39_vol3_epaper
TRANSCRIPT
878_New York South Asia 10x2 inc.indd 1 10/15/10 11:19:34 AM
Nassau county budget is balanced: Mangano
Obama honors Holbrooke as ‘hardheaded’ and ‘clear-eyed’
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Tristate Community 3
January 15-21, 2010
Mineola (SATimes): Nassau County Executive Edward P. Man-gano told the press Monday that the 2011 budget is “balanced” − and he doesn’t see any need “for yet anoth-er unelected body” to take control of the county’s finances.
He was referring to the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), which has given the county until Jan. 20 to come up with the neces-sary details to document his claim that the $2.6 billion budget is not facing at least a 1 percent deficit.
At the breakfast meeting in his con-ference room, where Mangano’s wife, Linda, brought some home-baked
Washington: US President Barack Obama and other American dignitar-ies celebrated the life of late diplomat Richard Holbrooke on Friday, honor-ing his endless determination to make the world a better place.
Hundreds turned out at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington to attend the me-morial service for Holbrooke, who died suddenly in December at the age of 69 while serving as Obama’s special en-voy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“Richard possessed a hardheaded, cleared-eyed realism about how the world works,” Obama said, accom-panied on stage by US Secretary ofState Hillary Rodham Clinton, for-
100,000 square feet main campus in-clude the observer ship at the Horacio Oduber Hospital for MD 2 students, the introduction to USMLE class and the new Doctor Patient Relations class.
versity School of Medicine, Aruba is deeply committed to improving the University as a whole. Looking
New Campus of Xavier University, School of Medicine, Aruba, consisting State of Art Laboratory, Library, Class & Conference rooms & Cafeteria.
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano stopped by the new Office of Emergency Management/911 center in Westbury for a tour of the facility in
anticipation of this waek’s snow storms. From left are Inspector Edmund Horace, Mangano and Assistant Chief Fire Marshal for Fire and Rescue Timothy Placilla.
cookies, the county executive said that he could save the county more money through his negotiations with labor unions than NIFA can.
He accused NIFA of “double stan-dard,” but chose not to elaborate. He was accompanied by senior policy Brian Nevin and new press secretary Katie Grilli-Robles.
On being asked by the SA Times, he agreed that the county is mostly in the news for budget balancing (fiscal issues), while he and his ad-ministration have also focused on an ongoing basis on operational aspect, to improve the lives of county resi-dents. The focus areas have included
parks, roads, public safety and health. Toimprove such things, of course, takes time, he stated.
On the ongoing budget dispute with MTA over sharing the cost of running buses in Long Island, Mangano said as yet MTA has not given the mandatory 60 day termi-nation notice.
He talked about assets the coun-ty has, and has asked for an inven-tory of some priceless art objects lying in godowns. He also gave an overview of his first year in office — the budget, of course, property tax assessment, sewage treatment and other achievements.
Xavier continued from page 1He expressed his deep admira-
tion and respect for the medical profession, which calls for sacri-fices by its practi tioners. He was also overheard to admire the improve-ments to the physical institution.In separate addresses, the President and Board of Trustees expressed deep pride in the faculty, the curriculum and the students. They too renewed their commitment to a quality student medical education.
Originally, the Xavier Univer-sity School of Medicine campus was located at 12 Pardanbaist-raat and the surrounding build-ings. When the new student ori-ented administration took control in 2008, their immediate priority was “to make Xavier school of Medicine, Aruba an institution its students could be proud of”. The administration decided soon that the old campus could not meet the demands of the growing student population nor could it accommo-date planned improvements in the academic setting and the academic curriculum.
With a clear mandate from the Board of Trustees, President Ravishankar Bhooplapur enginnered a series of deft real estate agreements and gained control over the new main campus and has quite noticeably improved all aspects of the student population’s academic experience since. Physical improvements include a computer test center exclusively to conduct NBME exams, an auditori um, a conference room, an ever grow-ing library and Wi-Fi for all students and faculty. Improvements to the cur-riculum made possible by the change in locations and the acquisition of the
forward in this calendar year, the administration has earned a site visit from the ACCM. The visit is to take soon and is the next step and latest example of Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba’s commitment to creating quality healthcare physicians.
Dr Richard Visser, Aruba Minister of Health, addresses the students and faculty of the Xavier school, even as Dr Ganesh Bhat, school’s Chancellor, and
Ravishankar Bhooplapur, its President, look on.
mer president Bill Clinton, members of Holbrooke’s family and former State Department colleagues. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari was also in attendance. Holbrooke returned to the diplomatic ranks shortly after Obama came to office in January 2009, agree-ing to lead the US civilian effort to turn the tide against the Taliban. He made dozens of trips to the region.
Holbrooke was best known as the chief architect of the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the Bos-nian civil war after months of tireless and relentless diplomacy backed by a NATO bombing campaign. He also served as ambassador to Germany in his decades of diplomatic service.
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PBD continued from page 1
PBD 2011 was graced by many federal ministers, high ranking members of the Indian Parliament, state chief ministers, leaders of Commerce and Industry in In-dia, representatives of NGOs and Civil Society, as well as foreign dignitaries.
Nikki continued from page 1
At 38, the mother of two is the second Indian-American governor of a US state after Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, also a Republican, who became the first with his election three years ago. The 117th South Carolina governor is also the youngest sitting chief executive of an American state.
The first couple’s daughter Rena, 12, and son Nalin, 8, stood by them as Haley, dressed in an off-white coat over a grey-green knee-length dress raised her right hand to take the oath of office. Husband Michael, who is a member of the South Carolina National Guard, was in his army dress uniform.
Elegantly dressed in a green sari, Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar at-tended the inaugural ceremony watched by US lawmakers, diplomats and other digni-taries and telecast live by local TV stations.
Haley replaces outgoing Governor Mark Sanford, who gained national attention af-ter an affair with a woman from Argentina was announced on national television.
Inaugural events started with a 9 a.m. prayer service at Trinity Episcopal Cathe-dral across from Statehouse grounds. A bagpipe procession opened the ceremony. An open house at the governor’s mansion and a gala Wednesday evening round out the activities.
Haley, who defeated Democrat Vin-cent Sheheen with a surprisingly close 51 percent-47 percent vote in the most expensive election in state history in
Modi continued from page 1
A significant statement came from a rep-resentative of the US — a country that had denied visa to Modi in 2005, following the killing of Muslims after a train burning inci-dent in the state in 2002. “Gujarat is a shin-ing beacon of prosperity, opportunity and progress. I hope the US will be a partner country in 2013 like Japan and Canada are at this conclave,” said Ron Summers, presi-dent of the US-India Business Council.
As the conclave ended — with the chief minister making it a point to pose for photos with every investor - the state had attracted commitments worth a mind-boggling $462 billion through 7,936 pacts with a potential for 5.2 million jobs.
This is higher than India’s foreign ex-change reserves estimated at around $300 billion. How many of these pacts translate into actual projects is a matter of conjec-ture, but the state continues to draw awe and admiration.
Washington: President Barack Obama and Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari met at the White House Friday and discussed shared efforts to fight terrorism, promote stability in neighbor-ing Afghanistan and bolster Pakistan’s fragile economy, U.S. and Pakistani officials said.
Zardari is in Washington to attend a me-morial service for Richard C. Holbrooke, the administration’s special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan who died last month. He met for a half hour with Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The presidents didn’t have time to discuss the full range of U.S.-Pakistani ties, includ-ing U.S. pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terrorist havens along the Afghan border, Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S., said after the meeting.
Tucson, Arizona: In Washington, bills were being drafted to step up background checks, create no-gun zones around Congress men and women and ban the big-volume magazines that allowed the Tucson gunman to shoot so many bullets so fast. Gun control advocates a bit over-optimistically believe the shock of the attack has altered the political atmosphere, because one of the victims is a Congresswoman.
Yet gun rights advocates and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that there was little chance the attack would produce significant new legislation or a change in a national culture that has long been accepting of guns. If anything, they said, lawmakers are less receptive than ever to new gun restrictions, reported The New York Times.
Even as the powerful National Rifle Associa-tion has remained quiet, the Crossroads of the West gun show will go on as planned this week-end at the Pima County Fairgrounds, 13 miles from the shooting site. “We had no hesitation about going ahead with the show so soon after the incident,” said Lois Chedsey, secretary to the Arizona Arms Association, a show sponsor. “Gun sales have been up since last Saturday”
Haqqani said Zardari expressed his commit ment to raising government revenue, which will require raising taxes and cutting subsidies, so Pakistan can reduce reliance on outside assis-tance, including from the U.S. and the Interna-tional Monetary Fund, which last year withheld more than 10 percent of an $11.3 billion loan to pressure Pakistan to broaden what is one of the world’s smallest tax bases.
U.S. aid includes $12.5 billion in security as-sistance since fiscal 2002, according to figures compiled by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. Congress in 2009 approved $7.5 billion to build Pakistani roads, schools, power facilities and infrastructure for civilians. The U.S. has also donated $387 million to help Pakistan cope with floods that displaced 20 mil-lion people.
An even bigger event in Las Vegas, the Shot Show -- which bills itself as the country’s larg-est exhibition of guns and ammunition -- is pro-ceeding next week with a four-day run that fills two floors of convention space.
As an institution, Congress seems to celebrate gun ownership as much as many communities in Arizona, which may explain why efforts to enact gun control legislation have foundered. Many members of Congress own firearms, which they carry while riding around in farm trucks in their district or concealed behind a jacket in the streets, among constituents.
Zardari meets Obama to discuss terrorism, economy
After Tucson, no shift seen on gun laws
January 15-21, 2010
November, has already like Jindal been mentioned as a “long shot” presidential candidate for 2012. From a racial slur from a fellow lawmaker to unproven ac-cusations of an affair by a political blog-ger, Haley saw quite a bit of controversy surround her campaign before the Repub-lican primary earlier this year. But she still snagged the party nomination in a run-off in June with 65 percent votes.
Haley, one of the strongest fiscal con-servatives in state government, was first elected to represent the 87th District in Lexington County in 2004, when, as a vir-tual unknown, she beat the longest serving state legislator in a Republican primary.
In 2008, Haley was sent back to the state house with 83 percent of the vote - the highest percentage earned by any law-maker facing a contested South Carolina election that year.
Christina Taylor Green, the youngest victim at 9 of the shooting.
Tristate Community 5
TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 15-21, 2011
Over 5000 OCI cards await collectionNew York: The Indian Consulate
in New York has processed several
thousand OCI applications and has
more than five thousand OCI cards
which are awaiting collection by
the applicants. Applicants may
kindly check their status online
(https://passport.gov.in/oci/Onli-
neOCIenquiry.jsp) and arrange to
collect their OCI cards.
The documents required for col-
lection of OCI card and U visa are
as follows:
(i) US passport in original;
(ii) a print out of the online status
(it can be obtained by accessing
http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/Onli-
neOCIenquiry);
(iii) original PIO card in case the
applicant is a PIO card holder;
(iv) return mailing charges of
US$20 by way of postal money or-
der (for up to 4 passports) if docu-
ments are to be received by mail;
(v) cancelled Indian
passport/surrender certificate.
The procedure to be followed af-
ter arrival of OCI documents in the
Consulate may also be seen on the
Consulate website at:
(http://indiacgny.org/php/show-
Content.php?linkid=177&par-
tid=100&sub=sub6).
The Applicants who sent defi-
cient applications earlier were inti-
mated of deficiencies by email. Af-
ter the third reminder 417 applica-
tions were returned to them un-
processed.
They may reapply with proper
documents mentioned in the re-
turning letter.
$10,000 raised for meeton corruption in India
New Jersey:
About 100 people
attended an aware-
ness and fund rais-
ing program at Ra-
mada Inn in North
Brunswick in New
Jersey for organiz-
ing a conference on
corruption in India
with international
and national ex-
perts on March 2-3
in New Delhi.
About 10,000 dol-
lars were raised for
the program. The event is organized
by Save India From Corruption and
5th Pillar and sponsored by Global
Hindu Heritage Foundation. Satya
Dosapati from Save India From Cor-
ruption, Vijay Anand from 5th pillar
gave passionate presentations about
corruption in India. Satya's pres-
entation focused on corruption in
high places, in light of the recent $ 40
billion 2G scam and $ 13 billion
Common Wealth Game scam. Quot-
ing a newspaper article he explained
what is happening in India is not cor-
ruption, but plundering of India by
politicians that is creating existential
threat to the nation. His presentation
brought tears to one of the attendees
and it showed how there is an esti-
mated 1.4 trillion dollars stashed
away in foreign havens while 80%
India is poor with less than 2$ per
day, every second child in India is
malnourished, nearly 200,000 farm-
ers committed suicide, India is fac-
ing both internal and external threat.
He showed a slide of all the scams
since independence with estimated
loot of 73 lakh crores with govern-
ments taking cut in every effort,
from military procurement to miner-
al wealth. He concluded with call
for people to come together beyond
regions, religions and other divisive
factors to stop the corruption, bring
the looted wealth back and make In-
dia a prosperous country.
Continued on page no 6...
Macy’s first business development program aims women, minority vendors
New York, NY: In an effort to help bolster up-
and-coming enterprises, Macy’s announced
the creation of a one-of-a-kind program cover-
ing the business of fashion - The Workshop at
Macy’s. Setting the stage for retail business in-
novation, The Workshop at Macy’s aims to
nurture and grow the next generation of mi-
nority and women-owned retail talent.
The specially designed business develop-
ment curriculum of “The Workshop” is aimed
at minority and women-owned retail business-
es that are poised to succeed on a larger scale,
but need additional tools on business practices
to move to the next level and sustain growth.
The four and a half-day intensive training
course, to be held in May 2011 at Macy’s Her-
ald Square offices in New York City, will be
taught by Macy’s seasoned executives and in-
dustry experts, as well as key retail partners.
With this annual program, Macy’s hopes to
create a pipeline of viable vendors that will
grow to become successful partners within
Macy’s own vendor community.
“Of the many initiatives Macy’s, Inc. has
pursued on behalf of our expanding diversity
strategy, supplier diversity is an area of special
importance,” said Terry J. Lundgren, chair-
man, president and chief executive officer of
Macy’s, Inc. “ As partners, it’s a true win-win
for both the vendor and our company. Macy’s
finds and nurtures talented new vendors who
can deliver high quality, competitively priced
merchandise and these vendors, in turn, see
their business grow.”
The Workshop at Macy’s will allow selected
participants to collaborate with fellow aspiring
vendors, gain access to industry experts and
solicit one-on-one business coaching. The
course work includes classes on Strategic
Planning, Merchandising and Assortment
Planning, Branding, Sales and Marketing, and
Access to Capital. The curriculum was de-
signed by a consortium of experts from
Macy’s Learning & Development, Macy’s
Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor De-
velopment, Babson College, the nation’s lead-
ing business school for entrepreneurship, and
with select Macy’s merchants/vendors.
Macy’s is now accepting entries for consid-
eration. To be eligible, an applicant must be the
majority (51% or more of equity) owner, co-
owner or otherwise have operational control
(per applicable status rules) of a business that
has been in operation for a least two consecu-
tive years and be its primary decision maker.
Eligible applications will include a 250-word
biographical statement, look book/line sheets
or images of product including costs, resumes
on all owners, audited financial statements for
the business for 2 years, fall within the minor-
ity and women-owned definition of the pro-
gram and provide verification of the business
as a legal entity (i.e. Corporation, LLC, etc.),
among other requirements. Applications must
be submitted by 5:00pm on Friday, February
11, 2011 online or by mail. All information in-
cluding full program requirements are avail-
able online at www.macysinc.com/workshop.
All eligible applications will be reviewed and
selected applicants will be asked to attend an
in-person interview. Final selections will be
made after all prospective candidates are in-
terviewed. The program will aim to invite at
minimum 20 candidates to attend the course
which begins on May 9, 2011.
Macy’s Herald Square offices in New York City
Passionate presentations marked the eventChristmas celebration at Indian Consulate
New York: The Consulate General of India, New York
hosted a reception on the occasion of Christmas at the
Consulate on December 20, 2010.
About 150 persons including large number of mem-
bers from the Christian community from the Tri-State
Area, media personalities and members of eclectic as-
sociations participated and enjoyed the celebrations.
The gaiety and festive ambience, singing of carols pre-
vailed during the evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Prabhu Dayal, Consul Gen-
eral of India, reflected on the secular traditions of India
and stated that the Indian Consulate paid special atten-
tion to celebrations of various religious festivals. He
further added that the Consulate’s inclusive approach
for all Indians and their well wishers was reciprocated
by the various religious and cultural groups in celebra-
tions like Dussehra, Diwali, Baisakhi, Eid, etc at the
Consulate.
Archbishop Frances A. Chullikatt, Permanent Ob-
server of Vatican City at the United Nations spoke about
the relevance of Christmas, the inclusive spirit of India
which gave equal importance to all religions and cul-
tural traditions. Celebrations at the Consulate were a
testimony to the eternal spirit of harmonious co-exis-
tence in India. He added that the secular nature of Indi-
an polity guaranteed equal respect for all religious tra-
ditions. The event concluded with a dinner reception.
New York Consul General Prabhu Dayal, consulatepersonnel and guests at the celebration.
6 Tristate Community
January 15-21, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Mumbai: NDTV Imagine kicks off the
new year with a bang promising a massive
dose of entertainment. Starting 2011,
NDTV Imagine brings together the
world’s biggest, most successful and most
hilarious game show Wipeout and India’s
biggest and most popular superstar – Shah
Rukh Khan in NDTV Imagine’s new
mega-show, Zor Ka Jhatka.
