Fashion 18

Diaspora 19

Adventure Sports 25

Spiritual Awareness 30

NEW YORK EDITION

Vol.4 No.44 February 25-March 2, 2012 60 Cents
US airlines sue EximBank for loan guarantee to Air India IRS filing: Help on how income from India is to be taxed Taxation, Page 9

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Bollywood should connect with West: Ashok Amritraj Bollywood, Page 26

Afghan protests rage despite Obama apology for Quran burning

Taliban eggs on protests as 2 NATO soldiers among killed.
Kabul: President Barack Obama apologized Thursday for the accidental burning of Qurans by U.S. forces in Afghanistan as antiAmerican demonstrations raged for a third consecutive day, leaving two NATO troops and at least five Afghans dead and 26 wounded nationwide. At one such demonstration outside a U.S. base in Khogyani, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, a protester who was wearing an Afghan army uniform opened fire, killing the two soldiers with the Afghans shout slogans during an anti-US demonstration in Jalalabad, Wednesday and carry an effigy depicting President Obama. Continued on page 4

Zardari instructed Haqqani on memo: Ijaz

Islamabad: Pakistani American businessman Mansoor Ijaz said Thursday that Husain Haqqani, Islamabad's former envoy to the US, had "directives" from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on delivering a memo to Washington appealing for help in the wake of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's killing last year. "It was my understanding that Haqqani had directives from the Pakistani President," the Geo News quoted Ijaz as saying while recording his testimony before a judicial commission from the Pakistani High Commission in London. "Haqqani said (in the memo) that

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari the civilian government needs to be strengthened against the 'bad boys'", Ijaz added. The term "bad boys" refers to army chief (General Ashfaq Kayani) or ISI chief (Lt. Gen. Continued on page 4

Gift of Life India celebrates 10 years of saving childrens lives

Kamla Harris, Kal Penn national co-chairs for Obamas re-election campaign

California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Hollywood actor Kal Penn. Woodbury, NY: Gift of Life (India), a laudable project chaired by Rtn. Ravi Bhooplapur, Past Dist Governor 7250, to perform life saving surgeries on children, raised $1,00,000 at a glittering Valentine Dinner Dance last Saturday on Long Island in the presence of Rotary International President Elect Sakuji Tanaka. Seen in the picture from left are Kamlesh C. Mehta, Chair of Host Committee; Rtn Sushil Gupta, Indian hotelier and Padma Shri, honored for his humanitarian work at the event attended by over 200 people, Sakuji Tanaka and Ravi Bhooplapur. (Photo: Xitij Joshi.) (More photos and story on pg 16-17) Washington: California Attorney General, Kamla Harris and Hollywood actor Kalpen Modi (better known as Kal Penn) have been roped in by President Barack Obama's re-election campaign. They are among 35 Campaign national co-chairs who will act as key surrogates and ambassadors in the run up to the November presidential elections. A third Indian American on the panel is Sai Iyer, who served as a Continued on page 4

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February 25-March 2, 2012

Wadhwa receives the Outstanding American by Choice award

Bay Area, CA: Entrepreneur-turned-academic Vivek Wadhwa has been bestowed the Outstanding American by Choice award by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Wednesday here. The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of naturalized US citizens who through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, have demonstrated their commitment to this country and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans. Wadhwa is currently the Vice President of Academics and Innovation, Singularity University, a new institution in Mountain View, CA, which focuses on the impact and opportunities presented on several occasions to plead that I tone down my criticism. He worried that I would anger US government officials and they would find some way to have me deported. Indeed, this would have been the case in many countries, where I could have ended up in a Gulag - or worse. But what happens in America is praiseworthy. Wadhwa is Fellow, Arthur & Toni Rembe Rock Center for Corporate Governance, Stanford University, Director of Research, Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization and Exec in Residence, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, and Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Halle Institute of Global Learning, Emory University.

US cracks down on phantom debt collectors from India

Washington: US authorities have cracked down on a new scam in which so-called phantom debt collectors using call centers in India harassed Americans into paying bills running into millions of dollars. One scheme, which has bilked US consumers out of some $5 million so far, involved about eight million phone calls originating in India to American consumers over an eight-month period, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said Tuesday. A US district court judge in Chicago ordered a Villa Park, California operation to cease and froze the assets of American Credit Crunchers, an affiliated company called Ebeeze and their owner, Varang K. Thaker, according to Chicago Tribune. FTC alleged Thaker obtained information - often including Social Security or bank account numbers - about consumers who had inquired about or applied for online payday loans. Thaker used callers in India, who often posed as law enforcement officers or other government officials, to threaten people with arrest, a lawsuit or the loss of their job if they didn't repay online payday loans. Scammers, officials said, demanded payments of about $500, but as high as $2,000. Some consumers complied even when they knew they didn't owe money, just to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation or potential arrest, authorities said. So far, the FTC has received thousands of complaints from across the country about the scam. Said C. Steven Baker, director of the FTC's Midwest Region, based in Chicago, "Nobody actually owed them a dime." Phone calls were placed using Internetbased phone calling, which made the calls appear to caller-ID systems as if they were coming from within the US, he said. The scam had been ongoing since at least January 2010, officials said. The FTC has set up an informational Web page for consumers, called "Who's Calling? That Debt Collector Could be a Fake". It's at tinyurl.com/phantomdebt

Vivek Wadhwa by exponentially advancing technologies. He has been a critic of American immigration system for keeping out the brains. The USCIS recognition, he says, literally brought tears to my eyes. It also shows greatness of America: you question the norms/challenge authority, and they reward you. He added, My father, a retired Indian diplomat, called me

Googles computer goggles to arrive this year

Schneidermans plan to address Rx drug crisis plaguing Long Island

Mineola, NY: Amid Long Islands growing prescription drug epidemic, a coalition of law enforcement, elected officials, medical professionals and community members joined forces to urge the passage of Attorney General Eric T. Schneidermans Internet System for Tracking Overprescribing (I-STOP) plan for an online database that enables doctors and pharmacists to report and track certain controlled substances in real time. The endorsement of ISTOP, announced at a press conference at the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence in Mineola this week, follows the release of a recent report by the Attorney General detailing the growing prescription drug abuse crisis in every corner of New York State. Statewide, the number of prescriptions for all narcotic painkillers has increased by six million, from 16.6 million in 2007 to nearly 22.5 million in 2010. Long Island is at the center of the states prescription drug epidemic, and its time to take action before another tragedy strikes. The law enforcement officials, medical professionals and community members on the ground who see the devastation of this crisis firsthand stand united to protect our communities

New York: A number of anonymous Google employees are reporting that the company is currently developing Android-powered glasses that can provide a heads-up display to the wearer and connect over wireless data services. The glasses will purportedly work like a wearable version of the Google Goggles app, providing real time information on a user's location via GPS and motion sensors. "Google glasses" could even be available to the public by the end of this year. The Google glasses have apparently been in production for quite some time at Google's secretive Project X lab, where the company designs its more outlandish projects, such as robots, space elevators, and the like. Anonymous em-

ployees have indicated that this is strictly an experimental program from Google, though it may look into future business applications depending on how successful the product is. The glasses will feature a lowresolution camera on the front for gathering information to relay to a small screen built into one side of the lenses. The screen will not be transparent, but will be located to the side of the frame, so as not to obscure a person's view but still give an augmented reality feel. The camera will also be able to take pictures, and have a built-in flash. New York Times speculated that the new Google glasses are expected to be priced much like a current smartphone (in the US$250 to $600 range).

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman by supporting I-STOP, said Attorney General Schneiderman. Inaction is not an option. The time is now to streamline communication between health care providers and pharmacists to better serve patients, stop prescription drug trafficking, and provide treatment to those who need help. According to the Attorney Generals recent report, the prescription drug crisis is particularly acute on Long Island where drug-related violent crimes including the horrific pharmacy murders in Seaford and Medford in 2011, overdoses, and drug treatment admissions have increased at an alarming rate. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano said, "Attorney General Schneidermans I-STOP plan gives stakeholders the tools necessary to protect the public from the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse. Together, we can and will better coordinate health care services so that patients receive the medication they need and those who profit off of abuse receive the justice they deserve. This is the right solution to Long Islands prescription drug epidemic, and Attorney General Schneiderman deserves credit for tackling this crisis head on."

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February 25-March 2, 2012

UN panel indicts Syria for crimes against humanity

London: A United Nations panel declared on Thursday that gross human rights violations had been ordered by the Syrian authorities as state policy at the highest levels of the armed forces and the government, amounting to crimes against humanity. The panel of three investigators did not release the names of the officials it had identified as bearing responsibility. Instead, they delivered the names in a sealed envelope to the United Nations top human rights official. The 72-page report by the panel said that the insurgent Free Syrian Army, made up of defectors from forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, had also committed abuses, but those were not comparable in scale and organization to those carried out by the Afgan protests Story Continued from page 1 U.S.-led NATO coalition, officials said. Adding to a chorus of profuse apologies from U.S. officials over the burning incident, Obama wrote a three-page letter to Afghan President Hamid Karzai on bilateral relations that included "an expression of his regret and apologies for the inappropriate and inadvertent mishandling of religious materials," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. Karzai's office demanded that the coalition bring to justice as soon as possible those responsible for burning Qurans and other Islamic religious materials Monday at Bagram, a major air base north of Kabul used by American forces. The latest embarrassing incident to mar U.S. efforts to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan, it has led to a series of demonstrations that could grow Friday, with large crowds expected to gather after weekly prayers. While the protests so far have appeared to be spontaneous outpourings of public anger, the Taliban ratcheted up their rhetostate. The investigators said the report was based on 369 interviews with victims, witnesses, defectors and other people with inside knowledge of the situation in Syria. They also examined photographs, video recordings and satellite imagery to corroborate some witness accounts. The investigators said they were not allowed to enter Syria to conduct inquiries at first hand. The report, delivered to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, was published as security forces continued to bombard areas of Homs, a city in central Syria, for a 20th successive day on Thursday, despite a growing outcry and international calls for the creation of humanitarian corridors to reach the sick, the wounded and the frail. ric Thursday, issuing a statement that encouraged Afghans to kill foreign troops and not to rely on "mere protests and empty slogans." Some initial reports have suggested that a coalition commander ordered the Qurans and other materials destroyed because inmates at the Bagram detention facility were placing messages in them to one another, but coalition officials said the investigators hadn't confirmed that. Zardari Story Continued from page 1 Ahmad Shuja Pasha), said Ijaz. The Supreme Court-appointed commission is probing Ijaz's claim to have last year delivered a secret memo to then US joint chiefs chairman Admiral Mike Mullen at the behest of Haqqani and the Pakistani government. Kamla Harris, Kal Penn Story Continued from page 1 White House intern in 2011.

"The president's national co-chairs will be tremendous assets on the ground as we build the biggest grassroots campaign in history," Obama's campaign manager, Jim Messina said in a statement Thursday. "They each share the president's vision for a future where every American can have a fair shot at success, where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewardCommunications & Operations Bhrigu Pankaj Prashar C: 516.303.4002 Bhrigu@TheSouthAsianTimes.info

ed," Messina said. Kal Penn is the former White House Associate Director for the Office of Public Engagement. Kamala Harris is the powerful Attorney General of California and Sai Iyer is a student at the Virginia Commonwealth University and OFA (Obama For America) volunteer leader from Virginia. Photographs: Gunjesh Desai/ masalajunction.com. Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com Photo Journalist: Parveen/Bhanu Seth Chief Cartoonist: Mahendra P. Shah Art and Design: Vladimir Tomovski Bhagwati Multimedia, Rahul Sahota Web Editor: B.B.Chopra News Service: HT Media Ltd. IANS Newswire Services Printing: Five Star Printing, NY Richner Publications Contacts Editor@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Subscribe@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Advertisements Advertise@TheSouthAsianTimes.info P : 516.390.7847 F : 516.465.1343

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February 25-March 2, 2012

India Semester organized at FDU in New Jersey

Ashok Ojha/SATimes Morristown, NJ : As athletes played in the Soccer field and swimmers enjoyed the warm water of its indoor swimming pool, young Indian dancers fascinated a mixed crowd of students and faculty members of Fairleigh Dickinson University with their performance of Indian classical dances. The event was organized at Dryfuss auditorium of Farleigh Dickinson University campus in Florham, NJ as part of a semester long India focused program. FDUs Florham College is currently celebrating the culture of India through a host of activities ranging from discussions on Indias economy and politics, music and fashion shows, visits to local Indian temples and shopping centers, celebrating Holi and screening of well known movies on Indian themes, such as, Mira Nair s Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, Deepa Mehtas Water, and Gurinder Chadhas Bent it Like Bekham. The college launched its India Celebrations

Dr. Kenneth Green, Senior Vice Provost, FDUs College at Florham with Dr. Kiron Sharma, who coordinated an India Semester during the spring 2012 at FDUs Florham campus. program on February 15, 2012 Community Affairs, FDUs when its student community was College at Florham. The theme invited to experience delicious semester is part of our strategic North Indian cuisine and partici- planning to expose our students to pate in Henna painting. A variety verities of global-education activiof activities are spread over the ties. FDU partnered with duration of the spring semester. Vidyalaya, a local voluntary organWe are preparing our students to ization which provided support for become global citizens. The the cultural events, music and semester long activities are focused dance performances. Vidyalayas to expose our student body to primary objective is to educate stuIndian culture and traditions, said dents in Indian languages and culDr. Kenneth Green, Senior Vice ture, said Dr. Kiron Sharma, one Provost, Government and of the Directors of Vidyalaya and a

Professor Ram Kishan of Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, addressing students and faculty members at FDU at an event organized as a part of India Semester. (Photos by Ashok Ojha) professor of Computer Science at and stiff competition it faces from FDU. Sharma was the chief coordi- China, another world power which nator of the program. dominates the region as well as the India has made phenomenal Indian Ocean. China has estabgrowth after 1991 when its econo- lished strategic military bases in my was opened for foreign invest- Indias neighborhood bordering its ment and liberalization, said Western, Southern and Eastern Professor Ram Kishan of Oakland frontiers. China is also threatening University, Rochester, Michigan, Indias security from its Northern who spoke on the topic of Rise of border. Indias security problems India and challenges she faced. have been compounded by home In his balanced view of Indian grown violence perpetrated by terpolitics and society Kishan high- rorists and leftists Maoists, he lighted Indias security problems explained.

Indian techies launch 'My Innovation For Indians' competition

Washington, DC: An organization of Indian techies in the Silicon Valley has launched a competition for IT professionals to encourage them to come out with a viable and sustainable technology plan for India. "My Innovation For Indians (MIFI)" competition was announced by the Silicon valley-based Global Indian Technology Professionals Association (GITPRO) at a conference in Palo Alto, California on Saturday. During the conference 'Emerging Technology & Opportunities', IT professionals also decided to pilot a project to improve a quality of new engineering graduates from third tier colleges. GITPRO, which now has seven chapters in the US and three in India, would also launched a firstever survey for professional life, family life and community involvement of Indian Professionals in the US, said Khanderao Kand, its founder and Convener of GITPRO World 2012. In his keynote address, Anand Deshpande, CEO of Persistent Systems, said that India Inc has evolved from offshore hub to a global player with global outlook. There lies a huge opportunity for innovation and startups in India for next five years mainly in the market of education, healthcare, biosciences, retail and mobile, he stressed. A legendary entrepreneurship coach teaching at Stanford and Berkley Universities, Steve Blank emphasized that entrepreneurs should avoid failures by getting out of offices to talk to customers for validating hypothesis and pivoting on idea or customer market as often and as early as possible. More than 400 Indian technology professionals from startups to prominent companies like Cisco, IBM, Oracle, ebay, HP and Apple attended the conference.

Harvard Asian-American discrimination probe ends

New York: According to a Washington Post report, Federal civil rights investigators have closed an investigation into whether Harvard and Princeton universities discriminate against Asian Americans in admissions because the complaint has been withdrawn. The short-lived probe began with a complaint from an Indian-American student in California who was rejected at both schools, despite sitting near the top of his high school class. The story went modestly viral; Harvard and Princeton have admission rates below 10 percent, and research suggests Asian-Americans must produce even higher grades and test scores to get in. Harvards Jeff Neal released this statement: We are pleased that the complaint against Harvard has been withdrawn and that OCR has closed the case. Harvard College welcomes talented students from all backgrounds, including Asian Americans. Our review of every applicants file is highly individualized and holistic, as we give serious consideration to all of the information we receive and all of the ways in which the candidate might contribute to our vibrant educational environment and community. Bloomberg, the source of the original story, was apparently unable to reach the California family to discern why the complaint was dropped.

CafePress removes racist products from website after community protests

New York: In a victory for civil rights, community uproar has led CafePress to remove racist t-shirt designs from its website. The t-shirts, which said, No More Ragheads! and No More Towelheads! prompted over 4,000 people to sign a petition created by the Sikh Coalition calling for their removal. In addition to removing the t-shirts, CafePress issued a statement expressing "regret" for "any problems or concerns caused by the images in question." The Sikh Coalition issued an open letter to CafePress CEO Bob Marino last Thursday, February 17. The Coalition's open letter also urged community members to sign an online petition which garnered 2,000 signatures in a day. By late Saturday morning, February 19, the racist images were removed from the CafePress website. The Coalition's open letter also called on CafePress to improve its internal controls to prevent hateful material from being sold on its site.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

IN BRIEF

Chivukula participates in Open World Program

Cross Island Y launches Strong Kids Campaign

ssemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D17) spoke with a group of Armenian delegates visiting the United States as participants of Open World, a program designed to strengthen ties between America and select Eurasian countries. The delegation, which consisted of six Armenian Parliamentary staff members, spoke with the Assemblyman at Civic Square in New Brunswick for nearly two hours discussing ethics and public integrity.

Through a Russian interpreter, Chivukula reviewed New Jerseys strict ethics and campaign finance laws as well as provided a brief overview of the election process in the United States. Throughout the event, the delegation asked questions that gave them insight into the similarities and differences between the two governments. Chivukula was the final speaker on the Armenians tour, which lasted for eight days.

