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The South Asian Times
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Vol.6 No. 27 October 26-November 1, 2013 60 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Obama rebuffs I enjoy a growing support from Sharif on Kashmir, the South Asian community nuclear parity
Ed Mangano exudes confidence that he will win a second term as Nassau County Executive, arguing that residents have seen our economic policies are working, and we must stay on this path.
home energy taxTom Suozzis home energy tax. Weve created jobs and opportunities. We have strengthened our economy. In 2009 after Souzzi had eight years in office, he had hiked taxes by 23%, added $402 million to debt and left us a $385 million deficit. Unemployment was on the rise. Sales tax revenue was the lowest in a 20 year period. We went to work on a job creation plan that helps small businesses and attracted new businesses back to Nassau County. Today the unemployment rate in Nassau county is the lowest in the region and sales tax revenue the largest growing. Our economic policies are working, and we must stay on this path. SATimes: How confident are you of your victory on Nov 5? Ed Mangano: I am very encouraged by the residents that we have spoken to throughout the campaign cycle who are supporting my re-election efforts. They believe, as I do, that high taxes kill jobs and depresses home values and they agree with our message to cut taxes and create jobs and we have the proven results. So I am very encouraged that our residents will return me to office to continue the progress that we have made. SATimes: In a recent opinion poll, you had a 17 point lead over Tom Suozzi but he shot back that in a same Continued on page 3
By Parveen Chopra
Exclusive Interview
Edward P. Mangano
Incumbent Nassau County Executive
President Obama and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meeting in White House.
By Arun Kumar
Washington: As expected, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif failed to get any traction with President Barack Obama on his wish list - US mediation on Kashmir, nuclear parity with India and an end to drone strikes on suspected terror dens in Pakistani territory. Despite being rebuffed by both India and the US, Sharif did once again dutifully raise Kashmir during his two hour meeting with Obama at the White House, but the joint statement made no mention of it or the drones. Speaking to the media with Obama after their Oval Office meeting, Sharif said he was committed to cooperation with India, including on Kashmir. And while India has described Pakistan as the "epicenter of terrorism" and linked any progress on peace talks to Islamabad shutting down its "machinery of terrorism" he told Obama that "terrorism constitutes a common threat" for Pakistan and India. "We need to ally our respective concerns through serious and sincere efforts without indulging in any blame game," Sharif said. He had also "brought up the issue of drones in our meeting, emphasizing the need for an end to such strikes," he said. Obama, on his part, made no mention of either Kashmir or drone strikes in Pakistan that according to Sharif "has become a major irritant in our Continued on page 4
n the 2009 election, a little known Edward P. Mangano scored an upset victory over two-term County Executive Tom Suozzi. He made national headlines and was selected The South Asian Times Man of the Year 2009. Four years hence, he is a popular leader who lived up to his poll pledges of not raising taxes, and who endeared himself to Long Islanders for keeping them safe during super storm Sandy last year. The Indian American community enjoys a special bonhomie with him he initiated Indias Independence Day celebrations on August 15 at the seat of Nassau County and encouraged Indian Day Parade in Hicksville. He has also given key positions in his administration to Indian Americans. Fittingly, over three dozen leaders of prominent Indian organizations came together Tuesday to announce their unconditional endorsement to re-elect Mangano for Nassau County Executive for a second term (see box on this page) in the Nov 5 election. A big endorsement came Manganos way on October 24 when former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani headlined a gala to support him. Taking time out of his hectic campaigning schedule and governmental duties, Mangano gave an exclusive interview to The South Asian Times at the fairy tale Oheka Castle in Garden City, Long Island: A Huntington. Excerpts: bevy of leaders of the diverse The South Asian Times: Indian-American Communities Which are your first terms gathered here Tuesday to proclaim their unconditional support and big ticket achievements? Nassau County endorsement of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano: Executive Edward P. Mangano We held the line on proper- who is running for re-election on ty taxes for four consecu- Tuesday, November 5. The event tive years and we are the held at Mint Restaurant & Lounge first administration that put marked a monumental moment of money back in peoples unity as the community had never Continued on page 3 pockets by repealing the
County Executive Ed Mangano with wife Linda.
Historic support for Ed Mangano from Indians in Long Island
Over three dozen Indian American leaders of various organizations announced their unconditional endorsement to re-elect Ed Mangano for Nassau County Executive.
US Affairs 9
Op Ed 13
Festivals 15
Spiritual Awareness 30
excellence in journalism
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October 26-November 1, 2013
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
October 26-Novemer 1, 2013
I enjoy a growing support from the South Asian community...

Continued from page 1 source poll just before the 2009 election he was shown in the lead! So, how reliable are the polls? Ed Mangano: I think he {Suozzi} has his dates messed up. The fact remains that the poll appears to be consistent with what we are hearing as we meet and greet voters, they have been very supportive in encouraging me to continue in office. SATimes: The Suozzi campaigns main criticism is that you increased the county debt. Ed Mangano: Thats just a lie; we can provide you with the audited statements. Tom Suozzi increased the debt by $402 million while I have reduced the debt by two and a half million dollars. SATimes: Your Democrat opponents sometimes refer to you as a Tea partier, are you one? Ed Mangano: I am a Republican. I enjoy the support of the Independence Party as well this year and many other organizations including the Tea party, which agrees with my no tax increase policies. SATimes: The main local media here on Long Island -- Newsday and News12 channel-- have been supporting Suozzi all along. The ads they carry are from his campaign. How do you counteract that? Ed Mangano: Unfortunately, Newsday and News 12 are conflicted as their parent company donated over two hundred thousand dollars to Tom Suozzi, so they continue to write slanted articles and not disclose their relationship, nor the fact that the loss of the Nassau Coliseum {redevelopment project} to Ratner {picked over the other bidder Madison Square Garden Co) has created a significant and troubling conflict. So we overcome it by reaching out to residents directly, sharing our record of making Nassau county more affordable and while creating more jobs and opportunities and housing options. SATimes: Have you been especially courting the South Asian community? Ed Mangano: Some of my closest friends are of South Asian descent and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship for the past 20 years and since taking office we have built even better relationships and even more support from the South Asian community, which shares our values and our fiscal policies. SATimes: Many in the South Asian community enjoyed warm relations with Suozzi as well. So is the community divided now in their support or solidly behind you? Ed Mangano: I can only speak for myself that I enjoy a steadily increasing support from the South Asian community as they have partnered with us, both in government and in charitable and cultural endeavors. SATimes: How about giving positions to South Asians in your administration? Ed Mangano: We have more South Asians leading our departments than any other administration: Shila Shah, first South Asian and first woman as Commissioner of Public Works. We have Kamlesh Mehta leading our Economic and Business Development. Satish Sood in Planning Commission and many in other departments who help make Nassau county a better place to live, work and raise a family in.
Historic support for Ed Mangano from Indians in Long Island ...

Continued from page 1 ventured to endorse a political candidate before. Each Indian-American leader stood up and declared his support for Mangano and the outstanding job he has done while in office. They thanked him for keeping his promise to hold the line on property taxes and for keeping his door open to address their many issues and concerns. He was called, The True Friend of Indian-American Communities in Long Island. The event was organized by the Indian National Overseas Congress (I) USA under the initiative taken by its National President, Shudh Parkash Singh, to expand its reach to local administration. Explaining why Mangano is a natural candidate for our community, Shudh Parkash argued that Indians settled in Nassau County are mostly homeowners, who are grateful to him for not raising property taxes and for bringing down the crime rate. Ed opened the door of his office to the community and took instant decisions on vital issues. He also came to so many events of the community even on Sundays and led Long Islands India Day Parade, Shudh added. Harendra Singh, Head of the Raj Rajeshwari Foundation, pointed out that Mangano has inducted over a dozen Indian Americans in his administration. He is good for all communities not just to Indians, Singh said. Sunil Modi, President of Associations of Indians in America NY chapter, felt Mangano has done a great job as county executive. Sher Singh Madra, President of Nargis Dutt foundation, who was co-chair of the event, said, We support Hon. Manganos leadership. Dr Prem Goel, Vice President of World Punjabi Organization, said, Mangano is a gentleman, he means what he tells you. Darshan Bagga, President of the GOPIO - Long Island Chapter, said Mangano is the best choice for business owners. Eric Kumar, President of ICP, credited Mangano for bailing out the county from a financial crisis, and extended full support. Jagdish Sewhani said, Nassau needs a good friend like Mangano as County Executive. Kishore Kuncham, President of the oldest and largest Indian body on Long Island, thanked Mangano in his personal capacity for keeping Long Island safe during Sandy super storm last year. Kanwal Sra, the President of Crystal Foundation, lauded Mangano for keeping taxes low and improving the business environment for the county. Ravi Chopra, a trustee of Hindu Center, assured Mangano, The Hindu community supports you. Sushil Goyal, President of the Indian Diamond and Colored Stone Association and a co-chair of the event, thanked and praised Ed Mangano for his support to Indian community. Addressing the august gathering, Mangano said following an Indian saying that we have two ears and one mouth, he listens more, understands and empowers our team to make decisions and get things done. Mangano said his focus has been to make the county more affordable and more prosperous, leaving it better than we inherited. I support the values of Indian families and Nassau is the safest county in the nation. he said, adding, We are trying to keep business here, attract new business. Ed Mangano appreciated Shudh Parkash and his team for organizing the event and thanked the endorsing leaders, requesting them to inspire people in their respective circles to come out and vote on November 5 to secure progress in the county.
SATimes: What is your main agenda for the second term? Ed Mangano: Well continue to grow jobs here in Nassau County, housing options, make our economy stronger and reduce the reliance on property taxes. I have lived up to my pledges four years ago. We have statistical and solid results there, with a path that has made our county strong by creating jobs -- and made our economy strong in terms of people spending more money than ever in Nassau county. SATimes: As polls show you ahead in the CE race, have you become complacent in your campaigning? Ed Mangano: No, we are working tirelessly to meet as many residents and to build teamwork, to remind voters to come out to vote on November 5th . SATimes: Tom Suozzi tried for a third successive term; if you win a second term, will you also seek a third term? Ed Mangano: Thats a question that Ill answer in a couple of years from now. There are no term limits; I love this job so right now I would like to do it as long as voters will allow me.
A strong anti-incumbency mood prevailing in India: Arun Jaitley

By Jinal Shah
New York: Leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley said last week that a strong anti-incumbency mood, similar to that in 1977 and 1989, is prevailing in India. The senior BJP leader was invited by the International Peace Institute (IPI) here to BJP leader speak primarily on the Arun Jaitley upcoming general elections in India. From indications that I gathered there is a huge, unprecedented, anti-incumbency mood which has emerged in the country. It almost resembles the mood that was in 1977 or 1989 in India when governments which had a comfortable majority lost with large margin and (in the 2014 elections) I do expect the results to be greatly influenced by this anti-incumbency mood, he said. Its a mood where angry people are extremely keen to vote government out and are in search of alternatives. Jaitley pointed out four factors for the anti-incumbency mood: poor governance and corruption - scams and how they have adversely affected the management of the economy and Indias ability to attract international domestic investment; leadership failure and internal and external security. Jaitley said the Prime Minister must have the last word or the ability to overrule others and if he doesnt have all these rights he is in office but really not wielding authority. He added that creation of power centers outside the government, whose command runs with the government and which becomes authority without responsibility, also contributed to the angry anti-incumbency mood. Referring to the corruption in allocation of tele spectrum and coal, he said, Allocation of natural resources in a growing economy has to be non-discriminatory. In all these, governments have run into difficulties, there have been severe indictments, licenses have been cancelled and leaders of the industry have been investigated and prosecuted.
TURN PAGE
Obama rebuffs Sharif on Kashmir... Continued from page 1 bilateral relationship" besides being "a continual violation of our territorial integrity." Acknowledging tensions and "misunderstandings" between the two countries, Obama said he and Sharif had pledged to work together on security issues in ways that "respect Pakistan's sovereignty.. Obama also praised Sharif for seeking to end tensions with India saying, "I think he is taking a very wise path in exploring how decades of tension between India and Pakistan can be reduced." Noting that "billions of dollars have been spent on an arms race in response to these tensions," he said those resources could be much more properly invested in education, social welfare programs on both sides of the border between India and Pakistan. The joint statement noted that "the two Leaders stressed that improvement in Pakistan-India bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for lasting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, as it would significantly benefit the lives of citizens on both sides of the border." In this context, it said Obama welcomed recent engagements between Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He "expressed hope that this would mark the beginning of a sustained dialogue process between the two neighbors, aimed at building lasting peace in South Asia and resolving all outstanding territorial and other disputes through peaceful means." Obama also "welcomed steps taken by Pakistan and India to improve their economic relations, including by exploring electricity and gas supply agreements, developing a reciprocal visa regime, and expanding bilateral trade." Reflecting the focus of the Obama-Sharif session, the joint statement mentioned "terrorism" 13 times saying both leaders "condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also "emphasized that no country's territory should be used to destabilize its neighbors." The word nuclear too figured ten times in the joint statement, not in the context of India type civil nuclear deal that Sharif wanted, but in the context of nuclear terrorism. Obama and Sharif, the joint statement said "emphasized that nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to international security" and "underscored that all sides should continuously act with maximum restraint and work jointly toward strengthening strategic stability in South Asia."
Indian and Russian armies hold war games in Rajasthan

By Prakash Bhandari
Bikaner: Indian and Russian troops are undertaking a joint military exercise in the Thar desert of Rajasthan. Ex Indra (October 18-28) at the Mahajani firing range near here is aimed to improve bilateral defense cooperation between the two armies. The objective is to enhance their ability to operate as an integrated force within the framework of UN Peace Keeping Operations (UNPKO) The Russian troops carried out live firing practice from tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICV). The Indian and Russian soldiers interacted and familiarized each others tank zeroing procedures. The Russian General officer also interacted with the Indian officers and troops at the firing ranges. Russian troops participated in a tank firing competition with Indian soldiers. The mechanized infantry component of the Russian and Indian contingent partici-
pated in small arms firing competition in a newly constructed small arms firing range in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges by Jaipur headquarter of South Western Command.
The competition involved firing of a mechanized infantry section of both the armies, fully controlled by their section commanders.
Free tech seminars on Long Island

Old Westbury, NJ: NYIT School of Management and India Association of Long Island (IALI) are presenting a free seminar series on Emerging Technologies here to prepare young people for 2014 and beyond. The seminars are presented by Bhuvan Pasham & Prof Rajen Tibrewala. The venue for the Saturday afternoon seminars is Salten Hall, NYIT Old Westbury Campus. Oct 26: Changing Technology Landscape Nov 2: Cloud Computing Nov 9: Big Data Nov 16: Shifting Career Options.
3 Indian-Americans for US Institute of Medicine

Washington: Three Indian-Americans have been elected to the prestigious Institute of Medicine (IOM), including Subra Suresh, who has become the only current university president to be elected to all three US national academies. President of Pittsburgh, PA-based Carnegie Mellon University, Suresh is one of only 16 living Americans to be elected to three academies- IOM, the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Two other IndianAmericans memers of IOM are Ashish K. Jha, professor, health policy and management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and Nirav Ramesh Shah, commissioner, New York State Department of Health, Albany. Election to the IOM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Suresh earlier served as director of National Science Foundation (NSF), a $7-billion independent government science agency charged with advancing all fields of fundamental science, engineering research and education. The IOM recognized Suresh for advancing health and medicine through his research into cell mechanics related to malaria, blood diseases and certain types of cancer.
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TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Sikh group filing improper suits against Congress leaders

New York: An Indian-American lawyer representing the Congress party has accused a Sikh group of resorting to improper practices while filing lawsuits in the U.S. against leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Lawyer Ravi Batra said Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had indulged in improper judge-and-venue-shopping while filing lawsuits against the leaders in several federal courts. Batra said in a statement filed in the court of the Eastern District of New York that contrary to the SFJ claims, Mrs. Gandhi was not served court summons during her reported treatment at Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital here last month. According to the statement, a security manager at the hospital has said Mrs. Gandhi had not been served with the lawsuit by hospital staff. Three men came in the middle of the night and started throwing papers on every nursing station on all five floors, saying you have been served. Nobody picked them up, said the manager. He also said the SFJ had wholly failed to alert the respective federal district courts of the prior pending and related cases, when they commenced the related action against Mrs. Gandhi and related identical actions against Mr. Singh in the court of District of Columbia and the Southern District of New York. Appearing as counsel for Mrs. Gandhi, Batra said the Congress leader reserves all of her rights to contest any assertion of jurisdiction or attempts by plaintiffs to pursue this matter, including, by way of motion to dismiss for a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction, lack of personal jurisdiction for insufficient process, insufficient service of process.
SEWA hosts fundraiser to mark Swami Vivekanandas 150th birthday

Presents Manick Sorcars exclusive laser show on Swamiji
New York: SEWA International, New York (SEWA) organized a fundraiser to commemorate Swami Vivekanandas 150th birthday on October 5th, 2013 at Hindu Temple Auditorium in New York. SEWA presented Manick Sorcars full length laser show on Swamiji titled Life & Contribution of Swami Vivekananda. The 75 minutes visually stunning laser show was created exclusively for SEWA to celebrate 150th birth day of the Hindu monk by Manick Sorcar. The laser documentary started with an enchanting Sanskrit prayer with laser effects. This was followed by laser documentary about Swamijis birth, his childhood, his spiritual meetings with Guru Ramakrishna, his travels across India , his visit to the West and the impact of his philosophical and spiritual speeches on the Western audience. In his brief address Jagdish Sewhani, narrating the aims and objectives of SEWA, said , SEWA serves humanity irrespective of race, color, religion or nationality. SEWA believes that Serving Humanity is Serving God (in Sanskrit Nar sewa Narayan sewa).
Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Azad Anand, Manick Sorcar and Jagdish Sewhani
All beings are one family (Vasudaiva kutumbakam), and may all be happy; may all be free from sickness; (Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah; Sarve Santu Niramaya.
FOGANA's ex-treasurer charged with theft

New York: A former treasurer of a Gujarati community non-profit association has been charged with stealing $85,844 from its bank accounts. Girishcha Patel, 58, a resident of Franklin Township of Somerset County in New Jersey and a former treasurer of the Federation of Gujarati Associations in North America (FOGANA) was charged with theft related misappropriation of the funds from the bank accounts of the association, The Star Ledger reported Tuesday. FOGANA lodged a complaint with the Somerset prosecutor's office special investigations unit in January this year that Patel had misappropriated funds from the cultural organization's bank accounts when he was treasurer from 2004 through 2012. Without the organization's permission Patel withdrew more than $75,000 in funds from the FOGANA bank accounts between January 2006 and March 2012 while he was treasurer and had sole access to the accounts, Somerset county prosecutor Geoffrey D Soriano said. Patel was arrested Monday by a special investigative unit on the basis of bank records, tampered bank statements, falsified financial reports, a phony bank account number and email communications. He is lodged at the Somerset County Jail in lieu of a $75,000 cash bail set by judge Robert Reed of state superior court in Somerville.
Singer Falus album Foras Road up for two Grammy nominations

New York: India born, New York based songstress Falus album Forus Road is up for 2 Grammy nominations for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards this year. A good description of the album appeared earlier this year in the Huffington Post - "the album 'Foras Road' traverses the musical traditions and cultural history of India's centuries-old brothels. Falu sings in seven South Asian languages throughout the album and while blending Indian classical and folk music with her own original compositions, she adds modern instrumentation." Falu released Foras Road independently on May 28th this year. It has been produced by GrammyAward winning producer Danny Blume (Jewel, Lisa Loeb). Taking its name from the oldest redlight district in the Indian city of Mumbai, Foras Road captures the enduring musical traditions and cultural history of India's centuries-old brothels. Singing in five different ancient South Asian languages throughout the album,
Kerala-born NYPD cop felicitated