On the show Shah Rukh Khan will take
28 TV stars, outside their comfort zone
into the world’s biggest obstacle course in
Argentina to battle it out. At stake is prize
money worth Rs. 1.5 crores, including a
mega cash prize of Rs 50 Lakhs for the
winner of the finale. In this extremely
competitive environment, SRK will chal-
lenge these contestants of all ages and
varying fitness levels to a series of hilari-
ous tasks and obstacles. From jumping
over moving obstacles to bouncing off big
balls and dodging swinging pendulums
hurled their way! And while the contest-
ants sweat it out, Shah Rukh Khan, will
provide his brand of extremely funny,
witty and at times even a little nasty com-
mentary on the proceedings and take the
fun to a completely new level in this over-
the-top competition.
The contestants on the show include
Akashdeep Saigal, Amit Sareen, Ashima
Bhalla, Bhakhtiyaar Irani, Claudia Ciesla,
Debina Bonnerjee, Dimpy Mahajan,
Gaurav Chopraa, Gracious D’ Costa, Hanif
Hilal, Jennifer Winget, Karishma Tanna,
Krushna Patil, Kushal Punjabi, Manas
Katyal, Manoj Kumar, Mink Brar,
Narayani Shastri, Natasha Suri, Payal
Rohatgi, Priyadarshani Singh, Raja
Chaudhary, Rohit Verma, Simran Kaur
Mundi, Sonika Kaliraman, Annie, Vindu
Dara Singh and Vrajesh Hirjee.
Shah Rukh Khan returns to TVwith a Zor Ka Jhatka!!
To host the Indian edition of the global blockbuster TV reality show – ‘WipeOut’
Washington: US Federal
regulators have charged the
co-founder of a New York
hedge fund and three others
including an Indian
American executive in what
has been called the biggest
insider-trading case in US
history. Sunil Bhalla, a for-
mer senior Indian American
executive of tech company
Polycom, was charged
Monday with hedge fund
Trivium Capital
Management, its co-founder
Robert Feinblatt, analyst
Jeffrey Yokuty, and
Shammara Hussain, an
employee at a consulting
firm that did work for
Google.
In a civil case filed in a
New York court, the
Securities and Exchange
Commission alleged Bhalla
and Hussain provided confi-
dential information to
Feinblatt and Yokuty that
enabled them to make about
$15 million from trading on
the information. So far the
SEC has charged 27 people
in the case. 'Today's action
reveals disturbingly corrupt
arrangements - faithless
company executives who
secretly pass corporate infor-
mation to hedge fund man-
agers willing to violate the
law for profit,' Robert D.
Khuzami, the SEC's director
of enforcement, said in a
statement. Galleon's Sri
Lankan American founder,
Raj Rajaratnam, has pleaded
not guilty and has mounted
an aggressive defence. Last
year, his lawyers attacked
the SEC's case, notably its
reliance on wiretaps
obtained from federal crimi-
nal investigators.
The SEC said Feinblatt
and Yokuty received materi-
al nonpublic information
from Roomy Khan, a former
Intel Corp. executive who
pleaded guilty in the Galleon
Group criminal case and is
cooperating in the govern-
ment's continuing investiga-
tion.
In about 2003, the SEC
said, Khan befriended
Bhalla, a producer of net-
working applications for
voice, video and data net-
working based in
Pleasanton, California.
Bhalla in 2005 obtained
advance information about
sales and revenues for
Polycom's fourth quarter and
passed that information to
Khan, the SEC said. Khan
earned about $330,000 in
illicit profits, it said.
Khan later also gave infor-
mation provided by Bhalla
to Feinblatt and Yokuty
about Polycom's 2006 first-
quarter earnings and to
Rajaratnam, the SEC
alleged.
Khan also passed on tips
from Deep Shah, a former
Moody's Corp. analyst who
was a friend and roommate
of her cousin, the SEC
alleged.
At the time Moody's was
evaluating Hilton's debt.
Shah who was named as a
defendant in the criminal
case, is a fugitive, prosecu-
tors said. The SEC seeks to
bar Bhalla permanently from
acting as an officer or direc-
tor of a registered public
company.
Indian American charged inbiggest US insider-trading case
The investigating agency, SEC
Teacher brings Indian culture toAmerican classroom
Houston: An Indian school teacher has
brought his country's culture into the
classrooms of American students by
introducing Kabaddi.
Ajaykumar Nair, who teaches English
language and literature has come to
Johnsburg, a town with a population of
2,450 in the mountains of the
Adirondacks, on a six-month-long
Fullbright Teacher Exchange grant pro-
gram.
In his class, the students, a mix of soph-
omores, juniors and seniors at Johnsburg
Central School, remove their shoes, watch
their instructor and try to grab the rules of
kabaddi, a popular team sport in India.
Students were advised to play barefoot
to gain better traction on the gym floor.
Since September, the students have also
taken an elective on Indian culture, which
has introduced them to literature, music,
dance, food and games of the country.
"I was lucky that I came here. This
community at Johnsburg has been very
good. They are my family now. When I
leave, I will miss them," said Nair.
Nair will be here till January 28, after
which he is going back to India.
Continued from page no 5
Vijay Anand, who gave up
his career in US to dedicate
his life to fight corruption in
India, spoke about the 5th
pillar’s successful efforts in
bringing awareness among
younger generations by ad-
dressing nearly 600 col-
leges/universities, human
chains with students against
corruption during country's
holidays such as independ-
ence day etc, the well known
Zero rupee brand they devel-
oped and distributed to mil-
lions to use as a symbol not
only to take bribe but also
not give any bribe.
Lead India 2020 has offi-
cially announced during the
event that they would be
joining the effort. The con-
ference is for first time bring-
ing together in India the in-
ternational and national ex-
perts to network and cooper-
ate in bringing stashed
wealth in foreign havens and
bring in laws in the country
for effective monitoring and
curbing corruption without
political interference. Inter-
national experts invited in-
clude Global Financial In-
tegrity, World Bank Gover-
nance, Tax Justice Network
(UK), Basel Institute of
Governance (Switzerland),
SHERPA (France) and oth-
ers. India's invitees include
Supreme Court Chief Justice
Kapadia, Baba Rama Dev,
Dr. Subramanian Swamy,
Janaagraha, India Against
Corruption, RTI and other
activists.
National community 7
TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 15-21, 2011
15th Parsi Congress pledges to preserve past, protect present
Houston: Over 550 delegates from the US
and Canada attended the 15th North
American Zoroastrian Congress held in
Houston at the Intercontinental Hotel. The
Congress was hosted by the thriving
Houston Zoroastrian community. The theme
of this Congress was “Preserve the Past,
Protect the Present, and Perfect the Future.”
In the words of NAZC 2010 Co-Chair,
Jasmine Mistry: “With a diverse group of
speakers, performers, and participants
between the ages of two and eighty-five, we
were definitely able to convey this theme via
a grand opening ceremony and Jashan
(prayer ceremony) conducted by nineteen
priests, informative and well-balanced ses-
sions, and entertainment for all ages”.
Mayor Anise D. Parker proclaimed
December 29-31, 2010 Zoroastrian Days in
Houston. The opening ceremony captivated
the audience with a performance of The Silk
Road, conceived by Vehishta Kaikobad.
With a cast of 56 adults and children, the
Silk Road showcased the dominant role
played by the Parthian and Sassanian dynas-
ties of ancient Iran in shaping a unique net-
work of trade routes.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr Niaz Kasravi,
has worked as researcher and advocate at a
number of organizations associated with
human rights issues. A National Science
Foundation grant allowed her to travel to
Iran to work with Shirin Ebadi, the Nobel
Peace Prize recipient of 2003, on human
rights in Iran and the role of Iranian women
in the reform movement. In her keynote
address, Dr. Niaz Kasravi said that all
Zoroastrians agreed that our religion must be
preserved and protected, and perfection is a
goal we should all strive for. However, to
reach that goal, we must overcome the inter-
nal challenges that we face by moving
beyond intolerance, closing the lingering
divides, and involving the younger genera-
tion.
The youth prevailed at the Congress. The
youth session, “Towers of Success”, was
dominated by dynamic panelists who
inspired the youth and discussed their call-
ings in life, their struggles, and their experi-
ences, with a spark that energized the more
than160 attendees in the room. The World
Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce Youth
Director, Eric Engineer, engaged Zoroastrian
youth in his talk, “Youth Career Connect –
Succeeding Together”. Sponsored by the
World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce,
this 90-minute session’s goal, attended by
nearly 150 people, mostly youth under 40
years, was to connect and unite Zoroastrian
youth who share similar career goals and
passions. Jim Engineer, an independent
Public Relations consultant in Chicago, led
the “Inter-Generational Dialogue” which
explored the importance and relevance of
inter-generational dialogue and
religious/interfaith education as a means to
achieve sustainable communities
Youth’s Next Gen Now panel The cast of Silk Road
AIA launches ‘Chalo Hindi Bolein’ on JUS ONE TV
New York: The Association of Indians in
America ( A.I.A) will launch Hindi learn-
ing program "Chalo Hindi Bolein" on tel-
evision through JUS ONE TV station on
Dish Network channel 581. This program
will be broadcast on Saturday and Sunday
each week from 1.00 to 1:30 PM. To pro-
mote Hindi language, JUS ONE TV is
making a special offer. All viewers can
watch free during the first month of this
program starting on Jan 8. AIA is prepar-
ing easy to learn 22 lessons for the begin-
ners. AIA's goal is to promote knowledge
of Hindi Language and Indian culture. For
subscription details, call JUS TV at
718.752.9290 . Ext 112
Urban Desi Radio founder to participate in suicide
prevention overnight walkSan Francisco:On June 4-
5, Peta Cooper (Founder
of Urban Desi Radio) will
participate in the
American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention’sOut
of the Darkness
Overnight, an 18-mile
walk, from sunset to sun-
rise, to raise much needed
funds and awareness for
suicide prevention.This
will be the third time Peta
has participated in AFSP
Out of the Darkness
Overnight Walk. She has
lost family members and
friends to suicide. This
year, Cooper is dedicating
the walk to Jagmeet Singh
Sidhu, whose body was
found in the bay, by San
Leandro, last year. It all
started when Urban Desi
Radio ran a PSA to help
find Jagmeet who disap-
peared after visiting a
friend in San Mateo. In the
U.S. close to one million
people make a suicide
attempt each year and
every 16 minutes someone
dies by suicide each year.
Proceeds from the Out of
the Darkness Overnight
support a variety of pro-
grams including distribu-
tion of the Foundation’s
new educational film on
teen depression titled
More Than Sad:Teen
D e p r e s s i o n
(www.morethansad.org)
and the accompanying
film for teachers that helps
them recognize suicide
warning signs and risk
factors as well as how to
refer students for help.
Both films aim to reduce
teen suicide by addressing
the leading cause, depres-
sion.“Our goal is to raise
1000 dollars in memory of
Jagmeet and promote
AFSP Services,” said
Cooper.To participate in
the the Overnight Walk
v i s i t
www.theovernight.org
8 India Newswire
January 15-21, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info
New Delhi: IT and
Communications Minister
Kapil Sibal came under
scathing attack from parlia-
ment's Public Accounts
Committee (PAC) for his
remarks over the govern-
ment auditor's report on the
2G spectrum allocation.
Senior Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) leader Murli
Manohar Joshi, who heads
the PAC, said Sibal's
remarks have hurt the pres-
tige of the Comptroller and
Auditor General (CAG) as
well as the PAC.
"Sibal's remarks were
improper and against the
propriety. His remarks have
damaged the prestige of the
CAG as well as the PAC.
That was not right in any
way," Joshi told reporters
here. He said the CAG was a
constitutional body tasked to
scrutinize government
spending.
"He (Sibal) could have
spoken to the committee if
he had any misgivings over
the CAG," the BJP leader
said.
Joshi said the PAC mem-
bers in a meeting
Wednesday suggested that
"appropriate measures
should be taken to prevent
such incidents (anybody
speaking against constitu-
tional authorities) in the
future".
Asked what steps the PAC
would take, Joshi said the
committee "is thinking over
that". "We will let you
know."
Last week, Sibal had ques-
tioned the findings of the
CAG report related to the
2G spectrum allotment say-
ing its estimate of Rs.1.76
lakh crore loss to the
exchequer was "utterly erro-
neous".
The CAG stood by the
report submitted to parlia-
ment during the winter ses-
sion. The report has raised a
political storm in the country
leading to a deadlock
between the government and
opposition.
The opposition has been
relentlessly demanding set-
ting up of a joint parliamen-
tary committee (JPC) to
probe the irregularities in the
allocation of the second gen-
eration telecom spectrum in
2008.
The government has
rejected the demand. The
issue even forced DMK
leader A. Raja to step down
as communications minister
in November last.
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Stapled visa unacceptable: Antony
Sibal under attack overCAG remarks
New Delhi: Federal Defense minis-
ter AK Antony has said that issuing
of stapled visa by China to two resi-
dents of Arunachal Pradesh was
unacceptable to India, even as the
Chinese move had foxed New
Delhi. "We have conveyed it (to
China). This is not acceptable to
India." But the issuing of the sta-
pled visa in many ways is seen as a
noteworthy development.
For, Chinese have been refusing
visa to the residents of Arunanchal
Pradesh as Beijing considers it a
part of China. But the issuance of
stapled visas can be interpreted as
China considering it a disputed ter-
ritory. Issuing stapled visa to the
residents of Jammu & Kashmir
since 2008, meant that China sees it
as a disputed territory.
Meanwhile, Chinese officials
made it clear that it will not issue
visas to any official from Arunachal
Pradesh, will continue to issue sta-
pled visas to non-officials from that
state. A Chinese official here said,
"There is no change in our visa pol-
icy for residents of Arunachal
Pradesh. China does not issue visas
to officials from that state and will
still not do it. For non-officials, we
only issue stapled visas," the offi-
cial said. The incident of issuance
of stapled visas to residents of
Arunachal Pradesh came to light
when two sportsmen from that state
were prevented by immigration
officials from boarding a flight yes-
terday from New Delhi to Beijing
since they had stapled visas given
by Chinese Embassy on their pass-
ports. Maintaining both the athletes
are reportedly domiciles of
Arunachal Pradesh, the ministry
recalled that a travel advisory had
been issued in November, 2009
cautioning Indian citizens that
Chinese visas stapled to passports
were not valid for travel outside the
country.Federal Defense minister AK Antony.
Federal IT and Communications Minister Kapil Sibal.
Kolkata: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
President Nitin Gadkari has launched a
scathing attack on Congress chief Sonia
Gandhi and asked her to clarify the Gandhi
family's relations with Italian businessman
Ottavio Quattrocchi, one of the alleged recipi-
ents of kickbacks in the Bofors deal.
"I want to ask Sonia Gandhi what is the
relation between the Gandhi family and
Quattrocchi, who got the Bofors commission.
I am not saying this...Quattrocchi's driver in
his statement to CBI (Central Bureau of
Investigation) has said Quattrocchi had direct
entry at Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi's house,"
Gadkari said.
"If Congress leaders have the guts, let them
clarify the relation between Sonia Gandhi and
Quattrocchi. They cannot answer my question
because there is something wrong," Gadkari
said while kicking off the party's 'Kolkata-
Srinagar Rathtriya Ekta Yatra' here.
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)
had ruled Dec 31 that Quattrocchi and his
associate Win Chadha, who is now dead,
received a commission of over Rs.412 million
in the Rs.15 billion howitzer gun deal in 1987.
The CBI had sought withdrawal of the case
against Italian businessman Ottavio
Quattrocchi in the Bofors pay-off scam citing
lack of evidence even though a tax tribunal
ruled that illegal commissions were indeed
paid in the Rs.15-billion gun deal of 1987.
Advocate Ajay Agarwal, who challenged
the CBI plea, wanted that the case be re-
looked as the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal
had confirmed that Rs.412 million was paid
by the Swedish company, AB Bofors, to
Quattrocchi and his associate Win Chadha for
facilitating the contract of supplying over 400
Howitzer field guns to the Indian Army.
Gadkari also slammed Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh for failing to control the ris-
ing prices of essential commodities.
Gandhis, Quattrocchi relationsquestioned
New Delhi/Hyderabad: Taking his fight
against the Congress to the heart of the
national capital, former MP Y.S.
Jaganmohan Reddy put up a massive show
of strength with 31 Andhra Pradesh legisla-
tors and two party MPs. Police arrested and
freed him late at night.
Jagan, as he is popularly known, declared
that he was doing the Congress a favour by
not bringing down the state government.
Delhi Police arrest and remove Jagan and
his followers from the venue around 9 p.m.
saying that the protest continued well
beyond the time allowed. All of them were
later released.
Adding to the woes of the ruling
Congress, which is already facing the
Telangana heat, the young leader, 38,
arrived in New Delhi in a special train with
1,500 supporters and went straight to Jantar
Mantar, the 186-year-old observatory in
central Delhi that became the centrestage of
his protest.
Accompanied by two MPs, Mekapati
Rajamohan Reddy from Nellore and
Sabbam Hari from Anakapalli, legislators,
former ministers, other leaders and thou-
sands of supporters, Jagan, as he is popu-
larly known, staged a day-long fast to high-
light the "injustice" to Andhra Pradesh in
the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal Award
and the plight of farmers.
Amongst the legislators were 24 MLAs
from the Congress and four from the
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Praja
Rajyam Party (PRP), his associates said.
Three members of legislative council
belonging to Congress party also supported
Jagan at the fast.
Faced with the challenge from the son of
its charismatic chief minister, the late Y.S.
Rajasekhara Reddy, the Congress hit back
saying that its government was not under
threat.
"The Congress government was never in
any kind of a threat, is not in any threat and
neither will be," said party spokesperson
Manish Tewari.
Jagan challenges Congress in Andhra
Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi.
The 3-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in New Delhi earlier this month celebrates India’s connection with the 27-million strong diaspora in 150 countries.
