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New Delhi/Chandigarh: Slamming the Congress over disclosures from Britain on Operation Bluestar, opposition parties Wednesday accused the then Indira Gandhi government of mishandling the situation in 1984 while Akali Dal patron Parkash Singh Badal sought an apology from Britain for secretly assisting India in the operation. British Foreign Secretary William Hague Tuesday confirmed that his country provided advice ahead of the Indian Army's storming of the Golden Temple premises in Amritsar in June 1984 but clarified it had no operational involvement. India has, however, rejected reports that the British government played a clandestine role during the Operation to flush out heavily armed Sikh militants from the Godlen Temple complex. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid maintains that the whole operation was managed by the Indian army. Punjab Chief Minister Badal sought an unconditional apology from the British Continued on page 4
The Akal Takht was heavily damaged in the operation to flush out Sikh militants from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.

13 Indians Congress slammed, Badal seeks apology holding key positions at global IT giants
Satya Nadellas elevation as Microsoft CEO is icing on the cake.

Operation Bluestar disclosures:

Blaming Obama, Boehner hits brakes on immigration reform

Washington: House Speaker John Boehner said it will be difficult to pass an immigration bill because fellow Republicans dont trust President Obama to implement the law, a position that shrinks chances for the success of Obamas domestic priority in 2014. Theres widespread doubt about whether this administration can be trusted to enforce our laws, Boehner told reporters in Washington Thursday. Its going to be difficult to move any immigration legislation until that changes. While Boehner tries to shift blame to Obama, many House Republicans are wary of engaging in a policy Continued on page 4
House Speaker John Boehners comments reflect divisions in the GOP on the immigration issue. Satya Nadella flanked by Microsoft founder Bill Gates at event introducing the new CEO.

Real Gems of India

Acclaimed scientist C.N.R. Rao and crickets living legend SachinTendulkar were conferred Bharat Ratna by President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi Tuesday. The two join the list of 41 eminent personalities who have been given Indias highest civilian award.

See detailed stories pg 16-17.

New York/New Delhi: India is shining in corporate ranks across the world. The past few years have seen Indians increasingly making their presence felt on global business world, with many spearheading global roles in some of the worlds biggest companies. The names of Indra Nooyi, Chairperson and CEO at PepsiCo, Ajay Banga, President and CEO of Mastercard, Anshu Jain, co-CEO of Deutsche Bank, and Ajit Jain, possible successor to Warren Buffett, come readily to mind. There are many others of course. But the elevation this week of Satya Nadella as CEO of Microsoft has put the focus on people of

Indian origin reaching the top in IT companies, a field that has burnished the image of India abroad. Here is a list of 13 such names who reached the top in IT giants. 1. Satya Nadella previously held the position of executive vice president of Microsofts Cloud and Enterprise group. 2. Sanjay Jha recently took over as CEO of Global Foundries, a semiconductor foundry that produces chips for giants like AMD, Broadcom, Qualcomm, and STMicroelectronics. 3. Sanjay Mehrotra is the cofounder, president and CEO of SanDisk Corporation, a company Continued on page 4

Valentines Day 15

Bollywood 18

Diaspora 20

Spiritual Awareness 30

excellence in journalism

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Dr Murthy breezes through Senate panel hearing for Surgeon General

Washington: President Barack Obama's pick for Surgeon General, Dr Vivek Murthy, breezed through his confirmation hearing before a Senate panel even as several Republican senators expressed concern over his support for Obama's signature healthcare law. Dr Murthy, 36, who would be the first Indian-American to become "America's doctor" if confirmed by the Democratic controlled Senate, was an early supporter of Obama and his health-care law. A physician with the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, he co-founded an advocacy group in 2008 called Doctors for Obama, a national organization of 16,000 doctors and medical students. It later became Doctors for America and promoted the Affordable Care Act nicknamed Obamacare. At Tuesday's hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, at least one Republican senator said he expected the Brookline doctor to be confirmed by the full Senate thanks to a recent change in the chamber's rules allowing a filibuster to be overcome with a simple majority. Murthy told the Senate panel he would focus on community health prevention projects, especially combating obesity, and not primarily on political issues. "The role is not to be a legislator or a judge," he said. "The role is to be a public health educator." Murthy said he believed the surgeon general

After Walmart, Amazon lobbies in US for Indian FDI

Washington: After supermarket giant Walmart, it is online retail major Amazon which has begun lobbying with the US lawmakers to seek their support for facilitating its "foreign direct investment in India". According to lobby disclosure reports filed with the US Senate, Amazon.com and its group entities including Amazon Corporate LLC have been lobbying on various issues since at least year 2000. However, it was only in the last quarter, ended December 31, 2013, when its lobbying issues included "FDI in India", shows the latest disclosure report dated January 22, 2014. During this quarter, Amazon spent a total amount of $960,000 on numerous lobbying issues, which included "issues related to free trade agreements", "Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership", as also matters relating to various Acts and proposals in the US. Among others, Amazon lobbied with the US Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, the Department of State and the US House of Representatives on these issues. Amazon's lobbying in the US comes at a time when Indian government has floated a discussion paper on allowing FDI into ecommerce retail business in the country. A final decision would be taken after taking into account responses to this discussion

Dr Vivek Murthy

should focus on areas where there is broad agreement, including prevention of chronic diseases, efforts to curb smoking, and programs to improve diets. As the US Surgeon General, Murthy will be the leading spokesperson on matters of public health in the US and the operational head of the 6,500-strong US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, one of the seven uniformed services including army, navy, air force and marines. A graduate of Yale University, where he earned a medical degree and an MBA, he will also be the youngest person to hold the office established in 1871. Meanwhile, leaders of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) have met with key US senators seeking their support for the confirmation of Dr Murthy as Surgeon General.

paper. Earlier in November 2013, Amazon had said it is 'engaging' with the Indian government for relaxing of FDI norms in the ecommerce space, saying such a move would help it begin "retailing products" as well, in addition to its current marketplace business model. The company launched operations in India in June last year with its marketplace model, under which Amazon.in does not sell products directly to customers but only provides a platform to sellers. The issue of lobbying among the US lawmakers for FDI in India had snowballed into a major political controversy late in 2012 after such disclosures by Walmart came to the fore. Lobbying is legally permitted in the US, but the companies and their lobbyists need to mandatorily file disclosure reports every quarter for such activities.

Bipartisan pressure to delay Common Core school tests in New York state
Albany: Ramping up the pressure on state education officials, New York Senate and Assembly leaders on Tuesday called for a two-year delay in using Common Corebased tests to evaluate students and teachers. The officials including Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate GOP leader Dean Skelos said they supported federal Common Core standards but believed more time was needed to develop a curriculum and train teachers on how to implement it. You cant propose an entirely new curriculum, an entirely new set of standards and say: Here it is, teach to it, Silver said. Skelos (R-Nassau County) joined with Senate co-leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) and Senate Education Committee Chairman John Flanagan (R-Nassau) to issue a nearly identical statement. The coordinated statements marked a rare show of bipartisan unity in Albany from lawmakers who have been bombarded with complaints from parents around the state about the tests, due to be administered for the second time this April. Student scores plummeted statewide in last springs tests. I am very happy to hear that so many leaders in Albany are saying what we have known for two years now, that this is a debacle, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said. A spokeswoman for Gov. Cuomo said it was premature to call for a moratorium on the use of Common Core tests and urged lawmakers to wait until a special panel he intends to create has a chance to review the issue.

Student visa applications to US from south India up by 15 %

Chennai: There is a consistent increase in the number of south Indian students going to the United States for higher education and the student visa applications in the consulate in Chennai are up by 15 per cent this financial year, Jennifer A. McIntyre, US Consul General, Chennai, said on Tuesday. Over 1 lakh Indians currently study in the U.S., she said at Doing business with USA, an interactive program organized by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce here. She said the consulate in Chennai was the 13th largest non-immigrant visa adjudicating post in the world and number one for processing professional workers visas. In the financial year 2013, Chennai adjudicated about 2.3 lakh visas, of which half were for professional work and business travel, she added. India has been among the fastest growing sources of FDI into the United States, exceeding 28 billion dollars in 2012, Ms. McIntyre said. Bilateral trade between India and the U.S. had grown from around 26 billion dollars to around 63 billion dollars in the last seven years and it was expected to touch the 100 billion-dollar

Line outside US Consulate in Chennai. There is a demand to open a US consular office in Bangalore.

mark soon, she added. One of the repeated demands at the event was for opening a consular office in Bangalore, given the volume of transaction. Ms. McIntyre, while making no promise on opening an office or a fingerprint unit for visa applicants, said that Chennai office would work to make it easier for Bangaloreans to avail of visas.

February 8-14, 2014

TURN PAGE
13 Indians holding key positions... Continued from page 1 that develops flash memory storage solutions and software. 4. Nikesh Arora is senior vice president and chief business officer at Google. 5. Sundar Pichai is also at Google, as senior vice president, leading the Android, Chrome and Google Apps teams. 6. Abhi Talwalkar is the president and CEO of semiconductors and software company, LSI. 7. Rajeev Suri is the CEO of Nokia Solutions and Networks. 8. Pankaj Patel is executive vice president and chief development officer at Cisco. 9. Arvind Sodhani is executive vice president of Intel Corporation and president of Intel Capital. 10. Rajan Naik is senior vice president and chief strategy officer at chipmaker AMD. 11. Suresh Vaswani serves as president of services, the global IT services and business solutions unit of Dell. 12. Kelly Ahuja is senior vice president and general manager of Cisco's Mobility Business Group. 13. Padmasree Warrior is also at Cisco, as its chief technology officer and strategy officer. Operation Bluestar disclosures:... Continued from page 1 government for assisting India in the attack on the holiest of the Sikh shrines. The BJP, Bahujan Samaj Party also the Congress for seeking help from Britain in the planning of the June 1984 action. BSP chief Mayawati said the Indira Gandhi government should not have taken advice from another country but sorted out the matter itself. BJP vice president Balbir Punj said the government must take the country into confidence about what happened. "The government of India got in touch with Britain, sought its help in dealing with its own people. After all, all those people in the Golden Temple at the time of Operation Bluestar were our people. They were our flesh and blood. And it was our internal problem. Why do you have to take the help of Britain in dealing with our people. This is really shameful," he said. Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said

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Operation Bluestar was premeditated. "It is unfortunate that things were allowed to go out of hand and all this for political gains. This whole thing was premeditated and preplanned," she told Times Now news channel. Union minister Farooq Abdullah, however, said countries work together and share information. "There is no country that does not work together," he told Times Now. He said India was getting information from the US concerning terrorism. Blaming Obama, Boehner hits... Continued from page 1 debate that divides the party and risks overshadowing their focus on criticizing the presidents health-care law. The election-year distraction was the toughest argument from House Republicans opposed to advancing immigration bills, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart said at a Bloomberg Government breakfast this week. So far, Republican leaders, including Boehner, havent publicly offered an argument about how theyd keep the party together on the issue. Boehner, a week ago, released a framework for immigration revisions that raised expectations that Congress may come to an agreement this year. The framework was welcomed by Obama and Senator Charles Schumer, the chambers No. 3 Democrat, though it dropped a number of aspects of the bipartisan bill passed by the Senate last year. The loudest opposition came from Boehners fellow Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican facing a primary challenge, said this week there was an irresolvable conflict on immigration. Representative Raul Labrador, an Idaho Republican aligned with the Tea Party movement, said an immigration push this year should cost Boehner his post. Asked about Boehners comments, White House press secretary Jay Carney said today that immigration policies take time. There is a genuine recognition among leaders of the Republican Party that this is the right thing to do for our economy, Carney told reporters. There is a strong conservative case to be made for passing comprehensive immigration reform. Schumer told reporters that he was not thrown back by Speaker Boehners statement.

Preet Bharara strikes again; another IndianAmerican found guilty of insider trading
New York: Manhattan's Indian-American US Attorney Preet Bharara has struck again with the conviction of an Indian-American portfolio manager, giving him an enviable 79-0 record in his four-year long crackdown on insider-trading on Wall Street. A jury of seven women and five men Thursday found former SAC Capital Advisor portfolio manager Mathew Martoma, 39, guilty on one count of conspiracy and two counts of securities fraud. Martoma could end up with a 15-year sentence, given that he was involved in what the prosecutors said was the most lucrative insider-trading crime ever in the US. Martoma's illegal tips earned SAC $275 million in profits and avoided losses from inside information on trials of an experimental Alzheimer's drug developed by Elan and Wyeth. He got the tips from Dr. Sidney Gilman, who served as the government's star witness. "Martoma bought the answer sheet before the exam - more than once - netting a quarter billion dollars in profits and losses avoided for SAC, as well as a $9 million bonus for him," as Bharara, nicknamed by Time magazine as the "Sheriff of Wall Street" put it. Martoma, dressed in a blue suit and a blue tie showed no emotion as the verdict was read. But tears streamed down the face of his wife, Rosemary, who was dressed in a bright yellow sundress. Martoma, the son of Indian

Mathew Martoma, accompanied by his wife Rosemary, arrives at federal court in New York Thursday.

immigrants was born Ajai Mathew Mariamdani Thomas, but changed his name after being expelled from Harvard Law School for forging his transcript. He then enrolled in Stanford Business School and graduated with an MBA in 2003. After a stint at a smaller hedge fund, Sirios Capital Management in Boston, Martoma joined SAC Capital Advisors, the hedge fund run by the billionaire Steven A. Cohen. Martoma becomes the 79th person convicted of insider trading after trial or by guilty plea in Bharara's jurisdiction in the last four years.

US drug regulator heads for India to talk about quality

Washington: The top US drug regulator is headed to India, which supplies an estimated 40 percent of the generic drugs sold in the US, to talk about quality issues after recent action against some Indian drug makers. The US Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, will travel to India Feb 10-18 "to further strengthen cooperation between the FDA and its Indian regulatory counterparts". During her first official trip to India, intended "to highlight importance of ongoing collaboration on food and drug programs", Hamburg will meet Indian policy and government leaders involved in the regulation of medical and food products exported to the US. Besides Delhi, she will also visit Cochin and Mumbai "Indian regulators are important strategic partners to the FDA and regular engagement is essential," the FDA said noting currently, India is the second largest provider of finished drug products and the eighth largest exporter of food products to the US.

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US prosecutors challenge Sanjeev Kulkarni named Dean at Princeton Grad School Khobragade's immunity plea
New York: Amid efforts to repair frayed India-US relations after a major diplomatic row over the arrest of Devyani Khobragade on charges of visa fraud, US prosecutors have challenged the Indian diplomat's claims of immunity. Khobragade is not immune from prosecution on charges of visa fraud and making false statements, Indian-American US prosecutor Preet Bharara's office argued in filings in a federal court Jan 31 opposing Khobragade's plea. Having left the US and returned to India "the defendant currently has no diplomatic or consular status in the United States", prosecutors argued, "and the consular level immunity that she did have at the relevant time does not give her immunity for the charges in this case, crimes arising out of non-official acts." In support of its argument, Bharara's office cited a declaration by the State Department saying that federal authorities were not wrong in arresting and detaining Khobragade Dec 12 as she did not have full diplomatic immunity in her capacity as India's then deputy consul general in New York. The State Department also determined that her immunity in connection with her short-lived stint at the Indian mission to the UN Jan 89 before she was asked to leave the US "is no bar to prosecution." "From the time of her departure from the US Jan 9 through the present, Khobragade enjoys residual diplomatic immunity only for acts she performed in the exercise of her functions as a member of the mission Jan 8-9," prosecutors argued. Prosecutors also argued that Khobragade's indictment charges offences are based on her private conduct and not her official conduct. "Her domestic worker was not an employee of the Consulate General of India and did not perform work related to consular functions," they said. In court papers, Khobragade's lawyer Daniel Arshack said that diplomatic immunity granted to her by the US State Department gave her absolute immunity from US prosecution, even for suspected acts committed earlier. Princeton, NJ: Sanjeev Kulkarni, professor of electrical engineering and director of the Keller Center, has been appointed as the next dean of the Princeton University Graduate School, effective March 31. The Indian American professors appointment was recommended by Princeton president Christopher L. Eisgruber and approved by the board of trustees at their Jan. 25 meeting. A search committee composed of faculty members and graduate students proposed the selection of Kulkarni, who joined the Princeton faculty in 1991. Kulkarni, who also is an associated faculty member in the Department of Operations Research and Financial Engineering and in the Department of Philosophy, served as associate dean for academic affairs in the School of Engineering and Applied Science from 2003 to 2005. The Graduate School enrolls about 2,600 students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in 42 departments and programs. Kulkarni said he appreciates the chance to serve the university and have an impact in a new role. Kulkarni said he plans to spend much of the next few months listening to the priorities of the university community, and he identified academics, campus life, diversity and professional development, among

Sanjeev Kulkarni has a distinguished career as a researcher and educator at Princeton

others, as some important areas of focus. He will live in Wyman House, the official residence of the dean of the Graduate School, located on the Graduate College grounds. Kulkarni has had a distinguished career as a researcher and educator at Princeton. His research spans a broad range of areas related to understanding fundamental limits and developing methods for processing data and information, with a focus on information theory, machine learning, statistical pattern recognition, and signal and im-

age processing. Due to the research's interdisciplinary nature, he has worked extensively with the philosophy department as well as colleagues in computer science, psychology, and operations research and financial engineering. One of his projects is an interdisciplinary, multi-institution collaboration through the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Science of Information, which seeks to provide quantitative understanding of information representation, processing, and communication in biological, social and engineered systems. He won the President's Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2007 and the engineering school's Distinguished Teacher Award in 2004. Students selected him for the Phi Beta Kappa Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2009, and have given him seven Engineering Council Excellence in Teaching Awards. Kulkarni holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics, all from Clarkson University. After completing a master's degree in electrical engineering at Stanford University, he earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Indian-American community honors Joe Crowley Philanthropist Meera Gandhis portrait unveiled
New York: Indian American crete victories on behalf of the community in Jackson Heights community and I will continue to and broader Queens area of New do so," he said. York has honored Joe Crowley, Nearly 100 community memDemocratic member of the US bers and leaders from New House of Representatives for his York's Sikh-American and the efforts on behalf of the communibroader Indian-American comty. During the event in Queens, munity attended the event. New York last week, Crowley, Over the past two years, Crowvice chair of the Democratic Cau- Joe Crowley was hon- ley has been at the forefront of a ored for his strong cus was recognized for his sucmajor effort in Congress to consupport to the commu- vince the US Department of Juscessful efforts to convince the federal government to begin col- nity on crucial issues tice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of lecting data on hate crimes committed against Investigation (FBI) to begin collecting data on Sikh-Americans and Hindu-Americans. hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans His leadership in establishing the first-ever, and Hindu-Americans. breakthrough Congressional Diwali celebraHe has introduced legislation and sent multition in the US Congress in October 2013 and ple letters to DOJ and FBI. In July 2013, thenhis ongoing work to end the presumptive ban FBI director Robert Mueller announced that on Sikhs serving in the US military, were also the bureau would begin to implement this prolauded. gram. Crowley is also leading the call on the "The Indian-American community is an inte- US military to end its presumptive ban on Sikh gral part of Queens and our city, contributing to articles of faith, including turbans and beard. our economic success and enriching our culHe is spearheading a bipartisan letter reture," said Crowley, who serves as the co-chair questing that the US Armed Forces update their of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indi- appearance regulations to allow Sikh Amerian-Americans in the House. cans to serve while abiding by their articles of "I am proud to have fought for and won con- faith. New York: James Childs newest portrait in New York City was unveiled on Jan 31. The portrait is of humanitarian Meera Gandhi, the CEO and Founder of The Giving Back Foundation. Among those who joined the unveiling event were Barbara Tober, Museum of Arts and Designs Chairman Emerita, and Chairman of the Global Leadership Council. Barbara Tober and Nimesh Kampani, Chairman of JM Financial Group, will be the honorees at the first Giving Back Foundation Gala, which will be held at the Pierre Hotel in New York City on Wednesday, March 19. Among the 200-plus guests who also celebrated Meera Gandhis birthday and the portrait unveiling at the cocktail reception were:

(L to R): Meera Gandhi, PhyliciaRashad, Janet Lee Katzin and Jill Zarin at Gandhi residence. Meeras portrait (inset)

Phylicia Rashad, (actor/director and emcee of the upcoming Giving Back Foundation Gala); Alisyn Camerota of Fox News and Tim Lewis; Judith Regan; Lucia Hwong Gordon; Susan Rose; Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley; Jill and Bobby Zarin; CeCe and

Lee Black; Janet Lee Katzin, artist Natur Bhadsar and his wife Janet; Swati Bhise; Ajit Huthesing, Bronwen Booth, sister of Cherie Blair; Donald Tober, James Childs and many others. The South Asian Times is media partner of the event.

