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Friday, January 11 2013 | Vol. 32, No. 2
RAHAT TO ROCK HOUSTON @ RELIANT ARENA
Indo American erican News Tulsi Gabbard First Hindu American Congresswoman www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX
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COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
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Spectacular Wedding Highlights the Malani Creative Touch, Eye for Detail
BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: The Save-the-Date card that came in late summer hinted at the creative flair behind the wedding that it gave notice of the engaged couple in front of the River Oaks Theatre on West Gray, he had slung her over his shoulder and the marquee proclaimed the details: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Three months later the wedding card arrived and the four panels – each with a different design featuring Radha and Krishna and floral patterns on the back – in a boxed folder featuring a resplendent peacock and held with a monogrammed clasp, only reinforced the notion that the Malani family had taken out all the stops to arrange an elaborate wedding for daughter Nikita, 24, to Atman, 28, son of Dr. Amitabh and Namita Shukla. But when the days finally arrived for the sangeet, wedding and reception the immensity and opulence of the arrangements and entertainment literally took the breath away. It was a wedding like no other that the Houston Indian community had ever witnessed and certainly one for the books and showed that the Malanis were indeed dilwalas. Most of the guests who came for the sangeet and reception at the Hilton Americas by Discovery Green were stunned by the sheer size of both events and the eye to details that created a fantasy ambiance. “Over the top” and “Fantastic” were the expressions most commonly heard from the over 1,100 people who attended the sangeet and 1,200 who came for the reception over two days; with the wedding day hinged in the middle, to which 500 people came. Jugal Malani, the bride’s father, has been a well-respected figure in the local community for his involvement in many events and his unflagging, generous support to all causes that are presented to him. He is the President of India House and along with his wife Raj, has been a stalwart of the ongoing outreach events planned by the Hindus of Greater Houston and especially the annual Janamashtami event. He is a partner in Unique Industrial Products, a 20 year-old company that supplies engineered products to major manufacturing firms in seven different industries through
The newly weds Atman and Nikita at the reception, and at the wedding (upper right), they cut a seven layered cake at the reception on new year’s eve at the Hilton Americas, Downtown.
relationships built by offices worldwide. And the Malani family used the same logistics approach to organize the wedding, engaging other family members, reaching out to suppliers and vendors they knew and networking with others. “We started earnestly in late March,” explained Jugal a few days after the reception, going over the various details that were involved. “My sister Rajbala and her husband Gopal Biyani in India worked on for six months to tackle all the broaches and keychains that were given away at the sangeet as well as the specially made 100 table covers.” Jugal and Raj went to New Delhi to get the wedding invitations made from Entertainment Design, a company that took the concept based on a peacock and translated
it into the final product. Nikita’s clothes for the wedding and reception came from renowned designer Manish Malhotra; her wedding dress came from famed designer Sabhya Saachi. Over 500 pounds of mithai (Indian sweets) were flown in from India. Nikita worked with her brother Pankaj in the selection of the songs for the sangeet. And the party favor – a framed, seated Ganesh made of metal-foil sprayed with 99.9% gold paint - that was handed out to the guests as they left was made especially in Taiwan (all 550 pieces) and packed in a special commemorative box. The decorations for the events were what made them so spectacular. The sangeet had a palace courtyard setting designed by Deepak Pindolia’s (recently moved from London) company
Imaginations 3D and was complete with stairways, a stage, arches and colonnades that surrounded the vast fourth floor ballroom, and encased many eating station islands serving Mexican, Indian (from Davat Catering), Thai and Italian dishes (from the Hilton Americas) plus the sweets. The outside lobby was transformed into a garden, with wooden bridges and trellises by Plants and Petals. DJ Sunil Mungee from New Jersey jammed the crowd with music till past midnight. Two nights later, Todd Events of Dallas turned the room into the inside of the palace, with huge video monitors on a wall sprayed with silver and gold glitter, huge table centerpiece chandeliers and silver elephant statues astride the coffee and sweets booth. The Indian food was by Bombay Brasserie restaurant and the Italian food was by the Hilton Americas. DJ Dhabi from New York with a pony tail of small-braid growled the crowd into action till the wee hours, especially since it was New Year’s Eve also. For the wedding, the Malanis chose the Chateau Cocomar located on six acres in Champions Forest and the groom arrived on an elephant and then rode with his entourage to the bride’s side on a horse. The wedding went according to the Rajput Marwari
customs. The wedding meals were catered by Kiran’s restaurant. Although there were no functions in India, a videoclip at the reception showed the events that took place at the Malanis house which was decorated as if it was in India. And fifty members of the Malani family came from India (Hyderabad, Bangalore, Bombay and Bhilai) for the entire functions, and were joined with the Pallod and Bhutada families which are close relatives. But in holding the marriage ceremonies here, the Malanis and Shuklas opened their hearts for their extended friends and acquaintances enjoy a function that will be hard to replicate for many years to come.
Indo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $40 per year) by IndoAmerican News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036, tel: 713-789-6397, fax:713-7896399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo American News,7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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January 11, 2013
COMMUNITY
RK International Rises Out of the Recession via New Clients, New Products
BY PRAMOD KULKARNI HOUSTON: The recession that began in 2008 has had a devastating effect on the construction industry and the ripple effect has affected building suppliers, including the Houston-based RK International, which supplies solid brass kitchen and bath cabinet hardware. “At the worst time during the recession, our business dropped as much as 66%,” explained owner Rakesh Vij. “The building has seen its worst for the last five years and is slowly coming back up to about 50% of our previous business.” RK overcame the sluggish business climate by winning additional business from Lowe’s Home Improvement stores and established an online presence through myknobs.com. “I’ve travelled more this year to visit customers than ever before,” said Rakesh. Rakesh started his hardware business 27 years ago. He is supported by his son, Rishi, who graduated from UT business school and worked for two years for Arthur Anderson before joining the family business. While working, Rishi found the time to do an MBA from Rice University and get married as well! Rakesh handles the procurement from Taiwan and the marketing efforts via regional and local distrib-
gram, their share could rise as much as 60%. In terms of new products, Rakesh explained, “We added one full catalog for 2013 and brought out six new designs. We’ll be attending the Kitchen & Bath show in New Orleans and plan to add four more products and publish a brand new catalog.” “We’re creating a whole new look for RK,” suggested Rakesh. “During the recession, there was much consolidation of the ‘mom and pop’ suppliers. We now have to take on the ‘big boys’.” RKI has been using one major manufacturer Taiwan to produce the myriads of knobs and pulls since the last 27 years. As much as business, we RK International owner Rakesh Vij proudly displays the new cabinet pulls and knobs that will be available now have a family relathrough Lowes and other kitchen and bath vendors. tionship with them.” Rakesh’s passion is ing with us, but they would give producing movies, which he beutors. Rishi handles the fulfillment and warehouse. The increased business from us 40% more exposure through gan with Dancing in Twilight in and administrative tasks at their warehouse/office in southwest Lowe’s came as a result of a de- all their 1,600 stores in U.S. and 2005. “If RK business continues to Houston. Rakesh’s wife, Nilima, tailed vendor review that the na- Canada. Next year, they may even worked initially as an accountant tional chain undertook recently. upgrade us to the stock program, grow, I might be able to present on for Texaco, and has been taking “We went to the Lowe’s corporate where they would maintain our in- screen my current project, a murder care of RK accounts from the be- office, myself and Rishi, and made ventory in each of their stores. At mystery titled Confluence!” Rakeginning. The Vij family has eight our presentation. We just got word this stage, Lowe’s represents 18% sh concluded, with excitement in additional employees in the office that not only was Lowe’s continu- of our revenues. With the stock pro- his eyes.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
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Ensemble of Young Musicians Dazzle in ‘Melody of Compassion’ Concert
BY NALINI SADAGOPAN PEARLAND: The confluence of voice, strings and percussion produced by an ensemble of young musicians, on Saturday December 22 at Pearland’s Turner High School auditorium, was beyond harmonious; it brimmed of compassion, the exact cause for which they had come together to make music. “Melody of Compassion” – an ensemble directed by Vidushi Rajarajeswary Bhat of Houston and organized by Global Organization for Divinity (G.O.D.) had the hallmark of talent on every single dimension – on vocal, the sister duo Keerthana and Kruthi Bhat, on chitraveena Vishaal Sapuram, on mridangam Mayavaram Siva, on ghatam Sreenivas Ponnappan, on tabla Aditya Srivatsan, on drums Sanath Aithala, and ably supporting on the tambura was Shalini Srivathson. The band of musicians’ altruistic motive in bringing together “Melody of Compassion” was to help raise funds for G.O.D.’s cause -- supporting Indian NGO, Sri Sandeepani Gurukula Trust’s construction of a charitable healthcare facility in Govindapuram, Tamil Nadu. The two hour concert was packed with carefully handpicked pearls of compositions, strung with silken threads of melody, harmony, rhythm and soulfulness. It held the audience -- which included Honorable Mayor Delores Martin of City of Manvel, Pat Jasper, Director of Folklife and Traditional Arts at Houston Arts Alliance,
and several other dignitaries and community leaders -- absolutely spellbound. Opening with compositions from stalwart composers of South Indian classical music Muthuswamy Dikshithar, Syama Sastri and Lalgudi Jayaraman in colorful and contrasting ragas and variegated talas, the team kept the audience gripped as they continued on to presenting compositions from the saints of Northern India – Sant Namadev, Tukaram and others. The sisters stole the hearts of connoisseurs with their vibrato-filled repetitive renderings of the compositions, duly credited through the thunderous applause from the floor. The highlight of the choreography was the presentation “Sadaa Venu Gana Lo-
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lane Muralidharane Sandeepani” – a special composition by the director Vidushi Rajarajeshwary Bhat. The phrase (pallavi) highlighted both the cause of the event and universal peace/devotion to the Lord. Classically termed ragam-thanam-pallavi, in this segment Keerthana, Kruthi and Vishaal chose to elaborate the phrase beautifully in the major melodic scale “Shanmukhapriya” and conveyed to the audience the cause for everyone was gathered there -- to enable “Sandeepani” Gurukula Trust’s social work which is inspired by His Holiness Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. The segment was bombastically topped off with the concerted percussive brilliance of Siva, Sreenivas and Aditya.
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The choreographic theme of the concert -- of world peace, devotion and compassion -- was evidently portrayed with song selections that included an Arabic number and Michael Jackson’s “Heal the world” by the ensemble. As veteran Houston connoisseur and community leader Mrs. Thara Narasimhan said, “The program in all comprised of compassion, care for the needy and a cultural treat.” Being G.O.D.’s first ever fundraiser event, the concert raised substantial money to help the charitable cause in India. During the event Sri Ramanujam ji, director of Sri Sandeepani Gurukula Trust, also spoke on behalf of the organization and showcased their social work in rural India. Global Organization for Divinity is a worldwide organization that is involved in several spiritual and social activities in several countries. In Houston, they are known for establishing the Namadwaar prayer house and for conducting the annual Life and Soul community health fair. “May the blessings spread across the world with the Global Organization of Divinity. The meditation center “Namadwaar “ is one of its kind in Manvel, Texas USA where chanting is done with Mahamantra recitation and is a blessing in Houston. Moreover their involvement in educating the children and conducting community services are noteworthy and commendable,” said Thara Narasimhan, Secretary, Hindus of Greater Houston.
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January 11, 2013
New Year Day Celebration at MTS
BY VATSA KUMAR PEARLAND: The world celebrates New Year day in different ways. Sri Meenakshi Temple (MTS) greets its devotees, guests and invitees in a slightly different and unique way. After offering midnight religious offering as per Hindu rituals, the temple gets ready to receive its devotees the next early morning to late evening. Inclement weather did not deter hundreds of devotees that thronged the doors of the main temple as early as 8am. Temple management had made excellent arrangements to receive these early birds with smiling faces and warm hearts. As the temperature did not raise over 40 degrees, most devotees spent more time inside the temple than outside. Special offerings to Vishnu (Balaji), Shiva and Meenakshi were available and many people had to stand in line for several hours to get a glimpse at the deities who were completely dressed up with jewelry and flowers. Several people brought their little ones to get blessed on this special day at the temple. As the crowd started to get bigger and the parking lots got filled up, shuttle buses from the local school parking shuttled people back and forth to the temple. A few brave drivers who parked on wet pavement had to call towing companies to get their cars pulled out. At the main temple there was brisk registration for annual and
weekly pooja sponsorships. In one of the corner shrines, many women were happy to buy bright color saris once worn by Sri Meenakshi. This is a very typical Hindu way. At the Kalyana Mandapam (Wedding Hall) volunteers were waiting in line to sign up for Bone Morrow registration, a service provided to the local community. The lobby area was filled with beautiful paintings of Shiva, by the local artists from Houston and Sugar Land. Around noon and again at 5pm, Venkateshwara and Padmavathi and Meenakshi and Sundareswara were taken around the temple in a special Pallakku (palanquin), newly acquired by the temple. The uniqueness of this palanquin is that it is not on wheels, it has to be literally carried on the shoulders of
able bodied men (about 16 to 20 of them). Dance and music in the afternoon kept the audience occupied for several hours while sumptuous food was offered by local restaurants in the spacious tent installed at the back of the temple. Being a cold and rainy day, hot coffee and hot tea was the favorite drink and spicy aromatic food kept the crowd coming to the food tent. Families and friends exchanged good wishes and gifts in a very traditional way. An estimated 6000 people had visited the temple on New Year’s day. To request a tour of the temple, call temple administrator at 281489- 0358 or visit www.wmeenakshi. org or drive down to 17130 McLean Road Pearland, TX 77584.
