for a Comedy Series
for Master of None
at the 69th Emmy
Awards nite held at
Microsoft Theater
September 17th in
Los Angeles, Calif. He shared the
honors with Lena Waithe, who
made history as the rst African
American woman to win for come works towards exonerating
dy writing for the Thanksgiving
episode from Season 2 of Netixs
Master of None.
Ansari and Waithe beat out Alec
Berg of Silicon Valley, Donald
Glover and Stephen Glover of
Atlanta, and Billy Kimball and
David Mandel of Veep for the
honor. In 2016, Ansari shared the
win with his Master of None co
creator Alan Yang.
In his speech, the activist and
Begum, Saavan, The Valley,
Palyadawasi, Dr. Rakhmabai, Black
Prince and Mantra.
Noted actors, directors and writ
ers from India and Pakistan who
attended the festival included
actress Tannishtha Chatterjee,
Ananth Mahadevan, Adil Hussain
and Kavi Raz (Black Prince and TV
drama Lehren) and Pakistani direc
Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe
(Image courtesy: latimes.com)
rapper also highlighted the impor
tance of the Innocence Project, a
nonprot organization that
wrongly convicted people, and the
New Yorkbased South Asian
Youth Action organization.
Its always strange reaping the
rewards of a story thats based on
real world suffering, Ahmed said
in his acceptance speech. But if
this show has shown a light on
some of the prejudice in our socie
ty, Islamophobia, some of the
injustice in our justice system,
then maybe thats something.
tor Mehreen Jabbar (Dobara Phir
Se, La La Begum and Ramchand
Pakistani).
Q&A sessions followed with
directors and actors after the
screenings.
Said Sanjay Rai, of Montgomery
College, festival partner, We are
highly invested in our local com
munity, which is a highly global
community. We are delighted to be
part of DCSAFF. Among highlights
of the film festival was a panel dis
cussion after the screening of
Deepa Mehtas documentary
Anatomy of Violence, a film editing
workshop hosted by Professor
Joanne Carl of Montgomery
College Film School.
The threeday festival, which
became a weeklong event, was
organized by Manoj and Geeta
Singh.
On September 13, Zeenat Aman
was felicitated with a lifetime
achievement award for her contri
bution in the field of cinema at
DCSAFF presented by philanthro
pist Frank Islam.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Hurricane Maria
devastates Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Hurricane
Maria battered Puerto Rico with
high winds and driving rain before
beginning its march toward the
Dominican Republic late on
Wednesday as a weakened
Category 2 storm.
The storm took quite a hit from
Puerto Ricos high mountains, the
National Hurricane Center said in
an update late Wednesday. Still,
of ficials warned that Maria could
regain its major hurricane status
by Thursday.
Forecasters said Maria le ft
Puerto Rico around 2 p.m. on
Wednesday and was hovering of f
its northwest coast about three
hours later. Of ficials expect the
strong winds and storm surge
flooding there to subside by early
Thursday. Heavy rain, however, is
expected to continue.
The storms center is expected to
pass near the northeastern coast of
the Dominican Republic starting on
Wednesday evening, then approach
the Turks and Caicos Islands and
southeastern Bahamas by some
time Thursday night, according to
a hurricane center advisory.
In the meantime, the countries
already battered by Maria were
scrambling on Wednesday to
recover. And weather officials said
catastrophic flash flooding was
still occurring on Puerto Rico as of
US dollar surges
after Fed policy
statement
Washington: The US dollar jumped
against most other major curren
cies as the Federal Reserve
announced start of balance sheet
reduction from October.
In late New York trading on
Wednesday, the euro fe ll to
$1.1895 from $1.1998 in the pre
vious session, and the British
pound lost to $1.3485 from
$1.3523 in the previous session,
Xinhua news agency reported.
The Australian dollar rose to
$0.8016 from $0.8012.
The US dollar bought 112.27
Japanese yen, higher than 111.46
yen of the previous session.
T he US Federal Reserve on
Wednesday kept interest rates
unchanged, but announced that it
will start to unwind its $4.5 trillion
balance sheet from October, a fur
ther step to end the loose mone
tary policy. "Information received
since the Federal Open Market
Committee met in July indicates
that the labor market has contin
Hurricane Maria reached Puerto Rico as a powerful Category 4 storm
early Wednesday. Hours before, it had crossed the United States
Virgin Islands as a Category 5 storm, and tore roofs off houses
on the Caribbean island of Dominica.
8 p.m. Wednesday. Electricity was
kno cked out across all of the
island, a spokeswoman for the
Puerto Rico State Agency for
Emergency and Disaster
Management said. Strong winds
were still being felt Wednesday
afternoon in the San Juan suburbs,
added Ricardo Castro dad, a
spokesman for the United States
Coast Guard in Puerto Rico.
The authorities warned weary
residents not to let down their
guard, because flash flooding and
mudslides could prove more deadly
than the initial winds from the
storm. T he governor of Puerto
ued to strengthen and that eco
nomic activity has been rising
moderately so far this year," said
the Fed in a statement released
after its twoday monetary policy
meeting. The central bank said
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and
Maria were expected to affect US
economy in the near term, while
they would not alter the course of
the economy in the medium term.
Fed of ficials continue to expect
that the US economy will expand
at a moderate pace in the future.
On the economic front, the
National Association of Realtors
said on Wednesday that existing
home sales decreased 1.7 per cent
to a seasonally adjusted annual
rate of 5.35 million units last
month. That was the lowest level
since August 2016.
The dollar index, which meas
ures the greenback against six
major peers, increased 0.83 per
cent at 92.558 in late trading.
(IANS)
US AFFAIRS
Rico, Ricardo Rossell, announced
a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew effective
Wednesday unt il Saturday.
Thousands of people there were
scrambling to hundreds of shelters,
some of which Mr. Rosse ll
acknowledged might not be storm
worthy.
The roads, he said in a radio
interview later on Wednesday,
were practically undrivable. We
find ourselves in a critical phase to
he lp the thousands of Puerto
Ricans who urgently need help and
to determine the serious damages
caused by Hurricane Maria, he
said in a statement.
From White House to Wall
Street in less than a year
New York: Former President
Barack Obama has begun cashing
in on his time in the White House
with paid Wall Street speeches
less than a year after leaving
of fice, a practice which drew
st ing ing re bukes for Hillary
Clinton during last year's presi
dential campaign.
Obama will appear on Monday
before a who's who of the US
healthcare industry at a confer
ence to be held next week by the
New York trading firm Cantor
Fitzgerald, according to two
sources with knowledge of the
matter, reported AFP. He will dis
cuss his signature 2010 health
care reform legislation, known as
Obamacare, which Republican
lawmakers are still working to
dismantle after several failed
attempts.
According to a person briefed
on Obama's planned appearance,
he will be paid about $400,000.
In August, Obama addressed a
New York gathering held by the
Chicago private banking and
wealth management firm
September 23-29, 2017 11
Trump rebounds
after polling slide
Washington: After
months of declining
poll numbers, the
presidents approval
ratings have stabi
lized and even
ticked up slightly
over the past month.
Following a low of
39 percent in the
POLITICO/Morning
Consult poll last
month after his con
troversial reaction to
the violent protests in
Charlottesville,
Virg inia, Trump is
Grassroots appeal: President Trump let in a
back at 43 percent in
Virginia boy to mow the White House lawn.
this weeks survey.
(Photo courtesy AP)
Other surveys show
similar results: Trump bottomed ing with Democratic leaders in
out at 35 percent in Gallups Congress may have helped stanch
wee kly tracking poll in late the bleeding.
August, but ticked up to 38 per Its impossible to attribute
cent last week. Trumps small uptick in the polls
Trumps popularity still remains to any or all of these events. His
historically low for a firstyear recovery is modest at best: His 40
president. But since his August percent approval rating still lags
polling nadir, Trump has earned every other elected president in
positive reviews for his responses the era of modern polling at this
to two major hurricanes, Harvey point in their first terms. But the
and Irma. And while polls showed data suggest that Trump, now at
his decision to wind down the the eightmonth mark of his presi
Obamaera Deferred Action for dency, has at least arrested the
Childhood Arrivals program was gradual decline that plagued him
unpopular, Trumps subsequent for the first seven of those
nod to bipartisanship by negotiat months.
Former President Obama has started getting $400,000
for Wall Street speeches
Northern Trust. Panelists at that which also reported Monday that
event, according to the firm's the former president had made a
website, included billionaire for similar appearance this month at
mer New York mayor Michael the private equity behemoth
Bloomberg, chief Microsoft cyber Carlyle Group.
security advisor Jonathan Trull T he speeches are the first
and IBM general manager for Obama has given to Wall Street
"blockchain" technology Marie since leaving the Oval Of fice on
Wieck. January 20. Since May, Obama
Obama received $400,000 for has made paid appearances in
his Northern Trust appearance, Italy, Germany, Scotland, Canada,
according to Bloomberg News, Indonesia and South Korea.
 12 September 23-29, 2017 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Dancing with the wolves

TRUMPS DEALING WITH THE
DEMOCRATS ALARMS REPUBLICANS
l By Shivaji Sengupta Living off borrowed money may
justifiably be a curse for an indi Comment

P
olitical observers must have
found it hard to believe when
President Donald Trump
took the help of the Senate
Democrats to pass the Bill raising
the debtceiling. Before this move,
the debtceiling was an ogre, with
not only Democrats but even con
servative Republicans threatening
Trump with conditions before they
pass the Bill. Government debt
increases when the government
spends on jobs, infrastructure and
so on, and decreases from tax rev
enues or other sources of income
like foreign tariffs, the price paid
by foreign governments to the US
for doing business in the country.
Both fluctuate during the fiscal
year. Usually, Treasury securities
are not issued or redeemed on a
daybyday basis and may also be
issued or redeemed as part of the
federal government's local mone
tary management operations. The
aggregate, gross amount that
Treasury can borrow, is limited by
the debtceiling.
We have heard the panic cries
before: "In the America we will
leave behind, sermonizes the typi
cal Conservative Southern
Republican, breathing fire, Your
children, and your children's chil
dren will be burdened by bone
crushing taxes to pay down the
debt our government is accruing!
vidual, but governments thrive on
debts, or so the suave and sophisti
cated liberal Democrats from the
Northeast will have us believe. The
truth, however, may lie somewhere
in the middle. Think as far back as
Ronald Reagan, and you will recall
the same exact discussion regard
ing whether our government
should borrow beyond its means,
and keep increasing the Debt
Ceiling. In this perennial debate
about debts, Democrats are more
lenient than Republicans, perhaps
because of their penchant for get
ting the government to do every
thing to improve the common peo
ples lot. Republicans, who seem to
harbor weakness for the wealthy,
depend on them to improve the
economy through business.
The debate in Washington over
the debtceiling has always been a
battle between Republicans and
Democrats, with the public as
innocent bystanders destined to
suffer the consequences from
either extreme. When Republicans
dominate the Senate and Congress,
it has been harder to raise the
debtceiling, and at the cost of
some necessary entitlements. So,
since this January, shortly after the
Presidents inauguration, we have
been waiting for this debate to
begin in Washington, expecting
Republican victory over limiting
the Ceiling. Except for.
The President's relationship with
his own party. It is not what was
expected to be when Trump was
elected, even though his party won
majorities in both the Senate and
the Congress. Bill Clinton and
Barack Obama both had enjoyed
Party majority when they had first
become president. Both got impor
tant legislation enacted: Clinton
got NAFTA passed, and Obama, of
course, Affordable Care. Both lost
their majority in the following mid
term elections. So, this January,
the Republicans were agog with
expectations. We will do unto you
what you did unto us! was the
Republican battle cry remember
ing Affordable Care of 2010. We,
poor Democrats, watched askance,
helplessly. None of us Democrats
or Republicans could have antici
pated what happened. Donald
Trump, the once upon a time
Democrat, like Reagan, was court
ing the Democrats! The
Republicans meanwhile were get
ting ready to play politics with the
debtceiling, like Jonathan Swifts
Lilliputs played gymnastics for
political gains. The Republicans
would have raised the debtceiling,
and for far longer than the three
months the Democrats gave the
President. But, they said with mis
chief, Let's tease the President a
President Trump reached a deal with
Chuck and Nancy at a dinner on Sept 13. (Photo courtesy AP)
bit before that, teach him a lesson
or two about how things are done
in Washington. The most wily of
them all, Paul Ryan, he of
Washingtonspeak, had been biding
his time, so that he could ostensi
bly get the best deal for the
President without the latter realiz
ing it, raise the ceiling for a longer
period, and, in the process assure
some benefits for the typically
Republican interest groups. That is
how things happen in Washington,
when.. Oh dear me...what does the
President do? He dances with the
wolves the Democrats!
Just as Ronald Reagan was an
actor, this President is a business
man. He will make a deal with any
body principles be damned! You
will get the government out of
debt now, immediately, lets make
a deal! this President seems to
say. And so, a deal he made, a deal
which Speaker Ryan when he had
heard about it before it was made,
called ridiculous. The more con
servatives Republicans were also
caught completely offguard.
Never in their lives could they
imagine that the President would
cut a deal with their enemy.
I am not sure President Trumps
supporters are happy about what
has happened. The Senate
Democrats are obviously happy.
They are planning other Bills that
Donald trump is likely to appreci
ate, like the Infrastructure Bill or
may be even the onepayer
Medicare, not to mention DACA,
the Bill determining the future of
children born in the U.S. to undoc
umented immigrants. All of a sud
den by this political licketysplit, it
is the Republicans who are scram
bling to sponsor Bills to the
Presidents preference and, in the
process, even be in agreement
with the Democrats! This is proba
bly one of the great ironies. What
President Obama, George W. Bush
and Bill Clinton were unable to do,
Donald J. Trump, unwittingly, may
have bungled into: bipartisanship!
At least for a brief period the two
parties may be able to agree on
somethings.
Lets do some more dancing with
the wolves.