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Indian American Muslim Council celebrates Republic Day

he New Jersey Chapter of the Indian American Muslim Council celebrated Indias 65th Republic Day at Clarion Inn here Feb. 1. Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., from Middlesex County 12th Congressional District was the keynote speaker at the event attended by over 160 people including IndianAmericans from different faith communities, according to a press release issued by IAMC. In his address, Rep. Holt congratulated India on the occasion of its Republic Day and Indian American Muslim Council in particular for honoring the plurality and integrity of the Indian Constitution, the release said. Imam Ahmed Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey urged the audience to uphold the true Indian cultural heritage and the values that they brought as immigrants to the U.S. According to IAMC-NJ President Minjah Khan, the Constitution of India is truly a remarkable document; through its declaration of India as a sovereign, secular Republic and its objectives of liberty, justice and equality for

Tamil Sangam celebrates Pongal, new exe committee takes office

Fancy dress competition was one of the highlights of the event

all its citizens, the Constitution provides a framework where all people, irrespective of race, creed and ethnicity can live together as a single nation. As Indian-Americans who are appreciative of the U.S. as well as the Indian Constitutions, we have a special responsibility to uphold the ideals of both, the release quoted him as saying. Highlights of the event included fun activities for children including a drawing competition, as well as a fancy dress competition and spot quiz contests based on Indian themes, Indian cuisine and networking.

The new NYTS Executive Committee members on stage

Jaipur Princess official ambassador of Indian-Americans Solar Saheli Campaign

rincess Diya Kumari of the Jaipur royal family, also Member of Legislative Assembly for Rajasthans Sawai Madhopur district, has partnered with Indian-American Ajaita Shah led Frontier Markets, Frontier Innovations and Saral Jeevan India Foundation as an official ambassador of its Solar Saheli Campaign. Princess Diya acknowledged the acute energy problems in her district of Sawai Madhopur and was pleased with the organizations philosophy of empowering women through affordable and quality solar solutions. She is the first woman leader to partner with Frontier Markets. In honor of this official partnership, Frontier Markets worked with ACCESS Development Services and the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation to launch the first Solar Saheli Campaign in Sawai Madhopur engaging women in rural areas. Princess Diya is looking forward to working with Frontier Markets and giving women an opportunity to generate income and saving lives by offering families a safe, clean, and affordable alternative to kerosene. Co-Founder/ CEO, Ajaita Shah expressed her excitement as well: We are excited for

Ajaita Shah (center) and Princess Diya Kumari (3rd from right) at the Solar Saheli Campaign launch in Sawai Madhopur

New York Tamil Sangam (NYTS) celebrated the festival of harvest Pongal in a traditional way on January 25 at Abigail Adam School in Jamaica Estates New York. Devaraj Vijayakumar secretary of NYTS welcomed the gathering. A record number of children belonging to NYTS families participated and performed various items that reflected the ever praised Tamil art, literature and culture. The dance choreographed by the Hindu Temple Paadasala teachers for the song Chemmozhiyana Thamizh Mozhiyam was acclaimed to be one of the best performances of the evening. This dance sequence included various folk dances, songs, village sports and prominent poets and epic leaders of Tamil Nadu. NY Melody Star Singer winner and participants staged a beautiful musical item whereas the band named MVP provided enthralling pep songs from

hit Tamil movies making many in the audience dance to their tunes. The audience numbering about four hundred filled the auditorium and enjoyed the kids performances until the end. Coinciding with this pongal celebration new executive board took over the helm of NYTS affairs for the next three years. Dr. M N Krishnan introduced the new team of officers and thanked the out-going executive board members for their tremendous contributions to NYTS. The new President D. Vijayakumar in his acceptance speech assured that his group will work together as a team and ensured he would put sincere efforts that would take NYTS to the newest heights for a commendable recognition in New York City. He sought the cooperation of everyone in the audience by introducing new members and donors to NYTS to help achieve this goal.

Genetic basis of hormonal influences on stroke discovered

By Akshat Jain

this opportunity and believe that our mission to make 2014 the Year for Women and Solar has launched the right way, with the leadership of an incredible woman. I am so happy that Princess Diya and I will be working together on this mission. After receiving the Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition earlier this year, I had announced wanting to join forces with other women leaders in Rajasthan that understand their role in helping the underprivileged in RajasthanPrincess Diya is exactly that.

stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This leads to neuronal damage and results in death or disability. Hemorrhagic or bleeding type of stroke is most deadly type of stroke with very high death rate. A team of neuroscientists at Duke University, Durham, NC, led by Dr. Sankalp Gokhale, MD, a Harvard trained neurologist, has made a breakthrough discovery in identifying key genes which

may explain why women tend to do better than men after suffering from such a stroke. In a highly sophisticated study, Dr. Gokhale investigated the complex interplay of genes and estrogen in male and female mice with experimental stroke. This novel discovery may help in developing newer hormone based treatment in patients suffering from stroke. He is scheduled to present this research at International Stroke Conference to be held at San Diego in February 2014.

Anokhi honors South Asian and global celebs at 11th annual gala
Toronto, ON: Over 1,000 guests gathered at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre & FountainBlu Entertainment Complex on Feb 1 to celebrate 11 years of achievement for Anokhi Media Corporation. Recognizing the exemplary achievements of South Asians in film, television, arts and media worldwide, the Annual Anniversary Gala featured a red carpet walk, cocktail hour, gala awards show with performances and after party at the Fountain Blu complex. Past guests include Freida Pinto, Priyanka Chopra, music sensation Jay Sean, and several notable guests in media, arts and film. "Anokhi Medias journey is indicative of the parallel growth of the global South Asian community," says Raj Girn, Founder, President and CEO, Anokhi Media. "The Annual Anniversary gala is our opportunity to host, celebrate and showcase the global accomplishments of our community with an awards show that is a testament to the indelible mark that South Asians have and continue to make, in an all inclusive showcase for all to enjoy. We are so thankful for the talent and guests who joined us this year to celebrate South Asians worldwide." Attendees at this year's gala included: celebrity fashion designers Shantanu and Nikhil from New Delhi; actress Sakina Jaffrey from New York; Raising Helen, House of Cards, Sex and The City fame actress Nazneen Contractor; actor Gabe Grey, Huffington Post MD Jimmy Soni; Creator/Content Coordinator V-Mix, OMNI TV Raoul Juneja; Fusion band Culture Shock; R&B's Hottest Male Artist Abbas Hasan; YouTube Comedienne Sensation Superwoman; singer songwriter Priya; Opera singer Meher Pavri; DJ Fizza, DJ Amita and DJ Jiten. Other notable guests included celebrity chef David Rocco, Anchor and Reporter, TSN SportsCentre Gurdeep Ahluwalia, GO Transit Reporter Jennifer Singh and actor, filmmaker, founder of The Youth Code Kalista Zackhariyas.

Canadian news anchor Anne Marie Mediwake and Anokhi founder Raj Girn at the event

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February 8-14, 2014

Harvard B-school dean Nitin Nohria apologizes for sexism on campus

Washington, DC: Harvard Business School's IndianAmerican Dean Nitin Nohria has made an extraordinary public apology for the school's treatment of female students and professors and vowed to make changes at the institution. Born in Nohar, Rajasthan, HBS' first foreign-born one dean, acknowledged to 600 alumni and guests at a function in San Francisco Monday that the school had sometimes treated its female students and professors offensively. Nohria, 51, conceded there were times when women at Harvard felt "disrespected, left out, and unloved by the school. I'm sorry on behalf of the business school," he told a hushed room, according to CNN Money. "The school owed you better, and I promise it will be better." Among other things, Nohria pledged to more than double the percentage of women who are protagonists in Harvard case studies over the next five years, to 20 percent. Currently, about 9 percent of Harvard case studies -- which account for 80 percent of the cases studied at business schools around the world -- have women as protagonists. Nohria's comments, CNN Money noted, come five months after a lengthy frontpage article in The New York

Indian Americans save most for children's college education

Washington, DC: Indian Americans, who have the highest income among America's multicultural groups, save much of their higher household income for their children's college education, according to a new study. This heavy emphasis on higher education, however, leads to times when Indian Americans prioritize saving for their children over saving for themselves, according to the third biennial 2013 State of the American Family Study. The study from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual),offering a broad snapshot of Americans' financial views indicated that Indian-Americans are savers. One third of them indicated that they have six months or more of their monthly living expenses set aside as savings. The top two financial priorities of Indian-American for their savings are for their children's college education and keeping the family financially shielded. As a result, one quarter of Indian-Americans struggle between saving to pay for their children's college education and saving for their own retirement, the study notes. "Being an Asian Indian myself, I know and understand the importance that the community places on putting family first," said Nimesh Trivedi, director of multicultural market support, US Insurance Group at MassMutual. "With the current cost of a college education, it can be challenging for parents to provide for several children's education and still be left with a surplus for their own future." Indian Americans' savings rate is not coincidental; as a group they are hands-on, when it comes to their finances. An overwhelming 70 percent of Indian-American respondents want to be actively involved in all decisions regarding their finances, while just over half indicated that they tend to do their own research and make their own decisions about insurance and investments. Indian-Americans are more likely to own mutual funds, individual securities and college savings plans than any other group, according to the study Despite such solid financial planning, only about a third are satisfied with their current financial situation and one third are worried about being able to meet their long-term financial goal.

"The school owed you better and I promise it will be better." --Nitin Nohria

Times fueled a major debate on gender issues at Harvard and many other business schools. Today, some 57 percent of Harvard's cases are international in nature, up from less than 5 percent a decade ago. The school produces roughly 250 new case studies a year. At the event, Nohria said that a record 41 percent of this year's entering class of MBAs were women, up from 35 percent 10 years ago and only 25 percent in the class of 1985. "A lot of people wondered if we had to put a thumb on the scale," he said, to reach the record female enrollment number. "Everyone of those women deserve to be at Har-

vard Business School." Boston, Massachusetts, based Harvard Business School began to admit women to its two-year MBA program in 1963 with eight students. The school now has 11,000 MBA alumnae around the globe, including more than 1,200 women in Northern California. Noting a recent World Economic Forum report that showed the US trailing more than 20 other countries when it comes to women in leadership roles, Nohria said "we can do better and we must do better. "Harvard Business School has to lead the way to make that happen," he said.

Family comes first for Indian-Americans:

67% of Asian Indians think about what is best for the family when making financial decisions. 75% of Asian Indians believe that it is important to educate their children about finances to ensure a strong economy in the future. 70% feel it is important not to burden their own children with the cost of caring for them when they get older.

Florida mom kills daughter in murder-suicide bid

Washington, DC: An Indianshoot her daughter but we're American woman in Florida is still not very clear on why she under arrest after admitting that decided to do this in the first she shot dead her 17-year-old place." daughter, a high school student Police believe Sujatha had tipped for a bright future, in an been planning the murder-suiapparent murder-suicide bid on cide for weeks, recently buyJan 27. ing a .38 caliber revolver, According to the arrest affiwriting a last will, and detaildavit, Sujatha Guduru, 44, shot ing her plans in an email to her her daughter Chetana Guduru brother. He didn't see it until it twice, fearing there would be was too late. Sujata Guduru no one to care for the girl after Chetana's father, Rao Guduthe mother's suicide, ru, was not home at the time of the incident. www.myfoxorlando.com reported. Police are still looking for answers as to Chetana Guduru, a pupil at Seminole High why Guduru allegedly killed her daughter, School in Orlando, Florida, was found mor- then turned the gun on herself. tally wounded in her mother's bed, dying a Oviedo Police said Guduru will survive, few hours later at Orlando Regional Medical and she was being guarded by Orange CounCenter. The distraught, suicidal mother ad- ty corrections officers while she recovers at mitted to police in Oviedo, a small town in Orlando Regional Medical Center. Florida, that "she intended to commit suicide Once she is medically cleared, she will be and that she did shoot her daughter as well," taken to the Orange County jail on first deLt. Mike Beavers was quoted as saying. gree murder charges and then extradited to "She gave statements on why she decided to Seminole county.

February 8-14, 2014

NATIONAL COMMUNITY

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Satya Nadella's appointment: India shines in US

By Kanwal Rekhi he appointment of an Indian as the CEO of a public company in the US, as has happened with Satya Nadella now in Microsoft, would have been unthinkable when I first arrived in the US in 1967. The image of India and Indians was as low as you could imagine. Catherine Mayo's Mother India had set the tone in 1929. Indians were seen as people who could not even feed themselves. An American's impression of India was formed by reading negative news items, by stereotypical movie roles, by the first-hand stories of a few intrepid travelers that talked about filth and stench, roaming cows and dogs, and teeming masses. Indian students, especially IITians, started to arrive in ever larger numbers from 1966. They started to stand out among foreign students almost immediately. By the early 1970s, there was a grudging acknowledgement at the universities that there was something special about them. Their success was broad, deep and universal.

Candlelight vigil for slain Indian-origin army veteran

Comment
Many went to do their doctorates. The first successes came as professors. As the early students started to take jobs in industry, the same phenomenon repeated itself. They were seen as very good engineers and programmers, very good at math. But they were not seen to be very well rounded. There were not many Indians in high positions in marketing, sales, finance, HR. But that too began to change as Indians started to come out of medical schools and business schools as doctors and finance professionals on Wall Street. It was the arrival of Indians as entrepreneurs in the early 1980s that forced the issue. Success as an entrepreneur is the ultimate sign of arrival in the US. Entrepreneurs are seen as well-rounded generalists who have to be good in multiple disciplines. Silicon Valley, where the best and the brightest from all over the world gather, was the ground zero for this success. Success of Indians was nothing short of phenomenal. But even this success was not seen as making Indians ready to become CEOs of large companies. In my case, as a founder-CEO of a very successful startup in com-

puter networking did not mean that I would be acceptable to Wall Street. I was replaced just before our IPO in 1987 by a white executive from Hewlett-Packard. A simple rationale was used: Should we risk our wealth just because I want to be a CEO? What if our IPO failed? I was reinstated as CEO a year later as our hired CEO did not work out! The 1990s were the golden years for Indians in Silicon Valley as many succeeded. And all doubts were put to rest by the rise of the IT industry in Bangalore. Second-generation Indian Americans are taking up areas where the first generation could not go, namely politics and the entertainment industry. The image of Indians cannot be any better than it is now. They are seen as a model community, focused on positive things in life, and family-oriented. An average American's impression of Indians is firsthand now. He remembers them as the smartest kid in class, the best professor at the university, the very friendly doctor who treated him, a smart TV character! Satya's rise to the top of an iconic company is great. But in my opinion the best is yet to come! (The writer is an Indian-American entrepreneur and venture capitalist)

Family of Parminder Singh Shergill at the vigil

New York: The family and friends of an Indian-origin man in California, who was killed in a police firing, gathered at a candlelight vigil in his memory. Parminder Singh Shergill, a 43 year-old army veteran, was shot and killed by two police officers Jan 25 at Lodi in San Joaquin county, California, after he allegedly charged at two veteran officers with a knife. The candlelight vigil was held at the Deshmesh Darbar Sikh temple in south Lodi Friday, media reported. Friends said Parminder suffered an episode of post-traumatic stress, and a family member called police. This was not the first time officers had come to suppress his behavioral outbreaks. "It happened so fast, he just turned

around, and they started shooting," Fox 40 News quoted Cassandra Lopez, who witnessed the entire shooting as saying. "I didnt see any weapon in his hand at all, she added. Friends said this is how veterans are treated here after serving the country. If anybody out there, has any other relative, who is facing this kind of illness, post-war syndrome, please do not hesitate to get help, one of the victim's friends said. I believe on a personal basis, I let him down, he added. The names of the two officers, who shot Shergill, have not yet been released. They were placed on leave till Wednesday, but now they are back on duty.

Atlanta: Iconic hoteguest speakers, nolier Mike Leven will tably Robert Gates be honored with AAwho served as secreHOAs first-ever tary of defense for Above and Beyond Presidents George W. Award at the groups Bush and Barack ObaAnnual Convention & ma. Trade Show being There will also be held on March 19 -22 education sessions, at the Pennsylvania panel discussions, and Convention Center in workshops. Attendees Mike Leven was Philadelphia. The will be entertained by instrumental in presentation is being leading Bollywood formation of AAHOA performers from India, made on Friday, March 21 as part of the groups 25th including megastar Kareena Kapoor. anniversary celebration. Leven, who was president of Days Mike was one of the architects of Inn of America at the time, was the AAHOA in the late 1980s, ex- catalyst for meetings of Indian plained Mehul Patel, AAHOA Chair- American hotel owners in 1987 and man. Our success and longevity is 1988 which led to the formation of testimony to his vision, so there is no the Asian American Hotel Owners person more appropriate for us to Association (AAHOA) in 1989. honor as we mark 25 years of Leven serves as president and achievement. Its certainly no exag- COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corpogeration to say we would not be here ration, with responsibility for casinos without Mike. About 4,000 hotel in Nevada and Pennsylvania in the owners and industry leaders are ex- U.S. plus in China and Singapore pected to attend for a full agenda of in Asia.

Hotelier Mike Leven to receive Houstonians to Indian-American man claims AAHOAs Above & Beyond Award commemorate wife didn't murder son
Gandhiji on Feb 8
Houston: Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated to the world that non-violent methods and Satyagraha (holding to the truth) can be used to bring about profound social change and lasting peace. Known as the Father of Nation and an apostle of peace, Houstonians will commemorate and honor this great man at the Shraddanjali (Memorial Service) to Mahatma Gandhi on February 8 at 3:30 pm at Unity of Houston-Pyramid Hall. Consul General of India, P. Harish will preside as the chief guest. The event is organized by Mahatma Gandhi Library in collaboration with Unity Peacemakers. Washington, DC: The husband of an Indian-American woman charged with the murder of their son in Texas has cited medical records to claim that his wife did not kill their 10-year-old child. Sumeet Dhawan told local WFAA-TV (Channel 8) that his 38-year-old wife Pallavi Dhawan put their son Arnav's body in the tub so that the father can say goodbye, a practice in the Indian culture, according to Dallas News. "(Pallavi) knew he was no more. I think she realized she should have called the cops. And after a while, she realized she could not handle the situation. So maybe, I should come handle it," he said. Police responded to a welfare call at the family's home in Frisco, Texas, last week and found the boy in the tub. Dhawan told police that he was away on business. He told police that his son had medical problems including seizures. The Collin County medical examiner's office has not ruled on the cause of the death, pending the results of a toxicology report, Dallas News said. Police said the mother confessed to killing the boy by nodding her head when they asked her. The family's attorney, however, said the nod was not a response to a question on whether she had killed him. Dhawan told Channel 8 that he went to Frisco police Monday to get medical records that were left in the family car, Dallas News said. He also said he wants the car back because it reminds him of his son. "(Arnav) loved the car. I remember every time I used to sit in that car he would say, 'Daddy, please increase the volume'. That's the reason I want that car," he said.

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NATIONAL COMMUNITY

February 8-14, 2014

By Arun Kumar Washington: The search is finally over. Software giant Microsoft has named Hyderabadborn Satya Nadella as its new CEO to replace Steve Ballmer, making him perhaps the most powerful Indian-born tech executive in the world. Nadella, 46, took over immediately to allow Ballmer to retire early. Microsoft founder Bill Gates, meanwhile, is moving to a new role as technology adviser with John Thompson, Microsoft board member and former Symantec CEO, assuming the role of chairman, the software giant announced. "There is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella," said Gates in a statement. "Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision, and the ability to bring people together." "His vision for how technology will be used and experienced around the world is exactly what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of expanded product innovation and growth." Nadella's naming to the post, effective immediately, makes him the third CEO since the

Redmond, Washington company was founded in 1975. "The one thing that I would say that defines me is I love to learn," Nadella told Time in his first interview as Microsoft's chief. "I get excited about new things. I buy more books than I read or finish." "Today is a very humbling day for me," said Nadella, a 22-year veteran of Microsoft who currently heads the company's Cloud and Enterprise group, in an internal memo to Microsoft employees. "It is an incredible honor for me to lead and serve this great company of ours," he wrote outlining why he has stayed on at Microsoft. "While we have seen great success, we are hungry to do more." "This is a critical time for the industry and for Microsoft. Make no mistake, we are headed for greater places - as technology evolves and we evolve with and ahead of it. Our job is to ensure that Microsoft thrives in a mobile and cloud-first world." In choosing Nadella, "Microsoft has turned to a highly accomplished executive in the mould of Gates, who reportedly held out for a candidate with sufficient technical gravitas to inspire -- and if need be, change -- Microsoft's engineer-driven corporate culture," wrote

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, new CEO Satya Nadella, and the outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer.

CNet, a technology site. Nadella grew up in Hyderabad, attended Hyderabad Public School before getting a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from the Manipal University. After moving to the US, he earned a Master of

Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Prior to Microsoft, he worked at Sun Microsystems, now owned by Oracle.

