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The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.11 No. 37 January 19-25, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Dems no-deal with Trump, UK Parliament


shutdown in 4th week rejects Brexit deal,
Many government services hit, but tax refunds and food stamps unaffected
Washington: Congressional
Democrats on Tuesday rejected
President Trump's invitation to a
causing chaos
lunch meeting at the White
House to discuss border security,
in the latest sign that both sides
of the government shutdown
standoff remain entrenched in
their positions with no compro‑
mise in sight.
The White House said that
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and
Senate Minority Leader Chuck
Schumer "refuse to negotiate."
Furloughed federal workers protest shutdown on Independence
Trump, however, did not invite
Mall in Philadelphia a few days ago. (Photo courtesy WHYY.org)
Pelosi, instead reaching out to
rank‑and‑file Democrats includ‑ attend, telling her leadership after meeting with Trump, the
ing centrist Democrats from dis‑ team that other congressional lawmakers would want to make a The European Union (EU) asked Britain to clarify its intentions on
tricts where Trump is popular. A Democrats can see what she and "citizen's arrest," according to the Brexit shortly after the deal negotiated between British Prime
Pelosi aide reportedly said she others have dealt with during the Minister Theresa May and the EU was rejected by a large
Continued on page 4 margin at the Parliament. (Photo source: Reuters)
gave lawmakers her blessing to shutdown. Pelosi predicted that

London: The UK parliament on debated in the Commons


New Indian envoy Nooyi tops WH Tuesday rejected overwhelmingly Wednesday. Dr. Alan Wager,
the Brexit deal, further complicat‑ research associate at The UK in a
presents credentials ing the country's historic exit Changing Europe at King's
shortlist for World from the European Union (EU). College London, told Xinhua after

to President Trump Members of Parliament voted the vote that the defeat, larger

Bank President 432 to 202 against the deal


reached between the British gov‑
than most expected, has led the
country into "completely
Washington: Trump ernment and the EU after a five‑ unknown territories."
administration offi‑ day debate, creating the loss that "It seems almost certain that her
cials, including the is said to be the biggest defeat for (May's) deal which she has spent
President's daughter a British government since the the last two and a half years nego‑
Ivanka Trump, will 1920s. tiating is now dead in the water,"
begin interviewing British Prime Minister Theresa he said.
candidates to become May has three sitting days to Wager believed that a "no‑deal
World Bank president return to parliament with a "Plan Brexit", which will have cata‑
in the coming days. A B", Xinhua news agency reported. strophic consequences, has
top candidate being Britain is due to leave the EU on become more likely following the
eyed for the post, March 29. vote.
reports CNN, is Indra "Every day that passes without Before the main vote, MPs voted
Nooyi, the former top this issue being resolved means on an amendment by
Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla with executive of PepsiCo more uncertainty, more bitterness Conservative MP John Baron,
President Trump at the White House. who has earned praise If named, Indra Nooyi will and more rancor," said May react‑ which was designed to give the
Washington: Ambassador of India to the United from Trump and be the first woman to ing to the huge government loss. British government the right to
States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla presented his Ivanka. It's not clear, head the group. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn terminate the Northern Ireland
credentials Friday to President Donald Trump at the however, whether she is interested in the job and tabled a motion of no‑confidence backstop measure without the
Oval office of the White House. President Trump she did not respond to a request for comment. If in the government following the agreement of the EU. It was
warmly welcomed Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4 deal defeat. The motion will be defeated by 600 votes to 24.

BOLLYWOOD 16 BOOKS 23 EDUCATION 27 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism


TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 19-25, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY January 19-25, 2019 3

Healthcare guaranteed for all in Gov. Cuomo pushes for legal


NYC, including undocumented marijuana and fixing MTA
New York: NYC Mayor lady. She explained NYC Care will
Bill de Blasio last week set a person up with a primary Albany, NY: Governor Andrew Cuomo
unveiled a plan that pro‑ care provider who can refer them on Tuesday unveiled his proposed
vides healthcare to all to mental health services includ‑ $178.8 billion state budget for Fiscal
city residents, regard‑ ing alcohol and substance abuse Year 2020 in his State of the State
less of their ability to programs and therapy sessions. address.
pay or their immigration Of the 600,000 uninsured New Among the eye‑catching proposals
status. Yorkers, many are "young invinci‑ packed into the proposal include calls
T he new program, bles," de Blasio noted on to authorize sports‑betting at existing
NYC Care, will guarantee "Morning Joe," including young upstate casinos, a push for legalized
healthcare for the esti‑ people who can afford insurance marijuana and a $150 billion invest‑
mated 600,000 New but choose not to get it. De Blasio ment in infrastructure improvements,
reported New York Post. Governor Andrew Cuomo gave his
Yorkers who do not cur‑ said NYC Care would work on a
It wasnʼt immediately clear how State of the State address Tuesday.
rently have health insur‑ "sliding scale" where "people will (Photo courtesy AP)
Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled the plan much of that sum ̶ which would be
ance, according to the pay what they can" for care.
last week. (Photo courtesy on top of $100 billion Cuomo dedicat‑ have already passed a sweeping over‑
mayor's of fice. He added, "We also have a way
NYmag.com) ed towards infrastructure during his haul of New Yorkʼs once‑hig hly
Undocumented immi‑ to provide direct health care to a
second term ̶ would be earmarked restrictive voting laws, including a
grants will also be included in the plan. lot of our neighbors who happen to be undocu‑
for the beleaguered MTA, but the pro‑ measure that would legalize early vot‑
In a press conference at Lincoln Hospital in the mented. They're still part of our community. They
posal stressed the need to “rebuild ing.
Bronx, de Blasio said NYC Care will be "the most need health care; their families need health care."
transportation and mass transit sys‑ Additionally, they backed a pro‑
comprehensive healthsystem in the nation" when it New York City has a public option for insurance
tems.” posed constitutional amendment that
is fully implemented. already but NYC Care will pay "for direct compre‑
With a national eye, Cuomo also would greatly expand absentee ballot‑
"We recognized that obviously health care is not hensive care" for people who can't af ford insur‑
vowed to lead the way tp protect New ing.
just in theory a right," de Blasio said on MSNBC's ance or are not on Medicaid, de Blasio press secre‑
Yorkers against potential encroach‑ And they returned on Tuesday to
"Morning Joe" ahead of the official announcement. tary Eric Phillips said on Twitter.
ments from Washington D.C. by codi‑ pass the first expansion of LGBT
"We have to make it in practice a right." The mayor The program comes with a hefty price tag of
fying a state‑version of the Affordable rights in a decade, including bans on
said the plan would encompass primary and spe‑ $100 million per year for the city, but de Blasio
Care Act, and writing protections for discriminating against transgender
cialty care as well as maternity and pediatric care said he believes it will ultimately save New York
womenʼs reproductive rights into the individuals and so‑called conversion
and mental health services. money.
state constitution. therapy. The controversial practice
The mental health component is particularly NYC Care is rolling out this summer starting in
Lawmakers in the new ly aims to convert LGBT people into het‑
important to Chirlane McCray, de Blasio's wife, the Bronx and will be available to New York resi‑
Democratic‑controlled Legislature erosexuals.
who has tackled mental health as New York's first dents through the NYC website or by calling 311.

Celebrating Guru Nanak Devʼs 550th birth anniversary


Washington, DC: To cele‑
brate the 550th birth
anniversary of Guru
Nanak Dev Ji, the Embassy
of India, in association
w ith various US‑based
Sikh organizations and
gurdwaras, organized an
evening of Sikh devotional
music (Gurbani Sangeet)
performed by well‑known
artist Bhai Baldeep Singh
on January 12 at AMP
auditorium in North
Bethesda, Maryland.
T he prog ram marked
the first in a series of Indian Embassy and the New York consulate hosted programs of Sikh devotional music (Gurbani Sangeet) performed by Bhai Baldeep Singh
events planned to com‑ Ambassador of India to the as a Heritage town, establish‑ ethos with honesty and compas‑ seminars, and Interfaith events
memorate the 550th birth United States Harsh Vardhan ment of a center for interfaith sion as intrinsic tenets. through the year.
anniversary of the founder of Shringla highlighted several key studies at Guru Nanak Dev Highlighting the role of 5‑lakh During their recital, Bhai
Sikhism. It was attended by over decisions taken by the University in Amritsar. strong influential Sikh communi‑ Baldeep Singh, along with an
200 members of the Indian com‑ Government of India to honor Ambassador Shringla pointed ty in the United States, he stated ensemble of talented accompany‑
munity, media, think tanks and Guru Nanak 550th, such as out that Guru Nanak Dev trav‑ that the Embassy and Indian ing musicians, held the audience
local government officials. deve lopment of Kartarpur in elled far and wide to spread the Consulates in the US have captive with his masterly presen‑
Addressing the gathering on Gurdaspur District of Punjab, message of God and founded an chalked out a calendar of activi‑ tation of mystical hymns of Guru
the o ccasion, the new development of Sultanpuri Lodhi egalitarian faith that emphasizes ties including musical concerts, Nanak Dev.
4 January 19-25, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Dems no‑deal with Trump, organization's head, but because the vacancy

SKN marks International shutdown in 4th week wasn't expected until after the 2020 election
Continued from page 1 the Trump administration did not have a short‑
aide. But the lawmakers ultimately decided not list of successors ready to go.

Day of Disabilities to attend. The meeting boycott leaves unclear It is likely that the Trump administration will
how and when both sides might negotiate a select someone with a financial or business
resolution to the partial shutdown, which was background for the job, people familiar with the
triggered when Trump demanded nearly $6 bil‑ decision‑making said, though aides are not con‑
lion for a border wall and Democrats refused ‑‑ straining the President's options at this point.
and is now the longest in U.S. history. Then‑President Barack Obama broke tradition
House Democrats have tried to pressure the by selecting Kim, a trained physician and uni‑
Senate to take up bills funding parts of the gov‑ versity president.
ernment, to no avail. Nooyi, who stepped down from Pepsi last
The partial government shutdown would sub‑ year, is considered by administration officials
tract an estimated 0.1 percentage point from an early favorite if she is interested.
growth every week, according to a Trump During a dinner at his Bedminster club last
administration official. The administration had summer, Trump heaped praise on Nooyi, who
initially counted just the impact from the was seated at his table. At the time she'd recent‑
800,000 federal workers not receiving their ly announced her departure from the beverage
(from left): Ramesh Patel, Srujal Parikh, Manish Parikh, DCG Shatrughan paychecks. But they now believe the impact giant. Ivanka Trump has called Nooyi a "mentor
Sinha, and Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, founder of SKN Foundation. doubles, due to greater losses from private con‑ and inspiration" on Twitter. The President's
tractors also out of work and other government daughter and adviser has been the White
New York: The Shri Krishna Nidhi (SKN) of SKN Foundation. “Additionally, we plan
spending and functions that won't occur. IRS House's main conduit to the World Bank as it
Foundation, a non‑profit dedicated to the on developing an advocacy platform to
employees who have been furloughed due to launched a women's entrepreneurship initiative,
well‑being of the South Asian community, help generate policy through legislators
the shutdown will be asked to return to work and along with Treasury Secretary Steven
particularly in New Jersey, celebrated the specific to disabilities while also raising
as the Jan. 28 start of tax season approaches. Mnuchin and acting chief of staff Mick
International Day of Disabilities at the awareness in an effort to promote more
And while the Treasury Department does not Mulvaney, she will help guide the administra‑
Indian Consulate last month in partner‑ empathy amongst the community. Early
have a budget in place, refunds are paid out of tion's selection process for the next president.
ship with FIA and the Consulate, where intervention is key to a positive outcome.”
children of special needs and their fami‑ Shatrughna Sinha, Deputy Consul a “permanent, indefinite appropriation” that is
not affected by the shutdown. New Indian envoy presents
lies were invited to discuss various General, spoke about Government of
Similarly, major programs like food stamps credentials to Trump
aspects of the disability experience. India's initiatives on "Accessible India."
and Section 8 are funded through March, but Continued from page 1
“There is no doubt that more and more Srujal Parikh, President of FIA, said that
federal courts, for example, are expected to run Ambassador Shringla to Washington and
South Asian families are raising children the FIA will walk hand in hand with the
out of money soon. wished him every success in his high responsi‑
with disabilities and our goal is to provide SKN Foundation in this ef fort to raise
bilities as India's Ambassador to the US. The
support and education for both the fami‑ awareness in the community and help to
lies and their caregivers and the commu‑ be inclusive of our special needs mem‑ Nooyi tops WH shortlist President fondly recalled his friendship with the

nity,” said Dr Naveen Mehrotra, founder bers of our society. for World Bank President Indian Prime Minister and his recent telephone
Continued from page 1 conversation with Narendra Modi. He highlight‑
named, she would be the first woman to head ed the broad range of strategic interests and
Iranʼs US‑criticized satellite the group since its founding after World War II.
In addition to Nooyi, a senior administration
fundamental democratic values shared between
the two countries, according to a press release

launch failed to reach orbit official has confirmed Treasury official David
Malpass and Overseas Private Investment Corp
by the Indian Embassy.
Ambassador Shringla in his remarks con‑
Tehran, Iran: An Iranian satellite‑carrying amid the Trump administrationʼs maxi‑ CEO Ray Washburne are under consideration veyed warm greetings from the President and
rocket blasted off into space on Tuesday, malist approach against Tehran after for the job. the Prime Minister of India to President Trump
but scientists failed to put the device into withdrawing from the nuclear deal, The three names are not a comprehensive and the First Lady. He added that India was
orbit in a launch previously criticized by resports New York Post. Iran, which has shortlist, however, and additional people will greatly encouraged by the President's strong
the United States as helping the Islamic long said it does not see k nuclear likely be considered, the official says. Like personal commitment to take the India‑US
Republic further develop its ballistic mis‑ weapons, maintains that its satellite many bank employees and those in the global strategic partnership forward. The ambassador
sile program. Secretary of State Mike launches and rocket tests do not have a development community, the White House was assured President Trump of his commitment to
Pompeo has alleged that Iranʼs space pro‑ military component. Tehran also says surprised by the abrupt resignation last week of expand key pillars of the bilateral relationship
gram could help it develop a missile they donʼt violate a United Nations reso‑ the incumbent World Bank president Jim Yong including economic relations and trade ties,
capable of carrying a nuclear weapon to lution that only “called upon” it not to Kim, three years ahead of his term expiring. The defense and security, energy, science and tech‑
the mainland US ̶ criticism that comes conduct such tests. American president traditionally chooses the nology and global issues, among others.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE January 19-25, 2019 5

Trump attaches great importance to Court rejects Rajat Gupta's


Indo‑US relations: New Indian envoy bid to overturn conviction
Washington, DC: President
Donald Trump attaches great New York: A court in New York has Gupta's lawyers have cited the ruling
importance to the US‑India ties, rejected former Goldman Sachs direc‑ that led to the reversal of insider con‑
India's new Ambassador to tor Rajat Gupta's bid to throw out his victions of hedge‑fund managers
America Harsh Vardhan 2012 insider‑trading conviction, Todd Newman and Anthony Chiasson
Shringla said. affirming a lower court's ruling in the in December 2014.
Shringla, a 1984‑batch Indian case. The Second Circuit Court of The appeals court noted that there
Foreign Service diplomat, pre‑ Appeals, in an order issued on is ample evidence that Gupta and
sented his diplomatic creden‑ Monday, said: "We have considered Rajaratnam were business associates.
tials to the US President at the all of Gupta's arguments on this Gupta had invested several million
Oval Office of the White House appeal and have found them to be dollars in Galleon funds. It cited the
on Friday. He succeeded Navtej without merit. The judgment of the September 23, 2008 phone call
Sarna who retired on December district court is affirmed." Gupta made to Rajaratnam just min‑
31. Shringla is the youngest Gupta, 70, completed a prison term utes after getting off a Goldman
Indian ambassador to the US. in 2016 on insider trading charges board meeting during which he had
Reflective of the growing trust but has been fighting to overturn his learned that billionaire Warren
and warmth between India and conviction, arguing that he served Buffett was about to invest $5 billion
the US, the new Indian envoy two years in jail for conduct that is in Goldman. It also cited the call he
presented his credentials to Harsh Vardhan Shringla presented his diplomatic credentials to not criminal even though the govern‑ made to Rajaratnam on October 23,
the US President at the Oval Office of the White House on Friday. ment lacked evidence to show he 2008, again just minutes after learn‑
Trump in less than 50 hours
after arriving in Washington. "received even a penny" for passing ing in a Goldman Sachs board‑of‑
our bilateral relationship. leaders of the two countries
Such a quick credentials cere‑ confidential boardroom information directors conference call that
"He referred to his recent tele‑ during the June, 2017 visit of
mony for a foreign diplomat is to now‑jailed hedge‑fund manager Goldman would report a quarterly
phonic conversation with our Prime Minister Modi. Trump
rare in the American capital, Raj Rajaratnam. Gupta's team of financial loss, a first in its history as a
prime minister (Narendra Modi) highlighted the broad range of
given that in the past, envoys of lawyers had argued in papers before public company.
and he said he looks forward to strategic interests and funda‑
other countries, including those the Second Circuit Court of Appeals Rajaratnam traded on the basis of
speaking to our prime minister mental democratic values
from India, have waited for that the judgment of the Manhattan this confidential information, avoid‑
again in the near future." shared between India and the
weeks to formally present their district court finding Gupta guilty of ing losses and making profits in the
Shringla said Trump referred US. Shringla assured President
diplomatic credentials. insider trading "should be reversed" millions.
to a wide gamut of cooperations Trump of his commitment to
At a post‑credentials ceremo‑ and his "conviction should be vacat‑ "On this evidence and the record as
that the two countries are expanding key pillars of the
ny celebration attended by sen‑ ed." Gupta filed the appeal based on a a whole, the jury could rationally
engaged in, not just at the bilat‑ bilateral relationship including
ior officials of the Indian landmark ruling by the Manhattan have found that Gupta anticipated
eral level but also as strategic economic relations and trade
Embassy, the State Department appeals court that for an insider trad‑ that Rajaratnam would engage in
partners involving the region ties, defence and security, ener‑
and the White House, Shringla ing conviction prosecutors must trading of Goldman shares that
and global areas of interest, par‑ gy, science and technology, and
said, "Clearly the president show that a defendant received a per‑ would benefit Gupta financially," the
ticularly the vision of the Indo‑ global issues, among others.
attaches great importance to sonal benefit for passing illegal tips. appeals court said.
Pacific region envisioned by the (PTI)

Indian‑American teenager wins Prashantt Guptha to make Hollywood


Cornell University hackathon
debut with 'A New Christmas'
New York: 2019 is on to an Tenenbaum. Says Dani about his
excellent start for actor Indian lead actor, “Prashantt's
Prashantt Guptha. Originally dedication, professionalism, pre‑
from New York and now a cision, vision, and attention to
Mumbai resident, the actor has details made me understand
earlier done prominent roles in from the beginning that I'm
Bollywood features. He has now working with a pro who takes
been cast as the lead in this his work very seriously. It is rare
American feature, called A New to work with an actor who can
Christmas. Having just returned see the big picture the way
Mahum Siddiqi (center) and team to Mumbai from the States after Prashantt did and it made the
completing the first schedule of whole collaborative process a
New York: An Indian‑American A Class 12 student at Vestal
the movie, he is supremely elat‑ successful experience.” Head of
teenager has won the inaugural High School in New York, Siddiqi
ed on his Hollywood debut. Mulberry Films Rashaana Shah
"Digital Transformation was the only non‑graduate student
When asked about how this further added, “Prashantt has the
Hackathon" at Cornell University competing at the hackathon held
breakthrough is significant, best of both worlds. A New
for designing a device to detect earlier in December.
Prashantt replied, “Having Yorker with a penchant for
the actual pain level of a patient She and her team won the first
grown up in New York, Bollywood, he can look rich,
during a diagnosis. prize in the competition, and are
Christmas has always been my poor, a badass, intellectual,
The device designed by 17‑year‑ now working with representatives
favorite holiday. This is one street romeo, anything. He has
old Mahum Siddiqi and her team from companies such as Microsoft
major step forward toward a life‑ ten or more films behind him,
uses neurological activity occur‑ to produce a prototype of their
time dream of wanting to work but hasn't lost his innocence or
ring in one's brain to help doctors pain‑detecting device, the state‑
in both Indian movies and freshness.”
more efficiently determine some‑ ment added.
Hollywood.” Prashantt earlier played the
one's pain levels. "We need to design a system
The film revolves around a first‑ baddie opposite Prateik Babbar
"It's incredibly upsetting and where patients are looked at as a
generation Indian American who in Issaq, a pivotal role in Sonam
problematic how hypothetical the whole, and doctors are able to
overcomes inner turmoil when a Kapoor starrer Neerja and he has
concept of pain diagnostics is. know for sure, using our
tourist girl from Africa rekindles recently shown his singing
Doctors have no way of knowing device/pure science, how much
his spirit during Christmas. prowess with the recreation of a
how little or how much pain some‑ pain a patient is experiencing
Produced by Los Angeles based Kishore Kumar classic, O Rahi,
one is truly experiencing when instead of just their personal Prashantt Guptha has already
Mulberry Films, A New which has been released by
they go in to be diagnosed," description/perception of their acted in a dozen
Christmas is helmed by New Saregama and garnered over
Siddiqi said in a statement. own pain," Siddiqi said. (IANS) films in a variety of roles.
York‑based director Dani 150,000 views in a month.
6 January 19-25, 2019 TRISTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas IALI executive committee


celebrated at the Consulate takes oath of office

Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty with honorees and guests President Lalit Aery (middle) with his team and Nassau County legislator Rose Walker.
at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations on January 12.
Mineola, NY: Ina first, the oath ceremony IALI. The welcome speech was made by
New York: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Secretary of Jaipur Foot. for India Association of Long Island (IALI) Zahid Syed, Commissioner of Human Rights
was celebrated at the Indian Consulate The Consul General of India in New York, executive officers and other officials for Nassau County. In his speech, incoming
General in New York on January 12 where Sandeep Chakravorty, speaking at the 2019 was he ld at the Nassau County President Lalit Aery highlighted some of the
14 people were recognized for their contri‑ Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations, at the Legislative Building here on January 11. plans his team will be working on to serve
butions to the community. Consulate, on January 12, 2019. Among the over 200 guests present to the community and helping in the progress
Awardees included Ramesh Pate l, The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been w itness the ceremony were Jack of IALI.
Chairman of FIA (NY/NJ/CT ); Smriti strengthening ties between NRIs and India Schnirman, Nassau County Comptroller, In his team are Shashi Malik ‑ Vice
Khanna, the former President of the since 2003, to allow them to reconnect to Richard Nicolello, Presiding Officer of the President; HarGovind Gupta – Secretary; and
Association of Indians in America (AIA‑NY); their roots while celebrating their achieve‑ County Legislature, and Past Presidents of Rajeev Chaudhary – Treasurer.
Rajendra Bafna, Vice Chairman and ments and contributions.