US investigators Protesters shout at Pelosi

wiretapped Manafort
Washington: US investiga
tors wiretapped President
Donald Trump's former
campaign chairman Paul
Manafort under secret court
orders before and after the
election, the media reported
Monday.
"The conversations
Former Trump
between Manafort and
campaign manager
Trump continued after the
Paul Manafort.
President took office, long
after the FBI investigation into
Manafort was publicly known,"
sources told CNN.
"It's unclear whether Trump himself
was picked up on the surveillance,"
the sources added.
Some of the intelligence collected
includes communications that
sparked concerns among investiga
tors that Manafort had encouraged
the Russians to help with the cam
paign.
The sources, however, cautioned
that the evidence was not conclusive.
Special counsel Robert
Mueller's team, which is
leading the investigation
into Russia's involvement
in the election, has been
provided details of these
communications.
A secret order authorized
by the court that handles
the Foreign Intelligence
Surveillance Act (FISA)
began after Manafort
became the subject of an FBI) probe
that began in 2014. It centered on
work done by a group of Washington
consulting firms for Ukraine's former
ruling party. The FBI restarted it after
obtaining a new FISA warrant that
extended at least into early this year.
Manafort previously has denied that
he ever "knowingly" communicated
with Russian intelligence operatives
during the election and also has
denied participating in any Russian
efforts to "undermine the interests of
the United States". (IANS)
for DACA deal with Trump
San Francisco: A group of
angry young immigrants chant
ing "all of us or none of us"
shut down a news conference
by House Minority Leader
Nancy Pelosi who was on her
home turf here on Monday to
try to drum up support for leg
islation supporting DACA.
Pelosi, who was joined by
Reps. Barbara Lee and Jared
Huffman, was wrapping up her
remarks on efforts to win pas
sage of the Dream Act. The pro
testers, who described them
Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House, was shouted down
by young immigrants in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy AP)
selves as undocumented youth,
were denouncing Pelosi's ten Democrats. The confrontation protect the estimated 800,000
tative agreement with went on for about 30 minutes, recipients of the Obamaera
President Trump to work reported NPR. The chant was program called Deferred Action
together on passage of some an apparent reference to for Childhood Arrivals.
form of relief for immigrant reports that the Democrats DACA recipients and their
youth. might agree to Trump's supporters have been pressing
Chanting "we are not a bar demands for enhanced border for what they call "a clean
gaining chip," the protesters security and other measures in Dream Act," meaning protec
upstaged Pelosi and her fellow exchange for an agreement to tions without conditions.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Nation mourns
death of Marshal
Arjan Singh
New Delhi: President Ram
Nath Kovind and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
led the nation in mourn
ing the death of Marshal
of Indian Air Force (IAF)
Arjan Singh, who will be
given a state funeral..
Remembered for his
role in leading the fledg
ling IAF in the 1965 war
with Pakistan, Arjan Singh
died in a hospital here on
Sunday after a massive
heart attack. He was 98.
His mortal remains were
kept at his residence 7A,
Kautilya Marg for people
to pay respects to the war
hero the first five star
officer of the IAF. President
Kovind, also the Supreme
Commander of Indian Armed
Forces, said he was "extremely
saddened to learn about the pass
ing of our great and cherished air
warrior a hero of World War II
Late Marshal Arjan Singh.
who won our nation's gratitude
for his military leadership in the
1965 War".
Three service chiefs Admiral
Sunil Lanba, General Bipin Rawat
and Air Chief Marshal B.S.
Dhanoa also paid their respects.
INDIA September 23-29, 2017 13
Modi inaugurates Narmada dam
Dabhoi (Gujarat): Prime Minister
Narendra Modi inaugurated the PM Narendra Modi at the
Sardar Sarovar Dam in
ambitious 138 meter interstate
Sardar Sarovar Dam project on Gujarat. (Photo: IANS)
Narmada river on his 67th birth
day, linking it with his "mission" to
create a new India and roared: "I
will live for your dreams, I will die
for your dreams."
Addressing the valedictory of a
Narmada Mahotsav organized by
the ruling BJP through 85 chariots
that went around the state during
the last 10 days before reaching
Dabhoi, an hour's drive from the would already have had water and is not a BJP event, this is a celebra
dam site, Modi said: "Today is the India would have been on the path tion of the people.
culmination of a dream that Sardar to progress much earlier. But it was "The Sardar Sarovar Project is an
Patel saw to end the water crisis of our misfortune that we had to lose engineering marvel. It should be
the states in western India them," he said speaking in Hindi to part of the curriculum of engineer
much before I and many of us were a large, attentive crowd. ing studies in the country."
born. Modi said, "This is an emotional Dubbed as 'Lifeline of Gujarat',
"There were just two mahapu moment for me. I don't celebrate the height of the Sardar Sarovar
rush (great statesman), Sardar birthdays but today is 'vishwakar dam was recently increased to
Patel and Babasaheb Ambedkar, in ma jayanti' and today a son has 138.68 meters, taking the water
India. If they had lived even a few blessings of lakhs of mothers. This storage capacity to 4.73 million
more years, the western states is not a government program, this acre feet (MAF).
Polarization is central challenge: Rahul
Princeton (New Jersey): The politics of polarization is and the party's vision outlined in 2004 had run into
the central challenge to India, Congress VicePresident trouble by 2012. The Congress leader hinted that he
Rahul Gandhi has said and slammed the government faced a backlash to his ef forts to democratize the
over job creation, saying people are getting angry over party's youth organizations. Gandhi, 47, who is on a
its performance on that front. twoweek tour of the US, had last week interacted with
Interacting with students at the Princeton University students at Berkeley University and answered a wide
here, the Congress leader spoke on an array of issues. range of questions. Gandhi alleged that some sections
He admitted that the previous UPA government led by of society, including tribal community, does not feel a
Congress "could not deliver adequately" in creating jobs part of the BJP's vision.
 14 September 23-29, 2017 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Rohingyas illegal immigrants, 10day 'Mysuru

will be deported: India
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath
Singh said that Rohingyas who have
entered India from Myanmar should not
be mistaken as refugees because they are
"illegal immigrants" who need to be sent
back due to national security reasons.
However, Nat ional Human Rig hts
Commission (NHRC) Chairman Justice
H.L. Dattu, present at the function where
Rajnath Sing h spoke, said the
Commission would back Rohingyas
because they were being persecuted in
Myanmar.
"We need to understand the reality that
Rohingyas from Myanmar who have
entered India are not refugees. In order
to get the refugee status, one needs to
follow a certain process. None among
them has followed that procedure," the
minister said in his address to the
"National Seminar on Good Governance,
Development and Human Rights" here.
He said India would not be violating
any international law by acting against
illegal immigrants as the issue was relat
ed to India's national security.
"No Rohingya has sought asylum in
India and we cannot question their
deportation by raising human rights con
cerns. Don't mistake illegal immigrants
Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh.
with refugees. Any sovereign nation will
act against illegal immigrants. The issue
is also related to our national security,"
he said.
Some 40,000 Rohingya Muslims have
taken refuge in India. Many live in
Jammu and Hyderabad.
Amid a debate on whether Rohingyas
should be deported or given refuge in
India, the Home Ministry, in an affidavit
to the Supreme Court, called them a
"security threat to India". The court will
hear the issue on October 3.
The Home Minister told the seminar
that by deporting the Rohingyas, India
would not be violating any international
law. "India is not even a signatory to the
1951 UN Refugee Convention".
Rajnath Singh chided human rights
activists for criticizing India's stance on
Rohingyas.
"People who are beating trumpets that
we are violating international law should
know that there is no violation. This real
ity needs to be understood.
"When Burma (Myanmar) is ready to
take them back, why should we have
objections against their deportation?"
Rajnath Singh said despite concerns,
India provided humanitarian aid to
Bangladesh to deal with the Rohingya cri
sis.
Dattu, in his remarks, maintained that
the NHRC would speak in favour of
Rohingyas.
"We will plead the case of 40,000
Rohingyas on humanitarian ground.
Cannot comment on the government pol
icy but we are helping them because they
are being persecuted in Myanmar," Dattu
said.
Dasara' off to
grand start
Mysuru (Karnataka): The 10day "Mysuru Dasara"
began with much pomp and grandeur, with
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other
officials attending the festivities.
Mysuru Dasara, also called "Nada Habba" (state
festival), was inaugurated by Padma Shri awardee
K.S. Nissar Ahmed, a renowned Kannada poet,
along with Siddaramaiah and other state officials
atop Chamundi Hills, located 13 km from Mysuru.
Mysuru, located about 150 km from Bengaluru,
attracts visitors from across the world for its tradi
tional Dasara, marking the triumph of good over
evil.
With lakhs of people gathering in the historic
city, which has been spruced up for the festival
with hundreds of flower garlands, the Chief
Minister said the festivities took him back to his
childhood.
"I've been a part of the festival celebrations right
from school days as a NCC candidate, then as a
minister and then as the Chief Minister for the
past five years," Siddaramaiah told the gathering
at the inauguration.
The festivities include the inauguration of
Mysuru Dasara film festival, exhibition by women
entrepreneurs and selfhelp groups and inaugura
tion of cultural events by the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister will also open a Dasara
flower show, a key attraction of the fest.

