Travel 18

Op Ed 19

Sports 24

Spiritual Awareness 30

NEW YORK EDITION

Vol.4 No.33 December 3-9, 2011 60 Cents
Pakistani American businessman to buy NFL team Ramsaran elected international president of GOPIO National Community, Pages 7 Eco-rock band from NY packs a musical punch in India Eco-Tainment, Page 15

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1 crore hits, Kolaveri di is Indias youth anthem Bollywood, Page 16

Rage against retail FDI in India, Govt unmoved

New Delhi: Protests over the entry of global retail chains such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour saw tens of thousands of shops down shutters across India Thursday, amid continued political stalemate. The protest was called by the Confederation of All India Trade Associations, backed by opposition parties, demanding the withdrawal of a cabinet decision last week to permit up to 51 percent foreign equity in multi-brand retailing and 100 percent in single-brand format. Opposition to FDI in retail has blocked proceedings in Parliament too since the start of the winter session a week ago. The government has been sticking to its guns, arguing foreign investment in retail, one of the most significant economic

Obama not to apologize to Pak for NATO attack

Washington: US President Barack Obama is not considering offering formal condolences to Pakistan over the death of 24 soldiers in a NATO airstrike last week in the restive Afghan border region, the New York Times reported. The report, quoting administration officials, said that Cameron Munter, the US Ambassador in Pakistan, had requested the White House to issue a formal video statement from Obama so that rapid deterioration of relations between the two countries could be prevented. Munter argued that anger in

Traders sit outside closed shops at a main market in Delhi as nationwide bandh was called Thursday. reforms in years, will benefit traders, consumers as well as farmers. A trade union official, Praveen Khandelwal put the contrary argument Continued on page 4...

Arguing that anger in Pakistan had reached fever pitch, US ambassador in Islamabad requested a video statement from Obama. Pakistan had reached a fever pitch. The White House, however, refused the request and said that expressions of Continued on page 4...

US to ease curbs on aid to Myanmar

Yangon: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on a visit to this long-isolated nation, met on Thursday with Myanmars famous opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and announced that the US would ease some restrictions on financial aid to reward the countrys political and economic reforms. The US and Myanmar also agreed to discuss the possibility of upgrading diplomatic relations suspended for two decades and exchanging ambassadors. For decades, the choices of this countrys leaders kept it apart from the global economy and the community of nations, Clinton said after meetings with the countrys new president, Thein Sein, and other leaders. Today, the US is prepared to respond to reforms with measured steps to lessen its isolation and improve the lives of citizens. Clinton met Thein Sein at the presidential palace in Naypyidaw, about 200 miles north of Yangon. Thein Sein, a former general, greeted her cordially, calling her visit a historic milestone that he hoped would open a new chapter in relations. Clinton clarified that the extent of the thaw in US-

China may have 3,000 N-weapons

Wa s h i n g t o n : China is hiding its ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads in a vast network of tunnels, said a media report citing a study carried out by a professor and his students. The research was carried out over three years by Georgetown University students who translated hundreds of documents, went through satellite imagery, got Chinese military documents and trawled through hundreds of gigabytes of online data, reported the

Hillary Clinton with Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon: US and Myanmar may exchange envoys. Myanmar ties will depends on additional steps by Thein Seins government to further open the political process, to release political prisoners and to end the violent repression of minority ethnic groups.

Washington Post. Led by Prof. Phillip A. Karber, a professor, the study has revealed thousands of miles of tunnels dug by Chinese military's Second Artillery Corps, which protects and deploys ballistic missiles and Continued on page 4...

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December 3-9, 2011

'I Am Singh' does a 'My Name is Khan' for Sikhs

New York: Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name is Khan made the strong point last year that not all Muslims are terrorists. Now I Am Singh, releasing in North America this weekend, makes the same point in the context of Sikhs. The plot of I Am Singh centers on events that took place in the United States in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in which Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims were mistaken for terrorists or Al Qaeda supporters due to their complexion, facial hair, or headdress. To drive home the films message, its director, scriptwriter, and actor Puneet Isaar is flying to New York for the launch. He will go on a promotional tour as a campaign for tolerance, mutual understanding, to defend human rights and dignity of oppressed people and minorities. He is likely to visit some leading gurdwaras and mosques in the tri-state area, as well as town hall meetings with community associations. The film highlights the plight of some Sikhs suffering mistaken identity post 9/11 and their fight against it, yet never losing faith in the American judicial system. The story is about Ranveer Singh, a young, confident man settled in India. His elder brothers are citizens of America. Ranveers life takes a turn when he receives a call that one of his brothers is dead, his father is seriously injured and his other brother is missing. The cause of this is unknown. Ranveer immediately leaves for the US where he doesnt know what is in store for him. The films director Puneet Issar is a veteran Bollywood actor, filmmaker, and activist most famous for his role as Duryodhana in the blockbuster TV serial (19881990) Mahabharata. I Am Singh cast includes Gulzar Chahal, Amy Rasimas, Brooke Johnston, Rizwan Haider, Tulip Joshi and Puneet Issar. Music credits are shared by Daler Mehndi, Sukhwinder Singh and others. In US and Canada it is released in 50 theatres by Reliance Big Pictures.
The film releasing Dec 2 centers on the 9/11 aftermath in which Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims suffered being mistaken for terrorists.

Indian American scientist charged with India's retail opening will stealing secret drug recipes reduce prices: USIBC
Washington: A 42-year-old Indian scientist has been charged with stealing secret "recipes" from a US drug company and turning them over to his brother-in-law back home to set up a competing company. Prabhu Mohapatra worked for Frontier Scientific Inc, a North Logan company that supplies chemicals for research and drug discovery. Last month, he emailed proprietary chemical "recipes" to his brother-inlaw in India who was setting up a competing company, according to a complaint filed in US District Court. The charge against Mohapatra marks the first time an industrial espionage filing has been made against a defendant in Utah, where the comNorth Logan, creating files containing the recipes on his laptop and emailing them, Salt Lake City-based Desert News quoted the complaint as saying. The co-worker reported the activity to Frontier management. Confronted by company executives, Mohapatra admitted he was involved and apologized, court documents show. Federal prosecutors charged Mohapatra with theft of trade secrets, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine. Prosecutors did not seek detention and Mohapatra was released from custody, but surrendered his passport. Washington: A major US trade association has hailed Indian cabinet's "bold" move to approve opening of India's vast multi-brand retail sector to foreign direct investment and expanding FDI into single-brand retail, saying it will tamp down rising food prices and inflation. "These bold reforms have heartened investors from the US and elsewhere," said the US-India Business Council (USIBC), comprising nearly 400 of America's and India's top companies seeking deeper commercial ties between the two countries. "The government's opening of the multi-brand retail sector will benefit Indian consumers by bringing efficiencies and productivity to the farm-to-fork supply chain, while tamping down rising food prices and inflation," the advocacy group said. The overall effect of these actions will accelerate India towards becoming the world's third-largest economy, which had earlier been predicted to occur by mid-century, it said. The government's bold resolve to move on these complex reforms serves as an assurance to investors that its economic liberalization agenda begun in the early 1990s is

Prabhu Mohapatra of Utah was allegedly sending formulations to his brother-in-law in India. pany is based, the FBI announced yesterday. Frontier says no other company in the world produces one of those chemicals in large quantities. A co-worker saw Mohapatra, of

Indian diaspora tops again in remittances, sends home $58 billion

New Delhi: India is estimated to have got $58 billion in remittances - the highest for any country - from its diaspora in 2011, followed closely by China at $57 billion, World Bank data showed Thursday. "There is increase in flow of remittances to India from all major sources. There is good increase from the Gulf, East Asia and Pacific countries," Dilip Ratha, manager of the World Bank's migration and remittances unit, told IANS in a phone interview from Geneva. In 2010, the remittance flow to India was $55 billion while China received $51 billion. "The overall trend for India is very positive. Despite the crisis in major developed economies, remittance flow to India is increasing," Ratha said. Developing countries are estimated to get $351 billion of the total estimated remittance flow of $406 billion during the current calendar year. Remittance to developing countries has increased by 8 percent in 2011. For the first time since the global financial crisis, remittance flows to all six developing regions rose in 2011. Remittance to developing countries are likely to increase to $441 billion by 2014 from the estimated $351 billion this year.

There is strong opposition in India to entry of behemoths like Walmart. very much on track, even in the face of the global economic downturn, USIBC said. "The singular act of opening the multi-brand retail sector to FDI will significantly benefit the Indian consumer by spurring the modernization of India's vast agri-retail marketplace," said Ron Somers, President of USIBC. "This change in policy is a good start to a win-win decision for all stakeholders, including the customers, farmers and the Government of India," said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart International. "We're confident that the government, after seeing the value we bring to India and its people, will view this opening as a first step in further liberalising FDI in retail," he added.

Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info Judge blocks Citigroup settlement with SEC

Federal Judge Jed S. Rakoff is an American hero, and does Title II of the Constitution proud. United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara is an American hero, who serves the public good and protects the public safety as only an immigrant who loves America's core promise of meritocracy underpinning freedom can. Between Judge Rakoff's bejeweled opinion and order, finding the SEC's proposed Consent Judgment against Citigroup to be unfair, unreasonable, inadequate and against the public interest, and Bharara's necessary grand jury investigations of Wall Street's excesses and fraud upon Main Street, public confidence in our capital markets will be restored and the American economy improve. There needs to be real punishment that makes white collar crime unworthy of committing, rather than SEC's costof-doing-business wrist-slaps that merely grab a headline while gutting its core mission. America deserves better. Americans deserve better. The 2012 election will be informed by how well Wall Street is disinfected publically in a merit-based manner. In any event, a jury awaits its chance to vote a verdict. Attorney Ravi Batra New York

December 3-9, 2011

Letters to the Editor 10 reasons to shop local this holiday season

Local Economic Stimulus is something WE can make happen, especially during the holiday shopping season that is about to begin. Let us not wait for Washington, DC to wake up our economy.s 1. When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base. 2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. 3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity The unique character of your local community is defined in large part by the business that reside there, and that plays a big factor in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of you home and property. 4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced. Small local business usually set up shop in the town/village center, providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community's walk score than out of town shopping malls. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. 5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses. Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. Plus the more jobs you have in your local community the less people are going to have to commute which means more time and less traffic and pollution 6. Customer Service Is Better. Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. You are also going to see these people around town and they are less likely to blow you off or be rude becauses they have to face you day after day. 7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's welfare and future. 8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores. 9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices. A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. 10. You Matter More We talk a lot about exerting influence with your purchasing choices, or "voting with your wallet." It's a fact that business respond to their customers but your values and desires are much more influential to you local community business than the large big box stores. To read more about going local check out Ecolocalizer, a great site that provides news, ideas and inspiration to "Think globally, act locally. James Reed Oceanside, NY

Ramotar elected President of Guyana

Georgetown: Donald Ramotar of the People's Progressive Party (PPP/C) has won Monday's presidential election. It is the fifth straight win for his party, which is mainly backed by Guyana's ethnicIndian community. Ramotar takes over from Bharrat Jagdeo. The People's Progressive Party The White House added that Obama will not comment on it till the investigations are over. On Tuesday, the US Central Command ordered an investigation into the incident inviting participation by officials of both the Afghan and Pakistan governments. While Pakistan has called the NATO strike an act of blatant aggression, throwing the ties with US into a tailspin, preliminary US military reports said the forces may have been lured into attacking friendly Pakistani border posts in a calculated maneuver by the Taliban. China nuclear weapons Story Continued from page 1 won 49% of the vote, compared with 41% for the opposition coalition. In election to the National Assembly, PPP/C won 32 seats, the opposition coalition APNU got 26 seats, and the third grouping 7 seats. PPP/C fell short of working majority in the Assembly by one seat. nuclear warheads. The study concludes that China's nuclear arsenal could be many times larger than the estimates of arms-control expertsmaybe as many as 3,000 weapons. "It's not quite a bombshell, but those thoughts and estimates are being checked against what people think they know based on classified information," a US Defense Department strategist said. There has been criticism over the study in which students carried out internet-based research and drew from sources like Google Earth, blogs, and military journals. They also referred to a fictionalized TV docudrama about Chinese artillery soldiers.

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FDI Story Continued from page 1 thus: The foreign retailers can open in big cities, but they will source from markets across rural India and small towns. With their money and power, over time they can corner the supply of produce and dominate the outsourcing side. Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare went as far as drawing parallels between FDI in retail and Indias commercial exploitation by British colonialists. The Manmohan Singh government, on its part, was gearing up to face a likely vote on an adjournment motion on the matter. To amass the required numbers, it was

talking to recalcitrant allies to get them on board, as the Congress party said there would be no roll back on the issue. There were indications the government might allow the opposition's adjournment move to ensure that the two houses of parliament function from next week for the remainder of the winter session. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been meeting many leaders of UPA constituents to convince them on the move. No apology Obama Story Continued from page 1 remorse offered by senior administration officials and Hillary Clinton were enough.

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December 3-9, 2011

Edison, NJ: Hundreds of Indian American entrepreneurs and professionals from New Jersey and Pennsylvania unanimously supported the US policy to encourage American students learn Hindi and other less commonly taught languages in the country. Participating in an event to celebrate the 2nd Annual Day anniversary of Yuva Hindi Sansthan, a non-profit promoting Hindi learning in US schools and colleges, many speakers condemned Indian governments policy of giving priority to English for official use while paying lip services to Hindi, the national language of India. Dr. Surendra Gambhir, former professor of linguistics at University of Pennsylvania and FounderChairman of YHS, criticized a recent memo issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in which government officials were asked to freely use English terminology in official communication. There is a deliberate attempt to push back use of Hindi in government offices, he commented adding that Hindi is much more than a language.

Pennsylvania School Dist. ties with Yuva Hindi Sansthan for Hindi courses

New immigration bill to benefit highly skilled Indians

Washington, DC: The US House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to reduce the wait period for receiving green card. The bill, originally offered by Representatives Jason Chaffetz, a conservative freshman Republican from Utah, and Lamar Smith, a Texas Republican and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, sailed through by a vote of 389 to 15. Joining as sponsors were several Democrats who are outspoken liberals on immigration, including Representatives Luis V. Gutierrez of Illinois and Zoe Lofgren of California. Its main impact will be to reduce visa backlogs that meant, for example, that some Indians with science or technology skills who were approved recently for permanent resident visas, known as green cards, would face waits of 70 years before they would actually receive the documents. The bill eliminates limits on the number of green cards based on employment that is available annually to each country. Currently, 140,000 green cards are available each year for immigrants based on their job skills, with each country limited to 7 percent of those visas. Under the bill, after a threeyear transition, all employment-based green cards will be issued on a first-come-firstserved basis, with no country limits. By far, the main beneficiaries will be highly skilled immigrants from India and China, including many with masters degrees and

The wait for green card likely to reduce from 70 to 12 years

doctorates in science and engineering. Because they come from populous countries that send many people to work here who have advanced science and technology skills, immigrants from those two nations had been forced by the country limits into lines that were many years long and growing much longer. In most cases, Indians and Chinese who will now receive their permanent green cards more quickly have been working in the United States for years on temporary visas. The immigrants and their employers have passed labor market tests showing that qualified Americans were not available for jobs they hold. This legislation makes sense, Smith said before the vote. Why should American employers who seek green cards for skilled foreign workers have to wait longer just because the workers are from India or China? American technology companies have been clamoring for Congress to offer more green cards for their foreign employees, arguing that the United States was losing out in global competition by forcing those immigrants to leave. The bill does not address illegal immigration, nor does it add any new visas to the system.

At Yuva Hindi Sansthan anniversary, (from left) Ashok Ojha, President, YHS, Col. Virendra Tavathia, Raj Mittal of Hindi USA, Dr. Surendra Gambhir, Chairman, YHS, Ved Choudhary, President, World Hindi Trust and Atma Singh, President, ICP. Hindi represents the identity of all Indians, especially those who live outside India. Gambhir has been awarded by Indias HR Ministry for his research and service to the study and understanding of Hindi in the world. President of India will present him the award in New Delhi this month. Felicitating Gambhir, Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly who was the chief guest at the event, presented him a proclamation by the Assembly paying rich tributes to Gambhir for his work in Hindi. The proclamation also supported helping diverse culture prosper in New Jersey while encouraging introduction of Hindi in school system. Yagensh Choksi, Director of School Board in Bensalem, PA, announced that Hindi will be taught in Bensalem school district from Fall 2012. He presented a letter to this effect from Dr. David Baugh, Superintendent, Bensalem School District. Prominent among the speakers were Ved Choudhary, President, World Hindi Trust, Col. Virendra Tawathia, Atma Singh, president of Indian Congress Party, community activist Peter Kothari and Sam Khan, young entrepreneur.

Jerry Ramrattan convicted of raping, framing ex-girlfriend

New York: Jerry hearing that a warrant was Ramrattan, a legal immiout for his arrest, grant from Ghana was Ramrattan turned himself convicted Wednesday of in to a New York Police raping his ex-girlfriend Department special victim's Seemona Sumasar of unit, according to authoriGuyanese origin and ties. then framing her for a He made bail, then influseries of armed robenced and intimidated sevberies. eral people into fabricating A New York Supreme that Sumasar and another Court jury returned the man, had robbed those at guilty verdict against gunpoint, prosecutors said. Ramrattan, 39, who was Ramrattan also was conJerry Ramrattan arrested in December victed Wednesday of plant2010 after authorities were led to believe ing false evidence implicating Sumasar that he was involved in a plot to extract at fake crime scenes. vengeance upon and discredit Sumasar, Authorities were duped into believing 36, according to Queens District the claims of armed robberies. As a Attorney Richard A. Brown. result, Sumasar was charged with firstThe convicted Ramrattan of first- degree robbery and spent nearly seven degree rape, first-degree perjury, fifth- months in jail, separated from her 12 degree conspiracy, third-degree tamper- year-old daughter. ing with a witness, and third-degree The other man was released on bail falsely reporting an incident. He had shortly after his arrest. pleaded not guilty to all charges. In December 2010, a police informant On March 8, 2009, Sumasar, a former notified authorities about the alleged Morgan Stanley analyst, was bound and frame-up Ramrattan's sentencing is raped in her home after a verbal dispute scheduled for January 4. He faces more with Ramrattan, authorities said. After than 25 years in prison.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

India elected to committee on elimination of racial discrimination

United Nations: Ambassador Dilip Lahiri, Indias nominee was re-elected to serve on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination [CERD] for a three year term beginning 20 January 2012. He secured 147 votes in the elections held Nov 30 at UN headquarters in New York. Lahiri has had a distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service for close to four decades and retired in 2005. During this time, he was Indian Ambassador to Peru, Bolivia, Spain and France. He has had long experience of multilateral diplomacy in the UN, the Nonaligned Movement and the Commonwealth covering security and disarmament, international law, human rights and social issues, climate change and environment. Lahiri has supervised the preparation of Indias national reports to the monitoring bodies of various UN human rights instruments and also participated in the process of amending domestic laws to conform to UN human rights instruments to which India became party. He has been a member of the CERD since 2008 and is expected to complete his present term on 19 January 2012. The CERD is a body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by its State parties. All States parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the CERD on how the rights are being implemented. States must report initially one year after acceding to the Convention and then every two years. CERD examines each report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of concluding observations. In addition to the reporting procedure, the Convention establishes three other mechanisms through which the Committee performs its monitoring functions: the earlywarning procedure, the examination of inter-state complaints and the examination of individual complaints. CERD meets in Geneva and normally holds two sessions per year consisting of three weeks each. CERD also publishes its

Ambassador Dilip Lahiri was re-elected for 3 year term interpretation of the content of human rights provisions, known as general recommendations (or general comments), on thematic issues and organizes thematic discussions.

Niyati Parekh gets $720000 grant for study on insulin

Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health, is quoted as saying in the release. "Obese persons commonly have higher blood levels of insulin, which may enhance their risk of cancer." But the genes under the influence of insulin involved in the onset of cancer have not yet been studied, Parekh noted. "Furthermore, diets high in refined carbohydrates, including sugars, refined flour and grains, may increase insulin levels in the blood and thereby contribute to cancer development," she added. "The mechanisms through which carbohydrate nutrition and our genetic material work together in the development of cancer are currently not well understood and have not been adequately studied in humans. Taken together, there are several unanswered questions surrounding the insulin, carbohydrate diet and cancer connection. Understanding this connection is a critical control point for the prevention of cancers in which obesity may be a primary cause," she said. Her study, the Cancer, Insulin Resistance and Lifestyle (CIRCLE), aims to address these knowledge gaps by investigating the separate and combined impact of blood markers, genetic factors and diet related to insulin and glucose metabolism in the development of obesity-related cancers.

