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Vol.10 No. 8 June 24-30, 2017 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Kovind is BJPs nominee

for President
New Delhi: With 17 opposition
parties picking former Lok Sabha
Speaker Meira Kumar to take on
NDA's Ram Nath Kovind, the
stage is set for a DalitversusDalit
contest for the country's top con
stitutional post.
Congress President Sonia
Gandhi announced the name of
party leader Meira Kumar at a
meeting of the 17 parties includ
ing the Left, Trinamool Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads a mass yoga session in Lucknow on
SP, BSP, DMK and the National June 21. Yoga is Indias gift to the world, he said. It is at his behest that
the UN declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014.
Conference.
With Meira Kumar, opposition picks a DalitvsDalit battle. More IDY stories on pg 12, 1617.
Earlier, putting to rest all specu
However, BJPled NDA has the requisite numbers to
lation, the BJP announced Dalit
get the former Bihar governor elected.
leader and Bihar Governor Ram
Nath Kovind as the NDA nominee
for next months presidential poll.
Briefing mediapersons after a
Nath Kovind has always fought
for the betterment of Dalits and
other backward castes. Kovind
Modi, Trump to
Minister Nitish Kumar. Nitish
Kumar said Kovind is a nice per
son and has been very good as
parliamentary board meeting, is being supported by NDA part Bihar Governor.
party chief Amit Shah said: Ram ner Shiv Sena and Bihar Chief
discuss terrorism,
RELATED STORIES ON PAGE 11

Trumps top economic aide

Jainism for world
named envoy to India economic ties
peace & harmony New Delhi: During his visit to the not only India but also many other
Washington DC, Prime Minister countries.
The Acharya
Narendra Modi will discuss issues "We do talk to all countries, our
gave an
ranging from terrorism and friends and partners on how to
exclusive
regional security to economic counter crossborder terrorism
interview to
cooperation with US President and international terrorism,"
The South Asian
Donald Trump, it was announced Baglay said.
Times about his
on Thursday. "So it is logical to assume that
message,
Modi would meet Trump on June the issues of global and regional
campaigns
26 afternoon during which the security, and terrorism would fig
and Jainism.
focus would be on "further push ure in the discussions among the
See page 15. Kenneth I Justers announcement as US ing and developing economic and two leaders." He added that all
ambassador to India came ahead of PM Modis visit commercial cooperation for mutu matters of bilateral interest would
New York: Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni, founder of to White House. (Photo courtesy AFP) al benefit of the two countries", be on the table.
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti in India, addressed the
Washington: Kenneth I Juster, a top economic aide of External Affairs Ministry "When the two leaders meet, it is
opening session of the 3rd International Day of
President Trump and an expert on India, is set to be spokesperson Gopal Baglay told not our practice to constrain the
Yoga celebration at the UN here. This weekend,
United States new ambassador to New Delhi, the reporters. Baglay added that agenda. The leaders have the
he is organizing a World Peace and Harmony
White House said Thursday. Juster, 62, who is the regional security and terrorism entire gamut of relationship for
conference in New Jersey and the next week
Deputy Assistant to the US president for International would also be on the agenda. them to talk. We can't say which
addressing the JAINA convention in Edison.
Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of his National "Our concerns regarding terror matters would be taken up and
Indeed, Lokesh Muni is earning renown for striv
Economic Council, would replace Richard Verma if ism emanating from Pakistan are which won't be," he added.
ing to bring harmony and peace through inter
nominated and confirmed by the Senate.Ken Justers well known. Terrorism that SEE RELATED STORIES
faith dialogue.
move to Indian Ambassador Continued on page 4 emanates from there has affected ON PAGE 13.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY June 24-30, 2017 3

Shri Guruvananda Swami visiting NYNJ this weekend

New York: Gurudev Brahmrishi Shri
Guruvanand Swami Ji will be giving his grace
in the tristate area this weekend. Gurudev is
one of the most esteemed saints of India and
has been visiting Ameica for some years. But
this time Gurudevs most important priority is
to give everyone hugs and blessings in a very
calm and blissful environment so you can get
the most benefit from his divine energy, says
a statement from a group of his devotees
New York and New Jersey Guru Pariwar. The
inner peace and tranquility youll feel from
his presence and blessings will be a blissful
experience. For many of us it has a lifealter
ing event, they vouch.
He is an enlightened master and a great
scholar of the indigenous religions of India
including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
or Christianity and Islam and Sikhism. He did
over 45 years of sadhana and invoked all
Chakras of his Kundalini the pinnacle of
spirituality achieved only by a few living
sages. Gurudev is using the divine energy he
has thus achieved to make a positive differ
ence in the lives of hundreds of thousands of
people all over the world. For the devotees
what matters is as described in the coffee
table book titled The Divine Guru: The Divine
Personality and Teachings of His Holiness,
Brahmrishi Shri Gurvanand Swami (published
by Vishwa Dharma Chetana Manch, Tirupati)
Like a loving father, he holds us by the hand
and walks with us with loving compassion
giving us no reason to fear falling for we find
His protective hands nearby each time we fal
ter and stumble. Gurubhaktas gravitate
towards Him inspired by the singularly sim
ply worded messages that their heart seeks to
mull and ponder over again and again; these
simple words and phrases expressing deep
spiritual truths provide solace to our spiritu
al yearning, raising our spirit and comforting
us always in moments of toil and turmoil.
The copiously illustrated book goes on
claim, To those who ponder over Shri
Gurudevs teaching with a sense of dedication
and surrender, focusing on his Divine Lotus
Feet shall be rewarded with a spiritually ful
filling understanding and an insight into the
way of Divine Life that is noble and shining in
its glory and power.
There are only three events planned this
weekend in New York and New Jersey: On
June 23 in Community Center Auditorium in
Flushing, NY; on June 24, at Wheatley School
in Old Westbury, NY; and on June 25 at
Hindu Community Center in Kearney, NJ. All
Gurudevs events are organized as a public
service and there is no charge. But registra
tion is required as space is limited only to
600800 people at each venue. Only three sessions have been planned
Website for free registration: for people to have darshan of
GurujiUSAvisit.com this spiritual master.

Jas Mayall appointed to SRLC raises funds for charity

LI board of American
Heart Association
East Meadow, NY:
Jaspreet S. Mayall,
Partner in the
Telecommunications
Group and
Debtor/Creditor Rights
and Bankruptcy Group at
Certilman Balin Adler &
Hyman, LLP, has been
appointed to the Long
Island Board of the
American Heart
Association for a term of
three years. It is a privi
lege to be appointed to
the board of the American
Heart Association, said Mr.
Mayall. As a person of South
Asian descent, I am aware
that our community has a
disproportionate risk of fac
ing heart disease and stroke,
he continued, and I would
like to help serve my commu
nity through greater aware
ness.
Mr. Mayall is also an appoint
ed member of the Committee
on Character and Fitness for
the Second, Tenth and
Eleventh Judicial Districts.
He was named to the New
York Metro Super Lawyers
list for the years 2010, and
Jaspreet Mayall is partner
at a law firm.
every year since from 2013
until 2016. A few years ago,
he was honored as an Indian
American Leader with the
Nassau County Community
Service Award. He earned his
Bachelor of Business
Administration from Hofstra
University in 1988 and his
Juris Doctorate from the
Hofstra University School of
Law in 1991.
Certilman Balin Adler &
Hyman, LLP is Long Islands
second largest fullservice
law firm with offices in
Nassau and Suffolk Counties
and New Jersey.
hospital in Gujarat
New York: Shrimad Rajchandra
Love and Care USA (SRLCUSA)
Chairman of Forsythe
Media Group, NJ State
organized 7 awareness events Senator Kip Bateman, NJ
in NYNJPA area over the last State Assemblyman
7 weeks as a part of a cam Andrew Zwicker, NY State
paign to increase the aware Assemblyman Andrew
ness of its ongoing and upcom Raia, Mayor of
ing projects to help the under Parsippany James
served both in USA and India. Barberio, NYC Council
The events raised funds for a members Rory Lancman
200bed charitable multispe and Barry Grodenchik.
cialty hospital, called Shrimad The Shrimad Rajchandra
(from left) Snehal Shah President SRLC USA; Martin
Rajchandra Hospital (SRH), to Hospital will cost over
Tuchman, philanthropist and entrepreneur; Bobbi Shah,
be built in the tribal areas of $15 million to build (con
Sr. VP and Financial Advisor at UBS.
South Gujarat. struction is to start later
Multimedia presentations nitaries, public officials, business lead this year) with the annual
were made at the events held in Long ers, and representatives of humanitar operating costs to be close to $1.8
Island, Manhattan, and Queens in New ian and philanthropic organizations million. It will be located on a 5acre
York; Paramus, Kingston, and such as Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, phi site and will replace the existing 75
Parsippany in New Jersey; and Fort lanthropist Martin Tuchman, Sharad bed facility built in 2004. For more
Washington in Pennsylvania. Over Shah President of Share and Care information visit www.srlcusa.org or
1,000 people attended including dig Foundation, Kamlesh Mehta call (707)USASRLC.
Yoga day celebrated in Long Island
Hicksville, NY: The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) in coop
eration with various organizations celebrated International
Day of Yoga at the Asa Mai Temple here on Sunday. Art of
Living, Braham Kumaris, Sadgurus Isha Foundation, Ranju
Narang of Om Meditation participated. Jain guru Acharya
Lokesh Muni came to bless the audience. Jagdish Sewhani
of HSS said that yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiri
tual practice that originated in India 5000 year ago and that
in December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly
declared June 21 as IYD after a call made by PM Modi
Jagdish Sewhani of HSS (left) and others at the event. during his address to the UNGA on September 27, 2014.
 4 June 24-30, 2017 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Pence to address USIndia biz No recordings of talks

council after Modi visit
Washington DC: US Vice presi
dent Mike Pence will be the chief
speaker at the annual meeting of
the USIndian Business Council
(USIBC), an advocacy organiza
tion, on June 27, a day after vis
iting Prime Minister Narendra
Modis meeting with President
Donald Trump.
Navtej Sarna, Indian
Ambassador to the US, and
Congressman Pete Sessions,
Chairman House Committee on
Rules, will deliver special
remarks at the USIBC gala.
"The Council believes that this
is a vibrant period for the two
nations and the growing partner
ship is deeper and broader than
Vice President Mike Pence
ever before. We expect the
upward trajectory to continue,"
said Mukesh Aghi, USIBC presi
dent.
At the event, the USIBC will
also present its '2017 Global
Leadership Awards' to Andrew
Liveris, chairman and CEO of The
Dow Chemical Company, and Adi
Godrej, chairman of the Godrej
Group, for creating inclusive
business environments, integrat
ing India in the global supply
chain and advancing core values
such as manufacturing, innova
tion and scale in tough market
conditions, a statement said.
USIBC was formed in 1975 as a
business advocacy organization
to encourage the private sectors
of both India and the US to
enhance investment flows.
with Comey: Trump
Washington: President Donald
Trump denied having recorded
conversations with James Comey,
the former FBI director Trump
fired last month.
"I have no idea whether there
are 'tapes' or recordings of my
conversations with James Comey,
but I did not make, and do not
have any such recordings,"
Trump tweeted on Thursday,
Xinhua news agency reported.
The tweet was an effort to there are no 'tapes' of our conver
quell questions whether he sations before he starts leaking
recorded his private conversa to the press!" prompting wide
tions with Comey in the White spread speculation that such
House and by phone before firing recordings existed.
him. Neither Trump nor the White
Trump tweeted on May 12, House gave out recordings since
days after firing the FBI chief that then, and were reluctant to con
"James Comey better hope that firm if such recordings did exist.

Lawyer to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro Trumps top economic aide named envoy to India
Continued from page 1

to raise funds for ALS
New Jersey: Even for the
intrepid traveler Nirali Shah,
this is a dare: she is going to
climb Mt. Kilimanjaro start
ing June 21 to raise money
for the ALS Association,
Greater New York Chapter
and honor her late mother,
Sonal Shah, who died from
the disease in 2015.
My dad was born and
raised in Tanzania, my mom
had always wanted to go,
Shah, a lawyer, said. But we
were unable to go before
my mom was diagnosed, so
I thought doing Kilimanjaro,
the tallest mountain in
Nirali Shah with her mother Sonal Shah who died
Africa, would be a great
of ALS in 2015. (Image courtesy: crowdwise.com)
way to fulfill her dream and
raise money at the same time. As
the mountain towers at a stagger
ing 19,341 feet, Shah has set her
fundraising goal at the same exact kilimanjaro .
number, amassing more
than half of that total so far
through a crowdfunding
page.
Shah said that her mother
began participating in
Bridgewaters ALS Walk for
Life in 2012, also traveled
multiple times to
Washington, D.C., for the
ALS National Advocacy Day
and Public Policy
Conference. She also wrote a
book entitled My Life,
Legacy and ALS, which she
completed with her one
working finger after being
diagnosed with the disease.
Shahs crowdfunding page
is at https://www.crow
drise.com/teamsonaltacklesmt
is because he is extremely qualified for the position, White House
deputy spokesperson Lindsay E Walters told PTI. Ken has a strong and
positive relationship with everyone in the White House, including the
president, Walters said.
The move comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis first meet
ing with Trump at the White House on June 26. The move has been wel
comed by widely respected Ashley Telis, the top India expert in the US.
Ken knows India well and actually was deeply involved in successful
bilateral negotiations between the two countries. The Indians will wel
come him enthusiastically. He is a known quantity, Tellis told The
Washington Post.
Verma, the first IndianAmerican to head this position, put in his
papers when Trump replaced Barack Obama as the US President.
Juster, a lawyer from Harvard, has deep experience working on India
policy issues and the USIndia ties.
As a senior Commerce Department official during the George W Bush
administration, he served as the US chair of the USIndia High
Technology Cooperation Group, and was one of the key architects of the
Next Steps in Strategic Partnership initiative between the US and India.
That work helped form the foundation for the landmark civil nuclear
agreement between the two countries in 2008.
He holds a law degree from the Harvard Law School, a master's degree
in Public Policy from the John F Kennedy School of Government at
Harvard, and a bachelor's degree in Government from Harvard College.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY June 24-30, 2017 5

Jains biggest meet to be held in Edison July 4 weekend

The theme for the biennial JAINA convention is Jainism and Science
Edison, NJ: The 19th Biennial
Convention of JAINA, the federa
tion of Jain organizations of North
America, is planned as a Treasure
Trove of excitement, education
and entertainment. The June 30
July 4 meet at the New Jersey
Convention and Exposition Center
here will be attended by over
4,000 people, which is more than
any previous convention.
Lectures, breakout sessions, cul
tural, youth and young profession
als events have been planned
over the 5day period. Six tracks
to be covered to highlight Jain
philosophy and social services are:
Jainism and science, education,
diaspora, quality of life, communi
ty, professionals, entrepreneur
ship, and ecology.
The theme for the 2017 conven
tion is: Jainism and Science.
Many spiritual dignitaries, scien
tists, and professionals will show
case how Jain principles, values
and heritage have numerous links
to science. They will elaborate on
the ways in which Jainism had an
understanding of todays environ
mental challenges, and of science,
centuries ago.
Keynote speakers include
Acharya Lokesh Muni and Shri
Abhay Firodia, President of
Veerayatan. The first day will wit
ness a Grand Blessing
Ceremony by gurus and scholars
as well as temple opening. The
evening entertainment is
Ras/Garba by Uday Mazumdar &
Rekha Trivedi.
Likewise, every day will blend
religious ceremonies, discussions,
and performances. For example,
on July 1, the day will start with a
outdoor grand procession that
will have a Rath with Teerthankar
Pratimaji, gurujis and scholars,
and various sanghs displaying
their banners. The days events
include a Veerayatan presentation
by Acharya Shri Chandanaji and
other sadhvis and Navkar Mantra
Dhun by Shree Kummar
Chatterjee. The play Jiyo Ji
Bharke based on the Jivdaya
theme will portray the suffering
of animals in a laboratory.
For the youth (age 623) pro
grams include Young Jain
Professionals (YJP), Jain Academic
Bowl, Jains Got Talent and Jain
Milan. Separate programs are
planned for other age groups.
As per Gunvant Shah, convener,
this JAINA meet has added a new
event the Matrimonial program
where people are able to meet and
get to know each other,
JAINA is an umbrella organiza
tion of 65 chapters including Jain
temples, sanghs, societies and
centers aimed to preserve and
share Jain Dharma and the Jain
Way of Life. Its head office is in
Milpitas, CA.
For more information, visit
www.convention.jaina.org.

