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Follow us on Vol.6 No. 28 November 2-8, 2013 60 Cents New York Edition TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Follow us on Vol.6 No. 28 November 2-8, 2013 60 Cents New York Edition TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Diwali craze grips India

New Delhi: Diwali couldn't have come at a better time when the markets look all set to hit their all-time highs. The festive season has added the much needed boost to consumer spending and bazaars and shopping malls overflowing with eager and cash-rich buyers are a testimony to it. The businesses too have pulled all the stops to lure them with enticing offers. From easy loans and heavy discounts on electronics to freebies and royalty points on shopping from select brands and outlets buyers never had it so good. For those busy souls who are working till the last minute, the online market is abuzz

US lawmakers celebrate Diwali with 'diyas' on the Hill

Diwali goes mainstream in US

Special Diwali Section pages 21-62

with loads of offers which customers can avail of from comforts of their homes. Diwali Mithai (sweets), gifts, clothes, jewelry (including gold and silver), crackers, decorations everything is now couriered in real time. Over last couple of years there has been a sizeable increase in the number of people opting to Continued on page 6

Over 35 Congressmen, both Democrats and Republicans, joined in.

By Arun Kumar Washington: US lawmakers joined IndianAmericans for the first ever Diwali celebrations on Capitol Hill after the US Congress passed resolutions honouring the Indian festival of lights and celebrating the strong relationship between the US and India. Tuesday evening's festivities on Capitol Hill, the seat of the US Congress, were marked by about 25 lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, joining in the lighting of traditional 'diyas' or lamps amidst chanting of Vedic mantras by a Hindu priest. Lawmakers were welcomed to the event

Pakistan Taliban chief Emily Shah wins Miss New Jersey crown killed in US drone attack

Miss New Jersey Emily Shah

Washington: Just a month after beauty queen Nina Davuluri made history by becoming the first Indian-American Miss America, 18-year-old Emily Shah has won the Miss New Jersey USA 2014 title. Shah, a resident of Edison, home to a large Indian-American community, was crowned Sunday at a glittering ceremony at the Hilton Parsippani Continued on page 6

Islamabad: Pakistan Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike in the country's North Waziristan Agency Friday, Geo News reported. Though Pakistan government did not confirm his death, it strongly condemned the air strike. "These strikes Pakistan Taliban chief are a violation of Hakimullah Mehsud Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is an across the board consensus in Pakistan that these drone strikes must end," Pakistan foreign office said in a statement. The drone attack, carried out in the tribal region's Danday Darpa Khel area in the evening, killed a total of six people. Continued on page 6 Mehsud's close

with a red 'tilak' on the forehead and a jasmine garland. A Hindu priest presented them traditional shawls. "I have come here to say Happy Diwali," said Nancy Pelosi, former speaker and leader of the Democratic Party in the House. "United States owes a great debt of gratitude to India," she said, "because our civil rights movement was built on the non-violent movement in India." "This is a truly historic event," said Joe Crowley, Democrat co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, who organized the celebrations with his Republican Continued on page 6

Obama wishes Indians 'Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak'

Washington: President Barack Obama has wished Indians "a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak" saying the festival reminded Americans that the US "is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger." That's "why I'm proud that this year Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill," he said in a statement issued Friday on the observance of Diwali. Over the last five years, Obama noted, his spouse Continued on page 6

Michelle & President Barack Obama

Immigration 14

Bollywood 58

Lens Eye 66

Spiritual Awareness 76

excellence in journalism

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Vignettes from the stone laying ceremony in Melville.

Melville, NY: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is building a grand new temple on Long Island, the first in the area. The worldwide organization held a memorable stone laying ceremony (shilaynyas) here Oct 27 attended by close to 1,500 people and amid devotional songs and the chanting of Vedic hymns. The mandir project in Melville, NY, had been envisioned by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the organizations spiritual leader, more than ten years ago. The temple will come up at a 5 acre plot off of the Long Island Expressway. Frank Petrone, the Supervisor of the Town of Huntington, welcomed the BAPS community to Melville and said only the bricks and mortar are left, because the mandir has already been built more than ten years ago, in the hearts of the BAPS members and the Melville community

BAPS holds shilanyas ceremony for new temple in Long Island

members. The celebrations were attended by several senior swamis and prominent community leaders. Pujya Yagnavallabhdas Swami from Edison, NJ, said This mandir is not just a house of worship. It will serve as a home for humanitarian, cultural, and spiritual activities that will benefit not just the devotees but all members of the local community. The shilas, or sacred stones, placed in the foundation were sanctified and blessed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Sarangpur, India on Sept 19 before being sent to New York. He said, "We are engaging in this service to please God. Even our smallest service is considered as a great act of sacrifice by God. We pray that the mandir contributes to the social, spiritual, and cultural landscape of the community.

The South Asian Times to support the temple's community center

The Forsythe Media Group, publisher of The South Asian Times, has pledged support to the Indian Community of the BAPS Temple project. In a letter to BAPS, Kamlesh Mehta, the Chairman of the Forsythe Media Group, said, "BAPS Centers are not only the great ambassador of Hinduism, they are also building good character in communities thus helping the whole world and humanity. It is my distinct pleasure that my family will contribute $25,001.00 in building the center which will preserve, maintain and promote the good values of being a true Hindu - the world citizen. BAPS Temple in Melville will bring significant change in the character & culture of Indians in Long Island. It will be more amd beyond then a temple and a spiritual center. Major change in the future of our communities, from adolescence to the senior-most member, can be foreseen. Now, having a BAPS center in our backyard is just like a dream come true. I was, for many years, looking for such place which can be called India Center of Culture & Heritage. Being a vegetarian and believing strongly in leading a Satvik Jeevan, nothing can be better then such institute in neighborhood. Kamlesh Mehta further said that, "we will also support in building a state of art Audio-Video-Literature Library".

