The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.12 No. 4 May 25-31, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

900 million Indian electorate have

handed a landslide win to the BJP led
by Narendra Modi. He has called it a
victory of India and democracy. While
the solid mandate will ensure a stable
government led by Modi, he has
promised to work even harder to fulfill
people's aspirations in his second term.
 The South Asian Times
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.12 No. 4 May 25-31, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NaMo leads party to landslide

win, to provide stable govt
By The SATimes Team

New Delhi: No matter which ideol‑

PM Narendra
Modi and BJP
Buoyed by a
ogy you like, you have to bow your
head to the wisdom and choice of
President
Amit Shah
sweep in
being
Indiaʼs 900 million eligible voters.
Confident of a comfortable majori‑ welcomed by
Hindi heartland
party workers
ty, the BJP‑led National
Democratic Alliance will now be in Delhi on states and
Thursday.
able to give the country a stable
government for the next five years
Widely hailed good haul in
for his
led by the incumbent PM,
Narendra Modi.
election Karnataka
management,
So stunning was the BJP show‑
ing that it bulldozed the opposi‑
Shah is tipped and even West
to get a key
tion even where it had looked
strong, virtually sweeping entire
cabinet berth.
(Photo
Bengal, BJP
states in northern India and even
beyond and making unprecedent‑
courtesy: PTI) alone clinches
ed inroads in Trinamool Congress‑ over 300 Lok
ruled West Bengal. Even in
Karnataka, BJP had won 22 seats Trump congratulates Modi for ʻbigʼ election win Sabha seats,
and was leading in three of the 28 Washington: President Donald in store for bilateral ties between said, “The Indian people have
Lok Sabha constituencies. Trump on the two nations after the Indian spoken, and the US Congress and Congress
Along with its allies, NDA is Thursday premier's re‑election. "I look for‑ looks forward to continue work‑
expected to end up with 350 of the congratulated ward to continuing our important ing with India, and the Narendra Party is
542 Lok Sabha seats where polling Prime work together!" Trump said as Modi‑led NDA government to
took place. Minister congratulatory messages from advance our shared goals on a reduced to a
Interestingly, it was in 2014 that Narendra various parts of the US poured in. host of issues, including human
Continued on page 4 Modi on his Congressman Eliot L Engel, rights, defense, trade and eco‑ little over
"big" election Chairman of the House nomic growth, and climate
MORE ELECTION STORIES
ON PG 13 AND 14.
victory, saying "great things" are Committee on Foreign Affairs, change." 50 seats.

TIMES NOW holds 1st India International

Summit on election results night in NYC
By SATimes Team
New York: Bringing a global per‑
spective from the Indian diaspora
on the implications of Indiaʼs elec‑
tions, TIMES NOW, Indiaʼs leading
English news channel, hosted the
first edition of its India
International Summit here on May
22. With the theme ʻImpact of elec‑
tion results on Indiaʼs $5 Trillion
Agendaʼ, the summit held in Hotel
Marriott Marquis in Times Square
brought together some of the
worldʼs most influential leaders to
deliberate upon the economic &
political outcome of worldʼs biggest
and closely watched elections
through a series of insightful
debates, keynotes and discussion
on topics including Indo‑US trade
relations, business relations and
priorities of the new government.
To engage the diaspora, the event
also saw a live telecast of the count‑ (from left) M.R. Rangaswamy, Meera Gandhi, Ramesh Patel,
ing day starting 10 pm, New York Chintu Patel and Dr Dipak Nandi taking part in the panel
Continued on page 4 ʻSocio‑Political Impact of Indians in USAʼ.

US AFFAIRS 10 ART 17 YOGA 26 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

 4 May 25-31, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NaMo leads party to reach of Times Now, which is

OFBJP plans victory ʻNew India has landslide win, to over a decade old and engages
with viewers in 100 countries
provide stable govt
celebrations in USA voted for good Continued from page 3
the BJP won 282 parliamentary
across the globe. Times Network
is part of Indiaʼs largest media

governanceʼ
O
seats on its own, making it the conglomerate, The Times Group.
verseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)‑USA has congratu‑ The summit, he said, gives a plat‑
first time ever in the 67‑year histo‑
lated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party

T
ry of independent India that a non‑ form to the diaspora taking their
President Amit Shah, BJP leaders, millions of BJP he re‑election of Prime Minister Narendra
Congress party had won a simple voice back home. After New
volunteers, and volunteers of OFBJP and NRIs4Modi across Modi with a strong mandate is a reflection of
majority on its own. This time BJP York, similar summits are
the globe who have toiled hard for this stupendous victory. emergence of New India, said Jagdish
has bettered its own record by planned for London, Singapore,
Millions of voters including first time voters have participat‑ Sewhani, President of American India Public Affairs
crossing even the 300 mark. Dubai and so on. He also high‑
ed enthusiastically in this worldʼs largest democratic elec‑ Committee, New York. By re‑electing BJP and NDA,
In a victory speech at BJP head‑ lighted the immense contribu‑
tions to elect an able and proven leader, Narendra Modi. people of India have endorsed the good governance
quarters in New Delhi, Narendra tions to India made by the NRIs.
The statement from OFBJP adds: “Indian voters have of Prime Minister Modi, his developmental policy
Modi said his win was a "guaran‑ Speaking at the event, Indiaʼs
stamped their approval for continuing the all‑round develop‑ based on Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas and his strong
tee of a bright future for the com‑ Consul General in New York,
ment with pro‑poor, pro‑farmer, and pro‑business policies of national security policy which has zero tolerance to
mon people of this country." Sandeep Chakravorty, under‑
Modi government. terrorism, he said.
"I want to bow my head before lined how the India‑US bilateral
“NRIs4Modi and OFBJP teams have organized more than Sewhani added, “In five years 2014‑2019, Prime
the 1.3 billion people of this coun‑ relationship has changed dra‑
100 programs in the USA during the last 4 months, coast‑to‑ Minister Narendra Modi has set a high bar of lead‑
try," he told throngs of cheering matically in the past 20 years.
coast. Now, OFBJP is planning to organize victory celebra‑ ership and governance. In just five years, India has
supporters on Thursday night. "If “The bonding began with 9/11
tions in more than 20 cities around the country, including become a bright spot of global economy and a
anyone has won, it is India. We and the US has supported Indiaʼs
Boston, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Richmond, world power that can no longer be ignored. In the
dedicate this victory to the people fight against terror.
Raleigh, Charlotte, Columbus, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, next five years PM Modi would fast track Indiaʼs
of India." Digital has brought the two
Atlanta, Tampa, Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Francisco, Los development it would become one of top three
"With great power comes great countries close as the US is the
Angeles, Sacramento, and Seattle.” global economies. “We NRIs are proud of Indiaʼs
responsibility," Modi said, adding hotbed of digital and India its
OFBJP president Krishna Reddy Anugula said, “Prime achievements. Itʼs a no mean achievement that 1.3
that BJP will "look ahead and take factory.”
Minister Modi ji will transform the country and improve the billion people have peacefully elected their leader
everybody along including our Speaking at the panel ʻSocio‑
livelihood of the people. NDA government has provided basic for the next five years. Now I hope, the opposition
rivals". He pledged to make India Political Impact of Indians in
amenities like toilets, electricity, gas cylinders etc, in the last parties would join Modi in achieving the aspira‑
strong by 2022 when it completes USA were M.R. Rangaswamy
5 years. tions and ambitions of New India.”
75 years of Independence, "For (Convenor – Indiaspora), Meera
next five years, every Indian will Gandhi (CEO and Founder,

Hailing Na‑Mo's triumph have to pledge to transform India Giving Back Foundation),
into a strong nation. The mission Ramesh Patel (FIA Chairman),

T
oday is a proud moment for
our generation to see a non‑
Congress party coming into
power for the second time with a
majority win in India. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has seen
how past governments did not pro‑
vide adequate support to the peo‑
ple of his nation. With that in mind
he focused on setting things right
and worked very hard with a trans‑
parent cabinet. His government
increased public private partner‑
ships and identified many hidden
talents of the common man. This
has been a big accomplishment and
has created a big impact on the
common citizens of India. His jet‑
setting around the world helped
put India on the map and he has
been instrumental in getting India
the recognition it deserves. Despite
BJP being a majority Hindu nation‑
alist party, Modi has been success‑
ful in bringing different communi‑
ties and unifying the nation. In the
will require the same spirit as the Chintu Patel (Co‑founder Amneal
next five years, he is expected to Pharmaceuticals) and Dr Dipak
one witnessed during the freedom
take the nation to newer heights Nandi. TV personality Gurmeet
struggle," he said...
with the aspirations of the younger Sodhi moderated the panel and
At a press conference in New
generation and a complete set of was the emcee for the event.
Delhi, the leader of the Congress
new leaders. Panelists and speakers at the
Party, Rahul Gandhi, conceded that
It is a proud moment with the summit included Steven Rogers
"the people of India have decided
death of a dynasty and the rise of a (Advisory board Member ‑Trump
that Narendra Modi will be the
democracy. It is inspiring that a Campaign 2020), Arvind
next Prime Minister." He lost in
chaiwala can become Prime Panagariya (former Vice
Amethi but got elected from
Minister in todayʼs world and lead Chairman, Niti Aayog), Sanjay
Wayanad constituency in Kerala.
a nation of 1.2 billion population. I Puri (Chairman, US India
would like to wish Prime Minister
TIMES NOW holds 1st Political Action Committee), Amy
Narendra Modi further success and
India International Hariani (Vice President, USIBC),
good luck to his new cabinet mem‑
Summit on election and Manish Vyas, Global VP,
bers.
results night in NYC Tech Mahindra). The summit was
Ravishankar Bhooplapur Powered by Giving Back
Continued from page 3
President Foundation Education Series and
time. Opening the event, Nikhil
Xavier University School supported by FIA and The South
Gandhi, President – Revenue,
of Medicine, Aruba Asian Times.
Times Network, talked about the

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY May 25-31, 2019 5

Indian American judge lets Art show at Vaisakhi

stand subpoena for Trump’s celebration at Indian embassy
financial records By Surekha Vijh
The South Asian Times
Washington: A federal judge has sided with ing appeal, in part because of the public's strong
House Oversight Committee Democrats seeking interest in Democrats obtaining the records. That Washington: Vaisakhi cele‑
to enforce their subpoena of Trump accounting means the subpoena will take ef fect within 7 bration at the Indian
firm Mazars USA, in a major ruling that breathes days unless it is stayed by another court on Embassy Residence on May
new life into Democrats' ongoing efforts to probe appeal. The judge opined: “It is simply not fath‑ 11 once again was a vibrant,
the president's financial dealings. omable that a Constitution that ebullient event highlighting
The subpoena seeks access to a g rants Cong ress the power to the rich culture of northern
slew of Trump financial documents remove a President for reasons India, primarily the state of
dating back to 2011, including per‑ including criminal behavior would Punjab. But this yearʼs cele‑
sonal records and records of various deny Congress the power to investi‑ brations were marked by Ambassador Harsh V. Shringla inaugurating an
af filiated business and entities. gate him for unlawful conduct̶ some 19th century Sikh arti‑ exhibition featuring paintings, musical instru‑
facts exhibited for the first ments related to Sikh musical tradition and
Democrats pursued the subpoena past or present̶even without for‑
after former Trump lawyer Michael mally opening an impeachment time, including musical instru‑ ʻShastrasʼ, organized as part of the 550th Birth
ments, drawings, silk embroi‑ Anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.
Cohen test ified to Cong ress in inquiry."
Fe bruary that the president's The presidentʼs legal team, in a deries and paintings of the gurus. More all Indians as it was not limited to Punjab
accountants routinely and improper‑ filing earlier this month, had asked than 20 borrowed pieces were earlier or to the Sikh communityr. “It is celebrat‑
ly altered his financial statements ‑‑ the judge to prohibit Mazars from shown at the Smithsonian's National ed in different ways all over the country
including some signed by Mazars ‑‑ “enforcing or complying” with the Museum of Natural History while others and often known by other names.” But he
Obama‑appointed judge were from the private collection of added that for Punjab, Vaisakhi was a sig‑
to misrepresent his assets and liabili‑ Amit P. Mehta subpoena, issued April 15 on the
ties. plea that it “lacks a legitimate leg‑ Parwinder Singh Khanuja of Phoenix, AZ. nificant day as it marked the birth of the
Barack Obama‑appointed judge Amit P. Mehta's islative purpose,” and is an “unconstitutional The artifacts included 19th century Khalsa created by the tenth Guru Gobind
41‑page opinion said, the subpoena fell within attempt to exercise ʻthe powers of law enforce‑ portraits of Sikh gurus in ink and color Singh, who brought people from all walks
established congressional investigative and over‑ ment.ʼ” on paper, embroidered ten gurus with of life together.
sight powers, which generally only require that But, Mehta wrote in his ruling, the standard for Guru Nanakʼs sons and Guru Granth The cultural program included bhangra
subpoenas serve some "valid legislative purpose." obtaining a valid congressional subpoena is not a Sahib, block printed gold colored motifs and gidda, songs and martial arts.
The judge noted that the probe could uncover difficult bar to clear under Supreme Court prece‑ and others. Musical instruments included More than 200 prominent peoples,
conflicts of interest in the White House, as well as dent, and Democrats had easily shown they were sarangi, tumbi, rubab, eiktara, tabla, including Sikh‑Americans, participated in
potential violations of the Foreign Emoluments not simply out on a "fishing expedit ion." stringed instruments and some shields the celebration. The two‑and‑half hour
Clause or the reporting requirements of The Comments made by Democrats suggesting their and swords. Ambassador Harsh Vardhan program started with a traditional shabd
Ethics in Government Act of 1978. political motivations, Mehta said, did not auto‑ Shringla welcoming the guests said kirtan presented by the Sikh Foundation
Mehta said he would not stay his ruling pend‑ matically make the subpoena itself invalid. Vaisakhi was a very special occasion for of Virginia.

Ekal’s Long Island chapter holds musical evening

Bethpage, NY: The evening of May 18
brought together a vibrant and supportive
community at the Sterling here for the
annual musical evening in support of the
Ekal Abhiyan, a worthy and noble move‑
ment aimed at empowering rural and tribal
communities across India and Nepal.
Mohan Wanchoo, President of Ekal
Vidyalaya's Long Island chapter, presented
a summary of Ekal's workings and achieve‑
ments. In 2017‑18 Ekal had 85,100
schools, educat ing 2,316,114 young
minds, bringing the organization closer to
attaining its goal set by Prime Minister
Modi of covering 100,000 villages by the
year 2022.
Dr. Pradeep Bansal and Nilima Madan
talked about the transformative effect edu‑
cation has on vulnerable live lihoods.
Empowered by exceptional accountability,
Ekal's philosophy is to keep the cost of its
operations to a minimum, to ensure maxi‑
mum impact. To this end, the funds raised
are invested in teacher salaries, teacher
training and teaching aids in the schools,
rather than building structures. Most of the
(clockwise from top left):Mohan Wanchoo,
Dr Yashpal Arya, Rakesh Shreedhar and
Dr Pradeep Bansal.
schools operate under trees or residential
courtyards in rudimentary conditions.
As long standing supporters of Ekal, Dr.
Yashpal Arya and his family were inspired
to break the mold and actually build a
Madhuraa Bhattacharya and Deepayan
Banerjee, of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame,
performing at the event.
school in Udampur in Jammu & Kashmir,
which upon completion they donated to
Ekal to run and manage. Dr. Arya shared
his family's inspired journey in this quest.
Lynette Iglesias, representing Perfection
of Man Foundation, and speaking on behalf
of Satish Mallick. talked about sponsoring
tailoring centers at Ekal Gramothan cen‑
ters. Each such center serves people from a
community of 100 villages, and is targeted
at building skills to increase and diversify
income for each household in every partici‑
pating village. This year, The Perfection of
Man Foundation pledged to support 300
schools (valued at $109,500).
The Past President of Ekal's Westchester
Chapter, Dr. Rakesh Shreedhar recognized
the substantive contribution that the Long
Island community has made towards Ekal's
remarkable progress.
The successful evening was hosted by
Mohan Wanchoo, supported by a strong
team including Nilima Madan, Dr Rajendra
Modi, Veer Mukhi, Dr. Yashpal Arya, Anu
Gulat i, Dr. Pradeep Bansal, Sunita
Sadhnani, Anu Jain, Simrranjit Kaur and
Nishu Aggarwal.
T he accomplished singers, Dipayan
Banerjee and Madhuraa Bhattacharya of Sa
Re Ga Ma Pa fame, gave an enrapturing
performance that ensured that all present
had a great time.
Please visit www.ekal.org for more infor‑
mation.
 6 May 25-31, 2019 TRISTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

GOPIO‑CT hosts Consul General Clavin partners with South

Chakravorty in Stamford & Norwalk Asian leaders to host relief
Stamford: Indian
Consul General
Sandeep Chakravorty supply drive for Cyclone Fani
and Deputy Consul Hempstead: Millions
General Shatrugna were impacted in
Sinha were hosted by India, Bangladesh and
the Connecticut chap‑ across South Asia by
ter of the Global Cyclone Fani, a deadly
Org anizat ion of storm that brought
People of Indian 120 mile‑per‑hour
Origin (GOPIO‑CT) on winds and destroyed
May 3rd in Stamford communities. Many
and Norwalk, are struggling to pick
Connecticut. up the pieces and
CG Sandeep Chakravorty presenting the book ʻIndia Unveiledʼ to
Consul General recover from this dev‑
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling in the presence of GOPIO‑CT offi‑ (L to R) Councilman Anthony D'Esposito, Receiver of Taxes
Chakravorty called on cials and representatives of Norwalk Sikh Gurudwara. astating cyclone.
Stamford Mayor David Don Clavin and Friends of Good Health officers: Dev Ratnam,
With so many of Deepak Bansal, Shubham Saini and Ken Epstein.
Martin at the Government Center, along Most importantly the Consul General Hempstead Townʼs
with GOPIO‑CT President Anita Bhat, Past made an of fer to the Norwalk Mayor residents with families in South Asia, Hempstead Town tax of fice this coming
Presidents Shailesh Naik and She lly Rilling and the Sikh community to hold a Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don week to pay their second‑half school taxes.
Nichani and Treasurer Biru Sharma. g rand 550th Anniversary of Guru Clavin reached out to friends in the South “Supplies that may seem simple, everyday
Later in the afternoon, both called on to Nanakjis birth anniversary. He will contact Asian community to see how Americaʼs items are in demand for victims of Cyclone
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling along with some eminent academicians to come and largest township can help out. Clavin, Fani,” DʼEsposito said. “Items such as bot‑
GOPIO‑CT of ficials and Norwalkʼs Indian give a talk on the life of the Guru. This was joined by Councilman Anthony DʼEsposito tled water and baby wipes can make a dif‑
community leaders including Raj Misra a major accomplishment and a tribute to and members of Friends for Good Health, ference for people who are trying to get
and Anna Duleep as well as representa‑ Sikh community. Mayor Rilling offered his announced that they would team together back on their feet after this catastrophic
tives of Norwalkʼs Sikh Gurudwara. full support. GOPIO‑CT also proposed an to host a relief supply drive to help victims storm.”
The discussions were very cordial with India sect ion at the Norwalk Public of Cyclone Fani. “It is truly heartbreaking to Accepted items that can be donated are
both mayors and there were agreements Library which Mayor Rilling agreed and see the pictures and video clips from this the following: bottled water, clothes, blan‑
on many new initiatives. the Consul General has offered to provide devastating storm,” Clavin said. “We have a kets, pillows, towels, diapers/baby wipes,
Consul General Chakravorty of fered to books. significant population of residents from hand sanitizer, paper towels and first aid
send various artists and performers from On the economic front, both mayors South Asia who are closely monitoring the kits. A collection box will be stationed in the
India visiting the USA to come and do would like to invite Indian companies to situation. Many of them have family mem‑ lobby of the Hempstead Town Tax Office
shows in both the cities Stamford and consider Stamford and Norwalk to open bers who were impacted by the storm. We (200 North Franklin Street, Hempstead).
Norwalk. Both the Mayors of fered full their US dest inat ion. In this reg ard, want to assist them in any way possible, so Collections will be accepted during regular
help and cooperation to facilitate such Stamford Mayor Martin will take assis‑ we decided to help organize a supply drive business hours (Monday through Friday, 9
performances. Both mayors and the tance from the Indian Consulate to invite for the victims.” The collection drive will a.m. through 4:45 p.m.) There will also be
Consul General are interested in student Indian companies to business expo and begin as scores of people will be making bins stationed at Hempstead Town Hall (1
exchange prog rams and the Consul investment seminars in Stamford. GOPIO‑ their way through the doors of the Washington Street, Hempstead).
General will further work in the same. CT will facilitate such efforts.