PBD: Pro-actively Bonding Diaspora
The January 7-9, 2011 event was graced by Pratibha Patil, President of India; Prime Minister Manmohan Singh;
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee; Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi; IT and Communication Minister Kapil Sibal; Union Transport Minister Kamal Nath; Rajya Sabha MP Jay Panda; Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Jitin Prasada; Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia; Sam Pitroda, Ad-viser to the Prime Minister,; Minister of State for Health Dinesh Trivedi; Union minister of Mines B.K. Handique. Those who addressed the PBD or attended included high ranking members of the Indian Parliament, leaders of Commerce and Industry in India, represen-tatives of Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society, as well as foreign dignitar-ies.; State chief ministers, ministers and bu-reaucrats, among others.
H.E. Hon. Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor General of New Zea-land, was the Guest of Honor of
PBD 2011. Foreign dignitaries who graced the occasion included Ruby Dhalla, Cana-dian MP; Dr. Ahmed Rashid Beebeejaun, Deputy Prime Minister, Mauritius; Dr. Su-ruj Rambachan, Foreign Minister of Trini-dad and Tobago; Mr. Roy Padeychie, Minis-ter of Communication of South Africa and Dr. S. Subramanianm, Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia.
Some notable attendees from North America included Rajat Gupta, Dr. Ajeet R. Singhvi, Thomas Abraham, Dr. Ajay Lodha, Surya Mahapatra, Dr. Prabhat Jha, Laxmi-kanta Laikangbam, Mira Nair, Vinay Nag-pal, Sanjay Sinho, Renu Khator, Raj Gilda, Dr Sudhir Parikh, Ritesh Agrawal, Surendra Kaushik, Rajeev Bhambri, Ashok Gupta, Jay Mandal and Sampat Poddar.
The event was held amid tight security at the state-of-the-art Vigyan Bhawan venue in the Indian Capital.The South
Asian Times, on the invitation from Govern-ment of India, attended the great coming to-gether of the Indian Diaspora. Publisher Kam-lesh C. Mehta, along with the team members of The SATimes and its Delhi Bureau, proudly present a detailed coverage of the ninth edi-tion of Pravasi Bharitya Divas-2011, redefined as Pro-actively Bonding Diaspora.
President Pratibha Patil posing for a picture with the PBD honorees after conferring the awards on them. Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi is on her left.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the PBD on January 8.
EXTENSIVE COVERAGE AND EXCLUSIVE PICTURES OF 9TH PBD ON PAGES 10-28.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January 15-21, 2011Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011The South Asian Times Special
1,500 delegates... 51 countries... 1 platform...
The ninth edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas kicked off at the Vigyan Bhavan convention center in New Delhi on January 7 with a series of parallel plenary session on health and education issues related to the diaspora. There
were special discussions on successful diaspora role models from the northeast. About 1,500 delegates participated in the three-day annual convention -- being
organized in India since 2003 in the first week of January to coincide with January 9, the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa.
In the land of ‘new opportunities’
New Delhi: The ninth edition of India’s annual convention to connect with its 25-million-strong diaspora in 130 countries kicked off here with a fervent appeal to them to return to their roots, a land of new opportunities, and share the fruits together.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi led the In-dian government in welcoming professionals and entrepreneurs in virtually every field - from health-care and education to research and commerce - to participate in and benefit from India’s progress.
Indian diaspora that had gone away to look for opportunities and can come back now to this land of new opportu-nities,” he said. Sibal said the govern-ment has opened up the entire higher education sector, adding that the For-eign Universities Bill to allow institu-tions from overseas to set up their hubs in India was also pending in parliament. “We hope to get it passed soon.”
Formerly opening the PBD-2011, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the country has decided to merge the two visa facilitation cards that are issued to people of Indian or-igin and register non-resident Indians
in the electoral rolls to let them exercise their franchise.
He added that the necessary amendments had been made to extend voting rights to non-res-ident Indians. New legal provi-sion will give them legitimate right to participate in Indian electoral process,” he said.
New Zealand Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand said that peo-ple of Indian origin who migrated to distant lands thousands of miles away over the past few centuries have never forgotten their roots. “To this day, they remain proud of their Indian heritage.” On the con-cluding day, President Pratibha Patil honored 14 individuals for their achievements and enhancing India’s image globally.
“I hope we will see rapid in-crease in the number, size and scope of activities in India by our overseas Indians. I am sure we will also see these initiatives evolv-ing into more comprehensive,
long-term projects with significant impact on many lives,” she said.
“India would like to measure these projects not in terms of mon-etary contributions made by mem-bers of the diaspora but in terms of human lives touched and improved by them,” the president added.
The key speakers at the event included Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Gujarat Chief Minis-ter Narendra Modi, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Michigan Business School’s Gau-tam Ahuja and tech evangelist Sam Pitroda. The focus this year was on the eight northeastern states - Arunachal Pradesh, As-sam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Miz-oram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sik-kim. The speakers include several ministers and chief ministers. New Zealand Governor-General Anand Satyanand was the chief guest.
The ninth edition of PBD-2011 ended with scintillating cultural and Bollywood performances.
“I urge all of you to participate and discover areas of common in-terest and engagement. I especially call on our young overseas Indians to participate with enthusiasm,” Ravi told the estimated 1,500 del-egates from 51 countries here for the event. Human Resource De-velopment Minister Kapil Sibal also called for collaboration from the Indian diaspora, especially in building the education sector and that was so crucial to ensure the country reaches its true potential.
“The most important collabora-tion in education will be from the
New Zealand Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi inaugurating ninth PBD-2011 in New Delhi.
President Pratibha Patil addressing the gathering at the concluding day of the event. Delegates at the inauguration ceremony of PBD-2011.
(Photos: Parveen Seth/TheSATimes)
10
11
New Delhi: India will merge the
two visa facilitation cards that are
issued to people of Indian origin
and soon register non-resident
Indians in the electoral rolls to
help them exercise their franchise,
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
said.
He also announced setting up of
India cultural centers in five more
countries to project the country's
softpower and provide a global
footprint to its rich diversity which
he said was "making waves"
around the world.
"We recently reviewed the
Overseas Citizenship of India
Card and Person of Indian Origin
Card. We have decided to merge
them into one," the prime minister
told the 9th edition of India's
annual event to connect with its
25-million-strong diaspora in 130
nations.
Both these cards are issued to
people who are of Indian origin
but not its citizens. But for some
subtle differences on matters such
as fee and processing time, there
are little differences between
them. The diaspora, accordingly,
wanted them to be merged.
The prime minister also said
necessary amendments had been
made to extend voting rights to
non-residents to enable them exer-
cise their franchise. "New legal
provision will give them legiti-
mate right to participate in Indian
electoral process," he said. "I am
sure they will bring a breath of
fresh air to Indian polity."
The prime minister was address-
ing what is formally called Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas that was attended
by some 1,500 delegates from 51
countries. New Zealand Governor-
General Anand Satyanand was the
chief guest.
Others who spoke at the inaugu-
ral event included Minister for
Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar
Ravi, Minister for Development of
North Eastern Region B.K.
Handique and Overseas Indian
Affairs Secretary A. Didar Singh.
The prime minister said the past
year was a busy one for India,
with leaders of all nations that are
permanent members of the United
Nations Security Council -- China,
France, Russia, Britain and the US
-- visiting New Delhi.
"India's rise as emerging nation
is a positive indication for interna-
tional relations," he said, adding:
"Our unique experience of tack-
ling development, challenges,
building consensus among differ-
ent sections has been remarkable.
We will seek to promote what is
good for India and good for the
world."
The prime minister said during
his visits to various countries in
the past years, he was particularly
pleased when its leaders lauded
the role played by the Indian com-
munity in their land of domicile.
"The richness of India's classical
tradition and contemporary Indian
culture is making waves around
the world," he said, while
announcing India cultural centres
in US, Canada, Saudi Arabia,
France and Australia in addition to
the 24 that function as of now.
He also unveiled the foundation
stone for the Pravasi Bharatiya
Kendra here and hoped it will ful-
fil its envisaged role of becoming
a focal point for engagement
between India and its vast diaspo-
ra. Earlier, Overseas Indian Affairs
Minister Ravi told the delegates
that India had already amended
the Representation of People Act
to address the long-standing
demand of non-resident citizens to
enable them to exercise their fran-
chise. "I am happy to say non-resi-
dent Indians will be able to enroll
themselves for voting."
Single card for diaspora soon: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh releasing a book during the event.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lighting a traditional lamp as Governor General of New Zealand Anand Satyanand (L) and Indian Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi(R) look on during the opening ceremony of the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011 in New Delhi on January 8.
'More Indian culturalcenters'
India will set up cultural cen-
ters in five more countries to
showcase its soft power and
acquire a global footprint for its
rich diversity, Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh said.
"Richness of India's classical
traditions and the color and
vibrancy of contemporary cul-
ture are making waves around
the world," the prime minister
told the 9th edition of India's
annual event to connect with its
25-million-strong diaspora in
130 nations.
"The government has decided
to establish new Indian cultural
centers in the US, Canada, Saudi
Arabia, France and Australia,"
he said, and hoped the members
of the vast Indian diaspora will
support and patronize these cen-
ters.
"India's soft power is also an
increasingly important element
in our expanding global foot-
print," he told what is formally
called the Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas, attended by some 1,500
delegates from 51 countries.
With the stated mandate of
promoting awareness of India's
composite cultural heritage over-
seas, the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations has set up 24
Indian Cultural Centers across
the globe in cities including
Kabul, Cairo, Johannesburg,
Tokyo and Abu Dhabi.
"Under its expansion plan, the
council is opening similar cen-
ters in India's immediate and
extended neighborhoods, in the
capitals of Permanent Five in the
UN Security Council, Africa and
Latin America," the council says.
12
Gandhi always had time as a grandfather: Ela
New Delhi: Just like Mahatma Gandhi
always shared stories with her, grownups
must take time out to listen to their chil-
dren seriously, says the iconic leader's
granddaughter Ela Gandhi, who lives in
South Africa and wants to revive the com-
munity settlement, Tolstoy Farm, as a
Gandhian retreat.
"The most abiding and talked about
memory that I share of my interactions
with my grandfather is a story of the
pumpkin. A lot of little such incidents
strike me even today," Ela Gandhi, 70,
who was here for the just concluded
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, said.
"Most of all this happened in 1945-1946
- the most crucial period in the history of
India. He had time for me as a grand-
daughter and listened to me seriously. I
think to take our children seriously in a
busy schedule is a big challenge for our
generation," Ela Gandhi, who is based in
Durban, said.
Ela Gandhi was born to Manilal, the sec-
ond son of the Mahatma, and Sushila
Gandhi in 1940 and grew up in an
"ashram" at the Phoenix Settlement, a
community farm set by Mahatma Gandhi
near Durban.
Her father Manilal returned to South
Africa in 1917 to help run the Phoenix
Settlement and edit a newspaper, The
Indian Opinion.
Mahatma Gandhi founded another
experimental community settlement,
Tolstoy Farm, 35 km south of
Johannesburg on 1,100 acres of land. Ela
Gandhi wants to revive the Tolstoy Farm
as a Gandhian retreat.
"The farm was destroyed in a fire during
an anti-India protest in 1985. The farm has
been rebuilt and a lot of people are settled
on the land during 1985-1995. The land,
however, fell in an area designated for
African people.
"The farm does not have as much land as
before (because most of it is inhabited by
African people who faced a land crunch in
the urban areas). It is now a historical
monument rebuilt with government sup-
port," she said.
She points out that Indians have been in
focus in South Africa since last year when
the country celebrated the 150th anniver-
sary of the arrival of the first indentured
Indian workers to the country in 1860.
"Last year, we commemorated three
things as Indians in South Africa. First, we
are truly South Africans, united in our par-
ticipation in the struggle against apartheid,
we are united with all patriotic South
Africans in our allegiance to the Freedom
Charter of 1955, which is based on the
philosophy, 'I am because you are' which
urges everyone to come out to act to better
the lives of its people,” Gandhi said.
The diminutive and genial granddaugh-
ter of Gandhi, who is back in India after a
year, feels "India has changed a lot in the
last one year".
"The air is cleaner. India has managed to
control its air pollution from last year to
this year. I found it difficult to breathe last
year but this year, there is definitely a
change in the atmosphere," Ela Gandhi
said. A freedom activist in her own right,
Ela Gandhi was honored with the Padma
Bhushan by the government of India in
2007 for her efforts to revive and perpetu-
ate the legacy of the Mahatma in South
Africa.
A peace activist, Gandhi was under
house arrest for several years for taking
part in the anti-apartheid movement and
then served as the Member of Parliament
in South Africa from 1994-2004.
Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter Ela Gandhi at the ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
New Delhi: Expressing his
love for New Zealand, the
country’s Governor-General
Sir Anand Satyanand said
the challenge in continuing
to nurture the Diaspora of
Indians was to recognize that
people of Indian ancestry
who lived overseas always
maintained their connections
with their Indian heritage
alongside the cultures of
their adopted homes.
Addressing the ninth annu-
al Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as
the Guest of Honor, Sir
Anand said that New
Zealand is his home and he
would not wish it any other
way.
"While proud of my Indian
and Pacific heritage, New
Zealand is my home, and I
know no other, and I would
not wish it to be any other
way," he said.
"For 200 years, people of
Indian descent have lived in
New Zealand and for 200
years they have embodied
India's traditions and values.
That heritage is one that
New Zealanders have
increasingly come to appre-
ciate and cherish,” he added.
Sir Anand told the audi-
ence he was "a proud New
Zealander whose four grand-
parents migrated from this
country to make a new life
thousands of kilometers
away in the South Pacific''.
"Those people and their
descendants have never for-
gotten their origins and to
this day remain proud of the
culture and heritage of
India."
He said his maternal
grandparents began the jour-
ney almost 130 years ago
when they left Shahjahanpur
in Uttar Pradesh to be among
some of the first girmitiya
(indentured) workers in Fiji.
Paternal grandparents,
from Andhra Pradesh, fol-
lowed in 1911. His own par-
ents were born in Fiji.
Indians had lived in New
Zealand since the earliest
confirmed reports, in 1810,
of a Bengali man jumping
ship and marrying a Maori
woman.
"Although as recently as
1976, only 6,300 New
Zealanders had Indian ances-
try, but since then immigra-
tion has seen their numbers
swell to more than 100,000,
making them the second
largest Asian ethnic group in
our country," he said.
Sir Anand said Indians in
New Zealand were a visible
group with a distinct identi-
ty.
"The relationships that
they maintain with India
vary. For some it is a recent
connection. For others, like
me, it is more complicated.
Although my family lost
contact with relatives in
India, I still retain with pride
the girmitiya shipping papers
of my grandparents and the
link they represent with my
Indian heritage.''
Sir Anand concluded his
speech in Maori, and with a
celebrated quote from
Mahatma Gandhi: "I do not
want my house to be walled
in on all sides and my win-
dows to be stuffed. I want
the cultures of all lands to be
blown about my house as
freely as possible. But I
refuse to be blown off my
feet by any."
‘Diaspora embodyIndian values’
New Zealand Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand greeting President SmtPratibha Patil at the ninth annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi.
13
New Delhi: India's annual con-
vention to connect with its 27-
million strong diaspora in over
150 countries concluded with
President Pratibha Patil honoring
14 individuals for their achieve-
ments and enhancing India's
image globally.
The awardees of Pravasi
Bharatiya Samman included New
Zealand Governor General Sir
Anand Satyanand and the Indian
Community Benevolent Forum in
Qatar, who were formally hon-
ored on the day India's best-
known global Indian, Mahatma
Gandhi, returned to India in
1915.
"Overseas Indians are recog-
nized globally as the 'knowledge
diaspora'. Your skills and expert-
ise will be vital inputs for India's
progress and inclusive growth,"
Patil told the 1,500 delegates
from 51 countries who attended
the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.
Addressing the valedictory ses-
sion of the Pravasi Bhartiya
Divas, Patil asked the diaspora
for a rapid increase in the "num-
ber, size and scope" of their
involvement in the country's
developmental process while
underlining the strong fundamen-
tals of the economy.
Seeking increased investment
from the diaspora, Patil hoped
that coming days will see more
long-term projects involving the
community that will have a sig-
nificant positive impact on many
lives. "We would like to measure
such projects not in terms of the
money spent on them, but in
terms of the humans touched and
improved by them," she said, not-
ing that government was focusing
on expanding coverage of quality
education, health services and
infrastructure.
“Our economy has been robust
in the recent turbulent times,
because of the contribution of
services and manufacturing sec-
tors, as also of the traditional sec-
tors including, agriculture, ani-
mal husbandry and informal serv-
ices. The government's efforts at
reducing poverty, imparting
schooling and skills, improving
health and habitats, and increas-
ing participation of women and
socially disadvantaged groups in
economic activity can only suc-
ceed with the help and co-opera-
tion of private initiatives and civil
society,” she was quoted as say-
ing.
Calling upon the Indian diaspo-
ra to participate in at least one
endeavor in India for building a
better future for the disadvan-
taged sections of society, Patil
said their contribution in the
health and education sectors, in
efforts to make India slum-free,
and their participation in infra-
structure development projects
would be most welcome.
She announced that the next
mini-Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
will be held in Toronto.
Minister for Overseas Indian
Affairs Vayalar Ravi particularly
welcomed professionals and
entrepreneurs in virtually every
field -- from health care and edu-
cation to research and commerce
-- to participate in and benefit
from India's progress.
"I urge all of you to participate
and discover areas of common
interest and engagement. I espe-
cially call on our young overseas
Indians to participate with enthu-
siasm," Ravi told the gathering at
the Vigyan Bhavan convention
center here.
The focus of this year's event
was on the eight northeastern
states - Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and
Sikkim. The speakers include
several ministers and chief minis-
ters. Sir Anand was the chief
guest. The key speakers at the
event included Finance Minister
Pranab Mukherjee, Gujarat Chief
Minister Narendra Modi,
Haryana Chief Minister
Bhupinder Singh Hooda,
Michigan Business School's
Gautam Ahuja and tech evangel-
ist Sam Pitroda.