Pakistani American businessman to buy NFL team

Jacksonville: Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver said on Tuesday he is selling the National Football League team to Pakistani-born businessman Shahid Khan. Weaver said that he signed the deal on Tuesday morning after running it past NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, aware that the leagues finance committee must review the sale and the full ownership board must vote to approve the sale. Financial details of the sale were not revealed but Forbes magazine reported the deal to be worth $760 million. Khan, 61, plans to purchase a home in Jacksonville and guide the teams operations from there. Waynes legacy will be lasting, and I will always be grateful for Waynes trust and confidence in my commitment to the Jaguars, the NFL and the people of the Jacksonville community, Khan said in a statement. I will be fully committed to delivering Jacksonville its first Super Bowl championship. This is a franchise with tons of potential, playing in a community that is passionate about football and loves to win. Weaver, who founded the Jaguars as an expansion team in 1995, said he expects the deal will be Shahid Khan

Niyati Parekh is assistant professor at NYU New York: Niyati Parekh, an assistant professor at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, has received a $720,000 Research Scholar Grant from the American Cancer Society to study the role of insulin in obesity-related cancers. Parekh's study aims to better understand this linkage, which may center on the body's insulin, a Nov. 16 press release from the university said. "It has been theorized that insulin acts as a growth factor for cancer cells and produces an overall environment that is conducive to cancer development," Parekh, a faculty member in the Department of

approved in early January and that Khan will keep the team in Jacksonville. Khan, who was born in Pakistan in 1950 and moved to the United States at age 16, worked in a small auto parts garage while earning an engineering degree at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1971. Khan began working for Flex-N-Gate Corporation of Urbana, Illinois in 1970 and bought the firm 10 years later, turning it into a major make of bumpers for trucks and utility vehicles built in North America plus Spain and Argentina with $3 billion in annual sales. Khan, who failed in a bid to buy the St. Louis Rams last year.

Indian families targeted for gold in Atlanta

Atlanta: Alpharetta authorities issued a community alert Wednesday after a second home invasion in recent months targeted an Indian American family, Channel 2 Action News reported. Shortly before 8 p.m. Nov. 23, armed robbers burst into a home on Park Glenn Drive, robbing a family at gunpoint of gold and other valuables. Alpharetta police have called a meeting Sunday with the local homeowners association to talk about the incident and what residents can do to protect themselves, Channel 2 reported. Satish Musunuri, an Alpharetta restaurant owner, told Channel 2 that word of the attacks is spreading rapidly through metro Atlantas Indian-American community. It is so bad for our community, Musunuri said. Now all the people are scared about this. Musunuri said many households are safeguarding their valuables so they dont become targets of future home invasions. We are not keeping any precious gold or jewelry in our home, he said. Its the second such home invasion in Alpharetta in recent months. In September, five masked men tied up another Indian family and stole their gold. Cobb County police are working on a similar case, a violent home invasion in the Cameron Glen subdivision this summer.

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December 3-9, 2011

Six Indian-Americans among 32 Rhodes Scholars for 2012

Washington: Six Indian American university students have been chosen the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2012 out of a pool of 830 candidates who had been nominated by their colleges and universities. Ishan Nath, Aysha Bagchi, Nabeel Gillani, Anand Habib, Mohit Agrawal and Tenzin Seldon are among 32 students chosen for the prestigious scholarship for two or three years study at Oxford University at about $50,000 per year. Ishan Nath, a senior at Stanford double-majoring in economics and earth systems with a concentration in energy science, will earn an MSc in economics for development at Oxford. Aysha Bagchi, also from Stanford, graduated in June with a double major in philosophy and history before shifting to Jerusalem, Israel, where she currently studies at its Hebrew University. She will earn an M Phil in political theory at Oxford. The son of an Indian mother and Bangladeshi father, Nabeel Gillani is a senior at Brown University majoring in applied mathematics and computer science. At Oxford he plans to do his MSc in computer science and MSc in education. Another Stanford graduate, Anand R. Habib, is the son of Geetha Habib, a native of Madurai, and Mohamed Habib, both biochemists in Austin. Habib plans to earn masters' degrees in public policy and medical anthropology at Oxford. Mohit Agrawal received his BA in mathematics at Princeton last year and is currently doing a master's degree in economic policy evaluation at the National University Tenzin Seldon, a native of Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, immigrated to the US after her mother, a Tibetan refugee, won a visa lottery. Majoring in comparative studies in race and ethnicity, she will earn an MSc in refugee and forced migration studies and an MSc in modern Chinese studies. Previous Rhodes Scholars include Lousiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Indian filmmaker Girish Karnad, surgeon and author Atul Gawande and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sidhartha Mukherjee ("The Emperor of All Maladies: A History of Cancer."

Ashook Ramsaran elected chief of GOPIO

Washington: Guyana born US resident Ashook Ramsaran has been elected the international president of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the largest umbrella organization of overseas Indians. Besides Ramsaran, Sunny Kulathakal (Bahrain) was elected executive vice president, Piyush Agrawal (US) senior vice president and Inder Singh reelected as chairman during GOPIO's biennial convention in Iselin, New Jersey. The Nov 18-20 convention on the theme of 'Issues and Concerns of the Indian Diaspora' discussed several critical issues of interest and concern that confront persons of Indian origin living in more than 150 countries all over the world, according to a GOPIO release. Among other things the conference examined issues of consular services, property, taxation, foreign

IIT Mumbai graduate Arun Majumdar gets top US energy job

Washington: Naming yet another Indian American to a key administration post, President Barack Obama has appointed Arun Majumdar, an Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, alumnus as the top bureaucrat in the Department of Energy. Announcing the appointment of Majumdar as Under Secretary of Energy along with four other key administration posts, Obama said: "These men and women have demonstrated knowledge and dedication throughout their careers. I am grateful they have chosen to take on these important roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come." At over two dozen, Obama administration has more IndianAmericans in high places than ever before with their numbers rising through Clinton and Bush presidencies. By far the highest ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration is USAID administrator Rajiv Shah. According to the White House, Majumdar has served as the Director of the Advanced Research Projects AgencyEnergy (ARPA-E) since 2009. Previously, he was Associate Laboratory Director for Energy and Environment at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and a professor of mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering at the

The new team (l-r): GOPIO Senior Vice President Dr Piyush Agrawal, Chairman Inder Singh, President Ashook Ramsaran, Executive Vice President Sunny Kulathakal. accounts disclosures, how to lever- Vayalar Ravi, said in a message to age the diaspora networks to jump the convention. Messages of good start new ventures, opportunities wishes also came from India's for political empowerment and suc- ambassador to the US Nirupama cessful adaptation in adopted coun- Rao, New Jersey Governor Chris tries. GOPIO is playing a vital role Christie, Deputy Speaker of New in creating awareness and promot- Jersey Assembly Upendra ing understanding of issues of con- Chivukula and former prime miniscern of the Indian Diaspora, ter and leader of Fiji Labour Party, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Mahendra Chaudhry.

Texas University opens vegetarian dining hall

Texas: The University of North Texas in Denton has opened an all-vegan full-service campus cafeteria that may be the first in the nation and is proving immensely popular. Lines snake out the door. University officials are finding many of the students who eat there are not vegans but simply want to eat healthy meals. Inside quotes from Gandhi and Einstein decorate the walls. Students balance plates of paninis made with fresh focaccia baked at the cafeteria, roasted vegetables, vegetarian sushi, bowls of asparagus soup, glasses of flavored vitamin waters and shot glasses of bananas foster. No animal products are served, including meat, milk or eggs. But almost everyone leaves with cones of soybased soft-serve ice cream, a natural choice in the sweltering first week of school. Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has given UNT its Compassionate Campus award this month for responding to student requests and supporting veganism. Surveys by food services

providers such as Bon Appetit and Aramark have shown rising demand for vegan fare. Aramark's survey of hundreds of schools indicated one in four students was actively seeking vegan options. And other schools are showing interest. Inquiries have come from as far off as Germany and as close as Dallas. Another innovation at "Mean Greens" is the use of plates instead of standard-issue cafeteria trays. This has cut both waste and water usage by 40 percent. That change is being considered at some of UNT's other four dining halls.

Arun Majumdar University of California, Berkeley. His research career has focused on the science and engineering of energy conversion, transport, and storage, ranging from the molecular and nanoscale level to large energy systems. He has served on the advisory committee of the National Science Foundation's engineering directorate and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Majumdar was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2005. He received his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in 1985 and his PhD in 1989 from the University of California, Berkeley.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

National Law Journal recognizes 10 young Indian-American lawyers

New York: The National Law Journal, a prominent legal newspaper has recognized 10 Indian- American attorneys on its "Minority 40 Under 40" list. The list recognizes minority lawyers under the age of 40 who have exhibited significant national influence in their practice areas. The list comprises Vanita Gupta, Kannon Shanmugam, Sarang Vijay Damle, Amit Mehta, Indranil "Indy" Mukerji, Archis Parasharami, Nahla Rajan, Shima Roy, Manisha Sheth and Amandeep Sidhu. Vanita Gupta, aged 36, of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), exposed inconsistencies in a case that involved the arrests of 38 African Americans in Tulia, Texas, on drug charges, when she was a Soros Justice fellow at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Gupta, along with major law firms, fought the case that ultimately resulted in Texas Governor Rick Perry pardoning 36 of those convicted in the case. Kannon Shanmugam, 38, currently a partner at Williams & Connolly since 2008, has been a former assistant to the U.S. solicitor general. The Law Journal said Shanmugam's appearance before the Supreme Court contesting pro bono for a Louisiana death row inmate in Smith v. Cain Nov. 8 was his "third argument there in three years." Sarang Vijay Damle, 34, supervises the appellate staff's internship program in the civil division at the U.S. Department of Justice. He has fought 20 appellate cases in U.S. courts and is handling First Amendment suits involving state and local governments' efforts to regulate protest activity near funerals. Amit Mehta, 39, currently a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder, has been involved in many big cases, including helping former IMF president Dominique Strauss-Kahn successfully get dismissed criminal assault charges in New York state court. He is also a board member of the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, which works towards reversing and preventing wrongful convictions in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Indranil "Indy" Mukerji, 37, currently a partner at Fish & Richardson in Washington, D.C., represented about a third of the 150 defendants sued by Parallel Networks LLC in a recent patent infringement case in Texas. He was co-lead lawyer for Google and Amazon.com and represented 46 other defendants in the case. Archis Parasharami, co-chairman of Mayer Brown's consumer litigation and class action practice, "laid the early groundwork for the business community's major victory last term in the U.S. Supreme Court - defeating a challenge to an arbitration agreement's class action waiver provision in AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion." Nahla Rajan, 36, who joined Los Angeles, California.-based Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp as a litigation associate in 2006, has represented the heirs of actor Burt Lancaster and the grandchildren of Walt Disney in trust and estates disputes. Shima Roy, 37, a partner at Baker & McKenzie in Chicago, "has made a name for herself" as a "go-to partner to handle complex international litigation," said the Law Journal. She is developing an India litigation practice and currently represents a girl, 16, who allegedly confessed to murder charges after being held in a Chicago police interrogation room for about 60 hours. Manisha Sheth, 37, a former federal prosecutor and a partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, is on the team representing the Federal Housing Finance Agency in lawsuits against 18 of the largest financial institutions who sold sub-par mortgagebacked securities to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. She is also working on cases against Merrill Lynch, Barclays and Citigroup. Amandeep Sidhu, 33, of McDermott Will & Emery, "has built a reputation as a strong litigator with a solid commitment to pro bono cases," said the Law Journal. He is a founding member of The Sikh Coalition and has fought a pro bono battle on behalf of three Sikh men who wanted to serve in the U.S. Army.

Parita Shah promoted to deputy director of public affairs

Washington: IndianAmerican Parita Shah has been promoted to the position of Deputy Director of Public Affairs in the Commerce Department after being the spokesperson of the US Commerce Department for more than two years. Besides managing a staff of about 15 in the office of the new Commerce Secretary, John Bryson, she will oversee the public affairs work in the department's 12 bureaus. Shah is also managing communications strategy and long-term planning for the Secretarys work on international trade, commercial relations with China, business relations and privacy - among other issues. Shah graduated from the University of Southern

Parita Shah California with major in the Commerce Political Science. She went Department. She has travto Columbia University's eled to India twice in this School of International and administration - once on Obamas Public Affairs from 2001- President 2003 for a Masters in advance team and once on Public Policy. a trade mission with high Shah joined the Obama tech companies with the Administration in early then Commerce Secretary 2009 as the spokesman of Gary Locke.

Indian Americans body found on freeway

San Francisco: Police are trying to figure out what happened to a Bay Area mother whose body was found on the side of Interstate 680 near San Ramon on Nov. 12. Authorities say 47-year-old Roma Bhatia's body went unnoticed on the busy freeway, where she was possibly hit by a car. Bhatia had died by the time the California Highway Patrol arrived. There was no vehicle at the scene and no witnesses have come forward. Police can't figure out why Bhatia was walking on the freeway, or how her body ended up on the side of the road, just south of Bollinger Canyon Road. Her car was nowhere near the freeway, and police say Bhatia was at a hair salon not three miles away from the freeway shortly before authorities were called to the scene, according to news reports. "At this point what we have is that Roma had already been struck and received fatal injuries when authorities arrived," CHP Officer Steve Creel told reporters."Our interest is because this occurred on an interstate freeway is that several people should have seen her body." However, her family says there is no way Bhatia had been walking on the freeway. Her sister, Vini Ehsan, told NBC that Bhatia's death is a complete mystery. "She was the type of person that would use valet parking," Ehsan said. "She was not the type of person who would prefer to be on a treadmill than walking on the road."

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

Maryland Governor OMalley leads trade mission to India

Annapolis: More than 100 Maryland business leaders, educators and elected officials joined Governor Martin OMalley and First Lady Katie OMalley on a historic six-day economic development and trade mission to India the first by a sitting Maryland Governor. The delegation arrived in India on November 28 and will return Dec. 4, making stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. With this historic trade mission, we are strengthening our ties with India, committing to exploring more twoway trade and investment, and positioning Maryland as the gateway to doing business in America, said Governor Martin OMalley. I am confident that, like our successful mission to Asia earlier this year, we will be able to open doors for new investment in Maryland, create jobs, and help our businesses tap into opportunities to provide goods and services to one of the worlds fastest growing economies. To create jobs aerospace and defense industries that are strong for both Maryland and India. The Governor is scheduled to meet with several of Indias top companies to discuss potential investment and projects in Maryland, and will address three of Indias largest business organizations the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the All India Biotech Association. Governor OMalley will also visit the Indian School of Business and Delhi University and attend a ribbon cutting for Women in Bio Mumbai the first international chapter of the women life sciences group that started in Maryland a decade ago. In addition, Governor OMalley will meet with government officials from Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi and sign two Sister State agreements the first between Maryland and India which signify friendship, but also commit the two regions to working together on matters of business and industry, culture and arts and education and health. The Governor will also sign of a number of Memorandums of Understanding to increase two-way trade and investment between Maryland and India.

India's contribution to Maryland economy

etween 2004 and 2009, Indian companies made eight acquisitions in Maryland, totaling $564 million, which is in addition to more than $100 million that Indian companies invested in Greenfield projects in Maryland. In 2010, India was Marylands 12th largest export market with $233 million in goods and services, and was the States 13th largest import market, with more than $465 million. As of September, Maryland exports to India were valued at over $192 million, representing an 18 percent increase over the same period in

Governor Martin OMalley in Maryland, a modern economy requires modern investments and we should pursue those investments at home and abroad. During the mission, Governor OMalley will promote Maryland as an ideal location for Indian businesses looking to have a U.S. presence, particularly those in life sciences, cyber security and information technology and

2010. There are six Indian companies in Maryland, including SriSai Pharmaceuticals in Frederick; Lupin Pharmaceuticals in Baltimore; and Gene Logic in Gaithersburg. In addition, Marylands India office also has a U.S. location in the International Incubator at the University of Maryland, College Park to assist local companies open offices in India. In the first nine months of this year, the Port of Baltimore saw $341 million in trade to and from India compared with $229 million from the same time frame in 2010 a 49 percent increase.

Indian Americans launch campaign for Obama

Washington, DC: Indian American supporters of US President Barack Obama have kicked off a nationwide grass root campaign to garner support from the community members for his re-election bid in 2012. South Asians for Obama (SAFO), which was among the first few Indian American groups in 2007 to come out in support of Obama, months after he announced his presidential campaign, this month launched its website www.safo2012.com and have formed chapters in more than half a dozen state. "In cities and neighborhoods across the country, we are working to engage our entire community to take a more active role in the political process," SAFO said in its first posting on its website. "Progress doesn't happen in a moment. It happens in a movement," said Parag Mehta, South Asian activist and former public liaison to the Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) communities during he Obama-Biden transition. "Three years ago, we built that movement and we've got to keep it going to reelect our President," Mehta said at an event recently. Nina Ahmad, a member of the SAFO Leadership Council and the organizer of the event, noted that although the 2012 reelection would be even more difficult than in 2008, it will take even more energy and dedication from the diverse voices in the room to re-elect the President who values their differences.

GOPIO opposes move to tax long stay in India

Washington: The largest umbrella organization of overseas Indians has urged the Indian government to withdraw a proposal to impose tax on non-resident Indians staying over 60 days during a visit to the homeland.It will be detrimental to the interests of NRIs who contribute substantially to the nation's development, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) said in a resolution adopted during its biennial convention in Iselin, New Jersey earlier this month. In other resolutions, GOPIO made a plea for a mechanism to enable NRIs to voice their grievances, nomination of a few prominent NRIs to the Rajya Sabha, initiation of suitable steps to set up fast track courts to deal with the growing number of property offences targeting NRIs and steps for speedy disposal of cases involving custody of children of NRI parents. It also urged the government to augment the staff strength of consulates for the convenience of NRIs. While welcoming the setting up of Global Advisory Council, GOPIO sought representation for diaspora organizations in the council. Extending all support to the Know India Program initiated by the government, it wanted a GOPIO-Pravasi member committee to be set up to initiate the program. Noting that more and more job seekers from India are falling prey to unscrupulous elements abroad, GOPIO urged the government to take suitable steps for the rehabilitation of such victims. The organization also urged the Government of India to end the discriminatory practices against NRIs at archeological sites and hotels. GOPIO has also expressed special thanks to the authorities in Bahrain for taking prompt action to protect the Indian community during the recent disturbances.

Senate India Caucus welcomes Nirupama Rao

Washington, DC: The Senate India Caucus held an event at the Capitol Hill on November 29 to formally welcome Ambassador Nirupama Rao on her taking over as India's new Ambassador to the United States. The event was hosted by the co-chairs of the Caucus -Senator John Cornyn of Texas and Senator Mark Warner of Virginia. The event was attended by a number of U.S. Senators, senior members of the Administration, a large segment of the Indian American community from across the United States, as well as by members of the media, the think tank community and academia. In their welcome remarks, both Senators Cornyn and Warner spoke warmly of Ambassador Rao's contribution in promoting India-U.S. relations during her previous assignment as India's Foreign Secretary. Expressing confidence in the future of India-U.S. relations, they highlighted the "true partnership" and the expanding cooperation between the " world's oldest and largest democracies" in bilateral, regional and global context, based on shared values and converging interests. Ambassador Rao, in her remarks, thanked Senator Cornyn and Senator Warner for their welcome and for their leadership of the Caucus. She noted the important contributions made by the Senate India Caucus to bring the people and governments of the two countries closer, and described the bipartisan support for India-U.S. relations in the U.S. Congress as a source of strength for the India-U.S. strategic partnership that now spans almost all dimensions of human endeavor. Senior Senator from Massachusetts and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, John Kerry and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman also spoke during the event. Senator Kerry noted his admiration for India's critical role in the conduct of global affairs, its vibrant democracy, and global leadership. He described India as an important partner of the U.S. In her remarks, Under Secretary Sherman conveyed to Ambassador Rao greetings from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who was traveling abroad, and wished her all success in her new assignment. The Senate India Caucus is a bipartisan group currently comprising forty members of the U.S.

Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing a welcome event in her honor hosted by Senate India Caucus Co-Chairs Senator John Cornyn and Senator Mark Warner at Capitol Hill on November 29, 2011 Senate. It was founded in 2004 by At the time of its formation, it was the then Senator from New York, the only country-specific Caucus in and now Secretary of State, Hillary the Senate and today, is the largest Clinton and Senator John Cornyn. Caucus of its kind in the Senate.

