Professional Documents
Culture Documents
using disaster
The South Modi govt gets
Asian Times
relief funds for wall
Trump went to the
Organization
of Year 2018
upper caste
Rio Grande in Texas
Thursday to make
his point about
crisis at the border
even as over
quota passed
800,000 federal
Getting Parliament to pass
workers are set to
miss their
the Constitution
paychecks Friday amendment bill
because of govern‑
ment shutdown. instituting 10%
(Photo courtesy AP)
reservation for
Washington: Even as President relief to build a border wall with
Trump has invoked declaring Mexico. That's according to a con‑
Naveen Shah,
Navika President & CEO
economically
national emergency to sidestep
Congress to get funds for the bor‑
gressional aide familiar with the
matter who was not authorized to New York: The South Asian Times
weaker sections
der wall, the latest news is that speak publicly, media reports say. has announced Navika Group of in the upper
White House has directed the The aide said $13.9 billion has Companies as its Organization of
Army Corps of Engineers to look at been allocated but not yet obligat‑ the Year 2018 for their vision, castes is
leadership, philanthropy and
using emergency funds that
Congress approved for disaster
ed through contracts for a variety
becoming an inspiration for the
considered a
Continued on page 6
Indian community. masterstroke
Navika is not only a successful
run on Jan 21
tutions, with the Rajya Sabha vot‑ Constitution.
ing it late in the night. Rejecting the opposition criti‑
Washington: Senator Kamala The bill passed with broad sup‑ cism that the bill was brought late
Harris is expected to announce her port from the Congress and other in the government's tenure with
candidacy for the opposition parties despite their an eye on upper caste votes in the
White House on reservations over its constitutional coming Lok Sabha elections, Social
or after January validity and the timing in view of Justice Minister Thawarchand
21, which is the approaching elections. Gehlot said the measure had been
observed as Earlier, the House rejected an brought with good intentions and
Martin Luther amendment moved by DMK mem‑ was aimed at justice for the eco‑
King Day. Harris, ber Kanimozhi and CPI (M)'s T.K. nomically weaker sections.
New Delhi: A delegation of Thursday to discuss how the who is of mixed African American Rangarajan for referring the bill to He called the bill historic and
young Hindi film actors and entertainment industry can con‑ and Indian American heritage, had a select committee for in‑depth allayed fears that the legislation
filmmakers like Karan Johar, tribute to nation building. indicated earlier she would decide scrutiny. Several other opposition would face legal hurdles, saying
Rohit Shetty and Ashwiny Iyer Karan, who was a part of past about the run during the past holi‑ amendments were also rejected. A since it is a constitutional amend‑
Tiwari met Prime Minister industry meetings with the PM, days. Though she hasnʼt yet, she is constitutional amendment needs a ment even the Supreme Court
Narendra Modi here on Continued on page 6 widely expected to and her special majority of more than half would accept it, should there be
Continued on page 6 of the House present and two‑ Continued on page 6
TRUMP’S FATE 38 ON MODI 48 MICHELLE OBAMA BOOK 62 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 78 excellence in journalism
4 January 5-18, 2019 L E T T E R F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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Edward P. Mangano always looks cool and composed, but he has engineered
one of the biggest upsets in politics by defeating a confident incumbent in
Celebrating India Day the election for Executive of Nassau County, which in terms of importance
and budget is bigger than a dozen American states.
Robin Raina
Chairman & CEO, Ebix Inc
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Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and wife Gita Gopinath takes over
divorcing after 25 years as IMF chief economist
Washington: Eminent academic and and Kristalina Georgieva, the
Seattle: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos nearly 79 million shares of former economic adviser to the Bank's CEO who will become its
and his wife, MacKenzie, are Amazon stock that Bezos owns, Kerala government, Gita interim President next
divorcing, ending a 25‑year mar‑ translating into a 16 percent Gopinath has taken over month. When Lagarde
riage that played a role in the cre‑ stake in the Seattle company. as IMFʼs chief economist announced in October
ation of an e‑commerce company The amicable tenor of the in a time of global finan‑ Gopinath's appointment
that made Bezos one of the Bezoses' divorce announcement cial uncertainty. with formal title of
world's wealthiest people. makes it highly likely that the In a sign of growing Economic Counsellor and
The decision to divorce comes couple already has reached an women power, she joins a Director of the Research
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos with select group of four women who Department, she called her "one of
after a trial separation, according agreement on how to divide their
wife MacKenzie. (Photo : Reuters)
to a statement posted Wednesday assets. The divorce announce‑ will dominate the global economic the world's outstanding econo‑
on Jeff Bezos' Twitter account. during the marriage will be divid‑ ment came hours before the sphere ‑‑ her boss and IMF's mists, with impeccable academic
Left unanswered was one of the ed. Jeff Bezosʼs fortune currently National Enquirer began tweeting Managing Director Christine credentials, a proven track record
biggest sticking points in any hovers around $137 billion, virtu‑ that it planned to publish an Lagarde, World Bank's chief econo‑ of intellectual leadership, & exten‑
divorce: How the assets amassed ally all of that is tied up in the expose about the split. mist Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, sive international experience".
Modi govt gets upper Sharma, welcomed the 10 per cent Navika is The South Asian industriousness and vision. today was an incredible opportuni‑
caste quota bill passed quota for the upper caste poor but Times Organization of The South Asian Timesʼ annual ty. "As a community, there is a huge
Continued from page 3 questioned its timing as it comes Year 2018 New Year issue announcing the interest to contribute to nation
any challenge. The Minister told ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Continued from page 3 Person of the Year gone by is much building. There is so much that we
the Congress party that unlike the Hospitality Enterprise with a multi awaited in the community. In the want to do. And can do and this dia‑
Narasimha Rao government which White House mulls using billion dollar asset base, it is also, to past 10 years, the weekly has fea‑ logue was towards how and what
issued a government order to disaster relief funds for wall use its founding President and CEO tured NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, ways we can do that. When the
implement a similar quota, the Continued from page 3 Naveen Jainʼs words, a unique com‑ Pramukh Swami Maharaj of BAPS, youngest country (in demography)
Modi had taken precaution by of projects in California, Florida, pany “of the community, by the Amneal Co‑Founders Chirag and joins hands with the largest movie
bringing in a statute amendment. Texas, other states and Puerto Rico, community and for the community.” Chintu Patel and Nassau County industry in the world, we hope to be
Intervening in the over eight‑ which have experienced hurricanes, Navika had humble beginnings in Executive Ed Mangano as its Person a force to reckon with. Together we
hour debate, Law and Justice wildfires or other natural disasters. 2005 and now with its corporate of the Year. In 2016 it was FIA, an would love to inspire and ignite
Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said The money funds a variety of proj‑ headquarters in Uniondale, NY, it organization instead of a personali‑ positive changes to a transforma‑
that the proposed quota would not ects, mostly flood control to prevent has in its portfolio over 40 top ty. This time again it is a company. tive India."
breach the Supreme Court's cap of future disasters. brand hotels ‑‑ including newly
50 per cent on overall reserva‑ President Donald Trumpʼs acquired trophy properties like Actors, filmmakers meet Kamala Harris to announce
tions. He said the legislation would demand for over $5 billion for the Hilton and Marriott in Long Island ‑ PM Modi White House run on Jan 21
apply to both Central and state wall/barrier along the southern ‑ with 10,000 rooms and 5,000 Continued from page 3 Continued from page 3
governments. Senior Congress border has led to the partial govern‑ employees. led the delegation which included ongoing tour to promote her new
member and an eminent lawyer, ment shutdown. The meetings he In his interview to The South marquee names like Ekta Kapoor, book, “The Truths We Hold: An
Kapil Sibal, said the bill had been has had with Democratic leaders Asian Times for the cover story in Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer American Journey”, is adding to
brought with "complete non‑appli‑ Nancy Pelosi and Chick Schumer, this New Year issue, Naveen Jain Singh, Sidharth Malhotra, the speculation. She has been
cation of mind" and raised ques‑ who oppose funding the wall but broke the news that they have Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar reportedly putting together the
tions over the constitutionality of are willing to consider other securi‑ recently launched a company Rao, Vicky Kaushal and Bhumi logistics of the campaign such as
the bill and its implementation. ty measures, could not move the named Flex Point Hospitality Pednekar. After the meeting, where selecting a site for her announce‑
"If the bill is passed, the imple‑ needle on passing appropriation Solutions as an operations and the Bollywood squad clicked a ment, the headquarters and the
mentation of the reservation due bills More than 800,000 federal management arm of Navika to take group selfie with Modi, Karan wrote personnel. The San Francisco
to complexities involved and workers ̶ more than half of them it to a still higher corporate level. on Instagram: "Powerful and timely Chronicle reported Wednesday,
absence of required data with the still on the job ̶ are set to miss He is modest speaking about the conversations can bring about citing sources, that the California
government would be like demon‑ their first paycheck Friday under value he has created for the enter‑ change and this was one of what we senator could announce her run
etization." the stoppage that began Dec. 22, prise, but others in his management hope will become a regular conver‑ on MLK Day or after, but, it added,
Earlier, his party colleague and and is set to become the longest in team credit Navikaʼs success major‑ sation. Meeting the Honorable the exact date is still being worked
deputy leader in the House, Anand US history. ly to his leadership, strategies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi out.
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8 January 5-18, 2019 COV E R S T O RY
People who give a million or more are inducted into the Executive Board, the decision making body of Navika.
COV E R S T O RY January 5-18, 2019 9
Trophy Properties
time that the Navika Group has we’ve anticipated and planned
Navika acquired Marriott in Uniondale next to the Nassau Coliseum, for. We are looking to do more
been in business, we have built
and Hilton Long Island in Huntington, NY, within a period of two years, creating
real value for our partners and than hold our own however; we
waves in the community and hospitality market.
team members. We have built a are working to make the Navika
culture with a team spirit while Group the country’s preeminent
building our professional careers. hospitality enterprise.
With our strategic focus and I am excited about the op-
our valuable partners, we are able portunities that lie before us. The
to implement and accomplish Americas region has now passed
what really works for each hotel. the Asia Pacific as the most highly
Be it selecting and negotiating rated region for hotel investment.
with the right brand partners, Hotel operating fundamentals
hiring and empowering talented across the Americas have exhib-
professionals or providing expert ited a steady and increasing rate
support when needed to our ho- of growth. There is significant de-
tels, we strive to be a “truly differ- mand among private equity funds,
ent” hospitality company. Our par- real estate investment trusts, in-
ticular size and vision has created stitutional investors and off-shore
an environment that allows suc- investors to make investments in
cessful hotel teams to concentrate hospitality assets.
on the things that matter: We have plans to expand our
reach and continue to invest in
Upscale Hospitality Assets in the
THREEFOLD future. We are seeking out op-
VALUES portunities, partners and places
where we can make an impact. We
I believe that the values of the look forward to further strength-
Navika Group are threefold: ening our business relationships,
• An aggressive and proac- both with our partners and our
tive management style, ex- team of dedicated employees. To-
pressed with sensitivity and gether, with our best efforts put
integrity in all we do. forth, we hope to see our com-
• A commitment to the high- pany accelerate profitability and
est professional standards, asset growth in the coming years.
10 January 5-18, 2019 COV E R S T O RY
RESPECT COMPETENCY
Navika’s promise: “We treat Navika tries to recruit and re-
others as we desire to be treated. tain exceptional people with high
We respect the dignity of each in- levels of skill, education, and ex-
dividual, whether a Navika team perience. Motivated and ambitious
member, partner, colleague, or individuals are valued who work
member of the community. We efficiently and productively to help
behave professionally and re- the company fulfill its mission.
sponsibly. We value diversity and Sheraton Mahwah, NY in a picturesque setting is another prestigious property Navika acquired in 2017.
support an environment where TEAM MEMBER
people of different backgrounds PROMISE
can reach their fullest potential
with equal access to opportuni- For Navika, team members
ties. We embrace a corporate cul- are the heart of the organization.
ture where work and personal life They say they are committed to
are balanced.” fostering an entrepreneurial cul-
ture where “we employ the most
LOYALTY capable and talented individuals
and encourage them to think in-
Navika’s credo: “We appreci- dependently in a collaborative set-
ate those who show loyalty to us, ting, enabling them to grow both
and we promise loyalty to them personally and professionally.
in return. We recognize and re- Navika embraces a work environ-
ward individual contributions and ment where our values are lived,
achievements. We deliver on our life balance is encouraged, indi-
commitments, and commit our- vidual aspirations are achieved,
selves to acting in the best interests and our mission is fulfilled.”
of our partners, Navika team mem- With the experiences of learn-
bers, colleagues, and community. ing through the challenges in busi-
ness and professional life, the part-
ENTREPRE- ners have crafted a roadmap for a
NEURSHIP consistent growth plan and devel-
oped strategies using “Convention-
Navika works with confidence al Wisdom. Forward Thinking”. DoubleTree by Hilton in Greenway Plaza, Houston acquired by Navika.
12 January 5-18, 2019 COV E R S T O RY
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
NAVEEN SHAH
GROWING NAVIKA INTO A VALUABLE ENTERPRISE
By Parveen Chopra
Majorly responsible for leading Navika to become a well-managed, premier commercial real estate and hospitality enter-
A s Navika’s President and CEO,
Naveen Shah is involved in all
areas of the business operation with
prise, its founding CEO and President Naveen Shah wishes to share credits with his founding team, operations team and
growth team. More importantly, he call this unique company ‘of the community, for the community and by the community’.
a particular emphasis on strategic
planning, capital transactions, as- Naveen Shah with his core management team (from left) Amarish Kachhy,
set management, and acquisitions. Dr Shital Sheth, Vinod Shah, Kanti Vadsola, and Chandrakant Trivedi.
He is one of the three founders of
Navika. According to others in his
top management team interviewed
by The South Asian Times, Shah
is the architect and engine of the
spectacular success of Navika, mak-
ing it a premier commercial real es-
tate and hospitality giant. Bringing
together a class management and
operations team, he has immensely
built the enterprise value of Navika.
All achieved with the company’s
founding values of ethics, vision,
integrity and commitment.
His three decade long experi-
ence of working in commercial
real estate, in accounting, financial
reporting, business consulting,
management advisory, and tax ser-
vices all came in handy in his role
at the helm, but it is equally his vi-
sion, industriousness, and leader-
ship that played a role.
Naveen Shah came to America
from India in 1982 with a degree as Organization of the Year 2018 in captain of this sailing boat named ton TX, and Indianapolis.
in accountancy and started his The South Asian Times’ New Year Navika successfully navigating the Naveen Shah: Navika Capital Group Which are the major brand
own CPA company and has not Special, Naveen Shah gave this ex- high seas of hospitality. How is the sole owner but every prop- properties in your portfolio?
looked back since. He is very ac- clusive interview to the weekly’s do you see it yourself? erty has its own entity. There are
tive in the Indian community. Managing Editor, Parveen Chopra, over 100 such entities. We want Naveen Shah: Hilton, Marriott
Co-founder of RANA (Rajasthan in Navika’s Uniondale, Long Island Naveen Shah, Navika’s founding to keep profit and loss of each (Sheraton is part of Marriott) and
Association of North America), office last week. Excerpts from the President and CEO: Navika has property separate that way. Intercontinental (of which Holi-
he was its President in 2015. He interview: been built up over time with intel- day Inn is a part). We also have
is married to Rajshree and they lectual and financial capital, which To run Navika like a well-oiled Choice Hotels and the Wyndham
have two daughters and one son, The South Asian Times: Navika are the two components of capital. corporation, you have set up brand. We are franchisees. We
named Anjali, Aashna and Arpit. investors and the top guys in your Intellectual capital came from the a new company... own, run and manage the proper-
In connection with Navika management team we have spoken operations team. Financial capital ties. We had alliances with other
Group of Companies being featured to all say that you are the worthy came from the founding members Naveen Shah: Yes, and we all are hotel groups before, but along the
team. The founding team is the one very excited about this big, new way we have bought them out.
that broke the ground, and created development four months ago.
the foundation for the building. We have brought all our manage- How do you envision the future
And then the growth team came ment in-house in a management growth path of Navika?
along to help the company to grow. company, creating a wholly owned
subsidiary in the name of Flex Naveen Shah: We want to contin-
Where is the company currently at? Point Hospitality Solutions. Based ue to grow our company with the
in Washington DC, Flex is the man- business model we have created
Naveen Shah: We have over 70 agement and operation arm of historically, to continue to grow
assets in 26 states, with 10,000 Navika. Our objective is to manage our business in hospitality indus-
rooms. Besides New York and New and consolidate our management try by adding full service, qual-
Jersey we have a strong presence and operations not just with re- ity assets throughout the nation,
in Virginia, Texas, Georgia and spect to the properties of Navika, wherever we find opportunities,
California. We have 5,000 em- but also expand into third party and we have capital. We will con-
ployees at last count. management. Flex satellite offices tinue to grow our company with
are in prominent regions where full service branded hotels every-
Your asset base grew from $1 our properties are based. where in all regions of US—where
billion to $1.5 billion over two we have been there and where
years, what is the next target? Tell us more about your operations. we have not been there so far. In
short, continue to expand. And
Naveen Shah: We have targeted to Naveen Shah: Our corporate of- continue to build a role model of
reach $2 billion by the end of this fice is in New York (Uniondale, an enterprise in the society.
year. Long Island) and now our central
management office is in Washing- Any plans to go public?