COMMUNITY Indian-Origin Hedge Fund Manager
Mathew Martoma Pleads Not Guilty
NEW YORK (TOI): An Indian-origin hedge fund portfolio manager has pleaded not guilty to charges that he participated in one of the “most lucrative” insider trading schemes totalling $276 million involving information about clinical trials for an Alzheimer’s drug. Mathew Martoma, 38, was arraigned at Manhattan federal court here yesterday before Judge Paul Gardephe and entered a not guilty plea to one count of Mathew Martoma, center, former SAC Capital conspiracy to commit Advisors hedge fund portfolio manager ensecurities fraud and ters Manhattan federal court with his attorney two counts of securi- Charles Skillman, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in New York. Photo: Louis Lanzano ties fraud. “I plead not guilty, your honour,” Florida and has been free on a five Martoma, who was indicted last million dollar bail. According to month, said for all the three counts court records, he would continue he is charged with. to remain free on bond. Martoma is the son of Indian Martoma was flanked by his immigrants and was accompanied lawyers Charles Stillman and by his wife and parents during his Nathaniel Marmur during his arhearing. He faces as many as 20 raignment. His next court appearyears in prison on the securities ance has been set for March 5. fraud charges and five years on the Stillman said he is not discussing conspiracy charge if convicted. any plea deal with the government He was arrested in November and maintained that his client is from his home in Boca Raton, CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Books in Conversation
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Through brilliantly controlled prose and unsettling encounters, Manu Joseph exposes the essence of domestic life in southern India in his highly anticipated second novel. The cast of quirky yet unerringly written characters along with Joseph’s remarkable voice with its humorous observations transforms The Illicit Happiness of Other People from mere social commentary to unforgettable narrative that fearlessly takes on some of life’s most haunting questions. Purchase tickets online at AsiaSociety.org/Texas 1370 Southmore at Caroline | Houston, TX 77004 | 713.496.9901 INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
Nikhil Mehta: President of the Houston Chapter of Ekal Vidyalaya for 2013 HOUSTON: Nikhil Mehta has been a Houstonian since 1986. He joined the Ekal Movement as a volunteer when the founder of Ekal, Shri Shyamji Gupta first came to Houston. Since then, he has been an active volunteer for Ekal Vidyalaya. Mehta did not believe in taking an official position but he could not refuse the persuasion by Ramesh Shah, Chairman, Ekal Global. In 2009, Mehta visited an Ekal School with his family near Dediyapada, a tribal village of Gujarat, India. He says it was a wonderful experience, especially for his children, Mansi and Manan. They were able to spend a day with kids who had walked long distances to come to the Ekal School. The visit touched their hearts and the students’ thirst for learning inspired them to become Ekal Volunteers along with their dad. Mehta plans to visit more schools in Uttaranchal near Nainitaal, India in February of 2013 as a part of the Ekal Global Learning Initiative. He not only believes in giving dreams to these children but helping them turn their dreams into reality by creating a good foundation with a value based education in order to become citizens of the world. Mehta believes that Ekal Vidyalaya has the potential to exemplify Swami Vivekanada’s quote, “If the poor children cannot come to education, education must go to them!”
This year is the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Mehta feels it is the perfect opportunity for all of us to work towards the goal of 50,000 schools this year. Mehta says, “Every year we raise more than 1000 schools in Houston. Houstonians have been very generous all these years but if all those generous donors with big hearts can come through then we can raise 2500 schools this year in Houston alone and similarly in all the other cities where Ekal has presence. Not only is this is a great way to pay homage to Swamiji but a way to receive blessings from all the little children whose thirsts for learning and dreaming can be quenched.” Mehta, born in Mumbai in 1961, completed his schooling & Engineering degree in 1984 in the field of Electronics & Communications from MIT, Manipal. He came to the US to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science at University of Houston and graduated with an MS in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence. After graduation he took a job with General Electric’s Aerospace Division working with NASA. His primary responsibilities were to design the software systems which supported NASA’s Space Shuttle Life Science Missions. Later he joined Barrios Technology to design, develop & implement Space Station Accounting & Verification databases during the building effort of the International Space Station by countries with an active space program. After leaving NASA in 2004, Mehta bought a small shipping business in the Houston Galleria Area.
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COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
New Year Message from Daya: Let Us Make Amends
LAW OFFICES OF ZAINAB K. RIZVI
The staff and Board of Daya wishes everyone a safe and violence-free New Year! Even as we convey this sincere wish, we know that the safety of our homes and surroundings that we take for granted has been severely threatened in recent times, here in the United States and in India. Both nations had to simultaneously confront this grave reality this past December. On the heels of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn., where twenty children and six women were shot to death by a gunman, came the horrific news of the gang rape and assault of a 23-year old Delhi female while riding a bus and her subsequent death. These unfortunate victims were not in the wrong places at the wrong time. In fact, they were in places where they were supposed to be - inside a school building and a public bus - during the course of their daily activities. The reason these promising lives were destroyed is because violent individuals among us used lethal weapons to rape, assault and shoot whomever they chose. Such indiscriminate acts of violence put us all at peril, but not before putting us all to shame - shame that our classrooms have become shooting galleries with children as targets and public transportation, alleys for thugs to rape and assault women. For all of us who love children and women, Decem-
ber 2012 will forever be remembered as a sad and cruel month. The only solace is that December signifies the beginning of a new year and an opportunity for a new resolve. As we welcome 2013, Daya invites everyone to join in its mission to end all forms of violence against women and children. For its part, Daya will strive harder to inform, educate and mobilize our community to stand united against domestic violence, including physical assault and murder, verbal threats, sexual harassment and abuse, incest and rape. Daya will also work harder to help and empower survivors of violence and their families. As we reaffirm our commitment to stop violence, we ask for your continued support and faith. Together, let us pledge to make amends for December 2012 in every month of 2013. About Daya: Daya is a Houston-based non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy relationships in South Asian families by providing free services such as counseling and legal aid to women and children affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, and also by increasing community awareness of these issues through educational outreach events. For more information, call 713-9817645 or email contact@dayahouston.org; or visit www.dayahouston.org.
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COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
Caribbean Medical University: Now Accepting 2013 Admissions
Caribbean Medical University (CMU) is one of the most academically advanced medical schools in the Caribbean. The administration and faculty of CMU have decided to blend the best of traditional and proven medical education concepts with the bold new ideas suggested by the accrediting body of US medical schools in order to prepare students for the next level of education in US hospitals. The Dean, Dr. Tomczak, who has been a surgeon for 25 years, also has a doctorate in adult education with a concentration on Problem-based Learning and curriculum development. He is the academic leader of the CMU community and stresses the most important day in the future of any medical student is Match Day when the students find out where they will spend their residency training years. The medical school experience comes to a focal point on that day, and the results of the match determine whether or not the medical school years have been fruitful. CMU has incorporated the following in order give students the highest probability of securing the best residency match. The Island of Curacao Caribbean Medical University is on the island of Curacao, a Netherlands Antilles island in the south Caribbean. This self governing island is 38 miles by 8 miles and has a population of 100,000 people and all amenities one could ask for. There are numerous beaches and all water sports. On a more serious note, CMU offers a low tuition for both pre-med and medical colleges. There are loans and scholarships available which most students take advantage of. Dormitory space with a kitchen is available to students and transportation to and from campus is provided by the school. EVALUATION TECHNIQUES All CMU test questions, whether those on a simple quiz or a final exam are in USMLE format. This familiarizes test takers with the higher order thinking skills required to succeed on the USMLE. CMU students are taught that memorizing isolated scientific facts and review questions diminishes their chances of scoring in the 220 range on USMLE. In determining
tered is part of the essence of PBL. PBL students improve their public speaking skills and become more comfortable talking the language of medicine in front of people. Perfecting this skill is imperative for learning how to present a patient while on rounds during the clinical clerkship years. More importantly, PBL helps prepare students for the residency interview process where they have to discuss patient problems in front of groups of physician evaluators who determine where a student will spend residency years. Usmle Review Course After two years of study on Curacao, students attend an eight week review course called PASS in Champagne, IL. CMU is not an expert at holding review courses. We leave that to experts who do it every day. Since PASS does it bet-
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ter than we could hope to do, students do not pay tuition to CMU for a fifth semester. They pay PASS directly and upon successful completion immediately take Step 1. Clinical Rotations And Clerkships After two years on Curacao, a board preparation and sitting for USMLE Step 1, students begin their clinical rotations. CMU prefers that students complete core rotations in one hospital setting and in 48 continuous weeks with no vacation. We currently have agreements from multiple hospitals but have formal affiliations hospitals in Ohio, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, and in England. For more information, call Toll Free at 1-888-877-4268 or visit http://www.cmumed.org
After the success of Ram leela 2012, directed by Kusum Sharma, Shri Natraj School is now open for enrollment Bharatnatyam Northwest Kathak Galleria Bollywood Sugarland
832-423-2039 www.shrinatraj.com what will benefit students most in the long run and prepare students for USMLE, testing from reading assignments should be viewed as a method of self-evaluation and a measure of how well the student is preparing for USMLE. Problem-Based Learning Problem-based Learning (PBL) is a method of learning the basic medical sciences utilizing real patient problems. CMU students learn why diabetic patients suffer the peculiar symptoms they do rather than just memorizing a list of symptoms. Being able to answer the “Why’s?” of a particular disease forces the student to understand the disease process at the level needed for USMLE success. PBL allows the student to think about basic medical sciences within the context of a patient problem never taking that patient out of the equation. Remembering that medicine is patient cen-
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10 January 11, 2013
COMMUNITY
Senior Citizens and the Change They would Like to See in the Year 2013
BY MANU SHAH HOUSTON: Theirs is the voice of experience and wisdom. They’ve been through India’s freedom struggle, seen the transition from idealism and patriotism to materialism and corruption in society and witnessed the technological changes that have transformed the world. IAN asked them about a change they would like to see in the year 2013. Lalit Chinoy, President of Indian Senior Citizens Association (ISCA) was the first to send in his reply. He would like to see faith, honesty, firm dedication and dedicated firmness for any good work amongst people keep on increasing to bring success, happiness and long life for mankind. Chatur Chinoy would like our leaders to stop war and killing and work for peace and properity. Dr Mathur will pray to God that peace prevails all over the world and that politicians and leaders of countries may be granted wisdom to let go of their ego and selfish nature and work for the betterment of their countrymen.
also like to see the retirement age to be earlier so seniors still have time to enjoy life. Sumant Desai, 80, is delighted that seniors are being asked this question. He has been in the US since 1979 and believes in giving back to this country. He wishes for peace and prosperity for the whole world. Ravi Arora, 65, would like to see peace in the world, especially in the Middle East. Lalit Chinoy (right) with wife Chatur Chinoy Dr. M. Trivedi would Rekha Sanghvi would like people to talk like people to give life a human touch. He more instead of texting to each other as she would like people to have deeper relationfears that people have forgotten how to write ships – not just hi and bye ones. Krishna Vavilala, 75, would like all and before they know it, they will forget to speak – they will just text! Gradually they young people to tone down their partying will lose touch with each other. She would and treat their parents with respect. They
should also take over some of their responsibilities including their health care issues. Youngsters should also get involved more often in community organizations. Vasant Parikh would like to see Republicans & Democrats work for the greater interest of U.S and world at large rather than mudslinging and dragging the fiscal cliff. Moreover, western countries should stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and suspecting other countries of nuclear attack. Sudha Trivedi would like to see Indo American News make some changes in its format. She would like us to add some articles on Home remedies for seniors such as acupressure, massages and exercises to relieve common health issues. She would also like us to add interesting and easy recipes, stock market news and childrens’ stories. Navin Banker would like to see more peace and brotherhood in 2013.