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US Affairs TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

Atlanta: Newt Gingrich has taken a commanding lead in the South Carolina Republican primary, with more than twice the support of Mitt Romney or Herman Cain, according to a poll conducted Monday for a local paper. Gingrich, a former Congressman from neighboring Georgia, has 38 percent to 15 for Romney. Cain, a Georgia native who retired from the national restaurant business to become a talk-radio host in Atlanta, had 13 percent. No other candidate reached double digits in the telephone survey conducted Monday among 519 registered voters who say they're likely to vote in the state's GOP primary. InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion Research conducted the poll, and it has a 4 percent margin of error. "Gingrich has consolidated a substantial lead among those who consider themselves 'Republicans,' which are the more long-time GOP voters," said InsiderAdvantage CEO Matt Towery. "The independents

Gingrich leads GOP presidential Cain doesn't rule out race in South Carolina: Poll leaving race, to decide
Of course, Cains fortunes are slipping after accusations of sexual harassment, which he denies, and a series of gaffes in media interviews about foreign affairs. Gingrich, who resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1998, has felt his own share of criticism then and since. During the early days of this year's campaign, most of his staff quit over tactical differences, and he has been hounded by news reports of a six-figure charge account at a New York City jewelry store and a $300,000 consulting contract with Freddie Mac during the height of the housing bubble. But most observers predicted he would never gain traction with conservatives because of his three marriages, including reports that he was carrying on an affair with his current wife while still married to his second. The freshness of the revelations about Cain have trumped those about Gingrich, according to Towery.

in 'another few days'

Manchester NH: With the future of his campaign in question, Herman Cain did not rule out leaving the race, saying once again he will reassess and reevaluate the impact of recent events on his family, his campaign strategy and fundraising for another few days. Cain indicated he will make his final decision on the campaign when he sees his wife face-to-face this Friday. Theres some people who thought that I was finished but Im going to leave it with Yogi Berras comment, It aint over til its over! And it aint over yet, Cain bellowed to volunteers into his tightly-packed New Hampshire headquarters on Wednesday evening. Yet just minutes later at a press conference, Cain did not explicitly rule out dropping out of the race for the GOP nomination, calling the accusations against him character assassinations. Cain has been accused by four women of inappropriate sexual misconduct. Ginger White is the fifth to come forward. We are going to re-evaluate, Cain said, after a one-day bus tour in Ohio Wednesday. We had a strategy up until last weekend, we might reprioritize. Cain admitted he has not yet spoken to his wife Gloria faceto-face about the most recent allegations of a 13-year extramarital affair by Georgia-based White.

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich speaks to supporters Nov. 28 in Charleston, SC who had supported Cain are moving to Gingrich as well." In Iowa, Gingrich leads with 28 percent, followed by Texas Congressman Ron Paul's 13 and Romney's 12. Paul only has 7 points in South Carolina. In New Hampshire, a state Romney has a vacation home and where some of the Massachusetts media reaches, Gingrich has 27 points to Romney's 31, putting them in a tie once the 4-percent margin or error is considered.

MJs doc gets 4 yrs jail Dow ends best day since March 2009
New York: The Dow Jones industrial average had its best day since March 2009 thanks to a quick succession of promising economic reports, including a new effort by central banks to help struggling European economies. The Dow closed up 490.05 points, or 4.2%, to 12,045.68. It was the largest point and percentage advance since March 23, 2009, when the index shot up 497 points, or 6.8% -- just as the latest bull market was beginning. Most broader indexes, however, posted their biggest one-day gains since early August, when markets were bouncing wildly from day to day after Standard & Poor s downgrade of the U.S. governments credit rating. The S& P 500 index surged 4.3% to 1,246.96, its best day since it rose 4.6% on Aug. 11. The Nasdaq composite index jumped 4.2% to 2,620.34, its best day since Aug. 23, when it rallied 4.3%. It began last night when China said that it would lower the amount of money that banks have to hold in reserve. This should help stimulate the economy by making banks more willing to lend. Before U.S. markets opened, the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and four other central banks unveiled a new program to increase access to dollars for struggling European banks. The move is designed to make it easier for European banks to access funds at a time when fears about the European debt crisis have led to a freeze in liquidity.

Obama's job approval drops below Carter's

Conrad Murray Los Angeles: Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray was jailed for the maximum four years on Tuesday over the star's 2009 death, as a judge lashed the medic's behavior as "money-for-medicine madness." While he is expected to actually serve less than half of that term, Murray could also be forced to pay compensation to Jackson's family, the judge ruled after a prosecution call for the amount to be set at $100 million. Jackson's 81-year-old mother Katherine hailed the sentencing, but added: "Four years is not enough for someone's life." In reality the medic -- convicted of involuntary manslaughter three weeks ago -- will spend much less than the four years behind bars, notably due to California's prison overcrowding. Judge Pastor, giving a scathing summary of the case against the 58year-old doctor, said: "It should be made very clear that experimental medicine is not going to be tolerated. And Mr. Jackson was an experiment. The fact that he participated in it does not excuse or lessen the blame of Dr Murray who simply could have walked away and said no as countless others did." Murray was found guilty on November 7 after giving Jackson an overdose of the anesthetic, propofol, on June 25, 2009 at the star's plush Holmby Hillsmansion. The drug was purportedly to help the singer fight chronic insomnia. Jackson, aged 50 at the time of his death, had hired Murray at a salary of $150,000 a month to look after him as he rehearsed and embarked on a series of "This is It" planned comeback shows in London.The judge said he agreed that Murray should have to pay restitution to Jackson's estate and three children, and scheduled a new hearing for January 23 to decide the amount. Washington: President Obama's slow ride down Gallup's daily presidential job approval index has finally passed below Jimmy Carters, earning Obama the worst job approval rating of any president at this stage of his term in modern political history. Since March, Obama's job approval rating has hovered above Carter's, considered among the 20th century's worst presidents, but today Obama's punctured Carter's dismal job approval line. On their comparison chart, Gallup put Obama's job approval rating at 43 percent compared to Carter's 51 percent. Back in 1979, Carter was far below Obama until the Iran hostage crisis, eerily being duplicated in Tehran today with Iranian protesters storming the British embassy. The early days of the crisis helped Carter's ratings, though his failure to win the release of captured Americans, coupled with a bad economy, led to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980. According to Gallup, here are the job approval numbers for other presidents at this stage of their terms, a year before the re-election campaign: -- Harry S. Truman: 54 percent. -- Lyndon B. Johnson: 44 percent. -- Richard M. Nixon: 50 percent. -- Ronald Reagan: 54 percent. -- George H.W. Bush: 52 percent. -- Bill Clinton: 51 percent. -- George W. Bush: 55 percent. Many pundits believe that job approval ratings are the

key number to look at when determining if a president will win re-election. Generally, they feel that a president should be higher than 47 percent to win re-election. Obama's troubles have revived talk in Democratic circles that Vice President Joe Biden should be replaced by the politically popular Hillary Clinton. She plans to leave as secretary of state at the end of Obama's term no matter what happens in the re-election. A key Democratic source said that Clinton could help revive the Democratic base and bring in Clinton backers, with whom the administration has had a cool relationship. Clinton has repeatedly rejected talk of her swapping roles with Biden, but Democratic operatives eager to keep the president in office believe that she would be the key to winning educated white voters and liberals upset with the administration's actions.

India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

11

December 3-9, 2011

FDI war: BJP refuses to budge, Congress backs govt

New Delhi: The deadlock over allowing foreign equity in India's retail market deepened as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected the government's plea for toning down its adjournment motion on the issue and the Congress not favoring a rollback by the government. BJP leader L.K. Advani conveyed to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee that the wording of the adjournment motion moved by the BJP on FDI in retail was non-negotiable, informed sources said. Mukherjee called up Advani in another bid to end the deadlock over the FDI in multi-brand retail, but failed to make any headway. Advani made it clear that the only way to go was to follow the suggestion given by Sushma Swaraj, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, at the all-party meeting, chaired by Mukherjee. Sushma Swaraj had suggested at the meeting that the government should roll back its decision on the FDI in retail and start a discussion on price rise before this issue was cleared by the union cabinet. The latest move by Mukherjee to break the deadlock came even as Trinamool, each of which have 18 Lok Sabha MPs, the need to avoid a political crisis over the FDI issue. Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari confirmed the contact with the key allies but did not take any names. "It is a matter of coordination between us," Tewari said. Sources said the Congress strategy will be to ensure that the DMK and Trinamool MPs do not vote against the government if an adjournment motion that entails vote on FDI comes up in parliament. The sources said the DMK has conveyed to the Congress that it would not vote against the government in parliament. The Congress is trying to win over the Trinamool. Despite tough opposition from the BJP and the Left parties, the Congress resolved there will be no rollback of the government decision to allow 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail and 100 percent in single-brand retail. "The prime minister has made it clear that it is a well thought-out decision and the party supports it," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters. Undeterred by the united opposition's onslaught, the Congress declared that the government has the numbers in Parliament to face any adjournment motion. "We have the numbers. We would not have done it without counting our flock," party spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters. "This hair-splitting (about numbers) is not necessary, not called for," he said. Besides the opposition from outside, the Congress is also fighting a war within. At least two MPs have written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him to reverse the decision. Mukherjee, the Congress' troubleshooter, held a brief meeting with party president Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence before meeting party MPs to allay their apprehensions on the decision, sources said. Top leaders of the Congress, including Manmohan Singh and Gandhi, held two meetings of the core group on how to resolve the crisis. The meeting of the Congress core group was held at the prime minister's 7, Race Course Road official residence.

Parliament hasnt functioned in this winter session so far. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke to leaders of allies Trinamool Congress and DMK after attending a meeting of the Congress core committee to find a way out of the impasse in parliament on the FDI issue. The BJP has demanded that normal business be suspended in parliament to focus on FDI with a strongly worded adjournment motion demanding revocation of the retail reforms. "If the government even wants to suggest they want to change the wording of the adjournment motion moved by me, I am making it clear there will be no change," said the BJP's Murli Manohar Joshi. The Congress core committee met for a second time, in the evening, but failed to evolve a way out. According to Congress sources, Manmohan Singh explained to leaders of the DMK and

Ready for mid-term polls: Gadkari

Lokpal panel still divided on inclusion of PM

New Delhi: The parliamentary standing committee on law and justice, examining the Lokpal bill, remained divided over bringing the prime minister under the anti-graft ombudsman even as Anna Hazare threatened to launch a protest if the legislation is not passed in the winter session which ends on Dec 21. Chairman of the panel Abhishek Manu Singhvi told NDTV news channel that among the three options being considered are to include the prime minister fully but defer prosecution, exclude him absolutely and to include him but with substantive exclusion on subject matter under the Lokpal. "We have not reached the stage of adoption, rejection or dissension on the prime minister," he said. But sources said opposition members from the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of IndiaMarxist plan to give dissent notes to the panel on the issue. Interestingly, Lok Janshakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan has also given a dissent note to the panel asking reservation for Dalit, backwards and minorities in the Lokpal. Besides bringing the prime as demanded by Anna and a citizen's charter. While there is general agreement on bringing Group A and B staff under the Lokpal, some opposition members want the Group C and D staff also to be under the anti-graft ombudsman. There is general agreement on a constitutional status for the Lokpal, retaining the autonomy of the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Central Vigilance Commission, and keeping the judiciary out of its ambit, said sources. Once the standing committee has submitted its recommendations to parliament, the government can introduce the Lokpal bill.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari said once the BJP tally reached 170, those keeping away from his party would join in and the NDA will be expanded. Kolkata: Asserting that it was prepared for midterm polls in the country, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exuded confidence of crossing 170 Lok Sabha seats on its own. Party chief Nitin Gadkari also said the BJPheaded National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed would expand with lot of others joining it once the BJP crossed the 170-mark in seat tally whenever the elections were held. "We are ready for it," Gadkari said when asked whether his party was ready for mid- term polls. "But I am no astrologer that I can tell you when elections will be held I don't know. Anything can happen in cricket and politics," he quipped during informal talks with mediapersons here. Asked about the number of seats the BJP was expecting, he said: "At any cost we will go over 200 on our own". He said once the BJP tally reached 170, those keeping away from his party would join in and the NDA will be expanded.

Once the standing committee has submitted its recommendations to parliament, the government can introduce the Lokpal bill in Parliament. minister under the Lokpal, the other issue to be resolved is inclusion of lower bureaucracy under the anti-graft ombudsman

Anna flays parliament panel on Lokpal

R a l e g a n - S i d d h i (Maharashtra): Anna Hazare has decried as "a conspiracy to weaken" the law the government's reported move to leave out the lower bureaucracy, grievances redressal and Lokayukta in states from the Lokpal bill on the basis of draft recommendations of a parliamentary standing committee. Hazare also threatened to go on an indefinite protest from December 27 if the parliament does not enact the Jan Lokpal bill in the winter session that is scheduled to end on December 22. This indefinite protest will be preceded by a day-long fast on December 11 at Jantar Mantar in the national capital to press for passing of the law. Hazare told reporters that the move of the government went against the sense of a resolution on the three issues that Lok Sabha had accepted after a debate in the monsoon session of parliament. "There were three issues... grievances redressal, whole of bureaucracy, Lokayukta in all states... that we had raised. There was a resolution on these three issues in Lok Sabha and it was passed by the member unanimously. The copy of the resolution was sent to me. "This is a conspiracy to weaken the Lokpal bill," he added.

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India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

2G case: Kanimozhi, five others released

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, a key accused in the spectrum scandal, walked out of Tihar jail here after spending 194 long days. Five others were also released with her. "They have been released," prison spokesman Sunil Gupta said, soon after all of them were driven away in separate cars from one of the gates not mobbed by journalists and photographers. Apart from Kanimozhi, 43 and daughter of former Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Karunanidhi, the Delhi High Court had Monday given bail to Kalaignar TV chief Sharad Kumar, Cineyug Films' Karim Morani, and Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd directors Asif Balwa and Rajeev B. Agarwal. Mumbai-based realtor Shahid Balwa, who was among the first to be jailed Feb 8, won bail Tuesday. He too walked out of the prison. All of them were given bail on the ground of parity with other accused who got bail in the Supreme Court on Nov 23. At least 10 cars, packed with DMK leaders, entered the Tihar premises to take away Kanimozhi, whose imprisonment had strained ties between the DMK and the Congress party. Kanimozhi later went to her official residence in the heart of the capital. She walked in with her husband G. Aravindan but she parity I am inclined to admit him bail," said Judge Saini. The bail plea of R.K. Chandolia, ex-aide of A. Raja, has been kept pending. When this became known, Chandolia's wife and two daughters broke down in the court room. In contrast, Balwa's family jumped beaming in joy and greeted each other. Balwa's father said he will leave for Haj pilgrimage Saturday. "I will leave for Haj while my sons Shahid and Asif Balwa (who got bail Monday) will go to Mumbai for four days," he said. Apart from Kanimozhi, 43 and daughter of former Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Karunanidhi, the Delhi High Court had given bail to Kalaignar TV chief Sharad Kumar, Cineyug Films' Karim Morani, and Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd directors Asif Balwa and Rajeev B. Agarwal. defly avoided a large pack of TV telecommunication minister from cameramen. the DMK who is said to be at the According to DMK leader T.R. heart of the spectrum scam. Baalu, Kanimozhi will fly to Raja is still in Tihar jail. Chennai Dec 3. DMK sources Granting Shahid Balwa bail, spesaid she wants to have a quiet cial CBI judge O.P. Saini asked time with her family. "She will be him to furnish a personal bond of back (in Delhi Dec 6) to attend Rs.5 lakh with two sureties of like the daily hearing," Baalu told amount. reporters. "Since as many as 10 coOn May 20, Kanimozhi and accused have been admitted to Sharad Kumar were named co- bail by the Supreme Court as well accused and jailed. Ten days later as by the high court, and charges Morani joined them. Balwa and against the accused Vinod Agarwal had been jailed March Goenka (who was given bail by 29. the apex court) and accused Kanimozhi was known to be Shahid Balwa are almost identiclose to A. Raja, the former cal, following the principle of The high court will resume hearing on the bail plea of former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura, whose plea was strongly opposed by the CBI. Now, only three of the 14 people arrested by CBI in the case remain in jail. These are Raja, Behura and Chandolia. Raja resigned as minister Nov 14, 2010 after the Comptroller and Auditor General reported that the faulty auction process in the allocation of second-generation telephony led to a notional loss of Rs.1.76 lakh crore.

Relieved Karunanidhi speaks to Kanimozhi

Chennai: A visibly relieved DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi spoke to his daughter and party MP Kanimozhi after she was given bail by the Delhi High Court in the 2G case. "The news of Kanimozhi getting bail gives me happiness," a relaxed Karunanidhi told reporters at his residence. Asked what will be his first words to his daughter, who has been in Delhi's Tihar Jail since May 20, after she lands here, he said: "At last, you have come." Questioned on whether Kanimozhi would be given any new position in the party, Karunanidhi said the party would decide on that as he is not an autocratic leader. When asked about DMK MP and former union communications minister A. Raja not moving a bail petition, he said if Raja seeks any assistance, it will be considered. According to party sources, Karunanidhi was a bit cautious this time, unlike earlier times when Kanimozhi was denied bail, contrary to expectations.

Dalai Lama skirts India-China boundary row

New Delhi: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama spoke at the Global Buddhist Conference here, but scrupulously avoided commenting on the postponement of the India-China boundary talks that was triggered by his participation in the conclave. A scheduled press conference to be addressed by the spiritual leader was also abruptly called off. The decision to cancel the press conference was taken in view of the latest diplomatic row between India and China. In a development that may irritate China, a new international Buddhist body headquartered in New Delhi was formed amid Beijing's attempts to project itself "It's a political question. No comments," the Tibetan leader, who has been living in India since 1959 after fleeing from China, said when asked by TV news channels to comment on Chinese objections to his participation at the four-day Global Buddhist Conference that ended in the evening. In his valedictory address, the Dalai Lama focused primarily on the importance of Buddhist values of compassion and harmonious living in a world beset by stress and violence. India has pledged to China that it won't allow the Dalai Lama to indulge in any political activities on the Indian soil. China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a "separatist" and a persona non grata, objected to the Tibetan leader's participation in the conference and indirectly accused India of providing a platform to him. India, however, refused to blink and reiterated its oft-stated position that the Dalai Lama was a spiritual leader and an honoured guest and was, therefore, free to speak on spiritual matters in a free democracy. The differences eventually led to the postponement of the boundary talks. In his speech, the Dalai Lama spoke about "bloodshed, violence and divisions" in the 21st century and stressed the need for every human being to be happy. "In order to make this 21st century a peaceful century, we have to think of things that cannot be achieved through declarations. Peace can come through inner peace," he said. The four-day Global Buddhist Congregation in the capital hosted by the Asoka Mission ended with the constitution of a new international Buddhist body to complement worldwide efforts to carry forward the faith - and preserve Buddhist relics in India and Nepal. A resolution adopted by the congregation said the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will serve as a common platform for Buddhists worldwide, headquartered in New Delhi, wherein Buddhists traditions will be well represented. The move is likely to be resented by the Chinese leadership which is keen to manipulate the international Buddhist community to have its way on the selection of the Dalai Lama's new incarnation before he dies. Beijing was understood to be opposing the new body, which has been in the works for some time, despite the fact that it was in India the Buddha attained enlightenment. The resolution said the "body will operate under the over-arching themes of collective wisdom, united voice and universal responsibility". The confederation will "not compete with the work of existing Buddhist organizations." A representative working committee with 40 members has been formed to prepare a draft constitution of the IBC and convene the first general conference to ratify it, the resolution said.

In a development that may irritate China, a new international Buddhist body headquartered in New Delhi was formed amid Beijing's attempts to project itself as the real Buddhist nucleus of the world. as the real Buddhist nucleus of the world.

India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

13

December 3-9, 2011

AIDS control: India undeterred by donors' pullout

New Delhi: The battle against the deadly HIV-AIDS will not weaken even as some of the major global funding bodies aim to pull out of India's fourth phase of National AIDS Control Program (NACP) 2012-2017. The change in funding structure of the next AIDS control mission will not be a blow to the country's battle against the disease, said National AIDS Control Organization's (NACO) additional secretary Aradhana Johri. "Due to the global meltdown, some of the international donors will not fund NACO programs. But we cannot let this hamper our interventions on HIV-AIDS and the crucial programs will go on," Johri said. NACP 3 was launched in July 2007 with the goal of halting and reversing the epidemic by mid2012. "The World Bank will still support us," Johri said ahead of the World AIDS Day on Thursday. Some of the key donors that have pumped money for HIV-AIDS interventions in India are Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative (Now Clinton Health Access Initiative), and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Earlier this year, the Gates foundation decided to hand over the funding of projects to the government. The move is just a transition phase, according to experts. "It is uncertain at the moment how lack of funds will impact the substantial contributions earlier made in NACP," said UNAIDS country coordinator Charles Gilks. Global donors have laid the future course of programmes on the government's shoulders. Experts feel the global financial crisis in 2008 and the focus shifting from AIDS to other diseases will affect the distribution of funds in developing countries. The first HIV positive case in India was detected in 1986 in Tamil Nadu. Now there are around 2.5 million HIV-positive people nationwide.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, lighting the lamp on the occasion of the World AIDS Day in New Delhi on December 1. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is also seen. (Photo: PIB)

'Kolaveri Di' crosses 10-million mark

New Delhi: Tamil star Dhanush's song "Kolaveri Di" has become a sleeper blockbuster by crossing 10,559,994 hits since its release on November 16 on youtube.com. Composed by 18-year-old Anirudh Ravichander, the song with funny lyrics is sung in an unconventional manner by Dhanush himself and it will be a part of his next film "3", which is being directed by his wife Aishwayra. The film also stars Shruthi Haasan. Seldom has any song created such a craze - from children to youngsters to celebrities, everyone is hoooked on to the song. The Tamil song with nonsense lyrics that came out just eight days ago has already notched up up 3,020,014 hits on YouTube and its fan following includes the young and the old, the commoner and the celebrity. Seldom has any song created such a craze "with over 8.2 M links shared on Facebook in less than a week", a Sony Music statement said. "Such is the effect of the song that strangely my two-and-a-halfmonth-old son slept listening to 'Kolaveri Di'," said Janice Goveas, a Mumbai-based professional said.