Sir Satyanand said people of
Indian origin who migrated to
distant lands thousands of miles
away over the past few centuries
have never forgotten their roots.
"To this day, they remain proud
of their Indian heritage."
He said till 1976 the strength of
the Indian diaspora in New
Zealand numbered 6,300. But
today, their numbers had swelled
to over 100,000 people, to make
them second largest Asian ethnic
group in the South Pacific nation.
"The 25 million diaspora, the
second largest expatriate commu-
nity in the world, can give a pow-
erful support to India in its ongo-
ing path towards development.
We should give our continued
support to this diaspora."
Satyanand also hoped that the
free trade agreement being nego-
tiated between the two countries
will fructify soon, as it had the
potential to enhance bilateral eco-
nomic engagement to a new
level.
The awardees' names were cho-
sen by a panel headed by Vice
President Hamid Ansari and
announced just ahead of the for-
mal investiture ceremony chaired
by President Pratibha Patil.
PBD conclave concludes with honorsAfter President Pratibha Patil conferred the PBD awards on 14 distinguished people, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi posing for a photograph with the honorees.
President Patil, New Zealand Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand and Minister for Overseas IndianAffairs Vayalar Ravi at the valedictory session. (Photos: Parveen Seth/SATimes)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January 15-21, 2011Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011The South Asian Times Special
Sir Anand Satyanand
Governor-General of New Zealand
The Right Honorable Sir Anand Satyanand is New Zea-land’s 19th Governor-General. He is the first person of Asian and Pacific background to hold the position and
made in 2008 the first State visit to India by an NZ Governor-General. He has been stressing the challenges and opportuni-ties of New Zealand’s cultural, religious and ethnic diversity.
Sir Anand was born in NZ to parents born in Fiji and grandparents born in India. Prior to his ascension to the high position in 2006, he undertook successive careers as a lawyer, judge and ombudsman. He also contributed to community, professional and sporting endeavors.
His career began when he finished his law degree from the University of Auckland in 1970. In 1982, he was ap-pointed a Judge in the District Court with a warrant for civil and criminal cases, specialising in criminal jury trials. In 1995 he was appointed a Parliamentary Ombudsman, serving two five-year terms. He has also been an elected member of the Auckland District Law Society Council and was involved with the administration of rugby league as a member of the Council of New Zealand Rugby League and Secretary of its Rules and Interpretations Board.
Another area of interest has been in international affairs. On the governance boards of the Asia New Zealand Founda-tion and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs and Transparency International, he has been able to reflect both his interests and family backgrounds with the Pacific and with India. He married Susan (nee Sharpe) in 1970 and they have three children and three grandchildren. He was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal and made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for public services in 2005. He was knighted in 2009.
Dr. Rajiv Shah
USAID Administrator
Dr. Rajiv Shah is the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has provided economic and hu-
manitarian assistance worldwide for almost 50 years.He was given the Pravasi honor for his contribution in
enhancing the image of India through public service.Previously, Dr. Shah served as Under Secretary for Re-
search, Education and Economics and as Chief Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture,.where he launched the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and pro-duced innovative initiatives in bio-energy, climate, global food security, childhood obesity, and food safety.
Dr Shah earlier served for seven years as director of Ag-ricultural Development in the Global Development Pro-gram at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. There, he helped develop and launch the foundation’s Global De-velopment Program, and helped create both the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and the International Finance Facility for Immunization, an effort that raised more than $5 billion for child immunization.
Prior to that, he was the health care policy advisor on the Gore 2000 presidential campaign and a member of Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell’s transition committee on health. He is the co-founder of Health Systems Ana-lytics and Project IMPACT for South Asian Americans. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Shah earned his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and his Master of Science in health economics at the Whar-ton School of Business. In 2007, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Dr. Shah is married with two children. He lives in Washington, D.C.
Prof. Veena Sahajwalla
Director, Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology University of New South Wales, Sydney
S cientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla is the leader of research into Sustainable Materials as the Director of Sustainable Materials Research & Technology
at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. She holds an ARC Future Fellowship.
Veena’s research interests throughout her career have been in sustainability of materials and processes with an emphasis on environmental and community benefits. Through this interest, she has invented an environmental-ly friendly process of recycling plastics and rubber tyres in steelmaking.
Veena is an international award winning scientist and engineer who has presented on her research and experi-ences throughout the world.
She has collaborated with Australian companies and overseas companies/institutions. She has published over 190 papers. In 2005, she received Eureka Prize for Scien-tific Research. She also received the 2006 Environmen-tal Technology Award from Association of Iron & Steel Technology in the US for her research into recycling waste plastics in steelmaking.
Born in India, she graduated in Metallurgical Engi-neering from IIT Kanpur, India, and ;ater studied in Can-ada and USA.
She is passionate about science and engineering. She encourages young people to consider science and engi-neering as a career path; and is very active in communi-cating her ideas to students. She is one of the judges on the ABC TV show, “The New Inventors”.
PBD conclave concluded with President Pratibha Patil honoring 14 individuals and one organization for their achievements and enhancing India’s image globally.
14
14 Honored by Mother Land
Sir Anand Satyanand being conferred the Pravasi award by President Patil even as Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi looks on
The Governor General inspecting a guard of honor back home in New Zealand.
Dr Rajiv Shah could not recieve the Pravasi award in person. Above he is seen in Afghanistan.
Veena Sahajwalla receiving the Pravasi award from President Patil (and above) at work in Sydney.
15
Ashook Kumar Ramsaran was honored for his work
for the betterment of the Indian community in the
US. "It is the culmination of hard work that is being
recognized by the government of India and it represents the
interests of the people of Indian origin and the recognition of
their ancestors," the Executive Vice President of GOPIO
(Global Organization of People of Indian Origin), said.
Ramsaran, of Guyanese Indian background, is a business-
man in New York active in philanthropic and charitable work
in the US, among Guyanese, and India.
As part of GOPIO, he has helped to build closer links
between India and the Guyanese diaspora. And he has helped
to promote India’s causes and concerns in a tangible way in
the US. He is spearheading the Kolkata Memorial and
Museum project commemorating indentured labor. He is also
chair of Tracing Our Roots Committee and has offered the
Guyana government the technology to digitalize all paper
documents relating to the roots of all Guyanese regardless of
ancestry.
Ramsaran is a fourth generation of Indian great grandpar-
ents who came to Guyana as indentured laborers (1853 and
1860). He earned BSEE and MSEE degrees in NY. He was
an electronics engineer and progressed rapidly to position of
Vice President of Engineering in an international communi-
cations company before establishing Ramex, his own elec-
tronics manufacturing enterprise in New York.
He is Honorary Consul General of India in Liberia and
prominent businessman and CEO of the Jeety
Trading Corporation in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Sachdeva, popularly known in Liberia as Jeety, was chosen
for the Award for his pivotal role in promoting Indo-Liberia
Relations; in building closer links between India, the
Overseas Indian Community, and his country of residence-
Liberia; and his support for social, humanitarian, and philan-
thropic causes in both India and abroad.
Sachdeva is the first person of Indian background residing
in Africa to have received the award. He was born in
Jalandhar in Punjab and migrated to Liberia in 1987. There
he set up his first business enterprise, Jeety Trading
Corporation in 1989, and from its humble beginning, the
company rose into a mega business enterprise, providing
jobs to hundreds of Liberians and Sierra Leoneans.
Due to his patriotic services to the Indian Community in
Liberia, and acute knowledge of the Liberian society and the
workings of the political and leadership system of the coun-
try, Sachdeva, in September 1998, was nominated by the
Government of India as its Honorary Consul General in
Liberia. His nomination was readily accepted by the
Government of Liberia and his Exequatur granted.
Mr. Sachdeva’s social, cultural, humanitarian and religious
achievements include serving on the Board of Trustees of the
University of Liberia, serving as Chairman of the proposed
on-going Gandhi Memorial Hospital project at Mamba
Based in Toronto, Lata Pada holds an M.F.A. in dance
from York University and has extensive artistic and
choreographic training and work in, and knowledge of,
classical and contemporary Bharatanatyam, having trained
under India’s eminent gurus Kalaimamani Kalyanasundaram
and Padmabhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan. Ms. Pada has lived
in Canada since 1964; possessing a wealth of knowledge of
South Asian arts in the global context and an understanding of
the rapidly evolving realities of dance in Canada, she serves as
a vital resource and catalyst in the development and evolution
of bharatanatyam.
As artistic director and principal choreographer of SAM-
PRADAYA Dance Creations, she has forged a unique niche in
Canadian dance. She brings a contemporary world-view to her
creations and her multi-disciplinary collaborations with many
leading artists and designers of India and Canada have resulted
in dance works recognized for their innovative and thought-
provoking explorations of bharatanatyam.
Lata serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Master's Program
of Dance at York University. In 2009. She was conferred the
Order of Canada and has the distinction of being the first South
Asian artist to receive this prestigious honor.
The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF),
Qatar, has made significant contribution to the welfare
of the local Indian community, particularly the large
blue collar force there. The award on behalf of the ICBF was
Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari is the Director and
Trustee of the Indian Hospice in Jerusalem, a unique
institution going back 700 years that proudly marks
India’s presence in the Holy Land. He manages the sprawling
property where Indian pilgrims can find shelter and solace.
Maintaining and protecting an Indian institution in Jerusalem’s
old city is no easy task. But Sheikh Munir has accomplished
the impossible with delicate diplomacy and extreme tact. He
has given 57 years of dedicated service as Director.
Sheikh Munir carries on the tradition started by his father,
Sheikh Nazir Hassan bin Mohammad bin Raheem Bakhsh
Ansari of Saharahpur in Uttar Pradesh who came to Jerusalem
in 1924 to look after the affairs of the hospice. The Ansari fam-
ily has been a steady presence in Jerusalem ever since and
despite difficulties they all carry Indian passports. Born in
1927 in Jerusalem, Sheikh Ansari traces his lineage to Khalid
ibn Zayd ibn Kulayb from Banu Najjar in Saudi Arabia also
known as Abu Ayyub Ansari, who was a close companion of
Prophet Mohammad.
Sheikh Nazir Hassan Ansari, who governed the Hospice
from 1924 until 1951, paid several visits to India to collect
donations from leading personalities. After his demise, his eld-
est son, Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari, took over as the
new director. A document was also issued by the Sharia court
in Jerusalem in support of the decision.
Under Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari, communication
with the Government of India intensified as the number of
Indian Pilgrims visiting Jerusalem grew. In 1963 he obtained a
financial grant from the Government of India to construct a
new building on the premises, which was rented as shops.
The Indian Hospice is located inside the Old City near
Herod’s Gate and is minutes away from the holiest sites of
three major religions.
Ashook Kumar Ramsaran receiving award fromPresident Patil.
Upjit Singh Sachdeva receiving award fromPresident Patil.
Nilangshu Dey, president of ICBF, receiving theaward on behalf of the Qatarese welfare
organization.
Lata Pada receiving her award from President Patil.
Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari receivingaward from President Patil.
Point, institution of a personal scholarship scheme, through
which he provides scholarships each year to children of indi-
gent Liberian parents, donated ambulance worth US$20,000
as humanitarian gesture to the University of Liberia, and
constructed the famous Palava Hut Court worth US$25,000
which he donated to the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law
at the UL.
It was during Mr. Sachdeva tenure of Honorary Consul
General of India that an Indian Minister of State for External
Affairs, for the first time in 40 years, paid a bilateral visit to
Liberia. This visit led to the gifting of 25 buses to Liberia by
the Government of India. The visit of the Minister of State
for External Affairs was closely followed by another high
profile visit, that of the minister of Overseas Indian Affairs,
Mr. Vayalar Ravi.
Ashook Kumar Ramsaran
GOPIO, USA
Upjit Singh Sachdeva
Honorary Consul General of India in Liberia
Lata Pada
Indian Community Benevolent Forum
Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari
Classical dance exponent and teacher,Canada
Qatar
Israel
received by Nilangshu Dey, its President for four years. An
engineer by profession, Dey has been instrumental in setting
up of HELP DESKs at Indian Embassy and at other satellite
towns, which has created a direct access for those needy and
underprivileged persons of the community for getting
Financial, Medical, Local, Legal and Repatriation assistance
and food supply at their real juncture of need. His leadership
has implemented various operating changes in the organiza-
tion, which has created a mass awareness amongst all expatri-
ates of Qatar for its benevolence activities and being as a Role
model of Charitable and Community welfare organization
amongst all other expatriate communities residing at Qatar.
Photos: Parveen Seth/SATimes
16
Tan Sri Dato Ajit Singh was honored for improving bi-
lateral ties with Malaysia He is the chairman of the
Nam Fatt Corporation in Malaysia. In a career span-
ning over 30 years, he served in various positions in the min-
istry of foreign affairs and at Malaysian missions abroad and
was elected the first Secretary-General of Association of
Southeast Asian Nations.
"The award means a great deal to me because it means
recognition from a great country from where my parents hail
and from a country with which I still have lots of emotional
ties. This award is not only for me but also recognition for
Malaysia, which has one of the largest multi-ethnic popula-
tions and one of the largest Indian populations in the world,"
Singh said.
"The award will also strengthen relations between India
and Malaysia. I will be very grateful if I could play a small
part in doing so," he added.
Baroness (Dr) Sandip Verma, a key member of the
Conservative party in the UK, she received an award
at the PBD for her contribution in immensely
improving the understanding of India in UK through her
public life.
The Baroness is a minister in the Government Whips
Office for the Department for International Development
and Office for Equalities and Women and Whip in the
Cabinet Office.
She is a successful businesswoman for 30 years and is a
patron of many business, social and community organiza-
tions.
Harindarpal Singh Banga serves as Vice Chairman
Emeritus of Noble Group Limited, currently a Fortune
500 company. He was recognized for his enterpreneur-
ship and achievements in business.
Mr Banga helped set up the ‘Forum of Indian Professionals
in Hong Kong’, a unique organization that strives to promote
and enhance cross-cultural, professional and academic ties
between India and Hong Kong. A Master Mariner, he has
Saleh Wahid was honored for his outstanding contribution
to the Indian community in the Netherlands and philan-
thropy work in Assam.
As a member of forums such as Foundation for Critical
Choice for India and Netherlands India Association, he has
made an invaluable contribution in raising the profile of India
and Indian diaspora in the country of his residence. A fluent
Dutch speaker, he maintains good relations with the large
Suriname Hindustani community in the Netherlands. He has
set up a trust to provide financial assistance to needy university
students from India, besides supporting schools in Assam
Ma n o
Selvanathan
is one of Sri
Lanka’s leading
industrialists. The
group director of
Carson Cumberbatch
& Co Ltd Group of
Companies, he
received recognition
at the PBD for busi-
ness achievements
and social work with
overseas Indians in Sri Lanka. Carson Cumberbatch is the
holding company of a diverse group of businesses including oil
palm plantations, beverages, investments and financial servic-
es, real estate and leisure sectors. Apart from chairing Sri
Lanka’s largest chamber of commerce, he was also the founder
chairman of the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and
Industry. His family trust contributes to a number of charitable
causes in health, education and care for the elderly.
Mo h a n
Jashanmal
is the
Chairman of the
Indian Business and
Professional Group
of Abu Dhabi. He is
an entrepreneur
whose contribution
to the Indian com-
munity in UAE has
been commendable.
He is among a few
who have been issued a United Arab Emirates residency visa
that expires in 2999. Jashanmal rendered extensive and valu-
able service in almost all aspects to the Indian community, that
is, setting up of the principal Indian associations such as Indian
Social Center, the Abu Dhabi Indian School and the Indian
Business and Professional Group.
Dr Mohiaddin Syed Karimuddin was honored for his
outstanding contribution and services to Indian com-
munity in Saudi Arabia and social work in India.
He has practised as a pediatric consultant for 30 years and
has been associated with promoting the health of Indian chil-
dren by developing and leading community initiatives in key
medical areas. As Chairman of the Management Committee of
the Indian School in Jeddah, he has successfully pursued the
highest standards in academia. He is involved in philanthropic
activities in India through founding of an educational trust in
Bhopal and a New Residents Welfare Trust in Tamil Nadu.
Ashook Kumar Ramsaran receiving award fromPresident Patil.
Baroness Sandip Verma getting her award
Saleh Walid receives the coveted PBD awardfrom the President
Mano Selvanathan receivingthe award
Mohan Jashanmal receiving hisaward from the President
Harinderpal Singh Banga being conferredthe PBD honor.
Mohiaddin Syed Karimuddin being conferred the award by President Patil.
Tan Sri Dato Ajit Singh Mano Selvanathan
Mohan Jashanmal
Malayasia Businessman, Sri Lanka
Businessman, UAE
Baroness Sandip Verma
United Kingdom
Harindrapal Singh Banga
Saleh Wahid
Mohiaddin Syed Karimuddin
Hong Kong
Netherlands
Saudi Arabia
experience in the maritime and logistics industry. Since 1979,
he has worked in various levels of the industry all over the
world, from Europe to Hong Kong, where he first arrived in
1984. Mr. Banga is an associate member of the Institute of
Chartered Shipbrokers. He joined Noble in 1989 on the estab-
lishment of Noble Chartering Limited. He was first appointed
Director of the Company in 1994
Photos: Parveen Seth/SATimes
Jaipur advocate onworld jurists council
Mr Lakhpat B. Mehta, eminent advocate of Jaipur,
has been made a member of International Council
of Jurists of London for five years. The council’s
presidents include jurists like PN Bhagwati, former chief
justice of India.
Son of a renowned astrologer
late Prof BC Mehta of Beawer in
Rajasthan, Lakhpat Mehta is a
dynamic high profile lawyer,
writer and social activist. He has
the distinction of creating new
records in bar association elec-
tions form subdivision to High
Court level. He has remained
office bearer of Rajasthan High
Court Bar Association and since
1997 is a member of the Supreme
Court Bar Association, New
Delhi.