Raj Shah leaves Trump


administration
Washington DC: Raj Shah, an Indian Secretary of State.
American spokesman in the White Shah served in the Trump White
House Press Office, has left House beginning in January 2017
President Donald Trump's adminis‑ as Deputy Assistant to the
tration and joined an arm President, Deputy
of a Florida‑based lobby‑ Communications
ing firm, officials said. Director and Deputy
Shah, a former researcher Press Secretary. His port‑
at the Republican National folio recently included
Committee, will lead the helping prepare Justice
Media Group, the press Brett M. Kavanaugh for
wing of Ballard Partners, his Senate confirmation
a lobbying firm with Raj Shah is joining hearings to the Supreme
offices in Florida and the press wing of a Court. His departure
Florida‑based
Washington, T he New comes as the W hite
lobbying firm,
York Times quoted the House press and commu‑
On Jan. 8, four Indian‑American lawmakers ‑ Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Raja
officials as saying on Monday. nications teams have been depleted.
Krishnamoorthi ‑‑ joined another 16 Asian‑Americans, in a ceremonial oath of office hosted by the
Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). It showed the strength in He will work with Jamie Rubin, a Several aides have moved on to
numbers and potential to affect policy that the group can wield in the 116th Congress. Democrat who was a spokesman for roles at government agencies or
Madeleine Albright, the former have left the administration entirely.

NJLP invites applications for Summer Fellowship Program


T
he New Jersey Leadership munity during this time, whether
Program (NJLP) announced itʼs more members of the commu‑
the opening of its applica‑ nity running for office or commu‑
tion for the NJLP 2019 Summer nity members getting involved in
Fellowship Program. The fellow‑ local advocacy and campaigns,”
ship seeks to expose South Asian said NJLP President Amit Jani.
youth in New Jersey to local gov‑ The NJLP Fellowship Program is
ernment and politics. Applications entering its fourth year and the
are due by Friday, February 15, New Jersey Leadership Program
2019 and interested candidates as a whole has graduated approxi‑
can apply online at mately 30 South Asian youth fel‑
www.njlead.org. lows since its creation.
The NJLP Fellowship is a six‑ “We encourage any South Asian
week program in which youth of youth, even if they are not neces‑
South Asian background in high sarily interested in the public sec‑
NJLP fellows with Congressman Frank Pallone
school or college in New Jersey tor but want to spend six weeks to
are placed in a full time internship internship, the Fellowship also tives, non‑profit leaders and oth‑ events and more. get a sense of what government
with the Governorʼs Office, State of fers weekly speakership series ers. There is also a field trip to “Weʼre seeing a lot of interest in entails, to apply,” said NJLP
Agency, Member of Congress, or with elected officials, senior gov‑ Washington, D.C., career develop‑ government and politics at all lev‑ Director of Programming Vinay
State Legislator. In addition to the ernment staffers, business execu‑ ment workshops, networking els within the South Asian com‑ Limbachia.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL January 19-25, 2019 7

Nikki Haley in race for Trump assures 'certainty'


World Bank president? path to citizenship
Washington: Former UN Ambassador Nikki
Haley and President Donald Trump's daugh‑
ter and adviser Ivanka are among possible US
for H1‑B visa‑holders
candidates to replace outgoing World Bank
New York: President Donald Trump said to stop illegal immigration that has been
President Jim Yong Kim, The Financial Times
Friday that he will change the H1‑B visa made to appear he is anti‑immigrant,
reported Friday.
system for professionals to ensure "cer‑ Trump appeared to be sending a message
Kim abruptly announced Jan 7 he was cut‑
tainty" and a path to citizenship for those that he supports legal immigrants and
ting short his tenure as the bank's president
on the visa. opposes only those coming in illegally.
more than three years before his second term
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley Trump said in an early morning tweet: Limiting H1‑B visas has been a matter
was due to end.
and President Trump's daughter "H1‑B holders in the US can rest assured of concern for India and New Delhi has
In addition to Trump and Haley, who and adviser Ivanka that changes are soon coming which will taken it up with Washington.
stepped down as US Ambassador to the
bring both simplicity and certainty to Major US companies have also said that
United Nations last month, other names being however, said that that the department has your stay, including a potential path to the limiting of H1‑B visas and the long
floated include Treasury Undersecretary for received a "significant number of recommen‑ citizenship. We want to encourage talent‑ waits for permanent residence seriously
International Affairs David Malpass and Mark dations." "We are beginning the internal ed and highly skilled people to pursue affect their ability to get and retain talent‑
Green, head of the US Agency for review process for a US nominee. We look for‑ career options in the US." ed staff.
International Development, the newspaper ward to working with the governors to select Indians are the biggest beneficiaries of Since it was only a tweet, there were no
reported. a new leader." the temporary H1‑B visas, 76 percent of details about how he would go about mak‑
Ivanka Trump in 2017 was the driving The World Bank Board said Thursday it which went to professionals from India ing the changes.
force behind a $1 billion, Saudi‑supported would start accepting nominations for a new last year, according to government statis‑ Trump announces many plans and ideas
World Bank fund to promote entrepreneur‑ leader early next month and name a replace‑ tics. through tweets but not all of them get
ship by women. ment for Kim by mid‑April. Caught in a controversy over his plans implemented. (PTI)
The Treasury Department spokesperson, (Source:www.news18.com)

Foreign students from Dr Raj Shah elected fellow of


top US colleges should Royal Society of Chemistry UK
stay on, says Trump New York: Indian American
Washington: Ruing that talented to China and Japan and so many Chemical Engineer Dr. Raj Shah
foreign students are leaving the other countries all over the has been inducted as a Fellow of
United States after studying in world, and we don't keep them. the Royal Society of Chemistry,
the country's best educational They get educated at our finest UK. The Royal society of chem‑
institutions, President Donald schools, and then we don't allow istry has over 54,000 members
Trump has said he wants people them, through a various set of and is one of the largest profes‑
with merit to stay in America and circumstances, to have any guar‑ sional bodies for chemical scien‑
help the growth of companies. antees of staying. So we lose out tists, supporting and represent‑
Addressing a press conference on great minds. We can't do ing our members and bringing
on Jan 4, Trump said the US is that," he said. together chemical scientists from
"losing out on great minds" as Trump was referring to dif fi‑ all over the world. The Royal
the country has a "ridiculous" culties being faced by foreign Society of Chemistry was found‑
immigration policy. He reiterated students to stay and work in the ed in 1841 and incorporated by
his wish to end loopholes in the US after they complete their edu‑ a royal charter in 1848, and its
legal immigration system so as cation in the country. main patron is the Queen of
to attract more people based on Trump said that this issue was England.
merit. "We have all these compa‑ discussed w ith Demo crat ic The Royal society boasts such
nies coming in. We need great Congressional leadership during famous historical members as New York scientist Dr Raj Shah
people. But we want them to a meeting at the White House. Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton,
come in on a merit basis. They "We discussed that w ith the and Charles Darwin. This is a Institute (EI), which is the largest Standard of testing materials (
can't come in the way they've Demo crats, and I think they unique honor for this prominent professional membership body ASTM International ) with three
been coming in for years," agree. We're working on that. New York scientist. that brings global energy expert‑ awards of Exce llence and an
Trump told reporters during a But we don't want to lose our Dr. Shah was also recently con‑ ise together. ASTM Eagle award. More recent‑
news conference in Washington. great companies because we ferred the title of a Chartered Dr. Raj Shah is recognized ly he was awarded the PM Ku
"I get calls from the great tech have a ridiculous policy that we Petroleum engineer. He is the internationally for his contribu‑ medal (the youngest recipient of
companies, and they're saying won't accept smart people. So, first ever Indian American to tions to the petroleum industry. this medal), and prestigious John
we don't allow people at the top call it politically correct or not, achieve this distinction, an honor He has been recognized over the A. Bellanti Sr. Memorial Award as
of their class, at the best schools but we have to let these great, which so far only half a dozen last two decades for his inven‑ well.
in the country, we don't allow brilliant companies have the Americans have been recognized tions and his efforts in creating He is the currently the Director
them to stay in our country," he smartest people in the world," within the life of this award. It standardized test methods for of Koehler Instrument Company,
said. "So, they end up going back Trump said. (PTI) was awarded by the Energ y use worldwide by the American Inc. based in Holtsville, NY.
8 January 19-25, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Landmark project headed by Indian Panchkula doctor saves life


American to study blood clots on Toronto-New Delhi flight
New York: A team led by Krishnaswamy, who
an Indian American grew up in India, moved New Delhi: A doctor is never off duty, even
researcher has received a to England after complet‑ while traveling. Dr. Payal Puri Sharma
grant for studying throm‑ ing his early education at proved this when she selflessly saved the
bosis ‑‑ a life‑threatening Lawrence School, life of a passenger on board an Air Canada
condition of blood clots Lovedale, Tamil Nadu. flight from Toronto to New Delhi. While
being formed in the veins Following his gradua‑ returning from Toronto on December
and arteries. t ion from Denstone 31st, she helped a 42‑year‑old man who
Dr. Sriram College Staf fordshire, he collapsed during the flight. Being the only
Krishnaswamy, a came to the US for gradu‑ doctor on the aircraft, she of fered her
researcher at Children's ate studies in biology and services immediately to the cabin crew
Hospital of Philadelphia biochemistry at Syracuse seeking medical help for the person.
and professor of University, New York. He Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Dr.
Paediatrics at the then joined the University Payal, a general physician at the Civil
Pere lman School of of Vermont for his post‑ Hospital, Sector 6, said she was sleeping
Medicine of the doctoral fellowship. when she heard shouts for the help of a
University of "This is one of the most doctor. She stood up and saw a man, who
Dr. Sriram Krishnaswamy was semi‑conscious and breathing heavily.
Pennsylvania, w ill be concerted group ef forts,
She asked the wife of the passenger if Dr. Payal Puri Sharma
leading the team for the study. perhaps in the world but certainly in the
they were carrying medicines or medical (Image : tribuneindia.com)
The team will receive the five‑year grant US, where there are so many investigators
for the project "Hemostasis and working together on mechanistic aspects prescription with them. However, she gual medicine so that his BP turned nor‑
T hrombosis: Chemistry, Biology, and of coagulation," Krishnaswamy said. replied in negative. mal.
Physiology" from the National Heart, "The problem with too much clotting is Dr. Payal, along with the aircraft crew, Dr. Payal said she had gone to Toronto
Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which by far one of the most staggering medical helped the passenger and revived him by for her sonʼs admission. She said she had
is part of the National Institutes of Health issues in the Western world. It's the conducting a cardiac massage using the got a letter from Dr. Jim Chung, Chief
(NIH) under the US Department of Health. largest cost ‑ related to hospitalization standard process of resuscitation. After Medical Officer, Air Canada, thanking her
Krishnaswamy and his team will be look‑ and loss of life ‑ of any disease out there." this, Dr. Payal gave the person medicine for the medical assistance. “Now, the air‑
ing at the mechanisms of clotting to Though thrombosis is widely under‑ from the crash cart kit so that he could line has provided me a voucher of fering
understand how to modulate it in a better stood to be an old man's disease, it is limit‑ pass maximum urine. She said as the 30 percent discount on future travel as a
way and find new approaches for the ed to that segment of the population. manʼs condition became normal within token of appreciation,” added the doctor.
treatment of human diseases. (IANS) half an hour, she offered another sublin‑ (Source: tribuneindia.com)

American-Sikhs urge Pakistan Telangana man shot by robbers


to maintain Kartarpur
complex in original state
critical, needs multiple surgeries
Hyderabad: An Indian man in empty street in freezing tempera‑
Islamabad: American‑Sikh com‑ Gurdas Singh, ASC president, Detroit was shot by robbers after tures. Someone passing by saw
munities have urged the and Gurinder Pal Singh, Sikh in they mugged him. him on the road and informed the
Pakistan government to make America (SIA) president, told Sai Krishna, an electrical engi‑ authorities," Srujith, a friend of Sai
sure that the Kartarpur Sahib Dawn news via phone that the neer and a resident of Telangana, Krishna, told news agency ANI.
Complex (KSC) is maintained in Pakistani government might is presently in a critical condition Sai Krishna had completed his
its original state. change the original archaeologi‑ at a hospital in Detroit. engineering from Lawrence Tech
The American Sikh Council cal and cultural structure and The incident happened in Detroit University, Southfield Michigan. He
(ASC) in a statement said: "Any lawns of the complex. downtown when Sai Krishna was has to now undergo multiple sur‑
structural changes and/or addi‑ Gurinder Pal Singh said they returning home at night after geries to recover. His friends have
tions to accommodate upcoming feared that in the name of devel‑ work. also launched a crowdfunding
huge visitors either coming from opment sometimes original and "The robbers first stopped and campaign for Sai Krishna. T he
barged in his car and made him account has been funded with 100
Sai Krishna's friends have
India, Pakistan or the Sikh dias‑ historical architecture was not launched a crowdfunding
pora living across globe by lodg‑ being taken care of by contrac‑ drive to an isolated place. They thousand dollars and a goal has
campaign for his surgery,
ing to restrooms and more must tors. robbed his car, wallet and other been set to raise 250 thousand
recovery and rehabilitation.
be done at a distance, away from "Such efforts must be and belongings and left him on an dollars. (ANI)
the main KSC so that the should be kept at bay without
Kartarpur Sahib original farms,
natural areas spread around
compromising original structure
spread across 100 acres," he Kentucky mom drove drunk to
100 acres of land that belonged told Dawn. He said Sikhs every‑
to Guru Sahibji, and the forest
areas around the River Ravi can
where yearned to visit Kartarpur
and see the fields that their
ʻteach her son a lesson,' police say
retain as much of its originality "Guru" tilled with his own hands, New York: A mother in Kentucky She told investigators that she had
as possible. "This needs to be the place where he lived, the was arrested Sunday after allegedly been drinking all day.
preserved in its original land‑ trees he sat under and feel and driving drunk with her son in the The woman's son told investiga‑
scape for posterity." The appeal touch their forehead on the car as some sort of "lesson," police tors he tried to get out of the car
was made in the background of same dusty soil that their Guru said ‑‑ though it was not clear several times because of his moth‑
recent development where both walked on. exactly what the supposed lesson erʼs driving but was unable because
Pakistani and Indian govern‑ Both ASC and SIA Presidents was. Sunita Jairam, 48, was arrest‑ the door was locked.
ments agreed to open up the thanked the Pakistani govern‑ ed around 12:51 a.m. and told Jairam' blood‑alcohol level was
Kartarpur Corridor for Sikhs to ment for opening the Kartarpur police at the time she “drank a .161, twice the legal limit, accord‑
visit the place where Guru Corridor and taking "proactive bunch of beer and got in her car to ing to booking records. The 48‑
Nanak Dev, the founder of step towards peace and amity of drive to teach her son a lesson,” year‑old was taken to the Fayette
Sikhism, spent 18.5 years of his two people (Indian Punjab and Sunita Jairam's blood alcohol
according to the arrest citation County Detention Center and was
life as a farmer, husband, father Pakistani Punjab) who have so was twice the legal limit
obtained by the Lexington Herald‑ scheduled for an init ial court
while spreading the word of much in common, from language Leader. Jairam also claimed to have Jairam smelled of alcohol and appearance. Records show she was
love, humanism, universal sister‑ to food, from Punjabi poetry to driven a 2014 BMW X1 at 150 was slurring her speech, police said previously charged with public
hood and brotherhood. clothes and so much more." mph while her son was in the car. in the report obtained by WKYT. intoxication and speeding.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA January 19-25, 2019 9

5,000 register for Indian


diaspora conclave
New Delhi: Over 5,000 people will partici‑ India‑origin Members of Parliament ‑‑
pate in this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Himanshu Gulati of Norway and Kanwaljit
(PBD) ‑‑ the Indian diaspora conclave to be Bakshi of New Zealand ‑‑ will be the guests
held in Varanasi from January 21 to 23, of honor.
Minister of State for External Af fairs V.K. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman will be
Singh said on Friday. conferred on 30 individuals for their
Briefing the media here, Singh said while achievements and accomplishments in dif‑
in the last PBD held in Bengaluru in 2016 ferent fields, according to Singh.
only 500 people had registered till the time After the conclusion of the event on
of a media briefing like the one on Friday, January 23, the participants will be taken
this time over 5,000 people have already to Prayagraj on January 24 where they will
registered for the event. participate in the Kumbh Mela.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inau‑ From there, they will be brought in spe‑
gurate the conclave with Prime Minister of cial trains to New Delhi where they will wit‑
Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth as the chief ness the Republic Day on January 26, he
guest. added. (IANS)

NRI tycoon gifts half his


groupʼs shares to staff
Thiruvananthapuram: Aries
group head Sohan Roy, whom
the Forbes Middle East had
last year listed among the
100 top Indian business own‑
ers, will share 50% of his
stake with his employees.
He announced the unique
business model in a press
release, making the company
as a society with employee
participation.
He hopes the initiative will
make the employees of his
multinational conglomerate
more “responsible, commit‑
ted, valued and many more.”
“The common factor which
paves the way to the success Sohan Roy, CEO, Aries group
of every org anizat ion is
engaged and focused on employees,” the Roy, a marine engineer, as saying.
release said. The group has also initiated a Parent
“While strategies are key to success, a Pension scheme for employees and pen‑
real win for any organization lies in the sion to retirees, considering the entire
execution of the strategy such that the company as a family. Parents get a life‑
revenue goals are achieved. And this is long pension for their ef forts to mold
met by the employees.” their child as a professional to serve the
The group operates 48 companies in company.
Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, “It has become a model management
Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, China, India, principle with better humanitarian val‑
Singapore, Malaysia, US, UK, Russia and ues. Aries is perhaps the only company
Italy. “This gives a feeling of ownership in the world to initiate such a pioneer‑
to them. People tend to remember such ing concept,” he said.
gratitude for a very long time,” it quotes (Source:www.gulf‑times.com)

Indian falls to death from


Ireland cliff while taking selfie
Dublin: An Indian student died after falling were hundreds of people enjoying the
off a cliff in Ireland while taking a selfie. scenery and cliff walk at the time, the Irish
The unidentified Indian national in his 20s Mirror reported.
was studying at a university in Dublin. He Emergency services, including a search
lost his balance while taking the photo‑ helicopter, were mobilized as soon as the
graph at the popular tourist attraction the alarm was raised. A winchman from the
Cliffs of Moher in County Clare on Friday helicopter recovered the man from the sea.
afternoon. The victim was flown to nearby village
The tragedy happened south of the main Doolin where he was formally pronounced
viewing areas near the visitor center. There dead. (IANS)
10 January 19-25, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Russian needle of suspicion extraordinary malignancy against Trump


By Mayank Chhaya conclusive in the traditional sense of criminal
investigations. They can begin and end equal‑

E
ven by the standards of the malignan‑ ly quietly without the public finding out the
cies that surround President Donald specifics. It is that aspect of such an investi‑
Trump personally, the one reported gation that opens the FBI to Trump's oft‑
by The New York Times on January 11 was repeated charge of a "deep state" working
stunning in its implication. against him. Of course, it is a politically expe‑
T he Times reported that the FBI had dient refrain that Trump knows helps him
opened a counterintelligence investigation to with his political base that has so far bought
ascertain if the President was a Russian everything he has sold them.
agent in the aftermath of him firing the It is hard to say what, if anything, the inves‑
agency's director, James Comey, on May 9, tigation found that might indict or exonerate
2017. Given the frenzy of daily newsbreaks the President. It may never be found in
about this president, anyone of which would explicit terms or, for that matter, any terms.
have long unseated any other incumbent, It may or may not buttress the Mueller
damning news stories just slide by. inquiry. It is that uncertainty that makes it
However, this particular one has been so vulnerable to Trump's political grandstand‑
extraordinary that it may yet foreshadow ing as he prepares for the 2020 rerun.
what a likely report by special counsel By his voluble standards, the President has
Robert Mueller, who is examining the very so far been quiet on social media about the
aspects of Trump and/or his campaign's President Trump refused to criticize his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for Times report. However, it is unlikely that pri‑
alleged dalliances with Russia's President meddling in US election during a meeting in Helsinki last year. (Photo courtesy AP) vately his team of lawyers has not been star‑
Vladimir Putin, could eventually reveal. tled by it. Trump phoned in to Fox News. Host
Think of it as India's Central Bureau of "deep state" striking back and trying to Jeanine Pirro asked him directly, "Are you
Investigation (CBI) opening an investigation
into whether the country's Prime Minister is
COMMENT upend the popular electoral will in electing
Trump. However, the FBI's counterintelli‑
now or have you ever worked for Russia?"
"It's the most insulting thing I've ever been
working on behalf of Pakistan. described the Times report as the "most gence is not known to embark on any action asked," Trump said but did not categorically
A lot of people may not even be able to insulting" thing anyone has said about him lightly at all and without very serious intima‑ deny it.
process the devastating import of a US but has not explicitly denied it. Any denial, of tions of a national security threat. It is a measure of how benumbed the
President suspected of being a Russian agent course, would be superfluous in the sense As the Times story pointed out: "No evi‑ national mood has become because of the
but that is precisely what the FBI wanted to that even if he were "wittingly, unwittingly or dence has emerged publicly that Mr. Trump relentless parade of seriously upending news
find out. Counterintelligence officials within half‑wittingly", as the famous journalist Carl was secretly in contact with or took direction stories since he became President that even a
the FBI are particularly serious‑minded and Bernstein described it, acting as Russia's from Russian government officials." However, question like that is unlikely to do any real
they embark on any investigation with great "pawn" he was unlikely to admit to it. "emerged publicly" is the operative part of political damage to him right now. It is only
deliberation. To think that they would be so The point here though is much larger. The that sentence. It could well turn out that the when Mueller issues his report and its entire
alarmed as to suspect no less a person than very initiation of such an investigation under‑ FBI overreached in its concern about the content is made public will America and the
the incumbent US President is unprecedent‑ scores the depths to which America's nation‑ President but that is still not conclusive since world know whether the stories are malig‑
ed. al concerns have fallen since the emergence Mueller is yet to issue a report of his find‑ nant or benign.
Within the investigation was the apprehen‑ of Trump on the political stage. It is conceiv‑ ings.
sion that Trump is a possible threat to able that some of Trump supporters may cite Counterintelligence investigations are by Mayank Chhaya is a Chicago‑based senior
nat ional security. Trump himse lf has the investigation as the ultimate proof of a their very nature often open‑ended and not journalist.