AAP to lay
siege to
petroleum
ministry on
September 26
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi
Party (AAP) said it will lay
siege to the union petroleum
ministry here on September
26 as part of its nationwide
campaign against high fuel
prices.
Senior party leader Gopal
Rai said the central govern
ment had increased the excise
tax on petrol by 150 per cent
since it came to power in
2014.
He said the protests would
be held across the nation from
September 22 to 30.
"On September 30
(Dusshera), we will burn effi
gies of 'Ravan of price rise' in
all 272 wards of Delhi," he
said.
On Friday, all AAP MLAs in
Delhi will hold protests in
their Assembly constituencies.
On Tuesday, they will 'gherao'
the union petroleum ministry.
Rai reiterated the AAP's
demand that fuel prices
should be linked to interna
tional crude oil price which he
said had fallen by over 50 per
cent in the last three years.
Kejriwal invites Kamal Haasan
to joint active politics
Chennai: With Tamil Nadu politics undergoing
a churning, De lhi Chie f Minister Arvind
Kejriwal on Thursday met actor Kamal Haasan
here for over an hour and invited him to join
active politics to fight corruption and commu
nalism.
After the luncheon meeting at the actor's
Eldams Road residence, Kejriwal, with Kamal
Haasan by his side, told the media that it was
important that when India was battling corrup
tion and communalism, all likeminded people
should talk to each other and work in tandem.
"I am really happy to learn that a large num
ber of people of the country are against com
munalism and corruption but rarely people
have the courage to speak their mind," the Aam
Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said.
"Kamal Haasan is a man of integrity and
courage. He has the courage to stick his neck
out and talk about communalism and corrup
tion.
"A lot of people feel strongly against these Actor Kamal Haasan and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
things but don't come out and express," at his residence in Chennai. (Photo: IANS)
Kejriwal said. "Rather than from speaking from
outside, he should enter politics and fight these self had kept away from it, he said. munalism. And whoever is fighting these forces
forces." "You can very well guess what we would have are my relatives.
The Chief Minister said they had a good dis discussed," said the actor, who has of late been "I have a little reputation similar to that. It is
cussion on these issues and the political situa making political statements. He added that no wonder that we decided to have a dialogue
tion in Tamil Nadu. "We will continue to discuss whoever was fighting corruption and commu on the existing situation. It is a learning experi
with each other," he said, without revealing nalism were his relatives. "That way this rela ence for me and a learning curve for me.
their plans. On his part, Kamal Haasan said it tionship will continue." "I am on an educational tourism and asking
was an honour to learn that Kejriwal wanted to He added: "The reason why we got together anybody who is fighting corruption and com
meet him. His residence was always politically and the purpose is singular... Kejriwal has a munalism to give me advise on how to go about
active during his father's time though he him national profile of fighting corruption and com in my endeavour," he added.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
For Rahul Gandhi, proof of
pudding is winning elections
l By Amulya Ganguli
O
ne of the main takeaways
from Rahul Gandhi's interac
tion with the students and the
media in the US is the indication that
he has given about being the
Congress' Prime Ministerial candi
date in 2019 if his party approves.
It is possible that the charge
against him of being a "reluctant"
politician and even "stupid", which
he admitted, made him say that he is
willing to play a more proactive role
and be his party's "face" in the next
general elections.
If anything, the declaration of
intent means that it will not be long
before he becomes the Congress
president. There is also the implica
tion that he will be increasingly seen
on public platforms which was earli
er promised by some of his party
members, especially at the time of
his unprepossessing television inter
view in 2014, but never implement
ed.
For Rahul Gandhi's supporters, it
was probably just as well that he
agreed to go to the US shortly after
visiting Norway. The reason is that
contrary to the feeling that the
Congress Vice President was more
interested in traveling abroad than
in politics at home, his exchanges at
the University of California in
Berkeley showed that he is maturing
l By Frank F. Islam
O
n August 22, the Supreme
Court ruled that triple talaq
the practice which allows a
man to divorce his wife instantly by
saying the word talaq thrice is
unconstitutional. Predictably, the
ruling was denounced by a number
of Muslim leaders and organiza
tions. Some interpreted it as an
attack on their religion and way of
life. Others saw a conspiracy angle
in the importance given to an issue.
This perspective is desperate and
distorted. This perspective is not
only wrong but also wrongheaded,
misplaced and misguided.
I applaud this judgment because I
strongly believe that Muslim instant
divorce is illegal and incorrect in
many ways. Instant divorce is
deplorable, disgraceful and shame
ful. In addition, it is demeaning,
demonising, disheartening and
demoralizing to Indian Muslim
women. Most importantly, as one of
the judges pointed out, triple talaq
is against the basic tenets of the
Quran. Recognizing this, many
Islamic countries, including two of
India's large Muslim neighbours
Pakistan and Bangladesh have
For Rahul Gandhi to succeed, he has first to ascertain what went wrong with the Congress in 2014.
as a politician even if slowly.
Two confessions underline this
point. One is on the profusion of
dynastic politics in India even if he
has been criticized for being out of
touch with aspirational India. The
other is the admission that the
Congress's "arrogance" made it lose
contact with the people a decade
after coming to power in 2004.
As for the children of politicians
following in the footsteps of their
fathers, he said that there are any
number of such instances in India.
Indian Muslims should
embrace triple talaq verdict
The Supreme Court should be applauded for delivering
a correct judgment in a timely manner.
abolished the practice. In addition,
it is unconscionable to think that a
man should be allowed to banish a
woman to whom he is married
who is also the mother of his child
or children, in many cases by
uttering a word three times, with no
consequences. Triple talaq is also
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
OP-ED
It isn't only the NehruGandhis
who are guilty of this practice but
also the Abdullahs in Kashmir, the
Badals in Punjab, the Karunanidhis
in Tamil Nadu and the Mulayam
Singh Yadavs and Lalu Prasads in
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
T hen, there is Odisha Chief
Minister Naveen Patnaik, who is the
son of a former Chief Minister, Biju
Patnaik; Union minister Jayant Sinha,
who is the son of a former Union
minister, Yashwant Sinha; BJP MP
Anurag Thakur, who is the son of a
inherently discriminatory in that
only a man has that "right" a
Muslim woman cannot end the mar
riage in a similar way.
Over the years, some Muslim
organizations have rationalized
triple talaq by arguing that divorce
rates within their community are
September 23-29, 2017
former Himachal Pradesh Chief
Minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal; Uttar
Pradeh legislator Pankaj Singh, who
is the son of Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh and so on.
It is now up to Rahul Gandhi to
prove or disprove Union Minister
Smriti Irani's quip about being a
"failed dynast", but he is right about
dynasticism being a fact of life in
India in politics, in films, in the cor
porate sector, in the legal profession
even if it is not something to gloat
about. In America, too, there are the
quite low compared to other reli
gious groups. It affects less than a
third of a per cent of Muslim
women, they argue. This is neither a
sound legal nor moral argument.
Even if one concedes that instant
divorce af fects only a minuscule
population, injustice should never
have legal sanction, regardless of
how many people are affected.
The triple talaq ruling, the result
of a decadeslong campaign by
women's rights groups, was a his
toric verdict. With the stroke of a
pen, the judges made illegal a prac
tice that over the decades has
ruined the lives of countless Indian
Muslim women. In the absence of a
comprehensive study among Indian
Muslim women, it is not known how
many of them have been divorced in
this manner. A 2013 survey of
Muslim women in 10 Indian states
by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila
15
Clintons and the George Bushes
while earlier there were the
Kennedys, and in Pakistan, there are
the Bhuttos.
The proof of the pudding lies, of
course, in the eating, and in the case
of dynasts it is in the winning of elec
tions which matters something
which Smriti Irani, a successful
actress and a failed Human Resource
Development Minister, is yet to
achieve.
For Rahul Gandhi to succeed, he
has first to ascertain what went
wrong with the Congress in 2014. If
it was due to arrogance, as he has
said, he has to find out whose haugh
tiness let the party down.
Since Manmohan Singh is general
ly not associated with hauteur, was it
the attitude of Sonia Gandhi, who has
been called perhaps unfairly the
power behind the throne? In any
event, it is difficult to believe in the
Congress being conceited at a time
when it was immersed in a plethora
of scams which brought about its
downfall. So there must be some
other explanation for its decline and
fall.
It would have been understandable
if the arrogance perceived by Rahul
Gandhi had stemmed from what
Arvind Subramanian, the Modi gov
ernment's Chief Economic Adviser,
said about the fastest ever reduction
of poverty under the Congressled
government between 200506 and
201112. But although the Congress
Vice President did talk about his
party's achievement in lifting mil
lions out of poverty, he only spoke in
general terms about how a growth
rate of eight per cent over the next
1015 years could lift 130 million
out of poverty by 2030.
Andolan, an advocacy group that
fights for the rights of Indian
Muslims, found that triple talaq was
the most common mode of divorce
among those surveyed. Of the 4,710
women sampled in the survey, 525
were divorcees. Of them, 404 were
victims of triple talaq. More than 80
per cent of them did not receive any
compensation at the time of
divorce. Two of the five judges that
delivered the triple talaq judgment
differed on the constitutionality of
practice. The bench was in unani
mous agreement, however, in ask
ing the government to enact within
six months legislation to govern
Muslim marriages and divorces.
India's justice system has numerous
drawbacks. It often takes decades
for courts to deliver justice. In this
instance, the Supreme Court should
be applauded for delivering a cor
rect judgment in a timely manner.
 16 September 23-29, 2017
Australia's ad watchdog
downplays Ganesha controversy
The advertisement launched earlier this month by Meat and Livestock Australia
(MLA) ran into controversy for its depiction of Ganesha in a lamb roast
Melbourne: Australia's advertising
watchdog has dismissed com
plaints filed by Hindu groups
against a controversial advertise
ment which featured Lord
Ganesha in a lamb roast along
with several other deities and
prophets.
Despite numerous complaints
lodged by Hindu groups across
Australia and g lobe, the
Advertising Standards Bureau's
(ASB) Board said the advertise
ment was inclusive.
The advertisement launched
earlier this month by Meat and
Livestock Australia (MLA) ran into
controversy for its depiction of
Ganesha in a lamb roast.
The ASB board said the adver
tisement "does not, in its depic
tion, provide any one character
with less favorable or unfair treat
ment by virtue of being in the
group, nor is the depiction of the
group done in a manner that sub
jects one character to humiliation,
Migrant domestic helps in Oman at
risk as India scraps rescue scheme
Thiruvananthapuram: India's deci
sion to scrap a financial guarantee
scheme for migrant domestic work
ers in Oman will make it harder for
domestic helps who are abused or
unpaid to get home, campaigners
said on Tuesday. The Indian embassy
in Oman issued a notice on Monday,
saying it was scrapping the scheme
because employers and recruitment
agencies said it was discouraging
them from hiring.
The decision comes weeks after a
similar waiver in Kuwait and discus
sions about cancelling the scheme in
Bahrain as well.
"It seems that the Indian govern
ment is going to remove the bank
guarantee protection for Indian
women domestic workers in all Gulf
countries, leaving them less protect
The advertisement featuring Lord Ganesha
(Image courtesy: dailymail.co.uk)
intimidation, hatred or ridicule by
virtue only of being part of the
group meal."
In defence, the MLA told the
board, "the advertisement cele
brates religious diversity and
does not promote any act of dis
crimination, prejudice or vilifica
tion." It depicts a "clearly fictional
and humorous scene" which
unites various divinities, prophets
and icons at a dinner table, it said.
ed," said Josephine Valarmathi of the
National Domestic Workers
Movement in India.
Omani government data shows
almost 700,000 Indians live and
work in the Arab nation, 6 percent of
whom are women. Most are men
employed as construction workers,
gardeners and drivers.
Due to widespread reports of abuse
of domestic workers in Gulf nations,
India signed an agreement with
Oman whereby employers had to
provide a bank guarantee certificate
of $2,800 to the Indian embassy in
the capital, Muscat. This aimed to
protect domestic workers if an
employer failed to pay wages, or the
domestic help was physically or sexu
ally abused, and required compensa
tion and financial aid to return home.
DIASPORA
"The advertisement portrays
that, while there are many topics
upon which dif ferent religions
diverge, maybe lamb can bring
everyone together," it said.
In reference to specific com
plaints around the advertise
ment's depiction of Ganesha, the
MLA said it was their understand
ing "that the Hindu faith does not
forbid meat eating and that, while
many Hindus abstain from eating
It only applied to domestics hired
through six recognised state recruit
ment agencies, excluding women
using unofficial channels or conned
by fake agents.
India attempted to increase worker
protection by setting up Emigrate in
2015, requiring employers in almost
20 countries, mostly in the Middle
East, to get online clearance from the
government to hire bluecollar work
ers and domestic helps. India author
ized some 60,000 domestic helps to
work in the Gulf in just over two
years up to December 2016, accord
ing to the ministry of external affairs.
Campaigners called for stronger
measures to protect poor women
working in Gulf states.
"Many return emptyhanded."
(Source: Reuters)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
beef (given the sacred nature of
the cow to the faith), lamb is not
similarly characterized."
"We acknowledge that many
Hindus may nevertheless choose
to abstain from eating any form of
meat, however our understanding
is that it is not a central tenet of
the faith (contrasted with, for
example, the Muslim faith and
alcohol)."
"We note that Ganesha is not
shown eating lamb or drinking
alcohol at any point in the adver
tisement."
The MLA said their decisions
were "informed by the actor who
played the role of Ganesh who
was a practizing Hindu man."
T he Advert ising Standards
Board ruled the advertisement did
not break any of the Code of
Ethics' guidelines on account of
religion. Over 200 complaints
were lo dged demanding the
advertisement's withdrawal. The
Hindu Council of Australia had
MARIA PAUL HONORED FOR LEADING BLOOD
DONATION CAMPAIGN IN DUBAI
Dubai: Maria Prince, President of
ATMA, a notforprofit organiza
tion, based in Dubai was honored
for organizing blood donation
camps in the Middle East. ATMA
was formed 14 years ago by the
immigrant Indian community in
the Middle East with the objective
of creating new possibilities to
inspire creativity, humanity and
happiness.
Maria was honored in the pres
ence of MajorGeneral Abdullah
Khalifa Al Merri, Commanderin
Chief of Dubai Police, as part of his
launching a campaign by donating
his blood at the blood donation
centre in Latifa Hospital, Dubai.
The campaign was part of Dubai
Police social initiatives during the
Year of Giving, urging people to
donate blood to help the sick and
called for the advertisement to be
banned, saying it was a "crude
and deplorable attempt by the
MLA to use images of Ganesha to
promote lamb consumption."
The Australia India Business
Council (AIBC) also expressed
concern over the advertisement
and said it was culturally insensi
tive and displayed remarkable
naivety about its adverse impact
on relationship with India.
Last wee k, the Hig h
Commission of India also issued a
statement saying it had made a
"demarche" to the Department of
Foreign Af fairs and Trade, the
Department of Communication
and the Arts and Department of
Agriculture over the "insensitive"
advertisement.
"The Consulate General of India
in Sydney has taken up the matter
directly with Meat and Livestock
Australia and urged them to with
draw the advertisement," it added.
(PTI)
injured, police said. Donating
blood is a great human duty and
strengthens the bond between
members of a society. I urge
everybody to donate their blood to
help the sick and injured people,
MajGen. Al Merri said in state
ment. A small group of friends in
Dubai got together & formed an
association named ATMA which
stands for A Theme for Mind &
Arts. ATMA stands for: Attitude to
Make it happen; Teamwork A
Team makes it impossible to fail;
Members: Committed in delivering
the best; and, Accountability :
Taking responsibility for our
actions and decisions both individ
ually and collectively.
This is the sixth consecutive
year that ATMA has organized
blood donation camps. (PTI)
 FASHION September 23-29, 2017 17

Runa Ray rocks the runway

embroideries trickled through several sil-
houettes for both men and women. Glitter
overlays, rich florals and gold tones elevat-

at New York Fashion Week

ed the final series of the presentation.
Closing the show was Runa Rays The
Bleeding Dress which made an impact
scripted with Imagination is the Only
Weapon Against Reality. Notable attendees
delicate Spring/Summer 2018 collection, of silhouettes extending from dresses and included NYS Senator Michael Gianaris (D-
titled Imagine, which was influenced by the jumpsuits to separates and even menswear. Queens), Polish-American Fashion Founda-
unique natural elements the designer used. Bold harem pants and detailed tops tion spokesperson Neglah Sharma, wrestler
I have used hand-woven fabrics such wowed guests with the surprise of mens Tami Roman of Basketball Wives, WWE star
as bamboo silks, bamboo cottons, and silks. pieces on the SS18 catwalk. Natural leaf Danielle Moinet, and actress Maria Cotto.
Natural dyes such as Indian
madder, indigo, pomegranate
peels, and areca nut create the
different tones of the materi-
als. These natural fabrics are
dipped in aloe vera to create
a medicinal benefit found in
Runa Ray is based in Bangalore. the womenswear lining and
Her MOJO Design Studios has the
head office in Singapore. fashionable menswear jackets
and bottoms Ray said. Using
New York: Young designer Runa Ray, a handwoven, organically dyed
Bangalore native coveted for her eco-con- and printed fabrics gives the
scious designs was featured for the second collection an enchanted for-
time at New York Fashion Week earlier est-type botanical feel.
this month, showing the fashion world that The show opened with a
sustainable beauty is the new trend. series of neutral cream silk Runa Ray is coveted for her
Together we can save our planet from pieces printed with leaves eco-conscious designs. Her
ecological waste and fast fashion. Fashion and florals in a fossilized mo- collection at NYFW was also
influenced by the unique
can be a powerful tool to educate and push tif. Oversized, asymmetrical
natural elements she uses.
people to join in saving and preserving our flutter sleeves were a theme
(Photo: FirstView.com)
planet, Ray said. in both her ivory and blush
Ray, who showcased her works alongside pieces sprinkled with a hint of
other elite South Asian designers including sparkle detail.
Naeem Khan, released her feminine and Runa Ray showed a variety

