The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.11 No. 17 August 25-31, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info August 25-31, 2018
 The South Asian Times
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.11 No. 17 August 25-31, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Imran for
trade & talks
with India
Sushma Swaraj likely to meet new
Pak foreign minister at UNGA in Sept

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain administers the oath of office

to Imran Khan as PM in Islamabad on Aug 18. (Photo: IANS)

Grand Marshal megastar Kamal Haasan, actress daughter Shruti, Guest of Honor, flanked by FIA President New Delhi: Pakistanʼs new Prime emerged that Indian PM Narendra
Srujal Parikh and Community Grand Marshal Chintu Patel aboard FIAʼs float at the India Day Parade on Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday Modi in a letter to Khan had said
Aug 19 in Manhattan. (See coverage and pix of the parade on pages 17‑23.) renewed his call for dialogue and India was looking for “constructive
trade with India a day after it Continued on page 6

Cohen pleads guilty, implicates KERALA FLOOD FURY ENDS,

Trump in hush payments
New York: Michae l Cohen, President
Trump's former personal lawyer and fixer,
pleaded guilty Tuesday to campaign‑finance
violations and other charges, saying Trump
directed him to arrange the payment of
hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and
a former Playboy model to fend off damage
to his White House bid.
Cohen's extraordinary account marks the
first time that any Trump associate has gone
into open court and implicated Trump him‑
self in a crime, though whether ̶ or when
̶ a president can be prosecuted remains a
matter of legal dispute. The guilty plea was
part of a double dose Continued on page 6
The day Michael Cohen, Trumpʼs former
lawyer, pled guilty, the Presidentʼs former
campaign chairman Paul Manafort was
convicted of eight financial crimes.
(Photos courtesy : NPR)
RELIEF POURS IN
Thiruvananthapuram: Rains that
battered Kerala for a week are
finally abating, water leve ls
dropped in the swollen rivers even
as close to 400 people have died
and over one million rendered
homeless. Tonnes of emergency
aid and relief funds poured in from
all over the country. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
announced Rs 500 crore financial
assistance for the flood‑ravaged
state but there a question mark
hangs over accepting aid from
foreign counties, particularly UAE. SEE DETAILED STORIES ON PAGE 12.

VAJPAYEE TRIBUTE 14 SHRUTI HAASAN 23 LAW COLUMN 32 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 38 excellence in journalism
TheSouthAsianTimes.info August 25-31, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
AAPI urges govt. to expedite
H‑1B, J‑1 visas for physicians
Led by its President Dr. Naresh Parikh, AAPI leaders shared health and
wellness message at their float at FIAʼs India Day Parade in NYC.
New York: As the rapidly approaching start
date for all GME programs, we at AAPI want to
urge the US administration to expedite review
of pending H‑1B/J‑1 Visa applications by non‑
U.S. International Medical Graduates (IMGs),
who have been accepted to postgraduate train‑
ing programs in order to avoid unnecessary
delays, said Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of
AAPI, during a media event held here at the
Consulate on Aug 18. Joined by the senior
leadership of AAPI, Dr Parikh presented a
Proclamation to the Consul General of India in
New York, Amb. Sandeep Chakravorty, stating
that there is a projected increase in the total
number of office visits to primary care physi‑
cians from a base of 462 million in 2008 to
565 million in 2025, resulting in higher
demands and reduced supply of physicians,
pointing that the US will be short by more than
90,000 physicians by 2020 and 130,000
Long Island celebrates
I-Day with gusto
Hicksville, NY: The
Indian American
community from
Long Island congre‑
gated at the parade
and culture pro‑
gram in Hicksville to
celebrate 71st
anniversary of
I n d i a ʼ s
Independence.
T he Founding
leaders of IDPUSA,
Bobby K. Kalotee,
Indu Jaiswal,
Mohinder Taneja,
Kamlesh Mehta,
President Beena
Kothari, businessman
Vimal Goyal along with many esteemed com‑
munity leaders, Past President Peter Bheddah,
Indian American Forum members all came
together for the celebration on August 9th.
Hon. Joe Saladino (Supervisor of Town of
Oyster Bay, many county and town officials
and Devadasan Nair, Consul, Community
Affairs from the Indian Consulate, addressed
the crowd, thanking and especially recognizing
Indu Jaiswal, Beena Kothari, Mohinder Taneja
and all IDP USA 2018. As diversified and secu‑
lar India is, this parade is also attended each
year by diversified and secular community
leaders regardless of nationality and religion.
The parade crossed in front of several resi‑
TRISTATE COMMUNITY August 25-31, 2018 5
physicians by 2025. Amb. Chakravorty con‑
veyed his greetings and best wishes to AAPI
leaders for the success of the next annual con‑
vention and Global Healthcare Summit and
described the fast‑growing health sector, par‑
ticularly the pharmaceutical industry in India.
In his presidential address, Dr. Parikh, stated
that AAPI while working closely with the law‑
makers individually, regionally and nationally
through their AAPI Legislative Day on Capitol
Hill, has consistently supported a comprehen‑
sive immigration reform. In order to meet the
growth in demand and shortage of physicians,
AAPI has joined other medical associations in
the country in urging the US to expedite and
reduce/eliminate the hurdles for speedy
process of the applicants seeking H‑1B visa
and J‑1 visa to qualified physicians, enabling
these foreign‑trained physicians to serve our
nationʼs healthcare needs.
County & Town officials including
Supervisor Joe Saladino (inset)
joined the parade with
community members.
dents celebrating ties to both countries by
singing Indian and US national anthems. The
paradeʼs sponsors were Mr. Peter Beddah, HAB
Bank, Indus American Bank, Patel Brothers,
and Curry Club from Stony Brook. IDPUSA
honored community members Andy
Mansukhani, Rajeev Chaudhary, Roopam
Maini, Rizwan Qureshi, Simran Katyal, Nitin
Ajmera among others.
Culture Chair Indu Gajwani and team pre‑
sented childrenʼs performances. Attendees
could also enjoyed traditional dances and sur‑
prise beauty and talent shows. IDPUSA tries to
bring all communities and cultures together
under one umbrella.
 6 August 25-31, 2018 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Entrepreneur DJ Sukhjinder makes a
difference in South Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill, NY: Loud music and
wild parties are probably what
comes to mind when we hear the
words disc jockey (DJ). Sukhjinder
Singh is not one to argue against
that, having worked as the DJ in the
successful Punjabi Mela concert in
New York last May. But try asking
South Richmond Hill residents and
they will tell you that Sukhjinder is
not your ordinary DJ. He is more
than loud music and wild parties.
He is also all heart.
Born in a town in Kapurthala dis‑
trict in Punjab, Sukhjinder came to
the US in 2000 at age 18 on his
own search of the American dream.
But it was not easy. “I did all kinds
of jobs. I worked whatever job I
could get – in restaurants, construc‑
tion, you name it. I was earning
only $80 to $90 a day. Taxi work
was not available at that time.”
For years, he worked multiple
jobs but without losing sight of his
goal ‑‑ having his own business.
For money transfers, DJ Sukhjinder has partnered
exclusively with RIA Money Transfer.
Then in 2012, Sukhjinder opened
his very own CD/DVD store in
South Richmond Hill. And his for‑
mula for success: Service. As
inspired by his personal experience
as an unhappy customer. “I needed
a new SIM card for my phone. The
guy at the store was charging me
$10 to swap SIM cards! When all
he needed to do was to pick up the
cellphone and change the SIM
cards. From there I ventured into
the cellphone business as well. And
never did I take money for chang‑
ing a SIM card!”
Since then, DJ Sukhjinder has
dedicated himself to helping make
things easier for the South
Richmond Hill community. To this
end, DJ Sukhjinder now offers DJ,
Arun Jaitley
reallocated
Finance,
Corporate Affairs
photography, videography services
and financial services in his portfolios
CD/DVD store. He processes inter‑ New Delhi: President Ram Nath
national money transfers, domestic Kovind on
money orders, and bill payments. Thursday
For all these, DJ Sukhjinder has reassigned
partnered exclusively with RIA the Finance
Money Transfer: “RIA is great! and
They have competitive fees, best Corporate
rates, and extra mile service.” Affairs
DJ Sukhjinder continues, “With portfolios
RIAʼs money transfer service, I have to Union
yet to hear a customer complaining Minister
that money was not received. Arun Jaitley, a Rashtrapati Bhavan
Instead, customers are happy that statement said.
loved ones donʼt have to go out of "The President of India, as
their villages to get the money. To advised by the Prime Minister, has
them RIA is reliable and conven‑ directed to assign the portfolios of
ient. And because customers are the Minister of Finance and
happy with RIA, I am happy with Minister of Corporate Affairs to
RIA.” Arun Jaitley", it said.
Visit DJ Sukhjinder at his Ria The temporary charge was given
location, 116‑01 101st Ave, South to Union Minister Piyush Goyal as
Richmond Hill, NY. He is currently Jaitley had undergone a kidney
offering fee‑free bill payments to all transplant on May 14 and was
new and existing customers. recovering from it.

Imran for trade & talks
with India
Continued from page 1
and meaningful engagement” with
its neighbor. “To move forward,
Pakistan and India must dialogue
and resolve their conflicts incl
(including) Kashmir: The best way
to alleviate poverty and uplift the
people of the subcontinent is to
resolve our dif ferences through
dialogue and start trading,” Khan
said mirroring the comments he
made on 26 July, a day after polls
put his PTI party ahead of its rivals
in the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, New De lhi and
Islamabad are looking into the
possibility of a meeting between
their foreign ministers Sushma
Swaraj and Shah Mehmoo d
Qureshi, on the sidelines of United
Nations General Assembly in New
York next month, according to a
Times of India report. But there
was no official proposal yet for a
meeting.
In his Tw itter posts, Khan
thanked Indian cricketer‑turned‑
politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for
attending his swearing in ceremo‑
ny on Saturday, adding, “Those in
India who targeted him are doing
a gt (great) disservice to peace in
the subcontinent̶without peace
our ppl cannot progress,” Khan
said referring to criticism of Sidhu
for hugging Pakistan army chief
Qamar Javed Bajwa before Imranʼs
swearing‑in. “PM Imran Khan
wants conflict resolution and trade
with India; Wonder if there is a
way to advance on both fronts.
Until now itʼs been rather hard to
find,” C. Raja Mohan, director,
Institute of South Asian Studies,
National University of Singapore,
said in a Twitter post.
Cohen pleads guilty,
implicates Trump in
hush payments
Continued from page 1
of bad news for Trump: It came at
almost the same moment his for‑
mer campaign chairman Paul
Manafort was convicted in
Alexandria, VA, of eight financial
crimes in the first trial to come out
of special counsel Robert Mueller's
sprawling Russia investigation. In
a deal reached with federal prose‑
cutors, Cohen, 51, pleaded guilty
to eight counts, including tax eva‑
sion. He could get about four to
five years in prison at sentencing
Dec. 12.
In entering the plea, Cohen did
not name the two women or even
Trump, recounting instead that he
worked with an "unnamed candi‑
date" to influence the election.
But the amounts and the dates
all lined up with the $130,000
paid to Daniels and the $150,000
that went to Playboy Playmate
Karen McDoug al to buy their
silence in the weeks and months
leading up to the 2016 presiden‑
tial election. Both women claimed
to have had af fairs with Trump,
which he denies.
Cohen, his voice shaky as he
answered questions from a federal
judge, said one payment was "in
coordination and at the direction
of a candidate for federal of fice,"
and the other was made "under
direction of the same candidate."
Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy
Giuliani, noted in a statement that
"there is no allegation of any
wrongdoing against the president
in the government's charges
against Mr. Cohen."
Daniel Petalas, a former prosecu‑
tor in the Justice Department's
public integrity section, said, "This
brings President Trump closer into
the criminal conduct."

Chairman and Co-Founder Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra Jaipur Bureau News Service
Kamlesh C. Mehta P : 516.710.0508 Prakash Bhandari IANS News Service
Kamlesh@thesouthasiantimes.info parveen.chopra@gmail.com Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info HT Media Ltd.

Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull Associate Editor Photographs Printing: Five Star Printing, NY
Hiral Dholakia-Dave Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com
President: Arjit Mehta hiral@thesouthasiantimes.info Cartoonist: Mahendra Shah Contacts
Arjit@thesouthasiantimes.info Contributing Editors: Prof. Shivaji Editor@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Sengupta, Surekha Vijh (Washington, DC), Art and Design: Dhiraj Kumar Showaan Subscribe@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Chief Executive Officer Suchitra Srinivas (New Jersey), Bharat Bhushan Chopra
Shomik Chaudhuri P: 646.498.5122 Melvin Durai, Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Senior Designer: Vladimir Tomovski Advertisements
shomik@shomikchaudhuri.com Ashok Vyas, and Dr Akshat Jain Advertise@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Consultants P: 516.390.7847, F: 360.323.0036
Chief Operating Officer New Delhi Bureau Shomik Chaudhuri, Inc.
Ginsmon P. Zacharia P: 516.776.7061 Meenakshi Iyer Ginsmon Zacharia & Family Inc Website
ginsmon@hotmail.com Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Sai Creations Inc, Bhagwati Creations www.TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Printed Every Saturday by: Forsythe Media Group, LLC, ISSN 1941-9333, 95 Broadway, Suite 2, Second Floor, Town Center Building, Hicksville, NY 11801 P: 516.390.7847
Website: TheSouthAsianTimes.info Updated Daily
Notice: The South Asian Times is published weekly by The Forsythe Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send all address notices, subscription orders/payments and other inquiries to The South Asian
Times, 95 Broadway, Suite 2, Second Floor, Town Center Building, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Copyright and all other rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be reprinted without the
consent of the publisher. The views expressed on the opinion pages and in the letters to the editor pages are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The South Asian Times. The editor/
publisher does not warrant accuracy and cannot be held responsible for the content of the advertisements placed in the publication and/or inaccurate claims, if any, made by the advertisers. Advertisements of
business or facilities included in this publication do not imply connection or endorsement of these businesses. All rights reserved.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Another Sikh man US likely to award Mahatma
stabbed to death, Gandhi a Congressional Gold
third attack in 3 weeks Medal, the highest civilian award
New York: A Sikh man has been
stabbed to death at his store in
New Jersey, the third incident
targeting the minority Sikh com‑
munity in the country in three
weeks.
Terlok Singh was discovered
dead by his cousin on Thursday
in his store with an apparent
stab wound in the chest.
The Essex County Prosecutor's
office is calling the incident a
homicide, according to a report
in ABC7NY.
The motive behind the killing
was not immediately known.
Singh, described as a very kind
person, is survived by his wife
and children who live in India.
He owned the store to support
his family.
His family closed the store as a
deeply‑saddened community
watched in horror.
The news report said Terlok
Singh ran his store for at least
six years and a neighbour said
he should not have had to worry
about being attacked in his work
place.
Civil rights organization the
Sikh Coalition, in a Facebook
post, expressed condolences to
Mr Singh's family, friends and
local community.
Simran Jeet Singh, a visiting
scholar at New York University's
Center for Religion and Media
and a Senior Religion Fellow for
the Sikh Coalition, tweeted about
Singh's tragic death, saying "this
is the third attack on a Sikh in
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Terlok Singh
was discovered
dead in his
store by his
cousin on
Thursday with
a stab wound
in the chest.
(Image :
ndtv.com)
the last three weeks. So tired of
all this sadness."
On August 6 in Manteca,
California, 71‑year‑old Sahib
Singh was brutally attacked by
Tyrone McAllister and a juvenile
when the elderly man went on a
morning walk.
Tyrone McAllister, who is this
son of a local police chief, and
the juvenile were charged with
attempted robbery, elder abuse
and assault with a deadly
weapon.
On July 31, 50‑year‑old Surjit
Malhi was attacked while put‑
ting up campaign signs in sup‑
port of incumbent Republican
Congressman Jeff Denham and
other local Republican candi‑
dates.
While beating Malhi, the
attackers yelled "Go back to
your country!" and spray paint‑
ed the same message, along with
hate symbols, on his truck.
Following the two incidents,
the Sikh Coalition had urged
members of the community to
know their rights, remain vigi‑
lant and report cases of bias,
bigotry and backlash in the
wake of the attacks.
"We are deeply troubled by
these two recent attacks and
strongly encourage increased
vigilance nationwide as we work
to support the Central Valley,
California community during
this difficult time," Sikh Coalition
Legal Director Amrith Kaur had
said. (PTI)
August 25-31, 2018 7
New York: An influential American
lawmaker has said that she will
introduce a historic legislation to
posthumously award Mahatma
Gand hi a Cong ressional Gold
Medal, the highest civilian award in
the US, for inspiring peaceful move‑
ments for civil rights around the
world. Congresswoman Carolyn
Maloney from New York made the
announcement at the 38th India
Day Parade, the annual extravagan‑
za ce le brat ing Indiaʼs
Independence Day, held here yes‑
terday. “Gandhi influenced so many
people who have already received Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney marching with "Gandhi" at India Day
the medal, such as Martin Luther Parade (Image shared by Maloney on Twitter)
King Jr., Nelson Mandela based on Martin Luther King Jr.ʼs movement Maloney had led the successful
their non‑violent leadership for jus‑ for racial equality to Ne lson ef fort to create the first‑in‑the‑
tice. All of this was based on the Mandelaʼs fight against apartheid,” nation Diwali Stamp. Maloney said
teachings of Mahatma Gandhi,” Maloney said. She said as a public the Diwali stamp has been one of
Maloney told PTI at the parade. servant, she is inspired by Gandhiʼs the highest selling stamps in US
She said she is soon going to courage and example. postal history.
intro duce the leg islat ion and “Let us all follow Gandhiʼs direc‑ Participating in the parade with
expressed confidence that the legis‑ tive to “be the change you wish to Indiaʼs Consul General Ambassador
lation will be successful. “Mahatma see in the world.” Gandhi would be Sandeep Chakravorty and Indian‑
Gandhiʼs historic Satyagraha move‑ the first Indian to receive a American community leaders,
ment of nonviolent resistance Congressional Gold Medal, an hon‑ Maloney, dressed in traditional
inspired a nation and the world. His our bestowed upon eminent leaders Indian attire, expressed gratitude to
example energises us to devote such the first President of the US the Indian‑American diaspora for
ourselves to the service of others. George Washington, Mande la, their “massive contribution to our
His legacy inspired civil rights Mother Teresa and civil rights culture and growth of our country.”
movements around the globe, from act ivist Rosa Parks. In 2016, (PTI)
Entrepreneur donates Rs.1 crore for Kerala floods Assocham opens
N.America office to
boost trade ties with US
New Delhi: The Associated Chambers of Commerce
and Industry of India (Assocham) on Monday said
it has opened a North America representative
office with a view to strengthening Indian indus‑
try's presence in the US. The North American
office, chaired by PeopleHive President Pavan
Abraham, forms part of the industry chamber's
strategic plan to expand into promising markets
and strengthen global competitiveness of Indian
businesses, an Assocham statement said here. "It
would also work towards attracting foreign invest‑
ment to India," the statement added.
Commenting on the development, Assocham
Washington DC based American Malayalee President Sandeep Jajodia said: "The Assocham
entrepreneur Dr. Babu Stephen donated Rs. 1 crore to chapter office would actively promote, support and
Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Fund to aid flood relief facilitate investors, entrepreneurs, and other leaders
by handing over a Demand Draft to Chief Minister
across the region and further boost the immense
Pinarayi Vijayan last week at his office in
potential for bilateral trade and commerce that
Thiruvananthapuram. Babu Stephen besides being the
exists between India and the US, especially in sec‑
Chairman of Indo American Press Club was a special
Invitee at the Loka Kerala Sabha from North America. tors like defence, natural gas, energy, education,
space tech, and healthcare, among others." (IANS)
8 August 25-31, 2018
Ekal targeting $10 Million
with dazzling galas
A T
fter last yearʼs phenomenal
success of magnificent
fund‑raising gala ‑ ʻFuture
of Indiaʼ ‑ Ekal Vidyalaya
Foundation (EVF) this year, is
launching the most ambitious
plan to host three galas, at three
strategic locations in USA. In
Houston, TX on October 6;
Bethesda MD on October 12 and
in New York City NY on October
13. The distinguished speaker at
all three galas will be media
(L to R) Subhash Gupta, Mohan Wanchoo,
Subhash Chandra and Bajrang Bagra at an Ekal event
moghul Dr Subhash Chandra,
Chairman, Essel Group of Companies that
includes ZEE‑TV. In addition, at NYC gala iconic
former CEO of Pepsi and Apple, John Sculley, is
going to grace the evening as a chief guest
speaker. This NYC gathering will also be enter‑
tained by ʻIndian Idolʼ competition winner –
ʻSreeramchandra.ʼ In Houston, along with Dr
Subhash Chandra, another highlight of the
evening is going to be renowned motivational
speaker, Shiv Khera. Every year, Ekal hosts over
50 fund‑raising events in major metropolitan
centers across USA by bringing famous
Bollywood Artistes for concerts. Earlier this year,
Ekal had invited two groups of talented perform‑
ers for this purpose. One group was headed by
Kathak dancers Aditi Bhagwat & Kunal Tavri and
another group was headed by Kaushik & Pranita
Deshpande. The response to these concerts was
so overwhelming that the events were sold‑out
at most of the places in advance. Over the years,
“The First Responder”: Rajan Gangahar packs
his film on PTSD with emotion and drama
E
ssentially a loner and a voracious reader,
US‑based director‑writer Rajan Gangahar, away from reality.
has just finished filming “The First
Responder” a short film in New York. Says
Rajan,“When the producer
approached me to make a film
on the life of EMS membersʼ
life and experiences, I was not
excited. To me, a film is about
emotions not just visuals. I
liked the perspective but I
wanted to add the most
important dimension for a
Rajan Gangahar (right)
good film. Make it a human
busy with the shoot
story, of traumatic experience
of the EMS worker.” Rajan has earlier written
and made a feature film, “Khushiyan” in Punjabi,
one of the most popular languages in India and
won the Best Writer award for the film at PIFA
in Toronto, a global film award mega event. “The
film was about human relations and founded on
emotions,” says Rajan.
Whether it is a debate on India or the USA,
Gangahar always tends to lean on the freedom
of expression. Political or intellectual or creative
or even religious subjects are deliberated with
same zeal keeping the backdrop of human
behavior. The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) in any profession, including EMS, is
essentially due to some or the other form of
guilt, which may be haunting the sufferer. And
then the patient enters the state of denial.
Whether it is the guilt or fear of facing it again
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
IN BRIEF
Ekalʼs progress has been consistently exponen‑
tial. Now with three forthcoming Ekal galas
planned for high net‑worth supporters, Ramesh
Shah, the Chairman of EVF‑USA has no doubt
that Ekal in 2018, is going to hit $10 Million
magical mark for the first time.
As of now, Ekal has 72,000 schools under its
wings, grooming 1.92 Million children annually
– more than half of which are girls. PM Modi in
his clarion call to eradicate illiteracy from every
small corner of the nation wants Ekal to estab‑
lish 100,000 schools by year 2022 – 75th
anniversary of Indiaʼs independence. The pri‑
mary objective of the glittering galas is not only
to raise funds for this task of national concern,
but also, to encourage every sphere, every strata
of Indian diaspora to invest itself in Indiaʼs
future. For details of venue, tickets and sponsor‑
ship visit http://www.nycgala.ekal.org/ or
www.ekal.org.
or inability to confess, the person keeps running
“When the producer of “The First Responder”
shared the subject of the film which he had con‑
ceived as a documentary on
the life of EMS workers, I was
clear, it is a universal subject.
Most amongst us have dealt
with EMS as volunteers or
when we sought their service
or when one or other member
in our family worked with
EMS. We all know the
essence of the EMS duty. But
what interested me was to
adapt it for a fiction short film yet depicting the
life and trauma of an EMS staffer,” says
Gangahar. And a short documentary was trans‑
formed into a docu‑drama and then to a short
film based on fiction, yet close to a real‑life story.
“The hero or protagonist of my film has similar
trauma. He is suffering every day as his experi‑
ence haunts him. Days and nights. But he denies
and even refuses to take professional help. It
reaches an extreme when he canʼt even take
assignment lest he will fail again. He wants to
pretend and show off machoism yet all around
him observe his suffering. He even contemplates
suicide,” says Gangahar. “A compassionate boss
and a caring wife help him to take professional
help. Finally barriers are broken and he hugs his
wife in elevator while going back home after he
completes the treatment,” he adds.
Nandita Bakhshi joins
USISPF Board
he US‑India Strategic Part‑
nership Forum (USISPF) an‑
nounced the addition of
three new board members. New
business leaders recently inducted
into the Washington‑based advoca‑
cy groupʼs board include Ernie
Thrasher, Founder and CEO of Ex‑
Coal; Nandita Bakhshi, CEO of
Old friendships reignited,
new bonds made at RAJMAAI
annual convention in Houston
RAJMAAI members in traditional safa
R
ajasthan Medical Alumni
Association (RAJMAAI)ʼs
29th annual convention
was held at Hilton Houston Post
Oak from Aug 9‑12 with unique
gathering of physicians and their
family members.
The loving and warm environ‑
ment with distinct feel of special
bonding among RAJMAAI mem‑
bers was the beautiful undercur‑
rent for this convention. Dr Vinod
Sancheti, President considers the
greatest purpose of this event was
to reignite old friendships and
build new ones. He worked with
Convention Chair, Dr Harish
Chandna, Convention advisor Dr
Braham Taparia and executive
committee to meticulously plan for
educational sessions CME, enter‑
taining evenings with talented RA‑
JMAAI members and invited
artists, taste of Rajasthanʼs delica‑
cies and visits to The Museum of
Fine Arts, Houston for viewing ex‑
hibition ʻPeacock in the Desert:
The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, Indiaʼ
and to NASA‑Space Center, Hous‑
ton.
Many past presidents of this or‑
ganization were present to witness
unfolding of inspiring and uplift‑
ing series of lively events. The
spirit of Rajasthani culture came
alive when all doctors were hon‑
ored with Rajasthani Safa (turban).
Consul General of India Dr. Anu‑
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Bank of the West, and Dow Wilson,
President and CEO of Varian Med‑
ical Systems.
With the addition of these three
business leaders, USISPF continues
its goal to strengthen business ties
across the two nations at the high‑
est level by attracting high caliber
board members.
pam Ray joined the convention
and appreciated important role
played by RAJMAAI in supporting
health care in India and in promot‑
ing Indian culture and heritage in
the US.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett
also graced this event. He is lover
of India and has visited India sev‑
eral times. Judge Emmett also ap‑
plauded philanthropic activities of
Rajasthan Medical Alumni Associa‑
tion.
His son Joseph Emmett was in‑
spired by Swami Parthasarthy to
the extent that he not only studied
Vedanta at Vedanta Academy. His
session related to stress manage‑
ment was engaging and stimulat‑
ing for physicians. Many ladies en‑
joyed sessions of Bollywood work‑
out with Rajasthani flair.
Sangita Sancheti supported the
convention in various ways, her vi‑
sion for Rajasthani group dance
also made it memorable. The pop‑
ular restaurant ʻMaharaja‑bhogʼ at
Houston run by Bhagwan Taparia,
who hails from Jodhpur helped in
connecting RAJMAAI members to
the taste of Rajasthan.
Dr Naresh Parikh, President,
AAPI (American Association of
Physicians of Indian Origin), past
presidents of AAPI Dr Gautam
Samadar, Dr Ajay Lodha and Dr
Ajeet Singhvi also participated in
the convention.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY August 25-31, 2018 9