CRY America raises Brookhaven Heart opens new

$120K at NY fundraiser
New York: CRY, Child
Rights & You America
Inc, a nonprofit that
works towards ensur
ing underprivileged
children their basic
rights, hosted their
annual gala here on
June 9 at The Taj
Pierre Hotel. Celebrity
guest Arjun Rampal
joined in to amplify
the voices of under
privileged children
Celebrity guest Arjun Rampal with dinner committee
and support the
cause. The evening
was attended by over 140 guests from the
NYNJ area and raised $120,000 for chil
drens rights. Besides raising awareness for
the cause, it was an enjoyable evening with
dinner, cocktails, auction, entertainment,
music and dancing. Arjun Rampal mesmer
ized the guests with his charming personal
ity and showcased the trailer of Daddy,
his production set to release on July 21. In
a live Skype call guests interacted with Dr.
Rolee Singh from CRY supported Project
SSRF in Varanasi and 14 year old Akeela
related how she was saved from child mar
riage and went back to school to pursue
her dreams.
The auction featured paintings donated
by noted Indian artists Ram Kumar, JMS
Mani, Vasudev, Vaikuntam, Solanki &
Anuradha Thakur; fashion ensembles
donated by JJ Vallaya, Abu JaniSandeep
Khosla, Neeta Lulla, Ritu Kumar; an evening
clutch by Sabyasachi; jewelry pieces donat
members at the event.
ed by Raj Jewels, Aquamarine, Surat
Diamonds & ReeMat Collections; record
albums autographed by Prince and the
Rolling Stones and a Beatles concert poster
autographed by Paul McCartney & Ringo
Starr. CRY America thanked donors such as
Ajay & Anita Agarwal, Rupal & Harsh Patil,
Roopam & Sanjeev Jain, Meenakshi & Vikas
Mahajan, Sandeep & Nilima Jain, Anupam
Yadav, Kamini & Vijay Dandapani, and Dr.
Hetal Gor.
CRY America works with grassroot proj
ects, communities and local government
agencies to ensure children have quality
education, health care and are protected
from child labor, child marriage & gender
discrimination.
CRY has impacted the lives of 660,600
children living across 3,350 villages and
slums through support to 73 projects.
For more information http://www.ameri
ca.cry.org
facility in New Hyde Park
New Hyde Park, NY: Brookhaven Heart
PLLC, an adult cardiovascular practice,
founded in 2006 with its practice in
Patchogue and since 2013 in New Hyde
Park, is opening a dedicated new center at a
new location in New Hyde Park. Famous
interventional cardiologist Dr Samin K.
Sharma inaugurated the new facility on
June 10. The new center located at 1710
Lakeville Road will open its doors to a full 5
day practice from July 1, 2017. The transi
tion from the present 1day practice makes The new facility was inaugurated by Dr.
the services of state of the art cardiology Samin Sharma (front right) on June 10.
more accessible and available to its valuable
customers. It is geared to deliver compre increasing demand in the community has
hensive cardiovascular services ranging led to the growth of the practice to 6 full
from consultative services and diagnostic time physicians, namely: Satheesh Joseph,
tests to interventional procedures. Deepu Alexander, Natalia Berdize, Bimal
Physicians at Brookhaven Heart are affiliat Patel, and Wasiq Rahman. For a consulta
ed with local hospitals, offering patients tion, you can book online on
their choice while caring for them. The www.brookhavenheart.com
UN chiefs quiet diplomacy to
promote IndiaPak dialogue
United Nations: UN SecretaryGeneral times the Prime Minister of India?"
Antonio Guterres acknowledged on Tuesday "For someone accused of doing nothing it is
that he was engaged in quiet diplomacy to quite number of meetings," he added, amid
promote a dialogue on Kashmir between laughter, as he responded to criticism that he
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz was not doing anything in the face of rising
Sharif, but stopped short of saying that he tensions in the subcontinent. Guterres did not
was trying to mediate on the dispute. expand on what his efforts have been. But his
Asked by a reporter at his first news confer terse reply appeared to make it clear that he
ence at the UN headquarters if was involved was not seeking the role of a mediator or
in bringing about a dialogue between the two directly getting involved in the dispute and
countries to resolve the Kashmir dispute, he that he was only trying to persuade the lead
responded: "Why do you think I met three ers of both countries to resume dialogue so
times the Prime Minister of Pakistan and two they can bilaterally resolve the conflict.
6 June 24-30, 2017
Vegetarian Vision silver jubilee
convention in September
V
egetarian Vision founded in 1992 by
H.K. and Malti Shah is organizing its
25th year international convention, a
two day event on September 9th10th at
Penn Plaza Pavilion Convention Center op
posite Madison Square Garden, 401 Sev
enth Avenue New York, NY. Chairman H.K.
Shah and President, Chandra Mehta along
with the entire team started the prepara
tions a year ago to execute various activi
ties planned for this mega event including a
dozen world renowned speakers on "
Healthy Life / Healthy Planet " plant based
diet's effect on health and planet by world
renowned physicians, nutritionists, environ
mentalists, animal protectionists, vegetarian
and vegan dignitaries. Various food demon
Dietition Rita Batheja wins
prestigious awards
R
ita Batheja, MS, RDN, CDN,
FAND, AFMCP is an Integra
tive and Functional Medi
cine registered Dietitian Nutri
tionist in private practice in Bald
win Harbor. Her notable and for
ward thinking career in the field
of nutrition and dietetics is being
recognized with three distin Rita Batheja
guishing awards in less than two
weeks in May. She broke the Academys his (IADA) Ethnic Networking Group what is
tory in its 100 years. Medallion Award by
the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
now called the Asian Indian Member Inter
est Group (AIND MIG).
NYU College of Dentistry honors
Dr Chad Gehani
D
r. Chad Gehani , American Dental As
sociation trustee was honored by New
York University College of Dentistry
for 35 Years of teaching at the dental college.
Dr.Gehani is a man of many qualitiesa re ally, thus creating strong bonds. During this
spected clinician, visionary leader, passionate
educator, admired mentor, humanitarian and
effective collaborator making significant con
tributions to organized dentistry, oral health
care and dental education. In addition to ad
vocating for the underprivileged people, he
has always been concerned about the future
of dentistry. His vision is to unite the dental
profession, so that the ADA is the Voice of
Dentistry in the United States. He is widely
respected for his ability to bring all the stake
holders together. Dr. Gehanis involvement in
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
IN BRIEF
strations and recipes will be displayed by
celebrity chefs throughout the two day
event. All ethnic mouthwatering food items
will be available at various stalls and
booths. About 100 exhibitor booths have
been planned. World famous yoga gurus
have been invited to speak and demon
strate. For many, this will be a fun filling
weekend enjoying the fashion shows, come
dy, Mr. and Mrs. Vegetarian Pageant, Bolly
wood / Hollywood entertainment. Various
dignitaries have been invited from all over
the world. There will an appreciation Gala
dinner on Saturday evening.
In excess of 25,000 attendees are expect
ed to participate in this event. For more vis
it www .vegetarianvision.org
(TOP AWARD), Visionary Award
from the Dietitians in Integrative
and Functional Medicine Practice
Group of the Academy (DIFM
DPG) and Distinguished Dietitian
of Long Island by the Long Island
Dietetic Association of the Acade
my of Nutrition and Dietetics.
She is the founder of the Indian
American Dietetic Association
organized dentistry started in the early 80s.
For almost four decades, he has been work
ing and collaborating with various associa
tions and organizations, nationally and glob
period, he has mentored and nurtured many
individuals who are involved in leadership
roles at various levels in organized dentistry.
In 2010, he was presented with the Father
of Diversity award in the Dominican Repub
lic and in 2013 he received the Emil Lentchn
er Distinguished Service Award. He has al
ways advocated to preserve Medicaid in NY.
While accepting this honor, Dr. Gehani said
that he has only done his duty by spending
time with future dentists and preparing them
to be good dentists.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Blind Foundation for India raise
funds through musical evening
R
ecently, the 7th An
nual Music Pro
gram to benefit the
Blind Foundation for In
dia (BFI) was organized
by Dr. Dipak Shah and Dr.
Sheela Shah at the Avery
Coonley
Schools Performing
Arts Center, Downers
Grove, Illinois. Over 200
people enjoyed the musi
cal evening with melodi
Dr. Sheela Shah, Dr. Dipak Shah, Dr. Manu Vora, Steve
ous songs by Dr. Dipak
Bynum, Sagar Shah
Shah and Dr. Sheela Shah.
Dinkar Mehta, a comedy king from India ple in India which translates to one out of
entertained the audience with his one lin every three blind people in the world. He
ers. Hitesh Master from the Sa Re Ga Ma also shared exponential power of preven
Orchestra kept the audience engaged tion such as $1 of Vitamin A drops adminis
throughout the evening. Pratibha Jairath
served as an Emcee and a guest artist for
tered from age 46, prevents the child from
going blind.
the evening. Steve Bynum, Senior Producer, Also, in India it costs only $20 per
WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago was the Chief
Guest. He stressed the need to open the
Cataract operation, compared to $4,000 in
the US, a multiplier of 200.
heart and wallet to help the needy visually The current BFI focus is on prevention of
challenged people in India. Through the blindness through Child Sight Projects.
music program, BFI raised over $18,000 Over 750,000 school children have been
which will fund a medical van for the Ra examined for their eyesight and given nec
makrishna Mission, Chandigarh, India. essary glasses, eye drops, Vitamin A, and in
Dr. Manu Vora, President of BFI highlight rare cases Cataract operations. For more
ed the plight of over 15 million blind peo info visit http://www.blindfoundation.org
South Asian Spelling Bee DC &
Charlotte winners announced
C
ontinuing its quest for the best speller Catonsville, Maryland was the regional
in the community, the 2017 South champ, Aryan Nindra (8) of Leesburg, Vir
Asian Spelling Bee traveled to Mary ginia, was the first runner up, and Aditiya
land and North Carolina this past weekend Chezhiyan (13) of Bristow, Virginia, was sec
with stops in the DC Metro Area and Char
lotte. With a huge turnout this year as well,
ond runner up. In Charlotte, Sreeniketh Vo
goti (14) from Jacksonville, Florida was
the Bee attracted some top talent as well as named regional champ, KyuCarlo Alegre
young and new spellers that competed for (12) from Carrollton, Georgia was first run
the coveted prizes and titles. In the DC ner up, and Adrija Rukmini (10) of Charlotte,
Metro Regional, Shaheer Imam (13) of North Carolina, was the second runnerup.
Winners of Charlotte regional Winners of DC Metro Area regional
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Digital video pioneer Arun Netravali Airbnb to buy a startup
wins $100,000 Marconi Prize
Washington, DC: Dr. Arun
Netravali, former president of Bell
Labs (now Nokia Bell Labs), has
been named the winner of the
2017 Marconi Prize, the Marconi
Society announced June 15. The
prize is awarded by the Marconi
Foundation and includes a
$100,000 honorarium and a work
of sculpture.
The Marconi Society, dedicated
to furthering scientic achieve
ments in communications and
related technologies, cited the
Indian American leaders pioneer
ing work on video compression
standards that served as the key
base technology for MPEG 1, 2 and
4 and enabled a wide range of
video services including digital TV,
HDTV, and streaming video, usher
ing in a digital video revolution.
The technology is used in most TV
sets and all mobile phones today.
The awards ceremony will take
place in Summit, New Jersey, Oct.
3, preceded by a symposium at
Nokia Bell Labs in Murray Hill, on
digital video and its societal
impact. Few things have had a
greater impact on communications
in recent years than the digital
INDIANAMERICAN CEOS
WELCOME TRUMPS
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Washington, DC: Indian
American CEOs Indra Nooyi of
Pepsico and Ajay Banga of
Mastercard along with India's IT
major Wipro on Friday joined
scores of US companies in wel
coming President Donald
Trump's ambitious apprentice
ship program aimed at develop
ing jobrelated skills among the
workforce.
"We applaud the president's
commitment to industrydriven
apprenticeships as a powerful
tool to build the skilled work
force prepared for the jobs of
the 21st century," Business
Roundtable a group of chief
executive ofcers of leading US
companies said in a fullpage
advertisement released in The
Wall Street Journal and The New
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
founded by 3 Indian
origin entrepreneurs
Dr Arun Netravali
video revolution led by Arun, said
Dr. Vint Cerf, chairman of the
Marconi Society and Chief Internet
Evangelist at Google. Everywhere
you look, video is transforming the
way we communicate on mobile
devices and how we consume
entertainment and news. Movies,
YouTube, live streamingit is liter
ally transforming how people
interact. The next generation of
video based on this technology,
including virtual reality, promises
to revolutionize video consump
tion, delivery and business models
once again.
Netravalis decadeslong career
at Bell Labs included launching
York Times today.
Abidali Neemuchwala from
Wipro Limited is the only Indian
company to have signed on this
advertisement.
Several IndianAmerican CEOs
including Nooyi, Banga also
signed on this advertisement
supporting Trump's initiative.
Ajita Rajendra from A O Smith
Corporation, Ashok Vemuri from
Conduent Incorporated, Dinesh
C Paliwal from Harman
International Industries,
Bhavesh V Patel from Lyondell
Basell Industries have also
signed.
Besides, the advertisement was
signed by scores of US compa
nies including American Airlines,
Caterpillar, General Motors,
General Electrics and Verizon.
research in video coding and com
pression in the early 1980s, and
HDTV and video networking
research in the early 1990s. He
helped convince the organization
to undertake big system initiatives
like HDTV and Softswitch, and his
research team proved the viability
of HDTV, earning the company a
trial with TV manufacturer Zenith.
That resulted in the rst commer
cially viable HDTV system. HDTV
was a hit with consumersand a
protable enterprise for AT&T.
Netravalli came to the U.S. in
1967 and earned his Ph.D. from
Rice University. He was the rst to
invent an iterative algorithm to
estimate motion of objects on a TV
screen. The cleverness of the algo
rithm is its realtime implementa
tion. He now holds 100 patents in
the areas of computer networks,
human interfaces to machines, pic
ture processing and digital televi
sion.
After retiring from Bell Labs, the
Indian American researcher
became a founder and managing
partner of OmniCapital, a private
equity rm based in Massachusetts
and New Jersey.
Dr. Gautam Samadder takes
over as AAPI president
Washington, DC: The American
Association of Physicians of Indian
Origin have named Dr. Gautam
Samadder as its new president and
elected Dr. Ashok Jain as chairman
of the board of trustees for 2017
2018. I am committed to unify
AAPI by breaking down the barri
ers of various regions, languages,
medical education within the
organization and bringing everyone
together as a whole organization
rather than separate fragments of
the organization, Samadder said.
Samadder, a member of the associa
tion for more than two decades,
was regional director for the AAPI
NE CentralII Region and had
served as the editorinchief of the
AAPI Journal. Additionally, he was
elected as secretary of AAPI in
2014.
Prior to this, he served as the
regional director in Ohio and
Michigan for two consecutive years
New York: Leading online lodging
service Airbnb is buying a
Californiabased background
check startup founded by three
Indianorigin entrepreneurs in
2014 as it seeks to protect its
users and hosts from undesirable
and fraudulent people.
A report in Fortune magazine
said Airbnb is buying Trooly, a
startup that specializes in technol
ogy that helps conduct back
ground checks.
Trooly was cofounded by Savi
Baveja, Anish Das Sarma and
Nilesh Dalvi. According to proles
of the founders on the Trooly
website, Baveja, who is also the
company's CEO, had previously
served as senior partner at the
strategy consulting rm Bain &
Company, and a member of the
Bain Board of Directors.
Sarma, the company's Chief
Technology Ofcer, is a gold
medalist from IIT and has worked
at Google Research and Yahoo
Research. Dalvi, Trooly's Chief
Dr Gautam Samadder
in 2010 and 2011, as well as serv
ing as the AAPI Central Ohio presi
dent from 2008 through 2010,
among several other leadership
posts.
As president of the national AAPI,
Samadder wants to support the
growth of global and IndiaU.S. ties
and to support and promote chari
table activities through AAPI both
in the U.S. and India, he said. As I
June 24-30, 2017 7
Airbnb is buying Trooly,
a startup that special-
izes in technology that
helps conduct back-
ground checks. Trooly
was co-founded by Savi
Baveja, Anish Das
Sarma and Nilesh Dalvi.
Science Ofcer, is an IIT alumnus
and has worked at Facebook and
Yahoo Research.
Trooly said on its website that it
uses public and permissible digital
footprints to understand and pre
dict the trustworthiness of individ
uals and businesses. It uses mini
mal and nonintrusive identity
information as input and returns
"trust" ratings which incorporate
screening for undesirable past
behaviors.
The Fortune report said an
Airbnb spokesperson conrmed
the acquisition but did not dis
close the price or the number of
workers involved. (PTI)
have shown over the past decades
in my roles as a regional director,
treasurer, secretary, vice president
and presidentelect of AAPI, and
now as the president, I will contin
ue to work to create advocacy and
community services, escalating
protability, productivity and popu
larity of AAPI, Samadder vowed.
The Indian American also
pledged to promote globalization of
education as well as work towards
creating awareness and promote
the level of involvement of the
Indian American medical communi
ty, and to foster the increasing
strength and grown of our beloved
nation. Samadder will take over
ofcially as president June 25 at
the annual AAPI convention. Jain is
the chief medical ofcer for
Beaumont Hospital in Wayne, Mich.
He has been associated with AAPI
since its initial launch over 35
years ago.
 8 June 24-30, 2017
Sikh man arrested, handcuffed
for carrying kirpan
Washington, DC: A 33yearold
Sikh convert was handcuffed and
arrested in the US for carrying a
kirpan after a customer at a gro
cery store called police.
Harpreet Singh Khalsa, who
was born as Justin Smith, has
worn the ceremonial knife known
as a kirpan every day since he
converted to Sikhism nine years
ago.
Khalsa, who owns a catering
business, was quoted by The
Baltimore Sun as saying that he
has been stopped multiple times
by police, and was arrested again
last week outside a grocery store
in Catonsville, Maryland, after a
customer called police.
Khalsa said he explained to the
ofcers that the knife is part of
his religion, but they frisked him,
took the kirpan, placed him in
handcuffs and drove him to the
local precinct.
Khalsa was later released with
out charges, after police "con
rmed that the knife was a kir
pan and part of his religion, and
not a threat to the community,"
Sacked Infosys employee
in U.S. files lawsuit
against the company
Washington, DC: Sacked
Immigration Head of Infosys Ltd,
Erin Green, has led a lawsuit
before the U.S. District Court in
Texas, alleging discrimination and
retaliation by the senior manage
ment of the global software com
pany. The civil suit, led on June
19 in the Eastern District of Texas
(Sherman Division), seeks a trial
by jury on the alleged discrimina
tion against nonAsian employees
at the companys ofces in the
U.S., resulting in Greens dismissal
nearly a year ago. Green, who
joined the IT major in October
2011 at Plano in Texas, ques
tioned his dismissal on June 28,
2016, while he was tasked to ana
lyze and rectify all H1B, L1 and
I9 and other U.S. immigration
compliancerelated issues.
Plaintiff (Green) was subjected
to discriminatory measures of
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Harpreet Singh Khalsa was arrested outside a grocery store
(Image courtesy: baltimoresun.com)
Baltimore County Ofcer Jennifer
Peach was quoted as saying.
"The ofcer did follow all
Maryland and county laws prop
erly in this incident. There is no
known exception to the deadly
weapons laws at this time," Peach
said.
She said the department is pro
viding education and guidance to
increasing severity designed to
undermine both his position and
his professional credibility within
the defendant (Infosys), said the
lawsuit, a copy of which has been
accessed by IANS from a source in
the know of the case.
An Infosys spokesperson, how
ever, declined to respond to the
charges in the lawsuit, saying we
cannot comment on an ongoing
litigation. During his veyear
tenure with the companys
American subsidiary, Green
worked under global immigration
head Vasudava Nayak and global
talent head Binod Hampapur in its
Human Resources Department.
My dismissal was a result of
retaliation for reporting discrimi
natory treatment of self and other
executives based on race and
national origin, said Green in the
complaint. (IANS)
its ofcers about Sikhs and their
culture.
"This incident clearly illustrates
that this is an increasingly
diverse county, and BCoPD
(Baltimore County Police
Department) works hard to
understand and respect the many
cultures that call Baltimore
County home," Peach said.
17yearold Muslim girl assaulted,
killed after leaving Virginia mosque
Washington, DC: The Virginia teens
were up late observing Ramadan, so
they did what young people often do
in the wee hours of the weekend:
They went out for a bite to eat at
McDonalds.
But as they walked and biked back
to the All Dulles Area Muslim
Society mosque in Sterling, along a
major thoroughfare, a red car
approached from behind about 3:40
a.m. Sunday and chaos erupted.
The driver, Darwin Martinez
Torres, a 22yearold construction
worker from Sterling, got into an
argument with a teen on a bike and
then drove his car over a curb, scat
tering the group of as many as 15
teens, police said. He caught up with
them a short time later in a parking
lot and chased them with a baseball
bat, striking 17yearold Nabra
Hassanen and then abducting her in
his car, police said.
Martinez Torres assaulted Nabra a
second time, in Loudoun County,
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Vice President Mike
Pence applauds
contribution of Sikhs
Washington: Vice President Mike
Pence has lauded the contribution
of Sikhs saying the community
should continue to serve in the
military and public ofces at local,
state and federal levels in the
country. Pence, 58, said the com
munity's "issues" were close to his
heart and he was aware of them.
"The Sikh Community and its
issues are always close to my
heart and I always admire the
contribution of Sikhs in Indiana
and across the United States,"
Pence told a Sikh delegation in
Indianapolis.
"I am fully aware of Sikh aware
ness issues since my days as
Governor," Pence told Sikhs
Political Action Committee
(SikhsPAC), led by Gurinder Singh
Khalsa.
The main topic of discussion
with the delegation was Sikh
awareness and introduction of
Sikh history in public history cur
riculum through federal depart
ment of education.
Nabra Hassanen
before dumping her body in a pond
next to his apartment complex,
where it was discovered about 3
p.m. on Sunday, police said. The
medical examiner ruled Monday
that the girl died of bluntforce trau
ma to the head and neck.
Relatives identied the slain teen
as Nabra Hassanen, 17, right, of
Pence also admired the efforts
of SikhsPAC for encouraging the
community's participation in the
main stream politics.
During the meeting, Pence reaf
rmed his commitment to Sikh
community and encouraged it to
continue to give back in the form
of serving in the military and pub
lic ofces at local, state and feder
al level. Early this week, Khalsa
visited Washington DC and met
about two dozen Senators and
Congressmen.
He also attended US Global
Leadership Coalition where about
500 world faith leaders, veterans
and elected leaders participated to
inuence the American foreign
aid policies.
Pence was the rst siting
Governor who attended the Sikh
Parade and bestowed the highest
civilian award to a Sikh in 2015.
The US state of Indiana has
passed a resolution recognizing
Sikhs' "signicant contributions"
to America.
Reston. (All Dulles Area Muslim
Society Center)
The horric slaying of the South
Lakes High School student reverber
ated beyond Virginia on Monday, as
social media lit up with anger and
grief, politicians expressed condo
lences and groups of various faiths
condemned the violence.
Many feared it was another hate
crime targeting Muslims, coming
shortly before a man driving a truck
in London plowed into a group of
people who had just nished
Ramadan prayers. It follows a
national upswing in attacks target
ing Muslims since the November
election.
So far, Fairfax County police said
they have no indication that Nabra
was targeted because of her reli
gion, saying her killing was proba
bly a road rage incident, although
they continue to investigate the
motivation.
(News source: Washington Post)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Republican wins hyped
Congressional election in Georgia
Washington: The Republicans
have won a closely contested US
Cong ressional e lect ion in
Georgia, seen by many as a ref
erendum on Donald Trump's
presidency, a media report said.
Karen Hande l retained the
Atlanta seat for the Republicans
with 53 per cent of the vote,
against 47 for her Democratic
rival Jon Ossoff, the BBC report
ed on Wednesday.
House Speaker Paul Ryan con
gratulated Handel on a "hard
earned" victory.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina,
Republican Ralph Norman beat
Democrat Archie Parnell in a
solidly conservat ive area.
President Trump congratulated
both candidates.
On the victory in suburban
Atlanta, Trump tweeted:
"Cong ratulat ions to Karen
Hande l on her big w in in
Georgia 6th. Fantastic job, we
Kamala Harris steals
a spotlight in Russia
probe hearings
Sen. Kamala Harris dogged questioning of Attorney General
Sessions rattled him.
Washington DC: Having been
Californias attorney general is
helping Kamala Harris, Indian
AfricanAmerican senator repre
senting her state.
Having been in ofce only ve
months but on the intelligence
committee, she is grabbing the
limelight. Her rapidre interro
gations of Attorney General Jeff
Sessions and other witnesses
have exploded on social media,
energizing her Democratic base
and stirring more speculation
that shes positioning herself
for a presidential run, the con
versations she tried to fend off.
At the recent televised intelli
gence committee hearing,
Harris had only ve minutes to
get answers out of Sessions, and
while she didnt get much, she
managed to rattle him.
She pressed Sessions on his
claim that it was longstanding
federal policy for U.S. attorneys
general to keep their conversa
tions with the president con
dential. She asked him if had
Karen Handel narrowly beat her Democratic
rival Jon Ossoff for the Atlanta seat.
are all very proud of you!"
Georgia's sixth district is a tradi
tionally safe Republican seat but
Democrats had hoped to capital
ize on the President's low
approval rat ings, the BBC
reported. Spending on candi
any documents to verify that
policy, and Sessions responded
hed supply the committee with
documents, as appropriate.
Can you please tell me what
you mean when you say appro
priate? Harris shot back, amid
an exchange where they both
talked over each other.
After Sessions said he couldnt
recall any talking with Russian
businessmen at the 2016
Republican convention, Harris
cut him off again, and Sessions
objected.
Will you let me qualify it?
the attorney general responded,
his voice rising. If I don't quali
fy it, you'll accuse me of lying.
So I need to be correct as best I
can. Im not able to be rushed
this fast. It makes me nervous.
Harris also generated wide
publicity by twice being cut off
by male Republicans in recent
intelligence committee hear
ings, once by chairman Sen.
Richard Burr and then by Sen.
John McCain.
US AFFAIRS
dates was put at $56 million,
making it the costliest
Congressional election in US his
tory.
Democrats have already suf
fered narrow defeats in Kansas
and Montana this year.
President Trump's state
visit to the UK put on hold
London: The UK government has
put on hold plans to welcome US
President Donald Trump to the UK
for maybe the next two years, it
was conrmed on Wednesday.
The US president was originally
scheduled to visit Britain this sum
mer, but he postponed his trip
until the autumn following huge
public protests across the country.
The visit has now been dropped
for the foreseeable future, howev
er, with Prime Minister Theresa
May omitting it in her Queen's
Speech, which covers the govern
ment's plans for the next two
years.
The only state visit listed in the
speech is a visit in July from the
king and queen of Spain.
Traditionally all planned state
visits for the period covered by
the speech are listed by the Queen
in advance.
T he decision not to include
Trump's visit adds credence to
earlier reports that the president
was unwilling to visit the UK while
the threat of further protests
against him remained.
Trump reportedly told May in a
phone call that he would not
undertake a visit until the British
public opinion turned.
But a Trump ofcial told the
BBC: "The two governments are
discussing dates."
Number 10 said the Queen had
not mentioned the visit because
no date had been set.
US will work to restore
deconfliction link with
Russia in Syria
Washington: The US will work to
restore the deconiction channel
with Russia in Syria that Moscow
suspended after Washington's
forces downed a Syrian warplane,
an ofcial said here.
At a luncheon in Washington,
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff Joseph Dunford said that the
US would work both by diplomatic
and military channels to reestab
lish the line of communications to
avoid confrontations and reduce
tensions, adding that there are still
ways to avoid clashes although US
and coalition forces can fully
defend themselves, Efe news
reported.
"I'm condent that we are still
communicating between the coali
tion operations centre and the
Russian operations center," he said,
adding that "I think the worst thing
any of us could do would be to
address this with hyperbole."
In the Queens speech at the State opening of Parliament in London,
there was no mention of President Trumps visit.
Wednesday's Queen's Speech at
the State Opening of Parliament
saw the monarch announce the
government's legislative program
for the next two years.
In his last statement on the
issue, White House spokesman
Sean Spicer had said: "Her
Majesty extended an invitation to
the president. He's accepted that
invitation. And we look forward to
scheduling that trip.
"T here is nothing that was
scheduled and we look forward to
working out a mutually accept
able date w ith the United
Kingdom, and look forward to
sharing that date." There is a very
good reason for that date not
being set. That is because there
June 24-30, 2017 9
The chairman noted that
Washington's main objective in
Syria is to destroy the Islamic
State, something that Russia has
also said is central to its own strat
egy in Syria, where it is defending
the interests of Syrian President
Bashar alAssad.
On the weekend, a US Navy F18
shot down a Syrian SU22 ghter
bomber that had bombarded rebel
Syrian Democratic Forces, who are
US allies and who are participating
in the allied offensive to liberate
Raqqa from the IS.
Russia said that the shootdown
incident was a "cynical violation of
Syria's sovereignty".
Dunford said that if Russia is
serious about eliminating the IS, it
should understand that it is neces
sary to work to reduce tensions in
Syria, where the US has increased
its presence by deploying elite
ground forces.
are concerns within the White
House that if Donald Trump came
to the UK, there would be some
substantial protests.
There is also a concern within
the British government that it
would not help USUK relations if
the US president was embar
rassed.
The prospect of a visit from the
president has become a major
controversy in the UK. In
February the House of Commons
Speaker John Bercow g ave a
speech revealing that he planned
to bar Trump from speaking in
Parliament because of the presi
dent's attempted travel ban and
"our opposition to racism and to
sexism".
10 June 24-30, 2017
Tech CEOs visit White House on govt overhaul
Washington: The White House
on Monday urged technology
CEOs to pitch in on President
Donald Trump's effort to mod
ernize government.
"Our goal is to lead a sweeping
transformation of the federal
government's technology that
will deliver dramatically better
services to citizens, stronger
protection from cyberattacks,"
said Trump, adding that the pos
sible changes could produce up
to $1 trillion in savings over 10
years.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and Eric
Schmidt, executive chairman of
Google parent company
Alphabet, were among those
attending an afternoon of work
ing groups on issues like tech
nology infrastructure, cyberse
curity and visas for foreign
workers.
Trump has spoken out against
illegal immigration and signed
an executive order banning trav
TRUMP DENOUNCES Prosecution to retry Cosby after
NORTH KOREA AFTER mistrial in sex assault case
FREED US STUDENT DIES
Washington: President Donald
Trump denounced North Korea
as "a brutal regime" after a 22
yearold American university
student held prisoner by
Pyongyang for over a year
before being returned in coma
tose condition died on Monday.
Warmbier was admitted in a
hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, on
June 13 after he had been
turned over in a state of coma
with serious brain injuries by
North Korean authorities.
"Unfortunately, the awful tor
turous mistreatment our son
received at the hands of the
North Koreans ensured that no
other outcome was possible
beyond the sad one we experi
enced today," the student's dis
traught family said.
Trump sent his "deepest con
dolences" to Warmbier's family,
saying: "Otto's fate deepens my
administration's determination
to prevent such tragedies from
befalling innocent people at the
hands of regimes that do not
respect the rule of law or basic
human decency. The US once
again condemns the brutality of
the North Korean regime as we
mourn its latest victim."
Secretary of State Rex
Tillerson, who helped push for
Warmbier's release, said the US
holds North Korea accountable
for an unjust imprisonment.
Warmbier, a onetime high
President Trump is seated between Tim Cook, of Apple, and Satya Nadella, of Microsoft, during an American
Technology Council roundtable in the White House June 19. (right) Jared Kushner, President Donald
Trumps senior adviser and soninlaw, spoke to tech executives on finding new ways to modernize
government systems. The remarks were televised, giving the world at large to hear him for the first time.
elers from six Muslimmajority
countries, a source of tension
with technology rms.
"We're working very diligently
with everybody, including
Congress, on immigration so
that you can get the people you
want in your companies," the
Otto Warmbier died within days
after being brought back to US
school football player and home
coming king, was travelling in
Beijing in December 2015 when
he signed up for a veday tour
of North Korea with a Chinese
company.
Warmbier was detained at the
Pyongyang airport in January
2016, charged with a "hostile
act" against the country's
authoritarian government and
convicted less than two months
later of trying to steal a propa
ganda poster.
The North Korean regime
claimed that Warmbier suffered
an attack of botulism and was
given a sleeping pill by his cap
tors but he fell into a coma, a
narrative that the family has
refuted.
US AFFAIRS
president said. The administra
tion drew a mix of attery and
policy requests from the assem
bled technology leaders and uni
versity ofcials. Cook, the Apple
CEO, requested that computer
coding be taught in every public
school. Microsoft CEO Satya
Norristown, PA: A Pennsylvania
judge declared a mistrial Saturday
in the case against Bill Cosby
after a jury was unable to come to
a unanimous decision, an incon
clusive finale to one of the most
highprofile sexual assault cases
in years.
Cosby was charged with three
counts of aggravated indecent
assault in an incident involving
former Temple University basket
ball staffer Andrea Constand at
his home in suburban
Philadelphia in 2004.
Over the past 10 days, jurors
heard the entertainer's defense
that the encounter was consensu
al, while Constand, taking the
stand and facing Cosby for the
first time, testified that Cosby
drugged her and robbed her of
Dem lawmakers sue Trump over profits
Washington: A group of 200
Democratic lawmakers sued to
block President Donald Trump
from taking any money from for
eign states at his global business
es without getting Congressional
approval first, claiming his accept
ance of such benefits violates the
Constitution.
Its the latest shot at the Trump
administration from Democrats on
Capitol Hill, who last week
pressed his Attorney General Jeff
Sessions for information about his
role in the probe into the Trump
campaigns links to Russia. Its an
issue the Democrats also brought
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Nadella said workers need more
skills for a technologybased
economy. Amazon founder Jeff
Bezos encouraged the govern
ment to use commercial technol
ogy to save money and develop
articial intelligence to improve
government services.
Onetime TV star Bill Cosby
the ability to consent.
Had he been found guilty,
Cosby, 79, would have faced a
maximum of 10 years in prison
for each count.
up in the lawsuit.
As Trump decides how to shape
the US policy towards Russia, he
may be influenced by his long
standing, though yet unrealised,
desire to build housing and hotels
in Russia, the Democrats said.
Trump has stepped down from
running his $3billion empire but
retained his ownership interests, a
decision the lawmakers say vio
lates the foreign emoluments
clause in the US Constitution that
forbids the President from receiv
ing payments or gifts from foreign
governments without the
Congresss approval.
Venture capitalist John Doerr
asked for the government to
open up its databases to private
rms, saying it would transform
health care.
"If you set the data free, the
entrepreneurs are going to do
the rest," he told the president.
The gathering was the rst
event for a technologyfocused
effort within the White House
Ofce of American Innovation,
which seeks to overhaul govern
ment functions using ideas from
the business sector.
Several of the executives com
plimented Jared Kushner, senior
adviser and soninlaw to Trump,
and his wife, Ivanka Trump, the
president's daughter and a sen
ior adviser, for helping to drive
the initiative.
Kushner cited some examples
of the current technology infra
structure, noting the use of op
py discs in Pentagon "legacy sys
tems."
Prosecutors said immediately
that they would retry the case,
and Judge Steve T. ONeill said he
would try to schedule a new trial
within 120 days.
The judge had sent jurors back
to continue deliberating
Thursday after they first reported
an impasse. But he finally con
cluded Saturday that they could
not reach a verdict.
Victims rights groups had
looked to the Cosby case as a
milestone in a climate in which
sexual violence by powerful men
has historically gone unpunished.
The failure to reach a verdict
promises to be especially frustrat
ing to the 60some women who
have stepped forward in the last
2 years to accuse Cosby of simi
lar acts.
The lawsuit lists a few alleged
benefits that the President
received, including Chinas
approvals of Trumpbusiness
related trademarks, payments for
hotel rooms and events and pay
ments he gets from leases at
Trump Tower, whose tenants
include Industrial & Commercial
Bank of China and Abu Dhabi
Tourism & Culture Authority, both
of which are governmentowned.
A White House official said
Trumps business interests dont
violate the constitutional clause
and called the lawsuit politically
motivated.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA June 24-30, 2017 11