New York: A Kerala-born officer in the New York Police Department (NYPD) has been felicitated for his role in helping the IndianAmerican community in times of need. Captain Stanley George, the highest-ranking police officer in NYPD, was felicitated at a function organized by several Indian-American associations. George has been an NYPD captain for the last seven years. He was first assigned as captain to the prestigious Manhattan South Command and subsequently selected to command the newly formed Court Monitoring Group in the Internal Affairs Bureau. Prior to his promotion to captain he also was assigned to the elite Counter Terrorism Bureau in addition to other demanding assignments within the department. George became an officer in 1992 and was promoted to a sergeant in 2000, a lieutenant in 2003 and a captain in 2007.
Falu blends traditions of Indian classical and folk music with western pop, rock and electronic styles to create songs that explore themes of womanhood, romance, longing, love, and loss, while shedding light on the hardships of prostitution. One of Falus most stunning performances was at the Time 100 Gala where she performed a duet with Slumdog Millionaire composer A.R. Rahman in front of the one hundred of Time Magazine's most influential people in the world, which included First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. The Billboard Magazine has rated her album "Ethereal and Transcendent."
Captain Stanley George
He remains the only IndianAmerican captain in the NYPD. George studied in Kumili town in Kerala and migrated to the US with his parents VS George and Rebecca George - in 1983. After his degree from Baruch College in New York City, he started his career as an accountant in the NYPD before joining the Police Academy in 1992 to become a uniformed officer. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam also honored him with a citation.
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
NYTS presents Tamil super singers at Diwali event

New York: The New York Tamil Sangam is presenting a musical extravaganza on Oct 26 at the Hindu Temple Auditorium in Flushing here to celebrate Diwali. They are getting Vijay TV fame Super Singer winners and participants as well as Ganesh Kirupa orchestra from Chennai. The singers visiting from India are Sai Charan, Dhanyashree, Nikhil Mathew and Yazhini in addition to a US based singer. Sai Charan was the winner of the popular Airtel Super Singer 3 reality show on Vijay TV in 2011. A trained Carnatic musician, he has performed in many TV channels and his song Dang Dang Diga Diga from the movie Manam Kothi Paravai is a big hit. Nikhil Mathew won the Super
The singers: Sai Charan, Nikhil Mathew, Yazhini, Dhanyashree, and Pragathi
Singer show in 2006. His latest releases include tracks from Badrinath, 100% Love and Peruman. He has also sung a duet with Shreya Goshal for the movie Bachelor Party. Yazhini was Best Melody Singer of Airtel Super Singer Junior 3. She has sung in four films includ-
ing Asurakulam directed by Kasthuri Raja (father of Danush). Dhanyashree was a top 10 contestant in 2012 for Airtel Super Singer show. She has performed in several Carnatic and light music shows. Then there is Fremont, CA, based singer Pragathi Guruprasad.
She was the runner up in Airtel Super Singer Junior 3. She has sung a duet Or Mirugam, for GV Prakash in Paradesi, and a duet with Anirudh Ravichander Osaka, in Vanakkam Chennai. Pragathi is learning both Carnatic Vocal and Hindustani and is a regular performer at the Cleveland
Thyagaraja Aradhana. Ganesh Kirupa Isai Thenndral Orchestra, formed by Sabapathy Ganesh, has done over 4000 concerts in India and abroad. Sabapathy can play instruments such as Drums, Congo drums, Bango, Octopad, Dolak, Keyboard and Guitar. He also can sing.
Xoom celebrates Diwali with Cash Sweepstakes Sony Max to premiere Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani on Oct 27
San Francisco: Xoom Corporation, a leading digital money transfer provider is celebrating the auspicious festival of Diwali with a sweepstakes for customers to enter for a chance to win $1,000. For most Indians, celebrating Diwali with family and friends is one of the nostalgic and joyous memories of growing up in India. Share your nostalgic moments and tell how much you miss the festivities from back home and enter to win $1,000. How to enter: Visit Xooms Facebook page and click on the sweepstakes tab (note: tab not available on mobile devices); Like Xoom on Facebook. If you already like Xoom, the question page will be displayed; Post a comment to the question: What do you miss most about celebrating Diwali in India? ;Complete the sweepstakes form and submit it by 11:59 PM PDT on Thursday, November 7, 2013. Limit one entry per person; The winner will be selected in a random drawing and will be notified via email with instructions on how to claim the $1,000 cash prize. Earlier this year, Xoom announced that NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can use Xooms money transfer service to send bank deposits directly to their NRE (Non-Resident External) and NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank accounts in India. NRIs can now send bank deposits within four hours to recipients with NRE/NRO accounts, with great locked-in exchange rates. Customers can visit https://www.xoom.com/india for more information.
New York: Sony Entertainment Network is presenting a world television premiere of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani on Sony Max. The movie will air Sunday, October 27th, at 3:00 PM & 9:00PM ET. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a 2013 Indian coming-of-age romantic comedy film, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in lead roles. Madhuri Dixit appears in an item number titled "Ghagra" with Ranbir Kapoor in the film. Initially set for a March 2013 opening, the film was released on 31 May 2013 and went on to be a huge box office success. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani has become the fourth highest grossing Bollywood film of all time in India and worldwide. The film is also the seventh highest grossing Bollywood film in overseas markets. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is the story of the relationship between two characters, Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) & Naina (Deepika Padukone), at two separate but defining periods of their lives. The first is when they are just out
of college and standing on the crossroads of multiple decisions that will shape who and what they become. The next is in their late-twenties when they meet again, holding on to certain fulfilled and certain unfulfilled dreams, at a crossroads of another nature this time. How these two characters affect, change, befriend and eventually fall in love with each other, is the journey the film aspires to take us on.
Leading oncologists paper published in prestigious journal Sikh student not allowed on bus Obama Meets Miss America
Oceanside, NY: Renowned uncommon, however, on a thoracic oncologist rare occasion the procedure Shahriyour Andaz, MD, can cause perforation of the FACS, is the senior author of esophagus. A perforation has a paper that has been selecta high morbidity and mortaled as the Continuing Medical ity rate and can cause mediEducation (CME) article for astinitis, sepsis and multithe September 2013 edition organ failure. of Echocardiography. The article reports Drs. Dr. Andaz, South Nassaus Andaz and Sainathans director of thoracic oncoloanalysis of 35 cases of gy and director of clinical Dr Shahriyour Andaz esophageal perforation from research, co-authored the 22 studies. Their analysis article, A Systematic Review of found that TEE-induced esophageal perTransesophageal Echocardiography- foration occurred predominantly in the Induced Esophageal Perforation, with thoracic esophagus segment, in elderly Sandeep Sainathan, MD, FACS, depart- female patients, in an intra-operative setment of thoracic surgery, Bronx-Lebanon ting and in cases with a perceived low Hospital Center, Bronx, NY. risk or an uneventful TEE exam. The Transesophageal echocardiography findings prompted Drs. Andaz and (TEE) is a valuable diagnostic tool that is Sainathan to suggest that screening for used routinely to diagnose endocarditis high risk factors may not eliminate the (also called infective endocarditis (IE), occurrence of a perforation. endocarditis is an inflammation of the Majority of the perforations can be inner lining of the heart) and to evaluate repaired primarily with a good outcome, the heart valves and heart function during however, development of shock is associopen heart surgery. TEE is considered ated with death from overwhelming relatively safe and complications are infection.
for wearing kirpan

New York: A Sikh student in the US was not allowed to board a bus because he was wearing a knife called kirpan, a symbol of his faith, media reported. Harsimran Singh, a student of University of California in Davis, said he was not allowed to board an Amtrak bus Saturday because the driver was against Singh wearing the ceremonial knife. The student said he has travelled for the last two years with the knife in full view and had not had any issues till the incident Saturday, CBS News reported Wednesday.They dont say anything. They always wish me safe travel, and they continue on with their business... they didnt see me as a potential threat, Singh said. According to the report, bus driver Al Smithee got concerned at the presence of a weapon on the bus. Im doing 70 miles an hour down the freeway, and he slits my throat, and I crash and wreck, and kill five other people or oncoming traffic. You dont know, he was quoted as saying. Smithee then called the police who then told Singh that he could board the bus if he stowed the kirpan. But Singh did not agree and decided against the trip he had planned to visit his family.
Nina Davuluri at White House
Washington, DC: President Barack Obama hosted a very special guest at the White House, Nina Davuluri, the first Indian American Miss America, despite the high drama surrounding a deal to end the government shutdown. Had the pleasure of having a conversation with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office today!" an ecstatic Davuluri tweeted shortly after meeting Obama Oct. 16."Miss America participated in a group photo with the president in honor of the Children's Miracle Network Hospital Champions," a White House official said. "Following the photo, she briefly visited the Oval Office," the official added. Davuluri, 24, was the first Indian American to win the coveted beauty pageant last month. Incidentally, Obama had referred to Davuluri during his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here last month. "Now Miss America is of Indian American descent. I think it's a signal of how close our countries are," Obama had said.
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Global Entry to revolutionize Indo-US travel, commerce

Washington, DC: When Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh met with President Obama at the White House on September 27, 2013, a little known victory was included in the official Joint Statement between the two countries' leaders, one which will revolutionize travel and enhance goodwill, commerce and trade between the United States and India: a commitment by each country to advance a unique trusted traveler program known as Global Entry. Global Entry has become one of the most popular programs in recent history, at least for those who frequently travel internationally. Global Entry membership allows approved travelers to breeze across the globe, using a "quick pass kiosk" at airports to avoid long lines at Customs and Immigration. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency is making agreements with other countries to allow their citizens to take part, most recently in partnerships with Britain, Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Qatar, and now India. Expedited Passport Control and Customs Clearance speeds the processing of pre-approved, low risk international travelers entering the United States and partner countries. Reciprocal arrangements are being worked out with partner countries to allow similar ease of passage. The program enhances security and reduces wait times for individual travelers by 70 per cent. The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) has retained the services of the law firm Steptoe and Johnson, headquartered in Washington, DC, to work with U.S. agencies and with the Government of India to add India to the list of trusted traveler countries. "The Global Entry breakthrough announced by the Prime Minister and President Obama underscores the mutual trust between the countries and is a practical step that will facilitate the ease of doing business, sharing cultural values, and bringing the two countries ever-closer together," said Ron Somers, President of the U.S.-India Business Council. "Twenty years ago, even 10 years ago, such a program could not have been imagined," Somers added. "With more than 3 million Americans of Indian origin, and with two-way trade now surpassing 100 billion, it makes perfect sense for the US and India to make it easier for our businessmen, families, artists, sportspersons, journalists, and students and academics to travel back and forth with ease to one another's countries," he said.
Senate confirms Ranee Ramaswamys appointment to arts council

Washington, DC: The US Senate has confirmed noted Indian American Bharatanatyam exponent Ranee Ramaswamy as a member of the prestigious National Council on the Arts for a five-year term. The National Council on the Arts advises the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, who also chairs the Council, on agency policies and programs. It reviews and makes recommendations to the chairman on applications for grants, funding guidelines and leadership initiatives. Ramaswamy, who has been a disciple of Alarmel Valli, one of India's greatest living masters of Bharatanatyam, founded the Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre in 1992 at Minneapolis, Minnesota. She started popularizing this classical Indian dance form in the US since then, according to her
Bharatnatyam exponent Ranee Ramaswamy
biography posted on her website. Ramaswamy has worked with celebrated artists such as poet Robert Bly, jazz musician Howard Levy and legendary composer and violinist L. Subramaniam. Among her many grants and fellowships are 13 McKnight Artist Fellowships, a Bush Fellowship, and an Artist Exploration Fund grant from Arts International.
Dr. Kiran Bedi calls upon NRIs to support voter awareness initiatives for 2014 polls
Washington, DC: Overseas Volunteers for a Better India (OVBI), a US based organization hosted a Google hangout with Dr Kiran Bedi to discuss how NRIs can help clean up politics in India and to support various voter awareness programs for the upcoming 2014 elections. Dr. Bedi gave an enthralling talk and inspired over 10,000 NRIs through internet and radio. Dr. Bedi said most of India is eager to vote for 2014 general elections but the only thing they do not know is where and how to get registered and if they have questions who they ask to get answers. To provide this information, she commended the grass root efforts led by Volunteer for a Better India (VBI). Apart from a door to door campaign at many places in India, VBI has also launched a toll free number for Mumbai that answers peoples questions about voter registration, and this will be rolled out to rest of India within the next 10 days. She emphasized the urgent need to roll out this initiative nationally and answer questions in all regional languages. She encouraged the NRI community worldwide to support the call centers financially, do media campaigns in India and have people actively call friends and family and inspire them to register. OVBI was formed in May 2013 and has more than 10000 members in the organization. Recently, OVBI has engaged more than 100 people in USA who are calling India to their friends and family and register for voting. OVBI is supporting through technology (through apps) to register people in metro and urban areas.
Arvind Kejriwal reaches out to 11000 globally on Google hangout

California: On Oct 21, it was an unusual Sunday evening for many Indians in the US and Canada. Instead of settling down and gearing up for the week ahead, several thousands of Indians were participating in a Google Hangout with Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal in his simplistic and down to earth style, outlined his views on AAP, its vision, and plans for the upcoming elections in Delhi. He complimented the volunteers and donors for their support to AAP. And, later reiterated the importance of sustaining higher levels of support in all forms - time, talent and financial contributions. He then addressed top questions that some of the attendees had submitted. The organizers had received over 250 questions from over 300 people. "It is heartening and humbling to know that people of Indian origin from across the globe care so deeply about bringing change to Indian politics. The questions indicated a deep understanding of the issues and genuine concern for India. Delhi is just the start. I see this movement to transform Indian poli-
Aam Aadmi Party supporters at Atlanta hangout
tics gaining greater momentum after the Delhi elections," said Arvind Kejriwal. He also stressed the importance of creating a simplified set of rules to encourage businesses and entrepreneurship. In response to a question on programs for the youth, he identified education, employment and sports as three priority areas. "Arvind is a source of inspiration for volunteers, donors and supporters of AAP around the world. The Hangout was a wonderful opportunity for the supporters and their friends and family to hear directly from
Arvind." said, Shail Kumar, coorganizer of the Hangout with Arvind. "We are delighted by the response to the Hangout with Arvind, which was viewed by people of Indian origin in over 100 cities across four continents. Several hundred volunteers, donors and supporters hosted the Hangout at their home, including students in over 25 universities. Some of these universities include UC Berkeley, UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, Boston University and MIT." he added.
INTERVIEW
Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos
Fighting for a second term

friends and foes alike of being a straight-laced, hard to get to even to chuckle kind of guy, put a broad smile on his face and suddenly burst into a loud laugh. Moments later, with the sound of laughter still remaining in his voice, he responded, That is a very funny way to hear yourself spoken about. And to be honest this is the first time I ever heard that. But please tell both my supporters and opponents I have never regarded myself like that. Rather I consider myself to be just another hard working guy trying to succeed at a very challenging job. Maragos who possesses both a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree and an MBA earned from two leading universities, and whose 35 year career in the private financial sector included working as Vice President for Chase and later as VP for Citibank and then subsequently serving as president of his own successful high tech management and consulting firm was arguably being modest in his self description. When I referred to his educational and private sector background, Maragos, with still a line of a smile remaining on his face, explained how he utilizes this vast past private sector experience to perform his job as Comptroller. Working in the business world I learned the importance of setting goals and establishing monitoring methods to determine if and how these goals are being met, said Maragos. This is essential in the dollars and cents world of business. I use this same approach as Comptroller. I set a goal such as reducing waste and fraud- and establish procedures to make certain that this goal is being achieved. As for his straight as an arrow reputation, when I repeated this description to him, Maragos appeared amused. If you ask my family and friends, they will tell you Im a guy who loves to laugh and have a lot of fun. But that is when Im not at work. At work it is different. I love my job as Comptroller, but when it comes to handling an annual budget of 2.8 bilGeorge Maragos at India Day Parade in Hicksville in lion dollars, raised from August 2013. the taxes of our hard working citizens, you bet, I take my job totally Mangano (who currently is running against seriously because there is nothing funny about Democrat Tom Suozzi, the former two term how you spend other peoples money. {So} I comptroller he unseated 4 years ago) for his carefully and objectively analyze every item in leadership in, developing and implementing the budget, looking always for ways to save policies that have led to the improvement and the taxpayers money. If you call that straight growth and stability in the {Nassau County} economy. laced, I plead guilty as charged. But Howard Weitzman predictably does not That guilty as charged plea could have first been made two years ago. Maragos, who had agree with that upbeat portrayal of the countys never run for or held public office until elected current financial picture. Pointing to hundreds to his current position, urged the refinancing of of millions of dollars of unfunded liabilities County debt to take advantage of the low inter- not reported in the countys financial reports, est rates to save, he forecasted, over $30 mil- but which Nassau will have to pay in the lion annually. The Nassau Interim Finance upcoming future, Weitzman has referred to Committee (NIFA) initially rejected the idea; Maragos appraisal of the economy as false however, this past September NIFA agreed to and misleading. When I noted Weitzmans criticism to him, refinance the debt as originally proposed by Maragos quickly dismissed it stating, Is that the Comptroller. Making light of the bipartisan praise he later the best Mr. Weitzman can come up with? received for pursuing this refinancing formula, Surely, he is aware that unspecified liabilities, which economists have estimated saved the which are still under litigation, and according county $30 million annually in interest costs, to generally accepted accounting principles are just as the Comptroller had originally predict- not included in the calculation of deficits and ed, Maragos told me, I always assumed sav- surpluses, but are discussed in the footnotes, ing money for our hard working taxpayers will was correctly done, and as Mr. Weitzman no be appreciated by folks of both parties. As doubt also knows, was approved by the outside Comptroller, it is simply part of the job auditors. Should his slight lead in the polls hold up, description to cut costs, which will result in saving money for our hard working, over-bur- and he is re-elected in November, the sixty four year old Maragos told me that he will not dened taxpayers. Maragos, who most polls show holds a slight run for a third term in four years. Maragos 1-2 % point lead over his opponent, told me he explained a third term is out of the question is running for reelection based upon his because he has always been a strong advocate accomplishments, which he said are easily of term limits. I respect many of my Democrat and proven . Just look at the Countys financial reports, Maragos asserted, It clearly shows Republican friends who have served for many what we have accomplished. We have saved years in their public office, Maragos said, 300 million dollars by cutting waste and fraud. but as a long time outspoken advocate of term We have protected homeowners by not once limits, if elected to a second term, I would increasing property taxes over the past four under no circumstances decide to run for a years. We have reduced borrowing by 50 per- third term. Maragos, who has been married to cent. We have helped create a business friendly his wife Angela for 40 years and has two adult environment, which has resulted in the addi- sons and two grandchildren said, I am gratetion of new jobs, which have reduced our ful for the wonderful family God has given unemployment rate to below 6 percent and me, which I feel has been the greatest accombrought additional tax revenues to the county. plishment in my life. Sounds like words coming from someone These successes are there in black and white for people to read in the 41 million dollar sur- who might really be the smartest guy in room. plus shown in the 2012 audited budget report. Robert Golomb (MrBob347@aol.com) The other party in the we Maragos referred is a nationally published columnist. He writes to is County Executive Republican Ed on a range of educational, cultural and Mangano. Maragos told me he credits political topics.
The incumbent George Maragos
By Robert Golomb ne term incumbent Nassau County Comptroller Republican George Maragos, who in this falls election contest faces Democratic challenger Howard Weitzman, the two term Comptroller who served from 2001-2009 until defeated by Maragos four years ago, has been known to being described by more than a few of his supporters as the smartest guy in the room. Maragos, however, is also known to being described by a few of his most ardent Democrat detractors as, the guy who thinks he is the smartest guy in the room. When I repeated this to Maragos at the start of an interview conducted in his office last week, he appeared taken aback for a moment. And then the Comptroller, who I also learned has the reputation shared by both political
US AFFAIRS
Obama appeals to allies to stick with health law

Washington: The Obama administration is appealing to its allies in Congress, on Wall Street and across the country to stick with President Barack Obama's health care law even as embarrassing problems with the flagship website continue to mount, reports AP. The website's troubled debut was overshadowed by the partial government shutdown that started the same day the website went live. Last week, Obama and Democrats walked away from a no-holds-barred fight with Republicans over debt and spending with a remarkable degree of unity, made all the more prominent by the deep GOP divisions the standoff revealed. The debt-and-spending crisis averted for now, the spotlight has shifted to Obama's health care law and the web-based exchanges, beset by malfunctions, where Americans are supposed to be able to shop for insurance. The intensified focus has increased the pressure on Democrats to distance themselves from Obama's handling of the website's rollout as both parties demand to know what went wrong and why. Even staunch supporters of the law like House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Steny Hoyer, the Democratic whip, have said the website's rollout was unacceptable. In a potentially worrying sign for Obama, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., is calling for the White House to extend the open-enrollment period past March 31 in light of the glitches.
Casinos in New York? Voters referendum Nov. 5