He is also well known for his
excellent professional reputation and experience of more
than 45 years in all areas of corporate and commercial law.
Community service and social responsibility are a substan-
tial part of his practice. His services include initial and
ongoing consultations, analysis of legal strategies, support
of clients during investigations and hearings, representation
in litigation in complex criminal and civil cases.
Lakhpat B. Mehta isnow a member of
InternationalCouncil of Jurists,
London
17
New Delhi: The Indian government is not
reaching out to NRIs for their money but
wants them to take more interest in this
country, Planning Commission Deputy
Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said..
He added that the overseas Indians
should send their children on holidays to
discover the changes in the land of their
origin. The government is not reaching
out to non-resident Indians (NRIs) because
"we need your money", Ahluwalia said
while answering a query from the audi-
ence at the end of an interaction with chief
ministers on "Inclusive Growth" on the
concluding day of the Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas function here.
He said around 95 per cent of invest-
ments in the country were from domestic
sources. Ahluwalia said that as an econo-
mist he would suggest that overseas
Indians not invest in the country if they
feel their money can be better invested
elsewhere. "But take interest in India.
Exciting things are happening here,"
Ahluwalia said.
Rather than investing in India, he said
that NRIs should give a holiday package to
their children.
"Let them discover what is going on in
the country of their origin," he urged. He
suggested that even if a visit to India is for
pilgrimage, it should be accompanied by a
"pure holiday".
"That is the most useful thing to do," he
added. Ahluwalia also noted that money
laundering was not a problem specific to
India. He was responding to a query about
the quest for NRI investment when there
were reports of illegal wealth from India
having been stashed away in foreign tax
havens.
He said that the government would be
happy to receive any specific information
about cases of money laundering. "If there
is specific information, the finance minis-
ter will be happy to hear it," he said to
applause from the gathering.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs
Vayalar Ravi said that the government was
not asking overseas Indians to come to the
country to attract investment. "It is a get
together," he said. He said that NRI's share
in the total foreign direct investment in
India was about 1.3 percent.
Earlier, in his opening remarks,
Ahluwalia said that many states in the
Indo-Gangetic belt had picked up in
growth parameters and "change taking
place in India was being dramatically
enacted in individual states".
He said some states, which were doing
well in the past, had realized they have to
do a lot better to stay at the top. He said
the Planning Commission was working on
an approach paper to the 12th Plan and had
provided a window on its website for peo-
ple to give suggestions. "Anyone from
anywhere abroad can suggest what to take
into account to chart the 12th Plan," he
said.
New Delhi: The Indian government is not
reaching out to NRIs for their money but
wants them to take more interest in this
country, Planning Commission Deputy
Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said..
He added that the overseas Indians should
send their children on holidays to discover
the changes in the land of their origin. The
government is not reaching out to non-resi-
dent Indians (NRIs) because "we need your
money", Ahluwalia said while answering a
query from the audience at the end of an
interaction with chief ministers on
"Inclusive Growth" on the concluding day of
the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas function here.
He said around 95 per cent of investments
in the country were from domestic sources.
Ahluwalia said that as an economist he
would suggest that overseas Indians not
invest in the country if they feel their money
can be better invested elsewhere. "But take
interest in India. Exciting things are happen-
ing here," Ahluwalia said.
Rather than investing in India, he said that
NRIs should give a holiday package to their
children. "Let them discover what is going
on in the country of their origin," he urged.
He suggested that even if a visit to India is
for pilgrimage, it should be accompanied by
a "pure holiday".
"That is the most useful thing to do," he
added. Ahluwalia also noted that money
laundering was not a problem specific to
India. He was responding to a query about
the quest for NRI investment when there
were reports of illegal wealth from India
having been stashed away in foreign tax
havens.
He said that the government would be
happy to receive any specific information
about cases of money laundering. "If there is
specific information, the finance minister
will be happy to hear it," he said to applause
from the gathering. Minister for Overseas
Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said that the
government was not asking overseas Indians
to come to the country to attract investment.
"It is a get together," he said. He said that
NRI's share in the total foreign direct invest-
ment in India was about 1.3 percent.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Ahluwalia
said that many states in the Indo-Gangetic
belt had picked up in growth parameters and
"change taking place in India was being dra-
matically enacted in individual states".
He said some states, which were doing
well in the past, had realized they have to do
a lot better to stay at the top. He said the
Planning Commission was working on an
approach paper to the 12th Plan and had pro-
vided a window on its website for people to
give suggestions. "Anyone from anywhere
abroad can suggest what to take into account
to chart the 12th Plan," he said.
Not looking for NRIs’money: Ahluwalia
‘Every NRI an Indian ambassador of goodwill’
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, addressing thePBD-2011 in New Delhi on January 9. Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda
is also seen.
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Jitin Prasada.
New Delhi: Economic expansion and
high fiscal deficit are together leading to
unstable price regime and the government
needs to revert to fiscal consolidation to
control the situation, Finance Minister
Pranab Mukherjee said.
"Economic expansion leads to fiscal
deficit. It is leading to the problem of
unstable price regime," Mukherjee told
the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, as
India's annual food inflation climbed to a
52-week high at 18.32 percent.
The minister said the sharp rise in glob-
al commodity prices was complicating
the problem further in the domestic mar-
ket and assured that every step will be
taken to tame this spike.
"Tt is a big problem. We will have to
come to the path of fiscal consolidation.
We have to take all necessary measures to
bring the inflation to a moderate level,"
Mukherjee said, adding a 3 percent
growth gives a $41 billion-plus stimulus
to the economy.
"High economic growth has its own
reaction. It is resulting in a huge fiscal
expansion and that is creating the prob-
lem of price rise," he said, and predicted a
9-10 percent annual growth soon on the
back of prudent policy.
"Strong fundamentals, prudent policy
and calibrated reforms have helped to
bring the growth pre-crisis level."
Fiscal consolidationvital: Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjeeaddressing the conclave
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January 15-21, 2011Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011The South Asian Times Special
Celebrating the
A plenary session in progress.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi at the Nagaland stall.
Dignitaries in the auidience.
Representatives of the Government of Rajasthan at one of the sessions.
18
The ninth annual Pravasi Bharatiya Di-
vas (PBD), conducted in New Delhi from Janu-
ary 7-9, 2011, became a national event of
global importance with an astonishing par-
ticipation from over 1,500 delegates from across the globe. We
bring you some glimps-es from the three-day
convention.
Mr Kamlesh C. Mehta, Chairman of The South Asian Times and Arunachal Pradesh Governor JJ Singh, at the PBD.
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal addressing the PBD.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January 15-21, 2011Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011The South Asian Times Special
Pravasi spirit
Stunt performers demonstrating their art at the ninth annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi.
Dancers performing dif-ferent Indian classical
dances at the cultural eve-ning at the ninth annual
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi.
19
Photo Credit: Parveen Seth/TheSATimes
Artists from northeastern states performing various
forms of local dances.
A section of the audience enjoying the cultural evening.
20
New Delhi: Gujarat’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth rate is higher than
China at 11 percent, while the agriculture
growth rate is 9.6 percent, said the state’s
Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing an interactive session on the
concluding day of the three-day Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas, Modi said while the
agriculture growth rate in the country was
around three percent, in Gujarat it was 9.6
percent for the past few years.
"Agricultural growth has helped us in
eradicating rural poverty," he said.
Earlier, Planning Commission Deputy
Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia invit-
ed suggestions from non-resident Indians
(NRIs) on the approach paper to the 12th
Five Year Plan as Chief Ministers spelt
out the initiatives of their governments at
the session.
Ahluwalia, who chaired the 'Interaction
with Chief Ministers on inclusive growth',
said that many states in the Indo-Gangetic
belt had picked up in growth parameters
and "change taking place in India was
being dramatically enacted in individual
states".
He said some states, which were doing
well in the past, had realized they have to
do a lot better to stay at the top.
He said the Planning Commission was
working on an approach paper to the 12th
Plan and had provided a window on its
website for people to give suggestions.
"Anyone from anywhere abroad can sug-
gest what to take into account to chart the
12th Plan," he said.
Modi, in his speech, said that Gujarat
was manifesting the colors of the tricolor
in its development model.
Elaborating on the colors of the national
flag, he said: "We ushered in a white revo-
lution through milk production in the
cooperative sector. Milk is being exported
to countries like Singapore and to Europe.
The green color symbolizes green revolu-
tion and Gujarat has agricultural achieve-
ments to its credit. The saffron color sym-
bolizes energy and Gujarat is a petro-
chemical hub and has taken major initia-
tives in the field of solar energy," he said.
Modi said the state had taken major
steps to reduce maternal and child mortal-
ity rates and had a major share in creation
of jobs in the country.
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder
Singh Hooda said his state had recorded
around eight percent growth even during
the period of global financial meltdown
and investment of over Rs.1 lakh crore
was in the pipeline.
He said the state had opened two invest-
ment promotion centers to facilitate peo-
ple willing to start up units in the state.
Hooda said his state's land policy was a
role model for other states.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir
Singh Badal said many expatriates from
the state had risen to high political posi-
tions in countries such as Canada and the
US.
"The Doaba region of the state can be
called NRI capital of the country," he said.
Badal said Punjab had only two percent
of the country's land area but provided
more than 50 percent of wheat and rice
requirement of the country.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil
Modi said the state government had taken
several steps that had brought a turn-
around and the state's average growth rate
for the past five years has been around 11
percent.
Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat
said his state was a major tourist destina-
tion and had a high literacy rate. He said
Goa had one of the best social security
models in the country.
New Delhi: The Indian Diaspora was
invited by Chief Ministers of north-
eastern states to invest in the region's
infrastructure, especially the health-
care and education sectors.
"You are the people who can help...
There is a lot of scope in education
and healthcare sectors for investment.
Please help us with money and expert-
ise," Assam Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi said here at a session on invest-
ment opportunities in northeast India
at the 9th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas (PBD) convention.
The convention is India's annual
event to connect with its 25-million-
strong Diaspora in 130 nations.
With a special focus on the north-
east, the 2011 PBD convention is
being held in partnership with the
Ministry for Development of North-
Eastern Region and the state govern-
ments of the eight northeastern states -
Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland,
Sikkim, Meghalaya, Tripura and
Arunachal Pradesh.
Gogoi said that there was a wrong
perception that there was a security
problem in the northeast, which may
have been true in the past, but not any-
more. "Some of the states here are the
most peaceful," said Meghalaya Chief
Minister Mukul Sangma, listing
Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh,
Meghalaya and Mizoram.
Sangma said that the "problems"
were only in small pockets. "When
there is a problem in Andhra Pradesh
or Uttar Pradesh, nobody says that
there should be lack of investment in
those states," said Sangma.
He pointed out that there was a huge
demand for education and technical
training institutes in the northeast.
"I have been told by senior officers
in the hospitality sector, that they pre-
fer to have recruits from the northeast,
as they are good English speakers and
very professional. It shows that there
is a big demand for manpower from
here," he said.
Sangma highlighted that most of the
students in the northeast were forced
to travel outside the region for higher
education.
The healthcare industry in the north-
east was also underdeveloped, which
led to patients being referred to hospi-
tals in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore
or Delhi.
"The healthcare infrastructure is not
enough to attend to the demand," said
Sangma.
Tripura Commerce and Industries
Minister Jitendra Choudhury high-
lighted the fact that the region was
poised for growth, with India's "Look
East" policy and better relations with
neighboring Bangladesh.
"After this (trade accords with
Bangladesh), the entire region will
benefit from more trade and develop-
ment of infrastructure," he said.
New Delhi: India has
initiated active diplo-
matic process with
the Gulf countries to
get the sponsorship
regulations - the
main reason behind
violations of human
rights in the region -
abolished, Minister
for Overseas Indian
Affairs Vayalar Ravi
said.
"We have signed
labor agreements
with most of the Gulf
countries. They have
promised to do away
with sponsorship but
most of them have
not acted yet," Ravi
said here at the 9th
Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas, India's annual
event to connect with
its 25-million-strong
Diaspora in 130
countries.
He said low-paid
workers in the Gulf
region are facing
problems mainly
because of the spon-
sorship. "Sometimes
they just can' t do
anything. They are
on the mercy of
sponsors."
The minister said
the government has
taken init iative to
provide legal assis-
tance to the Indian
Diaspora across the
world, especially in
the Gulf countries.
"We are providing
free legal assistance
to the people in the
Gulf countries. Our
aim is to provide
legal assistance for
the people across the
world," Ravi said.
'Gujarat GDP growth higher than China's'
Diaspora invited to invest in northeast
Gulf nationsasked to endsponsorship
regime
Gujarat CM Narendra Modi at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi (right) at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
21
New Delhi: There is need to attract
second generation non-resident
Indians to philanthropy and the
money given for the noble task
should be leveraged by other
sources, panelists said at a seminar
here held during the Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas.
Participating in the seminar
"Philanthropy: Diaspora Initiative",
panelists said that performance
indicators should be used in money
given for philanthropy.
Sanjay Sinho, president,
American-Indian Foundation, said
that while charity was "gift of
heart", philanthropy was "gift of
head" and should be able to make
sustainable change in the minds of
people.
Sinho said that the foundation,
which had been set up in the wake
of Gujarat earthquake of 2001 for
people-to-people cooperation
between the two countries, had
invested $65 million in philan-
thropic activities in India.
"We have tried to create a system
where every dollar of philanthropy
is leveraged by other sources," he
said, adding that the foundation has
a well laid out performance meas-
uring systems.
Lord Rajendra Loomba of
Loomba Foundation said that his
organization was working to help
provide education to children of
widows in the country. He said that
the foundation was set up in the
memory of his mother who spent
all her resources on education of
her children after his father passed
away.
Mohammad Ali, vice-chairman of
Galfar Engineering and
Contracting, Oman, said that he
was boosting development with the
goal of "house for all and health for
all" in a village in Kerala through a
trust. He said the trust was provid-
ing job oriented training to people.
Sudhir Parikh, who is a Pravasi
Bharatiya Samman awardee, said
there was need to attract second
generation non-resident Indians to
philanthropy and provide them easy
access to the country, its people and
non-governmental organizations.
He said that the second genera-
tion of NRIs had been raised in
well-to-do societies and wanted to
help India and the NGOs should
involve them.
Students from Sri Ram College of
Commerce in Delhi gave a presen-
tation about the work they were
doing to make rickshaw pullers
self-dependent and innovations that
had been made to rickshaws to add
to the income of the owners.
Panellists laid thrust on the trans-
parency in the working of NGOs so
that the benefits of philanthropic
work reach the needy.
'Need to attract second-generation NRIs’
Delegates during the session on ‘Philanthropy: Diaspora Initiative.’
‘Unproductive investmentsto hurt growth’
Foreign delegates attending one of the PBD sessions.New Delhi: Increased unproductive
investments in real estate and gold
will hurt India's economic growth in
the long run as it blocks a large
amount of capital, a senior econo-
mist said.
"Gold and real estate are two pop-
ular investments in India. A large
amount of capital is blocked in gold.
Generally it is kept in bank lockers
and has no productive use," Gautam
Ahuja, chairperson of corporate
strategy and international business
group at the University of Michigan
Business School, said here.
He said a large amount of invest-
ment in real estate is also locked in
because people are scared of renting
it out. "Real estate is a productive
investment. But we see many people
just buy it and lock in. This is unfor-
tunate for countries like India where
millions of people don't have shel-
ter," Ahuja pointed out.
Speaking at the C.K. Prahalad
memorial lecture at the 9th Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas here, the economist
called for a broad-based and deep
rooted rule of law to ensure that
these locked in capital are put to
productive use.
Ahuja said the much talked-about
concept of "jugad" (quick-fix) will
also hurt India in the long-run.
"Jugad is no friend to India. What
is effective in the short-term may
become a problem in the long-run,"
he added.
New Delhi: Every individual in
Bihar will have access to electricity
in five years as the state govern-
ment has undertaken several proj-
ects to boost generation capacity to
20,000 MW, Deputy Chief
Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said.
"In five years, we target to
become self-dependent in power
sector. There will be electricity in
every household in the state in the
next five years," Modi told
reporters at the 9th Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas here.
He said the state government has
taken several initiatives to liberal-
ize business norms in a bid to
attract investment in infrastructure
sector. Modi said Bihar will come
out with a policy on renewable
energy in two-three months.
"It will be announced in two-
three months. We are finalizing it,"
he said, adding the new policy
would help promote the use of
renewable energy in the state.
Electricity for everyone in Biharsoon: Sushil
New Delhi: Punjab Deputy Chief
Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said that
there were thousands of cases of girls
from Punjab being exploited for mar-
riage by people of Indian origin staying
in Canada and strict action should be
taken in all such complaints.
Addressing queries from the gathering
here at the concluding day of the ninth
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas function here,
Badal said that girls keep waiting for
their husbands who stay with them for
some days after marriage and then leave for foreign
shores.
"Girls from Punjab are exploited for marriage. There
are 25,000 cases in Canada," he said. Referring to
complaints, Badal said that the men leave after week
or ten days after the marriage and girls
keep waiting for their husbands to come
back.
He said there was need for an agree-
ment with Canada for strict action in all
such cases. He said there were also
some complaints of some non-resident
Indians treating their parents virtually as
care-takers of their children.
"Lots of families ask parents to come
there to look after children. They are
sometimes treated like servants," he
said. Badal said the state government will start aware-
ness campaign to make parents aware that they can
face problems abroad despite an impression that "life
is excellent there". "They (such parents) are most wel-
come to come back," he said.
Act strictly in exploitation ofgirls: Sukhbir
Punjab Deputy Chief MinisterSukhbir Singh Badal.
Bihar Deputy Chief MinisterSushil Kumar Modi.
22
New Delhi: Young overseas
Indians should come to India to
discover opportunities and meet
the challenges of a complex and
chaotic land, the prime minister's
advisor on education and innova-
tion Sam Pitroda said.