Navika is a group of ton DC. And we have satellite of-
companies, namely? fices including in Atlanta, Arling- Naveen Shah: No, we want to re-
main private. We will continue
to raise capital from friends and
family, as we have been doing for
“A GOAL IS A DREAM WITH A DEADLINE.” last 14 years and leverage that
--Naveen Shah, an inspirational leader and consummate CEO. capital to build up performing
COV E R S T O RY January 5-18, 2019 13
So how do you attract investors? Naveen Shah: Very, very well. Go-
ing forward, it is going to be 100
Naveen Shah: No, we cannot at- percent hospitality.
tract investors, we are a privately
owned company. SEC (US Securi- How did you weather the
ties and Exchange Commission) market crash of 2008?
laws say if you go to the open mar-
ket you are considered a deemed Naveen Shah: We took the down- Naveen Shah and his wife Rajshree Shah receiving the prestigious Bharat Gaurav honor bestowed
public company. Then you have turn as an opportunity. We con- by the Yuva Sanskriti Sansthan, Jaipur, presented by founder Pandit Suresh Mishra and then Indian
to do full blown registration with tinued to acquire the assets in the National Commission for Women Chair Mamta Sharma at a gala event in New Jersey in 2012.
SEC. We are not going the REIT down time. Then the company re-
(real estate investment trust) way. ally took off in 2010-2012.
Our capital comes from friends and
family who are accredited with us Tell us some of Navika’s achieve-
and with known relationship. We ments under your leadership?
cannot go in the open market and
seek capital from strangers. What Naveen Shah: We have created a
we do is accredited investors meet- substantial assets and capital base,
ings. If somebody we know offers expanded geographical presence to
to invest, they have to have a cer- diversify risk, no mortgage defaults
tain range of assets, only then we and met all operating expenses
accept. Minimum investment is from operating cash flow. We have
one million dollars now. also considerably enhanced the
value of the partners’ capital in a
What return do you promise relatively short span of time.
– 6%, 8% to investors?
Your trophy properties?
Naveen Shah: No, we do not prom-
ise a fixed percentage. But histori- Naveen Shah: Marriott in Union-
cally we have continuously been dale (which is across the road from
distributing cash flow back to the our office) next to Nassau Coli-
partners to meet their expectations. seum, Hilton in Huntington, and
We plan and promise to maintain Sheraton in Mahwah, New Jersey.
that history. If we say 6, or 8 or 9 %
then it becomes a dividend. We are Why would the existing owners of ultimately the brand has to accept ity industry. We have the highest bodies. To name a few of those:
not a dividend based company. a Marriott or a Hilton sell to you? you. That is the most critical fac- credit rating. We have never de- AIA (Association of Indians in
tor. Maybe they could not find a faulted on our obligation to the America), IALI (Indian Association
Is the returns to investors Naveen Shah: Well, we continue buyer accepted by the brand. lender and/or third party. The of Long island), Rajasthan Asso-
a rising graph? to develop relationships and make most important thing, we would ciation of North America (RANA),
a compelling case that we are the Your reputation by now has a not have been able to grow our BAPS, Akshaya Patra, BAPS and
Naveen Shah: No, it is stable. We right owner. In the case of Marriot seal of approval from all sides. company unless we maintained some temples. We also continue
believe in consistency. Not volatil- and Hilton in Long island, our ar- the highest level of reputation in to promote social, charitable and
ity, by giving a high return in one gument was that we are local. Also, Naveen Shah: Yes, historically we the hospitality industry as well as welfare activities by being spon-
year and low in another. we matched their expectations on have proven that to the brands, in the lending community. Because sors of major events in the tristate
price. It is a combination of many the community and in the busi- we leverage our capital. Banks area, like of Nargis Dutt Memorial
Who are your biggest investors? factors not just the price, because ness community, in the hospital- and financial institutions are the Cancer Foundation (NDMF) etc.
backbone of the growth of Navika. Our upcoming contribution in a
major way is going to be RANA’s
You call Navika a for-profit commu- Global Convention this July 4
nity organization. How does it con- weekend at the Marriott, Union-
tribute to social, charitable and phil- dale. We have also contributed
anthropic causes in the community? to promote cultural values and
heritage of different regions of In-
Naveen Shah: To borrow from the dia, for example, to the Rajasthan
definition of democracy by Abra- Mahotsav in 2015. We continue
ham Lincoln, Navika is of the com- to promote cultural and religious
munity, for the community and by values in the community. As an or-
the community. So, contribution ganization we are not married to
to the community is, of course any one religion but relate to the
fundamental to our company. We religious values. We continue to
create value to the community by spread the value of spirituality by
hiring talent from the community. hosting religious events and plan
By also giving contributions to to have another big religious event
various community organizations. in 2020: Mahalaxmi Pujan. In the
Some small and others large con- past we have had hosted Saraswa-
tributions. We have already given ti Pujan (the goddess of learning)
Family values: Naveen Shah with his wife Rajshree, to over 100 organizations, which with 1008 couples and Padmavati
and their daughters Anjali and Aashna & son Arpit. work for social, charitable and Pujan (goddess of spiritual power)
welfare causes as well as religious with 108 couples in 2007.
14 January 5-18, 2019 COVER STORY TheSouthAsianTimes.info
N
financial crisis like in 2008‑2011 and take sai says.
arsinh Desai has been Navika Co ing , earning an Army Commendation
advantage of the downturn.” A resident of New Jersey, Narsinh Desai is
Chairman and Executive Board Medal, and holds an A.S. in Business
He confirms that he is a major investor in a highly respected and very successful busi‑
member for 14 years and is a ma‑ management from Monterey Peninsula
Navika. When asked how secure are re‑ ness entrepreneur. He has over 25 years of
jor investor. He is responsible for oversee‑ College and is a Certified Hospitality
turns of investors or their investments and experience in Real Estate and Pharmaceu‑
ing corporate matters and presides over all Accountant (CHA) Executive.
how does the management deal with com‑ tical Industry.
16 January 5-18, 2019 COVER STORY TheSouthAsianTimes.info
D
Navika from a lending compa‑ (which is now a Navika proper‑ r. Anil Paulose is the acquisitions over the past
ny to commercial real estate, I ty).” principal of Reliance In‑ decade is highly commendable,”
was among the first few to join Hilton Huntington and Mar‑ surance and Account‑ said Dr Paulose, adding, “Itʼs
them. We started with small riott Long Island are the two ing based in Astoria, New York, Mr. Shahʼs relentless and con‑
properties. Since then Navika most prestigious properties ac‑ for over two decades. He says scientious work ethic, his expe‑
has grown and grown and quired by Navika, states Kach‑ his affiliation with Navika start‑ rience and approach to life
grown into what it is today.” hy. Add to that Sheraton Mah‑ ed as an Investor/partner sev‑ which is to be credited for the
Kachhy says that his associa‑ wah in New Jersey as well. eral years back. “CEO Mr. success and growth of Navika.”
tion with Navika has also grown
Amarish Kachhy, The secret of Navikaʼs growth Naveen Shah who is also a close Dr Paulose congratulates all in‑
Executive Board member, Navika
over time. “From small investor in Kachhyʼs view is: “We are en‑ friend of mine continues to im‑ volved in the administration,
to as the company grew it need‑ board meeting and during the dis‑ ergetic people. We are united, we press me through his humility management and fellow in‑
ed more money and we were cussion everybody gives their donʼt pull each otherʼs leg. Rather and exceptional management vestors at Navika for this recog‑
there.” opinion and suggests the way to we pull in one direction. We take and vision for Navika. The tra‑ nition as the “Organization of
About his role at Navika, Kachhy go. And unanimously we decide on unanimous decisions with the lead‑ jectory of growth Navika has the Year 2018” by The South
says, “It is not in day‑to‑day opera‑ the right way to go.” ership of CEO Naveen Shah and achieved to become a 1.5B Asian Times and feels personal‑
tions. When something new comes What lessons have been learnt at Chairman Haridas Kotahwala. And company with its steady and ly very proud to be part of the
up, we talk about it in the executive Navika, what works and what does‑ they are good visionaries.” continuous stream of selective Navika family.
20 January 5-18, 2019 COV E R S T O RY
day to day activities. I did HR when She confirms that initially Partners have contributed in their But Navika did change its busi-
the company was not very big. I did Navika used to do investor meet- own different ways. “When Navika ness strategy from mixed real es-
their website (now they have their ings, not anymore. “People who are was in the growing stages, everyone tate portfolio to hospitality. Was
own IT person). I managed a lot of coming now are coming through contributed a lot. It has been team that a conscious decision? Says Dr
things. I also did public relations. I word of mouth, through family or work and everybody has worked Sheth: “It is because hospitality has
was director of corporate affairs. friends. Navika is not going looking hard for it. People have sacrificed.” more potential and everybody has
Did the initial, small group for people. People come looking for Has Navika (meaning boat in been more focused on hospitality
of people who started Navika in us. This is because Navika has set a Hindi) stabilized enough where one now than being all over the place.
2005-6 think it will expand to the benchmark; everyone knows about can say it is smooth sailing from People realized from experience
level it has? Replies Dr Sheth, “Defi- it in the community and we are an here now and everything is in con- that we were made for hospitality,
nitely, there was a vision. It was just enterprise in which community trol? Dr Sheth replies confidently: not office buildings and the like.”
a matter of time. We knew it will members can participate. ” “It has always been under control. And that shift in focus happened
reach to that level. The goal was al- Now Dr Sheth is not doing much Naveen micromanages everything about 7-8 years ago, she adds.
ways there. It was just working to on HR front for Navika as they have and everything has always been Dr Sheth runs Fulton Pediatrics
Dr Shital Sheth achieve it. But we definitely knew their own person. But PR she still under control. There are hiccups, in Hempstead, NY and has 4 other
Adviser, Navika
we will achieve it.” manages. When asked why does of course, but not something that doctors and a staff of 20 work for
has been associated with Navika thing, our goal goes to a second that we are the best and that we are
from the very beginning. “I was in- level. We are still trying to achieve there for the community.” Ben Koopman
volved with not the operations, but more and more.” She asserts that all the Executive President, Flex Point Hospitality Solutions
Navika under Naveen Shah supports many A colorful looking Naveen Shah with then Home Minister of Rajasthan Gulab Chand Kataria and
worthy social and charitable causes. a RANA founder Kamlesh Mehta at the Vasant Mahotsav at SUNY Old Westbury.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
28 January 5-18, 2019 NEWSMAKERS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
In the spotlight
INDIAN AMERICANS WHO MADE HEADLINES FOR
MORE REASONS RIGHT THAN WRONG IN 2018
Satya Nadella live in New
York for at
Combating Hu‑
man Traffick‑
Akshay
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella topped Com‑ least two years
while her son
ing' in the
White House.
Venkatesh
parablyʼs ‑ a platform that rates companies
based on a mul‑ finishes high She was This renowned Indian‑Australian mathe‑
titude of fac‑ school. Haley awarded the matician was one of the four winners of pres‑
tors ‑ list of hasnʼt said country's high‑ tigious Fields
best CEOs of what her next est honor in medal, known
2018. The rat‑ career move the field at a as the Nobel
ings were will be, but ceremony also prize for math
based on em‑ most donʼt attended by for his "pro‑
ployee inter‑ think sheʼs President Don‑ found contri‑
views that done with na‑ ald Trump. She butions to an
were conduct‑ tional politics. Haley burnished her national is currently im‑ exceptionally
ed anony‑ and international reputation in her time at plementing Mayor Turner's Anti‑Human broad range of
mously. While the UN, and speculation abounds that she will Trafficking Strategic Plan, which is the first subjects in
Nadella got 82 run for presidency someday. Thereʼs also comprehensive municipal response to human mathematics."
points on a rating scale of 100, the company some thought she could run for vice presi‑ trafficking by a US city. The prize is
also got appreciated for its culture, diversity dent if President Donald Trump decides to re‑ awarded every
and perks and benefits. Not surprising place Vice President Mike Pence in 2020. Anurima four years to
the most promising mathematicians under
though. Since becoming CEO over four years
ago Nadella has created quite a buzz for turn‑ Tulsi Gabbard Bhargava the age of 40. Akshay, 36 is currently teach‑
ing around the fortune of Microsoft. Under A civil rights lawyer, Arunima Bhargava ing at Stanford University.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard confirmed in December
Nadellaʼs leadership, Microsoftʼs stock price
has tripled and also surpassed Apple to be‑
that she was seriously considering a 2020
White House
was appointed as a Commissioner to the US
Commission for
Abhay Ashtekar
come the worldʼs most valuable company in bid. Her critics International Professor of physics, Evan Pugh Professor,
terms of market valuation. His views and ini‑ and observers Religious Free‑ Holder, Eberly Chair, and director of the In‑
tiatives in new tech areas such as virtual re‑ had long been dom (USCIRF), stitute for Grav‑
ality, cloud computing, artificial intelligence speculating an independ‑ itation and the
and cybersecurity have grabbed headlines given her re‑ ent, bipartisan Cosmos at the
around the year. cent trips to federal govern‑ Pennsylvania
ment entity es‑
Sundar Pichai Iowa and New
Hampshire and tablished by
State Universi‑
ty Abhay
For someone heading a behemoth as meetings with the US Con‑ Ashtekar was
Google being in limelight constantly is not Hindu Ameri‑ gress to moni‑ conferred the
uncommon. cans before tor, analyze prestigious Ein‑
However the she confirmed and report on stein Prize by
world stood up the idea respond‑ threats to reli‑ the American
and took no‑ ing to a direct question on MSNBCʼs ʻHard‑ gious freedom abroad. She was a perfect pick Physical Socie‑
tice of how ballʼ show. “Iʼm concerned about the direction for her extensive experience in various roles ty (APS) for nu‑
Sundar Pichai of the country,” she reasoned. If she wins, advocating for members of under‑represent‑ merous and
as the search Gabbard would be the youngest person to be ed communities, including at the US Depart‑ seminal contri‑
giantʼs CEO elected president. ment of Justice and the NAACP Legal Defense butions to general relativity, including the
handled the and Educational Fund (LDF). theory of black holes, canonical quantum
K P George gravity, and quantum cosmology.
plethora
questions
of
Rita Baranwal
bowled to him
In November, to the surprise of almost
everyone outside his campaign, K P George President Donald Trump nominated top nu‑
Achuta
when he testi‑
fied before the House Judiciary Committee in
was elected clear expert Rita Baranwal to be an assistant
secretary of en‑
Kadambi
Fort Bendʼs
December for 3.5 long hours. The lawmakers county judge ergy (nuclear) Dr. Achuta Kadambi of the Electrical and
grilled him on a wide range of issues, includ‑ ̶ one of the at the Depart‑ Computer Engineering Department at UCLA
ing potential political bias on the companyʼs United Statesʼ ment of Energy was named to
platforms, its plans for a censored search app fastest‑grow‑ in October Forbes maga‑
in China and its privacy practices. He was ing counties, 2018. A major zineʼs 30 under
also the only other Indian‑origin CEO in Com‑ with 765,000 part of Baran‑ 30 list for Sci‑
parablyʼs list of top 50 CEOs at large compa‑ residents, near‑ walʼs job would ence 2019. He
nies in the world. Pichai was given 80 out of ly 3,000 em‑ be to oversee heads the Visu‑
100 points and his company, despite the anti‑ ployees, and the develop‑ al Machines
trust lawsuit in the European Union, and the an annual ment of the Group, whose
Google+ bug that allegedly gave the private budget over next genera‑ research aims
data of 52.5 million users to the developers, $370 million. tion of nuclear to give the gift
was appreciated for its diversity, culture and That makes him now the most prominent In‑ power as many of sight to ro‑
as the best place to work for women. dian‑American to hold an executive position current, aging bots. Professor
nuclear power plants reach the end of their Kadambiʼs in‑
Nikki Haley in the U.S. government.
lives. In November a US Senate panel ad‑ ventive cameras
The former South Carolina governor Nikki Minal Patel Davis vanced Baranwalʼs nomination to run the of‑ enable new capabilities for robots. Examples
Haley left her post at the end of 2018 after fice that oversees Idaho National Laboratory. include deploying drones that can image sur‑
Minal Patel Davis, Special Advisor on Hu‑ vivors in a natural disaster, or autonomous
two years representing the Trump adminis‑ The Energy and Natural Resources Commit‑
man Trafficking to Houston Mayor Sylvester cars with specialized LIDAR systems that op‑
tration at the United Nations. She will now tee voted to send Baranwalʼs nomination to
Turner received the 'Presidential Medal for erate in fog.
the full Senate.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
30 January 5-18, 2019 NEWSMAKERS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
In the spotlight
INDIAN AMERICANS WHO MADE HEADLINES FOR
MORE REASONS RIGHT THAN WRONG IN 2018
Kavya Kopparapu, crowned Miss
India World‑
US‑based global software major Cognizant
appointed CEO Francisco D'Souza as Vice
the teams that build the end‑to‑end e‑com‑
merce experience, enterprise‑shared services,
Rishab Jain wide 2018 at
a glittering
Chairman of its Board. The Indian‑born D'‑
Souza has been the IT major's CEO since
infrastructure, field services and functional
IT support.