Hassan Gaddi Wanted for Violating Probation
HOUSTON (KTRK): Authorities are searching for Hassan Gaddi for violating his probation last year following the 2010 kidnapping and assault of his then-girlfriend. On November 1, 2010, Houston police say Hassan Gaddi was involved with the kidnapping and assault of his then-girlfriend. At approximately 4am, police were called to the 3700 block of Edloe, where witnesses reported seeing Gaddi severely beat and force his girlfriend into a vehicle. According to police, Gaddi then drove her to a secluded area off of the 10500 block of Rockley, where he locked her inside of a dumpster, and attempted to set it ablaze. The victim was able to escape through a small opening in the dumpster, and fled the scene. After being charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault of a family member, Gaddi was placed on deferred adjudication for 10 years. He violated the terms of his probation by making contact with the complainant in violation of an order of protections. Further, police say Gaddi failed to appear at multiple meetings with his probation officer. Last month, a motion to adjudicate Gaddi’s guilt was issued in district court with no bond and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Gaddi, now 27, is described as a white male standing 5 foot 11, weighing 170 pounds, with significant scarring on his forehead and face. According to court records, Gaddi has a criminal history. He received deferred adjudication for assault of a family member in 2004, and he served 12 days in jail for a DUI in 2007. Anyone with information about the location of the fugitive is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www. crime-stoppers.org that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous. INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
11
Infused Performing Arts Perform at NBA Half-time Show
BY SARA KUMAR HOUSTON: On January 2, Infused Performing Arts became the youngest Bollywood dance company to perform at an NBA half-time show. Their colorful costumes, elaborate formations, high-energy moves, and daring stunts delighted the crowds of people who came to see the Houston Rockets beat the New Orleans Hornets at the Toyota Center in the first game of the new year. The half-time show featured a total of twenty Infused dancers, ranging in ages from thirteen to thirty. The original choreography mixed Mumbai and Chennai beats, bringing the city of Houston to its feet. With each and every performance, Artistic and Creative Directors Tina Bose-Kumar and Kiron Kumar strive to present a unique blending of dance styles emerging from diverse cultural inspirations. Their mission is to redefine Bollywood by integrating classical, folk, and popular dance forms from both the East and the West. In addition to the dance company that performs at events across Texas, Infused Performing Arts also offers dance classes to people of all ages and experience levels. Classes are currently being held at their dance studios in Stafford, Pearland, Carrolton, and Dallas. Tina Bose-Kumar is trained in tap, ballet, jazz, and Bharatanatyam
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT NEEDED International Medical Graduates looking to work in a busy cardiology practice in Katy are welcome to apply for this position. dance styles. Her husband Kiron Kumar is a versatile instructor and choreographer of modern and Bollywood dance and is also an expert magician. Infused Performing Arts was recently featured on ABC News as the only dance company in the world to combine magic, Bollywood , and storytelling. However, the Kumars insist that the true magic occurs as their students develop life-long friendships and grow in self-discovery through the art form of dance. Infused Performing Arts will soon be announcing audition dates for their dance company. Interested dancers must be at least thirteen years old and should send their
headshots and resumes to info@ infusedperformingarts.com. Rehearsals will be scheduled on the weekends. In just two years, Infused Performing Arts has become an active and energizing presence in the local South Asian community as well as the greater Houston arts and entertainment arenas. They will undoubtedly continue to infuse their dancers with a passion for the performing arts and inspire them to build bridges between East and West, tradition and innovation. To sign up for classes or for more info, visit www.infusedperformingarts.com.
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Matthew Martoma Pleads Not Guilty CONTINUED FROM PAGE
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innocent. “The answer is no,” Stillman said on whether he was negotiating a plea agreement. The defence team is “doing what is necessary for getting a happy ending for Mathew,” he said, adding, “Mathew Martoma is an innocent man.” Prosecutors told the judge that they would be presenting evidence in the form of trading and telephone records and e-mails but do not plan to use any wiretap evidence. Assistant US attorney Arlo Devlin-Brown said the government has collected a ‘voluminous’ amount of evidence in the case. “There is an ongoing investigation into this and related matters,” Devlin-Brown told Gardephe. “It is entirely likely the government will receive new and additional documents.” A Stanford graduate, Martoma joined SAC Capital Advisors in 2006 and had worked with the firm’s affiliate CR Intrinsic Investors. Federal prosecutors have accused Martoma of using material, non-public information that he received from a doctor in 2008 on the clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s disease drug to make profits and avoid losses for SAC in an amount totaling approximately $276 million.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil insider trading case against him on similar charges. As portfolio manager at his hedge fund, Martoma was responsible for investment decisions in public companies in the health care sector that were involved in the development of experimental drugs to combat Alzheimer’s disease, the indictment said. According to allegations in the three-count criminal complaint, Martoma exploited his personal and financial relations with a leading doctor who chaired the safety monitoring committee (SMC) for the trial. Martoma obtained inside information about the drug trial that the doctor Sidney Gilman learned at the SMC meetings and through other communications with drug companies Elan and Wyeth. While six former SAC employees have been tied to insider trading while at the firm, Martoma’s case throws the spotlight on SAC’s billionaire Steven Cohen. Prosecutors have not accused Cohen of any wrongdoing but have said in court papers that the “owner” of the hedge fund had signed off on Martoma’s recommendation to sell the shares of Elan and Wyeth. Gilman has entered into a nonprosecution agreement with the government and is cooperating
with prosecutors. He is expected to provide crucial testimony against Martoma. The case is the latest brought by Manhattan’s India-born top federal prosecutor Preet Bharara against hedge fund traders, portfolio managers and consultants believed to engage in insider trading. Bharara has led the government’s massive crackdown on insider trading and won convictionsagainst prominent Wall Street executives like ex-Goldman director Rajat Gupta and billioniare hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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The Extraordinary Life and Times of Mahatma Gandhi
INDIA
Wheels of Independence are Set in Motion
The story thus far….The war in Europe was having an impact in India. The Congress Working Committee found itself unable to accept in its entirety Gandhi’s attitude to the war. In particular, they would not accept his view that the defense of India should not depend on the armed forces. Congress leaders met on several occasions in Gandhi’s room at Sevagram and talked of their desire to start some action. Finally a proposal was put forward that all provincial governments should join with the British authorities in the defense of India, but the British rejected the offer. In September 1940, a meeting of the All-India Congress Committee was held in Bombay. There, as a protest against England’s utter indifference to India’s hopes, it was decided to launch individual civil disobedience against the authorities. It was also decided to hold meetings to protest against British imperialism. At that time such meetings were forbidden. Vinoba Bhave was the first to inaugurate individual satyagraha. He was arrested and so were hundreds of others who followed him. Nehru also was arrested. Within a few months over 30,000 Congressmen were put in jail. Only Gandhi was not imprisoned. He devoted his time to spreading the gospel of truth and nonviolence. In December 1941 the government released all the satyagrahis. Then, in 1942, as the Japanese swept across the Pacific and went through Malaya and Burma, the British began to think of a settlement with India. Japan, it was feared, might even invade India. Even Gandhi began to feel that his pacifism might stand in the way of India’s future. So he made the proposal of a provisional government so that all the resources of India could be added to the government’s side in the struggle against the aggressors. But this proposal was ignored. In March 1942 Churchill announced that the war cabinet had agreed on a plan for India and that Sir Stafford Cripps had agreed to go to India to find out whether the Indian leaders would accept the plan, and whether they would devote all their thought and energy to the defense of India against Japan. Cripps arrived in Delhi on March 22. He met Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and other important leaders. Cripps promised greater freedom than what had been offered before. He also offered complete freedom after the war, if India wanted it. The leaders would perhaps have accepted this offer if it had come a year earlier, but now it was rejected. The Congress leaders did not want any compromise based
on promises. The British did not trust the people of India sufficiently to give them any real power, and so the Indian leaders felt that they could not trust the British to hand over power after the war. In August 1942 the All-India Congress Committee met in Bombay, and was presided over by Maulana Azad. Again the demand to set up a provisional government was made.“We can no longer hold back our people from exercising their will,” Gandhi said. “Nor can we go on eternally submitting to the imperialist policies. The time has come for the English to go. Civil servants, army officers, government officers all of them should quit India.” The “Quit India” resolution was drawn up and passed by the meeting for presentation to the government. Nehru moved the resolution and Sardar Patel seconded it. The resolution also announced the starting of a mass struggle on the
The Extraordinary Life and Times of Mahatma Gandhi is brought to you courtesy Mahatma Gandhi Library. www.gandhilibrary.org widest possible scale. Winding up the meeting, Gandhi said, “I have pledged to the Congress, and the Congress has pledged herself that she will do or die.” The government did not wait for the mass movement to begin. Overnight Gandhi was arrested, as were many other leaders in various parts of India. Gandhi was interned in the Aga Khan’s palace in Poona. Mahadev Desai, Kasturba, Sarojini Naidu and Mirabehn were also taken there. But with the leaders in jail, India did not remain idle. ‘Do or die’ was taken up by the people. There were mass movements everywhere. And there was a great outburst of violence throughout the country. People started destroying government buildings and whatever else they considered to be symbols of British imperialism. Shortly after
his detention in the Aga Khan’s palace Gandhi suffered a grievous bereavement. Mahadev Desai, his faithful and able secretary, died of a heart attack. “Mahadev has lived up to the ‘do or die’ mantra,” Gandhi said. “This sacrifice will only hasten the day of India’s deliverance.” All over India there were strikes and disorder. Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy, blamed Gandhi for all the turmoil. Gandhi had invited violence, he claimed. In a long series of letters to Lord Linlithgow, Gandhi tried to persuade him to retract this charge against him. Failing in this, Gandhi decided to undertake a fast as “an appeal to the Highest Tribunal” against the unjust charges. Gandhi fasted for 21 days in February, 1943. It was a great ordeal, but he survived the fast. Kasturbai nursed him back to health, but her own health was failing. She suffered two heart attacks. Gandhi tried his best to save her, but Kasturbai grew worse. One day she died quietly in Gandhi’s arms. A few weeks later Gandhi was taken seriously ill with malaria. The Indian people demanded his immediate release and the authorities, believing that he was nearing death, released him. Gandhi was slowly restored to health. The demand for Indian independence had now acquired worldwide interest. Apart from India’s own attitude, America and other countries started pressing Britain to grant freedom to India. But Prime Minister Winston Churchill did not yield to any of these approaches. India had always been the jewel in the British crown, crucial to the Britain’s prosperity. Churchill was the last man to think of giving up India. Two months after Germany’s surrender in May 1945, the Labour Party came into power in Britain and Clement Attlee became the Prime Minister. After the defeat of Japan in August that year, the British government announced that they expected to grant self-rule to India as soon as her internal problems could be solved. This was indeed a victory for India and a victory for the principle of nonviolence. Britain agreed to a planned withdrawal from India in friendship and with no bitterness. All through his life Gandhi had worked for unity between Hindus and Muslims, without much success. There was a large section of nationalist Muslim in the Congress but leaders of the Muslim League were drifting further and further away. Gandhi was not the man to give up hope, however, and he pursued his efforts to bring about a settlement. On the other hand, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the Muslim League, was hostile to the idea of unity. — To be continued
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
Tulsi Gabbard Takes Oath on Bhagavad Gita
WASHINGTON: Amerish B. ‘Ami’ Bera (47), an Indian-American Democrat from California; and Tulsi Gabbard (31), the first Hindu ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and a Democrat from Hawaii, created history as they were sworn in as members of the 113th Congress. Raised by a Hindu mother and a Catholic father in “a multiracial, multicultural, multifaith family”, Ms. Gabbard (31), the first American Samoan and one of the first female combat veterans in U.S. Congress, took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu scripture. The newly sworn-in 113th Congress is the most diverse group of representatives in history, with 98 women; 43 AfricanAmericans; 31 Latinos; 12 Asian-American
Vijay Pallod (left) and Sanjay Ram of Houston attended the reception held for Tulsi Gabbard.
Tulsi Gabbard 31, the first Hindu ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu scripture
and Pacific Islanders; and seven gay and bisexual members new members of the House and Senate. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District released the following statement about taking the Oath of Office on her personal Bhagavad Gita. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard became the first Hindu-American ever to be sworn in to the U.S. Congress. “I chose to take the oath of office with my personal copy of the Bhagavad-Gita because its teachings have inspired me to strive to be a servant-leader, dedicating my time and energy on a daily basis in the service to others (karma yoga). My Gita has been a tremendous source of inner peace and strength through many tough challenges in life, including being in the midst of death and turmoil while serving our country in the Middle East. When I was deployed to Iraq, the only real shelter for me was my bhakti yoga practice and the Bhagavad-Gita’s message of the eternality of the soul and God’s unconditional love.” Additional issue statements from Congresswoman Gabbard are: I was raised in a multi-racial, multicultural, multi-faith family. My mother is Hindu; my father is a Catholic lector in his church who also practices mantra meditation. I began to grapple with questions of
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spirituality as a teenager. Over time, I came to believe that, at its essence, religion gives us a deeper purpose in life than just living for ourselves. Since I was a teenager, I have embraced this spiritual journey through the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita. In so doing, have been blessed with the motivation and strength to dedicate my life in service others in a variety of ways. Like Mahatma Gandhi, I believe that we cannot overcome the divisive challenges facing our communities, countries, and world if we do not recognize and respect all others as children of God, despite our differences of nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, and so forth. These principles of karma yoga and bhakti yoga therefore can be a uniting principle for all people, regardless of their religion. I look forward to working with my fellow Congressmen and women to improve the economy, stop wasting our limited resources, protect the environment, and ensure that our children will have a bright future. Of course, since I’m a practicing Hindu, the unique concerns of Hindu and Indian Americans are very near and Tulsi Gabbard being administered the oath of office on the Bhagwad Gita by Speaker of the U.S. House of dear to my heart. My door will Representatives John Boehner in Washington. always be open to them.