'Trump rejects
proposal to
Attorney General nominee
temporarily reopen would not meddle with Mueller
the government Washington: Attorney General nomi‑
nee William Barr said that, if con‑
Washington: President Trump said on Monday that
firmed, he would let special counsel
he has rejected a proposal by Senator Lindsey
Robert Mueller finish his investigation
Graham to temporarily reopen the government in an
into Russian meddling in the 2016
effort to jump‑start talks with Democratic lawmakers
presidential election and believes the
on funding a border wall.
results should be made public.
“I did reject it,” Mr. Trump said of the proposal,
"On my watch, Bob will be allowed to
speaking to reporters en route to delivering a speech
complete his work," Barr intends to say
to a farm convention in New Orleans.
to Congress at the start of his Senate
In an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Mr.
hearing Tuesday, according to pre‑
Graham, a close ally of the president, pitched Mr.
pared testimony released on Monday.
Trump on a plan for the president to agree to a vote
"I believe it is in the best interest of
by Congress to reopen the government for about
everyone ‑‑ the President, Congress, William Barr.
three weeks “before he pulls the plug on the legisla‑
and, most importantly, the American (Photo courtesy
tive option.” If there was no progress made during
people ‑‑ that this matter be resolved Bloomberg)
that time, Mr. Graham said, the president could then
by allowing the special counsel to com‑
declare a national emergency as a way to obtain
plete his work," he will say. "The coun‑ consistent with the law," he will say. Barr, who previously led the Justice
funding for a border wall without congressional
try needs a credible resolution of these Barr will also pledge to continue Department during the first Bush
action.
issues. If confirmed, I will not permit enforcing the four priorities at the administration, has come under fire for
But Mr. Trump said that he did not want to extend
partisan politics, personal interests, or Justice Department, including fighting his past commentary on the Mueller
the impasse over funding for the wall. It was not
any other improper consideration to violent crime, prosecuting hate crimes, probe and Trump's firing of James
clear, however, what Mr. Trump saw as an alterna‑
interfere with this or any other investi‑ enforcing and improving immigration Comey as FBI director. Last year, he
tive. “Iʼm not looking to call a national emergency,”
gation." laws, and protecting the right to vote authored a memo to senior Justice
he said on Monday.
Congress and the public should be and the integrity of elections, accord‑ Department officials arguing that
Mr. Trump, advisers said, has refused to allow his
"be informed of the results of the spe‑ ing to the prepared testimony. Trump's interact ions w ith Comey
acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, or anyone else
cial counsel's work," he will say. Barr is scheduled to testify Tuesday would not constitute obstruction of jus‑
negotiating on his behalf to compromise on his
"For that reason, my goal will be to morning before the Senate Judiciary tice and called Mueller's obstruction
demand for $5.7 billion in border wall funding.
provide as much transparency as I can Committee. probe "fatally misconceived."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS January 19-25, 2019 11

Steve King removed from Judge orders White House to remove


Congressional committees 2020 census citizenship question
New York: A federal judge in earlier this month in California,
over racist remarks New York has ruled against
the Trump administration's
and another is scheduled to
begin in Maryland on Jan. 22.
Washington: Rep. Steve King decision to add a citizenship T he Supreme Court has
(R‑IA) has been removed from question to the 2020 census. already agreed to weigh in on
two of his Congressional com‑ U.S. District Judge Jesse a dispute over the evidence
mittee assignments amid back‑ Furman ordered the adminis‑ that can be considered for the
lash over his recent comments tration to stop its plans to lawsuits. T he just ices are
on white nationalism, The New include the controversial scheduled to hear oral argu‑
York Times reports. After a question on forms for the ments in Fe bruary on that
brief meeting Monday night, upcoming national head count issue, as well as on whether
the House Republican Steering "w ithout curing the leg al Commerce Secretary Wilbur
Committee reportedly defects" the judge identified in Ross, who oversees the Census
removed King from his posi‑ his opinion released on Tuesday. Bureau, can be questioned under oath by the plain‑
tions on the Judiciary and Furman's decision marks a significant milestone in tiffs' attorneys about why he approved adding the
Agriculture Committees. In a a legal battle that began shortly after the Trump question.
statement late Monday, he administration announced last year that the 2020 The administration has maintained that the citi‑
blasted his ouster from the census would include a controversial question about zenship question was added because the Justice
committees as “a political deci‑ U.S. citizenship status. The added question was: "Is Department wants to use the responses to better
sion that ignores the truth,” formally reprimand him after he this person a citizen of the United States?" All U.S. enforce Voting Rights Act provisions that protect
and claimed his comments were asked how the terms “white households have not been asked such a question on racial and language minorities from being discrimi‑
“completely mischaracterized.” nat ionalist” and “white the census since 1950. nated against.
In his own statement, House supremacist” had “become Furman has noted that he does not expect his The lawsuits' plaintiffs, however, have argued that
minority leader Kevin McCarthy of fensive” in an interview with order to be the final word on the question's fate. The the administration has been misleading the public.
(R‑CA) said King's remarks “call the Times. Senate Majority district court ruling in New York is expected to be Ross, the plaintiffs insist, misused his authority over
into question whether he will Leader Mitch McConnell also appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals the census and, by adding the citizenship question,
treat all Americans equally, condemned Rep. King's com‑ and, ultimately, to the Supreme Court. discriminated against immigrant communities of
without regard for race and eth‑ ments, saying the remarks had In addition to the two lead cases before Furman at color. Research by the Census Bureau suggests ask‑
nicity.” Earlier Monday, “no place in the Republican the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of ing about citizenship status in the current political
McCarthy held a private meet‑ Party.” Utah Senator Mitt New York, the administration is fighting five more climate will scare households with noncitizens from
ing w ith King after House Romney asked King to quit lawsuits across the country filed by dozens of states, participating in the head count. That, in turn, could
Democrats publicly vowed to Congress. cities and other groups that want the question jeopardize the constitutionally mandated head
removed. A second trial over the question began count of every person living in the U.S.
12 January 19-25, 2019 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

BSP‑SP announce tie up for LS polls, Congress kept out


Lucknow: Arch rivals for over 25

Modi says will expose


years, the Bahujan Samaj Party
(BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP)
announced that they will contest

SP‑BSP misdeeds
the coming Lok Sabha polls
together in Uttar Pradesh sharing
38 seats each of the 80 in the
state, while leaving Rae Bareli and Agra: Prime Minister Narendra Everything is forgotten... the guest
Amethi for Congress, which has Modi said the SP, BSP leaders were house incident of Lucknow (an
been kept out of the alliance. worried about their misdeeds and apparent reference to the attack
"The Bahujan Samaj Party and were now working to defeat the on Mayawati during the regime of
Samajwadi Party will each contest 'chowkidar' (watchman) who was Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1995),
38 seats while two seats have all out to expose their "misdeeds". the Muzaffarnagar riots and much
been left for one or two parties. Addressing a public meeting more are now forgotten and they
We have also decided to leave here, he said the opposition lead‑ are striking alliances.
Amethi and Rae Bareli seats for ers were trying to close ranks to "The agenda is: Save your skin
Congress though we do not have stop investigative agencies from and work to defeat Modi, because
alliance with it," Mayawati said at acting against them but asserted the 'watchman is alert now'."
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav (2nd L)
a joint conference here with SP and BSP supremo Mayawati. that the government would not Calling himself a 'chowkidar'
chief Akhilesh Yadav. stop until each paise of looted pub‑ who is ever vigilant, Modi said that
Answering questions, Mayawati said. On his part, Akhilesh Yadav again. lic money was unearthed and political leaders involved in scan‑
called the alliance a "permanent hinted at supporting Mayawati as Making it clear that the deep accounted for. dals and corruption should be
phenomenon" that would not only a Prime Ministerial candidate. differences and simmering hostili‑ "People who hated each other... ready to pay for their misdeeds.
sound the "end of the dictatorial, "Uttar Pradesh has produced ty between the BSP‑SP were "now
arrogant and anti‑people the BJP" numerous prime ministers in the things of the past", Mayawati said trodden and farmers, Mayawati e lectoral history showed that
but one that would last beyond past. You know whom I will sup‑ that in "larger public interest she said that the alliance was set to while the vote of the BSP and SP
the 2019 general election and port. I will be happy if another had even decided to overlook the knock out the BJP as they suc‑ shifted to the Congress in toto, it
also go in the 2022 state prime minister comes from the infamous June 1995 murderous cessfully did in the 1993 state did never happen vice versa.
Assembly polls. state." attack on her by SP workers". Assembly polls. "Both the BSP (1997) and
The two parties will keep their Mayawati described the alliance Listing a host of problems like Explaining the reason for keep‑ SP (2017) t ied up w ith the
personal differences aside to end also as a "new political revolution" demonetization, rolling out of the ing the Cong ress out of the Congress, but the results were not
"the monstrous rule" of the taken in national interest to stop GST, agrarian distress, marginal‑ alliance, Mayawati said it was in our favor because of this very
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she the BJP from coming to power ization of the poor, Dalits, down‑ because of past experiences and reason."

Upper caste quota India being divided under


comes into force Modi, Rahul tells expats
President Ram Nath Dubai: Claiming India was being
Kovind has given his divided for political reasons and
nod to the quota that there has been intolerance
amendment. for the last five years, Congress
President Rahul Gandhi called
upon the Indian diaspora across
the globe to commit themselves
towards solving the countrys
biggest crises ‑‑ unemployment
and agrarian distress.
Heaping lavish praise on UAE
Vice President and Prime
Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum for his
humility, Gand hi in a veiled
attack on Prime Minister
Narendra Modi said a country
like India cannot be run with
New Delhi: The Central govern‑ Parliament on the last day of the
"arrogance" and "believing that
ment notified the 10 per cent winter session last week with
only one idea was supreme".
quota amendment in its official day‑long discussions and voting
Addressing a g athering of
gazette, bringing reservation to in both Houses.
Indian expatriates at the Dubai
the economically weak section The Act amends Articles 15
International Cricket Stadium,
among upper castes formally in and 16 of the Constitution to
Gandhi asserted that Congress Congress President Rahul Gandhi was
action. provide quota to the general cat‑
would come to power at the on his maiden visit to the UAE.
"In exercise of the powers con‑ egory people with a family
Centre. He is reaching out to the
ferred by sub‑section (2) of sec‑ income of up to Rs 8 lakh per May 2014. India without you. I want a com‑
diaspora, saying "Your voices will
tion 1 of the Constitution (One annum. Condemning Mo di and BJP mitment from you, that you are
be deeply embedded" in the
Hundred and Third Amendment) President Ram Nath Kovind chie f Amit Shah's call for a going to stand with India to solve
Cong ress' manifesto for the
Act, 2019, the Central has given his nod to the amend‑ "Congress free India", Gandhi the big problems we face," said
2019 general election.
Government hereby appoints the ment. said he doesn't want a "BJP mukt Gandhi.
"I was told by his highness (Al
14th January, 2019 as the date The 10 per cent quota is in Bharat" but an India which is Urging the NRIs to help with
Maktoum) that this year is the
on which the provisions of the addition to the 22.5 per cent united. technological knowhow and tech‑
year of tolerance in UAE. But I
said Act shall come into force," reservation for Scheduled Castes Gandhi asked the Indian dias‑ nical expert ise, Gand hi said
am sad to say that back home, it
the government said. and Scheduled Tribes and 27 per pora across the globe to commit Indian farmers were in deep
has been four‑and‑a‑half years of
The Constitution (One cent reservation for castes iden‑ themselves towards bringing trouble and a "second green rev‑
intolerance," said Gandhi refer‑
Hundred and Third Amendment) tified as the Other Backward India together again. "I want you olution" was required to bring
ring to the Modi‑led BJP govern‑
Act, 2019 was passed by Classes (OBC). to realise that we cannot build them out of the crisis.
ment which came to power in
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA January 19-25, 2019 13

Visible push for Ram Mandir at Kumbh Mela


Prayagraj: A slew of hoardings welcoming apparently to Modi and the Bharatiya
devotees to the Kumbh Mela in this his‑ Janata Party (BJP) government at the
toric city of Uttar Pradesh call for the con‑ Centre, it is stated that if 'you' consider
struction of a grand Ram temple at the yourself to be the 'saput' (good son) of
disputed Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. Ram, then build the Ram Temple and
Thousands of saints who have descend‑ prove your allegiance.
ed here from across the country are also T he language of the posters gets
making a strong pitch for a grand Ram stronger as one gets closer to the Sangam.
temple. "Agar ab bhi Ram Mandir nahin bana
In their conversations with devotees, as paaoge/Aane wale pidhi ko kya muh dikha
well as in their open addresses, they were paoge". (If you still cannot build the Ram
heard calling for the intervention of the Temple, how will you face the future gen‑
Prime Minister Narendra Mo di‑led erations.) The Kumbh administration has
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gov‑ built pontoon bridges that lead the visi‑
ernment at the Centre. tors to the five‑kilometre bathing ghat at
A poster highlighting the victory of Sangam but these posters and hoardings
'dharma', states: "Tulsi tere des mein/Ram throng the by‑lanes leading up to the
Kachehri jaye/Sarkaron ke bich Sangam, and therefore are among regular
main/Mandir gota khae", which roughly sites that visitors encounter before and
translates into: God is taken to the courts after taking the holy dip that, according to
in the country where 'temple' is ignored in legend, opens the doors to heaven.
Thousands of saints are making a strong pitch for a grand Ram temple. (Photo: IANS)
the infighting of the regimes. The Kumbh Mela 2019 is being held
Issued by Anant Vivhuchit Jagatguru lanes leading up to the confluence of calling on the devotees to move forward from January 15 to March 4, with six
Ramanandcharya and Narendracharya Ganga and Yamuna rivers and the mysti‑ and remove the 'tent' over the idol in important bathing dates. Makar Sankranti,
Maharaj, the poster displays a life‑size cal Saraswati at the Sangam. Ayodhya and perform the duty of being which falls on Tuesday, was the first of
illustration of Hindu god Ram with his Another poster issued by the same scions of Lord Ram. these dates for bathing, and of ficials
bow and arrows, and is displayed in sever‑ g roup states: "Bad h aage t irpal In a poster that particularly attracted expect over 15 crore devotees to take the
al parts of the city, particularly along the hatao/Vansaj hone ka dharma nibhao", much attention for its strong wording, holy dip this year.

Chargesheet against Kanhaiya Devotees take holy dip


in JNU sedition case on Makar Sankranti
New Delhi: T hree years after former
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student
leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and
Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested for
alleged sedition, the Delhi Police filed a About 13
charge‑sheet naming them and seven 'akharas'
Kashmiri students as accused in the case say‑ participated
ing anti‑national slogans were raised at the in the "Shahi
Snan" on
event. Both Kumar and Khalid have ques‑
Tuesday.
tioned the filing of the charge‑sheet ahead of
Former JNU Students Union president (Photo: IANS)
the Lok Sabha polls and said the police action
Kanhaiya Kumar.
was "politically motivated" and a "diversion‑
ary ploy" by the Narendra Modi‑led BJP gov‑ various slogans including, 'hum kya chahhte
ernment. The police have slapped charges Azadi' (we want freedom) and 'bharat tere
under various sections of the Indian Penal tukde honge inshaallah' (India will break into Prayagraj: Thousands of devotees took a tors reached the ghats that were lit up
Code (IPC) dealing with sedition, voluntarily pieces), police sources said. Kashmiri students holy dip here at the Sangam ‑‑ the conflu‑ like Diwali in a hue of multiple colours,
causing hurt, forgery, using as genuine a from other various universities were also ence of the Ganga and Yamuna and the amid heightened security and waited for
forged document, punishment for unlawful present in the event and had raised various mystical Saraswati rivers ‑‑ on on the aus‑ the "Shahi Snan" (royal bath) to begin.
assembly, unlawful assembly with common anti‑national slogans. Police have invoked picious occasion of Makar Sankranti and The moment arrived just before dawn
object, rioting and criminal conspiracy. electronic evidence and statements of various marking the onset of the Kumbh Mela. when, with prayers in their breath, the
Citing video footage captured during the students, staff and security guard to press its Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged visitors took the holy dip in the water as
event, police have alleged in the charge‑sheet charges. The case involves an event organised devotees to participate in the Kumbh cold as ice.
that anti‑national slogans were raised by the on the JNU campus in February 2016 against Mela, which is organized at a much wider About 13 'akharas' participated in the
accused, who were part of the event held in the hanging of Parliament‑attack mastermind scale this year than its previous editions, "Shahi Snan" with each being allocated
Jawaharlal Nehru University ( JNU) in Afzal Guru during which "anti‑national slo‑ to witness India's spiritual, cultural and about 45 minutes by the Kumbh authori‑
February 2016, The charge‑sheet mentions gans" were raised. social diversities. ties. The ceremonial bath is drawing huge
Elaborate security arrangements were crowds as devotees continue to arrive
in place and pontoon bridges have been here in large numbers.
constructed to lead the visitors to the 5‑ Prime Minister Modi posted a video on
km bathing ghat at Sangam. Twitter shortly after the "Shahi Snan" cer‑
Security personnel have been deployed emony began, marking the official begin‑
at all entry and exit points of these ning of the fair.
Women
bridges to maintain law and order. The "Shahi Snan" is considered among
celebrate
the festival Soon after midnight, throngs of devo‑ the most significant components of the
of Lohri in tees who have gathered here for the fair Kumbh Mela, and is supposed to begin at
Amritsar, from within the country and abroad, a certain hour.
Punjab. began proceeding towards the bathing The Kumbh Mela is held every six years,
(Photo: IANS) ghats. Loud religious chantings as well as while the Maha Kumbh takes place every
melodious singing of 'bhajans' reverberat‑ 12 years.
ed through the by‑lanes of the city for According to of ficials, about 15 crore
most of the night. devotees are expected to partake in the
In an absolute electrifying setting, visi‑ event.
14 January 19-25, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Quotas: Is BJP bidding goodbye to


By Amulya Ganguli
economic reforms? risk of running into legal difficul‑ will mean little in the absence of
ties. For another, in its attempt to jobs, as Union Minister for Road

J
ust as Narendra Mo di woo the middle and upper castes, Transport and Highways Nitin
mocked the Congress on the the BJP may open the gates for the Gadkari recently told the Marathis
rural employment scheme by quota warriors to create mayhem demanding reservations.
saying that it was a living example with various demands. Already, an The BJP will have to contend,
‑‑ "jeeta jagta smarak" ‑‑ of the OBC leader has called for doubling therefore, not only with the legal
party's failures, the parliamentary the quota for his community from hurdle relating to the quantum of
approval of a 10 per cent quota for 27 per cent to 54 to bring it closer quotas, but also the charge of mak‑
the economically weaker sections to his estimate of the actual num‑ ing promises in a vacuum, as it
under the government's aegis ber of OBCs in the country. were, since the expectations of the
underlined its inadequacies on the For a third, the BJP's pro‑upper unemployed are unlikely to be ful‑
economic front. caste tilt can alienate the Dalits, filled.
Had the economy been booming Adivasis and the OBCs to the elec‑ But these are not the only criti‑
and there were jobs aplenty, there toral advantage of the party's cisms which it will face. No less
would have been no need for pro‑ opponents, especially in the Hindi strident, especially among the mid‑
viding the crutches of reservations Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath heartland. dle and upper classes, will be the
for another group in addition to Singh in Parliament. (Photo: LSTV/IANS) At the same time, the few "for‑ charge that the BJP is turning its
the existing provisions for the Rajasthan, Mad hya Pradesh, counter the judicial relook at the wards" in these parties of the back‑ back on the economic reforms
scheduled castes (Dalits), sched‑ Chhatt isg arh, Te lang ana and law on atrocities af fecting the ward castes can move towards the unlike the period immediately
uled tribes (Adivasis) and the Mizoram. Dalits and Adivasis, which annoyed BJP, compounding the confusion before the last general election
Other Backward Castes (OBCs). The BJP's earlier failure to cross the middle and upper created by the reappearance of the and for a few years afterwards
It was the perceived discontent the halfway mark in Karnataka classes/castes. caste‑based "Mandal politics" of when it was seen to be in the fore‑
over the absence of employment must have also been seen by the The latest set of quotas, there‑ the 1990s. front of the private sector‑led reju‑
opportunities which made the gov‑ party along with the latest set‑ fore, are aimed both to assure the But how will this divisive brand venation of the economy.
ernment identify an additional 10 backs as a warning sign in the new beneficiaries about jobs and of caste mobilization play out in Since the Congress, too, had
per cent of the population for affir‑ months before the next general education and to reaf firm the the new era of economic aspira‑ called for reservations in the pri‑
mative action. election. party's long‑established brahmin‑ tions? In the 1990s, the promise of vate sector in 2003 and has not
It may have felt that the initiative Moreover, the defeats in the bania bias. assured jobs was deemed enough formally dissociated itself from the
was all the more necessary heartland states were attributed to The twin objectives are unlikely for the caste‑based outfits to reap party's 1955 pledge to usher in a
because the popular angst over a the disquiet among the middle and to have an easy run. For one, by electoral benefits, sidelining the "socialistic pattern of society", it
moribund economy had found upper classes over not only the exceeding the judicial stipulation Congress and compelling the BJP can be assumed that the Indian
expression in the Bharatiya Janata BJP's economic policies, but its about a 50 per cent limit on reser‑ to turn to the temple issue to keep political class will not hesitate to
Party's (BJP) recent e lectoral social stance as well in the context vations by introducing the new its Hindu flock together. move backwards towards a
defeats in as many as five states ‑‑ of its hesitancy to ef fective ly quotas, the government courts the But, now, the provision of quotas licence‑permit‑control raj.

