Op Ed 13

Business 22

Bollywood 26

Spiritual Awareness 30

NEW YORK EDITION

Vol.4 No.8 June 11-17, 2011 60 Cents
Pratima Dharm is US Army's 1st Hindu chaplain Tristate Community, Page 6 MF Husain: End of an era in art India Newswire, Page 12 IITian's million dollar gift for India centre in Canada Diaspora, Page 14

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Shaan: The versatile singer to perform in NY-NJ Music, Page 18

Ramdev declares assets, defends army remarks

New Delhi/Haridwar: With his multi-million business empire coming under the scanner, yoga guru Baba Ramdev on June 9 declared his assets and vehemently defended his statement about creating a youth army to tackle any future police crackdown, even as he continued his fast against corruption for the sixth day. Ramdev's close aide Acharya Balkrishna declared that the total capital of different institutions associated with Ramdev is nearly Rs 426 crore, adding that Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust has spent Rs. 249 crore in charity and helping people during calamities. "Some people have tried to spread rumors about the trust, so we thought we will end this matter once and for all," Balkrishna told reporters. He added that the assets of the trust were under government scrutiny already as they were declared to the Income Tax department every year. At a press conference in Haridwar, Ramdev, who has packaged himself as an

Kumbhabhishekam concludes at Ganesh temple

Dr Mysorekar calls the celebrations at Flushing temple very satisfying from both religious and spiritual points of view.
By Parveen Chopra New York: An important holy event with religious significance was performed with greatest devotion and involvement by one and all at the Ganesh temple, Flushing last week. In Hindu temples, Kumbhabhishekam or reconsecration takes place once in 12 years or whenever a major construction or renovation takes place. In the Ganesh temple in Flushing, the first reconsecration took place in 1988, the second in 2009 and the third Maha Kumbhabhishekam took

The fasting Baba Ramdevs health is a concern. anti-corruption crusader, said that in tune with his "commitment to complete transparency," he was declaring on his website the financial details of his empire, whose turnover runs into millions of dollars. In a flourish, he said he had stolen people's hearts, not money. The decision to declare the assets came after the government turned on the heat on Continued on page 4.....

Gaja (elephant) puja was held on the last day of celebrations.. place from June 1-5. The South Asian Times published a 64-page, all color edition last week on this grand event and the Ganesh temple . Continued on page 4..... More pictures and story on page 16-17.

Xavier medical school graduates 30 students

By Swathi A.K. New York: The Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba (XUSOM) held a ceremony for 30 graduating students at Asia Society in uptown Manhattan on June 4. The hooding ceremony was done by Dr BL Stalnaker, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr Manuel Flores, Dean of Clinical Sciences. Diplomas to the

students were presented by Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat and President Ravishankar Bhooplapur. All graduates wearing black robes also took the Hippocratic Oath. Inspiration and career advice for the fresh medical graduates was given by Dr. Bhat and Ravi Bhooplapur. Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Ramanathan Raju, Executive Vice President for Medical and Professional Affairs, NYC Health and

Hospitals Corporation, and Guest of Honor Dr Robert S. Scott, dermatology and chest diseases specialist from Edinburgh, Scotland. The audience included graduates proud parents, siblings, friends and well-wishers, who all contributed to bring the special moment of graduation to them. XUSOMs Medical Campus is located in the picturesque Aruba island in the

Caribbean and its Admissions office is in Westbury, NY. The medical school guarantees clinical rotations in the US, and does not require MCAT for admission. For admissions, XUSON is holding Open House on June 18 at Holiday Inn, Edison, NJ, and at Marriott LaGuardia, East Elmhurst, NY. For more venues go to www.XUSOM.com. More details on page 15.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Rana cleared in Mumbai attacks, convicted of aiding LeT

Chicago: Pakistan-born Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana has been found not guilty on charges that he assisted in carrying out the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, but was convicted of helping Lashkar-e-Taiba, held responsible for the carnage. He was also convicted by a jury in federal court here Thursday for his role in a thwarted plot targeting a Danish newspaper that printed controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, according to Chicago Sun Times. Rana faces up to 30 years in prison for the two guilty counts. Rana allowed convicted PakistaniAmerican terrorist David Coleman Headley, aka Daood Gilani, to use his First World Immigration Services as a cover to scout targets for the deadly plots, prosecutors said. Rana provided valuable cover and support to Headley, knowing that he and others were plotting attacks overseas, Todd Hinnen, acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, said in a statement issued after the verdicts. But defense attorneys said Rana, 50, had no knowledge that his Pakistani military school friend was scheming overseas. After the verdict, Ranas attorneys said they were very disappointed with the two guilty verdicts, but said they were glad he was not found guilty in connection with the deadly Mumbai attacks. During the two week trial, prosecutions star witness Headley, who has pleaded guilty for his roles in the Mumbai attacks and the Denmark plot, claimed that Pakistans ISI agency and LeT separately gave him identical instructions for scouting locations for the Mumbai attack. He talked of a cosy relationship between LeT and ISI.

Ranju Batra to take over as AIA President on Monday

New York: Ranju Batra, the tions, including being on the newly-elected President of Board of Trustees for Hindu the Association of Indians in Center, as well as being acAmerica (New York chaptive in both Arya Samaj of ter), has had a long-standing Westchester and Childrens foundation in different social Hope. and charitable causes. As a A loving wife and devoted life member of AIA, she has mother, she has also distinbeen its Cultural Chair for guished herself with boundseveral years, playing a vital less energy to make a differrole in the highly-celebrated ence in the US with her annual Diwali program at civic, cultural, and political New Yorks South Street activities. She has helped in Seaport. the election of many memAs a paralegal, and the Ofbers of the Supreme Court. fice Administrator for the Her support has also been Law Firm of Ravi Batra, sought by national, state, P.C., known for its landmark Ranju Batra will be inaugurated as and local politicians, as well victories, she has successful- AIA-NY President at a reception at the as various cultural and reliConsulate General of India on ly balanced her professional gious organizations dedicatJune 13. life with progressive comed to the Indian-American munity efforts. Since her arrival in New York in community. Ranjus diligence and goal-orient1975 after getting married to Ravi Batra, Ranju ed philosophy has made her a strong and worhas been involved in various other organiza- thy bridge between India and the US.

Incredible India! Road Show in Big Apple

By Swathi A.K. New York: The Marquis Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, Manhattan on June 2 looked vibrant with big Incredible India banners and portraits of India and its people spotlighting the countrys culture. The Know India event was part of the road show Incredible India. Major travel agents and airlines which participated in the event included Air India, Go India, Kingfisher, Jet Airways, Thomas Cook, Make My Trip and Erco Travels. The keynote speakers included Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, Tourism , Amb. Prabhu Dayal, Consul General-New York, Minister of Tourism Subodh Kant Sahays personal secretary, Mahesh Chand Pandey, and Indian Association of Tour Operators. Welcome address at the event was given by Mrs. Sujata Thakur, Regional Director of the Americas, India Tourism, NY. India is a land of mysticism endowed with beauty, she said. Anand Kumar said in his address, Two decades ago, nobody knew where India was, but now its emerged as a destination not only known for its ancient culture but also for modern development with diverse culture. India is a destination with pristine locales, where films can be shot to show the world what India is. Mr. Kumar made a presentation, Know India, to establish a relationship between stakeholders in the US and tour agencies in

Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, Tourism India. He also screened the award winning Incredible India. He emphasized that Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTAs) in India during 2010 were 5.58 million with a growth rate of 8.1% as compared to the FTAs of 5.17 million and growth rate of ()2.2%, during 2009. US Market is the No. 1 contributor of tourist traffic to India for the last three years. In 2007 the total arrivals from US were eight lakh and by the year 2009 it had reached 8.27 lakh contributing to 16% of total tourist arrivals. Kumar also dwelled on lesser known destinations in India such as Uttaranchal, Himachal, Tamil Nadu and Sikkim. To feel the pulse of India, he suggested festival season will give tourists a more colorful picture. The most prominent ones are the Vibrant festival of Ladakh, Boat race of Kerala, Dassera Festival of Mysore and Desert Festival of Rajasthan, he added Pandey stressed the promotion of Rural Tourism: Rural India exposes visitors to a new way of life, be it their culture, cuisines and traditions. Eating bread with chilli, people walking to fields, sleeping under trees the real Indianness can be felt more in the villages.

Mrs. Sujata Thakur, Regional Director of the Americas, India Tourism, NY Amb. Prabhu Dayal spoke about the liberalized Visa Regulations in India for Foreign Tourists. To attract more foreign tourists to India, the Government has launched Visa on Arrival (VoA) from January 2010 for tourists from five countries - Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore. Countries such as Spain, France, Germany, Mexico and Vietnam have been granted the facility of Long Term Visa by India, he said. The event was followed by cocktails and dinner along with the cultural program performed by Surati.

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June 11-17, 2011

JAINA 2011 Convention to be held in Houston July1-4

Houston: The 16th Biennial JAINA 2011 Convention will be held in Houston over the Independence Day holidays from July 14. The meet is being hosted by the Jain Society of Houston. In over 30 years history of JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America), this is the first time the convention is coming to the South; and with over 2,500 people registered from all over the world, it may be one of the biggest and best Ramdev Story Continued from page 1 Ramdev by threatening to probe his widespread business interests and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared his personal assets and asked his ministers to do the same. The details of assets of the prime minister as well as some ministers have already been put organized meets so far. The theme is Live & Let Live will be explored by over 35 dignitaries/scholars and saints, and will feature multiple religious/non-religious & interfaith sessions. A play titled Gandhi before Gandhi will be staged with cast from India. JAINA is an umbrella organization of Jain organizations in the US and Canada, and its sole purpose is to preserve, practice & promote Jainism in the continent. on the PMO website. Babas health, however, remained a matter of concern. "He is not going to break his fast. I have asked him to take lemon juice and honey and he has complied. He will take it in the evening," R. Meenakshi Sundaram, District Magistrate of Haridwar, was quoted as saying. "His condition has worsened. So, we requested him," he added.

Mayor Anand performs legal wedding of an Indian couple

Laurel Hollow, NY: The first elected Indian-American Sikh Mayor in New York, Harvinder Harry Anand has notched another first. Mayor of Laurel Hollow, NY since July 2007, he performed a legal wedding on June 5 in accordance with the authority vested in him by the laws of the State of New York. He told The SATimes, As you know, only a Judge or a Mayor can perform a legal marriage. I performed one other marriage earlier but this is the first one I am performing of an Indian couple; and that too of my own niece. The bride was Simran Kaur and the groom Sudhir Sachdev. Mayor Anand conducted the ceremony on the Laurel Hollow beach on the afternoon last Sunday. Laurel Hollow is a village located on the North Shore of Long Island. Mayor Anand is a Kumbhabhishekam Story Continued from page 1 Consecration of the Rajagopuram, and gopurams or towers on four sides, of Sri Venkateswara and Sri Mahalakshmi in their new sanctums and gopurams, Sri Hanuman in new Sannidhi, Sri Nagendra Swamy and Navagrahas in new sannidhi was performed simultaneously by the priests. In this ritual, the water kept in kalasas or pots, which was energized and sanctified during the five-day chanting of the holy hymns in the yagasal prayers, was showered on all the kalasas on the gopurams amid chanting of holy mantras.

Simran Kaur and Sudhir Sachdev signing the marriage certificate after Mayor Harry Anand performed their legal wedding. Chemical Engineer and President of Royce International, a multinational company manufacturing of industrial chemicals. priests and the devotees have been extremely happy about the grand manner in which the whole celebrations were performed strictly adhering to religious codes, she said. In keeping with the times, the entire program streamed live and messages of appreciation from viewers in USA and abroad have been pouring in. The re-consecration has been for the deities of both Saiva and Vaishnava agamas and the Rajagopuram, and priests belonging to both the agamas performed the rituals in a well coordinated way and the celebrations have therefore been very satisfying for the temple management from both religious and spiritual points of view.

Vayalar skips, Preneet Kaur to lead India at Pravasi Divas

Toronto: Vayalar Ravi, minister of overseas Indian affairs and civil aviation, is skipping this week's mini Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) here. Instead, Preneet Kaur, minister of state for external affairs, will represent the Indian government at the two-day diaspora gathering. Ashwani Kumar, minister of state for planning and science and technology, Sachin Pilot, minister of state for communications, Jitin Prasada, minister of state for road transport, who were previously slated to address PBD delegates, are also not coming. Sam Pitroda, adviser to the prime minister, and Arun Maira, member of the Planning Commission, are expected to attend the twoday gathering at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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This holy water was also sprinkled on devotees as a blessing. Swami Mukundananda and Swamini Pramananda, disciple of Sri Dayananda Saraswati, participated in the holy event witnessed by a continuous stream of devotees on all the days and particularly on the final day. The temple distributed nearly 10,000 prasadam (lunch boxes). The temple President, Dr. Uma Mysorekar told the SATimes that the highlights of program was the live Gou (cow) pooja and Gaja (elephant) pooja performed on the first day and the last day respectively as well as the live auspicious music from Nadhaswaram on all five days. The participating

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Indian-American pleads guilty to insider trading

New York: Samir Barai, an Indian-American hedge fund portfolio manager, has pleaded guilty to securities fraud and other charges brought on as part of the US government's largest crackdown on insider trading at hedge funds. Barai, 39, founder of Barai Capital Management, also pleaded guilty Friday in a Manhattan federal court to conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud and obstruction for impeding a federal grand jury probe by destroying evidence. Magistrate Nathaniel Fox said Barai could face as long as 65 years in prison when he is sentenced Aug 29. Admitting he conspired with two other fund managers to violate federal securities laws, Barai said: 'I deeply regret all of my actions in this case.' Barai said on 'numerous occasions' from early 2006 to late 2010, 'I paid for and utilized the services of an expert networking firm who employed persons working at technology companies.' He said his associates listened in on calls with expert networking sources who provided 'material, non-public information, including revenues, gross margins and earnings'. Barai said that on Nov 19, 2010, he saw an article in the Wall Street Journal that described a federal grand jury probe in New York investigating hedge fund managers who used expert networking consultants to get inside information. 'I contacted my research analyst and directed him to destroy certain electronic and hard copies related to trading activities,' he said. Barai will provide 'substantial assistance', prosecutors said and agreed to submit a letter asking US District Judge Deborah Batts to impose a reduced sentence, citing his cooperation. Barai and 12 others are charged in a federal investigation of insider trading brought by US Attorney Preet Bharara in Manhattan.

Sikh MTA employee victim of bias attack

Gets punched on the face, loses three teeth
New York: Jiwan Singh, a Sikh MTA employee riding a Brooklyn A train on Memorial Day was punched on his face after accusing him of being related to Osama Bin Laden . "He was saying, 'You are the brother of Osama,'" said Singh, 59, who lost three teeth from the blows. "I said, 'I am not Osama. I have nothing to do with him!'", he was quoted in media reports. This is not the first time that his family has been a victim of racial attack. In 2009, his son Jasmir 23 lost an eye after being stabbed by attackers who targeted him because of his turban and traditional beard. Singh migrated to America more than 30 years ago. "We are Indians," he said, recalling other "Osama" slurs he's endured because of his long, white beard. "Due to that bastard, I have suffered so much, my family has sufhim by the shirt collar, picked him up and threw him into one of those seats. "He said, 'Taliban, you sit there!'" Singh recalled. The attacker, who wore a checkered shirt and a brown cap, then stared down Singh sometimes cursing him out loud, other times muttering under his breath. As the train pulled into the next station, Kingston Ave., the man suddenly threw two quick roundhouse punches, Singh said. Both hit him square in the mouth. "He said, 'This is for you, Osama!'" Singh recalled. "It was so fast. I couldn't even defend myself." Singh cupped his bleeding mouth while chasing the attacker, who fled the station and got away. The NYPD hate-crimes task force is investigating it as a bias incident, a police official said. No one has been arrested.

Jiwan Singh fered so much, my community has suffered so much." Singh, an electrical engineer, said the recent attack happened about 11:30 p.m. as he rode the train to work in Brooklyn from his home in Richmond Hill. The attacker, whom Singh described as a black man in his late 20s, got on at the Utica Ave. stop. The car was half-empty, Singh said, but the man walked right up to him and demanded he give up his seat. Singh said he was nervous, but pointed out that there were other open seats nearby. He said the man grabbed

Scholars discuss Hinduism's effects on rising Indian economy

New York: A conference titled "Impact of Hinduism on the Economy and Business Management," sought to examine if India could inspire a new principle of economics that combines religious beliefs with financial practices.Speakers highlighted the role of Hinduism and its impact on the economy at a June 2 conference held at Fordham University in New York. Organized by Fordham Professor H. D. Vinod with the help of colleagues Shapoor Vali, Ralf Hepp and Barbara Andolsen the conference was inaugurated by John Tognino, chairman of the Fordham board of trustees. The keynote address on "Hindutva Principle of Economic Development" was given by Subramanian Swamy, president of the Janata Party in India and a Harvard University-trained economist. There is no such thing as Hindu economics, because economics is a universal science of laws, said Swamy, "Hindu Principle of Economic Development." What changes in a Hindu school of economic thought is the objective function, or the objectives which you are going to pursue. Why are Ashrams so crowded with Westerners? Why is yoga so universally acceptable? This background of growing interest among the Western world is largely due to the fact that economic prosperity has not brought happiness. Hindus, Swamy said, believe in the concept of Karma calculus, or that if someone is good, then reward or profit will come sometime during that life, but not necessarily right away. Speaker Ravi Kulkarni, Ph.D., professor of

Keynote speaker Subramanian Swamy, president Janata Party mathematics at the Indian Institute of Technology, reported that Indians donate only 1 to 2 percent of their annual income to charity, compared to Christian and Jewish totals averaging between 8 and 10 percent. The government of India, he said, could easily promote charitable giving among Indias new middle class by changing backward tax deduction laws and regulations on foreign charitable contributions. The Hindu belief in Karma and astrology can assign an outcomeeven an economic one based on a horoscope or past action of ones soul, said Hrishikesh Vinod, Ph.D., professor of economics at Fordham. While this is not considered scientific by Western standards, said Vinod, such Hindu beliefs can foster a culture of individual responsibility and encouragement of good deeds, on the positive side. A lot of people think that economics and religion have little or nothing to do with each other, he said. Todays presentations show how there are aspects that are definitely related.