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017
TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017
TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Afghan president for
longterm strategy
against terror
Ghani said there is now a chance for dialogue with Pak on terror.
United Nations: Afghanistan
President Mohammad Ashraf
Ghani has called for internation
al action and a longterm strate
g y to counter the terrorist
organizations sheltered in the
region warning that they do not
dif ferentiate Kabul and other
cities when they strike.
Speaking at a highlevel meet
ing of the General Assembly,
Ghani said: "T he future of
Afghanistan matters because we
are on the frontlines of the glob
al effort to eradicate the threat
of terrorism."
We lcoming US President
Donald Trump's new Afghan
strategy announced in August,
Ghani said it "consolidates all
instruments of American power,
conveying a message that the
Taliban and their backers can
not win militarily". "The Afghan
Nawaz's wife elected to Parliament
Islamabad: Ousted Pakistani
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif 's
wife Kulsoom Nawaz has won the
parliamentary seat vacated by her
husband, the unof ficial result on
Mondayshowed, amid the PTI can
didate who came second alleg
ing manipulation of the result.
The National Assembly seat in
Lahore, the capital of Punjab
province, fell vacant after the
country's top court removed
Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister
over corruption charges in July.
Kulsoom Nawaz had so far
secured 61,745 votes while her
main rival, Yasmeen Rashid of the
Pakistan TehreekeInsaf (PTI),
bagged 47,099 votes, an election
of ficial told media persons. The
vote count was still on although
Kulsoom Nawaz was unlikely to
people have looked to the US for
this type of resolve for years,"
he added.
Trump had called out Pakistan
for harboring terrorists and
gave a stern warning that it has
much to lose by working with
terrorists.
Alluding to this, Ghani said
that there was now an opportu
nity for a dialogue w ith its
neighbors on eliminating terror
ism.
"I call upon Pakistan to
engage with us on a comprehen
sive statetostate dialogue on
peace, security and regional
cooperation leading to prosperi
ty," he said.
With no prospects for a mili
tary victory by the Taliban,
Ghani said that it should partici
pate in an "intraAfghan dia
logue" for a peaceful solution.
A woman casts her vote during the parliamentary
byelection in Lahore.
be defeated. PTI's Rashid told
reporters in Lahore that "we had
pointed out the discrepancies in
SUBCONTINENT
Suu Kyi condemns abuses
in Rohingya region
Nay Pyi Taw: Breaking her silence
on Rohing yas, Myanmar's de
facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi
said she and her government con
demned all human rights abuses
and unlawful violence in the
country and do not fear global
scrut iny on the situat ion in
Rakhine state.
State Counselor Suu Kyi made
the remarks in English in her
muchant icipated address in
Parliament over the violence that
has seen about 415,000
Rohing ya Muslims flee into
Bangladesh since August 25 fol
lowing a military crackdown that
has raised global concerns.
Her comments came a day after
a group of countries led by the
UK met with representatives of
the Myanmar government in New
York and called for an end to the
violence ag ainst Rohing ya
Muslim minority and allow aid to
be provided to them.
Suu Ky i did not, in her 30
minute te levised address,
denounce the alleged atrocities
against the Rohingyas, termed by
UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad
alHussein as a "textbook case of
ethnic cleansing". Instead, she
said Myanmar was not "afraid of
international scrutiny".
Her speech was criticized for
failing to address the allegations
of abuse by the Myanmar mili
tary. Hours later, the UN Human
Rights Council in Geneva called
for full access to the region so it
can investigate the situation "with
its own eyes".
In her address, Suu Kyi only
referred to the Rohingya by name
once in connection to the bur
geoning Arakan Rohing ya
said her party wanted to know
the votes when the election was
announced and we have so far
submitted 25 petitions with the
September 23-29, 2017
Suu Kyi said Myanmar was not afraid of international scrutiny.
Salvation Army (ARSA) militant
g roup that she claimed was
"responsible for acts of terror
ism".
Suu Kyi, who decided not to
attend the UN General Assembly
in New York, said she was "aware
of the fact that the world's atten
tion is focused on the situation in
Rakhine". She said she wanted the
international community to know
what was being done by her gov
ernment.
"It is not the intention of the
Myanmar government to appor
tion blame or to abdicate respon
sibility. We condemn all human
rights violation and unlawful vio
lence."
Despite the continuing exodus
from conflicthit Rakhine, which
borders Bang ladesh, Suu Ky i
claimed that the military's offen
sive ended two weeks ago. "There
ECP against these discrepancies."
"I am the one who has suffered
this. We were not given a level
playing field by the ECP," she
alleged. Vowing to take the top
electoral body to court, Rashid
results, Pakistan Peoples Party
what action the ECP took over
numerous violations of its code of
conduct by the Pakistan Muslim
LeagueNawaz (PMLN).
"We will not back out until our
petitions in the ECP are settled.
I'm going to take the ECP to
court," she threatened.
Sheikh Azhar Hussain, an inde
pendent candidate, got 7,130
votes and was third in the contest,
which assumed importance after
Sharif's disqualification. The total
voter turnout in the election was
39.42 per cent. Faisal Mir of the
21
have been no conflicts since
September 5 and no clearance
operat ions. We too are con
cerned. We want to find out what
the real problems are," said the
Nobel Peace Prize winner.
"We want to find out why this
exodus is happening. We'd like to
talk to those who have fled, as
well as those who have stayed."
Suu Kyi said she felt "deeply"
for the suffering of "all people" in
the conflict and Myanmar was
"committed to a sustainable solu
tion... for all communities in this
state". Suu Kyi's speech, though
disappointing to many outside
the country who view her as a
champion of human rights, was
met with applause and cheers
from large crowds in Yangon,
Myanmar's largest city, who
watched her live on large outdoor
screens.
main opposition Pakistan Peoples
Party got only 1,414 votes.
Punjab is considered the power
base of Nawaz Sharif 's Pakistan
Muslim League (PMLN).
Commenting on the byelection
(PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari said
in Peshawar that "it was a story of
conflicting interests and, as it hap
pened, Maryam Nawaz revealed
everything in her thanksgiving
speech".
Of ficial results w ill be
announced by the Elect ion
Commission in a couple of days.
Kulsoom Nawaz was grateful to
the voters, her daughter Maryam
Nawaz said in a speech to thou
sands of cheering supporters after
it became known that her mother
was on the road to victory.
 22 September 23-29, 2017
Russia accuses US of hampering
Syrian troops' advance
Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov.
Moscow: The Russian Defense
Ministry accused the US and the
Syrian opposition of trying to
hamper the successful advance of
the Syrian government troops
against the Islamic State.
"The closer the end of IS in
Syria, the more evident it
becomes who is really fighting
the IS and who has been imitating
this fight in the last three years,"
the ministry's spokesman Major
General Igor Konashenkov said in
a statement, Xinhua reported.
He said the advancing Syrian
government troops supported by
the Russian Air Force managed to
break the fierce resistance and
liberate more than 60 square km
of territory on the left bank of the
Euphrates River in the last 24
hours. But their advance was
hampered by a sudden rise of the
Scrapping ndeal will be Hamas says ready
clear breach: Iran's Rouhani to resume dialogue
New York: Iranian President
Hassan Rouhani has warned that
the United States potential with
drawal from a multilateral nuclear
deal with Iran would constitute a
clear nonperformance of contrac
tual obligations by Washington.
Speaking at a meeting of Iranian
expatriates in New York, where he
is to attend the 72nd session of
the UN General Assembly (UNGA),
President Rouhani said Iran would
give "the due response" to any
such violat ion of the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA).
"Withdrawing from the JCPOA
would mean trampling on a clear
political obligation that a govern
ment has. This is nothing to be
proud of," Press TV cited Rouhani
as saying.
He said Iranian people have
always lived up to their word
throughout history but added that
Iran would honor its obligations
under the JCPOA as long as the
other side honors its.
"We will never initiate a viola
tion of the international agree
ment, but if the other side wishes
water level in the Euphrates and a
twofold increase in the speed of
its current after the government
troops started crossing the river,
Konashenkov said.
In the absence of precipitation,
the only source of such changes
in the water level could be a man
made discharge of water at the
dams north of the Euphrates,
which are held by the opposition
formations controlled by the
international coalition led by the
US, he said. In addition, according
to reports of Syrian commanders
from the front line, the most seri
ous counterattacks and massive
fire on the Syrian troops were
coming from the northern direc
tion, where the Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDS) and US Special
Forces units operated,
Konashenkov added.
Rouhani was speaking at a meeting of Iranian expatriates in New York.
to assault the rights of the Iranian
people, Iran will certainly give the
due response," the Iranian
President said.
The JCPOA was struck in July
2015, after some 22 months of
negotiations between Iran and six
other countries. Iran agreed under
the deal to apply certain limits to
its nuclear program, and its part
ners the US, Russia, China,
Germany, France, and Britain
agreed in return to terminate a
series of sanctions against Tehran,
including those unilaterally
INTERNATIONAL
Mexico quake toll
rises to over 200
Mexico City: T he
Mexican authorities have
raised the number of
casualties to 224 after a
7.1magnitude earth
quake shook the center
of the country, an official
said.
The emergency servic
es were carrying out res
cue operat ions in the
areas affected in the dis
aster, Efe news reported.
Miguel Angel Osorio,
the Secretary of the
Interior, confirmed 117
people have died in
Mexico City, 55 in
Morelos, 12 in State of
Mexico and another in
Guerrero.
As night fell, thousands
of troops were working
in the dozens of dilapidated
buildings here.
On Monterey Street, near the
Miguel Aleman Viaduct one of
the city's main thoroughfares, a
building with at least four floors
has collapsed completely.
At least a hundred soldiers,
firefighters and civil defense
officers using shovels and picks
and buckets were remove the
de bris, working arduously
imposed by individual countries.
When the presidency in the US
switched to the incumbent, Donald
Trump, a year after the implemen
tation of the Iran deal had begun,
his administration started actively
seeking a pretext to withdraw.
It has found none, but has never
theless signaled that it may not
offer to the US Congress verifica
tion of Iranian compliance neces
sary to renew waivers of unilater
al, American sanctions against
Iran at a next deadline in mid
October.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Emergency teams working near a collapsed building.
against the clock to get the alive trapped in collapsed buildings
out from under the rubble. here.
T he Dog Squads were also Traffic chaos has made it diffi
pressed into service. cult for ambulances to get
"We pull out debris and work through as fears of new quakes
in a line, and when they ask you loom on people's mind.
to be quiet, you remain silent. If Director of the National Centre
applause is heard, we start to get for Disaster Prevent ion
the person out", a young man (Cenapred), Carlos Valdes, ruled
explained. out the possibility of strong
Emergency teams were aftershocks due to the depth of
attempt ing to rescue people the epicenter at 57 km.
with Fatah
Gaza: The Islamic Hamas move
ment said that it is ready to resume
a dialogue with Fatah.
T he remarks were made by
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh at the
Rafah border crossing on his
return from Egypt, after 11 days of
talks with Egyptian security of fi
cials on the Palestinian internal
reconciliation, Xinhua reported.
"We are ready to receive the con
sensus government and we are
ready to get back to Cairo in a few
days to resume the dialogue with
Fatah movement," said Haniyeh.
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.
According to Haniyeh, his senior
Hamas delegation discussed the to resume the dialogue w ith
political and security situation, Hamas.
Jerusalem, Israeli policies and the "We exerted tremendous ef fort
bilateral ties with Egypt during the and we moved in all directions in
past 11 days in the most populous order to end the suf fering of our
Arab country. people in Gaza through the gate of
Hamas announced earlier that it reconciliation and achieving unity,"
had dissolved an administrative said the Hamas leader.
committee used to manage the Haniyeh called on Abbas' Fatah
daily affairs in Gaza. The forming Party to carry out equivalent steps,
of the committee had outraged including the cancellation of all the
Fatah leader Abbas, who insisted unprecedented measures against
that it should be resolved in order Gaza.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Trump threatens
N. Korea's destruction
United Nations: In an unprece
dented warning delivered at this
world forum, US President
Donald Trump threatened North
Korea with total destruction if
his country is forced to defend
itself and its allies against the
threats from Pyongyang.
Delivering his first address to
the highlevel meeting of the
General Assembly, Trump said
that North Korean dictator Kim
JongUn "threatens the entire
world with unthinkable loss of
life" and if the US was "forced to
defend itself and its allies, we
will have no choice but to totally
destroy North Korea".
North Korea has issued a threat
that "we will strike a merciless
blow at the heart of the US with
our powerful nuclear hammer,
honed and hardened over time".
"Rocket man is on a suicide
mission," Trump said, with a deri
sive reference to Kim.
But he said that he hoped the
UN would be able to stop North
Korea. "That's what the United
Nations is for. Let's see how they
do.
"If the righteous many don't
confront the wicked few, then
evil will triumph," he said.
Trump's other target was Iran
and in a statement aimed more at
his domestic base, he said the
Support for Palestine 'reference point of foreign policy'
United Nations: Reiterating India's
historical support for Palestine,
India's External Af fairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj declared that it
will be a central point of its for
eign policy.
"For independent India support
for the Palestinian cause has been
a reference point of its foreign
policy," she told the Nonaligned
Movement's Ministerial
Committee on Palestine on the
sidelines of the highlevel General
Assembly meeting.
Recalling that the NAM
Committee on Palestine was set
up during India's chairmanship of
the Movement in 1983, Sushma
Swaraj said that New Delhi's com
mitment to the Palestinian cause
and solidarity with the Palestinian
people "can never be under
mined". "I strongly believe that
India's expanding relations in the
region with all nations will only
strengthen the Palestinian cause,"
she said. Her reassurances to
Palestine and and its supporters
comes after Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's July visit to
Israel during which he stayed
away from Palest ine. Ties
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
US President Donald Trump addresses the 72nd session
of the United Nations General Assembly.
denuclearisation agreement with
Tehran was "an embarrassment
to the United States".
He threatened to revisit the
agreement reached with Iran by
the administration of former
President Barack Obama and five
other UN members.
He called Iran a "rogue nation"
and accused it of destabilizing
the Middle East
Trump, who took of fice in
January, also focused on himself.
He opened his address by saying
that the US had done well since
he entered the White House. The
stock market was at an all time
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at Nonaligned Movement's Ministerial Committee on Palestine
on the sidelines of UNGA. (Photo: Mohammed Jaffer/IANS)
between India and Israel have
grown sharply in recent years,
especially in the defence field. "I
strong ly be lieve that India's
expanding relations in the region
with all nations will only strength
en the Palestinian cause," she
said, adding, during Modi's visit to
high and unemployment in the
US was at its lowest level.
Trump told the world leaders
at the UN that terrorists were
gaining strength everywhere but
insisted that peace was possible.
"To put it simply, we meet at a
time of both immense promise
and great peril. Terrorists and
extremists have g athered
strength and spread to every
region of the planet."
The US, he said, was prepared
to combat g lobal instability
through military might. "Our mil
itary will soon be the strongest it
has ever been."
Israel "we reiterated the need for
a just and durable peace in the
region". Peace in the region will
only be possible with "an early
negot iated solut ion between
Israel and Palestine based on
mutual recognition and security
arrangements," she said.
September 23-29, 2017
President Trump
warns against
supporting Taliban
United Nations: Vowing to stop
"radical Islamic terrorism," US
President Donald Trump warned
on Tuesday of strong action
against countries that support or
finance organizations like the
Taliban.
"It is time to expose and hold
responsible those countries who
support and finance terror
groups like Al Qaeda, Hezbollah,
Taliban and the others that
slaughter innocent people," he
said in his first speech to the the
General Assembly.
But he stopped short of nam
ing countries other than Iran
unlike in the last month's speech
outlining the Afghan strategy
when he named Pakistan saying
it had much to lose by harboring
terrorists. He focused on terror
ism in the Middle East, while
also warning about the Taliban.
He said that the US and its allies
were working throughout the
region "to crush loser terrorists"
and "stop the emergence of safe
havens" for terror groups.
But he referred to the new
Afghanistan strategy, saying: "I
have also totally changed the
rules of engagement against the
In a rebuttal to criticism by
some in India and elsewhere for
what they see as a dilution of New
De lhi's eng agement w ith
Palestine, she said: "It is a matter
of great personal satisfaction for
me that over the last two years
the tempo of our partnership with
23
Taliban and other terrorist
groups."
"From now our security inter
ests will dictate the length and
scope of our military action" in
Afghanistan he said, and "not
arbitrary benchmarks and
timetables".
Accentuating his warning on
terrorism, Trump said:
"Terrorists and extremists have
gathered strength and spread to
every region of the planet. Rogue
regimes represented in this body
not only support terrorists but
threaten other nations and their
own people with the most
destructive weapons known to
humanity."
"Authority and authoritarian
powers seek to collapse the val
ues, the systems and alliances
that prevented conflict and tilted
the world toward freedom since
World War II," he added.
Challenging the world leaders
listening to his speech, he
declared: "We meet at a time of
both immense promise and great
peril. It is entirely up to us
whether we lift the world to new
heights or let it fall into a valley
of disrepair."
the Palestinian people has been
significantly stepped up."
Sushma Swaraj also recalled her
visit to Palestine in January last
year when she and her
Palestinian counterpart Riyad
Maliki decided to establish a min
isteriallevel joint commission to
better manage cooperation activi
ties between the two sides.
During Palest ine President
Mahmoud Abbas's visit to India in
May, the two countries signed
agreements for cooperation in
agriculture, information technolo
gy, health and in youth af fairs
and sports, she said.
"We also took the decision to
set up an information technology
park in Ramallah that can serve
as an information technology
training and service providing
hub," she added.
Stating that India has been vol
untarily contributing to the UN
Re lie f and Works Agency
(UNRWA) for several years now,
Sushma Swaraj said: "In 2016, we
contributed $1.25 million
towards its budget, and we are
committed to maintaining this
support on a multipleyear basis."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS September 23-29, 2017 25

Package soon to boost Over 4 lakh Indians

embrace Google 'Tez'

economy: Arun Jaitley in just 24 hours

New Delhi: Finance Minister
Arun Jaitley hinted at a pack
age of measures to boost the
economy, while virtually ruling
out any cut in duties on petro
leum products to check the
spike in fuel prices.
"We have taken note of all
the economic indicators that
are available. This has been a
proactive government on the
reforms agenda. Over the last
two days, I have had a series of
discussions with ministerial
colleagues and various secre
taries.
"The government will take
additional measures in the
coming days after consulting
the Prime Minister. Whenever
the measures are taken, you
w ill come to know of it,"
Jaitley told reporters here fol
lowing a meeting of the union
cabinet.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
On the current high trans demand mismatch due to hur
port fuel prices, Jaitley said it ricanes that hit the US coast.
was a temporary spike in glob Jaitley's high level meetings
al prices caused by the supply follow a sharp fall in latest key
macro indicators such as the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
and industrial production, as
well as a widening Current
Account Deficit.
Pulled down by slugg ish
manufacturing, growth in the
Indian economy in the first
quarter of this fiscal fell to 5.7
per cent, clocking the lowest
GDP growth rate since Prime
Minister Modi assumed office
in May 2014.
The August consumer price
index (CPI) inflation in India
shot up a full one percentage
point to 3.36 per cent, from
2.36 per cent in July, led by a
spike in food prices.
T he Index of Industrial
Production (IIP) in July rose
by 1.2 per cent as compared to
the same month of last year. It
had declined by ()0.1 per cent
during June this year.
New Delhi: Within 24 hours of Google digital
payment app 'Tez' being launched in India,
Google has seen nearly 1.8 crore gross mer
chandise volume (GMV) done with over four
lakh active users.
"In the past 24 hours, 1.8 Crore GMV done
on Tez already with 410,000 active users," a
Google spokesperson told IANS.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launched the
app in the Capital on afternoon, saying the
idea of "Tez" was discussed by Google's India
born CEO Pichai in January, just after demon
etisation.
"Google saw a great potential in Indian
economy and businesses," Jaitley said, adding
that Google's new digital payments app over
the next few months was likely to make major
advances in digital transaction volumes.
Replying to this, Pichai on Tuesday tweeted:
"We hope that the launch of @TezByGoogle
will help take India one step closer to your
vision of @_DigitalIndia". Built on the Indian
governmentsupported Unified Payments
Interface (UPI), Tez allows users, free of
charge, to make small or big payments
straight from their bank accounts.