Opposition split wide open,

Presidential Election
Patna/New Delhi: The opposition
suffered a big blow with JDU decid
ing to back the NDA candidate Ram

JDU to back Kovind

Nath Kovind in the President's elec
tion boosting the numbers for the
ruling side while the rivals made it
clear that they will put up a candi
date. The setback for the opposition
came at a meeting of JDU legisla
tors and MPs in which Chief
Minister Nitish Kumar and several
MLAs expressed their opinion that
the NDA candidate and his creden
tials are good given that he hails
from a Dalit community and has a
humble background. With possible
support of JDU, the vote share of
NDA in the electoral college go up to
almost 63 per cent.
"The party has decided to support
Ram Nath Kovind. As the party has
decided to support Kovind, there is
no need for it to attend the meeting
of opposition parties being held in
New delhi," said JDU spokesperson
Rajiv Ranjan. He also said his party's
decision has been conveyed to
Congress President Sonia Gandhi
and RJD chief Lalu Prasad.
Earlier, JDU Chief Whip Ratnesh
Sada told reporters in Patna that the
party has decided to support Kovind.
Wednesday's decision yet again
confirms Nitish Kumar's style of tak
ing decisions on his own irrespec
tive of his allies' position and his
political opposition to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Soon after the BJP had announced
Kovind's candidature on Monday,
Nitish Kumar had good words to say
about the former Bihar Governor on
whom, he also made a courtesy call.
Nitish Kumar is known to take inde
pendent decision like his welcoming
the demonetisation decision and
surgical strikes last year and the JD
U voting for UPA candidate Pranab
Mukherjee while sharing power with
BJP in the state.
The JDU decision came as a shock
With possible support of JDU, the vote share of NDA in the electoral
college go up to almost 63 per cent.
for the 17party front led by
Congress which is meeting in New
Delhi on Thursday to decide on its
strategy in the Presidential election,
most probably putting up a candi
date in what the Left parties called
an "ideological battle".
It remains to be seen whether BSP,
which has also said that it cannot
oppose a Dalit candidate unless the
opposition has a more popular Dalit
nominee, attends the opposition
meeting. For the record, the
Congress said the question whether
they would be putting up a candi
date against Kovind will be known
only after Thursday's meeting.
However, CPIM General Secretary
Sitaram Yechury was more clear
when he said there would be a
"strong candidate" against Kovind.
"The question is of a political bat
tle whether the basics of our
Constitution would be protected or
RSS would convert the country into
a Hindu Rashtra (nation)," Yechury
said. Samajwadi Party President
Akhilesh Yadav, whose father
Mulayam Singh Yadav is toeing a
dif ferent line, said that his party
would go with the opposition led by
Congress.
"There should be no talk about
whether a Dalit should be there (be
a President)... caste or religion.
Whoever would be the protector of
the Constitution should be above
caste and religion," he said adding
that his party would attend the
opposition's meeting on Thursday.
CPI leader D. Raja acknowledged
that the JDU move, if correct, was a
setback to the opposition.
"17 paties came together on the
issue of Presidential election and if
some parties take a different deci
sion...We have a meeting tomorrow.
Let us see how many parties are
JD-U's Kovind support won't
impact alliance: RJD
Patna: The JDU's decision to support NDA's Presidential candidate Ram
Nath Kovind will not have any impact on Bihar's ruling alliance, Deputy
Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said. Nitish Kumar on
Wednesday extended his party's support to Kovind. This was widely
seen as a setback to the unity among the state's ruling alliance Janata
DalUnited, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress. Tejashwi Yadav, the
younger son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, refuted reports of cracks in the
alliance. He told the media: "The Grand Alliance will continue in Bihar."
Reacting to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh's harsh reaction to
the JDU's support to Kovind, the Deputy Chief Minister said: "The
Grand Alliance will not be impacted easily by whatever anybody has to
say." Raghuvansh Prasad Singh is the RJD Vice President and considered
close to Lalu Prasad.
Opposition picks Meira Kumar as
Presidential candidate
New Delhi: The opposition parties on Thursday picked former Lok
Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar to take on NDA's Ram
Nath Kovind in the Presidential election. Congress
President Sonia Gandhi announced Meira Kumar's
name at a meeting attended by 17 political parties
including the Left, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi
Party, BSP, DMK and National Conference.Talking to
reporters, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya
Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said: "There could not
have been a better candidate than Meira Kumar for the post of
President."Meira Kumar, a Dalit from Bihar, is daughter of former Deputy
Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram. A lawyer and a former diplomat, she was
the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
going to attend," he said. The names the NDA so that parties like the BSP
doing the rounds as possible opposi would have no problem going
tion candidates include former Lok against the NDA Dalit candidate. The
Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and NDA, including Shiv Sena and the
former Maharashtra Chief Minister PDP of Jammu and Kashmir, which
Sushil Kumar Shinde, both of the has extended support to Kovind,
Congress and both Dalits. commands the support of 48.93 per
The names of Meira Kumar and cent in the electoral college made up
Shinde have been floated to counter of MPs and MLAs.

Shiv Sena supports Kovind; to go with NDA after 15 years

Mumbai: After keeping ally BJP in suspense
for 24 hours, the Shiv Sena said NDA presi
dential candidate Ram Nath Kovind was a
"good choice" and extended full support to
his candidature for the July 17 election.
The Sena, however, reiterated that Sena's
"first choice" for next President was
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan
Bhagwat, followed by agroscientist M.S.
Swaminathan.
With its decision on support, the Sena thus
joins the National Democratic Alliance ranks
for the first time in 15 years in a presiden
tial election, after acting tough for a couple
of months in the runup to the election to
the top elected post in the country.
"The (support) decision was taken unani
mously by party leaders. We fully support
Ram Nathji's candidature and our best wish
es are with him," Shiv Sena President
Uddhav Thackeray told the media after a
90minute party meeting at his Bandra
BJP chief Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis being welcomed home this evening. He said the Sena was not
by Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai. (Photo: IANS) opposed to the candidacy of Kovind whom
he dubbed a "good choice". The Sena leader
said he hoped Kovind will do well for the
country's people as the next President.
The BJP's oldest ally had last voted with
the NDA in 2002 when it extended support
to the candidature of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
who was elected the President.
Subsequently, in 2007, the Sena supported
Congress's Pratibha Patil, and Pranab
Mukherjee in 2012, with both entering the
Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Thackeray said it was wrong to suggest
that the Sena had always adopted a con
frontationist stance towards the Bharatiya
Janata Party on all issues.
"That is not our style. But wherever we
don't agree with the BJP, we will oppose
them," the Sena leader said.
As for senior Congress leaders Meira
Kumar and Sushilkumar Shinde, who both
hail from the Dalit community, as presiden
tial candidates, Thackeray said since their
names are being discussed only, it would be
pointless to comment.
 12 June 24-30, 2017 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Lucknow: Prime Minister

Modi harps on yoga power

Narendra Modi spent some 20
minutes out in drizzle here doing
yogic 'asanas' as lakhs of enthusi
asts in various states stretched,
tw isted their bo dies and per
formed breathing exercises on the
third International Yoga Day.
But moderate to heavy rains in
several parts of India prevented
many more from taking part in
mass demonstration events of the
ancient Indian physical, mental
and spiritual practice.
Leading the celebrations at a
raindrenched Ramabai Amedkar
Sthal in the Uttar Pradesh capital,
Modi described yoga as a binding
factor for the global community
and underlined its importance
towards creating health, wealth
and wellness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi practices Actress Malaika Arora practices yoga
Addressing a gathering of over yoga in Lucknow. (Photo: IANS/PIB) in Mumbai. (Photo: IANS)
45,000 people, the
Prime Minister, wear the mind with the the globe, the demand for yoga police during protests seeking People did yoga on the decom
ing a yogathemed soul, yoga is playing teachers is rising, creating a new remunerative prices for farm pro missioned aircraft carrier, INS
white Tshirt and an important role in job market. Indians are the most duce and loan waiver. Viraat, 15 other warships and
white trouser, said connect ing the preferred choice." In rainsoaked Delhi, Lt. Gov. even underwater in submarines,
yoga was as impor world." Modi said Modi then walked over to a yoga Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Defence Ministry spokesperson
tant as salt in food since the UN mat, did yogic exercises and then Arvind Kejriwal did yogic exercis Rahul Sinha told IANS.
and urged all Indians declared June 21 as flew back to New Delhi. es at Connaught Place. Hundreds In Le ftruled Kerala, Chie f
to embrace yoga as a the Internat ional Outgoing President Pranab attended seven other major events Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pressed
part of life. Day for Yog a in Mukherjee attended an event at in the city. people to be "secular" while
He said yoga power December 2014, Rashtrapati Bhawan that drew Celebrities and commoners in embracing yoga.
has had a profound awareness about it about 200 employees and family Mumbai did yoga on land, water In Bihar, the ruling alliance led
impact on the world. was rising leading members. and under water as well. Over by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
"T here are many countries to a new job market. In Madhya Pradesh, Congress 10,000 naval personnel and their stayed away from the celebra
which don't know our language, He said new yoga training insti workers and agitating farmers families and Army of ficers took tions. But Bharatiya Janata Party
are not aware about Indian culture tutes had developed and demand performed 'shavasana' the dead part in celebrations aboard ships leaders, including Union Ministers,
or traditions but they too are prac for yoga trainers and training body posture to denounce the and special yoga camps in the took part in the ceremonies
tising yoga. Much like it connects institutes had been rising. "Across June 6 killing of peasants by city's military areas. attended by hundreds.