Kavya Kopparapu and Rishab Jain were pageant held 2007 and the company has grown more than
named among 25 most influential teens of Dec 14 in seven‑fold, to a Fortune 200 firm, with $15 Indra Nooyi
2018 by Fords, New billion in revenues. D'Souza has also been rec‑
PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi stepped down as its
Time maga‑ Jersey. She ognized as one of America's Best CEOs by In‑
chief executive officer on Oct 3 after 12 years
zine. won the stitutional Investor and as one of the top 10
at the helm
Oregon crown from on Fortune's Businessperson of the Year
of the global
based among en‑ ranking.
beverage gi‑
Rishabh trants from 17
Jain, 14, de‑ countries. She Rajesh ant. When
she was
veloped a started her
software non‑profit organization at the age of 15 in re‑ Subramaniam named CEO
of Pepsi, she
tool that, sponse to the injustices she saw in the world Kerala‑born IIT Bombay alumni Rajesh Sub‑ was one of
during sim‑ and her own personal life struggles. She ramaniam was named as the president and only 11 fe‑
ulations, needed a pacemaker at the age of 12 and told CEO of multina‑ male CEOs
was shown she could never live a normal life but she per‑ tional courier of Fortune
to help doctors zero in on the pancreas more severed and is a spokesperson for the Amer‑ delivery giant 500 compa‑
accurately, ideally improving treatments of ican Heart Association. FedEx Express nies. One of
pancreatic cancers, according to Time maga‑
zine. Anshdeep Singh last year. He
assumed his
the most
powerful and influential business leaders in
18‑year‑old Kavya Kopparapu, a freshman
at the Harvard University developed a deep‑ Bhatia new role from
Jan 1, 2019.
the world, Nooyi was regularly featured on
power lists compiled by Forbes and Fortune
learning computer system that can scan Indian American Anshdeep Singh Bhatia, Subramaniam magazines. Characteristic of PepsiCoʼs robust
slides of tissue from brain cancer patients originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, India, be‑ is credited performance under Nooyiʼs stewardship, the
looking for differences in density, color, tex‑ came first tur‑ with several company reported strong second‑quarter re‑
ture and cellular alignment that are unique to baned Sikh to landmark de‑ sults in 2018.
that particular person's case. This would help be inducted velopments at
develop targeted therapies unique to a per‑
son.
into the securi‑ FedEx, includ‑ Venkat
ty detail of ing the continuing digital transformation of
Dr. Chad P Gehani President Don‑ the companyʼs services, the first‑ever global Srinivasan
ald Trump. brand campaign, and a significant expansion
A serial entrepreneur, Venkat Srinivasan
Dr. Chad P Gehani was the first person of Bhatia always of the companyʼs global product portfolio. He
launched a new venture capital firm, In‑
Indian origin to be elected as the president of dreamt of be‑ has been with FedEx for more than 27 years
nospark
the American coming a secu‑ and has held various executive‑level posi‑
Ventures,
Dental Associa‑ rity guard for tions in the company.
with $100
tion (ADA). the President
482 delegates of the United Naveen million for
AI‑driven
States one day.
of the Ameri‑
can Dental As‑ However, he Krishna startups
and ven‑
sociation voted had to fight a legal battle to get court nod af‑ Naveen Krishna assumed the post of Macyʼs tures pri‑
for Dr. Gehani ter he was asked to change his looks to get Inc.ʼs new chief technology officer in June. He marily in
on October 22, cleared for the security job. is responsible early‑stage
2018 in Hon‑
olulu, Hawaii. Francisco for driving
the technolo‑
companies
in life sci‑
ADA is a lead‑
ing advocate of
D’Souza gy strategy
and direction
ences,
business
dentistry in America setting standards of care for Macyʼs, services,
and policies to protect the public, to protect Inc., includ‑ education
the profession and provide advocacy for ing all store, and cyber‑
“things that matter” to the dentists. e‑commerce security. Srinivasan has also founded Eng‑
and internal‑
Shree Saini facing tech‑
lishHelper, KnowYourMeds, and AIinGov all
of which are double bottom‑line enterprises
Twenty‑two year old Shree Saini was nologies. He leveraging AI, focused on education, health
also oversees and the public sector, respectively.
32 January 5-18, 2019 NATIONAL ROUNDUP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Indian Americans
- Raising the profile
Some major highlights of 2018 events affecting our community
mented by the Trump administration not only increased the
Midterm Elections: find their voice and create a consequential positive impact on
the world stage. The proceedings though were briefly marred
woes of IT companies but also affected the future of depend‑
ent spouses (H4) whose work status would be revoked under
Four Congressmen by protests by a group of six people who raised slogans
against atrocities on religious minorities in India.
the new rules. From changes in the lottery system to prefer‑
Karthik Nemmani, Scripps Spellbee winner 8 Alumni generously gave back to their alma
maters. While Manoj Saxena gifted $1 million to
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at WHC Indian‑origin children monopolized the National Spelling Bee MSU to advance Responsible AI, BITS Pilani
crown for 11th consecutive year with Karthik Nemmani win‑ received $1 million pledge from Prashanth and
Heads of several countries with a sizeable Hindu popula‑ ning the 2018 championship. Venkat Ranjan, won the 30th Anuradha Palakurthi
tion, chief ministers of states, top corporate honchos and re‑ National Geographic Bee and Avi Goel won the world cham‑
ligious leaders attended the second World Hindu Congress
(WHC) in Chicago in September. Focussing on the theme
pionship at the International Geography Bee's junior varsity
division held in Berlin, Germany.
8 People from Kerala made generous donations
toward flood relief. While Arun Nellamattom,
"Sumantrite Suvikrante" ‑‑ think collectively, achieve valiant‑
ly and billed as the biggest‑ever gathering of the who's who Community on tenter- Ajomon Poothurail, and Abin Kulathilkarottu
raised a remarkable $1.5 m in five days, Dr. Babu
of the Hindu community across the globe, WHC 2018 com‑
memorated 125 years of Swami Vivekananda's historic Chica‑
hook over H1B and H4 Stephen donated Rs.1 crore to KCMDF.
go address. The event drew 250 thought leaders and 2200
delegates from over 50 countries to connect, confer and de‑
visa changes 8 International Yoga Day was celebrated across the
country with active participation of the
liberate how Hindus around the world can raise their profile, The H1B and H4 visa policy changes proposed and imple‑
community.
34 January 5-18, 2019 TRISTATE ROUND UP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
T
he rumbling controversies resignation of Mattis, who op‑ economy was strong.
and divisive trends of 2018 posed the pullout from Syria, and With their control of the House,
erupted in a perfect storm to criticism from many Republi‑ Democrats, who are smarting
of chaos at the year's end with cans and conservatives. from the 2016 election defeat that
parts of the US government para‑ A positive development in 2018 they blame on Russian interfer‑
lyzed by a showdown between ‑ though still clouded by uncer‑ ence, will be pushing harder for
President Donald Trump and the tainties ‑ is Trump's North Korean investigations into Moscow's role
Democrats, while senior officials diplomacy that led to a summit be‑ and into whether Trump collabo‑
quit, foreign and strategic policies tween him and Kim Jong‑un, the rated with the Russians, as well as
fell into disarray, and the stock Pyongyang strongman, after into various allegations against
markets tumbled. Trump's characteristic blasts of in‑ him and his family.
In his resignation letter, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis criticized sults and threats. So far the 18‑month investiga‑
Trumpʼs Chief of Staff John Kel‑
the Presidentʼs foreign policy. (Photo courtesy NBC)
ly and his Defense Secretary, Jim They agreed in principle to de‑ tion by a special counsel has only
Mattis have quit, and so has Nikki along the Mexican border to pre‑ ise to build the wall has failed so nulearization of the Korean Penin‑ trapped people connected with
Haley, his UN ambassador and the vent illegal immigration, which far, he partially made good on an‑ sula and North Korea has begun Trump campaign, including his
first Indian American to serve on was one of his election pledges. other pledge to bring US troops dismantling its missile production former National Security Adviser
the US cabinet, along with several Illegal immigration was one of home from the Middle East. He or‑ and test facilities while there has Michael Flynn, on charges like ly‑
other officials. the flashpoints this year as Trump dered a complete pullout from been no progress on nuclear dis‑ ing to investigators and bank
Adding to Trumpʼs sense of iso‑ moved to curb the inflow of mi‑ Syria and halving the troop‑level armament. fraud.
lation, his party lost control of the grants ‑ many of them economic in Afghanistan to about 7,000. On the economic front, Trump, Trump is crossing the half‑way
House of Representatives to the migrants or those upset by gang‑ Coupled with the pressure from who had promised to tackle the mark of his four‑year term and
Democrats in the November mid‑ violence and seeking to claim within the US and the West trade deficits and bring back man‑ will be in full campaign mode in
term elections. "I am all alone refugee status. To discourage par‑ against Saudi Arabia because of ufacturing jobs, took on Mexico 2019 as all parties start preparing
(poor me) in the White House ents and others who bring chil‑ the killing of Washington Post and Canada and reworked the for another polarizing election in
waiting for the Democrats to come dren with them to claim sympathy columnist Jamal Khashoggi, the trade agreements to reflect what 2020. Short of an impeachment or
back and make a deal on desper‑ and lenient treatment, he ordered troop withdrawals threw Wash‑ he considered a fair deal for the evidence of direct collusion with
ately needed Border Security," the separation of children from ington's Middle East strategy into US. Russians or a major criminal case,
Trump tweeted on Christmas Eve, parents citing a Obama‑era court disarray. While India and other countries Trump will be his party's candi‑
a picture of isolation. order against keeping children in This opens the way for Israel's were in his sights as tied to lower date.
He lacked the votes that are re‑ custody for more than 20 days. and the Saudi's nemeses Turkey, trade deficits, he launched an al‑ For the Democrats, the test will
quired beyond a simple majority It became a public relations Iran and Syria (and, by extension, most full‑fledged trade war of tar‑ be to come up with a charismatic
to pass budget legislation in the nightmare for Trump and under a Russia) to increase their influence iffs against China, which retaliat‑ and unifying leader and a coher‑
Senate to include funding his $5.6 new court order, he had to reunite in different areas of the region ‑ ed. It has added to the uncertainty ent policy alternative, which they
billion demand for building a wall them. While his campaign prom‑ upending the core of US policy from the budget battle and the US did not manage in 2018.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
A
t first Brett Ka‑ counts of federal tax and banking crimes in August, he was midterm
vanaugh seemed sent to jail after a judge accused him of witness tampering. He re‑ elections, Re‑
to be on a glide mains in prison. publicans man‑
path to the high court As part of his plea agreement with Mueller, Manafort agreed to aged to hold
after an uneventful con‑ cooperate with prosecutors in their probe. He also forfeited mul‑ onto the Senate
firmation hearing. But tiple bank accounts and several New York properties. ‑‑ but Democ‑
just before the Senate Meanwhile, Michael Cohen, President Trumpʼs lawyer‑cum‑fix‑ rats gained a to‑
was set to vote, Califor‑ er, has pleaded guilty to Mueller's charge that he had lied to Con‑ tal of 40 House
nia psychology profes‑ gress about plans to build a Trump Tower development in seats, giving
sor Christine Blasey Moscow. He also pleaded guilty to eight criminal counts related them a substan‑
to tax fraud, unlawful corporate contributions, etc. He has been tial majority
Fordʼs accusations of Nancy Pelosi is set to be the
sexual misconduct came sentenced to three years in prison. starting January Speaker again.
to light. 3, 2019. “Today
Several more women is more than about Democrats and Republicans,” Mi‑
then came forward to nority Leader Nancy Pelosi ‑‑ who is all but certain to
Brett Kavanaugh was become House speaker again ‑‑ said after Democrats
accuse Kavanaugh of eventually confirmed as
sexual misconduct, regained control. “Itʼs about restoring the Constitu‑
Supreme Court Justice.
prompting the Senate tionʼs checks and balances to the Trump administra‑
Judiciary Committee to scramble to hold a dramatic new tion.”
hearing, with Ford and Kavanaugh testifying back‑to‑back. The Democratsʼ takeover sets up 2019 to be a year
Kavanaugh vehemently denied the allegations before the for tough legislative battles between lawmakers and
judiciary panel. He was ultimately confirmed to the Supreme the Republican president. Additionally, Pelosi has her
Court in the wake of the second hearing and a supplemental eyes set on campaign finance laws, election statues
FBI background review. and ethics requirements.
Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
What fate
awaits Trump?
The legal troubles for
President Trump are
growing, and Mueller’s
report is expected in a
few months. With
Democrats now holding
the House promising to
By Ravi Batra fully investigate his
T
o Americaʼs enemies ‑ for‑
affairs, will Trump
eign & domestic ‑ be
warned ‑ America has nev‑
complete his term and
er been stronger. “What to the get re‐elected in 2020?
uninitiated may be seen as our
weakness ‑ that a president is un‑
der scrutiny ‑ is actually proof of
both American Exceptionalism
and that we are a nation of laws.
Self-correction is in America’s genes
The genius of our Constitution but the means are not so correct. moment that follows. We need to ignore the soap be as the Coliseum of Rome once
is that it expects persons in pow‑ It is a fact that our allies have I for one, have concluded that opera that the star of The Ap‑ was. But because itʼs part of Sepa‑
er to be corrupt ‑ indeed, it takes taken America as a sucker. It is a Counterbalance as a tool of State‑ prentice is a master at causing, for rated Powers regime that is Amer‑
that as a given ‑ and created our fact that Obama drew a Red Line craft is the opioid of geopolitics, it fogs the body politic from what ica, it will cause all to behave bet‑
cherished Separated Powers in Syria and then ignored its and always boomerangs. See the are simple facts: half of America is ter. That is American Exceptional‑
regime ‑ unlike any on earth ever breach. High Level Brainstorming session unhappy and feels powerless. The ism in action, and every American
‑ so that meek dissent, when ag‑ And for the same reasons Oba‑ at the UN organized by Belarus, other feels angry at being accused benefits.
gregated, in a co‑equal setting ‑ ma didnʼt dive into Syria, is why Kazakhstan and Surinam in early for Americaʼs weakness. When itʼs It matters not if there is an “I”
checkmates the corrupt to better Trump is pulling out. Sorry, that 2017. “Wall Street” and “Special Inter‑ coming out of SDNY (Southern
serve the public good. the Kurds experienced the joy of For those who are curious ‑ it is ests” who play both and make District of New York) or an “I”
The irony of the Trump presi‑ American support and now have legal for a president to be indict‑ money off the fight. coming out of the House. What
dency ‑ apart from the problems to cut a local political deal consis‑ ed for pre‑presidential acts as it is Thomas Jefferson said: Eternal matters is that America self‑cor‑
Robert Mueller is investigating tent with local political ecosys‑ to be impeached for presidential vigilance is the price of liberty. rects, recalibrates and gets bet‑
about getting elected or the firing tem. Anyone who forgets to deal acts. To be indicted for a personal Midterms just gave the Dems the ter.”
of Jim Comey ‑ is that he is most‑ with neighbors because of act ‑ like domestic abuse ‑ is also House, and hence the gears of Ravi Batra is an eminent attor‑
ly correct in what he wishes to do, tourists, deserves the teaching possible as itʼs not an official act. government will grind loudly and ney based in New York.
Z
ombie Apocalypseʼ poten‑ peached? Removed from office? litical capital he has gained or gizing who pays for what. We genre writer of short fiction and
tially shows the state of Or will he lasso key players to lost, the support he enjoys, and have effectively stopped World poetry. She has also served the
chaos and panic to hit if more rodeos? how nourishing remains the War III. If the President's tough Long Island community as a
90% of humans are wiped out, America's history of 'Presiden‑ "word‑salad" which seemed to act is to be believed it will be three‑term Secretary of an Indian
replaced by virus‑infected‑hu‑ tial‑impeachment' indicates there work well with his base. For now, Saudi Arabia and other wealthy association.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ANALYSIS January 5-18, 2019 39
W
hile ushering in the New call it, and have heard similar refer‑ will be held accountable for any
Year, we contemplate ences, to the “Archie Bunker Years” wrongdoing and whether the Con‑
our resolutions and how (from the sitcom All in the Family). This is a time for standing up for our values and the country we gress and the people are strong
we will make things different, bet‑ A good portion of Americans did would like ourselves, our children, and their children to live in. enough to flex their muscles. A
ter, and more fulfilling. We also look not see the country becoming more with Russia and Russians in turn in‑ nated Justices, have not shown, yet, democracy is only as strong as its
back at what has gone wrong and equal and just, but conversely be‑ terfered with our elections to favor the type of wide pread conservative people and their will to exercise
didnʼt work as we had planned. Pres‑ coming more hard, and difficult, and him. Then there are those who be‑ leanings that people and some pun‑ their voice and vote! We are at a
ident Donald Trump, has been, for anti‑white, and anti‑Christian. And lieve that he was just more astute dits have feared. So where do we crossroads and while the voters
many American, something that Donald Trump, expertly, capitalized and a better campaigner and was stand? What will be the fate of have spoken in the November 2018
went wrong, and now people are on that sentiment, with the help of able to game the electoral college in Trump? elections, only time will tell whether
looking at ways to correct him, or an astute campaign staff, and was a more favorable way. But ultimate‑ Well, the federal court judge in we still, as a nation, have the moxie
the world we live in under his presi‑ catapulted to the highest position of ly, no matter what you believe, we Washington D.C. has already grant‑ and determination to see America
dency. We have just welcomed a ros‑ power in the modern world! saw him ride in on a wave of hate, ed Special Counsel Robert Muellerʼs get back on track.
ter of new and 1st time Congress Of course, there were those who disillusionment, and feelings of mar‑ request to extend the Grand Jury We live in a remarkable and ex‑
members who ran on a platform, or argue that he may have colluded ginalization as he was ready to do term by 6 months, which allows for traordinary country, where opinions
whatever to became president. He additional investigation and intelli‑ and choices matters. Where people
have a type of freedom not often en‑
Letter to the Editor blasted those who defied him and
praised those who towed the line
and stayed loyal. It is not uncom‑
gence gathering. The information
that has come out so far, including
that provided by Michael Cohen,
joyed by much of the world.