'Nadella's elevation will inspire Indian professionals'

By Gyanendra Keshri Kumar New Delhi: Elevation of Hyderabad-born Satya Nadella as CEO of technology giant Microsoft is a reflection of rising India's talent globally and it would inspire professionals across the world, business leaders and experts said. It's pretty inspiring. An Indian becoming CEO of Microsoft is an exceptional achievement. We are really proud of it, said Sachin Bansal, co-founder and CEO of India's largest e-commerce site Flipkart. He said Nadella's elevation is a reflection of rising Indian professionals influence at the global business sphere. "It should be inspiring for everybody. Indians across the world are doing pretty well, Bansal said. Ending months of speculations, the world's largest software firm Microsoft Tuesday named 46-yearold Nadella as successor Steve Balmer, who retires. Vice president of software product management at Motorola Mobility, a Google group company, Punit Soni said Nadella has got what he deserved and his elevation is a testimony that Indian talent is being respected and recognized globally. "Microsoft appointment is very good. It's a proud moment for Indians. If you do well you get rewarded. This is what has happened in the case of Satya Nadella, Soni, who works with Microsoft's biggest competitor Google, said. CMD of Biocon Limited Kiran Mazumdar Shaw expressed similar view terming Nadella's elevation a national pride. "A great moment of national pride to see Satya Nadella becoming the CEO of Microsoft, Shaw said. Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and has held various senior positions. He will get an annual base salary of $1.2 million. Taking into account bonuses and stock awards, his annual compensation will reach $18 million or nearly Rs.112 crore, according to a copy of Nadella's new employment agreement submitted by the company to US market regulator Securities and Exchange Commission. India is producing world leaders. There are a lot of Indians in leadership position in Fortune 500 companies. It is very inspiring for sure. It will motivate lot of Indians, said Binny Bansal, COO and co-founder of Flipkart. Finance Minister P Chidambaram said Nadella's new appointment is a reflection of the quality of Indian students and professionals. Chidambaram said Nadella has been elevated to the CEO position because "he acquired that professional edge which places him above the Chinese counterpart or an American counterpart or European counterpart."

Nadella's story to inspire Indian youngsters with humble backgrounds

By Mohammed Shafeeq Hyderabad: Hyderabad-born Satya Nadella's elevation as the CEO of Microsoft has not only made Indians, especially Telugus, proud but it will definitely inspire many youngsters with humble backgrounds, industry leaders feel. An average student of Hyderabad Public School (HPS) here, Nadella did not study at IITs or any top management school, which is often perceived as a must to make it to the top bracket. While the families of both Nadella and his wife Anupama have refused to share their thoughts citing privacy, Nadella's friends, the alumni of HPS and others said they were thrilled at an Indian making it to the top. "He is very down-to-earth and humble person who never shows off his position or his knowledge of technology," J.A. Chowdary, founder director of Software Technology Park of IndiaHyderabad said. Chowdary recalled his meetings with Nadella when the latter was at Sun Microsystem Inc. and also after he joined Microsoft in 1992. "He is always a learner of new things from every individual he meets. As he never shows off, people who meet him also freely share their thoughts with him," said Chowdary. "I admire his technology vision. With a man like him at the helm, Microsoft will reach greater heights," he added. Chowdary is also thrilled that like him, Nadella also hails from Anantapur, a drought-prone district in the backward Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. "Nadellas appointment will encourage young boys and girls with humble beginnings both educationally and financially. They can come up in life with sheer hard work and dedication," Harish Chandra Prasad, a leading industrialist said. Prasad pointed out that Nadella studied at second-rung colleges. "He did not study at Stanford or Harvard. There is general thinking that the elite club comes from these top schools," said Prasad, past chairman of the AP chapter of CII. He believed Nadella is one more example of Telugus doing well. Padmasree Warrior, the CTO of Cisco Systems and the former CTO of Motorola, Inc. and Kirthiga Reddy, who heads India operations of Facebook, are from Andhra Pradesh. Son of IAS officer B.N. Yugandar, Nadella studied at HPS, Begumpet between 1978 and 1984. According to school authorities, he was not an outstanding student. Cricket was a passion for Nadella at HPS. "He was a member of the team. He was more of a batsman," K. Hariprasad, CEO, Central, Apollo Hospitals, recalled. A senior to Nadella by two years, Hariprasad was captain of the team. "It was a well-knit school. Somebody who has passed from the HPS and is from Hyderabad becoming CEO of one of the largest corporations of the world is a proud thing," added Hariprasad.

Victory for Indian Americans

ndian Americans dont need Satya Nadella to feel good about themselves. Look around the U.S. and you already see desis in leading positions, and not just in the Indian-heavy IT sphere where Nadella has soared. Indian Americans are CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, agendasetting lawyers, celebrated comedians, prominent politicians (two state governors), beauty-pageant winners, TV personalities and, heck, top editors at some of

2 other Indian American executives who reached the top: Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo), & Vikram Pandit (Citygroup).

Americas most venerable publications, writes Time magazine.

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February 8-14, 2014

US AFFAIRS

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

CBO report on Obamacare as job killer? Not really

Washington: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is out with its latest report on the Affordable Care Act, and here are a few bottom lines: The ACA is cheaper than it expected. It will "markedly increase" the number of Americans with health insurance. The risk-adjustment provisions, which Congressional Republicans want to overturn as a "bailout" of the insurance industry, will actually turn a profit to the US Treasury. Then, why are the first news headlines on the CBO report depicting it as calling Obamacare a job killer? You can chalk up some of that to the crudity of headline-writing, and some to basic innumeracy in the press. But it's important to examine what the CBO actually says about the ACA's impact on the labor market. The CBO projects that the act will reduce the supply of labor, not the availability of jobs. There's a big difference. In fact, it suggests that aggregate demand for labor (that is, the number of jobs) will increase, not decrease; but that many workers or would-be workers will be prompted by the ACA to leave the labor force, many of them voluntarily. As economist Dean Baker points out, this is, in fact, a beneficial effect of the law, and a sign that it will achieve an important goal. It helps "older workers with serious health conditions who are working now because this is the only way to get health insurance. And (one for the family-values crowd) many young mothers who return to work earlier than they would like because they need health insurance. This is a huge plus." The ACA will reduce the total hours worked by about 1.5% to 2% in 2017 to 2024, the CBO forecasts, "almost entirely because workers will choose to supply less labor given the new taxes and other incentives they will face and the financial benefits some will receive." That translates into about 2.5 million full-time equivalents by 2024 not the number of workers, because some will reduce their number of hours worked rather than leaving the workforce entirely.

America is not so beautiful' in Hindi or Spanish!

By Arun Kumar Washington: A one minute Coca Cola Super Bowl commercial showing different immigrant communities singing "America the Beautiful" in seven different languages, including Hindi, has sparked a major row leaving conservative critics fuming. The ad shows "ordinary people of different races and ethnicity doing ordinary American activities, as the classic song plays", as CNN put it, throughout the ad in English, Spanish, Hindi, Keres, Tagalog, Senegalese, French and Hebrew. "At first glance (it's) a moving tribute to America's diversity," noted the news channel, "Nevertheless it became one of the most polarizing moments of the night" sparking an uproar on Twitter. "The last thing any of us should want to see is a balkanized America," wrote Allen West, a former Republican House member, in a blog post. "Furthermore, it has to be of concern that we have Americans who lack the resolve to take a stand for our borders, language, and culture." "Coca-Cola's 'It's Beautiful' ad

The Coca Cola Super Bowl commercial featured the song America the Beautiful in several languages including Hindi.

brings out some ugly Americans," wrote James Poniewozik in the Time noting, "It took a commercial for a global soda company to prove the 'speak English!' crowd wrong about what makes America strong." "It was maybe a little sappy, but it was also, well, beautiful, as was the music, sung in a succession of single voices and languages," he wrote noting, "It was that last aspect that unfortunately, brought out America the Ugly, at least on some parts of the Internet." "WTF?" asked one post on Twitter cited by Time. "@CocaCola has America the Beautiful being sung in different languages in a #SuperBowl commercial? We speak ENGLISH here, IDIOTS".

Time reminded "the xenophobic protestors" that "America isn't weakened because people don't submit to a monoculture; it's strong because it can absorb the peoples and aspirations and talents of the rest of the world without erasing their cultures". The ad was meant to showcase the country's "incredible diversity", in the words of the soft drink company. But it dredged up multiple hot-button issues for right wingers, said the New York Daily News. These included the ongoing debate over the codification of English as the primary language in the US, immigration reform and the acceptance of same sex relationships in mainstream media.

Efforts to mark Feb 12 as 'Darwin Day'

Washington: As scientists the world over prepare to celebrate the 205th birthday of Charles Darwin - known as father of evolution - that falls Feb 12, US lawmaker Rush Holt has reintroduced a resolution in Congress to declare the day as 'Darwin Day'. The Washington-based American Humanist Association, that worked with Holt on Darwin Day resolution, is in the process of sending copies of the resolution to all 535 members of Congress to garner support. Charles Darwin is even more than the author of the theory of evolution, as great as that is. He represents a way of thinking, a philosophy, a methodology, said Holt. It was his thirst for knowledge and his scientific approach to discovering new truths that enabled him to develop the theory of evolution. This lesson, about the value of scientific thinking, is almost as valuable as the theory he uncovered, he added.Darwins evolutionary discovery of natural selection as the basis for

Salt supplies dwindle as snow piles up across US

Charles Darwin biological transformations responsible for the diversity of life on earth is the foundation of modern biology, genetics, and medicine.

CVS Corporation to Stop Selling Cigarettes, Promote Health

Boston: The CVS Corporation to boost sales in other areas, however, to announced that as of Oct. 1, 2014 it will offset the loss. stop selling cigarettes in all of its 7,600 The question now becomes whether stores across the US. It is the first other drug stores will follow the CVS national pharmacy to quit selling tobaclead. Walgreens, the largest drug store co and related products, as it works to chain in America, says it has been evalpromote health. uating the decision to stop selling As health care evolves and the phar- Eliminating cigarettes will tobacco and will continue to do so. macy plays a larger role in the well- cost CVS nearly $2 billion in President Obama approves of the deciannual sales. It plans to being of its customers, removing cigasion and appreciates the example that boost sales in other areas, rettes, cigars and chewing tobacco from CVS is setting for other national retailhowever, to offset the loss. store shelves is necessary. The compaers. The American Medical Association ny is working with doctors and hospitals to promote (AMA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) health, so the decision to stop selling cigarettes is a logi- echoed Obamas statement. The AMA told CBS News cal step. President and CEO of CVS Corporation, Larry that by making it harder for people to buy tobacco, CVS J. Merlo said, Simply put, the sale of tobacco products is is making a commitment to public health. inconsistent with our purpose. In 2010, the American Pharmacists Association Reducing the availability of cigarettes is a step in right requested a ban on cigarette sales in all pharmacies, direction in reducing disease and deaths caused by smok- including grocery retailers. ing. In addition to removing cigarettes from their store According to Euromonitor International, tobacco sales shelves, CVS is launching a smoking cessation program reached $107.7 billion in 2012. Drug stores only make up this spring. Information will be available on its website, 4 percent of cigarette sales, while gas stations make up as pharmacies and CVS Minute Clinics throughout the U.S. much as 50 percent. The actual number of people who The company estimates that eliminating cigarettes will smoke is dropping. The cost of cigarettes and the ban on cost them nearly $2 billion in annual sales. It has a plan smoking in public places are having an effect.
It has been the harshest winter in recent years.

New York: As yet another snowstorm ripped across the country this week, snarling traffic and keeping kids out of school, cities and states were dealing with another problem: Theyre running low on salt. Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York and Chris Christie of New Jersey both declared states of emergency on Wednesday as the northeast was blanketed with snow and ice. A New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesman said the states stockpile of rock salt used for de-icing roads is at an uncomfortably low level. Through Jan. 26, the state had used 277,000 tons of salt this winter season. Thats compared with just 258,000 tons

New Jersey used through all of 2013, spokesman Joe Dee said. We have enough for [Wednesdays] storm and for the weekend, Dee said. We are eager for some mild or at least sunny weather so we can get several deliveries in a row to replenish our supply. In parts of New York, though officials at the Department of Transportation said the state has enough to handle the current and coming storms, there have been reported shortages on Long Island and in New York City, Cuomo said. In other parts of the country where snow has been falling consistently since the season began, communities have been using more salt than in years past.

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INDIA

February 8-14, 2014

11

North-Eastern student's death: anti-racism law demanded

New Delhi: Demanding an anti-racism law, hundreds of students from the country's northeastern states held a protest here on Thursday. The students held protest at Jantar Mantar over the killing of 19-year-old Nido Tania, who died on Jan 30 after he was beaten up by shopkeepers in a south Delhi market following a quarrel over his appearance and clothing. The victim's friends say it was a racial attack. "We have been given enough assurances, but hardly any strong action has been taken in the entire matter," said a student, adding that the political leaders' visit was just to sympathise and not to take action against Tania's attackers. A delegation of parliamentarians from the northeast also met the Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and demanded an anti-racism law in the country.

Marigold Hotel 2 being shot in Rajasthan

By Prakash Bhandari Jaipur: The crew of the sequel to the money spinner The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is currently here to shoot the Dev Patel starrer in Jaipur and Udaipur locations. In Jaipur the film The films sequel is being shot at different crew had a boat trip locations in Jaipur and Udaipur of the famous lake Jal Mahal Palace and saw how the lake Smith, and Lillete Dubey. New is being restored using the latest names added to cast are Richard Gere, David Strathairn and Tamsin conservation technology. The first film had Dev Patel play Greig. Judy Dench, 79 was shooting in the role of the owner of the hotel where the guests come to stay and Jaipur when she came to know begin their journey of self discov- about her nomination as the lead ery. The sequel follows Patel's char- actress for the Oscars for her role in acter as he juggles his plan for Philomena. It delighted her. I love expansion and an impending mar- to be in Rajasthan and am doubly happy that I have been able to come riage. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 is so soon after doing The Best Exotic being shot at different locations in Marigold Hotels first version, she Jaipur's Nahargarh fort and also at said. "This film presented us with an the Jaigarh fort. It had a shooting irresistible opportunity: to continue stint at the heritage property Fort Kanota on the outskirts of Jaipur a story we realized we had only just where the star of Slumdog begun. Not to tell the same story Millionaire Dev Patel was shooting again, but to pursue where the lives the engagement ceremony scene of these very different characters lead, with an audience which with his costar Tena Desae. The cast reuniting for the film already holds them in great affecincludes stars Judi Dench, Maggie tion," said director Madden.

Indian police stop a student during a protest in New Delhi against the beating to death of university student Nido Tania from India's remote northeast

Acharya Lokesh honored with Ambassador of Peace award

New Delhi: Dr Lokesh Muni, founder president of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti and Eminent Jainacharya, was honored with Ambassador of Peace award for outstanding contribution in the promotion of non-violence, peace and harmony at United Nations Conference Hall in New Delhi recently. Previously, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni had been honored with the Communal Harmony Award by the Government of India. Dr Muni said that religion brings us together it does not create differences. There is no place for violence, hatred, fear and disgust on the path of religion. He said violence and terrorism cannot solve any problem. All the problems can be solved peacefully through dialogue. Prominent leaders from different religious backgrounds were also present for the event. United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week was organized by Universal Peace Federation India (UPF

Dr Lokesh Muni, founder president of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti being honored

India) and United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan (UNIC) which was inaugurated by former deputy speaker in Rajya Sabha Nazma Heptulla.

12

February 8-14, 2014

INDIA

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Telangana issue: Andhra CM protests in Delhi

New Delhi/Hyderabad: Opposing the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Wednesday sat on a silent protest in the national capital. Union ministers, Congress MPs and state ministers and legislators from Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra) region joined the chief minister in the protest, asking the central government not to table the bill for formation of a Telangana state in parliament. Defying the Congress leadership, the chief minister and his supporters sat on the daylong protest to demand that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2013 be rejected in both houses of the state assembly should not be tabled in parliament. Central ministers KS Rao, Pallam Raju, K Chiranjeevi and D Purandeswari, state Congress chief Botsa Satyanarayana and a large number of party workers from Seemandhra participated in the protest.

Parliament winter session gets off to stormy start

New Delhi: The extended Winter session of Parliament got off to a stormy start this week with uproar over the Telangana and castereservation issue stalling proceedings. Lok Sabha could not transact any business, while the Rajya Sabha saw a brief debate on the legislative competence of Parliament to enact the Communal Violence law, which could not be introduced because of Opposition. The issue of caste-reservation also lead to pandemonium in the Upper House as members of SP, BSP and JD (U) wanted the government to clarify its stand in the wake of suggestion by senior Congress leader Janardan Dwivedi that such quota should be abolished.

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Kiran Kumar Reddy (C) with other party supporters during a 'dharna' at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi

They shouted slogans in support of a united Andhra. The chief minister reached the Jantar Mantar area in the city centre after paying tributes at Rajghat - Mahatma Gandhi's memorial on the banks of the Yamuna river. He and his supporters travelled in a bus from Andhra Pradesh Bhavan to Jantar Mantar. The chief minister raised his fist and shouting slogans in support of a united Andhra while boarding the bus even as his cabinet colleagues and

other Congress leaders from Telangana tried to stop the convoy. A scuffle broke out between the two groups, forcing police to intervene. "We had to convince the pro-Telangana supporters to allow them (anti-Telangana supporters) to protest. Only then were they allowed to advance towards Rajghat," a police official told IANS. Ministers from Telangana criticized the chief minister for staging the protest in defiance of the party leadership.

Lok Sabha did not transact any business with proceedings barely lasting 15 minutes

The government made it clear that there was no such proposal and existing reservation policy will continue. Defence Minister A K Antony also made a statement on the scam-tainted AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal that all legal actions were being pursued in the case.

Both the Houses saw noisy scenes as soon as they met for the day with members from Andhra Pradesh from Telangana as well as Seemandhra regions cutting across party lines storming the Well. Those protesting included members from ruling Congress.

'Union Carbide had direct role in building Bhopal plant'

New York: Plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Union Carbide Corp. (UDC) for the 1984 Bhopal gas leak tragedy released new evidence Wednesday that demonstrates the company's "direct role in designing and building the pesticide plant in Bhopal, India". Union Carbide, now a Dow Chemical subsidiary, refuses to clean up the site, claiming that its former Indian subsidiary bears sole responsibility. The victims have recently sued the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, which leased the land on which the Bhopal plant was built, for cleanup of the contaminated site which has polluted the drinking water supply of nearby residential areas, according to a release by EarthRights International. The new evidence, consisting of statements from former Union Carbide and Union Carbide India employees, as well as evaluations by experts in waste disposal systems, establishes that UCC provided critical design for the plant and its waste management system and that this design has caused the ongoing toxic waste problem in Bhopal. Plaintiffs' evidence also shows that it was a Union Carbide employee that oversaw and approved construction and design implanting Union Carbide's plan for the plant. A deadly gas leak from the Bhopal plant in 1984 killed several thousand people, and injured many thousands more. This evidence was submitted in court in January in Sahu II v. Union Carbide Corp., a federal class-action lawsuit filed by residents of Bhopal whose land and water remain contaminated by waste from the chemical plant. A previous lawsuit, Sahu I, was dismissed last year after the courts found insufficient evidence that Union Carbide was sufficiently involved in creating the toxic waste, said the statement. "This evidence demonstrates that Union Carbide was intimately involved in every aspect of designing and building the Bhopal plant, including the waste disposal systems that caused the pollution," said Rick Herz, counsel for the plaintiffs and litigation coordinator for EarthRights International.

India warns US of consequences on visa reform

Washington: India has warned the United States of consequences for its companies if lawmakers tighten visa rules on high-tech firms as part of an immigration overhaul. Ambassador Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that India would see a decision to restrict certain temporary visas for skilled workers as a sign that the US economy is becoming less open for business. "We think this is actually going to be harmful to us. It would be harmful to the American economy and, frankly, it would be harmful to the relationship" between the two countries, Jaishankar said. "Once I feel I'm not getting a fair deal, I am less responsive to the concerns of the other party. Then tomorrow if an American company comes and says, 'You know, we've got this set of problems,' the temptation for me is to say, 'I'm out for lunch,'" he said. The Republican leadership of the House of Representatives recently laid out general principles for an overhaul of immigradegrees at US universities. But it changes rules on so-called H-1B visas, which are issued to skilled workers who come temporarily to the United States. The Senate bill, while increasing the overall number of H-1B visasavailable, would hike fees and restrict additional H-1B visas for companies considered dependent on such foreign workers. The move came after complaints by US companies and labor groups that Indian tech firms bring in their own, lowerpaid employees rather than hiring Americans. Jaishankar charged that the changes attacked the business model of India's showcase IT industry, which he said was making the US economy more competitive by helping companies operate round-the-clock. The ambassador said he raised his concerns in meetings with more than 25 members of Congress, including House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, since he arrived in Washington in December.