BharatMatrimony to create the worlds largest wedding photo album

ick starting a two month long run-up to Matrimony Day (April 14th), BharatMatrimony.com has set the ball rolling on February 14th in an attempt to create two world records - Attempt a Guinness World Record in putting together the worlds largest wedding photo album; and Set a world record with 1 million wedding pictures online at www.millionweddingpics.com to create the largest collection of wedding pictures online. During the event, the ideal celebrity couple Kapil Dev & Romi Dev uploaded the first wedding pictures onto the website to officially launch www.millionwedding-

pics.com. The website opens up an opportunity to all married couples to participate in this momentous occasion and create history. Speaking on this occasion, Murugavel Janakiraman, Founder & CEO, BharatMatrimony.com said, This is an attempt to get all Indians to participate and share their wedding pictures and feature in a record making photo album. We hope to clinch the world record on the auspicious day of Matrimony Day on April 14th when we will unveil the album for verification. The participation is free and open to all married couples.

he Cross Island YMCA launched the Strong Kids Campaign, its annual community support campaign that works to create stronger, closer families; healthier, more involved kids; and enriched and revitalized communities. According to the U.S. Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention, while nearly all kids in the U.S. play computers or handheld games only 38 percent participate in regular organized physical activity. Even more sobering, 50 percent of family member meals are eaten away from home. Sobering statistics like those can lead one to ask, Whats happened to our sense of community and how can we get it back? Every day, the Cross Island Y serves as a vital gathering place for the community. Kids pour through our doors after school to play, do homework, and get involved in their communities. Seniors meet for coffee, group activities, and to connect with one another. The Strong Kids Campaign ensures that the Y can contin-

ue to provide Queens with these and other lifeenhancing services. The Strong Kids Campaign funds given from individuals in Queens go back to support Queens. Campaign leadership is made up of a group of outstanding YMCA volunteers from throughout Queens. This year, Mel Walker, Pfizer is working with the Cross Island Y to meet its Strong Kids Campaign goal of raising $221,000. The Y is a fixture in Queens and a beacon of hope to many. The Strong Kids Campaign helps provide families and kids in our community with the support they need to overcome adversity and to thrive said Walker. Please join us as we work together and support one another to make our home stronger. With the Strong Kids Campaign, we want more people to understand that we are more than where to go to exercise or swim and that we rely on their financial support to do our vital work. Dana Feinberg, Executive Director of the Cross Island Y.

First Veda Sammelanam in North America on April 14

ringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation Inc. USA, is the first overseas affiliate of the ancient Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, India. It is situated at the lush green mountains of the Poconos in Stroudsburg, PA. The Foundation has planned to conduct the first ever Veda Sammelan in North America at the Sringeri Sadhana Center in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday, April 14. Hundreds of Vedic Scholars and Agama/Sastra pundits from

USA and Canada will participate in this the one-day event. The program includes a ceremonious procession of the scriptures, recitation of all four Vedas, special Vedic offerings to Sharadamba, a lecture-cum-demonstration of various recitation practices. Registration for the Sammelan is free and all participating scholars are required to register through the Foundations website at www.svbf.orgon-line or by mail.

Princes and Painters in Mughal Delhi opens at Asia Society

New York: 'Princes and Painters in Mughal Delhi, 17071857' on view February 7 through May 6, 2012 at Asia Society here brings together 100 masterpieces created during an artistically rich period in Indias history. This major international loan exhibition provides a new look at an era of significant change during which the Mughal capital in Delhi shifted from being the heart of the late Mughal Empire to becoming the jewel in the crown of the British Raj. The exhibition includes jewel-like portrait paintings, striking panoramas, and exquisite decorative arts crafted for Mughal emperors and European residents alike, as well as historical photographs. Curated by William Dalrymple and Yuthika Sharma, the exhibition is accompanied by a 264-page illustrated book with essays by William Dalrymple, Yuthika Sharma, Jean Marie Lafont, Malini Roy, Sunil Sharma, and J.P. Losty, published by Asia Society Museum in association with Yale University Press, New Haven and London. Princes and Painters in Mughal Delhi, 17071857 is a reappraisal of a transitional era in India that provided unprecedented impetus for artistic innovation and experimentation, says Melissa Chiu, Asia Society Museum Director and Vice President for Global Art Programs. Were pleased to be taking a new approach to this magnificent and vibrant work with notable author William Dalrymple and art historian Yuthika Sharma as curators. The exhibition focuses on the reigns of the last four Mughal emperors: Muhammad Shah (reigned 17191748), Shah Alam II (reigned 17591806), Akbar Shah II (reigned 18061837) and Bahadur Shah II Zafar (reigned 18371857). Having lost military, political and economic power to the newly-arrived British in Calcutta, Delhi continued to maintain its the Mughal court in Delhi and the citys ascendant European residents, creating an environment of extraordinary interaction and influence between them and the new world of the British East India Company. Exhibition-related programs include a lecture with co-curator William Dalrymple on the artistic and political complexities of art created for the Indian court and European patrons in Delhi and an evening of celebrating the era of Indias last Mughals featuring a reading by William Dalrymple and a performance by North Indian vocalist Vidya Shah. In addition, AsiaStore will feature a series of artisan demonstrations including: block printing by Mahesh Jain, Zardozi embroidery by Shyam Prasad and Kundan Jewelry by Asif Khan. One of the displays - Bahadur Shah I with his sons handing a sarpech to a grandson, ca. 1710. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper.

extraordinary cultural, literary, and artistic patronage networks. Artists were supported by

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

US airlines sue EximBank for giving loan guarantee to AirIndia

Washington, DC: The US airline industry has sued the Export Import Bank (Exim) alleging that its financial support to Indian national carrier Air India, which itself is in deep red, will harm the American airlines. In a revised complaint filed before a US court on Friday last week, the Air Transport Association of America, Delta Air Line and Air Line Pilots Association International, alleged that Exim Bank's decision to provide a loan guarantee of USD 3.4 billion to Air India, to help it buy 30 aircraft from Boeing, would badly affect several US airlines, the Delta in particular. Arguing that without the financial support from Exim Bank, Air India, which in itself is in deep red, would not have purchased these aircraft and thus would deploy them on those routes where it gives a tough competition to US airlines. "The Bank's support for foreign carriers puts ATA's operator members, including Delta, at a competitive disadvantage because, among other things, the Bank's foreign beneficiaries have access to cheaper capital to finance their aircraft purchases," the complaint said. "Delta's experience is illustrative. In 2006, Delta offered nonstop service between New York and Mumbai. Between 2006 and 2009, the Bank gave Air India loan guarantees totalling approximately USD 3.3 billion. "Those guarantees allowed Air India to flood the USIndia market with extra capacity and crowd out competitors like Delta. Delta stopped flying from New York to Mumbai in October of 2008 due to the Bank's loan guarantees to Air India," the court affidavit said. The Exim Bank's subsidies to foreign carriers have forced US airlines to cut between 4,100 and 7,500 jobs. The loss of those jobs has led to USD 372 million to USD 684 million in lost employee income, it alleged.

Neha Patel charged with infant son's murder

Florida: Tampa International Airport police captured Indian American woman Neha Patel suspected of killing her one-yearold son. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, her husband Rashesh Patel, came home on last Thursday to discover wife, Neha Patel, 32, and their son missing. He tried to locate her and, at one point, was contacted by a credit card company who told him his card had been used in the Ocala area. He drove to Ocala but was unsuccessful in finding his wife. He returned to his Polk County home and contacted authorities on Thursday evening. Early the next morning, the woman came home with the baby, Ishan, wrapped in a blanket. Rashesh took the blanket and saw the child's lifeless body. Judd said she told her

Patel suffered from post partum depression. (right). Baby Ishan. husband, "I killed him and I'll be dead tomorrow." After Rashesh contacted Neha's father, she ran out of the house and drove away. Judd said officers tracked Neha Patel's vehicle to Tampa International Airport. But then she left and filled up her car at a 7Eleven Thursday evening. Judd said the woman suffers from postpartum depression and has said in the past that she wanted to die in the Smoky Mountains. Just before 7:30 Friday morning, Polk County officials notified airport police that Neha Patel, 32, had used her credit card at the TIA economy parking garage. Patel's vehicle was seen driving into the airport's long-term parking garage just after 1:00 p.m. The woman was apprehended and taken to an airport holding cell.

Obama ropes in 3 Indian Americans for presidential campaign

Washington, DC: Three well-known Indianorigin Americans, actor Kalpen Modi, California Attorney General, Kamla Harris and Sai Iyer, who served as a White House intern in 2011, were appointed Wednesday to the 35-member national co-chairs of the Obama Campaign. In all, the Obama Campaign released a list of 35 campaign co-chairs who will act as key surrogates and ambassadors in the run up to the November presidential elections in which incumbent Barack Obama is seeking re-election. "The president's national co-chairs will be tremendous assets on the ground as we build the biggest grassroots campaign in history," Obama's campaign manager, Jim Messina said in a statement. "They each share the President's vision for a future where every American can have a fair shot at success, where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded," Messina said.

Sai Iyer is a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Indian American doctors win racial discrimination case

Houston: Three Indian-American doctors, who were derogatorily called "the Indians" and treated as "second-class citizens" by the CEO of a medical center, have won a racial discrimination case in a Texas court. The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found that Citizens Medical Center in Victoria had violated the equal protection rights of the doctors. The court ruled in favour of Ajay Gaalla, Harish Chandna and Dakshesh Parikh, the Victoria Advocate reported. In February 2010, the medical center filed a resolution that would allow only cardiologists with contracts at the hospital to exercise clinical privileges in the cardiology department or part of the hospital's heart program. The cardiologists fought back with a lawsuit stating they were being barred from practicing not based on their merit and expertise but because of economical and racial reasons. This not only affected them but their patients who were denied the right to see the physician of their choice, according to the court documents. The three doctors said they were consistently treated like second-class citizens, removed from committees and pushed out of laboratory posts arbitrarily, or overlooked in favor of "less-qualified" cardiologists CMC hired. For now, the case is in stay, or on hold, according to Monte James, the lead attorney for the cardiologists. He expects the federal court will take it off hold and it will proceed to trial.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

IN BRIEF

Kamal Bawa wins award for sustainability work

Student wins top achievers award

rainforest areas. His span of work inamal Bawa, an Indian-born professor of biology at the Unicludes biological discoveries made in Central America, the Western versity of Massachusetts Boston, is the 2012 winner of the Gunnerus Ghats, and the Himalayas in India. He is also noted for founding, and Sustainability Award, the world's serving as president, of the Ashoka first major international award for work on sustainability. Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), a nonBawa will receive the Gunnerus Gold Medal and the award of 1 milprofit conservation and development lion Norwegian Kronor (about research think tank in Bangalore. The Gunnerus award is the first $190,000) at a ceremony in Trondheim, Norway, the university said major international prize for outKamal Bawa standing scientific work that prociting a Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters (DKNVS) announce- motes sustainable development globally, and ment. will be awarded every two years. The award is named after DKNVS' founder, Bawa, also a faculty fellow at the Centre for Governance and Sustainability, home of the Bishop Johan Ernst Gunnerus (1718-1773), and Global Environmental Governance Project, is is the result of collaboration between DKNVS, known for his research on population biology in Sparebank1, SMN, and the society Technoport.

Kamala Harris to join likes of Angelina Jolie, Leymah Gbowee at NYC Summit
ext month, inspiring women leaders and activists from around the globeincluding Nobel winner Leymah Gbowee, Angelina Jolie, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg, Meryl Streep, Madeleine Albright, IMF chief Christine Lagarde, California Attorney General Kamala Harris, Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni, The New York Timess Jill Abramson, president of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga, Nancy Pelosi, and many morewill convene in New York City for Newsweek and The Daily Beast's third annual Women in the World Summit. Housed at Lincoln Center, the three-day event will spotlight the urgent chal-

lenges facing women today. From a Pakistani bride who fled the prospect of a cruel enforced marriage to crusade for marital rights to soapopera writers transforming sexist societies; from female powerhouses in national security to the Egyptian blogger whos covered a year of dashed hopes and turmoil for the women of Tahrir Square, the summit showcases women who are battling the status quo, picking up the pieces in the aftermath of war and shattering glass ceilings. The event will also feature performances by the star of Broadways Evita revival and a closing presentation by Oscar nominee Streep.

n Indian-American Student has won Siemens Awards For Advanced Placement, America's top achievers honor for her achievements in science and mathematics. Ramya Rangan, along with another student Albert Wu, two seniors at The Harker School in San Jose, California, became the nation's top achievers in Advanced Placement science and mathematics courses when they were recognized as winners of the 2011 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement. Each will receive a USD 5,000 college scholarship. This year, 101 high school students in 50 states including 96 seniors, 4 juniors and 1 sophomore were recognized. Established in 1998, the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement is a signature program of the Siemens Foundation and is administered by the College Board. Ramya Rangan's interest in math and science originated over a decade ago when she began completing Kumon math problem sets. In high school, she found that other sci-

Ramya Rangan ences posed similarly intriguing problems. She took her first AP class AP Calculus BC in the eighth grade. "AP courses gave me a chance to acquire more in-depth knowledge of various fields, and to learn with gifted peers from incredible teachers", she said. Ramya considers AP Physics C her favorite AP class to date, because it exposed her to interesting physics problems and gave her experience with lab work.

Akshay Desai appointed to key Republican post

Teenager wows judges on The Voice

tion of Adam Levine, Cee Lo and n 18-year-old Indian American Blake Shelton. All three judges teenager from Dallas stole the clearly saw star power in the sassy show at the fourth round of blind and confident youth, and werent auditions on the Feb. 20 episode of about to give her up without a fight. NBCs The Voice. Sharon Mathai gave up medical school for a career She finally settled on Adam. While in music, so she had a lot riding on her voice could use some work, her audition. She capped off the theres no denying she has the it Sharon Mathai night with a performance of factor that could take her all the Adeles Rumor Has It that caught the atten- way in this competition!

ndian-American Akshay Universal Health Care Group, Desai has been appointed to Inc and serves the health care a key Republican post in community through several Florida, making him responsiassociations. ble for the partys finances in A K Desai is a tireless advothis election year. cate for Florida and for our In this election year we Republican party. need the resources for victory, RPOF will be well served by and Dr. Desais long history of his dedication and experience, work for the state and our party said the Florida Governor Rick Dr Akshay Desai make him a proven leader, Scott. Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) A member of the Florida State Board of chairman Lenny Curry said in a statement. Education since 2007, Dr. Desai previousBottom of Form ly served as a Member of Florida State Dr. Desai has been appointed to serve as Board of Governors from 2005-2007 and the chairman of Finance Committee of the as Commissioner and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Health Committee on the White House Dr. Desai is currently the Chairman of Commission on Asian Americans & the Board, President and CEO of Pacific Islanders from 2005-2008.

Comcast enhances Internet Essentials' program

New York: Almost six months ago, Comcast launched an ambitious broadband adoption program, Internet Essentials, with a focus on closing the digital divide and getting more low-income Americans connected to the Internet. Its progress report highlights successes and achievements and shares some of the lessons learned as well as the new enhancements it will be making to the program in the year ahead. Internet Essentials grew out of a multi-year internal project that had identified low-income broadband adoption as Comcasts most important community-investment strategy and priority. Internet Essentials has achieved a number of key accomplishments and met several milestones after only a few months of the program. They include: Publicized the program across more than 4,000 school districts and over 30,000 schools, which have approximately 3.5 million National School Lunch Program (NSLP) families, of which 2 million qualify for free meals under the NSLP and, therefore, are eligible for Internet Essentials; Worked with more than 3,000 partners, including governors; mayors; local, state, and federal legislators, and communitybased organizations, including churches, libraries, and PTAs, to promote Internet Essentials and engage eligible families in their communities; By the end of 2011, over 10,000 individuals and organizations had registered for the Partner Portal, the portal had experienced over 100,000 unique visits, and partners had requested 11.5 million pieces of promotional colof the Internet in their homes, some for the very first time; and distributed over 5,500 computers at less than $150 each. Also six key enhancements to Internet Essentials have been announced : First, it will expand provided with Internet Essentials to up to 3 Mbps downstream and up to 768 Kbps upstream, helping to make the service even more attractive. Third, during the first quarter it will give communitybased organization partners the ability to purchase Internet Essentials in bulk to help reach more eligible households with a streamlined and more customerfriendly process. Fourth, effective immediately it will further streamline the approval process by providing an instant approval process for all students who attend those schools with the highest percentage of NSLP participation, including Provision 2 schools. Fifth, it will continue to expand and enrich its online and in-person digital literacy training efforts.