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14 January 11, 2013
COMMUNITY
Saadhana Samvid: A Curtain-Raiser of the Saadhana Pariwar’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations
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Sachin, 32, is an engineering professional from Houston with a Duke MBA. After a dramatic proposal to his sweetheart Jayna, they got married a few months ago. Like all couples, they share dreams of growing together, of having adorable kids and of traveling the world. But these dreams were overturned all of a sudden when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Blood cancer) with a very rare chromosomal translocation. This disease has very poor prognosis (chances of recovery). The only available treatment for overcoming this dreaded disease is a bone marrow/stem cell transplant from a matching donor. His best chance of finding this donor is from his own racial and ethnic background (South Asian). You can offer Sachin a precious gift of life and a chance to live out his dreams. Things You Can Do • Please join the donor registry: If you’re between the ages of 18 44 and in good general health, you are eligible to register. You can join the registry online at www.bethematch.org or at local drives. • Organizing drives: Bone marrow registration drives need to take place in the next 3-4 weeks to be of help to Sachin. You can find more information about organizing drives at http://www.samarinfo.org/drivehelp.asp
BY SUNIL PANGARKAR Imagine four concentric circles - Desire, Interest, Awareness, and Proficiency. These, in my opinion, are the stages in the journey of a student of any classical art form. Although all stages are imminently important, the most critical of them, again in my opinion, is the stage of Awareness. That is where the rubber meets the road. In the growth trajectory of learning, that is where inflexion can happen. Being a student of Hindustani classical music under the guidance of Pandit Suman Ghosh, I can say this, albeit only to some extent - only because in my journey the destinations take time to arrive. Ten years ago, like today, I definitely had the desire to learn Hindustani classical music and was in search of an authentic Guru (by that I mean, one who was steeped in tradition and has himself undertaken the journey). Thankfully, providence came to the rescue and Pandit Suman Ghosh came to Houston to settle down! In my case the subject of Hindustani classical music has always been interesting – to varying degrees of somewhat comical absurdness. But the awareness of what it takes to learn this art form, of one’s lack of knowledge and the various intricacies, was as absent as water on the Moon! The classes began with a small group in Anjali Center for Performing Arts (that magical Shantiniketan in Sugar Land). Students of varying exposure, talent, ages, sexes, and numbers came together with a single desire: to explore and learn. And thus the journey began. Through those years Panditji taught, trained, coached, coaxed,
cajoled, complimented and censured students. He also organized several solo home concerts or Baithaks, public solo concerts or Manch-praveshs, group concerts, workshops, information sessions, traditional ceremonies and celebratory concerts with somewhat of an overall plan of raising this awareness for individuals, groups and community at large for this art. Indeed the Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston (CICMH) was established by Panditji for the same reason. IAN has covered much of the last ten years as a very appreciative partner. Ten years later, there much to celebrate and celebration is indeed planned. The celebration of Special Awareness or Consciousness of where CICMH and its students are in the journey and what the journey is about. In Sanskrit there is an elegant word that describes this and it is Samvid or Samvit. Under CICMH, Pandit Suman Ghosh is proudly giving most of
his students an opportunity to discover this awareness in the concert series called Saadhana Samvid. For parents, friends, relatives, well-wishers, proud caretakers of this art and this tradition, this will be a treat. From January 12 to February 16 in Sugar Land (7 concerts) and The Woodlands (1 concert), 70 students will perform an array of melodies to celebrate the new year, the 10th year of Guruji’s coming to Houston, the 150th birthday of Swami Vivekananda and 151st birth year of Baba Allauddin Khan of Maihar (Pandit Ravi Shankar’s Guru). Students will be performing solo and are blessed to be accompanied on harmonium by their Guru. They will sing a solo composition in a chosen Raag – followed by a bhajan. One will see not just a bouquet, but a nursery of live entertainment and energy. Being a public concert series, admission is free and open to all.
Athmashanthi Pooja at Sri. Meenakshi Temple for Women Victims Around the World
Join the crowd. Register to be a bone marrow donor and be the one who can make a difference and save a life.
REGISTER TODAY and DONATE WHEN CALLED! Drives in Houston, TX • Sunday, January 13 at George Bush Park from 10am-4pm • Saturday, January 26 at Bayou City Event Center from 11:30am-5:30pm
Drives in Milpitas, CA • Sunday, January 13 at Milpitas Sports Center Field, 1325 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035 from 11am-3pm
Contact: Jayna Dave Phone: 713.448.0503 Email: jayera@gmail.com
Contact: Jaydeep Pathak Phone: 408.832.3954 Email: jaydeep.pathak@ gmail.com
Please bring your general information including your social security number or driver’s license number OR the information of two contacts (friends or relatives) who do not live with you for your consent form to register at the drives.
PEARLAND: A Special Athmashanthi Pooja and prayer service was conducted at Sri. Meenakshi Temple (MTS) to stop violence against women victims on Sunday, January 6 at 4pm. The service started with a traditional arthi for Siva, Meenakshi and Venkateshwara followed by prayer by the priests. Several members of the community attended this event. Tupil Narasiman, MTS Chairman gave the opening remarks. P. Vaduganathan, Vice-chairman, Lakshmi Parameswaran, representing the organization Daya, Sonal Butcher, Sam Kannappan, Venugopal Menon, Vatsa Kumar and several members of the local community spoke passionately and condemmed violence against women. The event concluded with bajans by members of Namadwar.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
January 11, 2013
Power and Passion at Play on PanIIT Stage
Members of PanIIT India and PanIIT USA come together on the Science City stage at the end of the Global Conference 2012. The baton passed on from Calcutta to Houston, where the next meet will be held. Photo: Sanjoy Chattopadhyaya
BY CHANDREYEE CHATTERJEE & SUBHANKAR CHOWDHURY KOLKOTA: Power-packed sessions, 2,500-plus delegates, entertaining evenings — the PanIIT Global Conference 2012, partnered by The Telegraph, was an allaction affair. The three-day event at Science City, which drew IIT alumni from across the world for the first time to Calcutta, came to a close on Sunday with participants already looking forward to the next conference in Houston, Texas. “The success of the conference depends on whether we have achieved what we wanted to give you — a platform for networking and communicating to you PanIIT’s vision and mission — and I think we have,� said Sandipan Chakravortty, the conference’s steering committee chairman. Over three days, IITians discussed everything to do with nation-building — the prime focus of the conference — from strategies needed to take India forward, the role of information technology in the trans-
formation of the country and collaboration between academia and industry to future technologies, the competitiveness of India’s IT industry and the future of clean politics in India. Powerhouse speakers like Nancy Powell, Nandan Nilekani, Yogi Deveshwar, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Srikumar Banerjee, N.R. Narayana Murthy and B. Muthuraman attended the event. “We wanted this conference to be the biggest ever and I think we have raised the bar in terms of the numbers that have attended, the kind of speakers lined up and the diverse topics covered,� said Chakravortty during the valedictory session. Raising the bar further will be the job of PanIIT USA when the global conference travels to Houston, Texas, in 2013. Chakravortty handed over the ceremonial baton to the chairman of the next conference, Witty Bindra, and launched the conference’s official website. “We have a formidable act to follow and we hope to meet Sandipan’s challenge and
15
Baton Passed on for PanIIT Global Conference 2013 in Houston KOLKATA: Every year, PanIIT conferences take place amid much pomp and fanfare. But what happens in the time span between two conferences? How is PanIIT shaping up? How can the India chapter learn from their Indian counterparts? All of these were discussed and the baton for Houston PanIIT Global Conference 2013 was passed over on the last day of the PanIIT Global Conference 2012. The roundtable was attended by Arvind Gupta, HR Vaish, Sid Chowdhary, Sandipan Chakraborty and Arjun Sen. The panelists shared their experiences and traced the journey of Pan IIT and its objec- Witty Bindra (right), Chair of the IIT 2013 Global tives. Conference in Houston accepting the baton/ Pradeep Gupta highlighted the Credit: PanIIT contribution of the US alumni, especially the Washington DC group and of Brand IIT. We can create roadmaps and their 60 minutes program that made them there are a host of other services that we can a household name. “Section 227 acknowl- provide,� added Chowdhary. edged the contribution of IITians to the US In the US, the role of PanIIT will also be economy,� said Gupta, mentioning the role advocacy. “IITians in Washington Dc are alof Hiten Ghosh and Suresh Shenoy. ready asked for advice on policy matters. In Sid Chowdhary, chairman, PanIIT, US, India, though, the key task should be nation said that the need is to make sure that Pan building,� he said. IIT remains relevant. “We need to help in According to Arjun Sen of the US chapter, promoting success of IITians, and not just an alumni cell needs to be created that will the prominent ones irrespective of where provide new IITians going to the US all usethey are in their career paths; connect all ful information. “We have started a newsletalumni both physically and virtually and ter. There are lots of ideas but we can only give back to the community,� he said. implement them based on resources,� said “We need to provide alumni services. We Sen. There are 60,000 IIT alumni in the want them to be engaged and feel the value US.
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16 January 11, 2013
COMMUNITY
Second Hindu Jewish Solidarity Day Educational, Interactive
HOUSTON: On a nice sunny Sunday afternoon on January 5, the Second Hindu Jewish Solidarity day was held. This event was organized by Hindus of Greater Houston and Bridge Houston at Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community center. It was a gathering of two communities buffeted and persecuted by religious extremists over several centuries. The “Hindu-Jewish Solidarity Day” brought together leaders and youth from Houston’s Hindu and Jewish communities for an afternoon of strategic networking and inter-cultural synergy. Both the Hindu and Jewish communities have not only a 2000year old history of living in harmony with each other, but also share prolific proclivities and common challenges in the current global scenario About 150 Hindu and Jewish community leaders came together to build and strengthen the bond of friendship. The event was organized by Dharminder Dargan and Ravi
Dharminder Dargan (left), Swami Nikhilanand Ji, Ira Blewiess, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe.
Raghvan, from Hindus of Greater Houston, and Ira Blewiess, Linda Franklin , Marcia and Malka Levy, from Bridge Houston. The organizers cheerfully mingled with guests and community leaders during the reception social hour held before the start of the program. Ira started the program and invited Lee Wanch, president of Jewish Federation, and Sharad Amin, president of Hindus of Greater Houston to say a few words. Both community leaders emphasized building strong relationships between two communities and promoting harmony. A Sanskrit invocation was given by Swami Nikhilanand and later he spoke to his Jewish brothers and sisters on behalf of Hinduism. Two Rabi’s from the Jewish community gave a small talk promoting bonding among the Hindu and Jewish people in the Houston Area. Towards the end of the program, members from both the Hindu and Jewish communi-
ties took part in musical performances reflecting their individual yet similar cultures. From the Hindu community, dancers from Yamuna Dance Academy showcased the Bharat Natyam form of Indian traditional dance through 2 performances, while a female acappella group from the Jewish community sang a Jewish song based on the themes of unity and friendship in the community. Ravi Raghvan gave a well researched and detailed presentation outlining how Jewish families and have individuals have been able to live in India peacefully in the past and how they still continue to do so in the present. Presentation was very well received A major highlight of the afternoon was event called “Rakhi”, Dharminder Dargan explained the significance of this symbolic Hindu event to members of the Jewish community. According to traditional Hindu practices, “Rakhi”, a small piece of string, is tied by a sister on her brother’s wrist as a way to imply that the brother be there to protect and care for her. Mr. Dargan then invited everyone in the audience to come up and tie “Rakhi’s” to one another as a way to portray the unity and bonding of the two separate yet strikingly similar Hindu and Jewish communities. Soon members in the audience got up and took red and yellow strings and started to tie them on each other’s hands. Later everyone posed for the camera with their hands with “Rakhi’s” in the air. The event was well received and enjoyed by the audience. At the end of the program, Ira and Ravi concluded with a short message “This is just the beginning. We all hope to continue on Hindu Jewish Solidarity day for many years to come. Both communities have more similar aspects than previously thought and it is essential for us to come together to tackle the prevalent issues facing both communities together.”