Amit Shah joins Ramdev's yoga event

should come to (Prime Minister Narendra)
Modiji's Gujarat and see how lakhs of peo
ple began assembling here from 3 a.m.,"
Ramdev said. He said the event intended to
create a world record for the highest num
ber of people performing pranayam, yoga,
and meditation at one location at a given
time and another world record for the high
est number of people at multiple locations
performing yoga in sync.
Ramdev said every person entering the
venue was bar coded to keep the count of
gathering.
However, it was not immediately known
how many participated in the event.
The International Yoga Day debuted in
2015 after a UN backed the Indiaspon
sored initiative that was supported by over
170 member states.
According to the Guinness World Records,
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, BJP chief Amit Shah and Yoga Guru
Ramdev practice yoga asanas in Ahmadabad.
2105 Yoga Day celebrations saw Prime
Minister Narendra Modi leading thousands
in a spectacular mass participation of
35,985 people in Delhi making it the
largest yoga session in the world.
Ramdev advised people to emulate Modi
and Shah on the practice of yoga.
"Both Narendrabhai (Modi) and Amitbhai
perform yoga every day without fail and
everybody should follow them," Ramdev
told the gathering.
Praising the portly Shah who was seated
beside him on the stage, the yoga guru said
while the BJP chief had gained "political
weight, he had worked real hard to reduce
his weight".
"He has aamla and aloe vera juice every
morning and does not eat anything after 7
p.m. He performs yoga every day," Ramdev
said.

Ahmedabad: BJP chief Amit Shah joined
thousands of people here doing pranayam,
yoga and meditation at a mass demonstra
tion led by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who
was eyeing world records on the
International Yoga Day.
However, rain played a spoilsport and pre
vented many from attending the mega event
held simultaneously at five grounds includ
ing those belonging to Gujarat Mineral
Development Corporation, the Gujarat
University and the Ahmedabad Education
Society. The event was coorganised by the
Gujarat government with Chief Minister
Vijay Rupani sharing the dais with Shah and
Ramdev.
Before performing the asanas, Ramdev
said officials of the Guinness World Records
were at the grounds which had 100 entry
points, 100 giant LED screens and 10,000
volunteers from Patanjali Yogpeeth Gurukul
ensuring smooth run of the event for the
popular ancient physical and spiritual exer
cise. ITBP personnel practice Yoga asanas on International Yoga Day
"This is the world's biggest event. Anyone in Ladakh on June 21. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
who has to study event management they
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
MODI IN US
India eyes breakthrough on
US surveillance drones
New Delhi: India is pushing for US
approval of its request to buy a naval
variant of the Predator drone, of ficials
said, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi
tries to revitalize re lat ions w ith
Washington when he meets President
Donald Trump for the first time.
Securing agreement on the purchase of
22 unarmed drones is seen in New Delhi
as a key test of defence ties that flour
ished under former President Barack
Obama but have drifted under Trump,
who has courted Asian rival China as he
seeks Beijing's help to contain North
Korea's nuclear programme, Reuters
reported.
Modi's twoday visit to Washington
begins on Sunday. Trump met Chinese
President Xi Jinping in April and has
also had facetime with the leaders of
nations including Japan, Britain and
Vietnam since taking office in January,
prompting anxiety in New Delhi that
India is no longer a priority in
Washington.
If the Indian navy gets the unarmed
surveillance drones it wants to keep
watch over the Indian Ocean it would be
the first such purchase by a country that
is not a member of the NATO alliance.
Modi is not expected to press hard on a US visa programme.
India, a big buyer of US arms recently
named by Washington as a major
defence ally, wants to protect its 7,500
km (4,700 mile) coastline as Beijing
expands its maritime trade routes and
Chinese submarines increasingly lurk in
regional waters. But sources tracking the
discussions say the US State Department
has been concerned about the potential
destabilising impact of introducing high
INDIA
tech drones into South Asia, where ten
sions are simmering between India and
Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir.
Modi is also not expected to press hard
on a US visa programme the Trump
administration is reviewing to reduce
the flow of skilled foreign workers and
save jobs for Americans, seeing limited
gains from raising a sensitive issue, they
said.
June 24-30, 2017 13
IndiaUS trade
winwin
situation: India
New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's visit to the US, the Commerce Ministry
said bilateral trade was a "winwin" situation for
both the countries even though the balance of
trade was not in America's favor.
The US had started a review of its trade policy
with countries with which it has adverse trade
balance, Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia told
the media here.
"India is 9th on that list... but we are confident
that Indian exports to the US are a winwin for
both the countries," she said.
"Our products are cheaper, while the Indian
information technology supports the American
industry to be much more competitive," she
added.
The officer said that where the US govern
ment procurement rules required so, Indian
companies, like in the pharmaceuticals sector,
had set up plants in the US.
"On the other hand, many US companies find
it profitable to serve from India and they have
thus set up base here," Commerce Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman said, citing the latest agree
ment by a US major to manufacture fighter air
craft in India.
Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems
Limited on Monday signed an agreement to
produce the F16 Block 70 fighter jet aircraft in
India.
 14 June 24-30, 2017 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The subcontinentalization of world cricket

l By Shivaji Sengupta hardly had an international cricket
match played in their country in

I
ndian cricket lovers might rue
their golden chance of celebrat
ing another world champi
onship, even be shocked at the
absolutely decisive margin of
defeat at the hands of Pakistan, but
they should not miss that in this
Champions Trophy, four out of the
eight participants were from the
Indian subcontinent; three reached
semifinals, ambushing poor
England from three sides; two
India and Pakistan played in the
final. That India lost, won't please
us. But for me, a long time support
er of world cricket, parity makes
for tougher, more exciting competi
tion. India had beaten its western
neighbor the last five times in both
forms of oneday cricket. They
have never lost to them in the 50
over World Cup played every four
years. Even in CT 2017, their first
match against Pakistan was almost
as much of a blow out as Sundays.
Given the huge difference in
wealth between the two cricket
associations, indeed, given the
huge difference in economic pros
perity itself, Pakistan's continuous
losses to India was turning out to
be a bit of a bore. With this result,
the "masala" is back.
India's defeat has one more posi
tive from the perspective of world
cricket. I have always criticized
India's "super power" mentality
their clear superiority in wealth
when it comes to world cricket
seems to give them the permission
to be arrogant. Now the other
cricketing bodies have resisted and
Indias loss in the final on Sunday to Pakistan is sad for fans of the blue team, but think of it: 4 of the 8
qualifying teams for the Champions Trophy were from the subcontinent and three reached semifinal stage.
made rules for economic parity.
India will no longer get the out and
out lion's share that they have been
used to.
Why the lion's share? Because
cricket is so overwhelmingly popu
lar in India, dwarfing other sports,
and because they have produced
megastars in quick succession
(Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Dravid,
Kumble, Dhoni and, now, Virat
Kohli). Indian cricket draws TV
rights not just in India (which is
astronomical) but also the world
over. Result: filthy rich. Result:
arrogance, a tendency to dictate
the rest of the cricketing world.
What ECB (England Cricket Board)
used to be until the 21st Century,
India is now. So, whenever ICC has
a vote, countries like the West
Indies, Zimbabwe, or even South
Africa vote more often with India
than not. In the subcontinent, Sri
Lanka and Bangladesh do the same
because, it is alleged that India
heavily subsidizes their cricket.
(During the 2011 World Cup in
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India,
for instance, India lent these crick
et boards huge sums of money that
Sri Lanka at least still hasn't been
able to pay back.) Now, the situa
tion is changing. Bangladesh has
already opposed the unequal distri
bution of wealth along with South
Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and,
of course, Australia and England.
While India has not officially
accepted the decision, they really
have no choice other than to leave
ICC which they won't. The BCCI
was so petulant that it had dropped
hints of pulling out of the
Champions Trophy: it's my ball;
you don't want to play my way, I
won't play! However, back to the
positive. For the first time in crick
et history three subcontinental
nations have contested in ICC semi
finals. For the first time Bangladesh
made it to the last four, albeit with
some help from fickle England
weather and Lady Luck. If we
remember that in the 2015 World
Cup in Australia they made the
quarter finals for the first time
(without any help from luck), and
that they came within one run of
beating India in the 2016 T20
World Cup in India, Bangladesh
has definitely arrived. All they have
to do is to defeat two or three top
tier teams consecutively instead of
springing just one upset per tour
nament.
And Pakistan! Notwithstanding
its politics, congratulations
Pakistan! I was saddened Sunday
morning by my former country's
abject loss to their arch rivals. But I
also felt happy for them, seeing
them offering thanks to God, cele
brating together. Think of it.
Pakistan is a cricket team that has
nine years, with little hope for play
ing future matches there. Their
"home" games are played in
Sharjah. They are one of the poor
est countries, their players making
a miniscule percentage of what
Indian players make. Still they pro
duce talent after talent the latest
being Fakhar Zaman and Hassan
Ali who set this tournament on fire.
In the finals, it was the return of
Mohammad Amir, the super talent
ed fast bowler with lethal swing
who was imprisoned for five years
for falling prey to the evil tempta
tions of book makers when he was
all of 19, coming from a dirt poor
family in a Pakistani village.
Yesterday, in a space of five overs,
Amir ripped out the best three
Indian batsmen, Rohit Sharma,
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan.
He won the match for Pakistan
right there!
I have confidence that this Indian
team will go far. But they have to
curb their arrogance and continue
to plan; perhaps finally rest Dhoni
and Yuvraj Singh and look at
Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav.
Kumble has stepped down as
coach. Kohli who is so reasonable,
logical and pleasant in press con
ferences needs to be the same
when no one is listening. India will
prosper immensely under him.
Meanwhile, let's have a moment
for Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The writer is Professor of English
and Vice President for Academic
Affairs at Boricua College in NYC.
He is also a cricket lover.

Is RBI's hawkish stance hurting India's growth prospects?

l By Amit Kapoor the real interest rate reached double digits stance from accommodative to neutral. The
and growth collapsed. The fall in growth also MPC cited three major risks for inflation that

T
he role of interest rate in Indias
growth is grossly underplayed. The
movement of interest rates has been
strongly linked to episodes of high growth
and slowdowns in the last few decades.
There are two major puzzles of the Indian
economy that have been surprisingly left
unquestioned and can be explained with
India's monetary policy actions.
First, contrary to popular belief, the Indian
economy did not accelerate in the decade
following the economic reforms of 1991 any
differently than it was doing in the previous
decade. The decadal growth rates of the
1980s and 1990s are more or less similar.
Second, the economy began to accelerate
at an unprecedented pace after 2003 with
out the benefit of any new phase of reforms.
There have hardly been any studies to
explain the "why" behind these two trends.
A study highlighting the constancy of
India's growth rate for the 1980s and 1990s
was produced by Surjit Bhalla, who showed
that nonoverlapping three year averages of
any economic indicator GDP growth,
money supply, fiscal deficits, industrial pro
duction were an unchanging constant
throughout these two decades.
In fact, GDP growth from 198089 was 5.7
% and between 19902002 was 5.2 %. Bhalla
(2010) points out that the GDP growth did
accelerate to 7.4 % in every year between
1994 and 1997 in response to economic lib
eralization.
However, RBI perceived the economy to be
overheating and tightened monetary policy.
As inflation was falling during this period,
needs to be looked at in the light of the Asian
financial crisis. By 1999, inflation had
reached a low of 3.5 % and the government
decided to undertake interest rate reforms.
In four years, bond yields fell to 5 % from
the doubledigit figures in the previous
decade. Savings and investment rate which
hovered around 25 % from 1993 to 2002,
increased rapidly reaching 39 and 42 % by
2007. Between 200407, real interest rates
were at 2.1 % compared to 5 % in late 1990s.
Clearly, these trends played a crucial role in
ushering in the longest period of strong eco
nomic growth in Indian history of above 9 %
per annum.
So, the pursuit of lowering inflationary
expectations with tight monetary policy
should not come at the cost of economic
growth. The recently established Monetary
Policy Committee (MPC) needs to keep this
in mind when deciding upon policy rates.
In February, when markets expected the
RBI to continue with its dovish stance follow
ing excess liquidity with banks due to
demonetisation, the central bank changed its
led it to do so: a rise in international crude
oil prices, volatility in exchange rates on
global cues which could lead to imported
inflation, and the impact of the seventh pay
commission recommendations.
Surprisingly, none of the factors have
materialised in the months that have fol
lowed the change in MPC's stance. In fact, all
of them have moved in the opposite direc
tion.
So, it is only hurting growth at a time when
investment sentiments need to be revived.
Hopefully, since the latest estimates show
that inflation is on track to meet MPC's tar
get of 4 percent inflation by March 2018,
the economy will witness muchneeded rate
cuts in the August policy announcement.
India urgently needs to regain the level of
growth it witnessed since 2003 and a lot
needs to be done including an urgent resolu
tion of bad loans, which seems to have
begun. But, avoiding an unnecessary hawk
ish stance by the RBI would supplement gov
ernment efforts in reviving investor senti
ments.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Acharya Lokesh Muni addressed earlier this week the opening session of the 3rd International Day of Yoga celebration at the UN
in New York. Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti in Delhi, the eminent Jain Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni said that India gave the
incredible gift of yoga to the world. Now under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is teaching yoga to the
world. He appealed for making yoga a mass movement because it promotes harmony and peace in the world.
Indeed, Lokesh Muni is becoming known for participating in and organizing world conferences on interfaith harmony and peace.
ACHARYA LOKESH MUNI
Striving for world
peace and harmony
The South Asian Times
interviewed him in its Hicksville
office about his message and
about Jainism in general.
Excerpts
THE SOUTH ASIAN TIMES: Tell us
about the conferences you have
been addressing.
Acharya Lokesh Muni: Whether it
is Syria, Afghanistan or Pakistan,
the biggest problem and America
is not untouched by it is violence
and terrorism. But it is with discus
sions and peaceful dialogue alone
that every issue can be resolved. I
have spoken at the UN. Then,
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti is organizing
World Peace and Harmony through
Interfaith Dialogue conference in
New Jersey (Egg Harbor City) on
June 24. Distinguished speakers
include Swami Ramdev, BK Shivani
and Bhai Satpal Singh Khalsa.
You are also a keynote speaker at
JAINA biennial convention in
Edison during the July 4 weekend.
Acharya Lokesh Muni: Yes, and I
have been attending JAINA conven
tions since 2007. JAINA encompass
es scores of Jain temples, centers
and sanghas in North America.
Besides terrorism, two major prob
lems facing the world are climate
change/global warming and pover
ty/inequality. Bhagwan Mahavirs
teachings offer a solution to all
three in his message of nonvio
lence, of anekantavada (nonabso
lutism) and of aprigraha (non
greediness). His philosophy is also
scientific. The JAINA convention
this year is important because its
theme is Jainism and Science.
Since when did you start visiting
America?
Acharya Lokesh Muni: Since 2007.
I am 1961 born and was given dik
sha in 1983 by e Acharya Shri
Tulsi, who became a synonym for
Jainism and with Acharya
Mahapragya took Jainism to new
heights. Whatever religious revolu
tion I have been able to bring in,
the spark came from Acharya
Tulsis revolutionary thinking.
I undertook padyatra for 22
years, covering 20,000 km on foot
to spread the message of peace and
goodwill and led campaigns to erad
icate social evils like feticide and
addictions. In 2005 I decided that
Acharya Lokesh Muni addressed the Yoga4Health panel
at the UN for International Day of Yoga.
to speedily spread Mahavirs mes
sage I will travel by motorized vehi
cles. Come to think of it, Mahavir
and the Buddha were contempo
raries, yet Buddhism spread in the
world but not Jainism. The bar on
traveling overseas was first ended
by Acharya Sushil Muni and
Gurudev Chitrabhanu. This is how I
have been able to come to the US
and address the United Nations.
Ahimsa is central to Jainism, but the
famous saying Ahimsa
Paramodharma is from
Mahabharat.
Acharya Lokesh Muni: Ahimsa is a
timeless concept. Also, ahimsa is
very vast, it extends to not hurting
others even mentally. The starting
point of ahimsa is to accept the exis
tence of others, learn to respect oth
ers viewpoints.
I want to convey to the govern
ments of US and India that you
spend millions and billions on arms
and armaments but nothing for the
promotion and education of peace
and nonviolence. I believe that in
this brain of ours are seeds of both
violence and nonviolence. The root
cause of the issues of caste, creed,
religion or racism is the bestial part
of the brain, when that takes over,
violence can erupt in Bombay or
Boston, London or Paris.
You have introduced Peace
Mediation.
Acharya Lokesh Muni: Yes, exactly.
When I met the then President
Clinton, I raised this issue, that
there are so many conferences on
peace and harmony, but people are
not changed by sermons or by theo
ries. What is needed is personal
experience. Peace mediation can
help us shed the animal brain and
activate the neocortex.
You are a proponent of tolerance
and interfaith harmony. But under
the BJP government in India, secu
INTERVIEW June 24-30, 2017 15
Exclusive Interview
by Parveen Chopra
Achara Lokesh Muni leading a group as part of the massive yoga
sessions at Times Square in New York on June 22.
How many Jains are there and do where is aprigraha then?
they worry about getting subsumed Acharya Lokesh Muni: Mahavirs
by Hinduism? teachings show the way. For Jains
lar types have protested rising
Acharya Lokesh Muni: The actual the biggest attraction is moksha
intolerance and Hindu majoritarian
number is higher than what census and all sadhana revolves round that.
ism.
says. Many Jains have surnames But Bhagwan Mahavir said, If your
Acharya Lokesh Muni: I avoid get
like Mehta, Shah, or Kothari, and brother goes to bed hungry and
ting drawn into the swamp of poli
may get counted as Hindu. I think you have had a hearty meal, then
tics. Our job is to give right direc
the number in India is about 4 the doors of moksha are shut for
tion to the rulers. Our job is to
crore. We Jains actually have no you. If the world absorbs this
change hearts, while the govern
problem being called Hindu if you sutra, it will usher a revolution. It
ments job is to make and change
are not defining Hindu in relation to can be a weapon to end poverty and
laws. Laws have their limitation, but
Vedic religion, but in its wider inequity. Indeed, in times of natural
together with change in heart it can
meaning. But yes, Jainism is an disasters, Jains are in the forefront
bring in a great reformation in soci
ancient religion, an independent to help.
ety. The word Hindu (from Sindhu)
religion. You have known NDAs nominee
indicates a geographical place this
You have come in contact with so for Indias President, Ram Nath
side of the river Sindhu or Indus. It
many spiritual gurus, who do your Kovind...
is not about religion. But I also
admire most? Acharya Lokesh Muni: I welcome
believe that since dharma is the
Acharya Lokesh Muni: I respect his selection. He had come to speak
very soul of India, how can you be
very much His Holiness the Dalai at the last world conference we had
secular. Indias constitution uses the
Lama he is the Himalaya of spiri organized in Mumbai. He is the
word secular, but the right expres
tuality, yet so humble and childlike. acme of compassion, wisdom, cour
sion should be nonsectarian.
At a big interfaith conference in teousness and simple living and
Dharma means compassion, for
Bombay in August 13, I have invited high thinking somebody we can
giveness, brotherliness, ahimsa. The
the Dalai Lama, Baba Ramdev and be proud of. And he is from Bihar,
Indian civilization has always been
many others. the land of Lord Mahavir.
of unity in diversity, its USP. And
What is the Jains secret of excep What are your future plans?
think of it, a country of 1.2 billion
tional success? Acharya Lokesh Muni: We at
people of different faiths and
Acharya Lokesh Muni: Our Jain Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti want to a)
lifestyles still living peacefully bar
acharyas of old had laid down prin link religion with social service, b)
ring a few incidents. But the key to
ciples of clean lifestyle, free of to become a medium for eradicating
lasting peace is to eradicate pover
addictions. We also know the value social evils and customs, and c) to
ty. When I met Pakistan President
of hard work and thrift. These link religion with spirituality. The
Pervez Musharraf I told him, The
inborn sanskar lead to a positive last can put an end to religious
only enemies India and Pakistan
outlook, saving life energy, which extremism.
have are poverty, illiteracy, poor
put to productive use results in
medicare. And the resources spent
on defense when diverted can eradi
prosperity. Contact us at:
cate these problems.
So Jains become millionaires, www.ahimsavishwabharti.org
Acharya believes that Ram Nath
Big name faith leaders and spiritual gurus attend world conferences Kovind, NDAs nominee, will make
organized by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti founded by the Acharya. us proud as Indias President.
 16 June 24-30, 2017 yoga