Meets several milestones in just six months of its launch

lateral all at no charge to the partner organizations. Offered approximately 300 in-person digital literacy training sessions with more than 1,250 individual attendees; Empowered nearly 100,000 Comcast employees to directly connect eligible families in their communities; Connected over 41,000 families (an estimated 160,000 Americans) to the power the eligibility criteria. Previously, Internet Essentials was available to families with children eligible to receive free school lunches as part of the NSLP. In the second quarter, it will extend eligibility to families with children eligible to receive reduced price school lunches as well. Second, also during the second quarter, it will double the speed of the broadband connection

Taxation TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

IRS filing: Help on how your income in India is taxed

s we approach the last date - 17th April 2012 for filing tax returns for the year 2011, here's some help for Indian Americans on how their income from India if any - gets taxed. Tax on global income If you are a US resident or US citizen (NRI, PIO or OCI), you must pay taxes in the US on your global income. A person is said to be a US resident if he must have been physically present in the country on at least 31 days during the current year, and 183 days during the 3 year period that includes the current year and the two years immediately before. To satisfy the 183 days requirement, count all of the days you were present in the current year, and one-third of the days you were present in the last year and onesixth of the days you were present in the year before last. If you are a green card holder (or a US citizen), you are considered a US resident for tax purposes irrespective of where you actually live. How are various incomes taxed? Let us look at the various incomes in India and the tax implications on your US tax returns. While we are explaining the broad contours of the law, we strongly recommend that you read the relevant sections in the income tax act of both countries, the DTAA and also consult an expert for your specific case. Salary If you are a resident of the US but earned a part of your salary in India, then you would have to pay tax on your India income in the US. Is the payer in India subject to deduct tax at source in India? Not really. Article 16 of the DTAA states that salaries earned by a person who resides and works in another country shall be taxed 'only' in the country of residence. However, it might happen that you earned salary in India before you became a resident of the US and tax was deducted at source on that income in India. In such cases, you can claim a credit of

the taxes paid in India in the US. Rajesh Vaidya, who is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and works in Florida, says, "A grey area here is that in India, various components of the salary package are taxed differently. For instance, reimbursements and certain allowances are tax-free. In the US however, there is no such distinction; any payment received from your employer is taxable. Now your form 16 reports only the taxable components of your salary. Ideally, when you file your income tax return in the US, you must disclose all the tax-free components of your Indian salary and pay tax in the US on those components too." How to report: You must include your salary income from India in the tax return Form 1040. In case of tax credit, also fill up Form 1116. Remember that the US follows the calendar year for tax purposes while India follows the fiscal year. You must pro-rate your income according to the relevant years. There is an exception to Article 16 which states that in case the employment is exercised in the other country, that is, in India, tax will be deducted at source. But this exception would apply mainly to green card holders and US citizens. Income from contracts, freelance If you are a consultant working in the US but receiving income from an Indian company, you would have to pay tax on that income in the US. This is irrespective of whether you receive the income in a bank account in

the US or in India. Article 15 of the DTAA says that in such cases, if a person is resident of one country and earning income from a source in another country, then that income would be taxed 'only' in the country of his or her residence. In this case, you would have to inform your Indian payer not to deduct taxes at source from your income by submitting a Tax Residency Certificate, issued by the IRS to the payer in India. In case you do not submit the certificate and your payer in India deducted tax at source, you can claim a credit of that on your US tax return. How to report: Report your income on Schedule C of the 1040. You can claim all expenses incurred such as office expenses, depreciation of computer, mileage etc. In case you have to claim tax credit in the US for taxes paid or deducted in India, you must report the same on form 1116. Rent If you own a property in India and have given it out on rent, the income from rent will be taxed in the US. Will you have to pay tax on this in India or US? Article 6 of the DTAA provides that rent from immovable property 'maybe' taxed in the country in which the property is situated. So NRIs would first pay tax on rental income in India. While you would still have to declare that income while filing your tax returns in the US, you would get a credit for taxes paid in India. Thus, both countries will have the right to tax the rent income. However, the country in which

the property is situated has the first right. After paying that as per tax slab, you must declare the rental income in the US and calculate tax on total income based on tax slab in the US. You can take credit in the US on taxes paid in India. How to report: Fill up Schedule E of the 1040 in your tax return. While in India, a flat 30% expenses are allowed as deduction from rental income, in the US only actual expenses maybe deducted. So you would need to deduct expenses such as repairs, maintenance etc on Schedule E. In order to claim tax credit, you would need to fill up form 1116. Capital gains Capital gains are the gains you make on sale of assets like property, land, financial assets like shares, mutual funds etc. In India, here is how capital gains are taxed: Land, property and other physical assets: Gains on sale after 3 years of purchase are taxed as long term capital gains at the rate of 20%. Sale within 3 years is taxed as short term capital gains and included in your total income and taxed at your overall tax slab. Mutual funds, shares and other financial assets: Gains from equity shares and mutual funds sold after 1 year are tax free. If you sell within a year, the tax is 15% of the capital gain. In case of debt instruments like debt mutual funds, debentures, gains on sale after 1 year are taxed as long term capital gains. The tax rate is 20% with indexation or 10% without indexation. Sale within 1 year is taxed as short term capital gains and included in your total income and taxed at your overall tax slab. According to the US law, the time period for long term is 1 year for all assets. Long term capital gains are generally taxed at the rate of 15% while short term gains are added to your total income. Here's what the DTAA says in terms of capital gains: each Contracting State may tax capital gain in accordance with the provisions of its domestic law. So if you have capital gains in India, you would first have to pay

tax in India on those gains as per the rules in India. You would then have to declare the capital gains in your US tax return and calculate taxes as per US law. Credit of taxes paid in India would be available in the US. How to report: Fill up Schedule D of 1040. Form 1116 will allow you to claim foreign tax credit paid, if any. Interest and dividends In India, interest income is added to your total income and taxed according to your overall tax slab. In the US too, interest is added to your total income and taxed thereon. What DTAA says: Interest arising in a Contracting State and paid to a resident of the other Contracting State 'maybe' taxed in that other State. However, such interest may also be taxed in the Contracting State in which it arises and accordingly to the law of that State, provided that where the resident of the other Contracting State is the beneficial owner of the interest the tax so charged shall not exceed 15 per cent of the gross amount of the interest. It means that if the interest is earned by an NRI out of deposits in India, TDS will be deducted on the same in India at the lower rate of 15 per cent (as against TDS rate of 30 per cent in absence of any DTAA). In the US, you would have to add this interest income in your total income and calculate tax thereon. You can claim credit for any taxes paid in India on this income. Dividends in India are tax free but in the US, dividends are added to your total income and taxed. How to report: "\Interest and dividends are reported on Schedule B of 1040. Foreign tax credits are reported on form 1116. Agricultural income Agricultural income in India is tax free but taxed in the US. What this means is that any agricultural income, whether revenue income or capital income such as gains from sale of agricultural land in India will have to be added to your total income in the US and tax paid thereon.

10

US Affairs TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

Bloomberg defends police monitoring Muslim student websites

New York: Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Tuesday defended the New York Police Departments monitoring of the Web sites of Muslim student groups at more than a dozen universities across the Northeast, framing the effort as one way to guard against the threat of terrorism. The Police Department goes where there are allegations, and they look to see whether those allegations are true, Bloomberg said at an appearance at the Brooklyn Public Library. Thats what you would expect them to do. Thats what you would want them to. The mayors support of the departments intelligence-gathering came as officials at several universities expressed deep concern over what they called a manner of police activity that they had been in the dark about for years. Yale Universitys president, Richard C. Levin, said in an email on Sunday to students and faculty and staff members, I am writing to state, in the strongest possible terms, that police surveillance based on religion, nationality or peacefully expressed political opinion is antithetical to the values of Yale, the academic community and the United States. Levin added: The Yale Muslim Students Association has been an important source of support for Yale students during a period when Muslims and Islam itself have too often been the target of thoughtless stereotyping, misplaced fear and bigotry. According to an internal Police Department report from Nov. 22, 2006, an officer from the Cyber Intelligence Unit had the daily routine of monitoring the Web sites, blogs and forums of Muslim student groups at 16 universities, including several in New York City and across the state, as well as Ivy League colleges.

Washington: Officials in key parts of the Obama administration are increasingly convinced that sanctions will not deter Tehran from pursuing its nuclear program, and believe that the US will be left with no option but to launch an attack on Iran or watch Israel do so. The president has made clear in public, and in private to Israel, that he is determined to give sufficient time for recent measures, such as the financial blockade and the looming European oil embargo, to bite deeper into Iran's already battered economy before retreating from its principal strategy to pressure Tehran. But there is a strong current of opinion within the administration including in the Pentagon and the State Department that believes sanctions are doomed to fail, and that their principal use now is in delaying Israeli military action, as well as reassuring Europe that an attack will only come after other

US worries Iran sanctions will fail, making military action likely

Any Israeli attack on Irans nuclear installations would involve crossing another country's airspace. Its success is unsure, and it is likely to provoke retribution, maybe a pre-emptive strike by Iran. means have been tested. The White House wants to see sanctions work. This is not the Bush White House. It does not need another conflict, said an official. Its problem is that the guys in Tehran are behaving like sanctions don't matter, like their economy isn't collapsing, like Israel isn't going to do anything. Sanctions are all we've got to throw at the problem. If they fail then it's hard to see how we don't move to the 'in extremis' option. The White House has said repeatedly that all options are on the table,

including the use of force to stop Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, but that for now the emphasis is firmly on diplomacy and sanctions. If Obama were to conclude that there is no choice but to attack Iran, he is unlikely to order it before the presidential election in November unless there is an urgent reason to do so. The question is whether the Israelis will hold back that long. Earlier this month, the US defence secretary, Leon Panetta, told the Washington Post that he thought the window for an Israeli attack on Iran is between April and June. But other official analysts working on Iran have identified what one described as a sweet spot, where the mix of diplomacy, political timetables and practical issues come together to suggest that if Israel launches a unilateral assault it is more likely in September or October, although they describe that as a best guess.

Hillary wants US to focus on business abroad - like India, China

Washington: Suggesting that rising powers like India, China and Brazil were putting economics at the centre of their foreign policies, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton advocates Economic Statecraft to champion US businesses abroad."America's economic strength and our global leadership are a package deal. You're not going to have one without the other," she said in a keynote at a State Department Global Business Conference here Tuesday. "Rising powers like China, India, and Brazil understand this as well, and we can't sit on the sidelines while they put economics at the centre of their foreign policies," she said."We fundamentally believe that increasing trade and growing prosperity will benefit not just our own people, but people everywhere," she said."Our economies are interdependent as never before, and so are our fates. America's economic renewal depends to a large degree on the the estimated $1 trillion investment that India is seeking in the infrastructure sector.

India, China boom led to higher gas prices: White House

Washington: The White House has attributed the rising fuel prices in America partly to the economic boom in countries like India and China and unrest in other parts of the world. "The rise in gas prices is clearly the effect of a variety of factors on the global price of oil. They include unrest in certain regions of the world. They include growth in areas like China and India," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters Tuesday. The hike in global oil prices underscores the need to improve upon the alternate sources of energy and putting into place a comprehensive energy policy, he said when asked about a comment by Republic presidential candidate Newt Gingrich that Obama wants more expensive gas. "We can reduce our reliance on foreign sources of energy if we expand in every direction to dramatically reduce our consumption of oil and save Americans $1.7 trillion in costs," he added. Gas prices are averaging $3.59 a gallon currently. In some places, consumers are already seeing gas prices over $4. Tuesdays weekly gas price average was up 40 cents from a year ago, and up by seven cents from last week.

Obama seeks corporate tax rate cut to 28%

Washington: President Obama is proposing to cut the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 28 percent and wants an even lower effective rate for manufacturers, a senior administration official says, as the White House lays down an electionyear marker in the debate over tax policy. In turn, corporations would have to give up dozens of loopholes and subsidies that they now enjoy. Corporations with overseas operations would also face a minimum tax on their foreign earnings.Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Wednesday was to detail aspects of Obama's proposed overhaul of the corporate tax system, a plan the president outlined in general terms in his State of the Union speech last month.

Hillary Clinton addressing State Department Global Business Conference. strength of the global economy, and the global economy depends on the strength of America," Clinton said. Meanwhile, US Commerce Secretary, John Bryson, plans to lead an infrastructure focused trade mission to India next month. "I will personally be leading an infrastructure-focused mission to India next month," Bryson said at the conference. He would be traveling to New Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai, to corner a larger share of

Romney leads in Arizona, tied with Santorum in Michigan

Washington: Mitt Romney has regained the lead in Arizona but is locked in a tie with rival Rick Santorum as primary day looms less than a week away, according to a pair of new polls released Wednesday. The polls suggest Romneys message is resonating with more pragmatic voters who are focused on finding a candidate who can beat President Obama in a general election. An NBC/Marist poll of likely Republican primary voters in Arizona shows Romney leading NBC/Marist poll of likely Republican primary voters there. Romney, with 37%, and Santorum, with 35%, are essentially tied in Michigan, the state where Romney was born and where his father, George Romney, served as governor in the 1960s. In both states, Romney holds solid leads among voters who have already cast their ballots. He also leads among those who are not supporters of the "tea party" movement. The Arizona poll suggests that electability has been a key factor for voters there. Sixty-three percent say its more important to choose a candidate who can beat President Obama in a general election, while 29% say they prefer to choose a candidate who is a true conservative. Fifty-seven percent view Romney as the most electable candidate in the race, compared with 17% for Santorum. In Michigan, a slightly smaller portion 51% -- view Romney as the most electable candidate, while 24% say Santorum is most electable.

the pack with 43%, a 16 percentage point lead over Santorum, who has 27%. Newt Gingrich ranks third with 16%, followed by Ron Paul with 11%. The race appears to be tighter in Michigan, according to an

India-State Elections TheSouthAsianTimes.info

11

February 25-March 2, 2012

Government denies plans to curb poll panel

New Delhi: Stung by attacks from the opposition, the government denied it planned to curb the Election Commission's powers to implement the model code of conduct during elections. A Group of Ministers (GoM) on corruption was only considering "state funding of elections", an official statement said. "The GoM has not made any recommendation to make the model mode of conduct statutory or to take it outside the purview of the election commission," the statement from the department of personnel, public grievances and pensions said.

UP elections: Rahul woos first-time voters

Shamli (Uttar Pradesh): Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined hands in this newly-formed district headquarters to woo first-time voters and youth ahead of the penultimate round of the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. The young leaders, Chaudhary, 33, grandson of former prime minister Charan Singh and Gandhi, 41, grandson of late prime minister Indira Gandhi and son of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, are prominent youth leaders of their parties, which have tied-up for the state polls. "All those who are voting for the first time raise your hands," said Gandhi at the meeting and hundreds of youngsters, some of them standing on boundary walls and roofs, raised their hands in response. "You, people have a special opportunity and responsibility. You can bring development to Uttar Pradesh," he said to sustained Pointing out the work done by Congress governments, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, son of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda, pointed out that diesel was supplied to farmers in the neighouring Haryana at lower rates than Uttar Pradesh and the old-age pension was nearly double in the state. Gandhi repeated his popular campaign theme that a "magic elephant", referring to the symbol of the Bahujan Samaj Party, had been eating the funds provided by the central government while the people of the state were engaged in minor jobs in Mumbai and other cities. "I told (US President Barack) Obama that India will arise when the people of Uttar Pradesh awake," Gandhi said about Obama's observation during his visit that Indians were overtaking Amercians in several fields. Political circles here said that the developmental theme of the duo with a focus on the youth was well received in this RLD-stronghold.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on UP election trail. applause from thousands of people who packed the local Vaish College grounds in this town, 100 km from Delhi. "Feb 28 is going to be a day which will mark a new history in a new direction for the youth and the people at large," Chuadhary told the audience, hinting at the polling day in the western parts of ther state. The meeting had another youth icon, former cricketer-turned-MP, Mohammed Azharuddin, who hailed Gandhi's consistent work for development of Uttar Pradesh and appealed for support. "I understand there are 135 seats in western Uttar Pradesh. If not a century, the Congress-RLD should at least score 99," said the former Indian team captain.

Phoolan Devi's controversial legacy alive

Maya stokes Jat fire in west UP

Bulandshahr: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati blamed the Congress-led central government for dilly-dallying on the issue of reservation for Jats. Addressing a massive rally in the heart of this Jat dominated belt, she said: "I took the lead by urging the centre to include Jats in the OBC list for providing reservation to them. But the centre has not cared to even reply to my letter." Mayawati's particular reference to the issue is seen as a sequel to the sudden focus by Jat pressure groups in bordering Haryana, where they took to streets Monday, for grant of reservation to the community in central government jobs. The Congress-Rashtriya

Late Phoolan Devi, the bandit queen-turned-MP. Kanpur: A huge colored photograph of years old then. Phoolan Devi, the bandit queen-turned-MP Her supporters claim that Phoolan who was shot dead 11 years ago in New ordered her gang members to go on the Delhi, adorns the wall of the first floor shooting spree to take revenge on upper office of a shoe showroom. caste members in the village who had "She was my 'Behenji' (sister). I will humiliated and gangraped her after being always remember and respect her," said kidnapped by a rival gang. Mohammed Asim, 44, owner of the showNot all agree. Local lawyer Vijay Narain room in Harjinder Nagar locality, who is Singh Sengar has been pleading the cases also an independent candidate from for the Behmai widows and victims for Maharajpur constituency of Kanpur district several years. in the Uttar Pradesh assembly poll. "There is a halo built around Phoolan by Asim came into contact with Phoolan the media and some politicians. That is not soon after she entered politics and joined the truth," Sengar said. the Samajwadi Party (SP) in the midThough Phoolan is dead - she was killed 1990s. "I always felt she was a person from in 2001 at the age of 38 - Sengar said he the lower caste who was severely wronged was still pursuing the cases against her and persecuted. Her violent actions may other gang members. And the Supreme have been a reaction," said Asim. Court had given him permission to pursue A number of other politicians and former the cases, he added. colleagues of Phoolan still praise her. However, in adjoining Mirzapur, from Phoolan's dacoit gang earned notoriety for where Phoolan was elected as a Lok Sabha shooting dead 22 men, mostly upper caste member twice in the 1990s, and in other Thakurs, in Behmai village, about 60 km districts of central Uttar Pradesh, many from Kanpur, in 1981. Phoolan, belonging politicians still have words of praise for to the low caste Mallah community - of her. She herself hailed from the Chambal fishermen and boatmen - was barely 18 region close to Kanpur.

Uttar Pradesh Chief MInister Mayawati after casting vote during the fourth phase of UP elections. Lok Dak combine is busy trying to woo the Jats in western Uttar Pradesh. "The Congress has been misleading both Jats and Muslims on the issue of reservation," said Mayawati, while pointing out how some Congress leaders had gone about "promising 9 percent reservation to Muslims out of the 27 percent OBC quota".

BJP reaching out to Christian voters in Goa

Panaji: The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) again highlighted the importance of Goa's Christian population in the March 3 assembly polls. "Ever since I took over as secretary in charge of Goa, our main focus was to reach out to the 23 percent vibrant Christian community here. It was my endeavor to meet fathers (Catholic priests) and teachers and members of the community all over Goa during my visits here," party secretary Aarti Mehra said. Mehra was quick to add that the effort was aimed at dispelling the doubts Christians in Goa had about the BJP. Mehra said that the proof of BJP's commitment to the minority community was the direct and in some cases indirect support of the party to eight Catholic candidates in the forthcoming assembly polls. The BJP is taking on the combine of the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) coalition.

12

India TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

Avalanches kill 11 army personnel in J&K

Srinagar: Eleven army personnel were killed and eight are missing in two overnight avalanches in Jammu and Kashmir, an army official said on Thursday. While eight were killed in Bandipora district, another three were buried under the avalanche in Ganderbal district, the official said. Both the areas are in north Kashmir. Lt. Col. J.S. Brar, spokesman of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, said: "Eight army troopers were killed and eight are still missing while 13 have been rescued from the avalanche that struck the brigade headquarters in Dawar village of Gurez subdivision of Bandipora Wednesday night." "Operations are still on to rescue the eight buried under the avalanche," he said. Gurez is located 109 km from here. "Three soldiers of the Territorial Army, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed in another avalanche that struck an army camp late Wednesday night in Sonmarg resort in Ganderbal," he added. Ganderbal is 87 km from Srinagar.

Gay sex immoral, Centre tells Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Indian government has opposed dilution of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by Delhi high court, which decriminalized sexual acts, in private, between consenting adults of the same sex and urged the Supreme Court to reverse the landmark ruling. The UPA government told the Supreme Court that the HC had erred because a vast section of the Indian society still considered homosexuality immoral. The Delhi high court on July 2, 2009, had delivered a historic judgment to amend a 149-year-old colonial-era law - Section 377 of the IPC - and decriminalize private consensual sex between adults of the same sex. The judgment was seen as the biggest victory yet for gay rights. Gay sex "is highly immoral and against the social order," additional solicitor general PP Malhotra, who is representing the Centre, told the apex court. He added that it was "against nature and spreads HIV." The Centre said it favored the ban staying in place in order to Centre told the court. Hence, it appealed that the provision be retained in full to reflect the society's views. Though the Centre had not appealed against the judgement, the ministry of Home affairs came out strongly against the dilution of Section 377. The Union home ministry, however, denied that it had taken any position on homosexuality. In a statement, the ministry said: "After the judgment of the High Court, Delhi, decriminalizing homosexuality, was delivered, the matter was considered by the Cabinet. The decision of the Cabinet was that the Central government may not file an appeal against the judgment in the Supreme Court; however, if any other party to the case prefers an appeal, the Attorney General may be requested to assist the Supreme Court to examine the matter and to decide the legal questions involved. Home ministry conveyed this decision to the AG." "The ministry has also not given any instruction apart from conveying the decision of the Cabinet," it said.