India's Ambassador to the United States, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

tion whose main goal would be to give legal status to the estimated 11 million undocumented foreigners in the United States. A version passed last year by the Senate, which is led by President Barack Obama's Democratic Party, offers automatic immigrant visas for foreigners who earn advanced science

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

BATTLEGROUND 2014

February 8-14, 2014

13

In Brief

Modi lambasts Third Front, goes soft on Mamata

Kolkata: The BJP's prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi lambasted any possible Third Front, but went soft on West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in an apparent bid to keep open the doors on an alliance with the Trinamool Congress. Launching the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha campaign in the state at a rally in the Brigade Parade grounds here, Modi said West Bengal would benefit if people voted for the BJP in the general election while Banerjee continued to usher in development in the state. He, however, also made a veiled criticism of the Banerjee regime by asking the people whether they have got the "Parivartan" (change) that was promised, and urged them to seek answers from the ruling party about its performance. Urging the masses to elect BJP candidates on all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Modi said Bengal cannot reap the full benefits of governance if only the state government works. "For working for Bengal, you need your government in Delhi too. Give us a chance to serve Bengal. I will work for the state's development. It will be a double bonanza for you. Mamataji here, and me sitting in Delhi. You will have laddoos in both hands," he told the rally. The BJP, eyeing a return to power at the Centre after 10 years, is looking for partners to expand the National Democratic Alliance it leads, with opinion polls and surveys indicating a hung verdict in the general election. Dismissing the Third Front as one that would make India "third grade", Modi called upon people to reject the concept. "The Third Front will make India third grade and we need to reject them forever. Those talking about the Third Front in Delhi should come here and see which way the wind is blowing," he said. Modi's comments came on a day 14 non-Congress and non-BJP parties met in Delhi to give formal shape to a "third force" and formulate a common policy against the Congress and BJP. The Left, who have a strong base in West Bengal, played a leading role in bringing together the parties. Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also time and again favoured the formation of a federal front of regional parties as an alternative to the Congress and the BJP. The Gujarat chief minister said the absence of the

AIADMK, CPI join hands for LS polls

Chennai: AIADMK general secretary and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said the party had decided to enter into an alliance with the Communist Party of India (CPI) for the forthcoming general elections. She made the announcement after meeting CPI's general secretary A.B. Bardhan at her residence here. Jayalalithaa said she was happy to announce that the AIADMK and the CPI had decided to enter into an alliance to fight the polls. "Other details will be worked out later," she added. She said the present aim was to win all the 40 Lok Sabha seats -- 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry. She said the election plank would be peace, prosperity and progress.

EC appoints observers for elections in four states

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has appointed special observers for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal on Feb 7, a statement said. "The duties of the special observers will be to keep a watch on electoral malpractices including role of money power. In case specific complaints are received, the same will promptly be looked into," the Commission said. "The observers will also keep constant watch on the news and media reports related to biennial election. In case of any electoral malpractices, the same will be brought to the notice of the Commission," it added. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Gujarat has been appointed the special observer for Andhra Pradesh and the Tripura CEO will look after Assam. Karnataka's CEO will be the observer in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh's CEO is West Bengal's observer.

BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi swiped at the Congress for refusing to make Pranab Mukherjee as PM in 2004

Third Front was the "most important" reason why the western part of India has seen development. "In the western side, none of the Third Front parties have ruled. No associate of the Third Front has ever been able to step into that region. It is different here in the eastern states, where the Third front parties have ruled. The result is lack of development," he said. Repeatedly playing to Bengali sentiments, Modi invoked local icons like Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and promised to help create a "Sonar Bangla" (golden age of Bengal) But the most sensational part of his address was the way Modi dragged the name of President Pranab Mukherjee to buttress his claim of the Congress and the Gandhi family's apathy to West Bengal.

No tie up with BJP under any circumstances: NCP

Mumbai: Terming itself a "die hard" secular party, the NCP Monday dismissed reports that it was planning to join hands with the BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. "We are die hard secularists... we believe in secular principles and will go with secular parties," said Jitendra Awhad, the working president of the party's Maharashtra unit. Awhad categorically asserted that the Nationalist Congress Party would take a stand against communal forces and "would not compromise with BJP under any circumstances". "We shall not support communal forces in any manner and will not take any steps favoring people who believe in a fascist ideology," he said, adding party chief Sharad Pawar had often repeated the party's stand against communalism. Earlier in the day, the NCP state unit held a marathon meeting at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to discuss the candidates for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "We have finalized our list of candidates but the announcement shall be made only after holding consultations with the Congress," Awhad said.

Third Front parties unite in parliament

New Delhi: Putting up a united face in parliament, leaders from the Left Front, Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and other parties announced that the non-Congress, non-BJP front would now work on "a common agenda" in both houses. "This is the first step after the Oct 23 meeting. We are aligning non-Congress, non-BJP parties in both houses," JD-U chief Sharad Yadav said at a joint press conference after a meeting of 11 parties in the parliament house complex. "We will sit in one block and have a joint programme," he said. Leaders from the Left, Samajwadi Party, JD-U, JDSecular, AIADMK, Biju Janta Dal, Asom Gana Parishad and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha were present at the press conference. "We will have a common agenda, and we will take up issues of concern to the common man in parliament," said Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury.

Leaders from the Left, Samajwadi Party, JD-U, JD-Secular, AIADMK, Biju Janta Dal, Asom Gana Parishad and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha were present

Stating that the front would combat communal forces, Yechury said: "Congress has aligned with communal forces. Only we can promote secularism." The leaders also said they will not allow Congress to use the parliament session to launch its election agenda. "Congress is primarily to be blamed for non-functioning of

parliament. We will not allow them to pass anti-corruption bills in the din and use it as their election agenda," Yechury said. JD-S leader H.D. Deve Gowda said India needed to look beyond Congress and BJP. "Would Indian democracy be limited only to Congress and BJP? The regional parties are a strong force," he said.

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February 8-14, 2014

OP-ED

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Modi-led stable government doesn't assure new bull market

By Vatsal Srivastava ndian equities have witnessed a few choppy trading sessions following the US Federal Reserve's announcement to further taper its monthly bond buying program by $10 billion to $65 billion a month. The emerging market currency selloff has also added to short term bearishness. But the stabilization of the Turkish lira and the South African rand in the latter half of last week will most likely lead to an improvement in trading sentiment in the emerging market space. As the Nifty of India's National Stock Exchange (NSE) looks to find support around the 6,000-point level, the underlying mood still remains bullish with all major brokerage houses having year-end targets at 6,700-7,000 points - a further 10 percent upside from current levels. The main catalyst for this rally would be what the majority of analysts on Dalal Street are calling the key event risk of 2014 - the spring general election. Recent results of state assembly elections and opinion polls are clearly indicative of a wave in favor of Narendra Modi - the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP. Foreign institutional investors are "overweight" on India largely based on the assumption that a stable coalition led by the BJP in majority will kick-start the investment cycle

India: Political Stability and GDP Growth (1992-2014) Average GDP growth rate (%)

Index of Political Stability Source: J.P. Morgan Research

When the Indian average GDP growth rate for 1992-2014 is plotted against the index of political stability, we see negative co-relation between the two variables as shown in the graph.
wisdom, we would expect the index of political stability to be positively correlated with growth. Instead, their analysis shows more stable regimes are associated with lower growth over the last 20 years. The analysts decided to pick the early 1990s as a starting point because it represented a "structural break in the growth process as well as the time during which a host of regional parties emerged". When the Indian average GDP growth rate for 1992-2014 is plotted against the index of political stability, we see the negative co-relation between the two variables as shown

by introducing a host of pro-growth policy measures. But what is the co-relation between political stability and positive economic outcomes? The economics research department of JP Morgan put out a note last week to analyze evidence of the past 20 years. This comment presents facts produced in the JP Morgan India special report, titled "5 Questions That Keep Us Awake' dated Jan 26. To address this question, the analysts created an index of political stability which is defined as the fraction of seats of the largest party in the ruling coalition vis-a-vis the

total number of seats in the Lok Sabha. For example, if the party with the largest number of seats in a governing coalition was 200, the index is 200/543 (543 representing the number of elected seats in the Lok Sabha) or 0.37. Thus, the larger this ratio, the more politically stable the government is presumed to be. JP Morgan's analysts found no positive co-relation between the index of political stability with three key macro-economic variables, such as rising GDP growth, lower wholesale inflation and lower fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP between 1992-2014. As per conventional

in the graph. Further, as their analysis points out, both the Asian financial crisis in 1998 and the global financial crisis in 2008 occurred during regimes that scored relatively low on the index of stability. Thus, if one were to adjust and include the negative effects on growth of these external factors, the negative correlation would be even stronger. Another possible explanation, according to the research was that perhaps stable regimes engage in more fiscal consolidation, and go after inflation more aggressively. That would explain the negative association with growth. But then, one would also expect to see political stability negative correlated with inflation and fiscal deficits. But here, too, their analyses show that political stability is associated with higher fiscal deficits and higher inflation. Of course, the abovedrawn results, using statistical analysis, are open for debate, and as the research itself suggests, they require a further detailed analysis by political pundits. But as things stand today, the fact remains that market participants are bullish on Indian equities over the next year solely because of rising expectations of a Modi-led BJP at the center. Anyone looking to put their money in Indian stocks solely based on one future event should keep this analysis in mind.

US foreign policy moving on a path of uncertainty

By Ashok Ojha

one are the days when United States was revered all over the world. After the disclosure of its NSA snooping, many nations, big or small, felt hurt and humiliated. The spying policy under President Obama infuriated world leaders like Angela Merkel of Germany, and the Brazilian president canceled her trip to USA under protest. The US is left with very few friends in this ever-changing world. In a world where skepticism towards the United States has grown over the years, President Obama is destined to preside over a policy to defend itself on diplomatic fronts around the world. The 13-year old war in Afghanistan is about to enter a new phase where US be forced to adopt a policy of conducting counterterrorism without using military force. The US is likely to witness increasing challenges as it prepares itself to monitor the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan and find ways to protect those weapons from falling into the

hands of terrorist elements. It is a difficult task in which US could partner with India but there is no dearth of mutual distrust between India and the US. The US could continue with its covert operations against the terrorists only if it has its bases in Afghanistan. President Obama has no option but to convince President Karzai for keeping tens of thousands of US forces in Afghanistan in order to continue its operations using unmanned drones. The prize of a decade of fighting Taliban is nothing but distrust against America in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In East Asia the US has to reshape its policies towards China and Japan. Both countries have engaged in territorial dispute over the tiny islands around which China imposed no fly zone for foreign aircrafts in disputed areas of South China Sea. Even though the United States called Chinese assertion as provocative and dangerous it couldnt stop China from enforcing its rules in the area. All foreign airlines were advised to comply with Chinese

In a world where skepticism towards the United States has grown over the years, President Obama is destined to preside over a policy to defend America on diplomatic fronts around the world.
directives for informing them before entering the no-fly zone protected by China. Even though Chinas claim violated the International agreements and provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea there is no Super Power in the world who could dare to discipline China. United States international influence touched its lowest level in 2011 in Libya where it lost its

Ambassador Chris Stevens and three more operatives in an attack by local militia. The then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regretted the incident but some of her Congressional colleagues didnt think that she was to blame for the incident in Benghazi. America entered a bloody war in Iraq which continues to suffer due to daily incidents of suicide bombings and killings. It couldnt transform Iraq from a dictatorial regime to a stable, unified and prosperous country which it went out to do. Similarly it continues to struggle for a permanent agreement to stop from processing Uranium and reaching a peace agreement in Syria. It is difficult to state if United States is succeeding to eliminate terrorists or their sponsoring states from the face of the earth or losing interest in fighting against them. Experts say that the US will take a fresh approach towards South Asia after the military withdrawal in Afghanistan. It might forge a new political and economic alliance in the region based upon

diplomacy and defense. Washington DC had traditionally deployed naval and air defense system in the Pacific. It intends to strengthen defense cooperation with Japan and the Philippines. Asia continues to be the focus of Obamas foreign policy as he intends to develop bilateral trade and commerce with emerging powers including China and India. A broad based military presence in Asia is also the goal of US administration. Some experts think that the US needs a weak, divided China to continue its hegemony in Asia. To achieve this goal the Washington is working towards building close ties with countries adjacent to Chinese borders. The recent episode of detention of an Indian diplomat in New York created long-term damage to IndoUS relationship. India took an extremely tough line on this incident and put out a full-fledged fight. Some people felt that India no longer enjoyed the special friendship with the U.S.

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

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

SOCIETY

February 8-14, 2014

15

By Jinal Shah ets face it, Valentines Day can become expensive. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, it is estimated that this year an average person would "spend an average of $133.97 on candy, cards, gifts and more" and overall, spending for the holiday is estimated to reach $17.3 billion in the US. However, this Valentines Day there is some relief to your wallet as Houston based investment advisory firm in a recent report states that it wont cost lovers much more than last year. According to the annual cost of loving index report released by Houston Asset Management, only a third of the popular gift items tracked by the index have increased in price this year reflecting a three-year trend in declining costs. The firm in compiling the annual "Cost of Loving Index" followed the price of nine customary Valentine gifts since 1990 and the good news is that only four out of the nine items saw a slight price rise. Some of the gifts on the list include chocolates, perfume, din-

ner, movie, champagne, roses, tie, and her lingerie. The highest price increase of 2014 at 6.7 percent is for his designer silk tie, while the costs for perfume remain stable. The highest priced item on the index is one ounce of Chanel No. 5 perfume at $325 the same as last year which was a 14 percent increase from 2012. "This year shows a total increase of 2.3 percent in the Cost of Loving Index," said Bob Frater, of Houston Asset Management. "That's a good drop from the 4.8 percent increase in 2012. But it is still higher than the 2014 cost of living adjustment provided by the Social Security Administration that is only 1.5 percent." First-run movie tickets for two however have increased the most since the index began and jumped 4.8 percent this year to $22. To complete date night, the cost for an elegant candlelight dinner for two increased 6.4 percent this year. "You may want to stay home and pop the cork of a bottle of Simi Chardonnay, that is down more than 10 percent in price at $23.12, and exchange Valentine

greeting cards that remain fixed at $4.75," said Frater. And finally, Valentines Day romantic classic - a dozen longstemmed red roses delivered to your sweetie -- will cost $129.07; that's more than double the cost in 1990 of $65. Cost of popular items may have been stable or decreased as compared to previous years, but that clearly has no effect on the celebrations. National Retail Federation in its new survey predicts that just 54 percent of Americans intend to celebrate, compared with 60 percent a year ago. Those who plan to mark the day say they intend to spend a little more than they did in 2013 -- an

average o f $133.91 on candy, cards, gifts, and dinner, compared with $130.97 last year. This year, 51 percent of 6,400 adults surveyed will send cards; 49 percent say they intend to buy some form of candy. And 37 percent hope to celebrate with a special meal, while 19 percent have plans to purchase some type of jewelry. The men included in the survey, conducted by Prosper Insight, predict they will spend $108.38; women intend to shell out $49.41. Some 26 percent of those polled say they are likely to make their

purc h a s e online, about the same as last year. Retailers are looking to maximize those online possibilities, too, from Nordstrom offering free shipping, free returns to Neiman Marcus offering free packaging and Charbonnel et Walker Truffles on spending of $200 or more to Macys Follow Your Heart gift guide, with free shipping on $99 purchases. And Amazon is already promising 30 percent off on jewelry, 40 percent on accessories, upto 75 percent off dinners, spas and getaways.

The anti Valentines Day guide to NYC

By Jinal Shah ebruary the 14th is fast approaching, so if you are a lonely heart who did not get struck by Cupids arrow or just resolutely Valentines Day averse single or unsoppy couples who are sick of all the schmaltz in the shops, this call is for you sassy singletons to band together in solidarity because lets face it, sometimes, being young, attractive and single is the best revenge on Valentines Day!

So whether you're looking for a crazy dance party for you and your single pals, an anti-Valentines movie marathon, a comedy show to beat down-on-love blues, or an unabashed digging session, SATimes has narrowed down some anti-Valentines day events in NYC for you. Single and the city If you're looking to dance your single heart out, join the annual single and the city Valentines Day mixer.

It certainly is a lot more fun to flirt with the hunky Aussie bartenders at The Sunburnt Cow when you dont have a ring tying you down. Thats the idea behind the lively East Village pubs AntiValentines Day party, which includes a DJ, drink specials, free shots on the Ice Luge. Suck it A true vampire fan would know love bites and we are totally into it! Put on your vampire costume and dance the night away at this years Anti-Valentine's Endless Night Vampire Ball. LOL rejection Laugh out loud on breakups, heartbreaks, and rejections at the cult-favorite live comedy series, The Rejection. The show is back celebrating Valentines Day with an evening of its best breakup, heartbreak and love related performances. So if

you are single, feeling lonely, rejected, dont have a date or simply hate Valentines day routines then some heartbreaking performance is your thing. Hearts on a plate Lets accept the fact that bingeing unabashedly can be even more fun when you dont have your significant other counting calories. Thats why Pastai is heralding those without significant others to enjoy their special antiValentines Day menu. Single ladies paradise All you single ladies get your favorite girls to Beauty Bar for gossip, manicure, martinis and pretend that Valentines Day is just like any other daybecause honestly it is. DIY romance Believe it or not, some of us actually like being single, and

dont need some lovey dovey gifts to encourage us to show love to our favorite people: ourselves! If you are single, International Quirkyalone Day is a call to arms to celebrate the possibilities available to single people today. In case you haven't heard yet, International Quirkyalone Day is also celebrated on February 14. IQD a do it yourself celebration of romance asks singles wherever they are in the world to post a photo or video of them with a piece of paper wishing people Happy Quirkyalone Day. Interesting stuff A restaurant has dedicated its entire V Day menu to Beyonce; NYC parks to offer 40 free fitness classes for V Day; Times Square Alliance will have its famous heart and people can renew their vows on the steps there; watch stars with your loved ones at Hayden Planetarium (sold out).

A still from movie Valentine's Day

16

February 8-14, 2014

BHARAT RATNA

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

As a renowned solid state and materials chemist, Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao feels that other Indian scientists should also get the Bharat Ratna which would act as a boost for the young researchers
New Delhi: Eminent scientist C.N.R. Rao, who was conferred the Bharat Ratna here this week, feels India is performing well in the field of science but other majors like China and South Korea are doing better. Rao, who received the highest civilian honor along with former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar from President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, feels that other Indian scientists should also get the Bharat Ratna which would act as a boost for the young researchers. "Well, this is fantastic, my own country has given me this award. This is a big thing. I have been a professor of science for 55 years and I have got so many awards in the past, but this is the best. I will cherish this award the most in my life," Rao said. Rao, 79, is the fourth scientist after C.V. Raman, M. Visvesvaraya and former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to get the Bharat Ratna. Asked if Indian scientists have got their due, Rao said: "Only two working scientists, me and Dr. Kalam, have got the award. I feel other scientists should also get the award. But I am happy that this year 14 people from the field of science have been selected for the Padma Awards. This is good for the country." When pointed out that no Indian scientist has got the Nobel prize in the recent past, Rao said India has achieved a lot of success without the Nobel recognition. Nobel laureate C.V. Raman (physics) is the only Indian to get the coveted Nobel prize while Hargobind Khurana (medicine), Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (physics)

Seventy-nine year old scientist C.N.R. Rao is the fourth scientist after C.V. Raman, M. Visvesvaraya and former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to get the Bharat Ratna.

and Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (chemistry) were all India-born American citizens. "There are so many eminent people who have not got the Nobel prize. But what we have to see is that whether we are competitive in the field of science. We are doing good, but others like China and South Korea are doing better. We are also investing a lot of money in the areas of scientific research but lot more needs to be done," he said. Rao also revealed his future plans and said said he is still striving for excellence. "Personal success has no end like excellence has no limit. As long as God gives me the strength, I will keep working. I am working on two-three new things in the last few years and hopefully they will benefit India," said Rao.

C.N.R. Rao:

Luminary scientist

'India will be leader in nuke energy'

Bangalore: India will become a leader in nuclear energy with new technology which is being used for the first time to build a fast breeder reactor to generate 500MW at Kalpakkam near Chennai, Prime Minister's scientific advisory council chairman C.N.R. Rao said. "We are building a fast breeder reactor, the first of its kind to generate 500MW through a process which is different from the usual nuclear reactor," Rao said. Rao said if the new technology succeeded, the reactor would be commissioned by April 2014 at the Kalpakkam atomic power plant, about 80km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. "If this succeeds, we will become a leader in nuclear energy with completely new technology, which we have mastered," Rao said. Claiming that Indian scientists had performed well despite marginal investment in science infrastructure, Rao said the scientific community had done much more than the money it was given over the decades. "The best money the government gave scientists was only enough for 20 percent of their requirement. We have never made full investment in anything. Ask the government and politicians why they have given so little for us. If I have to get $1,000, I get only $10, which is 10 percent and comes late," Rao said at his home-office in the green campus of the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in the city centre.

.N.R. Rao, 79, who has been conferred with the country's highest civilian award - the Bharat Ratna - has been chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh since 2005. The Bangalore-born Rao is national research professor and Linus Pauling research professor. He was also chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council when Rajiv Gandhi was prime minister during 1985-89. Rao is the third Kannadiga to receive the Bharat Ratna after engineer Sir M. Visveshwaraiah in 1955 and Hindustani vocalist maestro Bhimsen Joshi in 2008. He is also director of the International Centre for Materials Science (ICMS) in Bangalore. "Rao founded the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in the city while serving as director of the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to promote world-class research and training in science and engineering, ranging from materials to genetics," his associate A.N. Jaya Chandra said. Born June 30, 1934 to Hanumantha Nagesa Rao and Nagamma Nagesa Rao, the septuagenarian scientist graduated from Mysore University in 1951 and secured a masters in science from Banaras Hindu University 1953. After obtaining a post-doctoral degree (Ph.D) from Purdue University in Indiana State in 1958, Rao returned to India in 1961 and joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Kanpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh in 1963 as a faculty in its chemistry

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Prof CNR Rao and Sachin Tendulkar at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi

department. Mysore University awarded Rao the Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree in 1961 in recognition of his discoveries in inorganic chemistry. After serving 13 years at IITKanpur till 1976, Rao became a visiting professor at Purdue University, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge in Britain and University of California in the US during the 1980s. Rao returned to Bangalore and joined the IISc in 1989 and was one of the longest serving directors till 2001. He wrote over 1,500 research papers and authored or edited 45 books in the past five decades. The British Royal Society awarded Rao the Hughes Medal in 2000. Rao was awarded the Dan David Prize in 2005 by the Dan David Foundation, Tel Aviv University, which he shared with George Whitesides and Robert Langer. In the same year (2005), the French government conferred on Rao the title Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor).