UPA failed to create enough Tata Steel, thyssenkrupp sign MoU

jobs, Modi too: Rahul
Princeton (New Jersey): Congress Vice
President Rahul Gandhi has admitted
that the previous UPA government led
by his party "could not deliver ade
quately" in creating jobs, and said the
Modi government despite its promises
has been unable to do so either.
Interacting with students at the
Princeton University here on Tuesday,
the Congress leader said that the rea
son for the rise of Narendra Modi and
also to an extent of US President
Donald Trump was the "question of
jobs".
"A large part of our populations sim
ply do not have jobs and cannot see a
future and so they are feeling the pain.
And they have supported these type of
leaders. The problem is that the record
on jobs of these leaders I do not
know Trump so I won't go there but
certainly our Prime Minister is not
good enough," Gandhi said.
The Congress leader said jobs were
the central challenge in India and
30,000 youth were entering the job
market everyday in India but only 450
jobs were being created.
He admitted that the previous UPA
Mumbai: Tata Steel Ltd
and German major
thyssenkrupp AG have
government could not deliver ade
signed a memorandum of
quately on the job front, which he said
understanding (MoU) to
was a key reason for Modi leading the
create a 50:50 joint ven
BJP to victory in the 2014 general
ture by combining the flat
elections.
steel businesses of the two
"So those same people who got angry
companies in Europe and
with us because we could not deliver
steel mill services of the
on those 30,000 jobs are now going to
German company,
get angry with Modi. The central issue
a top company of ficial
is resolving that problem."
said.
He accused the Prime Minister of
T he proposed 50:50
diverting from the issue of job creation
joint venture "thyssenk
and pointing fingers elsewhere.
rupp Tata Steel" would
"The anger is building up in India
be focused on quality and
right now. We can sense it. So to me,
technology leadership, and
the challenge is how to solve the prob The proposed 50:50 joint venture "thyssenkrupp Tata Steel" would
the supply of premium
lem in a democratic environment. be focused on quality and technology leadership.
and dif ferentiated prod
"Frankly, the Congress party was
ucts to customers, with annual quartered in Amsterdam, the venture will be structured to
unable to do it. But Modi is also unable
shipments of about 21 million Netherlands. ensure a sustainable business
to do it. It is a deeper problem, so we "Based on our initial assess going forward," Tata Steel's
tonnes of flat steel products,
have to first accept it as a problem and
the steel maker said in a state ment, cost synergies in the Group Execut ive Director
then we have to unite at solving it. range of 400600 million per Kaushik Chatterjee said.
ment.
Right now nobody is willing to accept,"
It said the joint venture annum may be realized The proposed transaction in
Gandhi said.
would have a pro forma through integration of commer Europe also paves the way for
"Second challenge is huge migration
turnover of about 15 billion cial functions, R&D and other significant deleveraging of the
to cities and these are not being
per annum (Rs 1,15,000 crore). supporting activities. Tata Steel group's consolidated
equipped to handle the type of pres "Both shareholders have balance sheet and provides a
It currently employs about
sures that they are coming under," said
48,000 people spread across taken care to ensure that the platform for it to pursue future
Gandhi.
locations and would be head balance sheet of the combined growth, he added.
 26 September 23-29, 2017 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

At 36, Dhoni still going strong

Kolkata: There was a time when
aging warhorse Mahendra Singh
Dhoni would be popped a ques
tion at every media conference on
whether he was contemplating
retirement. A yearandahalf
down the line, those queries have
been swept aside by Captain Cool
himself thanks to his display with
the bat.
Back then, Dhoni initially took
the posers in his stride, but as
they started coming at him with
unfailing regularity, he decided to
go on a counterattack.
After a couple of Indian scribes
were virtually ragged by the wick
etkeeper batsman, there came
the turn of Australian journalist
Sam Ferris in April 2016.
When Ferris wanted to know
whether he was contemplating
retirement from whiteball cricket,
Dhoni, who hung up his boots
from Test cricket on Boxing Day
2014, asked the reporter to come
up and take the vacant seat next
to him on stage.
The country's most successful
captain then asked the Aussie
scribe if he thought he was unfit
MS Dhoni this year averages 89.57 in ODIs
and whether he could play the
2019 World Cup in England.
"Um, yes, sure," was Ferris'
reply.
"Then you have answered the
question," Dhoni said.
Dhoni had a poor 2016, manag
ing just 278 runs in the calendar
year playing 13 matches. He aver
aged a paltry 27.80. At the World
Dhoni recommended for
Padma Bhushan
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has nominat
ed veteran star Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the Padma Bhushan, the
nation's third highest civilian award.
"Yes, it's confirmed, we have recommended Dhoni's name for the
Padma Bhushan," BCCI Acting President C.K. Khanna told IANS.
Former captains Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid and
Chandu Borde have received the award earlier.
Dhoni, who made his international debut in 2004, is the most suc
cessful captain for the Indian cricket team. He has led the team to two
World Cup titles the World Twenty20 in 2007 and the 50over World
Cup in 2011. Under the 36yearold's captaincy, India also won the
2013 Champions Trophy besides becoming the top ranked team in
Test cricket.
Twenty20, the Ranchi dasher year averages 89.57 in OneDay
scored 89 runs in five games with Internationals (ODIs) with an
scores reading 30, 13 not out, 13 aggregate of 627 in 14 innings,
not out, 18 not out and 15 not including a century and five
out. fifties.
But this year, when questions He is no more the finisher that
were being raised about whether he once used to be. But at 36, he
Dhoni should continue in the lim has taken up the role of the
ited overs format, the former cap anchor. For the young ones now
tain turned it around, by wielding in India's middle order, he is an
his willlow in style. Dhoni this onfield mentor as well.

Sindhu, Saina, Srikanth, Prannoy Will take a duck in

advance at Japan Open
Tokyo: Olympic badminton
medalists P.V. Sindhu and Saina
Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth, H.S.
Prannoy and the mixed doubles
pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
and Ashwini Ponappa advanced
to the second round of Japan
Open Superseries here.
Sindhu battled past Japanese
Minatsu Mitani 1221, 2115,
2117 in an hour and three min
utes to setup a secondround
clash against reigning world
champion Nozomi Okuhara of
Japan on Thursday.
Olympic medallists Sindhu and
Okuhara share four wins apiece
in career meetings and have
recently deve loped an
enthralling rivalry. W hile
Okuhara got the better of Sindhu
at the World Championships
final in August in Glasgow, the
Hyderabadi hit back at the Korea Open in
Seoul last weekend.
Another intriguing duel on Thursday will
be between London Olympic bronze medallist
Saina Nehwal and 2016 Olympic champion
Carolina Marin of Spain. Saina leads the head
tohead record against the Spaniard by 43.
Saina moved past T hai Pornpawee
Chochuwong 2117, 219 in 40 minutes,
while twot ime world champion Marin
breezed past Chinese Chen Xiaoxin 2111,
2111.
Eighthseed Srikanth fought of f China's
Tian Houwei 2115, 1221, 2111 in an hour
and four minutes. After this win, Srikanth,
India's best bet in the men's singles category,
will take on Chinese Hu Yun. Prannoy got the
100th ODI if Australia
win at the end: Smith
Kolkata: On the eve of playing his 28yearold, who has 5,370 runs in 56
100th OneDay International (ODI) at Tests at an average of 59.66, waxed
the Eden Gardens ag ainst India, lyrical on the fiveday format, adding
Australia skipper Steve Smith said he he enjoys playing all three of them.
would happily take a duck if his team Smith felt besides Australia, India,
crosses the finishing line eventually. England and South Africa, other teams
"It's not about personal glory its have also improved in recent times,
about the team doing well. I think it's adding the game is in a good space.
all about the team success. I will happi After registering a 26run victory via
ly take a duck tomorrow if we can win the DuckworthLewis method over
the game," Smith, who has 3188 runs Australia in the opener, Virat Kohli and
in 99 ODIs so far, said at an event here Co looked confident as around 500
when asked about his batting ambi supporters cheered the men in blue as
tions going into the century of limited they came out of the Netaji Subhas
overs cricket. Chandra Bose International Airport
Smith was asked to choose between and entered the team bus followed by
the three formats of the game and the the Australian players.
Kidambi Srikanth.
better of Denmark's Anders Antonsen 2112,
2114 in 37 minutes. The Indian will face
Chinese Taipei's Hsu Jen Hao for a place in
the quarterfinals.
Sameer Verma also moved into the second
round as he registered a 2112 2119 victory
over Thailand's Khosit Phetpradab. Sameer
will meet Shi Yuqi of Japan on Thursday.
B. Sai Praneeth and Sourabh Verma, howev
er, had to face defeats in the opening round.
While Sourabh lost to fivetime world champi
on Lin Dan of China 2111, 1521, 1321,
Praneeth went down 2321, 1721, 1421 to
South Korean Lee Dong Keun.
Meanwhile, young Satwik had a mixed day
as he lost in the men's doubles and advanced
in the mixed doubles. Australia skipper Steve Smith.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOOKS September 23-29, 2017 27

Telling Putin's side of the story, from

Crimea to Trump and more
l By Vikas Datta an views, has tried to do in his set of inter allels with Napoleon, on the shortcomings of
views with Putin in Moscow and elsewhere communism and where and why Mikhail

W
hat do we make of Vladimir Putin?
There are those who deem him an
astute statesman who has brought
Russia back from the brink to a state of
domestic stability, economic prosperity and
international influence, while others are con
vinced he is a despotic and even totalitarian
leader, who rocks the stable world order
with land grabs, backing "unsavory" regimes
and influencing key elections.
Either perspective may arise from the
news you are accustomed to hearing and
believing. The latter view, though, is more
likely to stem from the West, where the
Russian President is viewed extremely criti
cally since 2008 following the Georgian con
flict, with his KGB background highlighted
for "repression" at home, and Soviet era
geopolitics for supporting Iran, bolstering
the Assad regime in Syria, annexing Crimea,
enabling Donald Trump's victory and many
other transgressions.
But the increasingly demonized Putin has
his own views on how the US didn't play fair
after the Cold War ended, what its unilateral
global interventions led to, what actually
happened in Ukraine and the reasons why
his country is accused of "fixing" the 2016
US presidential elections.
How can we decide between the two com
peting narratives? Why not allow the
Russian President to present his own side of
The transcripts of US filmmaker's Oliver
Stone wideranging and candid interview
with Russian President Vladimir
Putin between 2015 and 2017 for his
acclaimed documentary.
the story on these issues and other global
happenings, and his view of his achieve
ments and challenges? That is what
American filmmaker Oliver Stone, who never
shies away from controversial subjects
(Vietnam, JFK's assassination) and contrari
in Russia over nine days in four trips from
July 2015 to February 2017. And here, you
can read their transcripts along with an
additional section about the veracity of his
claims.
While the publishers note that since the
Putin's answers were translated, they "took
the liberty of fixing grammar, unclear lan
guage, and various inconsistencies" and
given the span of the interviews, editing out
some repetitive matter in an effort to ensure
that "the intent and meaning of what was
said was accurately reflected".
They have done a capable job, with Putin
appearing far from the lethal, uncontrollable
megalomaniac his detractors usually portray
him to be, or spewing fire at adversaries at
times, he even politely rebukes Stone for try
ing to make him appear antiAmerican.
At the same time, he rues that the
Americans have never reciprocated his
country's measures towards concord and
cooperation, supported adversaries in the
Caucasus as they supported "all the political
forces including opposition forces", sought
to hem in his country with military and anti
missile installations geared to meet the
"Iranian threat" and also interfered in the
20102 Russian elections by channeling
money to opposition candidates. Putin also
gives a balanced view of recent Russian his
tory, including the Stalin era drawing par
Gorbachev went wrong. He also asserts that
Russia will not return to the old days of the
Communist police state, clarifies his stand
on the LGBT controversy and other seminal
issues.
He is also candid about his family's hum
ble beginnings (his grandfather was a cook
for Bolshevik bigwigs like Lenin and Stalin),
his parents lost his elder sibling during the
Siege of Leningrad during Second World
War, and how he was wild as a teenager
before his practice of judo and service
made him calmer.
He also displays a cultivated sense of
humor in response to Stone's query during
his second trip whether he missed the film
maker, quips: "Yes, I cried every now and
then.." and while presented a film DVD but
opening the case to see its empty, says:
"Typical American gift."
Forthcoming as possible but also realistic,
Putin, in the last meeting, tells Stone that he
has given his version but doesn't know "if
anyone is going to be interested in that".
Overall, he comes across as someone, who
wields enormous power and influence but
responsibly, guards and weighs his words,
which are never shrill, rhetorical or bombas
tic, and can be effective without being flam
boyant or loud. That are qualities that would
be prized in any political leader, and Russia's
condition and influence are proof enough.