Clinton told to act on Krittika Biswas case

Washington, DC: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should act on the case of an Indian diplomat's daughter who is suing New York city for a whopping $1.5 million for false arrest to avoid retaliation from other countries, said lawyer Ravi Batra. Batra, lawyer of Krittika Biswas, sent a letter to Hillary Clinton June 1 that said: "I urge you to act and avoid possible retaliatory-reciprocity from foreign nations." Krittika Biswas, student of John Bowne High School and daughter of Debashish Biswas, vice consul (administration) at the Indian Consulate General in New York, filed a notice of claim of $1.5 million May 6. She said her claims of diplomatic immunity were ignored when she was handcuffed and locked up for more than 24 hours Feb 8 after a "shoddy" probe by administrators into alleged obscene emails sent to two teachers in her school.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Pratima Dharm is US Army's first Hindu chaplain

New York: Pratima Dharm, a serving woman captain in the American Army, has been named the first-ever Hindu chaplain in the US Defence Department. Dharm is the first Indian-American woman to be appointed as US Military's Hindu chaplain. Coming from a diverse background, forty-year-old Dharm, migrated to America just months before the 9/11 attacks. She was born in New Delhi. "My neighbors were Muslims, my neighbors were Jews, Buddhists, Jains, Hindus, Christians," she was quoted as saying. "My close friends in school represented all the different faith groups and it never occurred to me then that we tics was the largest of the world faiths not represented by a chaplain. Dharm, a chaplain on the medical staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Centre has started getting emails from her friends though the official announcement is yet to be made. "I'm already on the job," she said. "There's this tremendous sense of hope and relief that there is someone who understands their story at a deeper level, coming from the background I do." "To be able to sit down and show compassion for soldiers I have never met before is part of the message of Christ as well as [the Hindu teachings] of Vedanta."

Indian born designer becomes a big hit with First Lady

Washington, DC: Indian-born, American fashion designer Naeem Khan seems to have become a big hit with America's chic First Lady Michelle Obama, who is increasingly flaunting his dresses at state dinners. For the second time, Michelle turned up in glamor in a glimmering, cream-colored, sleeveless gown designed by Khan at Tuesday night's state dinner at the White House in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The First Lady made a fashion statement with the dress embellished with silver beads, white sequins and metallic thread in a geometric pattern, 'Los Angeles Times' reported. The Mumbai born Naeem Khan also designed the gown Michelle Obama wore to the first state dinner she and President Barack Obama hosted for the Indian Prime Minister in 2009. Thursday's ivory, V-neck column dress was in fact reminiscent of that outfit which was instantly labeled, a style success. The Indian-American fashion designer who runs his own line launched in 2003 is no

Captain Pratima Dharm were different or there was anything strange about it." She said the US Army and the United States itself were founded on the idea that people can be united while worshiping differently. Hinduism, with nearly a billion adherents worldwide has fewer than 1,000 active service members, according to Pentagon statis-

Mrs Obama in Naeem Khan creation at state dinner in honor of German Chancellor Merkel (Inset: Naeem Khan) stranger to celebrities. His designs have been adorned by likes of Beyonce Knowles, Carrie Underwood, Eva Longoria and Brooke Shields.

Indians in US join anti-graft fight, condemn attack on Ramdev Baba

New Jersey: Indian Americans are deeply disturbed and shocked at the forceful eviction andarrest of Baba Ramdev and attack by 5000 policemen on thousands of peaceful Indian citizens in New Delhi. They consider it a dangerous attack on democratic setup in India. Lashing out at the UPA government Indian American Intellectual Forum (IAIF) in a press statement said, The petulant arguments advanced by the corrupt Government for its diabolical action against peaceful volunteers that Baba Ram Devs campaign against corruption would have caused a law and order problem does not hold water and is an insidious attempt to cover up its hidden agenda to crush the movement. That thousands of people from all over India should respond to the call of Baba Ramdev for removal of corruption from India and come to Delhi and fast, is symptomatic of a deeper malice afflicting 1.2 billion Indians, IAIF said. Baba Ramdevs allegation that there was a sinister conspiracy to kill him has to be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The reign of repression let lose against thousands of peaceful men, women and children by 5,000 Delhi policemen should be vehemently condemned with the contempt it deserves. It is a naked fascism as practiced by dictators in Middle Eastern countries, said Narian Kataria, President, IALI said in the press-release.Listing statistics he added, Recently, Indias home minister, P. Chidambaram, said that more than 900 people, including almost 600 civilians were killed in Maoist-related incidents in 2009. Since 2005, Islamic terrorist attacks have killed 780 people in India. It is a matter of great regret and shame that deadly Islamist-Leftist combine carrying on a corrosive covert war to destabilize and deracinate India is states and cities across USA. The protests were organized in New York City, Upstate NY, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Richmond-VA, Tampa-FL, Houston-TX, Dallas-TX, St. Louis-MO, Atlanta-GA, Chicago-IL, Boston-MA, and California. The National President of OFBJP, Dr. Adapa Prasad went to India last week to join in this Satyagrah against corruption. OFBJP is planning a nationwide protest in USA from all its chapters next week starting from June 11. The Non Resident Indians for Secular & Harmonious India (NRI-SAHI) has supported the Lok Pal Bill of Anna Hazare and condemned the brutality of the midnight police action on peaceful Indians.We support salient features of the proposals for the Jan Lok Pal Bill as drafted by the Civil Society Activists Justice Santosh Hegde, Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal. We ask the UPA Government to implement all points in the Lok Pal Bill. The Lok Pal like the Swedish Ombudsman should be an independent person not under pressure of any kind from the politicians the organization said in a press statement. We the NRI SAHI strongly condemn the brutality of the Delhi police in hitting and injuring peaceful protestors in the dead of night. We believe police had a right to evacuate the Ram Lila grounds if the contract with the city was broken but they had no right to hit and injure peaceful protestors who were asleep in the dead of night. We ask the Government of India to investigate the reasons for the police brutality and take actions against officers who overstepped their authority, said Shrikumar Poddar, George Abraham and Mohammad Imran on behalf of NRI SAHI.

NYC mobile apps co. makes a debut in India

After NYC, Shanghai, London, Paris, Berlin, Indian owned MyCityWay ventures into 2nd fastest growing mobile market

Chaos reigned at Ramlila grounds assembly of Ramdev supporters after police surrounded the area. treated with kid gloves and peaceful nationalists like Baba Ramdev are treated like a criminal.The OFBJP-USA compared the crackdown with the midnight anti-democratic action on June 26, 1975 when Emergency was clamped on India by the same Congress party which is leading the UPA government now where thousands of innocent people were arrested and brutalized that day. It also reminds the Jalianwala Baag massacre by British government. This was totally an act of State-terrorism and has defamed India in the eyes of International democratic polity it said in a press release. Overseas Friends of BJP (USA) condemns UPA government in the strongest terms for such a barbaric, undemocratic and brutal police action against peaceful Stayagrahis. This is the beginning of the end of UPA government, when downfall nears the person gets deluded (Vinashkale viprit buddhi), that is what has happened to Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi it added. OFBJP has been supporting Baba Ramdev in his fight against corruption in India, and organized mass protests on Saturday June 4, 2011 across USA. Various other Indian American community organizations also participated in this OFBJP led campaign in several

Co-founders at the launch in Chennai: (LtoR) Sonpreet Bhatia, Archana Patchirajan and Puneet Mehta New York, NY: Home-grown, award-winning mobile apps pioneer MyCityWay recently launched its cross-platform mobile applications for four Indian metros in Chennai. The Initial release covers major Indian metros -Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru- and are taking the next step towards reaching the goal of extending to 11 major Indian cities by August. The apps will also be available cross-platform on iPhone, iPad, Android, Nokia and Blackberry devices - a first for the company that lays its roots in India. MyCityWay, a NewYork based mobile media company, said that the Indian version of the app has already reached the top of the iTunes apps chart just a few days after the trialrelease. The companys co-founded by three Indian ex-pats Archana Patchirajan, Puneet Mehta and Sonpreet Bhatia who quit their high-profile Wall Street jobs to create a one-stop, do-it-all app for their beloved New York City. From New York to Shanghai via London, Paris, Berlin and many others in between (all cities apps available for free on the iTunes Store), MyCityWay comes home to India.The app uses GPS technology and local information to give users a complete overview of whats around them - from restaurants, bars and shops to restrooms, Wi-Fi hotspots and just about anything else you can think of. MyCityWay does the job of many apps at once - all at no cost to the user. It also helps the users connect with their friends on facebook to find the best places to hang out and enjoy the city. MyCityWay is funded by top-tier venture capital funds including FirstMark Capital, BMWi Ventures and IA Ventures, and NYC Economic Development Corporation.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Indian American receives highest military honor

Washington, DC: Captain Ranjan Singh of the 75th Battle Command Training Division of the United States Army Reserve received the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during ceremonies at the Pentagon here and became the first Indian American soldier to receive the highest honor in the history of USA. He received the honor along with 28 other officers. When active duty soldiers deploy overseas, Army Reserve Soldiers often fill their positions at home, serving as Drill Sergeants, instructors and security personnel. In the event of national disasters such as hurricanes or flooding, Army Reserve Soldiers are on the scene to support humanitarian and relief operations. General MacArthur was a awardees, according to www.army.mil, the official homepage of the United States Army. The MacArthur Leadership Award is presented by both the Department of the Army and the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Foundation as a measure of promoting junior officer leadership. Judge James S. Mathews, vice president of the MacArthur Foundation board of directors, hailed the officers for being amongst the elite of the Army. Ive heard you referred to as the Top Guns of the Army. The Top Guns in the Navy represent just the best of the pilots. You represent the best of all soldiers in the entire Army. To say you are the best of the best is a gross understatement, he said.

Nilai Sarda takes 2nd place in Geographic Bee

Atlanta: Nilai Sarda, a stu"Identify the South dent at the private American country Westminster School here where the volcano stood 2nd at the National Tungurahua is" ( Geographic Bee in Ecuador). His incorrect Washington, D.C., on May response was Peru. 25. He will take home a A preliminary round $15,000 college scholarship. May 24 narrowed the The first place winner was field from 54 contestTine Valenic of Colleyville, Atlanta boy Nilai Sarda took ants to 10; the final Texas, who won a $25,000 home a $15,000 college round featuring the 10 scholarship and a trip to the finalists will be aired scholarship Galapagos Islands. over four nights beginAn only child, Sarda was born in ning June 13 at 6:30 p.m. on the National Mumbai and will attend the eighth grade Geographic Channel. next fall. He is a member of his school's One other Indian American figured Math Counts, debate and Quiz Bowl among the finalists: Karthik Karnik, 13, a teams, and is a frequent and successful seventh grader at King Philip Middle competitor at the North South Foundation School in Norfolk, Mass., finished in fifth geography bees which benefit projects in place. Karnik is the son of Rathna and India. Sarda and Valenic, the two finalists Vishwanath Karnik of Plainville, Mass., in the competition, were asked the same and told organizers he has had a passion five questions, and the one with the most for geography since attending the fifth correct answers was declared the winner. grade. At least 11 Indian American stuSarda answered three questions correct- dents placed first in state finals to advance ly, but flubbed the fourth question: to the Washington, D.C., finals.

Captain Ranjan Singh with 15-pound bronze bust replica of Gen. MacArthur. tremendous athlete, scholar, leader and soldier. Hes legendary and to have your name mentioned in the same sentence as his says a great deal about you, said Army Chief of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey as he addressed the

Sukanya Roy wins 2011 Scripps spelling bee

Washington, DC: Spelling tongue twister cymotrichous, Greek for having wavy hair, Indian American Sukanya Roy has won the 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee crown to retain the coveted honor for the community for the fourth year in a row. Roy, 14, an eighth-grader at Abington Heights Middle School, Pennsylvania, said she knew as soon as she heard cymotrichous that shed get the word right and win the championship Thursday night. My heart started pounding, I guess, she said. I couldnt believe it. . Its just amazing. Its hard to put into words. It was Roys third trip to the National Spelling Bee and she had credited her past experience with keeping her calm and relaxed heading into the finals. She tied for 12th place in 2009 and 20th place in 2010. Roy speaks Bengali and every summer travels to India to visit family. She hopes to pursue a career in international relations. Roy is the ninth Indian-American in the last 13 years, a run that began when Nupur Lala captured the crown in 1999 and was later fea-

Lady Gaga takes Judas to Bollywood

New York: Last month Lady Gaga released two Bollywood remixes of her hit single Born This Way. With the recent release of Gagas new album Born This Way she is releasing two Bollywood-inspired remixes of Judas. One produced by top Bollywood producers Salim and Sulaiman and the other by Panjabi MC, both created in conjunction with fusion media company Desi Hits. "We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Born This Way remixes, and decided to create a special version of Judas for our Desi fans" said Troy Carter, CEO-Atom Factory, Lady Gagas management company. "When we started working on 'Judas' we felt like the song already had an incredible blend of emotion and aggression, so we wanted to create the same feeling,

Sukanya Roy became fourth consecutive Indian American winner tured in the documentary Spellbound. The winner will be awarded a $30,000 cash prize, a trophy, a $2,500 US savings bond, a complete reference library, a $5,000 scholarship and $2,600 in reference works and other prizes. Anamika Veeramani had scored a hat-trick for Indian-Americans in taking the crown last year. Roy was one of the six Indian Americans Sriram Hathwar, Arvind Mahankali, Prakash Mishra, Mashad Arora, and Dhivya Senthil Murugan who made it to the last 13 in the finals. The youngest finalist was 10-yearold Dhivya Murugan of Denver, who was born in India. The week began with 275 spellers. A written test Tuesday and two oral rounds Wednesday reduced the field for the semifinals.According to the Scripps Spelling Bees website, this year brought contenders ranging in age from 8 to 15 years old from all over the world.

Lady Gaga's 'Judas' but with an Indian interpretation. The choice of bringing in sarangi and voice both from Rajasthan seemed perfect as they both complement Gaga's drama," said producers Salim and Sulaiman, who are best known for incorporating western, folk, Hindustani and Sufi influences into their music. The brother duo has won more than 10 industry awards, including an Emmy and has been sought after by some of the worlds top talent.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

George Allen sorry for calling Indian American 'macaca'

Washington, DC: A Republican politician, who lost a re-election bid for the senate seat in 2006 after he called a Democrat Indian American campaign tracker "macaca" or a monkey, has finally apologized. "You don't brood over mistakes. You learn from 'em and you improve," George Allen the former Virginia senator, running to reclaim the seat, told hundreds of social conservatives at a conference in Washington on Friday. "And during my last campaign, I never should have singled out that young man working for my opponent, calling him a name," he said referring to his Democrat rival's campaign volunteer SR Sidarth. "He was just doing his job. I was wrong to do that to him and it diverted our campaign away from the real issues that families care about." His "macaca moment" provided him an opportunity to reflect on his career and the direction of the country, said Allen, who was considered a shoo-in before what was seen as a racial slur turned public opinion against him. "My family had to endure a lot of

Youth explore plurality of and challenges to Hindu Dharma at annual camp

Schuylkill Haven, PA: Hindu Students Council celebrated its 21st Annual Youth Camp at VRAJ Bhoomi Temple this past Memorial Day Weekend. More than 50 students across HSCs 50 plus chapters attended the camp, traveling from as far as California. Among the speakers was one of the original founders, Kanchan Banerjee, Chairman of the HSC Board of Trustees and his family. Haimanti Banerjee, who also has been working along with Mr. Banerjee for HSC for past many years led a discussion about Empowerment for Hindu Women discussing the hardships and challenges Hindu women face in India and in the West even today. Dr. Jeffrey Long, a professor from Elizabethtown College, shared his path to Hinduism and stressed the importance of matching personal values to those of a religious practice. His stories illustrated his path to becoming a Hindu as a non-Indian complementing them with his personal beliefs. Camp attendees further discussed Hindu philosophies and traditions with Acharya Vishwajitji, and debated about Life After Death. The intriguing topics of reincarnation and karma were discussed in depth to provide students with a better understanding of the Hindu views on these subjects. On Sunday, Mr. Rajiv Malhotra, speaker, writer, and columnist on a variety of Indic areas of study was the main speaker at the camp. He spoke about his most recent work, Breaking India, a book which focuses on the threats India and Hinduism face and exposes the money trails and people aiding in the breaking of India and Hinduism. He further mentioned how these threats are problems that start from a foreign nexus and can lead to changes in identity, sense of history, and culture. Mr. Malhotras discussion sparked positive interest from camp attendees, which in return created an excellent question and answer portion motivating many

The name calling led to former Virginia senator George Allen losing re-election bid in 2006

taunts and insults because of my mistake and I never want to have them have to go through something like that again," Allen said. "Ladies and gentleman, these last five years have given me the opportunity to reflect on all that's happening in our great country." Allen lost to Democrat Jim Webb in 2006. Webb announced in February that he will not seek re-election, setting up a possible clash of the titans between Allen and former Democrat governor Tim Kaine.