The Delhi high court on July 2, 2009, had delivered a historic judgment to decriminalize private consensual sex between adults of the same sex. prevent child abuse and because Indian society was largely against homosexuality according to a survey by the Law Commission. "Laws can't run separately from society and the morals of the time," Malhotra said. When the Supreme Court asked who decided what was immoral, the Union government said society did so and argued that the Indian laws could not but reflect the views of its society. The government said the HC considered only judgments of foreign countries where homosexuality may not be resented. "Our moral and social values are different from other countries and we cannot be guided by them,' the

2G: Swamy files plea in SC against Chidambaram

New Delhi: Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy has moved the Supreme Court challenging the trial court order which had held that home minister P Chidmbaram did not indulge in any criminal conspiracy in the 2G case and refused to make him an accused in it. Swamy has alleged that Chidambaram was equally culpable like former telecom minister A Raja as he also had a role in deciding the spectrum pricing and allowing telecom companies to off-load shares to foreign firms. He had said that the evidence brought before the trial court was sufficient to show that Chidambaram, as the then finance minister, had prima facie committed rejected on February 4, by the Special CBI Court, trying the 2G case, which had said Chidambaram did not indulge in any criminal conspiracy or derived any pecuniary advantage in the decisions taken with Raja. The trail court had said that Chidambaram, the finance minister at the time of controversial allocation of 2G spectrum in 2008, was only party to two decisions--keeping spectrum prices at 2001 level and dilution of equity by two companies--which was "not per se criminal". The Supreme Court had on February 2 left on the special court to decide the plea to try Chidambaram in the case.

Rajasthan to get new Governor post elections?

By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur: The inordinate delay in appointing a state Governor here has left the ruling party as well as Opposition amused. Currently, Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil is holding an additional charge as Rajasthan Governor. The post fell vacant when Prabha Rau died on April 23, 2010 and Patil was appointed an acting Governor of the state on April 28, 2010. Anshuman Singh, former Governor of Gujarat and Rajasthan, said the continuance of an acting Governor for such a long time is unheard of. It is learnt that important files and documents are either being sent through officials to Chandigarh or being dispatched through fax for his approval, hence delaying the clearance. Senior BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari said its unfortunate that one of the country's largest states is without a Governor. It is now learnt that once the assembly elections are over, Rajasthan can expect a fullfledged Governor.

Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy. offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other criminal laws. Swamy's plea was, however,

Spreading peace and harmony, via teachers

three-day international seminar on 'Teacher Education for Peace and Harmony' was organised at Gandhi Darshan, Raj Ghat, in New Delhi from February 11-13. The seminar was organised by the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education and Gandhi Vidya Mandir, with support of Global Harmony Association, Russia completed with great success. Kanak Mal Dugar, Vice Chancellor, IASE, addressed the delegates, saying the media should play an important role in

spreading peace and harmony.' Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji, Swami Chidanand Muniji, Swami Sushilji Maharaj, Swami Mahamantraji, Md. Emam Umer Ilayasi, Dr. Charles Merceica, Dr. Leo Semasco, Dr. Samdhong Rimpoche etc. addressed various sessions during the seminar. Over 600 delegates from America, Russia, Switzerland, Romania, Spain, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Africa participated in the event. The gathering included educationist, scholars, gurus, From left, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji, Kanak Mal acharyas, critic and media personalities. Dugar and Md. Emam Umer Ilayasi during the seminar.

India TheSouthAsianTimes.info

13

February 25-March 2, 2012

'Largest' immigration firm on police radar

Chandigarh: Claiming to be the "world's largest immigration group", the multi-billion rupee WorldWide Immigration Consultancy Services (WWICS) here is under the police scanner after it was found the firm was dealing in work permit visas without having a license for it. Chandigarh police, which have a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the immigration fraud being played on youth by immigration firms in and around this city, have conducted raids on the sprawling headquarters of the WWICS in Mohali near here and other offices of the firm in recent days. Police claim to have found that WWICS had been running its business 'illegally' since it had no licence from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) since 2008. But a WWICS spokesman said: "The services provided by WWICS are not under the ambit and not amenable to the provisions of The Emigration Act, 1983. We are working in a transparent manner since 1993 and have built the trust and confidence of the people." The first raid on WWICS was at its office here in Sector 22 on Feb 2 along with 19 other immigration firms in the city. The offices of all firms were sealed by police and documents and records taken away for investigations. "WWICS is a big name in this field. We did our complete homework before raiding their premises. Serious anomalies in their business were found during investigations. They have been fooling people for a long time. Investigations are still being made from their records and the people they have sent abroad without having the licence to do so," SIT head Anil Joshi said here. As per the WWICS website, "established in 1993, the WorldWide Immigration Consultancy Services is the world leader in providing Global Resettlement Solutions, which is vouched by more than 80,000 people who have happily settled in their dream destinations like Canada, USA, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand". WWICS is a family-run company, owned by B.S. Sandhu, a retired army officer who had himself migrated to Canada before coming back to India to start the immigration business here. His two sons, Devinder Sandhu and Parvinder Sandhu, are directors in the company.

Ramlila crackdown: SC raps cops, Baba Ramdev

New Delhi: The Supreme Court slammed Delhi Police for acting in an arbitrary manner and using excessive force in disbursing Baba Ramdev and his followers from the Ramlila ground here last year. It also pulled up the yoga guru for not cooperating with police. The court said what happened at the sprawling ground on the night of June 4-5, leading to the death of a woman, was a demonstration of the might of the state.Judges B.S. Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar pulled up Baba Ramdev for not cooperating with police and asking his followers to disburse only after suffered spinal injuries and died. The court has also awarded compensation of Rs.50,000 to all those who suffered grievous injuries and Rs.25,000 to others injured that night. The court directed Baba Ramdev's trust to bear 25 percent cost of the compensation. In a concurring judgment, Justice Chauhan said the police action amounted to violation of fundamental and human rights.He said the essence of Section 144 is to prevent breach of peace and not to breach the peace. He said the people at Ramlila ground were sleeping and they were not a violent crowd.

The apex court pulled up Baba Ramdev for not cooperating with police. police imposed prohibitory orders banning the assembly of people. The court has awarded an ad hoc compensation of Rs.5 lakh to the next of kin of Haryana resident Rajbala who

Mahashivaratri celebrated across India

illions of Hindus thronged temples across the country to celebrate Mahashivaratri, with some shrines receiving as many as one hundred thousand devouts. It was the first time after 11 years that the festival fell on a Monday, a day when devouts normally offer prayers to Lord Shiva. From the crack of dawn, huge crowds visited temples big and small all over the country. The biggest and better known Shiv temples naturally attracted more people. There were mammoth crowds at the 12 Jyotrilinga temples spread across the country including in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Over one lakh devotees visited the 11th century ancient Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar.

There were mammoth crowds at the 12 Jyotrilinga temples spread across the country.

14

Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

JEREMY LIN
By Vikas Girdhar veryone loves a good story. Its just human nature. Yet we like to pride ourselves on being skeptics, not easily entertained or captivated. However, every once in a while comes a story that we cant help but follow. We find ourselves engulfed in its every development, just like the rest of the world. Such is the nature of the story of Jeremy Lin, satisfying so many different aspects of captivation that people dont even have to be aware of what he does for a living to appreciate his passion and humility. Of course, we will discuss what he does. But more importantly, we will look at the magnitude of what he is doing right now as he single-handedly revolutionizes the culture of sports, entertainment, race and society. Lin fits the definition of the word underdog to a tee and so we follow his every moveto see if he continues his steep ascent or finally comes crashing back to Earth. So far, the doubts that he is a fluke or one-hitwonder are becoming weaker by the day. Meanwhile, Lin has already become a household name. On the surface, he is a professional basketball player. He is an AsianAmerican NBA starnot the first but definitely the most impactful, and thats just after three weeks of sustained, amazing basketball as a testament to his years of hard training. Asians tend to be overlooked in sports, perhaps because of the stereotype that they arent as athletic as others. Lin stands 63 and weighs 200 pounds. His figurative force, however, is almost herculean. But first, a rundown of key NBA facts: the NBA is one of the three major American sports leagues, others being MLB (Major League Baseball) and NFL (National Football league). The season traditionally runs from November to June. Playoffs begin in April and end with the Finals in June-playoffs consist of three rounds before the championship round. Out of total 30 teams, the eight best from each conference (western and eastern) make the playoffs (16 teams totalthe others qualify for lottery in the next years draft for younger and sought-after collegiate talent).

of Saturday, February 4. The setting was Madison Square Garden in New York, a venue that the legendary Michael Jordan himself dubbed the Mecca of basketball. NBA players have acknowledged MSG as the most special place to play in all of sports, and with good reason. The history of the building and the shimmering lights of Broadway illuminating what media moguls, fans, tourists and residents refer to as the greatest city in the world create an atmosphere unlike any other. But on this day, the MSG court was devoid of any energy as the boos rained down from the rafters in response to yet another hapless Knick performance against the lowly crosstown rival New Jersey Nets. The Knicks were mired in a horrible stretch of basketball in which they had lost 11 of their last 13 games and were searching for an answer any answerto help salvage a season predicated on high expectations. Those expectations rested heavily on the shoulders of their two superstar players, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. On paper, the Knicks had looked like a team poised to contend for a championship but the citys hopes were looking bleak and coach Mike DAntoni would regularly hear over 19,000 fans chant in favor of his firing. It seemed as though the Knicks had hit rock-bottom. Here was DAntonis system, known for being an offensive powerhouse, struggling to put up points against weak competition. The system required an adept pointguardthe position on the floor responsible for running the offense, calling plays and distributing the ball to players in their most prime scoring positionsand one the Knicks were sorely lacking. All hope for fulfillment of that position rested on the notion that veteran point guard Baron Davis could run the offense. His timetable for a return from a back injury, however, was uncertain and the Knicks were falling fast. Enter Jeremy Lin. The 2010 Harvard graduate and Economics major, born in California to Taiwanese parents who emigrated to the United States in the 1970s, was often the last option and dead-last on the Knicks bench.

The only time Lin would see playing time would be if the outcome of the game was determined and both teams emptied their benches so their stars could rest and not risk injury. He was undrafted and, until very recently, unnoticed. The only reason the Knicks had even decided to bring him on board was because of their desperation at the point guard position. Knick fans had only gotten glimpses of Lin in the past and none of those glimpses were pretty or noteworthy. In 23 games, Lin had played a total of 55 minutesjust seven more than one full game. Because he didnt yet have a guaranteed contract from the Knicks and was slated to make $800,000 (not all guaranteed and low by NBA standards), Lin didnt have a place of his own and would sleep on his brother Joshs couch. Josh is an NYU graduate student. Even the night before his big breakhe had slept on teammate Landry Fields couch. Lin had been cut by two teams, the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, prior to his Knicks career and had been sent to the NBA D-League (Development League) plenty of times in his first and now second season. The general consensus on Lin was that, like countless other players, there was raw talent that needed honing and when it reached full potential, he would be a decent player. No one could have predicted what happened on and after February 4. With just a couple of minutes left in the first quarter and the Knicks showing no signs of life, DAntoni decided to insert Lin in the game. That decision would change not only the dynamic of that game, but it would go on to jumpstart the career of a player who never had an opportunity like this, save the coachs job, electrify the atmosphere of MSG, and dominate New York, international and social media. With swift passing, uncanny speed and the ability to penetrate close to the basket and make snappy decisions, Lin brought the Knicks back and had the crowd chanting his name in a thrilling victory matched up against one of the elite point guards in the NBA, Deron Williams. Setting career highs

in points (25), rebounds (5) and assists (7) that night, he had caught everyone including the coach off guard and set off rumors that the Knicks had found a hidden gem in the position they had yearned for so greatly. The legend of Lin continued to grow as the perfect storm developed. With the very next game against the Utah Jazz, Lin was assigned to start the game and play a significant amount of minutesabout 40 per game. With superstar teammates Anthony (groin injury) and Stoudemire (death in family) out, Lin was given full freedom and led the Knicks to seven straight victories. He was making the players around him play as a cohesive unit something the Knicks had lacked all season. He was building his legend at an amazing pace. Just six days after the first game against the Nets, Lin showed a national audience how legitimate he was as he had his finest game to date, outscoring Kobe Bryant with 38 masterful points and leading the Knicks to a win against the favored Lakers. Three days after that, Lin made a game-winning threepointer with the clock running down against the Toronto Raptors to cap what had been dubbed Va-LIN-tines Day. Icon and role model Seemingly overnight, Lin became an icon. He had already scored the most points by an NBA player in his first starts in 30 years. The world was talking about him and he was selling out merchandise everywhere. Linsanity memorabilia stocked shelves of sporting goods stores and was being sold out in record time. Brands have plans to try to capitalize on his marketability as well--his own brand value said to be a few million already. The one thing that didnt change about him through all of this, however, is his humility and belief in and gratitude for God. Lin was asked in an interview with Rachel Continued on page 15

Underdogs breakout game The saga of the New York Knicks Jeremy Lin began ever-unsuspectingly on the night

Jeremy Lin is electrifying MSG, Knicks home ground, attracting growing audiences to Knicks games and telecasts, and boosting merchandise sales for NBA.

Lincredible Linsanity: The name and the phenomenon has been a headline writers delight with puns galore.

Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Continued from page 14 Nichols of ESPN, what difference it can make to Asian-American children to see him succeeding. Hopefully, it can be inspirational. I know what its like to just be in awe and want to follow in somebodys footsteps. I want to make sure to use it the right way. Lin also went on to say that he realizes you can fall as fast as you rise. He even turned down being on the cover of GQ so that he can stay focused on his true passion, the game of basketball. That has quickly been taken notice of. On random-drop.com, Optimus Cheung recently posted about the impact she feels Lin is having on the Asian American community. Many Asian-Americans are deterred from pursuing athletics as a career and never go beyond the club, high school or collegiate ranks. It has been great to see Lin live out his dream and in essence live out the dreams of many Asian-Americans who want to but for a multitude of reasons, do not follow through with athletic careers. It does break the stereotype that Asian-Americans are not willing to compete in sports. It is not a question of ability but of desire and drive. I hope that through Lin, many other Asians-Americans can strive to make the community more visible in athletics. They may not be able to be the next Michael Jordan, but they can hope to be the next Jeremy Lin. His story is still being written, and theres no telling how long it will be. But for the moment, its a great one and one that will have quite a bit of shelf-life for generations of Asian-Americans.

15

February 25-March 2, 2012

Breakout NBA star Jeremy Lins incredible story is still being written, and theres no telling how long it will be. But for the moment, its deeply inspiring and one that will have quite a bit of shelf-life for generations of Asian-Americans.

With swift passing, uncanny speed and the ability to penetrate close to the basket and make snappy decisions, Jeremy Lin has turned the fortunes of his team, the New York Knicks.

Budding Indian American athletes now have Lin folklore to look up to

By Jinal Shah

he meteoric rise of Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks Asian-American point guard phenom, has fuelled hopes among millions of Asian American athletes--and Indian Americans are no exception. His is not only a basketball story, but a story of perseverance and most importantly, breaking stereotypes. Even though the internationally reported fairy tale was played out on Americas biggest stage, is just three weeks old, it wont be wrong to say that Linsanity has far reaching impact. He is smashing stereotypes and proving to the world that Asian kids are more than just geeks and computer wizards. In an incredibly short period, Lin has come to represent what we still have to fathom. An Asian American, a Taiwanese, a Harvard graduate, an underdog, a backup, a point guard, a game winner, legend-in-the-making, a believer. Lins story resonates deeply with many south Asian kids who are trying to break free from stereotypes both at home and on the field. Son of Taiwanese immigrants, his was not a struggle to make ends meet but to pursue his dream. There have been many success stories making it from the wrong side of lifes track, but Lins being from the right side (Harvard background) is considered an anomaly. Lins story is particularly appealing because he has brought together the two polarizing worlds of nerds and jocks together, which most Asian Americans fail to do. Like parents in India, our parents too

emphasize more on studies and less on sports. As first generation Indian parents, they were not wrong as they didnt have Jeremy Lin folklore to share with their children. But we do, said Bhinish Shah, 28, a real estate developer living in US for 13 years now. Even though he was not an active player in his college days, he followed every basketball game passionately. Shahs views were echoed in Akshat Tewarys, an immigration lawyer who is also an active director of NY circuit of Indo Pak Basketball club and also a player. As Asians living in the US, we can relate in more than one way to Lin: being Asian Americans and emphasis on studies. Tewary is 6.5 feet tall and a Columbia graduate, is the director of the New York circuit of Indo-Pak Basketball, a self funded amateur club. This club hosts tournaments every 2-3 months and teams from all over North America - including Vancouver, Toronto, parts of California and New York participate. Each tournament ends up having 10 to 12 teams, and 300 to 400 players. Both Shah and Tewary admit to an unconscious bias by coaches at school and college level against Asians, often due to their un-athletic look and hence can relate to Lin. Not all can emulate Yao Ming, a gargantuan 7 foot 6, first, now retired, Asian NBA superstar. Elaborates Tewary, There is, in a very small amount, stereotyping even among coaches, which explains the absence of Indians in NBA. However times are changing, there are high profile Indian

American athletes playing top level division 1 and it is only a matter of time that they will be picked up by NBA. He even predicts that the next Lin will come from India. His explanation: There are more people to choose from with a population of over a billion. India also has the infrastructure and a pool of investment options. Media hype also plays a big role. A prodigy from Punjab Tewarys prediction may not be improbable. Many Indians are now pinning their hope on a 16-year-old basketball prodigy from Punjab. Satnam Singh Bharmara, 7 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, is already dubbed as Indias Yao Ming. After its runaway success in many countries, NBA turned its sight on India with its emerging middle class, rising disposable income and media-savvy youngsters. In Bharmara many Indians and even the NBA see the next basketball star. His is also a Linderella story in the making. From a tiny village in Punjab to regional basketball academy where, over the last four years, he worked to develop skills to match his height, Bharamara finally is being trained at the IMG Basketball Academy in Florida. So far, no Indian has ever played in the NBA yet, although the league is now making inroads into cricket crazed India where basketball has a growing television audience. As part of an NBA-State Department soft power initiative to ramp up the sport in India, 14 coaches from India are here for a 10-day sports visitor program. The

Hailing from a village in Punjab, Satnam Singh Bharmara, 7 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, is receiving training at the IMG Basketball Academy in Florida, and is dubbed the next Yao Ming, a retired Chinese NBA star who stood at 7 ft 6 inch and played for the Houston Rockets. group will meet with US basketball coaches in Washington DC and travel to Orlando, Florida to attend NBA coaching clinics and sessions surrounding NBA AllStar 2012.