Stamps release, water puja, meditation

mark IDY celebrations at UN
By Arul Louis
United Nations: The UN began the Interna-
tional Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations with the
release of stamps, a water puja and meditations
for peace in the worlds most diverse gathering
its role in ensuring healthy living directly linked it to the UNs
SDGs. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, the Secretary-Generals chef
de cabinet, said the practice of yoga by millions contributed
to sustainable development and peace.
of nationalities, religions and races. Asserting that yoga could bring solutions to problems of
More than 1,000 people, including permanent representa- development, Chidanand Saraswati called upon yoga practi-
tives of several nations, diplomats, UN staff and yoga enthusi- tioners and teachers to take the message of Green Yoga to
asts attended the outdoor Yoga Session with Yoga Masters the world. When we are facing violence and war, is the time
on June 20 at the North Lawn of the United Nations premises to send the message, No more war, no more violence, to take
on the eve of the 3rd IDY.
A unique element in this years
event projecting Indias soft power
was the water puja ceremony led
by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and
Sadhvi Bhagwati Sarawasti of Par-
amarth Niketan, Rishikesh.
As water was symbolically
poured over a globe, participants
raised their hands heavenwards
praying for clean water for all and
for reclaiming the sanctity of wa-
ter, the sustainer of life and the
link of humanity. That meshed in
with the UN push for achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) to improve the life of peo-
ple. Speakers stressed yogas place
in helping reach them.
Peter Thomson, the president
of the General Assembly, said the
practice of yoga was the embodi-
ment of the saying, Healthy
minds in healthy bodies, and
Over 1,000 yoga
the message from yoga, he said.
enthusiasts, including
diplomats and UN staff, Indias Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said
attended the outdoor yoga symbolized the union of humanity and India shares it
yoga session with yoga with the world in an open and inclusive way.
masters on June 20 at Stephen Cutts, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Cen-
the UN headquarters. tral Support Services, released a set of 10 IDY stamps with
Thomson. The stamps of $1.15 denomination each depict a
different yoga pose next to a large Om in Devnagari script.
Reflecting the universality of the IDY, the celebrations
were emceed by hijab wearing Hana AlHashimi, a sustainable
development expert with the UAEs UN mission.
The 2014 General Assembly resolution to create IDY was
co-sponsored by 174 countries and was adopted unanimously.
A set of 10 yoga day
stamps was released. Seane Corn, a yoga popularizer and social activist, led a
Each $1.15 denomina- meditation for peace and human rights and for an end to op-
tion stamp depicts a pression. As they inhale and do yoga, people should send a
different yoga pose message to their leaders for peace, she said.
next to a large Om. Poet and film-maker Prince Ea struck a political note: We
must love everyone, even (US President Donald) Trump. He
added: Love heals.
IANS

IISD takes part in IDY event at UN

United Nations: Veteran Indian actor
Anupam Kher said it was a great honor
for him to illuminate the UN building
here on Sunday to mark International
Day of Yoga. He took to Twitter to thank
Syed Akbaruddin, Indias Permanent Rep-
resentative to the UN. The UN headquar-
ters building in New York was lit up with
lights up UN a yoga poses. Recognizing yogas univer-
sal appeal, and on behest of India, the
skyscraper United Nations had proclaimed in 2014
that June 21 June will be celebrated as
IDY every year. IDY aims to raise aware-
ness worldwide of the many benefits of
practicing yoga. The theme for the 2017
celebration, organized by the Perma-
nent Mission of India to
Bollywood actor Anu- the UN has been Yoga
pam Kher with Indias for Health. The theme
envoy to the UN Syed highlights the fact that
Akbaruddin in front of yoga can contribute in a
the UN building lit up holistic way to achieving
with the word YOGA an equilibrium between
and yoga poses. mind and body.
United Nations: The Permanent Mission IISD in New York, spoke about the organiza-
of India celebrated International Day of Yoga tion and its activities that relate to yoga and
at the United Nations on June 20 followed by spirituality, and Sharon Hamilton-Getz, ad-
a panel discussion on June 21. ditional UN Representative of the Institute,
The June 20 event was also a panel discus- spoke about spirituality and yoga.
sion involving religious, NGO and yoga organi-
zation representatives who presented various
Other speakers included representatives
from the Hindu Temple of North America, Sci-
aspects and systems of yoga to the audience.
The Institute of International Social De-
ence of Spirituality, Ananda Marga and World
Yoga Community.
velopment (IISD), an international NGO in
Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of
Shomik Chaudhuri, UN representa-
the UN, presented the practice of Kriya Yoga
tive of Institute of International Social
as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda of An Development, (middle) speaks flanked
Autobiography of a Yogi fame. by Sharon Hamilton-Getz and Kyle
Kyle McDonald, who has been a devotee of McDonald. (Photo courtesy: IISD)
Yogananda for over 20 years, made the presen-
tation. She is part of the leadership team at the
Ananda Meditation and Yoga Center in Rhode
Island. She also shares the teachings of Yoga-
nanda at The Open Center in New York City.
Shomik Chaudhuri, UN Representative of
 yoga June 24-30, 2017 17

Amb. Sarna leads CG overwhelmed

the consulate ballroom.
Ambassador Das told

yoga program in DC by response to

The South Asian Times,
I am overwhelmed at
the response shown by

consulate event
not only Indian-Amer-
icans but also others
despite the inclement
Special to The South Asian Times
weather. Over 120 people showed their
New York: Consul General Riva Gan- enthusiasm by practicing yoga here [in
guly Das is overwhelmed by the response the ballroom]. Many others attended a
to the session held in the Indian consul- separate session downstairs. Das ex-
ate her to celebrate the 3rd International pressed confidence that next year there
Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 19. Yoga is will be more participation as yoga is be-
uniting the world, she said. It leads us coming widespread by the year. Yoga in-
to a tension-free life. The Consulate had structor Sanjay Attada, who coordinated
originally planned the event at the his- the session, facilitated the practice of
toric Battery Park, close to Statue of Lib- Surya Namaskar, asanas and pranayama.
Ambassador Navtej Sarna doing yoga at the IDY event organized by the
Embassy of India at the National Mall in Washington, DC. erty. Weather played spoilsport and the In his video-message played at the event,
3-hour yoga event was rescheduled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Washington: Ahead of the International Day of Yoga (IDY), Indian Ambassador Navtej urged Indians to spread the an-
Sarna led hundreds of yoga enthusiasts at a session June 17 on the National Mall against cient art of India to the world.
the backdrop of the iconic Washington Monument. He told the gathering. IDY has brought The Art of Living representatives
this ancient discipline, philosophy and practice from India into the hearts and lives of played a video clip in which Sri
people in every corner of the globe. In his uplifting message on how yoga can lead to Sri Ravi Shankar stated, Yoga
world peace, Amb. Sarna continued, This is not a political movement. This is not even an doesnt mean just physical ex-
economic movement. This is for the benefit of all humanity at both an individual level ercises. Meditation/pranayama
and a macro level. If each human being has a balanced way of life, who has achieved an is a part of yoga. Otherwise, it
equilibrium inside and outside, I think that will ultimately affect how nations govern and is nothing but gymnastics. At-
are governed and how they relate to each other. The Indian envoy performed yoga poses tada, who teaches yoga at the
together with the Indian Embassy officials including his Deputy Chief of Mission Reenat Ganesh temple in Flushing, had
Sandhu and Minister of Community Affairs N.K. Mishra. They were joined by Sri Lankan this advice for yoga enthusiasts,
envoy Prasad Kariyawasam, Myanmar ambassador U Aung Lynn, representatives from the Like one eats every day, one has
embassies of Belgium and Singapore, officials of the State Department and World Bank. to practice yoga on a daily basis
This event provides an opportunity to celebrate one of the many important traditions Indian Consul General New York, in order to get its full health benefits. It
of the Indian culture, yoga, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia noted. The appeal of this Riva Ganguly Das (second from should not be a once-in-a-year thing.
ancient, holistic tradition crosses cultural boundaries and increases international under- right) at the event.
standing and friendship. The program concluded with a Shanti Paath (prayer for peace).
18 June 24-30, 2017 Bollywood

Review
Salim Khan supports BJPs
Presidential nominee
V eteran screenwriter Salim Khan ex-
tended his support to NDAs candidate
Ram Nath Kovind for the Presidents office.
He said people have not heard of him much
because he has stayed away from any con-
troversies. Kovind, who is Governer of Bihar,
was named by the NDA as its presidential
candidate on Monday. Ram Nath Kovind?
Never heard of him? Poor general knowl-
edge. Now that his name is announced as the
presidential candidate, every one knows him.

Bank Chor
The other reason you may have not heard of
him as he has stayed away from any contro-
versies, Salim tweeted on Tuesday.
You think its political? Well what did you
expect? This is not a game of cricket being
played between two friendly teams, he added.
Salim, father of superstar Salman Khan, lat-
er congratulated Kovind and slammed those
Entertains, albeit tediously
who criticised the NDA for choosing him.
Congratulations to Shri Kovindji and to Actors Vivek Oberoi and Riteish Deshmukh during the films promotion.

the ones who shortlisted his name for candi-
dature. I hope he becomes one of the great-
est Presidents of India. Fairness, objectivity
and honesty unfortunately have become
rare, he wrote. The presidential election, if
Salim Khan required, will be held on July 17.
I
magine you are at a grand banquet and
throughout you have been nibbling on
tit-bits. At the end, though you are full, you
realize that you are not satiated by the sup-
posedly perfect festive spread that was laid
out. That is exactly the feeling one gets af-
ter watching Bank Chor. Though the film
entertains you, you still feel dissatisfied.
ceed in their plan, forms the crux of the tale.
Narrated in a non-linear manner, the writ-
ing is clever, but strained in an attempt to
sound intelligent. The sub-plots are half-
baked and underdeveloped, making the en-
tire chronicle seem complex and forced.
Vivek Oberoi in an underwritten role as the
CBI officer in-charge of the hostage rescue

SRK agreed for cameo be- On the face of it, Bank Chor is a perfect
robbery-cum-hostage drama, but the plot
operation is understated. Rhea Chakraborty
as the news reporter Gayatri is perfunctory

fore I could ask: Salman

unravels in a convoluted manner, taking the and Sahil Vaid as Jugnu the antagonist has
stupidity to the next level and this makes his moments of on screen glory. The humor is
the entire viewing process a tedious affair. derived from self-deprecation along with Bol-

S uperstar Salman Khan says that Shah

Rukh Khan instantly agreed to do the
cameo in Tubelight before he could ask him
for it. Talking about approaching Shah Rukh
for doing a cameo in Tubelight, Salman said
during a promotional event: When Kabir
(director Kabir Khan) narrated the subject to
me, he said, For this role we should get Shah
Rukh. So, when I called him and I told him
that there is a small role in Tubelight which
I would like you to do it, before completing
my sentence, Shah Rukh said, I will do it.
There can never be any hostility between
people. This is something we explored in
Bajrangi Bhaijaan and now in Tubelight.
Whenever there is people-to-people inter-
action, there never can be hostility.
In the entire promotional event, Matin
Rey Tangu, the child artist in the film, was
seen showing his funny antics. When asked
about his working experience with Matin
Rey Tangu, Salman said: What should I
talk about Matin? Matin is born star of Ita-
nagar. He is a superstar. You have seen his
The film begins on a promising note. Act-
ing like the dumb and the dumber and a very
nice guy who follows Vastu Shastra at ev-
ery step, Riteish Deshmukh masquerades as
Champak, a monk in disguise. He along with
his two accomplices Gulab (Bhuvan Arora)
who adorns the mask of an elephant, and
Genda (Vikram Thapa) who wears the mask of
a horse, attempt to rob a bank. How they suc-
lywood and comic-book character references,
making the film a time-limited, fragile product.
The first half of the film meanders aim-
lessly with no seriousness whatsoever. The
second half gets interesting and by the third
act, though it may seem convoluted and ex-
aggerated, the denouement perfectly wraps
up the narrative, but goes overboard which
ends up confusing the audience further.

Rajinikanth
Thats how he made his entry into the movie. energy here at this event and he was the
The film is based on 1962 India-China lot more than this while we were shoot-
war. When asked if the film will have posi- ing for this film. I have never come across

preparing
tive impact on the people, Kabir said: War funny child like him in my entire life.
and problem are always created by politics. Tubelight is slated to release on June 23.

Katy Perry reaches 100 to enter

million followers on Twitter
Perry joined Twitter in 2009.
S inger Katy Perry is officially the most
followed person on Twitter after becom-
ing the first person to reach 100 million fol-
lowers on the micro-blogging site.
Using Perrys latest album Witness
as reference, the official Twitter account
posted: Today, we #WITNESS history. Con-
gratulations Katy Perry, the first to reach
100 million followers! #LoveKaty.
Twitter also posted congratulatory clip
which previews some of Katys top tweets
over the years, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Perry joined Twitter in 2009 and has been
an active user since then. She reached 50
million followers by 2012. She is followed
closely behind by singer Justin Bieber with
96.7 million followers and former US presi-
dent Barack Obama with 90.8 million.
The superstar is toying with the idea of taking a political plunge.
H indu Makkal Katchi President Arjun
Sampath said he has urged superstar
Rajinikanth to join politics and was told he
was in preparation for it.
After an hour-long interaction with the
67-year-old actor at his residence in Chen-
nai, Sampath told reporters: Rajinikath sir
should free Tamil Nadu from the clutches
of Dravidian rule for over five decades.
He said that the Kabali star is well
politics
aware that the system is corrupt.
We urged him to be the flag bearer of al-
ternative politics. When we insisted him to
join politics, he said he is in preparation for
the same. He said he would feel guilty if he
doesnt do anything for the people of Tamil
Nadu, said Sampath. Rajinikanth further
added that only if he joins politics, can he
realize his dream of interlinking Himalayan
and peninsular rivers into one national grid.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA June 24-30, 2017 19

Thousands celebrate World Yoga Day in UAE

People of different nationalities took

part in various events organized in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the eve
of the International Yoga Day. The
Khaleej Times reported that there were
multiple venues across the UAE for the
day. As the sun set down, participants
trooped to the main venues in Dubai
such as Burj Park, Zabeel Park and
Burhani Complex in Al Nahda, at the
Indian & Chinese yoga enthusiasts practice poses at Great Wall Of China Sharjah Cricket Stadium and at ADNEC
A large number of Chinese yoga enthusiasts participated in a colorful yoga event at China's iconic Great in Abu Dhabi. The events in Dubai
Wall on the eve of International Yoga Day which is being celebrated all over the Communist nation. were organised by the Indian
Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh took part in the event and practiced the yoga postures for Consulate General with support from
a while. The event was jointly organized by Embassy of India, Beijing Chinese People's Association for several schools and yoga associations such as The Art of Living.
Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Yogi Yoga, a popular yoga school. The event is a cultur Indian Consul General Vipul joined the Burj Park event where UAE
al milestone, marking the first time yoga has been performed atop the Great Wall by a joint Indian and Minister of Happiness Ohood Al Roumi and Dubai Sports Council
Chinese group of yogis, the embassy said in a statement. Secretary General Saeed Hareb were also present.

International Yoga Day

2017 in Singapore
Several Singapore citizens and
national leaders came out on the
weekend to celebrate the third
International Day of Yoga. Envoys of
Cambodia and Israel also joined in
the events. About 8,000 people
participated in 85 yoga sessions held
on Sunday at 70 centres across
the citystate.

Largest ever yoga event held in Netherlands

The largest ever yoga event in the Netherlands was held in The Hague
with the participation of nearly 1,000 people on Sunday to mark the
Third International Day of Yoga. The event was organized by the Indian
Embassy with the support of The Hague City Council in the Atrium of
the City Hall, an iconic building, often referred to as the Ice Palace. The
event was organized in association with the Indian Council for Cultural
Relations, India Tourism Amsterdam, Art of Living Foundation, ISHA
Foundation and Jet Airways.