Snakes released in tax office in protest

Lucknow: A snake-charmer released dozens of snakes inside a Tax office to protest against officials who overlooked his complaints about an application for land. Local bureaucrats leapt onto their desks or ran out of the building in Basti, 300 km southwest of Lucknow, when Hakkul let his snakes - including cobras - out of three bags on Tuesday. He had applied for a plot of land to keep his snakes, Subhash Mani Tripathi, a land revenue official, said. But there is no provision for such a business. Meanwhile, Hakkul created panic by letting loose a bunch of snakes all over the office. Hakkul later told reporters that a district magistrate had promised him a plot of land for his snakes two

years ago. Workers stood on chairs and shook table clothes at the hissing reptiles to keep them away as excited crowds gathered outside. Police said they were still working to collect the snakes.

Ranbaxy approved by FDA to make first generic version of Lipitor

Washington: India's largest maker of generic drugs, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has won US approval to sell a generic version of the world's top-selling cholesterol lowering drug Lipitor hours after it lost US patent protection. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) late Wednesday said it granted Ranbaxy approval to sell a generic version of Pfizer Inc.'s Lipitor, called atorvastatin calcium. The company will make generic tablets in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg strengths. The drug will be manufactured by Ohm Laboratories in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The last-minute decision ended widespread speculation over the outcome of a delay caused by longstanding manufacturing issues at some Ranbaxy factories. People who have high blood cholesterol levels have a greater chance of getting heart disease, FDA said. By itself, the condition usually has no signs or symptoms. Thus, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. "This medication is widely used by people who must manage their high cholesterol over time, so it is important to have affordable treatment options," said Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research. "We are working very hard to get generic drugs to people as soon as the law will allow." In the clinical trials for Lipitor, the most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients were: inflammation of the nasal passages, joint pain, diarrhoea, and urinary tract infection. Generic drugs approved by FDA have the same high quality and strength as brand-name drugs. The generic manufacturing and packaging sites must pass the same quality standards as those of brand-name drugs, FDA said.

Healthcare spending to go up in 12th Plan: Montek

1.3 percent to 2.5 percent of GDP during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-13 to 2016-17) period. "I am not satisfied with the quality of healthcare in both the private and the public sector," Ahluwalia told IANS, adding "we plan to increase spending on healthcare from 1.3 percent to 2.5 percent of GDP in the 12th Plan." He was addressing the India Health Summit 2011 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry here. Ahluwalia agreed the government should be berated for not spending a large percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on providing better healthcare. The government spent around Rs.4,142 crore during the four-year period 2007-08 to 2010-11. But, he said, besides spending more money on the healthcare sector, it is equally important to have more qualified professionals.

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia. New Delhi: Expressing concern over the quality of health care in India, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the government will increase spending on the sector from

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India News Features TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

Kashmir cackles with 600,000 winged visitors

his premier wetland in Srinagar is in the prime of its beauty these days -- it is host to more than 600,000 migratory birds, with the numbers swelling with each passing day. Each year, thousands of migratory birds leave their summer homes in Russian Siberia, the Phillipines, eastern Europe, China and Japan, flying thousands of miles by navigating their long arduous journeys through instinct, to reach their winter homes in the valley. "By the middle of this month, more than 600,000 migratory birds, including greylag geese, mallards, gadwalls, garganeys, pochards, grebes, wigeons, shovellers, teals, coots and pintails, have reached this bird reserve. "We have around 4,000-5,000 greylag geese in the reserve this time and more are arriving each day," Wildlife Warden (Wetlands) Rouf Zargar said, adding his

Migratory birds at the Hokarsar Bird Reserve in Kashmir. department has formed special Bird protection has to be a commuanti-poaching patrols to check ille- nal effort and all of us have to gal hunting of the birds outside the understand that our survival is directly linked to the well-being of reserve. Bird hunting was banned in wild animals and birds around us," Jammu and Kashmir in 2001. "We the warden asserted. have seized many weapons of Encouragingly, some migratory poachers who have been produced bird species like the purple before the courts for the offence. moorhens have started living inside

this bird reserve as residents. "We have around 50,000 purple moorhens in the reserve this time. They lay eggs inside and bring up their chicks," said Muhammad Ramzan, a forester at the reserve. "Initially, they used to be migratory in nature, but for the last six years they have changed their habits and live as resident birds here." Ramzan also spotted scores of cormorants. "The cormorants are basically birds of passage. They live here for a short time after their arrival. They will soon fly out to the Indian plains where they spend the winter months. "They will again spend a part of their time in this reserve in the spring before flying out to their summer homes," said Ramzan. Displaying their mutli-coloured plumage, the birds fly in systematic patterns, creating a mesmerising spectacle over the skies in the

reserve. "We also host Ruddy Shelducks in the reserve. The migratory bird is known for its capacity to fly high," said the warden. "All the migratory birds leave the reserve in the evenings for feeding in the Wullar Lake and other water bodies, but with arithmetical accuracy, they return in the mornings to spend the day in the safety of the reserve." The birds feed on water chestnuts and wild grass, but when the water bodies are frozen during the extreme winter cold, the wildlife department arranges special paddy meals for them. "We feed huge quantities of paddy to the birds during the extreme winter freeze as their body temperatures prevent freezing of the small pools of water inside the reserve, where they remain huddled during the days of freeze," he said.

Bhatti sets up factory for foundation stones!

fter being a constant thorn in the flesh of self-serving politicians, greedy builders and oily middlemen, satirist-cumactor Jaspal Bhatti has now ventured into a new field. He has set up a 'factory' to manufacture foundation stones to cater to the "ever increasing" demand from ministers and politicians. The comedian has put up a board titled Jaspal Bhatti's National Foundation Stone Factory at a plot he owns in Mohali town of Punjab, adjoining Chandigarh. The 'factory' promises an all-weather supply of foundation stones to bigwigs for all occasions. "This factory will always work and will be a great success. Foundation stones are always in demand and we have no dearth of

these. This is the most unique factory in the country. We will cater to the big demand for foundation stones," Bhatti, famous for his TV satires "Ulta-Pulta" and "Flop Show" and his comical roles in Bollywood movies, said. The students and faculty of MAD Arts School - Bhatti's acting school at Mohali - dressed up as construction workers during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the factory. The first foundation stone of the 'factory' was unveiled this week by SAB TV's executive vice president and business head Anooj Kapoor. Bhatti said with assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and some other states around the corner, his foundation stone factory will only "do well". "In fact, we should bring an act in

Satirist-actor Jaspal Bhatti at his foundation stones factory near Chandigarh. parliament which specifies that every minister and politician should have a minimum quota for laying foundation stones every month,"

Bhatti suggested. "Sometimes ministers forget they have already laid the foundation stone for a bridge and they re-do it. Sometimes, the foundation stones get lost in grass and bushes after remaining unattended for years," he pointed out. Anooj Kapoor said: "We decided to associate with Jaspal Bhatti's Nonsense Club's activity as they are doing this political satire as a tribute to (cartoonist) R.K. Laxman." The factory and Bhatti are scheduled to feature on a show on the channel. Bhatti, an electrical engineer by profession, set up his Nonsense Club in Chandigarh in 1982, when he was studying engineering at the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) here, to raise social issues through satire.

'Rocket Woman' propels India's missile mission

orget breaking the glass ceiling, Tessy Thomas has virtually blasted her way through it. The 48-year-old is the first-ever woman director of an Indian missile project and is set to place India in an elite club of nations like the US, Russia and China with the capability to produce their own long-range Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). She will achieve that when India tests its 5,000-km range nuclear capable Agni-V missile by February 2012. Thomas also wants to see Indian women taking on combat roles in the armed forces. "Why not? If they are performing other roles in the armed forces so efficiently, they can also perform combat roles," Thomas said. "If women are willing to get into combat roles, I think, yes, they

should be allowed to join. This, I am sure, will happen over time," said the 'Agni Putri' (Daughter of Fire), a sobriquet she had earned for her association with the Agni missiles since 1988. The scientist from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was in Delhi after her team had successfully tested the new-generation Agni-IV missile Nov 15 that broke new records for India by hitting a target 3,000 km away from the Balasore test range in the Orissa coast. This is the first time ever the country has tested a missile to hit target at that distance, thereby becoming the first Indian missile to cross the equator and hit a target in the southern hemisphere. For her achievement in missile technology, she is also fondly

called 'the missile woman' by the Indian media. When asked how she landed in the male-dominated defence research and development world, she promptly replies: "Science has no gender. Defence R&D is a knowledge-based field." Armed with an engineering degree, Thomas joined the DRDO and was assigned to work on the Agni missile project by none other than former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who is also known as the 'Father of Indian Missile Program'. Since 1988, she has worked on Agni-series missiles and is also the strength behind the 2,000-km range Agni-II and 3,500-km range AgniIII missiles and has been the project director of these missile programs, contributing to the guidance designs. During her initial years in the DRDO, she also worked on the

Tessy Thomas receiving an award from Defense Minister A.K. Antony in the presence of DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat in 2010. (Photo Courtesy: DRDO) 900-km range Agni-I missile. Her inspiration? "Of course, Kalam sir. He was the director of the lab I joined first and he was the one who assigned me to the Agni project."

Eco-Tainment TheSouthAsianTimes.info

15

December 3-9, 2011

Eco-rock band from NY packs a musical punch in India

Solar Punch practices what it preaches, promotes environment activism through songs and workshops.
By Hiral Dholakia Dave olar Punch - a four member eco-rock bank from New York is just back from its fourth power-packed India tour. 100% solar power that is. Adept at singing in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English, the band uses solar amplifiers for its performances and discusses environmental issues and solutions through their original songs. From rocking the crowds at Mumbai Greenathon to striking a chord with locals in Kashmir and traversing the region with solar panels mounted atop tempo travelers they had a lot going on during their India trips. The band was started in 2007 by Alan Bigelow, a research scientist at Columbia University along with James Dean Conklin, a video producer and fellow musician. They were later joined by Andrew Mattina, the bass guitarist of the band, who also analyses financial matters for Milbank Tweed and Joe Mitch, the drummer who is also an archivist at Gary Null Associates. The South Asian Times caught up with solar energy enthusiasts and environment edu-tainers Alan and James to know more about the band and its mission.

with them and thought it would be really cool to continue on as a solar-powered eco-rock band. That led to the birth of Solar Punch in September 2007. We researched different types of solar panels, batteries, charge controllers and the other components necessary and developed the solarcharged system we have now. We were very keen to write original music about our environmental and climate issues and so far have 24 songs (two full albums) of original, eco-themed material! How did India happen to you guys? Alan: Solar Punch was invited by our friend Ted Stern, chair of the San Diego section of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), to perform at SOLAR2008, the national ASES meeting. We met an enthusiastic young woman named Alexis Ringwald who happened to hear us performing and she proceeded to tell us about how her Fulbright scholar work in India had led to planning a Climate Solutions Road Tour with the nascent Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN). Alexis realized that Solar Punchs commitment to using renewable energy to perform music was indeed a model of a climate solution and she invited us to participate in the tour to celebrate local initiatives in climate solutions across India. We immediately accepted Alexis invitation. After strategizing with the IYCN over logistics, the tour was realized and Solar Punch was introduced to India in a grand way a five week road tour from Chennai to Delhi by vehicles using alternative power: 1) Three solar-electric cars provided by Reva, Bangalore,

2) Two vehicles powered by bio fuels, and 3) The Solar Punch Buggy that contained a customdesigned, solar-charging system. Please tell us about your recent trip. What was the most exciting part of it? What were the highlights? James: Our most recent trip to India was from November 6-26. We were initially invited to come work with Advit Foundation, who were interested in hosting some events in Gurgaon. We first heard from them back in February; we were still in Bangalore at the time, on our 3rd tour, (which is a whole OTHER awesome story!), but were excited to hear from them and almost immediately began working out the logistics. During the planning stage, we heard from Reetu Asrani, who helps run the Indian Youth Climate Network group in Kashmir - IYCN J&K. Reetu invited us to come north and bring some solar-powered music and eco-tainment to Srinagar and Jammu. As we came to realize the importance and controversies of the area, we were excited and determined to make this a part of the tour. We hired a tempo traveler and a great driver; mounted solar panels to the roof of the tempo and acquired enough battery capacity so we could charge batteries while driving and then perform with same in the evening. After outfitting the tempo and dealing with other logistics, we mounted up and headed into the mountains. It was incredible. We took thousands of pictures but nothing has come close to capturing the incredible vistas and the intensity of the ride. A particular highlight was an impromptu performance at a creative arts space in Jammu Natrang. We were treated to a performance by a local tribal group (who had traveled two days by foot to come to this event) and then we took the floor for some acoustic versions of the songs we do. It was a treat to see these guys do their thing! In all frankness - each day, each hour, every minute seemed to hold some unexpected highlight or moment of awesomeness on this our 4th tour of Incredible India! Alan: There were so many exciting aspects of this tour, but the most exciting part was arriving in Kashmir on 11/11/11. Our eyes were wide open as our tour van emerged from the Jawahar Tunnel and entered into Kashmir. Continued on page 25...

Solar panels atop tempo roof

How did Solar Punch happen? James: Alan and I have a long association with a band, Circus Guy that had been touring the Middle East doing cultural bridge building projects through music from 2003 to 2006. A member of that band, T.H. Cuhane, was also a passionate environmentalist and showed us how to use solar panels to give effective demonstrations about renewable energy. We returned from our last tour

(L to R): Alan Bigelow, Joe Mitch, James Dean Conklin andAndrew Mattina

Songs offer solutions, raise issues

They have two albums to their credit. The first album called Surya was released in 2009 after their first tour to India. The second album Solutions released in October this year, offers solutions for environmental issues. Their song, Plastic, is sort of a punk-rock, hillbilly take on how much plastic there is in the world and how we need to find better ways to deal with it. In Waterdrops they sing of organic farming and drip irrigation practices that they witnessed in China and in Jalalpuram near Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh. An associated solution was the use of check dams to hold rain water in place to help raise the water table. Their songs The Rig and A Gulf State were written as reminders of the devastation from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and how that was an example of mans reckless behavior because of our addiction to oil. They are experimenting with download-only music distribution to help reduce packaging waste (shrink-wrapped packaging, printing, plastic discs, etc). The download cards are available at their live shows or by snail mail upon request for $5. The music goes to your mobile device or laptop and actually helps the environment!

Alan Bigelow (left), James Dean (right)

The band at Pune public school performance

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Ultimate Bollywood TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

'Kolaveri' is India's new youth anthem

outh Indian actor-singer Dhanush says he is overwhelmed by the response to his song 'Kolaveri di', which has become a rage online, attracting fans like Amitabh Bachchan. The Tanglish (Tamil and English) song, a funny take on a heartbreak, is from the Dhanush's upcoming Tamil movie '3'. It has already become a craze on internet with over 14 lakh views on YouTube. "I am overwhelmed by the response. When we were recording the song, we never thought it would become such a rage. We didn't have any plans, any marketing strategy to make the song a hit. It just happened. My voice is full of mistakes and that's why it suits the song. I guess that worked for the song because it can be easily hummed," Dhanush said. 'Kolaveri di' (why this murderous rage),

The video shows Dhanush, the son-in-law of superstar Rajinikanth, singing the song in a studio.

which is being shared by the online community rapidly, was released digitally on November 16 by Sony Music. The video shows Dhanush, the son-in-law of superstar Rajinikanth, singing the song in a studio and composer Anirudh Ravichander on the keyboard while director Aishwarya R Dhanush and co-star Shruti Hassan watch along and give suggestions. "When I was writing down the lyrics, I kept in mind all the English words that are used in the Tamil vocabulary. Words like I, you, me, how, why, cow.. I just framed them into sentences and thats how I came up with the song," said Dhanush, who also penned down the lyrics of the song. Debutant music-director Anirudh Ravichander said they wanted to do something new with the song and it was Aishwarya who came up with the concept.

Bigg Boss: Is Salman helping Mahek Chahal?

Documentary on MF Husain not screened at IFFI

owing to pressure from rightwing Hindu groups, organizers of the 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) deferred the screening of legendary artist M.F. Husain's documentary. Speaking to reporters, IFFI director Shankar Mohan said the screening of "Through the Eyes of a Painter" was a homage by the film fraternity to the late artist. Mohan said the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) had told them that a case regarding the documentary was pending in court. "We do not want to do anything illegal, so we are taking a legal opinion," he said.The documentary had won the Golden Bear prize at the Berlin film festival.

The documentary had won the Golden Bear prize at the Berlin film festival.

Salman apparently took this model, of 'Nayi Padosan' fame, under his wings to teach her the ropes of making a successful career in Bollywood. n this industry, where closeness with celebs and loyalties towards particular star camps holds as steady as a mound of quicksand, Salman Khan has more or less always been known to stand by his faithful friends in the face of adversity. There was buzz that Salman gifted his 'very good friend' Asin an apartment in Mumbai, even recommended friend Zarine Khan to filmmakers, while promoting former girlfriend Katrina Kaif in Bollywood and gifting artworks to Aamir Khan. This all-weather friend, however, is now being accused of showering undue advantage on another friend, Mahek Chahal, as she battles it out with fellow contestants on a TV reality show. Salman apparently took this model, of Nayi Padosan fame, under his wings to teach her the ropes of making a successful career in Bollywood. There were earlier reports of how

the model-turned-actress even accompanied Sallu on his outdoor shoots. Currently a contestant on television reality show Bigg Boss, Mahek, according to former fellow contestant Pooja Bedi has turned into a 'vulture' and is 'terrorizing' the other inmates in the house, all because she has the backing of Salman, who also hosts the same show. Recently evicted Pooja Bedi has also pointed a finger at Salman for supporting Mahek in her antics. In an interview, she says, "No one can object to her behavior because then he or she gets portrayed negatively. Everyone in the house thinks Salman is calling the shots. They're unnerved." In fact, so thick is Salman's friendship with her that the star even turned up recently on the show to rebuke Siddharth Bharadwaj. Pooja also adds that the other contestants feel everyone has to suck up to Mahek to remain in the show.

Saif, Kareena say no to sex scenes

Both Saif and Kareena are very serious about their relationship and will be getting married next year. The buzz is on that Saif will do few steamy scenes with Deepika Padukone in Race 2. A source informed the media, During the release of their last film Aarakshan, there was buzz that Saif and Deepika had become very fond of each other. Now with Race 2 around the corner, everyone's talking about the kissing scene. Saif wants to nip these rumors in the bud. He even plans to talk to Deepika about it. With marriage imminent early next year, they don't want any controversies. Even in the case of Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine, Kareena has made it clear that she won't do kissing scenes. For Race 2, Saif had communicated the same to directors AbbasMustaan, added the source.

Both Saif and Kareena are very serious about their relationship and will be getting married next year.

ollywood's popular lovebirds Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have decided not to do any intimate or kissing scenes with their co-stars

in any of the films. This is a strong decision taken up by Saifeena to avoid misunderstandings in their relationship until marriage.