New York: Building new casinos would only add to the states problems, opponents of the proposal argued Monday. Those who support the measure, however, said more gambling would increase tax revenue, generate jobs and fund schools. A discussion presenting both sides of a referendum on amending the state constitution to allow Las Vegas-type casinos was held in New York City, ahead of a Nov. 5 ballot vote. My main concern and interest is keeping New York money in New York state, said Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, a Democrat who chairs the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee. And that means an increased economic benefit to the people of New York. At the Manhattan forum sponsored by the nonpartisan Citizens Budget Commission, Pretlow joined a panel that included Republican state Sen. John Bonacic, who chairs the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, and David Blankenhorn, head of the Institute for American Values, a New York City think tank focusing on social issues. The proposal to allow up to seven casinos with live dealers off Indian land depends on voters statewide approving a constitutional amendment. Two establishments could be built in the Catskills, another along the Pennsylvania border, and one near Albany, with more following years later. Gov. Andrew Cuomo supports expanding the gambling industry as a way to create jobs upstate and provide the additional $1 billion in revenue he needs to pay for tax cuts and schools. New York already has five Indian-run casinos and electronic gambling at nine racetracks. But none offers what Pretlow calls games of skill live table games that are now illegal. Games of skill shouldnt be against the law; people should be able to develop the skill to participate, not just play games of chance slot machines that are like a lottery, pushing a button, said Pretlow.
Expressing annoyance with healthcare.gov site, President Obama defended the new law saying it is more than a website.
As the administration races to fix the website, it's deploying the president and top officials to urge his supporters not to give up. "By now you have probably heard that the website has not worked as smoothly as it was supposed to," Obama said Tuesday in a video message recorded for Organizing for America, a nonprofit group whose mission is to support Obama's agenda. "But we've got people working overtime in a tech surge to boost capacity and address the problems. And we are going to get it fixed." Whether through the website or other, lower-tech means, the administration needs millions of Americans to sign up through the exchanges for the law to succeed. While the website has become an easily maligned symbol of a law that Republicans despise,
Obama said it's important Americans realize that "Obamacare," with its various patient protections, is much more. Obama has turned to longtime adviser Jeffrey Zients to provide management advice to help fix the system. Zients, a former acting director of the Office of Management and Budget and a veteran management consultant, will be on a short-term assignment at HHS before he's due to take over as director of Obama's National Economic Council next year. Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden and top White House officials held a call with business leaders Tuesday about the health law and other issues. Business Forward, a trade group friendly to the White House, said the administration asked the group to invite leaders to hear directly from Biden.
Chris Christie well-positioned to win a second term

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie; his Democratic rival in the race, Sen. Barbara Buono, is not well known statewide.
Sticker price at public universities holding steady

New York: Average sticker prices at the nation's fouryear public universities rose 2.9% this year, the smallest annual increase in more than three decades, suggesting that the steeper increases over the past few years "did not signal a new era of accelerating prices," says a report out Wednesday. Still, the smaller rates of increase this year across public, private non-profit and for-profit colleges are tempered by recent declines in federal grant aid, it says. "This does not mean that college is suddenly more affordable," says economist Sandy Baum, co-author of Trends in Higher Education reports on tuition and financial aid, released by the non-profit College Board. "It does seem that the (upward tuition) spiral is moderating. Not turning around, not ending, but moderating." The increase in published rates for in-state students at public four-year colleges comes after increases of 4.5% last year and 8.5% the year before, the report says. Tuition this fall averaged $8,893. With estimated grant aid, the net price averaged $3,120. Average published tuition and fees for out-of-state students is $22,203, up 3.1% from last year. Even as sticker prices have climbed, the average amounts students pay out of their own pockets in recent years have been moderated by larger infusions of grant aid and tax benefits, the report says. In 2009, for example, net price dropped for undergraduates attending four-year public universities. That began to change a few years ago. Total federal grants, for example, increased from $26 billion in 200809 to $51 billion in 2010-11, but dropped to $46 billion in 2011-12. Preliminary data show a drop this year to about $45 billion. Highlights in other sectors: Sticker prices at public community colleges are up 3.5%, to $3,264, this year. With estimated grant aid, students would have $1,550 left after paying tuition to put
Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is looking strong heading into the final weeks of his re-election campaign. A new Rutgers-Eagleton poll shows that more than six in 10 voters have a favorable view of the tough-talking Republican governor. Christie, a likely 2016 GOP presidential contender, also is faring well with the groups that the Republican National Committee has targeted, but struggled to woo in the wake of the 2012 election, with 58 percent of women, 51 percent of non-white voters and 60 percent of 18-39 year holding favorable views of Mr. Christie. Between the increasing support of independents and the fact that many Democrats remain on his side, Christies favorability and job ratings continue to fly high, said David Redlawsk, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll.
Christies weak points continue to be his efforts on the economy and taxes, with 42 percent approving of his handling of the economy and jobs, and 38 percent approving of his performance on taxes. But he still benefits from the way he responded to Hurricane Sandy, with support cutting across party lines. And he is benefiting from the fact that state Sen. Barbara Buono, his Democratic opponent, is not wellknown statewide and not well-liked. More than four in 10 voters having no real impression of her, and of those who have an impression, her negatives outweigh her positives. The New Jersey gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 5. The poll of 799 registered voters was conducted statewide by telephone from Oct. 7-13. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Median earnings for bachelor's degree recipients working full time in 2011 were $56,000 compared with $21,000 for high school graduates.
toward books and living expenses. Published rates at private four-year colleges are up 3.8%, to $30,094, this year. With grant aid, the average net price is $12,460. Average tuition at for-profit colleges increased just 0.5%, to $15,130, and net prices average about $3,420. The study urged caution in interpreting those numbers because most for-profit institutions do not participate in the survey. Just as tuition has steadily climbed over the years, the number of people going to college has steadily increased, though it dipped slightly in 2011. Typically, enrollments increase in a weak economy and dip again when the employment picture brightens. Meanwhile, a College Board report published earlier this month noted that a college degree pays off in the job market. For example, median earnings for bachelor's degree recipients with no advanced degree working full time in 2011 were $56,000 compared with $21,000 for high school graduates.
10
INDIA
I too may be killed but I don't care: Rahul
Harsh Vardhan is BJP's Delhi CM candidate

New Delhi: After days of indecision, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named medical doctor and former state health minister Harsh Vardhan as its Delhi chief ministerial (CM) candidate, despite state party chief Vijay Goel's claims. The announcement came following a meeting of the BJP parliamentary board which was attended, among others, by party president Rajnath Singh and senior leader L.K. Advani. Making the announcement at the Ashoka Road BJP office, Rajnath Singh said: "The central parliamentary board has unanimously decided to project Harsh Vardhan as the BJP's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi elections." He also said Goel met party leaders and consented to the decision. Backing Harsh Vardhan, Advani said the decision to name him as Delhi's chief ministerial candidate was "unanimous". "Harsh Vardhan is best amongst all and enjoys the confidence of the people of Delhi," said party leader Nitin Gadkari, also the Delhi election in-charge. Senior leaders Sushma Swaraj and Murli Manohar Joshi and ex-mayor Arti Mehra were also present.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Rajasthan
Former state health minister Harsh Vardhan
Churu/Alwar (Rajasthan): "My grandmother was murdered. My father was murdered. Now I may also be killed one day. I don't care about it," said Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, making an emotional pitch for Rajasthan's ruling party at an election rally here. Gandhi accused the BJP of sparking communal tensions in the country for political benefits, and equated the plight of Uttar Pradesh's riotravaged Muzaffarnagar district's people with himself. He said he can understand their sorrow and grief as his grandmother and father were also murdered. Gandhi, 43, was referring to the communal riots that took place in Muzaffarnagar that claimed over 40
lives and rendered thousands homeless. "My grandmother was murdered. My father was murdered. Now I may also be killed one day. But I don't fear being murdered. I don't care about it...I see my face in the plight of Muzaffarnagar's people," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing the mammoth rally in this Rajasthan town, 200 km from capital Jaipur. Gandhi referred to his speech as "dil ki baat" (A talk straight from the heart) and said he wanted to share his story with the people. The Gandhi scion said he wants the youth to have political rights in their pockets just like they have mobiles.
BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi too congratulated Harsh Vardhan on micro-blogging site Twitter. "Congratulations to Harsh Vardhan on being named BJP's CM candidate for upcoming Delhi elections. My best wishes." After the announcement, Harsh Vardhan offered sweets to Goel and the latter also greeted him. An ENT specialist, the BJP leader enjoys wide party support and has a "clean image", which according to party sources led to his selection. Speaking to reporters, Harsh Vardhan said he would rid the people of Delhi from Congress's misrule. "I would like to assure the people of Delhi that with their blessings
we will win the upcoming elections and free them from corrupt Congress's misrule - first in Delhi and then at the centre," he said. Goel, who was pitching for the top post, said he was "not upset" with the decision. Harsh Vardhan was elected from Krishna Nagar constituency in east Delhi for the first time in 1993 and went on to retain that seat in the 1998, 2003 and 2008 assembly elections. Harsh Vardhan held portfolios of education, law and health minister in the BJP government in Delhi from 1993 to 1998. He is married to Nutan, a specialist in hospital administration. He has two sons and a daughter.
Time to oust Congress, usher in surajya: Modi

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the state for fooling people and "playing with their dreams". He added the parties which support the corrupt Congress government at the centre should also be voted out in the general elections. "If you love your children and want them to lead a happy and prosperous life, take a vow here today (Saturday) that the people who have destroyed your happiness will soon be devoid of this power through your vote," he said to loud applause. Pointing out the Congress was fishing out new tricks in the form of new legislations and raking up issues like secularism and communalism, Modi alleged these were diversionary and divisive tactics to hide the party's failures. "They have nothing to show as their achievements, so every time someone asks them to comment, they say there has been no development in Gujarat," he said. Targeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the "policy paralysis" on all fronts, including the foreign policy and relations with neighbours, Modi questioned the "chicken biryani" diplomacy of the Indian government even as Pakistan was slaying Indian Army troops.
SC orders CBI probe of Radia tapes
Former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia
The Gujarat chief minister not only attacked the UPA government but also slammed Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
Kanpur: The BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress and asked the people to throw out the "corrupt, arrogant and inactive central government". Modi's rally at Buddha Park here termed "Vijay Shankhnaad" - blowing of the conchshell to declare victory - was his first in a series of nine planned in Uttar Pradesh over the next two months for the 2014 general elections. Kanpur is 105 km from the
state capital Lucknow. Referring to the 1857 First War of Independence when people from the region joined hands to overthrow the British rule, Modi said while Indians the fought for "swarajya" (independence), now time has come to fight for "surajya" (good governance). The Gujarat chief minister not only attacked the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA II) central government in Delhi but also slammed the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the
New Delhi: The Supreme Court ordered a CBI probe into the dimensions of criminality that have emerged from the tapes of former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia. A bench headed by Justice G.S. Singhvi ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe issues that were identified by the investigating agency after going through the transcript of the Radia tapes submitted to it by the Income Tax Department. The court has also referred one of the matters to the chief vigilance officer of the department of mines for investigation, while one has been referred to the chief justice of India.
Asking the investigating agency to probe into six issues identified by the six member team that had perused the transcripts, the court said: "Prima facie there is a deep rooted malice by private enterprises in connivance with government officials for extraneous purposes." The investigating agency has been asked to submit its probe report to the court by Dec 16. The criminality dimensions in the Radia tapes surfaced after the transcripts were perused by a team of six officers - five belonging to CBI and to the Income Tax Department. The team was set up by the apex court by its Feb 21, 2013, order.
INDIA
11
Kudankulam top Manmohan-Putin talks Arrested sailors of US ship

Moscow: India and Russia marked a very special phase in their close ties as the first Russian-built reactor in Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam was connected to the electricity grid in south India and poised to produce electricity while a commercial deal for the third and fourth reactors are near complete. As Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in the Russian capital where the temperatures are near freezing, both stressed on the closeness of their ties in all spheres, including cooperation in economic, energy, defense, counterterrorism and people-to-people conact. Manmohan Singh and Putin held restricted level talks for over four hours in the Green Drawing Room of the Grand Kremlin Palace, with their close aides, who included from the Indian side Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra and senior officials of the Prime Minister's Office. Putin, addressing reporters after the delegation level talks and inking of five agreements later, said he was happy that the first reactor had gone critical and was poised to be connected to the electricity grid "in a few hours", while the second one if
shifted to Chennai
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu prisons department shifted to Puzhal prison here 22 of the 35 arrested from the American armed ship, Seaman Guard Ohio, under Sierra Leone's flag, a prison official said. The ship is owned by a closely held American company AdvanFort. The sailors were lodged in Palayamkottai Central Jail in Tirunelvelli district, around 650 km from here. "All the 22 sailors shifted to Puzhal prison are foreigners. The police want to take three sailors under their custody for inquiries. The Indian sailors numbering 12 (eight crew and four security guards) will continue to be here," a Palayamkottai prison official said. According to police, the three members of the ship - one foreigner and two Indians - need to be questioned about the possibility of arms transfer mid-sea. The ship had bought around 1,500 liters of diesel illegally. The police have already arrested five persons for supplying diesel illegally. According to the Coast Guard, eight of the crew members are Indians and two Ukrainians.
They also discussed cooperation in economic, energy, defense, counter-terrorism and people-to-people contact
to go critical in early 2014. On the third and fourth reactors, on which a commercial deal has got stuck due to concerns over India's civil liability laws, Putin said both sides "have plans to construct the third and fourth units". Manmohan Singh said that "we have directed our officials to resolve all outstanding issues at the earliest". The joint statement mentions that besides units three and four, both sides have agreed to cooperate "in the construction of additional nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam site as well as in the construction of Russian designed
Nuclear Power Plants at new sites in the Republic of India". In defence, where both sides are close partners with India sourcing a major chunk of its hardware from Russia, both Putin and Manmohan Singh mentioned the completion of the refitting of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, rechristened Vikramaditya, which is to be handed over to India in mid November. Manmohan Singh and Putin discussed Afghanistan, and how to "prevent the effects of terrorism from spilling over". India has made sizeable contribution to infrastructure development in violence-hit Afghanistan.
The ship is owned by a closely held American company Advan Fort
Accepting Applications
For January 2014
12
INDIA
IN REMEMBRANCE
Versatile Manna Dey gave songs masculinity

Manna Dey was as adept at rendering complex classical-based numbers, qawalis, ghazals and bhajans as he was at singing buoyant romantic songs, soft pathos-laden ones and light, fun numbers
New Delhi: Manna Dey's knack for singing classical songs may have been disadvantageous for his career in filmdom, but the singer honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award will be remembered for his versatility and masculine style of rendering love songs. He proved his flexibility and versatility by going behind the mike for a range of songs like "Aaja sanam madhur chandani main hum", "Chunari sambhal gori udi chali jaye re", "Zindagi kaisi hai paheli" and "Chalat musafir moh liyo re". All thanks to ShankarJaikishan, the composer duo who offered him a variety of songs. Labeled as a classical singer, the music genius did not get due recognition compared to others, but he managed to sing over 3,500 songs in his decades long career, and Manna Dey's work helped him win some of the highest honours in the field of art and culture. In his memoir "Jiboner Jolshaghorey" (translated in English as 'Memories Come Alive'), he thanked ShankarJaikishan, who closely worked with Raj Kapoor in films like "Awara" and "Shree 420", for sensing "that my masculine style of rendering love songs would appeal to the public". "I am especially indebted to Shankerji, for had it not been for his patronage, I would certainly not have attained the heights of success I enjoyed in my career. Here was one man who knew how to bring out the best in me," Manna Dey mentioned in his memoir. If he was thankful to ShankarJaikishan for tapping his versatility, he also credited actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor for seeing the potential in his singing. "I used to consider Raj Kapoor one of the icons in this line. Nobody but him gave me songs like 'Pyaar hua ikraar hua' and 'Yeh raat bheegi bheegi'...," Manna Dey has been quoted as saying in one of his interviews. "People would say Manna Dey
Then President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil presenting 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2007' to Manna Dey in New Delhi
'Manna Dey was a strict disciplinarian'

Known as an open-throated singer, Manna Dey learnt the art from his uncle
and singing love songs? Impossible. But I proved it," he said. The Shankar-Jaikishan, Raj Kapoor and Manna Dey team gave many hits, including "Tere bina aag yeh chandni", "Mudh mudh ke na dekh", "Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo" and "Yashomati maiya se bole Nandlala". Born as Prabodh Chandra Dey May 1, 1919, to Purna Chandra and Mahamaya Dey, Manna Dey's singing talent was noticed in his salad years and his uncle K.C. Dey, who was visually impaired, took him under his wings and mentored him. Manna Dey also took lessons from Ustad Dabir Khan. Very few would know that legendary composer S.D. Burman was K.C. Dey's student and as a youngster Manna Dey used to idolize him. Known as an open-throated singer, Manna Dey learnt the art from his uncle, a singer with mastery over many Indian musical genres. At the age of 23, Manna Dey came to Mumbai. He was accompanying his uncle. As luck would have it, he got his first assignment when his uncle refused to sing for composer Shankar Rao Vyas, the song fell into Manna's lap, and thus with "Gayi tu gayi" from "Ram Rajya" (1943) he embarked on his journey as a playback singer in Hindi filmdom.
Although first break came to him easily and in the same year he even got a chance to sing a duet with Suraiya, one of the reigning queens of the era, in "Tamanna", his career didn't take off in a big way until his first solo "Upar gagan vishal", composed by S.D. Burman for 1950 film "Mashal", happened. "Upar gagan vishal" turned over a new life in his singing career and Manna Dey won many battles as a singer though fighting only for second place as the top spot those days was reserved for Mohammad Rafi and Mukesh. A recipient of many honors, he was decorated with Padma Shri in 1971, Padma Bhushan in 2005, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country's highest honor in cinematic arts, was conferred on the veteran singer in 2007. He also won National Award for best male playback singer for the film "Mere Huzur" in 1969 and in 1971 he won it for two films - Bengali film "Nishi Padma" and Hindi film "Mera Naam Joker". His oeuvre includes lending voice to legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan's "Madhushala". Manna Dey wanted to be as versatile as his uncle, who taught him to become a full-fledged good singer, an all-India singer, and he achieved it with aplomb.
Kolkata: Legendary singer Manna Dey was a strict disciplinarian, with a thirst for knowledge and a bold persona, said a close associate. Fondly recalling his nearly four decade long musical journey with the stalwart, violinist Durbadal Chatterjee said Dey was "close to his roots" and had a "soft interior despite strong exterior" and a keen interest in fishing. "People had a misconception that he was rude and rough. He was in fact really soft inside. If he liked a person he would be very fond of him/her, but if he did not, then he could be rude. He was averse to strangers," Chatterjee said. He narrated one such incident to buttress his point. "We were sitting at his old residence. He was singing accompanied by his harmonium and I was jotting down the notes. Suddenly the door opened and a girl was standing there. Dey rudely ordered the girl to go away, saying he was busy. But the girl showed up again after a few minutes," said Chatterjee.
This time the girl asked for confirmation whether it was Manna Dey's residence. Dey gruffly asked her why she was there. It turned out that the girl, an ardent fan, just wanted to touch the maestro's feet. "As soon as Dey heard her plea, he got to his feet and allowed the fan to pay her respect. He was that humble...only a bit coarse towards strangers," said Chatterjee. The vocalist had lent his mellifluous voice in Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada, Assamese films - a testimony of his love for Indian folk music. But the "son of the soil" was equally at home with the idea of adding a dash of modern twist to the traditional tunes. "He was a very fast learner. Otherwise he couldn't have sung in so many languages. He had a liking towards Indian folk sounds. Not only did he have a vast knowledge of music, but he advised us to listen to folk tunes and imbibe them into our compositions with a modern punch," said Chatterjee.
10 best songs
'Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua' 'Ae Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo' 'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge' 'Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli' 'Laga chunari mein daag' 'Ek chatur naar karke singar' 'Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi' 'Ay mere pyare watan, ay mere bichhade chaman' 'Puchho na kaise maine rain bitayee' 'Tu pyaar ka sagar hai'
OP-ED
13
India, China strategic ties must for changing world