Kamala Harris to make first Indian man convicted of

campaign endorsement groping woman on US
Washington: Kamala Harris, the first
Indian‑American to serve in the US
Senate, is set to make her first endorse‑
ment in an Iowa campaign on Friday,
sources said.
Harris, a California Democrat, will
endorse Deidre DeJear for Iowa Secretary
of State, the informed sources told
Politico news.
Harris however, is not expected to
appear in Iowa for the endorsement
announcement. But her endorsement of
DeJear was not unexpected.
Harrisʼ out‑of‑California endorsements
this year have focused on non‑white can‑
didates, including Stacey Abrams in
Georgia and Jahana Hayes in Connecticut.
DeJear is Iowaʼs first black nominee for
statewide of fice from a major political
party.
When DeJear won her primary election
in June, Harris tweeted: “Congratulations
to @DeidreDeJear on being the first black
nominee for statewide of fice in Iowa!
Black women have voted at a higher rate
(image courtesy: civil.services)
than other groups, yet are continually
underrepresented in elected of fice. In
2018, we have a chance to buck that
trend.”
DeJear, a businesswoman who worked
on former President Barack Obamaʼs re‑
e lection campaign in Iowa in 2012,
replied with a tweet calling Harris “a phe‑
nomenal role model to us all!” (IANS)
flight, wife sat next to him
Washington: A 35‑year‑old Indian IT manag‑
er has been convicted of sexually assaulting a
sleeping woman aboard a Detroit‑bound
flight in the US, media reports said.
Prabhu Ramamoorthy, who worked for an
IT company for over two years, will be sen‑
tenced on December 12 by US District Judge
Terrence Berg, The Detroit News reported.
Prabhu Ramamoorthy faces up to life in
prison. If released, he will be deported to
India.
The verdict came seven months after he
assaulted the 22‑year‑old woman during a
Spirit Airlines flight from Las Vegas while his
wife sat in the next seat, the report said.
A federal jury in Michigan's largest city
Detroit convicted Ramamoorthy, who lived in
Rochester Hills city, of sexually assaulting
the woman.
Following a five‑day trial, the jury deliber‑
ated for less than four hours before convict‑
ing Prabhu Ramamoorthy, it said.
"We will not tolerate the behavior of any‑
one who takes advantage of victims who are
in a vulnerable position, and we are glad the
jury agreed," US Attorney Matthew Schneider
said in a statement.
"We appreciate the victim in this case for
her courage to speak out," Schneider said.
The woman said she was sitting in a win‑
dow seat next to Prabhu Ramamoorthy,
whose wife was in the aisle seat. The woman
said that she fell asleep and woke up to dis‑
cover a hand in her pants and noticed that
her pants were unbuttoned and her shirt
untied. When she woke up, the man stopped,
and the woman alerted a flight attendant, the
report said.
Prabhu Ramamoorthy initially told investi‑
gators that he was in a deep sleep and did
not do anything, it said. Later, he told an FBI
agent he "might have" undone the woman's
bra and cupped her breast, according to
court records, the report added. (PTI)

DIASPORA

NRI Sanjeev Gupta plans billion‑dollar UAE based Lulu Group chairman
clean energy project in Australia
Canberra: India born British bil‑
lionaire Sanjeev Gupta has
launched a $1 billion, one‑
gigawatt renewable energy plan
based in South Australia's mid‑
north that he says will lead the
country's industry transition to
more competitive power.
In the first of a number of proj‑
ects slated for the upper Spencer
Gulf reg ion, w ill include a
120MW lithium‑ion battery big‑
ger than the 100MW battery
built by Elon Musk's Tesla in
South Australia in 2017, accord‑
ing to details released by Gupta's
energy company Simec Zen of its
Cultana Solar Farm.
The project will produce 280
megawatts of power and feature
780,000 solar panels, generating
enough electricity for 96,000
homes. The Cultana Solar Farm
will begin construction in early
2019, employing 350 workers
during construction, reported
ABC News. "Today's event is sym‑
bolic of our desire to develop and
Yusuff Ali MA donates Rs.125
Sanjeev Gupta
(image : financialexpress.com)
invest in new‑generation energy
assets that w ill bring down
Australia's electricity prices to
competitive levels again," Gupta
said on Wednesday.
"Solar will be the main base of
our ambitions in Australia but we
will have some wind and we have
lots of storage solutions."
When completed, Gupta's bat‑
tery will surpass the battery built
by Tesla as the largest in the
world, reports said.
However, the Gupta Family
Group (GFG) Alliance has no
intention to stop there with plans
for pumped hydro projects and
expanded solar farms being
developed for South Australia.
"All of these projects will not
only improve re liability and
greatly reduce the cost of elec‑
tricity in our own operations,
they will also provide competi‑
tive sources of power for other
industrial and commercial users,
while at the same time playing a
key role in the market's transi‑
tion towards renewables," he
said.
"We have a strong conviction
that traditional carbon‑intensive
generation sources do not have a
long‑term future as the predomi‑
nant source of power in Australia
and globally."
"We believe the world is under‑
going a momentous transition to
renewable power as the cost of
renewables drops dramatically
and quickly," he added.
million for Kerala floods
Dubai: Indian‑origin billionaire busi‑ fund, while the rest will be allocated
nessmen based in the UAE have for medical relief aid, the Gulf paper
announced Rs. 125 million donation added. Hussain said that his group
for flood relief opera‑ has coordinated with
tions in the deluge‑hit the state's health sec‑
Kerala, according to a retary to send volun‑
media report. teers from its medical
The state is facing its faculty. This includes
worst flood in 100 years doctors and para‑
with 80 dams opened medics being sent to
and all rivers in spate. A relief camps.
body blow has been dealt Other UAE‑based
to the scenic state, with businessmen had
its infrastructure, stand‑ pledged amounts to
ing crops and tourism Yusuff Ali MA help in flood relief
facilities severely hit. (image : operations.
Kerala‑born businessman arabianbusiness.com) India‑born billion‑
Yusuff Ali MA, chairman and manag‑ aire BR Shetty, chairman of Unimoni
ing director of Lulu Group has and UAE Exchange, had pledged Rs.
announced a Rs. 50 million donation 20 million.
for rain‑battered Kerala, Khaleej Azad Moopen, Indian physician and
Times reported. philanthropist, and founder chairman
KP Hussain, chairman of Fathima and managing director of Aster DM
Healthcare Group, has donated Rs. 50 Healthcare, pledged Rs. 5 million. The
million. He said that Rs. 10 million group also announced that it had
out of Rs. 50 million will directly go mobilized a disaster support team of
to the Kerala Chief Minister's relief over 300 volunteers.
 10 August 25-31, 2018 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

White House counsel MICROSOFT FINDS RUSSIAN

ʻdid not incriminateʼ Trump OPERATION TARGETING US
to Mueller: lawyer POLITICAL BODIES
San Francisco: A group affiliated with Among those targeted were the
Washington: White the Russian government created phony Hudson Institute, a conservative
House counsel Donald versions of six websites, including some Washington think‑tank active in investi‑
McGahn believes he related to the US Senate, with an aim to gations of corruption in Russia, and the
"did not incriminate" hack into the computers of people who International Republican Institute (IRI),
President Trump in were tricked into visiting, according to a non‑profit group that promotes
wrongdoing during his Microsoft. democracy worldwide.
30 hours of interviews Microsoft on Monday said that it has Three other fake sites were crafted to
with special counsel discovered and disabled the fake sites, appear as though they were affiliated
Robert Mueller, reports The Washington Post. with the Senate, and one non‑political
McGahn's lawyer has The effort by the notorious APT28 site spoofed Microsoft's own online
said in recent days, hacking group, which has been publicly products. "This apparent spear‑phishing
according to The linked to a Russian intelligence agency attempt against the International
Washington Post. and actively interfered in the American Republican Institute and other organi‑
McGahn's attorney, 2016 presidential election, underscores zations is consistent with the campaign
Bill Burck, reportedly the aggressive role Russian operatives of meddling that the Kremlin has waged
told Trump's legal team are playing ahead of the midterm con‑ against organizations that support
that McGahn did not Donald McGahn has spoken extensively to Special Counsel Robert gressional elections in the US. democracy and human rights," The Post
accuse Trump of crimi‑ Mueller. (POhoto courtesy Washington Post) APT28 specializes in information war‑ quoted Daniel Twining, IRI's president,
nal behavior during his fare or hacking and disinformation as saying who put blame on Russian
three sit‑downs with Mueller. proximity to Trump, including his former
operations. "APT" refers to "advanced President Putin.
Burck said McGahn would have resigned chief of staff, Reince Priebus, former senior
persistent threat" in cybersecurity cir‑ "It is clearly designed to sow confu‑
from the White House if he had seen the pres‑ adviser Stephen Bannon, and former press cles. sion, conflict and fear among those who
ident engage in criminal wrongdoing. secretary Sean Spicer, the Post reported.
US officials have repeatedly warned criticize Putin's authoritarian regime."
He also told Trump's legal team that he is Trump's lawyers are reportedly unsure of
that the November vote is a major focus The move by Microsoft is the latest
unsure what other witnesses have shared, what information McGahn shared with
for interference efforts. effort by Silicon Valley to address
meaning he is unsure how McGahn's testimo‑ Mueller over his months of interviews, which
Microsoft said the sites were created Russian threats to the upcoming elec‑
ny will fit into a case against Trump. began in November, according to the Times.
over the past several months but did tion more aggressively than the tech‑
The New York Times has reported that The president frequently derides Mueller's
not go into more specifics. nology industry did in 2016.
McGahn has been cooperating with Mueller in probe as a "witch hunt," insisting there was
Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit, which Companies and US officials have
his probe into possible collusion between the "no collusion."
is responsible for the company's vowed to work together more closely
Trump campaign and Russia. His interviews “Disgraced and discredited Bob Mueller and
response to email phishing schemes, this year.
focused on Trumpʼs firing of then FBI Director his whole group of Angry Democrat Thugs
took the lead role in finding and dis‑ Facebook recently disclosed that the
James Comey, the president's repeated urging spent over 30 hours with the White House abling the sites, and the company is company had taken down 32 fake
of Attorney General Jeff Sessions to claim Councel, only with my approval, for purposes
launching an effort to provide expand‑ accounts and pages that were tied to
control of the special counsel's probe, and his of transparency,” Trump tweeted Monday.
ed cybersecurity protection for cam‑ the Internet Research Agency, a Russian
suggestion he might fire Deputy Attorney “Anybody needing that much time when they
paigns and election agencies that use disinformation operation active before
General Rod Rosenstein, it added. know there is no Russian Collusion is just
Microsoft products. and after the 2016 election.
Mueller has spoken to other officials with someone looking for trouble.”

Mike Pompeo likely US papers hit back at Trump,

to meet Imran defend free press
Washington: US newspapers under a giant headline with

during Pak visit en big and small last Thursday

hit back at President Trump's
relentless attacks on the
all capital letters that read "A
FREE PRESS NEEDS YOU"
and with the statement that

route to India
Islamabad: US Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo is likely to visit
Pakistan in September and hold
talks with the newly elected
Prime Minister Imran Khan,
Indian media reported Monday.
Pompeo, who is expected in
Islamabad on September 5,
would be the first foreign digni‑
tary to meet the prime minister,
the news report stated, quoting
the unnamed diplomatic
sources.
Imran Khan, 65, was sworn in
as Pakistanʼs 22nd prime minis‑
ter at a simple ceremony in
Islamabad last Saturday.
The US welcomed the new
prime minster and said that it
was looking forward to work
with new civilian government to
promote peace and prosperity in
the country and in the region.
The relations between
Pakistan and the US nose‑dived
after President Trump in new
year tweet accused Islamabad of
giving nothing to Washington
but “lies and deceit” and provid‑
ing “safe haven” to terrorists.
The US Congress also passed a
bill to slash Pakistanʼs defense
aid to $150 million, significantly
below the historic level of more
than one billion per year.
In his victory speech last
month after winning the July 25
polls, Imran Khan said he wants
a balanced relation between
Pakistan and America which
should be mutually beneficial,
not one sided.
news media, launching a
coordinated campaign of edi‑
torials stressing the impor‑
tance of a free press.
Leading the charge was The
Boston Globe, which had
issued an appeal for this drive
‑‑ accompanied by the hash‑
tag #EnemyofNone ‑‑ that has
been joined by more than
200 newspapers around the coun‑
try. "Today in the United States we
have a president who has created a
mantra that members of the media
who do not blatantly support the
policies of the current US adminis‑
tration are the 'enemy of the peo‑
ple,'" the Globe editorial said.
"This is one of the many lies that
have been thrown out by this presi‑
dent, much like an old‑time charla‑
tan threw out 'magic' dust or water
on a hopeful crowd," it added in a
piece entitled "Journalists are not
the Enemy".
The coordinated effort comes
amid Trump's persistent claims that
mainstream media outlets that pub‑
lish articles critical of him are
churning out "fake news".
Free press advocates argue that
Trump's efforts threaten the role of
the news media as a check against
abuse of power in government and
imperil the constitutional First
Amendment guarantee of freedom
of the press.
The New York Times, one of the
most frequent targets of Trump's
criticism, ran a short editorial
it is only right for people to
criticize the press, say, for
getting something wrong.
"But insisting that truths
you don't like are 'fake news'
is dangerous to the lifeblood
of democracy. And calling
journalists the 'enemy of the
people' is dangerous, peri‑
od," the Times wrote.
Across the country, other papers
joined in, defending their place in
society ‑‑ from upholding the truth
to simply saving people time.
"At a practical level, we journal‑
ists sit through boring government
meetings and learn about public
school financing formulas, so you
don't have to," said The Arizona
Daily Star. "It's not as lofty a state‑
ment as the First Amendment, but it
serves."
Free press advocates say Trump
is a real threat to the role of the
press.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS August 25-31, 2018 11