Delhi Gang-Rape and Murder Accused Trial will be ‘in Camera’ BY RAJ KANWAR IAN INDIA CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI: Metropolitan Magistrate Namrita Aggarwal on Monday ordered that the entire trial of the six men, accused in the gang rape and murder of the 23-year old physiotherapist student, will be held ‘in camera’. That means that its proceedings will neither be open to the public nor will be allowed to the published or telecast in the media. The order followed chaotic conditions in court room # 207 with large number of lawyers, members of the public and media thronging the court. The Delhi police promptly moved an application asking the court to ensure the safety of the five accused that were produced in the court on Monday. In her order, the Magistrate Aggarwal said, “An unprecedented situation has arisen with members of the bar and public unconnected with the case have also converged in the court room.” She further said that, “it has become impossible to proceed in the case. I am passing order for in-camera
proceeding. It shall not be lawful to print and publish any article in media without court permission.” The five accused who had arrived in the court earlier in the day could not be produced since the court was jam packed by a large crowd of journalists, lawyers and onlookers. The magistrate had no option but to declare that she would not hear the case unless the crowd dispersed. Another piquant situation has also arisen since some lawyers offered to defend the accused despite a resolution by the Bar Association barring its members to offer their services to these accused. Interestingly, two of the accused have also volunteered to turn approvers and become state witnesses. Five of the accused (the sixth is a minor) have been charge sheeted under various sections of Indian Penal Code for murder, attempt to murder, gang rape, unnatural offences, dacoity, kidnapping, destruction of evidence, conspiracy, robbery and common intention.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
January 11, 2013
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INDIA
January 11, 2013
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The Unspeakable Truth about Rape in India
BY SONIA FALEIRO NEW DELHI (NYT): I lived for 24 years in New Delhi, a city where sexual harassment is as regular as mealtime. Every day, somewhere in the city, it crosses the line into rape. As a teenager, I learned to protect myself. I never stood alone if I could help it, and I walked quickly, crossing my arms over my chest, refusing to make eye contact or smile. I cleaved through crowds shoulder-first, and avoided leaving the house after dark except in a private car. At an age when young women elsewhere were experimenting with daring new looks, I wore clothes that were two sizes too large. I still cannot dress attractively without feeling that I am endangering myself. Things didn’t change when I became an adult. Pepper spray wasn’t available, and my friends, all of them middle- or upper-middle-class like me, carried safety pins or other makeshift weapons to and from their universities and jobs. One carried a knife, and insisted I do the same. I refused; some days I was so full of anger I would have used it — or, worse, had it used on me. The steady thrum of whistles, catcalls, hisses, sexual innuendos and open threats continued. Packs of men dawdled on the street, and singing Hindi film songs, rich with double entendres, was how they communicated. To make their demands clear, they would thrust their pelvises at female passers-by. If only it was just public spaces that were unsafe. In my office at a prominent newsmagazine, at the doctor’s office, even at a house party — I couldn’t escape the intimidation. On Dec. 16, as the world now knows, a 23-year-old woman and a male friend were returning home after watching the movie “Life of Pi” at a mall in southwest Delhi. After they boarded what seemed to be a passenger bus, the six men inside gang-raped and tortured the woman so brutally that her intestines were destroyed. The bus service had been a ruse. The attackers also severely beat up the woman’s friend and threw
them from the vehicle, leaving her to die. The young woman didn’t oblige. She had started that evening watching a film about a survivor, and must have been determined to survive herself. Then she produced another miracle. In Delhi, a city habituated to the debasement of women, tens of thousands of people took to the streets and faced down police officers, tear gas and water cannons to express their outrage. It was the most vocal protest against sexual assault and rape in India to date, and it set off nationwide demonstrations. To protect her privacy the victim’s name was not released publicly. But while she remains nameless, she did not remain faceless. To see her face, women had only to look in the mirror. The full measure of their vulnerability was finally understood. When I was 26, I moved to Mumbai. A commercial and financial megalopolis, it has its own special set of problems, but has, culturally, been more cosmopolitan and liberal than Delhi. Giddy with my new freedom, I started to report from the red-light district and traveled across rough suburbs late at night — on my own and using public transit. It seemed that something good had come out of living in Delhi: I was so grateful for the comparatively safe environment of Mumbai that I took full advantage of it. The young woman, however, will never have such an opportunity. On Saturday morning, 13 days after she was brutalized, this student of
physical therapy, who had, no doubt, dreamt of improving lives, lost her own. She died of multiple organ failure. India has laws against rape; seats reserved for women in buses, female officers; special police help lines. But these measures have been ineffective in the face of a patriarchal and misogynistic culture. It is a culture that believes that the worst aspect of rape is the defilement of the victim, who will no longer be able to find a man to marry her — and that the solution is to marry the rapist. These beliefs aren’t restricted to living rooms, but are expressed openly. In the months before the gang rape, some prominent politicians had attributed rising rape statistics to women’s increasing use of cellphones and going out at night. “Just because India achieved freedom at midnight does not mean that women can venture out after dark,” said Botsa Satyanarayana, the Congress Party leader in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Change is possible, but the police must document reports of rape and sexual assault, and investigations and court cases have to be fast-tracked and not left to linger for years. Of the more than 600 rape cases reported in Delhi in 2012, only one led to a conviction. If victims believe they will receive justice, they will be more willing to speak up. If potential rapists fear the consequences of their actions, they will not pluck women off the streets with impunity. The volume of protests in public and in the media has made clear that the attack was a turning point. The unspeakable truth is that the young woman attacked on Dec. 16 was more fortunate than many rape victims. She was among the very few to receive anything close to justice. She was hospitalized, her statement was recorded and within days all six of the suspected rapists were caught and, now, charged with murder. Such efficiency is unheard-of in India. In retrospect it wasn’t the brutality of the attack on the young woman that made her tragedy unusual; it was that an attack had, at last, elicited a response.
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INDIA
January 11, 2013
Health Insurance Indemnity in Peril
Smart card: Hospitalisation expenses are only being partially met by the scheme. Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
BY AARTI DHAR NEW DELHI (The Hindu): The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) — a health insurance scheme that provides free hospitalisation to the poor — would become a major fiasco if insurance companies continue to throw a spanner, reveals a World Health Organisation-supported study. The RSBY is a flagship programme of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. “Since its launch in 2008, RSBY has covered nearly 33 million Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and provided succour to 4.2 million patients who needed hospitalisation. This is a remarkable achievement in a country like India with its myriad problems and obstacles to implementation,” says the study, conducted in Gujarat’s Patan district by Bangalore-based Institute of Public Health. However, the main objective of RSBY, which is to protect the poor from hospitalisation expenses, is only being partially met, said Dr. N. Devadasan, principal investigator of the study. “It is unacceptable that even after four years of the scheme more than 50 per cent of enrolled patients had to incur out of pocket (OOP) expenditure at the time of admission.” The study, carried out with the help of WHO’s Alliance for Health Policy and System Research, Geneva and the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, surveyed a total of 2,920 families across more than 500 villages of Patan district, which had enrolled in the RSBY during 2010-2011. The report was presented at the 2 Global Symposium on Health Systems Research at Beijing, China recently. The survey found that the scheme had targeted the ‘real’ poor — 65 per cent of the enrolled families were landless, 87 per cent did not have any toilet facility and 71 per cent were casual labourers. Also, 97 per cent of the enrolled families had received the card and none of them had to pay any extra money over and above the statutory Rs. 30,” the investigators said. However, a disconcerting finding was that of the 526 admissions, only 227 patients (43 per cent) did not have to spend any money at the
The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) — a health insurance scheme that provides free hospitalisation to the poor — would become a major fiasco if insurance companies continue to throw a spanner, reveals a study. time of the admission. The rest of the patients incurred OOP expenditure ranging from Rs. 10 to Rs. 1,50,000. The average OOP expenditure was Rs. 10,692 per patient. Further, 188 patients (36 per cent of all patients) had a RSBY card but still had to pay at the time of admission. This was because most of them (122) were asked by the hospitals to purchase medicines from outside. “This is against the contract that the hospital has signed with the in-
surance company and thereby with the scheme,” said Dr. Devadasan. “In other words, the patients with RSBY cards incurred nearly 55 per cent of the expenses incurred by non-insured patients. They thus may get disillusioned by the ‘free hospitalisation scheme’. There will be a tendency to drop out of the RSBY scheme. This, in turn, will also trigger a vicious circle of high claims and higher premiums, thereby making the scheme unsustainable.” Detailing the report, he said 66 patients either did not receive the card or received a card that did not work. Another 16 patients belonged to families enrolled in the RSBY but discovered that their names were not included in the card due to problems in the BPL list or computer list. Also, 93 patients did not use the card because of lack of knowledge. Only two patients had diseases that may have led to crossing the upper limit of the Rs. 30,000. “All the above figures are for expenses during the hospitalisation period. If one were to include the pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, the amount of OOP expenditure would be much higher. While a few patients stated that the money was collected as an advance, none of the patients had received a refund of this advance at the time of discharge,” the study revealed. One of the main reasons cited for the malfunctioning of the scheme is the lack of governance by the insurance companies. “It is their duty to monitor whether patients are getting appropriate free care or not. It is time for the State nodal agencies to take notice of this problem and immediately take corrective action against the insurance companies and the private providers,” said the investigators.
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9/11 - The Awakening New 3D Movie on Swami Vivekananda As part of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, India and Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi has recently released a new 3D Movie “9/11 – The Awakening” . This short 3D Movie is about Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech “Sisters and Brothers of America” delivered at Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11th 1893. The movie portrays Swami Vivekananda’s trip to the west, his visit to 1893 World’s Columbian Expo, his Chicago address at Parliament of Religions (Art Institute) in 1893 and the popularly known story of Sea frog and Well Frog. The entire Chicago Expo has been re-created based on 1893 Chicago Archive Maps and a virtual setup of the Parliament of Religions stage with an audience of 7000 members has been built. The ship that Vivekananda undertook during his journey to the West has also been re-created. The famous story of sea frog and well frog as told by Vivekananda has been depicted with colorful animation along with foley sounds effects
to entertain the kids. A realistic 3D Model of Swami Vivekananda with real skin shaders has been created and improvised based only on his photographs in the absence of any video reference of Vivekananda. Only a few Hollywood animation movies like Polar Express (2004), Beowoulf (2007) have attempted realistic models for living personalities, but for Vivekananda it makes it all the more challenging since 3D body scan cannot be performed (as he is not alive). To create smoother animation for the 3D movie, Motion capture has been performed with an actor playing Vivekananda’s role. Monastic members of Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi and Ramakrishna Math, Chennai worked with GISR (Global Institute for Stereo Vision and Research) team to make the movie. The movie is currently screened at the 3D Theatre in Vivekananda House, Chennai and Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi. For more info on the 3D Movie, visit www.vivekananda3d.org
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EDITORIAL
January 11, 2013
Taxing the Rich The Indian finance ministry is rightly worried about the fiscal situation, and the urgent imperative to guide public finance to better health. But taxing the rich is not the way forward. The peak personal income tax rate in India is already quite high when compared with, say, Singapore or Dubai. If we charge an income tax of 40% for the rich (suitably defined), it could touch off three reactions, none of which are good for the country. The first problem would show up in effort and risk-taking. Why should a person work hard and take risk, if she will only get Rs 60 upon success, and nothing in case of failure? High income tax rates undermine entrepreneurship and the willingness to undertake risky financial portfolios. Entrepreneurship is key to India’s growth and development. The creative effort and hard work of entrepreneurs in creating new firms and new products are crucial for transforming the lives of millions. We must avoid the indolence and stagnation of continental Europe, where high tax rates have had a subduing effect on individual initiative. The second problem is that of evasion. People are presented with the choice of complying with the law, and keeping Rs 60, versus breaking the law, and keeping Rs 100. At high tax rates, the incentive to break the rules is higher. What India needs most is to build a culture of compliance and the organizational capacity in the tax department to enforce sensibly. High tax rates undermine these long-term institutional foundations and fuel the black economy. The third issue is that of commitment to India. India needs rich people to grow roots in the country. When India has high tax rates, however, the rich are more likely to buy houses in Singapore and Dubai and shift more of their activities there. People will contribute towards building the country where they spend time and where their children go to school. We have recently seen France lose talent and tax revenues by raising income tax rates. Raising tax rates for the rich can also be counter-productive because they are the most mobile — moving business headquarters abroad can be done quickly and easily. At this stage of development, India cannot risk policies that richer countries can afford to play with. The government should focus on increasing the tax base and implementing the GST. Indian Express
Reader Feedback
The Congress leaders would do well to read a few of those articles by Shri Sekhar Gupta et al. The current government, though continues to both broaden the scope and depth of the welfare economy. What a contrast! They are the same people who opened up the economy too. Higher taxation will drive down entrepreneurship just as it is getting started. What could be worse would be, with the trade relations building up with ASEAN etc. our industries might find it beneficial to set up shop there, close to the Indian shore. Not good for the country. Congress must move away from the knee jerk socialist policies and embrace the aspirations of the middle class. They must work harder to move the poor, lower middle class into the middle class and higher. Ravi Bulusu
No Shades of Grey
BY PRITISH NANDY There’s no sex in rape. No love. No pleasure. Except that which comes from inflicting pain. There’s no pride either, the pride that comes from killing someone for what you believe in. Rape doesn’t even empower you because power comes from defeating an enemy stronger than you. To inflict pain on someone weaker is an admission of cowardice, particularly when you attack her in a pack. So why do so many rapes, gang rapes take place every day, every few minutes in this country we so proudly call our own? And, as we all know, 85 per cent rapes are not even reported out of shame or fear of reprisal. Even when they are, in 50 per cent cases the police don’t file FIRs. As for Dalits, no one so much as raises an eyebrow when they are raped or killed. And when law makers and law enforcers do it, the State machinery goes into overdrive to deny it. In short, a rape doesn’t occur every 20 minutes as we claim. It occurs every 2 to 3 minutes. As for molestation, it’s nonstop. There are women I know who claim they face it every day, the moment they step out of their homes, and at times even at home. Crimes against women are not about statistics. There is a tragic inevitability about them. Women in India flirt with danger, not with men. What’s more humiliating, they have to hear homilies from those who inflict violence on them on how they ought to dress, walk, talk, behave and go to work. Obviously something is wrong. Either with us or our women who we love to rape, molest, kill. If numbers are any indicator, it would appear there’s no place for love, romance or even pleasurable sex in our relationships. How is that possible when so much of our religion, our culture, our literature celebrate love? Are our novels fake? Our movies too? Our music? Our poetry? Did Kalidas fake it? Have we been hiding a conflict for centuries? We worship so many goddesses. We respect our mothers, our sisters and yet when we have daughters we sulk for days on end. Our abuses are all vulgarly sexist. I guess the problem lies in hypocrisy. We lie about all things all the time. As a nation we live in constant
We talk of GDP growth, FDI in retail, economic reforms but we can’t get the simple things right. Safety for women. Drinking water. Public toilets. Shelters for the homeless. Swift justice. And you can’t just blame the Government for it. They are a bunch of incompetent idiots, true. But even when they do some things right, we are the first to destroy them.