Ultimate Bollywood Thesouthasiantimes.info

17

December 3-9, 2011

'Desi Boyz,' a highly entertaining sex comedy

oys bonding is a great subject for comedies. Tarun Mansukhani tried it in "Dostana". Debutant director Rohit Dhawan gives a far more blithe and effervescent spin to that thing called friendship that makes us do all kinds of weird and wonderful things. Sometimes in tandem. "Desi Boyz" is a very entertaining yarn about two guys in Britain taking on recession with a bit of naughty moonlighting as, ahem ahem, gigolos. Or, as brothel-chief Sanjay Dutt (who comes to the strains of "Nayak nahin khalnayak hoon main", a la "Ra.One") describes it, Jerry (Akshay Kumar) and Nick (John Abraham) are in the business of making women smile. "Desi Boyz" goes beyond the fair sex. It makes everyone smile most of the while. The editing (Nitin Rokade) is seamless, bringing together the four principal actors' individual charms into a collective space without crowding the canvas. To their credit every principal actor, and that includes Anupam Kher

The Desi Boyz team during a promotional tour. (playing Deepika Padukone's zany dad) and Omi Vaidya (as her wimpy fiance) seems to get into the film's vivacious frothy mood without letting the dark underbelly of the film be squandered in frivolity. Remarkably the film's light crisp upper-crust secretes a hard sombre bedrock of truth about how tough life can get in a super-competitive society where keeping up appearances can also mean looking your best after being told you've just lost your job. Devastation is no reason for cosmetic bankruptcy. Among this film's many virtues of being an engaging rom-com is its unmistak-

able glamour. The four main actors have seldom looked so fetching. Is it the camera (N. Natarajan Subramnaniam), the lighting and the choreography, all first-rate, or is it something more? The sheer pleasure that the actors derive in getting into the mood of an intelligently-written comedy is palpable, almost every step along the way. You can't miss the pride in playing a part in a parody that never plays dumb. The narration moves effortlessly even while negotiating the highly filmy episodes. There is a heartwrenching orphaned little boy (Virej Dasani, adorably cute) who needs a home with his bankrupt uncle (Akshay Kumar) badly. In movies of yore the heroines would perform mujras in kothas to preserve the sanctity of their family values. Here the boys strip and dance for their recession-hit lives. Admirably Rohit Dhawan's screenplay turns the men into sex objects with comic candour and without a trace of selfconscious-

ness. Not that the women are any less attractive to the eye. Deepika Padukone has not much to do, and Chitrangda even less. The latter gets to play strip poker during exam revision with her 'student' Akshay Kumar. It's a brilliantly written scene full of tantalizing possibilities. "Desi Boyz" has ample room for skinshow and cheesiness. It goes for the skin with elan and avoids the cheesy ramifications by simply turning away from double meanings (the director Rohit's father David Dhawan's forte). Yes, there're phallic references and mischievous eye-rolling whispers and nudges relying on women's body-parts. But the overall impression is that of a class comic act, a sumptuouslymounted sex comedy, no pun, but plenty fun, intended. Put your hands together for "Desi Boyz". Smart, sassy, sexy and sparkling with dark audacious humour, the film brings us a striking director in Rohit Dhawan.

Kat replaces Rani as Aditya's favorite

Not only is Katrina Kaif doing three films for Aditya Chopra's home production, she has been paired opposite the top three Khans. veryone knows that in before moving on to the next big Bollywood, it is the heroes star. Rekha acted in Silsila (1981), who call the shots. The lead- Juhi in Darr (1993), and Madhuri ing ladies are just incidental to the Dixit in Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997). plot. Interestingly, Kat has already So when one of B-Town's most worked with the banner twice - in powerful production houses signs an New York (2009) and Mere Brother actress for three big projects, it is Ki Dulhan (2011). Although she has definitely time for the competition worked with Salman in many films; to sit up and take notice. Not only is come 2012, she begins Dhoom 3 Katrina Kaif doing three films for with Aamir and an untitled film with Aditya Chopra's home production, Shah Rukh for the first time. The she has been paired opposite the top trade is abuzz with the news of how three Khans. the actress, who has hit it off with While Kareena Kapoor has Adi, has replaced Rani as the new already worked with Salman, Aamir favorite of the banner. and Shah Rukh, they were all projA spokesperson for the production ects with different production hous- house says, "The decision to have es. Clearly, Chopra's production Katrina in three films was made on house has never put so much faith in the basis of only one parameter - the one actress. In fact, they've rarely script - followed by the director's repeated their leading ladies (bar- vision. Katrina was always the ring Rani Mukerji), and often work director's first choice for two of with the No 1 actress of the time those three films."

op star Britney Spears says the kitchen is the centre of her home and she loves spending time there. The 29-year-old, who has sons Sean Preston, six, and Jayden James, five, with ex-husband Kevin Federline, has a "very traditional" home. "My house is very traditional. And I love 'shabby chic'. It's a very homey-cosy vibe," contactmusic.com quoted Spears as saying."We spend a lot of time in the kitchen actually; maybe my kids will be doing their homework or that kind of thing when they get home from school. I love my kitchen," she added.

Britney Spears loves her kitchen

Kim breaks down over failed marriage

The 29-year-old, who has sons Sean Preston, six, and Jayden James, five, has a very traditional home.

im Kardashian broke down into tears on her own TV show while discussing her failed marriage to Kris Humphries. The reality TV star split from the basketball player last month and filed for divorce just 72 days after their lavish televised wedding. The 31-year-old actress has kept her feelings largely out of the spotlight since their split, but in a new episode of family reality TV show 'Kourtney and Kim Take New York', she was seen sobbing as she talked about her marriage. Kim cried uncontrollably while she spoke to her sister Kourtney.

Hashmi upset with sleazy Vidya Balan?

ctor Emraan Hashmi, who has managed to carve a niche for himself, isn't quite pleased with the promotions of 'The Dirty Picture', or so we hear, what with Vidya Balan being treated to all the limelight thanks to her raunchy character. Emraan known for his onscreen kisses and fantastic songs that always makes it to the top of charts suddenly finds himself at the wrong end of the stick is what is being said. But the unit members and the director, Milan Luthria deny every such triviality. "Emraan has made himself available for every possible promotion. All actors knew the scope and length of their characters, and each and every one of

Gossip has it that actor Emraan Hashmi, who is used to the limelight, feels that Vidya is stealing his thunder in the 'The Dirty Picture'. them has an important part to as anyone else involved in it," play. Why then would they sign says one from the crew. the film to begin with? Emraan When we contacted Emraan, he has no inhibitions whatsoever kept it short with, "It's all nonand is as excited about the movie sense".

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Nature & Travel TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

A Unesco World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is the single largest block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest shared by India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh. Unfortunately it has been voted out of the race for the 'New Seven Wonders of Nature'.
By Pradipta Tapadar

ith the Sunderbans voted out of the race for the 'New Seven Wonders of Nature', Tourism industry insiders say the world's single largest block of mangrove forests may have lost a golden opportunity to become a global destination for wildlife tourism. Sunderbans, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is the single largest block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest shared by India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh. Nearly 60 percent of it is with Bangladesh and the rest with India. It was voted out of the provisional list of the 'New Seven Wonders of Nature' based on the first count of vote results Nov 11. This has led to frustration among the people of West Bengal, including travel agents who say it would have helped the Sunderbans push up its tourist numbers way beyond the current 150,000. "It's really unfortunate for both Bengal and India. Sunderbans making it to the new seven wonders list would have opened new gates for the influx of foreign tourists in the state," state Forest Minister Hiten Burman told IANS. "It would have been a hotspot for wildlife tourism on the world map," he added. Said Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) chairman-eastern chapter Anil Punjabi: "It's indeed not good in terms of the tourism business."

Sunderbans out of 'New7Wonders' race

"The rush of foreign tourists would have increased if Sunderbans was voted one of the new seven wonders of nature. The economy of the area would have got a heavy boost," he added. The New7Wonders of Nature was a project undertaken by Canadian-Swiss Bernard Weber to make a list of seven natural wonders selected by people across the world through a worldwide poll. The criterion was that the site was to be "a clearly defined natural site or natural monument" that

was not created or significantly altered by humans for aesthetic reasons. The initiative was started in 2007 and attracted 100 million votes from around the world. Sunderbans was the only Indian entry in the final list of 28 that included the Grand Canyon of the US, the Amazon of Brazil, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the Halong Bay of Vietnam and other natural sites. The case of Sunderbans - home to a number of rare species of

birds and animals, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger was also diplomatically important as it had brought India and Bangladesh together. Former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Bangladesh Forest Minister Hasan Mehmud had declared that the neighbors would work together to ensure the land of Royal Bengal Tigers made it to the final list. But Sunderbans Development Minister Shyamal Mondal said:

"We are the only ones to be blamed. The Left Front government didn't care much about the whole thing. What were they doing? Sunderbans getting selected would have helped both the countries." It is also believed that selection of Sunderbans would have triggered the flow of foreign funds in West Bengal which would have in turn helped the state in better wildlife conservation and unlocking new windows for eco-tourism. Sunderbans, with its wild beauty, Royal Bengal Tigers and winding boat rides, attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year, especially in OctoberNovember. The main tourism hotspots of the Sunderbans are the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve - the home of Royal Bengal Tigers; Sunderbans National Park - sanctuary to spotted deer, white bellied eagles, kingfisher; Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project - hatchery and home to the biggest estuarine crocodiles; and Halliday Island sanctuary of the barking deer. The tour operators and travel agents, however, feel the infrastructure needs to be developed according to international standards. State Tourism Minister Rachapal Singh said: "We should start preparing for the next opportunity. It is very necessary to familiarise foreign travellers with the Sunderbans. We need to take up an aggressive campaign at all international tourism festivals."

Zanskar river in Ladakh becomes winter wonderland for natives and thrill-seeking trekkers.

Walking on water
By Vikas Girdhar

or the three months that the Zanskar River in India transforms from a wet waterway to a solid sheet of ice, many locals and tourists alike consider taking a hike. This has become a common practice as an increasing number of trekkers bear the risk of hiking on frozen waters that may or may not always hold up. Many voyagers have different reasons for undertaking the frigid expedition but each one anticipates a safe completion. The path encompasses all 37 miles of what is known as the Chadar route of the Zanskar River, an isolated valley in the Himalayas and one of the main arms of the Indus River. The Chadar starts just past Chiling, one of the dozens of villages located in the mountains. It is also rich in history, as it was once the favored pathway for transporting Zanskari butter for trade purposes in

Ladakhs main town, Leh. The Ladakh region is connected by the Zanskar River. Zanskar is home to about 14,000 people. Nowadays, the river is the most preferred way for Zanskar natives in search of work, goods or education to move in and out of the valley, and especially more frequently in the winter. The Himalayan winter, which also dictates how well the ice that freezes the river will hold up, runs from early January to March. Of course, the closer to March a trekker embarks on the journey, the higher the risk of thin ice breaking way to freezing waters below. The nearly 40-miles of the Chadar route takes a week to complete one way. Nights are spent huddled in caves, which are much safer because of the ever-present risk of avalanches and falling rocks. Building a daily fire for dinner and warmth is an absolute must, as are extra blankets for the early morning rise, when temperatures are at their lowest.

In the event that something does go wrong and the ice breaks, it takes a significant amount of time for help to arrive, especially if the weather doesnt allow helicopters to be as responsive as they would prefer. It is necessary to schedule the trek with a local guide or porter. Guides and porters are familiar not only with the route, but also know the precautionary measures to ensure safety. Chadar, which literally means bed

sheet in Hindi, is probably most famous for the fact that it is ever-changing. For instance, this nearly 40-mile sheet of thick ice flooring will not be around once the Himalayan winter season is through. Instead, sunny skies will hover over rippling waters come April, with no indication that thousands of trekkers walked on water just one month ago. While their motives to embark on the journey may have varied, the paths they took to complete it were the same.

Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

19

December 3-9, 2011

India, China battle it out over Buddhism

By Vijay Kranti he sudden decision of India and China to drop the meeting of their special representatives only a day before it was scheduled in Beijing has brought a cold war on Buddhism out in the open. China decided to drop the meeting as New Delhi reportedly turned down its demand to keep the Dalai Lama away from a four-day Global Buddhist Congregation that began in New Delhi recently. This glitch automatically puts off the later defense secretary level annual dialogue of Dec 8-9. Both sides have publicly downplayed the issue but there is far more behind the scene than what meets the public eye. The Chinese leadership is determined to make China the supreme Buddhist power. The sudden love affair with Buddhism arises more

from anxieties related to the Tibetan spiritual ruler Dalai Lama, than a change in heart on religion. China's Communist rulers are focused at building up enough credibility in the international Buddhist community to have their way on the selection of the Dalai Lama's new incarnation before he dies. The Chinese believe that a friendly Dalai Lama will solve their Tibet knot that has found frequent expression through public uprisings and self-immolation sprees since 1951. It was the unexpected Tibetan uprising of 1989 that made Chinese leaders realize that a Tibetan generation who had never seen the Dalai Lama and who grew on daily staple of Communist propaganda was to blame. Following a serious review at the third 'Tibet Work Forum' in 1991, China adopted a new policy in Tibet which accepts religion as a tool of winning hearts.

As part of this strategy, Chinese Communists have selected at least two top ranking lama incarnations of Karma Pa and Panchen Lama in 1993 and 1995 respectively. Gedhun Choeky Nyima, the sixyear-old who was recognized by the Dalia Lama as the 'real' Panchen Lama, still remains under Chinese custody 18 years later. While Chinese candidate Giancin Norbu has yet to be accepted by Tibetan masses, the Karma Pa escaped to India to join the Dalia Lama on the eve of New Year of 2000. To the supporters of the Dalai Lama, the selection of these two senior incarnate lamas are dress rehearsals for China to impose a baby of its own choice as the Dalai Lama once the incumbent is no more. Leaving behind Mao's distaste for religion, Beijing hosted the first World Buddhist Forum in 2006 in

Chinas sudden love affair with Buddhism arises more from anxieties related to the Tibetan spiritual ruler Dalai Lama, than a change in heart on religion. Zhejian province and the second in March 2009 in Wuxi. The latter attracted over 1,700 delegates from 50 countries. In both meetings, Giancin Norbu was paraded as the senior most representative of Buddhism in the world. This aggressive marketing by China as the real Buddhist powerhouse of the world has not gone down well with India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. New Delhi too has launched its own Buddhist conferences in Singapore, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. There will be similar shows in Nepal and Vietnam. While the current posturing by New Delhi and Beijing over border dialogue shows where their real concerns lie, the new religious theater is bound to lead to new fireworks. (The views expressed by the author are personal)

Parliament logjam: wholesale sell-out

By Sitaram Yechury sion. The latest reason that has brought the situation to such a pass is the decision of the Union cabinet to permit foreign direct investment (FDI) in the multi-brand retail sector, opening the way for international supermarket giants like Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco to open their shops in India. While the Cabinet does have the right to take executive decisions, it's unprecedented that such decisions are taken and announced when Parliament is in session. This runs contrary to the spirit of parliamentary democracy and our constitutional scheme of things. It is, therefore, not unreasonable that parliamentarians, cutting across political parties, have demanded that this decision ought to have been taken after the issue was discussed by both the Houses. Once the decision has been taken, any discussion on the issue is simply infructuous. Unless, of course, the government is willing to reverse its decision and allow a mean-

he current impasse in Parliament has created a logjam that threatens to disrupt the proceedings of the winter ses-

Rather than adhering to some false notions of prestige, there is nothing lost if the government were to allow the rest of the winter session of the parliament to function smoothly. ingful discussion in Parliament to determine what decision India must take on this score. This is precisely what all the opposition parties, and some important allies of the government in the UPA, are demanding today. Thus, whether this winter session can be salvaged, or, whether it would be allowed to

be wasted, depends crucially on the willingness of the government to accede to such a reasonable demand. This session had, on its agenda, the passage of important legislations, including the Lokpal Bill. It's learnt that the Parliamentary Standing Committee examining the draft Lokpal Bill has completed its deliberations to recommend its suggestions to the Parliament. Whether this Bill will see the light of day in this session, as promised by the government and by a unanimous resolution of both the Houses to this effect will, thus, crucially depend on the government's response on reversing the Cabinet's decision on permitting FDI in the retail sector. If this doesn't happen, then serious and legitimate doubts over the UPA's intentions arise. Such a disruption of the session would permit the government to conveniently avoid getting both embarrassed and cornered on issues of price rise, corruption and black money, apart from the contentious issues involved in the Lokpal Bill. According to the Fourth Economic Census, 1998, retail trade accounted for 42.5% of the total non-agricultural own account enterprises in rural areas and 50.5% in the urban

areas. This translates into 38.2% in rural and 46.4% in urban employment in such own account enterprises. Therefore, crores of Indians are today dependent upon retail trade for their livelihood. Undermining this by permitting the entry of multinational giants will only push millions into poverty and misery. This will add to the woes of the 'real India' where over 80 crore people eke out an existence on less than Rs 20 a day. Substantial issues can be discussed in the Parliament if the UPA decides to create conditions for such a discussion. It is clear that permitting FDI in the retail sector may well provide new avenues for profits for the beleaguered international capital in today's global double dip recession. Rather than adhering to some false notions of prestige, there is nothing lost if the government were to reverse its decision and allow a proper discussion and the rest of the winter session to function in order to discharge its duty in legislating on the crucial issues discussed here. (Sitaram Yechury is CPI(M) Politburo member and Rajya Sabha MP. The views expressed by the author are personal).

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.

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Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

14 arrested for plot to assassinate Trinidad & Tobago PM

Port of Spain: Fourteen people have been arrested in connection to the plot to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and three Cabinet ministers and to destabilize the country. The 27-year-old man, 14th suspect was picked up by a contingent of 50 soldiers and 25 police officers at his John John, Laventille home in an exercise led by Inspector Sahadeo Singh, at about 4 pm Tuesday. He was described as a gang leader and his arrest was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mervyn Richardson. Investigators found copies of Art of War by Chinese warrior/philosopher Sun Tzu and books on terrorism, as well as video tapes on terrorism at the suspects home. They also seized cellphones and electronic items. The suspect was handed over to the officers of the Criminal Intelligence Unit in Port-of-Spain for further questioning on the threat to national security. Earlier eight men were served detention orders and six of them are being held for the conspiracy to murder Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and three Cabinet ministers. The other two detainees are being held for a plot to destabilize the country and cause major panic. Among the eight detainees are a police sergeant with more than 25 years service, two former soldiers and an ex-Coast Guardsman. The plot to assassinate the Prime Minister and her three ministers was discovered earlier this month and was supposed to be carried out on November 24 at the end of a Cabinet meeting. According to intelligence sources, sniper rifles were to be used to assassinate them.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

New immigration law, online platform on the way in India

New Delhi: To transform the immigration process, the government on Nov 25 promised to provide within a year an electronic platform to link Indian missions abroad and the concerned authorities to ensure seamless service for those heading abroad for jobs. "Within 52 weeks, we would be able to provide a common electronic platform for all concerned in the process of migration," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said here. He was addressing a conference of heads of missions of the Gulf region, home to nearly 5 million Indian workers. "This system would link the e-passport system, migration system, Proctor of Emigration offices and Indian Missions abroad to provide a seamless service of migration clearance," he said. Ravi also stressed that the migration process was being upgraded to ensure orderly migration and to curb unscrupulous agents who often cheat Indians by promising them greener pastures abroad. The government has already drafted a new immigration law which will transform the migration process into a simple and transparent mechanism, he said. Voicing serious concern over reports of harassment and exploitation of Indians in the Gulf region, he underlined that "the safety, security and welfare of Indian workers is of primary importance." "Mostly concentrated in the Gulf, they are often exploited in India and abroad. Their living conditions abroad are not very good. We have a great responsibility to address their needs and concerns," he said.

Indians help revive tea estates in Malawi

South Africa remembers Indians with postage stamps

Pretoria: South Africa has launched a series of postage stamps commemorating the arrival of Indian laborers to the country 150 years ago, staterun news agency BuaNews reported. Two stamps were launched Monday by the Department of Communications and the South African Post Office in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture. A further two stamps will be launched next year. One stamp features a sketch of the SS Truro ship, while the second features sugarcane cutters. The stamps serve as a poignant reminder of the extreme hardship and endurance of the Indian laborers, the news agency said. During the British colonial era, the South African government recruited Indian laborers to work in sugar plantations in Natal. The Truro ship left Madras and reached Port Natal Nov 16, 1860. The Belvedere ship left Calcutta and arrived at Port Natal Nov 26 1860, while the Umlazi ship arrived in 1911. Two memorial peace slabs bearing the names of resistance icons like John Langalibalele Dube, Ahmed Timol, Shanti Naidoo, Kader Asmal and Walter and Albertina Sisulu were also unveiled. Public Service and Administration Minister Roy Padayachie said the slabs were a tribute "to the sacrifices of the Indian laborers and liberation fighters and their immense contribution in building a democratic South Africa we have today". He appreciated the "warmth" shown by the indigenous African people towards the Indian laborers who stayed on in South Africa and made the country their home for many generations. Throughout the years, the Indian community has made significant contributions to the cultural, social and political life of South Africa, adding to the country's diverse cultures, he said. The ceremony was attended by Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile and Consul-General of India in Durban, Anil Sharan. According to South African government statistics, people of Indian or Asian origin comprise around 2.5 percent of the population -- with a rough estimate of 1,275,000 in 2011.

Accra: A group of Indian experts is helping revive tea cultivation in Malawi in southern Africa and has so far succeeded in putting 8,500 acres of land under cultivation. The move follows a slackening of interest in tobacco farming due to low global prices for the crop, Sujeet Katoch, general manager of the Kawalazi Estate Company in Mzuzu, said. Speaking on the fringes of the Fairtrade Africa Convention in Accra, Katoch said, "Malawian farmers have for a long time depended on tobacco farming but the drop in global prices for tobacco has renewed interest in tea cultivation and some of us have been recruited to help in the building of tea estates." Agriculture is the mainstay of Malawi, a country of 13 million people. Katoch said Indian interest in Malawian tea cultivation dates

back to the 1960s but this was not sustained. "For the past three years, however, we have been trying to introduce the concept of small holding farms in tea growing areas and have so far been able to get 10,000 farmers interested in growing tea." He said the Kawalazi Estate was opened by the Smallholder Tea Authority in the early 1960s, but following the inability of the small holders to manage it, Global Tea and Commodities (GTC), the current owners, took over in 2001. Katoch, who comes from Assam in Tinsukia district, said since the takeover of the Estate, "The company has done all-time high crop twice already." "The company employs a total workforce of nearly 2,400 men and women in its tea and macadamia operations, making it one of the largest employers in the private sector in the north of the country," he added.

Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info

21

December 3-9, 2011

Pak-US ties on the brink

Islamabad: A senior Pakistani army official has said the NATO cross-border air attack that killed 24 soldiers was a deliberate, blatant act of aggression, hardening Pakistan's stance on an incident which could hurt efforts to stabilize Afghanistan. In a briefing to editors carried in local newspapers, Major General Ishfaq Nadeem, director general of military operations, also said NATO forces were alerted they were attacking Pakistani posts, but helicopters kept firing. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said there could not be "business as usual" with the US

NATO attack blatant aggression

after the NATO airstrike that left two dozen Pakistani soldiers dead near the Afghan border. Gilani had earlier said that Pakistan would reassess its arrangements with NATO and ISAF and its relationship with the US can only continue with mutual respect and mutual interest, reported Associated Press of Pakistan. The Pakistani soldiers were killed when NATO fighter jets and helicopters bombed two border posts in Mohmand tribal region near the Afghan border recently. Islamabad-Washington ties had been strained over the May 2

killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in his hideout in Pakistani town of Abbottabad. A secret memo to Washington in which President Asif Ali Zardari feared a military coup added to the strain. The killing of Pakistani soldiers caused an outrage in Pakistan, which promptly stopped the passage of NATO supply through the country. The Pakistani soldiers were killed when NATO fighter jets bombed two border posts in Mohmand tribal region near the Afghan border.

NATO forces lured by Taliban: US

Washington: NATO forces may have been lured into attacking friendly Pakistani border posts in a calculated maneuver by the Taliban, according to preliminary US military reports on the deadliest friendly fire incident with Pakistan since the war began. The NATO air strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers over the weekend in an apparent case of mistaken identity, according to sources. A joint US-Afghan patrol was attacked by the Taliban early on November 26 morning, and while pursuing the enemy in the poorly marked border area, seem to have mistaken one of the Pakistan troop outposts for a militant encampment and called in a NATO gunship and attack helicopters to open fire. US officials say the account suggests the Taliban may have deliberately tried to provoke a cross-border firefight that would set back fragile partnerships between the US and NATO forces and Pakistani soldiers at the ill-defined border. Officials described the records on condition of anonymity to discuss classified matters. The incident sent the perpetually difficult USPakistan relationship into a tailspin. Gen James Mattis, head of US Central Command, announced that he has appointed Brig Gen Stephen Clark, an Air Force special operations officer, to lead the probe of the incident. According to the US military records, the joint US and Afghan patrol requested backup after being hit by mortar and small arms fire by Taliban militants. Officials described the records on condition of anonymity to discuss classified matters. Before responding, the joint US-Afghan patrol first checked with the Pakistani army, which reported it had no troops in the area, the military account said.

Pak not to attend Bonn meet

Islamabad: Pakistan will not attend a global conference on Afghanistan in Bonn on December 5 in protest against the NATO air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Lahore, the Nation reported. "We want to live with honor and dignity," he was quoted as saying. The prime minister urged people to stand by the government so that it could cope with the chal-

The NATO incident sent the perpetually difficult US-Pakistan relationship into a tailspin. Some two hours later, still hunting the insurgents who had by now apparently fled in the direction of Pakistani border posts, the US commander spotted what he thought was a militant encampment, with heavy weapons mounted on tripods. Then the joint patrol called for the air strikes at around 2.21am Pakistani time, not realizing the encampment was apparently the Pakistani border post. Records show the aerial response included Apache attack helicopters and an AC-130 gunship. US officials are working on the assumption the Taliban chose the location for the first attack, to create just such confusion, and draw US and Pakistani forces into firing on each other, according to US officials briefed on the operation. While US officials expressed regret and sympathy over the cross-border incident, they are not acknowledging blame, amid conflicting reports about who fired first.

lenges. The decision followed the November 26 NATO attack in Pakistan's northwest tribal area Mohmand along the Afghan border.

US to vacate Pak air base

Washington: The United States is preparing to accede to Pakistani demands that it vacate a remote air base in Pakistan used for drone flights, but the move is not expected to have a significant impact on operations against militants, US government sources say. Washington is treading lightly not to aggravate an already fragile relationship that was bruised further by a NATO attack on a Pakistani military outpost last weekend that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers near the Afghanistan border. Pakistan demanded that the United States leave the Shamsi Air Base within 15 days and blocked ground supply routes through Pakistan to US forces in Afghanistan. Three sources, who declined to be identified because of the issues sensitivity, said US planning is underway to leave the base, a remote facility in Balochistan that has been a point of contention.

'Only Lanka can resolve Tamil problems'

New Delhi: Two Malaysian MPs who are very vocal about the situation in Sri Lanka now say that only Colombo can resolve Tamil problems, not any other country or government. M. Manogaran and S. Ramakrishnan also called upon the Mahinda Rajapaksa government, which they have bitterly criticized in the past, to show a large heart and meet the aspirations of the island's minority communities. "Only the Sri Lankan government can address their (minorities) problems," Manogaran said at the end of a short India visit, speaking for both of them. "Others including we can only play a secondary role." He said that now that "the war was over, and a winner and loser have been declared", the Tamils in particular - who suffered the maximum from the ethnic conflict - expected a better life. "The government must not only go for reconstruction (in the former war zone) and restore (minority) rights but also provide the necessary space for restoration of normalcy," he said. Both Ramakrishnan, who is from the upper house, and Manogaran are second generation Malaysian Tamils of Indian origin. Both belong to the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which is part of Malaysia's opposition alliance.In June, both visited Sri Lanka where they met a large number of people both in Colombo in the north. Many ordinary Tamils there told them that they expected India, which has previously played a major role in Sri Lankan affairs, to push Colombo to help them lead a life of dignity and equality.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

22

Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

At 6.9 pc, India's growth retards to two-year low

New Delhi: In line with fears voiced by India Inc, the country's economic growth retarded to the slowest pace in two years, at 6.9 percent for the quarter ended September, with an abysmal expansion in manufacturing and a decline in mining output. Amid global economic slowdown coupled with high domestic inflation, steep interest rates and poor demand, the growth in manufacturing was just 2.7 percent, against 7.8 percent in the like period of last year, fresh data on gross domestic product showed. The overall growth during JulySeptember was the lowest since the 6.3 percent expansion in the April-June quarter in 2009. The Indian economy had expanded by 7.7 percent in the quarter ended June and 8.4 percent in the like are slipping," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here. "Nonetheless, we shall have to try to face the situation and to see what best we can do at this given situation," the finance minister said, reacting to the latest numbers on India's GDP, even as industry said their fears have been proved right. As per the data released by the ministry of statistics and program implementation, the agriculture output rose 3.2 percent in the JulySeptember quarter, against 5.4 percent in the like period of last fiscal. Mining output, in fact, declined 2.9 percent against 8 percent. The construction sector, too, registered a retarded growth of just 4.3 percent against 6.7 percent, while the financial, insurance, real estate and other business services grew at a healthy 10.5 percent against 10 percent. The electricity and gas sector also rose reasonably well at 9.8 percent, while hotels, transport and communication business reported a 9.9 percent increase in output. Reacting to the numbers, industry felt the tight monetary policy for the past two years, which was adopted in a bid to tame the stubbornly-high inflation, had made growth a casualty, with companies also forced to borrow at high interest rates. "Today's GDP growth figure for Quarter-II at 6.9 percent is only an official vindication of the weakness already apparent in the industrial sectors," said Chandrajit Banerjee, director-general, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Amid global economic slowdown coupled with high domestic inflation, steep interest rates and poor demand, the growth in manufacturing was just 2.7 percent. period of the previous fiscal. "Had it been 10 years ago, this would have elated me. But today, I cannot have that satisfaction because we had reached higher trajectory of growth -- from there we

Indians 5th most American Airlines files for bankruptcy American Airlines, vacation-deprived: Study New York: its parent AMR Corpthe third-largest US carrier, and filed for bankruptMumbai: India is the fifth most vacation deprived nation in the world as the average Indian does not use a fifth of the total number of paid days off allocated in a year. The reasons vary from disapproving bosses to affordability, lack of planning and the outlook that vacations are a luxury and not a necessity. In this respect though, Indians are better off than the Japanese, Italians, Koreans and Australians as people from these countries had a higher percentage of unused vacation days according to a survey done by an online travel portal. Interestingly called, '2011 Vacation Deprivation study' , the survey is an annual analysis of holidaying habits of employees in 20 countries, including those in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Japanese comes across as workaholics: Those surveyed took only five days off out of a possible 11 days. "In India, there is an element of guilt involved when applying for a vacation. Consequently, as many as 54 % Indians spend vacations secretly checking work-related emails,'' said Manmeet Ahluwalia, head-marketing, Expedia (India), the company that did the survey. Viewing vacation with guilt though is not a developing-nation trait. The survey says that Brazilians treat vacation as the Europeans do-as an entitlement and not as a luxury. Brazilians get 30 holidays a year and they avail of it all. In contrast, Indians get 25 days of leave on an average annually-the highest in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and second only to Europeans-but they do not use up to 20% of vacation days allocated. cy protection to cut labor costs in the face of high fuel prices and dampened travel demand. AMR, which replaced its chief executive in the move, had been mired for years in fruitless union negotiations, complaining all the while that it shoulders higher labor costs than rival domestic and foreign carriers that have already restructured in bankruptcy. American Airlines, once the largest US carrier, is now third behind United Continental Holdings Inc's United Airlines and Delta Air Lines Inc, both of which used Chapter 11 to cut costs and later found merger partners. The world changed around us," incoming Chief Executive Tom Horton told reporters on a conference call. "It became increasingly clear that the cost gap between us and our competitors was untenable," he said. The airline said it and its regional affiliate American Eagle would continue to operate as usual, fly their normal schedules, honor reservations and make exchanges and refunds. American Airlines hopes bankruptcy will cut labor costs, but analysts question whether restructuring under Chapter 11 of U.S. Bankruptcy Code will

American Airlines, the third-largest US carrier, and its parent AMR Corp filed for bankruptcy protection. address operational shortcomings and bolster revenue. "Bankruptcy is not necessarily the be-all, end-all," said Helane Becker, an analyst with Dahlman Rose & Co. "They've got more problems to address in addition to the cost problem." She said the airline industry has been hit by high fuel and labor costs, but filing for bankruptcy would not solve AMR's problems, and the airline needed to rework its operations and boost revenue.

FDI in retail: 5 crore traders to down shutters

New Delhi: Several Bharti-Walmart stores were closed on Thursday as a precautionary measure due to the bandh called by traders across the country, sources said. World's second largest retailer Carrefour, which is present in the wholesale segment in the country, also beefed up security at its stores in Delhi and Jaipur. Private security guards patrolled the Carrefour store in the crowded Shahdra area in east Delhi and vigorously checked the vehicles entering the premises located near a Metro station. Nearly 5 crore traders will down shutters in protest against the government's move to allow foreign retail giants such as Walmart, Tesco and Carrefour in the multi-brand retail sector. The government has allowed 51% foreign investment in the multi-brand retail sector, but has faced stringent criticism as protests

Govt proposes foreign airline FDI in local carriers

Mumbai: The aviation ministry has proposed allowing foreign airlines to invest under 26 percent in Indian carriers and the final decision will be made by the cabinet, civil aviation minister Vayalar Ravi told news channel CNBC TV18. India allows up to 49 percent foreign investment in Indian carriers but bars foreign carriers from owning stake. With most carriers suffering losses due to high costs and debt in a crowded and competitive aviation market, the government is now mulling a change in regulation. "FDI (foreign direct investment) is acceptable till a limited point. That limited point is still under debate," Ravi said in the televised interview. "The proposal of my ministry is less than 26 percent," he said, adding the final decision will be taken by the cabinet. He did not give a timeline. Most Indian carriers, with the exception of IndiGo are loss-making and full service carriers such as Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, have high debt on their books.

The government has allowed 51% foreign investment in the multi-brand retail sector. have swelled from opposition parties and some of its own allies. "We have got very good response from across the country and 5 crore traders will not open their shops tomorrow. They will hold protest in their own markets. We will not hold demonstrations in front of foreign stores," Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general of the Confederation of All India Traders association, told TOI.

International TheSouthAsianTimes.info

23

December 3-9, 2011

Egyptians flock to poll booths

Cairo: Millions of enthusiastic Egyptians voted to elect their first post-Mubarak parliament, shrugging off the recent confrontation with the ruling military and logistic problems, in what was described as a surprisingly massive turnout by election authorities. Days after a violent face-off between pro-democracy activists and the Armed Forces cast a cloud over the country's first free and fair elections, voters turned up peacefully and in large numbers, hoping to bring about the desired change through the ballot. Serpentine queues could be seen outside polling booths on the second and final day of voting in the capital Cairo, and in other cities like Assiut and Alexandria, in some cases people flocking the stations just after sunrise. The build-up to the election was marred by violence that claimed 40 lives. Just a day before the two-day polling began on November 29, thousands of people had gathered

Voter enthusiasm remained undeterred despite pre-poll violence and many expressed hope that the polls would usher in a new era. at the Tahrir Square to press the Army to cede power immediately to a civilian government. "We were surprised that people turned out to vote in large numbers, thank God," Abdel Moez Ibrahim, who heads the High Judicial Elections Commission (HJEC), told reporters, adding that there had been no security problems. Ibrahim said embassies abroad had begun sending in election results but the Commission will not begin counting them until the election process has been completed. The two-day polling saw logistical problems like delays in opening of booths, ballot papers arriving very late or judges monitoring the polls turning up late, Al Jazeera said. Some violations in election code of conduct were also reported with party members seen outside polling booths with pamphlets and flyers. Voter enthusiasm, however, remained undeterred in the historic event and many expressed hope that the polls would usher in a new era. The Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, seen as the front-runner in the elections, hailed the people for turning out in large numbers to vote. The three-phase election is the first step towards transfer of power to the civilian rule, promised by the ruling military council, headed by Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, that replaced Mubarak.

Students storm British embassy in Tehran

Norway killer found insane, unfit for prison

Oslo: Psychiatrists tasked with determining the mental state of Anders Behring Breivik when he carried out twin attacks in Norway have found him criminally insane, news reports said. If confirmed, this would mean that the rightwing extremist who killed 77 people four months ago cannot be sentenced to prison but must undergo psychiatric care in a closed mental institution. The court-appointed psychiatrists have concluded that Anders Behring Breivik was sick when he killed 77 people, reports said quoting undisclosed sources. The two psychiatrists, Synne Serheim and Torgeir Husby, delivered their finding to the Oslo district court Tuesday morning, and the prosecutors office is scheduled to present the main outlines of the 240-page report at a press conference at 1:00 pm (1200 GMT). The two psychiatrists held 13 interviews with Behring Breivik at the high-security Ila prison near Oslo where he is being held. The July 22 massacre, the deadliest attacks committed in Norway in the post-war period, have profoundly shocked the normally-tranquil nation.

The Iranian protesters broke through after clashing with anti-riot police and chanting for its takeover. Tehran: Dozens of hard-line Iranian students stormed the British embassy in Tehran, bringing down the Union Jack flag and throwing documents from windows in scenes reminiscent of the anger against Western powers after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The mob moved into the diplomatic compound two days after Iran's parliament approved a bill that reduces diplomatic relations with Britain following London's support of recently upgraded Western sanctions on Tehran over its disputed nuclear program. The protesters broke through after clashing with anti-riot police and chanting for its takeover. "Death to England,'' some cried in the first significant assault of a foreign diplomatic area in Iran in years. The occupier called for the closure of the embassy calling it a "spy den" the same phrase used after militants stormed the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held 52 hostages for 444 days. Washington and Tehran have no diplomatic relations since then. The rally outside the British Embassy - on a main street in Tehran downtown - included protesters carrying photographs of nuclear scientist Majid Shahriari, who was killed last year in an attack that Iran blamed on Israeli and British spy services. The ties between the two nations have become increasingly strained as the West accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons -- a charge Tehran denies.

Anders Behring Breivik: the rightwing extremist who killed 77 people four months ago.

Clinton arrives in Myanmar for first official visit

Washington : Hillary Clinton arrived in Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw for the first official visit in more than 50 years by a US secretary of state to the country, where she will also meet Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The three-day visit aims to look into Myanmar's political and economic reforms, enhance US cooperation in the positive developments and open a new chapter in mutual relations, Xinhua reported. Then secretary of state John Foster Dulles visited Myanmar in February 1955. Clinton is expected to meet President U Thein Sein, Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin and parliament speakers U Khin Aung Myint and U Shwe Mann in Nay Pyi Taw. She will meet Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy, in Yangon. State department spokesman Mark Toner said Clinton will register support for Myanmar's reforms witnessed in recent months and discuss key areas as well as steps America can take to reinforce the progress. He said Clinton will also consult a "broad and diverse group" of civil society and ethnic minority leaders to have their perspectives on developments in the country. US President Barack Obama said his country wanted to seize this historic opportunity and forge a new relationship with Myanmar. The new government in Myanmar took office March 30. It has since been pushing for political and economic reforms in the country. The moves won the country the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2014, said Xinhua.

24

Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

World Series Hockey: Six top players pull out

New Delhi: The World Series Hockey (WSH) suffered a serious set-back after six top Indian players pulled out of the league, citing national commitment. Goalkeepers Bharat Chettri, Sreejesh, ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, Tushar Khandekar, Sardar Singh and rising star Yuvraj Walmiki assured their parent body Hockey India (HI) that they would not participate in the WSH, which is promoted by Nimbus Communications and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF). The WSH is also not sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).The players, who are currently on national duty in the Champions Challenge I in South Africa, want the WSH to be postponed till the Olympic qualifiers that would be held here from February 15. In a letter to HI secretary-general Narinder Batra, the players said they would not be playing in the WSH, which is slated for December 17, and would attend the national camp for the Olympic qualifiers from December 11. "We are not playing in the World Series Hockey event and we will be attending the national camp in Delhi for the Olympic qualifiers on December 11, 2011, until February 2012. We will be available for selection in the national team for the Olympic qualifiers," said the letter issued by HI, which bears the signatures of all the six players. "We appeal to World Series Hockey to postpone their tournament after the qualifiers in the national ploy to sabotage the

Goalkeepers Bharat Chettri, Sreejesh, ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, Tushar Khandekar, Sardar Singh and Yuvraj Walmiki will not participate in the WSH. WSH," Shetty said. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has also asked its players to stay away from the WSH.

It was Paes's decision to split: Bhupathi

New Delhi: Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi has broken the silence on his split with Leander Paes, saying it was his partner's decision to part ways in the same year when they re-reunited on the court after nine years. The Indian-Express announced their latest split last week and will be seen in action in 2012 with different partners. Paes is likely to team up with Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek while Bhupathi will play with compatriot Rohan Bopanna, who has parted with long-time partner Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan. "I guess everyone has their own opinion. Leander just felt that we were possibly a little too old on the tour and not able to gel on a consistent basis. He felt that our team needed fresh legs on either side. That was his point of view,"

We don't panic whatever the situation: Sehwag

Cuttack: The edge-of-the-seat one-wicket victory in the first ODI against the West Indies was too close for comfort for the thousands at the Barabati stadium and millions more watching on television. Admitting that he was "a bit tense in the end when we needed 11 runs with our last pair out in the middle," Virender Sehwag was quick to add that they didn't panic at any stage. "No, there was no panic. That has been the quality of this Indian dressing room for the past couple of years. We don't really panic, whatever may be the situation. We all stay calm and cool, and believe in ourselves," the Indian skipper said at the post-match press conference. Sehwag was all praise for his young guns who fought bravely when the chips were down. "I am happy with the way Rohit (Sharma), (Ravinder) Jadeja and R Vinay Kumar shaped up. They all played very responsibly," said Sehwag, standing in for MS Dhoni, who has taken a break. India were far from convincing en route to going one-up in the five-match series, but Sehwag was not

Paes-Bhupathi had joined hands at the start of the year in their bid to win the Australian Open. Bhupathi told CNN-IBN. Paes-Bhupathi had joined hands at the start of the year in their bid to win the Australian Open, the lone Grand Slam they have not won in their doubles career. They got back also keeping in sight the 2012 London Olympics.

Virender Sehwag was all praise for his young guns who fought bravely when the chips were down. perturbed by the narrow margin of victory. "A win is always a win... It doesn't matter if it is by one wicket or ten wickets. It was important for us to start well and we are 1-0 up now and I'm happy about it," he said.