Series of discussions and debates, competitive games, aarti, bhajans, yoga/meditation sessions, martial arts and raas/bhangra were scheduled. attendees to buy his book immediately following the presentation. Samir Asthana, founder of Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY), spoke about the importance of why today's youth need to get involved with their respective temples so that the future of these temples are secured. Another speaker of the day was Tej Tanden, founder of the Sanatan Dharma Scholarship Contest. Mr. Tanden strongly believes that Hindu youth of this country will take advantage of such opportunities and start to ask and research those why questions in regards to their Hindu faith. Throughout the entire weekend, games were played including Hinduism Jeopardy, tug of war, the spinning Chakras, human chess and more. Following games were the Bhajan and Arti sessions in which Pandit Premji of New Jersey took the lead. Poojas were performed for Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganapathi, and one for Lord Mritunjaya. The significance and symbolism behind each step was explained. Highly anticipated Bhangra and Raas dance celebrations ended the night as all the attendees looked their best in their cultural attire. The last day of camp began with two student led discussions, which included the topics of the portrayal and misconceptions of the Caste system in the western world and the science behind Hinduism. Both topics yielded excellent feedback from everyone engaged, as a wide variety of perspectives and experiences were shared.

Deloitte21 Challenge Grant of $250,000 for Pratham USA

Washington, DC: Pratham USA has received a US$250,000 grant as part of the Deloitte21 Challenge promoted by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. The announcement was made at the 2011 Deloitte World Meetings, the organizations annual global leadership meeting, in Washington, DC. The Deloitte21 Challenge is designed to recognize and celebrate leading Deloitte21 programs from around the world that apply Deloitte member firms business skills to deliver scalable solutions that positively affect both local communities and the global economy. The Deloitte21 Challenge Grant is intended to support Deloitte member firms ongoing work with the selected organizations and to help contribute to the long-term success of their programs. Deloitte United States is currently helping Pratham USA to create achievement centers that will increase access to secondary education and vocational skills for young women in India. The world is currently facing a growing talent gap between what potential workers are learning and the actual skills needed to thrive today and in the future, said Barry Salzberg, Global CEO, DTTL. It is imperative for businesses worldwide to recognize this void and take action toward adequately preparing young people for a knowledge-based economy. Pratham USA, in collaboration with Deloitte United States, is working to reduce the education gap among young women in India by creating achievement centers where they can attain secondary school certifications and obtain critical vocational skills. The first achievement center will open in July 2011. The students will receive training that emphasizes technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity, and problem solving. They will also receive assistance in looking for jobs and will be encouraged to start their own enterprises. Finally, in addition to learning new skills, the young women will also learn how to impart their skills to others so they can help improve the livelihoods of those in their local villages. Deloitte U.S. helped design and plan this innovative residential program and professionals from Deloitte U.S. and Pratham will serve as volunteers by teaching technology and personal finance classes, providing continuing education to center teachers and serving as one-on-one mentors to the students.

US Affairs TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

New photo, wife's pregnancy add to pressure on Rep. Weiner

Washington: Democrats bolted further away from Rep. Anthony Weiner on Wednesday as the fallout spread from his sexting scandal, with surprising new revelations threatening to engulf his party and his wife as well as his career. One by one, some of Weiner's Democratic colleagues expressed deep disapproval for the 46-year-old New York politician and called for his resignation, suggesting a growing tide of pressure that could prove difficult to withstand. It rose as shocking new developments leaked out to the media: a lewd photograph alleged to have been sent by the congressman to a follower on Twitter and a news report that his wife, 35-year-old Huma Abedin, is expecting their first child. Abedin, a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, is traveling with the secretary overseas and could not be reached. Her pregnancy was reported by The New York Times. Abedin has not spoken publicly since her husband tearfully acknowledged on Monday that he had been sending explicit pictures and flirtatious messages to unknown women on Twitter - despite a speak out was former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, a onetime Democratic National Committee chairman and now a candidate for Senate in Virginia. "Lying publicly about something like this is unforgivable and he should resign," Kaine said. Still, there were plenty of signs that Republicans would not shy from taking political advantage. They drew a distinction between how the two parties handled misbehavior in their ranks. When Republican Rep. Chris Lee, also of New York, was exposed in a similar incident in February, Lee resigned in a matter of hours. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has called for an ethics investigation of Weiner. Rep. Steve Israel of New York, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, has said Weiner and his constituents should decide his future.

Obama suffers poll slump

Washington: Barack Obama's hopes of re-election to the White House next year took a knock on Tuesday with the publication of a poll showing him in a surprise dead heat with one of his Republican rivals, Mitt Romney. The bounce in the polls that Obama received after the death of Osama bin Laden in early May has disappeared. The new poll shows public unhappiness with the slow pace of recovery from recession. Romney's jump to parity with the president is remarkable given that, until now, there has not been much enthusiasm even among Republicans for him. Only last Thursday did he formally declare that he will be seeking the party's nomination to take on Obama. During a press conference at the White House with German chancellor Angela Merkel, Obama played down the prospect of a double-dip recession but acknowledged concern about unemployment and petrol prices. The latest unemployment figures show a jump to 9.1% and Obama said he did not know if this was a one-month aberration or reflected a long-term trend. He admitted the economy remained skittish and that recovery was going to be uneven. Although Obama remains favorite to secure re-election, he could struggle if he goes into next year's election with unemployment still high. The ABC Washington Post poll showed Obama and Romney on 47% each among all Americans surveyed.

Anthony Weiner, Democratic Representative from 9th District of New York comprising parts of Queens and Brooklyn. week of animated, adamant denials. Weiner said Monday he would not resign. But a Democratic aide said, "Members are getting very anxious because the story's getting worse. It's not going away." Among the first Democratic officials to

Companies join forces as internet runs out of IP addresses

ust as the telephone system needs new area codes on occasion, the Internet needs more addresses. Thats why major companies such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Yahoo participated in a test Wednesday of the next generation of Web addresses that will identify computers, websites and other web-connected devices. The original, 34-year-old addressing system, known as iPv4, is running out of numbers, largely because of the skyrocketing growth of Internet users. iPv6 is the first new version of the Internet's addressing system in decades, which will provide trillions and trillions more unique addresses on the Web.

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India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Ramdev threatens to form armed force

New Delhi/Haridwar: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, whose health deteriorated on sixth day of his fast against corruption on June 9, threatened to form an armed force if there was a repeat of the police crackdown against him. The government reacted sharply, terming the remark "anti-national" and said the yoga guru had revealed his "true colors". "We will build an army of 11,000 men and women," Ramdev said in Haridwar. Ramdev stressed that while he does not favor an armed rebellion, he would not allow the security forces to act like they did at Delhi's Ramlila Ground when they broke up a meeting attended by thousands of his supporters post-midnight on June 4. "Dedicated young men and women will be imparted 'shaastra' (vedic education) and 'shastra' (arms training)," he said. "These young people should be 35-40 years old. Not only men, young women must also join them. They must be dedicated, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice. They will be given arms training." But, hours later his close aide Balkrishna clarified the remark. "Ramdev did not intend to create an armed force of youth but to train them in self-defense through marof the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had propped up Ramdev as its patron for an anticorruption front announced April 2 in Karnataka. "You should know who is behind Baba Ramdev. We go back to a March 2011 at a meeting in Putthur in Karnataka, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the apex body of the RSS, decided to organize support of all individuals and institutions that were ranged in the fight against corruption," Chidambaram said. Meanwhile, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj traveled from New Delhi to Haridwar to meet Ramdev and express her party's support to his agitation. Sushma Swaraj said the yoga guru had lost about five kilograms of weight since the start of his hunger strike in Delhi's Ramlila Ground. "The entire nation is worried about Baba's health. So, being the leader of the opposition, I thought of visiting him personally," she told reporters in Haridwar. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh had questioned how Ramdev amassed so much of assets and demanded a probe into it.

Dedicated young men and women will be imparted 'shaastra' (vedic education) and 'shastra' (arms training). These young people should be 35-40 years old. They must be dedicated, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice, said Baba Ramdev. tial arts to enable them join the fight against corruption," he was quoted as saying. "It is not any kind of force. What he (Ramdev) meant was training in self-defense so that the youth can work effectively against corruption and, if needed, protect the weak," he said, adding that the youth could be imparted training in judo and other martial skills. In New Delhi, Ramdev's remark drew sharp reactions from the Congress and the central government. Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters that Ramdev has "exposed his true colors and intentions". "Let him do so. And the law will deal with that," he said on Ramdev's intention of arming his supporters. Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V. Narayanasamy said: "It is very clear that the statement given by Baba Ramdev is anti-national and action should be taken against him." Chidambaram said the apex body

Rights panel meets on Ramdev crackdown

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held an interactive session with a group of Delhi Police officers to discuss the post-midnight crackdown on Baba Ramdev and his supporters at the Ramlila Ground, an official said. "Several questions were raised on the methods of policing and violation of human rights, including the alleged unconstitutional and forceful eviction of the people on the night of June 4-5," an NHRC official said. Using batons and lobbing tear gas shells, police swooped on the Ramlila Ground just after midnight Saturday and forcefully evicted Ramdev and his supporters who were agitating against corruption and black money stashed abroad.

'NRI couple's big stake in Ramdev's empire'

New Delhi: The NRI couple from Scotland who gifted an island to Baba Ramdev hold significant stake in one of the biggest companies in the yoga guru's multi-crore empire, says a report in The Times of India. Sarwan 'Sam' Poddar and his wife Sunita, residents of Scotland, bought Little Cumbrae, an island of about 900 acres for two million pounds and gifted it to Ramdev in 2009. The uninhabited island, with remains of an old castle, is to become a yoga and ayurveda retreat center. According to filings by Patanjali Ayurved Ltd with the Registrar of Companies, the Poddars hold 12.46 lakh shares each in the company. The company has allotted total 3.47 crore shares. Thus, the Poddar couple hold 7.2% stake in the company which is behind most products of the Ramdev empire. The Poddar couple is the second biggest stakeholders in Patanjali Ayurved,

Team Anna set Aug 15 as deadline

"If the Lokpal bill is not passed, I will go on fast from August 16 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi," said Anna Hazare. Sarwan 'Sam' Poddar and his wife Sunita, residents of Scotland, bought Little Cumbrae, an island of about 900 acres and gifted it to Baba Ramdev in 2009. after Acharya Balkrishna, Ramdev's close aide whose Indian citizenship has been the subject of controversy. Balkrishna's stranglehold over the companies run by Ramdev group is stark. He holds 3.10 crore of the 3.47 crore shares of Patanjali Ayurved, that is over 92% shares in the company. He also has similar holdings in Vedic Broadcasting Ltd, which controls Aastha channel. The Poddar couple has told media in the past that they bought the island on the insistence of Sunita, who lost significant weight after taking to Ramdev's yoga. Sarwan Poddar was among those who were at the Ramlila Maidan where Baba launched his fast. The couple has donated the island to Ramdev for setting up a pilgrimage center, where yoga and ayurveda would be managed by qualified doctors, according to media reports. New Delhi: Gandhian Anna Hazare took on the government on June 8 as he fasted for eight hours amid thousands of supporters at the Rajghat even as Home Minister P. Chidambaram called the still fasting yoga guru Baba Ramdev "a RSS agent". "If the Lokpal bill is not passed, I will go on fast from August 16 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi," Hazare said. In clear signs that both sides were hardening their stands, Congress spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan accused the civil society leaders headed by Hazare of trying to subvert parliamentary democracy after Team Hazare made it clear there would be no let up in the crusade against corruption. The day belonged to the 73-year-old Hazare, whose fast at Rajghat drew thousands of cheering people, both young and the old, and led to solidarity hunger strikes in many parts of India. "They are putting roadblocks on the path of the Lokpal bill," the Gandhian said of the Congress-led government, which has set up a 10-member panel to enact a tough legislation to combat corruption in high places. He said the campaign launched by civil society against mounting corruption was the "second independence movement". That drew a mocking reaction from the Congress party. "A second freedom movement against whom? A constitutionally elected government?" asked spokesperson Natarajan. She said any subversion of the political system cannot be allowed. Hazare said the primary reason for his fast was to protest the police crackdown on Ramdev and thousands of supporters. "The government should not have done at Ramlila ground what it did," he said.

India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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June 11-17, 2011

2G scam: JPC to quiz former telecom secretaries

New Delhi: Nine former telecom secretaries, including the jailed Siddharth Behura, will testify next month before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probing India's telecom pricing policy in the backdrop of the alleged financial irregularities in the allotment of second generation (2G) spectrum licences, panel head P.C. Chacko said. Other former secretaries to be quizzed by the multi-party parliamentary probe panel are A.V. Gokak, Anil Kumar, Shyamal Ghosh, Vinod Vaish, Nripendra Misra, J.S. Sharma, D.S. Mathur and P.J. Thomas. They were telecom secretaries from 1998 to 2008. The questioning will take place July 7 and 8, Chacko said. He was speaking to reporters their investigations into the alleged 2G spectrum licences scam. The panel heard from Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra, Economic Affairs Secretary R. Gopalan, Central Board of Direct Taxes chairman Prakash Chandra, Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief Arun Kumar Mathur and head of Financial Investigation Unit P.K. Tiwari. The ED has already put 10 beneficiaries of the 2G scam in the dock. The directorate, which enforces foreign exchange regulations and prevents money laundering, estimates violations to the tune of over Rs.4,300 crore by telecom firms that got 2G telecom licences allegedly at throwaway prices in 2008. Those under the ED scanner include Unitech, Swan, Loop, STel, Videocon, Idea, Tata, Sistema Shyam, Alliance Infotech (merged with Etisalat) and Spice (merged with Idea), Chacko said. "Violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act were found by the ED in the course of their investigation into overseas financial transactions by way of foreign direct investment through purchase of equity shares, convertible shares and convertible debentures by non-resident persons," Chacko said. He said 52 people have been quizzed by the directorate so far, and a charge sheet will be filed after the probe teams complete investigations in tax havens abroad.

2G panel head P.C. Chacko. after the committee met India's economic intelligence agencies to hear from them on

India successfully tests Prithvi-II

Bhubaneswar: India has successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Prithvi II missile from a military base in Orissa, defense sources said. The surface-to-surface missile with a range of 350 km was fired from the launch Complex-III of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur-on-sea in Balasore district, about 230 km from here. The launch was carried out as part of the regular training exercise of the armed forces, a senior official was quoted as saying. "The missile reached the predefined target in the Bay of Bengal with a very high accuracy of better than 10 meters," he said. "PrithviII met all the mission objectives and was like a text book launch. "All the radars and electro optical systems located along the coast monitored the missile throughout the flight path," he said. An Indian navy ship near the target zone witnessed the final event. The launch was overseen by scientists of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Prithvi is India's first indigenously built ballistic missile. It is one of the five missiles being developed under the coun-

High Court rejects Kanimozhi's bail plea

New Delhi: DMK leader and Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi will continue to stay in jail as Delhi high court rejected her bail plea. The court also rejected the bail plea of Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar. According to Times Now, rejecting Kanimozhi's bail plea, the court said there was 'sufficient evidence to show criminal conspiracy'. The court rejected their bail pleas on the grounds that the witnesses in the case could be influenced. The verdict came as a huge disappointment to Kanimozhi's mother, Rajathi Ammal, who was present in the court and broke into tears as soon as the judge gave the verdict. Kanimozhi had applied for bail on the grounds that she needs to look after her young son, since her husband travels abroad frequently for work. Several DMK leaders including TR Baalu were present in the court as it rejected Kanimozhi's bail plea. DMK leader Kanimozhi.

Uma Bharti missing from BJP list

The Prithvi-II ballistic missile successfully lifts off from the Interim Test Range at Chandipore in Orissa. try's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. The missile, with flight duration of 483 seconds reaching a peak altitude of 43.5 km, has the capability to carry a 500 kg warhead. Prithvi, which has features to deceive anti-ballistic missiles, uses an advanced inertial guidance system with maneuvering capabilities and reaches its target with a few meters of accuracy. Bhopal: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti, who has returned to the BJP after six years, does not figure in the list of the party's star campaigners for the June 25 Jebera by-election in the state. Those who figure in the list are Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and three BJP General Secretaries Anant Kumar, Thanwarchand Gehlot and Narendra Singh Tomar among others. Madhya Pradesh BJP President Prabhat Jha, TV actress and BJP member Smiriti Irani and State Ministers Jayant Mallaiya, Gopal Bhargava, Ajay Vishnoi, Jagdish Deora, Vijay Shah, Ranjana Baghel and Paras Chand Jain will also take part in campaigning for the bypoll in Jebera of Damoh district. It depends on the party high command to decide on enlisting Uma's services in Jebera, Chouhan said. The 52-year-old firebrand Hindutva leader was on June seven re-inducted into the BJP. She was

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti has returned to the BJP after six years, expelled from the party for indiscipline in December 2005.