Aamir Khan gets US honour for tackling social issues Chris Christie endorsed for NY guv by
Washington: Bollywood superstar lution. And we need to find Aamir Khan has been honored with a that. We need to question prestigious US award in recognition ourselves and look inside as of his successful effort to create deopposed to pointing outbate on India's pressing social probside," he said after the cerelems through his popular TV show mony. "Satyamev Jayate". Aamir Khan, who was acKhan, 47, was presented with the companied by his filmmakInaugural America Abroad Media er wife Kiran Rao, said he is Award along with Oscar-winning diworking on the next season rector Kathryn Bigelow and the Interof the show, which became national Centre on Non-violent Conso popular at home that it flict (ICNC) at a function here earlier propelled him on to the covthis week. Launched in 2012, the Bollywood superstar Aamir er of Time magazine's 100 Sunday morning show "Satyamev Khan honored by Douglas B Most Influential People In Wilson, former Assistant Jayete", tackles some of India's most the World issue this year. pressing social problems - forced Secretary of Defence for Public "All my capabilities lie in abortions of unborn girls; domestic Affairs, at America Abroad the field of media and storyMedia's 2013 gala in violence; child sexual abuse; alcotelling. So we try to combine Washington. holism and treatment of the elderly. our expertise and capabili"I have no idea how the work that we started back ties in storytelling and television and picking social home would interest somehow outside India," said issues we feel that can make a difference," he said. Aamir Khan accepting the award in person making Khan screened the foetal infanticide episode Suna rare exception to his practice of not attending day night at hotel for a small audience whose memaward shows. "Me and my team are trying to do bers audibly gasped as several women told their this show with love, because we feel that we are gruesome stories, according to the Washington part of the problem and we are also part of the so- Post. Woodbridge, NJ: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made a stop on his statewide campaign tour this week in the heart of the states burgeoning Indian-American community: Oak Tree Road. There, the Republican governor was endorsed by the Indian Business Association (IBA), that represents Indian businesses in the Woodbridge-Edison corridor and organizes India Day Parade every year. IBA also endorsed Christie when he was elected in 2009. IBA chair Chandrakant Patel called the governor a friend of New Jersey's nearly 292,000 IndianAmerican residents. "He always listens to us," said Pate. "He tries to solve our problems." Christie, wife Mary Pat and son Andrew a student at Princeton greeted dozens of Indian-American supporters at Chowpatty restaurant on Oak Tree Road. Polls show Christie leading his Democratic challenger, state Sen. Barbara Buono of Middlesex County by more

Indian business group

Gov. Chris Christie greets supporters outside Chowpatty restaurant on Oak Tree Road in New Jerseys Little India.

than 20 percentage points. Christie's visit came a day after Buono appeared in Edison to introduce the firstever South Asian-American caucus to the state Democratic Party, designed to give voice to the New Jersey's Indian-Americans. State Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset) called the caucus "a historic milestone in the political evolution of the South-Asian community."

Shubh Deepawali

Diamonds R Must

November 2-8, 2013

US lawmakers celebrate .. Continued from page 3 counterpart Peter Roskam. "You have the ability to bring together people from both sides of the aisle in ways that are powerful and significant," said Roskam referring to the "incredible influence" of the Indian diaspora. Starting his speech with "Jai Hind", Ed Royce, Republican chairman of the House foreign affairs committee said their goal should be to strengthen and deepen US-India relationship. Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu American member of the US House, calling it a "celebration of righteousness", said the diversity in the Congress is indicative of the special nature of Diwali itself. Ami Bera, the only Indian American member of the US House, called it an "incredible celebration" and expressed the hope there would be more lawmakers from the diaspora at Diwali celebrations in the not too distant a future. Separate bipartisan Diwali resolutions adopted by the two chambers of the Congress honour "an important tradition of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in the flourishing Indian-American community in the United States as well as those of our partners in India". The Senate resolution, introduced by Mark Warner and John Cornyn, Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, supports a "strong relationship between the people and governments of the US and India". The House resolution introduced by Crowley and Peter Roskam, expressed deep respect for IndianAmericans and the Indian diaspora and appreciated the religious diversity in both India and the US and throughout the world. Although Diwali was celebrated on the Capitol Hill for the first time

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Tuesday, the festival's importance came to be recognized first in 2003, when the White House held its first celebration of the festival under then president George W. Bush. Keeping up the tradition, President Barack Obama joined the White House Diwali celebrations in 2009 featuring popular IndianAmerican a capella group Penn Masala. Obama wishes Indians .. Continued from page 3 "Michelle and I have been honored to have the chance to observe this ancient holiday, both at the White House and in India, and we wish all those celebrating this weekend a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak." Like the previous years, the White House will have a Diwali celebration on Tuesday where "the First Lady will provide remarks." Obama has since 2009 kept up the tradition of White House Diwali celebrations started by President George W. Bush in 2003. Pakistan Taliban chief killed .. Continued from page 3 aide Tariq Mehsud was also among the six killed, security sources said. Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan refused to confirm the death of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief. Also, the TTP neither confirmed nor denied its chief's death by the drone strike. Hakimullah Mehsud had replaced Baitullah Mehsud as TTP chief after the latter was killed in a US drone strike in 2009. Meanwhile, following the attack, Interior Minister Khan termed the attack an attempt to sabotage the government's plan to hold talks with the Taliban. The Pakistan Taliban have also been demanding from the govern-