"There are lots of opportunities
for (the) young to come to India in
different ways," Pitroda told a ses-
sion on the second day of the
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.
He said the second generation
of Indians, born and brought up
abroad, was very different from
their parents. "They have great
education and opportunity but
they are still searching for a
cause."
The technology evangelist said
he knew of "many examples of
kids from the US coming here and
finding themselves".
He cited his own daughter who
came to India for five days to
attend a wedding, but stayed on
for two years.
"She told me that if you saw
where I was staying, then you will
take me back. But, staying in a
small dingy room, eating jalebis
from the street, making friends
with the rickshaw-wallah - where
else can you do such things,"
asked Pitroda.
He pointed out that India had
key challenges of disparity and
demography, which could be the
way to engage with the young
Indian diaspora to get them
involved with their mother coun-
try.
He also gave an example of a
second generation Indian-
American girl who worked in
Kalahandi in Orissa and wanted
Pitroda's help to convince her
father to let her extend her stay in
India. "India is tough... But, it's
the very complexity, conflict, con-
fession, chaos that I find very
attractive," he said.
The deputy speaker of
Singapore's parliament, Indranee
Rajah, echoed the view during her
interaction with the young from
abroad, most of who had an over-
whelming need to find answers to
some questions.
"Who am I? Who are my peo-
ple? Which group do I belong to?
It is when they look to India that
they find the answers," said
Rajah.
She noted that young people
want to do something which
makes a difference.
Referring to India's huge chal-
lenges in health and education,
Rajah said that perversely these
could be assets for engaging with
the overseas young Indian as "this
is potentially something young
people can help solve".
She urged technology, sports,
films and spirituality as some of
the sectors to be leveraged for the
engagement.
Canadian MP Ruby Dhalla said
there should be opportunities to
allow for adoption of schools and
classrooms by overseas Indian.
She also proposed the creation of
a new forum of young Indian
leaders from across the globe.
The estimated population of the
Indian diaspora is 25 million, with
significant pockets in the Gulf,
Southeast Asia and the US.
Engage overseas young Indians: Pitroda
Sam Pitroda, the Prime Minister's Advisor on education and innovation and Canadian MP Ruby Dhalla with other delegates at PBD.
Delhi Metro biggerthan London's
by 2017
Union Road Transport Minister Kamal Nath at PBD-2011.
New Delhi: The length of the
underground metro in Delhi
will be increased to 416 km
by 2017, making it the largest
in the world, Road Transport
Minister Kamal Nath said.
"By 2017 Delhi under-
ground metro will be larger
than London's metro. We will
have 416 km underground
metro by the end of 12th
Plan," he said at the 9th
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.
He said the government plans
to invest over $1 trillion on
infrastructure projects in the
next five years.
"We hope nearly 30 percent
of the proposed investment
will come from overseas,"
Nath told reporters on the
sidelines of India's annual
event to connect with its 25-
million-strong diaspora in
130 countries. Nath reiterated
his ministry's target to
increase the pace of highways
construction to 20 km per day
from the existing nearly 12
km a day.
New Delhi: Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh said the
world expected India to play a
more important role in the glob-
al polity and economy as the
country's rise as an emerging
nation was seen as a positive
factor in international relations.
"The world expects India to
play a more important role in
the management of global poli-
ty and economy. India's rise as
an emerging nation is wel-
comed as a positive factor in
international relations,"
Manmohan Singh said at the
ninth edition of Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas.
He said India's contributions
in the G20 or in the climate
change conference held recently
in Cancun were "noteworthy".
India's stand at the global
summits, he said, was "derived
from our unique experience of
tackling the challenge of devel-
opmental challenges, our
emphasis on values and our tra-
dition of building consensus
among different sections and
interests."
Manmohan Singh mentioned
that India in 2010 had the honor
of hosting leaders of five per-
manent member countries of the
UN Security Council
"The year gone by has been a
busy year for Indian diplomacy.
We had the honor of receiving
leaders from all countries which
are permanent members of the
UN Security Council in India.
"We have this year become a
member of the United Nations
Security Council for a period of
two years. We will play our due
and commensurate role in inter-
national bodies and we will
seek to promote what is good
for India and good for the world
at large," he said.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
was attended by some 1,500
delegates from 51 countries.
New Zealand Governor-General
Anand Satyanand was the chief
guest
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressing the PBD-2011.
India's rise welcomed aspositive factor: PM
23
New Delhi: Toronto is the venue
for India's next mini-Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas in June to connect
with its 27 million-strong diaspora
in over 150 countries. It would
focus on the aspirations of the new
generation of Indian youth world-
wide and the universal cultural
draw of Bollywood, said Overseas
Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar
Ravi.
"We want youth among our vast
diaspora to have the same bonding
with India that their parents and
grandparents have. That's why we
will focus on reaching out to them
at our next mini-Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas," the minister said.
This apart, Bollwood -- not just
films but the stars, actors, songs --
also has a very large fan following.
It is an important component of our
soft power. So Bollywood will also
feature very prominently at the
event, Ravi was quoted as saying.
The minister, who oversaw the
successful conclusion of the three-
day annual diaspora conclave from
January 7-9, said Toronto was cho-
sen as the next venue since Canada
also has a vast Indian community
estimated at around one million.
Also this Indian community in
Canada is politically visible, suc-
cessful, hard working and enter-
prising. "By holding the event in
Canada, we can also reach out to
our people in the Caribbean, again
a very vibrant community."
The previous mini-conclaves
were held in New York, Singapore,
The Hague and Durban. Ravi also
made it clear that India holds
events like these not for attracting
investment from people of Indian
origin and non-resident Indians. "It
is more to promote our bonding,
culture, and thank them for their
contributions," he said.
"If you look at foreign investment
made by our diaspora, it is just 1.3
percent of total inflows. Yes, our
non-resident Indian community
remitted $54 billion last year - the
largest for any country. But that is
not the point," he said.
"What we are trying to convey is
that India today is a land of new
opportunities and our diaspora has
a lot to gain by becoming our part-
ner in progress and our ambassa-
dors. Contributions can be in any
field - health, education, industry."
Referring to demands made by
non-resident Indians for voting
rights, Ravi said legislative process
had concluded and the law ministry
was pushing it forward. He hoped
the Election Commission will make
it happen by next general election.
"But let us be clear," Ravi said.
"Only non-resident Indians will be
able to vote and they can vote when
they are in India. The constituency
can be the same as on their pass-
ports. We have some ideas and we
will reach a decision soon."
The minister said he was particu-
larly happy that this year's conven-
tion in New Delhi had focussed on
the eight northeastern states and
further that youth from there partic-
ipated with enthusiasm and in large
numbers.
"Focus on the northeast was a
major achievement, a lot of person-
al satisfaction for me," said Ravi,
referring to the spotlight on
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.
Next mini-diaspora conclave in Toronto: Ravi
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveiling the plaque of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra at the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2011. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi is also seen.
New Delhi: The proposed changes
in the new direct tax code, which
makes NRIs liable to pay tax if
they stay in India for over 60 days
a year, has led to some distress
among the Indian diaspora in the
Gulf region as they tend to spend a
longer time in India due to their
different socio-economic back-
ground, prominent NRIs from that
region say.
"NRIs in the Gulf cannot be
considered at par with the NRIs in
the rich Western countries. They
should be given differential tax
treatment," Ram Buxani, president
of Dubai-based Cosmos-ITL
Group, said. Buxani, like nearly
1600 non-resident Indians (NRIs)
and persons of Indian origin
(PIOs), were here to attend the
three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The new direct tax code (DTC)
proposes to make NRIs liable to
pay tax if they reside in India for
more than 60 days in a particular
year, down from the current provi-
sion of 182 days in the existing
Income Tax Act.
"NRIs who are in the Gulf tend
to visit India for a longer period.
They do it for various purposes
like long-term medical treatment,
children's marriages and educa-
tion," said Buxani, adding the pro-
posed tax regulation had created
unrest among Indians in the Gulf
region as a majority of them visit
their homeland for more than 60
days in a year.
Buxani, founder of the erstwhile
Overseas Indians Economic
Forum that was later merged with
Indian Business and Professional
Council, said the Gulf region
should be given differential treat-
ment under the new direct tax reg-
ulation in line with the Customs
Act that gives special treatment to
neighboring countries like Nepal
and Bhutan.
"Our demand is that the current
provision of 182 days should stay.
If it is brought down to 60 days,
the Gulf region should be exempt-
ed," said Buxani.
He said prominent NRIs from
the Gulf region were lobbying
against proposed changes and had
already raised their concern with
the Indian government. M.A.
Yusuffali, managing director of
EMKE Group that runs the LuLu
hypermarket chain in the Gulf
region, said the proposed regula-
tion would hurt low-paid workers.
"Many people take two-three
months' long vacation after work-
ing for two-three years. The new
law will be a big problem for
them," Yusuffali, who is also a
member of the prime minister's
global advisory council, said.
Yusuffali pointed out that the
over five million NRIs in the Gulf
countries are a very important
source of foreign remittance for
India and they should be given fair
treatment.
The Direct Tax Code (DTC) Bill
was tabled in parliament in the
monsoon session last year. The
new rule is aimed to replace the
archaic Income Tax Act from
April 1, 2012. According to the
draft bill, NRIs become Indian
residents for the purpose of taxa-
tion if he/she stays in India for 60
days or more in a financial year
and also stayed for 365 days or
more in the preceding four finan-
cial years.
Finance Minister Pranab
Mukherjee said the government
was aware of the concerns of the
Indian diaspora and had not yet
taken any final decision on the
issue.
Ram Buxani, president of Dubai-based Cosmos-ITL Group.
Gulf NRIs seek differential tax treatment
24
Overseas Indian doctors to help IndiaNew Delhi: Around 300,000 doctors of
Indian origin are working abroad and they
are willing to help the Indian government
in a variety of ways, a leading Britain-
based doctor said.
"Indian doctors abroad are keen to work
in a variety of ways, including voluntary
work, support in collaborative research and
medical education," Doctor Ramesh
Mehta, secretary general of the Global
Association of Physicians of Indian origin
(GAPIO), was quoted as saying.
Mehta, who is also president of the
British Association of Physicians of Indian
Origin (BAPIO), said: "There is hardly any
country in the world where Indian doctors
are not working. We want to coordinate
their efforts to make it more beneficial to
India by identifying their area of interest
and matching it with the needs of the coun-
try."
Mehta was in New Delhi to take part in
the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the annual
convention of people of Indian origin all
over the world.
According to him, over 40,000 doctors of
Indian origin were working in the UK's
National Health Service (NHS), a publicly
funded health-care system.
"Approximately 10,000 doctors are
retired or retiring and 15,000 doctors are in
training and they are looking for opportu-
nities in India. There is scope for a reverse
brain drain," Mehta said.
He said there is great scope of research
for cheap drugs to tackle problems of
infections and diseases like diabetes in
India. "The collaboration can be done with
the pharmaceutical industry in India. Many
Indian doctors abroad are working in the
field of research and teaching," he added.
Mehta said that his earlier efforts to form
tie-ups in research and education did not
work due to "bureaucratic obstacles."
"Things are happening but not in the way
they should... It takes time to get any work
done. There is the question of recognition
of foreign qualifications which has not
been sorted out by the Indian Medical
Council and the government. Simple
things take so long," he said.
Suggesting an NHS-like health care sys-
tem for India, Mehta said the government
should invest in public health as the burden
of disease causes loss of productivity. "The
state has to play a bigger role because of
the poor economic condition of a majority
of the population," he said.
Over 40,000 doctors of Indian origin are working in the UK's National Health Service(NHS), a publicly funded health-care system.
New Delhi: South African play-
wright-director Rajesh Gopie has
returned to India with his new
production, "Coolie Odyssey",
about Indian indenture migration
to Natal in the 19th century. He
says it is a forgotten part of histo-
ry and so there is a need to tell
the story.
"Indians are an integral part of
South African society. They were
part of the freedom struggle but
got marginalized after the end of
apartheid," according to Gopie.
The play is about coming to
terms with issues of identity and
marginalization in post-apartheid
South Africa, he said.
There have been three perform-
ances of "Coolie Odyssey" in
Delhi, partly coinciding with the
just concluded Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas.
The play grew out of the need
to address Indian issues in South
Africa and to mark the 150th
anniversary of Indian arrival in
Natal Nov 10, 2010.
"There was no history reflect-
ing me - that is the South African
Indian - in South Africa or the
world. The school history books
only state that Indians came to
Natal in 1860 and Mahatma
Gandhi came to South Africa in
1893," said Gopie.
His earlier production, "Out of
Bounds", was performed in India
early last year. "Out of Bounds"
had won accolades in South
Africa and Nelson Mandela had
sought a private performance.
The new play opens in a pres-
ent-day setting at the Naidoo
home in South Africa when a
monkey gets shot by accident.
The injured monkey finds an old
typewriter and begins typing out
the story of its earlier human
incarnation. The monkey relates
the tale of its human self, Ramlal
Kihari, his wife and her two
brothers, who decide to migrate
to Natal. When his wife dies on
board the ship carrying them to
Natal, Ramlal loses his senses.
The play brings to life the con-
ditions of the indenture and how
the workers struggled to find a
meaning in their lives in those
harsh colonial conditions. It jux-
taposes the monkey's tale with
the Naidoo family's responses to
the unfolding drama of the story
revealed by the frantic typing.
"The subject has been in my
mind for 15 years. I have written
four versions of the play in the
past 10 years till I completed the
final version in September last
year," said Gopie. The subject of
indenture continued to trouble
Gopie, as this part of history is
not well-known in the country,
even among the descendants of
indentured workers.
"Coolie Odyssey", in its earlier
version, had been performed at
the prestigious National Art
Festival of South Africa a few
years ago.
South African theater is mainly
dominated by black-white issues
in the country's multiracial socie-
ty and so it became important for
the playwright-actor to perform
the story for South African the-
atre.
"The story of indenture migra-
tion when Indians were brought
under five-year contracts to work
on sugarcane plantations is prac-
tically unknown among the
younger generation of South
African Indians. It is not a sub-
ject that has been explored
deeply though the sufferings of
the Indians in South Africa con-
tinued for a long time. The suf-
fering continued even after the
indenture system ended due to
apartheid regulations," Gopie
explained.
With music and imaginative
sound and light effects, "Coolie
Odyssey" tackles a serious, even
tragic, subject in a way that its
sharp wit and lighter moments
make the pathos and tragedy of
the story into an engrossing play.
The three performances of
"Coolie Odyssey" in Delhi were
followed by a performance each
in Kolkata and Mumbai.
The performance in Kolkata
marked the inauguration of the
Indenture Memorial at Garden
Reach, the point from where
indentured workers began their
journey.
'Indian indenture migration is forgotten'
There have been three performances of "Coolie Odyssey" by Rajesh Gopie in Delhiand a scene from Coolie Odyssey.
25
Jaipur: The Pink City will host Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas-2012 celebrations. The
conclave, a mega-gathering of overseas
Indians, is held every year from January 7
to 9 in the country to coincide with the
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to
India from South Africa. Most PBD func-
tions (eight so far) have been held in Delhi
while Chennai and Mumbai have hosted it
once each.
The 10th PBD, flagship event of Ministry
of Overseas Idnian Affairs (MOIA), will
see the Confederation of Indian Industry as
its official partner and Rajasthan as the
events partner state.
The choice of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan,
as the next venue for PBD was announced
by Union Minister for Overseas Indian
Affairs Vayalar Ravi in New York at the
biennial conclave of Rajasthanis organized
by the Rajasthan Association for North
America (RANA) some months ago. The
announcement followed an appeal from
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. A
large crowd of people of Rajasthani origin
welcomed the announcement with a thun-
derous applause.
Chief minister Ashok Ghelot expressed
his gratitude towards the MOIA for choos-
ing Rajasthan as the official PBD 2012
venue and assured his support to Union
minister Vayalar Ravi.
Gehlot said at the time that Rajasthan has
gained a new identity in the world. The
makeover of India’s image in the past ten
years has done a lot to the self-respect of
Indians abroad, he noted. He attributed the
country’s new image to the policies and
decisions of UPA Chairperson Sonia
Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh.
PBD Conventions are a considered an
ideal platform for exchanging views and
networking with the Indian diaspora from
across the world on matters of common
interest and concern to them. Such conven-
tions appreciate attributes of hard working
Overseas Indians, and their contributions
towards India and their resident Nation.
The new industrial policy of Rajasthan
promises a hassle-free investment through a
single window system and easy availability
of land. However the investment scenario
in Rajasthan cannot be expected to immedi-
ately improve after just a couple of such
visits. The only notable investment which
the state has received so far is because of
push for land in the state’s area close to the
National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi
comprising Alwar district and the adjoining
areas near Gurgaon (Haryana).
The impediments in the way of invest-
ment for Rajasthan are a hot climate, irreg-
ular monsoon, and scarcity of water and
electricity. However the strong point is that
the Delhi-Mumbai freight corridor domi-
nates about 45 per cent of its space in
Rajasthan, promising huge future invest-
ment in the state. The RANA platform may
well be utilized to push investment that has
so far proved elusive, only if Rajasthan
government makes continuous attempts to
establish dense green forest tracts on the
Aravali Hills to attract monsoon in the
rainy season. If Rajasthan can manage to do
tha, NRIs will automatically come to invest
here.
As a tourist destination, Rajasthan, the
land of colors, has never lagged. Jaipur is
of course the third angle of the Golden
Triangle (other two tourist magnets being
Delhi and Agra). The abundance of tourist
attractions include the fort city Jaisalmer,
Pushkar Fair, hill station Mount Abu,
Dilwara Temples, a sacred pilgrimage for
Jains, Bharatpur bird sanctuary,
Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve,
and palaces turned hotels.