Trump cancels military parade, 'Tearful' Musk aims for

blaming DC Dems for high cost $25,000 Tesla in 3 years
Washington DC: T he San Francisco: After giving a "tearful" inter‑
Defense Department view to The New York Times, Tesla Chairman
announced the cancel‑ and CEO Elon Musk sat with popular You
lation of this yearʼs Tuber Marques Brownlee for a chat, reveal‑
Veterans Day parade ing his plans for a mass‑market electric vehi‑
last week, after reports cle priced as low as $25,000.
that the event would "That's something we could do. If we work
cost $92 million ̶ $80 really hard I think maybe we could do that in
million more than origi‑ three years," Musk replied to Brownlee (who
nally anticipated. goes by the handle @MKBHD on Google‑
“Maybe we will do Tesla chief Elon Musk. (Photo :bgr.com)
owned YouTube) last Friday.
something next year in The interview took place on August 15 but a day after Musk spoke to NYT about "excru‑
D.C. when the cost a 17‑minute video was uploaded by Brownlee ciating" times at Tesla, noting that he "nearly
comes WAY DOWN,” on YouTube on Friday ‑‑ a week after Musk missed his brother's wedding this summer
President Donald The President, who loves spectacles, may now finally give tweeted about taking Tesla private with and spent his birthday holed up in Tesla's
Trump tweeted. “Now we nod to gracing Indiaʼs Republic Day parade. offices as the company raced to meet elusive
"funding secured" that created a storm at the
can buy some more jet (Photo courtesy Fox News)
Tesla board and amid market watchers. production targets on a crucial new model".
fighters!” back, tweeting that sheʼs the one “who finally According to The Verge, Musk said in the Earlier this week, Musk confirmed that he
A Pentagon spokesman said administration got thru to the reality star in the White House YouTube interview that he hoped to scale is closely working with Goldman Sachs and
officials have agreed to explore opportunities with the realities ($21.6M) of production at Tesla and lower their design private‑equity firm Silver Lake to take the
in 2019, the Associated Press reports. parades/events/demonstrations in Trump and technology costs enough to be able to electric carmaker private ‑‑ a deal that would
Despite the majority of the parade costs America (sad).” offer a truly mass‑market electric vehicle. need nearly $70 billion in funding.
coming from the Pentagon for military vehicle The White House had been facing criticism Currently, the price for Tesla Model 3 Musk said that in late July, he met Saudi
transport, Trump blamed local leadership for for the costly parade, with many suggesting starts from $35,000 and Model S from Arabian sovereign fund representatives to
the high price tag. there are better ways to honor the nationʼs $75,000. discuss the electric carmaker's possible exit
“The local politicians who run Washington, veterans. "Musk also expressed a desire to improve from the stock market.
D.C. (poorly) know a windfall when they see it. With this yearʼs parade canceled, Trump production to the point where Tesla can He said in a statement that the Saudi sover‑
When asked to give us a price for holding a said heʼll be celebrating Veterans Day with the make two cars at once," said the report. eign fund had first contacted him "at the
great celebratory military parade, they want‑ parade already scheduled at the Andrews Air "We've really gotta figure out how to make beginning of 2017 to express (their) interest
ed a number so ridiculously high that I can‑ Force Base on a different date, plus heading to two new vehicles at the same time," Musk because of the important need to diversify
celled it,” he tweeted Friday. Paris for their celebration of the end of World told Brownlee. The YouTube interview came away from oil".
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was quick to clap War I on November 11.
 12 August 25-31, 2018
New Kerala has to be built,
UAE to give $100 million
Passengers at the Kochi Naval Airport. Commercial flight operations
commenced from the Naval airport after the Cochin International
Airport was shut down. (Photo: IANS)
Thiruvananthapuram: The UAE has
pledged $100 million for flood‑
battered Kerala, Chief Minister
Pinarayi Vijayan announced on
Tuesday, adding "a new Kerala"
needed to be built following the
widespread destruction.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE),
home to hundreds of thousands of
Keralites, has informed Prime
Minister Narendra Modi that it
would be providing $100 million
for Kerala, Vijayan told the media.
"A new Kerala has to be built. At
today's cabinet meeting, it has
been decided to submit a detailed
list to the Centre," he said.
"Funds are the prime requisite
for this. This will be raised by us
through various sources besides
getting it from the Centre and
other agencies," he said.
"The Kerala diaspora has been a
huge source of help for us. Since
they have done tremendous serv‑
ice in the Middle East, it has
helped build good relations with
Modi announces Rs 500 crore assistance
Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi announced Rs 500 crore
financial assistance for flood‑rav‑
aged Kerala where hundreds of
people have died, lakhs have
been rendered home less and
property worth millions of
rupees has been destroyed in one
of the worst floods and torrential
rain in recent history.
The Prime Minister made an
aerial assessment of the damage
caused by the floods. However,
the survey was done only in
some of the affected areas due to
bad weather.
The aerial survey of the mas‑
sive loss and destruction trig‑
gered by the torrential rains was
initially called of f due to bad
weather.
Following the cance llation,
Modi chaired a meeting with
Governor P. Sathasivam, Chief
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and
other of ficials and witnessed a
video presentation of the wide‑
spread destruction across the
the governments there.
"Today morning, the UAE rulers
informed our Prime Minister about
their contribution for Kerala and
this was conveyed to me by M.A.
Yusuf Ali (who owns Lulu
Supermarkets)," he said, thanking
the Emirate for the timely help.
Vijayan said they would ask the
Centre to allow Kerala to increase
the market borrowings from 3 per
cent of the state's total revenue to
4.5 per cent. As a result an addi‑
tional Rs 10,000 crore can be
raised.
"We have decided to approach
agencies like NABARD whose man‑
date includes providing for infra‑
structure and drinking water.
"We will demand a special pack‑
age for the state," said Vijayan.
A special session of the Kerala
Assembly has been called from
August 30 to discuss the huge
destruction caused by the worst
flooding in nearly a century and to
chart the future course of action.
An aerial view of the flood‑hit areas of Kerala. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
state. "T he Prime Minister
announced a financial assistance
of Rs 500 crore to the state. This
is in addition to Rs 100 crore
INDIA NEWS
Rains abate, flood waters
recede as relief pours
Thiruvananthapuram: With the
rains that battered Kerala for a
week finally abating, water levels
dropped in the swollen rivers even
as the number of people who have
taken she lter in re lie f camps
crossed the one million mark.
A total of 10,28,000 people were
now housed in 3,274 camps in the
flood‑hit districts, Chief Minister
Pinarayi Vijayan told the media
while tonnes of emergency aid
poured in from all over the coun‑
try.
Officials have so far admitted to
some 370 deaths, most of them
occurring after the monsoon rains
turned into a fury on August 9,
forcing authorities to open the
sluice gates of numerous dams
across the state.
Some people returned to their
homes from camps in Kozhikode,
Wayanad, Malappuram and parts
of Pathanamthitta after volunteers
working selflessly helped to clean
up their muddy homes.
Rains in the catchment areas of
the major dams in Idukki district
subsided. The outflow of water
from both the Mullaperiyar and
Idukki dams has been reduced.
As a result, the water intake into
the Periyar and its tributaries that
flow throug h Ernakulam and
Thrissur has come down consider‑
ably.
On Monday, helicopters were
engaged in rescue operations in
places where people were still
marooned ‑‑ in parts of
announced on August 12. He
assured the state government
that relief materials including
foodgrains, medicines would be
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Army personnel carry out rescue operations in flood‑hit Kerala's
Chengannur district. (Photo: IANS/Twitter/@adgpi)
Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha dis‑
tricts. Small boats helped to ferry
people from interior Chengannur
and Pandalam areas.
Other helicopters transported
food and relief materials from here
to affected areas.
Finance Minister Thomas Issac,
who is overseeing the rescue oper‑
at ions in Kuttanadu area in
Alappuzha district, said 1.25 lakh
people had been moved to relief
camps in the district.
Ne liyamapathy in Palakkad
remained cut of f from the main
district headquarters as the roads
have been badly damaged.
Essential items are being air‑
provided, as requested," an of fi‑
cial statement said.
Modi also announced an ex‑
gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the
dropped. Waters in the Cochin air‑
port, which was shut on August 15
after flood waters entered the
operat ional area, receded on
Monday. Small aircraft started
operating from the Cochin Naval
airbase. Following a request from
the Kerala government, the State
Level Bankers Committee decided
to provide a moratorium on agri‑
cultural loans for a year.
Thiruvanathapuram Lok Sabha
member Shashi Tharoor mean‑
while flew to Geneva to meet inter‑
national humanitarian agencies.
Kerala has faced the heaviest
rains and floods since 1924, lead‑
ing to unprecedented destruction.
next of kin of the deceased and
Rs 50,000 to those seriously
injured from the Prime Minister's
National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Insurance companies were also
directed to hold special camps
for assessment and t ime ly
release of compensation to the
affected families and beneficiar‑
ies under so cial security
schemes. Directions have also
been issued for early clearance of
claims under the Fasal Bima
Yojna for farmers.
The statement said villagers,
whose houses have been
destroyed in the floods, would be
provided Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana‑Gramin houses on priori‑
ty.
"The Prime Minister compli‑
mented the state government for
the efforts made in meeting the
challenges of the unprecedented
situation. He observed that res‑
cue of people who are st ill
marooned remains the topmost
priority," the statement said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Comply with our laws,
India tells WhatsApp CEO
New Delhi: Union IT Minister Ravi
Shankar Prasad on Tuesday told
WhatsApp CEO Chris Daniels to
comply with the Indian laws and
take "suitable" steps to prevent mis‑
use of the instant messaging plat‑
form in the country.
Danie ls' meeting with the IT
Minister came against the backdrop
of several incidents of mob lynching
being linked to the circulation of
fake messages and misinformation
on the instant messaging platform.
"CEO of Whatsapp Chris Daniels
met me today. I appreciated the role
of Whatsapp in empowering people
and also shared country's concerns
about misuse of #Whatsapp and
requested him to take suitable steps
to address those concerns," the min‑
ister said in a tweet soon after the
meeting.
Prasad told Daniels to set up a
grievance officer in India, establish
a corporate entity and comply with
the laws of the country.
"He assured me that #Whatsapp
will soon take steps on all these
counts," Prasad said, adding that he
also asked the WhatsApp CEO to
work closely with law enforcement
agencies of India and create public
People targeting
Sidhu doing disservice
to peace: Imran Khan
New Delhi: Pakistan Prime
Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday
thanked cricketer‑turned‑politi‑
cian Navjot Singh Sidhu for
attending his oath taking and
called those targeting him in
India as "doing great disservice
to peace in the subcontinent".
Sidhu faced flak in India for
hugging Pakistani Army Chief
Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa during
Khan's swearing‑in last week.
"I want to thank Sidhu for
coming to Pakistan for my oath
taking. He was an ambassador of
peace and was given amazing
love and affection by the people
of Pakistan. Those in India who
Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad with WhatsApp CEO Chris
Daniels in New Delhi. (Photo: IANS/Twitter/@rsprasad)
awareness to prevent misuse of
WhatsApp. Daniels said he would
undertake these initiatives.
The Facebook‑owned platform
has over 200 million monthly active
users in India.
WhatsApp was hauled up in July
by the government on its failure to
check the spread of fake and
provocative content on its platform
amid growing lynching episodes. In
targeted him are doing a great
disservice to peace in the sub‑
continent ‑‑ without peace our
people cannot progress," tweet‑
ed the newly‑elected Prime
Minister defending Sidhu.
Khan again called out India to
resolve their conflicts through
dialogue.
"To move forward, Pakistan
and India must (have) dialogue
and resolve their conflicts
including Kashmir. The best way
to alleviate poverty and uplift
the people of the subcontinent is
to resolve our differences
through dialogue and start trad‑
ing," he said.
INDIA August 25-31, 2018 13
HAPPY TO BE BACK
IN PARTY: AIYAR
New Delhi: Congress leader Mani
Shankar Aiyar, whose suspen‑
sion has been revoked by the
party, said the suspension had
prevented him from visiting his
Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil
Nadu for the past eight‑nine
months and now he can go to his
const ituency and nurture it
ahead of the general elections in
2019.
Former Union Minister Aiyar
lost his Lok Sabha seat,
Congress leader
Mayiladuthurai, in the 2009
Mani Shankar Aiyar.
election.
"I am happy to be back (in the by its disciplinary committee.
party). Since the elections are Aiyar was suspended in
just a few months away, now I December 2017 after he used a
can go my constituency and nur‑ derogatory word against Prime
ture it...nurse my constituency," Minister Narendra Modi ahead
Aiyar told IANS. of the first phase of Gujarat
"For the past eig ht‑nine Assembly elections.
months, I was prevented from Asked about dialogue with
going to my constituency," he Pakistan, Aiyar said: "I have been
a notice, the Ministry of Electronics
added. saying this for the past 40 years
and IT asked WhatsApp to come out
Asked if he was g iven any that an uninterrupted dialogue
with more ef fective solutions that
instruction by the party to avoid should taken place w ith
can bring in accountability and
personal remarks on any leader, Pakistan."
facilitate enforcement of law in
Aiyar said: "I don't want to com‑ "Why should I comment on it
addition to their ef forts towards
ment on the (party) high com‑ (on Prime Minister for construc‑
labelling forwards and identifying
mand." T he Cong ress on tive engagement with Pakistan)
fake news. To tackle the spread of
Saturday revoked the suspension further. You should ask the
false information, WhatsApp has
of Mani Shankar Aiyar from the Prime Minister what does it
limited forward messaging to five
party following recommendation mean," he added.
chats in India.
Rajyashree Chaudhuri takes
over as President of Akhil
Bharat Hindu Mahasabha
New Delhi: After being elected
President, Rajyashree Chaudhuri
took over the reins of Akhil
Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, Indiaʼs
oldest political party, in the pres‑
ence of an august gathering from
various Sanatani sects at the
Const itut ion Club here on
August 10.
In her presidential speech, she
explained her views on National
Honor, Heritage, Prosperity and
Social Justice. She highlighted
burning issues like Ram Temple,
Gouraksha (Cow Protection),
Mass ‑ employment, environmen‑
tal protection, Uniform Civil
Code, border disputes, foreign
re lat ions, e lectoral re forms,
Casual workers and Farmersʼ
so cio‑economic protect ion,
SMART villages, reclamation of
land from Bangladesh, victims of Rajyashree Chaudhuri (with a bouquet) was elected to
ethnic cleansing and citizenship, head the oldest political party of India
construction of dams and river
citizens of India. Prasad Mookherjee (former
re lining for opt imum use of
Rajyashree Chaud huri also ABHMS President) and Late PM
water without polluting it or dis‑
demanded the renaming of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
turbing environmental balance.
Indian Army as the Indian Many eminent personalities
Above all, her message was the
National Army. She also pointed from various fields as well State
Establishment Of A Hindu
out the importance of fully prob‑ Hindu Mahasabhaʼs leaders were
Rashtra, the indigenous word for
ing the death of Dr. Shyama present at the event.
actual equality & justice to all

India bids tearful adieu to Vajpayee
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose appeal
transcended party lines and geo‑
graphical boundaries, was cremat‑
ed with full military honors in the
presence of the country's top lead‑
ers cutting across the political
divide and adoring masses.
Amidst chanting of vedic hymns
and firing of a 21‑gun salute by
soldiers, his foster‑daug hter
Namita lit the funeral pyre in the
presence of a galaxy of leaders
including Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, President Ram
Nath Kovind, Vice President M.
Venkaiah Naidu, political leaders
and foreign dignitaries bidding
adieu to the departed leader at the
Rashtriya Smriti Sthal.
Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah
had earlier walked with the gun‑
carriage carry ing the mortal
remains of Vajpayee as it made its
way from the party headquarters
at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg to
the cremation venue, a designated
spot for the last rites of
Presidents, Vice Presidents and
Prime Ministers.
People had been throng ing
Vajpayee's residence since morn‑
ing on Krishna Menon Marg,
where the body was kept since
Thursday night last week.
The crowds swelled as the mor‑
tal remains were brought to the
BJP's new headquarters and kept
there for over three hours for peo‑
ple to pay their last respects.
Delayed by an hour, the final
journey saw a sea of people con‑
verg ing on the route to the
Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, a distance
of less than 3 km on the banks of
the Yamuna river.
In keeping with the military tra‑
ditions, the three service chiefs
placed wreaths on the body of
Vajpayee before leaders paid their
tributes for one last time.
The tricolor that was wrapped
around Vajpayee's body was given
to his foster g randdaug hter
Niharika after which the body was
handed over to the family for the
last rites.
Former Prime Minister
Manmohan Sing h, Cong ress
President Rahul Gand hi, Lok
Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan,
veteran BJP leaders and
Vajpayee's long‑time associates
L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar
Joshi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat,
Home Minister Rajnath Singh,
External Af fairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman were present at the
funeral.
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuk and former
Afg hanistan President Hamid
Karzai led foreign dignitaries
including Pakistan Law Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah walk along
with the convoy carrying the mortal remains of Vajpayee.
Vajpayee's ashes immersed in Haridwar
Haridwar: The ashes of former
Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee were immersed by his
foster daughter Namita in the
Ganges here.
Among those who were pres‑
ent at the immersion ceremony
in Har‑Ki‑Pauri g hat were
Vajpayee's foster grand‑daugh‑
ter Niharika, Union Home
Minister Rajnath Sing h,
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
President Amit Shah, Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath and Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh
Rawat.
The same ritual will be per‑
formed in 100 other "sacred
rivers" of the country.
Earlier in the day, Namita and
Niharika collected his ashes
from the Smriti Sthal in New
Delhi where he was cremated
US condoles Vajpayee's death
Washington: US Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo condoled
former Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee's death and
praised his vision for famously
characterizing US‑India ties as a
"natural partnership of shared
endeavors".
In a statement issued by the
State Department, Pompeo
extended his heartfelt condo‑
lences to the people of India on
losing Vajpayee. Recounting the
Syed Ali Zafar, Nepal Foreign
Af fairs Minister Pradeep Kumar
Gyawali, acting Sri Lanka Foreign
Minister Lakshman Kiriella and
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul
Hassan Mahmood Ali in paying
homage. Among the dignitaries
Ashes of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee being immersed by his
foster daughter Namita in the Ganges, Haridwar. (Photo: IANS)
with full military honors.
Three urns carrying the ashes
of the former Prime Minister
former Prime Minister's many
contributions, the US statement
said: "He championed tirelessly
for his country's development
and demonstrated a devotion to
improving the lives of every
Indian" leading it to become "a
global and economic power".
"Standing be fore the US
Congress in 2000, he famously
characterized US‑India ties as a
'natural partnership of shared
endeavors'.
who attended the funeral were for‑
mer Jammu and Kashmir Chief
Minister and PDP leader
Mehbooba Muft i, Bihar Chie f
Minister Nitish Kumar, Congress
leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad,
Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand
August 25-31, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Last rites of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee being
performed at Smriti Sthal in New Delhi. (Photo: Amlan Paliwal/IANS)
was first taken to Prem Ashram
here and then to Har‑Ki‑Pauri
for immersion.
"He recognized early on that
the US and India, based on their
shared democratic values, could
deve lop a partnership that
would contribute to the econom‑
ic prosperity and security of the
region and the world.
"Today, our two countries and
our bilateral relationship contin‑
ue to bene fit from Prime
Minister Vajpayee's vision,
which helped promote expanded
cooperation."
Sharma, Lok Sabha Deputy
Speaker M. Thambidurai, former
Union Minister A. Raja, MDMK
chie f Vaiko and TMC leader
Dinesh Trivedi.
The cremation ground was sur‑
charged w ith emot ion as
14
Vajpayee's body was consigned to
the flames. People, many of them
misty‑eyed, raised slogans like
"Atalji amar rahen".
People g athered at places
enroute the procession, including
a madrassa, raising slogans hailing
Vajpayee. Many of the people who
came had g rown up w ith
Vajpayee's spellbinding oratory
and were impressed w ith his
poems.
When the final journey started
from the BJP's central office, Modi
and Amit Shah walked behind the
flower‑decked gun carriage carry‑
ing the body of Vajpayee draped in
the tricolour as security personnel
kept a tight watch.
Deferring to Vajpayee's stature,
Modi and Shah walked the entire
route till the cremation ground
leading the mourners, who includ‑
ed union ministers, BJP leaders
and tens of thousands of people.
People threw flower petals on
the casket all through the three‑
kilometre route as an expression
of their love, respect and admira‑
tion for the late leader.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath was also in the
procession and supporters accom‑
panying him raised slogans of "Jai
Shri Ram". A number of BJP chief
ministers including, Shivraj Singh
Chouhan (Mad hya Pradesh),
Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana),
Union Ministers and BJP leaders
accompanied the funeral proces‑
sion.
Earlier, Modi, Shah, Advani, Shiv
Sena chief Uddhav T hackeray,
Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam
Singh Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister
Arvind Ke jriwal, his deputy
Manish Sisodia, CPI‑M General
Secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI
leader D. Raja, Tamil Nadu Chief
Minister E. Palanisami were
among the leaders who paid trib‑
utes to Vajpayee at the party
office after his body was brought
there from his Krishna Menon
Marg residence.

By Saeed Naqvi
Aaney wali naslein hum par
Fakhr kareingi, hum asaro,
Jub unko yeh khayal aayega
Humney Atal ko dekha thaa
(By way of poetic license I have
replaced Firaq with Atal)
"Coming generat ions w ill
remember us with awe,
When it dawns on them that we
had actually seen Atal Bihari
Vajpayee"
I can claim a little more. I knew
him. I say so with utmost modesty
because there were many journal‑
ists who knew him better. But he
had a knack of making a chosen
few feel special with a smile here
and gesture there. Confronting
him was always a renewal
because your opening question
was generally greeted with stony
silence, bordering on lack of
recognition. Then would come a
well thought through response to
a question asked five minutes ago.
T here was no unpro cessed
response.
Exuberance was not his style
but when moved by an idea, he
could be demonstrative as at the
Hyderabad House banquet when
he put his arms around me.
"Mainey aap ka lekh parha; kaee
baar parha. Maen aapse sahmat
hoon." (I read your column several
times; I agree with you.)
It was not just a Prime
Ministerial approval of a column
but the warmth with which the
appreciation was communicated.
It would have been most unlike
him to react to a dry piece on for‑
eign af fairs or national politics.
Lessons in 'tehzeeb' - from Atal Bihari Vajpayee
By Anil K. Rajvanshi
E
ulogies have been written
about the "tehzeeb" ‑‑ a
Urdu word translating into
etiquette ‑‑ politeness and political
culture of former Prime Minister
Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Apparently Vajpayee ‑‑ during his
term as Prime Minister 1999‑2004
‑‑ was not happy with the US pres‑
sure on India to join the Iraq war.
So he invited the opposition party
leaders for breakfast to his house.
After the initial chitchat, the oppo‑
sition leaders were keen to know
why they were invited. Vajpayee
told them about the US pressure on
India, to which the leaders said
that they will oppose it and the
people's agitation was already on.
Vajpayee replied that he is not
hearing the noise of an agitation!
The opposition leaders immediate‑
ly understood the drift of the con‑
versation ‑‑ that they had to double
their efforts to raise public opinion
against US so that Vajpayee could
use it to stall the pressure.
Contrast this with the present
The best Prime Minister
Congress never had
What moved the senti‑
mental lyricist in him
was a taboo I had bro‑
ken by placing Hindu‑
Muslim issues in a
context readers
were unfamil‑
iar with.
Communal
riots had
broken in
Moradabad
in 1982. I
was Regional
Editor for The
Indian Express
with headquarters
in Chennai. Nihal
Singh, the Editor‑in‑chief,
asked me to "churn out" an
edit on Moradabad.
Instead of writing some‑
thing in a jiffy, I fell back on
nostalgia, my life in my vil‑
lage, the cultural commerce
which has he ld so ciety
together for hundreds of
years. The new political
class has taken its eyes off
it largely because harmony
does not easily translate
into votes. In my piece, I list‑
ed Mohsin Kakorwi invok‑
ing images asso ciated w ith
Krishna to ce le brate Prophet
Mohammad's birthday; Maulana
People paying homage to late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at
Ahiritola Ghat on the Ganges in Kolkata. (Photo: IANS)
dispensation where a direct
onslaught has been launched on
the opposition to create fear. We
somehow have lost the tehzeeb in
the present political and other dis‑
courses.
Former Defense Minister K.C.
Pant, a very dear friend of mine,
told me of another instance of such
tehzeeb.
Former Prime Minister late
Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (File Photo: IANS)
Hasrat Mohani's adoration for neighbor, from the Congress to
Krishna and Radha, in verse and the far Left swear by our compos‑
gesture.
Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the
second President of India, wanted
another term. He said that
Rajendra Prasad got it so should
he. Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime
Minister, was not keen on this.
Naturally, Radhakrishnan was
unhappy and used to complain
about it and threatened to return
to his teaching career.
August 25-31, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The late H.R. Malkani, editor of
the RSS mouthpiece Organizer,
was the first to write to me. "I
salute you" he wrote. "Your
piece brought tears into my
eyes." An interview was
arranged with RSS ideologue
Bhaurao Deoras. Malkani invit‑
ed me to 10, Ashok Road, for
tea with Atalji who was shaking
his head in admiration.
T his gushing of
admiration from
the Parivar was
unnerving.
Had I by
writing one
column
uninten‑
tionally
turned my
back on
my pro‑
gressive
friends?
Had I Affairs in the Janata government
opened
myse lf to
the charge
of walking
the illiber‑
al path? But every‑
bo dy, and his
ite culture, Ganga‑Jumni tehzeeb
Nehru sent Maulana Abul Kalam
Azad to placate Radhakrishnan.
Azad was a very cultured person
and a doyen of the Independence
movement. Azad engaged
Radhakrishnan in small talk but
Radhakrishnan was angry and
knew the purpose of Azad's visit.
So he retorted that he was not
interested in a second term and
would go back to teaching. To
which Azad asked polite ly : In
which university? Radhakrishnan
got the message.
A similar story about the wit and
tehzeeb of Pandit Govind Ballabh
Pant was told to me by Sunder Lal,
a former Member of Parliament of
the Congress Party. Sunder Lal was
the youngest MP in 1952 and
remained an MP till 1986, the year
he died.
I think the incident was in the
early 1950s when Uttar Pradesh
was facing a tremendous drought,
especially in the eastern part from
where Raj Narain came. Raj Narain
was quite a hooligan and believed
in creating a ruckus in the assem‑
bly and was among the first to cre‑
15
and so on. Do they like the con‑
cept only in its haziest outlines?
Does the idea get tainted if the
Parivar finds it wholesome?
Vajpayee, familiar w ith
Lucknow, grasped the significance
of Indian syncretism. But the prac‑
tical politician in him also saw the
liberal Muslim's hesitations. Not
only does he have limited votes he
is also intellectually uncertain.
Vajpayee had a singular advan‑
tage over his peers: he was the
most respected member of the
Sangh and yet he had evolved
along the path of modernism. He
slid out of his RSS coil with delib‑
eration; he did not shuffle out of
it. Towards the end of 2003 he
made up his mind to resolve
"regional quarrels". Of course, los‑
ing the 2004 election was a huge
setback. But what rankled with
him was the Pakistan, Kashmir
imbroglio: a solution along the
line of control was almost within
grasp according his Principal
Secretary, Brajesh Mishra.
Did Vajpayee have a model? K.K.
Katyal of The Hindu, myself and
one or two others trailed him on
the first day he entered his South
Block office when he was appoint‑
ed the Minister for External
led by Morarji Desai in 1977.
We asked him how he felt occu‑
pying his first of fice in South
Block? He summoned up the poet
in him. Misty eyed, he said he had
dif ficulty controlling his emo‑
tions. "I cannot believe that I am
about to occupy the chair which
was once o ccupied by Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru."
ate the shouting brigades that we
see today in Assemblies and in
Parliament. At that time he was an
MLA and Pant was the state's Chief
Minister.
During one of the debates, he
created a ruckus in the Assembly
by shouting at the top of his voice
and stating that a great famine was
taking place in his constituency
and farmers are dying, whereas the
Chief Minister was unconcerned
and was only interested in his chair
and hobnobbing with industrial‑
ists.
Pant rose to answer Raj Narain
and said he had known him for a
long time and as a socialist and fol‑
lower of Jai Prakash Narayan and
Ram Manohar Lohia he had great
regard for him and his sincerity.
Then he said politely but firmly: "I
also know that had the situation
been really that grim, Raj Narain
being a very committed worker,
would not be sitting here in the
assembly but tending to his poor
farmers." The assembly erupted in
peels of laughter and Raj Narain
quietly sat down.