We need to live up to the princi‑
mon, to this day, to see the man, the does not portray a pretty picture of ples of what founded those free‑
Shivaji Sengupta
Long Island
42 January 5-18, 2019 T R AV E L
Alaska
The next day we took off for
Fairbanks, Alaska. When our plane
landed, I was excited that I had fi-
nally visited all 50 states.
Fairbanks is a small town in
central Alaska. I had chosen the
travel dates carefully. These were
the darkest nights of the month,
without any moonlight, which
would provide the best chance of
seeing the Northern Lights.
I felt helpless and scared. I I had rented an apartment
thought of calling 911, but my through Airbnb and drove through
phone was not receiving any signal. the small town to find it. The owner
There was a few-hundred-feet-deep was a young Native American who
trench with evergreen trees on one was proud that, for generations,
side of the road. On the other, there his ancestors had lived in the area.
was a small natural drain, almost He told me that the sun did not go
one to two feet deep. I did not want down till 11pm at this time of year
the tires to get near either side of
the road. I was not sure that I would
be able to get out of the place with-
out the help of a tow truck.
I started to drive in reverse
gear. Because of the weight of moose and a few cari- Taking a dip in the Hot Springs, my body was both hot and
the vehicle, gravity and slope, it cold simultaneously as the air around was almost freezing.
bou grazing in the vast
started to slide down the road in wilderness. We visited ern Lights but without luck. green hues in the swirling waves.
an unexpectedly smooth manner. a kennel of sled dogs It was my last day in Fair- It was extended all over the sky
The car had a rearview camera. I where we were able to banks. The morning was cold with and seemed to be moving slowly.
don’t think there could be a situ- pat those Alaskan hus- some ice showers. The weather This was the Aurora.
ation where a rearview camera is kies. The forest guard forecast predicted better weather After half an hour, the process
more helpful. There were more said that, on average, in the evening. After dinner, I fell started again, this time in a differ-
scary moments but I finally made these dogs travel 3,000 asleep and woke up around mid- ent corner. The pale yellow light
it out of that snow trap. miles each winter be- night. I checked my phone for the started to become clearer and
The experience at Mount Rain- fore they retire at the updated Aurora prediction, which then it spread all over the sky. It
ier did not discourage me from age of seven or eight indicated that, in 20 minutes, did not have any bright colors in
driving toward Mount St. Helens. years. there would be an 18 per cent it this time. But it was a live light
We went a few miles off the main In Denali National Park, I Visiting Hot Springs, where the chance to see the lights. show happening in front of me.
road to explore the untouched spotted one moose and a few water temperature was 106 de- I jumped out of bed and drove The show was not as spectacu-
beauty around the majestic vol- caribou grazing in the vast
grees because of sulphur in the to the hilltop. While the predic- lar as I had seen in pictures and
wilderness.
cano with its snow-covered peak. water, was an interesting experi- tion seemed to be in my favor, I videos. It seemed to me that the
Due to past eruptions, we were and it did not get dark till midnight. ence. My body was both hot and did not see anything in the sky. full spectrum of the Aurora was
able to see lava caves in the val- In Fairbanks, I visited an inde- cold simultaneously in an open Around one in the morning, I saw like a colored painting by Monet.
ley. I went inside a mile-and-half- pendent bookstore named Gulliv- hot water spring while the air some milky white streaks over my The next morning, before
long lava tube for a couple of hun- er. Gulliver was only a block from around me was almost freezing. head. They seemed to extend, like boarding the plane, I bought some
dred feet. Then I decided to turn the place where I was staying and I downloaded a couple of phone long fingers parallel to each other, postcards of Aurora Borealis from a
around. I did not have the right it had a good collection of books apps to predict the likelihood of stretching from the north western store and mailed them to my friends
equipment and clothes to navi- as well as a cafe. It made me wish the Aurora Borealis activity in to the south eastern sky. and family with pride. It was a long
gate the lava caves that run for there was a better reading culture the area. The phenomenon does Within the next few minutes, flight back to New York, but once
miles. Instead, I decided to move in Pakistan. not happen dependably. For four the display started to swirl around I closed my eyes, the memories of
on to see the rest of the Lava Val- Next, we drove to Denali Na- nights, I went out in the woods and the sky, in a typical Aurora pat- the beautiful sights from this trip
ley in the bright sunlight. tional Park. I was able to see one waited for hours to see the North- tern. Now I could see very light made my journey easy.
I bought some
picture postcards
of Alaska’s famous
Aurora Borealis to
impress my friends
and family.
N
otwithstanding irritants Dialogue in September as "sym‑ the economic policy of major
on trade issues, India and bolic of our increasingly close economies.
the US made "landmark" partnership," she said. "Despite these trade headwinds,
progress in 2018 to bolster their Pompeo along with Defence Sec‑ the US‑India commercial and
strategic and defence ties – from retary James Mattis were hosted strategic relationship continues to
holding the maiden trilateral by their Indian counterparts, Ex‑ enjoy strong bipartisan support in
meeting with Japan to the first‑ ternal Affairs Minister Sushma the US, underpinned by rapidly ex‑
ever 2+2 dialogue during which Swaraj and Defence Minister Nir‑ panding bilateral trade," she said.
they signed the long‑pending mala Sitharaman in New Delhi. Biswal said that on the commer‑
COMCASA agreement that would India's strategic partnership cial front, the private sector will
open the way for sales of more with the US and its emergence as be watching closely to see
sensitive US military equipment to a leading global power was on dis‑ whether the two governments can
India. play during other high‑level gath‑ reach a bilateral trade deal and re‑
The trade disputes posed bumps erings this year, including two solve key trade irritants impacting
on the road as President Donald meetings of the quadrilateral part‑ US business.
Trump called India a "tariff king" ners (Australia, India, Japan, and The resumption of the US‑India
in September. However, two Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and US Defense Secretary the US) and at the India‑Japan‑US Commercial Dialogue next Febru‑
months later, he praised Indians James Mattis during the signing ceremony of COMCASA pact after trilateral meeting at the G‑20 sum‑ ary, a US‑India CEO Forum and the
as tough negotiators as the two 2+2 Dialogue, in New Delhi in September. (File photo: IANS) mit last month. potential for a Trade Policy Forum
countries started talks on a bilat‑ country of any individual who met in Buenos Aires with Prime On the economic front, India‑US will make 2019 a particularly im‑
eral trade deal. committed, conspired to commit, Minister Narendra Modi and trade relationship continues to portant year, Biswal said.
India was among the few coun‑ or aided the 26/11 attack. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the grow, she said. Bilateral trade All eyes are right now on the up‑
tries, which received a waiver on "This has been a landmark year first US‑India‑Japan – or 'JAI' grew to $126 billion last year, coming elections and how that
Iran sanctions from the Trump ad‑ for US‑India ties as we build out meeting as Prime Minister Modi and, parallel with the launch of will impact the economy and over‑
ministration, which also pressed stronger relationships across the called it – between the three lead‑ the Strategic Energy Partnership, all investment climate, she noted.
Pakistan to bring to justice the board," Alice Wells, the Principal ers, and Vice President (Mike) US‑sourced oil and liquefied natu‑ Alyssa Ayres from the Council of
perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai Deputy Assistant Secretary of Pence reviewed the rapid develop‑ ral gas landed on Indian shores. Foreign Relations said bilateral
attack and announced a reward of State for South and Central Asia, ment of the strategic partnership Nisha Desai Biswal, president of ties have made good progress on
$5 million for information leading told PTI. during his meeting with Prime the US‑India Business Council, be‑ strategic and defence front, but
to the arrest or conviction in any "Last month, President Trump Minister Modi in Singapore," said lieves 2018 experienced major economic ties are bumpier. ‑PTI
I
t was a year Congress President Rahul lighting how the government had been date for the 2019 elections and said the de‑
Gandhi came into his own as a campaign‑ "silent" on the Chinese build up near the Dok‑ cision will be taken after the polls. Rahul Gandhi
er and strategist, emerging as a powerful lam site and its "failure" over the continued Gandhi also reached out to people directly openly said that
infiltration from Pakistan in Jammu and through the social media. BJP leaders may
voice in the opposition against Prime Minis‑
call him "pappu"
ter Narendra Modi. Kashmir. Gandhi sought to demolish the per‑ As party chief, Gandhi has run far more
but he does not
He also earned his electoral spurs in tough ception that Modi was "personally incorrupt‑ elaborate and sustained assembly election
hate the party.
Hindi heartland battles, helping his party win ible" by taking repeated jibes at him over the campaigns than did Sonia Gandhi, who
three states that will have ramifications in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France. He single‑ helmed the Congress for 19 years.
Lok Sabha elections a few months away. handedly made Rafale deal a national issue He also openly said that BJP leaders may
Rahul Gandhi began the year as Congress through press conferences, tweets and call him "pappu" but he does not hate
President, having taken over the post from speeches and attacked Modi with "chowkidar the party. But the challenges that re‑
his mother Sonia Gandhi last December at the is chor" (the guard is the thief) barb. main for him are herculean.
culmination of party's organisational elec‑ He traveled abroad to counter Modi's out‑ The Congress lost six assembly
tions. The path was full of challenges as bar‑ reach among the diaspora. Gandhi's consis‑ elections this year ‑ Telangana,
ring Karnataka ‑‑ where it is the junior part‑ tent articulation of issues, including job loss‑ Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya,
ner in the ruling coalition ‑‑ the Congress was es caused by demonetisation and the slowing Nagaland ‑ despite the three
virtually starved of electoral victories since down of economy due to "flawed implemen‑ wins in Hindi heartland and
its Lok Sabha debacle in 2014. It had also not tation" of the Goods and Services Tax, seem‑ scraping through in Kar‑
beaten the BJP in a straight contest anywhere ingly put the government on the defensive. nataka. It is not in power in
in four years. The GST, which was simplified in the run‑up any state in the northeast, a
Gandhi went about the task methodically to the Gujarat assembly polls last year, has party stronghold only four
by identifying weaknesses and bridging gaps. been further eased after the BJP lost power in years ago.
He sought to beat Modi at his own game by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattis‑ It is weak in the crucial
expanding social media outreach and con‑ garh. states of Uttar Pradesh, Bi‑
necting with the audiences through witty, Gandhi aggressively clamoured for farm har, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
hard‑hitting tweets and posts. loan waivers and several state governments Nadu and West Bengal and
Gandhi consistently attacked Modi on is‑ are likely to opt for the measure before the needs allies to win seats.
sues linked to the common man ‑‑ corruption, 2019 general elections. Next year is likely to be a
unemployment, farmers distress, demoneti‑ Realising that the Congress would need as make or break year for
sation, price rise ‑‑ and stepped up his efforts much support as possible to oust the BJP‑led Congress, as the country
to portray the BJP leader as a "friend of the National Democratic Alliance from power, goes to general polls.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info OP-ED January 5-18, 2019 45
P
olitical parties in India en‑ main locked in informal, often pact on the national economy. you are against it,” stressing there mitted by the noted farm scientist
tered the New Year with lowly paid jobs. The government Fiscal deficit is going to cross is no middle way. KCR, a regional M.S. Swaminathan. The report
great enthusiasm and op‑ has stopped publishing unem‑ 3.3% of GDP. It bloats up to 6% rival of Naidu, is also trying to suggests long‑term solutions to
timism about the coming general ployment figures. In general, Indi‑ when you add the statesʼ figures. form the third front with not the issue, but neither the UPA nor
election. Each party is either a ans supported demonetization as It is going to increase as nearly all much success. He is confident the NDA acted on it. It is not diffi‑
part of the ruling NDA, led by the they thought it would hurt the states and parties have promised that he would at least play the cult for a politician like Modi to
BJP, or the Congress‑headed Unit‑ dishonest tax‑evading rich people. to ease the agrarian distress and kingmaker post‑national election bring back the unaccounted mon‑
ed Progressive Alliance. Any par‑ But the purported benefits have offer dole‑outs. scheduled for April‑May. ey concealed abroad. Similarly the
ty left out could join the third not percolated down. It is not NDA alone that faces Advantage Modi then. Though Make in India program has to be
grouping, the Federal Front float‑ Rural India is not happy as hurdles in its attempt to retain his governmentʼs standing has expedited and foreign‑investment
ed by the re‑elected Chief Minis‑ shown by the Hindi heartland as‑ power. The divided opposition, taken a hit, he himself remains rules should further be eased. All
ter of Telangana, K. Chan‑ sembly election results. Agricul‑ too, is nowhere close to providing popular. He beat Rahul and other these measures should create the
drasekhar Rao (KCR). tural growth fell to 4% from 5%. an alternative. There is no con‑ potential PM candidates in a re‑ much‑needed employment. The
Four and a half years have Modiʼs promised ʻachche dinʼ sensus over projecting Rahul cent survey. Modinomics after all 10‑year rule of UPA led by noted
passed and the NDA fell much (good days) are not in sight. Gandhi as PM. Mamata Banerjee, is not a farce. Under his watch In‑ economist Manmohan Singh did
short of delivering on its promis‑ Uttar Pradesh and other BJP‑ the firebrand chief minister of dia is going to overtake the UK be‑ not do it. Manmohanomics did not
es. Worse, fingers were pointed at ruled states wrote off farm loans Bengal, has already declared her coming the fifth largest economy. work as he was acting under the
corruption among higher‑ups in amounting to billions of rupees. candidacy for the post. Remember, India was not even orders of somebody; but Modi‑
power. Make in India and intro‑ Yogi Adityanath of UP alone nulli‑ Mayawatiʼs BSP and Samajwadi among the Top 10 about a decade nomics should succeed as he
ducing bullet trains did not make fied farm loans valued at 392 bil‑ Pary may not sail with Rahul or ago. gives his own orders, accountable
much headway. Not many even lion rupees benefiting 10 million join hands with Chandrababu No matter who is at the helm, to no individual but the people at
appreciated building the tallest people. True, non‑BJP states, in‑ Naidu, the regional satrap who the agrarian distress should be large.
There is no consensus over projecting Rahul Gandhi as PM. Mamata Banerjee is already a contender. Chandrababu Naidu and KCR are trying to float their own third fronts.
By Saket Suman
Insist on Indo-Pak cultural exchanges,
W
hatever the state of politics be‑
tween India and Pakistan, the citi‑
zens of the neighboring countries
separated at birth, are naturally drawn to
each other, says Fatima Bhutto, niece of for‑
reject barriers: Fatima Bhutto
icalism is born out of religion, I don't think
mer Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto. She said "The narrative we are fed that's necessarily true. I think radicalism
she has personally been a witness to the comes from a hundred different humiliations
today is that radicalism is born
"great warmth" between Indians and Pakista‑ and wounds ‑‑ not just one source. To boot,
nis. out of religion. I think it comes we live in a time where young people are sub‑
"Whether it's Pakistani serials or Indian from a hundred different jected to an overwhelming culture of the self:
films, art or books, as a people we are natu‑ humiliations and wounds,” Everyone wants to be famous, to go viral, to
rally drawn to each other and open and curi‑ be seen, to be significant," she said.
ous to learn more. Art has always broken bar‑ Fatima Bhutto argues.
Bhutto clarified that she doesn't set out to
riers ‑‑ it's always been a powerful way for insert politic in her books but it's what she is
of millennial culture and how difficult it is to
people to connect and communicate with drawn to.
survive in a world on fire, was welcomed with
each other and I think the ease of the internet "My way of seeing the world is shaped by a
rave reviews in India.
has helped us overcome physical obstacles," fundamental belief that politics is ingrained
She said when she began writing it, she was
the 36‑year‑old writer, who has been a critic read before. in everything. It codes the films we watch, the
thinking primarily about her two main male
of Benazir and her husband Asif Ali Zardari, When told the cultural exchanges between places we travel to, how we live, how we treat
characters ‑‑ Monty and Sunny ‑‑ who come
whom she accused of being involved in her India and Pakistan have hit rock bottom late‑ others, how we dress ‑‑ everything. With 'The
from very different worlds but are thrown to‑
father Murtaza Bhutto's murder, told IANS in ly, with books being the only exception, Bhut‑ Runaways' I wanted to write about what has
gether in the wilds of Iraq. The narrative of
an email interview from Karachi. to urged people to engage with each other's to happen to a person in order to radicalize
the novel also makes it apparent that young‑
She recalled that, in the year gone by, she creative and popular cultures. him ‑‑ what does it mean to be at war with
sters are drawn to radicalism as a result of so‑
read books by several Indian authors online Interestingly, her recent novel "The Run‑ your society, your family, your friends, your
cietal and political pressures.
and even discovered authors she had not aways" ‑‑ about radicalism and the confusions world?"
"The narrative we are fed today is that rad‑
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
46 January 5-18, 2019 INDIA ROUNDUP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Top 5 defining
moments in India
From the BJP losing in key states to the Supreme Court delivering on morality
and gender justice, the year saw some significant developments in India
MODI'S CHARISMA ed it from demanding the Unique ID (UID) number for each
and every scheme.
house by its supporters, decided to bury the hatchet and join
ranks with the party.