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BHARAT RATNA

February 8-14, 2014

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The batting legend Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar - the first sportsperson and the youngest recipient of India's highest civilian honor - dedicated the Bharat Ratna to his mother and all mothers of the country who sacrificed their personal aspirations so that the dreams of their children are realized
New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and eminent scientist C.N.R. Rao were conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, by President Pranab Mukherjee at a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here this week. The two joined the list of 41 eminent personalities who have been given the Bharat Ratna in recognition of their contribution to society. Tendulkar, 40, nominated to the Rajya Sabha last year, is the first sportsperson and the youngest recipient of India's highest civilian award. He was accompanied by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara to the ceremony. It was a brief ceremony that lasted six and a half minutes. Mukherjee entered the historic Durbar Hall at exactly 12 noon to honor Rao and Tendulkar. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, his wife Gursharan Kaur, vice-president Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and ministers Sushil Kumar Shinde, A.K. Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rajiv Shukla were also present. Tendulkar dedicated the honor to his mother and all mothers of the country who sacrificed their personal aspirations so that the dreams of their children are realized. "This is the biggest honor. Extremely delighted at getting this award. I want to reiterate again that I want to dedicate this award to my mother and all other mothers of India who sacrificed their aspirations so that their children's dreams come true," said Tendulkar. Tendulkar ended his illustrious career with a fair clutch of records. He has

President Pranab Mukherjee confers Bharat Ratna to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. (Inset) Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad with Sachin's wife Anjali and daughter Sara at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

15,921 runs from a record 200 Test matches at an average of 53.58 and 51 centuries. He scored 18,426 runs from 463 ODIs with an average of 44.83 including 49 centuries. He was also the first to score a double hundred in the 50-over format. Tendulkar quit the one-day form of cricket in 2012 and Tests last year. Legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand was also recommended for the award but Tendulkar was chosen. Tendulkar said though he has retired from all forms of cricket he will continue to bat for India and will give the country "a reason to smile". "I am happy with the love and affection that I have got over the years. Fortunate to be born in this country. I know my cricket is over but I will continue to bat for India and will give the country a reason to smile," said Tendulkar.

Salute to the master

Sachins Bharat Ratna a medal from year 2000

he Bharat Ratna medal that was presented to Sachin Tendulkar was made in 2000, the year he quit as captain of India. The India Government Mint in Kolkata has spruced up the medal, and sent it to the Ministry of Home Affairs last week. Just after the award was announced on November 16, the MHA approached the Alipore mint for sprucing up two medals that had been lying in its vault left over from 2000 when the mint had supplied four medals to the MHA. The ministry gave no reason for opting to refurbish old medals even as the mint had manufactured two new ones at a cost

of Rs 2 lakh each. It is usual procedure to keep standbys as a new medal takes 5-6 months to make, an official said. The mint received the 14-year-old medals from the MHA on January 11. After they had been polished and their ribbons and cases changed, the medals were sent back under seal on January 30. The cost of refurbishment was not much, the official said. Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian award, was instituted in 1954 to recognize exceptional service or performance in any field of human endeavor. The recipient receives a sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.

achin Tendulkar was just a kid, a 16year-old with a shock of curly hair, when he made his debut against archrival Pakistan in 1989. His timing was impeccable: not just with the bat, but also because his era coincided with and fueled the monetization of cricket. His thumping strokes made for gripping television, both in the faster, more furious one-day format and in more patient five-day tests. He was the first batsman to score a double-century in one-day internationals. As with Michael Jordan for NBA fans or Diego Maradona in football, Tendulkar is one of those rare athletes whose otherworldly excellence, like love or a scar, permanently marks admirers. Tendulkar's dozens of batting records among them nearly all the big ones, including most runs and centuries in both tests and one-day internationals - flowed not only from his physical skills but also his steeliness. "Jordan, Woods and Beckham may cross more boundaries," the US writer Mike Marqusee wrote in 2002, in a profile of Tendulkar on the ESPN Cricinfo website. "But nowhere do those players carry the weight of expectation that Tendulkar carries in India (and among the Indian diaspora)." He is the first man to play 200 five-day Test matches, and he played more one-day international games, 463, than anyone else. He is the highest career run scorer - 15,847 in Tests and 18,426 in one-days - in both formats. He has also scored 100 or more runs more often than anyone else in both

Fans of Sachin Tendulkar celebrate in Bhopal as master blaster was conferred Bharat Ratna

formats, with 51 in Tests and 49 in onedays, giving him a neat and unprecedented 100 centuries in international cricket. He is the exceptional phenomenon, the child prodigy who exceeded his potential. Tendulkar was the youngest active test cricketer - and the fourth-youngest ever when he made his debut in 1989 at just 16 years and 205 days old. He quit the game 24 years later as the oldest active international player. And his accomplishments continued into the twilight of his career: In 2011, he was India's top run scorer as they won the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. "He has carried India for 20 years, so now it is time we should carry him," Virat Kohli, the best and brightest of India's next generation, said as Tendulkar's teammates hoisted him on a chair for a lap of honor after their victory in the 2011 World Cup in India. Truly, Sachin would remain a genius in the hearts of over a billion people, forever.

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ctress Parineeti Chopra says that she is not over-weight anymore unlike her earlier few films and nobody will now complain about her clothes and fashion sense. At the launch of Hasee Toh Phasee mobile app, when questioned about her slim look, Parineeti said: "Now it is my endeavour that I lose some weight because from the beginning only (since my debut in 2011), I was put in the category of over-weight actresses." "So now I want to wear good looking clothes, want to look good on screen. I think I was a bit over-weight in my first two-three films," she added. Often tagged as "bubbly" and "livewire", the cousin of smallframed star Priyanka Chopra is far from being skinny but she has lost few pounds of late and is proud of that. "Now onwards you (reporters) will not have any complaints regarding my weight and now nobody will say anything about my clothes and fashion sense," added the 25-year-old.

Parineeti Chopra says she wants to look good on screen

Big B causes embarrassment to Pepsi!

epsiCo of the US is facing embarrassment in India after its former brand ambassador, the Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, said he decided to sever ties with the company after a young girl asked why he was promoting a product that her teacher said was harmful. Bachchan served as Pepsis brand ambassador from 2002 until 2005, appearing in numerous television commercials many of which can still be viewed on YouTube. But last week, Bachchan Superstar Amitabh said he decided to end his Bachchan served as affiliation with Pepsi after a Pepsis brand schoolgirl at a public funcambassador from tion in Jaipur asked why he 2002 until 2005 was promoting a drink that her teacher had told her was poisonous and contains these negative products. When you say to drink Pepsi, I feel you are doing something wrong, the actor recalled the girl saying. I just felt if this is an impression that we create in the mind of a possible buyer, I must not be doing it. And I stopped endorsing Pepsi. Bachchan made the remarks while talking to students at Ahmedabads Indian Institute of Management, a top business school. The comments drew wide attention both in mainstream and social media, causing a storm within Indias advertising community. Its definitely embarrassing, said Dheeraj Sinha, chief strategy officer in south and southeast Asia for Grey, the ad agency.

Never thought of Juhi as competitor: Madhuri

he two contemporaries did towards one finish line. It is a crenot work together in the ative field and we like certain past, both shinning in their roles and work with people we respective careers, but years later like. It is not that I have not Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla worked in two-heroine projare set for an interesting face-off ects earlier. I worked with onscreen as the avenger and the Preity Zinta (Yeh Raaste villain in Gulaab Gang. Hain Pyaar Ke), Aishwarya In her interviews, Juhi has said Rai (Devdas) and Karisma that the reason they probably did Kapoor (Dil To Pagal Hai)," not work together was because Madhuri told in an interthere was lot of competition view to the Times of India. between actresses at that time. Madhuri, 46, says it was Madhuri, however, says she never inspiring to see Juhi at work thought of Juhi as a competitor in Gulaab Gang and they have and it was finally inspiring to several very tight scenes work with her in the film, releas- together in the Soumik Sen directed movie. ing on March 7. "I never thought of her as my competitor. I never had any Actress Juhi Chawla (R) qualms about working with any- will be seen with Madhuri one. This is my thinking that we Dixit for the first time in are actors not horses running Gulaab Gang

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ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD

February 8-14, 2014

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Kareena rubbished recent rumors that she is pregnant

hen pictures of Kareena Kapoor at a recent event appeared on the internet, they sparked pregnancy rumors. The actress was glowing in a cream and golden sari that partially covered her belly. In the photographs, she looked plumper than her usual self, which is normal. Most actresses let go a little when they are not shooting. And Bebo hasnt been shooting for the last few months. When contacted, Kareena said, This is complete rubbish! This is a very sensitive topic and people should learn to give us some privacy on such matters. In fact, people in the fashion world have been telling me that I have never looked hotter or more stunning. Saif and I have maintained that we have no interest in having a child for the next five years! We already have two children (Saif s children Sarah and Ebrahim) and we are very happy. Why do people keep asking us the same thing? Its become so boring now! Lately, Bebo has been missing from all events, also award functions, which has further fuelled the rumors. Bebo snaps, But why would I go for an award event where I am not performing? I have not gone for certain award events for the last couple of years. Besides, everyone knows that actors attend events only when they get paid to perform. I did perform at the producers guild award event. I couldnt perform earlier this year because I was holidaying with Saif in Staadt. Right now I am really happy in my life and have no interest in being a mother. Saif and I are a modern couple and have said it clearly at every platform. Kareena says all the speculation about her body will end when she starts shooting for Singham 2 in March.

Salman's girl makes debut in Bollywood

e first heard of Lulia Vantur, a Romanian model and TV presenter last year when pictures of her canoodling with Salman Khan made their way on to the Internet. Though the star kept mum about the romance, Lulia was a regular presence on the sets of Jai Ho and Salman even flew to Romania to shoot a song for the same film. And now it has been learnt that Lulia is set to make her Bollywood debut, with a special song in O Teri, being produced by the star's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri. The model is also going to sing the number along with Mika. A source told Mumbai Mirror, "Two songs are yet to be shot, one has a cameo by Salman Bhai and the other one with Lulia. Salman and Lulia will not been seen in the same song. She will be seen shaking a leg with the lead actors, Pulkit Samrat and Bilal Amrohi. The song is expected to go on floors in a city studio today and Lulia's costumes have been designed by Ashley Rebello and Alvira Agnihotri." The song called Umbaakam will be choreographed by Remo D'Souza and Lulia has already started rehearsing for it. The film is presented by Salman Khan and is slated for a March 28 release.

Bollywoods big fat wedding

Lulia Vantur is a Romanian model

hen Dharmendra and Hema Malinis daughter Ahaana Deol took the saat pheras with Delhi businessman Vaibhav Vohra in a multi-cultural ceremony recently, some of the biggest names in entertainment, business and politics were on the guest list. The guests at the ceremony included Tina and Anil Ambani, Subroto Roy, Abhay Deol and Madhoo Shah. The reception was a star studded affair and Kirron Kher with son Sikandar Kher were the first ones to arrive. Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher, Jeetendra and Sonakshi Sinha followed. The Bachchan family was in attendance with Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek and Aishwarya making a grand entrance together. Rekha entered five minutes after the foursome. Baba Ramdev and Uddhav Thackeray also joined the celebrations. The wedding, presided over by

Ahaana Deol with her businessman husband Vaibhav Vora

the bride's beaming parents, Hema Malini and Dharmendra, and took place at a suburban hotel and combined Punjabi and Tamil rituals.

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Illegal Indian workers in Saudi Arabia desperate to return home

Dubai: A group of Indian cleaners in Saudi Arabia, living in pathetic conditions after their work contracts expired two years ago, are desperate to return home. The workers, mostly from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, said they were recruited by a maintenance and contracting company in Taif city in Mecca Province in 2010, but have since then not been paid their salaries on time and were denied their residency permits, the Arab News reported. Taif Municipalitys cleaning project is under a contractor. We are just exhausted and frustrated. We do not want to stay anymore with our employer and we want to return home, one of the workers was quoted as saying. The workers said the employer has not handed over their iqamas - residency permits given to expatriates in Saudi Arabia- to them since their arrival in the country four years ago and last week one of their colleagues was detained by security forces during a campaign

The workers, a group of Indian cleaners said the employer has not handed over their iqamas residency permits given to expatriates in Saudi Arabia- to them since their arrival in the country four years ago. They said it was common practice among municipality cleaning companies across the country not to hand over iqamas to the cleaners as a precautionary measure to prevent them from fleeing their jobs.
against illegal residents. They said it was common practice among municipality cleaning companies across the country not to hand over iqamas to the clean-

ers as a precautionary measure to prevent them from fleeing their jobs. The workers went on strike twice for nonpayment of wages and for not getting their iqamas. Last year, police had to intervene to quell a protest by these workers. Taif Municipality has not renewed the cleaning contract of the company which expired in October 2013 due to poor work record and frequent labor strikes that resulted in garbage piling up in the hill resort city. Since then, the condition of these workers has further aggravated. The workers said they get only 600 Saudi riyals (around $160) per month and that too was not paid on time, pushing them into extremely difficult conditions. We are without iqama or money. We had asked the Indian consulate in Jeddah for help and they had advised us to come over to Jeddah to lodge an official complaint, but due to having no iqama we simply couldnt travel,

one of them said. They alleged that their employer was trying to send them to other companies in major cities now. They alleged that they were brought to Jeddah for a few days then moved back to Taif, and again after a few weeks they were taken to Riyadh to work in some other companies. We are being moved all around without iqama in our employers transport vehicle and only the driver has papers, the worker said said. They said one of their colleagues, V Bhoomaih, who was detained by Riyadh police a week ago for not having Iqama, is still in the lock-up. Since then we are not stepping outside for fear of arrest as massive inspection is taking place in some areas of Riyadh city, one of the workers said. The workers have requested the Indian embassy in Riyadh to help them return to India.

Mexicans enact skit on Mahatma Violence against women a global phenomenon: Indo-Canadian author Gandhi, unveil bronze bust
Mexico City: A Mexican group presented a skit on episodes from Mahatma Gandhi's life, including the Salt March, at a cultural event in Matehuala city, where a bronze bust of the apostle of peace was also unveiled. Indian Envoy Sujan R. Chinoy unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, measuring 42 inches, mounted on a five-feet tall pedestal Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy (R) Jan 30, which marked with Rectar Alfonso Nava Diaz of University of Matehuala (L) Martyr's Day. The bust was donated by resort of Acapulco. Hundreds of students and Chinoy on behalf of the Indian Council of Cultural local dignitaries, including Relations (ICCR) and dedi- University of Matehuala cated to the youth of Mate- rector Alfonso Nava Diaz huala in San Luis Potosi and Matehuala Mayor Hecstate, said a statement from tor Avila Luceror, attended the Indian embassy in Mex- the event. Chinoy said that thouico. Mahatma Gandhi is a sands of miles away from much revered figure in his homeland, Mahatma Mexico. There is a statue Gandhi's bust would light on an avenue named after the path of truth and nonhim in the capital Mexico violence for the people of City. In addition, there are Matehuala and remind two busts on main avenues them of the true path whenin Guadalajara city and the ever they are in doubt. Toronto: Violence against women is not an India-specific phenomenon but a global one, according to an Indo-Canadian journalist who has come out with a hard-hitting book on the issue. Brought out by Torontobased Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women, "Violence against Women - All Pervading" by Ajit Jain, features views of top academicians, social activists and political leaders to highlight the subservience to which women are subjected in all cultures. "I was very, very disturbed, as were millions of people in India and elsewhere, by the shocking manner in which a 23-year-old medical student in Delhi was gang-raped by six mad men and that too in a moving bus," says Jain, a journalist. Though the Dec 16, 2012, incident brought into focus crime against women in India, research shows that the issue is not really India-specific, he said. "Reports in the global media gave an impression that violence against women, gangrapes etc., are all happening in India. India is infested with mad people. Violence against women is widespread in India," he said. ern question, or issues in Chechnya, but there are issues which are more important than warring nations," he said. What is the major cause behind this violence against women? "The lust of human beings. More and more people are unemployed. More and more of us are watching Hollywood and Bollywood movies with sexual overtones, full of vio-

Ajit Jain, author of Violence against Women-All Pervading

lence; censor boards just close their eyes and ears and approve anything so that they don't have to do any explaining later on," Jain said. "These factors have contributed to increasing violence against women. Excessive use of alcohol is also contributing to this violence. And we don't speak out against such violent activities. We prefer to close our eyes."

"But when you research, you find that it is not India-specific. Violence against women is all-pervading. It is a global phenomenon. When you read UN statistics, it is revealed that one billion women are subjected to all kinds of violence." According to Jain, over 25 percent of men in South Africa "take pride in admitting they have raped one or two women in their lifetime." "And they say it in such a manner as if there is nothing atrocious about their action. It is like 'so what if I raped a woman?' For them, women are just created differently to satisfy sexual and other needs of men," Jain said. According to Jain, his book is aimed at over six billion people of this world. "It is not at all a Middle East-

Slovenia remembers Mahatma Gandhi

Ljubljana (Slovenia): Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary was commemorated in Slovenia with a wreathlaying ceremony in the city of Slovenj Gradec, an international city of peace which has installed in its central park a statue of the apostle of peace. Wreaths and flowers were laid by city mayor Andrej Cas and his councilors, citizens and members of the Indian community. Two minutes' silence in prayerful memory of the martyrs of the Indian struggle for independence was observed at 11.00 hours in sub-zero temperatures that had the city under layers of snow. The school band of Slovenj Gradec concluded the ceremony by playing some favorite hymns of Mahatma Gandhi, which he regularly used in his prayer meetings, including "Abide with Me." This day brought to a conclusion the first edition of the "Days of India in Slovenia", which began on Jan 18 with an Indian-Slovenian concert of Carnatic and fusion guitar music by Prasanna accompanied by a Slovenian tabla maestro. A jazz and rock concert followed in the town of Celje, a photo exhibition on the life of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated at Ljubljana by the president of the Slovenian National Assembly, Janko Veber.

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February 8-14, 2014

21

Taliban peace talks: Pakistan comes under criticism

Islamabad: The Pakistan government was criticized as its committee for peace talks failed to meet representatives of the Taliban committee, whose member Maulana Samiul Haq alleged that the government was not serious about holding a peace dialogue. Haq said the government should approach the dialogue process with seriousness, as its negotiators backed out at the last moment, Geo News reported. "The government's committee does not understand the importance of peace talks," Haq said. Earlier, the government committee formed to initiate peace talks sought clarifications from the Pakistani Taliban committee over the status of its committee and excused itself from meeting with the negotiating team. Spokesman for the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan, Shahidullah Siddiqui seeking clarification over the status of the Taliban's committee after Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehriki-Insaf and Mufti Kifayatullah, leader of the Jamiat Ulema-eIslam, declined to be part of the Taliban's team for dialogue. Later, Siddiqui said his team was ready to hold talks with the Taliban's committee. Siddiquis statement came after the Taliban issued a statement reposing confidence in the threemember committee nominated to hold talks with the government.

8 killed in Pak suicide blast

Taliban alleged that Pakistan was not serious about holding a peace dialogue

Shahid, said the three- member committee nominated by the Taliban was final and the government would have to hold talks with them. The Taliban spokesman said no

new name would be added to its committee and Maulana Samiul Haq has been informed about it. Shahid's statement followed an announcement by coordinator of the government's committee Irfan

Peshawar: Eight people were killed and 42 injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a charity hotel in Pakistans northwestern city of Peshawar, officials said, in an apparent sectarian attack. The blast came as a prominent scholar was gunned down in the same part of the city on Tuesday morning, in what also appeared to be a targeted sectarian

killing. Eight people were killed and twenty six have been injured in a suicide blast outside a local hotel yards away from an imambargah, senior police official Faisal Mukhtar said. Pakistan has seen a rise in sectarian violence since several deadly clashes between groups near the capital Islamabad in November.