Vajpayee: Second reformer
India needed, and got
By Amit Kapoor &
Chirag Yadav
A
tal Bihari Vajpayee was a
member of parliament for
almost half a century. Right
from the start, he left an indelible
impression on Indian polit ics
through his fine oratory skills.
In fact, his maiden speech in
Parliament impressed the formida‑
ble Jawaharlal Nehru so much that
while introducing Vajpayee to a vis‑
iting foreign dignitary he reported‑
ly said: "This young man one day
will become the country's prime
minister." When Nehru's prophetic
words did come true, he went on to
become the first non‑Congress
Prime Minister to complete an
entire term.
His stint in office is remembered
for a variety of reasons. Less than
two months after he assumed office
in 1998, he approved the tests that
made India a nuclear weapons
state. Another highlight of his
tenure has been his indefatigable
efforts to make peace with Pakistan
despite repeated setbacks with the
Kargil war and the 2001 attack on
Which of Vajpayee's bequests will the BJP honor?
By Amulya Gangul
I
t cannot be gainsaid that the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as
it is run today, will find it diffi‑
cult to live up to Atal Bihari
Vajpayee's legacy of moderation.
From this aspect, his death has
come at an inconvenient time for
the party because there will be
constant reminders during the run‑
up to the four state assembly elec‑
tions this winter about Vajpayee's
gentleness, which was his foremost
political talent.
This will be particularly relevant
in the matter of rhetoric which has
tended to become increasingly
acerbic in recent times. T he
chances of the speeches becoming
more venomous are all the greater
when the BJP's prospects are not
supposed to be all that bright in
the key states of Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh,
as a poll survey has predicted.
Therefore, as caustic compar‑
isons are made between aristocrat‑
ic lineage and the humble back‑
ground of a worker ‑‑ naamdar and
kaamdar ‑‑ Vajpayee's more tem‑
perate oratory may be recalled.
It was Vajpayee's moderation
Vajpayee emerged as an unlikely leader who kept the flame of reform alive against all odds.
parliament. But, a less recognized
fact is that he was also India's sec‑
ond economic reformer after P.V.
Narasimha Rao, who had opened up
the Indian economy in 1991 after
decades of protectionism and state‑
control.
When the BJP came into power in
1998, there was widespread skepti‑
cism among investors about the
Now that a generational change has taken place in the BJP, it has to be seen
how many of Vajpayee's inheritances are honored & how many disregarded.
which enabled him to hold togeth‑
er for more than three years from
1999 to 2002 a mahagathbandhan
(grand alliance) of as many as 24
parties, the likes of which had
never been seen before and is
unlikely to be seen in the future.
The achievement will appear all
the more remarkable at a time
when the National Democratic
Alliance (NDA) at the Centre is
fraying at the edges with the
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) having
walked out while the Shiv Sena is
forever engaged in verbal
onslaughts against the BJP and the
new government reversing the eco‑
nomic policies of the Narasimha
Rao government and becoming
more protectionist in nature. These
fears were not unfounded.
A few years ago, when Narasimha
Rao had pushed for India's mem‑
bership in the World Trade
Organisation (WTO), the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh, the parent
Akali Dal is patently uneasy.
What is more, doubts are being
expressed as to whether the BJP
will be able to form a coalition at
the Center if it fails to secure a
majority of its own in the Lok
Sabha in 2019 because Modi is
seemingly temperamentally averse
to act in tandem with others. Bihar
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's
restiveness is a reminder of this
proclivity at the NDA's highest lev‑
els. If Vajpayee's accommodative‑
ness cannot be seen in the BJP
today, neither is its ability to push
ahead with the economic reforms
August 25-31, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
body of the BJP, had vehemently
criticized the move, arguing that it
would expose domestic firms to
unmanageable competition. It went
against the Swadeshi principles of
self‑reliance. According to this view,
globalization was perceived as a
foreign invasion by multinationals.
But, Vajpayee hardly subscribed
to these views. He made it clear at
as during the former Prime
Minister's reign when several PSUs
such as Modern Foods, Balco and
Hindustan Zinc were disinvested.
In contrast, the present govern‑
ment has not been able to find a
buyer for the perennially sick Air
India.
However, the most crucial of
Vajpayee's legacies is the peace
which prevailed in his time till the
Gujarat riots of 2002, which paved
the way for his defeat two years
later as he ruefully conceded.
Before the riots, however, there
was nothing like the present near‑
anarchic scenes which have made
the Supreme Court bemoan the
prevailing mobocracy as the "new
normal" and the Centre to consider
enacting a law to stop lynchings.
It would be a mistake, however,
to claim that Vajpayee did no
wrong. The targeting of Tehelka
and Outlook magazines beause of
their embarrassing disclosures
about the unsavoury goings‑on in
high places is a reminder that no
government ‑‑ not even Vajpayee's
‑‑ can be tolerant of a genuinely
free press. It is an unworthy legacy
going back to Rajiv Gandhi's
abortive attempt to muzzle the
16
several points during his tenure
that he favored the path of reforms
to higher growth. During his visit to
the US, for instance, he acknowl‑
edged the crucial role that foreign
direct investment had played in
India's economic deve lopment
since it had opened up. This put
him at odds with the economic
viewpoint of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh.
Nevertheless, Vajpayee continued
undeterred on the path of reforms,
consistently trying to balance the
demands of the party's parent
organization with the needs of the
economy. Most importantly,
Vajpayee's contrarian stance creat‑
ed a sense of continuity in govern‑
ment policies and kept investor
confidence in India alive.
Throughout its term, the govern‑
ment opened up various sectors
like insurance, banking, telecom,
pharmaceuticals, civil aviation and
real estate to foreign investors.
Simultaneously, all quantitative
restrictions on imports were elimi‑
nated by 2002. But these were
replaced with a system of tariffs to
provide protection to domestic
industries and, more importantly,
keep the criticism from within the
Sangh at bay.
Vajpayee emerged as an unlikely
leader who kept the flame of
reform alive against all odds. He
never reversed the reform process
that Narasimha Rao had initiated as
many feared when he first came to
of fice. If anything, he only sped
it up.
media with his proposed
Publication of Objectionable
Materials Act in the wake of the
Bofors howitzer scam, not to men‑
tion his mother's draconian
Emergency rule.
But, for Vajpayee, it was an
uncharacteristic misstep in the
misuse of the Enforcement
Directorate and other government
agencies, which has largely been
forgotten. What is remembered
instead is the fact that of all the
saf fron leaders, he was the only
one who had the Nehruvian vision
of the "idea" of a multicultural
India.
It was this broad outlook which
made Vajpayee urge the Jan Sangh
in 1960 to open its doors to "all
Indian citizens irrespective of
creed or sects". Noting that at least
formally, the party is opposd to
politics being linked with religion,
he said that "in the partition of the
country, we have already had a
grim experience of the conse‑
quences of mingling politics with
religion". Now that a generational
change has taken place in the BJP,
it has to be seen how many of
Vajpayee's inheritances are hon‑
ored and how many disregarded.

New York: August 19 was a proud
day for not only the Indian com‑
munity in the tristate area but
Indian worldwide as New York
witnessed the 38th India Day
Parade showcasing a wide variety
of Indian culture. It was organized
by the Federation of Indian
Associations – tristate chapter
attracting an estimated one hun‑
dred thousand people to
Manhattan. Indeed, it is said to be
the largest parade outside India to
celebrate the countryʼs
Independence Day. Despite rain
and flooding in some parts of New
Jersey and New York, the parade
saw no rain, no sun, just perfect
cloudy afternoon. Madison
Avenue brimmed with colorful
outfits from different parts of
India.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ‑ The
World is one Family
The spirit of this Vedic dictum
was witnessed throughout the
parade. Madison Avenue became
a fusion of different cultures as
people intoned, “Vandey
Mataram”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jay”,
and “Jay Hind” along with patriot‑
ic songs and popular Bollywood
numbers blaring from the floats.
The parade had 37 floats, 40
marching groups and 5 marching
bands, maybe the largest number
so far in FIA parades history. They
truly showed the world that India
is a cradle of unity in diversity,
and that Indians always stay
together as one family and with
love we bring in this world noth‑
ing but peace. Every float had a
variety of dancers or singers.
Many floras were taken by
renowned companies and organi‑
zations.
As every year FIA staged a
fusion of Indian culture by bring‑
ing celebrities from a variety of
fields and regions of Indian:
renowned actor/politician Padma
Bhushan Kamal Hassan as Grand
Marshal, Padma Shri Kailash Kher
as Chief Guest, and for Guest of
Honor actress and daughter of
Kamal Hassan, Shruti Hassan,
well‑known actor and Padma
Bhushan Anupam Kher, legendary
West Indies cricketer Sir Vivian
Richards, singer and performer
Mickey Singh, upcoming and hap‑
pening singer Shibani Kashyap,
leading Indian designer Rosy
Ahluwalia & Sky Diver Padma Shri
Smita Mahajan were crowd
pullers of this parade.
This time there was also a
Community Grand Marshal ‑
TheSouthAsianTimes.info THE PARADE August 25-31, 2018 17
Riding on the FIAʼs
own float: FIA
President Srujal
Parikh, actress Shruti
Haasan, Grand
marshal Kamal
Haasan and
Community Grand
Marshal Chintu Patel.
Chintu Patel, cochariman of
Amneal Pharmaceuticals. The day
after the parade, at the gala din‑
ner at Royal Albert Palce in New
Jersey, Chintu Patel said, “I
encourage the young generation
to get involved as much as possi‑
ble with the FIA India Day Parade
as it shows the true strength of
our culture and the relationship
between two great democracies.
Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul
General of India in New York, took
active part in the parade and its
preparation along with his entire
staff. All the invitee guests and
dignitaries marched along with
FIA committee members and
patrons. To represent India, its
culture or a particular event, tri‑
color flags, fans and placards
were seen in the hands of
marchers. Some companies also
were handing out gifts with
their logos.
After the parade people
crowded the booths area. There
were food stalls with a variety of
Indian food to get to know the
spices and tastes of India. Other
stalls sold Indian clothes, jewel‑
ry, bags, henna, etc. Print and
electronic was well represented
in this area as well as in floats.
By then, the entertainment and
performance stage was rollick‑
ing. Huge crowds enjoyed dance
performances by a variety of per‑
formers from different age
groups and different dance
schools.
Singer and performer Mickey
Singh stole every young girl and
womanʼs heart by performing his
hit songs. Later. Kailash Kher
rocked the stage with his per‑
formance that included a number
from the movie Bahubali without
the music, and one of his other man Ramesh Patel, and singer Kailash Kher.
Continued on page 18 At the culture stage: President Srujal Parikh, Chair
hits. His
 18 August 25-31, 2018 THE PARADE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The very expressive

FIA Chairman
Ramesh Patel is
center of attraction
even when sur‑
rounded by so many
comely ladies.

Continued from page 17

hair in a top knot, he electrified
the atmosphere and appreciated
the efforts which FIA puts every
year in bringing hundreds of
thousands of Indian Americans on
Madison Ave. He also promised to
do a full concert with his Kailas
band at the 39th parade.
Of course the gorgeous Shruti
Haasan too made an appearance
and mesmerized the crowd with
her beauty and charm. Her ele‑
gance was exceptional.
Grand Marshal Kamal Haasan
was joined by his co‑star Pooja
Kumar from their latest movie
Vishwaroopam II. They both look
stunning together and were
dressed in the costumes of the
movie. The crowd were beyond talking about his political party, the organization. Pyar.com was ance of President Srujal Parikh. on everyoneʼs face to bring noth‑
themselves seeing both of them Kamal Haasan spoke in Tamil, his the title sponsor of the parade He had given his team members ing but the best to guests, invitees,
together and as he continued native language. Towards the this year. The event was a grand specific job/duties as per their dignitaries, and most of all for
engaging with the crowd the end, sponsors and FIA committee success because of each and every commitment and ability so that everyone who travelled this far to
cheer and enthusiasm in the members were felicitated on stage FIA member who worked endless‑ each task could be done to perfec‑ be the part of worldʼs largest
crowd seemed unending. When to recognize their contribution to ly and diligently under the guid‑ tion. Sheer joy and eagerness was parade outside India.

Society of South Asian

officers in the NYPD took
part in the parade.

Jagdish N Patel,
otherwise in
insurance business,
manages to get
cameras clicking
with his colorful
traditional outfits
at every parade.
er Shruti Haasan,
President Srujal Parikh posing with actress‑sing
the parad e Guest of Hono r and oozed glamor.
who was
 TheSouthAsianTimes.info LENS EYE August 25-31, 2018 19

Though dressed in
their trademark all
white, the Brahm Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Vivian
Kumaris group made l
Richards, and the ICC (Internationa
a colorful pattern to Cricket Council) team ed up at the
convey their mes‑ India Day Parade to promote the
sage of love and destination and landmark T20
world peace. World Cup that will take place in
Antigua later this year.

ing at the parade with a group.

Actor Anupam Kher, Guest of Honor, seen march

Hotstar had a hot item

float for the first time at the 38th
India Day aloft their float: an
The South Asian Times had their own dan ce with his medley acrobat doing some
p around him sing and
Parade with a DJ who made the grou ing Boll ywo od num bers . amazing contortions
of patriotic songs as well as foot tapp with an iron ring.
 20 August 25-31, 2018 THE PARADE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The SATimes team spoke to some participants and onlookers

Special to The South Asian Times
New York: An octogenarian
dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, a
married couple wearing Gujarati
tribal attire, marchers conversing
in a variety of languages and
onlookers on the sidelines waving
continually to cheer the partici‑
pants. And not to forget a Shivaji
darbar with his mother Jijabai.
Scores of floats, marching con‑
tingents and individuals joining in
between.
Welcome to the annual India Day
Parade, considered the largest of
its kind outside the country! You
can see colorful dresses, listen to
melodious music and witness live‑
ly crowds of all ages.
The 38th parade, sponsored by
the Federation of Indian
Associations ( New York, New
Jersey and Connecticut chapter)
that was established 48 years ago,
was held on August 19 from 38th
Street through 28th Street on
Madison Avenue in Manhattan.
After starting around 12:30 pm, it
culminated in the 28th Street cor‑
ner, where a review stand was set
up. VIP marchers and participants
spoke from the stand.
Grand marshal Kamal
Haasan was at the top of an
FIA float, along with FIA
President Srujal Parikh and
other office bearers. The
float had Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam (the world is
one family) written on it,
which incidentally is the
motto of this yearʼs parade.
“It was indeed a great
honor for me to be present
here,” the film star‑turned‑
politician said with excite‑
ment. “And here we are cele‑
brating our diversity again.”
He was appreciative of the
crowd when it cheered him
before his address. Shruti
Haasan ‑‑ his daughter and
actress in Hindi, Tamil and
Telugu films – spoke briefly.
Others who spoke from the
review stand included
Sandeep Chakravorty, consul
general; Sir Vivian Richards, a
former Caribbean cricketer;
Anupam Kher, Bollywood actor
and star of NBCʼs New
ared at the culture stage
Amsterdam show; noted singer Kamal Haasan and his costar Pooja Kumar appe
Kailash Kher; Chintu Patel, as they look in their upcoming film Vishw aroopam II.
Continued on page 21

Special to The South Asian Times

New York: An organizer of the August 19

India Day Parade here said tens of thou‑
sands of people were present to cheer the
participants.
Despite the not‑so‑kind weather, over
100,000 people cheered the parade partic‑
ipants and witnessed one of the best
parades in New York, said Executive Vice
President Alok Kumar of FIA‑Tristate to
The South Asian Times in an interview.
He suggested that a higher number was
expected to watch the march, and asserted
that arrangements were made to that
effect. Kumar blamed the intermittent driz‑
zle for many others not making it to the
parade.
Kumar noted, “Yeah, it has definitely
impacted the crowd numbers. It is very nat‑
ural that we tend to think twice before ven‑
turing out when the weather seems to be
FIAʼs Executive Vice President Alok Kumar
not so comfortable. However, many decided
to go ahead with their plans and finally did
participate.”
He clarified that grand marshals of the
parade always appear on top of a float in
order to have proper visibility for partici‑
pants as well as onlookers, and Kamal
Haasan, this yearʼs Grand Marshal, was no
exception. “Anupam Kher (Bollywood film
star) and several other VIP guests took part
in our parade and all of them spoke briefly
from the Review Stand,” he pointed out.
with his family at the post‑parade gala.
Sir Vivian Richards, a former Caribbean
cricketer, described the parade crowd as the
one seen at cricket World Cup finals. Nand
Kumar Gupta, a minister from Uttar Pradesh,
also took part in the celebrations.
According to the head of an FIA commit‑
tee, altogether 37 floats participated as
expected. Saurin Parikh, head of the commit‑
tee in charge of the floats, acknowledged
some gaps when the parade marched.
Saurin Parikh, head of the comm ittee in
e.
charg e of floats, at the parad
However, he quickly added, “There are
traffic lights on the way that create gaps in
the flow of an event of this magnitude.
Overall, I felt it was well organized.”
Parikh, who also spoke to this newspaper,
pointed out that some groups have a smaller
number of members and there have always
been unanticipated dropouts at the last
minute. Asked what kind of measures the
organization would take to tackle such
FIA claims
overall
success
issues, he explained the efforts.
“The process for the next parade and
beyond begins right now. We normally
discuss what went good and which areas
need improvement such as parade plan‑
ning, organization, sponsorships, beauti‑
fication of floats with respective themes
et cetera,” Parikh said. “We seriously
consider every event is a learning curve,
and that is the reason the parade is
growing bigger and better each year.”
FIA, established in 1970, is one of the
largest nonprofit bodies in the US. This was
the 38th annual parade of the umbrella
organization, which has more than half a
million members through its affiliated asso‑
ciations. 2020 marks its golden jubilee year
during which it will hold the 40th annual
parade.
On August 15 of that year, the yearlong
celebration for the 75th Indian
Independence Day will begin.

Continued from page 20
community grand marshal; singers
Shibani Kashyap and Mickey Singh
and actress Pooja Kumar.
The South Asian Times, one of
the grand patrons of the parade,
spoke to a few participants to elicit
their views on the 72nd
Independence Day of India and the
FIAʼs 38th parade. The publication,
which brought out a special
Independence Day issue, had a
float as well as a stall distributing
free copies of the special issue.
R. Radhakrishnan, a former FIA
president, was upbeat and
expressed optimism about the
future. “You see the parade is get‑
ting bigger every year,” he said,
while marching and pointing
toward the crowd. “You see their
enthusiasm. Despite the drizzle,
you witness constant smiles on
their faces.”
Kundan Lal, 85, expressed happi‑
ness to appear as the Father of
Indian Nation. “I am here every
time as the Mahatma and this
parade is no exception,” he noted.
Wearing Gandhi's trademark glass‑
es, a loincloth and holding a stick
(and the Tricolor) with the typical
desi chappals, Lal could not be
mistaken for anybody else.
A Jersey City couple was another
attraction. Shashikant and Chetna
Kamdar wore a Gujarati tribal
dress and cheered onlookers.
Though they had earlier heard of
the parade, this was the first time
they took part in it and that, too, in
an ethnic attire.
A 64‑year‑old retired Mumbai
accountant, Kundan Singh Dosad,
who was visiting his son based in
Washington DC, decided to witness
the parade. Though the onlooker
on the sidelines visited the US pre‑
viously a few times, Dosad made
sure that this time around his son
would take him to the Big Apple to
witness the “largest Indian parade
in America.” His son, who works in
the IT industry and stood next to
him, concurred.
Among the segments that drew
great attention and wide applause
from the onlookers was a dance‑
and‑music troupe from the Dol‑
Tasha cultural group from neigh‑
boring New Jersey. Wearing color‑
ful saris in Maharashtrian and
Punjabi styles, the women – play‑
ing their own instruments ‑‑
danced to the rhythmic music ren‑
dered by a band.
One of the floats that inspired
awe was from the Chhatrapati
Foundation. A man dressed as
TheSouthAsianTimes.info THE PARADE August 25-31, 2018 21
Float to spread message of peace
I
nternational Ahimsa
Foundation (IAF) proudly par‑
ticipated in the FIA parade on
Aug 19. IAFʼs mission is to pro‑
mote non‑violence and peace
among todayʼs young generation
as they are our future and will
make this world a better place to
live. The IAF float was joined by
Bollywood celebrities Ishita
Dutta and Vatsal Sheth and by
Prasoon Sharma, Director of
India Global Everyone, including
young children, enthusiastically
carried messages of peace in
their hands. The floatʼs main
attraction was Mahatma
Gandhiʼs statue at the front and
was accompanied by many
organizations in a march for
non‑violence and peace. The
organizations included AIA,
Dropadi Jigyasu Ashram,
Gujarati Samaj of North America,
Hindu Center, Jain Samaj of USA,
NJ, JAINA, Lohana Samaj of NY,
Neeta Jain, founder of International Ahimsa Foundation, with Rep Carolyn Maloney, who is introduc‑
New York Tamil Academy, Young
ing legislation to honor Mahatma Gandhi with a Congressional Gold Medal.
Jains of America, and Young Jain
Professionals. Chakravorty, joined the float and Maloney made the historic mously honor Mahatma Gandhi
The Consul General of India congratulated IAF for its initia‑ announcement that she is intro‑ with a Congressional Gold
New York, Ambassador Sandeep tives. Congresswoman Carolyn ducing legislation to posthu‑ Medal.
New Jersey couple Shashikant and
Chetna Kamdar wore a Gujarati
tribal dress and attracted attention.
A tableau with Maratha warrior Shivaji.
Shivaji, who established a Hindu
kingdom in present‑day
Maharashtra, was with a sword in
his hand heading a darbar (public While DACA
audience) with mother Jijabai in hogs the
the background. headlines,
A couple sought donations for
the plight of
spouses and
Kerala flood victims and held out
dependents
boxes to receive the same.
of South
The four‑hour event, in which Asians caught
nearly 100,000 participated, was in the green
extended for a few hours by cul‑ card limbo
tural dances held on a stage set up cannot be
at 24th street. There were also highlighted
food stalls and booths for various enough.
commercial firms.
 22 August 25-31, 2018 FIA GALA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

FIA officials, guests and digni‑

taries on stage at Royal
Albertʼs Palace in Fords, NJ, at
the beginning of the gala din‑
ner August 20 to celebrate the
success of the India Day
Parade.

Community Grand
Marshal Chintu Patel
addressing the gala
gathering.

a
The South Asian Times Chairman Kamlesh Meht
.
(back row, second from right) on the gala stage

Kailash Kher is not only

Guest of Honor at the a popular singer, he is
parade, Crooner Shibani also an entertainer as
Kashyap had gala he proved at the gala
attendees dancing to
her tunes.

m, title
Vidyadhar Garapati, CEO of pyar.co
g honored by
sponsor of the parade, bein
Cha irma n Ram esh Pate l
Shruti Haasan, FIA
and President Srujal Parikh
.(Photos: Paresh Gandhi/FIA)

The South Asian Times: How
does it feel to represent India at
the largest parade marking Indiaʼs
Independence Day outside the
country?
Shruti Haasan: I feel so honored
to be asked to do this! Iʼve always
loved New York and Iʼm excited to
share the experience of India with
everyone here and the Indians
here ‑ truly an honor.
How does it feel to be the Guest
of Honor alongside your father, an
Indian cinema icon, who heads the
parade as Grand Marshal?
Shruti Haasan: It was a complete
surprise to both of us as we have
very separate schedules. But it was
an amazing surprise to both of us
and itʼs ended up being exciting
for both of us. Of course, itʼs an
honor as well.
What is your image of NRIs, of
the pace of development in India,
and image of India abroad?
Shruti Haasan: I donʼt have a dif‑
ferent opinion of NRIs. I think we
are all part of a massive global
community working toward
excellence. There are chal‑
lenges everyone faces in any
field from varied back‑
grounds. Iʼm happy to see
that the world in gener‑
al is moving toward
positive problem
solving thought
and ideas.
The audi‑
ence for
Indian
films
keeps
grow‑
ing in
for‑
eign
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
lands, so how important is this
trend for film makers back in India
and stars like you?
Shruti Haasan: I think it started
out with the idea of the NRIs get‑
ting to see a little piece of home
and the stories that were super
successful were the ones that
weʼre set outside of India as well.
But now I think due to world cine‑
ma getting so much exposure and
the digital platforms the overall
curiosity has grown dramatically
all over the world. I think people
are slowly starting to see the lay‑
ers to Indian films and not just the
colorful song and dance stereo‑
type. Indian cinema has so many
facets to it and Iʼm glad
those are coming
out through
various
types of
films
thanks
to the
INTERVIEW
openness of various types of audi‑
ences as well.
You have acted in a large num‑
ber of Hindi films, but your home
base remains Tamil and Telugu
cinema. How do you see your
career developing going forward?
Shruti Haasan: I'm super proud
of being a pan Indian actor as I
come from a multicultural home
myself. Iʼve very much enjoyed
playing to my own rhythm as
opposed to following a set pattern.
I started in Hindi and then kept
moving between the three; itʼs
been an amazing experience to tell
so many different stories and Iʼm
glad Iʼve got that balance,
although each lan‑
guage audience
keeps asking
me to do
more
work
in
August 25-31, 2018
the one they love lol. Moving for‑
ward, I still follow my instinct, itʼs
also a balancing act now between
my music, my acting and my pur‑
suits as a producer. Itʼs one of the
most positive and interesting phas‑
es of my career. I feel blessed.
What are your upcoming music
plans, about singing in addition to
acting?
Shruti Haasan: Lots of live music,
lots of original content and tonnes
of interesting collaborations!
Traveling through the world of
music in India and abroad!!
Now the inevitable question, how
is it being a star kid and in the film
business?
Shruti Haasan: Oh God, the
inevitable question indeed. I feel
very proud to be a part of such a
prestigious lineage and so proud
of my parentsʼ achievements. The
name Haasan opens doors but you
yourself have to walk through
them ultimately. So in the long
run, it doesnʼt matter where you
come from, itʼs only your work
that counts.
How instrumental your
father, Kamal Haasan has
been in your careerʼs trajec‑
tory?
Shruti Haasan: Heʼs been
my biggest inspiration in
terms of drive and passion
but thatʼs about it. I can
count on him for advice
but have never used
his help because that
would make my
journey inauthen‑
tic.
Did you get
grooming
23
S
hruti Haasan was in
New York over the
weekend to take part
in the India Day parade as
Guest of Honor. She is an
Indian film actress and singer
who works predominantly in
Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films.
Born to the Haasan family, she
is the daughter of actors
Kamal Haasan and Sarika
Thakur. She is the recipient of
several awards, including two
Filmfare Awards South, and
has established herself as one
of the leading actresses of
South Indian cinema.
She made her adult acting
debut in the 2009 Bollywood
film Luck, thereafter achieving
recognition with leading roles
in the Telugu romantic come‐
dy Oh My Friend (2011), the
Telugu fantasy film
Anaganaga O Dheerudu
(2011), and the Tamil science
fiction thriller 7aum Arivu
(2011). Her Hindi film roles
include the critically
acclaimed crime film D‐Day
(2013), the action film Gabbar
Is Back (2015), and the come‐
dy Welcome Back (2015).
Excerpts from an interview
Shruti Haasan gave to The
South Asian Times arranged
by Times Now”:
and other helpful tips from your
actress mother, Sarika?
Shruti Haasan: Yes, of course but
once again it was trial and error
for myself. Iʼm the type of person
that needs to learn things my way
myself.
What can your fans look forward
to in the next year or so?
Shruti Haasan: The growth and
development of my new phase as
an artist!
 24 August 25-31, 2018 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Priyanka, Nick 'seal As human beings we should

relationship' with help others in need: Rani
'roka' ceremony
B
ringing about social change is the from the careers we
onus of every citizen of the world choose, it is our