APPEARED TO WANE Another area of serious concern where top court left its in‑
delible stamp was environment. It was unsparing in hauling
Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav are now glued to each other
in their hatred for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and haunt‑
the administration for not doing enough for curbing an ed by the spectre of his again returning to power in 2019. Po‑
alarmingly high level of air pollution and the handling of the litical observers here say that this was the "only option before
piling mound of solid waste. the regional satraps as they fought for survival and not suc‑
cess anymore".
DEATHS ON TRACKS The new understanding between the two seemed to have
found favor with the voters who threw their lot behind the
AND SHAKY FINANCES duo after which SP candidates romped home winners in the
again in 2019?
heartland states of
MP, Rajasthan &
Chhattisgarh. In UP
too, BJP’s popularity
has suffered. So, is
By Shaker Nelanuthala
Narendra Modi’s
charisma on the
I
remember vividly the early wane? In the Lok
hours of May 16, 2014 when I
was glued to NDTV news on
Sabha elections this
election results in India. As the year, will BJP scrape
numbers came pouring in, it was through and Modi
an inevitable change and a victo‑
ry for the BJP led National Demo‑
become PM again.
cratic Alliance (NDA). It was an
coined by a Victorian philosopher
amazing and awe‑inspiring night!
Herbert Spencer and employed
Not only did the NDA get a con‑
repeatedly by the Congress party
vincing mandate (won 336 seats /
to install Nehru‑Gandhis in the
273 needed for simple majority),
PM seat, will come into play in fa‑
they embarrassed the incumbent tesy of Muslim millennials); Aadhar card; consolidation of candidate for the PM post. We as
vor of Modi. The rise of conserva‑
UPA‑Congress party. The torpor perennial infrastructure problems troubled banks; and demonetiza‑ Indians or as Indian‑Americans
tives like Modi in India, Theresa
that was prevalent in the Con‑ and finally, by an efficient use of tion (which created short term are no longer interested in dy‑
May in UK and Donald Trump in
gress party made them lose technology via micro‑targeting hardships to common people) nasty rule (Gandhi, Bush, Clinton
America was caused by growing
around 20 states with no repre‑ (including the use of social media) were heralded as a success. For clans). The opposition parties that
populism and nationalism in
sentatives at all in the 16th Lok to reach out to every BJP/ Modi this Modi should be given all the include the UPA‑Congress and
these democracies. Were Modi to
Sabha. The sycophant‑dominated, voter in the country. accolades. several regional players have a
get PMship again, will it presage
nonchalant grand old party gar‑ A “Chaiwallah” (tea seller), an al‑ Now that the year 2019 has mental torpor and are extremely
survival of Brexit‑May and the re‑
nered a meager 44 seats, making truistic person and a virtuoso in rolled in, itʼs time for new elec‑ polemical. There are also several
election of President Trump? My
them ineligible to even assume politics that came from penury tions in India for the 17th Lok egocentric megalomaniacs who
epiphany! Time will tell.
the status of Opposition party came to rule the largest democra‑ Sabha. The question on every In‑ would want to Prime Minister and
(needed 55 seats). cy in the world. Modiʼs policies dian and NRIʼs mind is, whether as such there is no consensus on
As analyzed by The Telegraph of are more in line with those of the Modi will become PM again. Here any one candidate.
the UK, there were five solid rea‑ conservatives in other parts of the is my take on this issue. The recent state election losses
sons for Narendra Modi leading world. The policies of deregula‑ In 2014 the BJP projected Mr. for BJP in the Hindi heartland
BJP to a spectacular victory and tion helped the country signifi‑ Modi as its PM candidate right should have limited effect on na‑
to become the Prime Minister of cantly, by moving it from 134th in from the get‑go, almost in the tional elections. It is likely that
India. They included the slowing the world in 2014 to 77th in the style of a US Presidential candi‑ the BJP and its NDA partners will
down of the GDP to around 5%; world as far as ease of doing busi‑ date. A majority of the electorate fall short by a few seats . I per‑
the corruption that has reached a ness is concerned. In addition, cast their vote for Mr. Modi, and sonally feel that they would get
new high; disenchantment among several policies implemented many had little clue of the actual around 230 seats (will need about
the youth that did not care for were business and consumer BJP candidates that they were 43 more) and they should be able
communal politics, voted with
Shaker Nelanuthala is an IT &
friendly, including a uniform GST; voting for. to garner these required seats to
their hearts and on pocket book
Web development consultant,
Real Estate (Regulation and De‑ Now again, in 2019, the BJP is form a government from a frac‑
issues (one study found Modi gar‑
political junkie and a writer for
velopment) Act; Benami Transac‑ featuring Modi as the PM candi‑ tured and incoherent opposition.
nered the highest percentage of
The South Asian Times. He lives
tions (Prohibition) Amendment date and is challenging the oppo‑ In the end, the TINA factor
Muslim vote in BJP history, cour‑
on Long Island.
Act; Biometric identification via sition parties to come up with a (There Is No Alternative), as
By Ashok Vyas This image is still intact in the inconvenience for small business have been brought into the orbit
mind of a common Indian. In owners. Yet, in 2018, Indiaʼs of banking. One can list many
P
rime Minister Narendra terms of his sincerity, simple and economy grew more than most positives for the Modi govern‑
Modi retains his unique disciplined living style with abili‑ of the key nations of the world. ment but questions about the
position as a very special ty to think out of the box, identi‑ Soon, India will overtake the UK Rafale deal raised by Congress
leader of modern India. He is the fy problems, confront them and to become worldʼs fifth largest President Rahul Gandhi also
first leader to have convincingly of fer executable solutions has economy. Indiaʼs international caught attention. Concerns about
demonstrated his understanding strengthened with landmark de‑ image has significantly improved India becoming unsafe for the
of Indian culture with whole‑ cisions taken by his government. under Modiʼs leadership. minorities are being voiced ‑‑ BJP
hearted appreciation of the so‑ The Modi government has defi‑ Infrastructure is markedly im‑ has always been referred to as
cial fabric of Bharat interwoven nitely moved the needle by re‑ proving. The speed of road con‑ ʻHindu Nationalist Partyʼ by the
Ashok Vyas is Program Director
with the awareness of the eter‑ placing Indiaʼs policy paralysis struction has changed Indiaʼs foreign media. Modiʼs cabinet
with ITVGold. Poet and Hindu
nal. with a dynamic approach. connectivity. Building toilets has colleagues are made to again and
priest he also writes primarily on
He seems to be a genuine devo‑ dmittedly the rollout of demon‑ helped in improving the quality again explain the ground reality
Hinduism, Indian culture and
tee of Mother Goddess and a true etization af fected millions of of life of rural folks. of ʻSabka Saath, Sabka Vikaasʼ.
mindfulness.
admirer of Swami Vivekananda. people, and GST has caused lot of Millions of common Indians Indeed, Madhya Pradesh and
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
50 January 5-18, 2019 OPINION TheSouthAsianTimes.info
T
here is no doubt Prime Minis‑ Modi wins again, his allure as a is served right away and the cases
ter Narendra Modi is Indiaʼs statesman and reformer has faded. donʼt languish in courts forever. The
most charismatic politician in In my view, the # 1 thing that can BJP government said it was consid‑
a generation. And for over four and bolster Modi is women of India. If I ering tougher penalties for rape cas‑
a half years was Modi or leading BJP, I would es, including the death penalty in
he has ruled make womenʼs status and safety my crimes in which the victim is
with a swag‑ # 1, 2 and 3 priorities. This will be younger than 12.
ger that cap‑ Modiʼs biggest opportunity to do Modi, a savvy communicator who
tivated Indi‑ good in the biggest problem India skilfully uses social media, said with
ans who have faces. the patriarchal attitude which infects
long believed Indian women have the highest most Indian thinking about women:
their country rate of suicide in the world. A stag‑ “Our daughters will get justice.”
wasnʼt taken gering 230,000 women in India an‑ The question is, who will make
Working on womenʼs safety and status will be Modiʼs biggest
seriously nually die from suicide. Under‑re‑ sure justice is served. Modi is calling
opportunity to do good in the biggest problem India faces.
enough or re‑ porting and mis‑classification of sui‑ for a mass movement to protect the
spected enough on the world stage. cide deaths, rapes and sexual ha‑ in the countryʼs largely patriarchal voyeurism. There was a 12% rise in girl child in India with his flagship
But the hype isnʼt always good. His rassment are common. Women still society. rape related cases in 2016 in part campaign “Beti Bachao, Beti Pad‑
2016 decision to cancel the two face lower status and barriers to op‑ It is estimated that nearly 39,000 because women felt more embold‑ hao."
most valuable currency notes looks portunity. sexual assaults occur every year but ened to report crimes. But the na‑ The bottom line is, India has a long
increasingly like a colossal blunder, Indiaʼs rape crisis and #MeToo are the real number may be 5‑7 times tional statistics remain shocking. In way to go on race and caste issues,
which crushed the poor and middle‑ a national shame and disgrace. Sexu‑ higher. 40% of the rape cases, the victims gender equality, female infanticide,
class people of India. Relations with al harassment, abuse and violence is There has to be a come‑to‑Jesus‑ were under 18. dowry, sexual harassment and do‑
nuclear‑armed rival Pakistan are at a rampant in the workplace. Sexual fa‑ moment, a national soul‑searching Narendra Modi came to power, mestic violence, rape and more.
low ebb. Modi has been silent as par‑ vors are demanded by men in posi‑ whether anything changed since partly professing pro‑Hindu Ideolo‑ Modi must seize the initiative in this
tisans and officials of his Hindu na‑ tion of power and authority and un‑ 2013 when, post‑Nirbhaya, the gov‑ gy, where women are respected and regard.
tionalist party are implicated in hate reported by women for fear of ernment introduced measures to honored. Modi is a single man, nev‑
crimes against minority Muslims shame and losing their jobs and speed up prosecutions of rape cases er fathered children. . While cam‑ Sunil Tolani is CEO of Los Angeles
and Sikhs. Recently the BJP lost con‑ livelihood. Molestations and catcall‑ and expanded the definition of sex paigning he boasted that he had "no‑ based Prince Organization, which is
trol of three state assemblies, por‑ ing on streets is deeply entrenched crimes to include stalking and one to be corrupt for". So is the no‑ in hospitality business.
W
hen Narendra Modi was campaigning for his pare and contrast what China has done to evolve its infor‑
party in 2014, he promised to create 10 million mal sector.
jobs per year. The Modi administration has The master plan should clearly spell out a vision, goals,
come nowhere near generating that number during his strategies, strategic action programs, implementation re‑
tenure in office, with the Indian economy expanding but quirements, facilitating factors, potential obstacles or bar‑
the growth being essentially "jobless". riers, and critical success factors. It should present a de‑
In this election year, job creation, or tailed budget and cost‑benefit analysis.
the lack thereof, has become a con‑ The master plan must be multi‑faceted, addressing all ar‑
tentious topic. eas that are essential for building and evolving a modern
Modi and his supporters ‑‑ using data Indian workforce and economy, including: Rural and ur‑
which now includes jobs that have ban differences, literacy enhancement, skill development,
moved from the informal to the formal vocational and technical education, apprenticeship and
sector due to factors such as tax pay‑ mentoring, entrepreneurship, small‑ and mid‑size business
ments, government loans and health‑ my: A Statistical Picture" said that for a country to be de‑ assistance, high‑growth firm focus, public service employ‑
care coverage ‑‑ claim numerous jobs veloped it must have a high percent of its workforce in the ment as a means for propelling national and state‑level ini‑
have been created recently. His opponents assert that the formal sector which provides meaningful employment and tiatives forward, and, implementing a uniform job creation
data is being manipulated to give the appearance of job benefits for employees. India, with more than 80 per cent and employment measurement methodology.
creation. of jobs in the informal sector, ranks lower than even India has many of the bits and pieces for job creation to‑
Here are some facts about the nature of India's economy Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. day. For example, it is an international leader in informa‑
and the dimensions of that problem:| This is a formula for failure. For India to become a de‑ tion technology driven by the private sector; it has the
* India has a huge workforce of 470 million people with veloped nation, it must have modern jobs, workforce and Make in India manufacturing focus driven by the govern‑
"almost half " of that workforce being self‑employed. economy. This could be accomplished by creating and im‑ ment; and, it has numerous start‑ups driven by fledgling
* Over 80 per cent of the Indian workforce is in the in‑ plementing a citizen‑centered and competency‑enhancing entrepreneurs. Bringing these pieces together into an in‑
formal as opposed to the formal sector. job creation master plan. That plan should be developed tegrated and coordinated master plan will solve the job‑
* 12 million Indian youth enter the workforce each year. based upon a comprehensive, objective and strategic as‑ creation puzzle in a manner that will make India and its
These are staggering numbers. The most critical one re‑ sessment, including a SWOT analysis of India's current people economic leaders in the 21st century.
lates to the percentage of the Indian workforce currently and future job situation and the employment and employ‑
in the informal sector. ability needs of its citizens and employers. The plan should Frank F. Islam is an entrepreneur, civic and thought
An ILO report "Women and Men in the Informal Econo‑ study how Japan and Germany transformed their leader based in Washington, D.C.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info I N T E R N A T I O N A L R O U N D U P January 5-18, 2019 51
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with A Brexit protester outside the House of People protest against the disappearance and murder
US President Donald Trump in Singapore. Parliament in London. of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Denuclearized N. Trump and Kim were expected to EU member states would be com‑ US decides troop 14,000 American troops stationed
meet in the first half of 2019 to iron pelled to tax all imports from and in the war‑torn country would jeop‑
Korea amid Trump- out remaining differences and take exports to the UK by applying the
pullout from Syria, ardize the peace efforts as it would
Kim bonhomie the peace process forward. bloc's agreed customs code. Afghanistan reduce the incentive for the Taliban
A
to negotiate a deal to end the 17‑
fter years of threatening the Brexit in limbo as Khashoggi’s killing With the suddenness of revela‑
year war.
world with nuclear annihila‑ tion, President Donald Trump an‑
deadline looms triggers crisis for
tion, North Korea chose to nounced withdrawal from Syria and US pulled out of
return to the path of dialogue. Reel‑ With less than 100 days left until Saudi Arabia “drawdown” from Afghanistan.
Iran nuclear deal
ing under tough world sanctions, Brexit, the UKʼs planned divorce The murder of dissident journal‑ President Donald Trumpʼs an‑
Kim Jong‑Un became the first North from the European Union experi‑ ist Jamal Khashoggi created a ma‑ nounced a complete pullout from President Donald Trump in May
Korean leader to enter South Korea, enced a rocky year, with Prime Min‑ jor crisis in Saudi Arabia as several Syria, where some 2,000 soldiers announced that the United States
where he met the South Korean ister Theresa Mayʼs plan facing global leaders castigated the Saudi are deployed as part of an interna‑ would pull out of the multilaterally
president Moon Jae‑In to initiate staunch opposition from within her leadership. tional coalition fighting the Islamic negotiated Joint Comprehensive
baby‑steps towards lowering ten‑ own party. The assassination of the Wash‑ State (IS) terrorist group. Plan of Action (JCPOA).
sions on the peninsula. The British cabinet met several ington Post columnist occurred at He said that his country cannot In 2015, Iran agreed a long‑term
Setting an important milestone in times to discuss whether to ramp the Saudi consulate in Turkey. The be the world's policeman, even as deal on its nuclear programme with
the history, Kim met US President up preparations for a no‑deal Brex‑ exact cause of his death is unknown he claimed victory against the IS. the P5+1 group of world powers ‑
Donald Trump at a summit in Sin‑ it amid uncertainty. As May's pro‑ since his body has not been found. While Russia and Turkey seemed to the US, UK, France, China, Russia
gapore where the two leaders posed exit plan struggles in Parlia‑ Saudi Arabia is now in a position welcome the decision, rest of the and Germany. The deal, formally
signed a joint statement agreeing to ment, both sides are preparing for from where it was difficult to con‑ world, including France and UK, known as the Joint Comprehensive
the denuclearization of the Korean the worst case scenario. vince the world that Khashoggi's were left stunned. Trump was also Plan of Action, offered Tehran bil‑
Peninsula. The European Commission (EC) mysterious disappearance wasn't mulling withdrawal of nearly 7,000 lions of dollars in sanctions relief in
The summit removed the immedi‑ has also published a set of meas‑ planned in the kingdom. Denying troops from Afghanistan. exchange for agreeing to curb its
ate threat of war from the Korean ures that would limit the negative the leadershipʼs involvement in the Former top US commander in nuclear program. It came after
peninsula as the North indicated its effects on Europe of the UK leaving killing, Riyadh fired five top offi‑ Afghanistan Retired General Stan‑ years of tension over Iran's alleged
willingness to embark upon the the EU without an exit deal. cials and arrested 18 Saudis as a re‑ ley McChrystal said in December efforts to develop a nuclear
process of denuclearization. In the event of a no‑deal scenario, sult of the initial investigations. that the withdrawal of half of weapon.