Sri Lanka war report 'shows rights abuses'

New Afghan law aims to silence women

Kabul: A new Afghan law will allow men to attack their wives, children and sisters without fear of judicial punishment, undoing years of slow progress in tackling violence in a country plagued by honor killings, forced marriage and vicious domestic abuse. The small but significant change to Afghanistans criminal prosecution code bans relatives of an accused person from testifying against them. Most violence against women in Afghanistan is within the family, so the law passed by parliament but awaiting the signature of the president, Hamid Karzai will effectively silence victims as well as most potential witnesses to their suffering. It is a travesty this is happening, said Manizha Naderi, director of the charity and campaign group Women for Afghan Women. It will make it impossible to prosecute cases of violence against women The most vulnerable people wont get justice now. Under the new law, prosecutors could never come to court with cases like that of Sahar Gul, a child bride whose in-laws chained her in a basement and starved, burned and whipped her when she refused to work as a prostitute for them. Women like 31-year-old Sitara, whose nose and lips were sliced off by her husband at the end of last year, could never take the stand against their attackers. Honor killings by fathers and brothers who disapprove of a womans behavior would be almost impossible to punish. Forced marriage and the sale or trading of daughters to end feuds or settle debt would also be largely beyond the control of the law in a country where prosecution of abuse is already rare. It is common in western legal systems to excuse people from testimony that might incriminate their spouse. But it is a very narrow
Most violence against women in Afghanistan is within the family

Internally displaced Sri Lankan Tamil civilians peep from over a fence at a camp

Colombo: A report on Sri Lanka's civil war shows new evidence that the government may have covered up proof of human rights violations. A team of international lawyers said security forces systematically destroyed mass burial sites of civilians, and called on the UN to launch its own investigation into their findings. NGOs and the international media were prevented from witnessing the final months of Sri Lankas 25 year civil war as government forces defeated the Tamil Tigers in the north of the country, a battle in which the UN believes 40,000 people died. Violations of international law were committed by both sides, but the investigation found evidence that Sri Lankan Security Forces were responsible for the vast majority, including widespread

torture, sexual violence and enforced disappearances. The report - commissioned by an Australian law policy group and written by experts on international criminal law and war crimes - also found evidence that many of the crimes continue to this day, perpetrated by the Sri Lankan armed forces on the civilian population. William Schabas, a professor of International Law at Middlesex University and one of the authors of the report, said a particular concern now is attempts to cover up the crimes committed. It makes it perhaps more difficult to prove the guilt because the evidence has been destroyed, but on the other hand when people destroy evidence its because they know theyve done something wrong, Schabas said.

exception, with little resemblance to the blanket ban planned in Afghanistan. Human Rights Watch said it would let batterers of women and girls off the hook. The change is in a section of the criminal code titled Prohibition of Questioning an Individual as a Witness. Others covered by the ban are underage children, doctors and defence lawyers for the accused.Senators originally wanted a milder version of the law that would prevent relatives from being legally obliged to take the stand in a case in which they did not want to testify. But both houses of Parliament eventually passed a draft banning all testimony.

Nepal to elect new prime minister on Feb 10

Kathmandu: Nepal's new prime minister will be elected on February 10, with Nepali Congress' Sushil Koirala the frontrunner for the post after the president asked parties to end the prolonged political deadlock by nominating a premier through majority voting in the constituent assembly. More than ten weeks after electing a new constituent assembly, the Parliament's business advisory committee today set February 10 as the date for electing a new prime minister, according to the secretariat. President Ram Baran Yadav called political parties to elect a interim constitution failed. After several rounds of negotiations among the major political parties failed to throw up a consensus-based candidate, President Yadav instructed the Constituent Assembly, which also functions as the Parliament to elect the new prime minister through a majority vote as per Article 38(2) of the interim constitution. NC emerged as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly securing 194 seats in the November 19 polls but the party needs support from other major political parties to get the magic figure of 301 in the 601-member assembly.

President Ram Baran Yadav called political parties to elect a new prime minister

new prime minister after the bid to nominate a candidate through consensus under Article 38(1) of the

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INTERNATIONAL

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

North, South Korea agree to first reunions since 2010

At least 10,000 children killed in Syria: UN

United Nations: UN investigators say in a new report that children in Syria have been sexually abused in government detention, recruited to fight with the opposition, tortured and used as civilian shields. The report, the first to assess the impact of the nearly three-yearold Syria war on children, was quietly presented to the Security Council last week, as Syrian government and opposition representatives met in Switzerland for peace talks under the auspices of the UN It estimated that at least 10,000 children had been killed and that "grave violations against children" had been committed by "all parties to the conflict" since it began in March 2011. While the report did not discuss accountability, the evidence it presents will inevitably invite discussion about how to pursue accountability for accused war criminals. In 2011 and 2012, the report said, children as young as 11 were held in government detention centers with adults and, according to witnesses, subjected to torture in order to coerce relatives to surrender or confess. "Ill treatment and acts tantamount to torture reportedly included beatings with metal cables, whips and wooden and metal batons; electric shocks,

South Korean Choi Gye-Wol (left) kisses the hand of her North Korean grandson Kim Chol-Bong at a reunion in North Korea

Seoul: North and South Korea agreed to hold a reunion later this month for families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War -- the first such event for more than three years. The agreement marked a rare moment of cooperation between the two rivals, especially coming just weeks before the South kicks off joint military exercises with the United States that have been vehemently denounced by Pyongyang. Officials from both sides meeting in the border truce village of Panmunjom, decided the reunion would be held February 20-25 at the North's Mount Kumgang resort, the South's Unification Ministry said. "We hope that the latest agreement

will be smoothly carried out to ease the suffering and pain of separated families," the ministry said in a statement. Any sign of accord between North and South Korea tends to be greeted with optimism, given their perennial inability to cooperate on even the most basic trust-building measures. However, both sides have been here before, and observers warn that setting dates does not necessarily mean the event will take place. The two Koreas had agreed to hold a reunion last September but, even as the chosen relatives prepared to make their way to Mount Kumgang, Pyongyang cancelled at the last minute, citing "hostility" from the South.

A Syrian boy sits in the rubble of house destroyed during a military operation in the town of Taftanaz

including to the genitals; the ripping out of fingernails and toenails; sexual violence, including rape or threats of rape; mock executions; cigarette burns; sleep deprivation; solitary confinement; and exposure to the torture of relatives," the report said. Investigators said they had documented reports of sexual violence against children in government detention, "perpetrated mostly by members of the Syrian intelligence services and the Syrian armed forces" against those who were suspected of being affiliated with the opposition. The government denies it

detains children. In Geneva, Faisal Mekdad, the deputy foreign minister, said in response to a question last week, the day before the report went to the Security Council: "I categorically deny there are any children being detained. Those are rumors." Investigators were able to chronicle abuse by opposition forces, including summary executions of children. It received two reports from Hasakah province, in northeast Syria: a 16-year-old boy fatally shot last April by the Nusra Front, which is aligned with al-Qaida, and a 14-year-old boy killed by a Kurdish group.

US urges 'genuine compromise' in Ukraine: White House

Washington: US Vice President Joe Biden urged Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to pursue dialogue and compromise to end the country's crisis as he called for the "immediate" pulling back of riot police. In a phone call, Biden "emphasized that the only viable path to peace and stability in Ukraine is through continued dialogue and genuine compromise to form a new government that can earn the confidence of the Ukrainian people," the White House said in a statement. Ukraine has been rocked by protests since November after Yanukovych rejected an association agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Moscow, and the turmoil has now become an all-out movement to oust him. The pro-EU protest leaders are demanding constitutional amendments to cut presidential powers and unconditional freedom for arrested activists. Biden urged Yanukovych to "take advantage of every opportunity, including offers of international support, to reduce tensions and build trust with the people of Ukraine in

Thai opposition seeks to annul election

Bangkok: Thailands opposition is set to demand the annulment of last weekend's election and the dissolution of the ruling party, in a legal offensive that threatens to intensify the kingdom's political agony. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called the recent snap election in a bid to defuse mass rallies that have dogged her government for three months, sparked deadly violence in Bangkok and thrust the kingdom into prolonged political turmoil. The latest legal move by the opposition, which plans to file a legal challenge to the polls in the Constitutional Court, came as the United States warned against any moves to stage a military coup, in the most outspoken remarks yet by a major ally. We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said after opposition protesters prevented voting at thousands of polling stations, prompting election authorities to withhold results until ballots are cast in all constituencies.

Ukraine has been rocked by protests since November last year after President Viktor Yanukovych rejected an association agreement with EU in favor of closer ties with Moscow.

order to find a political solution to the crisis". That, he said, included taking "immediate steps" such as pulling back riot police, letting detained protesters go and "establishing accountability for those responsible for beatings and attacks on journalists and protesters". Ukrainian lawmakers failed to agree on curbing the president's powers at a stormy debate that took place as the EU's foreign policy chief flew in to bolster foreign pressure to end the two-month crisis.

Catherine Ashton was to meet with Yanukovych on Wednesday, who a senior lawmaker said was considering calling early elections to resolve the stand-off. Lithuania, meanwhile, confirmed signs of torture on a Ukrainian activist it is treating and urged an independent probe into the crime. At least two protesters and two policemen have been killed in clashes and the opposition says activists are being beaten by pro-government militias as part of a "secret repression."

The protesters want Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra ousted and her government replaced

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

BUSINESS

February 8-14, 2014

23

Twitter takes hit, posts $511 mn loss

San Francisco: Twitter got a reality check as the high-flying messaging company reported modest user growth during a quarter in which it lost $511 million. Even more disconcerting, in the eyes of some industry watchers, was that the typical amount of time people spent checking out timelines actually dropped. "If you don't have an engaged user base, you don't have a business," Forrester analyst Nate Elliott said. "They have got to do better on users, that is the entire story." Twitter makes money from ads in the form of "promoted tweets" in timelines, and it needs strong growth to keep its momentum. Twitter shares skidded more than 17% to $54.16 in after-hours trades that followed its first quarterly earnings release since its stock market debut last year. Twitter problems include going from being seen as an online venue for quick fame to being viewed as a global platform for infamy, according to analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group in Silicon Valley. Attention has been shined on people losing jobs or facing ridicule for Twitter posts. In a recent example, a television star came under heavy online fire for a joke he tweeted playing off the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. "When people started getting destroyed by what they posted, people started looking at using the service as stupid," Enderle said. "And stupid is not status." The results showed revenues in the quarter that ended December 31 doubled from a year ago to a better-than-expected $242.6 million. The number of worldwide users was up just nine million from the figure of 232
Twitter is now planning to get more visually engaging with pictures and video

Spectrum auction: Rs. 50,000-crore bids received

New Delhi: A total of 21 rounds of bidding were completed at the end of Day Three of the second generation (2G) spectrum or airwaves auction that began Feb 3, an official statement said here. The government received cumulative bids worth Rs.50,000 crore at the end of the third day. "The government received cumulative bids worth around Rs.50,000 crore at the end of the third day. Going forward, we expect bidding to move in a very robust way," Telecom Secretary M.F. Farooqui said. Eight mobile phone service providers are participating in the auction for 46 MHz in 900 MHz band and 385 MHz in 1,800 MHz band. At the end of the third day of bidding, data released by the department of telecom showed that the 1,800 MHz band received bids in all 22 circles and the 900 MHz band received bids in all three circles, which are up for auction. Highest demand for 900 MHz was seen from Delhi circle and in 1,800 MHz highest bid was seen in Assam and West Bengal circles. The eight mobile phone service providers participating in the auction are Reliance Communications, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Telewings, Aircel, Tata Teleservices and Idea Cellular. In the 900 MHz, Mumbai price shot up 71.7 percent more than the reserve price, Delhi went up by 59.5 percent and Kolkata by 54.2 percent. The number of blocks that are on offer in Mumbai is 16, Delhi 16 and Kolkata 14. Bharti Airtel's 20-year license is going to expire in Delhi and Kolkata circles and Vodafone India's 20-year licences in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata circles are getting over in November this year. The total spectrum on offer is 46 MHz in 900 MHz band (only Delhi, Mumbai and

million when Twitter went public in November, suggesting only modest growth at a time when investors were looking for a surge. In its first earnings report as a public company, Twitter said the loss for the year widened to $645 million from $79 million in 2012, even as revenues more than doubled to $664 million for the full year. The San Francisco-based firm said advertising brought in $220 million in the quarter, an increase of 121% year-overyear, with mobile accounting for more than 75 percent of total. Twitter shares soared from the offering price last November of $26, and analysts say that to sustain that momentum Twitter must prove it can grow and move toward profitability. "Twitter finished a great year with our strongest financial quarter to date," chief executive Dick Costolo said in the earnings release. "We are the only platform that is public, real-time, conversational and widely distributed and I'm excited by the number of initiatives we have underway to further build upon the Twitter experience." Twitter, which has its roots in 140-character text messages, also planned to get more visually engaging with pictures and video.

Highest demand for 900 MHz was seen from Delhi circle

Kolkata) and 385 MHz in 1,800 MHz band (all 22 circles) simultaneously. The government targeted to mop up Rs.40,874.50 crore from spectrum auction in 2013-14. The auctioning of the airwaves is done to obtain a market determined price of the spectrum. This auction does not have any last date. It will go on every week from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. till the time telecom service providers keep bidding. The service providers will bid using fixed Internet Protocols (IP) as dynamic IP addresses are not allowed. The objectives of the auctions are to obtain a market determined price of spectrum in 1,800 MHz and 900 MHz bands through a transparent process; ensure efficient use of spectrum and avoid hoarding; stimulate competition in the sector; promote rollout of the respective services and maximise revenue proceeds from the auctions within the set parameters. Times Internet Limited and e-Procurement Technologies Limited are advising the government on the auction. Administration of the e-auction is the responsibility of eProcurement Technologies Limited.

Luxury models unveiled at Auto Expo 2014

Greater Noida: Luxury automobile manufacturers Audi and BMW unveiled various models, a day ahead of the biennial 12th Auto Expo being organized here. German luxury manufacturer Audi unveiled its A3 sedan, and special versions of sports utility vehicle (SUVs) Q3, Q5 and Q7 and showcased its recent addition to its portfolio RS7 Sportback. "We believe this (Indian) market has tremendous potential for further growth of brand Audi. Reaffirming our commitment to the Indian market, we are bringing the Audi S3 sedan. We expect the Indian market to continue to grow and to contribute substantially to Audi's global sales," said Terence Johnsson, vicepresident, overseas sales, Audi AG. BMW India presented the new generation of individual mobility by unveiling the i8, X5 and M6 Gran Coupe. The company launched BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo which will be available at dealerships from in March in diesel variant with price of about Rs.42.75 lakh. The company will also launch its M6 Gran Coupe by mid-2014 and its plug-in hybrid car i8 which uses both electric and petrol engine by

Some niche cars at the 12th Auto Expo in Greater Noida

the end of 2014. "As a sign of our commitment to

this market (India), we will bring our revolutionary BMW i8 to India

later this year," said Philipp von Sahr, president, BMW Group India.

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February 8-14, 2014

SPORTS

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Test series to test our team's true character: Dhoni

Wellington: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that the forthcoming two-Test series will be a test of character for his young team, which was battered 4-0 by New Zealand in the five-match ODI series. India failed to salvage some pride in the fifth and the final ODI and lost it by 87 runs here at the Westpac Stadium for their second successive ODI series loss in two months. Despite the humiliating series loss, Dhoni backed his boys and said they have to believe in themselves to play their strokes confidently. "From the talent point of view, these are the players. They have to back themselves to play their strokes but the execution is what is lacking. It'll be a bigger test of character in the Test series and it will be good for our younger players," he said. Dhoni credited the New Zealanders for playing some good cricket and said their new ball bowlers have done well. "Throughout this series, they've played very good cricket. Their new ball pair have been very good but where they've taken the game away is in the middle overs batting which set up their charge late in the innings, picking up 80-90 runs consistently," he said. New Zealand captain Brandan McCulllum said beating India, who entered the series as World No.1, made it their best series win. McCullum was also happy with the way

Need more intensity from pacers: Dhoni

Auckland: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his fast bowlers have to be ready to bowl long spells if needed during the two-match Test series against New Zealand. Dhoni, who blamed the bowlers for India's 0-4 loss in the ODIs, asked his pacers to show the same kind of intensity they had showed during the Test series in South Africa. "In South Africa, I felt they did a very good job. Even when we bowled too many overs, when they came for the last spell, they were still putting in a lot of effort. That is what is important. You don't want to give away easy runs. Let the opposition score off good shots. It was a good performance from them, depending on the scenario," he said. Dhoni said on New Zealand tracks, that offer little help to the spinners, they fast bowlers may have to go for long spells. Dhoni said Indians pacers have to be patient and that is where veteran Zaheer Khan's experience will come handy.

New Zealand started off on a solid note in the first Test against India

youngsters like Matt Henry, Hamish Bennett, Jimmy Neeshan and Corey Anderson performed against India. "The boys worked very very hard to pull this off, especially against a tough one-day side like India. We saw Matt Henry comes in and take to it outstandingly, there was Hamish Bennett and Jimmy Neesham and the emergence of Corey Anderson as well. "It's been pretty pleasing to see Kane and

Ross score all those runs. In all the time I've seen him play, Ross hasn't been as good as he's looked in this series. For a guy who's young, Kane's become one of our experienced lads and has been moving from strength to strength," he said. Ross Taylor, who was declared Man of the Match for his consecutive tons, feels India will come back hard in the Tests. He also lauded Kane Williamson, who has scored five fifties in a row.

Tiger Woods enthralls fans in India Super Bowl Sunday brings America to standstill
Washington: America came to a virtual standstill to watch the year's biggest sporting event Super Bowl, a game of American style football - much like the sub-continent does to watch a cricket match between India and Pakistan. From President Barack Obama down, fans prepared for days for "Super Bowl Sunday" to watch the 48th annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional American football, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But the game isn't anything like the football played in the rest of the world as two teams of eleven players, each dressed in helmets and thick shoulder pads, try to advance an oval ball down the field by running with or passing it. Originating from the sport of rugby football, the first game of American football was said to have been played on Nov 6, 1869, between two college teams, Rutgers and Princeton. Obama celebrated the Super Bowl by having the White House tweet a picture of him throwing a football. He also gave his sixth traditional Super Bowl Sunday interview telecast during Fox News's pre-game show.

The Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl title

Tiger Woods played the full 18 holes at the Delhi Golf Club

New Delhi: World No.1 golfer Tiger Woods played the full 18 holes at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) carding an unbelievable nine under during an exhibition game to enthrall fans. To put things in perspective, Mohammad Siddikur of Bangladesh finished with a total of 14 under 274 at the same course when he won the Indian Open crown. Only select media personnel and DGC members were invited to the private event organised by the Hero Group and the World Sports Group (WSG). Woods, who reportedly received $2.2 million for the appearance, played with Hero MotoCorp MD and CEO Pawan Munjal and some select invitees for most of the time.

He was later joined by Indian golf stars Shiv Kapur and Anirban Lahiri who played the last three holes. "Thanks so much for the time, it was an absolute blast. It is hard to say how much fun I had today. It was a narrow golf course and I was nervous with my tee shot. My best buddy Arjun (Atwal) told me so much about India and I am happy to be here. Thank You so much," Woods told reporters. Among the guests were former India cricketers Madan Lal and Murali Karthik. The American golfer arrived here from Dubai, where he took part in the Dubai Desert Classic, and was whisked away from the VIP area at the airport amidst tight security.

As nine out of ten Americans plunked down before their television sets to watch what has frequently been the most watched American television broadcast of the year they consumed an estimated 50 million cases of beer. Super Bowl Sunday is also the 2nd largest day for US food consumption after Thanksgiving Day with an estimated 1.25 billion chicken wings expected to be eaten. About 48 million Americans were expected to order takeout or delivery food from a restaurant instead of cooking at home, according to ABC7SB TV citing the National Restaurant Association. According to other fun facts compiled by the channel, a 30-

second Super Bowl ad was going for about $4 million. That's $133,333.33 per second. Tickets for the inaugural Super Bowl were sold for $6 but the price increases have outpaced inflation and the face value for tickets this year ranged between $500 and $2,600. Over 700,000 footballs are produced annually for official NFL use and 72 of them are used for the Super Bowl, the channel said. Nearly one-third of US adults were expected to bet on the big game with men outnumbering women who decide to put some cash on the line. The Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl title Sunday night beating the Denver Broncos 43-8.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HEALTH

February 8-14, 2014

25

February 4 was World Cancer Day

Cancer cases to rise five-fold in India by 2025

By Sreeparna Chakrabarty New Delhi: With a million new cases being reported every year, cancer seems to be tightening its grip on India. Experts say the incidence of the killer disease is expected to rise five-fold by 2025. According to medical professionals, lung and oral cancers were the most common among men while cervix and breast cancer were striking more and more women. Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in India, which has nearly three million patients suffering from the disease, they said. Annually, nearly 500,000 people die of cancer in India. The WHO said this number is expected to rise to 700,000 by 2015. "The number of cancer cases in India is increasing every year," P.K. Julka, head of the oncology department at AIIMS said. According to WHO, lung, oral, lip, throat and neck cancers are the most common among men while women suffer more from cervix, (HCAH), said: "High treatment costs are one of the main reasons why cancer care is out of reach for millions of Indians. If detected early, treatment is effective and cheaper. However, if detected late, it is more expensive (can even lead to bankruptcy) and also reduces the chances of survival." In India, a skewed doctor-topatient ratio only worsens the situation. The health ministry is working towards a target doctor-patient ratio of 1:1,000 by 2021, which at present is 1:2,000. Julka said: "In India, the requirement is 1 cancer care unit per 100,000 population, which is a far cry from the current scenario". He, however, added the government was taking steps to combat the situation, including setting up a cancer care institute in Jhajjhar in Haryana. Doctors say the causes of such a high incidence of cancer may be both internal like genetic, hormonal and poor immune conditions as well as external or environmental like food habits, industrialization, over growth of population and lifestyle. Ignorance among the public, delayed diagnosis and lack of adequate medical facilities has given cancer the dubious distinction of being a "killer disease". However, if cancer is detected in its early stages, it can be treated and an individual can lead a healthy life, Thukral said. Mohanty said: "It is important to create awareness about common types of cancer and their symptoms among the general public. Passing blood in urine is the first alarming sign and should not be neglected. It is important to know that food plays a pivotal role in cancer prevention. "Avoid a high-cholesterol diet like meat, liver and milk products. Intake of antioxidant-rich foods like guavas, tomatoes, grapes and pineapples can help protect against cancer. Adding dietary fiber to your food can protect you from intestine cancer," Mohanty added.