P
riyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, fol‑ and not just of a handful of those basic duty as
lowing months of speculation sol‑ who are in powerful positions, says human beings to
emnized their relationship with a actress Rani Mukerji, whose films able to help
traditional Indian 'roka' ceremony. The "Black" and "Hichki" have been instru‑ other human
actress says she is "taken" with her "heart mental in transforming people's out‑ beings... Or
and soul" by the American singer, who has look towards those with special help in a
introduced her to the world as the "future needs. cause
Mrs Jonas". As a celebrity with over two because
"Taken... With all my heart and soul," decades of experience in that's what
Priyanka posted on Instagram with an inti‑ the world of Indian makes us
mate photograph following their pre wed‑ showbiz, Rani has truly citi‑
ding Punjabi ritual at her residence in also immersed zens of the
Mumbai. herself in philan‑ world,"
Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas thropic works. Rani said.
Nick posted the same photograph in have been creating a buzz since 2017.
which the couple looks much in love, and While she Her film
wrote: "Future Mrs Jonas. My heart. My finds it grat‑ "Hichki",
statement. Nick wore a pristine white
love." ifying, she in which she
kurta churidar as he performed the 'puja'.
Priyanka, 36, and Nick, 25, looked every feels this plays a woman
Photographs from the occasion made a
bit 'desi' in traditional Indian wear for the is not with Tourette
splash on social media.
ceremony, which was attended by their some‑ Sydrome has
In one of the first image that did the
close family members and friends. Nick's thing for been widely
rounds, Nick was seen cosying up to
parents ‑‑ mother Denise and father Kevin actors or lauded for
Priyanka, who is seen holding on to him, Actress Rani Mukerji has immersed
Jonas Sr ‑‑ who flew down from the US business‑ spreading
as they stand against a green background herself in philanthropic works.
with their son for the occasion ‑‑ also men to awareness on a
with a logo that read 'NP' ‑‑ merged togeth‑
dressed in Indian wear for the celebra‑ do alone. little known nervous system disorder
er to denote the amalgamation of the first
tions. "I think we all being citizens of the involving repetitive movements or
letter of both their names.
Designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, world, have a responsibility and it's not unwanted sounds, with an entertaining
The ceremony was attended by
whose sunshine yellow creation made just for the sake of doing certain things and emotional story at its core. At the
Priyanka's cousin Parineeti Chopra, as well
Priyanka glow with joy, posted on because I am an actor, socialite or a busi‑ Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM),
as celebrities like Arpita Khan Sharma,
Instagram: "Priyanka Chopra is heavenly ness person. Rani was awarded the Best Actress for her
Mushtaq Sheikh and Srishti Behl Arya.
in Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Couture at her "I think what's important is that apart role in the film.
Well‑known names from Bollywood and
roka ceremony. Here's wishing the beauti‑ Hollywood also sent in good wishes in
ful couple every joy." abundance for the couple.
She wore a chikankari sherwani. "The The two have been creating a buzz since
color is as auspicious as the embroidery is a joint appearance at the Met Gala red car‑
intricate to celebrate this sacred and
romantic occasion," the designers said in a
pet in 2017, leaving everyone wondering
whether they were dating.
Review
Have lost part of my childhood: With an
inconsistent
Bengali
SRK on Vajpayee's death diction,
Akshay

S
Kumar is
uperstar Shah Rukh
over‑the‑
Khan has mourned
top.
the death of former
Indian Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee, saying he
has lost a part of his child‑
hood and growing up memo‑
ries.
The 93‑year‑old leader, who
had faded from public life for
more than a decade following
The glitter
'Gold':
health complications, died at
the national capital's AIIMS,
where he was admitted for the
past nine weeks. is missing
G
An emotional Shah Rukh
tweeted: "My father used to old” is the story of how India won its and fictitious.
first Olympic Gold medal for Hockey, With an inconsistent Bengali diction,
take me for every speech that
post‑Independence in the summer of Akshay Kumar is over‑the‑top as Tapan Das
Vajpayee made in Delhi when I
1948 in London. the down‑and‑out, eccentric team manager.
was growing up.
Narrated in a linear manner, from the point‑ Like his character, his performance too seems
"Years on, I had the opportuni‑
of‑view of Tapan Das (Akshay Kumar) ‑‑ the jaded.
ty to meet him and spend lots of
r PM was hockey team's manager ‑‑ the film begins in Mouni Roy as his wife Monobina Das is per‑
time discussing poetry, films, Khan said the forme
Superstar Shah Rukh ye ars. Berlin 1936 when India won its third Gold functory in her disposition. There are a few
politics, and our ailing knees. I part of his growing up medal for British occupied India. shallow, unconvincing but obligatory scenes
also had the privilege of enact‑
figure and a great leader. Personally I This period drama, though well‑captured, is between the couple which clearly show that
ing one of his poems for the screen."
have lost a part of my childhood and over‑fictionalized and peppered with internal together they lack on‑screen chemistry.
The "Chennai Express" star said
growing up memories of learning, smiling politics, tension between players, a romance Overall, with an overload of patriotic films
Vajpayee was fondly addressed as 'Baapji'
and of course poetry," he added. angle and unwarranted songs that makes the in the recent past, "Gold" fails to offer any‑
at his home. "The country lost a father‑
tale seem staid, run‑of‑the‑mill, far‑fetched thing exciting.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Help flood‑affected Our society is proving sicker by
the day: Richa Chadha on #MeToo
Kerela, urges Indian
A
film fraternity
Varun Dhawan, Abhishek Bachchan and Anushka Sharma urged people to help Kerala.
A
s Kerala faces one of its worst‑ever
calamities due to torrential rain and
floods, claiming at least 114 lives,
film celebrities from across India have
urged people to come forward and help
people in the state.
The celebrities have not just shared
helpline numbers, but have encouraged the
citizens and the government to provide as
much aid as possible.
Varun Dhawan: The situation in Kerela is
quite bad with the floods. The state needs
national media attention as well as well as
resources from the central government, as
well as support from Indian citizens. It is
heartbreaking to see the people suffering
there.
Anushka Sharma: The devastation caused
'SOORMA' VS 'SANJU': WHY DO FILMS ON
ANTI‑HEROES ATTRACT LARGER CROWDS?
F
or all its flaws, Reema Kagti's "Gold"
must be applauded in the loudest
possible way, for bringing to the
screen lives of unsung heroes involved in a
sport that lacks the glamorous appeal of
cricket and football.
I mean, if Dhyan Chand were alive today
would he be able to compete with Virat
Kohli's superstardom?
Hockey in many ways epitomizes the
entire culture in our cinema of sidelining
real heroes for films about gangsters, tax
defaulters and serial killers.
Think of this. If the Nirbhaya rapists were
to know that Deepa Mehta actually made a
film which showed their point of view about
their bestial behavior, wouldn't they, on
some perverse level, feel like heroes?
It shames me to say this, but the Sanjay
Dutt biopic in its third week did a far better
business than the Sandeep Singh biopic in
its first week.
For those who came in late, Sandeep Singh
is an Arjuna‑award winner who has brought
great glory to India in the field of hockey.
Sanjay Dutt needs no introduction. Except
for a gun which plays a pivotal part in both
the biopics, there is nothing in common
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD August 25-31, 2018 25
s the #MeToo tide continues to ative people in our industry, right
cause waves across the global now that 'unionization' does not
entertainment industry,
Bollywood actress Richa Chadha says
the world of cinema is still in a privi‑
exist and so it's not easy for
whistleblowers. And that is why
you will not get to hear any‑
leged position, especially at a time thing at all apart from mur‑
when newspapers are highlighting murs."
children facing sexual abuse in However, she said she
shelter homes and society is appreciates people who
becoming "sicker every day". have come out and
Not one to mince words, spoken despite this.
Richa features in "Love "I do think it's an
Sonia", which digs into the idea whose time
dark abyss of sex traffick‑ has come and you'll
ing. The film opened the not be able to
Indian Film Festival of silence it beyond a
Melbourne (IFFM) in point... But we have
Melbourne last week, a long way to go.
and will release next Headlines in India
month. are currently domi‑
Asked about how nated by shelter
in Kerala by the floods is gut‑wrenching.
huge the #MeToo cam‑ homes where chil‑
Whatever we can do, we must.
paign is in the Indian dren have been
film industry, Richa told abused... They are
Abhishek Bachchan: Tragic to see what is
the media: "There are mur‑ orphans who do not
happening in Kerala floods please help in
murs, but we must under‑ have any support and
whatever way you can. Pray for Kerala.
stand something. The thing everybody in politics
is when people in the is involved. So we have
Dulquer Salmaan: Urging and requesting
West are able to take a to do a lot of overall
the national media to focus and draw atten‑
stand after being in the cleaning before we can get
tion to Kerala floods! Each day is looking
industry for two or three to cinema, because I feel cin‑
more grim for millions.
decades, they are cush‑ ema is still in a position of
ioned by the unions privilege. All of us are privi‑
Siddharth: I dare you. I beg of you! What
they have, by the royalty leged." She said: "The thing is
do I have to do to make you read and share Actress Richa Chadha will be
that they continue to soon seen in ʻLove Soniaʼ. every time I think about this
this? I did the Kerala Donation Challenge. It
make on some of the sex trafficking and child pros‑
was awesome! Will you? Please?
films they have done and still it takes so titution in India, I am amazed at how we
many Oscar winners to come up and to don't know anything. One shelter was found
Meghna Gulzar: Every bit counts. Every
point a finger in the right direction. out in Bihar, then UP, there's one around
wish and prayer, more.
"Unfortunately, for artistes and for all cre‑ MP and around Maharashtra...”
between the two stories.
While the story of one is worthy of being
seen by every man, woman and child, the
other's lifestory is so lurid and picturesque
that watching his saga is like being in a wild
orchard filled with forbidden fruits.
Just think. While Sanjay Dutt apparently
had over 300 girlfriends (and this number,
we are informed, does not include sex work‑
ers), Sandeep Singh dedicated his life to one
woman and one love whose real name is not
even mentioned in the film.
Anyone who walks into the theatre to
watch "Sanju" knows every sordid detail of
his life and expects it be ladled out in full
measure. Director Raj Kumar Hirani doesn't
hold back the titillation. He only curbs the
truth and Ranbir Kapoor gives a clean‑boy
image to Sanjay Dutt.
Sandeep Singh, with his unparalleled
return from near‑death to the top of the
playing field cannot hope to equal the allure
of the dark web where Sanjay Dutt's story
belongs. It still remains in the dark. "Sanju"
has told us nothing we didn't already know.
"Soorma" tells us everything we ought to
know. The difference is between celebrating
from ʻSoormaʼ.
a true hero and glorifying a life of truancy. Actor Diljit Dosanjh in a still
 26 August 25-31, 2018
Kerala floods: The ghost of past
environment policy returns
By Haritha John
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has
been facing unusually high rainfall
since early August, which has led to
statewide floods taking several lives
and causing severe damage.
According to the government, there
hasnt been a flood of this scale in
last 90 years.
As the rain fury finally abated on
Sunday, 724,649 people remained
in 5,645 camps in Kerala following
"one of the worst ever floods" that
has left about 370 dead and caused
unprecedented destruction.
There has been mobilisation of
resources to deal with the floods. In
a a press release, Kerala Chief
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said: "As
per the primary assessment, the
state has incurred a loss of Rs 8,316
crore (Rs 83 billion). Kerala is fac‑
ing its worst flood in history after
1924. Ten out of 14 districts were
badly affected. Twenty‑seven dams
in the state were opened due to
water rise. Thirty‑seven people died
in just four days.
“There were mudslides and land‑
slides in 211 different places across
the state. Central forces, National
Disaster Response Force and all the
state forces are full time engaged in
rescue mission at different districts.
More than 20,000 houses were
Kofi Annan: Architect of UN development goals
By Arul Louis
United Nations: Kofi Annan, the
gentle global statesman, led the
world body for two terms during
which brought focus to develop‑
ment as the foundation of peace
and security.
During his tenure from January
1997 to December 2006 as
Secretary General, he steered the
UN in making development a top
priority, even as he guided it
through through several crises,
among them the heightened post
9/11 terrorist threats, the Afghan
and Iraq wars, the Balkan conflicts
which saw the worst bloodshed in
Europe since World War II, and
the liberation of East Timor.
In 2001, he and the UN received
the Nobel Peace Prize.
Current Secretary‑General
Antonio Guterres in his tribute
called "Kofi Annan a guiding force
for good".
"He provided people everywhere
with a space for dialogue, a place
for problem‑solving and a path to
a better world," he added.
Annan was outspoken at times,
but always maintained dignity and
upheld the best traditions of
totally ruined, about 10,000 kilome‑
tres of public roads were also
destroyed. The state will have to
bear the loss of this disaster for a
long time."
Union Minister of Home Affairs
Rajnath Singh, after his visit to the
flood hit areas of the state termed
the situation of Kerala "very seri‑
ous". He also announced an immedi‑
ate relief of an additional Rs 1 bil‑
lion rupees.
Though 27 small and big dams
were opened across Kerala in this
crisis, the opening of the Idukki
dam's shutters at Cheruthoni gained
media and public attention. Idukki
is the biggest arch dam in Asia and
the last time this dam's shutters
were opened was in 1992.
In the wake of the heavy rains this
year, the water level in the dam had
reached almost 2,400 feet, just a
few feet lower than its maximum
capacity of 2403 feet. On August 9,
following a warning to the public,
the officials opened shutters of the
dam, after 26 years.
It was first time in the history that
all five shutters of the dam were
opened. After the shutters were
opened it cause rapid swelling of
Periyar river that flows through
Idukki and Ernakulam districts.
Nearly 700,000 litres of water per
second was discharged from the
diplomacy, leaving the way open
for consensus.
The Ghanian diplomat was 80
when he died, surrounded by his
Swedish wife Nane, and his chil‑
dren ‑‑ Ama, Kojo and Nina ‑‑ the
Kofi Annan Foundation said.
The Millenial Development
Goals (MDGs) adopted by world
leaders at their 2000 Summit
under his leadership continue to
inspire the UN as it works with
renewed efforts like the current
Agenda 2030 for sustainable
development.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi said: "Kofi Annan's signifi‑
cant contribution to the MDGs will
always be remembered."
During his 2005 visit to India,
Annan said in New Delhi:
"Development is the subject of the
first and longest chapter in the
report, which maps out a detailed
and practical strategy for reach‑
ing the MDGs by 2015."
Annan also advocated
Security Council reform,
a goal dear to India. He
said during the visit
that while the reform
should be reached by
consensus, the lack of
OP-ED
Idukki dam into the Periyar river.
"Because of torrential rains and
landslides, 18 relief camps have
been started in different parts of
Idukki district and almost 1,000
people have been relocated to these
camps. Opening of the shutters of
Cheruthoni dam due to increased
water level of Idukki dam has also
resulted in people being moved to
camps. We have taken enough
measures to provide all the neces‑
sary facilities for the affected peo‑
ple," Idukki district collector D.
Balamurali said.
Most of the regions impacted by
this monsoon were once classified
as ecologically‑sensitive zones
(ESZs) by the Western Ghats
Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), also
known as the Gadgil Committee.
The report was crafted by a team
headed by Madhav Gadgil, ecologist
and founder of the Centre for
Ecological Sciences at the Indian
Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
According to environmentalists, the
committee's recommendations were
strong enough to protect the sensi‑
tive Western Ghat region.
The committee had suggested
that 140,000 kilometres of the
Western Ghats be classified in three
zones as per the requirement of
environmental protection in the
areas. In some areas the committee
consensus should not
become an excuse
for postponing
action.
Among his
other accomplish‑
ments as the UN
head, were starting
reforms of the UN
bureaucracy and
structure, setting up
of the Peacebuilding
Commission and the
Human Rights
Council.
His worst
days as
Secretary
General,
he later
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Rescue operations underway in a flood‑affected area in Kerala. Kerala
toll reached 370 with over 7 lakh in relief camps. (Photo: IANS/DPRO)
recommended strong restrictions
on mining and quarrying, use of
land for non forest purposes, con‑
struction of high rises etc. The
report was first submitted to the
government in 2011.
But the Kerala government reject‑
ed the committee report and did not
adopt any of its recommendations.
Speaking to various regional
media, Madhav Gadgil has said that
irresponsible environmental policy
is to blame for the recent floods and
landslides in Kerala. He also called
it a "manmade calamity". He said
recounted, was the power‑
lessness to do anything
about the US‑led Iraq
War in 2003 that
sparked a catastro‑
phe in the Middle
East that the region
was yet to recover
from.
More recently
Annan led an
effort to
resolve
that the committee report had rec‑
ommended to protect the resources
with the cooperation of local self
governments and people, but those
recommendations were rejected. He
also pointed out that quarrying is a
major reason for the mudslides and
landslides.
Other environmentalists also
point fingers at the extensive quar‑
rying, mushrooming of high rises as
part of tourism and illegal forest
land acquisition by private parties
as major reasons for the recent
calamity.
the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar,
heading a commission at the invi‑
tation of the government there to
propose an internationally accept‑
ed framework for the return of
refugees, and a Syrian peace
effort at the request of the Arab
League. He made two official vis‑
its to India in 2001 and 2005,
when he met the spectrum of
political leaders in the govern‑
ment and in opposition, as well as
development experts.
New Delhi set up a supercom‑
puting and technology develop‑
ment faciity in Ghana in
2003 and named it in his
honour as the Kofi Annan
Centre of Excellence in
Information
Communications
Technology. It was inaugu‑
rated by the late Atal Bihari
Vajpayee. He rose to become
the head of UN peacekeep‑
ing operations in 1993 and a
under Secretary‑General in
1994.
Former UN Secretary‑
General and Nobel Peace
Prize winner Kofi Annan. (File
Photo: IANS)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT August 25-31, 2018 27

Imran Khan sworn‑in as new Pakistan PM

Islamabad: Cricketer‑turned‑politi‑
cian Imran Khan, who in the past
had made hardline statements but
has been conciliatory towards
India of late, was sworn‑in as
Pakistan's new Prime Minister in a
ceremony marking the second
peaceful democratic transition
from one civilian government to
another in the country's 71‑year
history.
The Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf
(PTI) chief shed a tear and also
smiled when he was of ficially
handed the reigns of power by
President Mamnoon Hussain at the
Aiwan‑e‑Sadr (President House)
here.
Former Indian cricketer‑turned‑
politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who
was one of the few former crick‑
eters invited by Khan, was seated
in the front row. He was seen
warmly embracing Pakistan's
Army Chief General Qamar Javed
Bajwa prior to the ceremony and
sitting next to the Prime Minister
of Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir
(PoK) that created some ripples
back home in India.
High‑profile guests including
outgiong caretaker Prime Minister
Nasirul Mulk, National Assembly
Speaker Asad Qaiser, Air Chief
President Mamnoon Hussain (R) administers the oath
to Imran Khan as PM of Pakistan.
Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan and
Naval Chie f Admiral Zafar
Mahmood Abbasi were in atten‑
dance.
Members of the 1992 cricket
World Cup winning team that
Khan captained to victory were
also invited. On his part, Sidhu
we lcomed the "change" in the
country being brought about by
the coming in of the Imran Khan‑
led government and expressed the
hope that his "friend's victory
would be goo d for the peace
process between the two neigh‑
bours". Other notable guests
included cricketer‑turned‑com‑
mentator Rameez Raja, legendary
pacer Wasim Akram, newly‑ elect‑
ed Punjab Assembly Speaker
Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, singers
Salman Ahmed and Abrarul Haq,
actor Javaid Sheikh and former
National Assembly Speaker Dr
Fehmida Mirza and senior PTI
members.
A visibly overwhelmed Khan,
dressed in a traditional black sher‑
wani, stumbled over some of the
words of his oath, while promising
Pompeo to visit Islamabad
for talks with Khan
Islamabad: US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is likely to visit
Islamabad in September for consultations with Pakistan's newly‑elected
Prime Minister Imran Khan and his team on issues of mutual interests,
sources told Dawn news.
Pompeo, who is expected in Islamabad on September 5, will likely be
the first foreign dignitary to meet Khan.
During his talks with Pakistani officials, Pompeo may focus on two
major issues: efforts to revive once close ties between the two states and
Pakistan's support for a US‑led move to jump‑starting the Afghan peace
process, the sources said.
The US State Department said that it recognizes and welcomes the new
Pakistani Prime Minister, dispelling the impression that Washington was
not happy with Khan's election, reports Dawn news.
to "bear true faith and allegiance" year. She was covered from head
and to "discharge my duties and to toe in a white niqab.
perform my functions honestly, to His first wife, Jemima Goldsmith,
the best of my ability... and always was not in attendance. Neither
in the interest of the sovereignty, were the couple's two sons. "The
integrity, solidarity, well‑being and boys really wanted to be there but
prosperity of Pakistan". their father told them not to
The oath‑taking ceremony com‑ come," Goldsmith tweeted.
menced at 10.10 a.m. with the Khan was elected Prime Minister
nat ional anthem followed by in a vote at the country's National
recitation of verses from the Holy Assembly, beating his opponent,
Quran. Khan's third wife Bushra Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz
Imran was also present, making (PML‑N) President Shehbaz Sharif.
her first public appearance since His party had won most of the
the couple married earlier this seats in the general election.