Physics professor's book a concise guide

to contributions of ancient Hindu science
Oswega: Dr. Alok Kumar, distinguished
teaching professor of physics at SUNY
Oswego, has gained much attention for his
2014 book on ancient Hindu science and
math and their influence on the Western
world. Now, he's made the work more
approachable for more readers.
Kumarʼs new book, "Ancient Hindu
Science: Its Transmission and Impact on
World Cultures," details how ancient Hindu
science and math brought the world knowl‑
edge about such subjects as planetary
movements, the practice of yoga and much
more.
His current publication seeks to condense
his exhaustive research by focusing on the
important impacts and contributions ‑‑ such
as innovations in cataract and cosmetic sur‑
geries ‑‑ ancient Hindu scientists con‑
tributed to Western medicine, science and
mathematics. At 212 pages, "Ancient Hindu
Science: Its Transmission and Impact on
World Cultures" is a more concise text com‑
pared with the 464 pages of Kumar's 2014
book, "Sciences of the Ancient Hindus:
Unlo cking Nature in the Pursuit of
Salvation." The earlier work is a very expan‑
sive look into Hindu science and its contri‑
butions to contemporary sciences, medicine
and math.
Reviewers of the first book were gener‑
ous, both in India and the United States. The
publisher of the new volume says the writ‑
ing generates a sense of approachability.
“The (new) 'Ancient Hindu Science' is well
documented with remarkable objectivity,
proper citations and a substantial bibliogra‑
phy," writes Morgan & Claypool Publishers.
"It highlights the achievements of this
remarkable civilization through painstaking
research of historical and scientific sources.
The style of writing is lucid and elegant,
making the book easy to read. This book is
'Roots of humanity'
SUNY Oswego's Alok Kumar,
distinguished professor of
physics, has condensed his
findings on the science and
math contributions of the
ancient Hindus to focus on how
they came to make deep
impacts on the modern world.
the perfect text for all students and others
interested in the developments of science
throughout history and among the ancient
Hindus, in particular."
Kumar was born and educated in India,
where he earned his doctorate at Kanpur
University in 1980. Later, he taught at
California State University at Long Beach
and joined SUNY Oswego's physics faculty
in 1992. He has taught in higher education
for more than three decades and has about
75 peer‑reviewed publications.
"I realized as a young teacher that the his‑
tory of science that we taught was incom‑
plete and, if I use a stronger word, wrong,"
Kumar said.
Kumarʼs most recent book details such
key Hindu discoveries as the base ten num‑
ber system, the concept and function of
zero, and critical understandings of astrono‑
my in the mapping of Earthʼs sky.
He has consulted a vast number of pri‑
mary documents to support his thesis of the
importance and impact Hindu sciences and
math have had on modern‑day technology
and our way of life. The purpose of such a
book today, he said, is to inform audiences
of just how much is learned and modeled
after the ancient scholars' teachings.
“This publication allows for readers to
know the roots of humanity in science. This
is how I wish to close the gap of our under‑
standing the history of science in the con‑
text of India,” said Kumar.
“I aim to teach my students history and
the impact of Indian science and math
through storytelling. If I were to tell a child
that the math we use comes from India, that
child will then ask what is India, and just
from that small passing of knowledge, the
door of globalization has been opened,” he
said. Kumarʼs books are available on
Amazon.com and other Internet retailers.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Photoshopped image shows Sikh Mayor as Arab dictator
Washington, DC: A New Jersey‑
based website is under fire for
publishing a photoshopped image
of a Sikh Mayor that depicts him as
an Arab dictator, the media report‑
ed.
T he we bsite, "Hudson Mile
Square View" ran an image of
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla that
resembled the lead character
played by Brit ish actor Sacha
Baron Cohen in the comedy film
"The Dictator", media reported.
The photo was part of a story
titled, "Ravi Bhalla goes to the mat‑
tresses... for his tax increase."
It accused Bhalla of "summoning
all the powers" of his of fice to
"reinstitute a tax increase" that
was not approved by the city coun‑
cil. According to the we bsite,
Gurvinder Grewal denied
entry in NY restaurant
for wearing turban
New York: A 23‑year‑old Sikh man
was refused entry in a restaurant
here for wearing a turban when he
went there to meet friends after mid‑
night, leaving him "hurt and embar‑
rassed," according to a media report.
Gurvinder Grewal went to Harbor
Grill in Port Jefferson after midnight
on Saturday but the security at the
restaurant did not let him in with his
religious head‑wear, citing new poli‑
cy of the eatery.
"I felt shocked, embarrassed and
hurt. I never encountered a situation
where I was refused a service or
entry into an establishment for wear‑
ing a turban," Grewal, a graduate
from the Stony Brook University,
said. He said that he explained to the
manager that he wore the turban to
practice his religion and want to
spend time with friends for the
night, the New York Post reported.
However, the manager at the
Harbor Grill did not allow him inside,
citing a new policy introduced at the
bar that enforces a dress code after
10 pm on Friday and Saturday
nights, restricting all headwear, the
report said.
"[He was] wearing what would be
more widely perceived as the slang
term 'dew rag' or a 'stocking cap' and
not a traditional turban," the restau‑
rant wrote in a Facebook post after
residents expressed outrage.
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and his photoshopped image
Bhalla had proposed a 3 percent
tax increase but the council
slashed it to 1 percent. The story
said now "the pushback from the
Mayor's office to take back the tax
reduction is underway."
The
restaurant
did not let in
Gurvinder
Grewal citing
new eatery
policy
(Image :
Nypost.com)
"We do not allow hats or headwear
in order to more capably identify
people inside the establishment," the
restaurant said.
Clarifying their stand, the restau‑
rant said that Harbor Grill "embraces
people of all races and religions,"
and does not discriminate against
anyone for their creed or color.
"We sincerely apologize for any
distress that this incident may have
caused. Please know that our week‑
end dress code policy is in place for
the safety of all of our patrons," the
restaurant said.
"Anyone wearing any type of hat is
welcome during normal restaurant
hours," it said.
Grewal said that Port Jef ferson
Mayor Margot Garant apologized to
him for the incident and advised him
on actions to take on the issue.
He tried to obtain a police report at
a Suf folk County precinct but was
told that "it was a civil matter, not a
criminal matter," the report said.
"The officer recommended I con‑
tact a civil attorney or the ACLU. I
plan to reach out to them today or
tomorrow," he said. "Throughout my
life, I've faced verbal abuse and bul‑
lying about my appearance, mostly
throughout the school. However, my
basic freedom of entering public
accommodations was never
infringed upon," he said. (PTI)
(Image : thenation.com)
Sikh activists denounced the
image as racist.
Community speaker and activist
Simran Jeet Singh tweeted on
Tuesday: "Ravi Bhalla is the first‑
ever turbaned Sikh e lected as
Air India stops Mumbai‑NY
flights owing to poor demand
New Delhi: National carrier Air
India, which had commenced direct
services from Mumbai to New
Yorkʼs John F Kennedy airport in
December 2018, has decided to dis‑
continue the flights, reportedly
owing to poor demand. AI officials
said the Mumbai‑New York flight
operation was causing losses to the
airline. However, the airline will
continue to operate direct flights
from Mumbai to Newark.
An AI spokesperson said the
Mumbai‑New York flight, operated
thrice a week, was temporarily sus‑
pended in February owing to the
Pakistan airspace closure and was
expected to resume in June.
“However, we wonʼt be resuming
the services. The flight has been dis‑
Denied H-1B visa to Indian techie,
Silicon Vallery firm sues US government
Washington, DC: A Silicon Valley‑
based IT company has filed a law‑
suit against the US government for
denying the most sought‑after H‑1B
visa to a highly qualified Indian pro‑
fessional, terming the renunciation
"arbitrary" and a "clear abuse of dis‑
cretion." Xterra Solutions alleged in
its lawsuit that the US Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS)
improperly denied H‑1B visa to
Praharsh Chandra Sai Venkata
Anisetty, 28, whom it had hired as a
Business System Analyst.
The company's H‑1B petition on
behalf of Anisetty was denied on the
sole ground that the job offered to
him did not qualify as an H‑1B spe‑
cialty occupation, the lawsuit said.
"The denial is not supported by sub‑
stantial evidence in the record, is
contrary to established legal prece‑
dent, and is arbitrary, capricious
and constitutes a clear abuse of dis‑
2(image: freepressjournal.in)
Mayor in US history.
"He's endured immense racist
abuse, from flyers calling him a
terrorist to death threats against
him and his family. Now, someone
is photoshopping Ravi to depict
continued owing to poor load factor
or low seat occupancy,” the
spokesperson said.
The official said AI has not includ‑
ed the flight in their winter sched‑
ule, which usually commences from
third week of October up to second
week of March in the next year.
Other AI flight operations to the
US from Delhi have been witnessing
up to 80% seat occupancy.
AI operates Boeing B777‑ER air‑
craft to operate flights to Newark,
Washington, Chicago (from
Hyderabad via Delhi), San Francisco
and New York from Delhi.
The national carrier had planned
to commence the direct flight from
Mumbai to New York, thrice a week,
from October 2018. However, it had
cretion," the company alleged and
urged the Northern District of
California US District Court to set
aside the USCIS order. Anisetty
holds a Bache lor's degree in
Engineering (Electronics and
Communication Engineering) as
well as a Master's of Science degree
in Information Technology and
Management from the University of
Texas at Dallas. He currently holds
valid H‑4 dependent status through
his wife, the principal beneficiary of
an H‑1B application.
From 2014 to 2016, Anisetty
held valid F‑1 non‑immigrant status
as a student enrolled in information
technology and management mas‑
ter's program at Texas University.
Later, he also participated in
Curricular Practical Training, an
employment‑training program with
an established academic curriculum
in the form of cooperative educa‑
May 25-31, 2019 7
him as a despot. This is racist and
wrong."
Later on Tuesday night, the web‑
site said that the image was sub‑
mitted by a reader. However, the
Mile Square View had used a simi‑
lar photo of Bhalla last August.
The site has a history of using
photoshopped images of the
Mayor. In February 2017, it posted
a photo of Bhalla w ith a
"Pinocchio" nose.
Hudson Mile Square View, which
calls itself "Hoboken's biggest web‑
site covering government, politics
and corruption", has been critical
of Bhalla right from the beginning
of his mayoral term in 2017.
Soon after his election, fliers call‑
ing him a terrorist were circulated
in the city. (IANS)
to de lay the operations to
December owing to fleet crunch.
Meanwhile, the flying time of US‑
bound flights from Delhi has seen
an increase by three hours as they
are being re‑routed via Mumbai or
Ahmedabad. This has led to heavy
losses for the airline, said AI of fi‑
cers. Air India has 16 Boeing B777‑
ER planes, of which four were
grounded because of unavailability
of spare parts in October. However,
according to AI chairman and man‑
aging director (CMD), Ashwani
Lohani, all the planes are opera‑
tional now.
In October, AI had re‑launched its
other direct Mumbai‑Frankfurt
flight, which was suspended in
2010.
tion programs offered by sponsor‑
ing employers through agreements
with F‑1 students' universities.
T he company asserted that
Anisetty's current position as a
Business Systems Analyst meets
one or more of the criteria for an H‑
1B specialty occupation. "USCIS's
decision dated February 19, 2019
denying Xterra's H‑1B petition, filed
on behalf of Anisetty, was arbitrary,
capricious, an abuse of discretion,
and not in accordance with the law,"
the lawsuit said. The USCIS gave no
explanation as to why, despite
Xterra's significant evidentiary sub‑
missions in its request for evidence,
documenting that Anisetty's posi‑
tion as a Business Analyst met all
four criteria for a specialty occupa‑
tion, it denied Xterra's petition to
changeAnisetty's status to that of
the principal beneficiary of an H‑1B
petition, it said.
 8 May 25-31, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

AIA to renovate South Asian population in

flood affected high
school in Kerala
The AIA committee is raising funds for the cause
New York: The Association of Indians in
America (AIA) has undertaken a complete
renovation of a higher secondary school in
Kerala. Established in 1967, AIA is well
known for its social, cultural and education‑
al activities. AIA has been serving India by
sending funds from time to time like during
earthquake, floods, etc.
This the first time that the AIA is doing a
complete renovation of a high school
destroyed by floods in Kerala This school
was totally submerged and destroyed dur‑
ing the August 2018 floods.
Funds were raised in Oct. 2018 and again
on May 5th 2019. The school was up to 4th
grade but on request of villagers, AIA will
sponsor the school to be a higher secondary
school. This school will benefit several vil‑
lages. It will be run by Vidya Bharati
Shiksha Sansthan.
Vidhya Bharati teaches both education
and sanskar to its students. These children
learn yoga, meditation, martial arts etc.
Most of the children from this school go for
higher education and become professionals
like IAS, eng ineers, and do ctors. PM
Narendra Modi has also praised the educa‑
tion at Vidya Bharati School.
The national president Urmilesh Arya said
education is the best gift we can give to the
children back home, and good patriotic citi‑
zens is the best gift to our motherland.
US up by 40 % since 2010
New York: South Asian Americans Leading
Together (SAALT) released its latest South
Asian demographic snapshot, revealing a
community in the U.S. thatʼs growing almost
as fast as it is changing.
By 2065, Asian Americans are on track to
be the largest immigrant population in the
U.S. The South Asian population in the U.S.
grew a staggering 40% in seven years, from
3.5 million in 2010 to 5.4 million in 2017.
Key demographic facts: The Nepali com‑
munity grew by 206.6% since 2010, fol‑
lowed by Indian (38%), Bhutanese (38%),
Pakistani (33%), Bangladeshi (26%), and Sri
Lankan populations (15%); There are at
least 630,000 Indians who are undocument‑
ed, a 72% increase since 2010; There are
currently at least 4,300 active South Asian
DACA recipients; Income inequality has
been reported to be the greatest among
Asian Americans. Nearly 10% of the approxi‑
mately five million South Asians in the U.S.
live in poverty; There has been a rise in the
number of South Asians seeking asylum in
the U.S. over the last 10 years. ICE has
detained 3,013 South Asians since 2017.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol arrested
17,119 South Asians between October 2014
and April 2018 through border and interior
enforcement.
The South Asian community in the United
States includes individuals who trace their
ancestry to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The community also includes members of
the South Asian diaspora – past generations
of South Asians who originally settled in
other parts of the world, including the
Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Canada and the
Middle East, and other parts of Asia and the
Pacific Islands. South Asian Americans
include citizens, legal permanent residents,
students, H‑1B and H‑4 visa holders, DACA
recipients, and undocumented immigrants.
SAALTʼs Interim Co‑Executive Director
Lakshmi Sridaran said, “As we witness this
unprecedented growth in our communities,
it is more important than ever that the
needs of the most vulnerable South Asian
populations are met. South Asians are
impacted by the full spectrum of federal
immigration policies ‑ from detention and
deportation to H‑4 visa work authorization
and denaturalization to the assault on public
benefits.
An accurate Census 2020 population
count is essential to distributing critical fed‑
eral funding to our communities. A citizen‑
ship question on the census would chill
thousands of community members, result‑
ing in a severe undercount, with at least
600,000 South Asians in the country not
being counted and thousands more
deterred. And, this means even fewer
resources to the communities who need it
the most.”