SUBCONTINENT ROUNDUP
The phenomenal rise mentary election in early January. dered the arrest of chief justice a former pres‑
ident. The emergency was lifted after 45
of Imran Khan No homecoming days. In September, the joint candidate of the
C
ricketer‑turned‑politician Imran for Rohingya coalition of opposition parties, Ibrahim Mo‑
Khan was elected Pakistan's 22nd hamed Solih, prevented Yameen from seeking
The misery of Rohingya, a highly persecut‑
Prime Minister by the country's Na‑ a second term as the president by securing
ed Muslim group numbering over one mil‑
tional Assembly in August after his Pakistan 58% votes in the president elections. In No‑
lion, continued – both in the refugee camps of
Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) party won the highest vember, Solih took oath as Maldives' third
Bangladesh and in their native Rakhine
number of seats in the general election. democratically‑elected president.
province of Myanmar.
Former Prime Minister and PML‑N chief Despite the repatriation deal between the Sheikh Hasina won
Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to seven years in governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh,
prison on corruption charges and banned fourth term as PM
homecoming did not happen as the condi‑
from contesting elections. tions were not considered conducive for their Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Political impasse voluntary repatriation. secured a new term with a landslide victory
In June, Myanmar inked an agreement with on the last day of the year ‑‑ in an election
in Sri Lanka UN to expedite the process of Rohingya repa‑ marred by deadly violence and condemned
Sri Lanka plunged into a political turmoil triation, but the MoU was kept under wraps. by the opposition as "farcical" amid vote rig‑
when President Maithiripala Sirisena abrupt‑ Rohingya community leaders, after seeing ging claims.
ly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wick‑ the leaked MoU, rejected the agreement, say‑ The opposition alliance led by the
remesinghe and replaced him with former ing it did not address their concerns. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of jailed
President Mahinda Rajapaksa. former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia took just
The turmoil in Maldives seven seats and condemned the vote as "far‑
Wickremesinghe was reinstated as Prime
Minister after the Supreme Court ruled as Severe political crisis erupted in the island cical". With Bangladesh, Indiaʼs ties contin‑
"unconstitutional" Sirisena's decision to dis‑ nation when President Yameen Abdul Gay‑ ued to remain positive as has been the case
solve Parliament and conduct a snap parlia‑ oom declared a state of emergency and or‑ under the prime ministership of Hasina.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
52 January 5-18, 2019 BUSINESS ROUNDUP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
S
November, while it rose by 19.21 the start‑ups across verticals as Cloud technology is a critical en‑
ince midway through this
per cent during the January‑No‑ against a mere nine in six years abler that will fuel their digital
year, Washington imposed
vember 2018 period. from 2011 till 2017, according to transformation.
tariffs on $250 billion
worth of goods from China, to Indian IT industry IT industry apex body Nasscom. Nearly 43 per cent of Indian en‑
which Beijing responded with im‑ With the addition of the start‑ups, terprises will adopt Hybrid Cloud
goes digital about 40,000 jobs were created by 2020 ‑‑ from 13 per cent as of
port duties on $60 billion worth of
products from the US. Vijay Mallya Nirav Modi. Embracing disruptive technolo‑ during the year, taking their total in today. For India, 91 per cent of re‑
US President Donald Trump and gies to stay ahead of the curve, the the ecosystem of 7,200‑7,500 firms spondents agreed that Cloud com‑
Chinese President Xi Xinping re‑ dustrialist Vijay Mallya to stand tri‑ buoyant Indian IT industry made to 1.6‑1.7 lakh. puting has increased the efficiency
sorted to a tit‑for‑tat tariffs row al on charges of committing a Rs digital business its growth driver in The investment in the native of their IT departments.
since June this year which roiled 9,000‑crore bank loan fraud, the In‑ 2018, despite facing a shortage of start‑ups rose by a phenomenal
dian High Commission in London 108 per cent annually to $4.2 bil‑
Walmart-Flipkart
world markets for months. skills and double‑digit attrition.
However, during a dinner meet‑ said it was in touch with British au‑ The industry revved up this fiscal lion in nine months (January‑Sep‑ mega deal
ing held on the sidelines of the G20 thorities, with the case now in the (2018‑19) to meet the increasing tember) from $2 billion in the same
hands of British Home Secretary. World's largest retailer Walmart
summit in Argentinian capital demand for new services in the dig‑ period of 2017.
On December 10, the Westminster picked up 77 percent stake in e‑
Buenos Aires on December 1, Xing‑ ital domain, spanning Artificial In‑
Magistrates' Court in London gave Indian realty's commerce major Flipkart year for
ping and Trump decided to suspend telligence (AI), automation, $16 billion, taking the companyʼs
imposing of any new tariffs for 90 its decision recommending the ex‑ blockchain, Cloud, data analytics or revival year
tradition of Mallya. value at about $20 billion, which
days. mining, Internet of Things (IoT),
Regarding absconding diaman‑ The year turned out to be an also met with protests in India.
But if there is no deal at the end machine learning (ML) and robot‑
taires Nirav Modi and Mehul Chok‑ eventful one for the Indian real es‑ Flipkart co‑founder Sachin Bansal
of the 90‑day grace period, the US ics. Accounting for 37 per cent
si, both wanted in the Rs 13,500‑ tate marked by the improvement in exited the business by selling his
will increase the tariffs on the $200 share of the global outsourcing of
crore Punjab National Bank fraud sales and its return to stability after entire stake of over 5 percent for
billions of goods from 10 percent to software services, the Indian IT‑
case, India was following up on the the double blow of GST and demon‑ around Rs 7,000 crore to Walmart
25 percent. BPM (business process manage‑
extradition requests submitted to etisation. immediately after the deal.
ment) industry is set to post $167
India rises in ease the British and Antigua & Barbuda billion revenue for fiscal 2018‑19
Although real estate did not wit‑ Another co‑founder Binny Bansal
ness an increase in launches, devel‑ stepped down in November as the
of doing business authorities. from $154 billion in fiscal 2017‑ opers say, the market registered CEO following an independent
With India jumping 23 places to Air India floats 18. higher sale of inventory in 2018 probe into allegations of "serious
77th rank on “Ease of Doing Busi‑ in deep red RBI governor quits compared to last year. The number personal misconduct".
ness” index, World Bank chief Jim
Yong Kim called up Prime Minister A 76 per cent stake sale process
Narendra Modi to congratulate him of national carrier Air India ended
for the ʻhistoric riseʼ in the rank‑ abruptly this year as "no interest"
ings. was shown by bidders.
Kim said this has been made pos‑ On May 31, the Ministry of Civil
sible, in large measure, due to the Aviation said that "no response"
unwavering commitment and lead‑ was received even during the ex‑
ership of Prime Minister Modi. He tended submission deadline for the
described this as a historic and un‑ 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) bids
precedented achievement. under Air India's divestment
Kim called it ʻremarkableʼ for a process and the "further course of
nation of over 1.25 billion people to action will be decided appropriate‑
Former Reserve Bank of India
have achieved a rise of 65 ranks in ly". Governor Urjit Patel.
a short period of 4 years. Naresh Goyal‑led Jet Airways, in
which Gulf carrier Etihad holds 24 The year leading up to the 2019
Mallya, Nirav percent stake, also grappled with fi‑ general elections was topped up by
Modi’s extraditions nancial woes and even delayed pay‑ the abrupt resignation of Urjit Patel
ment of salaries to staff. as the RBI Governor, a rare phe‑
come closer nomenon in the banking world. He
Jet Airways has been reporting
After a British court in December losses since last three successive was immediately replaced by for‑ Traders protest against Walmart's acquisition
ordered the extradition of Indian in‑ quarters. mer Economic Affairs Secretary of largest e‑tailer Flipkart.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
54 January 5-18, 2019 SPORTS ROUNDUP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
I
ndian badminton continued to move Croatia celebrates weight category to clinch a 51 kg bronze at
northwards in 2018, especially the the London Olympics, previously clinched the
women's singles players ‑‑ P.V. Sindhu and in true style World Championship gold on five occasions ‑
veteran Saina Nehwal ‑‑ as they dished out ‑ 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 ‑‑ besides
one stunning performance after another. bagging a silver on her debut in 2001.
While Sindhu extended her status as India's
leading shuttler and shrugged off the 'chok‑
Wrestling: Phogat,
er' tag by winning the BWF World Tour Finals Punia, Sushil shine
title, Saina bounced back in style from in‑
juries to pocket a few titles. On the wrestling mat, Vinesh Phogat be‑
The 28‑year‑old Saina, who struggled with came more than just a famous Phogat sister
consistency and fitness in 2017, grappled with gold medals at both the CWG and Asian
gallantly with a cramped schedule and went Games and Bajrang Punia stepped out of the
on to clinch few titles along with the runner‑ shadow of his mentor and London Olympics
up finishes. bronze‑medallist Yogeshwar Dutt.
Punia won gold at CWG and Asiad before a
England had extinguished so much heart‑ After injuries and personal scandal nearly
Cricket's highs break at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. After left him an afterthought on the PGA Tour,
silver at World Championships positioned
him as the biggest star.
and lows being eliminated from the tournament via Tiger Woods capped off a stellar comeback
However, double Olympic‑medallist Sushil
penalty shootouts in 1990, 1998, and 2006, campaign, in which he contended for two ma‑
The gentleman's game hit a new low in Kumar's stock fell due to a string of sub‑par
England finally clinched a World Cup jor titles ̶ Woods shot a final round 64 at
2018 when two of the world's finest batsmen performances.
shootout victory, in the round of 16 against the PGA Championship to finish second ̶
‑‑ Steve Smith and David Warner ‑‑ copped Columbia. with his first tour win in over five years, at Tennis: Manika
year‑long bans from Cricket Australia for And in the semifinal against Croatia, Eng‑ the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
their involvement in the infamous 'sandpaper land scored five minutes into the game to go As Woods walked towards the 18th green Batra rises
gate' scandal while in India, it was marred by up 1‑0. England held the lead into the second in September to soak in his victory, thou‑
The big takeaway in table tennis was the
"MeToo" allegations against the BCCI CEO half, before Croatiaʼs Ivan Perišić tied up the sands of fans trailed him on the course, as if
rise of Manika Batra.
Rahul Johri before he was re‑instated after game in the 68th minute. he were their leader. The scene spoke to
The Delhiite claimed four medals, including
the charges found very few takers, even as The tension built in extra time, before Tigerʼs power.
two gold, in the CWG before combining with
the administrative mess continues.
On the field, while the start was inauspi‑
Mario Mandžukićʼs left‑footed goal in the
109th minute set off a wild celebration. Croa‑
Golden State veteran Sharath Kamal for a historic mixed
doubles bronze at the Asiad, where India de‑
cious in South Africa, India capped off the tian players piled on top of photographer Warriors win livered its best‑ever medal haul.
year on a resounding note, thus stamping Yuri Cortez, a proʼs pro who still managed to
their authority as the top ranked Test side snap some memorable pics in the mayhem.
NBA again Unified Korea walks
when they took an unprecedented 2‑1 lead in Croatia held on to reach a World Cup final for People may have expected the Warriors to
the four‑Test series over Australia, after beat‑ the first time. win the NBA title this year, but winning three
together during 2018
ing the Kangaroos by 137 runs in the Boxing
Serena Williams of the last four years is a hell of an achieve‑ Olympics
Day Test in Melbourne.
ment ̶ especially the way they did it. They
Virat Kohli broke a 16‑year‑old record by The year began with the Olympic Winter
batting legend Rahul Dravid to become the
states her case corralled LeBron James and squeezed the life
Games PyeongChang 2018, which were a
out of the Cavaliers, completing a sweep and
highest run getter for India in away Test success story in so many respects.
etching their names among the greatest dy‑
matches in a calendar year. The best expression of this was the joint
nasties the league has ever seen.
In ODIs, the 30‑year‑old broke Sachin Ten‑ march of the athletes of the NOCs of the Re‑
dulkar's record and became the fastest to get Mary Kom public of Korea and the Democratic Peopleʼs
10,000 runs. Republic of Korea at the Opening Ceremony.
The year also witnessed a number of greats
scripts history They entered the Olympic Stadium as one
fading into the sunset with Gautam Gambhir. Mary Kom scripted history by clinching a team, united behind one flag, the Korean uni‑
Among the other prominent names to bid record sixth World Championship Gold medal fication flag.
goodbye to the game are former England in the light flyweight 48 kilogram category Norway led the total medal tally with 39,
Test captain Alastair Cook, ex‑Protea skipper after outclassing Ukraine's Hanna Okhota by followed by Germany's 31 and Canada's 29.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
56 January 5-18, 2019 TECH ROUNDUP TheSouthAsianTimes.info
How technology
changed our lives in 2018
T
echnology had an un‑
precedented impact on
An image
our lives as the year 2018
sent from
went by. From influencing elec‑ Parker Solar
tions to deciding what digital Probe
info you consume to spreading (Image
violence via fake news to design‑ courtesy:
er babies and art created by arti‑ NASA/Naval
ficial intelligence! Research
The positives definitely weigh Laboratory/
equally. The year brought new Parker Solar
breakthroughs, solutions, and Probe)
discoveries as a result of the re‑
search conducted day in and day
out by some of the world's best
minds in science and technology.
A year of many firsts for Indian Space Technology
We take a look back at promi‑ (ISRO). It completed 16 mis‑ lion, five‑year program to
8 While the term Fake News usher in a new era of data
nent moments and trends…. sions, signing off with 7 suc‑ harness the power of AI to fo‑
was one of the most popular privacy. In late May, Euro‑
cessful missions within 35 cus on four priorities ̶ help‑
of 2018, the yearʼs Word of pean Union lawmakers
days. This included two suc‑ ing the world recover from
SPACE cessful GSLV missions in a disasters, addressing the
the Year according to Dic‑ passed a user‑centric data
privacy law dictating what
tionary.com was: Misinforma‑
TECHNOLOGY single year. GSLV Mk‑III com‑
pleted its development flights
needs of children, protecting
refugees and displaced peo‑
tion ̶ defined as “false infor‑ companies can and cannot do
mation that is spread, regard‑ with the information shared
8 NASA reached a significant and entered the operational ple, and promoting respect
less of whether there is intent with them. This has far‑
milestone this year turning arena. GSAT‑29, the heaviest for human rights.
to mislead” ̶ often used in‑ reaching implications world‑
60 years old. Created by the satellite launched from Indi‑ 8 Artificial intelligence has
terchangeably with the ex‑ wide, affecting internet busi‑
National Aeronautics and an soil and GSAT‑11, the been making “art” for years,
pression Fake News and/or nesses, media publishers, and
Space Act of 1958, the space heaviest satellite built by and as A.I. systems have ad‑
the word disinformation. anyone else with European
agency began formal opera‑ ISRO were the two hallmark vanced, so too have the quali‑
8 2018 was the year of tech users.
tions on October 1, 1958. achievements of the year. ty of their creations. 2018
hearings on Capitol Hill. Even
8 In August 2018, NASA 8 Several new technological saw perhaps the biggest
launched the Parker Solar milestones achieved by ISRO breakthrough for the inter‑
Facebookʼs founder and CEO MEDICAL
Mark Zuckerberg, the compa‑
Probe: a spacecraft designed
to travel to the edge of the
by inducting the payloads for
Hyper‑Spectral Imaging
section of A.I. and art, when
the historic auction house
nyʼs Chief Operating Officer TECHNOLOGY
Sheryl Sandberg, and Twit‑
sunʼs corona to study solar (Hysis), Geo‑imaging and Op‑ Christieʼs sold its first paint‑ 8 In arguably the most contro‑
terʼs co‑founder and CEO
winds. tical Communication (GSAT‑ ing created by a machine. versial move in science in
Jack Dorsey were all grilled
8 On November 26, 2018, 29). Dubbed “Portrait of Edmond 2018, a Chinese scientist
by US senators and congress‑
NASAʼs InSight Lander suc‑ de Belamy,” the piece was ex‑ claimed he altered the DNA
cessfully touched down on
ARTIFICIAL pected to sell for up to
people. Zuckerberg appeared
of twin girls, creating the
in congressional hearings in
the Martian surface.
8 Backed by Sir Richard Bran‑
INTELLIGENCE $10,000. When the gavel fi‑
nally fell, the sale price was a
London and in Brussels.
worldʼs first genetically engi‑
neered babies. The an‑
Zuckerberg even testified in nouncement was met with as‑
son, Virgin Galactic success‑ 8 Artificial intelligence and ma‑ whopping $432,000.
Brussels in front of European sertions from his peers that
fully completed four powered chine learning represent one
space flights in 2018. The of the most exciting trends in TECH Parliament President the work was unethical, dan‑
Antonio Tajani and a EU gerous, and even “mon‑
next test flight will be used to
simulate a commercial pay‑
technology: virtual assistants,
autonomous cars, self‑learn‑
AND DATA Parliament Conference of strous.”