denial. Or else the highest planning body would not argue that an urban Indian can get by on Rs 32 a day. We talk of GDP growth, FDI in retail, economic reforms but we can’t get the simple things right. Safety for women. Drinking water. Public toilets. Shelters for the homeless. Swift justice. And you can’t just blame the Government for it. They are a bunch of incompetent idiots, true. But even when they do some things right, we are the first to destroy them. We must be the only nation in the world that loves to vandalise its own heritage. The same guy who stabs his girlfriend when she turns him away, scrawls her name with the same knife all over a historic temple wall. Our disconnect is not only with women but with nature, wild life, street animals, children, forests, rivers , seas, hill stations, parks. Everything in fact. All things exist only to be raped, plundered, beaten or despoiled. You can make laws stronger. You can blame the system. You can demand the death penalty. You can ask for a ban on item numbers. You can demand censorship on Facebook and Twitter. But till we, as a people, learn how to respect what we have, nothing will ever change. Fear does not make the world better. Hope could. And we can only hope for a better, safer India if we stop blaming others and show more courage and self esteem. The truth is if one of us had stopped that fateful night and picked up the girl who lay bleeding on the street for two hours,
taken her to hospital, she would be alive today. We didn’t. We didn’t care enough. Not all the outrage, not all the candlelight marches can hide that simple, tragic fact. Rape is awful. Indifference is infinitely worse. ToI
Reader Feedback
Granted that P. Nandy’s description of the social deficit is accurate, the question is: how did that darkness spread so wide and so fast? One reason—among so many others—is the failure of a formal and informal education in tune with the moral requirements of the nation. The failure to install such an educational system is due largely to the Nehru leadership throwing away the baby with the water, when a genuinely moral culture was replaced by a legalistic ideology in continuation with the imperative of British imperial domination. While the British took pride in a fairness inherent to the administration of law and justice, this reverence for the law as a transcendental concern of the administration disappeared, absorbed by the indifference of a post-Independence bureaucracy. The result has been that the society at large lost the previous reverence for justice, itself a Judeo-Christian concept, without the political class cultivating, in its stead, an equivalent respect for a Niti based on a universally recognized moral foundation. That is why the extreme delays in the delivery of justice does not offend public propriety. It is taken for granted even by the lawyers and the judges. The politicians are more concerned with the traffic and the bargaining for power, a power bestowed, under the cover and protection of a democratic elective representation, by a rabble which elects rapists as lawgivers. Things get exacerbated when the country is led by the mirage of a Prime Minister who always uses verbs in the future tense, who never misses the opportunity to say what needs to be done but does not do it, even in the recent case of the fiendish treatment of the unfortunate young woman. MMS is always blissfully unaware of the vast emptiness of his administrative responsibilities. He incarnates the soullessness of the political class. Fortunately the rebelliousness of the young men and women demonstrated that there is still hope for India to be what it ought to be. Dr. D. Prithipaul, Canada
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
INDIA
January 11, 2013
Two Indian Soldiers Killed in Row Over Kashmir
BY SACHIN PARASHAR NEW DELHI (TOI): An angry India on Wednesday summoned Pakistani high commissioner Salman Bashir to the foreign office to lodge a strong protest over the killing and mutilation of Indian soldiers, even suggesting that the incident may force New Delhi to do a rethink on its re-engagement with Pakistan. Hours later, Pakistan reacted by accusing India of making “baseless and unfounded allegations”. With the Congress party too reacting strongly against the “barbaric act”, the government seemed to recognize that the incident will “inevitably force’’ India to draw conclusions about Pakistan’s sincerity in carrying forward the bilateral engagement. As Pakistan remorselessly dismissed India’s protest, the Indian position was endorsed by the US. Highly-placed government sources told that US had conveyed to India that Washington looked upon the incident as “a deliberate escalation of violence or reprisal”. Sources said this had been “privately’’ conveyed by the US to Indian authorities. Sources here said the government was “perplexed” with Pakistan’s aggression as the government in Islamabad has backed up its peace overtures with the claim that Pakistan army was on board. They recalled the discussion between the two sides only on December 27 last year in which Pakistan emphatically said that it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement of 2003, describing it as an important confidence building measure that needed to be respected in letter and spirit. The unprovoked killing of Indian soldiers and brutalization of their bodies seems to have raised doubts about Pakistan’s claim that its army was also invested in the peace process, and would make it difficult for the Manmohan Singh government to actively pursue his desire for peace, especially after the sharp political reaction to the gruesome provocation. India desisted from expressing misgivings about the peace process against the backdrop of the outrage. Even as he insisted on the importance of ensuring that the situation did not escalate, foreign minister Salman Khurshid warned of an adverse im-
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Pakistani army brutality may force India to rethink on peace
This coffin in the Kashmir town of Rajouri was reported to contain the body of an Indian soldier killed by Pakistani troops.
pact on the ongoing peace process. Describing the incident as unacceptable, he said India was expecting “appropriate’’ response from Pakistan over India’s protest. Khurshid said the Pakistani high
commissioner had been spoken to in very strong terms. “We had discussions on 27th December on conventional CBMs like ceasefire 2003. Violations of that is a matter of great concern. And if that is not immediate-
ly contained, it would have an adverse impact on what we have been trying to do for such a long time,” he said. Foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai told Bashir that the “barbaric act’’ needs to be investigated by Pakistani authorities immediately and the guilty brought to book. Pakistan though strongly rejected the Indian allegation of an “attack across the LoC on its military patrol in which two Indian soldiers were claimed to have been killed’’. “Pakistan is prepared to hold investigations through the United Nations Military Observes Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) on the recent ceasefire violations on the Line of Control,’’ the Pakistani high commission said in a statement. Pakistan’s offer is meaningless for India as it doesn’t recognize UNMOGIP
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and had conveyed to the UN after the 1972 Shimla Agreement that it had no place in India. Pakistan also talked about the need for “abiding and strengthening existing military mechanisms to ensure that there is no recurrence of such violations in future”. “Pakistan has taken a number of steps to normalize and improve bilateral relations. It is important that both sides make serious efforts in maintaining this improvement and avoid negative propaganda,’’ the high commission statement said. Khurshid insisted that India did not want an escalation in the situation. “Whatever has happened should not be escalated. We cannot and must not allow for an escalation of a very unwholesome event that has taken place,” he said.
VHP of AMERICA - Houston
Hindus of Greater Houston Gujarati Samaj of Houston Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh- Houston Maheshwari Masabha of North America In co-operation with other Organizations Invite children, youth and parents to participate in
MAKAR SANKRANTI – KITE FLYING With the Mega Launch of
Swami Vivekanand’s 150th Birth Annivarsary By HSS- Houston
On Sunday, January 20, 2013 From 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Note : RAIN date is January 20, 2013
At George Bush Park
16756 Westheimer Pkwy, Off Westheimer West of Hwy 6, Houston, TX 77082 ! Kites & Firkis are available at nominal donation. ! Gujarati Samaj will provide Masala Khhichdi at nominal donation. ! Bring your own vegetarian picnic lunch. ! Shuttle service for off-site parking will starts at 11 am and will stop ! at 3.30 pm. ! We request you to car pool to avoid car parking problems
For more information, please call : Girish Naik 281-851-6866
Sharad Amin 713-854-0633
Pravin Vyas 281-380-5585
Sharad Patel 713-261-9400
Nisha Mirani 832-755-9365
Sushma Pallod 281-565-0001
Bhagwan Bhutada 832-236-6147
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January 11, 2013
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OPINION
January 11, 2013
NRIs Return to Pursue their Dreams in India
BY MOHAMMAD AZEEMULLAH (TOI) A foreign land is generally associated with high remuneration, comfortable life and immense prospect of secured future. For a common youth in India, an opportunity of job abroad is an alltime dream. Millions have beneďŹ ted from respectable pursuits overseas and continue to translate aspirations into realities. They not only add to the economy of the family but also contribute immensely to the nation. While a lot has been written about earnings and success rates of non-resident Indians, hardly there has been any discussion about those youths from India who despite high salary, comfortable life and secured future decided to go back to their country just for the sake of serving it. Srinivasan Venkataraman hails from the state of Tamil Nadu in India. He is one of those youths who had decided to quit his job in Libya when the foreign opportunity had everything to offer to him. That was the time much before the war had started, i.e., during the time of colonel Moammar Al-GaddaďŹ . He had worked hard to be appointed as a lecturer in Libya, a dream many youths fail to materialize at home despite all efforts. On being asked, he said: “I just wish to go back to India. I miss my country and my people more than I will miss money hereâ€?. Surprisingly, he was determined to go back in the same year when there was one hundred and ten percent of hike in the monthly paycheck of teaching staff in all the universities of Libya. A salary that was unmatchable in the entire region of Middle East including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the economic hub and sign of prosperity in the region. Abdul Aziz, a native of Azamgarh in Utter Pradesh, was very desperate to steal a chance of having a job abroad, for his Madrasa (religious education) was not able to fetch him any luck in India. In the very ďŹ rst year of his employment in Qatar as an English-Arabic translator in the Department of Air Force, a prestigious prospect, both in terms of wealth and status, he chose to resign and y back to India. He used to be very nostalgic about his family, society and culture. He would often cry whenever he talked to any one of his relatives on phone. He would say: “When I was in India, I thought money was everything. After I have travelled abroad, I come to realize that there is something more than I need in life to survive.â€? While Srinivasan Venkataraman established himself as a successful computer professional by starting his own private ďŹ rm in Tamil Nadu, Abdul Aziz has become a prosperous builder in Delhi after years of hard work and struggle. They are not the only individuals of exceptional courage and talent. There are thousands of professionals including professors, doctors, engineers
and nurses who staked their brighter future abroad for the sake of love and service to their country. Mukesh Pandey was a medical practitioner in Saudi Arabia. After spending about two years in Saudi Arabia, Pandey resigned and move back to Patna in Bihar. He felt like
being in cage in a foreign land despite all facilities and agreeable income. Such examples of remarkability by individuals in their resolve to go back to India demolish the long-held myth regarding the foreign land to be the only place where fortune smiles and dream comes true.
We must salute all those for their home-coming. India has immense future to offer to those who wish to return to serve it with sacredness of spirit. The time is gone when India, being so huge, was generally associated with poverty and famine.
23
Now India reshapes its image with different outlook by offering the same to brilliant individuals in employment as other foreign countries do. India, undoubtedly, recasts the image of being a foreign land, a dream land, in fact ...a land of opportunity and possibility in the 21st century.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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RECIPES
January 11, 2013
LEARN TO DRIVE TODAY!
Mama’s Punjabi Recipes Variation on KARELA (BITTERMELON) DISHES Although the bharva (masala stuffed) karele with onions is the style most favored by Punjabis, there are two other variations that are easier and faster to make and just as tasty. In case you are wondering, karele is the plural form of the noun. The important thing to remember is that these other recipes allow you to experience the same bitter taste and also get the plants medicinal and antioxidant benefits, a lot of which comes from the green exterior skin as well as the juice extracted from the vegetable. I have known some people to even eat the leaves of the plant! Of course, karela extract capsules and juice can be bought from nutritional shops. Therefore, karele are one vegetable you can cook and eat entirely, seeds, peels and all! For the next two recipes - karele ki bhurji (scrambled karela) and karela chips - the ingredients are the same. For easier cooking use one medium onion, peeled and sliced instead of small onions. For those on salt restricted diets, the amchoor and dahi can substitute for the salt flavor.