World Snooker: Advani in knockout stage

Bangalore: Pankaj Advani ran into middling to good form as he marked his progress to the knock-out phase of the IBSF World Snooker championship with two century breaks and as many victories. Advani, the 26year old Bangalorean and the 2003 champion, posted breaks of 95 and 108 in the third and fourth frames while easing to a 4-0 win over Poland's Marcin Nitschke in the afternoon session. He ended the day with a fluent 4-1 result against Finland's Antti Silvo whose only solace was taking a tight second frame after the Indian ace had posted a break of 100. Silvo had his chances in the fifth frame too when he crafted a break of 64, but a miss on the last red, followed by a beautiful Kumar seemed to have regained some of his touch that had deserted him on Monday when he lost to Lee Walker. For Advani, who has won four matches with one more in hand, it was a particularly satisfying workout and he was seen at his best during the run of 95 when he had to virtually bring into play his silken touch and near-perfect judgment of the throwback off the cushions. "While the 108 was relatively given to me after my opponent opened the bunch, I would rate the 95 break far better since I had to play really well to keep it going. A couple of reds in particular were not well placed, but the shots I played to bring them into play were very satisfying, he said.

Select Ponting on merit, not stature: Mark Waugh

Sydney: Former Australian batsman Mark Waugh feels that Ricky Ponting's place in the team should be based on merit and not stature. "Ricky Ponting is a great player, he's got a few credits in the bank. But, he'll know he has got to score runs. Like any player, you've got to perform," Waugh was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. Waugh said Ponting brings in lot of experience in the team but he has to use it to score runs. "I think he's invaluable with his experience for the other guys in the team, I think Michael Clarke has said that. But his bottom line is, his job is to score runs. The experience he brings, you can't really count that. He's got to score runs," he said. "I think he can bat either four or five. I think it's just better for the balance of the team that he does drop down the order because his bowling is going to be so important for us," he said.

Pankaj Advani. 34 clearance saw Advani pocket the match 4-1. Equally impressive were Manan Chandra and National Champion Alok Kumar, both scoring straightforward victories to remain on course for berths in the knock-out stage. It was a good comeback by Chandra who went down 2-4 to Kevin van Hove-Spletinckx earlier in the day while Alok

Music TheSouthAsianTimes.info

25

December 3-9, 2011

Nivedita ShivRaj: Putting Carnatic music on US map

By Staff Writer

hen the prestigious SummerStage at Central Park, New York, opened on July 27, music fans were pleasantly surprised to see a group of Indian musicians performing carnatic jazz just ahead of Rockabilly stars Imelda May and Wanda Jackson. Leading the band on veena was the award winning carnatic musician Nivedita ShivRaj as her musicians performed her original compositions Himalayan Queen, Mystic Earth and Hudson Ride all based on ancient carnatic ragas Hemavathi, Kalyani and Abheri. Many in the audience had never seen a veena before, nor heard Carnatic music. When the crowd cheered at the end of the performance, Nivedita had placed carnatic music on US map yet again. Like SummerStage, many other prominent stages have now heard carnatic music and seen veena thanks to the efforts of the Flushing-based veena artist. Starting at the age of six, Nivedita had a passion for veena and received extensive musical training from masters Raghavan and Chitti Babu. Now, she is a distinguished musician and veena guru, teaching hundreds of students in USA, Canada, Australia and elsewhere. One disciple is her own daughter Samyuktha ShivRaj, who performs carnatic vocals for Niveditas band, Charanams. Though she has a rich knowledge of hundreds of compositions of carnatic legends

Arts and Culture Awards ceremony at Lincoln Center Nov 1. He later acknowledged Charanams terrific performance. Niveditas win at the Battle of the Boroughs has brought appreciation not only from leaders Senator Tony Avella, Councilmen Peter Koo and Daniel Dromm, but also from musicians and music lovers. Fred Kaplan, a music fan, said, I was enchanted not only by your music but also by your Niveditas band Charanams win at the Battle of spirits. You exude humaneness and joy the Boroughs contest has brought recognition for and peace. I love how you make the carnatic music and the veena which she plays. veena sing. Abhinav Gautam, President of NetIP-NY, said, Congratulations to such as Annamacharya, Purandaradasa, your carnatic jazz band for winning so many Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshithar and accolades in the mainstream media! Shyama Sastri, Nivedita ShivRaj is attracted Nivedita is the Artistic Director of to cross-genre creations blending carnatic RagaChitra Foundation promoting Indian with styles such as jazz and rock. classical music and dance. My efforts to take I believe that fusion is more than just using carnatic music to world music arena have a variety of western instruments and still per- inspired many to learn this wonderful style. forming Indian-style music, comments Many of my students learn online at different Nivedita. Working with western and world times of the day, she said. musicians I was amazed at what they can A unique music project 60x60 by Vox bring to the music table! Thats how she cre- Novus selected Niveditas compositions Rain ated Charanams, the only carnatic jazz band Dance and Infinite Dhwani for its in the country. Featuring Nivedita on the International Mix and Athena Mix consistveena along with tabla, cajon, guitar, saxo- ing of 60 compositions of 60 seconds each by phone and Samyukthas vocals, Charanams 60 musicians from across the world. 60x60 won WNYCs coveted Battle of the Boroughs compositions are choreographed and perMusic Contest in June. Mayor Bloomberg formed at prestigious stages around the world. invited the band to perform at the Mayors Make Music New York, the largest musical ible that we have been able to figure out how to complete these tours of India with no corporate or government help. Our first tour in 2009 had help in the form of a grant from the U.S. State Department but since then we've found our own way. It is deeply satisfying to be able to make the connections we do, sing the Bollywood songs we sing and witness how a country like India, poised as it is on the doorstep of rapid development and westernization, still has the cultural legacy and inherent ideology to lead the world in terms of climate change solutions, adaptation and - hopefully - innovation! On a deeply personal level, it has been an amazing thing to me that I've been able to stumble through some of the Indian songs we do and get the great crowd reactions. Throwing down a song like 'Mehbooba ae Mehbooba' from Sholay or 'Dhan te Nanh' from Kilmeny is such a visceral, wonderful part of the job we get to do! What are your future plans? Alan: We were greatly inspired by the Advit Foundation and the Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Park. We are inspired to setup a similar facility in the US where people can come and learn about sustainable living practices and get hands-on experience with energy demonstrations. With the US being a major contributor to the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, we have a lot of work to do here at home toward saving our environment.

event of the city, invited Nivedita to present a veena ensemble as a Mass Appeal concert. She was also the first Indian musician to receive the Con Edison Residency Award to perform at Flushing Town Hall and the Individual Artist Award of the Queens Council on the Arts. Nivedita has also produced a music for meditation album Veena Vibrations, which is used by hundreds of yoga centers. The World Yoga Summit 2009 had also invited her to perform. The Brooklyn Museum of Art invited Nivedita to perform a concert featuring Vishnus Dasavatars (ten incarnations) during its exhibition Vishnu, the Blue-skinned Savior. She has also taken carnatic music to venues such as the Rubin Museum of Art and the Weills Institute of Carnegie Hall. Carnatic music and veena have been lifted to mainstream in the US for the very first time in more ways than one thanks to Nivedita ShivRajs significant contributions to carnatic music and her extraordinary musical achievements. I am thrilled that carnatic music and veena have attracted music fans of all origins, says Nivedita. Taking carnatic music to world audiences is a challenge. Well keep going one note at a time. Taking carnatic music to the South Indian community is one thing. Taking it to the world music audience and placing it on the music map of USA is quite a feat. Nivedita ShivRaj leads the way with a definitive note. since age 20; along the way, my education and training have been in the creative arts - I have worked as an animator and video producer for MTV, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, DC Comics, Roger Corman, Locomotion Network, and dozens of others as a freelance designer and animator. My more fully developed environmental self began to emerge around the year 2000 though I have always been - and always will be - a fan and ardent admirer of the natural world. I hug trees. Thankfully these days, music helps bring all my interests together and has become the very best way for me to express myself. How do you manage your day jobs along with SP tours? James: I have a unique work situation and have actually made an effort to incorporate what we do in Solar Punch into my day job; as a video producer, I'm currently working on a documentary about the 2009 Climate Solutions Road Tour - as these tours take shape, I try and find shooting opportunities and interview moments that can add to the documentary's story. My wife Elisa and I run our own production studio from our home and so can make our hours and projects work around any Solar Punch tour that may arise. Alan: I take vacation time from my day job to go on Solar Punch tours. It is a delicate balance and I feel fortunate to be able to make this happen. Naturally, we are limited to the amount of vacation time we can use per year, so we strategise wisely.

Eco-rock band from NY packs a musical punch in India

Continued from page 15 We were awestruck to see such a precious and fertile land for the very first time. And in the valley where the US government suggests that its citizens not travel, we were blessed with exceptional performance opportunities and we found peaceful rest in an exotic houseboat on Dal Lake. Highlights for us in Kashmir were definitely performing to three diverse audiences. On our first day in Srinagar we performed for border security forces. We thanked them for providing us with safe travel into town and we also shared concerns for preserving the natural resources of Kashmir and the surrounding Himalaya range. We were honored to have them singing along with us on our final number Honge Kamiyab (We Shall Overcome). Our next performance was to students and faculty at Amar Singh College, where challenging questions about the cost of solar-energy technology gave rise to the immediate costs of conventional fuel and how an investment now in solar energy compares with the future cost of fossil fuel and the cost on the environment. A highlight of that performance was to hear the Principals encouraging speech to the students. From his positive remarks, we felt we had made an

ally in our common goals toward a sustainable planet. Our third performance in Kashmir was to a local audience in the high-altitude town of Gulmarg. Dialoging with locals about the environment is a priority for Solar Punch. Regarding global warming and the receding effect it is having on glaciers, we asked local Kashmiri if their glaciers were melting and they replied with a unanimous yes. Hearing their first-hand evidence of climate change accompanied by the concerned tone in their voices was a poignant reminder how we need to keep spreading awareness and encouraging action on an environmental front. What do you think has been your biggest achievement so far through Solar Punch? James: There are several milestones the band has experienced to date that make me smile and know we're on an appropriate path; the biggest technical achievement so far has been the sound system and energy system we have. With only the band's earnings from gigs and CD sales, we've been able to purchase our own solar panels, components and technolosgy so that our claims of being a solar-powered band are true and accurate. Alan was able to reconfigure his own 8-channel P.A. into a used flight case I had so that we also have a custom, portable, full-sized sound system that runs directly from our energy supply. In terms of accomplishments that are more visible, I think its incred-

James: As for the band - we have a lot of imagination and creativity and, though India is in our hearts and plans for the foreseeable future, we hope to visit other areas around the world where both issues and solutions related to climate change are in play - Latin America springs to mind straight away, as do parts of Africa and up into Spain / Portugal. We want to learn and share as much as we can and its clear to us that climate issues and threats to environmental systems are global concerns - if our little band of Solar Energy enthusiasts and environmental educators / entertainers can have even the slightest of impacts on how someone regards the issues, we're happy and encouraged to continue on! What are your individual backgrounds? Alan: All Solar Punch members are seasoned musicians. In addition, we each have our own background and associated careers. I grew up living in various countries where my father was posted as a diplomat working as a US foreignservice officer (diplomat). I am currently a Ph.D. physicist working at Columbia Universitys Radiological Research Accelerator Facility. Residing in the Hudson River Valley over the past decade, I picked up influence from local environmentalists who were active in the Clearwater organization spearheaded by American folk legend Pete Seeger to clean up the Hudson River. James: I have been a musician

26

Health TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

Kidney transplant A patients guide

By Dr Atul Maini

What is a kidney transplant?

This is surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from one person is placed in another person whose kidneys have stopped working. Usually the person receiving a transplant is on dialysis.

kidney transplant. Life expectancy is likely to increase significantly. There will be no restriction on fluid intake and no need for further dialysis. This gives a greater freedom to travel and carry on with your job, studies and other activities of daily living. Women can expect fertility to increase. If pancreas transplant is also done along with the kidney then insulin injections may not be needed any more.

What are the benefits of transplantation?

There are substantial benefits of getting a

What are the risks of transplantation?

The benefits of getting a kidney transplant the kidney. 3. Live unrelated donor: This kidney comes from someone not related to the person like a friend. Even the spouse will come in this category because he or she is not genetically related to you. The advantage of receiving a live related or unrelated transplant is that there is no waiting time to receive the kidney and the transplanted kidney has a faster recovery after the surgery. Since there is only one pancreas in the body, a combined kidney and pancreas transplant cannot be done with live related or unrelated donor. For the donor, one healthy kidney is sufficient for the rest of his life. It is essential that the donor be willing to give his kidney without pressure from anyone.

must be weighed against risks. Immune system recognizes the donor kidney as foreign and can therefore reject it. The immune system is therefore suppressed with antirejection (immunosuppressive) medications and must be taken as prescribed. As a side effect of suppressing the immune system there is increased risk of infection. All precautions are taken to minimize the risk of infection. There is increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture from long-term use of steroids as immunosuppressive medication. There is also increased risk of cancer such as lymph or cervical cancer. Close follow up with your doctor is essential.

Where does the kidney come from?

There are 3 different types of kidney donors: 1.Cadaveric donor: this donor kidney and pancreas comes from a person who just died. The family of this person has given permission to donate kidneys and other possible organs to be donated. The waiting time for this type of kidney could be as long as 5-7 years. 2. Live Related donor: this donor kidney comes from a blood relative like a brother, sister, parent or adult child. This type of kidney will have less chances of rejection than a cadaveric donor. Donor needs 6-8 weeks to recover after donating

How will you be evaluated?

A number of tests will be done prior to the surgery to make sure that you are a good candidate for surgery and that the donor kidney will work as intended after the surgery. This would include Chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, stress test of the heart, colonoscopy, skin test for tuberculosis and blood tests. Blood test include test for your blood type since the donor kidney can only come from a compatible blood type. They will also assess your antibody level and HLA (Human Leucocyte Antigens). All this information will be needed once a donor kidney becomes available.

issues, housing, rehabilitation and discharge planning.

During hospitalization
The donor kidney is placed in the lower right or lower left side of your abdomen. The entire surgery may last 3-4 hrs. Your own kidneys are usually not removed from the abdomen. You will receive immunosuppressive medication to suppress the immune system. The transplant team will take care of you after the surgery.

The transplant team

Kidney transplant involves many health care professionals who work hard in making the kidney transplant process a success. Transplant Surgeons are doctors who will perform your operation and manage your antirejection medications at the time of receiving the kidney. They will work closely with the transplant nephrologist and your referring physician after your discharge. Transplant Nephrologists are doctors trained in caring for patients with kidney disease and transplantation. They will also be taking care of you during your hospitalization. Transplant Coordinator is a registered nurse experienced in the field of transplantation. Transplant coordinator will work closely with you and other members of the team to provide support, information and individualized care. Transplant social worker will address financial and emotional concerns, insurance

How does the system of cadaveric organ donation work in US?

An organization called United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) overseas all organ donations in United States. They keep a national list to streamline the process of organ donation and keep the system fair for all patients. By being part of the list, the patient is eligible for organs that become available anywhere in the United States. A patients blood type, HLA matching with the donor, proximity to the donor kidney and other factors go into a computer system to decide where a donor kidney should be sent. Once a donor match is found the hospital along with the recipient can accept or decline the kidney. If declined, the kidney is allowed to pass to the next person on the list. Once you have decided to get a kidney transplant you should seek advice and help of your nephrologist for registering with the nearest transplant center.

The author of this article, Dr. Atul Maini M. D. is Certified by the American Board of International Medicine and Nephrology. He has offices inBrooklyn and Queens and holds consulting privileges in various hospitals in these boroughs

Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, LLC (ADMS) provides new dialysis site development, day to day administration and management of dialysis services and related business development activities. Its business strategy is to produce economies of scale and maximize individual site results through consolidated activities. Central to the ADMS approach is the long term control of clinical services by nephrologists. In 2010, ADMS affiliates provided over 225,000 dialysis treatments to over 2,500 patients in New York City and Long Island.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is only for educational purposes. Please consult your personal physician for specific advice on these and any other health related matters.

Religion TheSouthAsianTimes.info

27

December 3-9, 2011

More than 900 Buddhist scholars, leaders and practitioners from 46 countries deliberated on the relevance of Gautama Buddhas teachings at the World Buddhist Congregation in Delhi from Nov 27-30.

Buddhism: Moving beyond faith to heal lifestyle blues

By Madhusree Chatterjee wenty-nine-year-old Gagan Kaurs life fell apart when her 14-year-old relationship ended last year. A Buddhist monk found her sinking in a private clinic in the capital after an abortive suicide bid. A year later, Gagan is in control of her life after rigorous vipassana, a Buddhist mindful meditation. She is part of a Japanese Buddhist community which chants every weekend at a retreat in south Delhi. Most of the congregation members are young professionals, Gagan told IANS. In the 21st century, Buddhism, a religion and a philosophy that was born in India and then spread to the east and has millions of followers worldwide, is expanding in scope to move beyond the realm of an eightfold regimen for the attainment of nirvana. It is being increasingly used as a cure by therapists in India and around the world to address lifestyle-related psychological problems like alienation, anxiety and stress. Priyanka Khera (name withheld), a 24-yearold student of business management, battles the stress of a tangled love relationship and her alienation from her homeland Jammu and Kashmir with Buddhist chants and meditation. This year I broke up with my boyfriend with whom I stayed for a year in Chandigarh. Moreover, I had a troubled childhood since

Buddhist practices like mindfulness are increasingly being used as therapy. my parents moved from Srinagar when I was barely one. I am tormented by nightmares and have drifted away from my parents over the years. At times, I want to go back to Srinagar. I hate this city, Priyanka, who lives with friends in east Delhi, told IANS. Her psychiatrist is a Buddhist counselor in her neighborhood who is teaching her the importance of equanimity to calm her stormy inner self. Buddhism in the last decade has become a viable lifestyle and spir-

itual option for tens of thousands of youngsters in cities to cope with stress in schools, colleges, workplaces and among peers. It is also being used as intervention to rehabilitate criminals. Researches conducted by the University of Washington in Indian prisons show that vipassana can effectively reduce psycho-pathological symptoms and aggression among inmates. Buddhism becomes a healing science when you drop all the religious terms and replace them with psychological terms - like mistake for sin and unwholesome for evil. We dont need so much of religion as loving kindness to each other there is no need to elevate it to another god, said Dr Maurits G.T. Kwee, a clinical psychologist and honorary professor of University of Flores in Argentina. Kwee, the editor of a new anthology, New Horizons in Buddhist Psychology (Tao Institute), said, he had helped himself with grief therapy when his wife passed away 14 weeks ago of lung cancer. I try grief therapy with my clients too, said the doctor, who is in India for a World Buddhist Congregation Nov 27-30. More than 900 Buddhist scholars, leaders and practitioners from 46 countries are deliberating on the relevance of Gautama Buddhas teachings at the meet. There is a principle in Mahayana Buddhism - Upaya-kausalya - a concept which means

application of skillful means, the doctor explained. One can adjust Buddhism to suit the needs of ones audience and life. The Buddhist tenets of compassion, sharing joy, balanced relationship, balanced views and equanimity can be used to deal with psychological stress. I try to combine Buddhism with the science of rational emotive behavior therapy for my patients, Kwee said. Doctor Krishna Mohan, the founder of the Hyderabad-based Psychguru Mental Health Services, uses Buddhism to counsel stressed corporate executives. I help them tackle jealousy, ego and hostility at workplace and teach them to work together as a team. I cite the teachings of Buddha, Mohan told IANS. The West is bringing down the entire Buddhist wisdom to narrow meditative techniques To handle mental problems, Buddhism has to take a holistic view of life and the world. A healer has to be a friend and have genuine concern for the other fellow and should be able to connect to people with love, Mohan said. According to the Dalai Lama, Buddhist investigative tradition has been primarily directed towards understanding the human mind and its various functions. Our aim in seeking ways of transforming our thoughts, emotions and their underlying propensities is to find a more wholesome and fulfilling way of living, he says.