By Tarun Vijay t is self-defeating and futile to put China always in a framework of a foe. If we want China to change for India, we too must change our perspective and de-Americanise our outlook regarding the largest neighbor, often seen as the biggest challenge too. An ignorant India can't face China nor earn its respect and friendship. The Chinese would cooperate and respect in a calmer way a strong, steel-willed India. India, although welcomes China to be its largest trade partner, must also be the largely ignorant country about its immediate neighbor. Looking at it from a "Haqeeqat" viewpoint - aggressor, intruder, mystically unreliable and an enemy, who has helped Pakistan and claims Arunachal Pradesh - is a viewpoint of the weak and not going to help walk the talk, neither build a confidence that both the countries need. We will have to weave a China policy that looks at it as a strategic partner too important to be ignored for the peace and prosperity of the region as well as the new, changing world that is increasingly looking up to the east turning its economic and defence focus from the America-dominated west. China needs to be engaged and trusted, without showing a weakness to build up our own sinews.
The irony is that even after fighting four full-scale wars and continuously being irritated by its terrorist activities, India remains committed to boosting trade, talks and confidence-building measures with Pakistan. But, strangely, even after not firing a single shot on the borders after 1962 - the only war we fought with China in the last 1,000 years India remains warped in defensive postures and hesitant to open up to the new Chinese realities. None speaks warmly to increase people-topeople contact with China, no plans to build up more confidence measures, no enthusiasm to understand, befriend and know Chinese culture, youth, societal dynamics and their rural strains, the literature they are creating and the movies and paintings Chinese artists experiment with. It's a wrong approach of the ignorant. The best way to keep the fires cooler on the Himalayan border for us is to pursue a policy of 'vigil and visit'. Go China is the mantra for a confident and courageous India. Be cautious at the same time UC, VC, LC, i.e., 'Understand China, Visit China, Learn Chinese'. An ignorant nation can be street-smart rhetorical but not prudently strong and mature in its defences. We must look from this viewpoint at the China visit of Indian Prime Minister
An ignorant India can't face China nor earn its respect and friendship
Manmohan Singh. It's India that is talking to China and not any individual. And it is in the interest of the changing world that India and China write a success story on strategic relations. During the visit, one may expect both sides to enhance people-to-people contact, usher in an era of increased tourist traffic, liberal visa policy, and student exchanges. India and China have to play a bigger role that will determine the future course of power balance in the region. Cooperation and not conflict is the key to a war-free future. India-China dialogue can architect a new era of peaceful economic prosperity and strategic cooperation, vital not only for both but for the world. We should work to ensure corrections in trade and hope cooperation will get a boost and more importantly trust will be restored in defence ties, bringing tranquility on the bor-
ders. I am working on a plan to develop Chinese learning centres in India. Contrary to popular perception, I have experienced that the Chinese people are friendly to India. Our relations should go beyond the political fault lines and we must get to know about each other's society, literature, movies, and language. The mission began from my home: my daughter has joined formal school to learn Chinese language. One must not ignore the fact that the progress recent border talks made in Beijing show a mature approach by both sides. Relations with China are a matter of political consensus in India and the incidents of border incursions and unfortunate denial of a proper visa to Indian sportspersons need to be addressed and avoided in future for a trusted path way of cooperation and friendship.
Rahul taking tried and tested route for 2014

By Amit Agnihotri aking a leaf from the Congress' 2004 campaign that saw it storming back to power, party vice president Rahul Gandhi is focussing on rural voters and the poor - historically the core support group of the Congress - by highlighting the UPA-II government's social welfare agenda ahead of the 2014 general elections. The Congress under Sonia Gandhi focused on and benefited from its rural strategy in 2004 at a time when the then ruling BJP was harping on its "India Shining" plank. Since then, the Congress has been devoting considerable attention to the rural segment through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in 2006 and the mammoth Rs.70,000 crore farm loan waver in 2008, both during UPA-I. As the UPA-II's term draws to a close, the Congress is going to the people with its flagship National Food Security Act that aims to provide cheap foodgrain to around
Experts believe focusing on rural India is a good electoral strategy for the Congress
800 million of India's 1.2 billion people, the largest social welfare initiative in the world. Simultaneously, it is also talking about the land acquisition act which provides right to fair compensation and rehabilitation to those whose land is taken away. Over the past weeks, Rahul Gandhi has been carefully taking the message of the two pro-poor and pro-reform laws to the voters while addressing rallies, whether
in assembly poll-bound Rajasthan (Salumbar and Saran), Chhattisgarh (Jagdalpur) and Madhya Pradesh (Shahdol and Gwalior) or in Gujarat (Rajkot) and Uttar Pradesh (Aligarh and Rampur). He even made an emotional pitch while addressing a rally in Gwalior where he spoke how his mother Sonia Gandhi wanted to vote for her pet food bill in parliament despite being unwell.
Experts believe focusing on rural India is a good electoral strategy for the Congress, whose leadership right from the days of former prime minister Indira Gandhi has been identified with pro-poor programmes. Zoya Hasan, a professor in JNU, said: "It is a good strategy to focus on disadvantaged sections. They need to focus on rural poor and highlight UPA's inclusive growth as they are down in urban areas over corruption and price rise issues." According to Badri Narayan, who teaches at the GB Pant Social Science Institute, Jhusi, near Allahabad, both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been focussing on the masses through poverty reduction programmes. "This is a good strategy and has worked well for them," Badri Narayan said. "Two classes of haves and havenots emerged from the liberal economy in the past two decades," he said. Says Pradip Dutta, a political science professor at Delhi University: "The Congress has been consolidating its rural strate-
gy in the past nine years." This, said experts, is in contrast to the strategy of the BJP's prime ministerial nominee and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi who finds support in sections of the urban middle class, youth and corporates. "Modi is targeting the urban middle class, youth and corporates," Dutta said. Agrees Badri Narayan. "Modi is addressing issues of urban voters' concern like nation state and security," he said. But Modi will have to be careful since the entire middle class is not with him as it is fearful of his "divisive"agenda. "The middle class has not fully shifted towards Modi as there is a fear among them of his being a divisive leader. There is anxiety in the Modi camp due to this," said Dutta. According to Dutta, this has compelled Modi to try "an image makeover as a secular leader whose priority is development over religion." Modi's recent remark, that he preferred constructing toilets to temples, was a case in point, Dutta pointed out.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
14
OP-ED
The David who defeated the modern-day Goliath

Vietnams President Ho Chi Minh (left), and his legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap (second from left), in 1957. Giap's strategy of 'enervation' -- tiring the enemy of his will to fight -- contributed to defeating the mighty Americans. Vietnam was the first war America ever lost.
Ted Cruz breaks political crockery right and left

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) poses with members of the Texas Federation of Republican Women in San Antonio, Texas Saturday. After the latest crisis in Washington, his own popularity has soared among tea party Republicans from 47 percent to 74 percent.
By Robert Freeman
ou have to search hard to find a foreign general whose death makes it into the top stories in the US media. Vo Nguyen Giap died on Oct 4 at ripe old age of 102. He made the list. Giap was the genius who defeated the US in Vietnam. Knowing that history might might help the US avoid similar such defeats in the future. US defeat in Vietnam was almost ordained from the beginning. In 1946, Ho Chi Minh wrote to President Truman asking for US help freeing Vietnam from its French colonial occupiers. He saw his country as a latter-day America, fighting for independence from European rule. Indeed, the opening words of Vietnams Declaration of Independence came verbatim from Jeffersons 1776 Declaration: All men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. But rather than help the Vietnamese, the Americans helped the French. Truman sent advisers to assist the French and by 1953 the U.S. was paying 80% of their costs of the War. After the French were defeated in 1954, they left Vietnam but the Americans picked up the sword. They boycotted the elections that were stipulated in the Geneva Accords which ended the French war. Asked why, Eisenhower stated bluntly, Our guys would have lost. Instead, the US set up a separate government, South Vietnam. They even installed as its ruler the emperor, Bao Dai, whom the French had used as their puppet. To be sure, the US had its reasons for these actions. It believed it was losing a global battle against communism. In 1947 a newly-independent India had declared for the Soviet camp. In 1949 China fell to the communists. And the Korean War was only fought to a draw in 1953, never won. Vietnam looked to the US like the next domino to fall. But the Vietnamese would never forget these betrayals. They constituted the original sin of US involvement in Vietnam. They would make it impossible for the US to ever win the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people. Without such support, victory could never be won. It was Giap who led the military campaigns that exploited these resentments and defeated the Americans. His strategy is worth understanding. The US had vast superiority in firepower, mobility, and resources. It believed these would allow it to grind down the Vietnamese
and force them into submission. And it tried, mightily. Over the course of the War the US dropped more than 7 million tons of bombs, more than were dropped in all theaters by all sides in World War II combined. It sprayed 21 million gallons of Agent Orange. It spent $450 billion and gave up the lives of 58,000 of its young men. More than three million southeast Asians were killed. Yet the US lost. Why? Against the US strategy of attrition, Giap carried out a strategy of enervation. Enervation meant tiring the enemy of his will to fight. On the battlefield, it meant dragging out the War, harassing the enemy, avoiding serious engagement except where the likelihood of success was high, and withdrawing from firefights before serious losses were incurred. It meant hiding in plain sight among civilians and sabotaging the infrastructure on which the American war machine depended. Enervation meant infiltrating the opposition to learn its battle plans, and counting on the American public to tire of a seemingly immoral and unwinnable war. This is the strategy Giap had used to defeat the French. It worked equally well to defeat the Americans. In 1967 the US military undertook a domestic success offensive, traveling the country telling people to hang in there, that there was light at the end of the tunnel. That fantasy was exploded by the Tet Offensive in January 1968 where the enemy attacked hundreds of installations throughout the South. It was the beginning of the end. The next month Robert McNamara, US Secretary of Defense, resigned. In March, Lyndon Johnson announced he would not run again for president. Plans were drawn up for withdrawal, though they would studiously try to disguise the fact of US defeat. In 1995, McNamara published his memoirs, In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam. He wrote, We of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations who participated in the decisions on Vietnam acted according to what we thought were the principles and traditions of this nation. We made our decisions in light of those values. Yet we were wrong, terribly wrong. We owe it to future generations to explain why. Defeat at anything is hard for Americans to stomach. Thats why weve almost wiped Vietnam out of our collective consciousness. Perhaps General Giaps death can help us learn from The First War America Ever Lost. If not, we are surely doomed to more. Robert Freeman is the author The Best OneHour History series, which includes the title, The Vietnam War.
By Brad Knickerbocker he freshman US Senator from Texas drives liberals and Democrats crazy. If anything, he drives many of his fellow conservatives and Republicans that is, the members of Congress trying to compete with President Obama through traditional legislative means even crazier. Hes the face of a newly-revived tea party movement thats as much a threat to the establishment GOP as it is to Democrats. And he was majorly responsible for the 16-day partial federal shutdown and up-to-the-edge government default, cheerleading House tea partiers to the detriment of Speaker John Boehners position. Rep. Peter King (R) of New York says his fellow Republican is either a fraud or totally incompetent for having instigated a shutdown strategy focused on killing Obamacare that had no chance of succeeding. Yet for all the broken political crockery strewn along Pennsylvania Avenue, theres no one who has been more successful at articulating his message, gathering a substantial minority of like-minded lawmakers to his cause, and riveting the attention of political activists, pundits, and those in office feeling the broad disgruntlement of the American electorate today. So what are Sen. Cruzs plans now. Theres an old saying that Politics, it aint beanbag. And, you know, Im not serving in office because I desperately needed 99 new friends in the US Senate, he said on ABCs This week Sunday. Given the choice between being reviled in Washington, DC, and appreciated in Texas, or reviled in Texas and appreciated in Washington, I would take the former 100 out of 100 times. The deal to restore government funding until Jan. 15 and raises the debt limit through Feb. 7 may have averted the crisis but not solved. Will you rule out pushing to the brink of another shutdown by saying you would block funding for the government unless Obamacare is defunded? ABCs Jonathan Karl asked Cruz. Will you do that again? I would do anything and I will continue to do anything I can to stop the train wreck that is Obamacare, Cruz replied. What I intend to do is continue standing with the American
people to work to stop Obamacare, because it isnt working, its costing peoples jobs, and its taking away their healthcare. Standing with the American people? Among the largely-conservative electorate in Texas, perhaps, but not necessarily among the broader majority which may have problems with Obamacare and its startup troubles, but clearly was opposed to fighting it with a government shutdown or threat of default. Still, Cruz has surpassed Sarah Palin and others as the champion of the tea party right. Stand With Ted Cruz is the fund-raising rally cry of the Tea Party Express. I dont expect him to moderate. We dont think he should moderate at all, Chris Chocola, president of the conservative Club for Growth, said. One thing about Congress, theres no CEO. Everybodys an independent contractor. Everybody answers only to their constituents who elected them to office. And Cruz has struck a chord with a lot of people. A lot of like-minded people, that is. While the tea party is less popular than ever, with even many Republicans now viewing the movement negatively, the Pew Research Center reported this past week that Cruzs own popularity has soared among tea party Republicans rising from 47 percent to 74 percent. That was certainly true in San Antonio Saturday, where Cruz received an eightminute standing ovation from about 750 people in an appearance organized by the Texas Federation of Republican Women. After two months in Washington, it's great to be back in America," he quipped. "We saw what can happen when the American people unite, when the American people stand up," Cruz told Reuters after his speech. "What the American people want is economic growth and job creation. They are crying out for something that fixes all the enormous damage that Obamacare is causing." Thats a potent message that resonates with many Americans. And yet the messenger himself may see an increase in personal toxicity. A Gallup poll during the government shutdown found that Cruz had gained significant name recognition, but the percentage of Americans with an unfavorable view of him had doubled to 36 percent from 18 percent in June. Courtesy Christian Science Monitor.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
FESTIVALS
15
Women romance with fast and gifts on Karwa Chauth

New Delhi: Tuesday was an important day for the married Hindu women in north India as they observed "Karwa Chauth", a day-long fast for the love and longevity of their husbands. The women who begin the fast before sunrise spent the day without drinking water. The festival, symbolizing love and dedication, is observed on the fourth day after the full moon of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, nine days before Diwali. Karwa means earthen pot, while chauth means fourth in Hindi. Lord Shiva, his wife Parvati and their son Kartikeya are worshiped on this day along with the 10 'karwas' filled with sweets. For 25-year-old Rashi Srivastava in Delhi, it is her first Karwa Chauth. "I am very excited as we stay away from our family and my mother-in-law has explained to me all the rituals," she said. The women dress themselves in the most beautiful manner by wearing bright, colorful saris or lehengas. Donning the best jewelry, colorful bangles, bindis and mehendi (henna decoration), they prepare for the day in advance. During the weekends, the markets were filled with women buying ornaments, decorated plates. They stand in long queues to get their palms and hands hennaed. "It is very important to apply mehendi on this occasion, so took out time during the weekend and applied it," said Namrata Kapoor, a homemaker in Delhi. The festival is popular among women and it augurs good time for shop-owners and the artists who apply mehendi as they earn extra money. "Every time we try to find something new, so that the women get attracted to it. This year we have beautiful pots with intricate designs," said Ravi Singh, a shopkeeper at the Lajpat Nagar Central Market. In this festival, along with the husband, the mother-in-law also has an important role to play. She gives or sends 'sargi' - a food packet - to her daughter-inlaw who in return also gifts her. The function begins in the evening when women gather from all over the neighborhood, narrate mythological stories and sing songs. After looking at the moon through a sieve, the women break their fast and drink water from their husband's hand. The
A lady looking at the moon through the sieve on Karva Chauth, a North Indian festival for women which has traveled abroad too.
husbands also give gifts to their wives, and in some cases, when they keep fast, they break the fast together. "I have been fasting with my wife for the last four years. If women can pray for their husband's long life, why should not the men do the same. We will break our fast together in the evening," said Rajesh Sood, an
IT consultant based in Gurgaon. Though a practice for the married women, even the unmarried girls keep fast, praying to get good husbands. "My boyfriend's mother has sent me a gift. He is far away, so I am going to break fast looking at him through the sieve via Skype," smiles Swati Gupta, a 25-year-old from Delhi.
SALDEF honors achievers at gala in DC

Washington: On October 12 SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) held its National Gala United We Stand here. Past awardees, government officials, and guests joined supporters from across the country to recognize the progress that Sikh community makes when it stands together. Fauja Singh, the 102-year old marathon runner from the UK, was honored for inspiring people around the world and teaching us that anything is possible. Fauja Singh shared his humble message of chardi kala (high spirits) with the audience. Awardees included Dr. Prabhjot Singh, Columbia University professor who was hospitalized after hate crime , (Youth Leadership Award), Harmeet K. Dhillon (Public Service Award), Deepa Iyer (Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award), the Sikh Human Development Foundation (Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award), and the American Sikh Congressional Caucus (Dalip Singh Saund Legislative Leadership Award). Special guests included the Honorable Norman Mineta, former US Secretary of Transportation and previous SALDEF Public Service Award recipient, and Congressman Ami Bera. At the event SALDEF and announced its Media Initiative dedicated to telling the Sikh American story in the mainstream media across the country.
Telugus celebrate Dasara in New Jersey