Maran denies forcing Aircel chief

Chennai/New Delhi: Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran has denied allegations that he had forced telecom firm Aircel's promoter C. Sivasankaran to sell his holdings to Malaysian group Maxis Communications. In a hurriedly called press meet in Chennai, Maran, who was the communications and IT minister from May 26, 2004, to May 14, 2007, told reporters: "It is more than six-seven year old issue. I have to familiarise with the facts." "No one can force anyone to sell the business", he said. Maran said if someone felt that he was being forced to sell his holdings, then he could have gone to court. Citing news reports, Maran said Aircel was up for sale in 2004 itself and was talking to several suitors. According to him, Aircel was in the news much before he became the communications minister. Maran said though the media wants to judge him, he will prove his innocence. In Delhi, Aircel founder Sivasankaran told the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that he was forced to sell stake in his company after his applications for telecom license was rejected in 2006 by Maran, sources said. Sivasankaran went to the CBI office on his own to meet officials investigating the 2G spectrum allocation from 2001 to 2007, and stated his case. "We have not yet registered a case," a CBI official said. However, the CBI recorded his statement. "He alleged that his applicaUnion Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran. tions for licenses were rejected when Dayanidhi Maran was the telecom minister in 2006," said a source. Sivasankaran also alleged that he was forced to sell his stake in Aircel to Malaysia's Maxis Communications, whose owner was reported to be close to Maran and his brother Kalanithi, who owns Sun TV, added the source. Maran is alleged to have granted 14 licences to Dishnet Wireless, which later became Aircel, during his tenure as telecom minister.

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India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

M.F. Husain: end of a golden era

New Delhi: The passing away of Maqbool Fida Husain, India's leading international face in contemporary 20th century art, marks the end of a golden era in India's tryst with newage art in an Indian idiom. The man who loved Madhuri Dikshit, the darling of Bollywood, and galloping stallions in his eclectic colorscapes that exploded on the viewers' face with its blitz of vibrant colors died in a London hospital of a heart attack, just three months short of his 96th birthday. Billed as one of the most expensive artists in the subcontinent and in Asia, Husain leaves behind six children and a fleet of 13 swanky sports cars that included a trademark red Ferrari and the latest model of a Bugatti that he acquired year before last on his birthday. And of course a vast legacy of art - unparalleled. His canvases notched up to $2 million, a sale record for an Indian artist, at international auctions. And he was the staple of art world controversies. The India Art Summit - India's official art fair - virtually subsisted on the controversies that exhibiting the works of Husain ratcheted up in the form of media headlines. At the time of his death, the bearded artist who loved to pad around barefoot, towered over his peers, both in his vocation and in his regal good looks, was a citizen of Qatar, patronized by the Sheikha (the sultan's wife) of Doha, who commissioned several art works by him. On his last birthday in 2010, he set the emirate ablaze with his life size installations of he was the "Picasso of India". He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1973 and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1986. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1991. He was also honored with the prestigious Raja Ravi Varma award by the government of Kerala.

Nation mourns Husain's death

In this photograph, M.F Husain at the inauguration of his exhibition '...and not only 88 of Hussain' at the National Art Gallery in Mumbai. horses in Italian Murano glass that were placed atop his cars on the high streets. For old family friend and admirer, photographer and activist Ram Rahman, "It is an irreparable loss that will never be redressed." Husain, known for his cubist and abstract depiction of figures and animals in Indian art, brought to the canvas a freedom which very few artists had the courage to replicate. His motto was art could not be shackled by the narrow confines of religions, caste, creed and color - a philosophy that eventually led to his exile to Dubai in 2006. His painting of the Bharat Mata and Indian goddesses in the nude earned him the wrath of Hindu rightwing activists who had moved court against the artist, forcing him to leave the country. In 2010, he became a citizen of Doha and M.F Husain working on a painting as a celebration of Mother Teresa's beatification in Bombay. spent his time between the Arab world and London, where he had a studio. A secular man, Husain was inspired by every faith - from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gajagamini, an essentially Hindu concept, to Mughal-e-Azam, the Bollywood blockbuster, in his art. A movie, "Gajagamini", which he made in the late 1990s as his tribute to Bollywood ladies, starred his muse Madhuri Dikshit. It was followed by "Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities" starring Tabu. In 1967, Husain made his first movie, "Through the Eyes of a Painter", which won a Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Born September 17, 1915 in Pandharpur in Maharashtra, he was popularly known as MF. But some of his old time associates remember him as "Fida." According to Forbes magazine, New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil mourned the death of celebrated painter M.F. Husain, saying that his demise would create a "deep void in the world of art and creativity". "Husain was a world renowned artist whose extraordinary style made him a celebrity in his own right in the arena of contemporary painting," Pratibha Patil said in a statement. "He also brought glory to the house as a parliamentarian," she said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that his demise was a "national loss". Lyricist Javed Akhtar termed Husain as one of the greatest artists in and outside India. "I think many people realize the importance of artists in this country because of him. His contribution to Indian art has been totally unprecedented." "Hussain passes away. We hang our heads partly in grief and partly in shame for not being able to let him spend his last days in this country," tweeted Rahul Bose. "Very sad to hear of the passing of M F Hussain saab. A wonderful person and a great artist. May his soul rest in peace," actor Abhishek Bachchan said.

Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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June 11-17, 2011

Today's gurus are performance artists

By Ramachandra Guha here is a photograph of the Second Round Table Conference in London, which shows every person in the room looking at the camera except for Mohandas K Gandhi. The maharajas, the leaders of the Depressed Classes and the Muslim League, the ofcers of His Majestys Government all have their face turn ed at the photographer come to capture them. Not Gandhi, who sits in his chair, wrapped in a shawl, looking downwards at the table, waiting for the tamasha to end and the discussion on Indias political future to resume. Gandhis critics complained that he was a saint who was trying to become a politician. He answered that he was a politician who was trying to become a saint. In that self-deprecatory remark lay a solid core of truth. Gandhis main work, in the public domain, was to ght for Indias freedom, for justice for women and low castes, and for harmony between religions. But to him the moral and spiritual life was equally important, this conducted privately, in his ashram, and often against the frailties and imperfections of his own self. In the Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Su traditions, there is a close connection between spirituality and

Baba Ramdev occupies an important place in the history of publicity, rather than in the history of spirituality. To be fair, this can also be said of the other babas and gurus whom one meets nowadays in newspapers or on television, the Dalai Lama only excepted. solitude. So too in Hinduism, and of temples. His mother sent emiseven, modern Hinduism. Fleeing the saries to ask him to come back. His colonial police, Aurobindo retreated answer was to intensify his own, into the French enclave of Pondicher- ward search. He was well into adultry where he pursued, more vigor- hood when he resumed contact with ously than it had been possible when the workaday world. This contact, he was a revolutionary, the spiritual for the rest of his life, was limited to life. He read, meditated, and wrote. discourses with disciples, who knew As his search focused further in- him as Ramana Maharishi, and built wards, he gave fewer discourses and him a small ashram on a hillside met fewer and fewer disciples. outside Tiruvannamalai. A near contemporary of AuOn the other hand, a hunger for robindo was a Tamil named Venka- publicity is the hallmark of some of traman. He ran away from home and the best-known spiritual leaders of spent his youth sitting in contempla- contemporary India. They spend as tion in caves, hillsides, and recesses much time on making themselves

known, and praised, as on seeking the truth. Consider a guru in my home town, Bangalore, who, like Ramana, is a Tamil, indeed from the same Iyer sub-caste. In other ways he is emphatically different; in his careful attention to his dress and appearance, for example, or in his notso-careful cultivation of the rich, the powerful, and the inuential. Or consider the holy man who, these past days and weeks, has been much in the news. Those who heard, in part or in full, Baba Ramdevs recent day-long discourse at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, would have heard the words kala dhanda and bhrashtachaar (black money and corruption) as well as the words dharm and imandaari (morality and honesty). I heard them too, but I also heard words that were more telling. These were mein apne media ke bhaiyyon se kehna chahta hoon, a phrase that recurred often, perhaps half-a-dozen times an hour. It was characteristic that Ramdev sought to address the media above all (and characteristic also that his social imagination excluded the possibility of women reporters). Solitude and spirituality the link between them is intimate and indissoluble. In between satyagrahas, Gandhi spent months at a stretch in Sabarmati or Sevagram, thinking, searching, spinning. Ramana and Aurobindo did not leave

their ashrams for decades on end. Yet our contemporary gurus cant be by themselves for a single day. When the police forced him out of Delhi, Ramdev said he would resume his satyagraha (sic) at his ashram in Haridwar. But within 24 hours he left Haridwar, in search of closer proximity to his brothers in the media. Externed from Delhi, Ramdev knew that many television channels were headquartered in Noida. So he would go to them, since he knew that, despite their national pretensions, these channels would not send their reporters, still less their anchors, to the benighted state of Uttarakhand. He set off for Noida but was stopped en route at Muzaffarnagar on the orders of the UP chief minister. The desire to leave his ashram for the arc lights was entirely in character. For Ramdev occupies an important place in the history of publicity, rather than in the history of spirituality. To be fair, this can also be said of the other babas and gurus whom one meets nowadays in newspapers or on television, the Dalai Lama only excepted. (Ramachandra Guha is the author of India After Gandhi: The History of the Worlds Largest Democracy ramachandraguha@yahoo.in. The views expressed by the author are personal.

Time for Pak to come clean

By Khushwant Singh am most eager to know how the Pakistani media and the aam Pakistani are reacting to the confessions being made by Headley and Rana before a judge in Chicago. Although Kasab had willingly confessed what he and his co-criminals had done in Mumbai a couple of years earlier they killed over 160 innocent people belonging to all communities Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs as well as foreign tourists, including Americans. Pakistanis shrugged off any sense of guilt because Kasab was in our custody and illiterate. The trial judge very wisely went ahead with the case and recorded the testimony of eye-witnesses and others who captured Kasab before sentencing him to death. Confessions of Headley and Rana were made on neutral territory and by educated men fully aware of what the consequences of mounting an attack on Mumbai would be. It would bring the two countries on the brink of full-scale war which would wipe out whatever they had achieved in the way of making themselves prosperous. Both Headley and Rana have described the involvement of Pakistans intelligence agency, the ISI and military personnel. Pakistans rulers owe it to their own people and to the neighboring countries, particularly India, to make a full confession of its inability Sorry, dear Kanimozhi A smiling lady, sweet and pretty A lady whose rst love was poetry And who entered politics most reluctantly, My heart goes out naturally for Kanimozhi. And the credit for this will go to K Karunanidhi, Who was keen to see That every member of his multi-branched family Would serve the state or the country That every member down to the eighth generation Would be used for wealth creation By occupying a position of power in the nation, Of course, Karunanidhi had nothing to do with 2G Or Kalaignar TV So in the Tamil Nadu elections he could distribute no money Or give the voters anything free. He was never a part of the 2G fraud Oh God, until their ngers they have burnt Have the old men ever anything learnt (courtesy : Kuldip Salil, Delhi) (The views expressed by the author are personal)

In this courtroom sketch, Chicago-based businessman Tahawwur Rana is shown in federal court. to control subversive elements in their country. I know from my several visits to Pakistan and from meeting Pakistanis that the average Pakistani has no ill-will against us, but there are Mullahs who preach hatred towards nonMuslims. The Taliban, Al Qaeda and innumerable small organizations who regard hostility towards India as jihad, will not let us live in peace.

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

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Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

IITian's million dollar gift for India centre in Canada

Toronto: Toronto-based IITian Vasudev Chanchlani has given a million dollars to help start an Indian policy centre at a Canadian university. Canada's University of Waterloo will launch the Chanchlani India Policy Centre on June 8. The Chanchlani Centre "will undertake applied and topical policy research related to the Canada-India relationship and collaborate with governments, universities, and community organizations across the country in promoting stronger ties between India and Canada". It will also support "an ongoing program of policy-relevant research designed to provide Canadian authorities and groups with timely research and open discussions on matters relating to the country's many collaborations with India. The most well-known IndoCanadian philanthropist, Chanchlani is the founder of the Canada-India Foundation (CIF). He also contributed one million dollar towards setting up the 'CIF Chanchlani Global Indian Award' of $50,000 each year. Chanchlani has also donated one million dollars towards the Chanchlani Research Centre at McMaster University for research

Indians seeking Canadian visas likely to face fingerprinting

Toronto: Though Canada has not confirmed it yet, it is likely to soon introduce fingerprinting for Indian citizens seeking Canadian visas. The new measure is part of Canadian plans to boost border security and check immigration fraud. India, which is the second biggest source of immigration for Canada, will the first country to be subjected to fingerprinting. Though most Indo-Canadians welcomed the move, they cautioned the Canadian government about its implementation. Mississauga-based immigration consultant Sheetal Jhuti said, "I personally don't think fingerprinting is a big deal. The process and procedures to safeguard visas is not an issue. Let there be more safety.'' But there are two issues for the Canadian government to address first, Jain she told. "One, deal with granting of visitor visas in India in a better and positive manner as the denial rate is ridiculous. "Two, biometrics should be implemented for everybody, not a select few. India's borders make it relevant unfortunately but it (India) is not the largest source country for refugee or unwanted elements. Countries such as Algeria and from the Middle East are the ones

IIT Kanpur graduate, Vasudev Chanchlani runs the Sigma Group of companies and VC Capital Management in Toronto into genetic and environmental causes of heart diseases and diabetes prevalent among South Asians. He has also set up a $25,000 annual Chanchlani Global Health Award at the same university. Just last month, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) announced the CNIB Chanchlani Global Vision Research Award of $25,000 to recognize best research in the field of 'vision care and vision enablement worldwide'. The 59-year-old Bhopal-born techie, who also holds an MBA degree from Toronto's Rotman School of Management, came to Canada in 1979 to join Nortel.

that need stricter controls.'' Toronto-based Arvind Vijh, director for India Services Group at Deloitte, saw no problem with the Canadian move. "Those abusing the system need to be stopped. Fingerprinting makes air travel safer for everyone since identity of every traveler is verified.'' Calling it a positive development for business travelers, he said, "Once biometrics are in the system, business people should be able to get long-term multipleentry visas. This move will increase business flows and opportunities.''

Sikh group ransacks community centre in Britain

London: A Sikh group in Britain has protested against liquor and meat being served at one of their community centres, a media report said. The Sun reported that as many as 200 Sikhs Saturday trashed the community centre, shattered windows and broke furniture causing "significant" damage. Police from across the West Midlands arrived at the Sikh Cultural Centre in Dudley. Three people were injured in the clashes. The media report said that the protesters accused the community centre of insulting their faith by allowing alcohol and meat at a private party. The stand-off ended after five hours.

Roses for the world: An Indian success story in Ethiopia

Holeta (Ethiopia): The worlds largest exporter of roses is an Indian who grows and ships hundreds of varieties of the prized flowers not just out of India but mostly out of farms in Ethiopia and Kenya. Just 45 km out of Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, a drive across rolling grasslands at the foothills of the Entoto range brings you to a large encampment, spread over 100 hectares, of greenhouses, cottages and huts from where Karuturi Global has spawned its phenomenal growth. Favorable government policies and environmental conditions, flood-safe geographic location and abundant low-cost labor, coupled with its proximity to the global markets, made Ethiopia an ideal location for our business, says chief executive Nagesh Karuturi, who overabout 90 km from Addis Ababa employed over 3,000 local workers and laid the foundation for its successful business that has become the showpiece foreign investment for the Ethiopian government. It acquired Kenya-based Sher Agencies in September 2007 for $46 million to emerge as the worlds largest producer and exporter of all varieties of cut roses with 13 percent of the global marketshare. The bulk of its exports comes from its farms in Kenya and Ethiopia. Its clients are some of the leading names among auction houses, boutique manufacturers across Europe, South and East Asia and the Gulf. Its a 365-day, recessionproof industry, says Karuturi, explaining how the temperate climate of east Africa was highly conducive to the business.

Indian-origin led team makes cocktail against mosquitoes

London: Mosquito bites could soon become a fading memory thanks to a chemical cocktail made by a team led by an Indian-origin scientist to buzz off the pesky insects. Scientists, led by Anandasankar Ray of the University of CaliforniaRiverside, have concocted a gas that swamps the mosquito's senses, making it impossible for them to sniff out human blood. The breakthrough could lead to new repellent lotions and sprays, as well as gadgets designed to keep mosquitoes away from humans, the journal Nature reports. The discovery would also help in providing protection against malaria and other topical ills such as dengue and yellow fevers, according to the

Karuturi Global produces 550 million stems annually from its African farms 200 million in Ethiopia and about 350 milllion in Kenya seas the two east African farms. The Bangalore-based company, which has a 10-hectare farm near the new international airport, forayed into Ethiopia in 2004 through its 100 percent subsidiary, Ethiopian Meadows Plc. It leased two farms near Addis Ababa the other larger 385 hectare farm is in Wolisso,

Anandasankar Ray

Daily Mail. US scientists described creating cocktails of chemicals that fox the tiny sensors that mosquitoes rely on to pick up traces of carbon dioxide and home in on their unwitting preys.