Perth IYD 2017

The 3rd International
Day of Yoga was
celebrated on June
18th at the Rise,
London's Trafalgar Square unites for peace
Maylands in Perth. The Hundreds gathered at the iconic location to perform and celebrate Yoga, at an event organized by the
event organized by Indian High Commission to mark the third International Yoga Day. The High Commission of India in
the Consulate General London and India Tourism's UK division staged a yoga takeover of the London Eye, teaming up with UK
of India was attended based yoga organizations to unite in a socalled 'Wheel of Yoga.' The firstofitskind event was classified
by 150 persons from as "yoga for peace" and took place within 32 pods of the London Eye on the banks of the river Thames
all walks of life. to celebrate the opening event of the International Day of Yoga, marked worldwide on June 21.
 20 June 24-30, 2017
BRICS backs India's stand, asks
nations to stop financing terror
Beijing: Without naming Pakistan
or any other nat ion, Foreign
Ministers of BRICS countries asked
the countries accused of support
ing terrorism to stop financing ter
rorists and their activities after
India told the fivecountry bloc to
stop differentiating between good
and bad terrorists and step up the
fight against the "global menace".
In a joint statement released at
the end of a BRICS conference, the
Foreign Ministers of Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa,
deplored "the continued terrorist
attacks, including in some BRICS
countries" and condemned "terror
ism in all its forms and manifesta
tions wherever committed and by
whomsoever".
The ministers reaffirmed the sol
idarity and resolve of the BRICS
nations in the fight against terror
ism and called upon the interna
tional community to establish a
broad international counterterror
ism coalition and to support the
UN's coordinating role in interna
tional counterterrorism coopera
tion. "They recall the responsibility
Won't brand Masood
Azhar a terrorist: China
The issue of Masood Azhar has caused friction between
India and China.
Beijing: A day after saying it
shared India's concern about
terrorism, China on Tuesday
said it still had issues in declar
ing Pakistani militant Masood
Azhar as an international ter
rorist. This is a clear signal
from Beijing that it will again
block New Delhi's move to act
against the JaisheMohammad
(JeM) chief.
"At present, some members
still have a disagreement over
the listing matter," Chinese
Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Geng Shuang said.
Beijing has in the past vetoed
India's proposal at the UN
Security Council to add Azhar
to the list of international ter
rorists, citing lack of solid evi
dence against the JeM chief
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (front) addresses the meeting.
of all states to prevent financing of
terrorist networks and terrorist
actions from their territories," the
note said. Earlier, India, represent
ed by Minister of State for External
Af fairs VK Singh, said the group
ing needed to cooperate on count
erterror measures.
Singh said "terrorism remains
the most potent global menace and
threatens global peace" and that
"terrorists cannot be differentiated
by calling them good or bad".
"They are terrorists, they are
criminals and we need to have con
certed actions both in the region
and internationally to curb their
who is accused of plotting the
terror attack on the IAF base at
Pathankot. "We have talked
about our position many times.
We believe that the principles
of objectivity and professional
ism and just ice shall be
upheld," Geng said.
"China stands ready to
remain in coordination and
communication with the rele
vant parties on this issue."
Beijing's reaction comes a day
after India and China expressed
growing concerns over terror
ism and forged consensus with
BRICS countries to step up the
fight against terrorism. The
issue of Azhar has caused fric
tion between India and China,
whose ties have taken a hit
over a host of issues.
SUBCONTINENT
activities."
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang
Yi said his country was making
every ef fort to combat terrorism.
"China opposes terror in all forms.
China is also victim of terror and
China is taking part in global ini
tiatives against terror. With col
leagues today, including Indian
colleagues, China shares the same
position."
The BRICS Summit will be held
in September in China's Xiamen
where Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Mo di and Chinese
President XI Jinping are likely to
meet.
Taliban kill 8 Afghan
guards at US base
Kabul: At least eight Afghan securi
ty guards at Bagram Air Base, the
United States' largest military base
in Afghanistan, were killed in an
ambush by the Taliban while on
their way to work, an official said.
The attack, in which two other
guards were wounded, occurred in
Shahkoh village, in the Parwan
province, while they were on their
way to the base, said the provincial
governor's spokesperson Wahida
Shahkar.
"In this armed attack, eight peo
ple were killed and two others
were injured," Shahkar told Efe
news.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah
Mujahid claimed responsibility for
the attack in a statement, in which
he accused the victims of spying
Pakistan to fence whole border
with Afghanistan
Islamabad: The Pakistan Army
has said the whole border with
Afghanistan will be fenced to
curb crossborder movement of
militants.
T he military said that the
phased fencing of the border had
commenced in high infiltration
prone border areas in Bajaur,
Mohmand and Khyber tribal
agencies, Xinhua news agency
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TASLIMA NASREEN'S
INDIAN VISA
EXTENDED BY A YEAR
New Delhi: The Indian govern
ment extended the visa of self
exiled Bang ladeshi author
Taslima Nasreen by another
year. The 55yearold, who is
now also a citizen of Sweden,
had received a oneyear exten
sion on her visa in 2016 as
well. Her Indian visa has been
extended continuously since
2004.
"Tasleema Nasreen's visa has
been extended for a year with
ef fect from July 23 following
The Bangladeshi writer has
her request," a Home Ministry
expressed a desire to live in India.
official said.
Nasreen has been living in but no decision has been taken
India since she left Bangladesh on it by the Home Ministry.
in a cloak of secrecy in 1994 in The writer has expressed a
the wake of threats to her by desire to live in India, especial
fundamentalists who objected ly in West Bengal, citing the
to "obscene content" in one of cultural and linguistic similari
her books. She has also stayed ties and the state's proximity
in the US and Europe in the last w ith Bang ladesh. She was
two decades. forced to leave Kolkata in 2007
Nasreen has also applied for following street protests by a
permanent residency in India section of Muslims.
Afghan securitymen take part in a military operation
against Taliban militants.
for the US. In November 2016, a The current NATO mission in
suicide bombing inside the base Afg hanistan deploys around
killed four Americans and injured 13,000 troops for providing assis
17 people. tance to Afghan troops. The US
Violence in Afghanistan has maintains some 8,400 troops as
intensified since the end of NATO's part of the mission and other anti
combat mission in 2015. terrorism activities.
reported. Pakistan and border areas including
Afghanistan, which share a nearly Balochistan will be carried out
2,600 km border, mostly porous, later.
routinely blame each other for Besides fencing, the Pakistan
failure to stop the movement of Army and Frontier Corps, the
militants. Armed groups had also paramilitary force responsible for
been active in the tribal regions border security, are constructing
for years. new forts and border posts to
A statement from the Army's improve surveillance and defensi
InterServices Public Relations bility in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
said the fencing of the remaining province.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
IS leader Baghdadi
'may have been
killed by Russia'
Moscow: Russia's De fense
Ministry said that it is verifying
reports that one of its airstrikes
killed Islamic State leader Abu
Bakr alBaghdadi on the south
ern outskirts of Syria's Raqqa.
The airstrike was carried out
on May 28 against a command
post, where the IS group's lead
ers were meeting to discuss the
routes for the terrorists' exit
from Raqqa through the "south
ern corridor", the ministry said in
a statement. "According to infor
mation, which is being verified
via different channels, the meet
ing was also attended by the (IS)
leader Ibrahim Abu Bakr al
Baghdadi, who was eliminated in
the strike," Tass quoted the min
istry as saying.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov,
commenting on the reports, said
Russia doesn't have 100 per cent
proof of Baghdadi's elimination.
"Of course, I have heard about
these reports. So far, I have no
100 per cent confirmation of this
information yet," Lavrov said
during a news conference in
Moscow. The ministry's state
ment said the Russian airstrike
may also have killed 330 terror
'N Korea should be
denuclearized by
sanctions, dialogue'
Seoul: South Korea's
new Foreign Minister
has said that North
Korea should be denu
clearized by both sanc
tions and dialogue while
any of its provocations
should be dealt w ith
sternly.
Kang Kyungwha, the
country's first female
Foreign Minister, made
the comments in her
inaugural address here,
reports Xinhua news
agency.
South Korean foreign minister Kang
South Korea should
actively address North
Korea's nuclear and missile issues Kang said her country should
that have become increasingly seek a futureoriented, mature
urgent and advancing as they are cooperative partnership while
posing threats on security.
At the same time, Kang stressed squarely face the history.
that South Korea should seek to
wisely resolve current issues with munications with people in estab
China to develop the bilateral lishing diplomatic policies and to
relations.
As regards to ties with Japan, ple more exactly.
Baghdadi has been wrongly
reported dead on
several occasions.
ists, staterun Sputnik reported.
Russian Su34 aircraft and an
Su35 multirole fighter launched
the airstrikes following drone
footage confirmat ion of the
council's meeting location, the
statement said.
The US military was informed
by Russia before the attack, the
report said. However, Col. Ryan
Dillon, a spokesman for the US
led coalition's operation against
IS in Syria and Iraq, said he "can
not confirm these reports at this
time". Baghdadi was wrongly
reported dead by the media on
several previous occasions.
Kyungwha.
encourag ing its neig hbor to
Kang vowed to increase com
make the policies known to peo
INTERNATIONAL June 24-30, 2017 21
Portugal fights deadliest
wildfire, 62 dead
Lisbon: Portugal struggled to
control the deadliest wildfire in
its history that has devastated the
central region of Leiria, with offi
cials putting the death toll at 62.
The fire ignited in the munici
pality of Pedrogao Grande in
Leiria, a huge plain with small vil
lages crisscrossed by several
national roads.
"The dimension of this fire was
such that we don't have memory
of such a human tragedy," said
Portuguese Prime Minister
Antonio Costa.
Costa warned the death toll
could increase, adding there were
currently more than 700 emer
A staff worker cleans up the site of forest fire.
gency staff deployed to tackle the
blaze along with air support from 17 bodies were found along the temperatures above 40 degrees
Spain and France. The number of side of other roads while 10 more caused the fire to spread rapidly,
injured is more than 60. were recovered in the rural areas hindering the work of firefight
The forest fire broke out on a surrounding these roads. ers.
road linking the municipalities of Among those injured, four are The fire remains active in four
Figueiro dos Vinhos and in serious condition and damages areas, two of them are considered
Castanheira de Pera, causing peo to several homes nearby were out of control, according to the
ple to be trapped on a road sur reported. department.
rounded by flames. The Judicial Police told Efe that The government has sent some
According to the Internal the police had ruled out arson 400 personnel from social servic
Administration department, 30 and pointed to lightning striking es to attend to the affected peo
people were reported to have a tree as the most likely cause of ple and ordered an emergency
died in their vehicles on this road, the deadly fire. evacuation of people residing in
including entire families. Another Strong winds together with nearby areas.
London mosque attack
suspect identified
London : The suspect in the north
London mosque attack that killed
one person has been identified as a
resident of Cardiff, Wales, who had
previously voiced his hatred for
Muslims, the media reported.
According to witnesses, Darren
Osborne, 47, shouted, "I want to
kill all Muslims" as he drove a van
in the early hours into a crowd of
worshipers near the Finsbury Park
Mosque on Seven Sisters Road,
reports the Guardian.
One person died and 11 were
injured; Osborne survived the
People gather at the scene of attack.
attack and was arrested on suspi
cion of commission, preparation or do some damage". a far right organization. However,
instigation of terrorism including Neighbors in the Cardiff suburb the incident is being treated as a
murder and attempted murder. where he had lived for several terror attack.
Camera phone footage showed years described him as "aggres Security Minister Ben Wallace
him being captured by worshipers, sive" and "strange". said the suspect was not known to
who attacked him as he screamed, They told the Guardian that it the security services, and was
"Kill me". was unclear what he did for work. believed to have acted alone.
When he was eventually arrested Some said he was jobless, but After a short silence, chairman of
and loaded into the back of a bought and sold cars. the mosque Mohammed Kozbar
police van in handcuffs, he waved Osborne's mother, sister and told those gathered that the attack
to the gathered crowd. nephew said in a statement: "We was "on our families, on our free
Osborne's neighbors in Pentwyn are massively in shock, it's unbe dom, on our dignity", the BBC
said that over the weekend, he had lievable. It still hasn't really sunk reported.
called a 12yearold Muslim an in," reports the BBC. According to It is the fourth terror attack in
"inbred" and was thrown out of a the Metropolitan Police, there was the UK in three months, after inci
local pub for getting drunk, "curs no immediate evidence that dents in Westminster, Manchester
ing Muslims and saying he would Osborne was an active member of and on London Bridge.
 22 June 24-30, 2017
India's Q1 GDP growth slowest
since Q4 2014: Fitch
Mumbai: Global credit rat ing
agency Fitch Ratings said the 6.1
per cent yearonyear (yoy)
growth of Indian gross domestic
product in the first quarter of
2017 was the slowest growth rate
since the fourth quarter of 2014.
The rating agency also said the
recovery in g lobal g rowth is
strengthening.
According to its Global
Economic Outlook issued on
Monday, Fitch said: "Indian GDP
growth slowed significantly to 6.1
per cent yoy in 1Q17 from 7.0 per
cent in 4Q16. This was the slow
est pace since 4Q14."
Fitch said the domestic demand
accounted for the bulk of the
slowdown.
"It appears that the cash
squeeze of November 2016
whereby the government pulled
86 per cent of cash in circulation
out of the economy virtually
DCCBS ALLOWED TO DEPOSIT
DEMONETIZED NOTES WITH RBI
New Delhi: The government has
allowed the RBI to accept demon
etized notes collected by District
Central Cooperative Banks
(DCCBs) immediately after the
note ban, a longtime demand of
the BJP's ally Shiv Sena.
The gazette notification came
on a day the Shiv Sena made a U
turn and announced its support
for the NDA Presidential candi
date Ram Nath Kovind, just one
day after saying that his choice
amounted to caste appeasement.
Maharashtra minister Diwakar
Raote of the Shiv Sena had
demanded last week that over Rs
2,770 crore in junked notes lying
with the DCCBs be accepted by
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The exchange, he had said,
could enable the district banks to
offer fresh loans to farmers in
the current crisis situation in the
state.
Maharashtra's district coopera
Fitch said the domestic demand accounted for the bulk of the slowdown.
overnight finally did have a
material impact on spending," it
said. According to Fitch, the
lagged ef fect of demonetization
on the economy is quite puzzling
as the effects would be expected
to be quite rapidly felt but partly
reflects the challenges of measur
ing spending in an economy with
a large informal sector.
The DCCBs were barred from accepting the old notes after Nov. 14.
tive banks had Rs 2,771.86 crore
in old notes as of March 18,
2017. The figure was Rs
5,458.59 crore on November 14,
2016. The demonetization was
announced on November 8 night.
The DCCBs were barred from
accepting the old notes after
November 14.
BUSINESS
"Consumption growth fell sub tary policy of the past two years
stantially to 7.3 per cent yoy,
although this was from an admit
tedly high rate of 11.3 per cent in
4Q16. More worryingly, invest
ment dipped into negative territo
ry (2.1 per cent yoy). This partly
reflected poor construction activi
ty, which fell by 3.7 per cent yoy,
an unprecedentedly low level in
The gazette notification says
the DCCBs can now deposit the
demonetised currency, collected
during the five days between
November 10 and November 14
after demonetisation, within a
month starting on Tuesday.
Also, former Finance Minister
P. Chidambaram suggested that
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
recent years," it said.
This may have been affected by
the demonetization shock, but
investment has been persistently
weak in recent years, it said,
adding that investment as a share
of GDP has been trending down
for several years and ongoing
steep declines could spell risks for
mediumtolongterm term growth
potential.
"We do however expect invest
ment to gradually pick up from
current lows, on the back of the
transmission of supportive mone
and steppedup structural
reforms," the report states.
T he goods and services tax,
expected to be applicable from
July of this year, will facilitate
trade within India and reduce
transaction costs. Public spending
on infrastructure is also set to
rise, boosting investment, it said.
the decision on DCCBs may be
linked to the Shiv Sena backing
for Kovind, a former Bihar
Governor.
"Was the midnight notification
perfectly timed with garnering
support for Presidential candi
date?" the Congress leader tweet
ed. The notification also allows
banks and post offices which had
collected demonetised currency
prior to December 30, 2016 to
deposit them with the RBI.
The deposits can be made
under Specified Bank Notes
(Deposits by Banks, Post Offices
and District Central Cooperative
Banks) Rules, 2017.
The notification by the
Department of Economic Affairs
says the demonetised notes of Rs
500 and Rs 1,000 may be
deposited by "such Bank, Post
Office or District Central
Cooperative Bank, as the case
may be, in any office of the
All states pass
SGST Act,
except J&K
New Delhi: With Kerala approv
ing the State Goods and
Services Tax (SGST) Act,
Jammu and Kashmir remains
the only state yet to pass the
legislation ahead of the July 1
launch of the panIndia tax
regime.
"All states and union territo
ries, except Jammu and
Kashmir, have approved the
SGST Act and are ready for the
smooth rollout of Goods and
Services Tax (GST) with effect
from July 1," the Finance
Ministry said in a statement
here. Kerala issued an ordi
nance on Wednesday approv
ing the State GST Act while
West Bengal had issued the rel
evant ordinance on June 15.
"Thus, almost the entire
country, including 30 states
and union territories, is now on
board and ready for the GST,"
the Finance Ministry said.
Reserve Bank, within a period of
30 days from the commence of
these rules, and get the exchange
value thereof by credit to the
account such Bank, Post Office,
or District Central Cooperative
Bank, as the case may be, subject
to the satisfaction of the Reserve
Bank of the conditions specified
in the said Notification and the
reasons for nondeposit of the
specific bank notes within the
period under that notification".
Officials said the deposits
would be accepted in pursuance
of an assurance given to the
Supreme Court by the govern
ment that proper verification of
each account would be done
before any decision was taken.
Such a verification was done
between January and May this
year and it was found that the
accounts complied with the
Know Your Customer (KYC)
norms, the officials said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
BCCI tried to mediate
between Kumble, Kohli
New Delhi: Asserting that a new
nat ional team coach w ill be
appointed before next month's Sri
Lanka tour, former Board of
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Vice President Rajeev Shukla said
board officials tried to resolve the
dif ferences between Anil Kumble
and Virat Kohli, but to no avail.
Kumble stepped down as India
coach citing differences with skip
per Virat Kohli.
"The BCCI tried its level best to
resolve the issue. All senior of fi
cials, including the acting secre
tary (Amitabh Choudhary) and the
CEO (Rahul Johri), talked to
Kumble and Kohli in great detail
on the matter. The senior BCCI
officials also talked with Chairman
of the COA (Committee of
Administrators) Vinod Rai regard
ing the issue," Shukla told
reporters here.
"The BCCI tried very hard to
resolve the issue. But, unfortunate
ly, no outcome was eventually
found and Kumble decided to quit
the post and move on," he added.
Shukla also denied that
Kumble's departure means that
Indian cricketers, especially skip
per Kohli, are being given more
importance than the national
coach.
Wishing Kumble success in his
future coaching endeavors, Shukla
CT 2017: Pak team gets
hero's welcome back home
Lahore/Karachi: Pakistan players
were accorded a hero's welcome
upon returning home as hundreds
of supporters stayed up late to
welcome the justcrowned ICC
Champions Trophy winners.
Pakistan de fied all o dds to
thrash favorites India by 180 runs
and lift the Champions Trophy for
the first time.
In the early hours of Tuesday
morning, large crowds gathered at
airports in Karachi and Lahore
eagerly awaiting the return of the
champions, the Dawn reported.
In a video shared on skipper
Sarfraz Ahmed's Twitter page, the
captain was seen shout ing
"Pakistan...Pakistan..." holding the
trophy aloft as thousands of locals
egged him on and brought the
roof down.
Sarfraz, who led from the front
including a crucial knock of 61 in
a doordie Group A match against
Sri Lanka, saw the entire street
leading to his house decorated as
he arrived with pacer Ruman
Raees at 4:45 a.m. in Karachi.
Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble during a practice session.
(Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)
said the India team will get a new
coach before the tour to Sri Lanka.
"The BCCI wishes Kumble best
for the future. Meanwhile, BCCI
has decided to search further for
the coach. Before the Sri Lanka
tour, the coach will be appointed
and it will be the best coach for
India," he said.
Acknowledging the rift with cap
tain Virat Kohli, legendary leg
spinner Anil Kumble this week
decided against continuing in his
post as the head coach of the
Indian cricket team. In a statement
Pakistan defied all odds to thrash favorites India by 180 runs and lift
the Champions Trophy for the first time.
According to an article in the
Dawn, fans also unfurled a 70foot
long national flag and carried it in
the street as Sarfaraz drove home
in a special convoy provided by
the Sindh provincial government.
T here were se lfies flashing
everywhere as the supporters did
not miss the opportunity to bathe
in the euphoria and keep the piece
of memory with them.
Sarfraz and Rumman, according
to the report, were presented with
SPORTS
posted on his Twitter handle,
Kumble said that the partnership
with the captain was "untenable",
and also clarified that it was only a
day before that he got to know
through the BCCI that Kohli had
reservations with his 'style' and
his continual as the head coach.
"I am honored by the confidence
reposed in me by the CAC, in ask
ing me to continue as head coach.
The credit for the achievements of
the last one year goes to the cap
tain, the entire team, coaching and
support staff," Kumble said. "Post
traditional Sindhi shawls and
caps.
"We have created a legacy. I
believe this victory will not be for
gotten, it will always be remem
bered," Sarfaraz was quoted as
saying.
Nine of the Pakistan squad
members were playing in the
Champions Trophy for the first
time. Sarfraz lauded his young
guns and added seniors too did
their jobs admirably.
ICC thinking of scrapping
Champions Trophy
New Delhi: Pakistan may not get a
chance to defend their Champions
Trophy title with the International
Cricket Council (ICC) debating the
prospect of replacing the tourna
ment with two expanded World
Twenty20 events over a fouryear
cycle.
The next edition of the
Champions Trophy if it does
take place is scheduled to be
held in India in 2021. But the
increasing popularity of the short
est format of the game has
thrown its future into doubt.
"It's always been quite difficult
to distinguish or differentiate
between the two 50over global
events. With the World Cup
becoming a tenteam event, it's
almost like the World Cup is
becoming more like the
Champions Trophy, which I think
is a good thing," ICC CEO David
Richardson was quoted as saying
by Espncricinfo. "I think it (World
Cup) will still be a longer event.
this intimation, I was informed for
the first time yesterday by the
BCCI that the captain had reserva
tions with my 'style' and about my
continuing as the head coach."
"I was surprised since I have
always respected the role bound
aries between captain and coach.
Though the BCCI attempted to
resolve the misunderstandings
between the captain and me, it
After conquering
Indonesia, Srikanth
eyes Australian Open
Sydney: High on confidence after
his Indonesian Open triumph,
Kidambi Srikanth aims to cash in
on his good form and a good
draw at the $750,000 Australia
Open Superseries as he aims to
hit peak ahead of the World
Championships.
The Sydney meet is the last
Superseries Badminton tourna
ment ahead of the World
Championships, to be held
between August 21 to 27 in
Glasgow. With his game in
rhythm, Srikanth is not willing to
drop his intensity or tweak a
thing or two prior to the World
Championships.
The Guntur player will be the
one of the favorites going by his
current form and is raring to go
all guns blazing when he starts
his campaign against a Chinese
Taipei qualifier Kan Chao Yu.
When asked about the impor
tance of this last Superseries, the
24yearold reckoned that for
June 24-30, 2017 23
The World Cup format will allow
the best chance for the best four
teams to get into the semifinals.
So it takes away the risk of maybe
a rainaffected game or one poor
game having a huge impact on the
tournament like it can be in this
tournament (Champions Trophy).
But still, highly competitive
matches hopefully," he added.
"And then, whether the
Champions Trophy in 2021 stays
a Champions Trophy, or we move
to two World T20s that still
needs to be discussed and settled.
It's a possibility, yes. I wouldn't
say it is categorically going to
happen because, as we've seen,
the Champions Trophy on its own
is a very good event and very
wellsupported, particularly in the
UK, where you get support for all
teams. So let's not be too hasty in
writing it off, but to be honest and
frank, there is consideration for
moving towards two World T20s
in a fouryear cycle."
was apparent that the partnership
was untenable, and I therefore
believe it is best for me to move
on," he added.
"Professionalism, discipline,
commitment, honesty, comple
mentary skills and diverse views
are the key traits I bring to the
table. These need to be valued for
the partnership to be effective," he
said.
Kidambi Srikanth
him every tournament is impor
tant. "I have a good draw and I
want to give my 100 per cent
from first round. It is nothing
like that. Every Superseries is
important," the 2016 Olympic
quarterfinalist told IANS.
Besides Srikanth, defending
champion Saina Nehwal and Rio
Olympics silver medallist and
fifth seed P.V. Sindhu, who were
knocked out of the prequarterfi
nals last week, will also be con
tenders in the Australian Open.
 24 June 24-30, 2017
Fasting days and feasting
nights at Delhi's Jama Masjid
New Delhi: he silence was broken
by a siren, followed by an azaan
from the Jama Masjid. It was
time to break the daylong fast.
Minutes earlier, people had sat
still with plates full of dates,
fruits and snacks in front of
them, uttering prayers under
their lips. According to a Muslim
belief, a prayer said just before
the breaking of a Ramadan fast is
always answered by Allah.
The humming turned into light
banter as a sherbet, a fruity
drink, quenched the parched lips
and dried tongues. After the
evening prayers, people spilled
into the bazaar, filling every inch
of it.
"We fetch special varieties of
sevai (vermicelli) for Ramadan,"
Mohammed Ajmal of Haji Tea
Stall shouted over the noise of a
bustling bazaar.
"We have khimami, rumali,
moti and bareek sevai which are
prepared dif ferently. Also we
have three varieties of pheni (a
kind of prefried sevai) and kha
jla," Ajmal said.
The shop claims to be selling
these and other preparations for
the last 50 years.
Both pheni and khajla which
looks like a big round kachoris
are dipped in hot milk and left
overnight, to be consumed at
sehri the predawn meal Rs 900 and goes up to Rs 2,500
Muslims have before starting
their fast.
The smoke emanating from the
open ovens grilling chicken and
kebabs and the large pans frying
fish and chicken send their appe
Yoga gives people control of
lives, better health: UN forum
United Nations: Yoga empowers
people to take control of their lives
and achieve better health at lower
cost to society, according to experts
at a forum here on June 21 cele
brating the Third International Day
of Yoga (IDY).
Bruce Lipton, a developmental
biologist, said the emerging field of
epigenetics shows that "we are not
determined by (our) genes" and can
be "powerful masters of one's own
life. Yoga, he said, can help people
overcome their genetic inheritance
and change their health outcomes.
This year's IDY theme was "Yoga
for Health" and the science, health,
business and yoga experts on the
panel at the UN spoke of how its
proliferation can lead the way to
better health for all with a reduc
tion in healthcare costs and achieve
the UN's Sustainable Development
tizing smell wafting through the
air, adding to the overall aura of
the place.
With Eid barely a week away,
most of the people in the area
are busy shopping for clothes
and footwear to mark the end of
Ramadan. The busy shopkeepers
in busy streets have no time to
relax as customers keep pouring
in.
"We sell the finest of kurtas
and shervanis and our kind of
variety is not available in the
entire old Delhi, let alone the
Jama Masjid area," Mansoor
Ahmed of Prince Majestic Kurta
boasted as he pointed towards
the mannequins displaying the
kurtas.
"Our range starts from around
for a kurta. At this time, however,
cotton kurtapyjamas are in more
demand due to the hot weather,"
he said.
A group of women were eyeing
the stylish burqas and veils out
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Amb. Syed Akbaruddin, actor Anupam
Kher and others taking part in the panel "Conversation on Yoga for
Health" at UNs ECOSOC Chamber on June 21.
Goals.
WHO, which cosponsored the
event, is in the middle of a yearlong
LIFESTYLE
side the Burhan Emporio.
"The frock burqa is in vogue
these days. The overcoat burqas
are also selling," Farhan, the boy
manning the shop, said as he
attended to a group of women
haggling over the price.
T he beggars, some of them
children, keep pestering the
passersby, especially those they
deemed to be "outsiders" and
hence soft targets for them. The
lo cals would just shoo them
away. A small crowd of "hungry"
beggars was sitting outside an
eatery, aptly called the Gharib
Nawaz Hotel, patiently waiting
for people to buy food for them.
"You can feed a hungry person
for Rs 25," the man at the count
er invites everyone.
With religious fervor at peak
during Ramadan, the shops sell
ing framed calligraphic art of
Quranic verses, called tughra, is
the centre of attraction for many.
Muslims traditionally adorn their
homes with such tughras.
campaign, "Let's talk about depres
sion," which takes aim at this specif
ic mental health problem.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Dress your best this
Ramadan and Eid
P
ull out the vintage shararas
and experiment with ornate
nose pins this Ramadan, suggest
experts.
Ace designers have shared a
few tips and styles that could be
experimented with:
q Pull out vintage shararas
that belong to your mother and
pair them up with chandbalis in
quirky colors.
q Up your kohl game and an
ornate nose pin will be a cherry
on top.
q Team up saris with shirts
and skip the traditional blouses.
Add Kolhapuri chappals or mojri
to accessories.
q Nizami jewelry is a beauti
"We come here quite frequent
ly, but during this month it is
special. The place is just buzzing
with life and the aura is dif fer
ent. I make it a point to visit
Nata Menabde, the Executive
Director of WHO UN Of fice, said
yoga combats depression and has a
role in the campaign.
WHO was collaborating with lead
ing academic institutions around
the world, including some in the Ivy
League, on scientific research on
the health effects of yoga, she said.
Yoga can reduce medical expens
es through preventing diseases, she
added. Swami Chidanand Saraswati
of the Parmarth Niketan in
Rishikesh said healthcare should
move from medicine to meditation
because of its power to heal.
In hospitals, he said, meditation
should be used alongside medica
tion as society moves from health
care to "yoga care". This would lead
to tremendous savings in healthcare
costs, he added.
Keith Mitchell, a former US NFL
ful option one can opt for. You
can also take out your ethnic
light pastels ensembles and pair
them w ith Nizami chokers,
pearls and diamonds.
Go light on the bangles and go
for just a statement ring. Nizami
jewelry looks the best in white,
vintage floral and organza.
q Handcrafted anarkali,
g hararas, kurtas styled and
draped with dupattas are other
looks that could be tried.
q To add style quotient to
your sari, experiment draping
the sari differently. Woven saris
are not just niche, but some
thing that evokes a feeling of
your roots.
Jama Masjid at least once during
Ramazan," said Kajal, a young
student who visited the place
w ith her friends. For many
Delhites, it's the "inthing" to do.
star who suf fered a careerending
spinal injury during a game that vir
tually paralyzed him, gave powerful
testimony about the healing power
of yoga. Starting with breathing
exercises and then through other
yoga exercises, he was able to walk
again, he said.
Lack of connection to family and
society lies at the root of illnesses
and yoga can help overcome this
through bringing about a connec
tion to family and society, said
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, also of
the Paramarta Niketan Ashram.
Another testimony to the power
of yoga in a dif ferent area came
from Stanton Kawer, the CEO of a
US marketing company. He said
that what he learned through yoga
helped his business when applied to
the work environment. Workers'
engagement with their work and
company ultimately boosts the suc
cess of the company and this could
be achieved through yoga, he said.
Actoractivist Anupam Kher said
that often one's happiness is left in
the hands of others, but yoga's
impact is enabling one to be oneself
and finding happiness within.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info RELIGION June 24-30, 2017 25