l By Saket Suman

J
anuary 20, 2009. Barack
Obama is sworn in as the 44th
President of the United States
and on the very same day an enig
matic billionaire from Bombay
and his three sons settle in New
Yorks Greenwich Village in New
York. An aspiring filmmaker who
lives in the neighborhood finds
the perfect subject in the immi
grant family. This rather simple
plot forms the background of
Salman Rushdies The Golden
House, his 13th novel to date.
Most of the novel revolves
around Nero Golden and his three
sons Petronius, or Petya, Lucius
Apuleius, or Apu, and Dionysius, or
D. Petya. Petronius, 40, is an agora
phobic and an alcoholic, and Apu,
41, is a desperate artist. They were
born a little less than a year apart
and share the same mother and the
same zodiac sign. The youngest,
Dionysius, is just 22 and has little
memory of his own mother. The
father, Nero Golden, in his late 70s,
now brings into their home a new
wife, Vasilisa, a Russian expatriate.
Their neighbor, Rene, an aspiring
filmmaker, loves nature; he adores
the gardens and sees beauty in all
things. This man of simplicity is
drawn to the Goldens and in them
sees a story that deserves to be
The
Golden House
by Salman
told. Rushdie;
He leaned for Random House,
ward when stand 380 pp, $28.99
ing or walking as if
struggling constantly
against a strong wind only he
could feel, bent a little at the waist,
but not too much. This was a pow
erful man; no, more than that a
man deeply in love with the idea of
himself as powerful, Rene notes in
one of his early observations of
Nero Golden.
But while Rushdie, as in his previ
ous works, displays immense skills
of observation, he perhaps takes it
a little too far in matching these
with the filmmaking traits of his
Donald Trump.
personality. He invokes
analogies from pop cul ences and observations set the rest
ture and classical litera
ture and lists so many peo
ple and places and events and
movies American, European,
Indian to the point where it
becomes a nightmare for the read
er to keep track of.
Obamas term as President ends
quite early in the novel and creates
anticipation of what next among
readers. The election for the 45th
President dominates everybodys
minds in the next few pages and
then enters this presidential candi
date whose actions, words and fol
lowers bear similarity to those of
Unlike Rushdie:
Simple plot but
relevant in a world of
alternative facts
He was dangling his wickedness
under our noses, reveling in it,
challenging us to see it, contemptu
ous of our powers of comprehen
sion, convinced of his ability easily
to defeat anyone who rose against
him, Rushdie writes.
Rushdies astute political refer
of the novel on a new course. And
his thoughts about the real
President are evident in the way he
portrays the joker with colored
hair, who would become
President. Sometimes, watching
him, I thought of Dr. Frankensteins
monster, a simulacrum of the
human that entirely failed to
express any true humanity.
Rushdie has ample of references to
keep the interest of readers in
India alive. He invokes 26/11,
traces the hyperloop from slavery
to corruption, the 1993 Mumbai
blasts, the beef ban and, yes,
Marvel comics too.
An uncannily prescient novel
that shows one of the worlds
greatest storytellers at the height
of his powers, The Golden House
is about seduction and treachery,
lies and loss, and everything that
we crave for in contemporary fic
tion. Despite its slow and overdone
pages, the novel attempts to imag
ine a great deal about identity,
truth and terror, particularly rele
vant in todays world order of alter
native facts.
The novel differs a great deal
from most of Rushdies previous
works in that even the casual read
er will be able to access its depths
and read between the lines. Unlike
the many pages from most of
Rushdies previous novels that usu
ally escape the readers, The
Golden House will connect seam
lessly with you. If you have not
read any of Rushdies titles, this is
a good novel to begin with.
 28 September 23-29, 2017 Bollywood

Bollywood film soon on REVIEW

Indian surgical strike

the fabric of our border politics forever and
that became a watershed moment in our
political history. But most importantly, Uri
is the incredible story of Indians coming to-
gether, Screwvala said. He said the movie
was a great mix of being a story that must
be told and a story they want to tell.
Terrorists from Pakistan attacked a
military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir
on September 18, 2016, leaving 19 Indian
soldiers dead. Eleven days later, the Indi-
an Army retaliated with a surgical strike,
heightening India-Pakistan tensions.
The project will have an ensemble cast
and is being directed by Aditya Dhar.
Dhar said: This is the story of what

Simran:
happened in those 11 days... Its an honor
and very reassuring to be backed by Ronnie
Screwvala and to execute on this vision and
what we believe is an engaging and thrill-
ing story inspired by this true life incident.

Actor Vicky Kaushal will undergo

Uri will go on floor in early 2018
and will release in September 2018, two
A feisty Kangana Ranaut canvas
para-military training for the film.
years after the surgical strike. Vicky plays

T he story of Indias surgical strike on ter-

rorist hubs in Pakistan is being made
the lead commander in chief who led this
operation and led the paratroopers post
Kangana essays the title role with her characteristic panache.

into a Bollywood film produced by Ronnie

Screwvala. Actor Vicky Kaushal plays the
lead role in the movie titled Uri.
Today we are a confident, aggressive
and new age India - standing up for itself
in every way and on the world stage. With
this one single military action, we changed
the Uri attack, read a statement issued on
behalf of the actor. Humbled by this op-
portunity... Super excited, Vicky tweeted.
Vicky will undergo some para-military
training for a month to bulk up some kilos
before starting the shoot. The Masaan ac-
tor said the role could be his toughest.
Simran is a film about an unconven-
tional, 30-plus Guajarati divorcee Praful
Patel who lives with her parents in Atlanta,
works in the housekeeping department of
a plush hotel and lives life on her terms.
Keen on buying her own property in the
minority quota as it is affordable, Praful saves
every dollar painstakingly, but one day in
Las Vegas where she goes for her cousin Am-
bars (Aneesha Joshi) bachelorette, she blows
far-fetched and amateurish to digest.
Director Hansal Mehta has taken oodles
of cinematic liberty to create situations and
trying to pass them as existent. Prafuls char-
acter, however, is a well-etched one. He man-
ages to make the lives of the Indian diaspora
- their values, struggles, fears look real.
The film is racy and although the sec-
ond half seems a tad long, it never really
lets you stifle a yawn. Laced with abun-

Major blaze at R.K. Studios it all up in a casino. She is in heavy debt, ow-
ing $50,000 to a money-lender who means
dance of humor, some straight- faced and
witty dialogues, Kangana essays Praful Pa-

guts reality show set business. One thing leads to another and
soon, she is sucked into the world of crime.
Overnight, the independent Gujju girl
tel with her characteristic panache.
The film is Kanganas canvas all the
way and she makes it come alive with her

A major fire broke out in the iconic R.K.

Films and Studios at Chembur in Mum-
bai, BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation
(BMC) Disaster Control officials said.
At least 11 fire tenders and ambulances
rushed to the sprawling studio in north-
east Mumbai and brought the conflagra-
tion under control after over an hour.
Rishi Kapoor, son of the studios found-
er, the legendary Raj Kapoor, tweeted: Sad.
A major fire broke out at R.K. Studios. We
have lost the iconic Stage 1. Thankfully no
dance reality TV show Super Dancer Sea-
son 2, but the shooting was not underway.
The conflagration was confined to
with chutzpah, becomes a bank robber with
convivial ease. While Kangana Ranaut as
joie de vivre and histrionics, which seem
natural coming from her. And that is what
Praful Patel, slips into this avatar effort- makes you overlook the flaws and keep
electrical wiring and installations on a lessly, the writing belies credibility. It seems you riveted to the screen.
800-square feet ground floor area of the
70-year old studio. A source from the set
of the Sony Entertainment Television chan-
nel show said: No one was present on the
set while the studio caught fire. There is Priyanka dazzles in white
at Emmy Awards 2017
no casualty or injuries whatsoever. Cost of
damage is not ascertained yet.
R.K. Studio, the headquarters of the

casualties, nor injuries. All your concerns
appreciated. The blaze has gutted one
of the main shooting venues -- the set of
R.K. Studio was founded and named after
the Great Showman, Raj Kapoor, in 1948.
film production company R.K. Films, was
founded and named after the Great Show-
man, Raj Kapoor, in 1948.
B
ollywood actress Priyanka Chopra
stepped out in a figure hugging white
custom-made Balmain mermaid creation at
the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.
She took the stage alongside Anthony
Anderson to present the Award for Out-
standing Variety Talk Series to John Oliver
for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver at
the Microsoft Theater on September 17.
At the red carpet, Priyanka made heads
turn with her full-sleeves ensemble, which
was adorned with crystals and had a feather
skirt train. With her hair neatly tied in a po-
nytail, her lips done up in deep berry red and
dramatic eye make-up, the Quantico star
exuded a fierce and powerful demeanor at
the red carpet of the gala.
In terms of accessories, she chose to go
minimalistic with only a pair of earrings
which added elegance to her look. Last year,
Priyanka had made her debut at the Emmy
Awards and left a lasting impression with a Priyanka made heads turn with her
confident twirl in a red single shoulder gown. full-sleeves ensemble.

Songs today are just a one-day If a woman can make a baby,
cricket match: Bappi Lahiri she can surely make a film
A Lahiri has been in the music
V eteran Indian composer-singer Bappi
Lahiri says people cant remember
lyrics of songs today. He has compared
them to a one-day cricket match. Lahiri has
been in the music industry for over five de-
cades and his given several hits like Yaad aa
raha hai, Yaar bina chain kahan re, Tam- the golden era... that is the test match. Be
ma tamma loge and I am a disco dancer.
Asked if he is happy with the lyrics and
songs of today, Lahiri said: The lyrics which
we had before we dont have that anymore...
Can you remember any wordings of a song?
We are not going on wordings nowadays.
The 64-year-old musician cited examples
I have not faced
the casting couch:
Kriti Sanon
Kriti debuted in Bollywood with Heropanti.
Bollywood
industry for over five decades.
of songs like Yaar bina chain kahan re,
Sochna kya jo bhi hoga dekha jayega and
said such lyrics are not written anymore.
The film may be a super hit, but the
songs do not sustain. Songs today are just
a one-day cricket match... The songs from
it Bappi Lahiri, Kalyanji-Anandji, R.D. Bur-
man or Laxmikant-Pyarelals songs... Peo-
ple still hum those songs, he added.
On the work front, Lahiri has dubbed for
singer Elton Johns part in the Hindi ver-
sion of the Hollywood film The Kingsman:
The Golden Circle.
B ollywood actress Kriti
Sanon says that though
she doesnt have a Godfather
in the film industry, she never
faced casting couch. The Dil-
wale actress was present at
the India Today Mind Rocks
Youth Summit. She shared her
experience of being an out-
sider in Bollywood and spoke
about the casting couch and
body shaming at a length.
I am an engineer, so it
was a huge shift for me. I
was a little lost...It seemed
like a dream which was too
big. I think that such things
(casting couch) do exist, but
not only in Bollywood. But in
other places too. But fortu-
nately, I have not faced the
casting couch. I was signed
by an agency and thankfully
nothing of this sort hap-
pened to me. Debuting op-
posite Tiger Shroff with the
film Heropanti, the actress
dealt with criticism quite
gracefully whether it is on
body shamming or acting.
September 23-29, 2017 29
lot has changed for women in Bolly-
wood, but Tisca Chopra feels there are
still miles to go. The actress says women
need to take things in their hands and start
writing, producing and directing to script
a positive change in the industry.
Things are changing, but much more
needs to change. Not enough change has
happened and the pace of the change has to
be faster, and for that women need to start
writing, producing and directing, Tisca said.
A female perspective is a females per-
spective. If a woman can make a baby, she
can surely make a film, she added.
The actress is doing her bit. I have made
a short film Chutney. My next short film is
ready and we are working on the third one.
The working title of the third one is Delhi
Wale Bhatia. We are very excited to bring
that to people, the actress said.
Chutney was the first film of her pro-
duction banner The Eastern Way.
Tisca entered Bollywood with Platform
in 1993, and has made a name for herself
Tisca entered Bollywood with the
with power-packed performances in proj-
film Platform in 1993.
ects like Taare Zameen Par, Firaaq, Qis- till September 17. After working in the In-
sa: The Tale of a Lonely Ghost, TV show dian film industry for long, Tisca hopes more
24 and Ghayal Once Again. importance is given to stronger content oth-
Her film The Hungry premiered at the er than just repeating brainless stuff.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) The change that I would like see (in Bolly-
2017. As part of The Selection series, some wood) very much is a stronger focus on con-
of the popular films screened previously at tent rather than just keep on making brain-
TIFF will be aired on Star Movies Select HD less stuff which is repeated again and again.
Age has
not
affected
anything:
Akshay
Kumar
In 26 years of his bumpy ride as an actor, Akshay has come a long way.
H e is 50 but Akshay Kumar continues
to defy age with his looks, physique,
stunts and spirit. While he says his passion
26, Holiday, Airlift, Rustom, Jolly LLB
2 and the latest Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
have only added to his list of fans.
gets him going, industry experts say the In 26 years of his bumpy ride as an ac-
fact he keeps reinventing himself with right tor, Akshay has come a long way. But he
stories has helped his success story. says he still has the enthusiasm of a young-
The National Award-winning actor, ster whenever he takes up a new project.
who will soon be seen judging Star Plus Honestly, in my head, I made my debut
comedy show The Great Indian Laughter two weeks ago. You play the song and I
Challenge, started his career in 1991 with will start dancing on Waada raha sanam
Saugandh. But it was Khiladi in 1992 (song from Khiladi). I have never lost in-
which eventually gave him the epithet as terest and passion. When I say it, I mean
Bollywoods Khiladi. After establishing it that age is just a number, because it has
himself as a master of action roles, he not affected anything. In my mind space,
moved into romantic and comedy zomes I am still the same guy, said Akshay, who
with films like Hera Pheri, Dhadkan, grew up in Delhis Chandni Chowk area
Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love, Welcome, and is proficient in martial arts. Akshay
Singh Is Kinng and Housefull. has films like Padman, 2.0 and Gold
His movies OMG: Oh My God, Special in his kitty -- each different from the other.
 30 September 23-29, 2017 FEATURES TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Documentary Stopping Traffic spotlights

Tirthankar Mahavirs humanitarian work
T
irthankar Mahavir's teachings came
at a time when the world was full of
extreme violence: human and
animal sacrifices, torture, war, and
negativities were the norm, including
sexual slavery. For the first time in
history, Tirthankar Mahavir began to
teach and spread the message of non
violence, which helped India become
known as a nonviolent country.
One aspect of Tirthankar Mahavir's
life and teachings that have seem to be
forgotten is that he saved over 30,000
sexslaves. Thousands of ladies were
bought and sold for sex and were slaves
to the kings and kingsmen. Tirthankar
Mahavir, as a revolutionary and enlight
ened one, with the help of Chandana,
saved thousands of sexslaves and initiat
ed them to be on the spiritual path as
sadhvis (nuns). According to today's pop
ulation, it would be like saving 30 million
people. Tirthankar Mahavir was the first
antitrafficking activist.
Unfortunately, his followers today do
not know this. His followers today, popu
larly known as the Jains, mainly practice
religion, tradition and rituals merely
following, but not doing much humani
tarian work as Tirthankar Mahavir exem
plified. In a deep meditat ion, H.H.
Acharya Shree Yogeesh discovered the
dif ferent humanitarian works that
Tirthankar Mahavir started and inspired,
STOP
PING TRAFFIC: The Movement
but
to End SexTrafficking. The documentary
sadly got lost and forgot
which is executive produced by Acharya
ten. One of the issues was human traf
Shree and produced by Siddhayatan
ficking, also known as modernday slav
Tirth has garnered international and
ery.
national attention and accolades includ
Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, the first North
ing "Best Picture" and "Best Educational
American Jain Sadhvi to take Diskha in
Film.
2008, with the blessing of Acharya Shree
With 27 million victims worldwide,
and the support of his other disciples,
Stopping Traf fic starts the conversation
directed the awardwinning documentary
on a taboo topic through the eyes of sur
vivors, activists, and frontline rescue
teams to launch a movement to end
modernday slavery in the U.S. and
abroad.
Stopping Traffic is the first gateway
for humanitarian work by Jains since
Tirthankar Mahavir on this subject.
For the first time in movie theaters,
the American public will be intro
duced to the name of Tirthankar
Mahavir, the teachings of nonvio
lence, hear the Namokar mantra,
and be exposed to Jain monks and
nuns on a national scale.
Stopping Traf fic will play in 11
major cit ies at AMC T heaters
across the US. T he New York
Times, Los Ange les Times,
Washington Post, Dallas Morning
News, and other major media
outlets will soon provide film
critic views.
Sadhvi Siddhali Shree will also
appear on national tin the upcoming
week to promote the film and the mes
sage that throug h the teachings of
Tirthankar Mahavir and nonviolence
together we can end human trafficking.
On September 26th, the documentary
will premiere with a celebrity red carpet
event in Hollywood and will open in the
aters on September 29th for one week.
For more visit: http://stoppingtraffic
film.com