An oral cancer patient being treated in India

breast and ovarian cancers. "Incidence of cancer has increased in India, especially prostate cancer in elderly men besides kidney, penis and intestine cancer," Nayan Kumar Mohanty, director, Department of Urology, Saket City Hospital, said. Manju Khemani, Head of the Department, Institute of Obs and Gynae at the hospital, said: "Cervical cancer is the second most common in women worldwide.

Unlike some other cancers, it strikes as early as 32-35 years of age." According to health ministry data, out of more than 300 cancer centers in India, 40 percent are not adequately equipped with advanced cancer care equipment. India will need at least 600 additional cancer care centers by 2020 to meet the requirements. Gaurav Thukral, Head, Medical Services, HealthCare at Home

Cancer is curable: Demystifying many cancer myths

New Delhi: Some believe cancer is incurable, quite a few think it is contagious and many others feel it can be caused by hair-dyes and antiperspirants - myths like these expose our little knowledge about the much-feared disease which, if addressed timely, can be cured, doctors say. According to health experts, many myths are associated with cancer, but adapting a healthy lifestyle can help people keep it at bay. India has more than three million cancer patients, and these figures paint a pale picture of our understanding of the disease. One of the biggest myths about cancer, according to Rajeev Kumar, senior consultant oncologist, Rockland Hospital, Qutab Institutional Area, is that cancer is incurable. "Rather, cancer is the most curable of all chronic diseases," Kumar said. "One can never cure diabetes or hypertension, but cancer, if detected early and treated well, can be cured," Kumar added. Agreed Preeti Jain, consultant oncology surgeon, Columbia Asia Hospital, who said that people with cancer can live "happier lives" if detected early. "Neither is it true that surgery increases the risk of cancer," Jain said, adding that surgeries rather help combat the disease. Explaining the lack of awareness related to cancer, Manish Singhal, senior consultant medical oncology, IOSPL at Fortis Hospital, Noida, said that it is because people believe in self-medication. "Such misconceptions prevail despite information being available, because a majority of the population believes in self-medication with little or no access to complete information on the disease," Singhal said. Jain added that lack of information can be attributed to cancer being a mass disease. "If we penetrate India geographically, we will find that many people are still unaware about the disease. They know that cancer is a disease; but its type or detection, is not known to many," she said. Singhal further said that neither is cancer hereditary or contagious, nor is caused by hair dyes and anti-perspirants. "Only in five to 10 percent of cases, cancers are hereditary. But the most common symptoms of cancer are caused by genetic changes that occur throughout a person's lifetime," he said. Singhal added that such changes are caused by tobacco use, too much ultraviolet radiation and exposure to certain chemicals. Another myth, according to experts, is that women fear one of the causes of breast cancer are "underwire brassieres", though there is no substantial evidence to support this theory. Suggesting a comprehensive campaign to help raise awareness, Kumar said that apart from the media, doctors and health workers should also participate. "Cancer survivors are probably the best source of spreading awareness," he said. According to Singhal, diligently following eight norms, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, protecting oneself from the sun and getting screening tests done, can help lower one's risk of cancer. "Diet can also influence some cancers. Cancers of the stomach, bowel, lung, prostate and uterus are more likely to develop if your diet is high in fat and low in fruit, vegetables and fiber," Singhal said.

Probiotics improve more than just gut health

f youre familiar with right there in the gut. probiotics, you probaProbiotics can help keep bly know that these these critical defenses good bacteria, found in functioning properly. such foods as yogurt and Have you ever experipickles, are associated enced butterflies in your with good digestive stomach? This sensation health. But the health isnt just in your head. benefits of probiotics are The gut contains over 100 more extensive than just million neurons. One parimproving digestion. ticular nerve, the vagus Experts now say that paynerve, communicates ing attention to your prodirectly with your brain. Some probiotic foods biotic intake, including the When youre stressed, your use of probiotic suppledigestive system suffers as ments, can potentially help you achieve a result. But new research shows that probetter health -- from developing a stronger biotics can potentially alleviate these immune system to reducing stress. symptoms. Probiotics have formed a vital part of Though more research is needed in this Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets area, scientists are uncovering new ways for thousands of years and are credited, in that your mind is connected to your gut. part, for the remarkably low rates of Start by incorporating more probiotics chronic, age-related diseases that prevail into your diet. Sources include yogurt, in those regions, says Michael A. Smith, sour pickles, certain soft cheeses and miso M.D., senior health scientist with Life soup. While these foods do supply a small Extension in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and dose of beneficial bacteria, Smith says that host of Healthy Talk on if youre not already doing so, you should www.RadioMD.com. consider supplementing your diet with The human gastrointestinal system has probiotic supplements or foods with added the all-important job of digesting food and probiotics. absorbing nutrients. If it fails at this, youll Thanks to new research and the emergquickly become malnourished. These tasks ing field of pharmabiotics, you can are managed mostly by bacteria and not by increase your intake with a broad spectrum your own body. Foods and supplements of probiotic products, as well says Smith. that replenish important bacteria are called Remember, not all probiotics are created probiotics. equal -- there are many strains and prepaAdditionally, probiotics are said to ease rations on the market. One of the compliinflammation by decreasing production of cations many commercial probiotics face inflammatory proteins called cytokines. is their inability to overcome hurdles in the Your gut system is exposed to lots of digestive tract before hitting their target dangerous bacteria, molds and fungi. A area, which can limit their beneficial vast majority of your immune defenses are effect.

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February 8-14, 2014

SELF HELP

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Anyone can make a difference: ways you can give back

n todays connected world, we are flooded with global news 24/7. As a result, many suffer from what experts refer to as compassion fatigue. But simple acts of kindness can make your community and world a better place to live. And research says it could even be beneficial to your health. In fact, in a recent study conducted by Claremont Graduate University, people who felt empathy for a stranger experienced a release of the hormone oxytocin, which is associated with lower blood pressure, lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, reduced pain and improved psychological well-being. Reaching out to a stranger benefits both people. Its a win-win, says Erin Healy, author of the new novel Stranger Things, which she was inspired to write in order to raise awareness of sex trafficking and human slavery. Many people are loathe to forge connec-

tions with strangers and help others, due to introversion, fear, or concerns that what they have to offer might not be enough. However, Healy points out that a small change in atti-

tude can help spur you to take meaningful action. She offers some quick tips for surmounting your hurdles and giving back: Be you. Harness your talents, abilities and the resources already at your disposal to give back or raise awareness. When it comes to helping others, theres no cookie-cutter way to do it. Teach a class, buy supplies, be an advocate -- its all about pinpointing what you can do to shine a light on an issue and help improve it, rather than getting mired in what you cant accomplish, says Healy. At present, I cant travel to India to infiltrate a brothel and pull girls out. I cant be a live-in mom at an aftercare home. But I can write a book. I can help to raise awareness. Shop Smart. With a little research you can better ensure your consumer dollars are not supporting companies that dont share your values. Consider shopping from companies that donate a portion of their proceeds to

NGOS and foundations that support causes about which you are passionate. Think local. When I started researching Stranger Things I was surprised to learn how many small organizations in my own city are already making efforts to aid victims of human trafficking, Healy says. Let your heart lead you to a local cause. You can empower yourself by helping those already doing the work. Think random. You may not have the time to make a long-term volunteering commitment, but every day presents opportunities, big and small, to show kindness to strangers when you take the time to notice them. Connect with a stranger. By looking outward you gain perspective on your own troubles and realize that you have more to offer than you may have thought. Be intentional, and take time to notice those around you. As you get to know them, youll find yourself moved to help.

New ways to save at the grocery store T

here are m a n y ways to make simple, sustainable changes to your everyday spending routine that can make a big impact over time. A great place to start cutting back is on grocery expenses, which is our third largest expense, according to US government statistics. Its a way to save thousands annually. Saving money at the grocery store can seem tedious. But smart strategies can eliminate time-consuming coupon clipping and save you big at the store, says Erin Chase, the "$5 Dinner Mom," author, blogger and frugal living expert. To help you kick off the year right, Chase is offering hassle-free tips for cutting expenses: Compare Prices You can save up to 70 percent on groceries by comparing prices across stores, which adds up to hundreds, even thousands of dollars annually. But manual comparison shopping can be tricky and involve running all over town. Let technology do the work for you. Over half of all consumers currently use technology to grocery shop. Get on board the trend to save money and time. For example, with the Favado app, you can view sale prices from multiple stores to figure out which has the best deal. With just a few clicks from your computer or smartphone, you can enjoy the satisfaction of having paid the lowest price possible. You can also use the app to create and share shopping lists. Loyalty Programs For additional savings, sign up for loyalty or club cards. Items on sale with loyalty cards change periodically, so stock up on items you buy regularly when prices are low. Make tracking sales easier with an app like Cardstar that stores all your loyalty, rewards, and membership cards in one place. Follow the Cycles Most groceries you purchase regularly will eventually go on sale. In fact, most items go on sale every eight to 12 weeks. The key is to buy as much of the item as you need while its on sale to last you until the next cycle. Buy In-Season In-season fruits and vegetables tend to be more affordable. Find out what fruits and vegetables are in season in your local area and purchase accordingly. The Seasons app tells you what's in season locally. With 214 entries that include an image, description and seasonal stats, users can easily decide what to buy. Buy One, Get One Many grocers offer buy-one, get-one free sales. This is a great way to save without clipping coupons. You can easily uncover these sales on a shopping app like Favado. Dont waste your hard earned money paying more for groceries than necessary. With a little planning, you can score great deals on the things your family needs and wants.

Tips for talking with aging parents about their future Tips to help kids form healthy dental habits
ometimes the most important family conversations can be the most uncomfortable to initiate, especially those concerning the health and wellbeing of an aging loved one. But such discussions shouldnt wait, say experts. Ignoring the inevitable will only leave you unprepared for the future, says Virginia Morris, eldercare expert and author of the new book, How to Care for Aging Parents. Remember, talking about the worst-case scenarios wont make them come true, and refusing to talk about them wont make them go away. In Morris new book, she offers a one-stop resource to those caring for an older-loved one, with advice on medical, financial, housing and emotional issues. Here are some of her tips for broaching these crucial subjects:

ral care and cavity prevention are crucial for overall health, and getting kids to put that knowledge into practice is a must. The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. If you arent able to brush between meals, swishing water is a great way to help reduce bacteria that can build up. When choosing toothpaste, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to indicate it has been rigorously tested for cavity protection. Take a minute to check whats inside your toothpaste. Many contain ingredients like artificial sweeteners, dyes or preservatives on the label. If you prefer a more natural option, Toms of Maine makes the top-selling natural kids toothpaste without any artificial ingredients and no animal testing. Encourage kids to make healthy nutritional choices that promote good dental health, including calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, almonds, oatmeal, and oranges. While skipping all sweets may not be realistic, encourage kids to limit sugary beverages and candy, and to brush after treats. Its simple to show kids that a healthy smile is an important component of overall health. These smart oral health habits can last a lifetime.

Things to Avoid There are several common conversational mistakes to avoid that could leave your parent feeling defensive -- from nagging and lecturing to making promises you may not be able to keep. There are few more effective ways of blocking any further conversation than by making decisions and presenting them as a master plan to a parent, says Morris. Additionally, dont arrive armed with paperwork. Pages of legal documents and brochures about retirement homes will likely overwhelm your parent. Get Specific Talk -- really talk -- to your parents about their medical states and wishes concerning aggressive medical care. Get them to sign a living will and health care proxy, but realize that these documents are just a starting point. Dont accept vague comments like dont drag it out. Push the conversation further. It may not be pleasant to discuss end-of-life scenarios, but knowing your parents wishes could help save your family from future untold agony and grief. More information and resources can be found at www.CareForAgingParents.com.

Listen However you launch the conversation, start by listening, even when you have specific issues you want to discuss or firm convictions about what should be done. Dont interrupt. Acknowledge that youve heard what he or she has said. Your parent likely has previously unvoiced fears and hopes that you havent even considered. If you listen first, you will probably learn something, and your parent will be more likely to listen to your views.

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Society has found that there were 40 percent more people signing up to this temporary menu in the first two months of 2013 compared to same period in 2012, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Juliet Gellatley, director of the vegan and vegetarian group Viva, says most people do it either for health concerns or because they have developed greater awareness of animal rights. "People might be prone to heart disease or want to get their cholesterol down. Or it might be because they've seen something on factory farming. But once people turn to veganism, they usually open their minds to other issues too," said Gellatley. "The third factor, which is more unusual, is environmental reasons such as global warming or deforestation," she added.

LIFESTYLE

February 8-14, 2014

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Address kids emotions to ward off childhood obesity

New York: Does you mom often punish you or dismiss your emotions instead of being sensitive to your distress and teach you how to handle those feelings? You may run a higher chance of obesity. A child who doesn't learn to regulate his emotions may, in turn, develop eating patterns that put him/her at risk for obesity, said Kelly Bost, a professor of human development and family studies at University of Illinois. The study documents the link between a parent's insecure attachment and their child's consumption of unhealthy foods, leading to weight gain. A person's attachment is consistently related to the way he responds to negative emotions. The response might be related to three practices that we know are related to obesity - emotion-related feeding styles, mealtime routine and television viewing," she said. In an insecure attachment environment, children often experience feelings of anxiety and uncertainty in close relationships. As adults, they are especially at risk for ineffective parenting surrounding some of the factors that are implicated in paediatric obesity, Bost added. The study found that insecure parents were significantly more likely to respond to their children's distress by becoming distressed themselves or dismissing

Temporary vegan on the rise

London: More people are opting for vegan diet for seven to 30 days, reveals the Vegan Society. The temporary menu of people, who pledge to go vegan, consists of animal-free products or by-products. According to BBC, Vegan

Negative emotions affect eating behavior of children

their child's emotion. One explanation might be that insecure moms are more easily overwhelmed with stress, find it more difficult to organize family mealtimes and allow their children to watch more television as a coping strategy, she suggested. Clinicians can help address childhood obesity by giving parents practical strategies to help kids deal with negative emotions like anger, sadness and boredom. Telling a child to 'clean your plate' or 'eat just three more bites and you can have dessert' sends the wrong message. In fighting childhood obesity, we can teach children to eat when they're hungry and recognize when they are full. Don't promote eating under stress or eating to soothe, she added.

Hollywood celebs who Discussing movies good for marriage! Are you tea addict? Check went the yoga way for caffeine use disorder
New York: How frequently do you watch and discuss movies with your hubby? If you don't, you stand a higher risk of separation. A new study finds that watching and discussing movies about relationships is as effective in lowering divorce rates as other, more intensive early marriage counseling programs. Discussing five movies about relationships over a month could cut the three-year divorce rate for newly-weds by half, said researchers. "We thought the movie treatment would help but not nearly as much as the other programs in which we were teaching all of these state-ofthe-art skills," said lead author Ronald Rogge, an associate professor of psychology at University of Rochester in New York. But the results showed that an inexpensive, fun and relatively simple movie-and-talk approach can be just as effective as other more intensive therapist-led methods - reducing the divorce or separation rate from 24 to 11 percent after three years. The study, which appeared in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, involved 174 couples. The participants were sent home with a list of 47 movies with intimate relationships as a major plot focus and asked to watch one a week for the next month, followed by the same guided discussion for about 45 minutes. Discussing relationship movies, it turned out, was just as effective as more intensive skills-building programs. The results suggest that many couples already possess relationship skills, they just need reminders to put these into practice, the authors said.

Limit tea or coffee to two to three cups a day

Reese Witherspoon is passionate about her yoga practice

Los Angeles: Hollywood celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston swear by yoga to keep themselves trim. Here's a list of stars who practice yoga, a discipline that goes back to ancient India, religiously, reports eonline.com: Reese Witherspoon: The actress is passionate about her yoga practice with expert Kirschen Hagenlocher. "We practice strong flow around three times a week," said Hagenlocher. Jennifer Aniston: The "Friends" star has been training with yogi, wellness expert and author Mandy Ingber for years. Aniston credits her trim and toned figure to the relaxing yet powerful practice. Vanessa Hudgens: "I become fitnessobsessed, sometimes I work out twice a day," said the "High School Musical" star. She said she loves to practice yoga because it's good for the mind and the soul. Gisele Bndchen: The model relies on the calming practice to strengthen long, lean muscles and tone her body. Miranda Kerr: The model considers yoga to be one of her favorite fitness regimens.

Women gain weight in a new relationship

London: Starting a relationship means lot of love, happiness and an expanding waist line too, shows a research. The research, conducted by UKMedix.com, has revealed the effect that a womens frame of mind can have on her weight. The study also found that an average woman will gain 7.2 pounds or 3.2 kg in the first year of a new relationship. However, just under half put blame on their partners poor diet as the reason for weight gain, reportsfemalefirst.co.uk. It seems that our frame of mind has a huge impact on our weight, and although men seem to lose weight when in a happy relationship, an average woman will gain half a stone," said Sarah Bailey of UKMedix.com. One stone, an old British measure, is 6.35 kg. "Being comfortable in our love lives often equates to increased self-confidence, perhaps explaining the weight gain that many experience." she added.

Washington: If you can't live without your cup of coffee early morning or that tea to prevent the after-lunch slump, you may be suffering from caffeine use disorder. Researchers at American University in Washington, DC, indicate that more people are dependent on caffeine to the point that they suffer withdrawal symptoms. They are unable to reduce caffeine consumption even if they have another condition that may be impacted by caffeine - such as a pregnancy, a heart condition or a bleeding disorder, said psychology professor Laura Juliano at American University. The negative effects of caffeine are often not recognized because it is a socially acceptable and widely consumed drug that is well integrated into our customs and routines. While many people can consume caffeine without harm, for some it produces negative effects, physical dependence, interferes with daily functioning, and can be difficult to give up, which are signs of problematic use, Juliano added. The study, published in the Journal of Caffeine Research, shows how widespread the caffeine dependence is and the significant physical and psychological symptoms experienced by habitual caffeine users. Caffeine is found in everything from coffee, tea and soda to OTC pain relievers, chocolate, and now a whole host of food and beverage products branded with some form of the word 'energy'. Based on current research, Juliano advises that healthy adults should limit caffeine consumption to no more than two to three cups.

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February 8-14, 2014

HUMOR

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

You can't buy love, but you can buy 'like'

don't know about you, but when I post something on Facebook, I sometimes get only one or two 'likes' -- and they're usually from the same people: my mom and my wife. Okay, that's not completely true. My wife likes me in real life, but doesn't really 'like' me on Facebook. Or is it the other way around? I'm not sure. All I know is that I can't always count on a 'like' from her. As for my mom, she isn't on Facebook a lot, and when she is, it's usually to look at pictures that her friends have posted, and perhaps read a message from me: "Mom, I just posted something on my wall. Please 'like' it." She immediately responds: "I loved it!" Me: "No, Mom, I don't want you to love it. I want you to 'like' it." Mom: "What is wrong with the world today that people don't want love, only like?" It's certainly a different world than the world she grew up in. There was no Facebook and Twitter in those days, of course. There was no way to count how many people liked you -- and if you happened to have a lot of followers, you put 'Guru' of 'Swami' in front of your name. Nowadays, if you want to be 'somebody'

on the Internet, you'd better have thousands of 'likes' and even more followers. And if you're a real celebrity -- or want to look like one you'd better have a million followers or more. So what should you do if you don't have enough 'likes' or followers? Should you badger your mom and wife to keep retweeting your tweets? No, not if you have a few bucks to spare and don't mind having lots of friends and followers in Bangladesh.

As the Associated Press reported recently, Dhakar, the capital of Bangladesh, is an "international hub of click farms." A click farm is a place where people are employed to do nothing but click. Using numerous accounts and network servers, they will 'like' you, follow you, friend you. Their job is to make companies and individuals look popular. And it doesnt cost that much, as I found out when I made a call to Bangladesh. "ClicksRus. May I help you?" "Yes, can you tell me what services you provide?" "All services. You want followers? We can follow you. You want 'likes'? We can 'like' you. You want YouTube views? We can view you. We are a one-stop Internet popularity company." "How much are your 'likes' going for?" "Five hundred 'likes' for $1. All fully guaranteed. Money back if you don't like our 'likes.'" "What about Twitter followers?" "For only $10, we can give you 1,000

Twitter followers. And for $1,000, we can make you a celebrity." "Just $1,000 to be a celebrity? Wow, I love it. Wait till I tell my wife that she doesn't have to follow me anymore! What about Facebook friends?" "For $100, we can give you 1,000 friends. That's only 10 cents per friend." "Wow, that's great. I've had cheap friends before, but nothing like this. What kind of friends will they be?" "We can supply any kind of friend. White friend, black friend, brown friend. Straight friend, gay friend, bi-sexual friend." "I don't care about the color of my friends or their sexual orientation. I just want them to 'like' everything I post. Can you do that?" "Oh yes, we can do that. If you have enough money, we can make you the most popular person on Facebook." "Even more popular than Justin Bieber? He has more than 60 million 'likes,' you know." "Of course, I know. We 'like' him a lot in Bangladesh."