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Gift of Life event TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

Gift of Life India celebrates 10 years of saving childrens lives

Gift of Life (India) project, initiated by Rtn. Ravi Bhooplapur, Past Dist Governor 7250, raised $1,00,000 at Valentine Dinner Dance in the presence of Rotary International President Elect Sakuji Tanaka

(from left) Past District Governors Ed Monroe, Anthony Messineo, Dr Eileen Gentilcore, Rotary President Elect Sakuji Tanaka, Gift of Life Chairman Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Sammy Hsiao, Mario Moran.

Photos: Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com

Kamal Gupta, Kamlesh C. Mehta, Sushil Gupta, Sakuji Tanaka, Ravi Bhooplapur and Dan Flynn at the event celebrating 10 years of Gift of Life India project. By Parveen Chopra Woodbury, NY: Gift of Life is a worldwide Rotary International Service Program responsible for saving the lives of over 2,500 children in some 30 countries through heart surgeries. In 2001, prompted by Dr Eileen Gentlecore, his friend and predecessor at Dist 7250, Rtn. Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Past Dist Governor 7250, took up the challenge to provide free critical heart surgeries for the children in India. As Chair of the Gift of Life (India), an independent project supported by the Rotary Foundation, Ravi has had the full support of Past RI Director Sushil Gupta, Dr Rajan Deshpande and many other devoted Rotarians and doctors at Escorts and National Heart Institute hospitals. They have saved the lives of over 1,000 children so far from the least served parts of India as well as Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Ordinary Rotarians can do extraordinary things, says Ravi Bhooplapur, adding, Rotary does what is needed not what is easy. Gift of Life (India) raised $1,00,000 at the Valentine Dinner Dance on Feb 18 at Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, a major chunk coming through a donor who wished to remain anonymous. Bhooplapur feels proud that Rotary President Elect Sakuji Tanaka could grace the occasion as Chief Guest. The Rotary International theme for the year 2012-13 under Tanakas presidentship will be Peace through Service. In his address, Tanaka, who has himself donated $2.5 M to Rotary, related the acute problems faced by people after the tsunami in his country Japan, and how they were mitigated by voluntary work and service groups. Two main honorees at the event chaired by Kamlesh Mehta, Charter President of Hicksville South Club, were Sushil Gupta and Kamal Gupta. Sushil Gupta, honored at the event for his humanitarian work, is a Padma Shri recipient in India and CMD of Asian Hotels (West) Limited, which owns Hyatt Regency in Mumbai and developing JW Marriott, Delhi. A Past Director of Rotary International, he is chair of Gift of Life (India) Trust. Syosset, NY based Kamal Gupta, and his Rotarian wife Bina Gupta, own large wine stores in Long Island as well as Dennys franchise restaurants. They have supported Gift of Life and other Rotary projects for some years. Besides helming Gift of Life (India), Ravi Bhooplapur, Past Dist Governor 7250, is deeply involved in Rotary activitieshe is currently Chairman of Future of Rotary Leaders Zone 32, and Member Bangkok Convention Promotion Committee 2012. He is also President of Xavier University School of Medicine (Aruba).

Rotary President Elect Sakuji Tanaka honored Sushil Gupta, past RI Director who is steering Gift of Life project in India, for his Humanitarian work. Others in the picture: Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Kamal Gupta, and RI Trustee elect Mike McGowan. The event was hosted by Rotary Clubs of Gold Coast, Jericho Sunrise and Hicksville South. Major Supporters for the event included Mrs & Mr. Jagadeesan Poola, Mrs & Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Mrs & Mr. Kamal Gupta, Atlantic Dialysis, Xavier University School of Medicine (Aruba), Mrs & Mr. Raja Amar, Mrs & Mr Jerry Kohli. Guests included: filmmaker Tirlok Malik, Haridas Kotahwala (RANA President), Dr. Bhupi Patel, Sher Singh Madra (Chairman Nargis Dutt Foundation), Harendra Singh (Chairman Raj Rajeshwari Foundation), Shudh Jasuja (Jasuja Foundation), Kanwal Sra CPA (Crystal Foundation), Naveen Shah of Navika Capital, and Jerry Kohli of AW Mobile. Event manager was Sunita Sadhnani of Bolly Arts and the souvenir was printed by Malak Design.

Jaya and Ravi Bhooplapur, honoree Kamal Gupta and his wife, Sakuji Tanaka and Mike McGowan.

Ladies of the Jericho Surnise Rotary Club, with their President Jaya Bhooplapur in the middle.

Gift of Life event TheSouthAsianTimes.info

17

February 25-March 2, 2012

Gift of Life India raises $1,00,000 at Valentine dance event on Long Island
A sterling example of ordinary Rotarians doing extraordinary things

John Ryan (Emcee)

Kamlesh C. Mehta (Chair, Host Committee)

Ravi Bhooplapur (Chair Gift of Life, India Project)

Kamal Gupta (Honoree for Major Support)

Sushil Gupta (Honoree for Humanitarian Service)

Sakuji Tanaka (Chief Guest, President Elect Rotary International)

Dan Flynn (President, Rotary Club Hicksville South)

Taromi Music Group of young violin players giving a performance

Event management and entertainment was provided by Sunita Sadhnani of Bolly Arts.

Gift of Lifes Valentine Day dance and dinner event was hosted at Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY

Project Milo honored

Touch of feminine, not mannequin: A lovely welcome awaited the attendees like Kamlesh and Nimmi Mehta.

group of young students in Long Island have shown a way to use techtrash to bring change in the world. Karan Sikka and Sagar Rambhia started Project Milo last year. To impact health care, they would organize students to repair old computers as a service, and donate the proceeds to Gift of Life India, which supports lifesaving surgeries for children in India. They accept old computers as donations, and fix them for use in public schools that can't afford to purchase computers. By now a group of students from Syosset and Jericho High School have contributed over $1000 towards performing surgeries with the help of the Rotary Foundation. They have collected

more than 20 functional computers that will be used in underfunded public schools in New York. They plan to establish a computing center in Queens in March.

Project Milo was honored by the Gift of Life India and Rotary Internationals incoming president, Sakuji Tanaka. The young men seen in the picture are Karan Sikka, Sagar Rambhia and Hunter Rosenblume.

18

Fashion TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

WLIFW 2012: Creativiy succeeds business this time

Actor Nargis Fakhri in a creation by designer Sakshee Pradhan. New Delhi: The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) has been conceptualised as a business-to-business event, but the just-concluded autumn/winter edition focused more on exploring design, creativity and brand-building. Designer Kartikeya, who works with Isha for the label Dozakh, says the scenario has changed in last six years and there are other platforms to make profits. "Fashion weeks are more about brandbuilding and being creative rather then focusing on business as most of the designers today have their retail spaces from where they make profits," he said. "Six years back, designers were completely dependent on platforms like he fashion week to get orders, but things have changed now. Yes, fashion week is an ideal platform where everyone comes together and share their experiences," he added. The scale of the fashion event could be imagined from the fact that as many as 138 designers showcased their collections on the ramp and the racks. Some of the established names who dazzled the ramp with their creations include Abraham and Thakore, Anand Kabra, Anju Modi, Gaurav Gupta, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra, Rocky S, Rohit Bal, Shantanu and Nikhil, Tarun Tahiliani, Abdul Halder and James Ferreira. Fashion is also about glitz and glamour and Bollywood stars added extra zing to the fest. If R. Madhavan, Bipasha Basu, Kangana Ranaut, Govinda and Nargis Fakhri scorched

Actor Kangana Ranaut in a creation by designer JJ Valaya at the Grand Finale. Bangalore, a first time participant, said: "This is the first time I am participating and the response is just amazing. My stall has been full of people and buyers loved my 3D concept in jewellery design." Lauding the creativity quotient at the event, Hibaal Ateeqi, a buyer from Kuwait, said: "Though I have been part of FDCI for long, this edition is good when it comes to creativity. Vineet Bahl and Tarun Tahiliani are some of the designers who took my breath away." Japanese designers, as a group, were invited for the first time to showcase their collections at the event. However, Japanese buyer Tomoko is a regular and said that this time, the event was high on creativity. "I thought that some of the shows showed great progress in terms of creativity. Anand Kabra's show was excellent. His prints and use of lotus motifs in an innovative technique were impressive," Tomoko said. Having said that, business was ripe with buyers from Kuwait and other Middle East nations, Australia, China and Singapore participating at the event and showing interest in the designs. "WIFW has always been known for creating landmarks in the fashion world. All the participating designers received accolades for their collections and they are taking orders from buyers from across the world. We have added buyers from different regions like Pakistan and Japan," said Sunil Sethi, president of event-organizer Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

Actors Bipasha Basu and Madhavan with designer Rocky S. at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week 2012 in New Delhi.. the ramp, the guest He showcased an gallery glittered with interesting tone of the presence of Dia sportswear style Mirza, Sameera mixed with handloom Reddy, Mahima fabrics at the five-day Chaudhary, and event that concluded Urmila Matondkar, Sunday. among others. "Business has Designer Rahul always been there but Mishra says that this it's the responsibility time it was all about of designer to create discovering new new things with every options in design aesseason and I tried to thetics. set new benchmarks "My collection had with this edition," received rave reviews said the designer also from the delegates of launched his accessodifferent countries and ry line at WIFW. I also believe that it Apart from estabwas one of the best lished names, the seacollection I ever showson also witnessed 14 cased," said Mishra, new runway and stall known for his fascinadesigners. A model in a creation by designer tion for hand-woven Accessory designer Ravi Bajaj during a special technique. Pallavi Foley from show at WLIFW 2012..

Tennis star Leander Peas at the WLIFW 2012 in New Delhi.

Actor Irrfan Khan in a creation by designer Meera Ali.

Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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February 25-March 2, 2012

Obama not abandoning Afghanistan to Taliban

tial elections at home. At the same time, it would reassure the Afghan womens rights and human rights activists in general that the US wont be putting their in hopes and interests in jeopardy with a cynical withdrawal abrogating all moral considerations. Any betrayal of Afghan womens rights could cost Obama a fair few votes in his own presidential race. Any departure in unfavorable conditions could also give a wrong signal to the non-Pashtun minority groups like the Hazaras, Tajiks and Uzbeks who have successfully defied the Taliban regime even during its 1996-2001 rule. After all the northern and western provinces of Afghanistan maintained their independence even during the worst period when Taliban, helped by Pakistan, held the sway. Obamas Afghanistan exit plan is not similar to the departure from Iraq where his administration exited, rather completely and prematurely, as demanded by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, without resolving the central (Shia-Sunni) problem. In Afghanistan, President Karzai and others have other ideas that favor the US presence for a much longer period till the situation is stabilized or at least able to resist a takeover by the Taliban old guard. Unlike in the past, the US has a much clearer idea of its friends and foes, especially since its elimination of bin Laden in Abbotabad in May 2011. Its no longer tied to the apron strings of Pakistan either in the conduct of war or dialogue with Taliban. In the talks with Taliban in Qatar, the US is making its own judgment about real Taliban capable of delivering any pact and fake Taliban, and even about good Taliban and not-sogood Taliban. Whatever and whenever a deal is struck with Taliban, it wont be on surrender terms. Pakistan is no longer able to call the shots in Afghanistan. Elements in Pakistan establishment who used to consider, perhaps still do, Afghanistan almost as the fifth province of Pakistan - for strategic depth or otherwise - have to face the new reality. Faced with the new reality of its Pakistani allys capabilities to block transhipment of NATOs supply of men and materials through its territory to Afghanistan, the US has already fortified its northern route to meet more than 50 per cent of its requirement, albeit at much higher financial cost. Simultaneously, it continues to promise enough aid to Pakistan to meet its civil and security (military) needs. Chances of a fresh $2.3 billion aid package for 2013 for Pakistan remain bright amid the worst of mutual suspicions, even recriminations. Whatever the US equation with Pakistan or the dialogue with Taliban, things will increasingly be settled on US terms rather than on Pakistan or Taliban terms. President Obamas increasing confidence since the elimination of bin Laden and improving economy at home have emboldened him to take new initiatives without fear of annoying Pakistan or exploring the uncharted mindscape of Taliban. (Subhash Chopra is a freelance journalist and author of Partition, Jihad & Peace South Asia after bin Laden.)

Do we need Dhoni, the bumbling, unsure Test cricketer or the Man who is the undisputed king of one-day cricket?

Whatever the US equation with Pakistan or the dialogue with Taliban, things will increasingly be settled on US terms rather than on Pakistan or Taliban terms. By Subhash Chopra s peace talks with Taliban and other players in the Afghan war gather pace, the US/NATO end-game on the warfront appears to be moving fast towards its core as peel after peel comes off the big onion. To some, it may look like a policy shift from battle surge to exit in haste; to others, it looks a continuation of the long-declared exit policy without abandoning the country to Taliban for a 1996-style re-takeover. Those who have predicted a Vietnam-style US flight from the Afghan battlefront may find it difficult to reconcile two new surprise strategies to achieve the same end. The first has come with the signal that the US forces could stay in the country beyond 2014, seemingly abandoning the earlier deadline agreed with allies, especially the United Kingdom, the second biggest contributor in the field. The second surprise has come in the shape of a plan to start part-exiting Afghanistan in 2013, well before the 2014 deadline. The double surprise, according to widely leaked Pentagon sources, dovetails into a credible single action plan that retains US presence in Afghanistan for a long enough period while the Afghan security forces increasingly take charge province by province with the US forces doing back seat driving. One such operation has already been launched (in February this year) in Helmand province, the hardcore Taliban country. The new double strategy envisages the deployment of the US Special operations forces, also known as Green Berets, who will focus on commando operations against insurgents whenever required, besides training Afghan national security forces. The US commandos would concentrate on engaging and flushing out residual terrorists lurking behind the lines while leaving the day to day responsibility for defense and law and order to the Afghan national forces. The strategy suits president Obama as the plan to retain US footprint in Afghanistan beyond 2014 would blunt the Republican hawks in the run-up to presiden-

Skipper Dhoni mirrors the crisis in cricket

By Pradeep Magazine

S Dhoni, the quintessential one-day cricketer and its supreme leader, is also in many ways symptomatic of the crisis the game is facing today. It is a crisis which threatens Test cricket's appeal and popularity in the face of a massive invasion by the shorter version of the game. It may be no coincidence that the player, who possesses all the outstanding qualities that stand out in the shorter version of the game, lacks the skills and perhaps even motivation, to leave a lasting imprint on its fiveday format. It is not my case here to belittle or deride the man, whose intuitive mastery of the shorter format allows him to balance perfectly the staid and explosive spurts in his batting for the team's good. Nor am I in any way detracting anything from his assertive, firm yet calm leadership skills that speaks of a man in complete control of himself and his surroundings. It is a phenomenal achievement, something Dhoni, his admirers and the country should be proud of. Take the same man away from the one-day context and visualise him in the Test format and one finds a personality transformation beyond recognition. Gone are those sure steps, those subtle movements on the field and gestures that command respect of the opposition and loyalty from his own men.

The "captain cool" for his legion of admirers, is a man lost in a desert storm, not sure of where he stands and in which direction to move. One could put this loss of control to the collective and abject failure of his team, but what is a leader worth if he can't inspire his men when in retreat. In similar situations in a one-day game, Dhoni is a matchwinner, single-handedly fashioning a victory, where a defeat looks impending. What could be the reason? Are the skills required for the longer version of the game so different and demanding that they are difficult to surmount even for a man like Dhoni, who epitomises a superhuman fighting spirit and self-confidence when the time-span of the contest gets shrunk? Or is it that the man has no appetite for a long-drawn battle, where the final duel is won or lost on the strength of your staying power, sound technique and the ability to think ahead, not in terms of an hour but even days. Whatever the reasons may be, and there are better experts to dwell on that, the moot point is that Dhoni, the Test cricketer is not even a wounded shadow of the tiger he is of one-day cricket. Do we need Dhoni, the bumbling, unsure Test cricketer or the Man who is the undisputed king of one-day cricket? The answer I guess is simple, without letting emotions, semantics and sentimentality creep into this debate.

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

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Diaspora TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25- March 2, 2012

'Ban Gita' court battle restarts in Russia

Moscow/New Delhi: Hindus in Russia are bracing for a fresh court battle against attempts in the Siberian city of Tomsk to get their sacred 'Bhagavad Gita' branded as "extremist literature" and banned, after the state prosecutors filed an appeal against an earlier judgment in December last year throwing out their case. The state prosecutors have already filed their appeal in the Russian court, which has set March 6 as the date of first hearing of the appeal, according to Krishna followers in Russia. Tomsk region prosecutor general Vasily Voikin, in his appeal, has demanded that a Russian comment included in 'Bhagavad Gita As It Is', the treatise on the Hindu sacred scripture by Iskcon founder A.C. Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada be banned, RIA Novosti quoted his deputy as saying. "The prosecutor has demanded that a Russian translation of a comment in this book, earlier published in English, be banned as extremist, not the canonical text of the scripture," Tomsk region deputy prosecutor general Ivan Semchishin said. "The bid to ban the Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita has been misunderstood," Tomsk region prosecutor general Alexander Buksman said. "It's important to discern gems from the chatter in this very case; the society's perception of this issue is that prosecutors are standing against the concepts of this religion (Hinduism). However, the problem is that the Russian translation has paragraphs that could be seen as promoting extremism; prosecutors started the case for that reason," Buksman said. "The prosecutor (Voikin) is now maintaining his claims in an appeal court for that very reason," Semchishin added. The initial court plea was filed in June 2011 and the trial prompted a flurry of highly critical publications in the international media.

Norway case: After three months, parents finally meet children

Stavanger: After a three-month long wait, a non-resident Indian couple Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya finally met their children. According to media reports, the meeting lasted for approximately two hours. The parents, along with uncle Arunabhash met the children. The three-year-old Abhigyan and the one-year-old Aishwarya, children of the NRI couple living in Stavanger, Norway, were taken under protective care by Barnevarne (Norwegian Child Welfare Services) in May last year on grounds that they were not looked after properly by their parents. Barnevarne had placed them in foster parental care as per the directive of the local Norwegian court, mandated under Norwegian laws. An agreement was struck recently between India and Norway under which the parents named Anurups brother Arunabhash Bhattacharya as the primary caretaker of the two children. Arunabhash is currently in Norway and is being looked after the Norwegian authorities.