Fords, New Jersey: The American Telugu Association (ATA) celebrated Dasara in Royal Albert Palace, Fords, NJ, on Oct 20. More than 700 people from across the tristate area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as well as Pennsylvania and Delaware attended the program. The six-hour celebrations began with the traditional Durga Puja that was followed by a procession of the goddess. After other rituals attendees exchanged greetings with Jammi Aaku (leaf). Cultural programs were presented by students of various dance schools in the New Jersey area such as the Kuchipudi Dance Center and Shyla Academy of South Jersey. Guests were welcomed by Raghuveer Reddy, the ATA regional coordinator. With this, ATA formally kicked off a series of programs that will culminate in the mega-event, the three-day convention in Philadelphia on the July 4 weekend in 2014. It will be the 13th ATA Convention with 10,000-15,000 expected attendees from all over world. ATA (American Telugu Association) is a 25-year old North American established community service focused non-profit organization serving Telugu community.
Marathon legend Fauja Singh (right) was honored at the event.
Dr. Prabhjot Singh (right), Columbia University professor, received the Youth Leadership Award.
Congressman Ami Bera (left) was a special guest.
Scenes from the ATA event
16
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
It's show time for 24: Anil took tips from Cruise exceptional stories A
ctor Anil Kapoor, who underwent rigorous physical training for his debut production "24", says he took tips from Hollywood actor Tom Cruise especially for the sequences that required him to run. "To be honest with you, yes, (I took tips from Tom Cruise). When he came here (to India) I spent quite some time with him. Since then definitely we are in touch. For physical training, I have learnt a lot from him," Anil told reporters. "I was speaking to him when he was training for "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" and then I came to know how he had trained for that film. So I took a lot of tips from him. If you see the way Tom Cruise runs, I too had a lot of running shots in '24'," he added. Cruise and Anil shared the screen together in 'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol". Since then the two developed a friendly bond. Later, Anil also threw a party when
Anil Kapoor in TV action series '24'
A still from 'The Lunchbox'
nconventional dramas and atypical love sagas from new-age directors are providing tough competition to larger-than-life heroes at the box-office. At a time when typical masala movies like "Besharam" and "Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara" failed to entice moviegoers, unconventional stories like "Ship of Theseus" and "The Lunchbox" triumphed. The new wave cinema is coexisting with typical commercial masala movies, says actor R. Madhavan, who successfully straddles both the worlds. "We have not given audiences these kinds of films, but the Indian audience is extremely intelligent. They are mature and capable of handling anything. At a time when 'Dabangg' became a hit, 'Tanu Weds Manu' was a hit as well. These are great signs," Madhavan said. The success of atypical movies is testimony to the fact that they are no longer just the flavour of film festivals but are commercially viable too. Made on a meagre budget of Rs.2.5 crore, Anand Gandhi's directorial debut "Ship of
Theseus" managed to win the hearts of many, while Ritish Batra's "The Lunchbox", an unconventional love story, appealed to the viewers so much that the film, said to be made for approximately Rs.10 crore, collected Rs.1.25 crore on its opening day. Many feel that 2006 release "Khosla Ka Ghosla" well made and well-acted satirical comedy paved the way for such movies. Later, Anurag Kashyp gave a fillip to the trend when he presented Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's "Devdas" in a bolder form as "Dev D". The experiment paid him rich dividends at the box office. "The climate is getting favorable. Somewhere, Anurag's films and their acceptance by a normal audience has given rise to a fearless breed of filmmakers," said director Hansal Mehta, who has got a thumbs up from the critics for his film "Shahid", a biopic on slain lawyer and social activist Shahid Azmi. "The fact that Anurag has become a producer has helped many producers take on such films as well," the filmmaker added.
Cruise visited India in 2011 for the promotion of his film (MI-4). Talking about the special tip he got from Cruise, Anil said: "He (Cruise) told me, 'if you want to do the running shots very well, you need to train your legs." "He has a special treadmill for that. In the same way, the running shots of mine that you (reporters) see in the show, I have trained my legs for that," added the 53-year-old. Directed by Abhinay Deo, "24" airs on Colors channel. In the show, Anil plays the lead role of Jai Singh Rathod, the chief of an anti-terrorist unit.
'Boss': Fun-filled Masala Dossier

he second-half of this breakneck-speed, blues-chaser of a movie opens with a long chase sequence through the narrow gallis of a dusty small-town in North India where we last saw Akshay Kumar having a ball in "Rowdy Rathod" and "Khiladi 786". Somehow in those films, Akshay ended up having more fun that we did. This time, our enjoyment-quotient matches Akshay's step-bystep, scene-by-scene, frame-byframe chuckle for chuckle. "Boss" is as much fun to watch as it must have been to shoot. Almost every sequence is an 'item'. And for once the word 'item' is not a gaali. Director Anthony D'Souza who failed so miserably in shooting an undersea adventure thriller in "Blue", here rises out of the deep to deliver a full-blast rabblerouser that verifies what Vidya Balan recently said about the movies - "They are all about three things....entertainment, entertain-
Big B, Dharmendra to promote 'Sholay' 3D

ult classic 'Sholay' (1975) is finally set to return to the big screen 38 years later, in a new 3D format. And even though it may not have director Ramesh Sippys support, the upcoming release has found the backing of its lead actors, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. Both the actors have given the heads-up to participate in the films promotions as and when they begin. A source close to the production house reveals, "Bachchan and Dharmendra will be a constant feature in the promotional activities. They have extended support towards the film." Apparently, neither actor had any hesitation before giving their consent.
ment, entertainment". To that we can add another golden rule of honest mainstream filmmaking: kinetic energy. Every moment in "Boss" is a celebration of cinematic conventions derived from decades of Bollywood entertainment. Family-ties torn asunder by villainous machinations, brothers growing up with different values, and a parent who frowns at the outlawed son's ill-gotten wealth power. Damn, Mithun Chakraborty as Akshay's disapproving father could be Nirupa Roy in "Deewaar". But I doubt Amitabh Bachchan's character would see the humour in the violence the way Akshay does. He stops a bonebreaking binge for a titter and then goes right back to thrashing his enemies. Then there is the deliciously subverted morality of la-laland. A law-maker who breaks every law of the land, and an anti-social
Review
hero who could have ended up being boringly messianic. But just as the character seems to take itself too seriously, Akshay Kumar brings him back a thumping thud, the kind that creates a crater in the ground. Akshay, God bless his innate sense of joie de vivre underlined by a distant demeanor of unspoken tragedy that shows up in a welter of wistfulness, imparts to the oldas-the-hills heroism, a sense of freshly-found humor. Sonakshi Sinha looking like a full-on heroine, shows up twice, once jiving to a zingy Yo Ho Honey Singh number and finally at the end to pay Sridevi an unexpected compliment. This is a fastpaced, zany, full-on masala fare. There is a tempting swagger to Akshay's performance matched by the narration's tidal tempo. Irresistible energy and endearing gusto underline the show's voracious appetite for a comic kill. Ekdum fit hai, Boss!
Akshay Kumar in 'Boss'
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
17
Akshaye Khanna duped of

Actor Akshaye Khanna
Rs. 50 lakh! A
kshaye Khanna claims he was duped of Rs. 50 lakh after being promised quick and handsome returns from investments in the commodity market. The crime branch of Mumbai police is investigating the complaint filed by him, a police official confirmed Sunday. The complaint has been lodged at the Malabar Hill police station "Yes, a complaint was registered at our police station Friday evening by Akshaye Khanna's lawyer. The current status is that the crime branch is investigating the case. Once we get any update, we can speak on that," senior inspector Vinay Bagade told IANS. According to reports, Akshaye has named in his complaint Satyabrata Chakravarty and his wife Sona, president and director, respectively, of Intech Images Private Ltd, who allegedly duped him of Rs.50 lakh, after promising him that they would double it in 45 days after investing it in the commodity market. Real life is bitter, dear Akshaye!
Priyanka Chopra's 'modern mujra'
Priyanka Chopra in 'Ram Leela'
Kareena observes Karva Chauth
riyanka Chopras last release, 'Zanjeer', might not have had much of an impact at the box office, but she is hopeful about her upcoming films. "No one has a perfect career and 100 per cent hit films. I am proud of every single film I have done whether they worked or not and I will always stand by them," Priyanka, who is gearing up for Krrish 3 now, was quoted as saying. The actor admits that the tepid response to her last two item songs Babli badmaash in Shootout At Wadala and Pinky in Zanjeer didnt stop her from taking up another one for Sanjay Leela Bhansalis RamLeela. "When he asked me to do the films title track, I was excited. Its a different genre a modern mujra. The dance is different and difficult. I hope people like it and rave about it as much as they loved my picture from the song, Priyanka was quoted as saying.
Tanisha made a mockery of herself T
Kareena Kapoor with Saif
ts Karva Chauth and several female actors were set to soak in the festival in style. Kareena Kapoor Khan, the begum of the Pataudi Palace, was to fast for the longevity of hubby Saif Ali Khans life, and was excited to take part in the rituals. Veteran actor Hema Malini says: Ive fasted every year since I married Dharam ji (Dharmendra, actor), Once, I was per-
forming at a Ramlila, and I broke the fast in Sitas attire! Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, too, says, I will be shooting as well as fasting on Karva Chauth! Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been religiously keeping the fast ever since she tied the knot with Abhishek Bachchan in 2007. Shell keep the fast with mother-in-law Jaya this year too.
V actor Shilpa S a k l a n i Agnihotri, who was ousted from the 'Bigg Boss 7' house this week, feels that co-contestant Tanisha, who is Kajol's sister, has made a mockery of herself in the company of Armaan Kohli. "I feel bad for Tanisha as we shared a great rapport in the first few weeks of Bigg Boss. In Tanisha and Armaan in 'Bigg Boss' October 19's episode, when Salman asked who should go out everyone unanimously took Tanisha's name except for Andy, Apoorva and me. I felt very bad for what was happening with her but then she should understand that 11 people can't be wrong. There has been a drastic change in Tanisha's behaviour since the time she went to Jahunnum side and got close to Armaan. Both of them (Armaan and Tanisha) constantly kept back biting about everyone. I just hope that I soon get to see the same honest and sweet girl (Tanisha) I met in the first week of Bigg Boss," Shilpa was quoted as saying.
DIASPORA
19
Indian doctors in legal action over UK exam bias

London: Legal action by a group representing Indianorigin doctors in Britain, who allege a bias in the medical practitioner's exam in the country, will come up for hearing later this week. The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) will be at the High Court on Friday in a bid to widen the scope of its judicial review into the fairness of the clinical skills assessment (CSA) element of the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) exams, whic-h every trainee doctor has to clear to qualify as a medical practitioner. BAPIO, which had raised concerns over consistently high failures rates among black and minority ethnic (BME) trainees for years, hopes to widen its legal case to cover the role of the General Medical Council (GMC) as it regulates medical education and training in the UK. The hearing comes in the wake of a recently released report by a leading academic and GP, Professor Aneez Esmail, who concluded that he could not "confidently exclude bias from the examiners in the way that they assess non-white candidates." "We believe the judicial review will be successful. This report will assist us because it has confirmed the facts and the facts are that there are disproportionate pass rates for ethnic minority doctors. We want fairness and equal treatment," said BAPIO president Dr Ramesh Mehta. The group's legal fees have already hit an estimated 50,000 pounds but it has refused to back down over the issue. It predicts the fees could reach 200,000 pounds but is hopeful the final judicial review case will be concluded by the end of this year. The failure rate for first CSA attempts was found to be 4.5 per cent for white UK candidates and 17.1 per cent for black and minority ethnic (BME) trainees. For international medical graduates, including Indians, the failure rate is 47.7 per cent for white candidates and for 65.2 per cent for BMEs. A RCGP statement said: "We take equality and diversity issues very seriously and strongly refute any allegations that the MRCGP exam is discriminatory.
450,000 pounds fund for research into Sikh soldiers history

London: A lottery fund in Britain has provided 450,000 pounds to a Sikh organization to fund research into regimental histories of Sikh soldiers in the British Indian Army during World War I. The United Kingdom Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA) has been given 450,000 pounds by the Heritage Lottery Fund, a body which distributes a share of its income from the national lottery to projects aimed at preserving and making accessible the nation's heritage -- to fund research into regimental histories, dispatches, correspondence and interviews with descendants of soldiers. Though Sikhs made up only two per cent of the population of British India, they formed 20 percent of the British Indian Army. Yet the role of Sikhs in World War I (WWI) is a largely unknown aspect of the Allied war effort and, indeed, of the British story, a press release issued by the United Kingdom Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA) said.
The UKPHA has embarked on an ambitious and wide-ranging project on World War I to reveal these mens untold stories. It will shed much needed light on both Sikh solders' sacrifices and the contribution of all the non-white Allied forces of the British Empire.
Missing Indian boy uses Google Earth to find family after 25 years
Early Diwali for Indians in New Zealand

Wellington: Indian-origin people celebrated Diwali in New Zealand's largest city Auckland days ahead of its actual date giving New Zealanders a taste of Indian culture. Thousands of Aucklanders Saturday celebrated the twoday Indian festival of lights, dancing, singing and feasting. People ranging from school children to adults joined the festival, the Fairfax Media NZ reported. Among the crowd was 2012 New Zealand's Got Talent finalist Dane Moeke. "We've been going around to different things. I am trying to listen to the music and the drums," Moeke said. This is really good... it's a culture shock for me, I'm not used to seeing this kind of thing. Now we're off to go find somewhere to eat, he said.
Indo-Canadian lawmaker cleared of conflict of interest charges

Toronto: Canadian investigative authorities have given a clean chit to an independent Indo-Canadian member of legislative assembly (MLA) on the charges of making legislative changes to benefit his company. Ethics commissioner of the Alberta province Neil Wilkinson, in a written judgment, absolved Edmonton MLA Peter Sandhu of all charges revealed in a CBC investigation involving unreported liabilities and improper lobbying, CBC News reported Thursday. The written statement of the commissioner also said it was not a conflict of interest because other homebuilding companies would benefit as well from the change in the legislation. The report came a day after a CBC News investigation said that associates of Sandhu had allegedly orchestrated a smear campaign against a local Punjabi journalist who had reported on Sandhus debt problems. After CBC reported his house building company had been sued several times for unpaid debts, which he had failed to disclose to the ethics commissioner as required by law, Sandhu withdrew from Progressive Conservative Party caucus in May and now he is an independent MLA.
Edmonton MLA Peter Sandhu
Saroo Brierley with his family in India
London: An Indian man who was separated from his family 25 years back has reportedly located them using his memory and Google Earth. Saroo Brierley, now 31, as a child hopped on to a wrong train from his hometown in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, in a bid to meet his elder brother who was expected to take some other train for his journey. However, when he was taken 100 miles away by the wrong train, he was eventually handed over to authorities, and with lack of information, he was put up for
adoption and given to a family in Tasmania, Australia. According to metro.co.uk, Brierley, who is now an Australian businessman, used Google Earth to try and jog the photographic memory and locate the time he had in India back then. He started tracing the satellite images from the station he had eventually ended up in as a child, which was Kolkata. Brierley has written a book about his unbelievable but amazing journey to trace his real long-lost family in India, the report added.
The investigative report also stated that Sandhu had sworn a false affidavit in a civil court case. Again, another CBC report stated that Sandhu had persistently lobbied senior executives within Service Alberta, which oversees Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act, to change Albertas Builders' Lien Act to benefit his home-building company. The ethics commissioner found that Sandhu had failed to disclose his unpaid debt but she noted all the cases were settled shortly after Sandhu filed his annual member disclosure report.Wilkinson accepted Sandhus explanation that he had not disclosed the actions because he considered that the cases were so close to being settled he didnt consider it necessary. She added that Sandhu acted on poor advice from his lawyer.
20
SUBCONTINENT
US brings terrorism in focus for Obama-Sharif meet

House said it will highlight the importance and resilience of the US-Pakistan relationship and provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual concern, such as energy, trade and economic development, regional stability, and countering violent extremism. On October 22, in his interaction with the thinktank community of Washington, Sharif made it
Nawaz Sharif seeks American assistance on resolving the Kashmir issue
Pak a victim, not epicenter of terror: Sharif

Washington: Claiming that Pakistan was a victim of terrorism, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that his country was not an "epicenter of terrorism" as asserted by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The greatest challenge to a democratic Pakistan is terrorism and extremism but "Pakistan is neither a source of, nor the epicenter of terrorism as is sometimes alleged," he said in an address to the US Institute of Peace ahead of his meeting Wednesday with President Barack Obama. Pakistan was "rather a victim of the scourge", Sharif said asserting: "My government is firmly committed to ending cycle of violence in Pakistan." "We want to transform our relations with friends around the world, as well as our immediate neighbors," he said.
Washington: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was all set to meet President Barack Obama at the White House on October 23, where the former intended to raise the issue of drone attacks in Pakistan and seek American assistance on resolving the Kashmir issue, although the US considers it as a bilateral matter between India and its neighbor. Officials on both sides said the
two leaders would chalk out an action plan to not only address their differences, but to also put their relationship on a strong footing. Obama and Sharif were scheduled to meet for about 90 minutes, which has components of both delegation-level talks and provision of a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders. Ahead of the meeting, the White
clear that he intends to raise the issue of drone attacks and seek American assistance on resolving the Kashmir issues, which the Obama administration has repeatedly said it does not want to get involved into. "We see this as a very realistic and pragmatic partnership, one that would remain focused on people's interest," an administrative official said. "I would stress the need for an end to drone attacks," Sharif said in his address to the US Institute of Peace (USIP). "With its growing influence in India, the US now has the capacity to do more, to help the two sides resolve their core disputes, including Kashmir, and in promoting a culture of cooperation," the Pakistani Prime Minister said in his USIP address.
Sri Lanka raises concerns over Indian n-plant

Colombo: The Sri Lankan government said it could not rule out the possibility of a threat to the island posed by the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in neighboring India. Sri Lanka's Research and Technology Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that Sri Lanka has sought an agreement with India where information on the power plant would be shared but so far India has not responded to that request. The minister said Sri Lanka could not rule out a threat being posed to the island from the Indian power plant if there is a disaster similar to the Fukushima incident in Japan. The KNPP in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu has now been connected to the power grid for the first time. Ranawaka said that local authori-
Release doctor who helped track Osama: US

Washington: A group of top US lawmakers have urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to release Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi, who allegedly helped the US to track down al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. "I specifically pressed the prime minister to release Dr Shakil Afridi and encouraged him to ensure that his nation is in fact a responsible and effective partner in countering terrorism, proliferation and violent extremism in the region," Congressman Ed Royce, chairman of the powerful house foreign affairs committee, said. Afridi, who was arrested immediately after the May 2, 2011 operation by US commandos that killed Osama, was convicted for treason over alleged ties to militant group Lashkar-e-Islam. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the doctor has sought a fresh probe into his conviction in the treason case and a tribunal in federally administered tribal areas will hear arguments from his legal counsel on October 30 to determine whether the case merits fresh probe. Royce and Congressman Elliot Engel, ranking member of house foreign affairs committee along with 15 members of this powerful congressional committee met Sharif at the Rayburn House building at the US Capitol on October 22. "The house foreign affairs committee used this visit of the prime minister to engage in a frank and full discussion about a variety of issues critical to US national security," Royce said. "We discussed promoting regional trade and greater trade with the United States. I also discussed the importance of education reform," the Republican Congressman from California said in a statement after the meeting.
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu
ties continue to carry out tests to look for any radiation that may come from the Indian power plant. The minister also said that the Sri Lankan government was yet to take a policy decision on turning to nuclear energy to meet the electric-
ity demands of the country. Protests have been staged in India against the power plant while in Sri Lanka groups have raised concerns as the power plant is located in the part of India which is closest to Sri Lanka.
Opposition to reject polls under Hasina: Zia

Dhaka: Rejecting Premier Sheikh Hasina's proposal for an all-party government to oversee Bangladesh's next general election, opposition leader Khaleda Zia said her BNP party would not participate in the poll process without a non-party neutral caretaker administration. "If we go to the election (with Hasina remaining as the premier), BNP would be affected...you have lost credibility among the people," she told a convention of pro-opposition professionals here amid tight security. Zia said her party would only go to election under a "nonparty neutral government". BNP plans to stage a grand rally between October 25 and January 25, 2014. The constitution states that the election must be held within 90 days of the end of the tenure of the parliament. The term of the current parliament will end on October 25 and polls must be held by January 25, 2014. Awami League had scrapped the caretaker system amending the constitution with its three fourths majority in parliament two years ago in line with a Supreme Court judgement. The opposition in subsequent months staged violent street protests leaving scores of people dead. The opposition said elections under the party government would not be fair.
Opposition leader Khaleda Zia
on October 25 to mount pressure on the Awami League-led government to accept its demand for polls under a non-party caretaker government. Bangladesh is scheduled to hold next general election anytime
Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi
INTERNATIONAL
21
India, China ink key pact for border peace

countries was inked as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Premier Li Keqiang met for talks in the Great Hall of the People. The BDCA comes after Chinese troops intruded inside Indian territory in Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir on April 16, leading to a three-week face-off that was resolved after hectic negotiations. There have been more incidents on the border, which is ascribed to "differing perceptions" of their over 4,000-km long Line of Actual Control. The two countries inked nine agreements. Besides the BDCA, which is described as "an additional confidence building measure to ensure peace and tranquility on the border", the others were to strengthen cooperation on trans-border river, an MoU on Nalanda University, cooperation on road transport, and setting up sister cities between Delhi-Beijing, Bangalore-Chengdu and KolkataKunming. Li said he and Manmohan Singh are in agreement that both have "more common interests than differences" and both have confidence that the leadership of both sides "have the ability to manage differences along the border". Manmohan Singh said that both are agreed "that the prosperity and progress of 2.5 billion Indian and Chinese people would be a major factor of Asian resurgence and global prosperity and stability". Both sides have resolved to "realize the full promise of our partnership and maintain the friendliest of relations. This will be our strategic vision". Reflecting on their ties with other countries, both agreed that their independent foreign policies with other countries "must not become a source of concern for each other. This will be our strategic reassurance". Premier Li said both have agreed on strategic defence cooperation and to hold joint counter terrorism exercises in southwest China as well as joint maritime exercises at an early date, and in countering terrorism.On trade and economic issues, Li said both sides agreed to make full use of their existing mechanisms and China is ready to expand its foray in infrastructure development, including in railways in India. He also pushed for the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor to link up between their two countries. He said China is keen to establish industrial zones in India to expand Chinese investments in India and make two-way trade "more dynamic".
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inspecting the Guard of Honor at the Great Hall of People in Beijing
India, China pact on trans-border rivers