Kulture Kool‑Indian cultural

center to celebrate 10th
anniversary with grand show
Rutherford, NJ: Ever wished you could
re‑live your Indian childhood and
introduce your kids to the multi‑
splendored wonders of Indian cul‑
ture? Headquartered in Rutherford,
NJ, Kulture Kool, an Indian cultural
center dedicated to developing the
creative potential in the performing
arts for children and adults,
announced their 10th anniversary
with an Indian odyssey, a grand cul‑
tural show on June 8 at Victoria
Theater, NJPAC at 2 pm. The show,
featuring more than 250 performers,
will showcase music, dances and
audiovisuals from the 28 states in
India, taking the audience on a cultur‑
al odyssey across the country.
Kulture Kool is on a mission to
spread the joy and wisdom of India by
sharing different aspects of the grand‑
mother of all cultures with youngsters
and adults through performing arts
and language education, community
events, cultural outreach programs in
schools, museums and libraries and
enrichment workshops across the tri‑
state area. The school also offers the
option to get certification from presti‑
gious boards and institutes from USA
and UK, for all Indian classical dance
& music and western instrumental
music programs. “Our goal is to sim‑
plify all aspects of Indian performing
arts including classical and popular
More than 250 performers
will take the audience on a
cultural Indian odyssey
forms, making culture relevant, relat‑
able and enjoyable to childrenʼs life
here in the USA.
We have courses for children as
well as adults in Hindustani Vocals,
Carnatic Vocals, Tabla, Sitar, Piano,
Guitar, Drums, Kathak, Bharata
Natyam, Bollywood Dance, Theater &
Voice to Language enrichment with
an enviable roster of talented teach‑
ers,” said Archana Athalye the founder
and director, who is very passionate
about promoting cultural education
through workshops and assemblies at
schools, libraries and museums. "The
more we understand culture and
diversity, the more acceptance and
tolerance children and youngsters
learn. Cultural Education should be an
integral part of school curriculums
from elementary school.
‘Halwa’ wins HBO APA
Visionaries 2019 prize
Hollywood, CA: HBO Asian
Pacific American Visionaries is a
short film competition spon‑
sored by HBO that provides
emerging directors of Asian
and/or Pacific Islander descent
the opportunity to showcase
their work.
ʻHalwa' directed by Nirav
Bhakta won the first prize. It is
the story of an Indian woman
who rekindles her relationship
with a childhood sweetheart
through Facebook messages,
but her abusive husband takes
(L to R): Sujata Day, lead actor Asit Vyas, lead actress Vee Kumari,
notice. The film was co‑directed
Gayatri Bajpai, winner director Nirav Bhakta, Jackie Gagne VP
by Gayatri Bajpai.
of HBO & Rajendra Vora founder & president Beverly Hills Jain
Judged by a panel of HBO
Social Group at the Red Carpet.
executives, industry leaders,
and fellow APA filmmakers, the prizes, the three films were three directors by Sujata Day
competition seeks to identify cin‑ selected to make their premiere (Insecure).
ematic storytellers who of fer at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific "The APA Visionaries program
unique perspectives of the Asian Film Festival in May 2019 and is meant to serve as a platform to
Pacific American experience. The offered the opportunity to license te ll authent ic Asian Pacific
theme for the 2019 APA their film to premiere exclusively American stories and HBO is
Visionaries Short Film on HBO and/or its platforms dur‑ incredibly proud to showcase the
Competition centers around the ing Asian Pacific American works of these inspiring filmmak‑
modern APA experience. Films Heritage Month in May 2019. ers," said Jackie Gagne, VP
should explore life in todayʼs digi‑ Each nominated short film was Multicultural Marketing at HBO.
tal, information age from the between 10‑15 min of run time. "We are seeing incredible
unique perspective of an Asian Prior to the award presentation, momentum and are committed to
Pacific American cinematic story‑ all 3 nominated short films were providing more opportunities for
teller. screened at Pacific Design Center. rising filmmakers in this
In addition to receiving cash It was followed by Q&A with all community."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL May 25-31, 2019 9

Harris invokes Indian heritage More than 10 % Indian

to Trump's immigration plan
Washington, DC: In response to
US President Donald Trump
announced his "merit based"
immigration proposal, Democrat
Senator Kamala Harris invoked
her unique background as a pres‑
idential candidate ‑‑ being the
daughter of an Indian immigrant.
"I found the announcement
today to be shortsighted," CNN
quoted Harris as say ing on
T hursday be fore an Asian
American audience in Las Vegas.
On the plan's intent ion to
award immigrants certain points
based on education or skills,
Harris said: "We cannot allow
people to start parsing and point‑
ing fingers and creating hierar‑
chies among immigrants.
"The beauty of the tradition of
our country has been to say,
when you walk through the door,
you are equal. We spoke those
words in 1776, 'we are all equal'
and should be treated that way.
Not, oh well, if you come from
this place, you might only have a
certain number of points, and if
you come from that place you
might have a different number of
points."
Asians have historically immi‑
grated as family units, Harris
added.
"It is, and has always been,
about family. And that was com‑
pletely overlooked, and I would
suggest, denied, in the way the
policy was outlined today."
At the event hosted by an Asian
American g roup, One AP IA
Nevada, Harris dove into her bar‑
rier‑breaking election to the US
Senate as the first South Asian to
serve in the body's history. She
acknowledged her presidential
run as a biracial woman helping
Americans in 2019
to shatter notions about being
black, Asian and a woman. Presidential Scholars list
In her campaign stump speech,
Washington, DC: Indian‑ are from Georgia, New Jersey,
Harris always includes stories
American students accounted Missouri, Minnesota, Delaware,
about how her mother, Shyamala
for more than 10 per cent of the Illinois, Kansas, Ne braska,
Gopalan, impacted every aspect
55th class of the 2019 US Nevada, New York, North
of her life. And while she has spo‑
Presidential Scholars, according Carolina, Oklahoma,
ken about visits to India during
to the the Department of Pennsylvania, Texas and
her book tour, Harris on the trail
Education. Wisconsin.
has leaned far more into the
Last week, the Department In 2018, out of the 161 stu‑
African American identity her
announced the names of 161 dents selected as Presidential
mother raised her to embrace.
students selected as the 2019 Scholars, 26 were South Asian
An audience member asked
US Presidential Scholars. Americans.
Harris if she would consider
The Presidential Scholars are The winners this year were
wearing a tradit ional Indian
selected each year by the White selected from 3.6 million high
saree to her inauguration. "Let's
House Commission on school seniors expected to grad‑
first win," Harris responded. "My
Presidential Scholars. uate this summer.
mother raised us with a very
High school seniors across the A ceremony to honor the
strong appreciation for our cul‑
country are chosen on the basis recipients w ill be he ld in
tural backg round and pride.
of academic excellence, essays, Washington on June 23 where
Celebrations that we all partici‑
community service and technical each awardee will receive a
pate in regardless of how our last
achievements. Presidential Scholar Medallion.
name is spelled. It's the beauty of
The Indian‑American students (IANS)
who we are as a nation." (IANS)

Gucci's 'Indy Full Turban' Teen Krithik Ramesh wins $75,000

draws backlash
London: Gucci is facing backlash for sell‑
ing several pricey designer turbans, with
people accusing the luxury fashion
brand of cultural appropriation.
One turban in particular, a $790 royal
blue piece from the brand's Fall 2018
collection called 'Indy Full Turban', has
caught the attention of Twitter users
both for its high price and the fact that it
even exists at all.
On Thursday morning, Nordstrom
announced that it was pulling the turban
from its website and stores, and apolo‑
gized to those who were of fended,
reports dailymail.co.uk.
The turban in question ‑‑ and several
other versions of it in different colors ‑‑
actually debuted on the runway in
February 2018. They certainly earned
some negative attention at the time, but
it doesn't seem to have made an impact
on the design house's production deci‑
sions. But now members of the Sikh com‑
munity have zeroed in once again on the
turbans after Twitter users posted
screenshots of its available on
Nordstrom's website.
"The turban is not just an accessory to
monetize; it's a religious article of faith
that millions of Sikhs view as sacred,"
wrote the Sikh Coalition, adding "Many
find this cultural appropriation inappro‑
Gordon E. Moore Award
New York: A 16‑year‑old Indian‑
priate since those wearing the turban
American engineer Krithik Ramesh has
just for fashion will not appreciate its
won the $75,000 Gordon E. Moore
deep religious significance."
Award for developing a machine learn‑
"I would be into this if it was a way to
ing technology for orthopedic sur‑
encourage diversity and access non‑
geons that can enable greater accuracy
western clothing (I know guys who wear
for screw placement during spinal sur‑
pre‑wrapped turbans so this would be
gery. Gordon E. Moore Award is given
cool for them) but the marketing around
in honor of the American chipmaker
this shows otherwise. This is a cash grab,
Intel co‑founder and fellow scientist.
and it's gross," wrote another.
Based on Rameshʼs tests, machine
Sikh restaurateur, influencer and phi‑ (L to R) Allison Jia, Krithik Ramesh,
learning method has the potential to
lanthropist Harjinder Singh Kukreja, Rachel Seevers and Shriya Reddy. (Photo: Intel)
decrease operating time by at least 30
who boasts more than 1.5 million follow‑
minutes, reduce physical therapy recovery time $50,000 for designing, building and testing a
ers on Twitter, explained why he and
by four weeks and diminish the negative side rigid, energy‑efficient prototype of an underwa‑
others were so upset by the item.
effects associated with traditional medical imag‑ ter propulsion device that mimics the way jelly‑
"Dear Gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a
ing, said Intel. fish move through the water. This could allow
hot new accessory for white models but
Intel organizes the Intel International Science for greater access to the worldʼs unexplored
an article of faith for practicing Sikhs.
and Engineering Fair to promote STEM educa‑ oceans. Intel said that in addition to the top win‑
Your models have used Turbans as 'hats'
tion. Like Ramesh, 15‑year‑old Shriya Reddy ners, approximately 600 finalists received
whereas practicing Sikhs tie them neatly
received $10,000 Craig R. Barrett Award for awards and prizes for their innovative research,
fold‑by‑fold. Using fake Sikhs/Turbans is
Innovation for her novel, noninvasive approach including 22 “Best of Category” winners, who
worse than selling fake Gucci products."
for rapidly diagnosing melanoma lesions. each received a $5,000 prize in addition to their
"Did someone at Gucci even bother to
“Intel is proud to honor Krithik Ramesh, $3,000 first‑place award. The Intel Foundation
figure out what a dastaar (turban) means
Rachel Seevers, Allison Jia, Shriya Reddy and all also awarded a $1,000 grant to each winnerʼs
to Sikhs? Did it cross your minds to con‑
of the ISEF finalists on their innovative work, school and to the affiliated fair they represent.
sider the history behind our identity? My
which is helping to advance key research areas “T he Inte l International Science and
people are discriminated against, even
and provide solutions to global challenges that Engineering Fair is the worldʼs most powerful
killed, for wearing a turban," one wrote.
are critical today. The work they are doing has STEM talent pipeline and I am inspired by all of
While Gucci has yet to comment on the
the potential to make a better tomorrow for all the ingenuity on display this week,” said Maya
controversy, Nordstrom tweeted an apol‑
of us,” said Pia Wilson‑Body, president of the Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for
ogy and announced that it would no
Intel Foundation. Seevers received the other Science & the Public and publisher of Science
longer sell the turban. (IANS)
Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of News. (Source: techobserver.in)
 10 May 25-31, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Mayor de Blasio joins Trump lashes out at press

crowded 2020 field
New York: New Yorkʼs mayor, Bill
de Blasio, has jumped into the
2020 presidential race, joining at
least 21 other declared
Democratic candidates for the
partyʼs nomination.
The mayor announced his run
with a video released by his cam‑
paign last weel.
“Thereʼs plenty of money in this
world. Thereʼs plenty of money in
this country. Itʼs just in the wrong
hands,” De Blasio says at the
beginning of the video. He con‑
cludes: “Iʼm running for president
because itʼs time we put working
people first.”
De Blasio has traveled to early
primary states including Iowa,
New Hampshire, Nevada and
South Carolina, and formed a fed‑
eral political action committee
called Fairness Pac to bankroll his
travels.
His message on those travels has
centered on economic inequality.
De Blasio has sought for years to
position himself as a national pro‑
gressive leader, after racking up
accomplishments in his first few
years in office including universal
pre‑kindergarten, paid sick days
Polls have shown a vast majority of New Yorkers – 76% –
donʼt think New Yorkʼs mayor, Bill de Blasio should run for
president, and his aspirations have been widely mocked in
his home town and discouraged by his own allies.
and living wage legislation and a
city ID card available to undocu‑
mented immigrants.
But frustrations have built over
New Yorkʼs crumbling public
housing system, where hundreds
of children got lead poisoning
after of ficials lied about doing
inspections, and stubbornly high
homelessness.
De Blasio has also been the tar‑
get of multiple ethics inquiries,
where no criminal charges were
brought, but prosecutors found he
made inquiries on behalf of politi‑
cal donors seeking favors.
Polls have shown a vast majority
of New Yorkers – 76% – donʼt
think he should run for president,
and his aspirations have been
widely mocked in his home town
and discouraged by his own allies.
over coverage of his finances
Washington: President Donald
Trump, apparently unhappy
about the media's coverage of his
finances, on Monday said that he
did not need banks to do busi‑
ness.
"The Failing New York Times (it
will pass away when I leave office
in 6 years), and others of the Fake
News Media, keep writing phony
stories about how I didn't use
many banks because they didn't
want to do business with me.
WRONG! It is because I didn't
need money," Trump said in one
of several Twitter posts.
He posted five tweets about his
relationship with banks in less
than a minute and complained in
another tweet 15 minutes later
that Twitter had not posted two
other messages, the Efe news
reported. "When you don't need
or want money, you don't need or
want banks. Banks have always
been available to me, they want to
make money. Fake Media only
says this to disparage, and always
uses unnamed sources (because
their sources don't even exist),"
Trump tweeted.
On April 30, Trump and three
of his children sued two banks ‑
Germany's Deutsche Bank and
US‑based Capital One ‑ to block
them from releasing financial
records to the Congress.
The lawsuit was filed in federal
court in New York in an effort to
stop an investigation launched by
the Democrats, who have a major‑
ity in the House of
Representatives.
The President, his three oldest
children ‑ Donald Jr., Ivanka and
Eric ‑, and his business, the
Trump Organization, asked a fed‑
eral judge to order the two banks
not to provide financial records
to the House of Representatives,
which used its legal authority to
ask for the information.
"Now the new big story is that
Trump made a lot of money and
buys everything for cash, he does‑
n't need banks. But where did he
get all of that cash? Could it be
Russia? No, I built a great busi‑
ness and don't need banks, but if I
did they would be there ... and
Deutsche Bank ... was very good
and highly professional to deal
with ‑ and if for any reason I did‑
n't like them, I would have gone
elsewhere ... there was always
plenty of money around and
banks to choose from. T hey
would be very happy to take my
money. Fake News!" Trump
tweeted.

Billionaire promises to pay off One Republican Rep. wants

student debt for entire grad class
Washington: A billionaire technology
investor stunned the entire graduat‑
ing class at a college in Atlanta when
he announced at their commence‑
ment that he would pay off their stu‑
dent loans ‑‑ estimated at $40 mil‑
lion.
Robert F. Smith, this year's com‑
mencement speaker at Morehouse
College, made the announcement on
Sunday while addressing nearly 400
graduating seniors of the all‑male
historically black college, Time mag‑
azine reported.
Smith, who is black, is the Founder
and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a
private equity firm that invests in
software, data, and technology‑driven com‑
panies.
"On behalf of the eight generations of my
family that have been in this country, we're
gonna put a little fuel in your bus," the
investor and philanthropist told graduates in
his morning address. "This is my class, 2019.
And my family is making a grant to elimi‑
nate their student loans."
The announcement immediately drew
stunned looks from faculty and students
alike. Then the graduates broke into the
biggest cheers of the morning. Morehouse
said it is the single largest gift to the college.
In the weeks before graduating from
Morehouse on Sunday, 22‑year‑old finance
major Aaron Mitchom drew up a spread‑
sheet to calculate how long it would take
Robert F. Smith is the Founder and
CEO of Vista Equity Partners
him to pay back his $200,000 in student
loans ‑‑ 25 years at half his monthly salary,
per his calculations.
In an instant, that number vanished.
Mitchom, sitting in the crowd, wept. Eight
family members, including Mitchom's 76‑
year‑old grandmother, took turns over four
years co‑signing on the loans that got him
across the finish line.
Smith, who received an honorary doctor‑
ate from Morehouse during the ceremony,
had already announced a $1.5 million gift to
the school.
Morehouse College president David A.
Thomas said the gift would have a profound
ef fect on the students' futures. "In some
ways, it was a liberation gift for these young
men that just opened up their choices."
Trump impeached
Washington: President Trump
on Sunday fired back at Justin
Amash, a Republican
Congressman, for saying the
President had reached the
"threshold for impeachment".
"Never a fan of @justinamash,
a total lightweight who opposes
me and some of our great
Republican ideas and policies
just for the sake of getting his
name out there through contro‑
versy," Trump said on Twitter,
Xinhua news agency reported.
Trump added that the
Michigan lawmaker would see
that he was misguided if he actu‑
ally read the report submitted by President has slammed Congressman
Justin Amash. (Photo courtesy New York Post)
special counsel Robert Mueller,
who led the Russia probe, to Attorney General obstruction of justice".
William Barr in March and made public about He also accused Barr of "deliberately" mis‑
a month later. representing the special counsel's finding
"He would see that it was nevertheless when he sent a four‑page memo about the
strong on NO COLLUSION and, ultimately, NO investigation to Congress following the end
OBSTRUCTION," Trump wrote. of the Russia probe.
"Anyway, how do you Obstruct when there "Mueller's report reveals that President
is no crime and, in fact, the crimes were com‑ Trump engaged in specific actions and a pat‑
mitted by the other side? Justin is a loser who tern of behavior that meet the threshold for
sadly plays right into our opponents hands!" impeachment," Amash said.
A member of the House Freedom Caucus, The GOP lawmaker also lamented the parti‑
Amash said on Saturday that the President's sanship in Congress, saying that it has "erod‑
conduct was "impeachable." ed our system of checks and balances."
In a series of tweets, Amash argued that Amash, a Trump critic, previously said that
Mueller's report identified "multiple exam‑ he would not rule out seeking the Libertarian
ples of conduct satisfying all the elements of nomination for president in 2020.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Trump proposes 'merit‑based' immigration system
News Analysis By Arul Louis
New York: President Donald Trump has proposed a sweeping
change to the immigration system to make it "merit‑based"
favoring professionals and well‑educated people who will be
high earners. Unveiling his plan at the White House last
Thursday, he said the current immigration system discrimi‑
nates against "genius" and "brilliance" and that he wanted to
correct this with a new system he called "Build America Visa"
that favors those with demonstrated potential.
The plan is modelled on the immigration systems of Canada,
Australia and New Zealand, which prioritize admission based
on points awarded for various qualifications.
It will preserve the immigration of spouses and children of
permanent residents or Green Card‑holders, but eliminate
preferences for other relatives like siblings and parents.
"We prioritize the immediate family of new Americans ‑
spouses and children", Trump said. "The loved ones you
choose to build a life with, we prioritize... They go right to the
front of the line".
Trump said he wants to increase the current allocation of 12
per cent of Green Cards for highly skilled professionals to 57
percent at the expense of certain categories of relatives and
people immigrating from certain countries based on a lottery
system. This would reverse the current system of reserving
about 60 per cent of Green Cards for relatives. About 1.13
million people get permanent resident visas or Green Cards
every year. Making his case for the merit system, he said that
companies were moving offices abroad because the current
system prevented them from retaining highly skilled and even
"totally brilliant people". The emphasis on merit has the
potential to help Indian professionals who have to wait for ten
years or more to get a Green Card ‑‑ but only if the national
quotas is lifted. Currently each country's quota is about
25,000 regardless of its population size.
US AFFAIRS
It is not clear if that would happen because Trump did not
say if the national limits would be removed or modified.
Some members of both houses of Congress, including presi‑
dential aspirant Senator Kamala Harris, have introduced legis‑
lation, Fairness for High‑Skilled Immigrants Act, to remove the
national quota limits for professionals.
Trump was also silent on the H1‑B visas that are given tem‑
porarily to skilled professionals. His administration has
sought to make the qualifying standards more stringent.
Trump's plan will also give preference to those who have been
May 25-31, 2019 11
educated in the US.
Packaged in Trump's plan crafted by his son‑in‑law Jared
Kushner and a controversial adviser, Stephen Miller, are pro‑
posals for tough new measures against illegal immigrants and
for strengthening border security by building a wall and tight‑
ening asylum requirements. These will be opposed by
Democrats.
However, the ambitious plan that essentially restates many
of his previous proposals is unlikely to get past Congress.
"Trump's proposal has no chance of becoming law in this
Congress," said Doug Rand, who worked on immigration poli‑
cy at the White House during Barack Obama's presidency and
is the co‑founder of Boundless Immigration, a company pro‑
vides help with navigating the system.
Trump himself admitted as much, pinning his hopes on his
re‑election. If it did not pass in his current term it would "be
passed after the election, when Republicans take back the
House, hold the Senate and keep the presidency", he claimed.
Democratic Party leaders voiced their strong opposition to
the Trump plan even before it was formally unveiled.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi decried the use of the word "merit",
telling reporters: "It is really a condescending word."
Democratic Party leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer,
denounced it as "anti‑immigration reform".
A leading Republican senator, who chairs the Judiciary
Committee, also expressed doubts about the plans viability to
become law. The Trump plan's biggest weakness in getting
Democratic Party support is the failure to grant permanent
immigration status to those who came to the US illegally as
children and are referred to as "Dreamers".
The "merit‑based" reform of awarding points proposed by
Trump would favour younger immigrants, those with higher
educational qualifications, English language proficiency, job
of fers with better wages, and entrepreneurs capable of
creating jobs.
 12 May 25-31, 2019 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Sushma refers to Pulwama at SCO meet

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan): India spoke about the
Pulwama terror attack at a meeting of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
here and said the subsequent terror strikes in
neighboring Sri Lanka had made it more
determined to fight the scourge firmly.
External Af fairs Minister Sushma Swaraj,
while attending the SCO Foreign Minister's
conference, said that India's wounds of the
February 14 Pulwama attack were "still raw"
when the ghastly terror attacks happened in
Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
"Our heart goes out to our brothers and sis‑
ters in Sri Lanka, who have recently witnessed
the ghastly act of terrorism. Our wounds of
Pulwama attack were still raw and the news
from the neighborhood has made us more
determined to fight firmly and resolutely
against this menace," she said. The Pulwama
terror attack was carried out by Pakistan‑
based Jaish‑e‑Mohammad, whose suicide
bomber rammed an explosive‑laden vehicle
into a CRPF convoy, killing 40 personnel.
The SCO is an eight‑member organization
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the SCO Foreign Minister's Meeting in Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan. (Photo: IANS/MEA)
comprising India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikstan and
Pakistan.
In her address, Swaraj stressed the need for
strengthening cooperation within the SCO
framework for comprehensive, cooperative
and sustainable security.
"We would be open to ideas on how we can
make the work of RATS (Regional Anti‑
Terrorist Structure) more ef fective in this
regard," she said.
Swaraj also highlighted India's commitment
to the development of Afghanistan.
"India stands committed to any process,
which can help Afghanistan emerge as a unit‑
ed, peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and eco‑
nomically vibrant nation with guaranteed
gender and human rights," she said.
"We also operationalised air freight corri‑
dors between Kabul and Kandahar and New
Delhi and Mumbai in 2017. We welcome
regional connectivity initiatives, which are
inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect
the principles of sovereignty and territorial
integrity," the Indian Minister said.
She also pointed out the importance India
attached to the SCO Afghanistan Contact
Group and welcomed an early conclusion of
the draft roadmap of further actions of the
Contact Group.