Indian investors keen to revive Ghanas sugar, fertilizer industry

Accra (Ghana): Indian investors are keen to invest as much as $36 million in Ghanas ailing sugar industry, Indian High Commissioner Rajinder Bhagat has said. Indian investors intend to revive Ghanas sugar industry by investing in the establishment of a sugar processing plant. In addition, other Indian investors are also waiting to invest in a potato plantation, said Bhagat here. He hoped that ties between Ghana and India would be strengthened with the investment and participation of Indian investors in the countrys economy. Speaking at a meeting with Ghanas Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, the envoy said India was ready to set up a $1.3 billion fertilizer processing plant in Ghana. India is ready with the technical plan and funds to start the project and is only waiting for the green light from the Ghanaian government. Gas, a key component of the project, is yet to be processed in the country. The Ghanaian government has secured a Chinese Development Bank loan to be used to finance a gas processing plant in the western region where oil production is taking place. Bhagat appealed to the Ghanaian government to beat down the gas price to facilitate the running of the project, adding that the Indian investors were ready to construct pipelines for drawing gas to support the fertilizer project. Vice-President Mahama said the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) was working to ensure the facility to process gas onshore was completed by the first quarter of next year. On completion, the gas would be used to power the countrys industries. He said the fertilizer project was very important to the government because it was expected to improve fertilizer supply in the country, Mahama said the government would make a case for the GNGC to fix favorable price for gas to enable the feasibility studies to start for the facility to be established by the Indian investors.

Maldives Museum reopens minus smashed Hindu images

Male: The Maldives' national museum reopened Feb 14 without some of its most valuable exhibits a week after a mob of suspected religious extremists smashed images from the pre-Islamic era, the Associated Press reported. About 35 exhibits mostly images of Buddha and Hindu gods were destroyed. Some of the artifacts dated to the sixth century, museum director Ali Waheed said. Waheed says 99 percent of the Maldives' pre-Islamic artifacts from before the 12th century, when most inhabitants were Buddhists or Hindus, were destroyed. "Some of the pieces can be put together but mostly they are made of sandstone, coral and limestone and they are reduced to powder," he said. The mob of suspected Muslim extremists attacked the museum during the Maldives' political crisis. The attack was the latest blow

An entire collection of 12th century Buddhist and Hindu statues have been destroyed to the island nation that is best known as a high-end tourist destination. "We are very sad. This is the physical and archaeological evidence of the country, we have nothing to show (of the preIslamic history)," Waheed said. The items had been preserved since the museum opened in 1952. Police spokesman Ahmed Shyam said investigations are ongoing into the museum attack, but no one has been arrested.

Trinidad and Tobago observes Mahashivaratri

Port of Spain: Hindus in the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago led by Indian-origin Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar joined the rest of the Indian diaspora across the world to celebrate Mahashivaratri Monday. The festivities began from midnight of Feb 19. Mahashivaratri this year coincided with the annual Carnival that was celebrated here Feb 20-21. While non-Hindus opted to hit the fetes and parties, and danced to the gyrating music and songs of the steelpan, soca trucks and calypsoes, Hindus gathered in the more than 400 temples across the island to worship and conduct services to Lord Shiva. For the past few weeks, Hindus have been abstaining from all forms of merriment, alcohol and other forms of worldly pleasures in preparation for the festival. The prime minister, who recently returned from her trip to India, observed Mahashivaratri in her constituency Siparia. Minister of Legal Affairs Prakash Ramadhar said the festival was an opportunity to rejuvenate oneself in an effort to enhance national development. Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran said Mahashivaratri was observed by Hindus with an overwhelming aura of spirituality, a feature which the world urgently needs.

Indian in UK jailed for driving test offence

London: An Indian citizen has been jailed for six months after pleading guilty to charges of getting someone else to appear for him in his driving theory test because he could not speak English. Sarbjit Singh, 35, who came to the UK a year ago and speaks only Punjabi, was also ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and pay 85 pounds court fees. His six-month jail sentence has been suspended for 12 months by the Leicester Magistrates Court. Passing the theory test is one of the prerequisites of getting a driving licence in the UK. Singh, a machine operator, wanted to work for his brothers courier company but had no driving licence, reports from Leicester said. He booked his driving theory test for June 16 last year at a centre in the city centre. A man turned up claiming to be Sarbjit Singh, but staff became suspicious and asked for identification. He went to Singhs home to get the identification but Singhs brother then discovered what was happening and stopped the man from taking the test. Singh later discovered he could take the test in Punjabi but was arrested when he applied again. Bally Paul, lawyer defending Singh, said her client did not understand how seriously fraud was taken in the UK. She said: His brother has been in this country for 10 years and runs a courier business. It was not until after this unknown person had returned to ask for identification that Singhs brother intervened and told him not to go through with it, that it is very serious and you cant get away with it like you perhaps could in India.

Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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February 25-March 2, 2012

Quran burning: US apology fails to ease anger

Kabul: Four people were shot dead and dozens wounded in protests in Afghanistan in several cities over the burning of copies of the Quran, Islam's holy book, at NATO's main base in the country. The American Embassy said its staff were in "lockdown" and travel had been suspended as thousands of people expressed fury over the burning, a public relations disaster for US-led NATO forces fighting Taliban militants ahead of the withdrawal of foreign combat troops by the end of 2014. The US government and the American commander of NATOled forces in Afghanistan apologized after Afghan laborers found charred copies of the Quran while collecting rubbish at the sprawling Bagram Airbase about an hour's drive north of Kabul. It failed to contain the fury. Thousands of Afghans took to the Seven foreign UN workers were killed during protests that raged across Afghanistan for three days in April 2011 after a US pastor burned a Quran in Florida. In Parwan province, home to the sprawling Bagram airbase where the Quran burning incident occurred, two people were shot dead by Afghan police and 13 wounded while attacking offices, provincial spokesman Roshan Khalid said. A protester was shot dead by police in Logar province, east of the capital, the governor's spokesman, Deen Mohammad Darwish, said. Afghan health ministry spokesman Ghulam Sakhi Kargar said one person also died in hospital in Kabul from gunshot wounds received during one of two shooting incidents at protests in at least four areas of the capital.

Maldives sets up probe panel on power transfer

Colombo: The Maldives government has appointed a commission to inquire into the controversial transfer of power which former president Mohamed Nasheed has termed a coup orchestrated by military and politicians who were then in the opposition, a Maldivian diplomat said.President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has formed the Commission of National Inquiry, Xinhua quoted Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Hussain Shihab as saying. The three-member commission is headed by former minister for defence and national security Ismail Shafeeu and includes the president of the first Human Rights Commission of Maldives, Ahmed Mujthaba. The US and the UN that rushed to the Maldives immediately after the power transfer had called for a national inquiry, claiming international interference would worsen the ongoing crisis.Waheed has asked the commission to carry out an independent and impartial investigation into events in the Maldives between Jan 14 and Feb 8, the Maldivian diplomat added.

Afghan laborers found charred copies of the Quran while collecting rubbish at the sprawling Bagram Airbase. streets again, chanting antiAmerican slogans. Winning the hearts and minds of Afghans is critical to efforts to defeat the Taliban. Similar incidents in the past have caused deep divisions and resentment among Afghans towards the tens of thousands of foreign troops in Afghanistan.

Memogate: Mansoor Ijaz submits proof

Islamabad: Controversial PakistaniAmerican businessman Mansoor Ijaz submitted his BlackBerry phone and "other evidences" to a Pakistan judicial commission probing the memo scandal that shook the country's powerful military as well as political establishments. Ijaz, who had refused to travel to Pakistan to appear before the Supreme Court appointed panel citing security reasons, deposed via video link from London. The memo, that had sought US help to stave off a possible coup, had put the Pakistani government into a whirlpool and had led to speculation of a possible coup. The memo triggered a tense standoff and PM Yousaf Raza Gilani had criticized the handling of the memo issue by the army and ISI chiefs. Ijaz came to the Pakistan High Commission in London to record his statement through video conferencing while the three-judge commission conducted the proceedings from Islamabad. Ijaz submitted his BlackBerry phone and other evidences to the secretary of the judicial commission investigating the affair, the Dawn news network reported. He also provided details of his contacts with Pakistani leaders and ISI officials. Recounting his contacts with Pakistani leaders, Ijaz said he had met then ISI chief Gen Ehsan-ul-Haq in Brussels in 2003. He said he had met former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in London in 2005 and that he had last met president Asif Ali Zardari in 2009. Ijaz said he met current ISI chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha in a London hotel last year.

Gilani seeks result-oriented talks with India

Islamabad: Seeking "sustainable and result- oriented" talks with India, Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani said he had "great regard" for his counterpart Manmohan Singh who is a "sincere person" desirous of friendly and cooperative bilateral ties. Gilani made the remarks at a reception he hosted for visiting Indian parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. Pakistan is a peace loving country that wants good relations with all its neighbors, including India, he said. The premier said it was his cherished desire to have a construcSuch a dialogue will usher in development and prosperity in the region, he added. Gilani noted that the first round of the resumed dialogue between India and Pakistan was held last year and expressed the hope that the second round of talks this year would "bear fruits". He said he had "great regard" for his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, who accepted his initiative for dialogue. Kumar, who is the first Speaker of Indian Parliament to visit Pakistan, said India wished to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.

Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani. tive? sustainable and result-oriented dialogue with India, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on its website.

Nepal celebrates Mahashivaratri festival

Kathmandu: Hindu devotees across Nepal cele b r a t e d Mahashivaratri festival with fervor by worshipping Lord Shiva at various temples, rivers and ponds. T h e Pashupatinath Hindu devotees at the Pashupatinath temple temple, situated in Kathmandu. in the heart of capital Kathmandu and regarded as one of the most revered and famous Shiva temples in the world, witnessed a high number of devotees, Xinhua reported. People thronged the temples since early morning for the Mahashivaratri that is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month of Falgun. In Nepal, the festival is regarded as a national festival. The occasion consists of "warming" Lord Shiva in the belief that the Lord also feels cold on this day and people organise bonfires at public squares, houses, temples and shrines and perform prayers to please Lord Shiva.

Indians celebrate Mahashivratri in Pakistan

Islamabad: After a six-year gap, a group of pilgrims from India celebrated Mahashivratri in a Hindu temple said to have been built more than 900 years ago. Fifty Hindus from India marked the festival at Katasraj in Punjab province, reported the Daily Times. The place is considered sacred due to a pond, which according to Hindu mythology was formed from Lord Shiva's tears. It is also said that the Pandava brothers stayed in the temple region for four out of the 14 years they spent in exile. The Indian delegation, which reached Lahore through the Wagah border, was met by Evacuee Trust Property Board Pakistan chairman Asif Hashmi. The delegation has

The last delegation of Hindu pilgrims visited Pakistan in 2006. returned to India. The report said the last delegation of Hindus visited Pakistan in 2006. In 2006-07, Pakistan decided to place idols of Hindu gods in the temples and restore them to their original state to attract Hindu visitors. "Minorities present here in Pakistan are given full freedom to celebrate their holy events," Hindu Welfare Council Chairman Shiv Pratap Raj was quoted as saying.

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International TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

Oz foreign minister No agreement with Iran resigns amid dispute over N-issue: IAEA chief
Sydney: Australia's foreign minister resigned amid an ongoing leadership squabble, saying he could not continue in his role without the support of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Foreign minister Kevin Rudd announced his resignation during an early morning news conference in Washington, where he is visiting on official business. The announcement comes amid relentless speculation that he planned to seize power from Gillard. Gillard came to power in an internal coup within her Labor Party that ousted Rudd in June 2010. She became only the third prime minister since World War II to gain power in this way. "I can only serve as foreign minister if I have the confidence of Prime Minister Gillard and her senior ministers," Rudd said. "I therefore believe the only honorable thing, Vienna: Yukiya Amano, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said no agreement was reached with Iran over its nuclear issue during the recent visit of the agency's team to Tehran. Amano made the remarks as an IAEA experts team returns from Iran after the two-day second round of talks with Iranian officials. The meeting followed previous talks held in late January, reported Xinhua. "Intensive efforts were made to reach agreement on a document facilitating the clarification of unresolved issues in connection with Iran's nuclear program, particularly those relating to possible military dimensions," Amano said in a statement Wednesday. "Unfortunately, agreement was not reached on this document," he added. "During both the first and second meetings, the agency team requested

Australian Foreign minister Kevin Rudd. and the only honorable course of action, is for me to resign." In recent days, speculation had been mounting that Rudd supporters were planning an attempt to restore him to power soon. That had become a distraction, Rudd said. "The truth is the Australian people regard this whole affair as little better than a soap opera and they are right," he said. "And under current circumstances, I won't be part of it." It was not immediately clear what Rudd's next move would be. He said he planned to fly back to Australia on Thursday to sort out his future. But in his resignation speech, he was highly critical of the Labor Party's decision to oust him.

Yukiya Amano, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency. access to the military site at Parchin, but Iran did not grant the permission," according to the statement. Amano called Iran's refusal to permit the visit to Parchin as "disappointing." Box with above story Russia warns against 'catastrophic' attack on Iran Moscow: Russia warned against the use of force to solve the crisis over the Iranian nuclear program, saying an attack would have catastrophic consequences both for the region and global diplomacy. "The scenario of military action against Iran would be catastrophic for the region and possibily the whole system of international relations," Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told a news conference.

Rio dazzles in Carnival finale

With bursts of fireworks, high-decibel music and a kaleidoscope of colors, the city's top 13 samba schools treated a capacity crowd of 72,500 at the newly renovated Temple of Samba to stunning processions of exquisitely decorated floats. The night parades, which went on into the small hours of the morning, had it all: captivating samba beats, superb percussionists, imaginative choreography, masterful execution and the beguiling sex appeal of gorgeous samba queens wearing colorful feathers and little else. It is a holiday that provides a rare moment of national communion and over-the-top merry-making in this huge and racially diverse country of 191 million people.

Business TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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February 25-March 2, 2012

State Bank of India to bail out Kingfisher: report

Mumbai: The State Bank of India has decided on a Rs 16.5 billion loan package to help troubled Kingfisher Airlines overcome a cash crunch, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported. The newspaper quoted an unidentified source as saying the state-controlled bank had decided to extend a new line of credit, that included 7 billion rupees in shortterm working capital and 5 billion rupees in bank guarantees. It has also decided to extend the tenure of current loans to the airline worth about 2.5-3 billion rupees that would have been due next year, the newspaper said. State Bank or another government bank, Punjab National Bank (PNBK.NS), could offer bank guarantees of 1.6-2 billion rupees to tax authorities, it said. State Bank and Kingfisher offiers which, between them, have ordered hundreds of aircraft for delivery over the next decade in an ambitious bet on the future. Kingfisher shares plunged nearly 20 percent in intra-day trade but recovered to close 0.4 percent up as rumors of the bank bailout spread. India's aviation regulator said the airline had given an assurance that bank funding was on the way.

Metro to start international flight check-ins

New Delhi: The high-speed Airport Metro will start international check-in facility at two Metro stations, an official said. "International fliers will be able to check in their baggage at the New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium stations from Thursday," said a spokesperson of Reliance Infrastructure, which operates the line. "Air India will begin check-in of passengers baggage from Thursday at the two stations while Jet and Kingfisher will follow," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said talks were on with other airlines. "International flyers can collect boarding passes at the metro station and go for security check at the airport, totally hassle free," said Anil P. Gupta, president of Reliance Infrastructure.

The airline has become one of the main casualties of high fuel costs. cials were not immediately available for comment. The airline has become one of the main casualties of high fuel costs and a fierce price war between a handful of budget carri-

US pushing India to 'wean' from Iran oil

Washington: The United States continues to talk with India to encourage it to reduce its dependence on Iranian crude, but would not say what progress it has made so far. "We're talking to India, we're talking to China, we're talking to countries in Europe, we're talking to countries in Asia and Africa, et cetera," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters. "We are having talks with countries around the world about the implications of the legislation with regard to our expectation that countries will increasingly wean themselves of dependence on Iranian oil," she said.

Rentals: Nariman Point drops 7 places to 15th spot

Mumbai: Nariman Point fell to the 15th place from its previous eighth position as the most expensive central business district (CBD) in the world, according to the annual report 'Office Space Across the World 2012' by Cushman & Wakefield. The report said this is also the first time in over six years that Mumbai has fallen out of the Top 10 rent rankings. Hong Kong, London and Tokyo maintained their position as the top three on the annual chart; Beijing (5) and Sydney (7) entered the top ten list for the first time. The report said that Nariman Point saw a rental decline of approximately 8% in 2011, allowing it to slip in global ranking, largely due to diminishing interest Parel and Andheri-Kurla Road offer larger floor plate and higher quality of construction whilst being closer to residential hubs. BKC has been inching up in terms of rental values (6%) owing to a steady demand. While locations such as Andheri-Kurla and western suburbs cater to back offices. Asia-Pacific recorded the steepest regional prime office rental increases in 2011 according to the report. "Overall, rents across the region increased by an average of 8%, with Beijing recording the highest jump in rents globally (75%). Hong Kong maintained its position as the most expensive office location in the world for the second year running, with Tokyo in the third," it said.

Hong Kong, London and Tokyo maintained their position as the top three on the annual chart. on account of higher prices, lower quality and age of construction and growing distances from residential hubs. In contrast to this, locations such as Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Worli-Lower

Dow touches 13,000 but can it hold on?

New York: The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed above 13000 for the first time in almost four years, though it failed to hang onto the gains through the day's end.The Dow Jones Industrial Average pierced the 13000 level for the first time in almost four years, but traded largely below the mark and ended the day in positive territory. Jonathan Cheng has details on The News Hub. Photo: Getty Images The Dow passed above 13000 a few times Tuesday, rising as high as 13005. It ended the day at 12965.69, up 15.82 points, or 0.1%. The Standard & Poor's 500stock index toyed with a milestone of its own, briefly surpassing its high reached last April before closing up 0.98 point, or 0.1%, at 1362.21. The advance came after a long weekend that saw progress on two worries that have dogged investors for months. The Dow's inability to finish above 13000 echoes the market's previous stalls at certain levels. While the vast majority of professional money managers and exchange-traded funds track the S&P 500, rather than the Dow, the long history of the blue-chip index makes it a key benchmark. Potential hurdles loom on the horizon. On Tuesday, crude-oil prices surged $2.60, or 2.5%, to $105.84, their highest level in more than nine months. Prices have surged 7.5% this month. While that has benefited oil companiesChevron rose 1.6% and Exxon Mobil gained 1.1% on Tuesdayit has raised concerns about the impact of high gasoline prices on retail spending and stoked broader inflationary fears.