Padharo Mhare DesJaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, to
host 10th PBD in 2012.
Mr. Rajendra Pareek, Minister of Overseas Rajasthanis, and senior officials of Govt ofRajasthan Mr. Sunil Arora, Mr. P.D. Agrawal and others at the PBD with Mr. Kamlesh C.
Mehta, Publisher of The South Asian Times, also a native of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan pavilion at the PBD in New Delhi.
Hawa Mahal in Jaipur: The Pink City and the state Rajasthan, perennial tourist destination, are getting attention for other reasons also.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi with the Minster of Tourism ofRajasthan Bina Kak at the Delhi PBD earlier this month
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January 15-21, 2011Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011The South Asian Times Special
Gujarat Focus
Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Jan 13 said the state has been able to attract investments to the tune of $450 billion during the two-day long Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
Speaking at the final session of the summit, Modi said as many as 7,936 MoUs were signed by the state government with several in-dustrial houses to invest in the state.
On the first day of the summit, the state government had said it got investment commitments totaling nearly Rs 15 lakh crore with 2,766 MoUs signed with business houses and companies.
Leading among those which announced mega investments in the state were Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group and Ahmedabad-
based Adani Group.While Adani Group said it
would invest Rs 80,000 crore in port, power generation and infra-structure, Anil Ambani-led Reli-ance Group said it would pump in Rs 50,000 crore in the state in the state in the next 5-7 years on vari-ous projects in power and cement.
Similarly, conglomerate Es-sar Group said it will invest Rs 30,000 crore in Gujarat for proj-ects in various sectors, including power and refinery.
Engineering and construction giant Larsen & Toubro also com-mitted an investment of Rs 15,000 crore in Gujarat on infrastructure projects, while infrastructure ma-jor Hindustan Construction Com-pany (HCC) also said it will invest
Rs 12,000 crore to develop a renew-able energy park in the state.
Farm equipment - to - software group Mahindra & Mahindra also signed six MoUs with the state gov-ernment to invest Rs 3,000 crore to step up presence in the hospitality and real estate sectors in the state.
Auto maker General Motors also said it is investing USD 100 million (Rs 450 crore) to enhance produc-tion capacity at its Halol plant to 1,05,000 units annually from 85,000 units per year at present.
According to Gujarat Principal Secretary for Industries and Mines M Sahu, major sectors which attract-ed investments are power, special investment regions, mineral-based industries, banks and financial insti-tutions and oil and gas.
Delegations who met CM Narendra Modi:
Rwandan delegation led by the Prime Minister; Chhattisgadh delegation led by CM Raman Singh; U.S – India Business Council’s President Ron Somers; Trinidad -Tobago’s delegation led by its tourism minister; Japan’s high power delegation; India centre foundation – Japan; Belgium-Solway company; Korea- Samsung C & T; Nigeria – Dangote group; Germany – Evonik industries; Canadian delegation; Australian delegation; United Arab Emirates delegation; Singapore - Indian Chamber of commerce; delegations from Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh.
(The list is not exhaustive)
Chanda Kochhar, CEO & MD, ICICI Bank
Gujarat is seen as the country’s growth engine. Today when the world looks at India to drive world’s growth, India looks at Gujarat to drive India’s growth...the state has the po-tential and the ability to drive this growth.
Mukesh Ambani, chair-man, Reliance Industries
The success of Reliance In-dustries is in spirit of being a Gujarati enterprise. My late fa-ther Dhirubhai Ambani always insisted that Reliance always sustain spirit of being a Guja-rati company. The Reliance-Gujarat relationship is a bond of emotions and it is a relation-ship that is organic in nature. Gujarat is emotional part of Reliance’s success story.
Gautam Adani, chairman, Adani group
Our journey in Gujarat has been wonderful and successful thanks to political stability and transpar-ent system here. Thanks to Naren-drabhai and team, this contributed immensely to our progress.
Anil Ambani, chairman, ADAG
While Mahatma Gandhi created wealth of values and principal, late Dhirubhai Ambani created wealth of entrepreneurship. Now there is the third individual Nar-endrabhai Modi who has been the greatest change agent in India in last decade. Narendrabhai’s Gu-jarat stands out in the sharpest contrast among all states when it comes to power sector. Gujarat is power surplus state with 24-hour supply. Gujarat has profit making power sector PSU.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and participating members during Vibrant Gujarat 2011 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on January 12.
26
Gujarat attracts $450 billion investment in 2 days
What they said…
CM Naren-dra Modi
and Japa-nese envoy
Hideaki Domichi (R) at the sum-
mit.
Adi Godrej, Chairman of Godrej
Group, speaks dur-ing Vibrant
Gujarat 2011.
Modi with Prime Minister of Rwanda, Bernard Makuza at the summit
Actress Preity Zin-
ta at the inaugural
session along with
business delegates.
Chief Minister Modi confabulating with Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & MD of Reliance Industries Ltd.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January 15-21, 2011Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011The South Asian Times Special
Gujarat Focus
A vibrant take off
The event at Mandvi’s Windfarm beach had crowds thronging
The concrete embankments of Sabarmati river
Chief Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the kite festival
27
The International Kite Festival 2011 was off to a colorful start
on Jan 9 in Gujarat with kite-flyers from 36 countries and 10
states of India paint-ing the sky in myriad
hues with their prized creations and deftness with strings. SATimes
brings you some ex-clusive shots from the
scene of action, Sabar-mati Riverfront in
Ahmedabad and then at Windfarm beach in
Mandvi, Kutch.
(Photos by: Hiral Dholakia-Dave in Ahmedabad and Utpal Solanki in Mandvi)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
January 15-21, 2011Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011The South Asian Times Special
Zorbing drew a lot of participation too
Kite flyers preparing their kites to take off, (inset) A kite in shape of Vaishnav deity Shrinathji
(Photos by: Hiral Dholakia-Dave in Ahmedabad and Utpal Solanki in Mandvi)
28
Gujarat Focus
30 Subcontinent & International
January 15-21, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Rio de Janeiro: Emergency
crews were working feverishly to
reach survivors of flash floods and
mudslides in Brazil that have
killed at least 415 people and left
nearly 14,000 homeless after tor-
rential summer rains, authorities
said Thursday.
Massive mudslides in the heavi-
ly damaged mountainous area
north of the city of Rio could take
until Saturday to clear, increasing
fears of a rising death toll as rain
remained in the forecast, authori-
ties said.
Many residents were without
electricity. Roads were blocked.
Cmdr. Jose Paulo Miranda of the
Rio de Janeiro state fire depart-
ment said hundreds of rescuers
were doing whatever possible to
reach victims, including using
heavy equipment to clear debris.
Officials said hundreds of peo-
ple were killed in three Rio state
towns after slides occurred about
3 a.m. Wednesday. The state's
civil defense department reported
numerous deaths in Nova
Friburgo, Teresopolis and
Petropolis.
Aerial television footage
showed much of Nova Friburgo
covered in mud and detritus.
President Dilma Rousseff
observed the region by helicopter
Thursday and promised "firm
action" to bring relief and recon-
struction aid to victims.
The government pledged more
than $400 million in assistance for
the area.
Brazil's flash floods and mudslides leave 415 dead
Obama temps down debate afterCongresswoman shooting
Worst over for Brisbane as deadly floodruns out of puff
Sydney: Australia's third-biggest
city woke up Thursday to the good
news that the Brisbane River had
peaked below the forecast and
flood damage had come in below
expectations.
The river reached 4.46 metres in
Brisbane, well short of the 5.2 that
hydrologists had predicted and
nearly 1 meter below the 5.45
meters that touched off the cata-
strophic flooding of 1974.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell
Newman said he now expected
around 12,000 houses and 2,500
businesses to be completely flood-
ed and 14,700 houses and 2,500
businesses with partial flood dam-
age.
"We all now have to rally
together to help these people clean
up, the ones that have suffered
impacts," Newman said.
Bureau of Meteorology said
they expected the river running
through the state capital of the
northeastern state of Queensland
to fall to 3.2 metres Friday.
More than 115,000 houses were
without power, commercial life
was at a standstill and it might be
days before the thousands in evac-
uation centers would be allowed
to return home.
The monthlong flooding disaster
has seen successive towns hit by
engorged rivers racing through
Queensland on their way to emp-
tying in the Pacific Ocean.
Fourteen people were confirmed
dead, and more than 50 were
unaccounted for.
Two-thirds of Queensland - an
area bigger than France and
Germany combined - is flooded,
industry is idle and agriculture
beset by lost harvests.
The repair bill has been put at 5
billion Australian dollars ($4.9
billion) and lost production at 9
billion Australian dollars.
Tucson, AZ: President Barack Obama hon-
ored Wednesday the victims of last week-
end’s shooting here, urging the US to heal
divisions opened by "sharply polarized"
political debate. Blaming opponents for "all
that ails the world" was unhelpful, he said.
Six people were killed and 13 injured in
the shooting, including Democratic
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
Ms Giffords - who was shot in the head
and has had brain surgery - opened her eyes
for the first time on Wednesday.
In his televised address, Obama attempted
to soothe the grieving audience while at the
same time speaking out about the dangers of
extreme divisions within American life. He
paid tribute to Ms Giffords as well as to US
federal Judge John Roll, who was among
those killed.
Suspected gunman Jared Loughner has
been charged with several offences and could
face the death penalty if guilty. All judges in
Arizona have decided not to sit on
Loughner's trial because of the death of
Judge Roll, their colleague.
As well as Judge Roll, the six who died
included a nine-year-old girl and one of Ms
Giffords' aides, who was engaged to be mar-
ried. Obama said he hoped the US would
"live up" to the expectations of Christina
Taylor Green, who was born on 9/11 but died
during the shooting.
Earlier, former Alaska Governor Sarah
Palin attacked as a "blood libel" suggestions
that political rhetoric may have contributed
in some way to the fatal shootings in
Arizona. Some commentators have specifi-
cally criticized Ms Palin for using an online
graphic containing crosshair symbols that
marked targeted Democratic districts in the
US mid-term elections.
Zardari appoints Khosa as Punjabgovernor
Islamabad: Pakistan President Asif Ali
Zardari has appointed Sardar Latif Khan
Khosa as the governor of the Punjab province.
He hosa was appointed after a weeklong con-
sultation between Zardari and various political
leaders, including Prime Minister Yousuf
Raza Gilani, the Online news agency reported.
Following the assassination of Punjab gov-
ernor Salman Taseer on Jan 4, several names
of politicians had been considered for the
appointment. Taseer was gunned down by one
of his security guards in a posh market in
Islamabad.
Guard Mumtaz Quadri, who immediately
surrendered after the attack, said he killed him
for opposing blasphemy laws.
Khosa is one of the senior leaders of the rul-
ing Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Meanwhile,
the opposition PML-N party (Pakistan
Muslim League-Nawaz) has welcomed the
government's decision to appoint Khosa as
Punjab governor.
Pakistan wants Muslim states' troopsin Afghanistan
Samjhauta blasts probe moving atsnail's pace: Pakistan
Islamabad: Pakistan has pro-
posed that a UN peacekeep-
ing force drawn from 'neutral
Muslim countries' should take
over Aghanistan's security
after US-led NATO forces
pull out, a media report said
here. Officials in Islamabad
believe that the idea would
pave the way for conditions
under which all stakeholders
in Afghanistan will come to
the negotiations table for a
political settlement of the
nine-year-old war.
The US and its allies are
scheduled to begin withdraw-
al of troops from Afghanistan
in July and have agreed to a
transition plan that seeks han-
dover of all security responsi-
bilities to Afghan forces by
2014. However, Pakistani
officials say the proposed
plan is unlikely to succeed as
the Afghan National Army,
which is being trained by US
forces, is incapable of taking
over the challenge.
The US is currently training
120,000 troops of the Afghan
Army. Pakistani officials
believe the army does not
proportionately represent eth-
nicities.
Pakistan is of the view that
there should be a gradual
transition in Afghanistan and
has proposed a UN peace-
keeping force taken from
neutral Muslim countries to
take over security in
Afghanistan.
Among probable countries,
the official listed Malaysia,
Indonesia and Bangladesh
whose forces could be part of
the proposed UN mission in
Afghanistan as these states
did not have any direct stake
in the war-torn country.
Islamabad : Pakistan has accused India of
moving at "snail's pace" in probing the 2007
Samjhauta Express train bombing, and said it
hoped New Delhi will share details of the
investigaton with Islamabad "at the earliest".
"We hope India will share details of their
investigations with Pakistan at the earliest, as
was conveyed to them formally two days
ago," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit
was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.
The remarks come two days after the Indian
government has turned down Pakistan's
demand to share the investigations into the
terrorist attack blamed on Hindu radical
groups.
The February 2007 blasts targetting the
Pakistan-India Friendship train service killed
68 people, including 42 Pakistani nationals.
Recovering Congresswoman GabrielleGiffords, and (inset) suspected shooter
Jared Loughner
Business and Sports 31
TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 15-21, 2011
New Delhi: Worried over the fre-
quent “unacceptable” rise in food
prices, the government Thursday
unveiled a slew of anti-inflation
steps, including sale of onions
through government agencies, uti-
lizing state-run companies to source
food items and stringent action
against hoarders.”Prices of most
manufactured goods and services
have been reasonably stable, food
prices have frequently risen at unac-
ceptable rates,” the Prime Minister’s
Office said in a statement.
“The current bout of inflation is
driven by a rise in prices of vegeta-
bles and fruits which is more diffi-
cult to manage because these com-
modities are not held in public
stocks,” it added.
The government has been on the
backfoot after opposition parties
raked up the issue of price rise in
rallies across the country. India’s
food inflation has soared to over 18
percent, led by onions which are
selling in most parts of the country
at Rs.55-60 per kg.
Among some of the measures that
the PMO suggested Thursday are
sale of Rs.35 per kg by state-run
National Agricultural Cooperative
Marketing Federation (NAFED) and
the apex federation of consumer
cooperatives, NCCF, through their
retail outlets.
“The arrival of onions from
Pakistan will also help cool prices.
Import of 1,000 tonnes of onion has
already been contracted. Export of
onions stands banned,” said the
PMO. The government will also
review import and export of all
essential commodities to ensure
supplies in the domestic market.
It also warned of severe action
against black marketers and hoard-
ers of food items.
India to sell onions, crack down on hoarders
Mumbai: US Coffee chain
Starbucks Thursday said it
was planning to set up
retail outlets in India in
partnership with Tata
Coffee and has inked a deal
with the Indian coffee major to
collaborate in areas like sourcing
of coffee beans. The memorandum
of understanding (MoU) is for col-
laborating in areas like sourcing
and roasting high-quality green
coffee beans in Tata Coffee’s
Coorg, India facility, said a state-
ment from Starbucks.
“India is one of the
most dynamic markets
in the world with a
diverse culture and
tremendous potential.
This MoU is the first step in
our entry to India,” said Howard
Schultz, chairman and chief execu-
tive, Starbucks Coffee Company.
The arrangement could also be
extended to other Asian countries
over time, the company added.
At a later phase, both companies
said they will consider jointly
investing in additional facilities
and roasting green coffee for
export to other markets.
Tata Coffee, part of the diversi-
fied Tata Group and Asia’s largest
publicly traded grower of coffee
beans, has been supplying premi-
um beans to Starbucks.
The entry of Starbucks which has
over 16,000 stores in more than 50
countries will give competition to
existing Indian coffee retail chains
like Cafe Coffee Day and Barista.
Starbucks to enter India hand in hand withTata Coffee
New York: Mexican journalist
Ines Sainz seems to have learned
the art of forgiving and forgetting
things.
The bombshell reporter, who
previously hogged limelight after
she complained about the misbe-
havior of the New York Jets’ play-
ers and their coach owing to their
catcalls and whistles last
September, is now picking the
team as her
favorite for this
Super Bowl.
Recently, in one
of her interview
to a reputed mag-
azine, Ines Sainz
said that she holds
no grudge against
the team now. She
said that the team
has won many
games against
their opponents
when everybody
lost hope and felt
that they are
going to lose. The
reporter also
added that she
believes New
York Jets would
thrash New
England Patriots
in the Super Bowl
this week.
Speaking about
her favorite team in this Super
Bowl 2011, Ines Sainz said that
New York Jets has the best chance
to win it.
She also said that the quarter-
back Mark Sanchez will be able to
lead his team to victory this time.
However, she added that she
never imagined that the locker
room incident would get so much
attention from
Durban: If there is one question
M.S. Dhoni would love not to be
asked, it has to be about injuries in
the side and the fitness of his fast
bowlers. The Indian skipper, in
recent times, has invariably found
himself reading out the medical
bulletin of his new ball bowlers.
Naturally, the frustration of leading
the injury prone attack has started
showing. "I think it's very impor-
tant that none of them gets injured.
Right now I am not bothered about
whether they have any match prac-
tice or not, we need these four or
five fast bowlers fit going into the
World Cup," he said after the
embarrassing 135-run loss to South
Africa in the first ODI on
Wednesday.
What drew a rather sharp
response from the Indian skipper
was the question about Ashish
Nehra's probable lack of match
practice for the game. The left-arm
pacer looked much below his best,
bowling most of the time at or
around 125kmph.
With Zaheer Khan looking vul-
nerable to injuries in recent times,
and Praveen Kumar too nursing
one, a below par Nehra could be the
worst news for India ahead of the
World Cup for these three would be
the first choice seamers.
"The important thing is that these
are the three or four fast bowlers
we have got, whatever the situation
and condition may be. We have got
to back them to do well; we don't
see any option when it comes to
fast bowling," said Dhoni.
Apart from putting a question
mark on the injury-prone pace
attack, the loss has also put the bat-
ting line-up under the scanner. The
way they caved in without a sem-
blance of resistance is bound to
bring back questions on their abili-
ties to handle pace and bounce.