BRAHMRISHI SHRI Blessings and discourses

by Brahmrishi Sri

GURVANAND SWAMI Guruvanand Ji Swami

June 23, 5.308.30 pm

THE DIVINE MESSAGE Community Center Auditorium

tire of reminding the audience
around the world, he has come not
Brahmrishi Sri
Guruvanand Ji to start a new religion or new
Swami is visiting panth but to awaken us to our
NYNJ this weekend. deeper inner spiritual Truth, the
true aatmic existence, so that we
embark on a journey of spiritual ful
fillment with a sense of urgency.
Challenging us to forsake our
stubborn allegiance to the external
ity of the meanings of the words of
the great teachers and scriptures of
the past, Shri Gurudev, like the
great Upanishdic sages (rishis) such
ates that such a life must be lived
not outside the everyday world but
within the world, which is the realm
of enchanting Divine Play (Leela).
So to those who ponder over Shri
Gurudevs teaching with a sense of
dedication and surrender, focusing
on his Divine Lotus Feet shall be
rewarded with a spiritually fulfill
ing understanding and an insight
into the way of Divine Life that is
noble and shining in its glory and
power.
Excerpted from the coffee table
Holly Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355
June 24, 3.007.00 pm
Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Rd,
Old Westbury, NY 11568
June 25, 3.007.00 pm
Hindu Community Center
156 Schuyler Ave, Kearney,
NJ 07032
Website for free registration:
GurujiUSAvisit.com
Phone numbers:
New York: 5162922225

L
istening to Shri Gurudevs dis
courses gives a clear sense of
his deep respect for the great
religious traditions of the world, be
it earliest religions of India includ
ing Hinduism, Buddhism and
Jainism or later religions of the
world such as Christianity, Islam
and Sikhism. His discourses are
replete with the stories of
Ramayana and Mahabharata, teach
ings of Mahavira and Buddha, and
parables of Jesus and Guru Nanak.
Fully steeped in the deeper spiritual
Truth and well versed in the scrip
tures of many religions, Shri
Gurudev speaks with the authority
and power of someone who speaks
not only from deep knowledge but
also from direct experience of the
Truth.
He does so with a perceptive eye
of the jeweler who knows that all
that glitters is not gold and sees the
shining jewels hidden behind the
mask of blinding tradition that has
become irrelevant to the modern
age. His synthesizing vision, bring
ing together the pearls of wisdom
from the varied religious heritage of
Humanity, addresses the contempo
rary context of our times.
Shri Gurudevs devotees, many
gurubhaktas, rightly believe that
the real power of the message of
Shri Gurudev lies in the simple but
spiritually impregnated words
uttered by His blessed lips. These
simple but powerful words convey
deep spiritual meanings and mes
sages to the listeners who open
their hearts and minds to this great
Master of our Age.
Direct and precise, incisive and
penetrating with the sharpness and
swiftness of an arrow, Shri
Gurudevs simple, powerful words
enter into the very depth of our
soul. Stirring our consciousness
with his commanding presence,
churning our thoughts with His
magnificence. His counsel couched
in simple phrases, Shri Gurudev
leads us on our spiritual journey
with confidence and trust.
Like a loving father, he holds us
by the hand and walks with us with
loving compassion giving us no rea
son to fear falling for we find His
protective hands nearby each time as Yagvalakya and others, implores book The Divine Guru: The Divine
and 5167073796
we falter and stumble. Gurubhaktas us to go beyond the externality of Personality and Teachings of His
gravitate towards Him inspired by New Jersey: 9735132246
the words to seek the true meaning Holiness, Brahmrishi Shri Gurvanand
the singularly simply worded mes and signification of the spiritual life. Swami, published by Vishwa Dharma
and 2013215961
sages that their heart seeks to mull With a sense of urgency he reiter Chetana Manch, Tirupati, India.
and ponder over again and again;
these simple words and phrases
expressing deep spiritual truths
provide solace to our spiritual
yearning, raising our spirit and
comforting us always in moments
of toil and turmoil.
The supreme redeeming power of
His teachings and discourses, inces
santly replete with such simple
phrases, live not for happiness but
live happily, and live not for dhar
ma but live with dharma, gives his
bhaktas succor and support always.
Echoes of these words of wisdom
constantly reverberate in our con
sciousness and motivate us to live a
spiritually fulfilling life, every day
surrendering our ego at the lotus
feet our Master.
With his persistent exhortation to
his disciples to commence their
journey to Parmatma (The God)
within the sanctified realm of the
parivara (the Family), Shri Gurudev
has provided a renewed under
standing of the spiritual life which
does not required renunciation of
worldly duties and material exis
tence.
To the timeless teaching of Karma
Yoga taught by Shri Krishna in the
BhagavadGita, Shri Gurudev has
provided a new dimension by
emphasizing our duty to the family
not as bondage, but as a means of
spiritual transformation. In his pow
erful teachings of the aspects of
parivar se parmatma ki aur,
according the family and the duty
to the family as the cornerstone of
spiritual regeneration of Humanity.
Shri Gurudev has indeed caused an
unprecedented positive transforma
tion of human relationship as a
means of seeking relationship with
the Divine. Shri Gurudevs message,
imbued with a direct and incisive
character, pierces through his lis
teners preconceived notions and
demolishes their religious preju
dices by challenging them to exam
ine their own religious biases and
spiritual indolence. As he does not
 26 June 24-30, 2017 BOOKS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Being Indian: Challenge of bringing

up 'desi' children abroad
l By Saket Suman ing to the author, are wrong too as they
East or West;
are depriving their children of "an authen
he many aspects of everyday Indian Author: Vinati Sukhdev; tic and spontaneous experience of their

T life history, culture, language, fami

ly relationships and marriage that
we in India tend to take for granted are
often major issues of contention for NRIs
living overseas an estimated 30 million of
them spread across over 150 countries.
Even as they go on with their lives in dif
ferent countries across the globe, there is
always an underlying desire to inculcate
these "Desi" aspects into the lives and
habits of their children.
A recent book by a former journalist,
who faced difficulty in selling "India" to
her children, serves to be an apt manual
on the upbringing of Indian diaspora chil
dren overseas.
Titled "East or West," the book has been
written by Vinati Sukhdev. The author
opens with an elaborate explanation on
the concept of what goes into making us
Indian, which she finds hard to define
specifically.
Nonetheless, meaningful family relation
ships, hard work leading to material suc
cess, being tolerant of others and being
spiritual are some visible examples that
Sukhdev identifies as hallmarks of Indian
ethos. She states that "being Indian" means
counting on all such positive values and
ensuring that children growing up in a for
Publisher: Westland;
pages, 135
eign ecosystem are exposed to them.
But it is not going to be an easy journey
for parents because most children growing
up outside India are likely to rebel at what
they may consider "foreign and strange
requests" from their parents. The peer
pressure that kids are subjected to may
further strengthen this resentment.
The author seeks to impress upon NRI
parents to recognize the fact that their
children will never be as Indian as they
are. So she asks the parents to appreciate
"every baby step that they take towards
discovering India" and thus enjoy the jour
ney.
The author maintains that "oldfashioned
immigrants," who foist an Indian identity
on their children, are wrong in being strict
and inflexible. Parents who go to the other
extreme and keep their children complete
ly aloof from India and its culture, accord
mother country" and thus leave a gaping
hole in their identity kit.
The solution is somewhere in between
by being judicious and balanced and in
the process, allowing the children to dis
cover rather than forcing their Indian
identity unto them.
Finally, Sukhdev reminds the many
prospective readers of this insightful offer
ing that NRI children often grow up with
out much knowledge of India's art, history
and culture. "This is a shame, because this
is India's strength and we should take
pride in it," she advises the parents living
overseas.
From cultural immersions with the help
of likeminded Indian parents and Indian
language and music classes to casual din
ing table conversations and car pooling
with other Indian families, the book opens
an entire panorama of suggestions that
those facing difficulties in the upbringing
of their children abroad may find helpful.
(IANS)

l By Saket Suman

W
ith Prime Minister
Narendra Modi pushing
yoga on the global
stage, the agesold vedic practice
is now gaining international
recognition. However, there are
many who want to practice yoga
but aren't sure how to go about
it.
"The 10 Minute Yoga Solution"
(HarperCollins/253 pages) by
popular author and yoga acharya
Ira Trivedi serves to be an apt
manual for all those who are yet
to foray in to the vedic practice.
This book is equally significant
for practitioners too as its atten
tion to minute details involved in
the practice, the nittigritty of var
ious 'asanas' and, more impor
tantly, the lessons of a master
practitioner find sufficient men
tion in the book.
For the author Trivedi, the jour
ney began about a decade ago
when she had just returned to
India from the US and was, in her
own words, depressed, lethargic
and had a major case of writer's
block.
"I was overweight, I had bad
skin and was losing hair. None of
my clothes fit me and my con
stant state of agitation was ruin
ing my personal relationships,"
Trivedi recalls in the book. To cut
a long story short, her state of
being was "utterly imbalanced"
when she first began her yoga
practice.
Today, after ten years of dedi
cated practice, Trivedi is at her
HOW THE AUTHOR SAVED HERSELF
WITH TENMINUTE YOGA ROUTINE
ideal weight and has several tele
vision shows on yoga to her cred
it. She states that her body, hair
and skin are not only under con
trol but are "fabulous". She has a
healthier attitude towards her
work and a better control over
her emotions.
But not everybody has the time
and willingness to dedicate one
self for yoga. As the author right
ly notes in the book, one may
have the desire to do yoga but it
may appear like an impossible
dream. Yoga classes are general
ly time consuming, expensive,
inaccessible and often tedious.
The remedy?
The author impresses upon the
fact that even ten minutes of
yoga can result in physical, men
tal and, eventually, spiritual
transformation and shares anec
dotes from her personal life as
an example to establish her
point.
"When I first started doing
yoga more than a decade ago, the
thought of being on a yoga mat
for a full hour seemed tremen
dously boring. I needed high
energy activities running,
squash, tennis, gymming any
thing that could get my endor
phins spinning and the calories
burning," she notes.
But all of her preconceived
notions changed once she actual
ly started doing yoga and, more
importantly, she started with just
ten minutes of practice every
day. The transformation was
"slow and subtle" but Trivedi
patiently stuck to her ten min
utes routine. The ten minutes
steadily grew to 20, 30 and 60
minutes a day and has today
given her everything that a
"backbreaking gym routine or a
sweaty, tedious marathon did
not." The author uses repeated
references to her personal life
and succeeds in conveying the
simple fact that the distance
between you and yoga is only the
matter of starting it and once
you have started it, there can be
no looking back as it naturally
turns into a vital part of your life.
By answering simple questions
like what is asana and pranaya
ma, the book first introduces the
readers to the basics of yoga and
then presents simplified ele
ments and vivid details of the
practice to help you start on your
yoga journey. The book is richly
illustrated and carries about a
hundred images of the author in
various yoga postures and
asanas.
Unlike her often long and wind
ing sentences in her novels like
"The Great Indian Love Story" or
"There's No Love On Wall Street",
Trivedi has this time stuck to
simple language and diction,
which sort of adds a realistic
tone to her narrative. If you have
a yearning to do yoga at some
point of your life, this book is a
fitting manual.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 24-30, 2017
28 June 24-30, 2017 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

Four recent examples

which show real life is
imitating the movies

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
A beaver was seen guiding a herd of 150 cows in Canada. Perhaps the beaver
had actually seen the movie Babe, about a pig doing the work of a sheepdog,
New York Head Quarter and wanted to try it himself.
422S Broadway ou know that movie where Indian wedding, which is famous as
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801
Y someone jumps out of a building
and lands safely on a passing
truck? I think it was called Pretty
vortexes in which anything can hap
pen.
Example: At a recent wedding in
5168271010 Much Every Movie Ever. U t t a r P r a d e sh, t h e b r i d e r e f u s ed t o
Well, a reader sent me a link to that marry the groom after discovering
exact clip only it was a reallife that he'd provided a meatfree ban
news report. A building in Hebei, in quet. She instead married a man from
the north of China, was ablaze, and among the wedding guests.
several people jumped out of high Reports of brides marrying wedding
windows on to a truck filed with veg guests are not uncommon in India,
etables, escaping completely and it puzzles me that ANY single men