Eurozone reaches Greek bailout deal

Brussels: Finance ministers from the eurozone reached a Greek bailout plan, agreeing on measures to reduce the country's debt level to 120.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020. Under the rescue package, which was clinched after lengthy 12 hours of talks, Greece will receive extra bailout loans of 130 billion euros ($170 billion) to avoid a debt default on a bond repayment in March, eurozone officials here said. Earlier, eurozone officials had indicated that they would approve a second bailout program for Greece after Athens had agreed to all the terms demanded by international creditors, reported Xinhua. "I would like to assume that we can reach final and concluding negotiations today (Monday)," Eurogroup head Jean-Claude

Greece will receive extra bailout loans of 130 billion euros ($170 billion).

Juncker said as he arrived for a meeting of eurozone finance ministers Monday. "The Greek side has fulfilled many preparatory efforts we had demanded. We have to conclude

today, there's no more time to waste," Juncker, who is also Luxembourg's prime minister, told reporters. Nevertheless, the meeting was prolonged into the early hours of Tuesday.

24

Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

India fall 51 short of target set by Sri Lanka

Olympic hockey qualifiers: India thrash France 6-2

New Delhi: The Indian men's hockey team thrashed France 6-2 while the women got the better of Poland 3-0 in the 2012 London Olympics qualifiers at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The men's team continued their dominating performance and lived up to the reputation of being the highestranked team in the tournament at World No.10. Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh was again the star of the night slamming in three goals (9th, 30th and 37th), two from penalty corners. Sandeep is also the leading goal scorer in the tournament with seven goals from three matches. Shivendra Singh (4th), S.V.Sunil (39th) and Tushar Khandekar (62nd) also added to their tally. France managed two consolation goals from penalty corners with Lucas Sevestre and Fabien Magner converting in the 35th and 56th minute. The French, however, were no match for the eighttime Olympic champions' pace and aggression and their defense caved in under relentless attack from the Indian forwards.

India ended up scoring 238 in 45.1 overs in response to Sri Lanka's 289 for six. Brisbane: India fell 51 runs short chasing 290, losing wickets at inopportune moments, against Sri Lanka in the eighth match of the cricket tri-series here. India ended up scoring 238 in 45.1 overs in response to Sri Lanka's 289 for six as the efforts of Virat Kohli (66) and Irfan Pathan (47) failed to get the team past the line. Though Thisara Perera bagged four wickets, Nuwan Kulasekara (3-40)was the most impressive of Sri Lanka's bowlers after skipper Mahela Jayawardene (51) and Liharu Thiramanne (62) starred in an allround batting display. The second loss in a row has pushed India (10 points) to third place in the standings behind Sri Lanka (11) and leaders Australia (14). India lost both the matches at the Gabba, having been beaten by Australia Sunday. The first of the Indian wickets that fell at regular intervals was that of stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag (0) in the second ball of the innings. Predictably, he cut chasing a wide rising Lasith Malinga (2-55) delivery that flew straight to Kulasekara at third man. Tendulkar (22), who has not been amongst the runs in the series, looked in good touch before Kulasekara made him attempt a half-hearted heave, getting him bowled off an inside edge. Gautam Gambhir (29), Suresh Raina (32) were also dismissed after getting their eye in, leaving India at 146 for four in the 31st over, needing another 144 off 117 balls.

Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh was again the star of the night slamming in three goals. Earlier, the women hockey team's unbeaten run continued with a 3-0 win over Poland.

Ponting retires from ODIs

Sydney: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting retired from ODIs, a day after he was dropped from the squad for the rest of the Commonwealth Bank Series, but will continue to play Test matches. The 37-year-old, who led Australia to two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, said he took the decision after national selector John Inverarity indicated to him that he doesn't figure in their plans. "It's a little bit hard to come here today and say I'm retiring when I've already been left out of the side. I don't expect to play one-day international cricket for Australia any more and I'm pretty sure the selectors don't expect to pick me either. "John made it very clear to me yesterday the direction that they're heading with the one-day team and that I'm not part of their plans," he said.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.

Adventure Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info

25

February 25-March 2, 2012

for several hours depending on the wind direction, said Goswami. Soaring high in the skies is every person's dream. But one needs an Eagle's heart to scale new highs, ride on the air current and most importantly, stay there for long hours. There's only one kind of people that are able to achieve such feats professionally and with great ease, they are the Gunner Dare Devils.Led by Colonel Sanjeev Jarial, the expedition took off from Sri Ganganagar to Bikaner and the fliers created a history when they landed at Sanderav (Pali) from Bikaner. The aim of this expedition is publicizing the adventurous lifestyle in the Army, connecting with youth and children to inspire them to join the Armed Forces and giving a wide exposure to the distinctive sport of HangGliding said Col Goswami.

Indian army creates world record in harness hang gliding

NAIB SUBEDAR PARAMJEET SINGH OF INDIAN ARMY, WHO HAS CREATED A WORLD RECORD IN HANG GLIDING AT SANDERAV NEAR JODHPUR IN RAJASTHAN. By Prakash Bhandari/ SATimes Jaipur: The ace trainer Naib Subedar Paramjeet Singh, who belongs to the village Sangatpura near Jagraon in Ludhiana, in Punjab had no words to express his feelings when he broke the 33 years old British world record in powered hang gliding by covering a distance of 380 km between Sriganganagar and Sanderav in Pali district near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Paramjeet broke the invalidated distance record of 325 km by British pilot Gerry Breen set in 1979 (London-Paris). He told the South Asian Times, I have no words to describe my feelings for the achievement for which I was preparing for a long time. He broke the world record on the second day of the expedition. The expedition was 700 km long from Sriganganagar to Udaipur. Paramjeet Singh, who actually belongs to the 76 Field Regiment, was posted as an instructor in the aeronautical wing in the Deolali based School of Artillery. He has an experience of 836 hours and 35 minutes of hang gliding during his 21 years stint there. Col. SD Goswami, spokesman of the defense ministry, said that he enthusiast to freak out. Still regarded as an elitist sport because of the expensive equipment, the locals are getting adequate help from the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali and private companies like Ski Himalayas to provide skiing equipment free for training. Shiva Kesavan, who created history by winning India's first gold in an international winter sports event at the Asia Cup in Nagano, Japan, in December, sees Solang as a huge step forward for the sport. Kesavan, born in Vashist near Manali, is a four-time winter sport Olympian. Highly respected and admired among the winter sport community, Kesavan feels Himachal has a lot to offer to adventure sports. "Conditions here are perfect for winter sports; Himachal is fast becoming the hub for adventure sport in the country. However, the work is still in progress. There needs to be dedicated space for different events, the slopes are still a little bumpy but the standards will improve gradually," he said. Youngsters in Solang seem to be taking to skiing like duck to water. Enthusiastic boys keenly wait for their turn to enter the Gondola, a sort of cable car, to take them to the highwas proud that the Indian army has broken the world record in hang gliding. A British pilot Gerry Breen had on May 7, 1979 created the world record by gliding 325 km from Wales to Norwich. The three-day, first of its kind expedition has been organized by the Indian Army Adventure Nodal Centre (AANC) and 10 soldiers were flying with powered harness hang gliders. Paramjeet flew gliders powered with 120 cc 15 HP motor and a carbon-graphite propeller attached to it. The harness gives the glider pilot the ability to take off from any small clear patch of ground and cruise at a speed of up to 70 kmph

By Santosh Rao Manali: Winter sports is no longer confined to the breathtaking locales of Jammu and Kashmir. Solang Valley in Himachal Pradesh is fast turning into a popular destination for skiers and comes alive when much of northern India retreats into the warmth of well-heated homes. Foreigners and locals throng the snow-capped slopes of the picturesque valley snuggled between the Beas Kund and Solang village for skiing, snowboarding and sliding. It is located 13 km northwest of the hill resort of Manali at an altitude of 8,000 ft. The valley played host to a first-ofits-kind skiing event, the Alpine Premier League, this month. Over 350 participants showcased their skills in a bid to be anointed the king of mountains. The Feb 5-9 competition also saw state teams from Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, besides Indian army skiers who dominated both the men's and women's fields. Twentyfour competitors from overseas came to slide down the slopes of Solang. The daunting Himalayas and the fresh powdery snow provide the perfect setting for an adventure sport

Solang Valley, new adventure sports hub

India's popular adventure sports destination at Solang Valley near Manali in Himachal Pradesh. est point of the slope so that they can blaze a trail down. Kesavan feels these are encouraging signs and the government should take notice and provide support. "Youngsters here are taking to the sport in a big way - this is great news. The Indian government needs to start a comprehensive training program so that these guys can make it to the international stage," he said. Peter Tobler, a snowboard instructor in Switzerland, first came to Manali 16 years ago. Since then the Durham-born Englishman has been a regular here and feels it is one of the best places in the world to snowboard. "Snow conditions here are fantastic; the slope is a great challenge. Solang is a paradise for winter sport. The valley has great potential and is as good a place as any in the world," Peter said.

26

Ultimate Bollywood TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

Indira Gandhi biopic on Vidya's wish list

Connect with the West, Ashok Amritraj tells Indian film makers
the world and the audiences connect to it. It doesn't matter where it is made and what language, people connect to the story. So the question is to find screenplays or stories that have an Indian feel to it but can move across the Western world. I'm not making it just for India," he added. In his 31-year-long stint in Hollywood, he has produced more than 100 films under his banner Hyde Park Entertainment and collaborated with big names like Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Angelina Jolie and Robert DeNiro. He is open to co-production with Indian studios, but said: "It's a question of finding interesting stories. In India, we have so many, but working it in a way that can give it a larger market." Indian filmmakers recently got into experimenting mode, but Hollywood has been focusing on it for years, Amritraj points out. "The great thing about Hollywood is that they always made different kinds of movies you had 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'The Sound of Music', and also have 'Chariots of Fire', 'Gandhi' and 'Forrest Gump' - it's one of the things that has always excited me. In the last two years, we had 'Black Swan', 'The King's Speech' and this year you had 'The Descendants'. "It's nice to see that Indian filmmakers are making different kinds of movies which means that the audience is growing and they are getting used to the changes." Asked why Indian moviemakers fail to make a mark in the Western world, he said: "I think a lot of it is an original story...something that needs to be worked on. The most important person should be the writer. His "Ghost Rider Spirit Of Vengeance" is releasing in India on March 17 and talking about Indian market, he said: "India is not the biggest market for Hollywood films. India is clearly dominated by Indian films...but on the other hand it has grown significantly in last 10 years."

idya Balan came out of her comfort zone and delivered a blockbuster like "The Dirty Picture". And now the actress is keen to do a film on extra marital affairs or a biopic on late prime minister Indira Gandhi. Talking about her choice of scripts, she said: "Action is not something I would want to do. I want to do a nice 'Arth' kind of a film on extra marital affair which these days we often get to hear or maybe a biopic on Indira Gandhi." Post the success of "The Dirty Picture", every director is keen to work with Vidya, but when asked which director she would want to work with, she said: "I want to work with Gulzar."

A scene from the 3D film Ghost Rider Spirit Of Vengeance. (Inset) Producer Ashok Amritraj. or Indian films to break out internationally, what was needed were original stories with an Indian feel that Western viewers can connect, says Hollywood producer Ashok Amritraj. "For me it's all about stories and starting stories. The question is what the ideas are?" Amritraj, who is bringing his 3D venture Ghost

Rider Spirit Of Vengeance to India, said. "It always has to be something that could break out internationally. So far, there have been two movies that have broken out internationally - "Gandhi" and "Slumdog Millionaire"...I would look for stories that our Western viewers get connected to," he said. "There are movies made around

TV, movies, website - Madhuri has lots to do

here's a lot happening on dancing diva Madhuri Dixit's career front -and she is making special efforts to keep her fans informed. The actor, who is excited to go to London for the unveiling of her wax statue, has brought together a team of people who will manage her online social networking. "Hey Peeps, wazzup? Lots shaking on my side... Website coming together... should have almost live coverage blogzine online soon. Will link with my twitter and Facebook feeds," Madhuri posted on her Twitter page. "My Facebook site will be managed by my website team with close inputs from me and hopefully all of you. So let's get together. "Goal is to get tight with my peeps. Thank you for all the love and appreciation! Great things coming," added the actress, who has been confirmed as one of the judges for the fifth season of dance reality show "Jhalak

Big B shows satisfactory progress

mitabh Bachchan's health has shown considerable improvement after abdominal surgeries earlier this month. The megastar's post-surgery pain has reduced and doctors, satisfied with his progress, have allowed him to take a bath and have a better intake of food. "The meetings of the morning with the team of doctors can be the most trying for the patient... But happy to note that they seemed satisfied with the progress and after a few closed-door discussions, came back with a few points that would bring relief to any sufferer," Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com. The 69-year-old veteran is admitted to the Seven Hills Hospital here since on Feb 11. He underwent two abdominal surgeries, following which he com-

plained of acute pain, forcing doctors to keep him under observation ever since.

Amitabh Bachchan.

Vidya Balan's baby bump?

f you spot Vidya Balan with a baby bump at any market or local place, don't be surprised by the sudden change. The actress is sporting this new look for the promotions of her forthcoming film. Vidya Balan is on a mission and her mission is now to promote her next film Kahaani. After bagging awards and compliments for The Dirty Picture, Vidya is all set for Sujoy Ghosh's forthcoming film Kahaani. We heard the actress will be seen in her character avatar of a

Madhuri Dixit. Dikhhla Jaa". Madhuri is known for hits like "Tezaab", "Ram Lakhan", "Sajan", "Beta", "Dil", "Hum Aapke Hain Koun!", "Dil Toh Pagal Hai" and "Devdas". The actress had shifted to the US after her marriage 12 years ago.

pregnant woman everywhere during the promotions. Makers of Kahaani have come up with this new promotional tactic where the actress will visit cities in her Kahaani avatar. Vidya will be seen at local places of different cities. Apart from that she is making cameos in tele-soaps and shows where she flaunts her baby bump. It can be recalled that before this Vidya sported her onscreen look of Ishqiya, Paa and The Dirty Pictures to promote her respective films.

Vidya Balans mission is now to promote her next film Kahaani.

Ultimate Bollywood TheSouthAsianTimes.info

27

February 25-March 2, 2012

Showbiz beckons children of politicos

olitics could be a predictable career option for the progeny of politicians, but showbiz seems to be the new choice. Defence Minister A.K. Antony's son Ajith's entry into Malayalam films just goes to strengthen this trend in the flourishing $2 billion Indian movie industry. Showbiz has lured many youngsters from political families - Riteish Deshmukh, Arunoday Singh, Chirag Paswan and Rahul Mahajan to name some - and they are trying to carve a niche for themselves in a world very different from the one they grew up in. Now Ajith Antony is reportedly set for his silver screen debut with director Aji John's "Oberoi", for which the 22-year-old has also penned the screenplay. Riteish, the son of former

Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, is so far the most popular among the lot. He embarked on his showbiz journey in 2003 with "Tujhe Meri Kasam" and has gradually grown to be one of the most sought after actors in tinsel town today. A variety of films like "Heyy Babyy", "Dhamaal", "Rann" and "Housefull", have cemented his position in the film industry. Arunoday, the grandson of late Congress veteran Arjun Singh, has always chosen to be unconventional. Despite his political lineage, he delved into cinema and his films - "Sikandar", "Aisha", "Mirch" and "Yeh Saali Zindagi" - also reflect his distinct choices. His family was perhaps as supportive of his decision to enter the film world, as was the case

Ajith Antony, son of Indian Defense Minister AK Antony, is reportedly set for his silver screen debut. with Chirag, son of Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan. The entry into the electoral battlefield could have been a cake-

walk for the young boy, but Chirag, who feels he would eventually enter politics, decided to challenge himself in showbiz first. Another name one can't miss is Rahul Mahajan. The son of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, Rahul may have made news for all the wrong reasons, but his entertainer streak hasn't gone unnoticed. His brush with controversial reality show "Bigg Boss 2" in 2008 won him more popularity in households than his chequered past, which included allegations of beating his ex-wife, a drug abuse case in 2006, and an alleged affair with actress Payal Rohatgi. In "Bigg Boss", he came into the limelight for flirting with coparticipant Monica Bedi.

Julia amazed at the way time flies!

ctor Julia Roberts says she cannot believe that time has gone by so quickly - she is amazed to see that the remake of her 1990 movie "Flatliners" is already in the pipeline. "I heard there is going to be a remake of 'Flatliners'. I was shocked. Already? It seems really quick! Didn't we just make that movie? That does seem quick," showbizspy.com quoted Roberts as saying. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the movie featured Roberts along with Kiefer Sutherland and Kevin Bacon. "The passage of time is something that is just so mysterious though. It just goes faster and faster, I just wish it would all slow down so I can take it all in, it is all going so fast," said the 44-year-old, a mother of three children.

Douglas to present award at Oscars

London: Veteran actor Michael Douglas, who is recovering from throat cancer, has been added to the list of presenters at the Oscar ceremony. The 67-year-old is tipped to announce the best picture award at the Sunday ceremony. He will join the likes of Halle Berry, Rose Byrne, Bradley Cooper, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Tom Hanks and Angelina Jolie who will present awards to the winners. Douglas is no stranger to the Academy Awards. He won best actor for his per-

Michael Douglas. formance in "Wall Street" in 1987 and his production venture "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" won the best picture award in 1975.

Julia Roberts.

Prateik shines in 'Ekk Deewana Tha'

f God lies in the details then "Ek Deewana Tha", TamilTelugu director Gautham Menon's first Hindi film in 11 years, makes it all the way to the church. But hang on with those bells. Indeed courtship is treated as a religion in this intense take on that thing called love. The romantic situations though weather-beaten and seen in scores of films, exudes a sincerity and a freshness, thanks to the locations. And we don't mean just the mesmeric backwaters of Kerala and the leafy bylanes of suburban Mumbai. A master storyteller, Gautham Menon locates his story right in his leading man Prateik's heart. The gentle actor carries off the role of the love-struck adamant Romeo

REVIEW
with a more than a fair amount of earnest passion, bringing to his character a landscape of longing desire bitterness and finally satisfaction in love. The initial scenes where the modern-day Romeo Sachin (Prateik) tails his landlord's daughter (stilted newcomer Amy Jackson) radiate an ambrosial amour. The mo'bike, the furtive glances, the movie sneaked togetherit's all done with a warm splendor that covers a range from the sly to the tender. A.R. Rahman's music is used for a number of dance pieces where Prateik uses his newly-enhanced body language to show us what love can do to an ordinary regular guy aspiring to be a filmmaker

Prateik with Amy in a scene from Ekk Deewana Tha.

under the tutelage of, ahem, Ramesh Sippy who at some point spews this wisdom on the lovelorn Sachin: "First solve your heart problem then get back to work." The trouble with this elegantlypackaged but somewhat selfidulgently-edited love story is that it takes a very long to get to the point. Like many notable love stories directed by South Indian directors the aaj ka Romeo must prove his love by traveling through various cities and emotional levels beforewell, getting there. The journey in "Ek Deewana Tha" is not as bracing as in K. Balachander's "Ek Duuje Ke Liye" or Mani Ratnam's "Saathiya". But there are many nerve-points in the storytelling that pinches the pulse of the core emotion.