Education TheSouthAsianTimes.info

15

June 11-17, 2011

XUSOM graduates 30 at ceremony in Asia Society, NY

By Swathi A.K. Photos: Xitij Joshi New York: The Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium in Asia Society in uptown Manhattan was packed June 4 for the graduation ceremony of 30 students of the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba (XUSOM). The graduating students of the class of 2011 gave happy smiles to everyone as they walked in with pride celebrating their achievements and those who helped them along the way. The ceremony began with the introduction of guests by Dr B.L. Stalnaker, Vice President of Academic Affairs of XUSOM, followed by the singing of national anthems of the US and Canada. The hooding ceremony was done by Dr Stalnaker and Dr Manuel Flores, Dean of Clinical Sciences, while Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat and XUSOM President Ravishankar Bhooplapur presented the Diplomas to the students.The valedictorian honor went to Katherine Smith. All graduates wearing black robes for the occasion also took the Hippocratic Oath. The evening saw inspiring speeches by four distinguished reins back. You can either be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Try to adapt and be flexible. Commenting that every doctor aspires to achieve a lot, he encouraged graduates to toil hard and be ready to help a fellow human in times of need. In his address, Guest of Honor Dr Robert S. Scott, dermatology and chest diseases specialist from Edinburgh, Scotland, emphasized the three As: Attitude - to reach out to each other and embrace the challenge of the day. Accuracy accurate notes and diagnosis and full understanding of what is wrong. Active - be active outside the practice of medicine. He ended by wishing great luck and success to the graduates. The graduating class, on the threshold of wearing white coats to serve people as doctors, are aware of what lies ahead. The journey as a student was pretty rough--a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. But I always wanted to be a doctor and XUSOM has an outstanding academic faculty and clinical rotation which has given me hands-on experience and overall knowledge of the field, said Justin Mathew, one of the graduates. Continued on page 19.....

Graduating students of the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba (XUSOM) taking the Hippocratic Oath guests. The Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat told the students, As you embark on a career of medicine, follow high ethics, high ideals and principles. Treat your patients with care and respect. Graduation is a starting point for a long journey, so discover things and be inquisitive. He added, Life is full of challenges and uncertainties, face them even if it is difficult at first. Bhooplapur gave this advice for the Class of 2011: Individuality is the key to success, be yourself. Medicine is a profession holding the key to success. Make wellinformed decisions and abide by them. Alluding to the many challenges healthcare faces in America, Dr. Ramanathan Raju, Executive Vice President for Medical and Professional Affairs, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, said in his keynote address, Be a part of the healthcare reform and take the

XUSOM Trustees and Directors pictured with guest speakers and esteemed guests. L to R: Dr. Ponathpur Prahalad, Mr. Frank Croes, Dr. Richard Derman, Dr Robert Scott, President Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat, Chairman Edwin Casey, Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Dr. Ramanathan Raju, Mr. Singh and Dr Dayan Naik.

Mr. G.S. Narula, Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Dr. Richard Derman, Dr Ponathpur Prahalad, and Dr. Manuel Flores.

Guest of Honor Dr Robert S. Scott

Dr. Ramanathan Raju giving Keynote Address

Dr. J.G. Bhat, Giving Chancellors Address

Mr. Ravishankar Bhooplapur giving Presidents Address

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Religion TheSouthAsianTimes.info TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Religion

17

June 11-17, 2011

June 11-17, 2011

Devotees throng Ganesh temple as key event concludes

Maha Kumbhabhishekam at the Flushing temple, NY was performed for presiding deity Lord Ganesha, and idols of Lord Balaji, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Hanuman and Nagendra Swamy were consecrated and the Rajagopuram (main tower) inaugurated during the June 1-5 sacred ceremonies witnessed by thousands.
By Brahm Kanchibhotla Photos: Xitij Joshi housands of Indian and other South Asian devotees participated in the five-day Maha Kumbhabhishekam celebrations, which culminated in the consecration of various idols at the Hindu Temple Society of North America, better known as Ganesh temple in the New York borough of Queens. The June 5 grand finale to the once-in-a-lifetime event included rituals relating to the new rajagopuram, vimana, Hanuman sannidhi, Navagraha abode and Nagendra Swamy place. Participants praised authorities of the Flushing temple, especially its President Dr Uma Mysorekar. I have seen praana pratishta and kumbhabhishekam for the first time in my life. Friends and relatives in our native land will come to know that though we live far away from them, we preserve our culture and religion thanks to temple authorities here and elsewhere in the US, said Srinivas Kaveti, an Andhra Pradesh-born attorney. I particularly thank her (Mysorekar) for her vision of maintaining our heritage for this and future generations. Kaveti was impressed with the cleanliness and religious fervor during the weekend festivities. It is a five-star Hindu temple, he noted, rating it next only to the Venkateswara (Balaji) temple in Tirupati. Madhavan Krishnamachari shared similar sentiments. I've been in this country since 2003 and this is the best religious event I have witnessed, the tilak-sporting devotee said while standing in line of jostling people waiting for a glimpse of the newly unveiled Venkateswara idol. I believe that the garland for Andal (one of the Lord's consorts) has been brought from Srivilliputtur (in southern India). Krishnamacharia business analyst who works for Indian IT giant Wiprowho had witnessed the inauguration of the Venkateswara temple in Cary, NC, as well as the 2009 Kumbhabhishekam at the Ganesh temple, said, It's Tirupati and Srirangapatnam combined. This is a first for me to witness such a religious event. I am sure our youngsters will learn a lot by attending these programs here in our adopted land, said Dilip Chouhan, a Gujarat native who described himself as a mid-level businessman, amid soft devotional music emanating from traditional instruments played on the temple premises. Narain Kataria, president of the Indian-American Intellectuals Forum, agreed. Younger generations will come to know about Hinduism as it is practiced in India. It certainly is a morale-booster to all of us. He, too, praised Dr Mysorekar as well as other temple administrative and supporting staff for their hard work and dedication shown all through the event. Kataria is a key organizer of the annual Hindu solidarity meeting, which is scheduled for July 10 at the Ganesh temple auditorium. Multilingual Venkata Narayana Chaatagundu saw scientific significance in the elephant worship, or Gaja Pooja, performed on the final day. Looking at hundreds of devotees walking along with the elephant, which does not generally harm humans or animals and is considered a form of Ganesh, he said, Its dung and tail are said to mitigate certain ailments like skin diseases. The 70year-old businessman, who lives in the vicinity, regularly visits the temple. We should not harm any living organism, including plants, he added citing Hindu shastras. Estimates of the number of participants during the five-day Kumbhabhishekam varied from 20,000 to as high as 40,000. Each visitor was given packed prasadam. On June 5 morning Kumbhabhishekam, 28 new kalasas (or kumbhas--the holy vessels) were placed on top of the temple gopuras, including the main rajagopura. In the run-up to the event, the kalasas were worshiped at yagasaala. Water from the Ganges and other sacred rivers in India was brought along with seawater. Puja and relevant rituals were performed by the priests atop the temple. They were all witnessed and supervised by Dr Mysorekar, according to the priest Maruthi Sarma Bhagavathula, who attended the entire proceedings. Maruthi has attended kumbhabhishekams and other major religious events at 70-80 temples in Indian cities such as Hyderabad and Mumbai. In my nearly 40-year religious association both in India and here in the US, I have witnessed many cere-

Priest is doing aarti and offering blessings to all.

Crowd watching the ceremonies from the street, waiting for the blessings.

Dr Uma Mysorekar, President of The Temple Society of North America, NY, with an idol of Ganesha getting ready for Kumbhabhishekam monies, and frankly I have not seen anything better than this, he said speaking in Telugu. Everything went on time and rituals were conducted with discipline and devotion. Besides the 9 priests based in the temple, a score came from other US states and India. All of them were felicitated for their work; they in turn responded positively to the temple hospitality. All the priests showered praise on Dr Mysorekar for her bhakti and orderly conduct of various programs, Maruti observed. I am not saying this on my personal behalf. I am reflecting every priest's opinion. Currently a 45-day Mandala Abhisheka is being performed in the post-kumbhabhishekam period.

Swami Mukundananda and Dr. Uma Mysorekar at the top of the temple tower during Kumbhabhishekam.

Mr.Ramakrishna Kopparapu, Priest-in-charge, Swamini Pramananda, Sthapati Muthiah and Dr. Uma Mysorekar atop the temple.

Dr. Uma Mysorekar honoring all the priests.

Aarti is being offered to devotees.

The head priest of the temple, Sthapati Muthiah, Dr. Uma Mysorekar, and Swamini Pramananda.

A temple priest at the top of one of the temple shikharas

Gaja (Elephant) Pooja with the temple's main priest and Dr Uma Mysorekar

Musicians playing Carnatic music during the pooja.

18

Music TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

A versatile singer to perform in NY-NJ

His soulful number, Tanha Dil, from the pop album of the same name, catapulted him into the music charts pitting him against the top Indian singers. Since then, in a career spanning over a decade, Shaan has transcended musical boundaries and carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. He has bagged several awards for belting out some of the best songs in Hindi films with his rich voice and amassed numerous fans alike with his unassuming nature. Shaan is all set to sizzle and take the US by storm with his rocking stage show. Promoted by R.K. Entertainment, Shaan Se will be held in New Jersey and New York on June 25 and 26 respectively.
By Swathi A.K. ately there has been a dip in live Bollywood concerts here, with many of the popular singers backing down believing performing in the US is not a viable option. Notwithstanding, Shaan, the dapper singer, asserts that with good promoters like R.K. Entertainment and the right choice of venues in America, its more than viable. He is grateful to the organizers Kishore Bellani and Joe Ballani for believing in his talent and joint effort when the chips are down. He believes its a great start to do clean shows and anticipates a bigger response. Shaans got six musicians from India to be a part of the Live Band and supported by the dynamite voices of Aishwarya Majumdar and Shadab Faridi, he promises to keep the energy pumped up by giving the audience a Bharat Darshan by crooning songs from Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali along with Hindi songs. For good measure, there will be classic songs from different legends of music, and mid tempo music plus a bit of Eminem in between for variety. This will be a fusion music show moving from one scale to another and one song leading to another for three hours non-stop, which will be a lot of fun and frolic, Shaan promises. A unique feature of the show is the meet and eat segment where the audience gets a chance to have dinner while interacting with Shaan. Its always a pleasure to reach out to fans this way, he smiles! Despite performing to packed houses in the US and other countries, he is still desirous of performing in Pakistan if the government there relaxes the visa regulations for performing artists. To sum his brilliant career, Shaan was the host for the popular show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa from 20002006 and also for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs. His song "Chand Sifarish" from the movie Fanaa (2006) and "Jab se Tere Naina" from Saawariya won the Filmfare Best Male Playback Award and the Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer Male apart from receiving several other nominations. In 2000 he won the MTV Asia Music Award for best solo album for Tanha Dil. Some of the versatile singers other popular songs include "Musu Musu", "Nikamma Kiya Is Dil Ne", "Woh Ladki Hai Kahan", Subha Ho Gayi Mamu", "It's The Time To Disco", "Where's The Party Tonight" and "Rock And Roll Soniye". The SATimes caught up with the popular singer (full name: Shantanu Mukherjee) at a press conference in Bombay Palace, Manhattan, to chat about his careers upward graph and the changes in playback singing and Bollywood music. You have done numerous stage shows both in India and abroad as well and youve been to the US before too. Where do you find the most appreciative audience? Shaan: Initially it was difficult to make them react to your music. Especially if it is a distinctive audience, its pretty challenging and you need to be really smart because it is hard to even pull out a smile from them. Of late Bollywood music is popular in the US, UK, Middle East and most other places and its easier now. But Ive been lucky, the audiences have been good to me. In India, I have found Bangalore and Kolkata the most responsive. These two cities have young audience and seeing them reacting to my music gives me a high. You come from a family of musicians, your grandfather, father have been in the music industry, your sister Sagarika is a singer too. Naturally, singing is in your genes but was there a lot of pressure on you to make a mark as a singer? Did you know you would come so far, when you got a break in Bollywood? Shaan: No, not really because I never trained to be a singer. I wanted to do journalism and had other plans and actually did not train too hard, not that much in classical music either. To top this I had a very delicate voice which would crack easily. It was only post-adolescence, when I was around 16 or 17, that I jumped into singing and it was pretty genetic as well. I started training with my Guruji, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, a Padma Bhushan recipient. A great man with an amazing personality in the music circuit. This experience was a revelation and lifechanging for me as a singer. What have been the high points in your music career? Shaan: It was gradual; luckily my career graph has been upwards. It took its time and

Shaan and Aishwarya Majumdar with organizers of his show at the press conference in NY.

Music TheSouthAsinTimes.info
the high point came in 2006 onward in movies like Fanaa, Partner, Don, and Om Shanti Om and a little earlier in movies like Lakshya, Hum Tum-- these were some of the great numbers that happened at that time. You have hosted many TV music shows earlier. What has interested you or lured you to do these TV shows? Is it to make your presence felt on the small screen or to help explore a huge pool of new talent or to mentor them? Shaan: Yeah, I did a lot of TV shows but it was not just to be in peoples living rooms or for the fringe benefits. According to me, its the thrill in the job that keeps me going. I have been doing reality shows for eight years now and it was getting quite monotonous, doing talent search year after year, judging and eliminating singers who were not good. It got a little rough in Sa Re Ga Ma 2 though. But it gave me a lot of satisfaction because I believed in it and there was a lot of passion and involvement in the job. Today a lot of music directors unearth new talent every other day. They dont want to repeat the same voice for an entire album sometimes and not for all films they compose music for, as they are curious to work with new people. Do you believe singers have a short shelf life these days and its hard to stay at the top of the game for very long? Shaan: These days 30-60% of the songs are sung by the composers themselves, say for the last three to four years. Playback singing as a profession is extinct; there is nothing like a playback singer. Talking about the trends in Bollywood, what one conventionally imagines a playback singer as, is a person who is versatile and can emote with words and modulate his voice to match the heros voice. Playback singing is a specialized vocation and there are people like S.P. Balasubramaniam, Rafi Saab and Yeshudas ji, who have created the definition of playback singing. But these days they dont care whether you can emote or not. It is all mechanical, there is a double track, triple track and there is so much production and machine involved, nobody needs the expertise of a playback singer, all they need is a voice to sing. Music scene in Indian films is evolving.

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June 11-17, 2011

Little Nightingale

Tanha Dil won the MTV Asia Music Award for best solo album in 2000 and catapulted him to the top league of singers in India In the 70s and 80s the music was more melodious, mellifluous and soft romantic numbers, but over the years it has more western influence and English lyrics. How did you adapt to the change?

ishwarya Majumdar, the child prodigy who won the title Chhote Ustad in 2008 on the show Star Voice of India is going to share the stage with Shaan on his current US tour along with another new singer Shadab Faridi from Pakistan. Aishwarya is all of 17 who is a 12th grader from National Institute of Open Schooling in Gujarat, India. She has already released a solo album called Aishwarya and is ready with two more solo albums which will be released in Gujarati soon. This talented lass also loves to read, swim and play badminton in her spare time. In future she hopes to be a popular singer and do solo stage shows. have sung for Adnan Samis Saathiya, for Sajid Wajid and some smaller films, which have not even been released or went unnoticed. You have won many awards in the past? Do you feel winning awards is important to prove that your work has been appreciated? Shaan: No, on the contrary, everyday is a new test, a new beginning. Every time Ive won an award, I could not record in the studio the next day. Im happy I can do stage shows to entertain the audience and Im filled with thankfulness and gratitude for people who enjoy my music and shows. Music is your life, passion and profession. Do you have any interesting hobby you make time for? Shaan: I dont have any such hobbies but I enjoy talking to people, making friends, Im curious to know other professions, to learn history of other things and so on. Do your sons want to follow in your footsteps as well and be a singer in future? Shaan: Oh! They are beautiful kids. The elder one learns piano and the younger son learns tabla. I set an example for them and teach them a lot of values which is hard to have in this generation. I want to give them a wholesome upbringing and make them an all rounder and am appreciative of the things they want to do in life. Nevertheless I also pamper them a lot.

People like S.P. Balasubramaniam, Rafi Saab and Yeshudas ji have created the definition of playback singing. But these days they dont care whether you can emote or not. It is all mechanical, there is a double track, triple track and there is so much production and machine involved, nobody needs the expertise of a playback singer, all they need is a voice to sing.
Shaan: No, western influence is always there in our music. Songs like Ina Mina Deeka came in the 50s and had the rock and style influence. I agree in the past music was more song centric but now it is more sound centric, there should be a sound that is catchy to appeal to the audience. I was part of the change, so it was easy

to adapt, the shift happened when my career just started. The songs have changed since then and Im open and flexible to reworking the style. I just go with the flow of the song and dont hinder it with my personal beliefs and tastes. Recently I even sung a Tamil folk song called Maina Maina in quite a raw style. All this is pretty interesting and gives a different perspective to singing. Tanha Dil and Aksar were your two hugely successful albums. Any plans to launch new Hindi pop albums sometime soon? Shaan: There is a problem here. Rights given to singers are pretty limited. We have been turned into vocal instruments and the royalty benefits for singers are not lump sum. Some music directors have been benevolent and helping us sort out the problem. When the issue is settled I might release an album. Who is your favorite music director/composer apart from your father (Manas Mukherjee) who has been an inspiration for you? Shaan: There are plenty like R.D. Burman, Madan Mohan, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Vishal Shekhar, Pritam, A.R. Rahman and Jatin Lalit, from whom Ive learnt and got inspired. Which are your own favorites from your own songs? Shaan: Its hard to pick my favorites, but I

XUSOM graduates 30 at ceremony in Asia Society, NY

Continued from page 15 The audience included graduates proud parents, siblings, friends and well-wishers, who all contributed to bring the special moment of graduation to them. My daughter Natasha wanted to be a doctor ever since she was a child. I knew it was going to be expensive financially but I encouraged her to achieve her goals and I wish she becomes a successful doctor in future, said an overwhelmed parent Parnita Ahuja. The graduation ceremony was followed by dinner for students and their families. XUSOMs Medical Campus is located in the picturesque Aruba island in the Caribbean and its Admissions office is in Westbury, NY. Every aspect of XUSOMs operation is superintended by the

XUSOM Chancellor JG Bhat (left) and President Ravi Bhooplapur presented diplomas to the students one by one. Edwin Casey, Chairman of XUSOM Board of Trustees, honoring Katherine Smith as class valedictorian very best in the field of U.S. based offshore medical education and residency assistance. The pre-clinical studies are taught by distinguished doctors, seamlessly joined with hundreds of teaching clinical sites throughout the US, and further perfected by their professional residency placement officers. XUSOM, Aruba, guarantees clinical rotations in the US, and does not require MCAT for admission. It was chartered in December 2004 by the Ministry of Education of Aruba. Wearing black robes, the graduating students were cheered by their families and friends as they entered the ASIA Society hall.