Laughter is the Best Medicine

unharmed.
Makes you think, rig ht? Next t ime
you've finished work and the lifts
going down are full, check the passing
traf fic. Perhaps the Uber people could
By Mahendra provide opt ions. "I'd like to order a
Shah truck of vegetables outside my build
i n g a t 5 . 3 0 , p l e a s e. " " C e r t a i n l y, s i r,
Mahendra Shah cabbage or lettuce?"
is an architect This correspondent has noticed that
by education, "lifeisamovie" items usually appear
entrepreneur by i n b a t ch e s , a s i f D e s t i ny d ec i d e s t o
profession, recycle old film storylines for a while.
artist and The same day a reader sent me a
link to another news video of real life
humorist,
imitating art: A beaver was seen guid
cartoonist
ing a herd of 150 cows in Canada.
and writer by Perhaps the beaver had actually seen
hobby. He has the movie Babe, about a pig doing the
been record work of a sheepdog, and wanted to try
ing the plight it himse lf. Beavers are smaller than
of the pigs and cows are bigger than sheep,
immigrant so real life beats the movie.
Indians for the A third example arrived a day later.
past many years A man broke up with his girlfriend
in his cartoons. and went of f to marry someone else.
T he annoyed girlfriend turned up at
Hailing from
his wedding with a gun and took him
Gujarat, he lives
away. Police thought it was so movie
in Pittsburgh, like that it must have been staged.
Pennsylvania. I would agree, except for one crucial
t h i n g : T h e i n c i d e n t h a p p e n ed a t a n
dare to attend such ceremonies.
Several times a year, young men
must come home and have the follow
ing conversation. MOM: "How was
your roommate's wedding?" SON: "The
u s u a l . B y t h e w a y, m ee t m y w i f e,
Aditi."
A fourth news report in this catego
ry arrived that night. Two people in
the US state of Washington discovered
that they were born on the same day
of the same month of the same year in
the same town and eventually
learned they were twins. Yes, it's the
exact plot of the hit movie "The
P a r e n t Tr a p " . B u t t h a t ' s a b o u t t w o
young girls.
In the real life version, a man and a
woman found they were tw ins after
they got married. The scientific term
for this is "awkward." No doubt they
are taking classes in Sibling Rivalry
and Cutting Remarks so they can be
"normal."
If Destiny is reading this, can I put
i n a r eq u e s t f o r t h e m o v i e " A l m o s t
Famous" to come true? In that film,
the beautiful Kate Hudson falls in love
with a notverygood, notveryfamous
journalist.
Reallife Kate, whoever you are, I'm
here.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
JUNE 2430, 2017
ARIES: Responding positively & quickly
to new ideas in business will go in your
favor. An old friend makes a pleasant
visit later in the week. Investment made this
week would enhance prosperity and financial
security.
Love is a serious business; therefore dont take
it for granted. Your `lack of will might make it
difficult to achieve your goals. Great time for
perfect family vacation to an exciting destina
tion. Shopping for a commercial real estate loan
can be tricky. Blindly following others could
land in some troubles.
TAURUS: Mental clarity gives a decisive
edge over all competitors at profession
al front. Family members appreciate the
changes made in & around the house.
Speculation coupled with some unexpected
gains improves financial health. Enjoying the
company of partner in a lively restaurant would
bring immense romantic pleasure. A sparkling
laughter filled week when most things proceed,
as you desire. Planning for traveling requires
advice of persons whom you travel with. Plans
for commercial loans might be postponed.
Dont forget to listen to the voice of wisdom and
dont jump to conclusions.
GEMINI: Calculated risks would enable
to complete the project on time. An aus
picious week for family functions and
important ceremonies. Finances will definitely
get a boost. But at the same time there will be
rise in expenses too. Prepare yourself to face
the onslaught of cupids arrows. You must real
ize your true potentials to regain selfconfi
dence. It is important to delve into your desires
before you plan to travel. Are you longing to
buy a farmhouse, try for it? You put mind to
test by playing chess/crosswords or writing a
story/poetry.
CANCER: A firm commitment will not
only enable to achieve professional
targets but also to realize your dreams.
A unilateral decision could create some prob
lems at family front. Investment without proper
advice/guidance will bring financial losses. The
presence of love would make you feel life
meaningful. Your enormous confidence would
help in enjoying a healthy life. Finally you have
found the time for your deserving break, travel
will be favourable. If you want to invest on
property, then go for residential one. A promis
ing week to follow issues that you have neglect
ed earlier.
LEO: Cooperative nature brings desired
results at professional front. Friends and
family members would encourage work
ing harder. A new source of income will gener
ate through influential contacts. Love life
brings some memorable moments that you
could cherish rest of your life. A very healthy
wee k filled w ith happiness & vitality.
Adventurous holidays, the best way to experi
ence with your friends, time to enjoy. Selling
your home privately can be an excellent way of
saving on costs. Charity & social work will
attract you.
VIRGO: For some change of job would
bring mental satisfaction. You are likely
to hear good news from close relatives.
Rise in expenses will put unnecessary burden
on budget.
You might find it hard to express true feelings
to dream prince/dazzling beauty. Pleasure trip
would help in maintaining sound health. When
preparing to travel with a family be humble and
patient. Reduce your property loans otherwise
you will be in great trouble. Dont get surprised
if some of you have to shoulder the legal
problems.
ASTROLOGY
LIBRA: Selfconfidence helps in making
an impact at professional front this
week. Unexpected visit by old friend
could give you a pleasant surprise. You are like
ly to earn monetary profits through most unex
pected sources. Love works like a panacea as
you find sanity. You attain a bloom in health on
sharing happiness with others. A trip that is
unconventional and adventurous will be favor
able enjoy every minute of it. Your property
prices will boost in the coming period. If possi
ble, avoid giving unnecessary importance to
minor issues otherwise.
SCORPIO: Your inner values coupled
with a positive attitude will bring success
at work. A week for renewal of bonds
and family ties. You will be presented with many
new financial schemes. However you must weigh
them considering all pros & cons before making
any commitment. Your flashing smile would
work as the best antidote for romantic partners
unhappiness. Yoga and meditation would help in
keeping in shape and mentally agile. Take a trip,
as there is some place waiting for you. Older
properties tend to suf fer more than the new
ones. Honest and tothepoint approach would
be needed to succeed this week.
SAGITTARIUS: Calculated risks at pro
fessional front will be rewarded with
success. Evening enjoyed with family
and close relatives brings immense pleasure. An
improvement in financial position would enable
to make important purchases. Finding faults in
love partner would not only waste time but also
ruin relationship. Body pain and stress related
problems cant be ruled out. If youre planning
a vacation, be sure to consider your work does
not effect. Your plan to buy a plot, may lead to
bankruptcy. You find it a little dif ficult to
change old habits and views.
CAPRICORN: To bring a bloom in pro
fessional life you will have to formulate
new strategies. If possible undertake
the projects that would benefit the whole family.
Investment needs to be made keeping longterm
perspectives in mind. If possible make sure you
enjoy the lovely romantic journey to cement the
bond. Blessings of a saintly person give peace of
mind. Its high time to visit a relatives place oth
erwise relationships can be ruined. Your plan for
a personal loan might not work out. As far as
possible avoid unnecessary risks.
AQUARIUS: You will be successful in
regaining your professional touch.
You are likely to plan a short trip with
family. Do not make rash decisions, especially
when negotiating major financial deals. Sharing
candy floss and tof fees with lover/beloved
would bring unlimited joy. Chances of recover
ing from physical ailment are high. Travel
opportunities full of challenges are often the
beginning of great enterprises. Offplan proper
ty investment is one of the easiest and most
profitable methods to maximize gains in the
real estate market. Construction work under
taken will finish to your satisfaction.
PISCES: Engineers are likely to find it
very dif ficult/hard to complete the
work on time. Encourage children to
engage themselves in household activities in
their spare time. You seem to know exactly
what people need and want from you, but dont
try to be too lavish in your spending. Company
of love partner would inspire to take initiatives.
Inexhaustible energy enables to participate in
outdoor activities. You will discover travel des
tinations that are unique and magical. Plan
your budget first, and then try for a property.
Make sure you restrain yourself from any kind
of temptation.
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
24th June, 2017
Ruled by number 6 and the planet Venus.
You have a pleasant personality, sharp mem
ory and you are very fond of worldly pleas
ures. You are very methodical, emotional
and helpful person. You make your plans
and stick to it, but you need to control your
tendency to behave moody, timid and spend
thrift at times.
This year businessmen would expand their
ventures into new and more profitable
avenues. You would do extremely well if you
deal in real estate, but expect some opposi
tion to arise from partners. New romance for
some, so make the best of it. Meditation and
Yoga should be practiced for spiritual as
well as physical gains. Some exhilarating
news from your children will bring happi
ness later in the year. The months of August,
January and May will be highly eventful.
25th June, 2017
Dominated by number 7 and the planet
Neptune, you are highly creative, affection
ate, trustworthy, original, energetic and
emotional person. You never run away from
difficult task. What might appear impossible
to others would look like a challenge to you.
You have great talents, but you need to con
trol your tendency to behave arrogant and
dominating at times.
This coming period is good for starting
new ventures. Projects that have been slow
till now would gain momentum. Disputes if
any would get sorted out and bring a sense
of relief to your mind. Romantic encounters
with colleagues might develop, though it
would be very short lived. Your competitive
nature would make you stay ahead of others
and also make you popular amongst your
peers. Friends will be helpful but demand
ing. The months of September, December,
March and July will prove to be significant.
26th June, 2017
Influenced by number 8 and the planet
Saturn. You are ambitious, authoritative,
systematic, sober and simple person. You
have great potential to influence large group
of people. You possess modern, revolution
ary views which keep you in the limelight,
but you need to control your tendency to
behave stubborn and jealous at times.
This year you would have abundance of
energy, which if properly used would bring
you overwhelming results. Financially it
seems to be a good period to invest in stocks
and property, but all investments should be
made for a longterm basis. A distant jour
ney seems likely later in the year, most prob
ably for attending some auspicious occasion.
Friends and relatives will not be very helpful
and should not be depended upon. The
months of August, February and June will
prove to be beneficial.
27th June, 2017
Ruled by number 9 and the planet Mars.
You are active, energetic, trustworthy, sys
tematic and quick in taking decisions. You
always welcome new ideas and are fond of
reading to increase your knowledge and dis
cover new and unknown things, but you
need to control your tendency to behave shy,
arrogant and moody at times.
This year you would make new contacts,
which would help you in your line of work.
You would also receive unexpected advance
ments in your career. You would do extreme
ly well socially if you travel and get involved
June 24-30, 2017 29
in clubs and other social events. Your
income would be much better than the past
few years. Your beloved though possessive
at time would be helpful and supportive.
Minor health ailments such as backache,
stiff neck or body pains will pose frequent
problems. T he month of September,
December and March will bring in the
desired result.
28th June, 2017
Influenced by number 1 and the Sun, you
are active, energetic, determined, responsi
ble and original. You are creative and highly
result oriented person, but you need to curb
your tendency to behave reckless, spend
thrift and stubborn at times.
The coming year improves financial status
of many and some even inherit ancestral
property. Business will flourish and financial
gains will lift your confidence. Legal matters
that have been haunting your mind will set
tle to your satisfaction. Promotions and
increments are likely for some. Romance
however will not be pleasant as frequent
arguments and disagreements will keep on
bothering your mind. Students will perform
remarkably well in academics and sports.
Those suf fering from blood pressure and
piles need to take extra care of their health.
The months of August, February and May
will be highly significant.
29th June, 2017
Ruled by number 2 and the Moon, you are
highly creative, practical, emotional, friend
ly, simple and generous person. You enjoy
enormous respect at your workplace, but at
the same time you need to check your ten
dency to behave introvert, selfish and jeal
ous at times.
New jobs and assignments will be the
highlight of the coming year. Promotions
and transfers for some employees.
Investment in property will yield good
returns in the long run. Frequent and fruitful
journeys will be undertaken bringing mone
tary gains and help you build up long lasting
relationships. Relations with someone of the
opposite sex w ill strengthen g iving a
refreshing and interesting twist to your life.
Some exciting news from children will lift
your spirits. Rise in your medical bills as
health of your parents could cause tension
and anxiety. T he months of October,
December, January and April seem to be
highly eventful.
30th June, 2017
Governed by number 3 and the planet
Jupiter, you are bold, ambitious, dignified,
courageous and intelligent. You are hard
working and always appreciated for your
commitment and ef forts, but you need to
control your tendency to behave erratic,
stubborn and lazy at times.
This year will be highly beneficial for
those who are willing to take investment and
business risks. Speculation in property and
stocks will bring in handsome results. This
year will be highly significant for working
and professional women, as they will pros
per in their respective fields. New romance
will be exciting but shortlived. Journey or
pilgrimage will provide comfort and peace.
Be extra careful of your jewelry and expen
sive items. Chances of overseas education
for few students who are looking for a better
career. The months of September, Nov.,
February and June will be important.
30 June 24-30, 2017 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Chapter excerpt from the book: Empowering Your Soul through Meditation

Know the true nature of your soul

body, and the pulls of the physical
world have placed the soul in a
state of forgetfulness from which
we must awaken. W hen we
empower our soul, its wisdom,
immortality, love, fearlessness, con
nectedness, and bliss add a new
dimension to our life.
Many people live and die without
By Sant Rajinder ever realizing the full power and
Singh Ji Maharaj potential of their soul. At some
time in their life, they may begin to
souls have come and gone but have
left behind no records because they
did not found a religion or leave
behind any scriptures.
Some of them we know of
through references by other people
who wrote about them. One thing
is clear: these realized souls have
the ability to teach us how to real
ize ourselves. If we find such a
being, we can learn how we, too,
can discover our soul and its attrib
it? What are its characteristics and
qualities? This book provides a
way for us to accomplish two tasks:
the theoretical understanding of
our true selves as soul; and the
practical technique for the realiza
tion of our soul and the empower
ing of it to guide our lives.
Some of us may spend our lives
searching for knowledge in the
world outside.
Little do we know that the source
From the outset, we should
define certain terminology to
ensure that there is no confusion in
how words are being used through
out the book. The term soul is
defined as our true essence or spir
itual sidethe part of us that lives
beyond the death of our physical
body. The soul exists whether it
has a body or mind. When it enters
this world, it is given a body and
mind. As human beings, we are

W ithin us are riches greater

than any we can ever accu
mulate on earth. We have inside us
a source of knowledge from which
all other knowledge flows.
A love far greater and fulfilling
than any we can know in the outer
world is waiting to embrace us
with open arms within. At our core
is a strength and power that can
enable us to overcome any fear.
Underlying our separateness as
individuals is a connectedness and
oneness to all life. Awaiting us
inside is a bliss and joy so fulfilling
that we need no other outer intoxi
cants to make us happy. All these
gifts lie within us in the empow
ered soul.
The soul is a source of tremen
dous wisdom, love, and power, yet
we remain ignorant of its treasures
when we allow it to be overpow
ered by the mind, the senses, and
the physical body. When the mind
and body assert power over the
soul, the soul forgets itself. But the
empowered soul is our true nature,
and it is time we reclaim the soul
so that its gifts can enrich our life.
T here are two ways through
which to view ourse lves with
regard to the soul.
The first is to view ourselves pri
marily as a body and mind. When
we see ourselves in this manner,
we say that we are a mind and
body that have a soul.
The second is to see ourselves
primarily as a soul. W hen we
change perspective and identify
with the soul, we say that we are a
soul who has or wears a mind and
body. To assess how we look at
ourselves is one of our goals. If we
think we are a mind and body, then
ours is a journey to find the soul. If
we realize that we are the soul,
which has been given a mind and
body to maneuver through the
physical world, then our goal is to
further empower the soul. By
empowering the soul we recover its
natural control over the mind and
senses.
The aim of Empowering Your
Soul through Meditation is to help
reacquaint us with the qualities of
the soul and provide direction for
its empowerment.
The souls power has been for
gotten. The mind, the senses, the
wonder about the soul, about God,
and about the purpose of their
existence. This search for meaning
and purposethe spiritual quest
is one that people pursue in indi
vidual ways. Some seek answers in
scripture while others search in
places of worship. Some go beyond
their own re ligion to find the
answers of fered in other faiths.
Whichever method one adopts, the
direction one follows to find the
answers to lifes questions is
known as the spiritual path. It is
the spiritual path that leads us to
the realization of our inner self, to
the soul.
Many people pass through life
never realizing who they are and
never certain about the purpose of
their existence. In times of trouble
or in the face of death, they may
raise these questions but may not
follow them through to a fulfilling
conclusion or else may abandon
the process when the bad times
pass. But those who have a burning
desire to find the answers to the
mysteries of life can find them.
Fortunately, there are people in
the world who have found spiritual
fulfillment and can guide us. If we
look through history we find that
in every generation there have
been people who have realized
themselves as soul and have real
ized God. Some of their wisdom
and experiences have been record
ed in history and, in some cases, a
religion has been created from
their teachings. Other realized
utes. True knowledge comes from
seeing and experiencing on our
own. We may read what others
of all answers, the universal wis
dom, lies within us. Some of us may
find that at times our life is thwart
write or listen to what others say, ed by fear and anxiety, hopeless
but we cannot be fully satisfied ness and depression, yet we have a
until we experience it for ourselves. source of fearlessness within us
This book touches on the two that can help us overcome any
aspects of spiritual knowledge that inner turmoil. We fear our own
The soul is a source of
tremendous wisdom, love,
and power, yet we remain
ignorant of its treasures
when we allow it to be over
powered by the mind, the
senses, and the physical
body. When the mind and
body assert power over the
soul, the soul forgets itself.
But the empowered soul is
our true nature, and it is time
we reclaim the soul so that its
gifts can enrich our life.
can help us realize our soul: the death and the passing away of our
theoretical knowledge, and the per loved ones. We are petrified of the
sonal or practical knowledge. The unknown and what awaits us
theoretical side consists of what beyond this life. But we do not real
other realized people have said ize that immortality is ours. We
about the soul (such as what are crave love and seek it many places.
some of the qualitieswisdom, But there is an unconditional love
immortality, fearlessness, love, con that is ours awaiting us with open
nectedness, and bliss). The person arms. We need only turn in the
al or practical side consists of a right direction to find it. We feel
technique that I learned from a alone and unconnected in this
fully realized being. I wish to share world. But there is a place of unity
this technique to help others real and connectedness within us. If we
ize their soul on their own. could but only tap it we would find
On the theoretical side, a basic the richness of relationships with
agreement among enlightened others, with nature, and with all
souls is that we are not just a physi life.
cal body, but we are also the soul Exploration within will help us
or spirit behind the body. It is the discover our own potential. Once
soul that that gives us life. When we learn to tap into our inner
the soul is in the body, we are phys resources, we experience a pro
ically alive. When the soul leaves found transformation that will
the body at the time of death, the enrich all areas of our lifefrom
body ceases to exist. The body may personal relations, to physical,
perish, but the soul that inhabits it mental and emotional health, to
is immortal. our work, to our spiritual growth,
The soul continues to exist after and the attainment of our lifes
our physical death. goals. This transformation can
We are aware of our physical bring peace and joy into our lives
body because we can look at it, feel and can contribute to a peaceful,
it, and listen to sounds coming loving world. The Empowered Soul
from it. However, where and what is a manual for daily living and per
is the soul? How can we recognize sonal discovery.
thus embodied souls or souls
with a body and mind.
The terms we or us refer to us
as human beings or embodied
souls. The process of finding the
soul is referred to as tapping into
or discovering our soul within us.
When we finally do discover our
soul and identify with it as being
our true nature, then the soul is
referred to as the empowered
soul, a soul that has recognized
itself and is aware that it is the
essence of who we really are, that it
is the guiding power behind the
body and mind.
True joy is not as elusive as we
think. We can find lasting happi
ness if we only look in the right
place. Within us lies the unlimited
power and energy of the empow
ered soul. Its rich qualities include
wisdom, fearlessness, immortality,
unconditional love, connectedness,
and bliss. Tapping into the soul and
its power can enrich and transform
our life.
We remain ignorant of these
inner gifts because blockages keep
us from tapping into them. How
can we remove these blockages?
W hat process do we need to
employ to discover all that we
seek?
There are simple techniques for
accessing the riches of our soul.
We need not search the four cor
ners of the earth. We need not trav
el into outer space.
These techniques can be prac
ticed in the comfort of our home.
Once we learn to tap into our
inner resources, we can experience
a profound transformation that can
enrich all areas of our lifeperson
al relations; physical, mental, and
emotional health; professional
work; spiritual growth; and the
attainments of our lifes goals. This
transformation cannot only bring
peace and joy to our lives, but can
also contribute to a peaceful, lov
ing world.
The aim of the book is to provide
a means by which we can reidenti
fy with the soul, (i.e. realize that the
mind and body are merely our
souls outer coverings through
which it can live and work in this
physical world) and to empower
the soul to guide our life.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 24-30, 2017
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 24-30, 2017