28

Humor TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

Humor with Melvin Durai

ueen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, receiving congratulatory messages from all over the world for her great achievement of spending 60 years on the throne. It's a tough job -- living in that cramped old palace with a staff of only 250 to take care of your needs, sometimes having to butter your crumpets all by yourself. Most people would have quit by now. It's no wonder that the Diamond Jubilee is being celebrated throughout the British Commonwealth, particularly in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Jamaica and a dozen other sovereign states where the Queen is still considered Head of State, with the constitutional authority to make important decisions, such as whether to allow Justin Bieber to sing within 1,000 miles of her. In just four years, when she's 89, she'll pass Queen Victoria for the longest reign of a British monarch -- and if she lives to be 108, she'll pass King Sobhuza II of Swaziland for the longest verifiable reign in history. And her eldest son, Prince Charles, will set a record for the longest wait in history. The current record of 75 years is held by David Neevadock, who's been waiting to see a doctor at Toronto General Hospital. If you haven't followed the Queen's reign closely, here are some facts that may surprise you: ---She married Prince Philip on Nov. 20,

Sixty years and counting for the Queen

1947 -- not long after World War II. She had fallen in love with him when she was 13 and he was 18. The tabloids promptly dubbed them "Philizabeth." ---She took her vows as Queen on June 2, 1953. A televised recording of her coronation was watched by 100 million people in North America. Soon after that, the remote control was invented. ---In 1945, she received training as a driver and mechanic after joining the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service. Her knowledge came in handy in 1949 when her car broke down and poor Philip looked in the trunk for the carburetor. ---In 2010, Forbes magazine estimated her net worth to be $450 million. But that was before she invested heavily in the website MarryPrinceHarry.com. ---It's customary to address her initially as "Your Majesty" and thereafter as "Ma'am." Calling her "girl" or "babe" is acceptable only if you don't mind having a handbag print on your forehead. ---The Queen travels freely around the world without a passport. Only one airport security officer has ever tried to frisk her. God rest his soul. ---She has bestowed almost 400,000 titles and awards during her reign. She has conferred a knighthood on acclaimed author Salman Rushdie, appointed singer Kylie Minogue as an officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and honored President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe with an IBE: "Idiot of the British Empire." ---The Queen has donned more than 5,000 hats over the decades. Her hat closet is so large,

someone once got lost in there. Thankfully, a crack squad from London Police Service, using GPS devices and a pair of sniffer dogs, was able to locate Prince Philip. ---After completing 250 official visits to 129 countries, the Queen gained a spot in the Guinness World Records for the "Most Traveled Monarch" -- the only human in Guinness history to ever displace a butterfly. ---The Queen speaks both English and French fluently. Her knowledge of Hindi is limited to the phrase "topi mere saiz ka milegaa?" (Do you have this hat in my size?)

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

National Geographic to develop talking dictionaries

Washington, DC: To save the more than 7,000 languages spoken on our planet today from going in to oblivion by the end of this century, Linguists from the National Geographic's 'Enduring voices' have come up with the idea of 'walking dictionaries'. National Geographic Fellows K. David Harrison and Gregory Anderson, the linguists who are creating them, say that in some cases it is for the first time that the language has been recorded or written anywhere, according to a National Geographic statement. Harrison, associate professor of linguistics at Swarthmore College, and Anderson, president of the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages, have travelled to some of earth's remotest corners, visiting language hotspots and seeking out the last speakers of vanishing languages. Harrison unveiled eight new talking dictionaries. They contain more than 32,000 word entries in eight endangered languages, more than 24,000 audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing words and sentences, and photographs of cultural objects.

"Endangered language communities are adopting digital technology to aid their survival and to make their voices heard around the world," Harrison said. "This is a positive effect of globalization." These findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday. The AAAS meeting featured a panel on using digital tools to save languages that included Alfred "Bud" Lane, among the last known fluent speakers of the Native American language known as 'Siletz Dee-ni', spoken in Oregon.

Astrology
TheSouthAsianTimes.info

29

February 25-March 2, 2012

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: February 25-March 2, 2012
Aries: Stabilization in your relationship with your family members seems certain if you are willing to compromise on certain fronts. Professional gains for some bring gains and prosperity. Your new ideas and technical knowledge will make a good impression on others. Residential moves and renovation during this period will prove auspicious. Outdoor sports events and entertainment programme will help you keep relaxed. Taurus: This is a period to invest with extreme precaution and care. Past investments need another reexamination. If you're planning on investing in a new venture then you better take small factors into consideration. Your ability to charm others will put you in the limelight. Property or vehicle transactions seem quite likely. Children will cause some dissatisfaction but spouse remains quite cooperative. Gemini: Your optimism will push your career to new heights. Put some of your innovative ideas into your work to reap longterm benefits. The next few days will see pressure on your work front arise giving you little time for recreational and other activities. Gifts and presents will be plenty from visiting guests. Avoid standing for surety of any one to avoid unnecessary complications in the coming period. Family members will be supportive and caring. Cancer: This is an excellent time for professional advancements, promotions and recognition. At work you will be in the good books of your seniors and you will also benefit monetarily. Romance is in the air, so make the best of it and avoid any arguments with your lover. Opportunities to go out with friends will be informative and pleasurable. You need to do more things that you enjoy in order to relax. Foreign transaction or overseas journey will prove to be highly beneficial. Leo: You will be in a commanding position as your confidence and enthusiasm will be high. Important messages should be attended to immediately. You will make financial gains if you get involved in speculation. A spiritual persons blessings give comfort and relief. New relations and attachments will develop as a result of vacation and other recreational activities. Get involved in activities that will help you keep in perfect shape. Virgo: Financial matters demand more attention. You should cut down your expenses on entertainment and shopping. Financial difficulty will even effect your health. Stay focused on your goals, but take necessary precautions. For some, a change of residence or a new construction will prove highly auspicious. Your erratic behaviour will raise emotions at home. Dont take criticism too seriously. Travel will be highly exciting but expensive. Libra: Some challenging project will see you express your skills in a very different way. New approach will give you new confidence on which you will build future hopes and dreams. Businessmen and investors will see past investments reaping profits. Relations with somebody close might get strained over petty issues. Good week to call important people over to your place. Spouse will be highly supportive and shower you with love and affection. Legal affairs will create a state of nervousness. Scorpio: Your present health condition will be primarily because of the work pressure that you carry on your mind. You need to take time out with your friends will help you relax and regain your energy. Relationships with your clients will strengthen and you can accomplish a lot through smart negotiation and diplomacy. This week you should meet people who can further improve your career goals. Take care while driving, especially during the nights. Sagittarius: This week you will focus on domestic issues and should think about the immediate needs of your family members. Spouse and children will be a source of immense happiness. Guests and visitors bring you gifts in cash and kind. Going out with friends will be exciting and you will learn new and different skills. A good diet, coupled with fitness program will make you feel better. Capricorn: Work will suffer this week as romance clouds your mind. You will find it difficult in concentrating on your jobs and getting favours from others. Keep your focus clear on your goals to reap professional benefits. Pleasure trips for some will be educating. Little time for meditation and yoga will be important for mental as well as physical gains. Group involvement will entertertaining, but expensive if you dont learn to say no. Aquarius: You will meet interesting people at social functions that you attend this week. Your ability to stand out in the crowd will bring you popularity and recognition. Your creative ability will surface, bringing you good ideas to make extra money. Great period to go out shopping for expensive items and jewelry. Spend some time with the one you love. Travel will be highly educating. Pisces: Money making efforts will be profitable provided you work on new ideas and plans. This seems to be an excellent time for you to do things that will keep you relaxed and entertained. This period seems exceptionally good to take time out for hobbies, or take an adventure trip or go out on a short vacation. Friends and family members will seek your advice. Wonderful week to look into new courses that interest you.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

February: 25 Your Ruling Influences : No 7 and the planets Neptune and Mercury Your Traits : You are honest faithful and good-natured. You have the ability of taking charge over a difficult situation. You have the ability to control your emotions. You can hide your thoughts and feelings no matter how upset you are. You Should Guard Against : Your fickle-minded nature and inconsistency Profession and Finances : Those of you in the field of writing and oratory can expect to achieve success, in their professional field, in the year ahead of you. You should use your extensive memory, to your advantage Travel : The coming year will see you travel a lot. Visits to foreign countries is also possible Domestic Front : In love matters, you will be careful, and will not take the first step, if you are not sure of a positive response. Significant months : June and September February: 26 Your Ruling Influences : No. 8 and the planet Saturn. You are also dominated by the planet Mercury Your Traits: Neatness is a passion for you. The opposite sex will be attracted to your neat and perfect sense of dressing. You Should Guard Against: Your restless nature and expecting things to happen in the shortest possible time. Indiscretion in matters relating to love. Proceed only when you are sure of a positive response Profession and Finances : The coming year will see you executing big projects into action. This will not only bring you success, but will also give you a sense of satisfaction. You will also be lucky in financial matters, in the year ahead of you Travel : Most of you will travel a lot in the coming year. Pleasure trips with friends are foreseen Significant months : May, October and November February: 27 Your Ruling Influences : No. 9 and the planet Mars. You are also influenced by the planet Mercury Your Traits : Sacrifice and care for the needy, is what gives you ultimate satisfaction. You will be involved in voluntary work, which will help the handicapped and you will be appreciated for your good deeds, in the year ahead of you. Your personality will attract the opposite sex. You do not like many people around you. But you will be able to make few but good friends, in the coming year. You will be prepared to do your best for your friends and loved ones. You Should Guard Against : Your dogmatic views and ideas and losing sleep over trivial issues. Learn to relax and let small matters sort themselves out on their own. This will keep you away from stress and strain Significant months : July, September and November February: 28 Your Ruling Influences : No. 1 and the Sun. You are also dominated by the planet Mercury Your Traits : By nature you are serious and are very protective about your privacy You enjoy being alone and like to keep busy, in your own work. You cannot tolerate to see the miseries of those who are physically handicapped. In the coming year, you will be spending a lot of your time in doing social work for hospitals and charitable institutions. This will not only, give you a sense of satisfaction, but also bring you fame and recognition. You Should Guard Against : Lending money if you are not sure about getting it back Profession and Finances: You can expect to see, changes both professionally and at the domestic front, in the year ahead of you. Some of you might lose money through speculation. Your independent nature, will allow you to take your own decisions in the year ahead of you.. Significant months : February, June and October March: 1 Number 1 and the Sun will eclipse you and the effect will be increased by the collaboration of the planet Moon. The upcoming time have good fortune plus achievable task for you. Fine judgment and focused vision will help you to tackle the difficult assignments easily eventually bestow you with loads of celebrity and identification. The big bucks will accumulate in your bank account removing all your succeeding worries and tensions. Customs and irrational beliefs will never entice you on the contrary the diversion is towards spiritual phase. Lovely merchandise attracts you and you will be forced by your inner instinct to buy them for your bedroom decoration. This will finally increase the quality of products around you. Fresh talents will undoubtedly upgrade your grade in front of your bosses and will spellbound each and everyone be them in your office or at abode. The following piles of month will bring new contacts, fun and frolic in your life. July, October and January will support you by all means. March: 2 Planet Moon will supersede you and number 2 will guide you. Smashing progress is your motto of life all the time. You always usher with full vigor to get the desired name and fame. Your trust is their confidence that puts you in unmanageable task. They bank upon you from the core of their heart. You always tend to be among the first off the block which you created by yourself and it will brings fireworks to your life also. You also need to set off your tyrannic trait. The celebration has already begun for shedding off your bossy attribute. Time zone has changed and now each and every minute will make everyone to dance on your tone. You have leadership qualities too. But at times this may warn you of taking away others freedom. The God creativity will make you unrest and will tempt you. The energy and drive would be at its peak and the necessary thrust will be provided by the scenic beauty which surrounds you. June, September and December will be fruitful and creates associations.

Before you consult...

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

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Spiritual Awareness TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 25-March 2, 2012

Sharing the divine honey

you think would be the most valuable gift that I could bring the emperor? The wise men thought about it for a while and told her, The secret of making honey is the most valuable gift you could bring him. The princess did not know what to do. It was forbidden to share the secret of making honey with anyone outside of her kingdom. How could she bring the gift without her mother, the queen, finding out? She decided the best way to bring this gift was to bring to the emperor some of the bees that made the honey. The princess asked one of there were thousands of bees. The honey they produced was used by the people of his land. Unlike the queen who discovered the honey, the emperor did not keep the information on how honey was made a secret. As a result, not only people of his country, but people throughout the world were taught the secret of honey. Before long, everyone around the world knew the secret of honey. This imaginary tale is a beautiful analogy to describe the role of the Masters and saints. The secret they share with the whole world is not physical honey, but the sweet necwith God. The honeyed divine nectar that connects us with God is called the holy Naam, Shabd, or the Light and Sound of God. We have forgotten who we are as soul and are ignorant of reuniting our soul with the Creator. The Masters are like the princess who was able to bring the honey out of the kingdom to impart it to the whole world. Just as the princess was able to find a way to bring the honey out of her country even though the queen tried to keep it there, so do Masters find a way to bring us knowledge of the divine honey. They are able to put people and sings with divine Music. We see Light of various colors and radiant inner stars, moon, and sun. We come to the most beautiful manifestation of all, the ethereal or radiant form of the Master. This form serves as our inner guide on the further journey within. The Master takes us to even more beautiful realms, from the astral to the causal and supracausal realms until we reach the souls eternal Home, Sach Khand. There, our soul merges back in God. There is no more valuable gift that can be brought to humanity than contact with the inner Light and Sound. Just as the princess brought the most valuable gift her kingdom had to offer, which was the secret of making honey, the Masters bring from God to humanity the most valuable gift, the secret of contacting the inner nectar of the Light and Sound within us. The Masters are selfless and sharing. Unlike the queen who wanted to keep the secret for herself, the Masters want to share their gift with all humanity. They are generous and want to make sure the whole world avails itself of this blessing. They make their gift known to all sincere seekers after truth. They bring this gift to people of all countries. They share the gift with people of all religions. They share it with people of all walks of life, from the rich to the poor, from those who are highly literate to those who are illiterate. They share it with people of all cultures. Just as the princess gave the honey to the emperor freely, and he, in turn, freely shared the knowledge of it with the rest of the world, so do the Masters share the gift of Naam with the world. They do not hold back the secret from anyone. How can we share the divine honey within? How can we be like the princess who shared the secrets so the whole world can benefit? The best way we can share the gift of what we receive with others is to be a model to inspire others to want to partake of this divine honey. How can we be a model to others? Mahatma Gandhi once said, Be the change that you want to see in others. This profound statement holds the key to how we can inspire others to taste of the divine Nectar that has transformed our lives. Rather than telling other people what they should and should not do, we can become an example of what we want others to try. When they see us living up to that example, they, on their own, will be inspired to undergo the same transformation. To be continued...

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

here is a story of a beautiful queen who loved to sit under the trees and enjoy the beauty of nature. One day, as she looked up, she noticed a bee flying around a honeycomb. As she sat there, some liquid dripped onto her face. When some dripped onto her lips, she accidentally licked them and was surprised by its sweetness. She thought, This liquid dripping out is sweet. This would be great to add to tea and give it a sweeter flavor. She asked her attendants to collect some of this liquid and bring it to the palace. She took this sweet substance and experimented by flavoring different foods with it. She had discovered honey for the first time and learned how the bees made it. She continued to experiment with it to learn how it could improve the taste of food and beverages. Over time, she taught the people in her kingdom how to cook with honey. This new type of flavoring became popular throughout her kingdom. No other country had ever seen it or heard of it before. Over the years, word spread about this special flavoring that was being made in her kingdom. The queen told the people of her kingdom to keep the information on how honey was made a secret. Although people heard of the honey, no one from her kingdom would divulge the method of how it was made. Years later, the queens daughter, the princess, was invited to visit another country to visit the emperor. It was traditional to bring a gift when visiting the emperor of another country. She thought deeply about what would be special to bring to him. She asked her father, the king, what to bring. Whenever one had a problem, one would ask the wise men for a solution. The king sent for the wisest men in the land to find out what would be the most special gift that the princess could bring with her for theemperor. The princess asked, What do

How can we be a model to others? Mahatma Gandhi once said, Be the change that you want to see in others. This profound statement holds the key to how we can inspire others to taste of the divine Nectar that has transformed our lives.
tar of the Divine. They share with suffering humanity the secret of how to find the sweet nectar of the Divine that leads the soul back to God. Throughout the ages, saints and Masters have blessed this earth with their spiritual teachings. Through their grace, suffering souls are able to find a way to reunite with God. Just like the queen who wanted to keep knowledge of honey a secret, so does Kal, the sustaining power, want to keep it secret that God exists and that we can reunite with God. We are kept in ignorance of the most valuable gift of all, experiencing our soul and God. We are in the dark about the fact that there is God, the soul is a part of God, and we can reunite the soul

her attendants to put her hair up into an elaborate hair style. She hid the eggs of the bees in the folds of her hair. Then she set off for the other country. Since no one could see the eggs in her hair she was able to transport them from her kingdom. When she reached the distant kingdom, she took care of the eggs until they hatched. She then let them grow into bees that produced the honey. She presented the honey to the emperor. He greatly appreciated the valuable gift she had brought. She then taught the emperor the secret of how bees make honey. The emperor took care of the bees which laid more eggs. Over time they multiplied. They continued to thrive in his country. Soon

in touch with the divine nectar that reconnects our soul with God. How do they do it? They teach people through the process of initiation how to find the spiritual honey within. At the time of holy initiation, they open our third or single eye so we can contact the holy Naam within. They open our inner eye to see the Light of God, and they open our inner ear to hear the Celestial Music, or Sound of God. They teach us a method of meditation by which we can become absorbed into the inner Light and inner Sound within. Once we connect with the inner Light, we see inner vistas unfold for us. We think that honey is delicious. But tastier than outer honey is the honey within. This inner nectar also radiates with divine Light