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ment to get the US drone strikes stopped before talks. Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group that staged the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the Jamat -ud- Dawa chief, Friday urged the Pakistan government to shoot down US drone to convey a message to the US that the strikes were tantamount to attack on Pakistan's sovereignty. "It is incumbent upon the government to shoot down drone" he said, during an anti-US drone attacks protest, and welcomed cricketerturned politician Imran Khan's statement in which he warned of blocking the NATO supplies if drone strikes were not stopped. He also claimed that the US and India wanted to sabotage Pakistan's peace talks with the Taliban. The Friday's strike was the second drone attack since Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the US, where he demanded President Barack Obama to stop the attacks. Pakistan has long been opposing CIA-operated drone attacks in the tribal region dubbing them as violation of its territorial integrity. Emily Shah wins Miss New .. Continued from page 3 Hotel in Parsippani, a small hill township in the state, according to local allvoices.com. She will represent New Jersey at the Miss USA Pageant in 2014. The winner of the Miss USA Pageant will represent the United States in the 2014 Miss Universe competition. She was first runner-up at the 2013 Miss New Jersey Teen USA Pageant and first runner-up for Miss Teen World 2012. If Shah is crowned Miss USA, she will become the first New Jersey titleholder to wear the US national crown. Daughter of Los Angeles-based Prashant Shah, who has been associated with several Bollywood production houses, Emily has played small time roles in both Bollywood and Hollywood films. She featured in Hollywood movies like "The Great New Wonderful" with Naseeruddin Shah and Bollywood films such as "Out of Control" alongside Riteish Deshmukh, "Ta Ra Rum Pum" and "Jaaneman". Emily plans to work in action films and is currently working as an assistant in the stunt team of Hollywood movie "Run All Night", starring Liam Neeson and Ed Harris. Being crowned Miss New Jersey USA entitles Shah to receive scholarships, wardrobe, jewelry, cosmetics, talent representation and a variety of other prize packages, the news site said. "The focus for this programme is to provide an opportunity for young women to better themselves," according to pageant organizers. "The pageant encourages the contestants to gain self awareness, self confidence, individual pride and greater social awareness." Diwali craze grips India... Continued from page 3 buy online. The craze though for buying firecrackers is yet to pick up (as on Saturday) thanks to numerous educational programs advising people and children especially in schools to avoid them to prevent pollution and the steep rise in its cost. The railways and bus transport are over booked with people wanting to rush home to celebrate the festival with their families. Hardly any last minute seats are available as tickets have been booked weeks ahead and private bus operators are making the hay increasing the ticket rates by as good as three times. The railways have also arranged special trains to meet the rush.

One killed, 2 wounded in Los Angeles Airport shooting

Washington: A gunman shot and killed a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) worker at Los Angeles International Airport Friday before himself being shot and taken into custody, media reports said. At least two people, including a second TSA employee, were wounded, NBC News reported citing federal authorities. But it was not clear whether the shooter was among the injured. President Barack Obama has been briefed on the shooting at Los Angeles International Airport and will continue to be updated, White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters. But the official said he had no further information on what happened at the moment. The shooting happened at about 9.20 in the morning (9.50 p.m. India time) at Terminal 3 at a screening station where fliers show their IDs and boarding passes, NBC News said citing Nico Melendez, a TSA spokesman. The agent was shot in the leg, he said. The shooter appeared to have a rifle or other long gun, the channel said citing witnesses and police. The Federal Aviation Administration grounded flights taking off from Los Angeles and those that were bound for Los Angeles and had not already taken off. The Los Angeles Fire Department is assisting with a "multi-patient" incident at the airport, CNN reported. Firefighters were laying down tarps on the street at the airport, which appeared to be triage tarps. Several ambulances were at the airport, and at least one person was loaded into an ambulance.

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Chicago Jains celebrate 150th birth NJ Democrats launch South Asian American Caucus anniversary of scholar Virchand Gandhi
Chicago: In the celebration of life of an extra ordinary Jain scholar who brought Jainism to the attention of the western world 120 years ago, also a super patriot and ambassador of India, Jain Society of Chicago arranged various programs. Co-incidentally, when Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Chicago Chapter celebrated historic event of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Jain Center of Chicago, on Saturday, 28, 2013, Chicago Jains also celebrated Sri Virchand Gandhis 150th Birth Anniversary at Jain Center where his bust has been established in his memory of his presence at World Parliament 1893. Among prominent guest, Chidanand Saraswatiji, Acharya Lokesh Muniji and Sadhavi Bhagavatiji attended this program at Jain Center. On this occasion, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President and spiritual head of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India, started the commemorative celebration by offering the flowers and garlanding the status of Sri Virchandji Gandhi in presence of Aacharya Lokesh muniji, Sadhvi Bhagavati of Parmarth Niketan and members and leaders of Jain Society. Chief Guest, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, a founder of "Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti" Delhi, India said that, today Virchand Gandhi is still commemorated as the 1 St Jain to land in America, who explained Jainism in very coherent manner and played a pioneer role in establishing Jain religion as ancient vibrant and world religion. Hemant Shah, JAINA Vice President-Midwest and a Member Edison, NJ: The New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJDSC) joined with leaders from the South Asian community to officially kickoff the South Asian American Caucus. New Jersey has the third largest South Asian population after California and New York. According to the latest census data, there are more than 350,000 South Asians residing in New Jersey. The South Asian community is very diverse. It includes people of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan descent. The kickoff was attended by the highest ranking South Asian American elected to office in New Jersey, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-LD17), the Chairman of the NJDSC, John Currie, gubernatorial candidate Senator Barbara Buono, and members of the South Asian American community. "Over the years, I have worked very closely with members of the South Asian community, who are not only my colleagues, but also my friends," said John Currie, Chairman, New Jersey Democratic State Committee. "The South Asian community is diligent, dedicated, and passionate about moving the Garden State forward. Operating under the New Jersey Democratic State Committee umbrella, the South Asian American Caucus will be a place to organize and motivate an increasingly influential constituency." "With the growth of our communities over the past four decades, South Asian Americans have an important place on New Jersey's commercial and cultural scene," said Dr. Khyati Y. Joshi, Co-chair, New Jersey State Democratic Committee South Asian American Caucus. "This caucus will create opportunities for South Asian Americans to take on roles of political prominence that reflect our communities' achievements." Gubernatorial candidate, Barbara