Presidents.
load weight that is expected ing algorithms. 2018 was a PRIVACY 8 General Data Protection Reg‑
Developing designer
babies is banned in most
when the starship is packed key year for artificial intelli‑
8 The backlash of the Cam‑ ulation (GDPR) arrived to countries.
full of passengers. More than gence with mounting con‑
600 people have purchased cerns about the repercus‑ bridge Analytica scandal had
tickets to ride on the Virgin sions of AI on society and hu‑ a deep impact not only on so‑
Galacticʼs reusable space ve‑ man activity. cial media users but also on
hicles. Each ticket costs 8 Google was the latest to enter the tech industry and govern‑
$250,000! this space of what some refer ment legislators around the
8 2018 was another banner to as AI for good. The compa‑ world.
year for SpaceX. With 20 ny announced in November 8 Equally came to fore the is‑
Portrait of
launches under its belt in its AI Impact Challenge to sue of fake news and the re‑ Edmond
2018, one of its most recent grant about $25 million glob‑ lationship between tech and de Belamy:
launches deployed 64 satel‑ ally in 2019 to humanitarian politics and the role of social First art
lites into orbit, a record num‑ and environmental projects media platforms in elections piece sold
ber of deployments for a sin‑ seeking to use artificial intel‑ around the world. by
gle mission in the US. ligence to speed up and grow 8 Social media giants such as Christieʼs
8 China launched more rockets their efforts. Facebook, Snapchat and Twit‑ created
ter were compelled to take using AI
into orbit in 2018 than any 8 Microsoft launched a series
other country. of new AI programs, totaling steps to improve their poli‑
8 The year 2018 was a year of $115 million, including AI for cies governing political ad‑
many ʻfirstsʼ and ʻbeginningsʼ Earth, its new project to put vertising and misinformation,
with profound growth in all AI to work for the future of with a focus on state and
directions for the Indian planet, and AI for Humanitar‑ non‑state actors trying to in‑
Space Research Organization ian Action, a new $40 mil‑ fluence elections globally.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
58 January 5-18, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info
In the book, the key section is, “Becoming Us”, which is supposed to mean Barack and
Michelle. But I feel the word “us” in this autobiographical book is loaded: it also
denotes the joining of Michelle Obama to the public cause, encouraged by her husband.
By Shivaji Sengupta
Michelle’s
M
ichelle Obama has written a won‑
derful book, a memoir dealing with
her life till after the time she and
Meaningful
Memoir
her husband left the White House in early
2017.
The first part of the autobiography, entitled
"BECOMING ME" covers up to the time she
marries Barack Obama. The next set of chap‑
ters, from the beginning of the coupleʼs life
together to the presidential election of 2008,
are bunched under the section “BECOMING
US”. The epilogue is titled “BECOMING
MORE.”
For any human being, me and you included,
the slow, almost imperceptible transition
from "me" to "us" is iconic, in the sense that
all of us have transitioned from me to us, as both parents, and egged on by Craig, her old‑
we grew up, found jobs and partners, brought er brother who himself preceded her to
children into this world. For the Obamas, Princeton, all young Michelle Obama wanted,
however, the transition can serve as an ex‑ by her own admission, is success. She wanted
ample; and not just because the couple rose to become the best at whatever she tried, in‑
to the highest echelon of American society, cluding making money, being a “yuppie”
achieving the status of "Mr. President" and (young urban professional), to ultimately be‑
"First Lady." The reason the book means so come the successful wife of a successful pro‑
much to me is because of how Mrs. Obama fessional.
sees her life as an adventure, mysterious, in‑ One of the most inspiring aspects of this au‑
triguing, and yet, ultimately, a journey, not all tobiography is to read about how she
that different from ordinary persons like you changed. Yes, she remained as ambitious as
and me. I have read Barack Obamaʼs autobi‑ ever; but the goals changed. From” becoming
ography, “Dreams from My Father.” I donʼt me,” a cracker‑jack wealthy attorney in a
mean to compare the two – the purpose of multinational corporate firm, she turned her
writing each is vastly different. But I found direction to “becoming us,” devoting her life
Michelle Obamaʼs telling of her life story to community organizations and helping tal‑
more immediate, pulsating with life, roman‑ ented young others to join public service. In Michelle started a new life as First Lady when Barack Obama was sworn in
tic. the book, “BECOMING US” is supposed to as President in January 2009. (Photo courtesy The African Magazine).
The story of her childhood, growing up in mean Barack and Michelle. But reading the
scious decision not to make her First Ladyʼs hope to help create space for other stories and
an ordinary middle class black family in book I feel that that the word, “us”, is loaded:
work overly political. Instead, she worked on other voices, to widen the pathway for who be‑
Chicagoʼs southside which, much like the us means the couple, yes, but it also means
health issues of children, particularly obesity. longs and why….And here is what I have to say,
South Bronx of New York City, is fraught with the joining of Michelle Obama to the public
Mrs. Clinton, some of you might remember, finally: Letʼs invite one another in. Maybe then
poverty and mayhem. Neither of her parents cause, encouraged by her husband. Thus “Be‑
was given the responsibility to convince the we can begin to fear less, to make fewer wrong
were college graduates, more for economic coming Us” is all about how they fell in love,
members of the House of Representatives assumptions, to let go of the biases and stereo‑
reasons than the lack of desire. It is for this married, had children, but it is also about how
and Senators of the importance of passing a types that unnecessarily divide us. Maybe we
reason the parents sacrificed all and every‑ Mrs. Michelle Obama became who she is now,
law mandating Universal Healthcare, a re‑ can better embrace the ways we are the same.
thing to educate their two children, the older a public figure, devoted to the highest pinna‑
sponsibility she took head‑on, meeting with Itʼs not about being perfect. Itʼs not about where
boy, Craig, and the younger, Michelle. She de‑ cles of public life. The transition from me to
Congress people, engaging them in policy dis‑ you get yourself in the end. Thereʼs power in al‑
scribes the America she grew up in, especial‑ us is told with sincerity, earnestness and even
cussions and even sometimes lecturing to lowing yourself to be known and heard, in own‑
ly, Chicago thus: romance. Witness the “ussing” of the Obamas:
them. The result was a disaster. The Clintons ing your unique story, in using your authentic
were accused of being overly ambitious voice. And thereʼs grace in being willing to know
Outside the ballparks, America was in the He was looking at me curiously, with the trace
about themselves, projecting the First Lady and hear others. This, for me, is how we become.
midst of a massive and uncertain shift. The of a smile. “Can I kiss you?” he asked.
as a policy wonk, or even a future presiden‑
Kennedys were dead. Martin Luther King Jr. had And with that, I leaned in and everything felt
tial candidate. Universal Healthcare died pre‑ Completing the book, I had a feeling of self‑
been killed standing on a balcony in Memphis, clear.
maturely because the country was not ready fulfillment. Itʼs a strange feeling because I am
setting off riots across the country, including in
for it. Mrs. Clinton was gutted. much older than Michelle Obama and her
Chicago. The 1968 Democratic National Con‑ The final section is an epilogue, “Becoming
I think Mrs. Obama learned from that ex‑ husband. “It is I who should be telling them
vention turned bloody as police went after Viet‑ More,” is about the aftermath of Barack Oba‑
ample. Not coincidentally, her husband also these things,” I find myself murmuring. Yet, I
nam War protesters with batons and tear gas in maʼs two terms as president, and the defeat
brought in the healthcare issue and wanted realize that some people are wiser than their
Grant Park, about nine miles north of where we of Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump.
Congress to make that into law. Affordable age, like Barack and Michelle Obama.
lived. White families, meanwhile, were moving Those who have read books by other First
Healthcare was passed without Barack Oba‑
out of the city in droves, lured by the suburbs̶ Ladies – Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush – have a
ma involving Michelle. Right until the end of
the promise of better schools, more space, and good idea of what the life of the wife of an Shivaji
her husbandʼs second term, she has been
probably more whiteness, too. American president is like. Suffice to say that Sengupta
known to be efficient and kind, kind to oth‑
despite being intellectually and professional‑ is VP
ers, kind about peopleʼs weaknesses, and im‑
Michelle Obama writes about her being ly every bit as qualified as Hillary Clinton, Academic
mensely practical. Thus, as the book ends
driven through ambition and intent through‑ Michelle Obamaʼs tenure as First Lady for Affairs
with these words, I find myself applauding
out her childhood, adolescence and college eight years was more traditional, not like at Boricua
these “ordinary people”:
life in Princeton, right up to the time she com‑ Hillary Clintonʼs. College:
pleted Harvard Law School and entered a top‑ And it was fully intended. Aware that the Bronx
Iʼm an ordinary person who found herself on
brass law firm in Chicago as a young law as‑ public expected her to aspire for the presi‑ Campus.
an extraordinary journey. In sharing my story, I
sociate. Supported in every which way by dency herself, Michelle Obama made a con‑
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
From drone photography to live streaming your marriage and from a 3D printed
cake to geo-tagging the venue, Air India’s in-flight magazine Shubh Yatra offers
some quirky technology backed ideas to make your D-day memorable.
trackers like FitBit. Take printouts eymoons. Experts say these are in video, all in fast forward motion!
and add to your wedding album. demand as they introduce a unique Experts suggest using this fea-
perspective to wedding imagery. ture to capture the mandap (tradi-
Hi-tech photography “At weddings, GoPros can be tional Hindu wedding venue) be-
strapped onto the photographer’s ing put together or guests arriving.
Gone are the days when wed- body as he or she moves among Another unique photography
ding photography was just about the crowd. Or it can be passed trick is to use a drone camera to
hiring a great photographer. To- around among guests so that each get fantastic aerial views of both
day, it’s also about knowing if he/ can capture what they are seeing,” the wedding ceremony and venue.
she has the updated equipment. A she explains. These cameras can “Just make sure the drone has
latest in this genre is the use of Go- be used to capture candid shots, enough battery life and doesn’t
Pros. These are cameras that can which make for great memories. crash. Also, it makes a buzz-
capture videos from a personal “Or use the camera’s time-lapse ing sound, so keep it at a height
With all the different photo sharing apps and social media plat- viewpoint and are often used for feature,” suggests Rehana. For this, where it doesn’t disturb anyone,”
forms out there, it’s nearly impossible for a couple to ever see adventure activities. Rehana, a Del- you have to mount the camera at a says Vaibhav of Marriage Moods,
all the photos their guests take at their wedding. An easy way
hi-based wedding photographer, vantage point and let it capture its a Mumbai-based wedding photog-
to collect all the photos in one place is to set up a wedding app
for yourself. Wedding Party is a great and free option for couples says the trend started as couples surroundings for hours. And then raphy firm. Make sure to check
looking to give their guests a fun social experience and reap the used these tiny cameras to shoot the time-lapse feature will crunch for permissions required for aer-
benefits of having all their photos in one place afterwards. their beach-side or mountain hon- the footage into a few-minute-long ial photography.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info CELBRATIONS January 5-18, 2019 65
At the stroke
New York
of midnight
How the world celebrated first few moments of 2019
Russia
People
watch
fireworks in
downtown
St.Petersburg, Russia.
(Image : www.
Fireworks
news18.com)
at iconic Times
Square in New York
(Image courtesy:
IANS)
Sydney
Paris
Fireworks
explode in front of
Malaysia's
Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Arc de Triomphe on the landmark building,
Champs Elysees, in Paris. (Image courtesy: www.news18.com) the Petronas
Twin Towers, Kuala
Dubai Lumpur, Malaysia.
(Image courtesy:
IANS)
Spectacular
fireworks at
Thailand
Burj Khalifa,
Dubai (Image
courtesy:
IANS) People
welcome the
new year near
Chao Phraya
River in
Bangkok,
Thailand.
(Image: Image
courtesy:
news18.com)
66 Jan 5-18, 2019 FIRST PERSON
ADIEU TO SINGLEHOOD:
2018’S MOST HYPED CELEBRITY WEDDINGS
which was preceded by two days a six-year-long love story in a majestic venue, the royal Umaid A reception in Delhi was graced
of mehendi and sangeet revelry, “happily ever after.” Bhawan Palace, situated atop a by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
and followed by a grand recep- Deepika and Ranveer first tied hill in the “Blue City” of Jodhpur in who came to bless the couple.
tion party with close family, the knot as per Konkani traditions Rajasthan. Three days of wedding
Isha Ambani and
friends and Bollywood’s glitterati followed by a north Indian cer- celebrations included a color-
Anand Piramal
I
in attendance. emony. There were only about 40 ful mehendi ceremony, a friendly
t seems like actress Anushka
Sonam was all smiles in a red guests for the celebrations, and a cricket match and a power-packed Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s
Sharma and cricketer Virat
Anuradha Vakil lehenga with regal
Kohli gave a teaser of what mov-
jewelry, as she wed businessman
iegoers were expected to see in
Anand, who looked handsome in
the coming year when they got
a sherwani. They had been dating
hitched in December last year.
for the past two years, and their
The year 2018 witnessed some
wedding was announced formally
of the top Bollywood stars shin-
only a week before D-day.
ing even more off screen than on
From videos of Karan Johar,
Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan,
Anil Kapoor and Ranveer Singh
making some unforgettable
moves on the dance floor to the
celebrities’ wardrobe choices --
there was ample to swoon over
for social media users.
Neha Dhupia
and Angad Bedi
Actress and former beauty
queen Neha Dhupia surprised her
fans and friends in the industry
with the news of her hush-hush
wedding with actor and “best
screen when they decided to tie friend” Angad Bedi, son of former
the knot with partners, thereby Indian cricket captain Bishan
putting an end to incessant ru- Singh Bedi, here in May.
mors about their relationships. The couple got married in an
From Sonam Kapoor and Deep- Anand Karaj ceremony, which
no-pictures policy was imposed “desi” musical evening. daughter Isha Ambani tied the
ika Padukone to Ranveer Singh was attended by close family and
on them, leaving the couple’s fans Priyanka, 36, and Nick, 26, knot with Anand Piramal on De-
and Priyanka Chopra, the year friends in a Gurudwara in south
pining to get a glimpse of the gala. first exchanged vows in a Chris- cember 12 in a lavish wedding
that is soon going to say goodbye Delhi. They made the announce-
After their very private wed- tian ceremony officiated by the held at Antilia in Mumbai.
saw some of the successful and ment via social media. The couple
ding ceremonies, the couple had groom’s father on December 1. The couple’s wedding was at-
glamorous singles of Bollywood has since been blessed with a
receptions in Bengaluru and They wore custom-made Ralph tended by the biggest names from
settling down. The year ended baby girl whom they named Mehr.
Mumbai, with well-known person- Lauren ensembles -- a good fit all over the world like Hillary
with the spectacular wedding cel-
Ranveer Singh and alities from Bollywood, sports and as the two stars had shared the Clinton, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah
ebrations of billionaire Mukesh
political background attending spotlight for the first time as Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika
and Nita Ambani’s daughter Isha Deepika Padukone
them. For many, their choice of guests of the designer at the Padukone among others.
Ambani with the scion of Piramal
This was one wedding that going ahead with three receptions 2017 Met Gala. They also had Photos from the couple’s wed-
industries Anand. Here’s a look
everyone was waiting for and the became the talk of the town with Hindu wedding. ding celebrations have been setting
at some of the most hyped celeb
couple lived up to expectations. many creating memes online. Marking their union, the the internet on fire for over a month
weddings of 2018.
They opted for an international Jodhpur sky lit up with fire- now and still the wedding has not
Sonam Kapoor location to tie the knot as they Priyanka Chopra works. However, Priyanka was faded from the minds of people.
and Anand Ahuja wanted to stay away from all pa- and Nick Jonas widely trolled for it as, around The couple’s wedding had the
parazzi. The wedding happened Diwali, she had urged people not best arrangements. From a lavish
The couple tied the knot in a over two days in mid-November Actress and former Miss World to burst firecrackers due to the engagement in Lake Como to two-
big fat Punjabi wedding in May. in a dreamy Lake Como setting Priyanka Chopra married Ameri- health hazards it leads to. As a day long pre-wedding celebrations
The wedding took place in a tra- in Italy amidst a tight circle of can singer Nick Jonas in a “fai- result, she was called out for her in Udaipur, Ambanis had the most
ditional Anand Karaj ceremony, family and friends, culminating rytale” wedding in tune with the “double standards.” extravagant functions for Isha.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOLLY ROUNDUP January 5-18, 2019 69
BOLLYWOOD SCREAMED Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta‑starrer ʻBadhaai Hoʼ, centered
on an older womanʼs pregnancy, earned nearly Rs 137 crore
#METOO at the domestic box‑office, comfortably eclipsing the figures
of Akshay Kumarʼs ʻGoldʼ and ʻPad Manʼ and Ajay Devgnʼs
#
MeToo movement created ripples in Bollywood this ʻRaidʼ.
year, in the same industry that finally saw a collective A Bollywood film that rests on the shoulders of an actress
consciousness on the darkest and dirtiest side of the has limited box‑office appeal, but ʻRaaziʼ, starring Alia Bhatt,
business emerge as earned in excess of Rs 120 crore.
women came out ʻAndhadhunʼ, ʻStreeʼ, ʻMantoʼ, ʻMulkʼ, ʻLove Soniaʼ, ʻTumb‑
with some heart‑ badʼ, ʻOctoberʼ, ʻPadmanʼ – all these movies were a break‑
wrenching stories of through from the typical highly dramatic Bollywood stories.
sexual harassment. Some were even credited for breaking stereotypes.
The campaign began The year 2018 established that the viewers like content
with actress which has relatability, likeability and virality.
Tanushree Duttaʼs al‑
legations of sexual KHAN MAGIC FELL FLAT
misconduct against
veteran actor Nana ON BOX OFFICE
Patekar and filmmak‑ Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar made
er Vivek Agnihotri. his Tamil debut with ʻ2.oʼ.
Following example, who stood out with films like with films like ʻMulkʼ
Tanushreeʼs claim, and ʻBadhaai Hoʼ. Neena, who became a household name af‑
several actresses ter portraying an iconic role in the 1990s TV show ʻSaansʼ,
came out in public to was away from the screen for a long time. Last year, she took
share their experi‑ to social media to ask for work.
ences of sexual ha‑ Surekha Sikri and Gajraj Rao won the audience's heart with
rassments and as‑ their funny and quirky performances in ʻBadhaai Hoʼ, which
saults. showed that for viewers what matters the most is good acting
Writer‑producer irrespective of an actor's age.