The CJI, Supreme Court must walk their talk


By Arghya Sengupta institution. A stronger collective the possibility of nefarious dealings
with greater zeal for restoring the at the very top had to be lumped
his week marked one year of public confidence in the judiciary lest public in‑fighting reduced the
the press conference by four would have spoken decisively in a majesty of the institution and made
senior judges of the Supreme single institutional voice and taken it more transparent and, worse still,
Court, laying bare the improprieties control of its own destiny. all‑too‑human.
in the highest echelons of the judici‑ The full court of judges failed to The esprit de corps of the legal
ary before the nation. do so then and continues to fail to fraternity makes it near‑impossible
The aftermath of the meeting was proactively introduce any genuine for genuine transparency and
pregnant with possibility. Would reform measure. Absurdly short accountability reform to emanate
Chief Justice Dipak Misra (now tenures of successive chief justices from within the judiciary itself. This
retired) resign? Would Parliament, might have much to do with this leaves us with Parliament. Although
which had been angling to pass a seeming lack of institutional cohe‑ ever quick to unanimously con‑
judicial accountability law, do so? sion. demn activist judges for their over‑
Above all, would it mark a new The government, like most gov‑ reach, when the opportunity to
beginning for the Supreme Court ernments before it, was content in enact judicial reform statutes pre‑
itself as an introspective institution, observing the in‑fighting of the sented itself after the press confer‑
candid about its faults and open to judges from the sidelines. Serious ence, Parliament squandered it.
being scrutinized by noisy journal‑ The chief justice and the Supreme Court must walk their talk. questions of corruption and lack of If the press conference is to retain
ists, as the judges at the press con‑ Otherwise it is neither reform nor revolution, but only public independence of judges were side‑ its significance as the seminal event
ference were? disillusionment that will ensue.) stepped. This general inclination ushering in an era of judicial trans‑
One year on, none of these possi‑ His absolute discretion as master impeachment motion, hastily put towards a convenient inertia was parency, accountability and inde‑
bilities have come to fruition. While of the roster to allocate cases to dif‑ together and ill‑conceived, was strongly espoused by influential pendence, the chief justice and the
it would have been naïve to expect a ferent benches was not substantive‑ nipped in the bud. With Justice voices of the Supreme Court Bar. Supreme Court must walk their talk.
structural transformation of the ly reformed. While the collegium Misra retiring, to many, the prob‑ Fali Nariman recommended to Otherwise it is neither reform nor
Supreme Court to take place worked overtime in making several lems had solved themselves. judges who gave the press confer‑ revolution, but only public disillu‑
overnight, the stasis that followed recommendations, this had much to The lack of any meaningful struc‑ ence to “lump it” and wait for the sionment that will ensue.
was equally unexpected. The basic do with the dynamics of the judges tural change demonstrates the chief justice to retire. Soli Sorabjee
grievance at the press conference who comprised the collegium. bleak political economy of judicial accused them of squabbling like (Arghya Sengupta is research
̶ Justice Misra was not function‑ With a dif ferent combination, reform. It was apparent in the after‑ company shareholders. The status director, Vidhi Centre for Legal
ing independently ̶ was not there is little guarantee that such math of the press conference that quo of an administratively creaking, Policy. The Op‑Ed appeared in The
addressed in any meaningful way. ef ficiency wonʼt unrave l. An the Supreme Court was a divided functionally opaque institution with Hindustan Times)

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info FEATURE January 19-25, 2019 15

Not only is Air Force One secure and a command center, it can refuel while flying and keep the President in the air for a long, long time.

A
ir Force One is a massive flying container of secrets. date people such as all of the senior advisors, Secret Service The Air Force One costs $206,000 an hour to operate.
Thereʼs still so much we donʼt know, but lucky for us, officers, special guests and reporters (who live in a cabin at Thatʼs staggering compared to the $20,000 an hour it costs
a few US presidents have leaked facts about Air Force the very back of the plane). The central seating area of the for a commercial airline. President Trumpʼs traveling costs
One that are pretty unbelievable. plane is reserved for the president and his family. were $10 million his first month in office. Presidential travel
Air Force One is so much more than a private jet for the involves hundreds of people and dozens of aircraft. The
POTUS. Itʼs a top secret vault in the sky, and that vault has
FLYING FORTRESS costs add up.
just been cracked. Here are some things that nobody knew & COMMAND CENTER
about Air Force One, until recently…
IT IS ACTUALLY
As a flying fortress, Air Force One protects and secures the
AIR FORCE THREE
HOW FAST AND HOW HIGH? POTUS and any fellow passengers. Each and every window
on the aircraft is armored and resistant to gunfire. There are There are two Air Force Ones, but only one is the real deal.
Air Force One can fly over 700 miles per hour. Thatʼs real‑ flares that can be released from the craft, if needed, that will They fly together so no one knows which one the president
ly fast! It can also fly higher than most commercial planes, aid in confusing any enemy missiles. is actually on.
at a height of 45,000 feet. Despite its crazy speed, Air Force The gear aboard Air Force One is top‑notch with superb “The Gulfstream,” known as the C‑20C, is a jet that suppos‑
One flies very smoothly. satellite communications networks and extremely classified edly trails the other two planes, but the government and the
defensive measures that not only protect the plane during an Air Force deny it exists. Interesting…
AIR FORCE ONE CAN FLY FOREVER attack, but can carry out attacks as well.
IN WITH THE NEW
Air Force One can refuel in the sky. It never has to touch
ground. If it wanted to, it could fly forever. It can keep the
AIR FORCE ONE
With the increasing problems with finding adequate parts
president in the sky as long as it has to. Another cool fact: IS NUCLEAR RESISTANT to serve and maintain Air Force One properly, it was decided
Air Force One has a 3,000 gallon fuel tank. a new set of planes were needed.
Air Force One is pretty much a nuclear‑resistant Oval
With that in mind, during Barack Obamaʼs term of office,
HOW MANY PEOPLE Office. The plane can withstand a nuclear blast even if on
an order was placed for two replacements for the Air Force
the ground. It has been put through testing to the equivalent
DOES IT HOLD? of a nuclear attack. Thatʼs comforting for sure. Letʼs hope One fleet. The new versions were to be built based on the
itʼs never tried in real time. new Boeing 747‑8 series.
Like a large house, it has three stories of 4,000 square feet.
It has been estimated that both planes are looking to run at
The president has his own large office, lavatory, and confer‑
ence room Air Force One can hold hundreds of people, but
HOW MUCH DOES least $3 billion, and are not expected to even come into serv‑
Source: Hindustan Times
only safely seat 70. There are living quarters to accommo‑ IT COST TO FLY? ice until well into 2024.
16 January 19-25, 2019 BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

We're seeing a strong dose of tribalism 'The Accidental Prime Minister':


globally: M Night Shyamalan Nothing accidental about it
M
Night Shyamalan, the US‑based

I
Indian‑origin filmmaker, feels the f you enjoy political satires, And it can't get any worse than
wave of tribalism is taking over the "The Accidental Prime Suzanne Bernert as Sonia
world with people getting scared about losing Minister" may not be the Gandhi. Suzanne arches her
their distinct identity. But the filmmaker says film that its makers would rec‑ eyebrows so sharply, I
it is time to join the "larger group" and ommend for you. Outwardly, feared for her facial well‑
embrace the power of diversity. the intent and purpose of this being.
The filmmaker is looking forward to the fiercely political parable is to If you want to play spot‑
release of his film "Glass" ‑‑ a superhero give us the "real" picture of for‑ the‑politician, this film is huge
movie with a psychological twist. mer Prime Minister fun. My top prize for the
Asked to point out one superpower the Manmohan Singh's par‑ most enjoyable mimicry
world needs right now, Shyamalan told IANS ent party and how it goes to the talented
in an exclusive interview over the phone: manipulated him into Arjun Mathur and
"What we are seeing right now is a strong fronting their dynas‑ Aahana Kumra as
dose of tribalism where we are seeing nation‑ tic designs. Rahul and Sonia
alism from different countries... kind of rear And how much Gandhi.
its head." more real can it get The only actor not
"This is a moment of globalization and than Anupam Kher doing an impersonation
every country is worried that its distinct iden‑ as Mr Singh? The is Akshaye Khanna.
tity is going to go away and everybody is beard, the turban, Playing Sanjaya Baru,
fighting for the old ways at the moment. the soft hushed barely Akshaye brings to the
"But the courage to be part of a larger audible voice (make sure proceedings a gravitas
group, I don't know if it is a superpower, but you get your seats in a that this film doesn't
it is obviously something that we need right Dolby equipped the‑ need or deserve.
now," added the filmmaker. atre)... Anupam gets the Akshaye and Anupam
Talking about real life superheroes, he said: Indian American filmmaker M Night
externals so right that anchor the plot. Their
Shyamalanʼs next is a superhero movie.
"We (my wife and I) have a foundation. And we scarcely care exchanges exhibit
the format of the foundation is that we look or want to build a school, we support them.” about what lies sparks of unexpected
for grassroot leaders around the world. My He made his first film "Praying with Anger" beneath. irony and intelligence,
wife actually goes and finds them wherever when he was 21, but his life changed after his There is nothing as if two actors rec‑
they are in the world. breakout hit "The Sixth Sense" in 1999. He is Actor Anupam Kher plays former
accidental about ognize the potential
also credited for projects like "The Visit",
PM Manmohan Singh in the film.
"If they pass the vetting process, then we "The Accidental in each other know‑
ask them what they want and give them "Wayward Pines", "The Last Airbender", "The Prime Minister". The not‑so‑hidden ing fully well their collective wisdom is
whatever they need. If they need money for Happening", "After Earth", "Split" and agenda is to show Sonia Gandhi and her unsupported by anything else around
the school bus, they want to dig a water well "Unbreakable". two children in the worst light possible. them.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani accused RAKESH ROSHAN


of sexual assault, he denies DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER,
F
ilmmaker Rajkumar Hirani
has been accused of sexual
assault by a woman who UNDERGOES SURGERY
A
worked with him in his 2018 film
ctor‑filmmaker Rakesh
"Sanju". He has denied the allega‑
Roshan, 69, underwent a
tion.
surgery after he was diag‑
According to a HuffPost India
nosed with early stage of squa‑
article, the woman claimed that
mous cell carcinoma, a type of
Hirani sexually abused her on
cancer.
more than one occasion over a
The surgery, as per doctors,
six‑month period between March
went off well, his actor son Hrithik
and September 2018.
Roshan said.
The 56‑year‑old filmmaker has
Hrithik shared the news via
denied the allegations. A state‑
social media, before the senior
ment issued by his lawyer Anand
Roshan underwent surgery.
Desai dubbed the allegations
"Asked my dad for a picture this
"false", "mischievous", "scan‑
Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has made morning. Knew he wouldn't miss
dalous", "motivated" and "defama‑
tory".
popular films like ʻ3 Idiotsʼ and ʻPKʼ. gym on surgery day. He is proba‑
bly the strongest man I know.
The woman made the charge in the absolute power and me being a mere
"Got diagnosed with early stage
an email dated November 3, 2018 to assistant, a nobody ‑ I will never be able to
squamous cell carcinoma of the
Hirani's "Sanju" co‑producer Vidhu Vinod express myself to you."
throat a few weeks ago, but he is
Chopra. She also marked the mail to The complainant said Hirani used to be
in full spirits today as he proceeds
Vidhu's wife and film journalist Anupama her father figure.
to battle it. As a family we are for‑
Chopra as well as to Hirani's co‑writer When contacted by HuffPost India, she
tunate and blessed to have a
Abhijat Joshi, said the HuffPost India arti‑ said she was maintaining a facade of nor‑
leader like him," Hrithik captioned
cle. IANS tried reaching out to Hirani, malcy regarding Hirani's behavior during
the picture in which the father‑son
Anupama Chopra and Abhijat Joshi but got work because her father was ill and she
duo have struck the same pose.
no response. needed to hold on to her job.
Apart from his acting career,
The woman claimed that Hirani first While Vidhu Vinod Chopra did not
Rakesh Roshan is known for
made a sexually suggestive remark to her respond to the complainant's allegations,
directing films like 'Kishen
on April 9, 2018 and then sexually assault‑ his wife Anupama confirmed to HuffPost
Kanhaiya', 'Karan Arjun', 'Kaho
ed her at his home‑cum‑office. India that the woman had shared an
Naa... Pyaar Hai', 'Koi... Mil Gaya'
She wrote: "I remember forming these account with her, that Vinod Chopra Films
and the superhero 'Krrish' film Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan was diagnosed
words on my lips ‑ 'Sir. This is wrong... (VCF) has since set up a committee to with early stage of squamous cell carcinoma.
series.
Because of this power structure. You being address complaints of sexual harassment.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOLLYWOOD January 19-25, 2019 17

Why is Naseeruddin Mrinal Sen: A filmmaker who


Shah under attack? challenged social sensibilities
By Subhash K Jha By Sirshendu Panth

I B
t is strange how I never y accident, a maker of films... Good
thought of Naseeruddin or bad, yes or no, they know me as
Shah as a Muslim until now an iconoclast," Mrinal Sen said about
when his religious identity is himself in his autobiography, giving an apt
being used against him to and characteristically witty description of
prove he is anti‑national. his cinematic philosophy.
But hang on. Why is Naseer Anybody who had the privilege of inter‑
anti‑national? Because he acting with Sen closely, always vouched for
expressed trepidation about his sense of humor and down‑to‑earth
the future of this country and, approach, which made him a fantastic and
more specifically, his children. indefatigable conversationalist.
Here is what Naseer said: Sen (95), who died in Kolkata recently,
"The poison has already was the last surviving member of the 'trini‑
spread. It will be very difficult ty' from Bengal ‑ including master filmmak‑
to capture this djinn back in ers Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak ‑‑ who
the bottle. There is complete gave birth to the parallel (or new wave) cin‑
impunity for those who take ema in the country by starting and cradling
Actor Naseeruddin Shah had expressed Veteran filmmaker Mrinal Sen
law into their own hands. In his trepidation about the future of India. the domestic film society movement in one
many areas we are witnessing gave a new direction to the
of the coffee houses of Kolkata.
ing the Prime Minister is a bit of a joke? idea of filmmaking in India.
that the death of a cow has more signifi‑ The troika gave a new direction to the
cance than that of a police officer. I feel Am I going to be branded anti‑national for idea of filmmaking in India, with their intel‑ in Bangladesh), Sen made his first Bengali
anxious thinking about my children. defending Naseer's right to defend his fami‑ lect, spontaneity, knowledge of world cine‑ film 'Rat Bhore' (The Dawn) in 1953, but it
Because they don't have a religion..." ly? Is it right to book him a ticket to ma and deep understanding of the nuances was his second directorial effort 'Neel
I am a little lost after repeatedly reading Karachi because he spoke about his insecu‑ of the medium that made the world look up Akasher Niche' (Under the Blue Sky) that
this. Which part of the observation is anti‑ rities? But I am happy to inform you that in wonder and respect their creations. received acclaim in the country for its lyri‑
national? Have we all not felt the same ter‑ Naseer is not going anywhere. He is not Sen regaled in breaking age‑old stereo‑ cism and humane qualities.
ror grip our hearts in recent times as mobs wrong in feeling anxious about the future. types, highlighting issues such as exploita‑ Sen has left behind a rich repertoire of 27
decided to lynch alleged cattle‑offenders? And if he speaks up about his insecurities tion and erosion of values. feature films, 14 shorts and four documen‑
Or set on fire a rape victim who doesn't and is slammed for it, then isn't it proof His film 'Kharij' shook the urban middle taries during a career spanning six decades.
withdraw her case against her offenders? that he's right in feeling insecure? and upper classes so much that many Widely feted, Sen received the Padma
Don't we all worry about our children? The country is in the grip of an unprece‑ changed their treatment of servants, partic‑ Bhushan in 1981, the Dadasaheb Phalke ‑‑
Except maybe Anupam Kher, who thinks dented culture of conformity. Everybody ularly giving them better places to sleep. the highest award in Indian cinema ‑‑ in
everything is hunky‑dory in India today. must love certain politicians to qualify as a Born on May 14, 1923, at Faridpur (now 2005
But you never know what will be deemed true Indian. And if you have any reserva‑
"anti‑national" in today's super‑charged
atmosphere of pseudo‑patriotism, will you?
tions about any of the government's poli‑
cies (including reservations) you will be
booked an air ticket to Pakistan.
Vikrant Massey loves working
Is it anti‑national to say Vivek Oberoi play‑

with female directors


Surreal feeling that audience Actor Vikrant

has accepted 'Uri...': Massey in a


still from one
of his films.

A
ctor Vicky Kaushal, who is
playing the role of an
Indian commando in the
recently released 'Uri ‑ The
Surgical Strike', has said the entire
film team is going through a surre‑
al feeling that audience has accept‑
ed their war‑drama film with open
arms.
Vicky Kaushal was interacting
with media after success of 'Uri...'
along with his co‑stars Mohit Raina
and Yami Gautam in Mumbai.