Dignitaries present at the garland ceremony

of proposed VRG Chair committee at Claremont Lincoln University in California, mentioned that, recently a delegation of Jains from the US in the presence of Aacharya Lokesh muniji, went to India to meet with the Prime Minister Shri Man Mohan Singh on the occasion of Government of India launching a yearlong commemorative celebration for the 150th anniversary of Shri Virchand Raghavi Ji Gandhi. Earlier Lokesh Muniji had presented to the Prime Minister a written copy of a proposal -request from Claremont Lincoln University to setup a Chair for Peace and NonViolence in honor of Shri V R Gandhi at Claremont Lincoln University just as the Government of India had setup a similar chair for Hindu studies at University of Chicago in the honor of Swami Vivekanandas 150th birth anniversary. Having lived the first 25 years of life in a traditional Western way, graduated from Stanford University, Sadhavi Bhagawati, also mentioned that Virchandji was great exponent with impartial ideology of Ahimsa and Anekantvada.

Buono, who actively engaged with the NJ South Asian community on the Anti-Bullying legislation, reaffirmed her commitment to continue working closely with the South Asian American community. Members of our community, in preparation for the November 5th elections, have actively been engaged in voter registration drives across the state. The Caucus will build upon that work and mobilize our community to support Democratic leaders, such as Senator Buono, who have demonstrated their commitment to New Jerseys South Asian community, stated Satish Poondi, Co-Chair of the South Asian American Caucus. The South Asian American Caucus will offer a statewide platform within New Jersey's Democratic State Committee to discuss issues important to the South Asian community and to support and elevate members of our community interested in pursuing elected office.

From left: Dilip Shah, Himanshu Jain, Sunil Shah, Tejas Shah, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Aacharya Lokesh Muniji, Sadhvi Bhagawati, Atul Shah, Dharmi Shah, Hemant Shah, Sunil Jain and Sanjay Shah

New York: Purple balloons lined the podium, granola bars and water bottles were being handed out and hands were grabbing t-shirts in the search for the right size. These people, 300 of them, had all come out on a weekend morning to show their support for Domestic Harmony Foundations (DHF) Second Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence. Program coordinator of DHF, Jasia Mirza, commenced the mornings events with her speech by declaring: First, women are not the only ones who can be victims of abuse. Men, albeit a relatively small percentage, are also at risk for domestic violence and no one, ultimately, is immune to this. After some applause in the rightful recognition of domestic violence as a societal, and not just a womens problem, Mirza continued: ...domestic violence is a truly complex issue. Several prominent community leaders attended the walk to show that they, too, believed in DHFs vision of eradicating domestic violence from our communities in order to create a safe and healthy environment for all. Former County Executive Tom Suozzi first stood up at the podium to speak.

Walk to end domestic violence held

Indian American Kerala center to honor eight Malayalees

Washington, DC: The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Centre will honor eight Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization or for their service to the society. They will be honored at Kerala Center's annual banquet Nov 9 at Leonards of Great Neck in Long Island, New York. Chief guest Vijay K. Nambiar, under-secretary general and special adviser of the UN secretary-general on Myanmar, will also be honored for his service to the UN. "Every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to be selected to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements," said selection committee chief Thomas Abraham, Kerala Center Board member and trustee. This year's honorees are: Jose Maliekal, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, the College at Brockport, State University of New York (SUNY) for his contribution in education; Raghu Menon, head of business development for North & South America for Linde Industrial Gas for business leadership; Mahadevan Padmanabhan, technical advisor at Alden Research Laboratory (Holden MA) and adjunct professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Worcester Polytech Institute for Engineering; Rockland County legislature and paediatric nurse practitioner Aney Paul for political involvement; Mariam Paul, director of nursing at New York City's Isabella Geriatric Care for Nursing; Arun Seraphin, principal assistant director for national security and international affairs at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for service to government; Freemu K. Varghese, a practicing nephrologist and immediate past president of Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) for achievement in medicine and community service; and Gurukulam, the Indian School of Culture, Language and Arts and its founder/principal Joseph Mathew for community service.