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Ingredients: • Fresh karele. Choose the green ones, not too yellow; not too fat either • Spices: namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), haldi (turmeric), amchoor (mango powder) and sukha dhania powder (dried coriander seed powder) • Two table spoons of vegetable or olive oil • Half cup of plain dahi (yogurt) • Two table spoons of water • One medium peeled onion, finely slice KARELE KI BURJI (BITTERMELON MASH) with or without salt This recipe relies on the exterior peelings of the vegetable, which usually don’t come off in one layer but crumble as they are scrapped off. (The Chinese karela variety has
smooth, thick skin which does peel off, but the taste and texture of these karele is quite different from the Indian variety). Directions:
• Wash the karele well then dry lightly. • Scrape off the karele skin and keep the peeled karela aside to make the stuffed masala bharva karele recipe (see last week). • Heat the oil in a karahi (wok) and pour the peels and the onions in at once. Brown both and then add the spices. Stir until the mixture starts to get a little crispy. • Pour in the yogurt and the water, stir and cover the wok for ten minutes. • Serve with hot roti. This recipe tastes better when it is a bit crispy. KARELE CHIPS with or without salt Directions: • Wash the karele well then dry lightly.
• If the karele are slender, chances are that the seeds are not hard to chew. In this case, cut off the tips and then slice the karele, but not very thick slices. If the karele are fat, then the seeds may be too tough to eat. Cut these in half lengthwise, pick out and discard the tough seeds with a knife and then slice the karele, but again not very thick slices. • Heat the oil in a karahi (wok) and pour the sliced karele and the onions in at once. Brown both and then add the spices. Stir until the mixture is brown and try not to let it stick to the wok.. • Pour in the yogurt and the water, stir and cover the wok for ten minutes until the slices are tender, but don’t let the onions get too limp.. • Serve with hot roti. A little plain dahi (yogurt) adds to the taste. Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur, India before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her mid-eighties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share some of her delectable recipes.
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Shri Kripalu Kunj Ashram 713-344-1321
Shri Kripalu kunj Ashram, 2710 Ashford Trail Drive, Houston TX 77082, 713-344-1321 , 713-775-6588, established by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, is an exclusive place to learn practical aspects of selfless devotion to Shri Radha Krishna. All aspirants of true devotion are cordially invited to attend weekly satsang every Sunday 11am – 1pm followed by Aarti and Maha Prasad. email: skkasecretary@gmail.com or call 817-528-5027
JAI SRIMANNARAYANA!
Sri Ashtalakashmi Temple, JET USA Houston Chapter invites you to the Grand Celebrations of Deepavali, Acharya Thirunakshatram, Sri Rama Kratuvu, and Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam from October 26th to October 31st, 2011. Please join us in celebrating this Historic 6-day Event in the Divine presence of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
281-498-2344 COMMUNITY LISTING
For more information, please visit: www.ashtalakshmi.org Ph: (281) 498-2344
Sargam school of music, is offering classes in teaching Hindustani Vocal, Classical music, light music, Harmonium , keyboard lessons for Adults and Children. Please call: Mangala Sane at 281--498-6126. Email : mangalamusic@gmail.com Website : http://mangala1.cloud.prohosting.com
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
ENTERTAINMENT
January 11, 2013
25
Pankaj Kapur Turns Bad Boy in the Movie “Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola”
Pankaj Kapur always wanted to be a bad boy in his films during his youth however the actor never got a chance to be a bad boy and unmistakably always got to play the good boy roles in his films. When director Vishal Bhardwaj offered him the role of Mandola in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (MKBKM), Pankaj Kapur was very excited. He finally got a chance to be a bad boy in the film and it was a dream come true for him. Pankaj Kapur did not miss the opportunity of letting the role go by. Pankaj Kapur plays a tippler named Mandola who is a very whacky character in the movie. Those who have seen the rushes of the movie are raving about Pankaj Kapur’s role in the film. He has gone completely ballistic with his role in the movie. Pankaj Kapur Masters His Jigs: Pankaj Kapur is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors of Bollywood today and a perfectionist as well. Whenever he takes up a role he gives it his hundred percent and does his roles with complete sincerity. That stands for dancing as well. The actor was required to dance to a few intricate steps for a song in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, and it was a western dance but when it came to dancing a few steps he realized that it
Stills from the movie Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Sonakshi to do an Item Number in ‘Himmatwala’ Remake
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Sonakshi Sinha, who shot to fame as the deglam village belle in Dabangg, has been trying ever since to shed her desi avatar and how. In fact recently she even did an item number alongside Prabhu Deva in the Akshay Kumar film OMG Oh My God! However now we hear that the actress will finally glam up for a 80’s inspired special song in the remake of Himmatwala starring Ajay Devgn. In fact the track that will feature Sonakshi which is titled ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ has been inspired by the 80’s disco theme, and will feature the entire regalia of the era from reflective dance floors, mirrors and shiny disco balls. But if that wasn’t enough, the track is also said to feature 100 dancers and 400 extras with a look and feel that’s inspired from the track ‘Jawani Jaaneman’ from Namak Halal. The said song, which was conceived by director Sajid Khan, will feature as an introductory number in the film, with Sonakshi’s costumes being designed by Manish Malhotra. While the film’s music is being done by Sajid-Wajid, the music for this particular song has been composed by Sachin-Jigar and the song has been sung by Sunidhi Chauhan.
was not his cup of tea. “Dancing is a tough job” he says. However not the one to easily give up, Pankaj Kapur decided to work on his steps. He worked on it for days on end as he had never danced earlier and gave it his best shot. Considering that he had his son Shahid Kapoor, who is one of the best dancers of the film industry right in his home everyone expected him to take some tips. Apparently Pankaj Kapur said no, he was happy to learn from his choreographer as dancing was just a matter of practice. After days of practice and hard work he mastered his jig and finally gave his best shot making Vishal Bhardwaj happy. This is not the first time that Pankaj Kapoor will be playing the title role. In fact in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Maqbool which was Vishal Bhardwaj’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Pankaj Kapur had played the title role and it had won him the National
Court to Hear Salman’s Case on Jan 30 Court to hear Salman’s case on Jan 30 While on the professional front Salman Khan’s Dabangg 2 is doing great at the BO alongwith the super success of his TV reality show Bigg Boss 6, on the personal front, the Bandra magistrate court will now hear his case January 30 (w.r.t. the 2002’s hit-and-run case). Readers may recall that acting on an application that was filed by a Mumbaibased social worker in the court that false evidence was being submitted in the 2002 hit-and-run case; the court had earlier issued him summons and also forwarded it to the Bandra police. - Bollywoodhungama
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Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2004. This is the second time that Pankaj has been given the title role after Maqbool. Pankaj Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj’s association goes a long way. They are so comfortable working with each other that they are almost like birds of a feather flocked together. They look forward to working together all the time. In fact Vishal Bhardwaj often makes it a point to write meaty roles for Pankaj Kapur. Vishal knows that Pankaj Kapur is one huge talented actor and he does not want to waste his talent in small insignificant roles. He often tries to work out on good meaty roles for the actor. Pankaj Kapur and Vishal Bhardwaj have earlier worked in Maqbool and The Blue Umbrella earlier; Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola will be their third film together. We are sure his role as Mandola in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola will garner him an award once more.
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January 11, 2013
COMING SOON
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Indian Government Launches Cash Transfer Scheme in 20 Districts NEW DELHI (Mint): The government on Tuesday launched its scaled down cash transfer benefit in 20 districts, including two in the Capital, with a view to provide cash benefits to needy people. Defending the scaled down launch of the ambitious scheme, planning commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said, “it is good that the scheme is being launched in a phased manner... Let us demonstrate that the technology works”. The states and Union territories where the scheme was launched on Tuesday are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Puducherry, Chandigarh and Daman and Diu. Rolling out the scheme in two districts in the capital, Delhi chief minister Shiela Dikshit said the city government was planning to implement cash transfer through Aadhaarlinked bank accounts of beneficiaries for a number of its schemes. “The
The launch has been scaled down due to slow progress of opening of Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
Planning commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia defended the scaled down launch of the ambitious scheme. Photo: Ramesh Pathania
scheme is aimed at ensuring delivery of full benefit to the beneficiaries,” Dikshit said hailing the scheme. Thegovernmenthadearlierplanned to introduce the scheme in 43 districts
across 16 states from 1 January. The launch has been scaled down due to slow progress of opening of Aadhaarlinked bank accounts. The government proposes to ex-
tend the cash transfer scheme to entire nation by the end of 2013, but the scheme would not include LPG, diesel, fertilizer and food for the time being. At present the scheme will cover seven central schemes mainly dealing with scholarships to students belonging to the Scheduled Casts, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes. When asked about the slow progress of issuance of Aadhaar numbers and opening of bank accounts, Ahluwalia said, “it is not necessary that everybody is covered by Aadhaar but it is necessary that every beneficiary is covered”. He further said 280 million
people have already been enrolled by UIDAI and 240 million cards have been issued. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh government has said it will launch its own version of cash transfer scheme from 1 April. “We are contemplating the UID-linked CTS for different welfare schemes we are implementing. Relevant exercise is on to bring the CTS into force and the chief minister is positive about it,” Andhra finance minister Aanam Ramanarayana Reddy said. Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh, while speaking at a function in Ranchi assured that he would ask the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to speed up things. “The direct cash transfer scheme is related to Aadhaar numbers. And in some districts the enrolment process is slow. I will speak to the UIDAI authorities,” Ramesh said.