A
The movie is based on the 2016
Indian Army's surgical strikes ctor Vikrant Massey's last few proj‑ from March. He feels a difference in
inside Pakistan as a retaliation for ects have been with women direc‑ women's perspective.
the Uri terrorist attack. tors, and one of the biggest movie "From my experience I can affirm that I
The film has managed to collect he has signed is with Meghna Gulzar. He don't really know how the women see the
Rs 8.20 crore at the box‑office says he loves working under female direc‑ world like, but it seems to be quite differ‑
after first day of its release, sources tors. ent than how men do," Vikrant said in a
said. In 2018, Vikrant did three movies with statement to IANS.
"Till the film is released, you woman directors ‑‑ Zoya Akhtar's "Dil "One thing is for sure that women are far
don't have an idea if it is going to Dhadakne Do", Alankrita Shrivastava's more compassionate, empathetic, sensitive
work. But since yesterday, the kind "Lipstick Under My Burkha" and Seema and emotional in comparison to men.
of reaction we have received is Pahwa's "Pind Daan". "It's a highly sacred position to be in and
really overwhelming. It's a surreal This year, he has two in the pipeline ‑‑ there is definitely a reason behind it. In my
feeling that audience has accepted Shrivastava's "Dolly Kitty Aur Woh opinion, it's their sense of owning a power‑
our film with open arms," said Chamakte Sitare", for which shooting is on, ful core with a lining of a soft edge to it,"
Vicky Kaushal. Actor Vicky Kaushal at the trailer launch of film ʻUriʼ. and Meghna's "Chaapaak", which will start he added.
18 January 19-25, 2019 INDIA FEATURES TheSouthAsianTimes.info

How a Tamil village lures & feeds global birds


By Vasudevan Sridharan "They usually travel in thousands. They
eat young plants and newly sprouted paddy
Chennai: "When some visitors ask, 'How do devouring the whole crop. Teals usually
the birds know this lake is full?' I simply leave the lake at 6 pm, raid the crops at
tell them that I telephone the migratory night and return at about 4 am. When they
birds and inform them," said Ramesh mock‑ leave the sanctuary in the evening, a
ingly as he sits at the tip of a lake in south buzzing sound just fills the entire area,"
India. added Ramesh.
Ramesh, 43, who goes by the single name, He went on: "This species is smart
has been watching over the not‑so‑famed enough not to raid crops within a radius of
Vaduvoor lake in Tamil Nadu for 14 years 30 km to avoid getting caught. These birds
and is witness to the thousands of birds only attack the crops beyond that."
decorating the reservoir's trees. Officially No less than 40 species of birds, both
an anti‑poaching guard at the Vaduvoor indigenous and foreign, are routinely spot‑
Bird Sanctuary, the strongly‑built man is ted at the sanctuary. In total, 138 different
intimately connected to the lake and the species of birds have been observed on var‑
birds' species, both native and foreign. ious occasions at Vaduvoor, which include
Nestled in lush green Thanjavur region ‑‑ the little grebe, Eurasian spoonbill, varieties
the delta known as the rice‑bowl of Tamil of herons, Indian shag, darter, ibis, different
Nadu and granary of south India ‑‑ the 316 breeds of kingfisher, teals, ducks, northern
acre Vaduvoor lake is home to thousands of The Vaduvoor lake attracts up to 40,000 birds in peak migratory season between pintail, Eurasian wigeon, northern shov‑
avian visitors every year from different November and February. (Photo by Vasudevan Sridharan) eller, garganey, coots, moorhens, lapwings,
continents. sojourn the temples dotting the Cauvery ary's metamorphosis over these years and spot‑billed and Siberian pelicans, jacanas,
The lake, surrounded by fertile wetlands, river belt. Vaduvoor, more renowned for its remains confident the facility is only at its black‑winged stilt, red/green shank, little
offers a perfect spot for the birds for food, Ram temple than the sanctuary, is an unas‑ adolescence with immense potential to stint, Brahminy kite, terns, plovers, sand‑
shelter and reproduction when the mercury suming village located 25 km from the grow. pipers, cormorant, varieties of egret, paint‑
drops in their home countries in Europe, quaint and historically rich city of Holding a dainty booklet containing ed and open‑billed storks.
the Americas and sometimes Russia. Thanjavur. images and names of birds, he painstaking‑ Even, greater flamingos are seen, albeit
The birds' early morning playful chirps Years ago, only palmyra palm trees and ly explains the characteristics of each rarely, especially when the water level
are heard from at least a mile away as invasive shrubs surrounded the lake, but species and what it does to the local habi‑ reduces in March, allowing the birds to fish
winged adults train the young ones in fly‑ authorities and conservationists planted tat. His eyes twinkle when he elucidates freely. Still, only 10 or 15 of these flamboy‑
ing and frolicking. Most of these visitors other varieties once Vaduvoor was declared about a rare species or an unusual pattern ant birds are spotted, say locals.
are aquatic birds. Two roadside watch‑tow‑ a bird sanctuary in 1999. Now, green in their behavior. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department,
ers provide bird‑watchers and photogra‑ foliage adorns the reservoir and the lake "There is common teal or Eurasian teal [a which is responsible for the Vaduvoor sanc‑
phers with a closer look. attracts up to 40,000 birds in peak season, variety of small ducks] which has now tuary, hopes to steadily refine the facilities
Nonetheless, the number of tourists is note the forest guards. The entire sanctu‑ made Vaduvoor its second home. These are available at the birds' haven to attract eye‑
only minuscule compared to the migratory ary is declared a protected area and the intelligent birds," commented Ramesh balls and boost research options.
birds as brisk weekends clock just about lake is periodically desilted. excitedly, as he mimicked the noises made IANS in collaboration with Mongabay, an
100 people. Most visitors are pilgrims who Ramesh has been observing the sanctu‑ by some birds. environment website.

How an all-women group built a Kerala house


By Sanu George a lot of doubts regarding whether an all‑
women group would be able to do a good
Thodupuzha (Kerala): In a small, tucked‑ job of constructing a house.
away village in Kerala stands a 475‑square The women first designed the layout of the
feet house which is known across the region house on paper and then, under the guid‑
not because of who owns it, but because of ance of newly‑graduated civil engineer
those who built it. And it's not a building Priyanka, they started the construction
constructed by some famous architect but process wearing shirts over their salwar
by a group of 20 daily‑wage workers ‑‑ all of kameezes and towels wrapped around their
them women. heads. "It was a great experience thereafter
This 20‑member all‑women group, for them as well as for me," Priyanka said,
Nirmanashree Constructions, is challenging adding that while they were guided by an
building‑industry stereotypes and has bro‑ experienced male mason, women executed
ken the glass ceiling in a male‑dominated all the work ‑‑ right from laying the founda‑
sector by completing their first building at tion to building walls, setting the roof, and
Elamdesham village here in Kerala's Idukki plaster and painting work.
district. In a matter of less than two months, "Today, not only have they successfully
these women, most of whom belong to the completed the job, their morale has gone up
nearby Velliyamattom village, got trained to and they are confident of taking up fresh
become qualified masons, good enough to jobs, for which they have already begun dis‑
BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING IN A MALE WORLD
take on their male counterparts. Not only cussions," said Priyanka.
did they complete the building as part of gramme of the Mahatma Gandhi National Centre (AWC), which specializes in running Now that they are fully‑trained lady
their training, they are already in final Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNRE‑ training programs for empowering women masons confident of what they have
stages of talks for their next project. GA). "But thanks to our Velliyamattom vil‑ through imparting of new skills. achieved, they expect Rs 700 to Rs 1,000
Although women constitute half of the lage council president Sheeba Rajasekheran, "There was a lot of interest shown by the per day. Men masons are paid a minimum of
construction labor force in the country, they we have turned professional," Suja, 43, told ladies and 30 of them registered, which Rs 1,000. "We are basically looking to
are relegated to menial work with skills like IANS proudly. Rajasekheran, who also looks included 10 tribal ladies," said Rajasekheran. engage in building homes under the state
masonry, carpentry and others considered to after the Kerala government's women's The AWC brought with them a qualified government's schemes, where the govern‑
be men's domain. empowerment program "Kudumbashree", civil engineer, Priyanka, and an experienced ment gives Rs 4 lakh. To complete the house
Till as late as August this year, most of first called a meeting and mooted the idea of male mason, who provided guidance. in this budget is a tough ask, and here we
these 20 women were engaged either in training interested women to become While the experiment started with 30 feel the women masons can come handy, as
household chores or worked as daily‑wage masons. She also got in touch with the women, 10 of them found the work too the cost factor will work to their advantage,"
labourers under the "right to work" pro‑ Kottayam‑headquartered Archana Women's tough to carry on. Bindu, 40, said there were said Rajasekheran.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT January 19-25, 2019 19

Central Asian nations, India back India dismisses Pak's


inclusive Afghan peace process allegation regarding
Samarkand (Uzbekistan): India
and the five Central Asia nations Chinese mission attack
of Uzbe kistan, Kazakhstan,
New Delhi: India has dis‑
Kyrg yzstan, Tajikistan and
missed allegations by
Turkmenistan backed an inclu‑
Pakistan about playing a
sive peace pro cess in
role in the terrorist
Afg hanistan that is Afg han‑
attack on the Chinese
owned and Afghan‑led following
mission in Karachi last
the first ever India‑Central Asia
year saying Islamabad
Dialogue here.
should instead take cred‑
External Af fairs Minister
ible action against sup‑
Sushma Swaraj co‑chaired the
port to terrorism.
Dialogue that was also attended
"We have seen state‑
by the Foreign Ministers of
ments in Pakistani media
Afg hanistan, Uzbe kistan,
attributed to the police
Kyrg yzstan, Tajikistan and
chief of Karachi making
Turkmenistan and the First
false allegations against
Deputy Foreign Minister of First India‑Central Asia Dialogue underway India for the terrorist
Kazakhstan. "India ... reiterates in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. attack on the Chinese
its support and commitment to
Consulate in Karachi in Indian External Affairs Ministry
peace, security and stability of cy, does not hold talks with the an Afghan‑led, Afghan‑owned
November 2018," spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
Afghanistan; to promote inclu‑ Taliban, it has indicated that it peace process and reconciliation
External Affairs Ministry
sive Afghan‑led, Afghan‑owned supports an inclusive peace and to assist in economic recon‑
spokesperson Raveesh Kumar and terror infrastructure in its
and Afghan‑controlled peace and process in Afghanistan. struction of Afghanistan through
said in response to queries territories."
reconciliation process and to According to a joint statement the implementat ion of joint
from the media. Earlier in the day, Karachi
assist in economic reconstruc‑ issued after the meeting here, infrastructure, transit and trans‑
"We completely reject these police chief Amir Sheikh
tion of Afghanistan," she told the the ministers welcomed the par‑ port, energy projects including
fabricated and scurrilous claimed that the attack on the
media after the Dialogue. ticipation of Afghanistan as an regional cooperation and invest‑
attempts to levy accusations Chinese Consulate was
"I pointed out that no business important land link in the ment projects.
on India," Kumar said. planned in the neighboring
development, no investment can regional cooperation, transit of India plays a significant role as
"Instead of maliciously point‑ Afghanistan.
take place in a country suffering goods and energy and expressed a development aid partner in
ing fingers at others for such India's top intelligence
from terrorism," she said. "To support and commitment of Afghanistan. It is investing $500
terrorist incidents, Pakistan agency, Research and Analysis
promote business development Central Asian countries and million to develop the Chabahar
needs to look inwards and Wing (RAW), funded the
in our region, we agreed to fight India to peace, security and sta‑ port and a road link from there
undertake credible action attack, Sheikh said, according
the scourge of terrorism togeth‑ bility of Afghanistan. The coun‑ to Afghanistan to give access to
against support to terrorism to Pakistani media.
er." Though New Delhi, as a poli‑ tries agreed to promote inclusive that country, bypassing Pakistan.

‘Rohingya Hindu refugees Pakistan decides to shelve


in Bangladesh want to
return to Myanmar’ major CPEC power project
Los Angeles: Rohingya Hindus have appealed to the Indian Islamabad: The Pakistan govern‑
who soug ht re fuge in government for help, but have ment has decided to shelve a
major power project under the
Bangladesh want to return to so far received only humanitari‑ The project was
Myanmar but were not being an aid. China‑Pakistan Economic pushed by
allowed by Bangladesh officials, "India is a land for all Hindus. Corridor (CPEC) that was pushed former PM
according to the Los Angeles Mr (Narendra) Modi (Prime by former Prime Minister Nawaz Nawaz Sharif's
Times. Minister) is a Hindu. Why is he Sharif 's reg ime, the media regime.
In a report from the not helping us?" the newspaper reported.
Kutupalong Refugee Camp in quoted Shishu Sheel, a 32‑year‑ Background discussions with
Bangladesh, the newspaper said old leader in the refugee camp government officials suggest that
that 105 Hindu families were for Hindus, as saying. Islamabad has of ficially con‑
ready to leave when a deal was The Hindus were victims of veyed to Beijing that it was no
made by the UN last May for the Arakan Rohingya Salvation more interested in the 1,320MW
refugees to return home to Army (ARSA), a Muslim organi‑ Rahim Yar Khan power project in
Rakhine state in Myanmar. But zation led by the Pakistan‑born view of suf ficient generation
they are stranded in Ataullah abu Ammar Jununi, capacity already lined up for the
next few years, Dawn news Pak not going to IMF for now: Finance Minister
Bang ladesh because their and fled to Bangladesh as it was
return home was cance led the only escape available to reported. Karachi: T he Pakistani government will not approach the
when the UN decided it was not them, the newspaper said. It has requested China to for‑ International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package as of now
safe for refugees to go back to Unlike the more than mally delete the project from the and will instead explore alternative options to bring the cash‑
Myanmar, Hindu refugees were 700,000 Rohing ya Muslim CPEC list. strapped country's economy back on track, Finance Minister Asad
quoted as telling the newspa‑ re fugees, the Hindus have Last month, a Pakistani delega‑ Umar said. Umar rejected reports that the government was only bor‑
per. The 400 Hindu refugees in Myanmar citizenship, the news‑ tion led by Minister for Planning rowing money, saying several agreements had also been signed to
Bangladesh are segregated and paper said. and Development Makhdoom bring investment into the country. "The impacts of the investment
housed in a separate facility The newspaper said that the Khusro Bakhtyar "proposed to agreements will start surfacing from the next week," he added.
called Hindu Camp, which is Bangladesh's Refugee, Relief remove the Rahim Yar Khan Pakistan is in talks with the IMF to secure a $8 billion bailout deal
under round‑the‑clock securit. and Repatriation Commission imported fue l power plant for its ailing economy.
Hindu and Muslim refugees in has ruled out repatriating only (1,320MW) from the CPEC list, in
order to provide structure opti‑ The official said Prime Minister Public Sector Deve lopment
Bangladesh live in a state mutu‑ the Hindus, and not the
mization space for the subse‑ Imran Khan's government has Programme (PSDP) projects as
al animosity. The Los Angeles Muslims, whose return the UN
quent power market of Pakistan", also decided to remove almost part of a comprehensive mid‑
Times said that Hindu families has determined was unsafe.
a government official said. 400 "polit ically mot ivated" year review later this month.
20 January 19-25, 2019 INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Brexit: Prime Minister warns of US begins withdrawing some


'catastrophic breach of trust' military equipment from Syria
London: British Prime Minister
Theresa May warned that a fail‑ Washington/Damascus: The first
ure to deliver Brexit would be "a US military ground equipment has
catastrophic and unforgivable been withdrawn from Syria, sig‑
breach of trust in our democracy". naling the beginning of the draw‑
Writing in the Sunday Express down ordered by President
newspaper, May pleaded with Donald Trump, according to an
lawmakers to back her Brexit deal administration official.
in the vote, the BBC reported. "Some cargo has already
Not doing so risks the UK leav‑ moved," the official told CNN.
ing the European Union (EU) with Due to security concerns, the
no deal or Brexit not happening at official would not describe exactly
all, she said. what the cargo was or whether it
May said the House of had been moved out by aircraft or
Commons vote on her Brexit with‑ British PM Theresa May ground vehicles.
drawal deal would be the "biggest pleaded with lawmakers The official also declined to say
and most important decision that to back her Brexit deal. what part of Syria the equipment
any MP of our generation will be "Doing so would be a cata‑ was in.
asked to make". strophic and unforgivable breach The announcement comes after
The Prime Minister is widely of trust in our democracy. Trump said that the US troops
expected to lose the vote on the "So my message to Parliament would be withdrawing from Syria Currently, there are more than 2,000 US soldiers deployed in Syria.
w ithdrawal ag reement she this weekend is simple: It is time "over a period of time," dismissing
reached with the EU, which some to forget the games and do what the previously reported four‑ nants of the Islamic State (IS) feated and that a quick US pullout
ministers have said will lead to is right for our country," May said. month exit plan. were defeated and Turkey provid‑ could endanger US partners and
Brexit "paralysis". May said: The UK is due to leave the EU on But W hite House Nat ional ed guarantees that it would not allies in the region, as well as
"When you turned out to vote in March 29 automatically, whether Security Adviser John Bolton con‑ strike Kurdish forces allied with American forces themselves.
the re ferendum, you did so the deal is passed by British law‑ tradicted Trump's decision, saying the US. Currently, there are more than
because you wanted your voice to makers or not. said that American forces would He also acknow ledged that 2,000 US soldiers deployed in
be heard. The vote had been scheduled to remain in Syria until the last rem‑ pockets of the IS remained unde‑ Syria.
"Some of you put your trust in take place in December but was
the political process for the first called off at the last minute by the

Huawei fires employee arrested


time in decades. We cannot ‑ and Prime Minister, who was facing
must not ‑ let you down. almost certain defeat.

Yemen's military intelligence in Poland on spying charges


agency chief injured in London: A Huawei executive
arrested in Poland on charges of

Houthi drone strike dies spying for China has been fired
by the Chinese tech company.
Aden: Chief of Yemen's military Poland's counterintelligence
inte lligence agency Brigadier service confirmed that a
General Saleh Tamah injured in a Chinese citizen suspected of
Houthi drone strike against an spying had been arrested. Polish
army parade died of his wounds, state media identified the sus‑
an official said. pect as Huawei's sales director
T he Iranian‑backed Shiite in the country.
Houthi group targeted the strate‑ China's embassy in Poland
gic military air base of Anad three named him as Weijing Wang. In
days ago, killing six soldiers and a statement, Huawei said it had
injuring 20 others including high‑ fired Wang for bringing the
ranking army commanders, company into "disrepute."
Xinhua news agency reported cit‑ Huawei is a Chinese telecom‑
ing officials. Head of Yemen's Intelligence munications company that is
Tamah was seriously injured Service Brigadier General viewed by US government of fi‑ Huawei is a Chinese telecommunications company.
along with the army's chief of Saleh Tamah. cials as a national security risk.
staf f and moved immediately to cial media that the drone attack Other countries have concerns said. A court has ordered the where they are based," it added.
receive treatment in the southern on the military parade in Lahj too: It has been prevented from pair to be held for three months, A spokesperson for the
port city of Aden, informed came as a "response to the contin‑ supplying next‑generation 5G and they face up to 10 years in Chinese Embassy to Poland said
sources said. ued raids of Saudi aggression tar‑ equipment to Australia and New prison if convicted. the country was "highly con‑
According to medical sources geting innocent citizens." Zealand. Both have pleaded not guilty, cerned about this incident."
based in Aden, the injuries of Yemeni observers warned that The company has attracted according to Polish state broad‑ Poland had been asked to
Tamah were very severe and he the Houthi drone strike that tar‑ even greater scrutiny following caster TVP. Zaryn has not arrange a consular visit "as soon
underwent a number of surgeries geted the Saudi‑backed Yemeni the arrest of its chief financial responded to CNN's requests for as possible" and to protect the
but died of his wounds earlier in army commanders could jeopard‑ of ficer last month in Canada, comment. "rights and interests, safety and
the day. ize the ongoing ef forts aimed at CNN reported. The Chinese company in its humanitarian treatment of the
General Tamah was born in ending the country's conflict Stanislaw Zaryn, a spokesman statement said that Wang's person involved," the spokesper‑
1950 in Lahj province, in Yemen's peacefully. for Polish counterintelligence, "alleged actions have no rela‑ son added.
south, and appointed by the inter‑ The impoverished Arab country said in a statement to the coun‑ tion to the company." Huawei is one of China's lead‑
nat ionally‑backed Yemeni has been locked in a civil war try's of ficial press agency that "Huawei complies with all ing tech companies.
President Abd‑Rabbu Mansour since the Iranian‑backed Shiite the Chinese citizen had been applicable laws and regulations It se lls more smartphones
Hadi to lead the military intelli‑ Houthi rebels overran much of arrested along with a Polish citi‑ in the countries where it oper‑ than Apple (AAPL) and builds
gence agency last year. the country militarily and seized zen. ates, and we require every advanced telecommunications
The Houthis claimed responsi‑ all northern provinces, including The homes of the suspects employee to abide by the laws networks in countries around
bility and said through their offi‑ the capital Sanaa, in 2014. were searched, the statement and regulations in the countries the world.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS January 19-25, 2019 21

IT exemption threshold may RBI cautions


government over NPA
go up in interim budget
New Delhi: With middle‑class apa‑
spike in MUDRA loans
thy on the rise, Finance Minister
New Delhi: The
Arun Jaitley may double the
Reserve Bank of India
income tax exemption threshold
(RBI) has raised a red‑
for the salaried from the present
flag on the spike in
Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs while
non‑performing assets
also reinstating tax‑free status for
(NPAs) under the gov‑
medical expenses and transport
ernment's flagship
allowance, providing some relief to
scheme to support
the section already under strain
micro enterprises in
since demonetisation.
the country ‑‑ the
Though propriety demands that
Pradhan Mantri Mudra
not too many policy changes
Yojana.
should be made in a vote on
According to Finance
account budget, the BJP govern‑
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Ministry sources, RBI
ment is apprehensive of the possi‑
has cautioned the ministry that The PMMY was launched on
bility of a middle‑class backlash in remaining tax exemptions that year. This will benefit tax payers
the scheme might turn‑out to April 8, 2015. Under the
the impending general elections. lead to litigation. It will also rede‑ to the tune of Rs 12,500 annually
be the next big source of NPAs, scheme, banks are required to
Hence the plan to streamline tax fine key concepts such as income which is not much but can be
which have plagued the bank‑ finance micro and small entre‑
slabs, which in any case are in con‑ and scope of taxation viewed as a sentiment buster.
ing system. preneurs for up to Rs 10 lakh.
sonance with the coming Direct At the moment, income up to Rs A fatigued BJP dispensation
The central bank has flagged Loans can be granted under
Tax Code, government sources told 2.5 lakh is exempt from personal realises that as the incumbent it
that bad loans under PMMY three categories ‑ up to Rs
IANS. The problem that may mani‑ income tax. Income between Rs will have to fight off varied chal‑
have risen to Rs 11,000 crore. 50,000 under 'Shishu'; Rs
fest itself is that the Union Budget 2.5‑5 lakh attracts 5 per cent tax lenges. With acute farm distress,
As per the annual report of 50,001‑Rs 5 lakh under
will precede the unveiling of the (see table), while that between Rs middle class backlash, massive
PMMY, 2017‑18, total dis‑ ʻKishore' and between Rs
Direct Tax Co de Report on 5‑10 lakh is levied with 20 per spike in unemployment data and
bursements under the scheme 5,00,001 and Rs 10 lakh under
February 28. Tinkering with the cent tax. Income above Rs 10 lakh rising Dalit anger taking its toll on
stood at Rs 2.46 trillion in FY ʻTarun' category.
tax rates before the release of the is taxed at 30 per cent. Rs 5 lakh the BJP, it would like to unleash a
18. In addition, RBI's caution
report will make it contentious. exemption is only applicable to slew of course correctives. The 10
Out of this, 40 per cent were comes at a time when the
The new Direct Tax Code will try individuals of over 80 years. percent quota for upper castes
disbursed to women entrepre‑ country's financial system in
to bring more assessees into the Also, tax free medical expenses was part of this process to appease
neurs and 33 per cent to social reeling under sevier stress due
tax net, make the system more up to Rs 15,000 and transport vote banks. But this was an execu‑
categories. More than 4.81 to the IL&FS crisis which con‑
equitable for dif ferent classes of allowance up to Rs 19,200 per tive decision adopted by parlia‑
crore micro borrowers have tinues to hurt banks with
taxpayers, make businesses more annum has been replaced with a ment, tinkering with the tax struc‑
benefited through PMMY dur‑ impairments, the most recent
competitive by lowering the corpo‑ Rs 20,000 standard deduction for ture similarly is a legislative deci‑
ing the year FY2017‑18. case being IndusInd Bank.
rate tax rate and phase out the those earning above Rs 5 lakh last sion.