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Chandigarh: Chandigarh-born software engineer Gurdeep Singh Pall has been named as the corporate vice president of Skype, a popular and free international voiceover and messaging service, by Microsoft Corporation, its developer. Pall, 46, studied in Chandigarh's St John's school before completing his engineering degree in computer science from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, and is working as corporate vice president at Microsoft Corporation. He is heading the information platform and experience team in Microsoft's new applications and services division. According to the Microsoft website, Pall has more than 20 patents (in process or approved) in networking, VoIP and collaboration areas. He also holds a master's degree in computer science from the University of Oregon. Pall is on the board of trustees of Ashesi University, Ghana. The first Sikh to reach the top management of Microsoft, Pall joined the company in January 1990 as a software design engineer.

Chandigarh-born named as Indian-American, team discover most distant galaxy Skype vice president
Washington, DC: Astronomers, including an Indian-American, have discovered the most distant spectroscopically confirmed galaxy ever found - one created within 700 million years after the Big Bang. "It's exciting to know we're the first people in the world to see this," said Vithal Tilvi, a post-doctoral research associate at Texas A&M, a research-intensive flagship university, and co-author of the paper published in the latest edition of the journal Nature. "It raises interesting questions about the origins and the evolution of the universe," said Tilvi, born in Goa, India. He attended Goa University and also worked at the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, and at the National Antarctic Research Centre, Vasco. The paper's lead author is Steven Finkelstein, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin and 2011 Hubble Fellow. Light from the galaxy, designated by scientists as z8_GND_5296, took about 13.1 billion years to reach the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck Observatory in Hawaii, both of which detected the galaxy in infrared light. The researchers suspect they may have zeroed in on the era when the universe made its transition from an opaque state in which most of the hydrogen was neutral to a translucent state in which most of the hydrogen is ionized. Tilvi notes this is one of two major changes in the fundamental essence of the universe since its beginning - the other being a transition from a plasma state to a neutral state. He is leading the effort on a follow-up paper that will use a sophisticated statistical analysis to explore that transition further. "Everything seems to have changed since then,"

Vithal Tilvi (center) and team

Gurdeep Singh Pall is also first sikh to reach top management in Microsoft

Named one of the "15 Innovators & Influencers Who Will Make A Difference" in 2008 by Information Week, Pall co-authored "Institutional Memory Goes Digital", which was published by Harvard Business Review as part of Breakthrough Ideas for 2009 and subsequently presented at the World Economic Forum 2009 in Davos. At Microsoft, he has led acquisitions and technical partnerships with leading companies.

Tilvi said. "If it was neutral everywhere today, the night sky that we see wouldn't be as beautiful. What I'm working on is studying exactly why and exactly where this happened. Was this transition sudden, or was it gradual?" The Nature paper is the result of raw data gleaned from a powerful Hubble Space Telescope imaging survey of the distant universe called CANDELS, or Cosmic Assembly Near-Infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey. Using that data, the team was armed with 43 potential distant galaxies and set out to confirm their distances. Tilvi, Finkelstein and his graduate student, Mimi Song, detected only one galaxy during their two nights of observation at Keck, but it turned out to be the most distant ever confirmed.

Houston: University of Houston president Renu Khator and her husband Suresh, associate dean in the UH Cullen College of Engineering, have contributed more than $100,000 to establish the Renu and Suresh Khator UH Tier One Scholarship Endowment. With matching funding, the endowment was augmented to $200,000, giving new energy to the universitys prestigious Tier One Scholarship Program. The program will allow the university to offer as many as 200 new merit-based scholarships for outstanding freshmen each year fulfilling Khators commitment to devote UHs premier educational resources to student success initiatives. Established through an anonymous $7 million donation, the program was bolstered by a challenge Khator issued to the UH community, in which new scholarship contributions (of $25,000 or more) are matched dollar-for-dollar. Creation of a powerful $14 million scholarship endowment is well within reach, as generous donors have helped move the university within $500,000 of achieving the match goal. The universitys Tier One schol-

UH President Renu Khator, spouse give $100K scholarship Indian-American run firm to fix Obamacare website
Washington, DC: The Obama administration has turned to a technology company run by Indian-Americans to fix the problem ridden website for Americans to buy insurance under President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law. Columbia, Maryland, based Quality Software Services Inc, or QSSI, will now serve as a general contractor to oversee repairs to Healthcare.gov launched Oct 1 under the 2010 law nicknamed "Obamacare," said a management consultant hired by the White House to fix it. The website that runs online insurance exchanges for 36 states to buy compulsory health insurance under the new federal law should be working smoothly for most users by the end of November, Jeffrey Zients, assured reporters in a conference call Friday. Fourteen other states have built their own exchanges to sell insurance policies to millions of uninsured people in the United States. But many have experienced error messages and long waits in trying to sign on to the federal site. "It will take a lot of work and there are a lot of problems that will need to be addressed, but the bottom line is that it is fixable," Zients said. "By the end of November, the vast majority of consumers will be able to successfully and smoothly enroll through Healthcare.gov," he said. QSSI, a unit of health insurer UnitedHealth Group, produced the federal data hub and a software tool to register consumers that is working relatively well. Founded in 1997 by Tony Singh, QSSI describes itself as an organization with a proven track record delivering a broad range of solutions with particular expertise in Security & Privacy, Software Engineering, and Health IT. The company is headed by Bikram Bakshi, an inventor or co-inventor of eleven US patents and author of several IEEE conference publications, who joined the company in 2005 as President & CEO. The company's chief technology officer is Kovilvenni Ramaswamy (Ram) with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering from Regional Engineering College in India. He has over 20 years of broad software engineering leadership with design and development expertise across multiple technology platforms.