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Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Chicago: The 12-member jury of a Chicago federal court on June 8 began deliberating the fate of Tahawwur Rana, the Pakistani Canadian charged with aiding the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, planning a similar strike in Denmark and providing material support to the Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT). Comprising members of various sections of society, the jury began deliberating at 9.30 am Chicago time behind closed doors. Attorneys for both the US government and Rana's defense were present in court to respond to any questions the jury might have. The jury was also provided

26/11 trial: Jury weighs Rana's fate

with copies of the audio-and video-tapes (along with transcripts) that were presented as evidence. Also given were a set of all exhibits, including the email exchanges of Rana, coaccused David Headley and others related to the case. The high-profile trial for the attacks has lasted more than two weeks. Officials were tightlipped as to when the jury would give its verdict. Rana has been charged on three counts and faces life imprisonment. The attorneys completed their closing arguments on June 7. The government attorney accused Rana of complicity with Headley's efforts to scout for the

In this courtroom sketch, Rana is shown in US court as the prosecutor makes an opening argument.

Mumbai attacks and a later thwarted attack on Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Headley pleaded guilty and will be spared the death penalty in exchange for the testimony against his childhood friend Rana. The defense, however, attempted to paint Headley as a duplicitous friend and serial liar. Defense attorney Patrick Blegen told the jury that Headley "is a lifelong liar, manipulator and conman". After the closing arguments, judge Harry D Leinenweber issued detailed instructions to the jury on the procedures to be adopted to reach their conclusion.

26/11 plotter Kashmiri killed: Reports

Peshawar: Pakistani terrorist leader and 26/11 plotter Ilyas Kashmiri who forged close links with the Al Qaeda has been killed in a US drone attack, a media report said on June 4. Kashmiri was killed in strikes in South Waziristan, Dawn.com quoted BBC Urdu service report as saying. Kashmiri was the chief of the Harkatul Jihad al-Islami (HuJI) and was widely believed to have masterminded the May 22 attack on a naval base in Karachi. Heavily armed terrorists stormed PNS Mehran base in Karachi and destroyed two surveillance aircraft. The 16-hour long siege left 10 security personnel and four terrorists dead. The media report said that Kashmiri was killed in the drone strike that also left at least nine militants dead. An official told BBC Urdu service that he had received information about Kashmiri's death but could not confirm it.

Hope for war-ravaged people in Sri Lanka

Ilyas Kashmiri.

Nepal defends Baba Ramdev aide

Civilian, military back scratching pact in Pak

Islamabad: The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has sharpened attacks on the countrys military leadership, accusing it of having a backscratching alliance with the civilian government, ignoring the ruling Pakistan Peoples Partys advice against targeting our own institutions. PML-N frontbencher in the National Assembly, Khwaja Mohammad Asif, attacked what he called the convergence of interests of the civilian and military leaderships to promote American rather the countrys interests. He said the two sides seemed to be in an arrangement of you scratch my back and I scratch yours. Khwaja Asif even questioned the lifestyle of top generals using expensive limousines, comparing them with some of the moghul emperors going to the battlefield in palanquins. The chiefs of staff who travel in cars worth eight crore rupees each cannot fight, the Dawn quoted Khwaja Asif, as saying, apparently referring to the scene of the Navy chief coming to Karachis Mehran naval base in a BMW car soon after the May 22 deadly attack by militants.

Internally displaced civilians travel on a tractor after being sent home from refugee camps in this file photo. Colombo: Certain local and foreign powers are attempting to underestimate the government's successful programmes launched for the benefit of the Northern and Eastern provinces for the past two years, after ending the 30 year war against LTTE, the Government Information Department here said. Certain foreign powers cannot endure the fact that a country like Sri Lanka without any modern military equipment, was successful in completely eliminating the world's cruelest terrorist organization, the release added. According to a recent report of the Presidential Task force for resettlement, development and Security in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, "the resettlement of 275,000 displaced civil population in their previous habitat has reached its final stage due to the government's humanitarian operation launched for the benefit of the people of Northern and Eastern Provinces while certain Western Countries including partners to the peace talks were of belief that it was impossible for the government to end the terrorism." "The Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people were displaced due to LTTE terrorism. Over 5,000 private institutes fell inactive inconveniencing the people of the North who were unable to obtain essentials with the disruption of the transport facilities on the A9 main road, as the LTTE launched an attack on the Muhamale area in 2006." "However, it was the government's intervention which made it possible for the people of the North to obtain their essential food items thereafter, although it has been forgotten by those who are always criticizing the government's policies. "Certain powers and foreign institutions accusing the Government of violating human rights maintain silence about the resettlement of about 375,000 displaced persons in their own villages. These powers who appealed to postpone the resettlement process in the East, level various allegations against the government without any possibility to disrupt the Government's humanitarian operation," it read.

Baba Ramdev's aide Balkrishna. Kathmandu: Strong reactions poured in from Nepal on June 7 after reports in the Indian media quoted an Indian politician as accusing yoga guru Baba Ramdev's principal aide Balkrishna of having fled Nepal after being involved in criminal activities there. The Patanjali Yog Samiti, established in Nepal by the guru whose fame was established through television, refuted statement by Digvijay Singh, who accused Balkrishna, a Nepali citizen, of being wanted for criminal activities in Nepal and having fraudulently obtained an Indian passport. "That is a lie and an indication of the way politicians from India's ruling party have been behaving after losing self control," said Lab Dev Mishra, Nepal chief of the Samiti. "Acharya Balkrishna has been living in India since his childhood. It is absurd that he can be involved in criminal activities in Nepal." Mishra said the reported allegation that the aide obtained an Indian passport fraudulently would be credible only after government agencies made an official statement about how the document was issued, not on the basis of politicians' aspersions.

International TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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June 11-17, 2011

Worst of E. coli outbreak over: Germany

Berlin: Germany on June 8 signaled hope that the the "worst" of a killer bacteria outbreak was over as German and European Union health and consumer affairs officials met for urgent talks on the crisis. The number of new infections from a highly virulent strain of E. coli bacteria which has left at least 24 dead and more than 2,300 people ill was dropping, German Health Minister Daniel Bahr said on television. "I can't yet cancel the warnings, but we now have reasons to hope as the number of new infections is continuously dropping," he said some five weeks into the outbreak. "There will likely still be new cases, and we must unfortunately still reckon with new deaths, but the number of new infections is clearly dropping, and the worst of

A farm worker empties cucumbers into a container after failing to sell them due an ongoing food crisis in Europe. the illness is behind us," he added. The Robert Koch Institute, Germany's national health center, said in a report on June 7 that available data "suggests a light decrease in the number of new cases". Confirmed infections in Germany stood at 2,325 on June 6 in the lat-

An employee of the consumer protection authority of Lower Saxony examines samples of sprouts from a farm in the Uelzen area in Oldenburg, northern Germany. est count, with 75 percent of cases in the north and northwest of the country, the institute said in a statement. All but one of the 24 deaths has been in Germany, with the remaining fatality a women in Sweden who had just returned from Germany.

Obama, Merkel ask Gaddafi to step down

Washington: US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have called on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to step down. "The chancellor and I have been clear - Gaddafi must step down and hand power to the Libyan people," Obama said at a joint press conference with Merkel at the White House on June 7. "And the pressure will only continue to increase until he does," Xinhua quoted the US president as saying. Germany is not taking part in the NATO strikes on Libya, but in a move to placate its allies, Berlin sent 300 more soldiers to Afghanistan to operate NATO surveillance planes so as to ease the strain on countries involved in Libyan operations. "I'd note that Germany's deployment of additional resources and personnel to Afghanistan has allowed other NATO allies to increase their support for the mission to protect the Libyan people," Obama said.

NATO eyes Libya endgame

US President Barack Obama delivers opening remarks before a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on June 7. Merkel said that the UN resolution still applies. "Gaddafi needs to step down and he will step down. I'm convinced of that, because we have made great progress," she said.

A smoke and dust cloud from an explosion rises into the sky after a NATO airstrike in Tripoli, Libya. Brussels: With NATO war planes pounding Tripoli in daylight raids, the alliance's secretary-general was pressuring allies to step up their participation in what appears to have become an escalating mission to oust Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. British and French attack helicopters struck for the first time inside Libya over the weekend, significantly ramping up NATO's operations. And 10 explosions shook the capital early on June 8, a day after the alliance's most intense wave of air strikes of the two-month campaign. The increase in air strikes raises the question of whether NATO is sticking rigidly to its UN mandate to protect civilians from attack by Gaddafi's forces. An alliance official insisted that striking at Libyan military and intelligence command and control centers like those targeted in Tripoli has "a direct correlation" with protecting civilians because it means Gaddafi's forces can no longer receive orders from commanders. The strikes "cut off and confuse" forces on the ground, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the mission.

Japan faces radioactive sewage woes

Tokyo: Japanese authorities say treatment plants are fast running out of room to store sewage contaminated by radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Authorities believe radioactive material from the stricken plant seeped into sewage pipes, ending up at treatment facilities. Toxic radioactive caesium has been found in sludge at a treatment plant in Fukushima, while radioactivity has also been found in sewage in Tokyo. Normally, most of the sludge is recycled into cement after being incinerated into ash. But cement processors are refusing to accept the sludge from the stricken plant. Sewage plants now warn they will run out of storage space in a few days. Earlier, the Japanese government admitted it was unprepared for the scale of the Fukushima disaster which struck after a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March. In an official report to be submitted to the UN's nuclear watchdog, Japan acknowledges there was insufficient communication between the government and the plant's operator.

A member of Self-Defence Force measures the depth of water about 20km from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power station.

Chilean volcano grounds flights

Santiago: An erupting Chilean volcano sent a towering plume of ash across South America, forcing thousands out from their homes, grounding airline flights in southern Argentina and coating ski resorts with a gritty layer of dust instead of snow. Booming explosions echoed across the Andes as toxic gases belched up from a three-mile-long fissure in the PuyehueCordon Caulle volcanic complex on June 6 - a ridge between two craters just west of the Chilean-Argentine border that began erupting on June 4. Winds blew a six-mile-high cloud of ash all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and even into southern Buenos Aires province, hundreds of miles to the northeast. Authorities in Chile went house to house, trying to persuade stragglers near the volcano to leave because of an increasing danger of toxic gas and flash floods. About 4,000 people had been evacuated from more than 22 communities. They began fleeing as swarms of earthquakes heralded the eruption and hundreds more fled to shelters farther away. Some refused to leave, wanting to protect their homes and livestock.

Lightning strikes over the Puyehue volcano, over 500 miles south of Santiago, Chile on June 6.

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Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Washington: The United States has described India's proposed purchase of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift transport aircraft in a $4.1 billion deal as indicative of growing military and humanitarian ties between the two countries. The deal, announced during President Barack Obama's India visit, "will double the value of US-Indian defense trade and provide the Indian Air Force with a strategic airlift and humanitarian response capability that, frankly, is unique in the region," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters. "It will broaden India's capability, for instance, to provide humanitarian assistance to people devastated by natural disasters," he said. "It will also allow them to deploy peacekeeping troops around the world and to evacuate its citizens from areas of civil strife anywhere in the world," Toner said. "And I would just say that this deal is indicative of our growing military and humanitarian ties. This kind of airlift capability, as I said, is pretty unique and it's a significant step forward for India," he added. India approved its biggest defense deal with the US for 10 Boeing C-17 strategic heavy-lift planes to augment the capability of

$4.1 bn Boeing deal boosts India-US ties

IMF: No Indian assurance to Lagarde

New Delhi: India did not give any assurance of support to visiting French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde for her bid to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying the selection should be only on the basis of "merit" and not "nationality". "India wants that the selection of the managing director of the IMF should be on the basis of merit and in a transparent manner and not on the basis of any particular nationality," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said after meeting Lagarde here. Mukherjee said India was working with other countries, especially the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - to build consensus on the issue. "We would like to be a part of the consensus and we are working with other countries, particularly the BRICS countries," he said. The French minister was on a day-long visit to New Delhi to garner India's support for her candidature to head the IMF. Besides Mukherjee, the French minister also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia to seek their support for her bid. "I will not draw any conclusion from the meetings... I presented my candidature and

The C-17 Globemaster III is capable of carrying a payload of 75 tonnes after taking off from a mere 7,000-feet airstrip. its air force to swiftly move troops and equipment over long distances. The cabinet committee on security, at a meeting here chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, gave its nod for the deal to equip the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the aircraft. The C-17 Globemaster III is capable of carrying a payload of 75 tonnes after taking off from a mere 7,000-feet airstrip. The fourengined aircraft can transport battle tanks and combat-ready troops over 2,400 nautical miles without refueling. India is likely to opt for an additional six of the C-17s after the contract is signed for the first lot of 10 aircraft as the IAF is keen on increasing its heavy-lift capability.

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde with her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee during a meeting in New Delhi. received a warm welcome," Lagarde told reporters. The French minister also emphasized that she was not seeking her selection on the basis of nationality. The post has been lying vacant since last month after Dominique Strauss-Kahn quit following accusations of sexual misconduct.

Big firms lead on environment issues: UN survey

United Nations: strategy development. Businesses across Nearly 60 per cent of all the world are making publicly traded companies tangible progress reported active involvetowards tackling ment of their boards of environmental condirectors. cerns related to their Companies across the activities, but continboard reported having ue to lag on issues anti-discrimination and related to human equal opportunity policies rights and corrupin place one of the few tion, the United issues that transcended Nations initiative Businesses across the size or sector. Yet, less that seeks to foster world continue to lag on than 20 per cent of all socially responsible issues related to human respondents reported concorporate practices rights and corruption, ducting human rights said in a recent UN impact assessments and said the UN survey. survey. less than 30 per cent The findings of the latest imple- recorded instances of corruption, mentation survey on corporate sus- with dramatic differences between tainability performance of the UN SMEs and larger companies, Global Compact completed anony- according to the survey. mously by more than 1,200 compaRegarding supply chain implenies forms the basis of 2010 the mentation of sustainability princiCompacts annual review. ples, which are widely seen as critiAccording to the survey, large and cal to enhancing corporate responsipublicly traded companies are per- bility, 65 per cent of companies forming impressively on all of the reported some measure of supplier Global Compacts issue human involvement, with 12 per cent rights, labor, environment and the requiring their suppliers to be fight against corruption than small Global Compact participants. and medium-size enterprises About 79 per cent of the respond(SMEs). This is attributable to the ing companies said they spread their fact that larger corporations have commitment to the Global Compact greater financial and human principles to their subsidiaries, with resources to support extensive sus- nearly half of those, 44 per cent, tainability programs, according to creating separate sustainability the survey. functions at the subsidiary level. The assessment also found that Increasingly, businesses recogmore than 70 per cent of the respon- nized the role of the private sector in dents indicated active involvement advancing UN development objecof chief executives in policy and tives, according to the survey.

Toronto: Apple's iMessage took its toll on the BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) when its stock sank below $37 - the lowest level since 2007. iMessage announced by Apple will challenge RIM's highly popular BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) instant chat service which has given the Canadian company an edge over its rivals. An Internet-based service, the iCloud will allow users to have access to their data across their Apple devices -- from the iPhone to the iPad to the iPod. The Apple announcement made investors more jittery, plunging RIM stock on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and Wall Street Tuesday. It slipped more than three percent in Toronto to close at $36.92, and 2.8 percent on Nasdaq to close at $37.82. Analyst Mike Abramsky of RBC Capital Markets - an investment bank of the top Royal Bank of Canada - who in April downgraded BlackBerry stock to 'sector perform' with the price target of $55, said that iMessage may create uncertainty among investors about "RIM's long-term competitive position for BBM.''

Investors dump BlackBerry for iMessage

Indian banking sector to be world's 3rd largest

Mumbai: The Indian domestic banking industry will become the third largest in the world by 2050 after China and the US, according to a survey released by global audit and consulting firm PwC. "China and India could have a combined share of around 35 percent of global banking assets by 2050. The US, Japan and Western Europe are all projected to see large falls in their share of global banking assets in the coming decades," said Harsh Bisht, leader banking and capital markets, PwC India. The survey also said that India's rate of growth was expected to overtake that of China's in the long run as it has more catch-up potential and its working age population growth will be much stronger in the long-term. Also, the combined domestic banking assets of seven of the prime emerging economies of the world -- China, India, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey will exceed the group of G7 countries.

Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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June 11-17, 2011

2nd ODI: India beat West Indies

Port of Spain: Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel scored half centuries after leg spinner Amit Misra took his career best figures to guide India to a seven-wicket victory over West Indies in a rain-marred second ODI here on June 8. Kohli (81) and Patel (56) stitched a 120-run second wicket stand as India chased a revised target of 183 from 37 overs due to rain with 20 balls to spare at the Queen's Park Oval. The West Indies had scored 240/9 in their 50 overs with Lendl Simmons (53) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (56) scoring fifties before Misra trigerred a middle-order collapse with his 4-31. India, playing their first ODI series after their World Cup triumph, now lead the five-match series 2-0 despite the absence of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and star batsman Sachin Tendulkar. The tourist, however, had an early setback when they lost open-

Man of the Match Virat Kohli made 81 in a knock that was both enterprising and responsible. er Shikher Dhawan (3) early in the third over but man of the match Kohli smashed six fours and a six in his 103 balls and Patel played a blistering knock off 64 deliveries to put India back on track. Patel was caught behind off legspinner Anthony Martin in the 27th

Amit Mishra claimed four wickets to help restrict West Indies to 240 and set up India's win. over, and Kohli was caught at longoff off leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo four overs later. Rain halted India's march for 80 minutes but the visitors were never in a spot of bother with skipper Suresh Raina (26 not out) hitting the winning runs for India.

French Open: Sania-Vesnina runners-up

Archery: Deepika lifts India to 2nd spot

Kolkata: India's Deepika Kumari came up with an impressive performance to finish fourth overall (1,354 points) behind three Koreans on the opening day of the World Cup (Stage II) archery competition at Antalya in Turkey, according to reports. The archer from Ranchi also helped India finish second (4,005 points) behind Korea in the team ranking . Otherwise, the Indians had a bad day on June 7 with the men's recurve team finishing ninth and individually Jayanta Talukdar (1,335, 15th), Thupuvoyi Swuro (1,316, 29th), Rahul Banerjee (1,312, 31st) and Tarundeep Rai (1,296, 54th) doing poorly. India was ranked ninth (3,963 points) in the men's section and will take on eighth ranked Japan in the first round of the team championship. Korea finished at No.1 with 4,091. Mexico was a surprising second, logging 4,051 and France was third with 4,013. In the women's section, L. Bombayla Devi (1,334, Deepika Kumari.

11th), Chekrovolu Swuro (1,317, 30th) and Seema Verma (1,292, 52nd) were also unimpressive. In the team event, India will play 15th ranked Turkey in the first round. In the team standings, Korea headed the field with 4,088, India were second and China third with 3,999.

Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina (L) hold their trophy after emerging runner-ups in the women's doubles final at the French Open. PARIS: India's Sania Mirza will have to wait some more for a women's doubles Grand Slam title after she, partnering Elena Vesnina, lost 4-6, 3-6 on June 3 to unheralded Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in the French Open here. Hlavackova and Hradecka are the sixth unseeded team to capture a major in three decades and are the second unseeded French Open finalists in 30 years. They collect euros 330,000 while Sania and Elena take home euros 165,000. The win put the two finalists 11 head-to-head. They had previously met once in the first round at Indian Wells with Sania and Elena winning in straight sets. Sania had created history on June 1 when she became the first Indian woman to enter a Grand Slam doubles final. She and Elena upset top seeds Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pannetta and then beat fourth seeds American Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond to enter the final. Meanwhile, Sania climbed 11 spots to reach a career-high doubles ranking of 14 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, released on June 6. Sania had lifted a Grand Slam title, winning the Australian Open mixed doubles with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi in 2009 after losing the final the previous year.

WB to bid for CWG: Kalmadi's bail plea dismissed 2015 National New Delhi: A special Central Games Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
court dismissed the bail plea of former Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee (OC) chief Suresh Kalmadi and co-accused A.S.V Prasad here on June 6 in a corruption case related to the mega sporting event. Special judge Talwant Singh, while hearing Kalmadi's bail application, said allegations against him were of serious nature, and "he has caused loss to the government of India". The CBI on May 20 filed its first chargesheet in the case against Kalmadi and 10 others, describing him as a prime accused and the mastermind in the corruption case related to financial irregularities in awarding a Rs.141-crore conKolkata: West Bengal will bid to host the 2015 National Games, Sports Minister Madan Mitra said on June 6. "We have got the consent of the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) for bidding for the National Games. We are very enthusiastic about the National Games and have started preparations for that," Mitra said here. "We have already held talks with the Bengal Olympic Association and will also hold talks with the Indian Olympic Association," he said. The 34th National Games were held in Ranchi in February. Bengal Olympic Association secretary Kamalesh Chatterjee said a letter was being sent to the Indian Olympic Association for clearance to host the Games in 2015. "We have the experience of organizing the SAFF Games in 1987. We also regularly host state games. We have bulk of the infrastructure in the city," Chatterjee said.

Suresh Kalmadi. tract for timing, scoring and result (TSR) system for the October 2010 event. All the 11 accused, including two companies, have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for cheating, criminal conspiracy and forgery, and under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Kalmadi and Prasad were arrested April 26 and were sent to Tihar Jail.

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June 11-17, 2011

Sydney: Coffee may benefit health in some ways, but beware. Drinking too many cups could bring on hallucinations. Five coffees a day or more was found to be enough to increase the participant's tendency to hallucinate, says Simon Crowe, professor of psychology at the La Trobe University. Hallucinations are false perceptions that an individual has that do not exist. For example, a per-

Too much coffee and youll hallucinate

son may hear, see or smell things that are not there. Crowe and colleagues at the University's School of Psychological Sciences measured the effect of stress and caffeine with 92 non-clinical participants, according to a La Trobe statement. Participants were assigned to either a high or a low stress condition and a high or a low caffeine condition on the basis of self-report. They were then asked to listen to white noise and to report each time they heard Bing Crosby's rendition of 'White Christmas' during the white noise. White noise is a type that is produced by combining sounds of all different frequencies together, just as white light is produced by a combination of seven colors. The song was never played. The results indicated that the

interaction of stress and caffeine had a significant effect on the reported frequency of hearing 'White Christmas.' The participants with high levels of stress or who consumed high levels of caffeine were more likely to hear the song. 'The combination of caffeine and stress affect the likelihood of an individual experiencing a psychosis-like symptom,' says Crowe.

Now even Jain food with holiday packages to Thailand

Patong (Thailand): To tap the growing wanderlust among Indians, the Thai hospitality industry has joined hands with Indian firms with packages to suit their pockets and palettes that even have options of regional Indian vegetarian cuisine. 'We are forming new partnerships with Indian companies so that this trend of growth in the tourism sector continues even further,' Bangornrat Chinaprayoon, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand said. 'We cannot ignore a country like India. We understand the needs of people from various Indian states and the religious sentiments. So we have encouraged our tourism industry to draw up packages accordingly,' Chinaprayoon said. 'Last year we had 30,000 Indians in Phuket, while Thailand as a whole received nearly a million. This year, thanks to these new initiatives, we expect this number in Phuket to double, and overall in Thailand to increase by 25 percent.' According to Chinaprayoon, the Thai government has been taking keen interest since 2009 to promote regional tourism from Asia and India is one of the key markets. Her sentiments were shared by senior government functionaries like Deputy Governor of Phuket Wirawat Chanphen, who told that the coming together of Indian firms and their Thai counterparts would become a recipe for success for both sides.

Unmarried men spend 24,000 pounds on women

London: The average man spends about 24,000 pounds on his lady love before getting married, a British study has found. In a "typical courtship" of about three years and 10 months, unmarried men spend up to 6,367 pounds a year, on holidays and dinner dates, says the poll of 2,000 men by card and gift company Me To You. The study found that single men spend 761 pounds on a summer holiday and 94 pounds per month just taking their women out to dinner. Romantic nights cost 205 pounds a month. It's easy to see how costs can escalate particularly for those who insist on paying the bill every time. But nothing says 'I love you' like a few carefully chosen words," spokeswoman Caroline Weaver was quoted as saying by the Daily Express.

Burberry opens sixth store in Chennai

From sea to springs: A summer ritual in Goa

Panaji: The sea is not the only solace for summer-weary Goans. When the sun beats down in MayJune, with humidity at a high, families move away from the beaches and head for the hills for numerous medicinal springs which dot the countryside. Bathing in springs is a regular family outing in the summers in Goa, with most of the natural springs known for medicinal qualities. That apart, the sheer pleasure of cold water christened by underground tubers, roots and purified by layers of gravel and sandstone, splashing on skin stained by humidity and scorched by the sun, is nothing short of a miracle. 'I used to go for a bath regularly at the Kesarval spring in Verna. It was a summer ritual, especially on warm nights. It completely neutralizes the effects of the summer heat from the body. It's rejuvenating,' according to Chris Menezes, a resident of Panaji. For Chris, the 20 km-plus ride to the Kesarval spring, which is located in a leafy gorge, just below the rocky Verna plateau, was worth it. 'It was so rejuvenating. The water was supposed to be very good for the eyes,' he said. According to Godfrey Gonsalves, springs surface whenever the water table and the ground level are at par. 'The rainwater seeps through the hills and rocks bearing aquifers. Those that pass through limestone are non-potable and those through sandstone are potable,' he explained. Apart from Kesarval, other springs, like the one in Rivona, in south Goa, Salmona in Saligao, 10 km from Panaji, and Pomburpa, also near Panaji, have their set of

UKs iconic lifestyle brand spreads its wings in India New Delhi: Popular British lifestyle brand Burberry has spread its wings in India by opening its sixth store in Chennai. The store is spread over 230 square feet and houses collections women's wear, men's wear, children wear, fragrances, watches and eye wear. At present, Burberry has two stores in Delhi, one in Bangalore, one in Hyderabad and one in Mumbai. Hollywood celebrities like Emma Watson, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham are often spotted wearing the brand.

Kesarwal natural springs known for medicinal qualities diehard fans. 'The Pomburpa spring was first fashioned into a bathing avenue in the 19th century by the Portuguese. Since then every year thousands of people flock here,' according to Raghuram Bhat, a resident of Pomburpa who bathes at the spring every day. 'You will add 10 years to your life if you have a bath in this water every day. It is medicinal, especially in summer, when the water is at its purest best,' Bhat said.

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Ultimate Bollywood TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2010

Critics slam, people love 'Ready'

he latest buzz doing the rounds in tinsel town is that though Salmans latest release Ready is running house full throughout the nation, the movie has failed to impress the critics. When Ready hero Salman Khan was asked about the response from fans and critics for his film, the superstar candidly said that though the critics have criticized the movie, the moviegoers liked it. And for him, they are the true critics, so he is happy that they are enjoying the movie. When asked about the feedback, Salman said, The critics are slamming the film and the

junta love the film. My fans go and see the film and they give their verdict and give their opinion. They are the real critics for me. My audiences start word-of-mouth publicity and this is the real report of the film. Agar unko Ready pasand nahi ayi toh phir they will go and watch a Kung Fu Panda or The Hangover, added the hunk. Apparently, fans are thronging at theaters to catch Ready, expecting the movie to as good as Salmans former blockbusters Wanted and Dabangg. However, reports are trickling in that Ready is quite different from Dabangg and Wanted.

Talking about his newest release, Salman said, It's a different kind of film. No matter how we publicize the film as not a Dabanng or Wanted, people still look for the same genre because it has action and some witty dialogues. But it is completely different from all my other films. As per the box-office reports, the Salman-starrer Ready is faring well at the box-office and has managed to mint Rs. 47 crore over four days. The story-line of the Ready is not so engrossing, but the film is doing well, thanks to Salman. A still from 'Ready.'

Sanju to play Baba Ramdev?

immaker Mani Shankar is so moved by yoga guru Baba Ramdev's fast unto death that he is all set to make a film on him. Shankar wants to take on board none other than Sanjay Dutt for the role. The director's previous venture Knock Out was based on money stored in foreign accounts by politicians and the campaign to get it back. "I was fired by Baba's public stance to get back the money stashed away abroad. It inspired me to think of the story of KO. Now, I have a new script that looks at the idea of corruption and politicians from Baba Ramdev's perspective," he told Mid Day. Shankar is keen to cast Munnabhai MBBS star Sanjay Dutt as the yoga guru. "He will never say no to me. I can't tell you at the moment what he will play in my film. This much I can say, Sanju exudes the purity to play Baba," he informed.

Katrina voted sexiest woman on earth

Sanjay Dutt. Shankar is now keenly observing Baba Ramdev to collect first hand information. The film will also feature the recent midnight drama when Ramdev's fast was interrupted by Delhi Police.

ctress Katrina Kaif tops the Sexiest Women 2011 list of men's lifestyle magazine FHM, edging out Deepika Padukone who won the title last year. Katrina had won the title in 2008 and 2009 too. The FHM 100 Sexiest Women list is based on online and SMS voting and saw a whopping 35,000 responses this year. "We'd love to say 2011 was a close contest, only Sheila made sure it was far from. A feat that becomes even more significant because no woman in the world across all 28 editions of FHM has ever won the Sexiest Woman in the World title three times in the last 17 years that we've been making the list. Her average is higher than Sachin Tendulkar's and she replaces Deepika Padukone who won the crown in 2010," said Kabeer Sharma, executive editor FHM India, in a statement. Katrina seems to be the toast of the season -she was the only Bollywood actress to feature on the India Today's Elite Power list and is also the most Google-searched Indian celebrity.

Actor Katrina Kaif.

Sonam is face of Jewelry Week SRK to release autobiography soon

ollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has been named as the face of the second edition of the India International Jewelry Week (IIJW) to be held from July 31 to Aug 4. The event would be organized by the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). "It's not only an honor but a privilege to be the face of this magnanimous event. This aims at promoting Indian talent on a global platform. I'm glad that GJEPC has taken the initiative of placing India on the global arena of designer jewelry. I'm looking forward to seeing some exemplary talent at the IIJW this year," Sonam told reporters. The first edition of the IIJW did not have any brand ambassador, but this year Sonam will open the event by walking the ramp on the inaugural day. "IIJW positions India as one of the finest creators of high quality jewelry and is a showcase of India's prowess in jewelry, be it design, innovation, craftsmanship or quality. We are

Sonam Kapoor. pleased to announce Sonam Kapoor as our brand ambassador who exudes the values of glamour, luxury yet rooted in Indian culture and offers perfect brand fit," said GJEPC chairman Rajiv Jain.

ollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who has been writing his autobiography since many years now, has revealed that his book is almost near completion and he would be releasing it very soon. The book that has been christened "Twenty Years In A Decade" will focus on the life of the 45-year-old actor from the year 1991 to 2001. "I am writing this book since more than 10 years now. It is called 'Twenty Years In A Decade' because I felt that in 10 years, I've lived a life of 20 years between 1991 to 2001. It's almost complete now and one of these days when I complete it, I will ask my writer friends to edit it and I'll release it," Shah Rukh told reporters. "It's a fun book and is about positivity and hope and its funny, like I am. I've written things about my life in a fun way. Very personal things are there in it, selective memories though. There is a chapter on journalism too," he said. Although the actor has written about various facets of his life in the book, his

Shah Rukh Khan. favorite chapter remains the one that mentions his parents, who passed away when he kquite young. "One of my favorite chapters in the book is about my mother and father. Its eight pages long. Whoever writes a book for the first time, parents' mention is always there," said Shah Rukh.

Ultimate Bollywood Thesouthasiantimes.info

27

June 11-17, 2011

'Kuch Luv a strange love story

t must be weird to be born on February 29, a birthday you can celebrate only once in four years. As it turns out, the birthday of the heroine in 'Kuch Luv Jaisa' is on the same date, on which this daylong movie is set. Her husband, let alone the kids, doesnt appear to remember this special day. She is sad all right. The reasons seem a little deeper. She wakes up in the morning in her great Indian housewife nightie, figuring out drills of a day that seems to have replicated itself over years. Ms Saxena is a posh Pali Hill housekeeper for her husband, nanny for her kids, doctor for the watchman, marriage counselor for the maid... All these things, when she feels

A still from 'Kuch Luv Jaisa'. she couldve done better for her- her family and yet missing someself. A startlingly expressive, still thing in her personal life, the widely under-rated, Shefali Shah actor at once exudes the kind of plays the said character. As a vulnerability and warmth thats middle-aged woman, devoted to rare to match.

The premise bears tremendous scope still. Unfortunately, the third-rate plot the writers have figured out for her could put anyone to sleep, or strut out. Ms Saxena bumps into a gangster at a coffeeshop. Shes not sure who he is. He claims to be a private detective. She decides to drive him and follow a biker around, in such a way that any dumbo would know they're being followed. She then checks into a holiday resort with him as husband and wife. Either Ms Saxena is plain stupid or plainly sadomasochistic. Its hard to tell. That Rahul Bose isnt the said gangster is quite certain. Dressed in crisp white over a grey under-shirt -- besides the occasional thick twang, and

senseless style of eating -- the actor at no point seems from the kachre ka dabba (dust-bin) he was supposedly born into. The character Raghav Passport doesnt believe in God. He believes in riks (for risk), and perhaps some unreasonable ones too. That would be correct for the filmmakers as well. The relationship between the housewife and the wanted hoodlum offers neither dread nor drama. It remains flat throughout. You just leave wondering how the basic material still had the makings of a sprightly film. Halfdead, half-written, and of which probably half shot, that film's already been made. Kucch Luv Jaisaa is largely a case of promises unfulfilled.