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.

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ASTROLOGY

February 8-14, 2014

29

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Stars Foretell: February 8-14, 2014
ARIES: Leadership qualities and ability to understand people would benefit at work. You would prefer to relax and enjoy the company of family members in the evening. You are likely to earn monetary gains through various sources. Romance touches new heights, as partner positively responds. Cutting down the number of parties and pleasure jaunts would help in keeping in good mood. Travel plans for better communication will be helpful for new horizons. Purchasing official accessories can lead to improve growth of your office. Favourable stars would bring plenty of reasons to feel pleased in this week. TAURUS: At work you will be perfect in whatever you do in this week. You move with new excitement & confidence as you receive support from family and friends. Increase in income from past investment is foreseen. You are likely to find someone with whom you will enjoy the ecstasies of love. A beneficial week to work on things that will improve your health. Business or vacation traveling is what you needed right now. Inheriting property from your relatives seems to be ahead. Dont get surprised on realisation of unrealistic dreams. GEMINI: Dedication and sincerity at work will be of little value on failing to translate ideas into reality. Family front seems to go smoothly as you receive their full support to your plans. Monetary gains from unplanned sources will brighten your week. Love comes your way as friendship turns into romance. Your confidence and energy will be high in this week. Implementation of new ideas to travel will be beneficiary for you on work front. Your income can be doubled by renting your house or a part of your house. Avoid taking unnecessary risk especially to show/exhibit your bravery. CANCER: You will fail to explore the full potential of software/hardware skills. You find relief, comfort and affection in the company of family members. New moneymaking opportunities will be lucrative. Use new but innovative methods to catch the attraction of opposite sex. A week when smile will perpetually be on your face and strangers will seem familiar. Travel plans for ambitions are in full bloom. It would be beneficial if you plan to buy a small property. Developing new social contacts would augur well for future. LEO: You might have to take the help of smart & motivated people at professional front. Time spent with relatives will be to your advantage. You get some financial rewards as dedication & hard work gets noticed. You are likely find comfort in the arms of romantic partner. Your energy level will be high. Better to channelise it in a positive direction. Being extra ordinary comfortable on an official trip might affect your work. Real estate is one thing on which you can rely on to invest. You strive to bring harmony & success in life. VIRGO: Support and appreciation from seniors would raise your morale and confidence. Family members will be very positive & supportive to your plans. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented to you in this week. Love and romantic encounter will keep you in a cheerful state. Positive outlook impresses those around you besides keeping you fit & fine. A beckon destination sounds tempting to you. Investment on construction business would flourish your income. Dont get surprised if an old friend contacts to remind golden memories.

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

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

8th February, 14 Ruled planet: Saturn Ruled by no: 8 Traits in you: Your ruling planet Saturn makes you humble, honest, focused, practical, realistic and enthusiastic. You are blessed with enormous talent and imagination. Along with the positive characters in you, there are some negative aspects in your nature. You need to work on your nature of being envious, unreliable, and indiscipline. Health this year: You will enjoy a normal health this year. Though you will not have any major health issues, you need to take proper medication. You may practice yoga and meditation for better results. Finance this year: You may try your entrepreneurship skills this year and you will be successful unexpectedly. You will be able to get many projects, which you help you establish as a good businessperson. You should go for investments in real estate and stock market. Career this year: You may get the chance to complete all your previous assignments and this will enhance your respect as a brilliant performer in your professional circuit. If you are into a profession that demands creativity, then you will be very successful this year as far as your career is concerned. Romance this year: Your relationship with your spouse or partner will blossom this year. If you are not married, you may have to wait for few more years though you are eligible for marriage. Lucky month: October, January and March 9th February, 14 Ruled planet: Mars Ruled by no: 9 Traits in you: Being influenced by Mars, you are believed to be the master of a charismatic personality. You are courteous, courageous, energetic, realistic, modest, and responsive. You follow religion very keenly. However, you have few problems in your attitude and that needs to be worked on for the betterment of your individuality. Health this year: As far as your health is concerned this year, you may not remain healthy throughout the year. There will be few hiccups in your health as you may suffer from many minor diseases. If you want to stay healthy, you should go for proper medication and a healthy diet plan. You have to leave consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Finance this year: Your financial condition will be pretty good as the movements of your stars are favorable for making money this year. You may go for any investment on real estate or gold. Do not trust anyone when partnerships are concerned. You should not lend or borrow money as it will create disputes. Career this year: If you are a working professional, you may face various profession related problems this year. You need to handle all the issues diplomatically else you may lose your job. You may create wonder in the creativity field if you are a writer, singer or actor. Romance this year: Your plans to go for holidays with your partner may not work because of huge work pressure and this may create disturbance in your marital life. You need to take care of the emotional requirements of your partner to lead a peaceful life this year. Lucky month: October, February and April 10th February, 14 Ruled planet: Sun Ruled by no: 1 Traits in you: Due to the positive effects of your ruling planet Sun, you will have the characteristics of a good human being. By nature, you are accountable, unique, courageous, committed, competitive, coordinated and intelligent. You should work on your negative personality traits such as selfishness, dependency and pessimism. Health this year: You need to take an appropriate care of your health. You may fall sick in the middle months of the year though those will not be serious. If you are a sportsperson, you need to be very careful for your diet and nutrition to perform better in your sporting events. Finance this year: You may get benefits from your investments later this year. This year seems to be an ideal one to start investing in business, land or gold. Your efforts to earn money may pay off this time. You may go for new partnerships. However, you should verify the financial background of your partner for your financial security. Career this year: The nature of your professional work will allow you find many new job opportunities with high salaries. You should take up a new job to flourish in your career. You will gain required expertise in your profession and perform better than ever. Romance this year: You will spend a peaceful life with your love interest this year. You will lead a blissful life with your beloved with lots of love, care, concern, and support. Lucky month: November, January and May 11th February, 14 Ruled planet: Moon Ruled by no: 2 Traits in you: Your ruler, the Moon makes you a very friendly individual. You are simple, confident, realistic, sincere, and optimistic. You are very innovative and try to perform your work in a different and efficient way. You need to work hard on your characteristics of being jealous and insensitive at times. Health this year: Your health will remain fine. However, you may suffer from various minor diseases say cough, cold, body pain, loss of sleep and so on. To enjoy a very healthy life, you need to get a good control on your diet. You have to stay away from alcohol and cigarettes to avoid any organ dysfunction. Finance this year: Your past investments may yield a lot of money for you this year. You need to be extra cautions while investing huge amounts as it is a bit risky to put money on unpredictable things. Overall, you will enjoy a strong financial condition. Career this year: You will be successful professionally this year. You will be additional responsibility and you will well execute them to perfection. Your success may get you various awards and rewards as well. You may share your ideas with the higher management as it would help you grow quickly. Romance this year: If you are yet to be in a relationship, this year is the ideal time to find a partner. You will get ample support from your spouse in any critical decision you have to take. You should show your love to your partner as it strengthens your relationship. Lucky month: June, September and March 12th February, 14 Ruled planet: Jupiter Ruled by no: 3 Traits in you: Being ruled by Jupiter, you are courteous, courageous, decisive, ambitious, disciplined, and realistic. You are gifted with high imagination power, optimism, and enthusiasm. However, behaving restless and dominating may hamper your characteristics at times. You need to work on your personality to make yourself better as an individual. Health this year: Your health will remain good throughout the year. You need to take utmost care of your health to maintain it and remain fit. The health of your family members might be a concern for you this year. Try and avoid your bad habits and start practicing yoga for the betterment of your health. Finance this year: Monetary benefits will be tough to achieve this year. You may not get expected financial support from your family. Your past investments will not work this year as expected. However, you may go for new short term investments, which will gain you enough money. If you are planning to set up a business, it is advisable not to go for any partnerships. Career this year: You will be highly appreciated by your employer for your excellent performance. With the increased workload, you may also be offered an increased salary. You should learn to handle pressure situations from your seniors. You may go for a job change later this year. Romance this year: Your romantic life will become stagnant this year as you may not give enough time to your beloved. If you are unmarried and planning to marry this year, it may not happen because of the negative movements of your stars and planets. Lucky month: November, February and April 13th February, 14 Ruled planet: Uranus Ruled by no: 4 Traits in you: Uranus, being your dominating planet helps you become dynamic and creative. You are positive, realistic, responsive, and sincere. You need to work and overcome the weaknesses in your personality to attract more people towards you. Health this year: Your health would remain very good this year. However, you need to go for regular yoga exercises. You should not ignore your healthy diet plan to remain in shape. Go for regular medical checkups to avoid any hiccups further. Finance this year: You may go for a property transaction this year and this will bring you a lot of money. You need to be decisive to invest on real estate or gold as there are risks involved. Do not trust any of your new partners as they may cheat you. You may spend enough money on buying a vehicle or renovating your property. Career this year: Being a hardworking professional, you may create wonders for your organization. You need to learn more and look for better options. You may not get your expected promotion or salary hike in spite of your hard work and efficiency. Romance this year: If you are yet to be in a relationship, this year is the ideal time to find a partner. You will get ample support from your spouse in any critical decision you have to take. You should show your love to your partner as it strengthens your relationship. Lucky month: October, December and May 14th February, 14 Ruled planet: Mercury Ruled by no: 5 Traits in you: Your ruling planet Mercury makes you realistic, reliable, sincere, and optimistic. You are the master of an excellent memory power and charismatic characteristics. You need not get nervous at tough time as it may create a question mark on your capabilities. Health this year: You need to stop your bad habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol to remain healthy. You should take expert advice from a doctor to avoid health related issues. You should take your medicines at time to avoid further complicacy in your health. Take care of the health of your spouse and parents as well. Finance this year: You will earn a lot of money from your past investment this year. However, you should invest your money after going through the market thoroughly. Do not lend or money this year. You may spend a lot of money on buying comfort and luxury for your family members. Career this year: This year you will reach to the peak of your professional career and it will offer you huge financial benefits. This year will be pretty rewarding for female employees. You may get a better performance appraisal as well as salary hike as compared to your expectations. Romance this year: For your marital relationship, this year will be pretty fruitful for you. If you are still single, you may get into a romantic alliance towards the end of the year. If you are already in a relationship, you may plan to convert your relationship into marriage. Lucky month: August, November and March

LIBRA: A very good week to apply for overseas job. Relatives will be willing to lend a helping hand at the time of need. Monetary gains are likely to be from more than one source. Sudden romantic encounter is foreseen in this week. Charity work undertaken will bring mental peace & comfort. Planning a trip for your love will embrace you and your spouse. Dealings for older properties can be in process. Make sure you restrain yourself from indulging in something deceitful. SCORPIO: Promotions and monetary benefits for dedicated professionals. New relationship at family front will be long lasting & highly beneficial. A new financial deal gets finalized paving the way for fresh money. A promising week for romance when your innovation infuses a new spirit in it. Meditation and self-realization prove beneficial. Enjoy your holiday with love of your life. Your possession for acquiring a plot might be achieved. Focussing attention will bring a satisfying feeling. SAGITTARIUS: Pending proposals will get implemented with the help of seniors. Guests visit would make it a pleasant & wonderful week. Financial position will improve later in the week. Partner brings immense romantic pleasure even if work pressure occupies your mind You will have ample time to do things to improve your health. Romantic destinations seems appealing to you. If you invest on smaller properties then it can be beneficiary for future investments. If you encounter confronting situations, indications of coming out a winner are on the card. CAPRICORN: Good week for implementing new plans and ventures. Unexpected gifts and presents from close relatives/family members cannot be ruled out. Real estate investment would be lucrative. Romance rules heart & mind. Sound physical health will enable to participate in outdoor activities. Vacation plannings might go wrong- so keep an eye on it. Your plan to own a house is ought to be in the right way. You combine personal charm with positive & powerful thinking to win adversaries. AQUARIUS: Subordinates/coworkers would be very helpful. You will be in the mood to celebrate with family and friends. Investment in stocks & mutual funds would help in earning profits. Romantic imagination occupies mind forcing to go out of the way to please partner. You will be successful in getting rid from tensions. Your journey might be affected when you begin to yearn for your work. Plan to invest in cafeteria or a bakery shop; it might create new opportunities for you. Dont get surprised if you are appreciated for helpful nature. PISCES: Travelling brings new overseas business opportunities. Good advice from family members brings gains. Long-term investment in stocks & mutual funds will enable to earn profits. Cupids arrows would make your heart flutter high. A sparkling laughter filled week when most things proceed, as you desire. Travel for fun and pleasure is what you demand. You might apply for bank loan as to get back the possession of your mortgaged property. You use latent talent to fight adverse conditions with courage and conviction.

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February 8-14, 2014

SPIRITUAL AWARENESS

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Awaken to the souls innate beauty

planets and stars we can see through the telescope. They are discovering that there are realms which our soul can enter that are teeming with life and experiences of which we can never even dream. There are regions beyond this physical world into which we can enter. As long as we remain unaware of them, we are asleep. Our soul is awakened when it experiences these inner realms. These luminous worlds of light and love make this world pale in comparison. Those who experience them speak of a love and bliss far beyond any of this world. Their consciousness is expanded and increased. They are filled with love and compassion, and they realize the true values of life. It is strange that our scientific upbringing, which should have expanded our horizons, has limited them. Science encourages exploration and discovery, yet science has limited the people of the modern day world into thinking that they can only believe what they see with their physical eyes. In the last twenty years with the scientifically documented cases of near-death experiences (NDEs), repeated accounts of worlds beyond have been reported by doctors, scientists, and lay persons of sound mind and intellect which bear out the findings of many of the world

By learning the art of meditation on the inner Light and Sound, we, too, like Sleeping Beauty, can be awakened from our slumber and experience joy and happiness for all time to come
religions which speak of higher realms. We tend to limit our thinking and believe we can only enter higher realms after death, but since these spiritual regions are going on simultaneously, we may wonder why we cant visit these places now. We need to awaken to the spiritual worlds within us, to the vast expanse of Gods creation. How to awaken? Fortunately, this experience is not limited to those who have near-death experiences. We do not have to undergo a physical trauma in order to leave the body. Through the ages, others have reported entering into the regions of light through easier methods. Those methods have been meditation, contemplation, and prayercall it by whatever name you like. Meditation is the process by which we withdraw our attention from our body and from the world outside and concentrate it at a point between and behind the two eyebrows, called the third or single eye. By focusing our attention there, we come in contact with a current of Light and Sound which will lead us from our physical consciousness into higher consciousness, into the Beyond. If we can realize ourselves as soul by focusing our attention at a point in the body known as the seat of the soul, it will come in contact with the stream of Light and Sound. This Light and Sound is the creative vibration which emanated from God and which brought all creation into being. The reason we are not aware of the Light and Sound within is due to our attention. The outer expression of the soul is known as the

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

n many places around the world parents read to their children a famous fairy tale, the story of Sleeping Beauty. In this story a princess is cast under a spell and sleeps for a hundred years. Only the kiss of a true prince can awaken her. While the story is entertaining, few parents realize that it is also the story of our own lives. In fact, it serves as an allegory for the human condition. Sleeping Beauty slept for a hundred years, but we have been sleeping for eons. She was sleeping at the physical level, but we are sleeping at the level of the soul. What does it mean to be asleep spiritually? We think that because we are aware of this physical world that we are awake, but even scientists and doctors are coming to recognize that there is more to this creation than our planet earth and the

attention, which is presently scattered throughout our body and goes out of our body into this world through the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. We have to withdraw our attention from the world outside and collect it at the seat of the soul, located between and behind the eyebrows. This power of God which flows out from God also returns to Him. When the soul is withdrawn to the third eye, it can then travel on the Light and Sound through the higher planes back to its Source in the purely spiritual realm. The process by which the soul is brought into contact with the current of Light and Sound reverberating within us is called meditation. We are so caught up in this world that we are asleep at the level of the soul, but this world is but a shadowy illusion of what lies beyond. The light of this world is but a pale reflection of the luminous light of the worlds within. What we believe to be consciousness in this world is but a sleeping state compared to the super-consciousness, or rather, the real consciousness, we experience in the spiritual realms. By learning the art of meditation on the inner Light and Sound, we, too, like Sleeping Beauty, can be awakened from our slumber and experience joy and happiness for all time to come.

Focus on God during the three stages of life

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
illions of people are born into this world. They pass through the same cycle of living a number of years in childhood, followed by the stage of youth, and ending in a final period of maturity before passing from this life. Regarding these three stages of life, there is a story about an angel who, sitting with God, looked from heaven to the world below. He was observing how the lives of human beings are filled with much suffering. The angel thought, Human beings get sick, have accidents, lose their possessions, love others, lose those relationships, and then die. The angel turned to God and asked, If life is so filled with sorrow, why do people want to return again and again to this world instead of escaping the cycle of births and deaths? God replied, Go down to earth and visit a home with a child, the childs father, and the childs grandfather. Listen to their conversation and then return and tell me what you have learned. The angel scanned the planet and found a park where a child, father, and grandfather sat on a bench talking to each other. The angel drew close and listened to

their conversation. I cant wait to grow up, the child told the father and grandfather. I wish I could be your age, Dad. You are so lucky. If I were your age, I would be able to play as long as I wanted, eat when I wanted, and stay up as late as I wanted. Nobody would tell me what to do! I could drive a car and make lots of money instead of depending on my small allowance. You are so lucky, Dad. I cant wait until I become grown up like you. Then, the angel heard the childs father say, No, son. I am not the lucky one. Grandpa is the lucky one. He doesnt have to listen to the alarm going off each morning rousing him from a nice sleep to get ready for work. Grandpa is retired and can get up when he wants to. He doesnt have to rush through traffic or spend an entire day working with difficult people. He doesnt have to save up for his childrens college expenses, and he gets more than two weeks of vacation each year. Since Grandpa has retired, each day is a vacation for him! The angel then heard the grandfather tell his son and grandson, No, the boy is the lucky one. It is true that Im retired and can spend the day anyway I want, but my body doesnt work properly anymore. I have aches and pains, and I spend

most of my free time going to doctors for one medical test after another. When the doctor gets the results, he sends me to specialists for more tests. Then, I have to use up my retirement money to pay medical bills and purchase medication. Because the cost of living has gone up, the money I thought I could live on no longer stretches that far, so I need to supplement my income. However, few people want to hire me because I am so old. I would give anything to have the energy, stamina, and health of my grandson! The angel noted everything that the child, father and grandfather said and returned to give God the report about what transpired. The angel said, I heard the conversation of three generations: The child isnt happy and wants to be his fathers age; the father is unhappy and wants to be the grandfathers age; and the grandfather wants to be a child again. God then replied, Now you understand that when people are in the third stage of life and leaving this world, their desire to be children brings them again into this world. They get their wish! This anecdote illustrates how our desires bring us again and again into this world. Each moment of life there are numerous choices about how to spend our time. We can

either make the best use of the moment, or we can waste it dreaming about becoming something and someone else. This is true whether we are children, young adults or mature adults. How can we find God? Scriptures of all the major religions tell us that God is within us and can be found through inversion. God is an ocean of All-consciousness that always existed and always will exist. This Ocean of Consciousness was once alone but decided to become many from One. This thought of bringing forth creation resulted in the manifestation of a vibration with two aspects: Light and Sound. This radiant current brought into being all regions of creation including the physical universe, the stars, sun, and moon, this Earth, human beings and all life forms on the face of this planet. This Light and Sound or God-into-expression Power is also called by different Names in different religions such as Naam, Shabd, Jyoti and Sruti, Akash Bani, Kalma, Bang-i-Aasmaani, Saut-e-Sarmadi, the Holy Word, or the Voice of Silence. This Light and Sound current is also reverberating within us. It can be found at a point in our body known as the third or single eye, located between and behind the two eyebrows. If we withdraw our atten-

Each moment of life there are numerous choices about how to spend our time. We can either make the best use of the moment, or we can waste it dreaming about becoming something and someone else.
tion from its focus on the outer world, our body, and our mind, and absorb it at this point or single eye, we will contact the inner Light and Sound. Then, we follow the Light and Sound from awareness of our physical body into the higher spiritual realms until we return to God. The purpose of meditation is to help us realize our soul and realize God. By doing so, we discover that we are more than just the body, that we are soul and exist beyond the body. If we spend the three stages of our life in meditation and remembering God, we cannot go wrong. God will shower us with riches far greater than we can ever dream of. Let us make sure that God is a part of each of the three stages of our life.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 8-14, 2014

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

February 8-14, 2014