Renu Khator with husband Suresh

ars, upon learning of the Khators donation, say it provides additional motivation to grow academically and personally. Each donor gift to date was vital in helping the university attract the 181 Tier One scholars currently on campus, Paula Myrick Short, senior vice chancellor/senior vice president and provost, stated in a press release. The gift from the Khators provides additional cache, boosting recruiting efforts that could result in even more of the best and brightest students choosing UH over other institutions, she said. The Tier One Scholarship Program includes all tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years of study.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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November 2-8, 2013

US AFFAIRS

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Washington: Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, apologized Wednesday for the frustration that millions of Americans have experienced while trying to shop for insurance on the HealthCare.gov website, even as she defended the problem-plagued rollout of President Obamas health care law and tried to explain the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of individual insurance policies, New York Times reported. Sebelius, fighting for her political life at a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said she was as frustrated and angry as anyone with the flawed launch of HealthCare.gov. Sebelius said she was ultimately responsible for this debacle, including the websites problems. But she said that a government contractor, Verizons Terremark unit, was responsible for outages that disrupted the website on Sunday and again on Tuesday. Representative Fred Upton, Republican of Michigan and chairman of the committee, said: Over the months leading up to the Oct. 1 launch, the secretary and her colleagues repeatedly looked us in the eye and testified that everything was on track. Despite the numerous red flags and lack of testing, they assured us that all systems were a go. But something happened along the way. Either those officials did not know how bad the situation was, or they did not disclose it. Moreover, Upton said: There are millions of Americans coast to coast who no doubt believed the presidents repeated promise that if they liked their plan, theyd be able to keep it. They are now receiving termination notices. Sebelius said the cancellation of some individual policies was a justifiable byproduct of the 2010 health care law. These policies will be replaced, she said, with new policies that provide better benefits and more consumer protections, often at similar or lower prices. People in the individual market have never had consumer protections, Ms. Sebelius said, adding, They can be locked out, priced out, dumped out. However, in recent weeks, many consumers have

Sebelius sorry for healthcare website fiasco Michael Jackson doc released on
parole after serving two years for death of pop icon
Los Angeles: Conrad Murray, the former cardiologist convicted of involuntary manslaughter over the death of Michael Jackson, has been released from prison on parole after two years behind bars. Murray, 60, who had served half of his four year sentence, exited a Los Angeles jail through a back Conrad Murray caused the singer's death at the age of 50 in June 2009 door last week. His lawyer Jackson's children and mother Valerie Wass said he was "elated" who had accused the company of to be out. He was later pho- negligently hiring Murray. tographed with a hamburger at a Jurors in the civil case concludfast food restaurant. ed that Murray was fit to serve as After being hired as Jackson's Jackson's tour doctor when he was personal physician Murray caused hired, but the jury foreman added: the singer's death at the age of 50 "That doesn't mean we felt he was in June 2009. ethical." Murray did not give eviHe had administered an over- dence in the civil case or in his dose of the powerful anesthetic own earlier criminal trial. propofol in an attempt to help the His lawyer said Murray wanted insomniac performer sleep during to practice medicine again after rehearsals for a comeback tour. his release from prison.His previEarlier this month AEG Live, ous licences to practice in the concert promoter, was cleared California, Nevada and Texas in a civil case brought by have all been suspended.

Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, in the firing line

received cancellation notices offering new policies at prices much higher than what they have been paying. Sebelius minimized the significance of recent changes in individual insurance policies, which have shocked many consumers. In the individual market, plans change every year, she said, adding, This market has always been the Wild West. Representative John Shimkus, Republican of Illinois, said the federal website was misleading because it often displayed inaccurate prices. People who click on a link to preview plans and prices see a variety of health insurance options. But, Mr. Shimkus said, that part of the website lumps people into two broad categories. Anyone under the age of 50 sees the average price for a 27year-old, he said, while people 50 or older see the premium for a person 50 years old. To see prices for their particular circumstances, consumers need to create personal accounts at HealthCare.gov, and many have encountered roadblocks trying to do that. Confidential government documents show that the main contractor on the project, CGI Federal, a unit of the CGI Group, warned the Obama administration of problems with the website in early September.

As part of the new lobbying push on immigration, labor advocates planned to draw attention to their cause next month with a hunger strike by several activists on the National Mall in Washington DC.

Washington: U.S. businesses, religious leaders and other supporters of overhauling the nation's immigration laws mounted a massive lobbying push on Tuesday to urge a reluctant House of Representatives to tackle the issue before the end of the year as desired by President Obama. More than 600 people from 40 states planned to meet one-on-one with lawmakers to encourage the House to act soon on a top priority of labor groups, Latinos and businesses ranging from apple growers to software companies. Measures aimed at dealing with the estimated 11 million people who are in the United States illegally have broad support among Democrats and many Republicans in Congress. But Republicans who control the House face resistance from some grassroots conservatives who object to giving millions

of undocumented immigrants a potential pathway to U.S. citizenship, which those critics see as "amnesty." The divisions between conservatives in the Tea Party movement and more pragmatic Republicans have been at the fore in recent weeks during a government shutdown that tarnished the party's public support. As part of the new lobbying push on immigration, labor advocates planned to draw attention to their cause next month with a hunger strike by several activists on the National Mall. "The time is now. We need to deliver a message of urgency," Margaret Mimms, the sheriff in Fresno County, California, told a crowd at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. The issue has attracted a broad coalition that stretches across the usual U.S. political fault lines. Farmers and high-tech firms say they can't find enough qualified workers under the existing quota system for immigrants, while Latinos and liberal groups are pressing for legal status for millions who are in the United States without authorization. Business groups such as the U.S. Chamber and labor unions such as the AFL-CIO have set aside their usual differences to push for a broad overhaul of immigration laws. "There's no way you can get 11 million people, drop them off, and have them come