India Still an Attractive Investment Destination: Deloitte Survey BY UDIT PRASANNA MUKHERJI KOLKATA (TOI) : A Deloitte survey that included participants from large conglomerates and multinational companies, revealed that while India continues to be an attractive investment destination, the dynamic Indian tax framework create some apprehensions in the investors’ perception about the approach on the tax issues related to transactions in India. Deloitte’s survey includes 5 critical aspects - Intermediate Holding Company (IHC), Permanent Establishment (PE), Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) and Tax Litigation. Majority of the participants to the survey believe that the draft guidelines issued by the Shome Committee are adequate and advice of the
GAAR panel should be mandatorily followed; however, the results suggest that respondents were concerned over the independence of the members in the GAAR panel, which could otherwise falter the whole perspective, increase prevailing uncertainties thereby resulting in higher tax litigations. This could create a negative image for India Inc. on the global investment landscape. According to the survey, even after the recent concerns over IndiaMauritius treaty and approach of Indian tax authorities towards IHC investments, 62% of the respondents still consider investment through IHC in India as the most viable option. Despite the general perception that such investments are made for tax benefits, about 51 per cent of
the respondents considered factors other than reduction in tax cost as crucial for deciding IHC jurisdiction. Around 63 per cent of the participants consider Singapore to be a favourable jurisdiction for investments into India. The survey shows that lately, Mauritius has been losing luster as a preferred IHC jurisdiction for investments into India due to unfavourable and aggressive posture by Revenue Authorities and lack of certainty surrounding it. According to Deloitte spokesperson, “The investors prefer a jurisdiction, which provides certainty and has a positive perception. We have also found during the survey that there is a wide concern over the approach adopted by Indian revenue authorities in examining such invest-
ments. Everyone is of view that there should be tax policy to deal with IHC so that the current uncertainty can be done away with. There is a need for a robust tax policy and an equally strong tax litigation process or an effective dispute resolution mechanism, to reinforce a stronger faith of multinational investors in the Indian tax environment. “ Around 53% of the respondents believed that uncertainties in tax position are one of the major factors that pose challenge in doing business in India. Despite uncertainties surrounding inconsistent tax positions adopted by Indian revenue authorities and judicial bodies, the survey result suggests that the investors were still optimistic in overcoming the PE exposure partly by carefully
structuring the way the operations are carried out in India. Contrary to the expectations, the results suggest that investors believe India has an effective tax credit mechanism, which helps in reducing the overall tax burden, though there was still a room for improvement. Most respondents (83 per cent) indicated that there should be rationalization in India’s corporate tax rates - in the range of 20 to 30%. On an overall basis the result indicate that Indian tax climate was considered to be reasonably favourable and India continued to be an attractive investment destination despite some dissatisfaction in the minds of the investors with the existing tax policy and the litigation framework in India.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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SPORTS
January 11, 2013
India Wins Third ODI, Saves Shut Out Junaid: Wasim Akram Helped NEW DELHI (EScharged Ravindra PNCricinfo): India 167 Jadeja too early and (Dhoni 36, Ajmal 5-24) was stumped. beat Pakistan 157 (MisOnly Hafeez, batting bah 39, Ishant 3-36) by at No. 7 because of an ten runs injury while bowling, The ten-run win is Instood between India dia’s third lowest against and victory and he Pakistan (in terms of was dropped by Rahruns) overall and their ane in the 42nd over, a lowest in home ODIs straightforward chance against Pakistan. The at leg slip. He dragged lowest (four runs) was his team towards the in Quetta in 1978. target and had to refuse The run aggregate in singles with the No. the game (324 runs) is 11 Mohammad Irfan, the third lowest in an after Pakistan had lost ODI in India in matches three wickets in eight where both sides have balls. With 23 runs been bowled out. It is needed in the last two also the second lowest overs, Hafeez hit two aggregate in an Indiaboundaries before holPakistan game, after the ing out to off Ishant. 212 runs in Sharjah in Any immediate an1985. guish Pakistan felt, For only the fourth however, quickly distime in India-Pakistan Captain M.S. Dhoni’s knock of 27 with two 6s helped sipated as their playmatches overall, and the India win the third ODI and avoid a white wash. ers, heavily jacketed appeared unlikely after their batsfirst time since 1996 in in the misty evening, Toronto, there was not a single half- men had crumbled against Paki- celebrated a 2-1 series victory. century in the game. It is also the stan’s versatile attack. A raw seam That India had at least 167 to attack, spearheaded by Bhuvnesh- defend was largely down to Dhoni, second such instance in Delhi. Saeed Ajmal’s 5 for 24 is the war Kumar and the debutant Shami who was Man of the Match for his fifth best performance by a Pakistan Ahmed, had only 167 to defend and captaincy and his 36 off 55 balls, bowler against India. However, it is they went about it manfully. Ahmed and Jadeja. Having left out Virender the second best by a Pakistan bowler began his spell with two maiden Sehwag to give Rahane a run, India in a defeat against India, after Imran overs and continued to bowl with lost three early wickets to the pace economy. Bhuvneshwar nipped out and swing of Mohammad Irfan and Khan’s 6 for 14 in 1985. Not since the winter of 1983, two early wickets with inswingers Junaid Khan. And they continued to when Clive Lloyd’s West Indies and bowled his ten overs on the struggle against Saeed Ajmal, who avenged their loss in the World Cup trot, leaving Pakistan 55 for 2 after dismissed Suresh Raina and Ashwin final, had India been whitewashed 19 overs. off successive deliveries on his way During that period, India’s fielding to a five-wicket haul. India were in an ODI series at home. Following their third poor batting performance was at its best, with Ajinkya Rahane 111 for 6 in the 29th over. Dhoni against Pakistan, India were hurtling and Ravindra Jadeja throwing their immediately carted Hafeez for his towards a 0-3 score line in the cold bodies around on a chilly evening to third six over deep midwicket and in of Delhi, until their bowlers rallied cut off fluent flicks and drives. The a later over he inflicted the blow - a in conditions that offered seam and only easy runs Pakistan got were two flat smash - that forced the Pakistan spin, applying relentless pressure leg-side wides from the offspinner opener down the order. until Misbah-ul-Haq’s team cracked R Ashwin that beat MS Dhoni and Dhoni fell in the 35th over and sped to the boundary. in the dead rubber. Jadeja, because he was running out Pakistan rebuilt through Misbah, of partners, began to attack and score As Yuvraj Singh, pursued by teammates, went off on a celebratory run who batted doggedly for 39 off 82 what he could. He hit a towering and slide after catching Mohammad balls, first with Nasir Jamshed and straight six off Umar Gul, and anHafeez in the penultimate over to then with Umar Akmal. Both those other off Ajmal over cow corner, but secure a hard-fought victory, the stands were ended by Ashwin, and his riposte ended on 27. India were exuberant celebrations on the field at 113 for 4 in difficult batting con- dismissed in the 44th over, but the and in the stands at the Kotla were ditions, India were gaining ground. wasted resources did not cost them a release of emotion from a country They received a lucky break, when the game. that has had precious little to cel- Shoaib Malik was adjudged lbw to Ishant Sharma though he was ebrate in cricket in recent times. George Binoy is an assistant editor An Indian victory, however, had hit outside the line, and Akmal at ESPNcricinfo
NEW DELHI: Junaid Khan, the Pakistan left-arm fast bowler, has credited Wasim Akram for helping him develop the incoming delivery for right-handed batsmen, which led to him picking up eight wickets in the three-match ODI series that concluded in Delhi on Sunday. Junaid was most potent in the first ODI in Chennai, taking out four of the top five to reduce India to 29 for 5. He also took two top-order wickets in the second ODI in Kolkata, finishing with 3 for 39. The Indian batsmen had struggled to counter Junaid’s swing and his contributions helped Pakistan take the series 2-1. “I have been a bowler who has relied on bowling outswingers consistently at a good pace. It was Wasim bhai (Akram) who told me to develop the incoming delivery which would be my weapon against the Indian right-handers,” Junaid told PTI. Junaid had dismissed Virender Sehwag with an incoming delivery in Chennai and Virat Kohli in all three matches. “It’s very natural for left-arm fast bowlers to slant it across the righthanders,” Junaid said. “Once a guy like Virender Sehwag gauges the length of the away-going deliveries, you can be murdered. When I did my homework, I found out that Sehwag has a problem with the ball that comes in. I then started working hard on that incoming delivery with our chief bowling coach Mohammed Akram.” This is not the first time Junaid has credited Wasim for his development as a fast bowler. Last June, after taking 5 for 73 on a flat SSC pitch in a Test against Sri Lanka, Junaid spoke of how he was inspired by Wasim’s spell in the 1992 World Cup final, where his two wickets in successive deliveries turned the game Pakistan’s way. Junaid said he had watched the Youtube video of it and Wasim himself had passed on tips on reverse swing. Junaid found appreciable reverse swing in that Test to put Sri Lanka under pressure. In his short career with Pakistan, Junaid has established a reputation for being one of the quickest bowlers in the country. However, he says swing is more important to him than pace. “I don’t want to compromise on pace but swing is the most important
Junaid: “When I did my homework, I found out that Sehwag has a problem with the ball that comes in”.
aspect of my bowling,” he said. “One might get adjusted to pace but if one has the ability to move the ball consistently at a decent pace, he can create trouble in batsmen’s mind.” He said it was a team effort that helped Pakistan win. “I was never under any kind of pressure to perform. I also got a lot of back-up from the other end as Mohammed Irfan and Umar Gul also bowled superbly. It was certainly a collective effort.”
ODI Fixtures vs. England 1st ODI: India v England at Rajkot Jan 11, 2013 (12:00 local | 06:30 GMT | 01:30 EST | 00:30 CST | 22:30 PST) 2nd ODI: India v England at Kochi Jan 15, 2013 (12:00 local | 06:30 GMT | 01:30 EST | 00:30 CST | 22:30 PST) 3rd ODI: India v England at Ranchi Jan 19, 2013 (12:00 local | 06:30 GMT | 01:30 EST | 00:30 CST | 22:30 PST) 4th ODI: India v England at Mohali Jan 23, 2013 (12:00 local | 06:30 GMT | 01:30 EST | 00:30 CST | 22:30 PST) 5th ODI: India v England at Dharam-sala Jan 27, 2013 (09:00 local | 03:30 GMT | 22:30 EST | 21:30 CST | 19:30 PST)
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
January 11, 2013
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India Aims to Keep Money for Poor Out of Others’ Pockets BY GARDINER HARRIS NEW DELHI (NYT): India has more poor people than any nation on earth, but many of its antipoverty programs end up feeding the rich more than the needy. A new program hopes to change that. On Jan. 1, India eliminated a raft of bureaucratic middlemen by depositing government pension and scholarship payments directly into the bank accounts of about 245,000 people in 20 of the nation’s hundreds of districts, in a bid to prevent corrupt state and local officials from diverting much of the money to their own pockets. Hundreds of thousands more people will be added to the program in the coming months. In a country of 1.2 billion, the numbers so far are modest, but some officials and economists see the start of direct payments as revolutionary — a program intended not only to curb corruption but also to serve as a vehicle for lifting countless millions out of poverty altogether. The nation’s finance minister, Palaniappan Chidambaram, described the cash transfer program to Indian news media as a “pioneering and pathbreaking reform” that is a “game changer for governance.” He acknowledged that the initial rollout had been modest because of “practical difficulties, some quite unforeseen.” He promised that those problems would be resolved before the end of 2013, when the program is to be extended in phases to other parts of the country. Some critics, however, said the program was intended more to buy votes among the poor than to overcome poverty. And some said that in a country where hundreds of millions have no access to banks, never mind personal bank accounts, direct electronic money transfers are only one aspect of a much broader effort necessary to build a real safety net for India’s vast population. “An impression has been created that the government is about to launch an ambitious scheme of direct cash transfers to poor families,” Jean Drèze, an honorary professor at the Delhi School of Economics, wrote in an e-mail. “This is quite misleading. What the government is actually planning is an experiment to change the modalities of existing transfers —
Poor and homeless people waited for food on Tuesday at a New Delhi temple. Photos: Manish Swarup
nothing more, nothing less.” The program is based on models in Mexico and Brazil in which poor families receive stipends in exchange for meeting certain social goals, like keeping their children in school or getting regular medical checkups. International aid organizations have praised these efforts in several places; in Brazil alone, nearly 50 million people participate. But one of India’s biggest hurdles is simply figuring out how to distinguish its 1.2 billion citizens. The country is now in the midst of another ambitious project to undertake retinal and fingerprint scans in every village and city in the hope of giving hundreds of millions who have no official identification a card with a 12-digit number that would, among other things, give them access to the modern financial world. After three years of operation, the program has issued unique numbers to 220 million people. Bindu Ananth, the president of IFMR Trust, a financial charity, said that getting people bank accounts can be surprisingly beneficial because the poor often pay stiff fees to cash checks or get small loans, fees that are substantially reduced for account holders. “I think this is one of the biggest things to happen to India’s financial system in a decade,” Ms. Ananth said. Only about a third of Indian households have bank accounts. Getting a significant portion of the remaining households included in the nation’s financial system will take an enor-
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mous amount of additional effort and expense, at least part of which will fall on the government to bear, economists said. “There are two things this cash transfer program is supposed to do: prevent leakage from corruption, and bring everybody into the system,” said Surendra L. Rao, a former director general of the National Council of Applied Economic Research. “And I don’t see either happening anytime soon.” The great promise of the cash transfer program — as well as its greatest point of contention — would come if it tackled India’s expensive and inefficient system for handing out food and subsidized fuel through nearly 50,000 government shops. India spends almost $14 billion annually on this system, or nearly 1 percent of its gross domestic product, but the system is poorly managed and woefully inefficient. Grains, for instance, pass through myriad hands, with much of the supply being diverted or replaced with rotten or poor-quality grains before it reaches its intended recipients. Rajiv Gandhi, who served as prime minister for five years in the late 1980s before being assassinated in 1991 while running for office, once estimated that only 15 percent of the money spent on the poor actually reached them; his son Rahul Gandhi said recently that this level may now be as low as 5 percent. But so far the government has stopped short of replacing the direct distribution of food and fuel with cash payments because of the enormous
In Rayagada, a woman placed her finger on a biometric reader in order to buy her allotment of subsidized rice.
logistical difficulties involved, and because many of those involved in pilot projects in which cash was substituted for goods have said they preferred receiving food. There are several problems with making a switch, experts say. One is that men are often the ones who receive cash in the programs, and they sometimes squander the money. When food is distributed, however, women are often the recipients, and they are more likely to use the food to benefit their children. Another problem is that while cash transfers can significantly reduce losses to corrupt intermediaries and traders, simply setting up the system does little to overhaul the sometimescorrupt decision-making process that determines who is eligible for benefits in the first place. A group of 208 scholars and activists released an open letter on Monday, the day before the pilot program started, saying that electronic transfers of pensions and scholarships were fine but substituting cash for food “could cause havoc and massive social exclusion.” Still, Arvind Panagariya, an economics professor at Columbia University and the former chief economist of the Asian Development Bank, contended that opposition to the program was shortsighted, dismissing fears that the poor would squander the money they receive. “The argument that people will not spend on the essential goods when given cash for that is spurious and paternalistic,” Dr. Panagariya said in an interview.
The Indian government’s aggressive timetable for rolling out the cash transfer program has led some of its political opponents to claim that the entire exercise is mostly about securing political support for the governing coalition led by the Indian National Congress Party. A World Bank study found that there is a direct link between cash transfer programs and voting patterns, with beneficiaries strongly supporting the party that gave them money. A significant number of early enrollees in the program live in states controlled by the Congress Party. Giving cash to “India’s poor is all about power, politics and winning elections,” a recent article in the popular newsmagazine Outlook India argued. The government has promised to continue the program’s rollout through 2014, when national elections are scheduled. The Election Commission of India ordered the government last year to postpone starting the program in eight districts in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat because of pending state elections, which were held last month. Rao, the economic researcher, cautioned that the rural poor would need a vastly improved social and commercial infrastructure — better shops, schools and hospitals — for any cash-based welfare plan to significantly improve their lives. “Cash transfers,” he said, “are not a panacea.” Malavika Vyawahare contributed reporting.
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