'Modi cave' all set to become
spiritual destination
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditates at a cave called 'Dhyan
Kutia' in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath. (Photo: IANS)
Dehradun: The cave at the
Kedarnath shrine where Prime
Minister Narendra Modi meditated
overnight is all set to become a
spiritual tourist destination.
Within a few days, the "Dhyan
Kutia" where Modi stayed to medi‑
tate on Saturday has virtually been
rechristened as the "Modi cave" by
a large number of people who are
enquiring about its booking.
Developed by the Garhwal
Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), a
government enterprise which pro‑
motes tourism in the state, the
cave ‑ at a height of over 12,000
feet in the hills around the shrine ‑
comprises a small area with an
attached bathroom and a window
overlooking the majestic temple.
Wrapped in a saffron robe, Modi
had meditated there for nearly 17
hours. His photos have gone viral
on the social media.
"We will shortly open this cave
for tourists through online book‑
ing. Until now, due to some techni‑
cal snag, booking is closed," GMVN
General Manager B.L. Rana said.
Denying media reports that
there are luxuries inside the cave,
Rana said there is only a single
bed, a bucket and a mug for
bathing. The cave has an electrici‑
ty connection but there is no net‑
work for mobile phones.
The Prime Minister had said that
he remained cut off from the
world when he was inside the cave.
"There was no communication
(inside the cave) and there was a
small window through which I
could see the Kedarnath temple,"
Modi had said.
At the moment, the bell system
which connects the cave with the
GMVN office at the shrine is not
working. Through this bell, the vis‑
itor in the cave can reach the
GMVN office for enquiries or help
at any time.
"We are trying to restore the bell
system and will open the cave for
bookings when it is restored," said
Rana.
The per day rent of the cave has
been lowered to Rs 990, from the
earlier rate of Rs 3,000.
India puts surveillance satellite into orbit
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): India
on Wednesday successfully placed
into orbit radar imaging earth obser‑
vation satellite RISAT‑2B, the third in
the RISAT series ‑‑ after RISAT‑2 and
RISAT‑1. A total of about 5,000 visi‑
tors viewed the early morning
launch from the viewers gallery here.
The new all‑weather earth obser‑
vation satellite with synthetic aper‑
ture radar (SAR) will send good clari‑
ty images for use in agriculture,
forestry and disaster management
support, said Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO), the country's
space aency. The images captured by
the satellite will also be used for sur‑
veillance purposes, though the ISRO
is silent on this aspect.
At 5.30 a.m., the PSLV rocket
standing around 44.4 metres tall and
weighing about 190 ton with a one‑
way ticket hurtled itself towards the
skies ferrying the 615 kg RISAT‑2B.
With the fierce orange flame at its
tail lighting up the morning skies,
the rocket slowly gathered speed
and went up and up enthralling the
people at the rocket port while the
rocket's engine noise like a rolling
thunder added to the thrill.
About 15 minutes into the flight
Anil Ambani to withdraw defamation cases against Congress
Ahmedabad: The Reliance Group,
led by Anil Ambani, on Tuesday
announced its decision to with‑
draw the Rs 5,000 crore civil
defamation suit, filed in a court
here, against Congress leaders and
the National Herald newspaper
over their statements and an arti‑
cle on the controversial Rafale
fighter jet deal.
The court of city civil and ses‑
sions judge P J Tamakuwala is
hearing the suits.
T he complainant's lawyer,
PSLV‑C46 carrying the RISAT‑2B satellite lifts off from Sriharikota in
Andhra Pradesh. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
the rocket ejected RISAT‑2B into
about 555‑km orbit. Speaking about
the successful satellite launch,
K.Sivan, ISRO Chairman said: "I am
extremely happy to announce that
PSLV‑C46 has successfully injected
RISAT‑2B in precise orbit."
He said with this mission, the PSLV
rocket has crossed a landmark of
lofting of 50 ton since it started fly‑
ing. According to Sivan, the PSLV
rocket has so far put into orbit 354
satellites, including those by India,
foreign countries and students.
The PSLV rocket is a major foreign
Rasesh Parikh, told reporters that:
"We have intimated the defendants
that we are going to withdraw the
suits against them."
Concurring, P.S. Champaneri, the
counsel for the National Herald
and some other defendants, said
the Re liance Group's counse l
informed him that he had received
instructions from the group to
withdraw the defamation cases.
The formal process to withdraw
the suits would begin once the
court resumes after the summer
exchange earner for Antrix
Corporation ‑‑ the commercial arm of
the ISRO. The PSLV is a four‑stage
engine expendable rocket with alter‑
nating solid and liquid fuel. In its
normal configuration, the rocket will
have six strap‑on motors hugging it's
first stage. But the 44.4 metre tall
PSLV rocket that lifted of f with
RISAT‑2B on Wednesday was the
'core alone' variant ‑‑ without the
strap‑on motors. The Indian space
agency has PSLV variants with two
and four strap‑on motors and larger
PSLV‑XL.
vacation, he added.
Re liance Defence, Re liance
Infrastructure and Re liance
Aerostructure, which are compa‑
nies of the Anil Ambani‑owned
Reliance Group, had filed civil
defamation cases against Congress
leaders Sunil Jakhar, Randeep
Singh Surjewala, Oommen Chandy,
Ashok Chavan, Abhishek Manu
Singhvi, Sanjay Nirupam and
Shaktisinh Gohil, and some jour‑
nalists and news organisations like
the National Herald.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA ELECTIONS May 25-31, 2019 13

MAHA KUMBH
OF DEMOCRACY
The BharatiyaJanata Party was set
to cross 300 seats on its own as
the Congress Party reduced to
50 seats
New Delhi: In a stunning electoral
showing, the BJP led by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi was on
Thursday set to retain power for
another five years after making a
sweep of the Lok Sabha battle and
mauling the opposition.
So stunning was the Bharatiya
Janata Party's (BJP) showing that it
bulldozed the opposition even
where it had looked strong, virtual‑
ly sweeping entire states in north‑
ern India and even beyond and
making unprecedented inroads in
Trinamool Congress‑ruled West
NAMO SET TO RETAIN POWER,
OPPOSITION STUNNED
marg in from Gand hinag ar in
Gujarat.
"Our w in is India's victory,"
remarked Amit Shah, thanking the
voters for supporting the BJP and
its allies.
The BJP was set to make a clean
sweep of all 26 seats in Gujarat, all
25 in Congress‑ruled Rajasthan, all
four in Himachal Pradesh and all
five in Uttarakhand.
The BJP was also on the road to
victory in 28 of the 29 seats in
Madhya Pradesh, 9 out of 11 in
Chhattisgarh, 38 out of the 40
seats in Bihar along with its allies,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah arrive at 10 out of 14 in Jharkhand, 9 out of
the party's headquarters in New Delhi on May 23. 10 in Haryana, 23 out of 26 in
(Photo: Amlan Paliwal/IANS) Karnataka, its southern bastion, 41
Bengal. Trends from the counting the 542 Lok Sabha seats where out of 48 in Maharashtra along
centers showed that the BJP alone polling took place. with the Shiv Sena, 19 out of 42 in
was set to bag 298 seats ‑‑ more Congratulations poured in for West Bengal, 6 out of 21 seats in
than the 282 it won in 2014, cata‑ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha and all seven seats in Delhi.
pulting Modi as Prime Minister for who was set to be re‑elected by The biggest prize came in Uttar
the first time. over 2.5 lakh votes from Varanasi Pradesh, India's politically most
Along with its allies, the BJP‑led in Uttar Pradesh. BJP President critical state where the saf fron
Nat ional Demo crat ic Alliance Amit Shah was on the road to vic‑ party overwhelmed the SP‑BSP
(NDA) could end up with 343 of tory with an equally thumping alliance, establishing solid leads in
60 out of 80 seats, leaving the
opposition gasping.
T he BJP's years of ef forts in
West Bengal finally bore fruits as
its candidates were set to emerge
victorious in 19 places, washing
out the once formidable Left and
leaving the Congress punctured.
The BJP won only two seats in
2014.
In Bihar, the BJP and the Janata
Dal‑United (JD‑U) were on the top
in 15 seats each, crushing the
Grand Alliance led by the RJD.
The Congress' best news came
from Punjab where it was leading
in 8 of the 13 seats and in Kerala
where the party‑led UDF
had forged ahead in 15 of the 20
seats, dealing a major blow to the
Left.
And in Odisha, the BJD was on
the top in 15 of the 21 seats and
was also set to retain power in the
state in Assembly elections.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK‑led
alliance was set to win 23 of the
39 constituencies.

Smriti Irani topples Most dynasties face

Rahul in Amethi
Amethi: Amethi snapped its 39 years long
relationship with the Gandhi family ‑‑ a rela‑
tionship that was filled with emotions and
nurtured with emotions.
The victory of BJP's Smriti Irani and defeat
of Rahul Gandhi is not just the result of an
electoral battle ‑‑ it is much more than that.
Bechu Khan, a businessman in Jagdishpur,
aptly summed up the result when he said:
"Amethi is witnessing a generational shift.
The new generation has little room for emo‑
tions and is more concerned about its future
which they saw in Smriti Irani and the BJP.
"This new generation has not seen Rajiv
Gandhi connect with the local people. They
have not seen how Sanjay Gandhi made
Amethi important so they do not have an
emotional relationship with the Gandhi fami‑
ly." For the people of Amethi, development
has rarely been an issue. "For us, the identity
The BJP candidate
Smriti Irani.
was more important. Wherever we went
across the country and said that we were
from Amethi, we would get respect and local
Congressmen would reach out to help us.
This mattered more for the local people," said
Shiv Nath Shukla, a lawyer from Gauriganj.
Then what made Amethi ditch the Gandhis
this time?
The local people say that it is the young vot‑
ers who are responsible for electing Smriti
Irani.
Irani kept campaigning in Amethi even
after she lost the seat in 2014 by a margin of
over one lakh votes. She would regularly visit
the constituency and point out Rahul Gandhi's
absence. People from Amethi had easy access
to her in Delhi, too.
Amethi was first won by the Congress in
1980 and has remained with the Congress,
barring one year when the BJP won the seat.
people's wrath in elections
New Delhi: If caste barriers fell in the Lok Sabha
elections 2019, dynasties became the second
casualty with many political families, mostly
belonging to the opposition camp, failing to win
the people's mandate.
Be it the Mulayam Singh Yadav clan in Uttar
Pradesh, Lalu Prasad's family in Bihar, the
Hooda family in Haryana or the Pawars of
Maharashtra, the going has been rough.
Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda, son
of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder
Hooda, was trailing narrowly in Rohtak. His
father lost in Sonipat.
In Haryana's epic battle of dynasts witnessed
in Hisar, BJP candidate Brijendra Singh, son of
former Union Minister Birender Singh, defeated Milind Deora, son of Congress leader,
the late Murli Deora, lost from
Dushyant Chautala, grandson of former Chief
Mumbai South.
Minister Om Prakash Chautala and Bhavya
Bishnoi, the third generation of former Chief party was decimated. Milind Deora, son of
Minister Bhajan Lal's family. another Congress leader, the late Murli Deora,
In Uttar Pradesh, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) lost from Mumbai South.
leader Ajit Singh and his son Jayant Choudhary In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's
were staring at defeat. Even in the Yadav clan, son Vaibahv Gehlot lost in Jodhpur, but his
Dimple Yadav, wife of Samajwadi Party predecessor Vasudhara Raje's son Dushyant
President Akhilesh Yadav, was trailing in Singh won in Jhalawar‑Baran. In neighbouring
Kannauj. in Badaun, Mulayam Singh Yadav's Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Kamal Nath's
nephew Dharmendra Yadav was trailing, so was son Nakul, however, won his father's
another nephew Akshay Yadav from Firozabad. Chhindwara seat.
However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh In Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party
Yadav were leading in Mainpuri and Azamgarh, supremo Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule‑
respectively. Pawar won from Baramati for the third consec‑
Congress leader Jitin Prasada, son of late utive time, but his nephew and former Deputy
party veteran Jitendra Prasada, came third in Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son Parth (NCP) lost
Dhaurahra in UP. Jyotiraditya Scindia, son of from Maval.
late Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia, lost Bihar saw Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal,
his Guna seat in Madhya Pradesh. It was a dou‑ being led by his son Tejashwi Yadav, biting the
ble defeat for him as Scindia was in charge of dust. Tejashwi's sister Misha Bharti was trailing
Congress in western Uttar Pradesh where the in Pataliputra.
 14 May 25-31, 2019 INDIA ELECTIONS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

MAHA KUMBH
OF DEMOCRACY
New Delhi: Accepting the resound‑
ing poll victory, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Thursday prom‑
ised that he will not work with "bad
intentions" and that he would like
to move ahead by taking everyone
along, leaving behind the bitterness
witnessed during the Lok Sabha
campaign.
Addressing the victory celebra‑
tion at the party headquarters here,
he said that the mandate won by
the BJP‑led coalition was the
WILL NOT WORK WITH BAD
INTENTIONS: MODI
greater responsibility...I will not do
anything with bad intention and
and will do nothing for myself.
"Who said what during the elec‑
tion campaign, for me it is past. We
have to look to the future. We have
to take everyone along in national
interest. And despite such a majori‑
ty, we will move with humility,"
Modi said.
"In 2014, not many knew me. But
you gave me a mandate. But in
2019, you gave me more strength
after knowing me. I can understand
the sentiment behind this. Increase
in trust leads to increase in respon‑
sibilty," he added.
In a virtual address to the nation,
BJP worker celebrate in Kolkata after the massive landslide victory
of the party. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS) the Prime Minister promised that in
the coming days, he would do noth‑
biggest development in the demo‑ ing strength in democracy. ing with bad intentions.
cratic world and reflected an abid‑ "With bigger mandate, comes "While working, there can be mis‑
takes but I will not anything with
bad intention. I will not do anything
for myself. Third thing, every sec‑
ond of my time, every part of body
is only for the nation. You keep
judging me on these three parame‑
ters and criticise me if I do not
measure up. But I want to assure
you that whatever I say publicly, I
will work to implement it," he said.
Promising to take everyone along
including the states, Modi said a
government is formed by majority
which has been done. "But the
nation moves with consensus and
democractic spirit."
Modi said he will take his critics
along with humility.
"The people have filled the bag of
this ascetic. I bow my head to 130
crore people of the country," he
said.

Amit is 'Shah' of Modi's Imran, Xi among foreign

historic second term win leaders to congratulate Modi
New Delhi: As he retained power with a
New Delhi: Prime
resounding electoral victory, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday
might be the man of the
received congratulatory messages and
moment for winning the
phone calls from a host of foreign lead‑
historic second term but
ers, including his Pakistani counterpart
it is Bharatiya Janata
Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi
Party (BJP) President
Jinping.
Amit Shah who is being
Among other foreign leaders to con‑
hailed, even by the rivals,
gratulate Modi were Russian President
as the man behind the
Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister
moment.
Benjamin Netanyahu, French President
"Time for Congress to
Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime
get an Amit Shah," tweet‑
Minister Shinzo Abe, Bangladeshi Prime Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan
ed People's Democratic
Minister Sheikh Hasina, Afghanistan's
Party (PDP) leader
President Ashraf Ghani, Sri Lankan Netanyahu tweeted: "Congratulations,
Mehbooba Mufti, former
President Maithripala Sirisena and my friend @Narendramodi, on your
Jammu and Kashmir
Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. impressive election victory! The elec‑
Chief Minister and BJP's BJP chief Amit Shah. (Photo: IANS) Imran Khan tweeted his message on tion results further reaffirm your lead‑
friend turned foe. Omar
Twitter. ership of the world's largest democracy.
Abdullah, another former Jammu and Kashmir and Defence.
"I congratulate Prime Minister Modi Together we will continue to strengthen
Chief Minister and a bitter critic of the BJP, con‑ With Foreign, Home and Finance being held by
on electoral victory of BJP and allies. the great friendship between India and
gratulated Modi and Shah for putting together a BJP's senior leaders Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath
Look forward to working with him for Israel."
winning alliance and running a "very profession‑ Singh and Arun Jaitley ‑‑ all three have handled
peace, progress and prosperity in South "Well done, my friend!"
al campaign". their tasks well ‑‑ the fourth slot of Defence
Asia," he posted. Macron called up Modi to congratu‑
Shah's election management has become part Ministry, currently held by Nirmala Sitharaman,
External Af fairs Ministry spokesper‑ late him and the two leaders reaffirmed
of India's political folklore ‑‑ an image that has make Amit Shah a serious contender.
son Raveesh Kumar tweeted: "From a their commitment to work together
been resurrected after the BJP's loss in three At Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first
long standing friend! Russian President towards further strengthening of the
north Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, appearance in a press conference at the end of
Putin has sent a congratulatory mes‑ strategic partnership between India and
Rajasthan and Chattisgarh less than six months campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, Amit Shah
sage to PM and has confirmed his readi‑ France.
ago. The BJP now has swept the Lok Sabha polls took all the questions, a clear indication of com‑
ness to work together to build the full Shinzo Abe also called up Modi and
in all these three states staging an emphatic mand and control set up in the BJP.
range of bilateral relations and con‑ the two leaders reiterated their commit‑
comeback restoring Amit Shah's winning streak Even the Prime Minister chose to let Amit Shah
structive interaction in international ment towards strengthening the India‑
and reconfirming the title of master strategist. hold the stage in his presence.
affairs." Japan special strategic and global part‑
If 2014 mandate for Modi was eye‑opening, the The BJP had planned for the 2019 much ahead
The Chinese President wrote a letter nership, according to the MEA
verdict in 2019 is jaw dropping. of its rivals. Shah ordered a scientific evaluation
to Modi, saying he attached "great spokesperson.
Amit Shah was more than a backroom strate‑ of 120 seats the party had lost in 2014. Special
importance" to the development of Sino‑ Bhutan, Australia, Vietnam and
gist in this election as he contested the Lok Sabha focus was made on seven states (Andhra Pradesh,
India relations and expressed his desire Portug al Prime Ministers Lotay
seat from Gandhinagar and his public appeal was Kerala, Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana
to work with the Indian leader to take Tshering, Scott Morrison, Nguyen Xuan
next only to the Prime Minister. and West Bengal) where the party was weak
the development partnership between Phuc and Antenio Costa, respectively, as
Speculations are already rife in New Delhi's along with the Northeastern states.
the two countries to a new height. we ll as Tanzanian President John
political circles that he will play a bigger role in The results in West Bengal, Odisha and the
Xi said under the leadership of the Magufuli extended their congratulations
Modi 2.0 instead of only handling the party Northeast show that the BJP's strategy worked
two leaders, Sino‑India ties have "shown to the Indian leader and sought to boost
affairs. If he gets a cabinet berth, it will be one of perfectly as the party made impressive gains in
strong momentum of development". bilateral relations.
the four top portfolios of Foreign, Home, Finance these new territories.
 16 May 25-31, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Deepika, Priyanka, Kangana make India proud at Cannes 2019

Actress Deepika Padukone made heads turn For her debut at the Cannes, Priyanka Chopra Jonas Kangana Ranaut looked no less than a princess out of a
with her neon green gown. looked fiery in a black & red Roberto Cavalli ensemble. fairytale in a stunning pink & lavender hued trailed gown.