Beijing: With India repeatedly voicing concern over Chinas dam building activities upstream on the Brahmaputra, India and China have agreed to exchange more hydrological information on common rivers and also discuss other issues, in a tacit acknowledgment of Indias worries. The Memorandum of Understanding on trans-border rivers was inked after talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in the Great Hall of the People here. According to the agreement, the two sides recognised that transborder rivers and related natural resources and the environment are assets of immense value to the socio-economic development of all riparian countries. The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation on transborder rivers, cooperate through the existing Expert Level Mechanism on provision of floodseason hydrological data and emergency management, and exchange views on other issues of mutual interest, the agreement states.
By Ranjana Narayan Beijing: Six months after a threeweek tense standoff along their boundary, India and China inked a key agreement to establish peace along their disputed border besides deals for boosting economic cooperation, including establishing three "sister cities" on either side. Both prime ministers called the deal "strategic". Manmohan Singh said both sides are in agreement that peace and tranquility on the border "must
remain the foundation for growth in India-China ties", and both should continue with negotiations for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement to the boundary issue. "This will be our strategic benchmark." Chinese Premier Li, describing the border deal as a "strategic agreement", said he was "sure it will help to restore peace and tranquility in the border areas". The Border Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed to prevent faceoffs between troops of the two
Suu Kyi receives 1990 Sakharov Prize, finally
Suicide bombers, gunmen kill 28 in Iraq

Ramadi: Gunmen and suicide bombers driving explosives-rigged vehicles launched a wave of coordinated attacks in Iraq's Anbar province, killing 25 police and three civilians, officials and medics said. The attacks in the west Iraq province also wounded 26 policemen, they said. Militants, including those linked to Al-Qaida, frequently target Iraqi security forces and other government employees. Four of the attacks struck targets in or near the town of Rutba, about 110 kilometres (68 miles) from the border with war-racked Syria. A suicide bomber detonated a tanker truck packed with explosives at a federal police checkpoint east of the town, while militants armed with heavy weapons struck the police station in Rutba itself and another bomber detonated a vehicle at a police checkpoint to its west. Those attacks killed 18 police and wounded 25,
The attacks in the west Iraq province also wounded 26 policemen
Aung San Suu Kyi
while three civilians died when another suicide bomber blew up a tanker truck on a bridge west of Rutba, the officials and a doctor said.
(Strasbourg) France: A visibly moved Myanmarese leader Aung San Suu Kyi received the European Union's 1990 Sakharov Prize for human rights finally on October 22 from the hands of European Parliament speaker Martin Schulz. Lawmakers gave a standing ovation to the 69-year-old Nobel peace laureate and current Myanmar opposition leader, who could not collect the prize 23 years ago for being under house arrest. "We have made progress since 1990, but we have not made sufficient progress," Suu Kyi, who was freed in 2010, told the
European Parliament. "Our people are just beginning to learn that freedom of thought is possible, but we want to make sure that the right to think freely and to live in accordance with a conscience has to be preserved," she said. "This right is not yet guaranteed 100 percent. We still have to work very hard before the basic law of the land, which is the constitution, will guarantee us the right to live in accordance with our conscience. That is why we insist that the present constitution must be changed to be a truly democratic one," Suu Kyi said.
Facebook allows beheading videos, sparks outrage

London: Social networking website Facebook is now permitting extremely disturbing videos of people being beheaded to be posted and shared on the site. The US-based firm had earlier in May put a temporary ban on films of decapitation on its site after it received complaints that it could cause long-term psychological damage, BBC reported. However, the company has now said its users should be able to watch such videos as long as they condemn and not celebrate these videos. The US firm confirmed it now believed its users should be free to watch and condemn such videos. It added that it was, however, considering adding warnings.The networking website is open to anyone who is aged 13 or above. The company, in a statement, said it was allowing such content to be posted again. "Facebook has long been a place where people turn to share their experiences, particularly when they're connected to controversial events on the ground, such as human rights abuses, acts of terrorism and other violent events," BBC quoted a company spokesperson as saying.
22
BUSINESS
Mobile economy to add $400 bn to India GDP Banking license: RBI seeks more information
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called for additional information from companies that have applied for a banking licence and sought replies by the week-end. The central bank has also written to regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Board of India, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and Pension Funds Regulatory Authority, asking whether the banking licence aspirants meet the "fit and proper" criteria and if there are any regulatory concerns. RBI is understood to have written to the finance ministry seeking clarification on proposals by public sector entities to set up banks. Of the 26 applicants, four-Department of Posts, IFCI, LIC Housing Finance and Tourism finance Corporation-are public sector undertakings. IDFC, another aspirant, was set up following an announcement in the Union Budget in '96. Since the grant of licences is dependent on the funding support from the promoter, the RBI has sought government's stand on the matter. The information sought from the applicants include their income-tax filings and info on other companies within the group. According to sources, the applications are being screened by three teams under RBI executive director B Mahapatra. The teams are looking at separate issues such as group holding structure, business plan, compliance and financial inclusion. According to sources, the RBI may not consider firms that do not have resources to make an upfront investment of Rs 500 crore.
This would create 4.1 million additional jobs by 2020
New Delhi: India's mobile phone sector could contribute Rs.216 lakh crore ($400 billion) to India's gross domestic product (GDP), creating 4.1 million additional jobs by 2020, Anne Bouverot, director general of the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), said. GSMA is the global association for mobile companies. It came out
with an India specific report Mobile Economy India 2013, prepared by the GSMA in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group. The report revealed that in 2012, the mobile ecosystem generated approximately 5.3 percent of the GDP for India, directly supported 730,000 jobs and an additional two million jobs when points of sale and
distributors are included. However, Bouverot pointed out that the country's regulatory environment is sometimes detrimental to the growth of the industry. The Indian mobile industry is fast-paced and innovative, but it currently lacks the regulatory environment to support its ambitions, she said. An absence of predictable, longterm policies in areas such as the allocation of radio frequencies is acting as a brake on investment, she added. Regarding spectrum, she said compared to the US and the Europe where cumulatively 600 mega hertz of spectrum is available, in India it is less than half. She emphasised that given India's population density, there should be more spectrum available. Following international guidelines, the report said the Indian government should allocate and release more harmonized spectrum in larger blocks, which will prevent unnecessary market fragmentation.
'Indian economy to grow at 4.9% in 2013-14'

Coimbatore: The economy would grow 4.9% in the current financial year despite favourable monsoon brightening the scope for agriculture performance. The economy will grow 4.9% year-on-year in 2013-14, similar to the 5% growth recorded in 2012-13, India Ratings and Research said.The industrial and services sector growth performance in 2013-14 (FY14) is likely to be lower than 2012-13 (FY13), it said. While in general economic growth performance in FY14 is likely to be similar to the FY13 levels, the current account may improve considerably said Devendra Kumar Pant, chief economist and head of public finance, India Ratings. This will strengthen rupee which the agency expects to stabilize to around 59-61 to the dollar by the end of 2013-14. Bolstered by agriculture and exports, India Ratings expects economic growth to improve from the third quarter of FY14. Three consecutive months of double-digit exports growth and healthy agriculture performance due to 6% above normal rainfall in 2013 would increase demand for industrial goods and services, it said. However, the growth is unlikely to be stupendous.
Delhi Aerocity finally takes off
4 Indian women in Fortune's International Power 50

Washington: Four Indians led by ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar figure among Fortune magazine's list of world's top 50 women business leaders, while India-born PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi is ranked second in a separate US list. Kochhar has been ranked fourth, followed by National Stock Exchange (NSE) chief Chitra Ramkrishna at 17th, Axis Bank's Shikha Sharma at 32nd and HSBC's Naina Lal Kidwai at 42nd place among the Indians on the international list. Kochhar, managing director and CEO of India's largest private sector bank, has moved up one position from her fifth position on the 2012 list, while NSE's Ramkrishna has made it to the list for the first time.
This is expected to ultimately house 16 luxury hotels and commercial spaces near IGI airport
ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and HSBC's Naina Lal Kidwai
Shikha Sharma and Naina Lal Kidwai were ranked 37th and 40th, respectively, on Fortune's international list of most powerful business women last year. On Chitra
Ramkrishna, who figures among 12 women newcomers "changing the face of global power", Fortune said she made history as the first woman to head an exchange in India.
New Delhi: Delhi Aerocity, a 43acre hospitality and commercial district near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, is finally after clearing a lot of hurdles - seeing the light of the day and is expected to usher in volumes and growth for both the aviation and hospitality industries. Expected to ultimately house 16 luxury hotels and commercial spaces, it was conceived and approved as a part of the Delhi Airport master plan five years ago. "The hospitality district of the aerocity offers quick access to the airport, besides being centrally located between the business areas
of Delhi and Gurgaon," Rajiv Chib, associate director, PricewaterhouseCoopers, said. "It is thus a logical extension of any major international airport and needs to be made functional at the earliest." Chib's views were corroborated by national carrier Air India, which made the IGI airport as its hub way back in 2010. According to the airline, Aerocity provides convenience to passengers. "Worldwide, frequent travellers prefer to stay in places like an Aerocity to conduct their business as fast as possible and then depart, avoiding traffic or any other hindrances.
SPORTS
23
Saina, Sindhu progress in France
Fourth ODI washed out, India in a spot

Ranchi: The fourth One-day International (ODI) between India and Australia was called off due to rain, making it harder for the hosts to fight back in the sevenmatch series they trail 1-2. India were 27 for no loss in 4.1 overs chasing Australia's 295 for eight when rain stopped play at the JSCA International Stadium. The weather cleared after a couple of hours but the umpires decided the ground was too wet to carry on. "It depended on the first 15 overs, if we didn't lose too many wickets the wicket would have become better to bat on," said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni when asked about the target. Australia did well to put up 295 for eight, thanks to another captain's innings from George Bailey (98 off 94 balls) and a blazing knock from Glen Maxwell (92 off 77). Bailey is in red hot form in the series having scored 43, 92 and 84 in the earlier games. He and Maxwell shared a 153-run stand in quick time to set the foundation for a competitive total. James Faulkner (23 not out) and Mitchell Johnson (25) took the team close to 300. The home team was sloppy on the field, dropping five catches. Though it would be tough for India to win the series after the no result here, Australia won't be able to displace them from the top of the ODI rankings. Australia needed to win 6-1 in the series to become the number one team.
P.V. Sindhu in action
Paris: Leading Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu progressed to the second round of womens singles with contrasting wins while it was dead end for comeback pair Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, who lost not only their women's doubles clash but also their respective mixed doubles matches at the French Open Super Series. The 18-year-old Sindhu accounted for South Koreas Ji Hyun Sung as she thrashed the sixth seed 21-8, 21-12 in less than half an hour at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. The World No.10 Indian showed suberb prowess to beat Ji and has taken a 3-0 lead in career meetings. The South Korean has been in excellent form lately, having beaten Saina and reached the final of the Denmark Open Super Series Premier last week. Meanwhile, fourth seed Saina Nehwal had to overcome Thailands Nichaon Jindapon in a tough 52-minute battle to progress to the pre-quarters. The World No.4 won the tie 12-21, 21-16, 21-13 to take a 2-0 lead in career meets. In the next round, the Olympic bronze medallist faces a tricky challenge in the face of Jis compatriot, Yeon Ju Bae. Though the Hyderabadi has a 5-3 head-tohead against Yeon, it was the South Korean who dashed Sainas hopes at the World Championships in August. In another womens singles clash, Thailands Porntip Buranaprasertsuk beat Nagpur girl Arundhati Pantawane 21-17, 16-21, 21-14 in 45 minutes in the first round. Earlier in the day, Indonesians Gebby Ristiyani Imawan and Tiara Rosalia Nuraidah took care of Indias most successful womens doubles combine Jwala and Ashwini. The duo were making a comeback, playing their first match together since the London Games, and lost 18-21, 21-13, 17-21 in 50 minutes in the first round. That was not the end of bad news for the two as they lost their mixed doubles first rounds too.
Still, Australia won't be able to displace India from top of the ODI rankings
F1 needs India, says McLaren's Perez
Big plans to greet Tendulkar in Eden Test

Kolkata: Sachin Tendulkar is likely to be greeted by thousands of spectators wearing his mask or the waving of placards with slogans eulogizing the batting genius at the Eden Gardens gallery as he steps onto the iconic ground next month for one last time before hanging up his willow. Going all out to give a warm farewell to the little master, who plays his 199th and penultimate Test match at the Eden Sachin Tendulkar is set to bid adieu to cricket after the second Test Gardens against the West Indies from Nov 6, the vests bearing Tendulkars picCricket Association of Bengal tures among the spectators. This is no ordinary Test (CAB) mandarins are burning match. This is Sachin Test, the midnight oil to plan out novel ways to make the big Sachin fest. And we are leaving occasion memorable to the no stone unturned to celebrate cricketer as also the legions of it, CAB treasurer Biswarup his fans. Tendulkar is set to bid Dey said. Since the time Tendulkar adieu to cricket after the second called up CAB chief Jagmohan Test - the 200th of his glittering Dalmiya and expressed his career - of the series at Mumbais Wankhede Grounds desire to play the match at Eden, the association officials have Nov 14-18. While plans are afoot to been holding daily discussions release thousands of balloons to implement a few of the large bearing his pictures at the start number of suggestions that have of play on the opening day or come up. We need some more subsequent days at the Eden time to finalize things. We hope Gardens, the CAB is also toying to firm up plans by the end of with the idea of distributing next week, said Dey.
The Indian GP has been taken off the 2014 calendar
New Delhi: McLaren driver Sergio Perez believes that Formula 1 is getting highly popular in India. He says the sport certainly "needs India" and hopes the race returns in 2015 after giving the next season a miss. "It is a shame that the Indian Grand Prix is not happening in India next year. I think Formula 1 needs India and it is getting more and more popular every time we come here. I really hope we can come back," Perez said. The Indian GP was taken off the 2014 calendar as it did not make sense to host the race in late 2014 and early 2015, when the Grand Prix is scheduled to return to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). "The interest is growing in India. More and more people are taking notice, so it is getting better. It will be good if we can keep the race from 2015," added the 23-year-old on the sidelines of his team's tie-up with Gillette.
The customs and tax issues notwithstanding, the organizers of the Indian GP, Jaypee Sports International, have a five-year contract and the race is on the provisional 2015 calendar. Whether the race will return to India, is another question. "India is a difficult place to get in, to get out, to get things and to get any updates during the weekend. It's got more to do with that kind of stuff than anything else. Otherwise we all enjoy coming to India. It is a great country and it is a place which we will miss next year. About 2015? Well you never really know in Formula 1." The F1 calendar will have an unprecedented 22 races next season, something most of the paddock won't be happy about. But Checo feels differently as the Mexican Grand Prix, his home race, will be revived in 2014 for the first time since 1992.
24
HEALTH
2 Indians among Rutgers scientists finding flu med
New cure for hair loss?

New York: Researchers in the US have claimed that they have invented a hair restoration method that can solve the problem of baldness. Researchers at the Columbia University Medical Centre (CUMC) have devised a hair restoration method that can generate new human hair growth, rather than simply redistributing hair from one part of the scalp to another. According to the study, published Monday in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the researchers harvested dermal papillae from seven human donors and cloned the cells in tissue culture -no additional growth factors were added to the cultures. After a few days, the cultured papillae were
Disha Patel and Kalyan Das are in the research team
New Brunswick, NJ: Two scientists of Indian origin -Disha Patel and Kalyan Das - are part of the team at Rutgers Universitys New Brunswick campus that has identified chemical agents that could block the flu virus ability to replicate its cells. The teams goal is to develop medicines to combat the much-feared pandemic influenza outbreaks like the H5N1 bird flu, or the H7N9 virus responsible for the 2013 outbreak in China, the Rutgers website says. Every year, vaccines have to be produced on time to prevent a pandemic, but the teams findings could lead to a viable alternative drugs to treat the flu. Currently, Tamiflu is the only oral anti-flu drug but some flu
strains are already developing resistance to it. Using an approach that helped in the development of powerful anti AIDS drugs, the team found chemical compounds that could halt the flu enzymes ability to activate the replication process. Team members say they are at the proof of principle stage in the drug development process. Researchers Joseph Bauman and Kalyan Das first produced high-resolution images of an H1N1 flu enzyme, and Bauman and postdoctoral researcher Disha Patel screened 800 small molecule fragments for binding. The teams findings are published in the American Chemical Society journal ACS Chemical Biologys October issue.
transplanted between the dermis and epidermis of human skin that had been grafted onto the backs of mice. In five of the seven tests, the transplants resulted in new hair growth that lasted at least six weeks. DNA analysis confirmed that the new hair follicles were human and genetically matched the donors. This approach has the potential to transform the medical treatment of hair loss, said first author of the study Claire A. Higgins.
Indian doctors devise score to assess patients' bleeding risk

New Delhi: A score has been derived by doctors here to assess the bleeding risk in Indian patients who are on drugs that prevent clotting of blood. The research by geneticists at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here focused on deriving and validating a Genetic Bleeding Risk (GBR) score based on genetic and nongenetic factors associated with bleeding in patients on long-term anti-coagulation (blood clotting) therapy, a release said here Monday. There are already a few bleeding risk prediction scores available in the world, but most are derived from the white population and more importantly, none have evaluated the predictive significance of genetic risk factors so far, it said.A substance that prevents clotting of blood, anti-coagulants are being used all over the world since early 1940s for treatment and prevention of thrombosis - clot formation in a blood vessel that obstructs flow and affects various body parts and organs like legs, heart, kidneys, brain and lungs etc. Despite its common usage, oral anti-coagulant (OAC) therapy is associated with significant bleeding complications. The study was conducted on 310 patients from departments of vascular surgery, cardiac surgery and neurology from August 2009 to August 2012 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here. It took approval from the hospital's ethics board committee and was in accordance with the ethical standards of World Medical Association. "The report shows that the number of bleeding episodes can be effectively reduced, thus sparing the patients from adverse outcomes and reducing hospital admissions," said Risha Nahar, scientist at the hospital's Centre of Medical Genetics. "The present study is the first to devise and validate a genetic scoring scheme for predicting bleeding among first time users of oral anti-coagulants," he added.
Music can help reduce chronic pain: study

London: Listening to music helps in relieving persistent physical pain in four out of ten people, a new study has found. Out of the 1,500 people surveyed, 66 percent of the 16 to 24-year-olds said music has helped them to soothe pain, reported the Daily Mail Tuesday citing a study conducted by Lloyds Pharmacy. Among the various types of music, pop music was the most popular, helping 21 percent of people, followed by classical music at 17 percent and rock or indie music at 16 percent, the report said. Simon and Garfunkel's song 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' helped most in reducing pain, which was followed by Robbie Williams' 'Angels', Fleetwood Mac's 'Albatross', Elton John's 'Candle In The Wind' and 'Easy' by The Commodores, it added. "People in pain should try to find some activity to get fully engaged in," the Daily Mail quoted David Bradshaw of the University of Utah Pain Management Centre as saying. "Listening to favorite music is excellent for that because it can involve both thoughts and feelings. No matter how anxious you may feel, if you can get absorbed in the music, this can help with your pain," Bradshaw said.
SELF HELP
25
Choosing the right tablet for kids
Tips to strengthen your marriage