Disappointing IIP, global growth Jet stocks shoot‑up 16% amidst


concerns dent equity market rescue deal with Etihad
Mumbai:
Mumbai: The Indian equity market fell sentiment.
Troubled Jet
as concerns over the third quarter Consolidation in domestic market
Airways' scrip
earning, along with fears of a global was broad‑based as FIIs were on a
shot up by more
growth slowdown and disappointing selling mode while DIIs were on the
than 16 per cent
macro‑economic industrial production sideline due to concerns over oil
on Monday
data, subdued investor sentiments. prices, weak INR and the fiscal
amidst reports
However, losses were capped as deficit."
that a rescue deal
India's annual rate of inflation based On the global front, negative Asian
has been sealed
on wholesale prices eased to 3.80 per markets on the back of poor Chinese
between the cash‑
cent in December. trade data and an extended partial US
strapped airline
Index‑wise, the NSE Nifty50 declined government shutdown fuelled con‑
and its partner,
by 57.35 points or 0.53 per cent to cerns of a slowdown of global growth.
Etihad Airways.
settle at 10,737.60. On Monday, the Indian rupee lost 30
At present,
The S&P BSE Sensex closed at piase to settle at 70.79 per US dollar
UAE's Etihad
35,853.56 points, lower by 156.28 against the previous close of 70.49.
Airways has a 24
points or 0.43 per cent from the pre‑ Sector‑wise, except for the export‑
per cent stake in
vious close of 36,009.84. oriented IT counter on the BSE, which
the beleaguered Goyal's stake will come down.
It had opened at 36,113.27 points gained as the rupee weakened, all
Jet Airways. Currently, the airline faces financial trou‑
and touched an intra‑day high of other sectoral stocks witnessed heavy
On the BSE, the airline's stock shot‑up by bles due to high jet fuel prices, a weak rupee
36,124.94 and a low of 35,691.75. selling pressure.
16.13 per cent or Rs 40.90 to Rs 294.40 a and low fares.
"Early hiccups to Q3 results due to In terms of investments, FIIs sold
piece from its previous close of Rs 253.50. The airline had earlier said that it has so far
mixed outcome from IT and bank shares worth Rs 732.46 crore, where‑
The scrip touched an intra‑day high of 17.1 not been able to secure sustainable financing
blue‑chips negatively influenced the as DIIs bought stocks worth Rs
per cent on Monday. to navigate through current headwinds and
domestic market," said Vinod Nair, 527.49 crore on Monday.
Accordingly, the scrip rose as investors is in "active discussions" with various
Head of Research, Geojit Financial "Technically, with the Nifty correct‑
eyed a rescue deal being finalised between investors. On November 16, Tata Sons, the
Services. ing further, traders will need to watch
Jet and Etihad. holding company of the Tata Group firms,
"Additionally, a sharp fall in the IIP if the index can now hold above the
It is speculated that the deal will allow said that discussions on acquiring a stake in
and headwinds from global market immediate supports of 10,692; else a
Etihad to increase its stake in the airline from the financially‑troubled airline were at a pre‑
due to slowdown in world economy, further correction is likely," said
the current 24 per cent to 49 per cent. On liminary stage and that no such proposal has
US shut‑down and Brexit impacted the Deepak Jasani of HDFC Securities.
the flip side, Jet's founder Chairman Naresh been made so far.
22 January 19-25, 2019 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

2nd ODI: Dhoni, Kohli power India to win


Adelaide: Mahendra Singh Dhoni silenced Earlier, the hosts rode on a laborious cen‑
his critics with a brisk unbeaten half‑centu‑ tury from Shaun Marsh in energy sapping
ry while skipper Virat Kohli scored a century conditions to post a competitive total.
as India clinched a series leveling six‑wicket Marsh, who struck 11 fours and 3 sixes in
win in the second ODI against Australia here his 123‑ball 131, was instrumental in
on Tuesday. rebuilding the Aussie innings that saw him
The former captain showed glimpses of sharing half‑century stands with Usman
his trademark ability to pull off difficult run Khawaja (56 for the third wicket), Peter
chases with a 54‑ball 55. Handscomb (52 for the fourth), Marcus
Dhoni has now notched up half‑centuries Stoinis (55 for the fifth) and Glenn Maxwell
in contrasting style in two back‑to‑back (94 for the sixth).
matches. Electing to bat, Australia's start went off‑
Although the 96‑ball 51 in the first One‑ track after both the openers ‑‑ Aaron Finch
Day International (ODI) came in difficult cir‑ (6) and Alex Carey (18) departed in succes‑
cumstances, it was slammed by critics who sive overs bringing Marsh and Khawaja (21)
claimed that the 37‑year‑old is now over hill. together.
But Tuesday's innings have surely silenced However, Ravindra Jadeja's brilliance on
all the questioned and strengthened Dhoni's the field cut short Khawaja's stay.
claim for a spot in the World Cup squad. New man Handscomb, then joined Marsh
Chasing a competitive 299 for victory, the to add another vital 52 runs before being
tourists suffered an early jolt when Shikhar undone by Dhoni, who stumped the right‑
Dhawan was dismissed in the eighth over. Mahendra Singh Dhoni with Virat Kohli. hander for 20 from 22 balls off Jadeja.
But a collective batting effort from the top All‑rounder Stoinis (29) was then promot‑
order, and a 82‑run fourth wicket stand Dhoni, opener Rohit Sharma (42), Shikhar falling in the 31st over and forging a 59‑run ed ahead of the swashbuckling Maxwell and
between Kohli and Dhoni ensured the team's Dhawan (32) and Dinesh Karthik (25 not partnership for the third wicket as India the former responded in style with a flashy
win with four balls to spare. out) made valuable contributions. were still 139 runs away from victory. 36‑ball 29 before getting a bottom edge
Coming in to bat after the fall of Shikhar India started its innings safely as Rohit Kohli was then joined by Dhoni and their while attempting to pull a short ball from
Dhawan in the eighth over, Kohli anchored and Dhawan took their side near the 50‑run crucial 82‑run partnership drew India closer Mohammed Shami.
the Indian innings with 104 runs of f 112 mark before Jason Behrendorf f drew first to a victory. Enroute, Kohli also notched up Maxwell blasted his way to a 37‑ball 48,
balls. blood for Australia, dismissing the latter his ton of f 107 balls. However, the Indian laced with five boundaries and a six and
After the skipper was dismissed in the with the score reading 47/1. run‑machine failed to carry India through went on to almost take the game away from
44th over, Dhoni produced his trademark Incoming batsman Kohli then joined the the finishing line as Jason Behrendorff sent the Indians with his 94‑run stand with
finish to keep India in the hunt for the opener and the duo took their side past the him back in the 44th over with India's score Marsh, who also started pressing the accel‑
series. three‑digit mark in 17.4 overs before Rohit reading 242/4. erator after reaching the three‑figure mark.
Medium‑pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar also fell in the next delivery by Marcus Stoinis. Dhoni however continued marshalling the Comfortably placed at 283/5 by the 47th
starred in India's win by picking up four Rohit's top edge was taken safely by Peter forces along with Karthik to help India cross over, India's death over specialist
wickets, while Mohammed Shami con‑ Handscomb at deep forward square. the line w ith four balls to spare. For Bhuvneshwar Kumar then produced a magi‑
tributed well with three scalps. Ambati Rayudu then ably supported his Australia, Behrendorf f, Richardson, Stoinis cal spell that saw the Aussies lose four wick‑
Apart from Kohli and former skipper skipper, chipping in with 24 runs before and Maxwell picked up a wicket each. ets in a span of just four runs.

INDIA LOSE TO BAHRAIN, Serena Williams


CRASH OUT OF ASIAN CUP
Sharjah: India lost 0‑1 to Bahrain in their
last Group A match to crash out of the Asian
was blocked by the opposition defence.
Halicharan Nazary's 22nd minute shot
advances to second
Cup football tournament here.
Jamal Rashed (90+1) converted a penalty
in second‑half added time as Bahrain man‑
added to India's shot tally but hit the side‑
netting.
The 28th minute saw some exquisite
round of Australian Open
Melbourne: Serena
aged to break India's dogged defence after passing by India in Bahrain's box.
Williams of the United
90 minutes of grim battle. Pronay Halder found Halicharan on the
States and the Czech
India finished at the bottom of the group wings, who dribbled in and laid one for
Republic's Karolina
with three points from as many matches. Sunil Chhetri lurking in the box. Last ditch
Pliskova dismissed
With hosts, the United Arab Emirates tackle from Bahrain's defence blanked
their respective oppo‑
(UAE) being held 1‑1 by Thailand in the Chhetri as he was attempting to shoot on
nents on Tuesday to
other Group A match of the night, both goal from less than 10 yards.
reach the second
teams entered the next stage with Bahrain With Bahrain having the lion's share of
round of the
qualifying as the third‑best team. possession, India had to dig deep and
Australian Open.
The UAE finished the group stage with defend.
Serena dispatched
five points, while Thailand and Bahrain Though Bahrain penetrated into the
Germany's Tatjana
managed four points each. Indian box, the opponents did not create
Maria 6‑0, 6‑2 in less
It was not a good start for India as center any serious trouble that Sandesh Jhinghan
than an hour, only
back Anas Edathodika succumbed to injury and his line could not deal with.
dropping two games in
in the opening minutes and was replaced by Even skipper Pronay Halder made a
the second set.
Salam Ranjan Singh. goalline clearance in the dying embers of
T he seven‑t ime Serena Williams in action.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's goal was threat‑ the first half to keep Bahrain at bay.
champion got off to an
ened and he was called into action as early Coach Constantine added more spark in
impeccable start after missing the event fellow countrywoman qualifier Karolina
as the 5th minute when he pulled off an the attack with the introduction of Jeje
last year following the birth of her first Muchova, defeating her 6‑3, 6‑2 in little
acrobatic save off Komail's shot from out‑ Lalpekhlua at the half‑way point, replacing
child, reports Efe news. more than an hour.
side the box. Ashique Kuruniyan.
Serena will face the winner of the match Pliskova, who reached the quarter‑finals
With Bahrain keeping possession for the But it still was the defensive performanc‑
between Chinese wild card Shuai Peng and of the 2018 Australian Open before falling
first ten minutes, India's first chance came es of Pronay Halder and Sandesh Jhingan
Canadian Eugenie Bouchard in the second to Romania's Simona Halep, will now meet
in the 13th when Pritam Kotal released a that provided the forwards cover and
round. the winner of the match between American
cross for Ashique Kuruniyan, whose header thwarted the opposition attacks.
Meanwhile, Karolina was ruthless with Madison Brengle and Japanese Misaki Doi.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOOKS January 19-25, 2019 23

Malala pens new book on refugee girls Nayantara invite fallout:


New Delhi: Nobel Peace Prize win‑
ner and Pakistani activist Malala
Yousafzai is coming up with a new
Top literary head quits
book, charting her experiences Nagpur: In a major fall‑
travelling the world and visiting out of the Nayantara
refugee camps. Titled "We are Sahgal invite withdraw‑
Displaced". al, Akhil Bharat iya
In a press communique, publish‑ Marathi Sahitya
ers Weidenfeld & Nicolson and Mahamandal (ABMSM)
Hachette India said that her travels President Shripad Joshi
through the refugee camps caused has quit his post, a top
her to reconsider her own displace‑ of ficial said on
ment ‑‑ first as an Internally Wednesday.
Displaced Person when she was a "Yes, we have learnt
young child in Pakistan, and then that he has resigned
as an international activist who from his post. I am
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzaiʼs "We are Displaced" Nayantara Sahgal was disinvited from
could travel anywhere in the world, await ing details.
is part memoir, part communal storytelling. inaugurating a Marathi literary festival.
except to the home she loved. However, the ABMSM
"In ʻWe are Displacedʼ, which is life while longing for home, but she who have lost their community, rel‑ will meet on January 10 to elect organizers for the fiasco, proba‑
part memoir, part communal story‑ also shares the personal stories of atives and often the only world a new President," Vidarbha bly leading to his decision to
telling, Malala not only explores some of the incredible girls she has they've ever known," the commu‑ Sahitya Sangh (VSS) President quit.
her own story of adjusting to a new met on her various journeys ‑ girls nique added. Manohar Mhaisalkar told IANS. T he ABMSS, which will be
Apparently disgusted by the presided over by eminent
nationwide backlash after the Marathi author Aruna Dhere of
Arundhati Roy launches Hindi, Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Pune, is also expected to finalize
Sammelan (ABMSS) organizers the dignitary who will replace

Urdu editions of 'The Ministry...' unceremoniously w ithdrew Sahgal for the inaugural honors
Sahgal's invite to inaugurate the at the three‑day event starting
ABMSS 92nd literary confer‑ on January 11, added
New Delhi: Booker edit ion "Bepanah
ence, Joshi emailed his resigna‑ Mhaisalkar.
w inning nove list Shazmani Ki Mumlikat"
tion to the organizers, hours After the Sahg al episo de,
Arund hat i Roy have both been pub‑
before the mega‑event opens in many writers and invitees have
launched the Hindi and lished by Rajkamal
Yavatmal. already threatened to boycott
Urdu editions of her Prakashan.
He said that he was "tired" of the 92nd ABMSS for the treat‑
second nove l "T he Ashok Maheshwari,
replying to media queries since ment meted out to the 91‑year‑
Ministry of Utmost Managing Director of
the past couple of days after the old English writer (Sahgal).
Happiness" at the New Rajkamal Prakashan,
Sahgal episode burst into open Established in 1960, the
Delhi World Book Fair said that it was a matter
and has not been able to dis‑ ABMSM is the influential apex
here on Wednesday. of g reat joy that the
charge his duties as the ABMSM body of all Marathi literary
The much‑acclaimed translation of this book
President. organizations in Maharashtra
novelist, who rose to has come for Hindi and
Joshi was caught in a cross‑ and other parts of India, besides
fame follow ing her Urdu readers.
Hindi edition "Aapar Khushi Ka fire with some pointing fingers a few abroad, under whose aus‑
debut novel "The God of Small "T he Ministry of Utmost
Gharana", translated by at him for withdrawing Sahgal's pices the annual literary con‑
Things" was present at Rajkamal Happiness" has been translated
Manglesh Darbal, and the Urdu invite and blaming the ABMSS ventions are organized.
Prakashan's Jalsa Ghar stall. The into 49 languages.

Hindi‑English publishing collaborations to pick up in 2019


New Delhi: Marking a new era of collabo‑ but up" for Indian publishing. change the way readers think, Vani's
rations in Indian publishing, leading Niyogi Books launched However, Niyogi Books is not the only extensive list of translat ions from
Indian publishing houses are all set to one experimenting with this rising trend. Scandinavian languages, Nobel laureates,
expand their bandwidth in 2019 by
'Bahuvachan', dedicated In a major announcement last year, Magsaysay awardees and Jnanpith
emerging as avenues of cross‑language to their Hindi titles and Penguin Random House India acquired awardees has enabled the publishing
books ‑ coupled with an increasing focus Hind Pocket Books, one of the oldest and house to widen its perspective beyond
on translations. Penguin Random House most respected Hindi language publish‑ the traditional publishing models and
"On 9 January 2019, the day preceding ers in the country. metamorphose into a cultural hub.
the World Hindi Day (January 10), we are
India has acquired Hind The acquisition of Hind Pocket Books, "Early in 2019 we bring you Vani Book
launching our latest imprint, Pocket Books. Penguin said, will build further on its Company, an imprint committed to pro‑
'Bahuvachan', dedicated to our Hindi presence in local language publishing. ducing and publishing exceptional writ‑
titles. Through this new imprint we are to this discerning readership with the Penguin had begun its Hindi publishing ing in English, the newest addition to the
celebrating our state language, Hindi, best quality books. Despite the price‑sen‑ programme in India in 2005, and has subcontinent's linguistic geography. In
which is also one of the most spoken lan‑ sitivity of this market, we believe that the built a significant catalogue of acclaimed addition to producing narratives that cel‑
guages in the world. It is our attempt to readers appreciate good quality books, titles over the years. Other leading e brate linguist ically diverse public
uphold the banner for the multilingual which is worth the price. English publishers have also begun bring‑ spheres, we commission exquisite trans‑
nation that India is. Bahuvachan endeav‑ And here we are, with our Hindi illus‑ ing out books in Hindi. lation of works from across India and
ors to further consolidate our ethos of trated titles at an af fordable price," she How are the Hindi publishers treading beyond, and aim to create an alternative,
bringing fine publishing within reach," said, adding that these books are avail‑ at this crucial juncture? liminal space for debate and dialogue in
Trisha De Niyogi of Niyogi Books, which able at their stall in the New De lhi Vani Prakashan, which has been draw‑ prose as well as in verse, across voices
has carved a niche in fine publishing, told World Book Fair 2019, and will soon find ing Hindi and its expansive literatures, and vanis," Aditi Maheshwari‑Goyal,
IANS. space in all leading booksellers across ancient modern and contemporary, into Managing Trustee of Vani Foundation,
She said that there is a dearth of large India. global conversations and celebrating its told IANS.
format books in Hindi in India today and Niyogi's timely new venture comes at a poetic and polemical contours for 56 These expansions, publishing insiders
therefore Niyogi Books decided to bring time when Indian publishing is growing years, is all set to introduce an English say, hig hlig ht their commitment to
forth the same international standards of at a rapid pace. In fact it is now the sec‑ imprint this month. expand in Indian languages but at the
their books in Hindi, through their new ond largest publishing market in the Having published several Sahitya same time, they are a result of a careful
imprint. world. Publishing insiders have Akademi winning authors, bestsellers, evaluation of contemporary literary and
"Niyogi Books would like to reach out impressed that "there is nowhere to go poetry, politics, and philosophy, books to reading trends in India.
24 January 19-25, 2019 SELF HELP TheSouthAsianTimes.info

6 leadership habits to develop in 2019


By Mark Green ate and value what you have, you communicated processes can
gain a clearer perspective. A make even the most talented, dedi‑

B
ad habits can be hard to daily meeting ritual of apprecia‑ cated staff look terrible. Question
break, and for business tion creates space for each exec‑ processes and communication
leaders who have them, utive to share what they appreci‑ first, before you explore the inten‑
they can be deal‑breakers. ate most, and it opens up the tions, character or capabilities of
In a survey by Leadership IQ, room to clearer thinking and those involved. Research shows
an online training firm, the pri‑ increased collaboration. that believing in your people pays
mary reasons CEOs were fired ‑ 4Give ‑ within limits. There are off.
mismanaging change, ignoring many advantages to being a giver, 4Have high expectations of oth‑
customers, tolerating low per‑ but striking a balance is important ers. Leaders who set the bar high
formers, and not enough action ‑ to remain productive. Sharing and then give their teams latitude
were often related to unproduc‑ information and resources culti‑ to reap more benefits than those
tive habits. vates an abundance mindset, who simply tell their teams what
“Although leaders who display bringing benefits that both the to do. Those whose habits include
these behaviors generally know taining comfort‑zone networks, bad‑luck events. Bad luck, such company and the leader can reap. valuing autonomy and individual
what to do, and how to do it, needing to be liked, neglecting to as the extended absence of a key But there are limits; if youʼre giv‑ responsibility can build something
their unproductive habits render listen enough ‑ and they are hard employee, affords an opportuni‑ ing away too much time and too great over time. High expectations
them unable to get things done ‑ to break.” ty for the leader to empower oth‑ many resources, you wonʼt be able and empowerment are key.
with dire consequences,” says But Green says they can be bro‑ ers by challenging them to learn, to accomplish your own objec‑ 4Maintain intentional focus.
Mark Green, a speaker, coach to ken and suggests replacing them grow and contribute in new tives. Give, but know when to say Excessive multi‑tasking is ineffec‑
CEOs and author of Activators: A with foundational habits that ways. Whatever the circum‑ no. tive. To make real progress, hold a
CEOʼs Guide to Clearer Thinking make leaders successful. He lists stances, leaders rapidly come to 4 When problems arise, focus on small number of very important
and Getting Things Done. “The six of them here. understand the value of generat‑ process ‑ not people. When some‑ things in your mind and let go of
most common unproductive 4Capitalize on luck. This is a ing return on luck. Everyone thing goes wrong, a common the rest. Ruthless prioritization
leadership habits include avoid‑ habit of forward‑moving thinking wins. approach is to find fault with the and focus in execution will set you
ing decisions and conflict, main‑ in response to both good‑ and 4Be grateful. When you appreci‑ people involved. But bad or poorly free.