'DE DE PYAAR DE': SRK thrilled, honored to

A contemporary take on romance share story with Letterman
S
uperstar Shah Rukh Khan, who
engaged in a candid interview with
American talk show host David
Letterman, says he was thrilled and hon‑
ored to share his story with one of the
most famous talk show personalities.
"I've watched David Letterman's late‑
night talk show for years and I'm a huge
fan of his style of interviewing. I'm thrilled,
and honoured to share my story with him.
"That this is on Netflix is even more spe‑
cial ‑ I'm working with the team on various
projects and it's always been exciting part‑
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan with
American talk show host David
nering with them," Shah Rukh, who will
Letterman.
make his appearance on Letterman's show
"My Next Guest Needs No Introduction", about me but because you were kind
Actors Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh in a still from the film. said in a statement. enough to make me feel I can be me. You
Shah Rukh took to Twitter, where he are an inspiration sir," he captioned the
By Troy Ribeiro film apart. shared a photograph of himself along with image. After interviewing SRK in front of a
The story and screenplay by Luv Ranjan, the Letterman. He thanked the talk show host live audience, Letterman said: "The best

D
e De Pyaar De' is a light‑hearted rom‑com
that addresses the real and plausible,
issue of an older man falling in love with
a girl half his age and how it is viewed upon, by
the Indian society.
Ashish Mehra (Ajay Devgn), a 50‑year‑old
London‑based business man, separated from his
witty dialogues, laced with humor form the cor‑
nerstone of the film and the comic situations,
along with ace performances, further enhance the
viewing experience. .
Ajay Devgn, as the once‑again‑in‑love Ashish,
renders a mature performance, befitting his char‑
acter. He is loving and responsible, yet, is
for making him feel like himself.
"No more footprints... this is T he
Abominable Snowman!! Before Batman
and Spiderman, there is Mr. Letterman
thanks for your generosity. Had too much
fun being interviewed. Not because it was
part of this job that Netflix has been happy
to provide for me is to meet people. And
after each one of these sessions I think to
myself, it is a very smart, very lovely per‑
son from whom I have learned things. You
would maybe be at the top of that list."

Will Smith on how he added

wife Manju (Tabu) and two grown up children,
who live in India, falls in love with
Ayesha (Rakul Preet Singh) an engineer‑ REVIEW
ing student who works as a bartender in
London, to make ends meet. With a view to sol‑
emnizing his relationship and gaining acceptance,
he takes his girlfriend to meet his parents, ex‑wife
and children. But, there is an element of awk‑
wardness owing to Ayesha's age.
Moving at a steady pace, nowhere does the film
drag or feel trite and boring. The plot is crisp,
engaging and keeps you hooked. The situations
are familial, yet dealt with an urban twist. There
is no place for unnecessary melodrama here. The
treatment is contemporary and real, and the
astute handling by the director, is what sets the
lovelorn, when separated from his lady love.
Tabu, as his ex‑wife Manju, is confi‑
dence personified and a lady in control.
She exudes a restraint and a raw vulner‑
ability at the same time. The camaraderie and
mature understanding between the couple, is
delightful to watch.
Rakul Preet Singh as the physically attractive
and younger girl, Ayesha, who is madly in love
with the older Ashish, brings a certain oomph to
her character. She is humane, as she is cocky and
yet, is convincing. She pulls off Ayesha with elan,
save a few scenes where she seemingly overacts.
Overall, with entertainment and romance,
thrown in with equal measure, "De De Pyaar De"
is an enjoyable film that is endearing.
Bollywood touch to 'Aladdin'
A
ctor Will Smith is in love with the
world of Bollywood and says he
asked director Guy Ritchie to add a
touch of it in forthcoming film "Aladdin".
The actor, who has visited India several
times for professional as well as personal
reasons, said that he is eager to produce
and work in a Bollywood project.
"'Aladdin' is hot... you are going to love it!
I was trying to do my best Bollywood ver‑
sion in this movie and there is a Prince Ali
sequence in the film and I kept telling Guy
Ritchie you got to go full Bollywood, you
have to give them full Bollywood flavor,"
Smith said at a red carpet event in Tokyo.
Asked about whom would he like to collab‑
orate next in Bollywood, he said: "I have
been visiting India, meeting and hanging
out. They need to present me something,
bring me something. I don't know what do
we want to do ‑ but we should start, we
should produce it to together."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
F MY DREAMS
CREATURES O
Doodling
is my
meditation
ARTIST STATEMENT
I
f a picture is about a thousand
words, doodling is about a mil‑
lion! And since it is difficult to
make people read a million words
these days, it is much easier to
make them see and appreciate an
art form. Thatʼs just one of the rea‑
sons why me, a writer, chooses to
doodle. It requires minimum
resources, creates less mess, and
can be done just about anywhere.
On a serious note, doodling is my
meditation and it speaks to me of
things that I love; of things I can‑
not imagine in this world, or in this
lifetime. It is my calm and connects
me to my soul, thus helping me
survive an unkind world.
Me and my art – we hit it off
ever since I learnt how to hold a
pencil. But as I grew up, I quit
SARASWATI
By Meenakshi
Iyer
because it was a “time waste” and
a “futile profession”. Art stayed
with me though. After decades, the
passion is coming to the fore,
albeit slowly.
Apart from doodling, I love doing
illustrations and cartoons, prefer‑
ably on an A5 notebook with thick
blank pages and a simple Reynolds
gel pen (yes!). Since most of my
ideas come when I am travelling,
buying groceries, waiting at the
bus stop to pick my ward, or at a
movie theater – keeping a handy
A5 notebook in my handbag has
proved to be a boon!
I like to use a lot of pencil
colours and sketch pens in my
drawing because they take me
back to my childhood – the best
phase of anyoneʼs lifetime. The
inspiration comes from observing
animals and people ‑ their expres‑
sions, their everyday life – and
music. Music transports me to a
surreal world and makes my work
better. All kinds of music except
the phone and doorbell ringing!
I draw under the label
ʻKariMeenʼ. Karimeen is a fish vari‑
ART May 25-31, 2019 17
RNATION
END OF HIBE
ILY
CHUSKI FAM
TUSKS popsicle)
pe of
(Chuski is a ty
ety, which I love – not as a dish but
for its looks! KariMeen is also an
amalgam of Kari (elephant, my
favorite animal) and the first four
letters of my name. There are a lot
of queer animals in my drawing. I
draw a lot of reptiles because I am
scared of them and they refuse to
exit my subconscious mind!
I took no professional training in
art, and never will. Art has to be
felt, not learnt. Of course, art
schools teach you to make perfect
drawings but why look for perfec‑
tion in an imperfect world?
Our art should be like us – asym‑
metrical, imperfect and weird.
Meenakshi Iyer is a senior jour‑
nalist now contributing to The
BONBIBI
(From the
South Asian Times from Delhi, and
re)
Bangla folklo
a published author. You can find
her art at Instagram.com/
karimeen6/
 18 May 25-31, 2019 COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Sai Baba play evokes great response in NJ

South Plainfield, NJ: “Ek Me Anek”, Special to The South Asian Times
a play on the life and times of Shirdi
Sai Baba, has been staged by Sai
Samarpan here after its debut in the
Ganesh Temple auditorium in
Flushing in October. This time the
Sai Baba temple in this New Jersey
town invited the 60‑member troupe
of Sai Samarpan, a New York state‑
based nonprofit body, to enact the
play. On May 4, when the play was
staged in a school auditorium, a
special Sai puja was conducted to
seek blessings of the saint for its
success.
The play – based on the “Sai
Sekhar Rao (with headgear), who played Hemadpant, and
Satcharita” book written by
Cast, crew and others posing at the end of the others including officials of the South Plainfield
Hemadpant, a contemporary of the
ʻEk Me Anekʼ play in New Jersey. Sai temple who organized staging of the play.
saint ‑‑ restated the message of
Baba that all humans are one and Sankaramachi of the Sai temple All characters justified their roles. noted. The Sai temple of South Plainfield
the same, as well as of Shraddha received all‑round praise for con‑ Expressions shown by the Baba Sekhar Rao, who also wrote much is five years old. The temple offi‑
(trust) and Saburi (perseverance). ducting the proceedings. The character toward the end were rele‑ of the script, has also written the cials have embarked upon a major
In the play, Hemadpant (played by artistes, major donors and other vant to the context,” Venkat dialogues, which are in English and “Shirdi in America” project in New
Sekhar Rao, the brain behind the important persons were felicitated Neppalli, 62, an accountant in Hindi with a sprinkling of Marathi. Jersey and plan to organize more
program) narrates the story briefly with shawls and mementos shortly Edison, NJ, told this newspaper. “Overall we were able to improve fundraisers. Daily free food distribu‑
before each of the nine acts. It is before the dinner‑prasadam was “The play turned out to be better our performance compared with the tion is among the templeʼs charita‑
enacted by actors and actresses, served. than I had expected.” Ganesh temple one,” he said. ble services.
along with children who lip‑synched Upendra Chivukula, a member of Nagesh Virupaksha, a pharmacist, The play is likely to be staged in For further info on the temple,
to recorded music and dialogue. the New Jersey Public Utilities was equally enthusiastic. “His is a October in Shirdi in Maharasthra, please call Raghu ji (as
The two‑and‑a‑half‑hour dance‑ Commission who is a key executive universal religion. Every belief con‑ where the saintʼs samadhi is situat‑ Sankaramanchi is known) at the
drama had three people playing the on the temple committee, presented verges into one. One needs to have ed. The centenary of Sai Baba's temple 516‑359‑8178 and Sekhar
role of Sai Baba. a special memento on the occasion. purity of heart as Das Ganu (a Hari passing away was observed last Rao (about the play) 201‑892‑
Founder‑Chairman Raghu Sarma “The performance was excellent. Katha artist in the play) proved,” he year on the Vijay Dashmi day. 5384.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 25-31, 2019
 20 May 25-31, 2019
Lankan military says situation
under control, 78 arrested
Colombo: The Sri Lanka military
said the situation in the country
was now "totally under control"
and 78 people were arrested
after anti‑Muslim clashes recent‑
ly in several areas that left one
person dead and dozens of shops
and mosques destroyed.
A military of ficial said a high
security contingency remained
on the g round in the North‑
Western Province and Gampaha
district on the outskirts of
Colombo which were affected by
the unrest, but there were no
incidents of violence on days fol‑
lowing. However, a curfew was
re‑imposed in the North Western
Province and Gampaha district
till 4 am to prevent further ten‑
sions. The nationwide curfew
that was in force since last week
was lifted recently, the Daily
Mirror reported.
Police spokesperson S.P. Ruwan
Gunasekara said the 78 suspects
were detained and remanded in
connection with violence in the
North‑Western Province during
Doubts raised over US on verge of defeat, claims
Pakistan's battle chief Taliban negotiator
against terror financing
Islamabad: The Asia‑
Pacific Group (APG), a
regional affiliate of the
Financial Action Task
Force (FATF), has raised
questions on Pakistan's
seriousness in its cam‑
paign against terror
financing and money
laundering, the media
reported.
A 10‑member delega‑
tion led by Finance
Secretary Mohammad Younas
Dagha represented Pakistan at
the two‑day APG meeting in
Guangzhou, China, where it
briefed the group about the
country's actions against curren‑
cy smuggling, outlawed groups
and tightening of financial and
corporate sector systems,
reports Dawn news.
At the meeting, some partici‑
pants raised very tough ques‑
tions about Pakistan's serious‑
ness to act against proscribed
organizations and the effective‑
ness of internal controls.
In response, the Pakistani side
reported the arrests of key oper‑
atives of some proscribed out‑
fits, putting more such organiza‑
tions and their affiliates on the
The country remains on high alert ever since the Easter bombings.
which a Muslim man was
stabbed to death while over 500
rioters torched Muslim‑owned
shops, homes and vandalized
mosques. T hese people were
arrested from Kuruneg ala,
Kuliyapitiya, Nikaweratiya and
Pakistan Prime Minister
Imran Khan.
list of banned outfits, blocking
their accounts and financial
flows and taking control of their
assets.
The delegation reported that
Pakistan had either complied
with or was very close to accom‑
plishing the milestones under
the FATF action plan well before
the September deadline.
The APG will submit to the
FATF ‑‑ an inter‑governmental
body which combats money
laundering and terror financing ‑
‑ its analysis of the compliance
report submitted by Pakistan.
Last week, the Pakistan gov‑
ernment placed nine more enti‑
ties on the list of proscribed
organizations, taking the tally
to 71.
SUBCONTINENT
Chilaw areas.
Gunasekara said investigations
were ongoing to apprehend more
suspects.
"The police are inspecting the
video clips... We hope to arrest
all the perpetrators soon."
US special envoy on
Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad.
Washington: The Taliban's chief
negotiator has claimed that the
US is on the verge of defeat and
will quit Afghanistan soon "either
of their own accord or they will
be forced out", the media report‑
ed. The remarks were made by
Sher Mohammad Abbas
Stanekzai in an April 28 speech
to an "internal gathering" in
Doha, Qatar, just two days before
he led his team of insurgent
negotiators into fresh talks with
US interlocutors, the Voice of
America news outlet reported.
Pro‑Taliban social media out‑
lets released video of Stanekzai's
speech, one day after US special
envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Refugees in Sri Lanka fear
for safety amid violence
M
ore than 1,100 refugees
and asylum seekers in Sri
Lanka have been forced
to flee their homes due to violent
attacks on religious minorities fol‑
lowing the Easter Sunday bomb‑
ings and are living in precarious
makeshift shelters in the country,
Amnesty International said.
The refugees and asylum seek‑
ers "had hoped to find safety in Sri
Lanka after fleeing the violence of
bigoted mobs in their own coun‑
tries. Now, they are faced with the
same fears that forced them here,
leaving them unable to leave their
shelters where they languish in
dire conditions," South Asia
Director at Amnesty International
Biraj Patnaik said in a statement.
Since the April 21 attacks on
three churches, three luxury hotels
and two other locations that left
US forces kill
17 Afghan police
officers by mistake
Kabul: At least 17 Afghan police
officers were killed and 14 oth‑
ers injured after the US Air
Force mistakenly targeted its
allies, an official said.
T he involuntary massacre
o ccurred overnig ht during
clashes between Afghan securi‑
ty forces and Taliban insurgents
in Helmand province's Nahr‑e‑
Saraj district, Attaullah Afghan,
head of Helmand Provincial
Khalilzad and his team wrapped
up the week‑long negotiations
with Taliban representatives in
the Qatari capital.
In the speech, Stane kzai
praised what he called the "brav‑
ery of the Afghan nation" for
defeating past British and Soviet
invasions of their country and
resisting the current foreign mili‑
tary presence, referring to the
US‑led coalition, which is training
and advising pro‑government
forces in battles against the ter‑
over 250 people dead and hun‑
dreds wounded, tensions between
the Muslim community and the
Buddhist majority of the country
have escalated. According to
Amnesty, the refugees, many of
whom are from Pakistan or
Afghanistan, are temporarily liv‑
ing in overcrowded community
centres and a police station.
The refugees told Amnesty that
the violence erupted after a rumor
that Pakistanis were behind the
Easter killings, which the authori‑
ties blame on local Islamist groups
National Thowheed Jamath and
Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim.
Habib‑ur‑Rehman, 35, a
Pakistani asylum‑seeker, said: "We
feel safe here (in the police sta‑
tion), but are too fearful to go out‑
side. The police have said they can
protect us here, but not outside."
Council, told Efe news agency.
After the Taliban attacked a
security check‑post on the high‑
way, police rushed to push the
militants back and the US forces
carried out the strikes to sup‑
port the officers but erroneous‑
ly targeted the allies, he said.
Omar Zwak, the spokesman
for the Governor of Helmand,
confirmed the incident and said
it was being investigated.
ror group.
The Taliban chief negotiator
also criticized Afghan President
Ashraf Ghani and compared him
as well as other pro‑government
leaders with those who had sup‑
ported Moscow during the Soviet
occupation of Afghanistan in the
1980s.
After wrapping up the sixth
round of talks with the Taliban
last wee k, US special envoy
Khalilzad had said they made
"steady but slow progress".
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL May 25-31, 2019 21

Iran dismisses possibility Australia PM Morrison

of war amid US tensions
Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister
Mohammad Javad Zarif has dis‑
missed the possibility of war
breaking out in the region amid
rising tensions with the US, saying
that Tehran doesn't want a con‑
flict and no country had the "idea
or illusion that it can confront
Iran".
His comments came as
Washington tightened sanctions
on Iran's crude exports and has
also been increasing its military
assets in the Middle East in the
face of what it regards as new
"threats" from Tehran.
Tensions have grown between
the two countries since last year
when US President Donald Trump
withdrew from the 2015 interna‑
tional deal which aimed to ease
sanctions in exchange for an end
to Tehran's nuclear programme.
Speaking to state news agency
IRNA at the end of a visit to China,
Zarif said Trump "does not want
war, but the people around him
are pushing him towards war
under the pretext of making
America stronger against Iran".
Washington has also ordered
the departure of "non‑emergency
employees" from Iraq, citing intel‑
ligence about a potential threat to
American forces by Iran. US inves‑
tigators have accused Iran or the
wins come-from-
behind poll victory
Melbourne: Australian Prime Morrison's nickname "ScoMo."
Minister Scott Morrison secured a After losing an election which
stunning victory against the odds many analysts described as
in May 18 general election taking "unlosable," opposition Labor
his Liberal National coalition to a leader Bill Shorten conceded and
third term in office. announced he would be stepping
It is still unknown if Morrison down as head of the party.
will form a majority or minority The result will be devastating
government, but swings to the for the centre‑left Labor Party,
coalition across large Australian which had been ahead in every
states, especially Queensland, opinion poll during the campaign
have ensured he will remain and had expected to easily form a
Prime Minister. government after Saturday's vote,
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says
In a triumphant speech, CNN reported.
his country doesnʼt want a conflict.
Morrison said he had "always Labor had run on a high‑profile
believed in miracles." campaign of taking action on cli‑
Saudi Arabia rules out war with Iran "And tonight we've been deliv‑ mate change, improving funding
ered another one," he told jubilant to services, and ending tax cuts
Riyadh: Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al‑Jubeir said that his
supporters in Sydney who chanted for top earners.
country is not seeking to start a war with Iran but is ready to defend
itself from any threat, following attacks in the Gulf region. Al‑Jubeir
said at a news conference that the kingdom's "hands are always
extended to peace and seeks to achieve it, and believes that the people
of the region, including the Iranian people, have the right to live in
security and stability and to move towards development". "The Iranian
regime has directly and through its proxies sought to provoke unrest
and supported terrorist and extremist groups and organizations. Over
the past decades, the countries of the region have suffered from the
crimes of the Iranian regime and its interventions which are too
numerous to count," he was quoted as saying by Efe news.
groups it supports of using explo‑ denied the allegations. While lead‑
sives to damage four tankers off ers on both sides have insisted
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) they do not want war, tensions in Australia PM Sott Morrison says he has
earlier this month. Tehran has the Gulf remain high. ʻalways believed in miraclesʼ.