Push for immigration action targets House Republicans

back. We feel strongly that there is an economy here in our country with no voice," said Fuad Reveiz, a former National Football League kicker who owns an insurance agency in Knoxville, Tennessee. Reveiz, president of the East Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said he planned to meet with his congressman, Republican John Duncan. Duncan has said he is reluctant to support a bill that would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, a central element of a bill passed the Democratic-led Senate. Advocates for new laws have seen 2013 as their best chance for change in more than a decade because President Obama has made immigration a top priority and business and labor groups resolved differences that undercut an attempt in 2006. The Senate passed its comprehensive immigration bill in June. The House had been widely expected to take up the issue this fall, but a budget dispute that led to a 16day government shutdown early in October and the troubled rollout of Obama's signature health law have preoccupied Congress. Time is running short for Congress to act this year. The House will be in session for only 18 more days in 2013, and many analysts say progress will be more difficult as the November 2014 congressional elections approach. "Immigration reform is ultimately a ques-

tion of when, not if, but prior to the 2014 midterms now seems out of reach," Guggenheim Partners analyst Chris Krueger wrote recently. Democrats have united behind the effort, but Republicans face conflicting demands on the issue. Party officials say that with an influx of Hispanics changing the nation's demographics in favor of Democratic-leaning voters, Republicans need to reach out to the Hispanic community to stay competitive in future elections. Republicans' business allies, meanwhile, say the current immigration system is holding back economic growth. But many of the aging, overwhelmingly white voters who make up the Republican Party's base worry that a legalization plan for undocumented immigrants will drive down wages and make it more difficult for American workers to get jobs. For many Republican lawmakers who represent solidly conservative districts, fears of a backlash may outweigh concerns about the party's national competitiveness. To that end, advocates for new laws have amassed a coalition of local law enforcement, evangelical leaders and smaller companies - what they call "Bibles, Badges and Business" - to press their case. Some conservative interest groups, such as Americans for Tax Reform, have taken up the issue as well.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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November 2-8, 2013

IMMiGRATiON

LANGUISHING IN A GOlDEN CAGE

Even as the debate about illegal immigrants rages, this special three-page report with real life stories puts the spotlight on the long-ignored, harrowing existence of spouses of H1 visa holders very much in US legally. Not allowed to work, or drive or even open bank accounts, the wives on H4 a curse - are here at the mercy of their husbands, and many face abuse.
vote but has to pay taxes. Each year there are 65,000 H1s issued in the US. Even if we take a conservative estimate of about 50% of them being married, there are more than 32,000 dependents entering US from various countries including India and China. These are mainly women, mostly qualified and talented, employable but unemployed. H1B visa holder can apply for permanent residency in the US but has to wait for years Under the employment based (EB) 2 category the wait for green card is between 5-12 years whereas on the lower EB3 category the wait time is 8-15 years. Now add six years of being on H-1B category to that. This long wait really takes away the peer years from the H4 visa holders, explains Rashi. Endless wait and lack of second income often puts strain on married life. When it becomes difficult to run a family on single income, many times the girls parents have been asked to pay for her upkeep in the US, said Shivali Shah, attorney and advocate for the rights of H4 visa holders. Many even invest in the insanely expensive masters program. Not only are they ineligible for student loan they are not even allowed to work part time on-campus. And after all the pain and expense to get a US degree, you are still in a limbo not even eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), something that students on F1 (full time) or even M visa (part time) enjoy. OPT is a great way for students to display their talent and skills to the employer not having to worry about sponsorship. With utter frustration, these women are often forced to take an illegal route doing short courses and faking resumes to get jobs. Honest H1B families dont favor converting H4 into H1B by showing fake resumes. Many IT job consultants do such illegal stuff and recruit immigrants in dire need of jobs, added Rashi. Most of the H4s are highly educated and some with business acumen. They can be entrepreneurs, can create job, curb outsourcing of jobs, fill in the shortage of high skilled work force - engineers, doctors, researchers, educators, innovators etc. Even if we agree to the argument that immigrants come here and take away jobs from local Americans and hence not allowing H4s to apply for jobs, there is no reason why they cannot start their own business. After all it will only boost the economy. I have had discussions with H4 visa holders who agree that instead of dumping wealth back in their home country - buy gold, shares even property -- they are willing to invest here in a business, hire more people and hamper illegal work, proposed Rashi. to the US for a relatively shorter period but are eligible to apply for green card) and E (investor) visa granted work permit? We are not asking for citizenship like illegal immigrants, all we are asking is a chance to stand in line for jobs. Rest all depends on our skill and expertise. We are ready to wait but the law should be equal for all legal dependents, asserts Rashi. To truly come to grips with the intensity of the problem faced by individuals trapped in the H-4 visa quagmire, Rashi set up a Facebook group called H-4 visa, a curse. The group, started in 2011, has more than 4,000 members mostly H4s and their spouses from China, Philippines, Mexico, Spain, UK, Greece, Ukraine, and Pakistan besides India. A lot of these members are victims of domestic violence, immigration fraud (duped by IT job consultants) and suffer from problems such as depression and suicidal tendencies, informed Rashi.