Jade Buddha to visit India in 2012

he Jade Buddha for Universal Peace - sculpted in green jade - is preparing for a symbolic homecoming in India next year. The fabled icon - which has been touring the world - dominated conversations at the sidelines of a Global Buddhist Congregation in the capital. The seated Buddha with a smiling face will come to India in the last leg of the world peace tour in November 2012. It will come to Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh where Gautama breathed his last attaining 'parinirvana'. The local host, Thich Nu Tri Thuan - a Buddhist nun of Vietnamese origin - is excited. Thuan, who is associated with the Linh Son Vietnam Chinese Buddhist Temple in Kushinagar, is preparing to host a global prayer meet when the Jade Buddha comes to her shrine for a few days. The Jade Buddha is 2.5 meters high and weighs 4 tons. It sits on a

1.4 meter high alabaster throne and is valued at $5 million. The statue is modeled on the Buddha inside the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya. It was consecrated at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in 2009 - six years after the project began in the US and Canada in 2003. The icon is believed to the biggest icon of Buddha carved from a single block of jade stone. "The story of Jade Buddha marks a new kind of cycle to carry the faith forward. The green jade icon is travelling around the globe to propagate world peace and to reach out to new segments of people," Thuan told IANS at the world Buddhist conclave here. "It is rebirth of Buddha and the icon's arrival to India marks its homecoming. Jade is a symbol of peace and prosperity - and wherever the jade Buddha goes it is said to usher peace," she said. In India, its arrival would renew

the karmic connect that Buddhism shares with India - the land of Buddha's birth and death, the nun said. Thuan, known as the "unofficial mother Teresa of Kushinagar", came to India in 1989. She has helped set up 20 schools for poor children in Kushinagar and its adjoining areas in Uttar Pradesh. The tale of jade Buddha is a story of universality, the essence of modern day Buddhism, the nun said. "The jade Buddha was carved from a single jade-stone, christened the Polar Pride, mined in Canada. It was sculpted by Australian and Thai jade sculptors in Thailand and its face was designed by a master Thanka painter from Nepal. The stone was a mystical find," Thuan said. The myths surrounding the jade icon vary. Witnesses say "strange mandala lights appear to surround the Buddha when it is photographed" while others believe that a "Buddhist lama was blessed

The fabled Jade Buddha for Universal Peace will come to India in the last leg of the world peace tour next year. with a divine vision of the icon and who said "he was Buddhist and he the location of the stone". was looking for a temple to build a According to the jade Buddha fact jade Buddha from the polar pride". sheet by the Great Stupa of Green spoke to his spiritual masUniversal Compassion in Australia, ter Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who the final resting place of the icon, divined that the "jade Buddha will the project began in 2003 when illuminate the world". The Jade Buddha which travelled American Buddhist practitioner Ian Green received a call from a jewel- across Europe this year will come er in California, Cheyenne Sun Hill, to Asia in 2012.

28

Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

Humor with Melvin Durai

The jolly old man who helps me get through Christmas

f my kids seem particularly well-behaved at this time of the year, its because they think that a man with a white beard and red suit is keeping track of their behavior, all the way from the North Pole. Telling them that Santa is watching is a great way to get them to be nice to each other, far more effective than saying God is watching. God may be all-powerful and allknowing, but he doesnt bring them toys on Christmas morning, not even a Jesus action figure. All three of my kids, Lekha, 9, Divya, 7, and Rahul, 5, still believe in Santa, still believe that the gifts they find under the tree on Christmas morning were placed there by the jolly old man. He travels to millions of homes around the world on a reindeer-drawn sleigh and - heres the real miracle manages to not get shot down by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It helps, of course, that hes a white man. If he were a brown man, hed be spending the week after Christmas pulling bullets out of his butt. Elf: Santa, what happened? Did someone shoot you while you were sliding down their chimney?

Santa: No, they shot me while I was landing on their roof. Remind me never to deliver toys to anyone named Sasha and Malia. I would never think of shooting Santa, whatever race he happened to be. Santa is a great help to me. My kids are much nicer in the weeks before Christmas. And if they unwrap their gifts on Christmas morning and dont like what theyve received, all I have to do is shrug and say, Sorry, kids. The old man messed up again! Santa doesnt usually mess up, of course. Thats because the kids tell him exactly what they want, either by writing him a letter or saying it aloud. Rahul: I want Santa to bring me a gun. Me: Santa doesnt believe in violence. I dont think hes going to

bring you a gun. Rahul: Okay then, can Santa bring me a set of drums instead? Me: Santa doesnt believe in noise either. Rahul: What does Santa believe in, Daddy? Me: He believes in small toys that cost $10 or less. What Santa believes in isnt quite as important as what my children believe. And Im dreading the day that they stop believing in him. Theyve already started asking too many questions. Lekha: Daddy, where does Santa get all the toys from? Me: His elves make them in the North Pole. Lekha: Then how come this toy says Made in CHINA on it? Me: Thats not the country China, honey. Thats the acronym CHINA. It stands for Creative Households in Northern Arctic. Then theres the question about all the Santas who appear at the mall and other places in December. Divya: Is that the real Santa, Daddy? Shouldnt he be in the North Pole? Me: No, honey, thats an imposter. Hes just pretending to be Santa. Divya: Oh, that explains it.

Me: Explains what? Divya: Why he smells of beer. I dont think the real Santa would drink and glide. Then theres the question about communicating with Santa. Lekha: Daddy, I dont feel like

writing a letter this year. Does Santa have Twitter? Can I just tweet what I want for Christmas? Me: Sure, honey, you can tweet Santa. But dont be surprised, on Christmas morning, if you feel a little mis-tweeted.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

fjrs essa rks ge rsjs nknk yxrs gSa A

by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tech Life

Parents turning to Google for baby names

London: A growing number of new parents are turning to Google to decide their child's name, which is 'unique' and does not cause them a lifetime of embarrassment. According to the Telegraph, most parents are 'Googling' a baby's potential name to try avoiding names that bring up an undesirable search result. Some are basing the decision on what baby name will be unique enough to rise to the top of search results. For example, an American couple, Lecia and Thor Kaslofsky, changed the spelling of the name they wished to give their baby daughter from 'Kalia' to 'Kaleya', as the first version pulled up pictures and search results of strippers, after they Googled it. "We didn't want there to be a Google identity for her to wrestle with," the couple told the New York Times. Laura Wattenberg, the author of 'The Baby Name Wizard', pointed out that a desire for uniqueness in the digital world has provoked 'unspoken competition' between parents to find the most original name. A study on LilSugar, a US site for parents, discovered that 64 percent of respondents had Googled their baby's potential name before making the final decision.

Apple iTV to obey voice commands, gestures

London: Apple computer company is devising a new television, nicknamed the iTV, that not only hears your shouts and sees your gestures - but can understand them too. According to experts, the revolutionary new interactive sets may be available by late next year. In a posthumous biography, the late Apple founder Steve Jobs had hinted at the new technology being developed, the Daily Mail reported. "I'd like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use," Jobs was quoted as saying. "It would be seamlessly synched with all of your devices and with iCloud. It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it," he said. In October it emerged that the US patent office had received details of an Apple device for 'real-time video process control using gestures'. These gestures could be used, for example, to edit videos or transfer footage from the TV to a telephone. The new TV is also likely to make it easy to access whole films from the Internet and watch them on the big screen, introducing powerful competition to pay TV firms and rival electronics manufacturers like Samsung.

Astrology
TheSouthAsianTimes.info

29

December 3-9, 2011

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: December 3-9, 2011
Aries: This week your creativity would flourish and you would be able to achieve outstanding results. Your energetic approach towards your undertakings would fetch you lot of appreciation along with monetary gains. Certain changes made at the last minutes would bring you results you want. You will be in the position of authority and easily surpass rivals that you might encounter. Travel for some proves hectic and stressful. Invest wisely, especially in stocks. Taurus: This week problem with your beloved might arise if you give undue importance to someone else. Try to do things that will win back the confidence of your partner. Financial gains will also not be as expected and minor health problems could also upset your productivity. Good week to embark on a pilgrimage or participate in social work. You should attend a literary program, which will bring new ideas to your mind. Gemini: Your attitude and opinions would not go over too well with those you live with. Try to work on things that would please the whole family. Good period for businessmen, as you can count on getting assistance from those in high positions. Expenditure rises but fresh inflow of funds will make you smile. For those, traveling; it would be a highly pleasurable and educating experience. No matter how generous you might feel, avoid overspending on others. Cancer: Problems would mount if you do not take care of people at home. You could face lots of embarrassment if you promise more than what you can deliver, therefore be extra careful of what you say. You would receive important information from distant place, which would bring happiness for you and the entire family. Relaxation would be important in-between work. Leo: This week you should get into activities that would bring you in contact with new friends. Planned investment would bring good rewards. Pressure at work and home could make you short tempered, but hard work and sincere efforts would bring results and rewards that you desire. New friends will benefit you greatly. Guests might crowd the house. Virgo: Get into new moneymaking ventures, but do not gamble with money that does not belong to you. Visiting a place of worship would bring mental peace. Good week for artistic and educational pursuits. Relationship with important people will improve. You are likely to benefit from past investments. Watch your words and hasty decisions, as it would only bring losses. Libra: New love could develop through functions you attend. Business wise it would not be a very good week, as results would fall short of your expectations. For those employed, it would be a hectic and stressful week. Double-check your work before presenting it to your seniors, as you could easily be a victim of your bosss erratic behaviour. Household expenses would rise. Scorpio: This week information that you receive from distant place would bring you immense happiness. Bold steps and decisions would put you in a better position in your organization. Real estate investment should be worthwhile, but lay your money on the table only after consulting the experts. Happiness and excitement would prevail at home. Sagittarius: Your intelligence and quick wit would win you favours. It is time to work on projects and jobs that you need to complete. Someone close might be erratic in its behaviour, which could create tension on your mind. Family members will be helpful and do things to keep you happy. You should spend the weekend in the company of close friends. Capricorn: Present your ideas at work to show your seriousness and prove your capabilities. You should do things that would add to your popularity. You also need to take care of your health. Period when everything you hear should not be believed. Find the truth for yourself before reaching to any conclusions. Overseas news or offers for some cannot be ruled out. Aquarius: Your skills and technical knowledge would be appreciated by others. You would also easily dominate the opinions of people around you, if you turn on your charms and use your intelligence. Health of your spouse may cause worry and need some medical attention. Travel would be pleasurable and highly beneficial. New romance for some, so make the best of it. Pisces: Relatives and children would cost you dearly if you give in to their demands. You would also make new plans, but they would not be easy to implement, especially if you think to complete them alone. Tact would be required to convince your group to follow your directions. Secret affairs will be exciting, but could severely damage your reputation.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

December 3 Governed by number 3 and the planet Jupiter. You are a practical, energetic, business minded, brilliant and an optimistic person. Youre co-operative and helpful and enjoy great respect in your friends circle, but you need to check your tendency to behave jealous and stubborn at times. This year you are advised not to trust others on important issues. Sharing personal and secretive information will not be in your interest. The atmosphere at office will require you to handle important jobs with more responsibility. A sudden influence of a spiritual person will bring remarkable change in your life. Your spouse and family members will be supportive to your concerns and provide you with love and affection. Distant journeys, December overseas for some will fetch favorable returns. The months of November, January and April will prove to be significant. December 4 Ruled by number 4 and the planet Uranus. You are generous, peace loving, dashing, systematic, disciplined, artistic character and introvert in nature. You possess a strong memory and an ability to impress others with your intelligent and witty conversation, but you need to control your tendency to be extravagant, reckless and moody at times. This promises to be a memorable year bringing prosperity and good fortune. This is going to be a rewarding period for women as there will be new opportunities to improve career prospects. Students need to concentrate on their studies and plan for the year ahead. Romance and new alliances look likely for the unattached. Elders and children in the family will demand a lot of your attention. Health of your spouse Dec cause concern and anxiety. The months of August, December, March and Dec will be significant. December 5 Ruled by number 5 and the planet Mercury. You are highly intelligent, diplomatic, highly business oriented, accommodating, god fearing and kind hearted person. You are fond of good food, meeting likeminded people and visiting distant lands. You enjoy a good name in the society and people respect you for what you are, but you need to curb your tendencies towards restlessness and over-exertion. It will be a period of success and happiness throughout, thanks to the support provided by your family members. You will also gain importance amongst your colleagues because of you better skills and aptitude. Health will show improvement despite hectic hours that you might put in office. Investments will yield handsome results. Romantic alliance develops with someone that you have secretly admired. The months of September, October, February and March will be eventful. December 6 Influenced by number 6 and the planet Venus. You are energetic, practical, systematic, methodical and a generous person. You are creative and research oriented and can do wonders with your intelligence, but you need to control your tendencies to behave impatient, whimsical and jealous at times. A stable period of growth and prosperity sees you shine with new confidence and enthusiasm. Your self-confidence will be high. Speculation will prove to be rewarding and long term investment is also recommended. Long pending disputes will be sorted out bringing relief to your mind. Blessing from a saintly person will provide solace and comfort. Stay away from strangers who behave extra friendly and excuse those who approach you for loans. Friends will be supportive but demanding. The months of August, October and Dec will prove to be result oriented. December 7 Governed by number 7 and the planet Neptune. You are affectionate, charming, sober, courageous, original and honest. You are good at heart and very helpful, but you need to control your tendency to behave impatient and short temper to succeed in your endeavors. Your stars will be in a favourable position, bringing you happiness and prosperity. Those involved in arts and other creative professions will achieve recognition and monetary gains this year. Matrimonial alliances for those eligible. Although health will be fine but it will be important to take necessary precautions. Children will make you feel proud with their achievements. Pilgrimage or distant journey will be high on your agenda. The months of July, September, November and February will prove to be significant. December 8 Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn. You are creative, active, confident, intelligent and an artistic person. Your strong vision always keeps you ahead of others and makes you popular in your surrounding, but you need to restrain your tendencies towards being erratic, stubborn, behaving moody and jealous at times. The coming year is expected to bring in achievements and rewards. Businessmen will expand their ventures into new and more profitable avenues. Property disputes will be settled down to your satisfaction. Health will definitely need more attention. Meditation and Yoga should be practiced for spiritual gains. Some exhilarating news from your children will boost up your spirits. Journeys overseas or financial transactions from abroad will fetch returns. The month of June, October, April and Dec will be eventful and result oriented. December 9 Influenced by number 9 and the planet Mars. You are active, energetic, trustworthy, systematic and quick in taking decisions. You have a good command over your work which in return brings you rewards and appreciation, but you need to check your tendency to behave vindictive and jealous at time. This coming year is good for judicial and govt. Favors. Long pending disputes will get sorted out and important contacts will play immense role in improving your financial standing. A sudden influence of a person from the opposite sex will give a new and interesting twist to your life. Later in the year blessing from a saintly person will provide comfort and peace of mind. Stay away from strangers who behave extra friendly and excuse all those who approach you for temporary loans and financial assistance. Friends will be helpful but demanding. July, September and March will prove to be significant.

Before you consult...

i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date, Time and Place of birth is accurate. ii) Careful: Did you check background of the astrologer before disclosing your secrets. iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, dont feel shy. Its his business. iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the outcome is not as desired, never give up. v) Consult: Take second opinion before spending thousands on cure/remedies.

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30

Spiritual Awareness TheSouthAsianTimes.info

December 3-9, 2011

There is no dearth of opportunity to help

Concluding part of the discourse on the occasion of Thanksgiving
We may visit someone who is ill who needs some company. We may bring needed items to them in the hospital or their homes, when they cannot get what is needed by themselves. We may go to the market to pick up food or medicine for those in need. We may help someone fix their car, when they cannot afford to go to a repair shop themselves. There is no dearth of opportunity to help someone physically. Intellectual help means that we help someone learn or study. We may teach someone a skill or craft. We may provide advice intellectually to help someone with a problem. We may do work that is of a literary nature that helps humanity. We may give a talk that helps someone learn something new. We may engage in spreading a message in which we help people find what they need. Emotional help means we help someone with their problems. We may give someone a shoulder on which to cry. We may provide psychological counseling or assistance. We may help someone give up an addiction. Maybe we merely smile or say warm words to lift the spirits of others. Financial help means to give money to those in need. It might mean buying them food or medicine or paying their medical bills if they do not have other means to help themselves. It may mean donating to a worthy cause to help others. It may mean tithing to support an organization benefiting other people. While spiritual help is reserved for the saints and Masters who are going to help put people in touch with the Light and Sound of God, or the holy Word or Naam which can reunite their soul with God, we can assist the Masters in their mission. the angels and demons. God told them that they could eat to their hearts content anything from the banquet, but only on one condition. When they ate, they had to abide by one rule: do not bend your elbows. The angels and demons were perplexed. They wondered, How can we eat food if we cannot bend our elbows? Picking up food and putting it into ones mouth requires the bending of the elbows. Even if they used forks and spoons, some bending of the elbows would be required. Both groups thought and thought. What were they to do? They were hungry. How could they eat? Suddenly, the angels had an idea. Their idea worked. When God returned to see how they had solved their dilemma, God was delighted. The angels figured out if they fed each other, they could put food into each others mouth without bending any elbows. Thus, the angels feasted by learning the law of giving by feeding others. In this way, everyone was fed. Let us give thanks by giving. If we all give, no one would be without anything. We would all be helping each other. Like the angels, we would all be feeding each other. In this way, we would create a world that is loving, giving and caring, and we would bring the kingdom of God down to earth. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is an internationally recognized spiritual leader and Master of Jyoti Meditation who affirms the transcendent oneness at the heart of all religions and mystic traditions, emphasizing ethical living and meditation as building blocks for achieving inner and outer peace. www.sos.org.

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

e do seva in the name of God and the Master, whereby our help is given and we only reap the spiritual rewards in the form of blessings from God and the Master. It is okay to want spiritual blessings from God and the Master for our seva. That is because those spiritual blessings move us to the true purpose of our lives, union of our soul with God. Each time we give of ourselves in selfless service, we are not incurring more karma and are attracting the grace of God and the Master, whose blessings will uplift us so our soul can merge back into God. Physical help means we do something for others that involves our body and our hands. We may help someone build their broken-down house, shattered by a flood or hurricane. We may help by feeding the poor. We may provide physical assistance to someone who is incapacitated by illness. We may take care of someone elses children so they can go to work or if they are ill and need assistance in their home.

Each time we give of ourselves in selfless service, we are not incurring more karma and are attracting the grace of God and the Master, whose blessings will uplift us so our soul can merge back into God.
The Masters provide spiritual help by putting seekers after truth, yearning for God, in touch with the divine Light and Sound of God through meditation. They initiate people into the inner Light and Sound, giving them firsthand proof that there is more to our existence than just this physical world. The Masters take over the karmic account of the initiates to speed their progress back to God. They provide a boost to the meditations of their disciples so they can soar beyond this physical realm to the astral, causal and supracausal realms until returning to their true home, Sach Khand. The Masters provide divine love to attract our souls away from this physical world to yearn to return to their true Beloved, God. While the Masters are the true providers of spiritual service, we can assist the Masters in the various selfless service projects. We can provide help in cooking food to feed those who come to meditate. We can clean the facilities in which the satsangs and langar take place. We can assist with programs that help put people in touch with their spiritual gifts within. There is no dearth of opportunities to assist the Masters in the work of the mission to help separated souls reunite with God. Each time we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us find ways we can give thanks by giving. If we have been giving generously in some ways over the years, let us continue to do so. If we have been giving occasionally, let us find ways to increase our time spent in selfless service. If we have not given much, let us make a plan to start giving thanks for the gifts we have received by turning around and giving to others. If we all were to give, we would have a world typified by this story: God had a big feast and invited all

Stay still for God

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
eople are searching for God. They pray to have a mystic experience of God. Through the ages, people have speculated about God, formed religions to worship God, and done countless rites and rituals to find God. Yet, the simple truth is that the only thing that stands between us and God is the ability to be still. We are so used to speaking rather than listening. In this connection, there is a humorous anecdote. A young man went to the great Greek philosopher, Socrates. The young man wanted Socrates to teach him how to be a great speaker. When Socrates greeted the young man, the young man proceeded to talk nonstop about himself for a long time.

Finally, Socrates had to interrupt him and said, "To teach you, I need to double my fees." The young man was shocked and asked why. Socrates said, "Because it appears I must teach you two skills. One is to hold your tongue and the other is to learn how to speak." It is hard for us to remain silent. How can we find God if we do not stay still physically, verbally, or mentally long enough to allow God to communicate with us? There are many ways in which we are able to stay still for worldly tasks. When we go to a dentist and are about to get an injection to numb our gums, the dentist says, "Stay still." We are certainly able to do so, lest he misses. When we go for a medical procedure in which the doctor has to give us an injection and he says,

"Hold still," we definitely sit as still as we can. We know that any movement can be painful. If we ever went for a CT scan, we know we must lie still for a long time. If we move, the film or images they are taking of our body will not come out clearly. Not only does it cost several thousand dollars to have to do it over, which would be a waste of money and time, but the dye they inject which only lasts a short time would have to be done over and would expose us to more needless radiation. Therefore, to get it right the first time, we find a way to remain still even if it is uncomfortable to do so when we undergo these tests. Some people who have to undergo radiation therapy for certain diseases must lie still. The radiation is targeting a certain area of the body, and if they move, the wrong place will be radiated caus-

How can we find God if we do not stay still physically, verbally, or mentally long enough to allow God to communicate with us?
ing the body unnecessary damage and harm and missing the area that needs the radiation. It is amazing how still we can be when undergoing that type of treatment. If a mouse or insect gets into our house, and we want to catch it so we can escort it outdoors safely where it belongs, we remain quiet. We may hold a cup or a bucket as the creature lies still on our floor, and we are very silent as we creep up on it from behind to catch it in the bucket so we can take it outdoors. These examples show that we can be still and quiet when we choose to be. Those who are parents know the importance of being quiet when the baby finally falls asleep. When the baby is sleeping and we do not want noise to awaken him or her we are still. We know how long it took us to get the baby to sleep and we want to get our own rest. So, we tiptoe around and remain still so as to let the baby keep sleeping. When we throw a surprise party for someones birthday, we may have a room filled with many people trying to keep still until the person enters. We remain quiet until everyone yells out, "Surprise." If the person takes a long time entering the room, we remain quiet and no one wants to speak and spoil the surprise. ( To be continued)

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