May plans 'bold

offer' for Brexit
deal support
London: UK Prime Minister
Theresa May has said that she
is preparing to present before
MPs a "new bold of fer" in a
last‑ditch attempt to get her
be leaguered Brexit deal
through Parliament in early
June.
Extra protections for workers
are expected to be among the
proposals, w ith the Prime
Minister trying to win over the
support of some Labour MPs to
get her Brexit plan passed, the
BBC reported.
Talks between the opposition
Labour Party and the govern‑
ment aimed at breaking the
Brexit impasse ended recently
without an agreement.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
said the discussions had "gone
as far as they can", blaming
what he called the govern‑
ment's "increasing weakness
and instability". May said that
the lack of a "common position"
within Labour over a further
referendum had made talks
UK PM Theresa May is
making a last‑ditch effort
for her Brexit deal.
"dif ficult". She announced this
week that MPs will vote on the
bill ‑ which would bring the
withdrawal agreement into UK
law ‑ in the week beginning on
June 3. If the bill is not passed,
the default position is that the
UK will leave the EU on October
31 without a deal.
Swedish prosecutors seek
Julian Assange's detention
Copenhagen: Swedish prose‑
cutors requested that the
founder of Wikileaks, Julian
Assange, be detained to face
questioning over rape allega‑
tions he had originally evad‑
ed by seeking diplomatic asy‑
lum in the Ecuadorian
embassy in London for
almost seven years.
Deputy Director of Public
Prosecut ion Eva‑Marie
Persson submitted an applica‑
tion for a detention order to
Uppsala District Court in
which she requested the court
to detain the Australian who
is currently in custody in the
UK. "I request the District Court
to detain Assange in his absence,
on probable cause suspected for
rape," said Persson. "If the court
decides to detain him, I will issue
a European Arrest Warrant con‑
cerning surrender to Sweden,"
she added, reported Efe news.
T he Australian is currently
serving a 50‑week sentence in
the UK's Belmarsh prison after
US unsealed an indictment
against him to face a charge
of conspiring to commit
computer intrusion linked to
his cooperation with Chelsea
Manning, a US soldier
turned whistle‑blower
behind a massive dump of
classified or sensitive gov‑
ernment documents.
"In the event of a conflict
between a European Arrest
Warrant and a request for
extradition from the US, UK
authorities will decide on
the order of priority,"
Persson said. "The outcome
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
of this process is impossible
he was found guilty of breaching to predict. However, in my view
the terms of his bail relating to the Swedish case can proceed
allegations, including "lesser‑ concurrently with the proceed‑
degree rape," lodged in Sweden, ings in the UK."
where an invest ig at ion was T he invest ig at ion was
reopened following his dramatic reopened at the request of
arrest in London on April 11, Swedish lawyer Elizabeth Massi
2019. Sweden had put the inves‑ Fritz who represents one of the
tigation on hold and revoked its women who accused Assange of
arrest warrant in May 2017. rape when she hosted him in
Following Assange's arrest, the Stockholm in 2010.
 22 May 25-31, 2019 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Don't go too far, Chinese Foreign Minister tells Pompeo

Beijing: China's State Councillor and
Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged
Washington "not to go too far" in its meas‑
ures that threatened Chinese interests in a
phone conversation with US Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo.
In the phone call on Saturday, Wang
expressed his strong opposition to the
executive order signed by US President
Donald Trump last week that prohibits the
use of technological equipment by firms
allegedly trying to spy on Washington,
which could restrict business with compa‑
nies such as Huawei.
"We urge the US side not to go too far,"
Wang told Pompeo, adding that the US
should change its course as soon as possi‑
ble so as to avoid further damage of bilat‑
eral ties.
The Chinese Minister said that Beijing
"was still willing to resolve economic and
trade dif ferences through negotiations,
but that they should be on an equal foot‑
ing", Xinhua news agency reported. He
added that in any negotiations, China
must safeguard its legitimate interests,
respond to the calls of its people and
defend the basic norms of international
relations. The Minister stressed that China
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign
Minister Wang Yi. (File Photo: IANS)
stated its firm opposition to "the US nega‑
tive words and acts related to Taiwan" and
urged Washington to "abide by the one‑
China principle and the three China‑US
joint communiques and handle Taiwan‑
related issues carefully and properly", the
report said.
T he call came after Beijing and
Washington locked horns again last week
owing to Trump's action to thwart "for‑
Chinese shout 'Boycott Apple'
Beijing/San Francisco: As the
Washington‑Beijing trade war intensifies
along with fresh restrictions on Chinese
telecom giant Huawei in the US, there
has been a significant rise in "Boycott
Apple" movement in China.
According to BuzzFeed News, there has
been a flurry of anti‑Apple and anti‑
Trump messages on Weibo, China's ver‑
sion of Twitter.
"I feel guilty watching the trade war.
Once I have money I will change my
smartphone (iPhone)," one user posted
on Weibo.
"I think Huawei's branding is amazing,
it chops an apple into eight pieces," read
eign adversaries who are actively and
increasingly creating and exploiting vul‑
nerabilities in information and communi‑
cations technology infrastructure and
services in the US", according to the White
House.
However, the White House made no
direct reference to China, with whom the
another post.
China has urged the US to stop "harass‑
ing overseas companies" and slammed
US President Donald Trump's decision to
sign a national emergency order that
prohibits American firms from using for‑
eign‑made equipment, citing espionage
fears.
The US move, which effectively takes
aim at Chinese telecom giant Huawei,
comes as the two economic superpowers
are locked in a bitter unending trade
war.
Chinese telecom giant Huawei has said
that it is still open to addressing US secu‑
rity concerns.
US is engaged in a bitter trade dispute.
While both Beijing and Washington say
that negotiations to resolve the trade dis‑
pute have not yet collapsed after over 10
rounds of talks, it seems unlikely that the
deadlock will break in the short term after
the mutual imposition of tariffs and trad‑
ing of accusations by both countries.

Jet staff seeks financial Google limits Huawei's

details to raise $700 million use of Android
Washington: Google has barred Telegraph on Monday, the ban
New Delhi: A section of grounded Huawei from some updates to the means new Huawei phones will no
Jet Airways' employees comprising Android operating system, dealing longer be able to access certain
members of airline unions have a major blow to the world's sec‑ apps, like Goog le Maps and
written to SBI Caps seeking asset ond‑largest smartphone seller. It YouTube, and existing phones will
and other financial details of the also means loss of Android licence not be able to update their
crisis‑hit company for raising $700 for Huawei, forcing it to use the Android operating systems.
million (Rs 4,917 crore) from a mix open source version of the operat‑ Google, however, assured that
of domestic and foreign investors. ing system. Google Play and security from
SBI Caps is the transaction advi‑ T he move comes after the Google Play Protect will keep
sor for the lenders of Jet Airways Donald Trump administration functioning on existing Huawei
and managing the stake sale added Huawei to a list of compa‑ devices.
process for the debt‑laden carrier. nies that American firms cannot Huawei said it would continue
The State Bank of India (SBI) is the trade with unless they have a to provide security updates and
lead lender and currently in man‑ licence. after‑sales services to existing
agement control of the airline. In a statement, Google said it Huawei and Honor smartphone
"We would like to assure you that was "complying with the order and tablet products. It covers all
our resources are at your disposal if and reviewing the implications". the devices sold as well as in the
they can be of any help. Also, as According to a report in The stock globally.
understood by us during the meet‑
ing of 2nd May, we are actively
working with potential Indian and
foreign investors to secure equity
Jet Airways employees during a protest. (File Photo: IANS)

provide details about the level of
based funding commitment of $700
million," Capt. P.P. Singh, Senior
Vice President at Jet Airways, wrote
debt post haircut by banks and
restructuring. Among key financial
details, Singh has asked as to how
to SBI Caps.
much stake investors will get after
Sensing that the options to revive
infusing $700 million and the fund
the grounded airline are fast run‑
requirements for running the air‑
ning out, a group of employees had
line for the next 24 months.
on April 29 proposed to bid for
Facing a severe liquidity crisis, Jet
management control of the airline.
Airways had suspended its opera‑
They claimed to secure a funding of
tions on April 17 and remains
Rs 3,000 crore from outside
grounded. The airline lenders are
investors.
trying to rope in an investor to
The employee group comprises
resuscitate the airline and recover
members of Society for Welfare of
their money.
Indian Pilots (SWIP) and Jet Aircraft
While lenders are vetting various
Maintenance Engineers Welfare
proposals, most of the top airline
Association (JAMEWA). It is being
executives including its CEO, CFO
led by Singh. The employee‑investor
and the Company Secretary have
consortium has asked SBI Caps to
resigned from their respective posi‑
tions citing personal reasons. Close
Sensex gives thumbs‑
on the heels of resignation by air‑
line's whole‑time director Gaurang up to exit polls
Shetty, Etihad nominee on the
Mumbai: Along expected lines,
board Robin Kamark resigned on
the benchmark Sensex advanced
May 16.
by a massive 1,422 points on
Abu Dhabi‑based Etihad Airways,
Monday to finish at 39,352.67,
which holds 24 per cent stake in
marginally short of its lifetime
crisis‑hit Jet Airways, is currently
high.
the only solicited bidder for a stake
Investors rejoiced the exit polls
in the airline. But experts have
on Sunday which suggests a BJP‑
found its bid unattractive for the
led NDA government will come to
lenders, given multiple riders
power.
attached to it.
Among the stocks which made
Besides offering to invest just Rs
the best of the day's rally was Tata Motors, Tata Motors (DVR)
1,700 crore against the require‑
IndusInd Bank. T he private and Yes Bank.
ment of Rs 15,000 crore to revive
lender surged by 8.64 per cent. Even the grounded Jet Airways
the crisis‑hit airline, Etihad, has in
The State Bank of India jumped jumped by 5.88 per cent to
its proposal, put the onus of finding
by 8.04 per cent, followed by 131.40 a share.
a majority buyer on the lenders.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS May 25-31, 2019 23

Can India replicate 1983 magic in England?

New Delhi: Team India, led by
Virat Kohli, are among the top
contenders for the upcoming
World Cup slated to be held in
England and Wales from May 30.
The second ranked ODI team
will begin their tournament cam‑
paign against South Africa on
June 5. Before that, India will play
two warm‑up games against New
Zealand and Bangladesh on May
25 and 28 respectively.
IANS does a SWOT analysis of
the Indian squad for the show‑
piece event
Strengths: The biggest strength
of the Indian side is their top
order batting. In Rohit Sharma,
Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli,
India arguably have the strongest
top three in the tournament. Over
the last four years, more often
than not, these three have won
the game for the team and going
into the World Cup, all the Indian
fans would hope that the trio
score bulk of the runs on flat
England pitches. Another positive
for the Indian team going into the
showpiece event is their bowling.
With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah,
Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar
Team India during a practice session. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)
Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and
Yuzvendra Chahal in the line up,
the bowling line‑up can wreak
havoc on any opposition.
Weaknesses: The weakness of
this Indian team is their overde‑
pendence on the top three. If
Rohit, Shikhar and Virat fail to
perform in a particular match, the
opposition can put tremendous
pressure on the relatively in‑
experienced middle‑order.
The number four conundrum
also continues to spark doubts
over stability in the middle order.
And an injured, out‑of‑form Kedar
Jadhav is another cause for con‑
cern who is not only capable of
hitting big but also gives Kohli the
option of a fifth bowler.
Opportunities: Head coach Ravi
Shastri has already said that the
team has got enough ammunition
and has flexible players who can
play at any position given the sit‑
uation of the game.
Apart from the likes of Bumrah
and Bhuvi, India have reliable all‑
rounders in Hardik Pandya and
Ravindra Jadeja. They both can
Kedhar Jadhav declared fit
New Delhi: All‑rounder Kedar
Jadhav, who had sustained a
shoulder injury during the
recently concluded edition of the
Indian Premier League (IPL) has
been declared fit, ensuring no
changes will be made to the 15‑
member India squad for the
upcoming World Cup beginning
May 30 in England and Wales.
According to a report in
ESPNcricinfo, team physiothera‑
pist Patrick Farhart gave a final
nod about Jadhav's fitness to the
selectors a few days back. The
selectors eventually made up
bowl a full quota of 10 overs and
also have the ability of hitting big
sixes and collecting runs at a
brisk pace.
The bench, which may include
KL Rahul, Shankar and Dinesh
Karthik, provides options that can
slot in when needed to support
the team over the tournament.
Threats: One of the biggest chal‑
lenges for the team would be to
their minds once they were told
the 34‑year‑old was also batting
in the nets without any pain in
his injured shoulder.
Jadhav had injured his left
shoulder while trying to save
four overthrows in a Chennai
Super Kings' (CSK) match against
Kings XI Punjab in Mohali in the
first week of May. He had left the
field immediately, and was then
ruled out of the rest of the IPL
season.
India will open its World Cup
campaign against South Africa
on June 5 in Southampton.
put the recent ODI form behind
them. Before the IPL, the Men in
Blue lost the home series to
Australia as they tried a number
of combinations in order to give a
chance to their 15. With just
three wins in their last 10 inter‑
national fixtures, Kohli would be
wary of the fact that they need to
regain their lost form and start
well in the World Cup.

Supreme Court gave me belief BCCI CEO wants increment,

we aren't wrong: Dutee officials question validity
Dutee Chand.
New Delhi : The 100‑meter record holder
and winner of two Asian Games silver
medals Dutee Chand has revealed that she
is in a same‑sex relationship with a girl
from her home town. The 23‑year‑old is
thus the first Indian sportsperson to admit
to being in a same‑sex relationship.
In a conversation with IANS, Chand
revealed that she has been in a relationship
with the girl for the past three years. While
the couple had not thought of it as a long‑
term affair, the historic Supreme Court ver‑
dict in September 2018 that decriminalized
same‑sex relationships between consenting
adults provided the impetus for them to
arrive at a decision of spending their lives
with each other.
"When the Supreme Court ruling came
on Section 377, then we decided that there
New Delhi: T he Board of
Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) CEO Rahul Johri who
is paid an annual g ross
salary of Rs 5,76,36,000
other than the allowances
and other bene fits, has
requested the Supreme
Court‑appointed Committee
of Administrators (CoA) to
look into his increment
process and the same is set
to be discussed during the
meeting of the committee
on May 21 in the Capital.
With CoA chief Vinod Rai
g iving the go‑ahead to
Johri's request for immedi‑ Rahul Johri. (File Photo: IANS)
ate attention, the matter
was set to be brought up when the three ommendations and the orders of the
committee members ‑‑ Rai, Diana Edulji Supreme Court gave the authority to sign
is no harm in spending our lives with each
and Ravi Thodge meet. contracts for an on behalf of the BCCI to
other. We decided that we will get married
As per the contract of the CEO, accessed the secretary of the board. In terms of all
and have a small family for ourselves," she
by IANS, the performance of the executive legal matters as well, the board is to sue
said.
(Johri) was to be evaluated annually and and be sued in the name of the secretary.
"She is from my town and a sports fan
increments were to be in the form of vari‑ Presently, the CoA got a constitution
herself. She read about the struggles that I
ables linked with increase in revenue of registered that is not in accordance with
have gone through to make a career in
BCCI out of the efforts of the executive. the orders of the Supreme Court and that
sports and told me that she was inspired by
The BCCI is also expected to decide at coupled with the directions issued by the
my story. That is how we came in touch
the end of the third year of service ‑ 2019 CoA mean that the contracts are executed
with each other," revealed Chand.
‑ whether any revision is required in the by the CEO on behalf of the BCCI and it is
While she does not want to reveal the
clause of incremental cash inflow other‑ the CEO that is looking after all legal mat‑
name of her partner, Chand said that her
wise, the variable would be restricted to ters with the might of a big law firm firm‑
decision to make the information public
0.5 per cent of the incremental cash flow ly behind him. In a mail sent by the CEO
was based on her belief that she has the
restricted to Rs 3,00,00,000. to the CoA, the Amicus Curiae, the CFO
right to live her life the way she wants it.
Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI func‑ and the legal team, Johri had said that he
She is currently training in Hyderabad to
t ionary raised a situat ion that he remains the only person in the board who
qualify for the World Championships and
described as a travesty for the BCCI. "This hasn't been paid an increment in the last
the Tokyo Olympics that will be held in
is a travesty. The Lodha Committee rec‑ two years.
2020.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 25-31, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info FEATURE May 25-31, 2019 25

Badam Milk with Narayana Murthy

The author talked with the Infosys founder, who is now on the
board of Akshaya Patra, about how India’s economic progress is
not an indicator of wealth or GDP growth, but the resources
available to the poorest kid in the remotest village is.
By Medha Rishi children in India. And he is one of the many
notable visionaries who are taking the
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a organization to new heights by serving on
healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed the board and donating time & resources
social condition; to know even one life has selflessly.
breathed easier because you have lived. This is We talked about how Indiaʼs economic
to have succeeded!” ‑‑ Ralph Waldo Emerson progress is not an indicator of wealth or
GDP growth, but at its baseline is the indica‑
to strategizing transformation of the public
school infrastructure in India... from being
the only non‑profit inaugurated into the Hall
of Fame for the Institute of Chartered
Accountants for Excellence in Financial
Transparency, to having avid supporters
such as PM Narendra Modi, Deepak Chopra,
Fareed Zakaria, Mohandas Pai; there is
impact, which is when Akshay Patraʼs vision
came to life: no child will be deprived of edu‑
cation because of hunger.
And I would ask for each one of you, for
the sake of our children and the future of
India, to realize this vision yourself.
Medha Rishi is the CEO of
GlobalHRAdvice.com and is on the Board of