Arrest warrant issued Case filed against Sidhu for

against Zardari hugging Pak Army Chief
Karachi: A banking court here issued a non‑bailable
arrest warrant against former President and PPP co‑ New Delhi: A case was filed against Indian Penal Case sections involving
chairman Asif Zardari cricketer‑turned‑politician Navjot sedition. In his complaint, he said
in a mult i‑billion Sing h Sid hu in a Bihar court on Sidhu's gesture hurt the people of
money laundering Monday for insulting Indian Army by the country.
scam, the media hugging Pakistan Army Chief at the "The court has admitted the case
reported. swearing‑in of Imran Khan as Prime and will hear it next week," he said.
The court directed Minister of that country. Sidhu, a minister in Congress‑led
the authorit ies to Lawyer Sudhur Ojha filed the case in government in Punjab, is under
present Zardari and Muzaf farpur's Chie f Judicial attack for hugging the Pakistan
other suspects before Magistrate (CJM) court. Army Chief, by the BJP and Akali Punjab minister and former cricketer
it by September 4. Ojha said he has filed the case under Dal leaders. Navjot Singh Sidhu.
However, Pakistan
Peoples Party
spokesperson
Farhatullah Babar Former Pakistan President
issued a statement and PPP co‑chairman
Afghan Taliban kidnap
citing Zardari's coun‑

Asif Zardari.
sel Farooq Naek as
saying that no warrant against the leader was
issued, Dawn online reported.
The Federal Investigation Agency is investigating
32 people, including Zardari and his sister Faryal
Talpur, in relation to money laundering from ficti‑
tious accounts. Zardari's close aide Hussain Lawai
was arrested last month in connection with the
probe. The case revolves around a 2015 inquiry into
suspicious transactions when 29 "benami" accounts
were identified ‑‑ 16 of them in the Summit Bank,
eight in the Sindh Bank and five in the United Bank
Limited.
The fake accounts were allegedly used for chan‑
nelling funds received in the form of heavy bribes
and kickbacks.
Zardari and Talpur, among others were said to be
involved in using certain bank accounts for suspi‑
cious transactions totalling Rs 35 billion.
170 passengers
Kabul: Taliban militants on Monday
kidnapped 170 passengers after they
launched an ambush on three buses on
the hig hway connect ing Kunduz
province to Takhar, police said.
T he Security Director of Kunduz
Security Commandment, Safiullah
Mahzon confirmed the incident and
said the passengers were abducted
from Khanabad district, reports
Khaama News. Mahzon said the pas‑
sengers were on their way to Kabul.
No further details were immediately
available. The incident comes after a
day President Ashraf Ghani offered the
Taliban a conditional ceasefire. A file photo of Taliban fighters.
 28 August 25-31, 2018
Kim again slams international
sanctions on N Korea
Pyongyang: North Korean leader
Kim Jong‑un, for the second time
in less than a week, slammed
international sanctions on his
country, state media reported.
"The hostile forces' persistent
sanctions and obstructive moves
come as a serious setback to the
advance of our socialism," Kim
Jong‑un said during the inspec‑
tion of a reconstruction project in
the Samjiyon district, where his
late father and former leader, Kim
Jong‑il, was born.
The North Korean leader, who
was accompanied by his wife Ri
Sol‑ju and senior of ficials of the
ruling Workers' Party, said that
despite the sanctions, the country
was making history with "leg‑
endary miracles despite the most
dif ficult conditions", reports Efe
news.
Kim's comments comes two
days after KCNA published a
report where the leader had
described the sanctions as "brig‑
andish" during a visit to an under‑
construction site at the Wonsan‑
Kalma tourist area.
Since Kim's meeting with US
President Donald Trump on June
12 in Singapore, North Korea,
through state and foreign media,
has crit icized the sanct ions
Justin Trudeau to run
for re‑election in 2019
Ottawa: Canadian
Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau has formally
announced his bid to
run for re‑election in
the 2019 legislative
polls.
The Liberal leader
announced his nomi‑
nation at a party
event in Papineau, a
federal electoral dis‑
trict in Montreal he
represents, reports
The Globe and Mail
daily.
The crowd cheered
as Trudeau, 46, reaf‑ Justin Trudeau is the 23rd
Prime Minister of Canada.
firmed his belief in
what he called "positive poli‑
tics", and took jabs at
Conservative leader Andrew
Scheer, whom he accused of
exploiting fear and division.
Trudeau also promised to
tackle a number of challenges
that include protecting
Canada's oceans, raising the
standard of living for indige‑
nous peoples and narrowing
the gap between rich and poor.
He was first elected to repre‑
INTERNATIONAL
North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un has rarely criticized the sanctions openly.
Trump 'most likely' to meet Kim again
U
S President Donald Trump has said it is "most likely" he will
meet North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un again following
their historic summit in June, according to a news report.
Trump was responding to a question during an interview with a
news agency at the White House about whether the two were plan‑
ning another meeting. "It's most likely we will, but I just don't want
to comment," he was quoted as saying, offering no details on the
timing or venue, Yonhap news agency reported.
"I like him. He likes me," Trump said. "There's no ballistic missiles
going up, there's a lot of silence ... I have very good personal rela‑
tions with Chairman Kim, and I think that's what holds it together."
imposed on the country by the US T he US insists that it would
and asked that they be lifted retain sanctions on the regime
although Kim has rarely criticized unt il it takes concrete steps
the sanctions openly. toward denuclearization.
ʻTrump's claims of no collusion
with Russia are hogwashʼ
Washington: Former CIA
Director John Brennan hit back
at US President Donald Trump
in a blistering New York Times
op‑ed, saying that the latter's
claims of no collusion with
Russia in the 2016 presiden‑
tial election are "hogwash".
Brennan's remarks came
after Trump announced strip‑
ping his security clearance. He
led the Central Intelligence
Agency during most of former
President Barack Obama's sec‑
ond term and emerged as one
of Trump's fiercest critics.
"Brennan's lying and recent
conduct characterized by
sent Papineau in 2008, and was increasingly frenzied commen‑
re‑elected in 2011 and 2015. tary is wholly inconsistent with
The district has been held by access to the nation's most
the Liberals for almost 50 closely held secrets," Trump
years, with the exception of said in a statement relayed by
White House Press Secretary
2006 to 2008 when it was held
by the Bloc Quebecois. Sarah Sanders.
Trudeau, the 23rd Prime In his op‑ed, Brennan said:
"Trump clearly has become more
Minister of Canada and the sec‑
desperate to protect himself and
ond youngest, took office in
those close to him, which is why
November 2015. He has been
he made the politically motivated
the leader of the Liberal Party
decision to revoke my security
since 2013.
clearance in an attempt to scare
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Australian PM
Turnbull survives
leadership challenge
Canberra:
Australian Prime
Minister Malcolm
Turnbull has sur‑
vived a challenge
to his leadership
by a senior gov‑
ernment col‑
league.
Turnbull defeat‑
ed Home Affairs
Minister Peter
Dutton in a party
room ballot in
Canberra, BBC
reported.
The prime min‑
Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull has faced
pressure over successive poor poll results.
ister won the
vote 48‑35, Liberal Party whip ment by abandoning plans to set
Nola Marino told reporters. an emissions reduction target in
Turnbull had brought on the legislation.
vote himself in a bid to resolve "He will get on with the busi‑
speculation that his leadership ness now of governing in the
was under threat. interests of all Australians,"
He has faced pressure over Marino said.
successive poor poll results, los‑ Dutton resigned from Cabinet
ing a key by‑election in after the vote and will move to
Queensland, and a revolt over the backbench, triggering a min‑
energy policy by conservative isterial reshuffle.
MPs within his party. Australia is due to hold a gen‑
Turnbull had attempted to eral election sometime before
blunt conflict within the govern‑ May next year.
the collusion that took
place constituted crimi‑
nally liable conspiracy,
whether obstruction of
justice occurred to cover
up any collusion or con‑
spiracy, and how many
members of 'Trump
Incorporated' attempted
to defraud the govern‑
ment by laundering and
concealing the move‑
ment of money into their
pockets".
Brennan pointed to
Trump's remarks as a
candidate in 2016 when
he jokingly asked Russia
to hack and find the
missing 30,000 emails
from Democratic oppo‑
nent Hillary Clinton's
private email server.
Former CIA Director John Brennan
"By issuing such a
has emerged as one of the
presidentʼs fiercest critics. statement, Trump was
not only encouraging a
into silence others who might foreign nation to collect intelli‑
dare to challenge him." gence against a US citizen, but
While Trump has repeatedly also openly authorizing his fol‑
insisted there was "no collusion," lowers to work with our primary
Brennan said that the "only ques‑ g lobal adversary against his
tions that remain are whether political opponent," he wrote.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS August 25-31, 2018 29

Nirav Modi in UK,
CBI seeks extradition
New Delhi: With the Interpol con‑
firming the presence of fugitive
diamond jeweler Nirav Modi, want‑
ed in the Rs 13,500‑crore PNB
fraud, in the United Kingdom, the
CBI on Monday moved to seek his
detention and extradition to India,
an official said.
According to a Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) of ficial, UK
authorities confirmed Nirav Modi's
presence in the country on Sunday
through a mail after a dif fusion
notice was issued against him by
the agency to the Interpol.
A diffusion notice is an interna‑
tional alert for the arrest of a spe‑
cific person.
The official said that the CBI sent
an extradit ion request to the
Ministry of Home Af fairs (MHA)
on Monday for approaching the
UK authorities.
The CBI of ficial said that the
agency had requested the Interpol
to detain Nirav Modi on the basis
of a Red Corner Not ice (RCN)
against him. Nirav Modi's location
was not traced until then.
T he Interpol revealed two
months ago that Modi had traveled
to six countries on a passport that
was revoked by the Ministry of
The fugitive diamond
jeweler Nirav Modi.
External Af fairs. On July 2, the
Interpol had issued a RCN against
Nirav Modi on the basis of money
laundering charges levelled by the
Enforcement Directorate (ED).
On August 2, Union Minister of
State for External Af fairs V.K.
Singh informed Parliament that
the government had sent a request
to the UK for extraditing Nirav
Modi. Nirav Modi along with his
uncle Mehul Choksi of the Gitanjali
Group is under probe in the
Punjab National Bank fraud case
by both the CBI and the ED.
The ED had, on May 24 and 26,
filed prosecution complaints or
chargesheets against Choksi and
Modi.
The court has taken cognizance
of the chargesheets and issued
non‑bailable warrants against
both.
Nirav Modi left India along with
his family in the first week of
January, weeks before the scam
was reported to the CBI. His wife
Ami, a US citizen, left on January 6
and Choksi on January 4.
Choksi was last traced to
Antigua, where he has been grant‑
ed citizenship.
Techstars accelerator to
invest $120,000 each in
10 Indian start-ups
New Delhi: Global entrepreneurial and transportation.
mentoring network Techstars on "We will help Indian entrepre‑
Monday announced to open its neurs connect with mentors with
first mentorship‑driven accelera‑ the ability to bring step change
tor in Bengaluru to nurture Indian improvements to their startup
start‑ups in the emerging tech‑ journeys," Ray Newal, Managing
nologies. To begin with, the Director of Techstars accelerator
Techstars accelerator in India will in Bengaluru, told IANS.
invest $120,000 each in 10 start‑ The Bengaluru accelerator will
ups working in fields like Artificial begin operations from February 4,
Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, 2019 and culminate on May 2.
AR/VR, Robotics, Internet of The Techstars community now
Things (IoT) and Big Data includes more than 10,000 men‑
Analytics. "The aim is to help solve tors and through its mentorship‑
problems in sectors like food tech, driven accelerators, it has invested
agriculture, retail, banking, health‑ in 1,375 companies from more
care, manufacturing, public sector than 40 countries.
Assocham opens North America office
New Delhi: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
(Assocham) said it has opened a North America representative office with a
view to strengthening Indian industry's presence in the US. The North
American office, chaired by PeopleHive President Pavan Abraham, forms
part of the industry chamber's strategic plan to expand into promising
markets and strengthen global competitiveness of Indian businesses, an
Assocham statement said here. "It would also work towards attracting for‑
eign investment to India," the statement added. Commenting on the devel‑
opment, Assocham President Sandeep Jajodia said: "The Assocham chapter
office would actively promote, support and facilitate investors, entrepre‑
neurs, and other leaders across the region and further boost the immense
potential for bilateral trade and commerce that exists between India and
the US, especially in sectors like defence, natural gas, energy, education,
space tech, and healthcare, among others."

Equity indices end at record

India needs to improve
its wage policies: ILO
New Delhi: The International Labour
Organization (ILO) said that India needs
to improve its wage policies to promote
"inclusive growth" even as low pay, gen‑
der wage gap and informality remain per‑
vasive. "Low pay and wage inequality
remain a serious challenge to India's path
to achieving decent working conditions
and inclusive growth," ILO said in its
'India Wage Report: Wage policies for
decent work and inclusive growth',
released on Monday.
According to the report, about 33 per
cent i.e. 62 million workers were paid less
than the indicative national minimum
wage, and the rate of low pay was higher
among women.
"Daily wages increased rapidly for casu‑
al workers, workers from rural areas,
unorganized sector and female workers.
Nonetheless, low pay remains pervasive
and wage inequality is still very high," ILO
said citing the National Sample Survey
Office (NSSO) estimates which indicate
the real daily wage doubled between
1993‑94 and 2011‑12.
The report further said that since there
is a lack of consensus with regard to the
methodology used to determine the mini‑
mum wage rate, neither the central nor
state governments are using it as a floor
for determining minimum wages.
As per the Employment and
Unemployment Survey (EUS) of National
Sample Survey Office (NSSO), in 2011‑12,
the average wage in India is about Rs 247
per day and the average wage of casual
workers was estimated at Rs 143 per day.
closing levels; rupee slides
Mumbai: Positive global
cues and recovery in the
Indian rupee lifted the
benchmark S&P BSE
Sensex and NSE Nifty50
to provisionally end at
record closing highs on
Monday.
Further the Indian
rupee traded at 69.80 to
a US dollar from its previ‑
ous close of 70.16
against a greenback. The Indian rupee traded at 69.80 to a US dollar.
Heavy buying activity
was witnessed in capital goods, metal and closing high of 11,551.75 points, up 81
oil and gas stocks, analysts said. points or 0.71 per cent from its previous
Earlier in the day, both the indices ‑‑ BSE close.
Sensex and the NSE Nifty50 ‑‑ touched The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex which
their all‑time intra‑day high levels of had opened at 38,075.07 points, closed at
38,340.69 points and 11,565.30 points 38,278.75, points, higher by 330.87 points
respectively. or 0.87 per cent from its previous close. It
The wider Nifty50 of the National Stock touched an intra‑day low of 38,050.69
Exchange provisionally ended at a fresh points.
 30 August 25-31, 2018
Asian Games: Phogat, shooters shine
Jakarta: Vinesh Phogat became
the first Indian woman wrestler to
win an Asian Games gold while the
shooters bagged two silver medals
on the second day of competitions
here.
Vinesh defeated Japan's Yuki Irie
in the 50 kilog ram women's
Freestyle final. This was India's
second gold after wrestler Bajrang
Punia bagged one in men's 65kg.
Meanwhile, Deepak Kumar and
Lakshay Sheoran won silver
medals in the men's 10m Air Rifle
and Trap events respectively as
Indian shooters continued their
impressive performance at the
18th Asian Games.
Deepak finished second with a
score of 247.7, while compatriot
Ravi Kumar finished fourth scor‑
ing 205.2 in the men's 10m Air
Rifle competition. China's Haoran
Yang bagged gold with a new
Games record of 249.1m.
It was the 30‑year‑old Deepak's
first medal at the Asiad.
In the men's trap final, Lakshay
finished second, while compatriot
Manavjit Singh Sandhu was fifth.
The 20‑year‑old Lakshay, who had
finished fourth in the qualification
round, got 43 points in the final to
finish second behind Chinese
Taipei's Kunpi Yang, who equalled
the world record score of 48.
A.H.N. Daemyeong of South
Korea got the bronze medal with
30 points, four ahead of Indian
veteran Manavjit who had topped
the two‑phased qualification.
With this, India took the eighth
spot in the Asian Games medal
tally with 2 gold, 2 silver and 1
India thrash England BCCI condoles death of Ajit Wadekar
by 203 runs in third
Test at Trent Bridge
Nottingham: India staged a stunning
comeback in the five‑match Test
rubber on Wednesday by thrashing
England by 203 runs in the third
Test at Trent Bridge here.
In their pursuit of 521 runs for
victory, Eng land resumed their
innings at 311/9 on the final morn‑
ing and lasted a little over two overs
before losing the final wicket of
James Anderson (11) to off‑spinner
Ravichandran Ashwin. England's
innings closed at 317.
Earlier on day 4, India pacer
Jasprit Bumrah wrecked the English
line‑up to return with five wickets.
He was complimented well by the
senior pro Ishant Sharma (2/70)
while fellow quicks Mohammed
Shami and Hardik Pandya con‑
tributed with one wicket apiece.
England will have to blame them‑
selves as the top order flopped
against a disciplined Indian attack.
India with 3 golds, 3 silvers and 4 bronze
medals was seventh in the tally
Vinesh Phogat with her gold medal. (File Photo: IANS)
Pos Countries Gold
1 China 26
2 Japan 11
3 South Korea 6 12
4 Indonesia 5 2
5 Iran 4 3
6 North Korea 4 1
7 India 3 3
bronze.
The Indian men's hockey team
began their title defence in style
as they hammered 17 goals past
Indonesia in their first Pool A
match to register their biggest
ever win at the continental compe‑
tition.
Youngsters Dilpreet Sing h,
Obituary
England's opening conundrum
continued to haunt them with both
Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings
failing in both the innings while
skipper Joe Root and No.4 Ollie
Pope also had a poor outing.
The home side's innings would
have folded up on Tuesday itself,
but the in‑form duo of Jos Buttler
(106) and Ben Stokes (62) delayed
the inevitable with a 169‑run fifth
wicket stand.
With the team tottering at 231/6
and more than three sessions to
spare, it was only a matter of time
for the visitors to clean up the
English tail that wagged a bit in the
form of Adil Rashid (33 not out) and
Anderson (11) taking the game to
the final day.
India now trail the five‑match rub‑
ber 1‑2 as they pro ceed to
Hampshire for the fourth Test, start‑
ing August 30.
SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Saurabh Chaudhary (right) after winning the men's 10m Air
Pistol final. (Photos: Xinhua/Liu Ailun/IANS)
Saurabh wins gold,
Silver Bronze Total
Abhishek gets bronze
16 12 54 Jakarta: Indian shooters Saurabh secured the silver with 239.7. He
15 17 43 Chaudhary and Abhishek Verma and Saurabh pulled away for the
13 31 bagged the gold and bronze gold medal battle with points of
medals respectively in the Men's 220.1 and 220.5 respectively as
5 12
10 metre Air Pistol final in the Abhishek was eliminated with
3 10
ongoing 2018 Asian Games here 219.3 points after eight series.
2 7
on Tuesday. Matsuda, 42, was leading the
4 10 Saurabh, 16, clinched the gold charge going into the ninth and
after producing an Asian Games final series having led after each
record score of 240.7. It was of the series. But in the final
Simranjeet Singhand Mandeep
India's third gold medal at the series, he came up with first shot
Singh scored a hat‑trick each,
ongoing Games. score of 8.9 to blow his chances
while the other goals came from
Abhishek, 29, stood third scor‑ as Saurabh overtook him with a
Rupinder Pal Singh, Akashdeep
ing 219.3 to take India's medal 10.2 in his first shot of the series.
Sing h, SV Sunil, Vive k Sag ar
tally to seven. He had finished In the second shot of the series,
Prasad, Harmanpreet Singh, Lalit
sixth during the qualification Matsuda scored 10.3 but
Upadhyay and Amit Rohidas, even
round. Saurabh did well with 10.4 to
as Indonesia couldn't come up
Tomoyuki Matsuda of Japan seal the title.
with a goal.
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) on condoled the demise of former India cap‑
tain Ajit Wadekar, who led India to their first‑ever
Test series wins in the West Indies and England in
1971.
While it was his leadership that stood out on the
twin tours and also at home the next year in 1972‑73
where India again beat England, Wadekar had made
an impact earlier with the bat resulting in another
breakthrough overseas series win.
Remembering Wadekar for his vast contributions
to Indian cricket, BCCI Acting Hon. Secretary Amitabh
Choudhary said in a statement: "His demise has left a
big void. First as a batsman and then as captain, he
took Indian Cricket to new heights and then contin‑
ued to contribute as a coach, manager, and chairman
of selectors."
The government of India honored Wadekar with
the Arjuna Award in 1967 and Padma Shri in 1972
Former India captain late Ajit Wadekar.
while the BCCI had conferred him with the CK
Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award in 2011. overseas Test series win. Wadekar represented India
During India's Tour of New Zealand in 1968, the in 37 Tests and scored 2113 runs. He amassed a stag‑
left‑handed top‑order batsman was the highest scorer gering 15380 first‑class runs from 237 matches. He
in both innings (80 and 71) of the opening Test that also led India in two ODIs and those were also the
India won by five wickets. In the third Test at first two ODIs that India played.
Wellington, he made 143 helping India secure their Post his playing career, Wadekar remained associ‑
second victory in the series. ated with the game and served Indian cricket in vari‑
India also won the fourth Test and lifted the four‑ ous capacities as coach, manager and Chairman of
match Test series 3‑1, registering their first‑ever selectors.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE August 25-31, 2018 31

Ways to pack nutritious Egyptian mummification 'recipe' existed

food while traveling 1,500 years before Pharaohs: Study
New Delhi: Do you travel often
for work or personal reasons,
and end up munching on junk?
Make sure you get the best of
both worlds and eat
local, but with a twist ‑‑
carry your power jars
with you so that you
don't come home with a
lot of guilt.
Akshit Rungta and
Naina Trehan, Co‑
Founders at Hungry
Jars and Sargam
Dhawan, Director,
Planet Herbs
Lifesciences Pvt Ltd, list the
solutions to maintain a whole‑
some and nutritious diet.
4 Almond butter is a healthy
alternative. Not only is it sweet
and luscious, it is also high in
nutritional value. Apart from
being highly nutritious, it is
also high in antioxidants and
has properties which help in
controlling blood sugar and
weight. So, carry almond butter
as it serves as a nice dip for
your fruits and sweet crackers.
4 Besides being a great
snack, cashew butter can also
blend well in smoothies and
provide a rich creamy consis‑
tency. Cashew butter is a good
alternative to other nut butters.
The monounsaturated fats
found in cashews promote good
cardiovascular health with
magnesium and antioxi‑
dants. If you need an
instant sweet fix, dark
chocolate with 75 per
cent cocoa value will
be a quick grab‑and‑
go snacks.
4 Sandwich is one
delight that is loved
by many. Make them
healthy with garlic
butter as garlic is a
good source of nutrition and
combats sickness including
common cold, roasted chicken
and veggies which can taste
heavenly and is an instant
snack which is easy to carry.
4 Roll up your wheat tortillas
or chapatis with nice and tangy
pickles to savor the ultimate
taste of health.
4 Make healthy and nutri‑
tious snacks like chili garlic
brown fried rice sauteed veg‑
etables and grilled chicken with
the fiery and tangy chili garlic
sauce which can help to lower
the cholesterol level because of
the antioxidant properties in
garlic.
London: Sophisticated embalming
treatments were developed by
ancient Egyptians 1,500 years
before the classic Pharaonic peri‑
od, and across a wider geographi‑
cal area than had been previously
known, a new research has
showed.
Forensic tests on a well‑known
prehistoric mummy, housed in the
Egyptian Museum in Turin since
1901, revealed that embalming
was taking place 1,500 years ear‑
lier than previously accepted.
Dating from c.3700‑3500 BC,
the mummy has been housed in
the Egyptian Museum in Turin
since 1901, but unlike the majori‑
ty of other prehistoric mummies
in museums, it has never under‑
gone any conservation treat‑
ments, providing a unique oppor‑
tunity for accurate scientific
analysis.
"There are very few mummies of
this 'natural' type available for
analysis. Our radiocarbon dating
shows it dates to the early Naqada
phase of Egyptian prehistory, sub‑
stantially earlier than the classic
Pharaonic period, and this early
age offers us an unparalleled
glimpse into funerary treatment
before the rise of the state," said
Professor Tom Higham, from
(image : egypttoursportal.com)
Britain's Oxford University.
"By combining chemical analysis
with visual examination of the
body, genetic investigations,
radiocarbon dating and micro‑
scopic analysis of the linen wrap‑
pings, we confirmed that this ritu‑
al mummification process took
place around 3600 BC on a male,
aged between 20 and 30 years
when he died," added Jana Jones,
from the Macquarie University in
Sydney
The Turin mummy was previ‑
ously assumed to have been natu‑
rally mummified by the desiccat‑
ing action of the hot, dry desert
sand. However, the new study,
appearing in the Journal of
Archaeological Science, uncovered
evidence that the mummy had in
fact undergone an embalming
process, with a plant oil, heated
conifer resin, an aromatic plant
extract and a plant gum/sugar
mixed together and used to
impregnate the funerary textiles
in which the body was wrapped.
This 'recipe' contained antibac‑
terial agents, used in similar pro‑
portions to those employed by the
Egyptian embalmers when their
skill was at its peak some 2,500
years later, said researchers.
Moreover, the study found that
the mummy came from Upper
(southern) Egypt, offering the
first indication that the embalm‑
ing recipe was being used over a
wider geographical area at a time
when the concept of a pan‑
Egyptian identity was supposedly
still developing, the researchers
noted. (IANS)