Cost of cancer drug development

truth or propaganda?
l By Akshat Jain
common denominator in justify
ing the exuberant pricing for such
molecules for commercial use.
Cancer treatment costs upwards
of $100,000 in some cases and
its one of the daily battles oncol
ogists across the world in coun
tries with organized private mar
ket insurance system have to
fight to get the right therapy
drugs to their patients.
In the never ending search for a
system based fix, commonly the
lawmakers point their fingers to
the big pharma, the big pharma
prest ig ious journal JAMA
revealed something very interest
ing.
The average cost of cancer drug
development classically has been
posted upwards of $2.5 billion
per drug until as early as 2017.
But the researchers upon review
ing data submitted to the
Securit ies and Exchange
Commission by major drug mak
ers found that it was in contrast
to the contrary be lie f and
assumed costs by many. 10 of the
most expensive cancer drugs in
previously .
These ten drugs yielded rev
enue worth upwards of $65 bil
lion total, making the industry
richer by manifold. A commonly
cited defense by the big pharma
for the exuberant prices despite a
thriving and growing industry
with strong lobbying ef forts in
Washington D C is that many
drugs that are submitted to the
Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) are commonly rejected.
Clearly implying that the cost of
the failed drugs that were deemed
cious.
To a patient suffering from can
cer, the cost of treatment should
be the least of the worries, in an
ideal world, but the business of
health care assumes it otherwise
and ends up blurring the margins
of bioethics in cancer care. Its
g reat that FDA is expedit ing
drugs at an extremely rapid pace
and allowing for more treatment
options for previously incurable
cancers, but access to such care
remains limited due to the corpo
rate greed that decides cost of

T
he drug developers, pre
dominantly based in the
United States often cite the
cost of drug development as a
points them to the insurance use since the past 10 years too dangerous or inef ficacious therapy, sadly!
companies, who in turn shift the clocked up to the cost figure of an for patient use should be borne Source JAMA
blame to the physicians. But very average $757 Million per drug by consumers for the drugs that (The author is a
recently a study published in not 2.5 billion as was reported were indeed found to be ef fica cancer specialist)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SCI-TECH September 23-29, 2017 31

Google app Tez will make

payments as simple as cash
New Delhi: Internet giant Google
has forayed into the payment
space in India with the launch of
a payment solution, called 'Tez'
(fast).
On Monday, Google released
the app on the Android as well as
the Apple App store.
The app allows users to do
financial transactions like send
ing money, receiving payments
directly into their bank accounts
and paying bills. The users can
link the app to their bank
accounts and the platform is
built on the government's Unified
Payment Interface (UPI).
"Using NPCI's Unified Payment
Interface, money transfers are
simple and secure with Tez,"
Google says in its app descrip
tion. Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley launched the app in the
National Capital on Monday.
Caesar Sengupta, VP, Next
Billion Users, Google, said that
Sengupta. Tez will be available in
seven Indian languages including
Bengali and Marathi. Google has
partnered with four banks Axis
Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and
State Bank of India (SBI). It went
live Monday with three banks
while the SBI to join soon.
Google has launched a feature
called Cash Mode where one can
pay without sharing bank details
or phone number.
The technology called audio QR
Code works like Near Field
Communication and uses ultra
sound waved to connect two
phones through the phone's
microphone and speaker. Google
says its completely secure and
uses UPI's bank to bank transfer
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley
launching the Google Digital Payment app TEZ at a function platform. Flipkart and Uber which recently
in New Delhi on September 18. (Photo: PIB) Rajan Anandan, vice president,
South East Asia and India, Google
Tez is Google's made for India leapfrog the West. "Tez has been said 300 million people access
payment product and payments made for India and will make internet on smartphones today
will be an area where India will payments as simple as cash," said and India is embracing internet
in way we could not have imag
ined before.
"Over 650 million are expected
to use Internet by 2020 and
Google's mission is to provide
Internet for everyone," said
Anandan.
Digital payments have got a
huge push post the government's
demonetization exercise in
November last year and accord
ing to government estimates dig
ital economy has the potential to
go up to $1 trillion in the next
few years.
Over the last one year, the pay
ment space in India has become
very exciting with several large
players foraying into it. This
includes the likes of Amazon,
launched UPI payments through
its app. Apple is also said to be
working on a payments solution
for India.
IANS