Vinta Nanda talked Surekha made her debut in 1978 with political drama
Actress Tanushree Dutta sounded openly about the "Kissa Kursi Ka", and made a name for herself by working in
the MeToo bugle in Bollywood. abuse she suffered at films, theatre and television. After featuring in TV show ʻBali‑
the hands of ʻsanskari babujiʼ actor Alok Nath. ka Vadhuʼ, she gained huge popularity as the stern ʻDadisaʼ.
Some of the other biggest names in the industry who came Gajraj has featured in movies like ʻBandit Queenʼ, ʻHazaaron
under fire included directors Sajid Khan, Vikas Bahl and Sub‑ Khwaishein Aisiʼ and ʻTalvarʼ.
hash Ghai, as well as casting directors such as Mukesh Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in a still from ʻZeroʼ. The web space further opened up doors for older actors as
Chhabra and Vicky Sidana, music director Anu Malik and The three Khans started from 1987 to 1992 and since then Farida Jalal, Ashish Vidyarthi and Raza Murad.
singer Raghu Dixit.
All Indian film production houses are bound to implement
all three have only built their fan base with one hit after the
other.
CELEBS CROSSOVER
and enforce the 'The Sexual Harassment of Women at Work‑
place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013
But something extraordinary happened in 2018. The films
of all the three Khans fared poorly at the box‑office. The ac‑
IN CINEMA
(PoSH), the Producers Guild of India (PGI) declared in No‑ tioner ʻRace 3ʼ, starring Salman Khan, made on a budget of Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan, set foot in Bollywood
vember. A handbook on 'Prevention of sexual harassment at around Rs 180 crore, earned only Rs 169 crore at the Indian this year with ʻKarwaanʼ and Bollywood's Khiladi, Akshay Ku‑
the workplace' was also drawn up. box office. His last, ʻTiger Zinda Haiʼ, had earned more than mar didn't disappoint
A YEAR OF SENSIBLE AND double. The ʻThugs of Hindostanʼ, starring Aamir Khan and
Amitabh Bachchan was Bollywoodʼs most expensive movie
the audience with his
villainous role in ʻ2.0ʼ. It
PROGRESSIVE CINEMA made on a budget of Rs 335 crore. But the film turned out to
be a box‑office disaster, grossing less than Rs 150 crore. The
marked his Tamil de‑
but.
Indian Cinema witnessed some of the quirkiest plots which biggest damage it did was to the perfectionist image of the Pankaj Tripathi made
were loved by the audiences. The yearʼs list of highest‑gross‑ content‑rich Khan. his Tamil film debut
ing films featured some unlikely names. Even the recently released ʻZeroʼ, led by Shah Rukh Khan, with Rajinikanth film
opened to a tepid box‑office response, collecting Rs 87 crore ʻKaalaʼ and Bollywood's
in the first six days of its release. dancing diva Madhuri
The year established that the viewers like content which has Dixit Nene's maiden
relatability, likeability and virality. Marathi film ʻBucket
The audiences have given a stern message that image and Listʼ released this year.
hype wonʼt work anymore. Neil Nitin Mukesh, who
But high ticket prices are also turning out to be deterrents featured in the 2014
for the audience to visit theatres, said experts. Also, with stiff Tamil film "Kaththi" by
competition from regional films, Hollywood and especially A.R. Murugadoss, made
the vast variety of digital content, Bollywood needs to step up his Telugu debut with
Malayalam actor Dulquer
its game with scripts being the focal point, and by allotting ʻKavachamʼ this month. Salmaan was the best export
the right budget. Vidya Balan will be from south cinema in 2018.
launched in Telugu film
SENIOR ACTORS BACK industry with the biopic on legendary actor‑politician and for‑
IN SPOTLIGHT mer Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N.T. Rama Rao. For
Aishwarya Devan, who has acted in Malayalam, Tamil and
Indian showbiz paved the way for senior actors to return to Kannada language films, it was her role that pulled her to‑
The film ʻBadhaai Hoʼ cashed in big at the box office. the limelight. Neena Gupta, 59, turned out to be the perfect wards the Hindi film ʻKaashi in Search of Gangaʼ.
70 January 5-18, 2019 COLUMNS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
IMMIGRATION
I
card based on their marriage to
a U.S. citizen which occurred less
than 2 years after their marriage,
they will receive a “conditional”
Abuse or Cruel Treatment
green card that is only valid for two tional permanent resident; resident will receive a receipt tional permanent resident qualifies
years. Within 90 days of the two‑
year expiration, the green card VISA 4 Threatening to divorce the con‑
ditional permanent resident,
notice. The conditional permanent
resident is allowed to continue to
for a waiver of joint filing and send
a letter to the applicant with their
TALK
holder and their spouse would joint‑ especially if it is not accepted in live and work in the U.S. while their decision or, schedule them for an
ly file Form I‑751, Petition to their culture or religion; case is being processed. If USCIS interview.
Remove the Conditions of 4 Withholding money or food needs more evidence to show abuse On behalf of all of us at the Banad
Residence. If the conditions on their from the conditional permanent and/or cruel treatment they will Law Offices and Law Offices of
green card are not removed, then spouse. USCIS defines battery as resident as punishment; send a request for evidence, which Michael Phulwani, we wish you all a
the green card and their status and physical violence committed against 4 Name calling and harsh insults, must be timely answered. Once wonderful and prosperous 2019!
right to stay in the U.S. will termi‑ a conditional permanent resident in public or private; or USCIS reviews the whole I‑751 May it be filled with blessings and
nate at the end of two years. There by their spouse. Some examples of 4 Not allowing the conditional packet it will determine if the condi‑ joy!
are a few circumstances where a physical abuse include punching, permanent resident to contact
their family or friends. Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
spouse may not have to jointly file slapping, forced sex, and any other
The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States, and
Form I‑751, such as if they have infliction of bodily harm. Extreme The conditional permanent resi‑
Banad Immigration in India for which Attorney
been abused or treated cruelly by cruelty is defined as nonviolent dent will need to provide USCIS
Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of Counsel.
their U.S. citizen spouse and itʼs no abuse that a U.S. spouse purposely with evidence showing specific
With Offices in Manhattan, Queens, Bangalore, and
longer safe or feasible for joint fil‑ caused on the conditional perma‑ instances of their spouseʼs abusive Mumbai, the firm is able to assist clients with all
ing. Therefore a waiver of joint fil‑ nent resident in order to control or actions and how these actions hurt facets of the immigration process, including
ing must be requested based on that embarrass them. Some examples of or controlled their life. If the condi‑ Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
abuse and cruel treatment. When extreme cruelty are: tional permanent resident was Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
applying for a waiver of the joint fil‑ 4 Threatening to report the condi‑ physically abused, official reports Citizenship and Green Card Applications based on
ing requirement based on abuse or tional permanent resident to from police and medical personnel Family or Employment. Dev B. Viswanath can be
cruel treatment the applicant must USCIS or any other government would be important to provide reached at Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
provide USCIS with evidence show‑ agency; USCIS with. Dev will be in India working from those offices
ing that they there were abused or 4 Threatening to refuse to jointly After the whole I‑751 packet is Jan 28 to Feb 12 and can meet people
treated cruelly by their U.S. citizen file Form I‑751 with the condi‑ filed, the conditional permanent for personal consultations.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
72 January 5-18, 2019 ASTROLOGY TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week (January 12-18 2018)
source. You will easily surpass all tension for future. Your wardrobe is glory to follow you. You are not pseu‑ vestigate the things before dwell into
your hindrances well. Your way of replete of high profiled and branded do intellectual personality but care any matter be it related to family or
communication will take you to the items. Your mental and physical state free kind of attitude which makes you business otherwise unduly may be‑
pinnacle post at your professional will catch your interest in spirituality. eminent person. You need to control come culprit. Donʼt get impulsive
level. Serve the humanity is high on Catching time: November, January, your gallant feeling at times. Active‑ while taking any decision. Other as‑
January 12, 2019 your genre. Understanding the need May and July. ness and participating are your pects of life tend to attract you to‑
Carry forward by 3, Jupiter and Mer‑ of society and helping the people benchmarks. You donʼt bear any kind wards them like some artwork or
cury, your hardnosed approach will may lead you to enter into politics. January 15, 2019 of lousiness or regardless behavior in some euphony which warms your
take you on high rides. You are high‑ Your modest and organized approach Ruled by number 6 and planet Venus; your work. You will be like a pendu‑ heart. Your leadership qualities will
ly intellectual person with knowledge for your business will assured you Mercury also dominates you. You are lum moving to and fro from your one take you beyond imagination in your
of every domain in your kit. You have high returns with some B2B relation blessed with immense talent. Your country together for jaunting as well work which at times also brings you
the capability of dealing with your in the international market. Travel‑ artistic nature will create win win sit‑ as business trips. You are conserva‑ under the ambit of criticizing others.
professional as well as personal life ling may leads some onus on you but uation for you everywhere. Hidden tive and choosy about making Eventful time: November, March and
together. Your first love will always turned to be fruitful for you. You are talent in the field of art and music is friends. Your friends are special for May.
be your work with whom you tend to advices to dig into the details of every tangible symbol signifying distinc‑ you but any kind of misbehaved char‑
spend maximum time which in re‑ new project you are undertaken, tion in your life. You are likely to set acter will generate brush aside atti‑ January 18, 2019
turn will provide you awesome glory, surely get success. Goddess Luxmi your own venture in this named and tude from your side. Manipulation of Characterized by number 9, Mars
honor and surprises. You abhor bigot will shower all her blessing on you. famed industry. Your ideas will not your feelings may bother you and and Mercury, your chippy behavior
natured person and always try to Time for new options: August, Dec., only get populate at domestic level you will feel loneliness. You love tends to take people away from you.
light up the dark spaces with the ray March and May. but also at international market. This yourself more than any other person. They may call you a bilk person but
of hope. This makes you a veteran ensures you a smooth and contended Clashes of self respect arguments will you are pure by heart. Your so called
warrior. Always ready to help others January 14, 2019 life both in terms of your bank bal‑ fail to keep your near and dear ones caring nature will only bring embar‑
means a friend in need is friend in Supported by number 5 and Mercu‑ ance and health. You will get Red Car‑ close to you so just chill. Marvelous rassment for you. But on profession‑
deed. You should learn that love is al‑ ry, your inborn attitude will help you pet welcome wherever you go. Sug‑ time period: July, November, January al terms you will glow like a shining
ways known by deeds not by words to make good relations at your work gestion is to set your goals before fir‑ and April. star. You will easily overcome all the
so hurry until the tides will flow in place with dignity. Circumstances ing onto them. You are perfect exam‑ hindrance comes to your way. Your
your favor. Too much of expectation will force you to follow your ideals ple of “Donʼt follow success instead January 17, 2019 domination will create leadership
from others may strain you so be‑ path in your ventures. You should be so much talented that success will Superseded by 8 and Saturn, dictated quality which at times make you to
lieve in yourself. Result oriented pay attention to the saying “Careless follow you”. Yogic exercise and an ap‑ by Mercury, time prognosticate you take all the responsibility and polish‑
time: October, November, March and habits may lead to happening”. Your ple a day is all what recommended to to blossom in the field of education es you for upcoming high career
July. dual personality helps to claim name you by to keep your body in toned which is long term investment for prospects. You will get lot of surpris‑
and fame in all front of life. You are state. Profitable months: October, De‑ you. Your focused vision always is es from your employer which even
January 13, 2019 always there for your kins and cember, April and June. likely to make you concentrate on takes you close to the top notch posi‑
Charged by number 4, Uranus and friends. Your benevolent nature is an your utmost goal. All in vain tenden‑ tion in your company. Your arche‑
Mercury, unwittingly you will get lot asset for you. You are supposed to January 16, 2019 cy will distract you but you need to type facts will get prestige and high‑
of name and fame in your business get respect and regard from your Mercury and Neptune and number 7 stick to your ploy as time will replen‑ ly productive for you. Your volition is
but donʼt get excited just take the coworkers and seniors. You believe will follow you, “you are what you ish your loose energy. Better late as strong as stones so keep going
charge. Upcoming year promises to in “Earn and Spend theory” means on are” is the tagline of your life. You al‑ than never is what you need to fol‑ with your instincts. Surprises can be
bring positive vibes for your pious one hand your diligence pays for you ways believe to follow your foot‑ low. Make guidelines and do not in the form of increasing remunera‑
soul but little flip flop may chafe you. and on the other your spendthrift prints only. You invent your invento‑ leave the task bare. Honesty, thought‑ tion or overseas tour with your fami‑
Sharp and honed acumen skills are trait will credit you. You are likely to ry yourselves. You basket is full of fulness and organized approach will ly. Fruitful time: December, January,
all what you require in your income follow western culture of taking no new ideas all the time which makes take you to the heights. Properly in‑ and April.
LEO : Your burden of work on the professional VIRGO: Overseas travel is foretold for those LIBRA: Luck favours you on the financial SCORPIO: Investing all your money in one ven‑
front is set to increase, so tighten wishing to visit exotic places. Be front, so expect money to flow in. ture or scheme is not recommend‑
your belt. Change of scene, just to a realist enough to take no for Your initiative on the academic ed, howsoever attractive be the
resurrect your married life is pos‑ an answer from a potential front is like ly to g ive goo d prospects. T hings remain in
sible. Your current exercise regi‑ lover on the romantic front. results. Someone may persuade order on the professional front,
men will make you feel stronger You will be able to raise your you to accompany him or her on as you go about your task ef fi‑
and fitter. A family youngster may join performance level on the academic an interesting excursion. You may ciently. Your attempts to curry favour
the family business soon. You may need to front through outside help. Your efforts on spend more than you had budgeted for in set‑ with those who matter on the academic front
search out a mutual friend who can introduce the professional front will bring you into the ting up a new house, but it will be worth it. will succeed. Joining a group of health‑con‑
you to the one you admire on the romantic notice of those who matter, so keep up the Donʼt let personal differences spoil the fun on scious people will prove immensely beneficial
front! good work. the social front. for your health.
SAGITTARIUS: A pleasant period greets you CAPRICORN: A minor job at work may get AQUARIUS : The week promises much fun and PISCES: This is an blissful period for you.
and promises to climax towards complicated and eat away your gaiety, as you get the time to min‑ Money comes your way and fill
exciting finish. Your romantic working hours. You may resolve gle in your social circle. Not your cof fers to the brim.
endeavours prove fruitful, as to save money for paying an breaking your daily routine will Taking an instant liking for
you go around spreading your outstanding amount. You are he lp you in retaining goo d someone is possible, so expect
charm! An excit ing trip may likely to miss out on some good health. Initiative taken on the romance to knock on your door
materialise and take you on a tour of investment opportunities by being professional front will get due recog‑ soon! Your strong showing on the
beautiful sites. Increased earning and perks over cautious. Some development at home nit ion from those who matter. academic front is likely to mark you as an
are likely to give a boost to those in the pri‑ may not be to your liking and can pit you Misunderstandings doing the rounds on the achiever. Adopting an active lifestyle is indi‑
vate sector. An old ailment disappears, as you against others. An official trip may need to be family front will be sorted out, so expect the cated for some and will help achieving good
step on the path to perfect health. postponed. domestic harmony to prevail. health.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY January 5-18, 2019 73
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874;
Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899;
psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Mahendra Shah is an
architect by education,
entrepreneur by profession,
artist and humorist,
cartoonist and writer by
hobby. He has been
recording the plight of the
immigrant Indians for the
past many years in his
cartoons. Hailing from
Gujarat, he lives in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 5-18, 2019
78 January 5-18, 2019 S P I R I T UA L AWA R E N E S S
NE W Y E AR ME SSAGE 2019
by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
Perfecting meditation takes practice. Spiritual experiences can illuminate us in a twinkling
of an eye, but we need to create the right conditions for those moments to crystalize. What
preparations can we make for those moments to brighten our lives?
Consider a scientist who performs a chemistry experiment. For the right reaction to take place, we need the
proper ingredients, steps, and time. Meditation requires the right combination of steps to be fruitful.
While meditation can bring relaxation and peace to the body and mind, a higher benefit of meditation is il-
lumining our soul with the wonders within. Meditation on the inner Light and Sound provides us an experience of
the inner vistas and celestial Music. Just as the holiday season is celebrated with festive lights and seasonal music,
we have within us a continual symphony of inner Music and radiant Lights within. If we practice meditation we can
enjoy those not only at the holiday but all year round, anytime we want. To gain access to these, we can perform the
preparatory steps to be ready to experience them.
The term “machine” is often used for one who works hard with passion and zeal at a hobby or task. Machines are
an analogy for diligent work, efficiency, and persistence. Once turned on, they run continually without a break. This
is a good reminder for our meditation. Once we sit for meditation, we can be diligent, efficient, and persistent. This
means staying focused without distraction until we receive results.
The difference, though, is we are not only mechanical in our practice like a machine, but we do our work with
heart and soul. The electricity that runs our machine is the passion and zeal which fuels us to keep going. We medi-
tate with consistency and right effort, but we also add the love and joy for achieving the ultimate goal, experiencing
the inner Light and Sound that will lead us to oneness with God.
As a reminder for the new Year, let us be a meditation machine in 2019 and let our persistence, accuracy, and
diligent efforts in meditation be rewarded with the grace to experience the inner Light and Music that lead us to the
bliss, peace, and joy of union with God.
Yours affectionately,
Rajinder Singh