Often remembering and renewing the special connection you enjoy is important.
Parents worry mobile technology can be expensive, breakable and give users access to a world of information -- not all of it kid-friendly. But that doesnt mean you should exclude the next generation from the tech trend, say experts.
veryone is using technology to stay connected these days -- especially kids. And the holidays are a great time to think about getting your kids a device to keep them plugged in and learning at the same time, like their very own tablet computer. Parents worry mobile technology can be expensive, breakable and give users access to a world of information -- not all of it kid-friendly. But that doesnt mean you should exclude the next generation from the tech trend, say experts. Technology can be intimidating for parents who arent familiar with the wide array of choices available, says Dr. Eric Klopfer, Toy Development Consultant and Learning Expert at VTech, a maker of age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. But there are good options out there that can provide safe, fun, innovative, yet age appropriate experiences for young kids if you know where to look. Here are some things to consider when looking for new technologies for children this holiday:
or married couples, it may sometimes seem difficult to remember the early, exciting stages of the relationship. While bickering, stress and general rut are certainly not uncommon, some experts say such pitfalls are mostly avoidable. Love may be the reason you got married in the first place, but its not always enough, says Ashley Davis Bush, a psychotherapist, Huffington Post blogger and co-author of 75 Habits for a Happy Marriage. Habits that promote intimacy and good connection will help to sustain your marriage over the long haul. As Bush explains in her new book, cowritten with her husband, Daniel Arthur Bush, a mental health counselor, the key to staying connected and in love in long-term relationships is to form simple, positive habits that can be integrated into your daily routine. Here are a few ideas offered in 75 Habits that can help you and your spouse avoid conflict and promote happiness:
Wake and greet: When you first wake up in the morning, let your spouse know that he or she is special to you. Say this in person if possible. If not, text it, email it, leave a phone message or stick a note to the refrigerator. How you greet your spouse in the morning sets the tone for the day. Stay connected: When you are separated in a crowd, at a party or even at home amidst kids, use an earlobe tug or other secret gesture to say were in this together. Highlighting your special and unique connection with a sign known only to the two of you, says Bush, increases your feelings of intimacy. Be nostalgic: Before going on a date, spend a few moments bringing back the feelings of your courtship. You might try remembering your first kiss, for example. Deliberately reviving those heady feelings from the past infuses the present with old-fashioned romance, says Ashley
Davis Bush. Make enthusiasm a habit: When you reunite at the end of the day, do it with excitement and a 20 second hug. An extended hug stimulates the bonding hormone oxytocin. Stop what youre doing for this reunion and let your partner know that he or she is a priority. This intentional hug beats the rote, Hi honey Im home. Remember gratitude: Every night as you get ready for bed, thank your spouse for something they said or did during the day. A focus on appreciation at the end of the day not only puts a smile on your mates face but also helps you finish the day with gratitude for your spouse. Gratitude is habit forming, says Bush. Its easy to take your relationship for granted and even slip into bad habits. But by recharging and reconnecting every day, you can keep your marriage healthy and happy.
Kid-friendly tablet: A conventional tablet is a delicate, breakable instrument. But a kid-friendly tablet is tough, durable and able to withstand being handled by little ones. For example, VTechs InnoTab3S, is made to fit comfortably in little kid hands, so theyll be more likely to maintain a good grip. Safe messaging: Whether they are at daycare, a neighbors house or across the country visiting grandparents, a tablet can help kids stay connected to their parents. And thanks to breakthroughs in kidsafe family networking, you can ensure your children are communicating only with people approved by you. The VTech Kid Connect app, for example, allows for safe communication with parents and friends through an InnoTab 3S tablet. Preschoolers as young as three years old can emulate their parents and older siblings, allowing them to feel like they are part of the messaging trend by sending text and voice messages to parents smartphones, all from a kid-safe, kid-friendly tablet. Safe browsing: With a kid-safe Web browser, kids wont be able to access inappropriate content, but can still explore the sites they love through an easy-to-navigate format. Educational content: You can give your kids full-time access to great educational content with the right downloads. Look for educator-approved fun and games. More tech tips for parents can be found at www.VTechKids.com. This holiday season, you can help your kids stay on top of tech trends safely and securely.
Consider gifts that give back this holiday season W

hile the latest video game can make a big hit, the most meaningful gifts are often ones that help those in need. The holidays are the perfect time to give a charitable gift that could make a profound difference in someones life. Donating your time or money to a charity in honor of a loved one is a great way to reach out and help others this holiday season.
uprooted from their homes by war, persecution and disaster, many of them children. Sometimes, the need for love and reassurance is just as great as the need for food and shelter. Consider giving the International Rescue Committees Teddy Bear and Creativity Kit to a child on behalf of friends or family as a gift this holiday. In crisis zones like Syria, children hold tight to their beloved teddy bears, finding emotional supWork at a soup kitchen Many people have made workport in a simple toy. A Rescue ing at a soup kitchen a holiday traGift like the Teddy Bear and dition. Something as simple as Creativity Kit can provide giving the homeless and hungry a A gift can help brighten up the life of a child in even the three children with their own hot meal and a full stomach can teddy bears, as well as a toy most dire situations. make a persons day. Contact your local (IRC) provides to refugees and others and coloring kit that will help them cope soup kitchen to see how you can volun- uprooted by war and disaster. with the psychological distress of war and Rescue Gifts, such as a pair of baby upheaval. For more information, visit teer. If you dont have time to help out in person, consider donating non-perishable goats, can help put a family in drought- www.Rescue.org/Gifts. goods, as many soup kitchens have a food ridden Somalia back on the road to recov"Support from the purchase of Rescue ery by helping to start a new herd. Or the Gifts allows the IRC to address crisis pantry as well. gift of a year of school can help supply the places like Syria, in addition to offering tuition, books and other materials to send ongoing support and lifesaving care for Rescue gifts people around the world affected by catasYou can also help provide essentials for a young Afghan girl to school. trophes that have slipped from the headpeople in need by giving a Rescue Gift Help children lines," says Nancy Haitch, VP of External in the name of friends and family. Rescue The perfect gift can help brighten up the Relations at the IRC. Gifts are charitable gifts that support While conventional presents are often humanitarian aid work and represent the life of a child in even the most dire situakinds of emergency relief and services tions. There are an estimated 45 million soon forgotten, a charitable gift can have a that the International Rescue Committee people around the world who have been lasting effect beyond the holiday season.
26
LIFESTYLE
Our musical tastes change over Indians go on maximum business trips: Survey a lifetime: Study
London: Not many of us may notice it but our choice of music also undergoes a change with the passage of time, a new study has suggested. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have observed how humans' musical tastes undergo change over a lifetime. They noticed that it is actually intrinsically linked to personality and experience. Having collected data of about a quarter of a million people over a decade, researchers describe it as the first study to "comprehensively document" the ways people engage with music "from adolescence to middle age." The study found that the first great musical age is adolescence - which is defined by a short, sharp burst of "intense" and the start of a steady climb of "contemporary." "Teenage years are often dominated by the need to establish identity, and music is a cheap, effective way to do this," Jason Rentfrow, a senior researcher related to the study said. "Adolescents' quest for independence often takes the shape of a juxtaposed stance to the perceived 'status quo', that of parents and the establishment," Rentfrow said. "Intense' music, seen as aggressive, tense and characterized by loud, distorted sounds has the rebellious connotations that allow adolescents to stake a claim for the autonomy that is one of this period's key 'life challenges," he added. Rentfrow said once people overcome the need for autonomy, the next life challenge concerns finding love and being loved. As we settle down and middle-age begins to creep in, the last musical age, as identified by the researchers, is dominated by "sophisticated" kind of music -- such as jazz and classical -- and "unpretentious" -- such as country, folk and blues. New Delhi: Indian employees are global leaders when it comes to business travel with over 40 percent going on at least five trips annually, a survey revealed here Tuesday. "Forty-four percent Indians, followed by 39 percent of people from Thailand are frequent business travelers, who are taking more than five trips a year," said the survey by online travel portal Expedia.com. Future of Travel - an analysis of behavior and preferences among employed adults aged 18 and above, was conducted online between Aug 20 and Sep 12, among over 8,500 respondents in 24 countries. Indians at 34 percent are second highest global leisure travelers after Thailand, where 39 percent of the peo-
ple indulge in this category of travel. "The survey shows a clear progression of Indian travelers with respect to increasing number of trips annually, both business and leisure," said Vikram Malhi, general manager, south and southeast Asia, Expedia.
Indian business travelers are among the most likely to splurge during business trips compared to others, he added. The survey also revealed that 92 percent of Indians use a smart phone or a tablet for personal or business reasons, higher than the global average of 75 percent.
Fashion essentials for women over 40

New York: Women in their forties can invest in a chic and expensive handbag or opt for leather gloves to look age-appropriate. Heres a list of fashion items that should be in every 40-year-old's closet, reports huffingtonpost.com: A nice handbag: Spoil yourself and buy an expensive handbag that is hard to justify. You earned it. An evening coat: A coat that looks appropriate with a fancy dress and heels should be in your closet for sure. Diamonds: They don't need to be huge, but something that can sparkle your day. Leather gloves: They always look more polished and professional than a knit pair. Also, they don't get pulls. So, they won't need to be replaced frequently. A variety of slips: Make sure you have slips of all different lengths to go underneath your sheer clothes. A lounging robe: Robes made of silk and jersey can be worn while you are at home. A checkbook-sized wallet: The older we get, the more cards we end up collecting. A small purse just won't do it.
Women's fear: Caught by boss sans makeup

London: A study shows that womens biggest fear is getting caught without makeup on by their bosses. The survey conducted by British wetwipe brand Halo shows that out of 2,000 British women, who participated in the study, more than one in five feared being seen by their boss without being fully made up more than by their partner, reports femalefirst.co.uk. To avoid getting caught, women end up having skin infections as they leave makeup on for days. A fifth of those asked in the survey admitted leaving mascara on for up to three days, while one in 20 said five days was not unusual. For most women, makeup allows them to feel confident and look their best, so its not surprising that their boss is the last person they would want to see without any cover-up, Andrew Freeman, commercial manager at Halo.
Resting can cause problems, not Know when to splurge or cheap out relive painful muscles
Los Angeles: Resting in bed when suffering from sore muscles, a kind of muscle fever, seems like best option for many. However, studies show that it prolongs pain, reduces mobility and extends recovery time. A study of 1,000 people aged 25-65 with aches and pains, commissioned by the Simplyhealth Advisory Research Panel (ShARP), an independent panel of experts, found that more than a third thought bed rest was the remedy. However, it can cause many problems. Femalefirst.co.uk reports that a group of panelists has found that people get trapped in a cycle where their lack of exercise not only exacerbates their pain and stiffness, it also leads to muscle wastage. This, in turn, can result in weight gain, placing even more stress on already painful joints. The study also reveals that the lower back is the nation's number one sore spot and overweight people suffer joint pain daily. Also, while many are aware that exercises such as swimming, yoga and pilates can help with muscle and joint pain, over 50 percent admitted to doing nothing to help their musculoskeletal health. New York: You must splurge on skincare, bags and lingerie. But for products like pyjamas and white t-shirts, you can buy them cheap. Here's a list of things you ought to spend extravagantly on, reports huffingtonpost.com: Tailoring: Good tailoring can make an off-the-rack dress into something special. Skincare: Moisturizers or cleansers from a nearby drugstore can be the cause of acne or other skin issues. Those with especially sensitive skin should buy natural or handmade cosmetics that work well. Bags: A cheap bag will fall apart. Besides, people notice nice craftsmanship.
Perfume: You need to spend on a fragrance that doesn't smell too sweet and lasts long. Bras: Cheap ones can be scratchy or get stretched out easily.
Save money on the following: Exercise clothes: Don't cough up money for exercise clothes. Use old t-shirts floating around your house as the workout wear anyway gets stained and sweaty. Pyjamas: Nothing is more comfortable to sleep in than underwear and a 30-year-old tshirt. White t-shirts: White cotton t-shirts never stay white for too long so no point in spending a huge amount on them.
TRAVEL
27
Spiti Valley: It's still a world within a world

By Vishal Gulati
century ago Rudyard Kipling in his novel "Kim" described Spiti as "a world within a world" and a "place where the god lives". Things have hardly changed there. A part of the remote but picturesque Lahaul-Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh, the Spiti Valley, a cold desert dotted by tiny helmets spread over the Himalayan peaks, adjoining Tibet, takes you to a land of Buddhism and virgin nature. Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti, is some 320 km from the state capital Shimla through Kinnaur district and equidistant from the picturesque Manali tourist resort via Kunzum Pass (4,551 m). "It's simply a treasure trove of monasteries, where one can bring good fortunes and wash off all sins," remarked Australian tourist Adam Scott. Not accessible by road throughout the year, the picturesque Spiti Valley remains cut off from the world for more than four months a year due to heavy snowfall. It reopens once the snow starts thawing after mid-April. "This is the best period (October) to explore historic and ancient monasteries," remarked Kazabased tour operator Jeewan Bodh.
Key Monastery in Spiti Valley
He said the tourists, especially the foreigners, start descending in September-end and depart with the onset of snowfall. Lies close to Kaza is Tabo, known for a more than 1,000-yearold cave Buddhist monastery. Founded in 996 AD, Tabo, 47 km from Kaza, is located at an altitude of 3,050 m. It's also called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'. This is one of the largest monastic complexes in Spiti, with several caves and contemporary structures. Perched at 3,370 m, Dhankar, 24 km from Kaza, is another repository of the ancient Buddhist culture. It was once the castle of the ruler of Spiti - the Nono.
Another centuries-old Buddhist shrine, the Key monastery, is located 12 km from Kaza and at an altitude of 4,116 m. The monastery has rare collections of 'thangkas' or Tibetan paintings and ancient musical instruments like trumpets, cymbals and drums. Its library holds the manuscripts of the Tangyur texts. Geu, a village lies on the IndoTibet border, is known for a 550year-old mummified body of a monk. The mummy was found by a team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) after an earthquake that hit the region in 1975. It was discovered from one of the eight
stupas. Even the teeth, nails and hair on the skull of the mummy are intact. For those who want to test your nerves in the rugged and inhospitable terrain, the Pin Valley National Park is the perfect challenge for you. It's an ideal getaway for professional trekkers as it takes one to the trans-Himalayas. It's spread over 1,825 sq km with a core zone of 1,150 sq km. The famous mammals in the park are the Asiatic ibex, the bharal (Himalayan blue sheep), the red fox, Tibetan wolf, stone marten, Himalayan weasel, pale weasel and the mouse hare. The park is also home to a sizeable population of snow leopards. The best sighting of animals can be made in November when animals start their seasonal migration to lower altitudes. Opened to foreigners in 1992, a travel permit is a must for them. The bumpy and uncomfortable drive from Shimla and Manali towns onwards towards Spiti is a motorist's nightmare. The road remains closed at one place or another most of time. So check on general road conditions and confirm whether the high mountain passes are open. If driving in a four-wheeler, make sure you have an extra driver,
especially if you plan to drive at night. Carrying extra fuel is a must. The climatic conditions of Spiti are harsh as much of the land forms part of a cold desert where the mercury drops below minus 20 degrees Celsius during winter. Lahaul-Spiti district, spread over 13,835 sq km, is a place of remote, untouched beauty with just 31,528 people. The entire district has just two petrol stations - one at Tandi in the Lahaul Valley, which is around 100 km from Manali, and the second in Kaza. The staple food is buckwheat. Barley, wheat and rice are also consumed, as well as lots of 'chhang' (local extracted beer) and salted tea mixed with butter.
Getting to Kaza
How to travel: In summer, by public or private transport. From Manali to Keylong via Kunzum; From Shimla to Rekong Peo in Kinnaur district to Spiti. Distance: 880 km from Delhi to Manali to Keylong to Kaza; 790 km from Delhi to Shimla to Rekong Peo to Kaza. Shimla and Manali are connected by air from Delhi. Where to stay: Small hotels, guest houses, and even home stays with local people.
A Rajasthan palace that Bollywood loves to shoot in

By Rahul Dass Chomu (Rajasthan): A fortified palace whose history stretches over 300 years in this Rajasthan town is fast turning into a Bollywood destination for filmmakers eager to showcase the rich splendor of a bygone era. Be it "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" in which Vidya Balan played with aplomb a woman with a split personality or "Bol Bachchan" that showed the irrepressible Abhishek Bachchan at his cheeky best, both were shot in the Chomu Fort that has now been converted into a heritage hotel. "Chomu fortified palace has a history that goes back over 300 years and now Bollywood is keen to shoot here," Subhasis Banerjee, general manager of Chomu Palace, said. He said "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and "Bol Bachchan" went on to become hits. "In fact, a movie called `Dirty Politics', which was shot here, is slated for release this year," said Banerjee. The movies that have been filmed at the sprawling palace also include "Loafer", "Gulal" and "Queens (The Destiny of Dance)". Not just movies, even serials have been shot at the palace, where work was initiated by Karan Singh in 1598. "Serials like 'Ratan Ka Swayamvar' and 'Jhansi Ki Rani' were shot here," said Banerjee. But the property is not available round the year for shooting. "We keep getting requests from Bollywood to hire the hotel for film shoots, but we can only accommodate them during the off-season so that guests are not inconvenienced during the peak season," he added. During the olden days, the fort was used as a residence by military chiefs and as a stable for their horses. After Karan Singh, his eldest son Sukh Singh became the ruler and built part of the fort and palace before he died in 1668. The palace has beautifully done up rooms that are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the state. One of the bigger halls, where a scene of "Bhool Bhulaiya" was shot, has walls that have been artistically done up. Most of the artefacts are intact and it gives the feel of the royal era. For instance, the Maharaja suite has a four-poster bed made of silver and beautifully carved silver furniture add grandeur and splendor to the room. The heritage property has retained the carvings on the walls making it one of a kind of experience for visitors and a perfect backdrop for movies. In 1816, one of the rulers, Krishana Singh got cannons made in the fort. He developed a foundry for making the cannon balls that was called Topekhana. The tales of valour are now part of history yet its charm is drawing Bollywood to it. If seeing the place in movies is not enough for you, make a trip to the palace and enjoy the royal luxury. How to get there: Chomu is just about 30 km from Rajasthan capital Jaipur, which is well connected by air, train and road. It takes about half an hour to reach Jaipur from New Delhi by air. Room rates start at Rs.6,000 per night.
Chomu Fort converted into a heritage hotel. "Bol Bachchan" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" were shot here.
28
HUMOR
Funny Bone by Nury Vittachi
Language traps always tripping me up