Robots will outsmart humans by INDIA AT FOREFRONT OF MASSIVE

2029, 11 years earlier than expected
l By Hardev Sanotra
Chicago: The 'singularity' event that scien
tists talk about in artificial intelligence (AI)
when robots would outsmart human
beings in reasoning has just been moved
up, according to a top scientist at HP Inc.
The progress in AI and machine learning
has been so rapid that scientists have upped
the estimate for the 'singularity' to happen in
2029 from 2040, shaving off 11 years of
development time, says Shane Wall, Chief
Technology Officer at HP, who also heads the
HP Labs which is at the center of innovation
within the company. Wall, who was speaking
at the HP Reinvent Partner Forum here, said
there may be some who watch with fear for
that event to happen but taken adequate pre
cautions, this change would bring in much
good for everyone be it in manufacturing,
health, innovation or elsewhere. He said AI
handles huge amount of data and can dis
cern patterns to take decisions. "Machine
learning uses AI and big data to learn and it
can find things that no humans can see,"
Wall noted.
According to him, already there are mas
sive data farms which are crunching big
numbers and there are research labs and
companies where machines are taught how
to use data to managing things around us.
Wall, who joined HP over a decade ago,
drives the company's technology vision and
its strategy and helms the innovation com
munity within. According to him, machines
have become smart enough to predict fail
ures within a system and 3D manufacturing
is a massive revolution in the making.
"Already, 3D printing is handling intricate
GLOBAL DIGITAL CHANGE: HP INC CEO
l By Hardev Sanotra between professional life and personal
life, Weisler said, adding that Gen Z
Chicago: India is at the forefront of mas believe in mobility and flexibility in work
sive digital change that is happening in and millions of them are working not in
the world which will bring in disruption full time work but in service on demand.
in the way businesses do their work, He said they think that it was impera
according to Dion Weisler, President and tive businesses look at sustainable
CEO of HP Inc. growth rather than just growth, and give
Giving the inaugural address at the enhanced attention to environment con
main session of HP Reinvent partner cerns. Weisler spoke of "accelerated
forum here, Weisler said Sept 13 that 8.6 innovation" bringing about an exponen
products and in the future this will bring
billion people would inhabit the earth in tial change in the office. "In 10 years, the
about a disruptive change," Wall said.
just 12 years, and 95 per cent of the new smart phone in your pocket will not be
Much of the manufacturing at present is
consumers would come from emerging ten times but a million times more pow
done by transporting the raw materials,
markets. Of this, India and China were in erful than today. Already, the phone is a
parts and designing to various places in the
the lead. Weisler said he visits India at million times more powerful than the
world. "When machines are able to print or
least once a year, and last month when computer which put man on the Moon in
manufacture whole systems, this transporta
he was there he saw it was "undergoing the Apollo program." He said everything
tion would be limited. Machines are today
massive change" led by the Digital India in the world was run by data and artifi
making their own parts and in tomorrow's
pushed by Prime Minister Narendra cial intelligence (AI) would unlock and
world, this would become much more
Modi. "He is reinventing an entire nation change how business is done. The rise of
refined," the HP executive noted. The poten
by bringing in digital transformation for AI would need massive amounts of data
tial for AI was so great that it would have a
1.2 billion people" from banking to and soon it would handle 44 Zeta bytes
profound impact on all sections of the socie
health to industries. of data equivalent to 352 million years
ty. Wall gave the example of DNA editing
The HP CEO said rapid urbanization of streaming HD video. Weisler spoke on
being done through AI which will bring
was one of the disruptive changes hap stage to Hollywood actor Christian Slater
about revolutionary changes in tackling dis
pening around the world shifting from who acted in one of their promotion
eases. "Technology can be used for all sorts
just goods to service on demand, chang films that talked of how hackers or
of things good and bad," he said, "but one
ing "what we buy and how we buy it". "wolves were lurking in every corner", to
had to focus on security and how to develop
Businesses would have to meet this chal disrupt businesses. In this context he
a new model of safety." The blockchain tech
lenge of the growing change in the mar recalled the Equifax virus attack which
nology, used in cyber money like bitcoins,
ket place. compromised data of millions of people
was bringing changes which would have an
He talked of Gen Z, the modern youth, in the United States. He said a large pro
impact on the political scenarios of coun
who will comprise 2.6 billion in numbers portion of the attacks were against small
tries. "This money is not being controlled by
and they not only believe in doing busi businesses and it was HP's effort to help
any person or government. Blockchain tech
ness, but 77 per cent of them believe avert such malware strikes.
nology basically ensures the ownership of
that "doing good should be a central part Hardev Sanotra is Managing Editor at
money in the cyberworld which cannot be
of life." There is no longer differentiation IANS.
changed or attacked," the HP CTO stressed.
 32 September 23-29, 2017
Inspiration for a new
superhero or maybe not
I
f humanity teeters on the edge
of annihilation, take comfort
that some people are staying
focused on the really important
questions of life, such as: What
Superhero Would You Be?
A discussion of that exact ques
tion in this column caused a mas
sive flood of emails, which includ
ed a link to astonishing recent
findings about the naked mole rat,
a phrase I am not using as a
metaphor for a certain type of
politician, although I do under
stand how suitable it is for that
purpose. No, I am referring to an
actual rodent of that name with
real "aweinspiring superpowers",
according to reader Janvi Shah.
This columnist was not totally
convinced about its suitability to
give its attributes to a superhero,
but you decide.
First, naked mole rats don't feel
most types of pain and so you
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cannot hurt them. Tell them they
have a stupid haircut or you don't
like their cooking and they go on
smiling. Cool.
Second, naked mole rats are
creepily ageproof, like Cher or
Jennifer Lopez. After a year or so,
the average mouse is using a
Zimmer frame and dropping its
dentures into its soup. But naked
mole rats live for decades, equiva
lent to a human living for 20 or
30 generations. These critters are
the immortals of the rodent world
and must be mightily annoying at
woodland dinner parties: "Seems
like yesterday I was chatting with
your great great great great great
great great great..." (All guests
exit.)
Third, naked mole rats have
special cells that eat cancer cells,
so save a fortune on health insur
ance. However, getting dread dis
eases is one of long list of human
HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info
characteristics that superheroes
don't share. Superfolk also don't
go to toilets, get anxietyinduced
bloating, or faint at the sight of a
blackhead being popped (readers,
don't pretend I'm the only one),
etc.
Fourth, naked mole rats can
alter their metabolisms in emer
gencies, surviving for up to 18
minutes without oxygen by "effec
t ive ly becoming plants",
researchers say. Not sure that's all
that amazing, as every Friday
night at the bar I find myself sur
(Image courtesy: pinterest.com)
rounded by humans who are
ef fectively becoming vegetables, evil supervillains may have used w ith my middleaged male
aided by the consumption of cer your powers to destroy the city, friends.
tain popular ambercolored bever but I have a longer life expectan A colleague raised another
ages. cy, so there." Lacks drama. issue: "People might refuse to go
So all in all, naked mole rat abil But the one thing that ultimate to the eventual superhero movie,
ities get a mixed review as the ly disqualifies it as part of a because you can read the name as
basis for superpowers. T he superhero origin story is that it (Naked Mole Rat) (Man) or as
longevity thing is nice but honest looks horrible. Sorry, Janvi. naked (Mole Rat Man)," she said.
ly not much use for a person in Pictures show creatures with pale, I decided it was time to avoid
t ig hts and a flabby, unhealthylooking bodies, that unpleasant thought by "effec
cape who fights horrible skin and bad teeth, tively becoming a vegetable".
bad guys: "You reminding me of beach days spent Cheers!
Laughter is the Best Medicine
By Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession,
artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the
plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons.
Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
SEPTEMBER 2329, 2017
ARIES: At work you will be a part of some
thing big, bringing appreciation &
rewards. A promising week to plan things
for your progeny. Make sure you do not over
spend on household luxuries. You are likely to
enjoy a pleasure trip that will rejuvenate your
passions. A continuous positive thinking gets
rewarded as you succeed in whatever you do
this week. If you are planning a vacation, be sure
to consider your family and friends. Investment
on construction business might give fruitful
results. Unique but original ideas bring success
in work.
TAURUS: You are likely to establish your
self a good manager on managing people
and situation without any problem.
Engaging yourself in praiseworthy things would
add to familys reputation. Long pending arrears
and dues will nally be recovered. Romantic
entanglement would add spice to your happi
ness. Creative hobbies are likely to keep you
relaxed. Traveling on your own, with a friend or
with the whole family will be exciting and com
fortable too. Plan your budget rst, and then try
for a property. Court matters seem to go in your
favour.
GEMINI: You will be successful in realis
ing your targets at professional front.
You would be the center of attraction at a
social gathering that you attend especially with
family. Investment concerning residence will be
protable. Chances of your love life turning into
lifelong bond are high on the card. With a posi
tive outlook & condence, you succeed in
impressing people around you. Travel in com
fort with kids to an adventurous place might be
possible. Investing on a ship or a cruise is an
exciting venture to be made. You do a good to
yourself by maintaining distance from dubi
ous/bad characters.
CANCER: With your high condence
you will be able to cross all hurdles at
professional front. You would prefer to
relax and enjoy the company of family members
in the evening. Financial hassles seem to get
over as someone lends a timely helping hand.
Exciting week as your long pending wait for
afrmation is going to materialize. Mental alert
ness would enable to solve a tricky problem. You
will have to go out of routine work to enjoy your
vacation. The best ideas for investment are to on
invest on real estate business. Timely action
enables saving reputation with from tarnishing.
LEO: Timely help of associates will not
only pass difcult times at work but also
help in regaining professional edge. This
week you will move with new excitement & con
dence as you receive support from family and
friends. Promising week to invest surplus money
in real estate. Enjoying the company of partner
in a lively restaurant would bring immense
romantic pleasure. A cheerful state of mind
brings mental peace. A trip that stimulates and
gives opportunity for work is coming ahead. Are
you longing to buy a farmhouse, try for it? Wit
and repartee greatly helps in developing healthy
relations with others.
VIRGO: A promising week to start a new
venture in partnership. All are likely to
be beneted. Family front seems to go
smoothly as you receive their full support to
your plans. A sound nancial health would
enable to invest on lucrative schemes. The pres
ence of love would make you feel life meaningful.
Good time to divert attention to spirituality to
enhance mental toughness. A luxurious getaway
type vacation with your spouse waiting for you.
If you want to invest on property, then go for res
idential one. The week promises success in doing
whatever you want to do at personal front.
ASTROLOGY
LIBRA: Your technical expertise gives a
decisive edge over competitors at work.
Your continuous nagging could make
child a victim of shyness. Your brilliant ideas
would help in bringing nancial gains. Love life
brings some memorable moments that you
could cherish rest of your life. A pleasure trip
gives the muchneeded tonic to health. Planning
a vacation, keep an eye on your expenditure
before you travel. Selling your home privately
can be an excellent way of saving on costs. You
succeed in sorting out past dif ferences with
close associates.
SCORPIO: Remain selfcondent & deter
mined. This is the secret mantra of suc
ceeding at work. You nd relief, comfort
and affection in the company of family members.
A promising week to earn prots in real estate
and nancial transactions. Your ashing smile
would work as the best antidote for romantic
partners unhappiness. Cutting down the number
of parties and pleasure jaunts would help in
keeping in good mood. Thrilling experience is on
your way, as your trip is full of excitement Off
plan property investment is one of the easiest
and most protable methods to maximize gains
in the real estate market. You get social recogni
tion for voluntary work put in the past.
SAGITTARIUS: Selfcondence & disci
pline will be required to bring positive
results in competitive examinations.
Time spent with relatives will be to your advan
tage. Crucial decisions regarding investment
should be put off for another week. If possible
make sure you enjoy the lovely romantic jour
ney to cement the bond. A benecial week to
work on things that will improve your health.
Pack your bags as a happy, funlled holiday is
looking forward. Your property prices will boost
in the coming period. Many of your personal
expectations will be fullled in this week.
CAPRICORN: Hard work of the past
brings rich dividends. However contin
ue enhancing your skills/adopt tech
niques for further development. Family mem
bers will be very positive & supportive to your
plans. An improvement in monetary position
makes it convenient to purchase essential items.
Sharing candyoss and tof fees with
lover/beloved would bring unlimited joy. Strive
to attain selfcondence because it is as essen
tial for good health as capital for business. An
enriching vacation full of fun is what you need.
Buying property can lead to gains as property
prices continue to increase. You restrain your
self from attracting towards materialistic needs.
AQUARIUS: Dedication & loyalty at
work would bring desired results.
Relatives will be willing to lend a help
ing hand at the time of need. Longterm invest
ment would enable to make substantial gains.
Company of love partner would inspire to take
initiatives in this week. Your condence and ener
gy will be high. Time to make your vacation a
dream come true. You could buy the property that
you are looking for. Polite and nice behaviour
catches others attention in a social gathering.
PISCES: New ventures start on a posi
tive note. New relationship at family
front will be long lasting & highly bene
cial. Avoid investing money in speculations
based on rumors. Make sure you celebrate your
new love by enjoying a pleasure trip with part
ner to make a perfect start. A week when smile
will perpetually be on your face and strangers
will seem familiar. Af fordable luxury vacation
will explore your desires. Investing on proper
ties which are under developed will be prof
itable. Using magnetic personality to your bene
t would attract people towards you.
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ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
September 23, 2017
Ruled by number 5 and the planet
Mercury, you are active, intelligent, sensible,
systematic and highly courageous. You are a
great admirer of music and literature, but
you need to curb your tendency to behave
moody, spendthrift and careless at times.
This year success in whatever you do will
keep you happy. Past investments will fetch
you handsome returns and long pending
judicial disputes will settle in your favour.
The latter half of the year will see you get
ting closer to a spiritual person who will
make a remarkable dif ference on your
thinking and personality. Unexpected gains
in cash and kind from near ones and friends
through out the year. Stress and tension
might lead to some minor health problems.
The months of August, November, March
and June will prove to be significant.
September 24, 2017
Ruled by number 6 and the planet Venus,
you are generous, practical, energetic, origi
nal and a simple person. Your hardwork
and sincerity are appreciated by others but
your tendency to behave extravagant and to
interfere in the af fairs of others attracts
enormous criticism at times.
This year rewards and appreciation for
scientist, lawyers, writers, and women pro
fessionals associated with advertising and
marketing seems certain. A better under
standing with your family members will
ensure happiness, peace and prosperity at
home. Financial gains will increase as the
year progresses making you spend more on
luxuries and other comforts. Heath matters
will cause concern, therefore do not ignore
medical advice whenever necessary. The
months of July, December, January and May
will prove to be highly beneficial.
September 25, 2017
Dominated by number 7 and the planet
Neptune, you are responsible, af fectionate,
creative, simple and a research oriented per
son. You possess many talents, which make
you popular amongst your friends, but you
need to check your tendency to behave jeal
ous, introvert and hypocrite at times.
The year is perfect to undertake important
changes and make strong decisions. Matters
related to property, partnerships and new
ventures will get resolved. Concentrate on
your efforts and growth and prosperity will
follow by themselves. The latter half of the
year will bring in opportunities to travel
overseas for business as well as pleasure.
Selective speculation will bring gains. Some
good news can be expected from children
towards the last quarter of the year.
Renovation, construction and socializing
will be major highlight of this year. The
months of September, November, January
and May will prove to be highly significant.
September 26, 2017
Influenced by number 8 and the planet
Saturn. You are ambitious, energetic, author
itative, systematic, and a sober person. You
possess remarkable talent and conviction to
fight against any adverse conditions with
courage, but you need to check your tenden
cy to behave highly stubborn and jealous at
times.
Your coming year promises financial pros
perity and good health. Businessmen will
invest in more profitable ventures.
Promising contacts will build through social
September 23-29, 2017 33
gettogethers and traveling. Unexpected
help from a distant relative will give a major
boost to your career. Your spouse will be
quite cooperative and shower her full love
and affection upon you despite your erratic
behavior towards her. An infatuation within
the group will keep you in high spirits for
some time but it will not be long lasting. The
months of August, December, March and
April will prove to be highly significant.
September 27, 2017
Ruled by number 9 and the planet Mars.
You are intelligent, dashing, courageous,
enthusiastic and a brilliant individual. In any
crowd, you can easily draw attent ion
because of your humble outlook and intel
lectual talks, but you need to check your ten
dencies towards aggressiveness and short
temper at times.
The coming year sees new ideas and plans
materialising. Perfect year that will improve
your earning power and let you establish
important relationships. Support from your
seniors and colleagues, will boost your
morale and generate new confidence.
Overseas assignments for some will be
lucrative. Spouse will provide love and care,
but behave highly possessive and unpre
dictable. A journey preferably to a distant
location towards the yearend cannot be
ruled out. T he month of September,
November, January and May will prove to be
highly result oriented.
September 28, 2017
Dominated by number 1 and the Sun. You
are smart, intelligent, energetic, friendly and
highly dignified person. You are a great
admirer of art and literature, but you need
to control your tendency to behave stub
born, timid and careless at times.
This year you will make good financial
gains, provided you take advantage of the
opportunities being provided to you. Your
charisma and outgoing personality will
bring you popularity and win you favours.
Home front will be peaceful with family
members extending all possible help and
cooperation. Spouse and children will look
after you well, but be highly demanding at
times. Wedding bells for some in the last
quarter of the year while others will find
romance to keep them in the right spirit and
goo d moo d. T he months of October,
February and June will prove to be impor
tant and eventful.
September 29, 2017
Governed by number 2 and the Moon. You
are imaginative, honest, sensitive, emotional
and a simple individual. You willingly help
those in distress with cash and kind, but
your tendency to behave introvert and shy
needs to be checked at times.
This New Year you should complete pend
ing jobs before starting anything new.
Promotions and transfers for some govt.
employees cannot be ruled out. Distant trav
el for business as well as pleasure seems
almost certain during middle of the year.
Health of your parents will cause stress and
anxiety. Rise in medical expenses will defi
nitely bother your mind. Avoid any financial
dealing/ partnerships with casual friends or
relatives to avoid future complications.
Dabbling in speculation and transaction in
property during this period will bring finan
cial gains. The months of August, October,
March and April will prove to be eventful.
34 September 23-29, 2017
By Sant Rajinder
Singh Ji Maharaj
I
f we were to sum up the mes
sage in all the talks and verses
written by the great poetsaint,
Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj, we
would find one theme permeates
them all. That theme is divine
love.
Just as the atom permeates all
matter, so does divine love perme
ate all life. The purpose of all exis
tence is divine love. Divine love
means the love between the soul
and God. This love moved God to
create all creation, including each
of us, and this love is what draws
each back to the Creator.
If we are to commit our life to
the highest purpose it would be to
illumine ourselves with love. Who
should we love? We should love
God. When we love God, we also
love all Gods creation, including
all humanity and all creatures of
the earth.
There is a beautiful story in the
Bible that tells how Jesus and his
disciples were traveling. They
came to a village where a woman
named Martha opened her home
to him. She had a sister named
Mary, who sat at Jesuss feet lis
tening to what he said. But Martha
was distracted by all the prepara
tions that had to be made for his
visit.
Martha was annoyed that Mary
was only sitting at Jesuss feet
basking in his love while Martha
had to do all the work. Martha
went to Jesus and asked, "Lord,
dont you care that my sister has
left me to do the work by myself?
Tell her to help me!" Jesus replied,
"Martha, Martha, you are worried
and upset about many things, but
only one thing is needed. Mary
has chosen what is better, and this
will not be taken away from her."
This story has caused many to
wonder about its meaning. But
those who understand the true
meaning of this story realize that
the heart of the story is love. It is
describing that the highest of all
in life is to love. Mary was lost in
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Illumine your self with love
love with her Master, Jesus. She
was enraptured by his glance and
by his presence, and she melted
into ecstasy. The true purpose of
his coming was to enjoy the heart
toheart and soultosoul meeting.
This story is not saying that the
service that Martha was doing
was not good, but it is talking
about how worried and upset she
was. She was not lost in love, but
caught up in the trials and trou
bles of life.
Yes, service is there, but Martha
was only focused on the tasks at
hand and criticizing what others
were doing, without being lost in
the love that we need to be lost in
while doing service and while
looking to find God. That is why
Jesus told Martha that Mary had
made the better choice and that
her choice to love was not going
to be taken away from her. It is
talking about Martha who, while
doing service, was not engaged in
love, but instead was distracted,
troubled, upset, and critical of oth
ers. That is not how seva with love
and selflessness is to be per
formed.
This story points to the fact that
the highest of all pastimes in this
world is love. Love can be having
darshan and enjoying the physical
presence of the Master and it can
be performing seva, but only that
seva which keeps love at the fore
front.
Love is the fabric of life. It is the
most important goal and occupa
tion we can have, for it is the only
way back to God. If we wish to
continue in separation from God,
then let us only engage in the mil
lions of tasks this world has to
offer that take us away from God.
If we wish to go back to God, then
let us engage in the work of
love.Sant Darshan Singh Ji
Maharaj has beautifully said in a
verse:
I could have rested in the com
forting shade of your tresses,
But there is no time from the
neverending problems of life.
Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj
is emphasizing the sad truth that
we are so caught up in the never
ending problems of life that we
never rest in the comforting shade
of the tresses of the Master. The
Masters have traditionally come
from a culture in which long hair
or tresses was the style. Whether
their hair flows out upon their
shoulders with their silken, glim
mering strands that capture the
heart of their disciples or whether
their hair is tied up in a bun under
a turban, when the turban is
removed the disciples can enjoy
those lovely tresses. Those tresses
symbolize the love and protection
of a Master.
In this verse by Sant Darshan
Singh Ji Maharaj, the lover wants
to be with the Beloved and have
those tresses flowing out freely
for the lover to enjoy. The lover
wants to look at them and be
intoxicated by them. This symbol
Love is the fabric of life.
It is the most important
goal and occupation we
can have, for it is the only
way back to God.
If we wish to continue in
separation from God, then
let us only engage in the
millions of tasks this world
has to offer that take us
away from God
izes the ecstasy the disciple expe
riences when in the presence of
the Master. The verse is saying
that those moments are the most
comforting and blissful times we
can have in this life.
Unfortunately, the neverending
problems, stresses, and tasks of
life are pulling the disciple away
from these blissful times. The dis
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
ciple always wants to be in the
moments of bliss that come from
the presence of the Master. But
life is pulling the disciple and
Master apart from each other.
There is always one excuse after
another that keeps them apart.
One day it may be that the disci
ple has to watch the World Cup
competition of a favorite team.
Another day it may be that we
have to shop for this thing or that
thing. Another day we are grow
ing our business. Another day we
are tied up with this petty prob
lem or another. There is no end to
the reasons we are pulled away
from the moments of love.
Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj
is saying that if we wait for some
time and we complete this task or
that task, resolve this problem or
that problem, take care of this
person or that person, time will
pass us by. We will never get to
the moments of love that are the
most important pastimes in life.
Love is the ingredient that makes
this life beautiful and worth living.
It beautifies everything. It fills us
with the nectar of bliss to propel
us through the trials of life. Once
we realize that time and problems
are keeping us away from those
blissful moments between Master
and disciple without, and the dis
ciple meeting the radiant form of
the Master within, then we will
attain the goal of love.
It is true that we have some
responsibilities in life to earn our
livelihood, take care of our family,
and perform our duties to our
society. But within positive mysti
cism and performing our duties,
we also need to snatch away as
much time as possible to devote to
spiritual love. We need to realize
that divine love is the highest pas
time of all. We need to make time
for that every day. Masters have
given us the minimum time by
which we can successfully connect
with love, and that is ten percent
of our time, or two and a half
hours a day minimum. That time
can be spent in meditation where
we contact that love within us.
Everyone seeks to love and be
loved. Love is a universal need.
From being newborn babies to
our last dying breath, we seek
love. Children want the love of
their parents, family, and friends.
As adults we seek the love of our
partner, spouses, family, friends,
and children. Listen to most peo
ple on their deathbed, and they
have only three words to say to
those around their bedside, and
that is "I love you," and those are
the last three words they want to
hear from others.
We feel our life is filled with
beauty, warmth, and happiness
when adorned by love. When
bereft of love, we feel life is empty
and not worth living.
There are different degrees of
love we can experience. Most
loves of this world, such as
between parent and child, lovers
and beloveds, spouses, family, and
friends are reflections of a higher
love. They are love on a miniature
scale. They are physical reflec
tions of a love that exists at the
level of spirit. These loves of this
world are but reflections of the
love of God, or divine love.
(To be continued....)
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017
TheSouthAsianTimes.info September 23-29, 2017