Priyanka-Shahid: All is well

hile everyone is wondering if ex-lovers Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor will act together on the sets on Kunal Kohli's untitled next, here's the truth: the duo are quite comfortable with each other. It was Priyanka who persuaded Shahid to come on a show hosted by a TV news channel for its Greenathon event. Priyanka roped in Shahid for the event. Says a source, "PC and Shahid have been talking regularly on and off the sets. She even asked him to participate and give away solar lanterns to a few villages. Shahid was very interested and decided to lend his support. It's nice to see that they are slowly but surely getting back to being friends."

No close friends in Bollywood: Asin

Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor.

outhern beauty Asin Thottumkal has worked with big names in the industry like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, but the actress doesn't have a close friend in Bollywood yet. "I wouldn't call anybody my closest friend in Bollywood because I think it takes a lot of time and effort to put into that relationship, which I don't think anybody in Bollywood has. There are a lot of people I know, but no such very close friends," the 25-year-old said. "Most of the people I've worked with are my seniors, so I have a lot of respect and admiration for them. I know I can approach them for anything that I want to, but I wouldn't call that close friendship," added the

Asin Thottumkal. actress. Asin started her Bollywood career with Aamir in Ghajini and then went on to do films with Salman including London Dreams and Ready. Her next is Housefull 2 with Akshay Kumar.

Salman's Chillar Party to open IIFA

ollywood star Salman Khan's debut production venture Chillar Party will open the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) film festival to be held across four cities in Ontario in Canada. The film festival will be held as part of the IIFA weekend, an annual celebration of Indian cinema on international shores. While the IIFA weekend kickstarts June 23, the three-day film fest will open June 24. Chillar Party, a light-hearted comedy, revolves around the lives of seven children who defeat the odds and prove their loyalty to a friend. It is co-produced by Ronnie Screwvala's UTV Motion Pictures. Salman is excited about showcasing the movie at the 12th

Videocon d2h IIFA weekend. "'Chillar Party' is very close to my heart, the concept appealed to me and the children's performances were endearing. This is the first film under SKBH (Salman Khan Being Human) Productions and we felt there was no better place to screen the movie than at the IIFA film festival. For me, IIFA is home-grounds and it can't get bigger than IIFA in Toronto," said the actor. This year, the film festival has been designed keeping in mind the Punjabi population across four cities of Greater Toronto Area (GTA) -- Toronto, Markham, Brampton and Mississuaga -- where the screenings will take place. A still from 'Chillar Party'.

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Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011

Humor with Melvin Durai

f you happened to spot me running down the street the other day, screaming, "The world is ending! The world is ending!" please don't think I'm a fool. I was only reacting to all the news reports that carried a dire prediction: the world would soon be without Oprah. Thankfully, I learned that Oprah herself isn't disappearing. It's her show that's going off the air. Oprah will still grace the cover of O, The Oprah Magazine, appear on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and have tea with Michelle and Barack. But the world will not be the same without The Oprah Winfrey Show, which has been on TV for 25 years and made such a difference in my life, I just dont know how my ancestors survived without it. How did great-grandma know what food to eat and which books to read? How did greatgrandpa know what clothes to wear and which celebrities to gush over? In fact, when I think about it, my life can be divided into two distinct periods: Before Oprah (B.O.) and After Oprah (A.O.). B.O.: I ate whatever I wanted,

The end of the world as we know it

lar hormone injections and vitamin therapy, to look barely a day older than 59. B.O.: I didn't know how to attract women. A.O.: I attracted hordes of women by putting a sign outside my apartment that said: "Oprah's on. Anyone want to watch with me?" B.O.: I didn't know how to exercise. A.O.: I watched Oprah run a 26mile marathon and was inspired to run 26 times around my couch. B.O.: I didn't know how to take care of my finances. A.O.: Oprah taught me, in just one episode, how to save money for a rainy day, and in another episode, how to invest it all in designer underwear. B.O.: I didn't know how to dress well. A.O.: I watched Aishwarya Rai on Oprah and learned the proper way to wear a sari. B.O.: I didn't know if I'd ever get married. A.O.: I watched an episode called "The man who conned nine women into marriage" and realized that if he could con nine women, I could con at least one. B.O.: I was happy with the size of my apartment. A.O.: Oprah gave viewers a tour of her mansion and I realized that I'd be much happier if I lived in her closet.

B.O.: I was satisfied with my appearance. A.O.: I watched an episode called "Does my butt look big?" and realized that there were other channels on the TV.

without worrying about calories or nutrition. A.O.: I ate whatever Oprah's chef recommended - and bought myself bigger clothes. B.O.: I thought I was happy with my life. A.O.: I took Oprah's "happy quiz" and realized that I was quite miserable. B.O.: I didn't know how to say "I love you" to a woman. A.O.: I screamed "I love you" many times to Meg Ryan when she appeared on Oprah. B.O.: I didn't do much reading at all. A.O.: I read every cover of O, The Oprah Magazine, while standing in line at the supermarket. B.O.: I thought that aging was inevitable. A.O.: I watched Suzanne Somers on Oprah and learned that it's possible for a 60-year-old, through regu-

Laughter is the Best Medicine

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

Tech Life

Now, a smartphone app to diagnose concussions

CHAPEL HILL: A concussion expert at the University of North Carolina teamed with other head-trauma researchers to develop an application for mobile devices that helps determine whether someone may have suffered a concussion. Jason Mihalik of UNC's brain injury research center joined Justin Smith of Psychological Assessment Resources Inc. and the Children's National Medical Center in developing the program. Smith says it's the first observer-based concussion app. After the user answers a series of questions, the app determines the likelihood of a concussion and can email information to a doctor. Mihalik said the basis for the app's question flow comes from materials provided by the Centers for Disease Control. The introduction of the app is just one way to speed the response to possible concussions. One of the key issues discussed during the National Sports Concussion Cooperative's daylong seminar was how to most effectively bridge the communication gap between team doctors and the team athletic trainers, who often are the first to act when players suffer concussion-like symptoms. "The documentation (of immediate symptoms) is very important, from, 'How did they get hurt?' to the mechanism of injury through those initial signs and symptoms, to 'How did they progress over time?'" said Bill Griffin of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. "It's not only what happens at the time of the injury but how things change." The cooperative consists of coaches, doctors, equipment manufacturers and parents, and the group was formed in March to study concussions and brain trauma injuries in an attempt to make sports safer.

Snooping businesses worry users

NEW YORK: It's not Big Brother but "big business" that Internet users are more worried about. A new survey found that nearly half of Internet-connected Americans age 16 and older worry about businesses checking what they do online. By comparison, 38 per cent worry about the government doing so. Not that those concerns are stopping people from using the Internet for shopping, social networking and a smattering of other activities. The latest study, released from the Center for the Digital Future at the University of Southern California found that 82 per cent of Americans use the Internet, the same as in 2009. On average, they spend more than 18 hours a week online for browsing the Web (79 per cent), for banking (47 per cent) and for social networking and video-sharing (46 per cent). Among other findings in the survey, conducted from April 27 to August 30, 2010: Of the 18 per cent of Americans who are not using the Internet, 7 per cent cited cost as a reason. A quarter said they don't go online because they don't find it useful or have no interest. And 37 per cent said they didn't have a computer or Internet connection. 21 per cent of non-users said they were excluded from communications among their friends and disadvantaged in obtaining information for work, studies or hobbies as a result of not going online. Still, 66 per cent of them said they are not likely to go online within the next year. 68 per cent of adult Internet users go shopping online. Books and gifts are the most popular categories, followed by clothes and travel. People are still worried about privacy when shopping online, though fewer respondents said they were very concerned or extremely concerned than the year before: 48 per cent compared with 54 per cent in 2009. Email is still nearly universal. Even the texting generation uses this somewhat antiquated method of communication: 98 per cent of Internet users under 17 said they email, compared with 95 per cent of those aged 18 to 24. The lowest level of email usage, 94 per cent, was among 45 to 54year-olds.

Astrology
TheSouthAsianTimes.info

29

June 11-17, 2011

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

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: June 11-17, 2011

Aries:This week others will take up much of your time. Try not to be so generous and flexible to their demands that you might regret later on. Your time will probably be better spent if you do some social work or get involved in organizations that really need your help. Your confidence will grow and advancement in career is certain. Financial gains seem eminent for businessmen, but they need to be careful while extending credit. Highly beneficial time for career women and those involved in overseas projects. Taurus: This week when it comes to business you need to depend more on your brain than your heart. Professionals with large organizations can expect unexpected work. Although you will please your seniors and win their appreciation, but any immediate monetary gains seem unlikely. New romance will flourish for some, but any intimate relationship with a co-worker will lead to gossip and damage your reputation. New ventures will be alluring but consult your experts to make sure you are making no mistake. Not a good period for speculation. Gemini: This week you can expect some problems with the ones you love. You will have tremendous confidence in your capabilities, but the problems at home will severely disturb your mind. You need not push yourself too hard. Clarity of thought and a will to resolve issues will be important to maintain harmony at home. Stress related ailments like backache, headache, sleeplessness cannot be ruled out. After some rest and relaxation, you will feel much better. Cancer: This week your views and efforts will face resistance from others. People might not be very pleased with your way of doing things. You need to win their confidence by setting yourself a deadline and focussing entirely on your job. You need not rush over your plans but seek help from others if needed. Love and romance alone will not succeed in cheering you up, rather you will like to seek some commitment from your beloved. Try an outing or a short trip to cheer yourself up and lift your spirits. Meditation and yoga will be ideal for relaxation. Leo: This week your talents will shine at work, but above all you will be highly appreciated for being a major support to a colleague or a friend. You will enjoy the time that you spend with others and your confidence will also rise. Though a hectic and stressful week but it will prove to be beneficial and rewarding in the long run. This period is also good for signing major contracts. Highly memorable time for those taking a distant vacation as they will find themselves getting attracted into a romantic alliance. Virgo: Trouble is brewing up for you this week, if you do not spend sufficient time with your family members. Professionally and financially things look much brighter and you will be required to complete many important projects in hand, but whatever the emergency do not shirk from your responsibilities towards your home. An old friend will make an unscheduled but pleasant visit, sharing with you lots of delightful and memorable moments. If you feel like taking a break from your hectic schedule then visit to the beach or the mountains will help you stay in good mood. Libra: This week you should implement new ideas into your projects for instant gains. Seniors, colleagues and subordinates will be very helpful. Plan your days carefully as efforts put during this period will have long lasting rewards. Money gains are certain but losses due to speculation are also foreseen. You will gain valuable information if you listen to those who are older and experienced. Go out and have some fun with friends later in the week. Scorpio: This week you need to listen to your instincts when it comes to financial matters. It will be important for you to invest, but it will be equally important to consult financial experts and books on investments. Stay away from investments that seem risky and on the advice of others. Only people with experience will give you sound advice. All those preparing to tie a knot can look forward to a happy relationship. Sagittarius: This week dont get depressed, but put your time and efforts on important projects. Although finances will not be managed easily, but you will receive immense recognition and appreciation for your efforts. Your analytical skills will help you get everything done on time and eventually success will be yours. It is a brilliant week to straighten up things around the house. Home front will be pleasurable, but children and youngsters will behave little spendthrift. Capricorn: This week brings happiness and prosperity. Your creative ability will flourish during this period and your determination will defeat your opponents. You need to attend seminars and functions that will bring you in contact with important individuals. Real estate investments during this period will bring big dividends. Lovebirds will have a fabulous time and some will commit themselves to a matrimonial alliance. Overall a good week but make sure to keep an eye on your health. Aquarius: This week you should help children with projects, which are proving to be difficult for them. People will find you very charming, witty and enjoy your company. You will be putting in a lot of hours at work or on projects that are important for your career. You will acquire a lot of knowledge if you observe others. A wonderful week to look into courses and hobbies that interest you. A small vacation or a pleasure jaunt will lift your spirits. Pisces: This coming week you need to go into small details on projects, which are very important. You need to lead and observe, but you should avoid being too critical of the opinion of others. Businessmen will explore new and more profitable avenues. New partnerships and contacts will prove to be beneficial. Health needs proper care and you should avoid sweets and junk food. You should visit a gym or go for a walk in the evenings.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

June 11: Ruled by number 2 and the Moon. You are simple, honest, cooperative, love peace and harmony. You are full of new and innovative ideas and simply a perfectionist in whatever work you decide to do, but you need to control your tendency to be whimsical and jealous at times. Your coming year promises many new surprises and rewards for you. Your long desires are likely to be fulfilled this year. New sources of income will improve your financial position and boost your confidence. Journeys undertaken for work purpose would be beneficial and highly rewarding. Investment in a house and selected stocks recommended. Later in the year a distant trip maybe overseas bring new opportunities for growth and a chance to meet old associates. Legal matters are likely to be extended for much longer than expected and also prove highly expensive. Children will win laurels in their respective fields and will be supportive and understanding towards you. July, November, January and May will bring prosperity. June 12: Ruled by number 3 and the planet Jupiter. You are ambitious, dignified, independent and kind hearted. You enjoy a good position and respect at your work place, but you need to check your tendency to behave extravagant and dominating at times. Dont be hesitant in executing your new plans in the coming year. Fame and fortune will be at your doorsteps provided you are able to grab the right opportunities. New relationships and attachments will develop bringing you good opportunities through out the year. Gains from speculation is also quite likely. People looking for matrimonial alliances will find a suitable life partner. Health will show improvement despite the hectic hours that you might put in office. Foreign transactions or foreign trips for some. June, August and February will be eventful. June 13: Influenced by number 4 and the planet Uranus. You are active, practical, enthusiastic, authoritative and energetic. You are intelligent and can do wonders in your profession with your ability and proficiency, but you need to control your tendencies to behave impatient, whimsical and stubborn at times. New proposals and assignments for you this year. Business will flourish and financial gains will lift your confidence. Legal matters that have been haunting your mind will settle to your satisfaction. Promotions and increments are likely for some. Relationship with somebody close might get strained over trivial issues. Romance and new alliances look likely for those unattached. Elders and children in the family will demand a lot of your attention. Health of your spouse may cause concern and anxiety. Sportsmen and artists can look forward to some fame towards the end of the year. July, November, February and May will be significant. June 14: Governed by number 5 and the planet Mercury. You are practical, sharp, dignified, sensitive, original and dashing. You are friendly and very helpful, but you need to control your tendency to behave impatient and short-tempered at times. A very promising and favourable period starts this year. Investors who speculate in the stock market will benefit financially. Those involved in art and other creative profession should expect recognition and monetary gains. Sudden help from some near one or a friend will bring a major boost to your professional career. This is also a good time to invest in property. Children will be supportive and bring in some happy news later in the year. Pilgrimage or a long journey would be high on your cards. September, November, March and June will prove to be significant. June 15: Ruled by number 6 and the planet Venus. You have a pleasant personality, sharp memory and you are fond of worldly pleasures. You stay ahead of others because of your interest in new things and new technology, but you need to control your tendencies towards moodiness, timidity and interference in the affairs of others. This period is good for you to take important decision. You shall gather knowledge, information and make new and long lasting contacts. You shall leave no stone unturned to achieve your desired goals. Businessmen will expand their ventures into new and more profitable avenues. Investment in stocks would bring spectacular results. Health would definitely need more attention. Meditation and Yoga should be practiced for spiritual as well as physical gains. Some exhilarating news from your children would boost up your spirits later in the year. August, October and April will be eventful. June 16: Influenced by number 7 and the planet Neptune, you are energetic, ambitious, independent, honest and possess a sharp memory. You are highly innovative and have an in built talent to impress others, but at times you need to control your tendency to behave impatient and erratic at times. This year you will see an improvement in your financial position, but there will be an increase in your expenses as well. Put your efforts on projects that promise long term gains without wasting much time on small problems. Only selective investment will be rewarding and you should avoid speculation on all fronts. Arrival of guests and relatives during this period will be plenty, who will bring you gifts in cash and kind. Employment opportunities for some of you. Romance will be pleasant and will add a spice to your life. The months of September, February and April will be highly significant. June 17: Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn, you are dynamic, practical, responsible, hardworking, authoritative and highly disciplined. For you your duties and responsibilities take precedence over everything else, but you need to check your tendency to behave stubborn and jealous at times. This year you can look forward to major changes in your professional career. A long due transfer or a promotion can be expected towards the middle of the year. Those undertaking a foreign trip in the second half of the year will have a highly pleasurable and a very exciting journey. Do not spend lavishly on luxuries. Financial difficulties and health problems will mar peaceful atmosphere at home. Despite few initial problems earlier in the year, your financial position will become much better as new moneymaking projects will be undertaken. Spiritual gains for some later in the year. The month of August, December, March and June will be highly significant.

Before you consult...

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

Free Consultation Learn about the fair value of diamonds & precious stones. To the readers of The South Asian Times by an expert gems dealer.
For appointment, please call 516 390 7847 or email consult.gems@gmail.com

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Spiritual Awareness TheSouthAsianTimes.info

June 11-17, 2011