TLC India launches

travel scholarship
to explore India
Mumbai: Lifestyle channel TLC India
has announced a contest through
which they will be giving three win‑
ners travel scholarship to explore
India.
Along with the scholarship, the
channel will make the winners the
face of an upcoming show "The
Calling."
Talking about the initiative, Zulfia
Waris, Vice President Premium and
Digital networks, Discovery
Communications India, said: "We
have kept the contest very simple ‑‑
the more creatively boring your
entry is, the better is your chance to
get the scholarship."
The applicants will have to submit
a three‑minute video, narrating why
their life is dull and boring. The win‑
ners will have to spend the next 12
months exploring India.
As the face of "The Calling", the
three shortlisted individuals will get
a chance to travel eight states in the
country.
The first three months of the schol‑
arship will be about traveling across
cities as the face of "The Calling"
while for the remainder duration, the
winners will be required to blog for
TLC's social assets.
IKEA India debuts with
mega Hyderabad store
Hyderabad: IKEA expects to welcome six million
consumers every year to its store in Hitec City,
on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The store is built
on a 13‑acre land.
IKEA will sell 1,000 items including cutlery
and toys for less than Rs. 200 at its Hyderabad
store. The store will be home to about 7,500
products including the retailer's signature DIY
(Do It Yourself) furniture.
The company is now looking at Asia and South
America for its next phase of growth as sales
slow in Europe and other developed markets.
IKEA is betting on India's growing middle class
and plans to launch 25 stores in all major cities
by 2025. IKEA's entry to India comes after over
a decade of planning and research. The company
has made a number of changes to its offering
suit the Indian needs. Alongside IKEA's signature
Billy bookcases and Poang chairs, the store will
offer appliance to make idlis and also spice
boxes.
The Hyderabad store will also house a 1,000‑
seat cafeteria, among India's largest. Changes
have also been made to the menu to suit local
tastes and sensitivities. IKEA's most famous item
is off the menu ‑ Swedish meatballs ‑ instead, the
cafe will serve biryani and samosas and dal
makhani.
IKEA will directly employ 950 people at its
store in Hyderabad and 1,500 people additional
jobs will be created, Bloomberg quoted a compa‑
ny spokesperson as saying. The company plans
to have 15,000 staff in the country by 2025.
IKEA has said that half of its India workforce
would be women.
IKEA is apprehensive about its DIY model
working in India and so has tied‑up with
UrbanClap and set up a 150‑member team to
help assemble furniture. The online platform
helps connect consumers to local services like
carpenters.
The company first tried to enter India in 2006
but could not owing to strict foreign direct
investment (FDI) rules. The rules required a for‑
eign player to sign up with a local partner. The
rules were later relaxed allowing IKEA to enter
the country.
The firm has already bought land in
Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurgaon,
near Delhi. The Mumbai store will open in 2019,
followed by the store in Bengaluru and Gurgaon.
The other cities IKEA is looking at are Kolkata,
Chennai, Pune and Ahmedabad.
China imposes cooling-
off period on couples
seeking divorce
Beijing: Chinese courts have began to
impose a cooling‑off period on cou‑
ples, seeking to legally separate, in
an effort to check the increasing
divorce rate in the country, authori‑
ties said.
More than a hundred courts in the
country have imposed this measure
on couples seeking divorce, which
increased by nearly 40 percent in
the last decade, as part of a pilot pro‑
gram launched by the Supreme
Court in 2016 to resolve domestic
disputes, reports Efe news.
The program is primarily directed
at young couples, who according to
the courts are "more susceptible to
impulsive breakups."
During the cooling‑off period, the
couples receive marriage counseling,
as well as a rundown of the divorce
proceedings, including splitting
property or sharing custody of chil‑
dren.
The anti‑divorce program comes as
China seeks to promote family values
and encourage couples to have more
children, to counter‑balance a lack of
human resources in many regions
owing to an increasingly ageing pop‑
ulation, a fallout of the Communist
government's hitherto strict one‑
child policy.
 32 August 25-31, 2018
New Jersey 10th state to provide workers
with paid sick leave
By Jacqueline Voronov
P
aid leave will soon be available to
most New Jersey employees under a
sweeping new law that Governor Phil
Murphy signed on May 2, 2018. The New
Jersey Earned Sick and Safe Days Act (A‑
1827) (the “Act”), which goes into effect on
October 29, 2018, provides the vast majority
of New Jerseyʼs private sector workers with
mandatory paid sick leave benefits.
The key provisions of the law are summa‑
rized below:
Who is Covered: The Act covers all
employees (full time and part time) engaged
in service for compensation except (1) con‑
struction workers covered by collective bar‑
gaining agreements, (2) per diem healthcare
employees, and (3) public employees who
already receive sick leave under other state
laws. There is no exception for small
employers.
Accrual, Carryover and Cap: Employers
must provide employees with 1 hour of paid
sick leave for every 30 hours worked and
pay them for earned sick leave at the same
rate of pay as the employee normally earns.
The law caps an employeeʼs annual accrual,
use, and carryover of earned sick leave at 40
hours per year. Employers have the option of
“front‑loading” leave by providing an
employee with “the full complement of
earned sick leave for a benefit year” (i.e., 40
Keep your family safe in
an emergency
S
eptember is National
Preparedness Month, and
with wildfires, floods, earth‑
quakes, tornadoes and hurricanes
occurring around the world, having
access to safe drinking water in the
event of an emergency should be
top of mind no matter where you
live. Natural disasters can contami‑
nate and disrupt water supplies,
making it difficult to access safe
drinking water at home.
Emergencies also force families out
of their homes, making it necessary
to hydrate from natural water
resources where harmful contami‑
nants like bacteria, chemicals,
microplastics and heavy metals
may be present.
COLUMN
LAW
hours) on the first day of each benefit year.
Employers may choose the increment in
which leave may be used, but employers can‑
not require employees to use leave in any
increment larger than the number of hours
the employee was scheduled to work for that
shift.
New employees hired after the Actʼs effec‑
tive date can first use earned sick leave on
the 120th day after employment begins.
Existing employees also have a 120‑day
delay for use, but the Act suggests that, if an
employee has already been employed for
120 days when it takes effect, the use of
earned sick leave may be immediate (with
the annual method) or as soon as hours are
accrued in the increment specified by the
employer (with the accrual method).
Employers that have existing paid time off
(PTO) policies are in compliance with the Act
if the PTO policy includes personal, vacation
and sick days that can be used for the pur‑
poses specified by the Act and provides 40
hours.
Notice Requirements: When the need for
paid sick leave is unforeseeable, the employ‑
ee must give notice to the employer as soon
as practicable. If the leave is foreseeable,
seven daysʼ notice is required. An employer
may require reasonable documentation that
the leave is being taken for a permitted pur‑
pose for leave of 3 or more consecutive days.
Permissible Uses: Under the law, employ‑
ees will be permitted to use paid sick time
for any of the following reasons:
1. Their own health needs or that of a fam‑
ily member;
2. Issues resulting from an employee (or
family member of employee) being a victim
of domestic or sexual violence, including
medical attention necessary for physical or
Says Alison Hill, MD of LifeStraw,
a manufacturer of water filtration
systems, “If an emergency has
your family on the move, being able
to hydrate safely from any fresh
water source ‑‑ fountains, streams,
rivers and ponds is key.”
When building your emergency
supply kit, be sure to include a
portable filter to help eliminate
harmful contaminants from your
drinking source.
LifeStraw makes it easy to
hydrate safely at home and out‑
doors. LifeStraw Go is a refillable
bottle that incorporates a two‑stage
filter removing bacteria, chemicals,
microplastics and bad taste from
drinking water.
physical or psychological injury; obtaining
services from a designated domestic violence
agency or other victim services organization;
relocation; or legal services, including partic‑
ipation in any related legal proceeding;
3. Closure of the employee's workplace,
school, or childcare due to a public health
emergency;
4. A child's school‑related conference,
meeting, function, or other event.
Anti‑Retaliation Provision: The Act pro‑
hibits an employer from discriminating
against or taking retaliatory action against
an employee who requests or uses sick leave
and sick leave taken cannot be used to sup‑
port a violation of any of the employerʼs
attendance or disciplinary policies. The Act
contains a rebuttable presumption of retalia‑
tory action when an employer takes an
adverse action against an employee within
90 days of when the employee files a com‑
plaint with the court or Department of
Labor, informs any person that the employer
violated the law, cooperates in the investiga‑
tion or prosecution of an alleged violation of
the act, opposes any policy, practice or act
under the law, or informs any person of his
or her rights under the Act
Payout: Employers have the option of
offering to pay out employees for accrued,
but unused sick leave at the end of the year.
as
n’ t re alize I w
“ I did ntil now.
3 u
in Zone n.”
m a ke a pla
3
I mus t
E
ON
Z ANH ATTAN
Alex M
Visit NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to find out what to do
to prepare for hurricanes in NYC #knowyourzone
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Employees have 10 days from the date of the
offer to accept the payout, or choose the roll
over the leave to the following year (subject
to a 40 hour cap). For employers who “front‑
load” the leave in the beginning of the year,
the Act requires these employers to pay out
employees for unused sick leave at the end
of the year, or carry forward the unused
leave to the next year. Nothing in the Act
requires employers to pay out unused sick
time to employees upon termination of
employment, unless the employerʼs policy
(or CBA) provides otherwise.
Records and Notice: Employers must post
notice of the rights under the Act in a con‑
spicuous place and provide written copies of
the notice to employees within 30 days of
the date on which the Commissioner issues
the notice, or at the time of hiring for
employees hired after that date.
In anticipation of the effective date,
employers should seek guidance from their
employment counsel and evaluate their
existing policies and practices to ensure
compliance with the Act.
Jacqueline Voronov is a Senior Associate in
Peckar & Abramson's New Jersey office that
focuses her practice on civil litigation and
labor and employment disputes, with a focus
on high‑conflict cases. More at: www.peck‑
law.com
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Babies in prams 60% more
exposed to pollution
London: Do you regularly take
your baby out in strollers or
prams? Beware, it can expose
them up to 60 per cent more pol‑
lution, causing potential damage
to cognitive abilities and brain
development, say researchers,
including one of Indian‑origin.
They found that infants in
prams breathe in more polluted
air since they are positioned
between 0.55m and 0.85m above
ground level and vehicle exhaust
pipes usually sit within 1 metre
above road level.
This increases in‑pram babies'
vulnerability to being exposed to
more pollution than adults.
"We know that infants breathe
in higher amounts of airborne
particles relative to their lung size
and body weight compared to
adults. What we have proven here
is that the height most children
travel at while in a pram doubles
the likelihood of negative impacts
from air pollution when com‑
pared to an adult," said Prashant
Kumar, professor at Britain's
University of Surrey.
Importantly, they are more vul‑
Resistance training boosts
exercise motivation
London: Lack of motivation is a
big factor for many people not
following an exercise regime
that they initially planned. But a
few months of resistance train‑
ing can change that by instilling
in people an intrinsic interest in
pursuing physical activity, sug‑
gests new research.
Resistance training can main‑
tain and increase muscle
strength and functional capacity
when ageing and it is recom‑
mended for older adults at least
twice a week.
It also improves exercise moti‑
vation and contributes to mak‑
ing exercise planning among
older adults, according to the
study published in the
Scandinavian Journal of
Medicine and Science in Sports.
The study investigated the
effects of a nine‑month super‑
vised resistance training inter‑
vention on exercise motivation,
exercise planning and exercise
self‑efficacy.
In addition, it was examined
whether these factors predict
the continuation of resistance
training for the next year follow‑
ing the intervention.
The study involved 104
healthy 65‑75‑year‑olds who did
not meet physical activity guide‑
lines for endurance exercise at
(Image : hindustantimes.com)
nerable because of their tissues,
immune systems and brain devel‑
opment at this early stage of their
life, the researchers said.
According to the UNICEF, 17
million children across the world
who are less than a year old live
in regions with high air pollution
levels.
The study, published in the jour‑
nal Environment International,
suggests a range of mitigation
actions, including solutions such
as controlling emissions of road
(Image : trainerjosh.com)
baseline and did not have previ‑
ous resistance training experi‑
ence. "Nine months of regular
resistance training increased the
intrinsic motivation for both
training and physical activity in
general: the subjects started to
enjoy exercising," said one of the
researchers Tiia Kekalainen
from the University of Jyvaskyla,
Finland. Additionally, exercise
planning increased, indicating
that the participants started to
think about how to start and
maintain a physically active
lifestyle, Kekalainen said. After
completing the supervised
resistance training intervention,
nearly half of the participants
(46 per cent) continued resist‑
ance training independently.
Approximately half of them par‑
ticipated in resistance training
on average once‑a‑week during
the following year and the other
half twice‑a‑week.
HEALTH
vehicles, roadside hedges
between vehicles and pedestrians
as technological solutions that
can help to create a clean air zone
around the child's breathing area
as another effective means.
Other measures such as car‑
pooling, using public transporta‑
tion to reduce traffic levels,
improving technologies, and com‑
munity collaborations with indus‑
try could make a real difference
to improving air quality for
children.
Cycling can reduce your
loneliness, boost mental health
London: Feeling lonely? Riding your
bicycles may not only improve your
general and mental health, but also
increase social interaction, says a
study.
The study showed that cycling is
the healthiest mode of transport and
is associated with better self‑per‑
ceived general health, better mental
health, greater vitality, lower self‑
perceived stress and fewer feelings
of loneliness.
"The findings suggest that active
transport ‑‑especially cycling‑‑
should be encouraged in order to
improve health and increase social
interaction," said lead author Avila
Palencia from the Barcelona Institute
for Global Health (ISGlobal) in
August 25-31, 2018
Labor pain relieving drug may
cut need for epidural: Lancet
London: Prescribing women a
new drug called remifentanil to
help manage their labor pain
may halve the need for an
epidural than the traditional
pethidine, claims a study.
The study, published in the
Lancet, suggested that using
remifentanil instead of pethi‑
dine could reduce the need for
epidurals, instrumental deliver‑
ies and consequent morbidity
for large numbers of women
worldwide.
Epidurals ‑‑ injections of pain
relief drugs around the spinal
cord ‑‑ provide effective pain
relief but increase the risk of
needing instrumental delivery
(forceps or vacuum) during
birth. It can also increase the
risk of trauma and long‑lasting
problems for the mother, such
as incontinence and sexual dys‑
function.
"Our findings challenge the
routine use of pethidine for
pain relief during labor," said
lead author Matthew Wilson,
from Britain's University of
Sheffield. "Remifentanil
reduced the need for an epidur‑
(Image : cyclingweekly.com)
Barcelona, Spain. The second most
beneficial transport mode, walking,
was associated with good self‑per‑
ceived general health, greater vitali‑
ty, and more contact with friends
and/or family. "Ours is the first study
to associate the use of multiple
urban transport modes with health
effects such as mental health and
33
al by half and there were no
lasting problems for the moth‑
ers and babies in our trial,
although the effect of remifen‑
tanil on maternal oxygen levels
needs to be clarified in further
studies," he added.
Remifentanil is rarely offered
routinely in labor and its use
restricted to women who can‑
not receive an epidural for med‑
ical reasons (such as blood clot‑
ting disorders).
Conversely, pethidine has
been in widespread use since
the 1950s, even after long been
known not helpful to all
women.
The study included 400
women aged over 16 years old
who were giving birth after 37
weeks. Only half as many
women in the remifentanil
group went on to have an
epidural (19 per cent) than in
the pethidine group (41 per
cent). These women rated their
pain as less severe and also had
less likely to need forceps and
vacuum during labor than
women given pethidine (15 per
cent vs 26 per cent).
social contact. It also allowed us to
highlight the positive effect of walk‑
ing, which in previous studies was
not very conclusive," she added.
The study, published in the journal
Environment International, was car‑
ried out in seven European cities:
Antwerp, Barcelona, London, Orebro,
Rome, Vienna and Zurich and includ‑
ed more than 8,800 people. The
transport modes assessed in the
study were car, motorbike, public
transport, bicycle, electric bicycle
and walking.
Driving and public‑transport use
were associated with poor self‑per‑
ceived general health, while cars
were linked with fewer feelings of
loneliness.
 34 August 25-31, 2018
Apple's Amsterdam store closed
after iPad battery explosion
San Francisco: An
Apple store in
Amsterdam has been
temporarily closed
after an iPad battery
exploded and released
harmful chemical sub‑
stances, the media
reported.
The store was evac‑
uated as a precaution‑
ary measure and (Image courtesy:
three employees who menxp.com)
reportedly experi‑
enced trouble breathing were
treated. "Due to the chemicals
potentially released, the store has
been closed as firefighters work to
ventilate the space and clear out
any harmful vapours," 9to5Mac
reported on Sunday.
The staff placed the iPad imme‑
diately into a container with sand
and called the firefighters. It is
NASA’s Parker Solar
Probe operating as
planned: Scientists
Washington:
NASAʼs his‑
toric mission
to solve the
mysteries of
the Sun which
was launched
aboard a
United
Launch
Alliance Delta
IV Heavy
rocket on
(Image courtesy: nasa.gov)
August 12 is
operating according to plan,
mission controllers have said.
As of 12 p.m. EDT on August 16, explore solar processes that are
the Parker Solar Probe was 4.6
million kms from Earth, travel‑
ling at 62,764 kms per hour,
and heading toward its first
Venus flyby scheduled for
October 3, 2018, Geoff Brown
of Johns Hopkins University
Applied Physics Lab, or APL, in
Maryland, wrote in a NASA blog
post.
The spacecraft will use Venus
to slightly slow itself and adjust
its trajectory for an optimal
path toward the first perihelion
of the Sun on November 5 this
year.
“Parker Solar Probe is operat‑
ing as designed, and we are pro‑ to remove (or “dump”) momen‑
gressing through our commis‑
sioning activities,” said Project
Manager Andy Driesman of
APL. This solar probe is human‑
ityʼs first‑ever mission into the
unclear if the tablet has burst into
the flames.
"Although, not related with this
iPad battery explosion, as Apple
started its iPhone battery replace‑
ment programme we've seen a few
more incidents like this over the
past months.
"Apple stores in both Switzerland
and Spain were evacuated this
Sunʼs atmosphere, called the
corona. Here it will directly
key to understanding and fore‑
casting space weather events
that can impact life on Earth.
The mission has already
achieved several planned mile‑
stones toward full commission‑
ing and operations, according to
the mission controllers.
On August 13, the high‑gain
antenna, which Parker Solar
Probe uses to communicate
high‑rate science data to Earth,
was released from locks which
held it stable during launch.
Controllers have also been
monitoring the spacecraft as it
autonomously uses its thrusters
tum, which is part of the flight
operations of the spacecraft.
Managing momentum helps
the spacecraft remain in a sta‑
ble and optimal flight profile.
SCI-TECH
year after
thermal
events with
iPhone batter‑
ies. Like
today's inci‑
dent, fortu‑
nately those
also didn't see
any major
injuries, but
Apple
employees did
sustain minor
burns," the report added.
Meanwhile, an iPhone 6 explod‑
ed and went up in flames in a mov‑
ing car in China last week, accord‑
ing to EEC Media. A video was shot
by a dash cam installed inside the
vehicle, which showed the woman
screaming in the video after her
phone burst into flames in the
moving car.
Smartphone screens harbor thrice as
many germs as a toilet seat: Study
London: If you think toilet seats
are the dirtiest ones swarming
with germs, look at your smart‑
phone. A research has revealed
that smartphone screens have
three times more germs than a toi‑
let seat.
More than a third of people (35
per cent) have never cleaned their
smartphones with wipes, a clean‑
ing fluid or a similar product,
according to the study done by
Insurance2Go, a gadget insurance
provider based in Portsmouth,
England. "The average smartphone
screen has been found to be more
than three times dirtier than a toi‑
let seat," sky.com reported citing
the findings.
One in 20 smartphone users was
found to clean their phones less
than every six months, said the
study. For the study, researchers
swabbed three smartphones ‑‑ an
iPhone 6, a Samsung Galaxy 8 and
a Google Pixel ‑‑ to test for aerobic
bacteria, yeast and mould.
The findings showed that all
areas of the phones "harbor at
MEXICAN ASTROPHYSICIST DISCOVERS
FIRST GALAXIES IN UNIVERSE
Mexico City: A Mexican astro‑
physicist has identified some of
the first galaxies in our universe
together with a team of
researchers. The National
Autonomous University of Mexico
on Saturday said that the newly‑
identified galaxies are: Segue‑1,
Bootes I, Tucana II and Ursa
Mayor I. All were formed more
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Saudi Arabia
introduces free
nap pods to Haj
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will intro‑
duce free sleeping pods during
this year's Haj.
Between 18 and 24 modern
hotel capsules will be offered to
pilgrims to nap in for free in the
coming six days, said the Haji
and Mu'tamer's Gift Charitable
Association. These free nap
pods ‑‑ each less than three
meters long and just over one
meter high ‑‑ will be placed in
Mina, a western city near the
Holy city of Mecca, reports
Xinhua news agency.
The pods provide a space in
which pilgrims can change their
clothes, take a shower and store
(Image courtesy:
digitaltrends.com)
least some quantity of each type of
substance".
The screens were the filthiest
part of the smartphones, filled with
germs which may lead to skin
problems and other health issues.
The screens of the three hand‑
sets had a combined total of 254.9
colony‑forming units per cm2. This
means there was an average of
84.9 units on each screen.
"In contrast, a toilet and flush
was found to have just 24 units,
while an office keyboard and
mouse was found to have just five,"
the report said.
The back of the smartphones had
than 13 billion years ago, reports
Xinhua news agency. The Mexican
scientist Carlos Frenk Mora is one
of the world's best known
astronomers for his theories on
dark matter and its role in the for‑
mation of galaxies. His discovery
backs a current evolutionary
model of the universe, called the
Lambda Cold Dark Matter Theory,
their luggage and valuables.
It is a solution for pilgrims of
limited means who cannot
afford to book hotels on site
but need a quick rest during the
Haj.
A person has three hours of
access to the pods. When the
pilgrim wakes up for prayer
time, workers will clean the pod
before handing it over to the
next person, he said.
Haj, an annual Islamic pil‑
grimage to the Saudi city of
Mecca, the holiest city for
Muslims, is expected to draw
two million people from around
the world this year.
an average of 30 units, the lock
button had an average of 23.8
units, and the home button had an
average of 10.6 units.
More than a third of the respon‑
dents admitted having not cleaned
their phones for long.
"Our phones are never far from
our sides; we take them every‑
where with us. Therefore, it's
inevitable that they'll pick up a few
germs along the way," Gary
Beeston, sales and marketing man‑
ager at Insurance2go, was quoted
as saying.
A fifth of British adults now
spend more time online each week
than the average time spent at
work, said a recent study from the
UK's communication regulator
Ofcom.
Two in five adults (40 per cent)
first look at their phone within five
minutes of waking up, rising to 65
per cent of those aged under 35,
while 37 per cent of adults check
their phones five minutes before
lights out, again rising to 60 per
cent of under‑35s.
which maintains that the elemen‑
tary particles that make up dark
matter drive cosmic evolution.
The most weak galaxies near
the Milky Way were considered
unworthy subject for study by sci‑
entists a decade ago, but new
researches have revealed treas‑
ures for us to learn about the
primitive universe, said Mora.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
People love to be
angry these days
T
his columnist once wrote to a
friend gently suggesting that he
was not cut out to be an anger
management therapist. He replied in
capital letters: "SO. WHAT. ARE. YOU.
SAYING?"
People love being angry these days,
and the problem is getting worse. When
I look at Facebook, I feel I need to stand
well back.
"The aviation industry suffers the
most," said a reader who works in that
sector. She showed me a news report
expressing outrage about an airline
which threw a passenger off the flight
"because she was breastfeeding".
Another was about an airline which
ejected a man "for having a tattoo." A
third report was about a flight in which
staff stopped the plane to escort a "fem‑
inist activist" off.
"But not one of them happened as
reported," said the woman, who did not
want her name printed. "In each case,
the passenger was actually thrown off
for breaching industry‑wide safety
rules. But journalists prefer to say it
was because the person was breastfeed‑
ing or whatever because anger gets all
the clicks."
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.
HUMOR
Funny Side by Nury Vittachi
A typical case was reported last
December. Just as a Delta Airlines plane
was about to take off from Atlanta, a
man rose from his seat and went to the
toilet. The crew scolded him and booted
him off the flight ‑‑ so he called
reporters and told them: "It's because
I'm black."
The good news is that such cases are
mostly limited to the Western media.
"On the East side of the planet, there is
no assumption that authority figures
are automatically wrong," she said.
Interesting. I mean, there's a lot of bad
things you can say about Asian journal‑
ists, such as the fact that we are often
corrupt, lazy, bribe‑taking, careless,
woefully inaccurate, gullible, and seem
incapable of critical thinking, let alone
good writing, and I forgot where I was
going with this sentence so I think I'll
just end it here.
These days, the Asian media does the
anger thing in some countries, while in
others, news items are bland and emo‑
tionless. In some Indo‑China nations,
the first item on the TV news is always
the same: "Premier cuts ribbon."
Sometimes the entire news bulletin is
the premier cutting various ribbons.
August 25-31, 2018 35
(Image courtesy: medicalviews.net)
Aliens intercepting those transmissions entist got so many angry death threats
must think this is a planet in which that he needed police protection.
fame and fortune go to men who can The Internet, and particularly
use scissors. Facebook and Twitter, are magnets for
But elsewhere, the modern love of the Super Angry.
anger can have bad results. A few days One of my social media friends thun‑
ago, the New York Times told the shock‑ ders: "I don't need anger management.
ing story of a bird scientist who did his Everyone else needs stupidity manage‑
job: He caught and dissected a bird as a ment." To him, life seems horribly
specimen for his museum's million‑ unfair. "When Thor throws his hammer
piece research collection. An angry he's a hero. When I throw a hammer I
web‑surfer published his name on the need therapy," he grumbles. Stand well
Internet as a "bird murderer". The sci‑ back. Literally.
BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
New York Head Quarter
422‑S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801
516‑827‑1010
36 August 25-31, 2018 ASTROLOGY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com