Tips to spend wisely on 4 simple tips for blending


household purchases a better‑for‑you smoothie
R T
unning a house‑ hereʼs no better time than a new year
hold can be to embrace healthy habits. And itʼs easi‑
expensive, but er to embrace a “new me” mentality by
experts say that there are fueling your body with the goodness it needs
new ways you can save now. You can incorporate more fruits and veg‑
big on needed items. etables into your daily regimen with one sim‑
“The days of clipping ple snack hack: smoothies! Smoothies are con‑
coupons may be out of venient, fast and easy to make ‑‑ all you need
style, but finding ways to is a liquid base, frozen or fresh ingredients
save money never is,” says and a blender.
Michael McAuliffe, presi‑ But itʼs easy to overlook the amount of
dent of Family Credit sugar weʼre sipping, which can make your
Management. “From in‑ “healthy” smoothie the sugar equivalent of a Functional foods can help fill in nutritional
store apps to price track‑ candy bar. Yikes! The secret to making a bet‑ gaps of your diet while pairing added benefits.
ers, new tech tools can ter‑for‑you smoothie is cherry picking the 3. Incorporate a dairy‑free base. Over 65
help.” The experts at Family Credit all the time. But, how can you keep track right ingredients that not only taste good but percent of the population experiences a
Management are encouraging consumers of who is dropping them and when? With are good for you. reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy,
to research their money‑saving options, a tracker app, you can tell the app what Here are four tips for blending healthful so if youʼre experiencing unexplained bloating
as technology is always evolving. To get to look for and it will notify you when smoothies that will help you reach your well‑ after meals, itʼs possible that dairy could be
you started, they have narrowed down a your wanted items drop in price. IFTTT ness resolutions in the New Year: the culprit. Daiya, the tasty brand known for
few tech‑savvy ways to streamline and (If This Then That), camelcamelcamel 1. Sacrifice sugar, not taste. Smoothies creating plant‑based versions of favorite com‑
save. and Price Tracker for Amazon will keep made with fruit‑flavored juices or sweetened fort foods, now offers delicious dairy‑free
4 Browser Extensions: Whether you use an eye on prices for you to make sure with frozen yogurt might taste great, but can yogurt cups in fruit flavors, like strawberry,
Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari youʼre the first to see the best deals. wreak havoc on your health, often adding up peach and more. These yogurt cups are made
or Firefox as your internet browser, there 4Credit Card Points/Discounts: Credit to more than an entire dayʼs worth of added with coconut cream, are low in sugar and
are sites you can visit to add an extension cards can encourage overspending, but sugar. Cut back on the excess sugar by mak‑ pack in a healthy dose of B12, calcium and 6
to your searching power. Itʼs like adding when used carefully and within budget, ing them at home, where you can control grams of protein per serving. Plus, the
an additional search box which will know offer certain advantages. For example, whatʼs inside. Consider smart swaps, like no coconut cream provides a satisfying creamy
to look for the best deals out there when‑ store‑specific credit cards often offer sugar added Mooala Bananamilks. These texture without the discomforts associated
ever you are shopping online and com‑ special discounts, kickbacks and coupons dairy‑free milk alternatives add great‑tasting with dairy.
pare prices side‑by‑side, cutting out some for cardholders. Just think how you could flavor with sustainably‑sourced bananas, 4. Plan ahead. Letʼs face it, busy lives
of the legwork for you. Some well‑known double up on the savings by using some roasted sunflower seeds and a touch of cinna‑ require time‑saving measures, and making
examples are PriceBlink, The Camelizer of the above tools, as well as by purchas‑ mon and sea salt. smoothies is no exception. Prep smoothie
and InvisibleHand. ing with a card with added bonuses. 2. Turn flavor into function. Make your packets the night before or, even better, for
4 Coupon Apps: Mobile apps such as Remember though, that any savings you smoothie as efficient as you are. Multitask the week ahead. It just takes a few minutes to
Coupon Sherpa, SnipSnap and Yowza, earn will quickly be eaten up if you pay with ingredients to provide your body with all portion out the right amount of fruits and veg‑
enable you to scan items while youʼre in‑ interest charges. To avoid this trap, never it needs without adding excess calories. Blend gies, throw them in a baggie and into the
store and find the best value coupons on use a credit card unless you can pay the in a scoop of collagen for better skin or a dash freezer. Measuring the night before also
the spot. entire balance in full each month. Also, of turmeric to decrease inflammation. Also ensures you donʼt overindulge in the morning
4Price Drop Alert Trackers: Donʼt make think very carefully about opening a new consider adding extra fiber, which takes rush, plus you wonʼt have to add ice cubes,
the mistake of assuming Amazon is the account, as this can negatively affect longer for your body to digest, making you which lets you pack in more antioxidants
be‑all‑and‑end‑all for saving. Prices drop your credit. feel full longer and on fewer calories. while simplifying the process.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info HEALTH January 19-25, 2019 25

Fitness trends to look forward to in 2019


T
he thing about fitness trends is that it produces the most efficient cardio
they fizzle out quickly and are soon burns. "Boot camps, sprints, stairs, spin
replaced by different techniques bikes, and rowers seem to work the best,"
and methods. An article "Fitness column: the author wrote in the article. Taking a
Which 2019 fitness trends are unten‑ jibe at the 'all‑natural protein bars',
able?" authored by Paul Robinson pub‑ Robinson stated that 99 percent of the
lished in The Sudbury Star reviewed the people working out don't require protein
2019 fitness trends and stated that the supplement instead they need proper
good ol' 'Bodyweight training' is here to nutrition. "Grab a salad. Better still, find a
stay and is a great complement to most watch that zaps you every time you
workouts. "Resistance training accom‑ overeat."
plishes a lot more than I can fit into this Further, in his article, Robinson states
small space. Bodyweight training (i.e. that workout for 'Older adults' should be
pushups, chin‑ups, etc.) can be done at made accessible as 55+ people tend to
home with little to no investment." produce the most dramatic gains.
The article also talked about the pros "Make it accessible and people may buy
and cons of fitness technology. Taking a in because prescription medication and
dig at the technology, the author stated euchre are much more tempting than
that the demand for wearable technolo‑ exercise and healthy eating," stated
gies is skyrocketing and they will stay Robinson in his article.
around "until they plant a chip in your The 'simple solutions' to fitness is
brain." increased diet of fruit, vegetables, and
The article asked to focus on the need tion should be taken seriously. Adding gence is an epidemic." Talking about whole grains. He further wrote that the
for "mindful eating and sober curious," that eating and drinking abundantly has 'High‑Intensity Interval Training' or HIIT key is the addition of regular movement
emphasizing that food and alcohol addic‑ become socially acceptable, "overindul‑ as millennials call it, Robinson wrote that and subtraction of processed food. (ANI)

High‑fiber diet may Parents struggle for ways to


lower risk of death, stop children from vaping
A
growing epidemic, with

chronic diseases federal authorities grap‑


pling with how to regulate
e‑cigarettes on a board scale, par‑
ents are scrambling at home to
deal with nicotine dependence or
to stop their children from getting
hooked to something that seems to
be ever‑present at schools.
According to a story published in
CNN, when Sonya Kennedy learned
that her 12‑year‑old son, Ryder,
had tried vaping, she was "morti‑ (Image courtesy: blog.chw.org)
fied." However, she soon realized
that the trend had far‑reaching a photo shoot and posted the and other drugs. They also recom‑
implications than she earlier real‑ results on social media ‑‑ and they mend that parents be familiar with
ized. A shocked Kennedy knew actually showed up on a Sunday signs their children might be vap‑
that she had to do something morning, to her surprise. ing. If they notice a faint, sweet
about it and Kennedy asked a local

A
According to Meredith Berkman, scent, if they show a change in
new study now finds intakes. business to print a few T‑shirts co‑founder of Parents Against mood, take frequent breaks to puff
that people who eat The team was commissioned with a straightforward message: Vaping e‑cigarettes, the first thing and share vape‑related posts on
diets that have higher by the World Health "Athletes don't vape." parents can do is educate them‑ social media. According to
fiber content have a lower risk Organization to inform future The trend caught on and she selves. experts, symptoms that children
of death and chronic diseases fiber intake recommendations. started receiving requests from Researchers are worried that e‑ are vaping include anxiety, dis‑
such as stroke or cancer. According to the study, 15 people in Los Angeles, cigarettes could put children's tractibility, headaches and stom‑
The study, that was published percent to 30 percent reduced Sacramento, and Canada who developing brains at risk, get them ach aches. Other symptoms may
in the journal The Lancet saw the risk of death and chronic wanted in on the positive message. hooked on nicotine early in life include increased thirst, nose‑
co‑author of the study, Andrew diseases in people who includ‑ She even invited local athletes to and be an initiation to smoking bleeds, and mood changes.
Reynolds, a researcher at the ed the most fiber in their diets
University of Otago in New as compared to those with the
Zealand, state that fiber's lowest intake. A fiber‑rich diet
health benefits have been was linked, on average, to a 22
recorded by over 100 years of percent reduced the risk of
research, reported CNN. stroke, a 16 percent lower risk
The study finds that higher of Type 2 diabetes and colorec‑
intakes of fiber "led to a tal cancer, and a 30 percent
reduced incidence of a surpris‑ reduced risk of death from
ingly broad range of relevant coronary heart disease.
diseases (heart disease, type 2 Based on the research,
diabetes, and colorectal can‑ experts recommend 25 grams
cer)," reduced body weight and (0.88 ounces) to 29 grams
total cholesterol, and reduced (1.02 ounces) of fiber each day.
mortality, Reynolds wrote. Higher amounts are even more
Similar findings were shown beneficial, according to the
with increasing whole‑grain analysis. (IANS)
26 January 19-25, 2019 FIRST PERSON TheSouthAsianTimes.info

In praise of Pakistani physicians


By Roy Johnson

A
s a native New Yorker I
did not know much about
Pakistan, and I had no
need to know either. The media
coverage of 9/11 carnage fol‑
lowed by the war in Afghanistan
was my only lesson about the
geog raphy and culture of
Pakistan. My impression of
Pakistan was that it was a coun‑
try ravaged by the war where
people ate spicy food and played
cricket. I did not care for any of
these things. However, a few
years later, I came in touch with
several Pakistani professionals
and artists who showed me dif‑
ferent dimensions of Pakistan,
which I have come to appreciate
a lot.
Roy Johnson with Dr Khawar Nazir and his wife. Dr. Nazir took care The author, seen in a Pakistani dress, is a
In the summer of 2010, I was
of Roy after a major surgery. That led Roy to get introduced native New Yorker. He has a growing
scheduled to have major surgery.
to a little Pakistan here in New York. interest in Pakistani art and culture.
I was dreading the process of
rehabilitation and recuperation
Initially, I wanted to say, “None of In this process, I have met a few
after the procedure. At the time,
a Pakistani physician, Dr. Khawar
your business”, but I have of the finest people I know in my APPNA, the 3rd largest doctors body

I
learned to give standard answers life, and now they have become
Nazir, who was finishing his der‑ ndian doctors in America have made a name for themselves. The
to all expected questions from my best friends. Dr. Adnan Nadir,
matolog y training at Boston contributions of Pakistani physicians are also getting better
practical strangers. a Pakistani British cardiologist,
University, offered to be my care‑ known now. The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent
Personally I have struggled Dr. Saad Saeed, a Pakistani
taker. It was a very generous of North America (APPNA), headquartered in a suburb of Chicago,
because I was uncomfortable in Canadian dentist, and their fami‑
of fer, but I was re luctant to represents over 17,000 physicians and health care professionals of
dealing with Pakistani women. I lies are among the closest people
accept it. I barely knew him, and Pakistani descent. It is the third largest medical association in the
had the image that they are all in my life. My current plan for a
I did not want to burden him. United States after American Medical Association and the American
complete ly covered up and weekend getaway is usually visit‑
Yet he insisted, and then for Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Last year DC
docile, but I have met many inde‑ ing Dr. Hafiz Imran and his fami‑
three weeks, he took excellent based actor/filmmaker Noor Naghmi made a docudrama titled
pendent, confident and smart ly in Providence, Rhode Island.
care of me at my home. He “Angels Within” that spotlights how so many Pakistani American
ladies from Pakistan. My friend's I have a deep interest in art,
cooked, helped me with my phys‑ doctors are providing healthcare in the rural parts of the US. It
mother who visited New York and I spend some time volunteer‑
ical therapy and drove me to all blends a fictional story about discrimination against Muslims in the
was a charming, polite and grace‑ ing at the Museum of Modern
of my clinical appointments. country with interviews with real‑life Pakistani American doctors.
ful lady. She loved my dog and Art. For the last few years, I have
T his interaction changed my
would pat his back gently, while been follow ing the budding
opinion about Pakistanis and production. I was particularly all my life. I also feel great pleas‑
most Pakistani men were afraid Pakistani art scene in New York. I
Pakistan forever. Since then I impressed by the personality and ure to know so many talented,
of the dog and at times wouldnʼt am always impressed by the
have met several Pakistani pro‑ work of Usman Riaz who show‑ kind and hardworking people.
even shake hands with me if the quality of the art that Pakistani
fessionals, and most of them cased his movie The Waves in Because of my frequent talk
dog was lying in my lap. I was artists are producing. The work
have stayed as my guests for the New York Independent film about Pakistan, my American
amused at how much she of several Pakistani art ists
days or weeks. festival. In recent weeks, I have friends have reported that many
enjoyed visit ing the tourist including Ashna Khanʼs photo‑
For the past several years, my also enjoyed witnessing the pro‑ of their physicians are from
attractions –Times Square and graphs and miniatures by Irfan
close Pakistani friends have host‑ duct ion of an up‑coming Pakistan as well. They always
Niagara Falls. I did not expect Hasan hang on the walls in my
ed a BBQ at my house and invited Pakistani movie, The Forbidden praise them for being competent
this at all from an old, traditional house. I have attended the South
others to join them. Dr. Hafiz Steps. and caring. Now every year, I
lady from Pakistan. Asian Film Festival which has
Imran is the organizer and the I have also visited the opening even spend Christmas and
Several of the Pakistani physi‑ screened very fine films from
master che f who se lects the of several art shows of Pakistani Thanksgiving, the most impor‑
cians and artists have stayed at Pakistan, such as Dukhtar and
guest list that has only one crite‑ artists in dif ferent galleries in tant holidays of the year, with
my home for days or even weeks. These Birds Fly, an independent
rion: the person must be from New York. T he master artist the family of my friend Fareed
Pakistan. Over the years I have R.M. Naeem really impressed me from Pakistan. They meet and
met several Pakistani physicians with his discussion of Pakistani greet me as one of their own
and their families. I have found art, ident ity and Sufism. My family members.
them to be hardworking, pleas‑ sports interests are primarily And on days of the Eid, I wear
ant and friendly. But not every‑ limited to American sports and shalwar Qammez and eat kheer
thing about them sits well with tennis and that eliminates cricket (rice pudding). I do not under‑
my all‑American lifestyle. At from the equation, but I follow stand Urdu, but by now I know
times, Aisam‑Ul‑Haq because of his you can answer anything with
I find them intrusive, with little Pakistani connect ion and achha, achha or bilkul.
understanding of my expecta‑ watched him playing twice, in Khawar Nazir has since moved
tions regarding personal space. California and New York. back to Lahore, Pakistan, but
Many of them will ask the ques‑ I am so thankful that one inci‑ every year he visits me with his
tions which Americans would dent of a caring attitude has wife. Their wedding photo sits on
find impolite or even rude. It usu‑ opened a window for so many my piano to remind me of their
ally starts with “I hope you do unexpected positive events in my love and care. I am blessed to
not mind me asking but…” life. Some of my best friends are have a little bit of Pakistan
Where is your family? Do you now living in Pakistan. On my around me in New York. I plan
own this house? How much birthday, Christmas and other to visit Pakistan someday, and I
mortgage do you pay? How do holidays I get more wishes from know that I will meet many inter‑
you know other Pakistanis? The The author enjoying a Christmas meal with his Pakistan and Pakistanis than esting people and have valuable
list of questions never ends. Pakistani hosts and other guests. from America where I have lived experiences.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info COLUMNS January 19-25, 2019 27

How to get accepted to a direct medical program


Students can do that by: ● Answer the question “Why
● Avoid taking too many AP Medicine?” Use your essay to con‑
courses; instead of enrolling in every vey your maturity and powerful
AP course offered, take fewer class‑ intent to study medicine by showing
es and concentrate ones that are sci‑ how your activities have prepared
ence‑focused. By taking less AP you for this program.
courses, you can devote more time With thousands of students
to extracurricular activities, which applying for these intense pro‑
are another important factor in grams, make sure every aspect of
acceptance your application, from the essay to
SHINE ON, STUDENTS ● Not taking “easy” AP cours‑ your academics, to your activities
By Kristen Moon es to bump up their GPA revolve around medicine and sci‑
● Focusing their coursework ence. Show you are prepared and
etting accepted into a med‑ around science‑based classes, in par‑ have put serious consideration into
ical program isnʼt easy. In ticular by taking advanced AP cours‑ your selected career path to make
2017‑2018, the average es in science‑related fields. sure you stand out from the other
acceptance rate hovered around just Spend Time Crafting a Stellar applications and beat the odds.
7 percent. For the uber‑competitive Personal Statement
programs, the acceptance rate drops T he application essay is your
to below 3 percent. Because of this, chance to come alive and help estab‑
many students decide instead to lish you as a real person outside of
compete for a coveted spot in a the numbers. A direct medical pro‑
direct medical program, also gram is a massive commitment;
referred to as BS/MD. therefore the student must convey
A spot in this program guarantees should follow. on your resume helps bring your their conviction to this career path.
the undergrad admission to medical Don't Try to Do Everything application to the top of the pile. To write a persuasive essay, a stu‑
school after completing program‑ Most students applying for these You can achieve this through a shad‑ dent should:
specific criteria. High school seniors types of programs will all have simi‑ owing position, volunteering, ● Tell a story with a purpose
fill out just the one application that lar levels of grades, AP courses research work, or any other and emotion, that ultimately will
will essentially lock them into a taken, and ACT/SAT scores. It can be extracurricular activity where a bring the narrative back to you. By

K
career in medicine. While this can incredibly challenging to stand out deep interest is portrayed. te lling a memorable story, the
admissions officers will be able to risten Moon is an inde‑
be a daunting commitment at such a so students should develop a deep Concentrate on Science
recall yours more easily. pendent college coun‑
young age, there are perks such as a interest that they spend time and Your academic transcript will be
● Refrain from repeating selor and founder of
shorter time at a university (some energy cultivating. By focusing on one of the first things looked at by
extracurricular activities that can MoonPrep.com. Moon Prep
programs are only six or seven something related to the science or the admission officers. GPA, rigor of
easily be found in the application. provides one‑on‑one college
years instead of the typical eight) medical field, it can show that they courses, course selection, class rank,
The essay is your one chance to counseling services. They
and greater flexibility over their can devote time and energy to a sin‑ and standardized testing scores are
showcase your personality. guide students through the
course selection. However, many of gle task and do it well, which is all carefully scrutinized. Therefore,
● Do not procrastinate. It will entire application process
these programs admit less than 20 more impressive than doing many students should create a resume
most likely take you longer than you including completing the
students per year. To stand out, activities at a mediocre level. that will attract the notice of the
think to write a compelling essay FAFSA.
there are a few tips that students A memorable interest showcased BS/MD admissions office.