T
his was the quote I first noticed on a
desk as I was escorted to a simple
room with a plain wooden table. My
eye went towards a quiet gentleman, wear‑
ing a crisp new shirt, high waisted pants,
and holding a water glass. His expression
was lowered to the ground, as he stood up
slowly with the biggest smile on his face to
softly shake my hand. It was an experience
of a humble awakening in a world of hard
handshakes and loud conversations.
I had been wondering how I would break
the ice with this quaint individual. Perhaps it
would be most relevant to talk about how I
broke my corporate golden handcuffs from
the Silicon Valley tech world, to launch an
NRI youth movement towards non‑profit
devotion. But I knew I had to speak from the
heart. So the conversation somehow took a
turn about laws of the universe and philoso‑
phies of life: from me discussing the concept
of faith due to my grandmotherʼs impending
death, to this gentlemanʼs childhood experi‑
ences of growing up with 7 siblings. It was‑
nʼt until I was leaving the meeting that the
escorted security reminded me I was in the
presence of NR Narayana Murthy, the
Infosys founder, for the past 1.5 hours,
drinking badam milk and listening to many
interesting stories.
“Medha, if you donʼt find happiness in the
smallest of things, you will never be con‑
tent”, he said.
So I asked, what is your secret to happi‑
ness?
“Well, the most joy I ever experienced was
when I was growing up with all my siblings,
with the comfort of 2 meals a day, a
wardrobe of 2 shirts and 2 pants and no
chappals (sandals, until I was much older).
My dad who was a teacher, said oneʼs key to
happiness are 3 things in life: good books,
good music, and good company.”
We then shifted gears into his personal,
groundbreaking experience, “I once had to
go hungry for 120 hours, no food no water,
in a Bulgarian prison. I was on a train, and
was mistakenly arrested over false suspi‑
cions of communism. I was a brown kid,
with no cash in hand, and had to function on
an empty stomach to get to Paris to eat my
first morsel of food in 5 days.
That feeling of hunger left a lasting
impression.”
Thus, down the line, started a keen inter‑
est for Narayan Murthy in Akshaya Patra
(AP), one of the largest NGOs in the world,
providing mid‑day meals to underprivileged
tor of resources available to the poorest kid never a moment of rest until Akshaya Patra Akshaya Patra Foundation USA. She is
in the remotest village. India will soon be the reaches its goal of 5 billion meals served. organizing the first AP Young Professionals
largest country in the world in terms of pop‑ “Success is what we take, happiness is chapter in the U.S to launch an NRI youth
ulation, and its progress is not just in the what we give.” I read this quote on my trip philanthropic movement. She lives with her
interest of patriotism, but is in the interest to India as I was visiting the organization for family in California, and can be reached at
of all humanity itself. We cannot expect our the first time as a newly initiated U.S Board medha@apusa.org. For more information on
humanity to progress unless our youth has member. But its essence was not realized Akshaya Patra U.S.A, visit foodforeduca‑
the opportunity to rise above the ashes of until I walked the kitchens and saw its tion.org.
their childhood poverty through edu‑
cation and literacy. But you see, for
the mind to soar, the belly needs to be
full. For the kids to enroll and stay in
school away from child labor, we
need to have a macro‑nutritional
incentive strategy. Or simply put, pro‑
vide the only meal of the day for most
of these children so it could serve as a
critical intervention addressing both
hunger and education.
Akshaya Patra does just that.
Akshaya Patra means the unlimited
bowl of abundance and sustenance.
Beginning in 2000 serving 1,500
meals to a small group of local
schools with frugal innovation, the
organization has built world‑class,
highly efficient kitchens that can
cook anywhere between 10,000 to
250,000 meals within 6 hours daily.
Over 19 years, AP has scaled to cur‑
rently serving 1.76 million meals in
15K+ government schools in 12
Indian states, daily. Within the US, AP
has grown to 25 chapter cities with
400+ volunteers on the ground,
launching 36 events just in the past
year itself to raise awareness and
funds.
Coming from the corporate world
myself heading up HR functions, I
became part of this organization with
a reserved and rather interrogative
persona. And I quickly stood correct‑
ed as I realized that the leadership
team had crafted a beautiful culture
of diligent corporate mindset with the
heart of a non‑profit. I was rather
impressed with their proactive Bain &
Company strategic partnership to
expand the donor database, double
the rate of donor retention, signifi‑
cantly lower the meal costs, amplify
social impact value by expanding
nursery school services, streamlining
kitchen constructions and not losing
sight of remote area developments.
With Ivy League based research
teams to measure impact and results,
 26 May 25-31, 2019
Dr. Nagendra dedicates S‑VYASA
yoga center to the Houston community
Dr. H.R. Nagendra, the Chancellor of S‑VYASA deemed University in Bengaluru, led the
formulation of the yoga protocol for the International Day of Yoga, which came into
being thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his yoga student.
By Manu Shah
O
n 27th April, Bengaluru
based S‑VYASA inaugu‑
rated its Yoga Center at
the West Oaks Mall in the pres‑
ence of its Founder Dr. H.R.
Nagendra, yoga teachers and stu‑
dents.
President of VYASA Houston
Dr. Sudha Rajan introduced the
“NASA to VYASA” Chief Guest Dr.
Nagendra. He is the Chancellor of
the S‑VYASA deemed University
in Bengaluru. The “NASA to
VYASA” is a reference to his stint
at NASA.
S‑VYASA is the abbreviation for
Swami Vivekananda Yoga
Anusandhana Samsthana.
Padma Shri Dr. Nagendra left a
promising career abroad to serve
and spread the practice of yoga.
He is credited with bringing a sci‑
entific research dimension to the
usefulness of yoga through many
publications and led the formula‑
tion of the 35 minute yoga proto‑
col which incorporates all the
four streams of yoga – Karma,
Gyana, Bhakti and Hatha ‑‑ for
the International Yoga Day.
In his address, he spoke of the
great strides in yoga awareness
and its practice, not only in India
but around the world and credit‑
ed this to his student ‑ Prime
Minister Narendra Modiʼs person‑
al interest and push in the proj‑
ect.
Yoga, he pointed out, should
not be a one day celebration but
must be incorporated in the edu‑
cational system to bring about a
transformation in the nation.
Tremendous research is under‑
way to understand how yoga can
help in the prevention and
improvement of cancer and dia‑
betes. Based on Swami
Vivekanandaʼs teachings, the S‑
VYASAʼs infrastructure and edu‑
cation delivery is considered on
par with the IITʼs for yoga educa‑
tion.
Dr. Manjunath Sharma, Director
of Research, explained yogaʼs
benefits analyzed from studies
carried out at the S‑VYASA lab at
Bengaluru. Brain waves mapped
during pranayama showed dis‑
tinct structural changes such as
an increased thickness of the cor‑
tex. SVYASAʼs teachers also
taught yoga to Indiaʼs research
Dr. H.R. Nagendra (5th from left, standing) at the opening of the S‑VYASA center in Houston.
teams in Antarctica to weather
the harsh conditions and social
isolation. On learning this, lab
members of eight other countries
also approached VYASA. The
Institute has also been tapped by
NASA to develop a yoga module
for astronauts.
Despite a packed schedule, Dr.
Nagendra, dressed in his signa‑
ture white shirt and dhoti, took
time to answer a few questions.
How did your journey in yoga
begin?
Dr. Nagendra: My uncle
Seshadri taught me yoga when I
was nine years old and I also
started memorizing the Gita but it
was only after I did my Masters
that the whole transformation
started. We were a group of peo‑
ple trying to understand the pur‑
pose of life. We started studying
the Upanishads, Vedanta and
started the practice also.
Can you tell me something
about Patanjali?
Dr. Nagendra: He brought all
the yoga traditions together and
put it into a mathematical precise
language. What we know about
Patanjali and what we see is
hardly one percent of what he
taught. The entire dimension of
Vibhuti Pada, and Kaivalya Pada
(two chapters in Patanjaliʼs Yoga
Sutra) are still not fully under‑
stood and so we are trying to do
research in that direction.
You once said that as a species
“weʼve become gigantic on one
hand and a pygmy on the other
YOGA
hand.” Please elaborate.
Dr. Nagendra: Modern educa‑
tion makes your mind sharper,
intelligent, creative but on the
other hand calming, and silencing
the mind is hardly taught. As a
result, weʼve grown gigantic on
one front and on the other side a
pygmy – a big imbalance. This
imbalance is the root cause for all
the challenges we have.
You mean like depression,
anxiety, stress, addictions…
Dr. Nagendra: Yes. We have to
bring the system back to a bal‑
ance. Itʼs like trying to fly with
one wing. Thatʼs why yogaʼs
inclusion in the education system
is very important.
Patanjali says one must use
the body to gain mastery over
the mind.
Dr. Nagendra: When you do
the yogic postures, you must do it
correctly. The definition of an
asana is “sthira sukham asanam.”
You must sit quietly, calmly with‑
out movement like a statue if you
are sitting or standing. Any posi‑
tion you do, you must become
steady. Thatʼs the first step. Then
you stay for a longer time, then
you should enjoy this process
and this way Patanjali says the
mind will get tuned to the infinite
object like the vast blue sky or
the ocean – “Ananta samapatti.”
Why is gaining mastery over
the breath so powerful?
Dr. Nagendra: The breathing,
prana and mind are connected…
Patanjali says you start control‑
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
ling the breathing which is easier,
and the mind comes under con‑
trol. If the mind is very haphaz‑
ard, the breathing is also very
shallow, unrhythmic.
What would you say to some‑
one who wants to start yoga but
says they have no time?
Dr. Nagendra: Are they busier
than our Indian Prime Minister?
He practices for 1 and 1/2 hours
every day without fail.
The best asana?
Dr. Nagendra: Shavasana – the
corpse pose. Somebody asked me
which is one practice in yoga
which I want to do without fail
and it will give me all the benefits
and I said keep a smile on the
face all the time.”
What about surya namaskar?
Dr. Nagendra: Surya namaskar
is good, it combines all the differ‑
ent asanas. You can start off with
9, then increase to 27 rounds….
The word “consciousness” has
been cropping up lately. How
does yoga help achieve this?
Dr. Nagendra: Yogaʼs objective
is that…to reach the highest
states of consciousness.
Patanjaliʼs ashtanga yoga takes
you to Samadhi. Samadhi takes
you from this level of conscious‑
ness to a higher level and you
can keep going higher.
This June 21 is the 5th
International Day of Yoga. What
kind of meaningful change do
you think this will bring about in
the world?
Dr. Nagendra: The whole
approach of yoga is to change
ourselves. Unless we change, the
world cannot change.
How do you begin your day
and what is your diet like?
Dr. Nagendra: I sleep around
10‑11 pm and get up around 2‑
2:30 am. For three hours, I do
some asanas, pranayama, medita‑
tion, cleansing, upasanas or wor‑
ship of the gods. Breakfast is nor‑
mally a soup and some fruits, a
little idli maybe, lunch is some
chappati and dinner is some milk
and fruits. In the afternoon, I rest
for about 30 minutes to an hour.
You were Modijiʼs personal
yoga trainer. What kind of stu‑
dent was he?
Dr. Nagendra: Very regular.
When we had the class, he used
to call all the cabinet ministers in
Gujarat. The class started at 6
am. The beauty of it was that
because he came 5 minutes early,
all had to come early and they
would not miss a single day. His
time management is fantastic.
Once he decides, he will do it.
You are a pioneer of cyclic
meditation – a yoga technique
that involves doing the poses in
a slow conscious manner.
Dr. Nagendra: The principles
are there in the Upanishads, so I
developed a module from them. It
helps to calm the mind, brings
balance and releases the superfi‑
cial and deep stresses and it can
take you to a very deep level.
Your favorite book?
Dr. Nagendra: I wrote a book
on happiness called “Happiness
Analysis.” In the Upanishads, it is
called the Ananda Mimamsa. We
all want to be happy, but what is
happiness? Only when we under‑
stand will we become happy. You
do several things but youʼre not
happy. So the best thing is to
understand what happiness is
and practice that. I chant the
verses.
Three simple things we can do
to harmonize our lives?
Dr. Nagendra: Moderation in
food, moderation in activity and a
nice smile on the face.
VYASA‑Houston offers courses
for yoga instructors, yoga thera‑
pists and yoga therapy for vari‑
ous ailments. (For more informa‑
tion, visit www.vyasahouston.org
or email
vyasahouston@gmail.com
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION May 25-31, 2019 27

Please DONʼT make me leave! ‑ Cancellation of

removal for non‑lawful permanent residents
By Dev Banad Viswanath, Esq. must also not have any criminal medical problems, financial con‑ that are allowed per year, and
& Michael Phulwani, Esq.
VISA convictions which would render
them ineligible for Cancellation.
siderations and other equities
which may get weighed by the
currently there is a backlog,
which means that even if one

A TALK
non‑lawful permanent
resident (someone with‑
out a green card) who is
in removal proceedings may be
eligible for cancellation of
removal. If a non‑LPR is not
scheduled to have a hearing in
Immigration Court or they
already appeared in Immigration
Court and their case is closed,
they will not be able to apply for
cancellation of removal. To apply
for cancellation of removal the
non‑LPR must submit Form EOIR‑
42B with supporting documents
showing that they meet all of the
eligibility requirements to the
Immigration Judge and the deter‑
mination to grant this relief is
discretionary.
Am I eligible for cancelation of
removal? In order to be eligible
for cancellation of removal the
non‑LPR must have been continu‑
ously physically present in the
United States for at least ten
years. The ten‑year physical pres‑
ence period starts at the date of
entry and stops either when a
Notice to Appear in immigration
court by the Department of
Homeland Security is issued, or if
certain criminal offenses are
committed, or if they have a sin‑
gle absence from the United
States of 90 days or multiple
absences from the United States
adding up to 180 days or more. A
Notice to Appear is a document
given to a non‑LPR to put them
on notice of deportation or
removal proceedings.
The non‑LPR must also have
been a person of good moral
character during the ten‑year
period of presence. The non‑LPR
The non‑LPR would need to show
that possible deportation would
cause “exceptional and extremely
unusual hardship” to their LPR or
U.S. citizen qualifying relative. A
qualifying relative is a spouse,
child, or parent. To meet the stan‑
dard of exceptional and extreme‑
ly unusual hardship the non‑LPR
must show that their deportation
would cause the qualifying rela‑
tive to suffer hardship which
would be substantially worse that
the hardship normally expected
from deportation or separation.
Cancellation of removal can be
granted only by an Immigration
Judge and the non‑LPR needs to
present a convincing case in
order to avoid an Order of
Removal. Factors to be consid‑
ered are whether there are many
family members here; whether
there are US born children who
will have difficulty relocating,
Judge. Witnesses, medical pro‑ were to be granted by the court,
fessionals, and other experts may it may not happen immediately.
often be used. However, if grant‑ However, this relief is sometimes
ed, the person will not only be the only chance that an individ‑
prevented from being deported, ual may have to remain in the US
but will also be granted a green if in proceedings and is a very
card. There are a limited number valuable and useful form of relief
of Cancellation of Removal grants to the right individual.
Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
and Banad Immigration in India for which
Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
clients with all facets of the immigration process,
including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
Applications based on Family or Employment.
Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
He will be in India from April 21 through
May 10 and able to meet people for
personal consultations.

Exhibition explores
influence of Marvel
Philadelphia: Over 300 original artefacts on dis‑
play at an exhibition here include iconic comics,
costumes and props ranging from the earliest
Marvel comic books to original theatrical cos‑
tumes of 'Black Panther' and 'Captain America'.
The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA, is
hosting 'Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes', an
exhibit highlighting the history, influence and
excitement of the iconic comic book publisher
and entertainment company. It can be seen
through September 2.
In Marvel's 80th anniversary year, when
"Avengers: Endgame" has earned record‑break‑
ing box office numbers, the exhibition celebrates
decades of the publisher's visual and cultural
impact (through comic books, feature films and
television).
"Marvel has always been a reflection of the
world outside your window, and one of its most
FEATURES
The Franklin
Institute in
Philadelphia
is hosting
'Marvel:
Universe
of Super
Heroes'
compelling messages has always been, that any‑
one ‑ regardless of race, religion or gender ‑ can
be a superhero," Brian Crosby, Creative Director
of Marvel Themed Entertainment, said in a state‑
ment.
The exhibition traces how Marvel's stories
have responded to historical events and have
tackled issues such as gender, race, and mental
illness. Creators Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve
Ditko are also profiled.
Visitors can walk through life‑size scenes that
bring the comic book world to life and pose with
detailed life‑size sculptures of Marvel's beloved
characters, including Spider‑Man and The Thing.
They will get to see rare, hand‑drawn images
of iconic heroes such as Spider‑Man, Black
Panther, and Captain America, by the artists who
first designed them ‑ all set to a soundscape cre‑
ated by acclaimed composer Lorne Balfe.
Data breach: Check if you
are fearful or angry
New York: Once a data breach is report‑
ed, people who are fearful quickly
become sensitive towards the size and
scope of the breach than those who get
angry, finds a study led by Indian‑origin
researchers.
The findings also extend to the stock
market where a company's stock price
can be influenced by the size of the
breach when the news coverage empha‑
sizes fear, rather than anger.
"The emotions of fear and anger will
elicit different reactions. In the wake of a
data breach, we wanted to explore those
different reactions and see if people acted
to protect themselves or directed feelings
toward those responsible," said Subimal
Chatterjee, distinguished professor in
marketing at Binghamton University in
New York. Chatterjee partnered with
Sumantra Sarkar, assistant professor of
management information systems and
others to conduct three studies to get to
their findings. Two of the studies sur‑
veyed how consumers reacted to the
scope of a data breach.
They found that only the customers
who felt fear after a breach were sensitive
to the size and scope of the breach, while
scope didn't matter to angry consumers.
"Fearful consumers were sensitive to
knowing, for example, if the breach only
affected 100 customers or 10 million cus‑
tomers, and we found that the larger the
scope, the larger the reaction," said
Chatterjee.
Meanwhile, angry consumers didn't
care if it was 10 customers or 10 million
customers.
"Their focus wasn't on the scope. They
were directing their focus and anger on
the perpetrator," Chatterjee added.
A third study examined 12,000 news
stories about data breaches. Testing for
keywords that suggested either a fearful
or angry response in the coverage, the
researchers then compared the findings
to stock prices for affected companies at
the time of the coverage.
They found that the stock market reacts
similarly to how consumers react: Fear
makes the stock market sensitive to the
scope of a data breach, while anger makes
the stock market insensitive to the scope
of a data breach.
Easing fears in the wake of a data
breach should be a priority, the
researchers said.
They also recommend being extra care‑
ful about how you communicate the
scope of the data breach, as fearful cus‑
tomers will be very sensitive to the size of
breaches.
"If you have 500 million customers that
were affected by a breach, but it only rep‑
resents around 16 per cent of your cus‑
tomer base, you may want to focus on
that smaller number in your communica‑
tions to minimize the threat to fearful cus‑
tomers," Chatterjee noted in the paper
published in the Journal of Business
Research.
28 May 25-31, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