AUGUST 25‑31, 2018

ARIES: Stress would be easier to deal
with as long as you stay absolutely phys‑
ically fit. This period is a mixed bag. It
may find you slogging to finish pending work
on the professional front. Be extremely cau‑
tious before signing any important documents
this week. Lover makes you feel happy by
doing small things to spice up the love life.
Those planning a vehicle need not worry
about loans. Opt the color silver if buying it
this week. Some of you can begin with their
driving lessons.
TAURUS: Work hard to find ways to
keep yourself updated with the latest
developments in your area of interest
as this will enhance your career prospects. Set
your pace, if you want to expand your busi‑
ness horizons. Your hopes and aspirations are
likely to receive a boost as the much awaited
property deal materializes. Communication
with the spouse will be more free and relaxed
than before. Make use of number 7, if purchas‑
ing a vehicle.
GEMINI: A silent conspiracy may rage
behind your back at work. As a result,
you may have to sit for long hours in
office to complete an urgent task. Those look‑
ing for a suitable job will find one. Financially,
some good news will take you by surprise.
Some of you may complain about stomach
ache. Romantic relationships will be stable
overall though minor tensions cannot be ruled
out. Business travel is indicated for bureau‑
crats; keep the important documents handy.
CANCER: Innovative ideas and out of
box thinking will help you stay ahead
of the crowd. Be assertive and diplo‑
matic when dealing with domestic issues.
Property related matters need to be sought
with more concern and research. Singles need
to be clear about their expectations and con‑
cerns from potential relationships in order to
avoid disappointments later. New contacts act
as reservoir of more opportunities. Socializing
with close friends will be on your list of priori‑
ties this weekend.
LEO: Love life is set to improve
through mutual ef forts. An overseas
journey will prove most enjoyable.
There is a good chance of firming a property
deal that you had been longing for. Superiors
on the work front may commend you for the
good work done. Romantic relationships could
go through some tense moments. Discussing
the issues with your partner seems produc‑
tive; you may be able to benefit from their
insights and advice.
VIRGO: You are likely to be full of ener‑
gy and determination in this week, and
this helps you sail through the chal‑
lenges coming your way without much effort.
If you have a liking for someone; express your
feelings only if you are sure of the similar feel‑
ings at the other end. You will feel the differ‑
ence in your fitness by adopting an exercise
regimen. Cash inflow is seen to be obstructed
somehow. Drive carefully and donʼt take
chances on the road.
LIBRA: This is a good time for brain‑
storming, sharing ideas, and reaching
a group consensus. Be more flexible in
listening to what others have to say as it can
help improving your intellect and thought
process in the long run. Delegating work
among the colleagues will prove beneficial in
delivering results at the desired deadlines. Do
not let unimportant issues distract you and
prevent you from achieving your goals.
Spending time with loved ones will help you
stay calm.
SCORPIO: Your creative and enterpris‑
ing spirit allows you to focus on your
goals with more determination and
strength now. Distractions and interruptions
will not prevent you from accomplishing what
you have planned for yourself. Love life can
be little tense if you are unable to give time to
your partner. You may feel the need for some
space and time for yourself to relax and
unwind. Gains from investments or other
sources are likely.
SAGITTARIUS: New business ideas will
be welcomed but you need to check if
you have appropriate resources in
place to implement them. Focus on the small
but important details to avoid the last minute
confusions or delays. Avoid carrying pending
tasks at home, if the health doesnʼt allow
doing so. Romantic relationships will be good.
Health of the spouse may need attention.
Relatives seem to support your ideas for
expansion. Huge financial gains are foreseen.
CAPRICORN: Think twice before you
speak this week as the bond with your
professional asso ciates depends
entirely on your communication with them.
Your ability to correctly read the subtle details
will make you popular among your colleagues.
Be patient and hear everyone out even if you
disagree with their objectives and opinions.
Romance is good and can get better if you are
willing to play a supportive role. Financially,
not a very favourable time; so stay away from
speculation.
AQUARIUS: You may feel a bit off key
this week, so donʼt waste your time on
activities that require deliberation.
Donʼt be impulsive in giving up if you hit unex‑
pected challenges; rather focus on the long
term benefits and be determined to find solu‑
tions. Appreciating your life partner or plan‑
ning a special evening with them will improve
your love life. Advice regarding financial mat‑
ters will prove to be fruitful. Minor differences
with close friends are possible.
PISCES: It is the right time to reunite
with friends you have lost contact with.
Leave aside the differences you had in
the past and try to sort things out amicably.
Big projects are accomplished easily as your
confidence lifts up. Someone may avoid you
on the social front due to your overbearing
nature.
Your spendthrift nature may frustrate those
around you. A lifestyle disease can play up, if
you are not regular in taking medication.

25th August, 2018
Traits in you: Your governing plan‑
et Neptune he lps you grow as a
mature and perfect individual. You
are unique, independent, realistic and
optimistic. You never believe in los‑
ing. You are always try to win with
the help of your hard‑work and luck
being a social person you are well
known in society and your helpful
nature makes you pretty popular in
your known circles. Your stubborn
behavior may hurt people without
your knowledge so you better try and
eradicate it.
Health this year: You should not
ignore minor health issues to avoid
bigger problems later.
Finance this year: You may get
involved in many profitable partner‑
ships, which may help you earn a lot
of money. You may be lucky enough
to get your legal and government
work done.
Career this year: You will be able to
enhance your communication skills
and your confidence will be at its
best. You can create wonders in your
profession as well as business. Your
time management skills will be key to
your success this year. If you can
learn new technologies, it will be bet‑
ter for your financial growth. You
may get a chance to work independ‑
ently and prove yourself.
Romance this year: You relation‑
ship with your partner will be expec‑
tational.
26th August, 2018
Traits in you: As you are ruled by
planet Saturn, you are selfless, sin‑
cere, reliable, realistic, and confident.
Being the owner of huge intelligence
and talent you are pretty interested
in acquiring knowledge on trending
technology. You should try to eradi‑
cate pessimism and negativity from
your characteristics.
Health this year: You will enjoy an
overall good health though you may
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
suffer from some minor diseases.
Finance this year: You may find
your trips educative and profitable
this year. You should not lend or bor‑
row money this year as it may put
you in various problems. You will be
benefited from the real estate invest‑
ments if you have any.
Career this year: The success in
your professional life may depend on
your responsibility handling ability.
You may have to work on dif ferent
places, which may prove to be a chal‑
lenge for you to co‑ordinate with you
colleagues and provide a qualitative
output.
Romance this year: Your charismat‑
ic personality will attract opposite
sex. Your relationship with your part‑
ner would be pleasurable.
27th August, 2018
Traits in you: Your ruling planet
Mars makes you daring and intelli‑
gent by birth. Your other personal
traits are dignity, independent, enthu‑
siasm, optimism, self‑confidence, and
discipline. You have exceptional lead‑
ership qualities since birth. So you
can influence anyone to work accord‑
ing your plans. You should not
behave arrogant and impatient for
the betterment of your personality.
Health this year: You will be in a
merdiocre health condition this year.
You have to take regular medication
to stay fit.
Finance this year: You will be able
to improve your financial condition
as money may flow from various
sources. You may go for overseas
journeys for business purpose.
Career this year: You will be
posthumously rewarded for your
efforts throughout the year. You will
make huge leaps as far as your
career is concerned. Professionally,
you will be very successful as you
will be able to create a positive
impact on your seniors and higher
management.
Romance this year: You along with
your partner will solve every person‑
al issue that has been proved to be a
huge headache for you and your fam‑
ily. Your romance with your partner
will touch new heights.
28th August, 2018
Traits in you: By the influence of
your ruling planet Sun, you have
become very original, positive, confi‑
dent, vivacious and optimistic. You
need to control your mood swings to
get more success.
Health this year: You will be enjoy‑
ing a better health as compared to
last year. However, you need not neg‑
lect your regular medication.
Finance this year: You will get a lot
of chances to earn money and
improve your standard of living.
Career this year: You do not bother
about frequent job changes as you
want expertise in a particular
domain. Your honesty and helpful
nature wins you admiration, trust
and respect from your colleagues and
seniors. You may take immense inter‑
est in your profession and it would
help in your salary increment.
Romance this year: Your relation‑
ship with your partner and family
members may get affected due to the
volume of work you are assigned to.
29th August, 2018
Traits in you: The calmness of your
ruling planet makes you creative,
friendly, disciplined, innovative,
responsible, reliable, and imaginative.
Health this year: You will be enjoy‑
ing a very good health this year
despite lot of stress.
Finance this year: You are very
careful when money is concerned.
You do not spend money unnecessar‑
ily. You will enjoy a satisfactory
financial condition throughout the
year. Though you will have a lot of
expenditures, you need not spend all
money alone as your partner will
support you financially.
Career this year: Your dedication
towards your work will bring you lot
of name and fame later in the year.
Your introvert nature may make you
lag behind others so you better try to
work on it and act proactively. You
deserve a lot than you are getting
now. This year you may be rewarded
as per your expectations.
Romance this year: You may not
find much time to spend with your
partner this year due to huge load of
work or business trips. You should
add more life to every moment you
spend with your partner.
30th August, 2018
Traits in you: Being ruled by
Jupiter, you are ambitious, confident,
creative, dignified and optimistic.
People trust you as you are very
helpful and you win their trust with
your behavior. You need to work on
your nature of being jealous and
arrogant.
Health this year: You may suf fer
from some minor health issues and
that would not bother you very much.
Finance this year: Your quick deci‑
sion making capability will help you
gain enough money. Your social life
would be very pleasant this year as
you may go on developing various
profitable contacts to get help in your
business. You may frequently travel
and go for parties in various social
events.
Career this year: You will gain
respect in your organization as a
hardworking and efficient profession‑
al. Your colleagues would seek your
advice in critical situations. Your
value as an employee would increase
in your organization and you will b e
considered as an asset to the organi‑
zation.
Romance this year: You may not
find enough mental support from
your partner, which may weaken
your relationship with your partner.
31st August, 2018
Traits in you: Being number 4, you
are a person who likes to take
responsibilty and do your work with
full dedication and honesty. You are a
very down to earth person with reli‑
gious beliefs. This year you might
plan to go for a piligrimage.
Sometimes you become bossy, jeal‑
ous or stubborn, which you should
avoid to lead a happy life with smil‑
ing people around you.
Health this year: Health of a person
depends on one's thinking.
Remember that one's thinking has
reflection on one's body. If we think
positively we will enjoy a sound
health, whereas negative thinking
will only put adverse affects on our
body.
Finance this year: The coming year,
will be financially good for most of
you. With your will power and practi‑
cal attitude, you will be able to make
the most of the opportunities which
come your way, giving you monetary
gains.
Career this year: Realistic and with
a very practical approach towards
life, most of you are successful in
your professional front.
T he coming year, will see you
achieve new heights of excellence, in
whatever new project you take in
hand.
Romance this year: This year don't
allow your personal problems creep
into your romantic af fair. Always
remember that love is a given expres‑
sion between two partners. So just
enjoy each other's company. If you
are already married, then take some
time out from your busy schedule to
be with your soulmate.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Foreign reporters and media have
own visa category: I Visa
By Michael Phulwani, Esq.
& Dev B. Viswanath, Esq.
T TALK
he I visa is a nonimmi‑
grant visa for foreign
media individuals to
travel to the U.S. To be eligible
for an I visa an individual must:
1) Represent a foreign
information media outlet,
2) Come to the U.S. to only
take part in their profession;
and
3) Must have a home office
in their foreign country.
A media visa is for “represen‑
tatives of the foreign media”
which are members of the
press, film, radio or print
industries. In order to be eligi‑
ble for an I‑visa, an individual
must show that they are a bona
fide representative of foreign
media whose activities are
VISA
important to the functions of
their organization. It is under
the discretion of the consular
officer at the U.S. embassy or
consular post to determine if
an activity qualifies for an I
visa.
An individual can apply for
an I visa at any American con‑
sular post that has jurisdiction
over their place of permanent
residence. Foreign media rep‑
resentatives cannot travel to
the U.S. and take part in their
profession if they do not have
an I visa, even if they are a citi‑
zen of a country that is part of
the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
(VWP‑‑‑ESTA). If a foreign indi‑
DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS
IMMIGRATION
vidual tries to travel to the U.S
without the correct visa, they
may be denied admission by
the Customs & Border Patrol
(CBP) at the port of entry. In
some cases, a foreign media
representative may be eligible
to travel to the U.S. on a visitor
visa but it is not common and
substantive work is not
allowed.
Once the media representa‑
tive arrives at a port of entry, a
Customs and Border Protection
Officer will decide if they can
be admitted to the U.S. The
Officer will review and stamp
Form I‑94 which will state their
authorized period of stay.
Admission with an I nonimmi‑
grant visa is usually for the
duration of status and no appli‑
cation is required for an exten‑
sion of stay as long as the visa
holder continues working for
the same employer.
August 25-31, 2018 37
would like to request a change
If the CBP gives a foreign
individual a specific time
of employer or information
medium.
authorized period of stay, and
they wish to stay longer, they Any dependents of I nonim‑
must file an Application to migrants, spouse and children
Extend/Change Nonimmigrant under the age of 21, may be
Status. The same must also be eligible for an I nonimmigrant
filed if an individual would like visa. Dependents may not work
to request a change of status with an I nonimmigrant visa
from another nonimmigrant but they can study in the U.S.
status to an I nonimmigrant without applying for an F‑1
status, or if an I‑visa holder nonimmigrant visa.
Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC in the
United States, and Banad Immigration in
India for which Attorney Michael Phulwani is
also affiliated as Of Counsel. With Offices in
Manhattan, Queens, Bangalore, and Mumbai,
the firm is able to assist clients with all facets
of the immigration process, including
Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
Citizenship and Green Card Applications
based on Family or Employment. Dev B.
Viswanath can be reached at
Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
38 August 25-31, 2018
By Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj
O
nce upon a time, there
was a man who lived
alone. He kept his money
in a special jar so that no one
could steal it. One day, while the
man was out farming his land, a
thie f broke into his house.
Looking for something to steal, he
came across a heavy stone jar. He
could barely jiggle it to hear the
coins inside. He could not lift the
jar. So the man stuck his hand in
the jar to take out the money. His
hand fit perfectly into the jar.
T he man g rabbed as much
money as he could, holding it in
his fist. But when he tried to pull
out his hand, it would not come
out. He tried his hardest to pull
out his hand, but the fist made his
hand wider. While holding the
money, he could not get it
through the neck of the jar. He let
Finding a true friend
By Sant Rajinder
Singh Ji Maharaj
T
rue friends are those who
stand by you always. They
will sacrifice themselves
for you, and are people on whom
you can always rely. True friends
listen to your problems and share
your burdens. Truly, if we have
even one real friend in life, we are
lucky.
If we think about our childhood
friends, how many are still with
us now? Have we parted ways
already? Perhaps they have
moved away, or we have lost con‑
tact with them. Let us consider
our close friends today. Can we
imagine that they, too, will one
day be parted from us just as
those friends from our childhood
are gone?
Even if we have one close
friend, or even a few, they can
only be with us up to our last
breath, or their last breath. They
can only remain with us in this
life and cannot help us in the
moment of our greatest need̶
the time of death.
In this connection, there is an
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
This article has been selected &reprinted from Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj’s book, Spiritual Pearls
for Enlightened Living, an inspirational collection of stories from the world’s great wisdom traditions.
Learn to let go and be free
go of the money and his hand was
freed to come out of the jar. But
he was intent upon having the
money, so he tried again and
again. Each time he enclosed the
coins in his fist, his hand was too
wide to be removed from the jar.
Suddenly, he heard the owner
coming home. He knew that if he
did not get his hand out of the jar,
he would be caught. But he was so
intent upon trying to get the
money out that he would not give
up. The result was that the man
came in, caught him, and had him
arrested.
We too are like the thief in the
story. Desires cause us to be
caught with our hand in the jar.
Desires keep us bound to this
world. It is only by letting go of
the things of this world that we
can be free. We need to stop
clutching for whatever binds us as
prisoners of our desires so we can
enjoy true freedom. We need to
stop clutching and let go. Then we
will find the joy of freedom.
What kind of joy did the thief
have in his pursuit of the money?
Instead he ended up a prisoner in
the jail. We too are like prisoners
in the jail of this physical world.
We spend all our time going after
things that will not give us happi‑
ness. Whatever material gains we
interesting story from the Hindu
scriptures. There was a learned
pundit who was the personal
minister of King Prikshat. Each
day the minister would read out
the scriptures to the king. The
particular scripture said that
whoever hears the scriptures will
receive spiritual liberation and
enlightenment. Month after
month, the king listened to the
scriptures read by the minister.
However, he did not attain libera‑
tion.
One day, the king sat down and
thought, “Here I am̶listening to
these scriptures every day, and I
am not yet spiritually liberated.
The scriptures say that whoever
listens to these holy writings will
receive salvation once and for all,
but I have not.”
Therefore, the king called the
minister and said, “Look here. I
have heard these scriptures so
many times and have not attained
liberation. I will give you one
more chance to read these scrip‑
tures to me from end to end. If I
am not liberated after that, you
will be put to death.” Trembling
in his shoes, the minister began
the task of re‑reading the scrip‑
How can we end our
bondage? We need to
let go and be free. When
we can let go of our
desires for impermanent
gains, we can be free.
have in the world can lead us to
more bondage if we are attached
to them. For example, if we want a
big house, we have to work longer
hours to pay for its mortgage.
Then we need to fill it up with
more and more furniture. That
will take more time to work to pay
for it, shop to buy it, and then to
clean and repair every thing.
Before we know it, the house that
was supposed to bring us pleas‑
ure has made us a slave to it. We
no longer have time for our fami‑
ly, our children, or pursuits that
will give us more fulfillment. We
spend all our time going after
things that may not give us true
and lasting happiness.
tures to the king. By the sixth day
he was nearing the end of the
scriptures, and the king was not
satisfied. Fearing that on the sev‑
enth day he would be put to
death, the minister sat down in
his home and started to cry.
“Why are you so sad?” asked
his daughter when she saw him.
The ministered explained the
situation to her, “The scriptures
say that whoever reads them will
be liberated. However, I know
that the king is not liberated, nor
am I liberated. Therefore, tomor‑
row, I will be put to death.”
The daughter was wise and had
an idea. “Do not worry,” she said.
“Tomorrow I will speak to the
king.” On the following day, the
ministerʼs daughter asked for an
audience with the king.
“Why have you come?” he ques‑
tioned her.
She told him, “I have come to
reply to the question that you
have asked of my father. But to
do this, you and I must go togeth‑
er to the wilderness.” The king
was perplexed, but agreed to go
along with her plan. The girl then
sent for her father. She brought
along two ropes and when they
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Similarly, we may want to buy a
computer to keep up with the lat‑
est technology. We then find our‑
selves working harder to buy all
the right software and equipment
to make it work. Soon we realize
that we are not happy with a sim‑
ple computer. We want to
upgrade to a faster and more
elaborate computer. Next, we find
the computer that was supposed
to save us time is taking up all our
time. We end up spending hours
learning to use the computer. We
spend hours exploring the
Internet. The e‑mail system that
was supposed to make communi‑
cations faster is taking more and
more of our time. Suddenly, we
reached the wilderness she tied
the king to one tree and her
father to another tree. Both were
then bound, hand and foot. The
king was wondering what all this
meant when the girl asked,
“Father, can you kindly unbind
the king over there?”
The minister replied, “I am
already bound! How can I free
him?”
The girl asked, “Your Majesty,
will you kindly unbind my
father?”
The king replied, “Foolish girl,
donʼt you see that I am bound?
How can a bound man unbind
another?”
That is all she wanted to hear
and said, “Then how can you
expect my father, who is not free
himself, to liberate you spiritual‑
ly?” The king himself had
answered the dilemma in which
he had placed the minister. With
that understanding, the king
spared the life of the minister.
At the time of death, we all
depart by ourselves. No friends of
this world can help us. They can
sit by our bedside and hold our
hand, but they can neither pro‑
tect us from death nor accompa‑
ny us. Knowing this, we still put
our reliance on people of this
world.
Looking back at the friendships
find fifty people e‑mailing us daily
and they expect an instantaneous
response. If we do not respond
right away they accuse us of
being nonresponsive and indiffer‑
ent. Soon, we are spending hours
on the computer. We have
become slaves to our possessions.
How can we end our bondage?
We need to let go and be free.
When we can let go of our desires
for impermanent gains, we can be
free. Then, our soul can experi‑
ence the love and beauty that God
has to of fer. True happiness
comes when we connect with the
source of joy within us̶our soul
and God. To do so, we must turn
our attention from the worldly
enticements and listen to our soul.
Beautiful melodies of God are
playing within us all the time.
Light and love are shining within
us. By turning our attention from
the world, we are releasing our
hold on the coins that keep our
hand stuck in the jar. By letting
go, we are gaining eternal free‑
dom.
By sitting in meditation, free
from all worldly desires and
attachments, we can let go and
find ourselves free to soar back to
God.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
we have had in our lives, how
many of them led us closer to
God, and how many of them have
taken us away from God? What
kind of friend should we look for
then? To be truly awakened spiri‑
tually, we should seek the friend‑
ship of the Lord.
We have only a set number of
breaths to reunite our soul with
God. Let us do everything possi‑
ble to attain that goal. The best
way to reach the Lord is through
meditation, sweet remembrance,
and selfless service. These activi‑
ties safeguard us from being
pulled away by distractions of the
world. If we do these things, then
we will be ready at the time of
our death. Having mastered the
art of rising above body‑con‑
sciousness (by meditating daily
on the inner Light and Sound of
God) , we will know what awaits
us in the Beyond.
Befriending God makes our
spirit soar. Waves of divine love
make our soul rise to the eye‑
focus where we see tremendous
Light. Is there any love or friend‑
ship of the world that can bring
us to the eye‑focus and make us
rise above physical body‑con‑
sciousness? Only the love of the
Lord can make us wide awake̶
not only in this world, but wide
awake into the Beyond.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info August 25-31, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info August 25-31, 2018