IMMIGRATION

I‑751, Waiver of Joint Filing Due to


By Dev Banad Viswanath, Esq.
& Michael Phulwani, Esq.

f an individual applied for a


green card based on their mar‑
riage to a U.S. citizen and they
were married for less than two
years when they were granted res‑
Divorce, Termination, or Annulment
idence, they will receive a “condi‑ ry. The individual must submit cumstances that ended the needs more evidence to prove the

VISA
tional” green card that is only evidence to establish that their marriage. marriage was entered into in good
valid for two years. Before the marriage was a bona fide real mar‑ After the whole I‑751 packet is faith they will send a request for
two‑year mark is up the individual

TALK
riage and not just a business trans‑ filed, the conditional permanent evidence, which must be timely
must file a I‑751 form to remove action to get a green card. The resident will receive a receipt answered. Or an interview may be
the conditions on their green card. individual must also provide evi‑ notice which also extends their scheduled. Once USCIS reviews the
If the conditions on their green dence that the marriage is legally status. The conditional permanent whole I‑751 packet it will deter‑
card are not removed, then the ed: the marriage ended in divorce, terminated. If the U.S. citizen resident is allowed to continue to mine if the conditional permanent
green card and their status and annulment, or death of the U.S. cit‑ spouse died than the individual live and work in the U.S. while resident qualifies for a waiver of
right to stay in the U.S. will termi‑ izen spouse, the individual will suf‑ must provide a death certificate. their case is being processed, and joint filing and send a letter to the
nate. fer extreme hardship if they Evidence to establish a marriage travel the same as before. If USCIS applicant with their decision.
Normally to remove the condi‑ return to their home country, or was entered into in good faith
tions on a green card, the green would include wedding records, Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
the individual was abused or treat‑
card holder and their spouse The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States, and
ed cruelly by their U.S. citizen birth certificates of children, joint
would jointly file Form I‑751, Banad Immigration in India for which Attorney
spouse. This article will focus on financial records, pictures, among
Petition to Remove the Conditions Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of Counsel.
waiver of the joint filing require‑ other items.
With Offices in Manhattan, Queens, Bangalore, and
of Residence, within 90 days of the ment due to divorce, annulment, The following is what must be Mumbai, the firm is able to assist clients with all
expiration of the green card. or death. submitted to USCIS along with facets of the immigration process, including
There are a few circumstances An individual may request a Form I‑751: Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
where an individual may file Form waiver of the joint filing require‑ 4 Copy of the permanent resi‑ Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
I‑751 without their spouse; this is ment for Form‑751 only after dent card, front and back; Citizenship and Green Card Applications based on
when the individual applies for a their divorce/annulment is final or 4 Evidence that the marriage Family or Employment. Dev B. Viswanath can be
waiver of the joint filing require‑ if the U.S. citizen spouse died. If was entered into in good faith reached at Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
ment. There are three circum‑ the couple are just separated or in and that the marriage was gen‑ Dev will be in India working from those offices
stances where a waiver of the joint divorce/annulment proceedings, uine; and Jan 28 to Feb 12 and can meet people
filing requirement may be grant‑ they cannot file under this catego‑ 4 Evidence supporting the cir‑ for personal consultations.
28 January 19-25, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

Good parenting means teaching important lessons


I've been a parent for more than ing, considerate and conscientious reveals your true character. All
16 years and let me tell you, it isnʼt adults. I'd rather picture my son as humans deserve respect, even the
easy. Every stage of a child's life a courteous waiter at a restaurant ones who are crazy enough to vote
unleashes new challenges on a par‑ than a rude billionaire at a beach for the other party. (I'm speaking, of
ent. When I hear that a group of club. course, about the Libertarian Party.)
kids has committed a misdeed of It's up to parents to teach their 3. Be humble. I want my kids to
some sort, I'm not quick to blame children important values. Here are do well in life, but I don't want them
poor parenting. I know from experi‑ just a few of the lessons I'd want my to be boastful about their achieve‑
ence that it's not wise to judge kids to learn: ments. I don't want them to think
other parents until you've deter‑ that they're better than others, just
mined, beyond any doubt, that one 1. Be honest. Lying, cheating and because those other people weren't
of your kids wasn't involved. stealing are examples of dishonest lucky enough to have the greatest
But even if my kids weren't behavior. Children learn at an early dad in the world.
involved (they're good kids), I'm not age what's acceptable and what 4. Be kind. It's important to be
quick to judge the parents because I they can get away with. I never let kind to others and not just your
know that every parent has unique ful parent is one whose children ists and others? I know it's hard to my kids get away with lying, except own kind. I hope to teach my kids to
circumstances and unique chal‑ have achieved great academic and imagine such a president, but let's when they're telling me that I'm the be kind in many dif ferent ways,
lenges. If one of my kids does some‑ career success. stretch our imaginations for a greatest dad in the world. Father's including opening doors for
thing terrible, I don't want to be We admire parents whose chil‑ moment. Would you feel proud if Day lies are generally okay – and so strangers, helping old people cross
blamed for it. dren have become doctors or engi‑ your child became a president, but is telling me that I'm in great shape busy roads, and handing the remote
And if one of my kids does some‑ neers or any type of high‑earning was boastful and ill‑mannered, and don't need to go on a diet, or control to their father when the
thing terrific, such as win the Nobel professional. All parents want their always belittling people on social that my hair isn't falling out – my football game is about to start.
Prize, I donʼt want to take the credit children to be successful in their media? I wouldn't. I'd want to grab scalp is just asserting itself. 5. Be generous. I want my kids to
for it. I just want to take the prize careers, but is that really enough? a slipper and chase him or her 2. Be respectful. I want my kids to be generous with their time and
money. ( Well, not all of it. Just Imagine that your child becomes around, at least until the body‑ be respectful to their elders, as well money. I want them to be especially
enough to pay for the ambulance I'd the president of a country – any guards stop me. as everyone else. It's easy to show generous when a person holds his
have to call when their mother country around the world – but Whether my kids become doctors, respect to people in equal or superi‑ hand out and asks for money. I
faints upon hearing the news.) lacks integrity and is disrespectful lawyers, flight attendants or store or positions, but how you treat the don't want them to say something
People often think that a success‑ toward political opponents, journal‑ clerks, I'd first want them to be car‑ disadvantaged and underprivileged rude, such as, "Get lost, Dad!"

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
New York Head Quarter
422‑S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801

516‑827‑1010 By Mahendra Shah


Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession,
artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording
the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his car-
toons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY January 19-25, 2019 29

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


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

JANUARY 19‑25, 2019


Aries: Exciting time is foretold on the Cancer: You may get motivated to Libra: You enjoy excellent health Capricorn: Professionals can find
romantic front. Lagging behind in a take up an exercise regimen and through the week. Stars foretell sta‑ this phase rewarding. Your man
project on the professional front may get benefitted on the health front. bility on the financial front. Those management skills are likely to be
translate into getting a mouthful from the Love life will give immense pleasure. trying their luck on the love front are likely praised by higher ups. Family life will be
boss! You will succeed in tying up all the Professionally, you can find yourself on a to find success at last! most satisfying as spouse is all out to cater
loose ends on the academic front. A deci‑ strong wicket, as you spare no ef forts to Your close association with your well‑wish‑ to your moods! Wedding bells can soon toll
sion on the spur of the moment to go on a better your career prospects. On the aca‑ ers are set to get you some great profes‑ for some. A physical competition will find
trip will prove most exciting and adventur‑ demic front, a source of tension that had sional opportunities. An honour or reward you taste victory. Weight watchers will
ous. A home remedy may work wonders for been bugging you for some time is likely to can be expected by some in the creative or derive full benefits by regulating their diet
a common ailment. disappear. professional field. and exercise regime.
Taurus: A fruitful period is foreseen, Leo: The condition of those ailing for Scorpio: An inner fear to perform Aquarius: Good earning opportuni‑
as you will be able to tackle compli‑ long may show a marked improve‑ well can let you down on the aca‑ ties will help some in becoming
cated matters very competently at ment. You are likely to feel more demic front. It is best to postpone an financially secure this week. You
work earning you good results in future. confident in undertaking a complex assign‑ important decision at work as stars donʼt will make the situation to show of f your
You are likely to enjoy your love life. A new ment and do an excellent job of it too! You seem favourable. The raise you had been prosperity to those around you! Smooth
exercise regimen is likely to make you fit. may benefit from getting some additional expecting can take some more time to sailing on the family front is in store for
Recovering money from someone will prove information in your preparation on the aca‑ materialise. Mental tensions can take the some. Condition of a family elder can cause
to be easier than you thought. Meeting demic front. form of bodily ailments for some. Someone worry. Getting introduced to a charming
someone important on the social front will You will succeed in stoking the embers of close to you will give you strength and member of the opposite gender cannot be
be in your favour. passion and make romance rock! direction. ruled out for some.
Gemini: Much workload is foreseen Virgo: Professionally, you can expect Sagittarius: Your excitement is likely Pisces: A little convincing is all that
on the professional sphere, but you a satisfying period. Your initiative on to rub off on partner to make this a is required to motivate superior to
will manage everything admirably. the domestic front is likely to bear perfect phase for romance. Financial include your idea in a project. A prof‑
Your best friend may require some encour‑ mixed results. Someoneʼs help will prove a crunch is in the offing for those involved in itable period is foreseen for those in the
agement for delivering what is expected of boon on the academic front. Monetary front overseas business. creative field. Students may have to double
him or her. T his is the right phase to strengthens as money lent to someone is Job seekers are likely to land a well‑paying their ef forts to achieve their dreams.
express your love for someone you like. returned. job. A pending project may require your Guidance from a friend will need to be fol‑
There is someone who is a source of irrita‑ Maybe it is the season, as some of you can personal attention to be put back on the lowed meticulously. Those waiting for love
tion on the social front, so avoid him or her. fall in love! Health remains tracks. to happen can be in for a long wait! Your
Health w ise, you w ill be healthy and satisfactory as you become more fitness A heart‑to‑heart talk with lover is possible steely resolve will help you remain in
energetic. conscious. towards the end of the week. shape.

19th January, 2019 much popular among opposite


Preferred by number 1, Sun
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK sex. Feeling of an affair or infatu‑
and influenced by Mercury, your and plan a pleasure trip near sea the solution of their worries and which takes you a ride on some ation is waiting for you. Your air
canny way tackling the task is shore with your family. You will tension. Your mentorship and peaceful and exotic trip with is filled with positive vibrations
impeccable. Besides being so lev‑ be delightful as so many good live ly moo d charged up the your family. Donʼt count your around you. Well contented mar‑
elheaded you need to mould your things happen around you. You atmosphere where ever you go. chicken before they hatch is what ried life will be there for you. You
timidness into activeness else ought to become a good author Every person wants to be with is your motto of your life. will get full support, cooperation
your graph may show downward as inspired by your writing skills. you. You are in high demand Prosperous months: July, and loyal from your spouse. Any
trend. Your wisdom is immacu‑ Children will get impressed by everywhere. Your physical beauty December, February and May. person of water element or any‑
late and beyond imagination. the way you teach them. Love is is like drugs for the people. They thing of water element would be
Carefully planned activities will in the air for you. You are likely find themselves trapped every 23rd January, 2019 beneficial for your business ven‑
thrive you in your career. to get someone special in your time they meet you under your Steered by number 5 and tures. Any sea city would bring a
Embark on research field as our life who converts you to a black magic of your flamboyant Mercury, for students and profes‑ lot of happiness in your upcom‑
country is in short of skilled peo‑ responsible and matured person. and live nature. Your magic spell sional, studies and work will ing life. Sep. October, February
ple in that sector. Assured pros‑ Your way of handling the audi‑ liked by everyone. Result orient‑ make you so much busy bodied and June will be lucky for you.
perity will be there for you. Fast ence is incredible. You are ed time: September, November that you have no time to breathe.
and furious is your way of work‑ blessed with some traits that are and January. Through your aspirations you 25th January, 2019
ing but be careful as at times you the need of the hour. Derogatory will thrall everybody around you. Favored by number 7 and plan‑
have to control your anger. You class people will grab your atten‑ 22nd January, 2019 One of your outstanding ability is et Neptune and ardently con‑
should go for some spiritual tion as your emotions flows for Ruled by number 4 and planet to spot early on spot your area of trolled by Mercury, you always
classes which comforts your them too. Even if you do not have Uranus and supported by comfort, groom it and do the task tend to work on Gandhi Jiʼs prin‑
chaos mind. A trip to some resources you try to help every‑ Mercury also, you are cool head‑ in the best way you can. Your ciple i.e. non violence. Poking
adventure island is your top pri‑ one out of the box. This makes ed lad and jolts everybody mind speeches will bind your co‑work‑ nose in somebody matter will
ority. You will explore new excit‑ your soul to fee l atonement. by your intellectual way of talk‑ ers who at times come for some unduly subject you to critics, so
ing and thrilling sports activities Gaining time period: October, ing. You are difficult to please but in‑house training about life phi‑ debar such acts. There might be
as rafting, skiing and diving. Your February, April and May. some of your friends find the way losophy. In the entire campaign some grudges that will come out
expectation might get unfulfilled to get you. You are likely to get a of life till now you debar yourself from your side for your kins as
by your spouse that may irritate 21st January, 2019 friend who might ring the mar‑ from any clashes at home or at well as for colleagues, so suggest
you but at the end of the day you Supported by number 3, riage bells on your door. Every your workplace. You always you to deal patiently. Your upset
spend quality time with them. Jupiter and af fect of Mercury night is followed by a day is what bounce back with great thrust state will be consoled by your
Value your better half emotions also, you have killing looks which you have to be lieve in. Your when faced with challenges face kids as they make you laugh for
carefully. Lucky months‑ August, always makes opposite sex to effort will ignite a ray of hope to to face. Running time will bring some time. They try to convert
February, June and July. roam around you. Your gesture end all your worries. Source of lot of triumph and success for your virtual thinking into the real
towards your social circle will income itself comes to you but you be fore signing of f. one. Your sharp insightfulness
20th January, 2019 raise the bar of your respect and you need to grab the opportunity Auspicious and significant and intellect traits will make you
Ruled by number 2, Moon and glory. Dead bank balance will also. You always believe in taking months would be November, earn handsome money without
overlooked by Mercury. Out of come into picture once again decision on the spot, a bit of December, March and April. any physical stress. Your sover‑
our four basic elements “Water” after getting a bumper surprise delay and your temperature will eignty is all what you need with‑
is the one which is talisman for from your family members spe‑ be like Delhiʼs summer. Your 24th January, 2019 out which your graph of work
you. Try to be close to this ele‑ cially father. Home made things grilling attitude makes you a Favored by number 6 Venus may fall down drast ically.
ment. It will not only provide are your taste for the time being. deep thinker. You tend to go to and overpowered by Mercury, Impulse and eagerness are what
good vibes to increase your pro‑ You tend to spend worth time the root of the problem and then upcoming year brings lot of you need to check in yourself.
ductivity but also take all your with your family which filled you sort it out. You always display a name and fame for you. You will You yourself make a small prob‑
worries and makes you reach the with lot of energy and eagerness character that is optimistic and rise like shining star. Success fills lem to take the shape of more
seventh sky. Name, fame, glory towards life. Socialism is in your positive in your life. Avoid sitting your basket with love and affec‑ complex and complicated one
and success are all what comes eyes. Itʼs good time for the suf‑ idle as idle mind is devilʼs abode. tion as everyone pulled towards which may annoy you. Golden
to you. Bored by work, go ahead fered people as they find you as Serenity is high on your cards you. Seems you would be too time: December, March and July.
30 January 19-25, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Jyoti Meditation instructions:


An introductory meditation technique
revived, what they saw and heard inner vistas such as an inner sky,
were borne out to be true. At clouds, stars, a moon, or a sun.
some point, those describing the While gazing into the middle of
experience report going through what appears, you may notice
a dark tunnel to emerge in a that your mind distracts you with
world of light. There, they met a thoughts. You may find that the
By Sant Rajinder Singh being of Light who embraced thoughts distract you from gazing
Ji Maharaj them with more love than any within. You may find that you

J
they ever experienced in their cannot silence your mind to con‑
yoti Meditation (light medi‑ physical life. The joy they felt in tinue meditating. To help keep
tation) is an introductory this world of light was so tremen‑ your mind from distracting you,
practice used in Science of dous many did not want to return you can mentally and silently
Spirituality̶Sawan Kirpal Ruhani to life. During this time, they no repeat any Name of God with
Mission that anyone of any age longer felt any pain. The light was which you feel comfortable. This
can try on your own. The full bright and intense but not scorch‑ repetition should go on mentally,
meditation technique used in ing. This experience was so loving and bliss that lasts with us even physical world. With closed eyes, and not aloud, as you continue to
Science of Spirituality, which it transformed their lives and they when we come out of meditation. focus your attention in front of gaze. This silent repetition gives
leads to inner experiences of spir‑ realized how important it is to be To get started with the Jyoti you. Do not put pressure on your the mind something to do so that
itual realms of light within, is loving. They returned to their Meditation practice, which any‑ eyes. Also, do not raise your eyes it does not send thoughts to you
called Shabd Meditation or Surat body as it was not their time to one can try on your own at home upwards towards the direction of that can distract you from medi‑
Shabd Yoga as is practiced by die, but they were transformed by or anywhere you like, sit in a com‑ the eyebrows as that puts pres‑ tating. As your attention con‑
people all over the world. the experience. They no longer fortable pose, most convenient to sure on your eyes and forehead verges at the third or single eye,
A good analogy to understand feared death and knew that there you, in which you can sit still for and can result in a headache. you may then see inner lights.
the joy of meditation can be was more to life than their physi‑ the longest possible time. While Rather, keep your eyes focused These lights are a reflection of the
found in the reports of those hav‑ cal body. They knew they could meditating, it is not necessary to gently in front of you and look lights of the inner realms. By gaz‑
ing a near‑death experience, or exist beyond this body. hold hands or touch anyone else, into the middle of what appears ing deeper into the middle of that
NDE. In such experiences, some‑ According to a Gallup Poll, as any movement brings your within. Keep gazing horizontally, light, you can tap into the spiritu‑
one who underwent a physical over thirteen million people attention back down into the focusing about eight to ten inches al treasures within and enjoy the
trauma or accident may have reported this near‑death experi‑ body, distracting from concentra‑ in front of you with closed eyes. profound peace, joy, bliss, and
undergone clinical death. As doc‑ ence. The good news is that peo‑ tion at the seat of the soul, also Look lovingly into the middle of happiness unlike any found in
tors and medical practitioners ple can experience the realms of called the third eye, single eye, what appears in front of you. At this world. Those who meditate
worked on their body, the inner light through mediation shiv netra, divya chakshu, ajna or first, you may see either darkness are permeated with a divine love
patients experienced floating without the trauma of a near‑ aggya charka, tenth door, or or light, sparks of light, pinpoints that engulfs and fulfills them. The
above their body and watching death experience. This bliss and daswan dwar (located between of light, flashes of light, circles of beauty of meditation is that this
the procedure being done on love can be ours any time we and behind the two eyebrows). light, or light of any color, such as joy can remain with you even
them. Some floated through walls want through meditation. When Close your eyes, gently, as you red, orange, yellow, blue, green, after you resume your daily activ‑
to witness friends and relatives in we tap into this place of peace do when we go to sleep, but purple, violet, white, or golden ities.
other rooms, what they were and calm, we naturally are remain wide awake. Closing your color. No matter what you see, May you find this meditation
doing, wearing, or saying, and beyond the reaches of stress and eyes keeps you from being dis‑ continue to gaze into the middle helpful in improving the health of
later, when the patient was anger. We are in a place of joy tracted by the outer sights of the of what appears. You may see your body, mind, and soul.

By Sant Rajinder Singh


Ji Maharaj Is spirituality in your daily budget?
s people around the world go to the necessities of life such can witness the realms beyond in
focus on the economy and as food, clothing, and shelter, so this lifetime by sitting in silence,
in budget ing their do some of our breaths go into focusing our attention within, and
finances to make ends meet, there activities relevant to our physical exploring the inner spiritual
is another budget that each of us survival. We have to spend time treasures. This involves spending
can consider. Besides what we taking care of the body, such as in time in meditation whereby we
amass in this physical world, we eating, bathing, dressing, sleeping, invert our attention to find the
also are given a certain number of and other bodily activities. We Divine within us. Do we budget
breaths by God to use in our also need to spend time earning a enough time for this?
physical existence. We analyze living to pay for the necessities of Caring for the soul
how we are budgeting the use of life. We have to go to school or Meditat ion takes pract ice,
our finances, but how often do we college or get training for our whereby we can connect with the
look at how we are budgeting the jobs as well. If we have a family, divine Light and Sound within
capital of our lifeʼs breaths given we need to take care of them. We and soar on it to explore realms
to us as a gift of the Divine? also want to be a contributing beyond. The practice of concen‑
This is a good time to analyze member of our community and be trating within takes repetition to
how we have been spending our of service to others. Beyond this, become adept at it. As in all tasks
precious breaths and time, and we are left with time we can in life, daily practice will help us
whether we can make better use spend any way we like. How can achieve success. In planning our
of them. Are we spending our we budget that time to make the spiritual budget̶the capital of
time haphazardly and wastefully, best use of it? our lifeʼs breaths to achieve the
or are we spending it with pur‑ Those on the spiritual path have goal of union with the Divine̶we
pose? set self‑knowledge and realization need to allocate some time daily
How can we make best use of of the Divine as a goal within this for meditation. Just as we want a
our time? very lifetime. Saints and spiritual balanced financial budget, we
We have twenty‑four hours in Masters teach that we do not also want a balanced budget of our physical, mental, and spiritual our body and mind, we also need
the day to budget to our lifeʼs pur‑ have to wait until this life ends to our time. Balancing our time side of life. While attending to our to care for our soul.
pose. Just as some of our finances discover what lies beyond. We means spending time developing responsibilities of taking care of (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL January 19-25, 2019

For more information, write to : ttninternational@timesgroup.com


TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 19-25, 2019

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