Hotshot reporter picksJets to win Super Bowl
Dhoni in damagecontrol mode
Durban: This South Africa squad has a unique look to
it. It has more spinners than pacers, something perhaps
never seen in a line-up traditionally dominated by the
pacers. While Johan Botha (off spinner), Imran Tahir
(leg spinner) and Robin Peterson (left-arm spinner) fill
in the specialists' slots, Faf du Plessis is an all rounder
who bowls leg-breaks, and J.P. Duminy is more than a
part timer with his off breaks.
That so many spinners have been called up for a series
at home looks strange, but given that the World Cup is
just around the corner, the move looks rational. Yet, all
of them may not travel to the Indian subcontinent for the
quadrennial event. “Even if all of them don't travel for
the World Cup, they could help the batsmen prepare for
what they are going to face in the sub-continent,” said a
coach of a province.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith looks happy with
the scenario, especially with the inclusion of “attacking”
leg-spinner Imran Tahir. “Having an attacking spinner is
something I have dreamed of throughout my captaincy.
Johan Botha has been excellent for us, but to have
somebody like Imran who can take wickets is wonder-
ful.“
But having good spinners is just one part of the jig-
saw; one needs batsmen apt at playing spin to complete
the picture.
South Africa, however, need not worry much on that
count. With Hashim Amla at the top and the middle
order comprising Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy and AB de
Villiers, spin shouldn't worry them much.
Proteas look to spin their way to WC glory
Sports
Washington: Federal Reserve
Chairman Ben Bernanke
described a strengthening US
economic recovery in remarks
Thursday to a public forum on
small-business lending.
'We see the economy strength-
ening - looks better in the last
few months,' he said during the
panel discussion at the headquar-
ters of FDCI in Arlington,
Virginia.
'And we think the three to four
percent type of growth number
for 2011 seems reasonable.'
Amid unemployment currently
at 9.4 percent, Bernanke's fore-
cast growth rate 'is not going to
reduce unemployment at the
pace that we'd like it go, but cer-
tainly it would be good to see the
economy growing. And that
means more sales, more business
for companies of all sizes'.
In the forum discussion,
Bernanke noted that healthier,
community banks have contin-
ued to lend more strongly to
small banks, compared to both
larger banks and banks with
dodgier balance sheets.
An improving economy will
help small businesses in particu-
lar, making them more sound
candidates for loans, while also
making banks broadly more
willing to lend.
Three to four percentgrowth seems
reasonable: Bernanke
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke
Indian skipper MS Dhoni
Mexican journalist Ines Sainz with Jets players
Both my daughters are in school –-
Lekha in third grade and Divya in first
grade –- so I know firsthand the chal-
lenges of being a parent of school-going kids.
That’s why I’ve decided to create a form letter
that I and other parents can send to teachers:
Dear (teacher’s name),
Thank you for doing such a wonderful job
teaching (child’s name). He/She really loves
being in your classroom –- please don’t be
misled by the squeals of joy whenever the bell
rings. He/she is just eager to get home and do
his/her homework. In fact, you will be pleased
to know that he/she jumps out of bed on
Monday mornings, screaming, “Hurray, the
weekend is over! I can’t wait to see (teacher’s
name)!”
(Name of school) is lucky to have you as a
teacher, and the next time I see (principal’s
name), I will tell him/her to give you a
raise/promotion/better parking spot. No need
to thank me -– it’s the least I can do, consider-
ing everything you have done for (child’s
name) and all the great adjectives you will
write in his/her report card.
However, I do have a few concerns that I’d
like to bring up, though (child’s name) tried to
keep me from doing so, saying, “You should-
n’t disturb (teacher’s name). He/She is proba-
bly very busy, preparing his/her acceptance
speech for the Teacher of the Year
Award/Educator of the Century Award/Nobel
Peace Prize.”
Here are my concerns, in no particularorder:
1. Having a school fundraiser is a great idea,
but how the (bad word) do you expect me to
sell so many chocolates/raffle tickets/pizza
kits? If I was good at selling stuff to my
friends and family, I would have joined
Amway. Even my parents don’t want to buy
stuff for me, saying, “Isn’t it enough that we
paid for your education/wedding/tattoo
removal?”
Instead of getting parents to sell stuff, per-
haps you should look at other ways of raising
money, such as auctioning off a date with that
smokin’ hot gym teacher/librarian/janitor.
Here’s another idea: Whenever a kid uses
the F-word, ask the principal to discipline
him/her with another F-word: FINE. Imagine
how much money you would collect from the
kindergarteners alone!
2. I’m glad you’re taking (child’s name) on
so many field trips (to the zoo, museum, the-
atre, etc.), but do you think you could take a
field trip, one of these fine days, to an actual
field (soccer field, baseball field, etc.)? I don’t
know if you noticed, but (child’s name) could
really use some exercise.
While we’re on the topic of field trips, do I
have to sign a permission slip/injury waiver
every single time? Can’t I just sign one form
at the beginning of the year that says: “I (par-
ent’s name) am aware that (child’s name)
could get hurt during a school activity. If such
an injury occurs, I will not hold (name of
school) responsible, as (child’s name) has a
natural, God-given talent for doing stupid
things. I promise not to sue (name of school),
as I am aware that this may result in (name of
school) having to organize more fundraisers.”
3. I’m very pleased that you’re giving
(child’s name) lots of homework, but I’m con-
cerned that it’s getting in the way of his/her
other homework: doing the dishes. On some
nights, he/she has pleaded with me to help out
with the homework, and as a caring parent I
have gladly done so, though I didn’t really
appreciate the ‘D’ you gave me for the “Best
Tasting Beers” essay.
By the way, I noticed that you do not have a
Facebook page, so I’ve taken the liberty to cre-
ate one called “World’s Finest Teacher.” No
need to thank me -- just post a copy of (child’s
name)’s report card there. I’m sure I will ‘like’
it -- and get all my friends to 'like' it too.
32 Humor
January 15-21, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Letter to your child's teacher
Humor with Melvin Durai
byMahendra
ShahMahendra Shah is
an architect byeducation, entre-
preneur by profes-sion, artist andhumorist, car-
toonist and writerby hobby. He hasbeen recording
the plight of theimmigrant
Indians for thepast many yearsin his cartoons.
Hailing fromGujarat, he lives
in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Aries: This week you will feel energetic
and revitalise your surroundings. You hold
the center stage at home and you motivate
youngsters and impress seniors. Your love life
will flourish, with your partner going out of the
way to keep you happy. Finances will suffer due
to unexpected expenses and it would be wise to
avoid any immediate investments. Social gather-
ings, family functions and pleasure jaunts will
keep you in high spirits.
Taurus: A long journey abroad might
get postponed due to unavoidable rea-
sons. Happy news from a friend or a close rela-
tive will boost your enthusiasm and bring cheers
in your family. Financial investments will soar
to new levels. Income from new sources likely
towards the middle of the week. Interference of
a relative in your domestic life may create
moments of disharmony and discomfort at
home. Spouse will be supportive and provide
you with necessary love and affection.
Gemini: A short journey will bring in
new opportunities and a chance to meet
some important and influential person.
Sportsmen and artists will receive long awaited
recognition and fame. Home will be a healthy
and a cheerful place provided you spend more
time with family. New romance for those unat-
tached and others can find themselves commit-
ted into a matrimonial wedlock. Speculation is
not recommended on any front and avoid getting
friendly to strangers.
Cancer: This week you begin with a
new confidence and enthusiasm.
Investment reaps benefits and you get to spend
handsomely on luxuries and other living com-
forts, but your extravagant lifestyle will create
tension and arguments at home. Journeys will
bring in happiness, but prove very expensive for
your pocket. Devote time and attention to your
family members and children. Income rises, but
so will your expenses.
Leo: Long pending problems and ten-
sions seem to fade away with the chang-
ing season and fresh ideas begin to take shape.
Spouse and children would bring you immense
joy and happiness. All those unattached would
finally get involved into a romantic alliance. Old
friends and relatives will make a surprise visit,
bringing with them gifts and presents to brighten
your days ahead. Some of you may acquire a
new mode of transportation.
Virgo: This week business or career
opportunity comes you way, but you will
have to be smart and efficient to grasp it before
others. Finances improve through gains from
past investments. Health of an infant child seems
to bring stressful and anxious moments at home.
Romantic matters and affairs of the heart will
bring in pleasure and joy. Travel abroad will
prove to be highly beneficial.
Libra: Your extravagant lifestyle needs
to be controlled this week. You need to
spend extra time with your family and avoid any
kind of tension and arguments. Hot temper will
only lead to dismay and resentment. Spiritual
gains will bring mental peace and comfort. A
casual friendship within your circle may
strengthen into a romantic alliance. Investment
recommended but seek proper advice before you
put your money at stake.
Scorpio: This week an important devel-
opment on your professional front may
bring about jubilation and celebrations for the
entire family. Your spouse will be supportive and
provide you with care and affection. Children
would get involved into small career oriented
programs or have achievements in their respec-
tive fields. Health of your parents might cause
concern and there seems to be an increase in
your medical bills as well. Journey would in
bring pleasure and chance to develop new and
long lasting contacts.
Sagittarius: This week you benefit on
two grounds. Firstly your financial posi-
tion will strengthen because of new contracts
and alliances and some would even receive
loans and grants etc and secondly your health
shows remarkable improvement in spite of your
working overtime at office. Spouse or your
beloved makes you feel cared and loved.
Children will cause some disappointment as they
get highly spendthrift and demanding. Friends
will be supportive and helpful.
Capricorn: This week travel might not
bring in the desired results that you look
for immediately, but would eventually. Finances
will definitely improve. New ventures and proj-
ects are quite likely. A better understanding with
your spouse brings in happiness, peace and pros-
perity at home.
Visit by a close family friend brings nostalgic
and wonderful memories. New romance and
contacts will prove to be worthwhile and long
lasting. Children will bring in some good news
towards the end of the week.
Aquarius: This week a purchase of lux-
urious item to improve your comfort
level seems high on your cards. Pending jobs
and projects will get completed to your satisfac-
tion. Improvement in your financial status
through speculation likely. Avoid getting
involved in the matter of others, especially if
you are uninvited. Spouse will be caring and
highly romantic. Travel would bring in more
pleasure and monetary benefits than expected
earlier.
Pisces: Family front seems to go
smoothly because of improved finances
and good health. New romance may flare up,
and it would require you to be honest and seri-
ous for this relationship to become stronger.
Younger brother or sister may seek your help in
sorting out their personal problems.
Construction work or renovation of your house
carried out this week will finish to your satisfac-
tion.
Jan 15:
Influenced by number 6 and the planet Venus. You
are active, energetic, warm-hearted, and are fond of
worldly pleasures. You are good at conversation
and you easily make friends because of your help-
ful nature, but you need to check your tendency to
behave spendthrift and stubborn at times. This
coming year good financial gains are foreseen
along with appreciation and plenty of reward. Your
stars seem favorable for building new alliances and
partnerships. Promotion and transfers likely for
some. Selective speculation would be beneficial
therefore be extra careful not to squander hard-
earned money. Romantic alliances likely for those
unattached, others would get tied into a matrimoni-
al wedlock. Distant journey, pilgrimage or foreign
travel later in the year. You are likely to be more in-
clined towards religious and spiritual activities.
May, July, September, November and December
will be highly significant months.
Jan 16:
Governed by number 7 and the planet Neptune.
You are simple, dignified, original, dashing and
confident. You possess remarkable leadership
qualities and blessed with strong imagination and
intuition, but you need to check your tendency to
behave extravagant, hypocrite and stubborn at
times. This year friends and family members
would provide good support. Professionally
things look much better and you would move
around with new confidence and energy. A change
for the better in your business or career seems
likely later in year. Those involved in art, writing
and other creative profession should expect recog-
nition and monetary gains. Health would definite-
ly need more attention. Meditation and yoga
should be practiced for physical and spiritual
gains. Children will be supportive and bring in
some happy and good news. Pilgrimage or jour-
ney would be high on your agenda. The months of
February, April, June, July and August will espe-
cially bring in happiness and prosperity.
Jan 17:
Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn. You are
energetic, hardworking, courageous, trustworthy
and friendly. You are a great admirer of literature
and good music and you like to associate with
like-minded people, but you need to control your
tendency to behave impatient, erratic and destruc-
tive at times. This year your confidence will
grow. You would benefit from remarkable busi-
ness entrepreneur skills. New projects and assign-
ments would be plenty enhancing your prosperity.
Govt. and judicial favors for some. Some misun-
derstanding with your spouse might bring uneasy
moments at home. Later in the year some exhila-
rating news from overseas will boost up the spir-
its of the entire family. Travelling would be bene-
ficial for building new alliances. New romances
for some. Health of an infant in the family might
cause some concern. The months of January,
March, July, September and December will be
highly significant.
Jan 18:
Governed by number 9 and the planet Mars. You
are adventurous, sensitive, courageous, systemat-
ic and dashing. You are full of enthusiasm and
very helpful, but you need to control your tenden-
cy to behave impatient, short tempered and shy at
times. This year you should expect new assign-
ments and would hold position of important re-
sponsibilities. Your financial position stabilizes as
past investments start raking profits. Improved fi-
nances bring in prosperity and happiness at do-
mestic level. Good year for girls and women as far
as romance is concerned. Some gains through in-
heritance or expensive gifts from relatives cannot
be ruled out. Frequent travel would be undertaken
bringing good monetary rewards. Distant journey
maybe overseas for some later in the year. Avoid
lending or borrowing money. May, June, August,
October and December will be highly significant.
Jan 19:
Ruled by number one and the Sun. You are active,
confident, intelligent, original and helpful person.
You possess a strong willpower and you always
strive to stay ahead of others, but you need to con-
trol your tendencies towards behaving introvert,
fickle-minded and careless at times. The coming
year would bring you financial gains and happi-
ness. You shall leave no stone unturned to achieve
your goals. Businessmen will venture into new
and more profitable avenues. Investment in stocks
and real estate would be highly beneficial. Prop-
erty disputes if any would get settled to your sat-
isfaction. Health of your spouse would be a mat-
ter of concern. Increase in your medical expenses
seems likely. Time spent with friends would be
worthwhile, as they would be supportive to your
concerns. Meditation and Yoga will prove to high-
ly rewarding especially for spiritual as well as
physical gains. Renovation or new construction
towards the yearend. Expecting mothers need to
take care of their health. April, July and Novem-
ber will be eventful.
Jan 20:
Influenced by number 2 and the Moon. You are
confident, emotional, imaginative, simple and
warm hearted. You enjoy enormous respect
amongst your friends, but you need to check your
tendency to behave stubborn, vindictive and lazy
at times. Although there would be improvement
in your financial position, saving would not be as
expected. Sudden unforeseen expenses would al-
ways keep you in a financial crunch. Increase in
responsibility or a change in job for some. New
foreign contact or a financial transaction will
bring handsome results. A sudden influence of a
spiritual person will have a deep impact on your
personality. Spouse will be understanding and
provide you with love and affection. Ancestral
gains for some. Watch out from acquaintances
who behave extra friendly. Friends will be sup-
portive and helpful. New romance for those unat-
tached adds a zing to their dull life. The months of
February, May, July and September will prove to
be significant.
Jan 21:
Ruled by number 3 and the planet Jupiter. You are
energetic, ambitious, dignified, and kindhearted
person. You are a good listener and an able ad-
ministrator and you have an ability to handle
things perfectly even under pressure, but you need
to control your tendency to dominate and behave
stubborn at times. This year your employer would
appreciate your confidence and enthusiasm. You
would be able to accomplish many tasks that you
earlier thought as impossible. Monetary benefits
would accrue from new contacts. Pleasure trips or
friendly get-togethers will be exciting and intel-
lectually stimulating. Family members will be
supportive and friends will be helpful. Minor do-
mestic tensions and stress will bother you. Health
needs extra care therefore be careful of what you
consume. The months of January, February, Au-
gust and December will bring desired results.
Astrology 33
TheSouthAsianTimes.info January 15-21, 2011
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898,2648 9899; [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com
Stars Foretell: January 15-21, 2011 Annual Predictions: For those born in this week
i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date,
Time and Place of birth is accurate.
ii) Careful: Did you check background of the
astrologer before disclosing your secrets.
iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, don’t feel
shy. It’s his business.
iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the out-
come is not as desired, never give up.
v) Consult: Take second opinion before
spending thousands on cure/remedies.
Before you consult...
Astrology, Numerology, Tarot are highly compli-
cated ancient sciences, impossible to understand
them completely. Over 99% astrologers are inac-
curate in over 80% of their predictions & fore-
casts. Many of them are con artists taking advan-
tage of blind faith & situation of God fearing peo-
ple. Now-a-days many of them use all the state of
the art, latest tools of marketing & excessive use
of media to attract more & more people. Be careful
before putting complete faith in the hands of un-
known person who could be possibly a fraud.
Please check the back ground & testimonials of
the Astrologer/Pandit /Swami/Guru/Muni/ Rishi
before consulting them. Don’t get influenced by
their outfit, busy schedule and photographs with
celebrities & high profiled personalities. More
they spend on their self promotions & advertise-
ments, more the chances of getting robbed by
them.
Everyone have situations with family, finance,
health or love but fearful middle age women are
their soft target. Remember, no one can change
any-one’s future & fortune. Be careful before
spending thousands of dollars on remedies. Tantra,
Man-tra & Yantra, Havan, Pooja, Tabeez, Prayers
should not cost thousands of dollars.
The South Asian Times is proud to present Dr.
Prem Kumar Sharma, the trustworthy, renowned &
expert astrologer who com-bines scientific calcu-
lations of your birth chart with planets in transit
before mak-ing predictions. He will never suggest
any remedy which is very high in cost and not test-
ed for prescribed effects & results.
If you have any experience to share with ourreaders, please write to [email protected]
Be Aware
34 Spiritual Awareness
January 15-21, 2011 TheSouthAsianTimes.info