T
his is an important warning. NEVER speak while travelling. You may die of a misunderstanding. I guarantee that if you say "Good morning" with the wrong tone, it will actually mean "Kill me now" in at least one Chinese dialect. Consider this. I used to speak basic Cantonese but gave it up one night after I walked into a Hong Kong restaurant and announced that I was hungry: "Ngoh tou ngoh." My friends fell about laughing because I'd used the wrong tones, changing the meaning to: "I have diarrhea." Later, I called out: "Maai dan" ("Bring the bill"), but again used the wrong tones, turning it into: "I want to buy an egg." My highly amused companions, who were at the cigar stage of the meal, sternly warned me not to call for a cigarette lighter ("da fo gei") because that phrase with the wrong tones means "Let's beat up the waiter." I'm quite sure people who create Asian languages insert these traps on purpose. If your foreign host mentions that he or she has a "baba", DO NOT offer to babysit, however much you like cuddling babies. In Japan, a baba is an old lady. In Chinese, baba means father. In France, a baba is a round spongy object containing rum - a bit like my father. He spent a lot of time in France, so that may be the actual derivation. My visits to Tokyo are always tricky, since my Japanese friends speak a sort of half-English, using just the first bits of English phrases. Sexual harassment is "seku hara", and personal computer is "paso kon". Knowing my luck, "Good morning" is short for "Good morning, kill me now." British people assume that their country's nickname, Old Blighty, comes from the word "blighted" (destroyed) and refers to the bad weather. Blighty is actu-
ally the Hindi "bilayati" which means "Foreigner Land." Years ago, there must have been a conversation like this. Indian: "So, foreigner, you come from Foreigner Land (Biliyat)?" Brit: "Ah, so that's how you say 'Britain' in your quaint Asian tongue; let me just write that down." A French reader told me about a Parisian chef who in 1765 started selling a tasty liquid he called a restorer, which is "restaurant" in French. The English thought "restaurant" meant "place to eat out". Germans were dipping sops (Deutsch for "chunks of bread") into the delicious warm bowls of restaurant. The confused English told the world that the new dish was called "soup". So the
English sentence: "Sitting in a restaurant, I drank some soup" actually means "Sitting in some soup, I drank some bread." I was disinclined to accept this slur on English speakers but I checked Wikipedia and found the Frenchman was right in every detail. But going back to meals in Hong Kong, one of my colleagues tried to tempt me to eat a popular local dish he translated as "Chicken With White Fungus." I was tempted to reply that there was already chicken with white fungus in the shared fridge at my office, along with chicken with green fungus and pork fillets with mystery grey fur. But I just kept my mouth shut. I'll drop him an email from Foreigner Land.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
ASTROLOGY
29
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: October 26-November 1, 2013
ARIES: Lack of communication skills will force to suffer at workplace. You achieve success in personal work with the timely help & support provided by family members. Indications of earning financial profits through commissions, dividends or royalties. Romantic vibrations from someone unknown would lift your spirits taking imaginations to scaling heights. A pleasure trip gives the muchneeded tonic to health. You might get a chance for business trip, which will help you in new connections. A good deal on commercial property might occur. A long wait for interesting things happening in life is likely to be materialising in this week. TAURUS: Success in completing difficult assignments brings a lot of laurels at work. Misunderstandings with near ones in the family will get cleared. Be sure where you put hard-earned money because only wise investments will fetch returns. Instant romance could come your way provided you care for it. Engaging yourself in creative work would keep you relaxed. Traveling overseas would be an experience full of spark that enlightens your imagination. Their might be a chance of acquiring a plot from your closed relative. Pleasure trip undertaken with friends would be satisfying. GEMINI: Self-confident would enable to convey your point of view with ease a workplace. Make sure you avoid overreacting to tense situations at family front. Important people will be ready to finance anything that has a special class to it. Love life brings immense romantic pleasure. Cataract patients should avoid visiting a polluted environment as smoke could cause further problems to their eyes. Travel plans for better communication will be helpful for new horizons. Investing abroad might bring some hassles on legal ground. Your ability to easily convince others will benefit you. CANCER: Mental clarity gives a decisive edge over all competitors at professional front. Children would do their best to keep you happy. Property dealings would materialize helping in bringing fabulous gains. Traveling proves a blessing in disguise by bringing a love in your life. Cutting down the number of parties and pleasure jaunts would help in keeping in good mood. Business or vacation traveling is what you needed right now. You might deal in some ancestral property or any other parental property. You succeed in completing long-pending construction work to your satisfaction. LEO: Calculated risks would enables to complete the project on time. You are likely to be benefited as family members positively respond. You are likely to earn monetary gains through various sources. You are likely to get a new friendship opportunity in the evening. A beneficial week to work on things that will improve your health. Traveling alone could be depressing for you. Investing internationally means you have to follow their laws on real estate. A desire to do something different makes you innovative. VIRGO: A firm commitment will not only enable to achieve professional targets but also to realise your dreams. Parents and friends will do their best to keep you happy. Finances will definitely get a boost. But at the same time there will be rise in expenses too. New romance that some of you are going to experience would take the worries off mind. Your confidence and energy will be high in this week. Implementation of new ideas to travel will be beneficiary for you on work front. A deal regarding residential property can start moving on its right path. Ability to take calculated risks impresses the people who are closely monitoring you. LIBRA: Cooperative nature brings desired results at professional front. You need to take the approval of everyone before making changes at home. Increase in income from past investment is foreseen. Love takes a new turn as you brace yourself for wedding bells. A week when smile will perpetually be on your face and strangers will seem familiar. Are you longing to go on a vacation, consider your work also? Discussing property matters with parents can help for better innovations. By merely observing others you are likely to learn a lot in this week. SCORPIO: For some change of job would bring mental satisfaction. Avoid late night parties and wasting valuable time otherwise it will irritate family members. Monetary gains from unplanned sources will brighten your week. You enjoy a memorable time with partner to cement the lovely bond. Your energy level will be high. Better to channelise it in a positive direction. Traveling alone is about freedom, but your family might be angry. Planning a property might explore new horizons for you and your family. Your involvement in voluntary work will enable to bring fame to you. SAGITTARIUS: High time to know your full potentials to enhance career prospects. A promising week to plan things for your progeny. New moneymaking opportunities will be lucrative. You will be attracted to someone special. Positive outlook impresses those around you besides keeping you fit & fine. Travel plans for ambitions are in full bloom. Your friends and family will be of great support if you are trying for an office. Chances of nothing spectacular is happening to you at personal front. CAPRICORN: Your inner values coupled with a positive attitude will bring success at work. You would be the centre of attraction at a social gathering that you attend especially with family. You get some financial rewards as dedication & hard work gets noticed. Warm romantic thoughts occupy mind. Charity work undertaken will bring mental peace & comfort. A beckon destination sounds tempting to you. Its time to make some property investments for your kids. A wonderful week to contact persons with whom you can share your dreams/aims. AQUARIUS: Responding positively & quickly to new ideas in business will go in your favour. Domestic scene will be somewhat unpredictable. Monetary gains are likely to be from more than one source. Your charm & generosity bring new romantic opportunities for you. Meditation and self-realization prove beneficial. Traveling with fickle teenager demands lot of patience. Purchasing official accessories can lead to improve growth of your office. Joining hands with humanitarian group in social work would benefit you. PISCES: Calculated risks at professional front will be rewarded with success. You would prefer to relax and enjoy the company of family members in the evening. You will be presented with many new financial schemes. However you must weigh them considering all pros & cons before making any commitment. Love life brightens your week. You will have ample time to do things to improve your health. Planning a trip for your love will embrace you and your spouse. Inheriting property from your relatives seems to be ahead. You would find things moving the way you want them.
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

26th October, 2013 Ruled planet:Saturn Ruled by no:8 Traits in you: Your ruling planet Saturn makes you confident, jolly, creative, and enthusiastic. You are blessed with a very effective intuition. You possess a lot of talent which helps you drive others attention towards you. Though you are gifted with characteristics such as simplicity and honesty, your behavior towards others makes you a hypocrite and selfish person. You need to work on your negative characters to become a better person. Health this year: Your health may deteriorate badly this year. You need to take precautions to restore your health. Finance this year: Your investments will yield incomparable results for you this year. You may spend a good amount of money towards luxury and comfort. You may receive gifts and money from your near and dear ones. However, you will be pretty surprised with the way you have to spend money unnecessarily. Career this year: You may reach new heights in your profession by performing to your caliber. It may win you a promotion or a salary hike. You will be admired by your colleagues and seniors for your work efficiency. Romance this year: Your romantic relationships will go strong and chances of marriage will increase. Lucky month: January, April, July and September 27th October, 2013 Ruled planet:Mars Ruled by no:9 Traits in you: As the planet Mars is your ruling planet, you are blessed with personal traits such as active, daring, friendly, and religious. You are always inclined to music, art, and literature. There are few negative traits in your nature that you need to work on. You should not behave jealous or unpredictable. Health this year: You will be enjoying a sound health this year provided you go for proper medication. You need to get your medical checkup done on time. Finance this year: If you invest on real estate this year, it will be highly beneficial for you. You will be able to make yourself stable financially. You will be taking different jobs of high risk and responsibility. You may travel abroad for business purpose or holidays. Career this year: You believe in research oriented work and make sure your work is perfect. You should behave a bit proactive to show your efficiency in your professional career. You need to plan your year effectively to get benefits from everything you do. You will enjoy exceptional results of your efforts later in the year. You will be however delivering quality in your work. Romance this year: You will enjoy a great romantic life this year. Lucky month: January, May, July and October 28th October, 2013 Ruled planet: Sun Ruled by no:1 Traits in you: As you are governed by the power of the Sun, your ruling planet, you are unique, dynamic, fearless, honorable, responsible and down-to-earth. You do dare to accept any challenge that has been offered to you as you trust your intelligence and efficiency. However, you should have a control of your dominant and destructive attitude. Health this year: Your health will be absolutely fine this year. You may feel very tired if you do some physical work. So you need to go for regular jogging to enhance your stamina. Finance this year: You may face some financial difficulties during the initial months of the year but later you will be able to solve your problems and you will become stable. You should create new contacts and go back to old ones as this year you may require friends to support you during critical financial conditions. You should not put your money in joint venture by partnering someone in their business. Career this year: If you have been waiting for a long time to get a promotion or hike in your salary, this year will end your wait. Romance this year: If you think you are eligible to marry during the end of this year, it may happen. Lucky month: November, February, March and September 29th October, 2013 Ruled planet: 2 Ruled by no:Moon Traits in you: You possess all the characteristics of a perfect personality as you are highly energetic, dependable, disciplined, inventive, honest and warm-hearted. You believe in helping others and you do not show reluctance in spending your time and money for others. Being highly social, you love making new friends and new relationships. However, you need to work on your nature of becoming impatient, careless, and stubborn. Health this year: Your parents may suffer few health related issues. That may increase your medical expenses and tensions. Finance this year: You may find it very rewarding to invest your money in real estate business. You should research on the market vividly before investing on anything. The legal disputes that have been disturbing you for a long time may get solved this year and you will find it satisfactory enough. Career this year: You will get your expected rewards and awards in your professional career this year for your efficiency and achievements. Promotion may be round the corner. Romance this year: You will share a very good relationship with your spouse this year. Lucky month: December, April, June and October 30th October, 2013 Ruled planet:Jupiter Ruled by no:3 Traits in you: Your ruling planet Jupiter makes you creative, humble, daring, honorable and unique. Your powerful characteristics make you very helpful, energetic and enthusiastic. You are a vivid follower of love, peace and harmony. You detest arguments and confrontations. However, you should not behave according to your mood swings. You should learn to control your attitude towards others. Health this year: You would not suffer from any major health issues. However, some of your family members may fall sick for a long time. Finance this year: If you have past investments at place, you will be financially benefited from those. However, you should not try to invest on uncertain investment plans. You may carry out construction or renovation work in your property towards the end of the year. Career this year: You need to be a bit proactive if you want to improve as a professional. Your quick decision making capability will help you receive appreciations from your seniors and colleagues this year. You will have a positive and practical approach towards every work to take on. You may get new tasks and assignments to show your efficiency and you will succeed in bringing out excellent results if you work hard. You should embrace every new idea coming across you as that would help you perform better in your profession. Romance this year: You will be deeply involved with your romantic interest this year and may think to convert your relationship to marriage Lucky month: November, March, July and September 31st October, 2013 Ruled planet: Uranus Ruled by no:4 Traits in you: Being guided by Uranus, you are the owner of the characteristics such as creativity, reliability, and discipline. You are honorable and a bit emotional in nature. You have high expectations for yourself in your life. You like to be a well-known person in your surroundings or locality. However, you become stubborn at times and you need to have a control over this nature. Health this year: You should concentrate on taking a good care of your health to avoid future health issues. You should spend some more time in sports and outdoor activities to remain fit and fine. Finance this year: You may be gained financially if you travel this year. Travelling will also help you gain important and useful information for your use in business. If you are into business, you may go for an overseas trip this year. Career this year: You may face various professional huddles this year. However, you have the ability to deal with those problems with maturity and solve efficiently. To solve any problem arising in your life this year, you need to apply your intelligence and diplomacy. Romance this year: You may get engaged if you are in love. Lucky month: December, May, July and October 1st November, 2013 Ruled planet: Sun Ruled by no: 1 Traits in you: Your ruling planet, the Sun makes you confident, intellectual, religious, creative, and inventive. You have exceptional speaking capacity and you like to be among high society people. Among all your positive characteristics, you have stubbornness as a negative aspect in your nature. You need to eradicate the negatives from your nature to tend to perfection as a human being. Health this year: You may have to celebrate religious functions very frequently at your place to find peace of mind. Finance this year: Your confidence level will go up as a result of developing new partnerships. Your financial status may not take a huge leap, but you can expect stability in future. You may get more than expected at times provided you put your best efforts to achieve your goals. Career this year: You will get support from each and every one in your professional circle and that will allow to learn a lot of things and become successful. Romance this year: You will be successful in providing emotional support to your spouse and children the best way you can. Your spouse may come good on all your expectations and make you feel happy and satisfied. Lucky month: December, February, July, and October
30
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Sharing the divine honey

for a while and told her, The secret of making honey is the most valuable gift you could bring him. The princess did not know what to do. It was forbidden to share the secret of making honey with anyone outside of her kingdom. How could she bring the gift without her mother, the queen, finding out?She decided the best way to bring this gift was to bring to the emperor some of the bees that made the honey. The princess asked one of her attendants to put Throughout the ages, saints and Masters have blessed this earth with their spiritual teachings. Through their grace, suffering souls are able to find a way to reunite with God. Just like the queen who wanted to keep knowledge of honey a secret, so does Kal, the sustaining power, want to keep it secret that God exists and that we can reunite with God. We are kept in ignorance of the most valuable gift of all, experiencing our soul and God. We are in the dark about the Light and sings with divine Music. We see Light of various colors and radiant inner stars, moon, and sun. We come to the most beautiful manifestation of all, the ethereal or radiant form of the Master. This form serves as our inner guide on the further journey within. The Master takes us to even more beautiful realms, from the astral to the causal and supracausal realms until we reach the souls eternal Home, Sach Khand. There, our soul merges back in God. There is no more valuable gift want to partake of this divine honey. How can we be a model to others? Mahatma Gandhi once said, Be the change that you want to see in others. This profound statement holds the key to how we can inspire others to taste of the divine Nectar that has transformed our lives. Rather than telling other people what they should and should not do, we can become an example of what we want others to try. When they see us living up to that example, they, on their own, will be inspired to undergo the
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
here is a story of a beautiful queen who loved to sit under the trees and enjoy the beauty of nature. One day, as she looked up, she noticed a bee flying around a honeycomb. As she sat there, some liquid dripped onto her face. When some dripped onto her lips, she accidentally licked them and was surprised by its sweetness. She thought, This liquid dripping out is sweet. This would be great to add to tea and give it a sweeter flavor. She asked her attendants to collect some of this liquid and bring it to the palace. She took this sweet substance and experimented by flavoring different foods with it. She had discovered honey for the first time and learned how the bees made it. She continued to experiment with it to learn how it could improve the taste of food and beverages. Over time, she taught the people in her kingdom how to cook with honey. This new type of flavoring became popular throughout her kingdom. No other country had ever seen it or heard of it before. Over the years, word spread about this special flavoring that was being made in her kingdom. The queen told the people of her kingdom to keep the information on how honey was made a secret. Although people heard of the honey, no one from her kingdom would divulge the method of how it was made. Years later, the queens daughter, the princess, was invited to visit another country to visit the emperor. It was traditional to bring a gift when visiting the emperor of another country. She thought deeply about what would be special to bring to him. She asked her father, the king, what to bring. Whenever one had a problem, one would ask the wise men for a solution. The king sent for the wisest men in the land to find out what would be the most special gift that the princess could bring with her for the emperor. The princess asked, What do you think would be the most valuable gift that I could bring the emperor? The wise men thought about it
her hair up into an elaborate hair style. She hid the eggs of the bees in the folds of her hair. Then she set off for the other country. Since no one could see the eggs in her hair she was able to transport them from her kingdom. When she reached the distant kingdom, she took care of the eggs until they hatched. She then let them grow into bees that produced the honey. She presented the honey to the emperor. He greatly appreciated the valuable gift she had brought. She then taught the emperor the secret of how bees make honey. The emperor took care of the bees which laid more eggs. Over time they multiplied. They continued to thrive in his country. Soon there were thousands of bees. The honey they produced was used by the people of his land. Unlike the queen who discovered the honey, the emperor did not keep the information on how honey was made a secret. As a result, not only people of his country, but people throughout the world were taught the secret of honey. Before long, everyone around the world knew the secret of honey. This imaginary tale is a beautiful analogy to describe the role of the Masters and saints. The secret they share with the whole world is not physical honey, but the sweet nectar of the Divine. They share with suffering humanity the secret of how to find the sweet nectar of the Divine that leads the soul back to God.
fact that there is God, the soul is a part of God, and we can reunite the soul with God. The honeyed divine nectar that connects us with God is called the holy Naam, Shabd, or the Light and Sound of God. We have forgotten who we are as soul and are ignorant of reuniting our soul with the Creator. The Masters are like the princess who was able to bring the honey out of the kingdom to impart it to the whole world. Just as the princess was able to find a way to bring the honey out of her country even though the queen tried to keep it there, so do Masters find a way to bring us knowledge of the divine honey. They are able to put people in touch with the divine nectar that reconnects our soul with God. How do they do it? They teach people through the process of initiation how to find the spiritual honey within. At the time of holy initiation, they open our third or single eye so we can contact the holy Naam within. They open our inner eye to see the Light of God, and they open our inner ear to hear the Celestial Music, or Sound of God. They teach us a method of meditation by which we can become absorbed into the inner Light and inner Sound within. Once we connect with the inner Light, we see inner vistas unfold for us. We think that honey is delicious. But tastier than outer honey is the honey within. This inner nectar also radiates with divine
that can be brought to humanity than contact with the inner Light and Sound. Just as the princess brought the most valuable gift her kingdom had to offer, which was the secret of making honey, the Masters bring from God to humanity the most valuable gift, the secret of contacting the inner nectar of the Light and Sound within us. The Masters are selfless and sharing. Unlike the queen who wanted to keep the secret for herself, the Masters want to share their gift with all humanity. They are generous and want to make sure the whole world avails itself of this blessing. They make their gift known to all sincere seekers after truth. They bring this gift to people of all countries. They share the gift with people of all religions. They share it with people of all walks of life, from the rich to the poor, from those who are highly literate to those who are illiterate. They share it with people of all cultures. Just as the princess gave the honey to the emperor freely, and he, in turn, freely shared the knowledge of it with the rest of the world, so do the Masters share the gift of Naam with the world. They do not hold back the secret from anyone. How can we share the divine honey within? How can we be like the princess who shared the secrets so the whole world can benefit? The best way we can share the gift of what we receive with others is to be a model to inspire others to
Throughout the ages, saints and Masters have blessed this earth with their spiritual teachings. Through their grace, suffering souls are able to find a way to reunite with God.
same transformation. There are several ways in which we can be the change we want others to undergo. It is a process of three steps: step one is meditation; step two is ethical living; and step three is leading a life of intoxication, joy, and bliss. If we can stop telling others how to live, but start leading a life of ethical living, meditation, and bliss ourselves, then others, on their own, will want to follow our lead. There are many people who preach leading an ethical life. But on closer examination, many of them are hypocrites who profess one way of living but do not follow it themselves. The end result is that when others see the mismatch between what the hypocrites say and what they do, others feel the hypocrites are not honest. Others see through them. This gives a bad name to leading an ethical life because others see such people teaching it but not living it. If we want to inspire others to lead an ethical life, then we need to first do so ourselves. (To be continued...)
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.
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The South Asian Times

County Executive Ed Mangano with wife Linda.

Historic support for Ed Mangano from Indians in Long Island

October 26-November 1, 2013

October 26-Novemer 1, 2013

I enjoy a growing support from the South Asian community...

Historic support for Ed Mangano from Indians in Long Island ...

A strong anti-incumbency mood prevailing in India: Arun Jaitley

October 26-November 1, 2013

Indian and Russian armies hold war games in Rajasthan

Free tech seminars on Long Island

3 Indian-Americans for US Institute of Medicine

For seat reservation: techtrends.eventbrite.com

October 26-November 1, 2013

Sikh group filing improper suits against Congress leaders

SEWA hosts fundraiser to mark Swami Vivekanandas 150th birthday

Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Azad Anand, Manick Sorcar and Jagdish Sewhani

FOGANA's ex-treasurer charged with theft

Singer Falus album Foras Road up for two Grammy nominations

Kerala-born NYPD cop felicitated

Captain Stanley George

October 26-November 1, 2013

NYTS presents Tamil super singers at Diwali event

for wearing kirpan

Nina Davuluri at White House

October 26-November 1, 2013

Global Entry to revolutionize Indo-US travel, commerce

Senate confirms Ranee Ramaswamys appointment to arts council

Bharatnatyam exponent Ranee Ramaswamy

Arvind Kejriwal reaches out to 11000 globally on Google hangout

Aam Aadmi Party supporters at Atlanta hangout

October 26-November 1, 2013

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos

Fighting for a second term

The incumbent George Maragos

October 26-November 1, 2013

Obama appeals to allies to stick with health law

Casinos in New York? Voters referendum Nov. 5

Chris Christie well-positioned to win a second term

Sticker price at public universities holding steady

October 26-November 1, 2013

I too may be killed but I don't care: Rahul

Harsh Vardhan is BJP's Delhi CM candidate

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Rajasthan

Former state health minister Harsh Vardhan

Time to oust Congress, usher in surajya: Modi

SC orders CBI probe of Radia tapes

Former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia

October 26-November 1, 2013

Kudankulam top Manmohan-Putin talks Arrested sailors of US ship

The ship is owned by a closely held American company Advan Fort

For January 2014

October 26-November 1, 2013

Versatile Manna Dey gave songs masculinity

'Manna Dey was a strict disciplinarian'

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India, China strategic ties must for changing world

Rahul taking tried and tested route for 2014

October 26-November 1, 2013

The David who defeated the modern-day Goliath

Ted Cruz breaks political crockery right and left

October 26-November 1, 2013

Women romance with fast and gifts on Karwa Chauth