'Adopt a desiʼ program

attracts many foreigners
F
oreigners interested in
adopting from India
are in luck: there are
numerous potential adoptees,
as long as the adoptive par‑
ent doesnʼt mind if the
adoptee is malnourished,
lives on the street, and has
four legs and a tail.
Adopting an Indian child is
hard, but adopting a stray
dog is far easier than one
BEST might think. Indeed, the
canine migration to the
RATE western world has been
gathering momentum in recent years, accord‑
(Image for representation purpose only)
Francis and other stray dogs from India are
FOR ing to an article by Purnima Sharma on the considered part of the desi breed. Desi dogs
website Scroll.in. If youʼve taken a flight from distinguish themselves from other breeds in
INDIA New Delhi to Toronto, you may have already the following ways: (1) they have a strong
realized this when you walked through the affinity for spicy food; (2) they have no trou‑
AND different sections of your plane: First Class, ble dodging traf fic on busy roads; and (2)
Business Class, Economy Class and Canine they are always late for important events.
PAKISTAN Class. That may also explain the meal that
was accidentally given to you.
Actually, Iʼm not sure what distinguishes a
desi dog from other breeds, but Olivia Craven,
According to Sharma, the canine migration a Canadian who adopted a dog named Inde
began about a dozen years ago when a from Delhi, told Sharma about at least one
New York Head Quarter Canadian schoolteacher named Barbara Gard peculiar habit that her dog has. “She had
422‑S Broadway visited Mussoorie and rescued a puppy from these very unusual habits – like she wouldnʼt
a group of schoolboys who were attempting drink out of a bowl but only out of a drinking
HICKSVILLE
to toss it down a cliff. She decided to take the glass, immersing her whole nose inside just to
NY 11801 dog, which she named Francis, back to get the tiny bit of water left in the bottom.”
Canada with her. (She would have done a A street dog that drinks water from a drink‑
516‑827‑1010 greater service to India if she had taken those ing glass, but not out of a bowl is indeed
schoolboys with her too.) unusual. Was Inde really a street dog or did
Francis thus became a trailblazer who will she escape from the home of the British High
be remembered forever, especially if someone Commissioner?
gets around to writing the book “The History Whatever their habits, desi dogs have
of Desi Dogs in Canada.” apparently captured the interest of many dog
lovers in the western world, some of whom
are willing to spend thousands of dollars to
Laughter is the Best Medicine rescue the dogs from the streets of India.
These adoptions take place with help from
organizations such as Desi Furries Worldwide,
Adopt an Indian Desi Dog, and Go West,
Young Dog.
Premlata Chaudhaury, a Delhi‑based veteri‑
By Mahendra narian who runs Desi Furries Worldwide,
Shah describes desi dogs as “much more intelligent
and hardy than most pedigreed dogs that peo‑
Mahendra Shah is ple spend so much money on.” Sheʼd like to
an architect by see more Indians adopt desi dogs. “This is our
native dog and we need to take pride in it,”
education,
she told Sharma.
entrepreneur by
Chaudhaury has helped send more than
profession, artist
200 dogs abroad in the last three years. The
and humorist,
total number of dogs being adopted from
cartoonist and
India every year is unknown, but itʼs probably
writer by hobby.
quite high – high enough that the government
He has been
is undoubtedly considering a law requiring
recording the
dogs to get passports. Just think of the rev‑
plight of the enue that would be generated, not just for the
immigrant Indians government but also for the photographers
for the who take passport photos.
past many year Once the government gets involved, adopt‑
in his cartoons. ing a desi dog will no longer be easy. Just as
Hailing from with child adoptions, there will be all sorts of
Gujarat, he lives restrictions, such as these: (1) The adopting
in Pittsburgh, owner should not be older than 50; (2) the
Pennsylvania. adopting owner should speak at least one
Indian language; and (3) the adopting owner
should have no ties whatsoever to Pakistan.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY May 25-31, 2019 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
psharma@premastrologer.com; w.premastrologer.com

MAY 25‑31, 2019

Aries: For homemakers, daily dull and
drab routine may seem like a heavy
burden. It is time to take a much‑
deserved break. Those in the government
service can expect a profitable week ahead.
Donʼt leave anything to chance, especially in
exams or competition. Improvement in
health of those ailing will be slow, but
steady. Time management will be essential
at work.
Taurus: Practice will make you per‑
fect as far as academic front is con‑
cerned. If you find things not moving
according to plans, donʼt turn a blind eye.
Remain truthful, even if the situation goes
against your interests. On the romantic
front, a stranger may have a mysterious
attraction for you, but stars advice caution.
Selling a property or renting it out is indi‑
cated and will bring in a lot of money.
Gemini: Good time is foreseen for
some in their social circle. Students
are likely to excel and some can even
hope for scholarships. You will need to
make a conscious ef fort to steer clear of
any controversy at work. Key to remaining
energetic and fresh is taking periodic
breaks in your regular exercise regime.
Your foresight is likely to see your assets
and wealth multiply.
Cancer: Peace on the domestic front
ensures a relaxing time, so make
the most of it. Your spirited per‑
formance will raise your prestige on the
academic front. This may provide a chance
to boost your career. Delegating the author‑
ity at work will ease the burden of f your
shoulders. Choosing the best from several
health options may appear confusing, but
taking advice may help.
Leo: Those new to exercise regimes
may find the going painful, but do
continue as it is just a temporary
phase. Romantic thoughts may flood your
mind making you restless. It is in your
interest to oversee something that has been
initiated at work. You may become answer‑
able for it at a later date. Diligence pays, as
you display good performance in a competi‑
tive situation.
Virgo: Chance of settling down in
holy matrimony is possible for the
eligible. Buying a piece of property is
on the cards for some. Engineers and archi‑
tects are likely to win a prestigious project.
A chance encounter with someone influen‑
tial is likely to solve your current domestic
problems.
Your busy schedule will keep you on your
toes, but keep you fit!
Libra: Someoneʼs guidance on the
academic front will work wonders
in achieving your aim. Donʼt be
arrogant in matters of love, as you may fall
from your high horse. Travelling to attend
an important event is indicated. Conserving
money by safe investments is important, so
donʼt attempt any risky financial venture.
Desist from consuming exposed food and
drinks to avoid misery.
Scorpio: Be sensitive to the moods of
people around you. Your profession‑
al competence is certain to impress
all and get you a lot of lucrative opportuni‑
ties the coming week. You will need to get a
second opinion for a persistent ailment to
get rid of it for good. Thorough preparation
will hold you in good stead in a competitive
situation on the academic front.
Sagittarius: On the social front,
avoid those you find difficult to get
along with. The ambition you har‑
bour will only get realised through good
networking. Donʼt expect anyone to spoon
feed you on the academic front. There is lit‑
tle hope of getting a raise that you were so
keen on, but this should not deter you in
pursuing the matter. There is a strong
possibility of estranged couples getting
reunited.
Capricorn: If you are getting the
right break on the career front, you
must give it a serious thought. On
the romantic front, do remember partnerʼs
special day or you may get into big trouble!
Those in the fray will get a break in their
favourite sport. A car or a dream house is
about to become a reality for some. Setting
aside some time for yourself will help
achieve mental calmness.
Aquarius: Take steps to enhance
your marketability, if you want to
land a well‑paying job. Your finan‑
cial situation may become worrisome, if you
continue to spend without caring. You have
a way with words, so donʼt be surprised if
you impress someone from the opposite
camp! Whatever you do, donʼt antagonise
someone who supports you in your hour of
need.
Pisces: On the professional front,
you may have to negotiate some
hurdles before you find your luck
turning for the better. Donʼt take any action
without consulting the right people. It is in
your interest to exchange notes on the aca‑
demic front. Certain things are best
ignored, especially in the arena of love.
Possibility of a rich relation calling on you
bearing gifts cannot be ruled out.

May 25, 2019 You would interact with impor‑

Ruled by number 7 and the
planet Neptune. You are intelli‑
gent, sensitive, adaptable, inde‑
pendent and kindhearted person.
You can easily charm others with
your words and actions. You
enjoy a special respect in your
group, but you need to control
your tendency to behave spend‑
thrift, reckless and stubborn at
times.
There would be few unexpect‑
ed events, some of which would
benefit you. Gains from past
investment would also make your
financial position comfortable.
You need not bother about
rumour and gossip and should
concentrate only towards your
career goals. Distant travel would
be undertaken for business as
well as pleasure. Health would be
fine in spite of overtime that you
might have to put for initial few
months. Yoga and meditation will
be he lpful. T he months of
November, March and August
will be highly significant and
result oriented.
May 26, 2019
Influenced by number 8 and
the planet Saturn. You are
authoritative, practical, systemat‑
ic, friendly and sober person. You
are fond of adventure and you
have no problems in accepting
challenges, but you need to check
your tendency to behave impa‑
tient, spendthrift and jealous at
times.
T his year you would put a
great deal of your ef forts into
new jobs. You would be highly
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
motivated and creative and easily
turn coming opportunities to suc‑
cess. Businessmen would sign
major ag reements and can
expect a year of exce llent
returns. You would have emo‑
tional attachment with your close
friends, which would interfere
with the program you make with
your spouse.
You need to plan your social
activities in a manner that it
doesnʼt hurt anyone. Gains from
the sale of property may not be
ruled out. T he month of
September, February and June
will be eventful months.
May 27, 2019
Ruled by number 9 and the
planet Mars. You are energetic,
dashing, courageous, enthusiastic
and remarkably brilliant. You
have high tastes and people who
are intelligent and sophisticated
appeal to you. You are very fond
of cleanliness and hygiene, but
you need to control your tenden‑
cy to behave dictatorial, aggres‑
sive and moody at times.
You would get great deal of sat‑
isfaction from the work that you
do this year. Your co‑workers and
colleagues would be helpful and
some of them would become
your best friends. Your job would
bring you good profits, but you
would have trouble in collecting
your gains. Romantic entangle‑
ment would be pleasant and
chances to enter into a matrimo‑
nial alliance would be strong.
Expect gifts and goodies both in
cash and kind. The months of
December, March and August will
especially improve prosperity.
May 28, 2019
Governed by number 1 and the
planet Sun, you are creative, hard
working, warm hearted and sin‑
cere by nature. You are admired
by people around you for your
ability to take quick and coura‑
geous decisions, but you need to
check your tendency to behave
reckless, impatient and short‑
tempered at times.
This year you can expect excel‑
lent rewards for your work. You
would celebrate your success in a
special way, and spend more on
comforts and entertainment.
Your income would rise, and you
would make some good long‑
term investments. You would
establish a better understanding
with your beloved, which would
make every moment that you
spend together a truly memo‑
rable one. Health of your parents
might cause concern and anxiety.
Spiritual gains for some later in
the year. T he months of
September, January and July will
be result oriented.
May 29, 2019
Influenced by number 2 and
the Moon, you are active, imagi‑
native, simple, trustworthy and
impressive person. You value
relationships more than anything
else in life. You often devote
more time and attention in look‑
ing after the needs of others than
doing things for self‑gain. You
are creative and honest, but you
need to control your tendency to
behave moody and carefree at
times.
T his year there would be a
steady rise in your career graph.
Your earnings would exceed your
expectations and keep you very
satisfied. Later in the year, you
are likely to get involved in con‑
struction or renovation for your‑
self or for others. Matrimonial
alliances for some around the
yearend. Judicial matters might
not bring in the desired results,
therefore avoid getting involved
in legal complications. Children
will be supportive and bring in
some happy and good news later
in the year.
T he months of November,
March and June will especially
prove to be significant.
May 30, 2019
Influenced by number 3 and
the planet Jupiter. You are ambi‑
tious, dignified, philosophical,
and religious individual. You are
self‑reliant and possess enor‑
mous leadership qualities and
you like to take your own deci‑
sions, but you need to check your
tendency to be jealous, over
ambitious and self centered at
times.
This year improvement in your
work atmosphere would be there,
giving you lot of job satisfaction.
tant people who would also help
you in your career. Your contacts
with the public will be lively and
challeng ing. Your earnings
would improve but it would be
essential for you to save. Your
beloved would be in a highly
romantic mood and the two of
you would have goo d t ime
together. Renovation, construc‑
tion and pilgrimage would also
interest you later this year. The
months of September, December
and May would be highly event‑
ful.
May 31, 2019
Ruled by number 4 and the
planet Uranus. You are bright,
energetic, active, methodical and
systematic person. You are fond
of good, respectable lifestyle and
you specially enjoy building new
contacts and relationships, but
you need to check you tendency
to behave stubborn, destructive
and vindictive at times.
This year you need to be more
particular about your health and
diet. Long pending legal matters
would be sorted out to your satis‑
faction. Your rapport with impor‑
tant govt. authorities in various
departments would improve and
you would be rewarded for your
hard work with promotion or an
increment. Matrimonial alliances
for some.
You need to prepare yourself
for a better future by investing in
additional education and train‑
ing. T he months of October,
March and August will prove to
be highly eventful.
 30 May 25-31, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Jyoti Meditation instructions:

An introductory meditation technique
a world of light. There, they met a violet, white, or golden color. No
being of Light who embraced them matter what you see, continue to
with more love than any they ever gaze into the middle of what
experienced in their physical life. appears. You may see inner vistas
The joy they felt in this world of such as an inner sky, clouds, stars, a
By Sant Rajinder Singh light was so tremendous many did moon, or a sun.
Ji Maharaj not want to return to life. During While gazing into the middle of
this time, they no longer felt any what appears, you may notice that

J
yoti Meditation (light medita‑
tion) is an introductory prac‑
tice used in Science of
Spirituality̶Sawan Kirpal Ruhani
Mission that anyone of any age can
try on your own. The full meditation
technique used in Science of
Spirituality, which leads to inner
experiences of spiritual realms of
light within, is called Shabd
Meditation or Surat Shabd Yoga as
is practiced by people all over the
world.
A good analogy to understand the
joy of meditation can be found in
the reports of those having a near‑
death experience, or NDE. In such
experiences, someone who under‑
went a physical trauma or accident
may have undergone clinical death.
As doctors and medical practition‑
ers worked on their body, the
patients experienced floating above
their body and watching the proce‑
dure being done on them. Some
floated through walls to witness
friends and relatives in other
rooms, what they were doing, wear‑
ing, or saying, and later, when the
patient was revived, what they saw
and heard were borne out to be
true. At some point, those describ‑
ing the experience report going
through a dark tunnel to emerge in
pain. The light was bright and
intense but not scorching. This
experience was so loving it trans‑
formed their lives and they realized
how important it is to be loving.
They returned to their body as it
was not their time to die, but they
were transformed by the experi‑
ence. They no longer feared death
and knew that there was more to
life than their physical body. They
knew they could exist beyond this
body.
According to a Gallup Poll, over
thirteen million people reported
this near‑death experience. The
good news is that people can expe‑
rience the realms of inner light
through mediation without the trau‑
ma of a near‑death experience. This
bliss and love can be ours any time
we want through meditation. When
we tap into this place of peace and
calm, we naturally are beyond the
reaches of stress and anger. We are
in a place of joy and bliss that lasts
with us even when we come out of
meditation.
To get started with the Jyoti
Meditation practice, which anyone
can try on your own at home or
anywhere you like, sit in a comfort‑
able pose, most convenient to you,
in which you can sit still for the
longest possible time. While medi‑
tating, it is not necessary to hold
hands or touch anyone else, as any
movement brings your attention
back down into the body, distract‑
ing from concentration at the seat
of the soul, also called the third eye,
single eye, shiv netra, divya chak‑
shu, ajna or aggya charka, tenth
door, or daswan dwar (located
between and behind the two eye‑
brows).
Close your eyes, gently, as you do
when we go to sleep, but remain
wide awake. Closing your eyes
keeps you from being distracted by
the outer sights of the physical
world. With closed eyes, focus your
attention in front of you. Do not put
pressure on your eyes. Also, do not
raise your eyes upwards towards
the direction of the eyebrows as
that puts pressure on your eyes and
forehead and can result in a
headache. Rather, keep your eyes
focused gently in front of you and
look into the middle of what
appears within. Keep gazing hori‑
zontally, focusing about eight to ten
inches in front of you with closed
eyes.
Look lovingly into the middle of
what appears in front of you. At
first, you may see either darkness
or light, sparks of light, pinpoints of
light, flashes of light, circles of light,
or light of any color, such as red,
orange, yellow, blue, green, purple,
your mind distracts you with
thoughts. You may find that the
thoughts distract you from gazing
within. You may find that you can‑
not silence your mind to continue
meditating. To help keep your mind
from distracting you, you can men‑
tally and silently repeat any Name
of God with which you feel comfort‑
able. This repetition should go on
mentally, and not aloud, as you con‑
tinue to gaze. This silent repetition
gives the mind something to do so
that it does not send thoughts to
you that can distract you from med‑
itating. As your attention converges
at the third or single eye, you may
then see inner lights. These lights
are a reflection of the lights of the
inner realms. By gazing deeper into
the middle of that light, you can tap
into the spiritual treasures within
and enjoy the profound peace, joy,
bliss, and happiness unlike any
found in this world. Those who
meditate are permeated with a
divine love that engulfs and fulfills
them. The beauty of meditation is
that this joy can remain with you
even after you resume your daily
activities.
May you find this meditation
helpful in improving the health of
your body, mind, and soul.

IS SPIRITUALITY IN YOUR DAILY BUDGET?

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji beyond in this lifetime by sitting in silence,
Maharaj focusing our attention within, and exploring

A
s people around the world focus on
the economy and in budgeting their
finances to make ends meet, there is
another budget that each of us can consider.
Besides what we amass in this physical
world, we also are given a certain number of
breaths by God to use in our physical exis‑
tence. We analyze how we are budgeting the
use of our finances, but how often do we
look at how we are budgeting the capital of
our lifeʼs breaths given to us as a gift of the
Divine?
This is a good time to analyze how we
have been spending our precious breaths
and time, and whether we can make better
use of them. Are we spending our time hap‑
hazardly and wastefully, or are we spending
it with purpose?
How can we make best use of our time?
We have twenty‑four hours in the day to
budget to our lifeʼs purpose. Just as some of
our finances go to the necessities of life such
as food, clothing, and shelter, so do some of
our breaths go into activities relevant to our
physical survival. We have to spend time
taking care of the body, such as in eating,
bathing, dressing, sleeping, and other bodily
activities. We also need to spend time earn‑
ing a living to pay for the necessities of life.
We have to go to school or college or get
training for our jobs as well. If we have a
family, we need to take care of them. We
also want to be a contributing member of
our community and be of service to others.
Beyond this, we are left with time we can
spend any way we like. How can we budget
that time to make the best use of it?
Those on the spiritual path have set self‑
knowledge and realization of the Divine as a
goal within this very lifetime. Saints and
spiritual Masters teach that we do not have
to wait until this life ends to discover what
lies beyond. We can witness the realms
the inner spiritual treasures. This involves
spending time in meditation whereby we
invert our attention to find the Divine within
us. Do we budget enough time for this?
Caring for the soul
Meditation takes practice, whereby we can
connect with the divine Light and Sound
within and soar on it to explore realms
beyond. The practice of concentrating with‑
in takes repetition to become adept at it. As
in all tasks in life, daily practice will help us
achieve success. In planning our spiritual
budget̶the capital of our lifeʼs breaths to
achieve the goal of union with the Divine̶
we need to allocate some time daily for med‑
itation. Just as we want a balanced financial
budget, we also want a balanced budget of
our time. Balancing our time means spend‑
ing time developing our physical, mental,
and spiritual side of life. While attending to
our responsibilities of taking care of our
body and mind, we also need to care for our
soul.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 25-31, 2019