By Jinal Shah
ven as the comprehensive immigration reform proposal stumbling on Capitol Hill, defying President Obama who wants to push it by the end of this year. The Republican led House is considering a piecemeal and conditional approach in offering a path to citizenship for the nations undocumented immigrants, there is a group of people, mostly legal immigrant women, waiting for policymakers to take action on a less controversial piece of the reform bill. One of those women is Rashi Bhatnagar, 30, an Indian national who came to the US in 2009. A lifestyle journalist with an international magazine publishing group in India, she had married a long distance boyfriend she was dating for four years. He was granted H1B - a visa given to highly skilled workers in demand in the US. And she got dependent visa - H4. Every day while he goes to work as an IT professional, Rashi engages in soul-destroying household chores, kills time in the aisles of department stores, and hits the gym 3-4 times a day. For many, her life maybe enviable but she feels trapped in a golden cage. Investing in a masters degree made no sense because she already had one from India. Testing the job market proved futile as companies refused to sponsor H1B visa without Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the USCIS. Imagine that you are moving to a foreign land with your spouse. After you arrive, you are confined to the four walls. Your immigration status makes you ineligible for a work permit, and so, you cannot get a credit card or a driving license, or open a bank account, without the H1Bs consent, or rent an apartment, or take a student loan, or buy a car. Imagine that four years later you are still waiting for those basic rights. Thats my world, laments Rashi Bhatnagar, echoing countless other H4 wives who are politically nonexistent, and thus powerless to ask for what is a basic human right - the right to be self-sufficient. Rashi continues, Although I was aware that Id not be able to work here on H4 visa, I didnt know it then that the dependent stamp on my passport will strip me of my independence for years to come. Nobody told me consequences of coming on H visa - long EAD wait due to the retrogression of visa dates, no protection laws, no student loans, no scholarships, and immigration related frauds. Rashis not an idiosyncratic case of misery in the wilderness of American suburbia, there are 100,000 to 150,000 people - mostly women and children from Asia stuck in this deadening reality of joblessness, social isolation, and rapid erosion of self-esteem. They have a legal status, they pay taxes, they contribute to social security, but they are involuntarily home bound. To understand the conundrum of H4 visa holders, it is important to first know about H1B visa. Issued for six years (three plus extension), H1B allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign skilled workers in specialty fields. The H1B visa holder does not have the right to

The law according to these spouses is unfair and biased especially when compared to other legal dependents who are allowed to work and get Social Security Number. Dependents on L, E and H visa all enter US with the same identity Dependents- then why are spouses on L visa holders (usually executives and managers who come

Shivali Shah adds another dimension to the issue: By taking away the choice to work, these women are essentially being brought into the US for their most basic functions as women: housewives, baby makers and sex partners. The consequences are often tragic because many men abuse the power given to them by the law: some wives get only weekly allowances for food; others are forbidden from calling their families back home or taking hobby classes, many are even silent victims of domestic violence and in extreme cases mental and physical abuse. Depending on their husbands for absolutely everything, including the right to remain in the United States, many women are forced to stay in marriages they desperately need to escape. Another problem is that most of the South Asian H-1B/ H-4 marriages are new so the woman is cut off from all the social networks back home. In the US, she must rely completely on her husband for everything. In cases of abuse, he may not be her best ally, adds Shivali. She however explains that the emotional trauma, the tension between the couple or family is not the fault of the US government but the law puts the dependent on a disadvantage. The minute a woman steps foot in the US on an H-4 visa, she has an inferior status in the marriage by law. This power imbalance even messes with many marriages. In the fight to secure work authorization to spouses on H4 visa, another small section of dependents are often left behind the children of H1B visa holders. Recently, children of illegal immigrants who were minors at the time of their entry to US are allowed to stay in the country, issued work permits, whereas H4 dependent kids are forced to move back to their native countries after they attain 21 years of age. These kids are brought legally as babies by their highly skilled parents. Legal H1B parent pay taxes and respect law of the land. For these kids, US is their mother land, they sing US national anthem and respect the American flag. Despite this Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) rule is giving work permits to the eligible kids of undocumented workers who came illegally to the US.

Poster design by Mrs. Sonal K. Gadre-Shintre

IMMiGRATiON

November 2-8, 2013

15

HAUNTING HEART-RENDING
3 stories of spouses of H1 visa holders
By Jinal Shah

NOT HAVING QUALIFIED H4 VISA HOLDERS WORK IS A TALENT WELL WASTED, AMERICA

W
BEING UNAbLE TO WORK MAKES AMERICA SEEM LIKE A GOLDEN CAGE

Sunayanas story

Shradhas story

wenty-seven-year-old Shradha had it all figured out. This Public Relations (PR) professional entered US soon after her marriage in 2011 on an L2 visa (where the spouse is allowed to work). She made a careful plan to seek employment and it was all coming together for her she got her Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, sent resumes to PR companies, gave interviews. Her agenda was clear- Work in the United States till I am on L2, gather experience and go back to India. But she was in for a rude shock. Everything was going as planned until her husband who was on L1 visa (a nonimmigrant work visa) got an offer to work on H1-B visa. It was a take it or leave it offer. We even contemplated going back to India, but there was no scope for my husband back home. Engineers in his field are trained in India and sent to the US. Even if we go back, they will send us here again. So reluctantly he took up the job, added Shradha. With paucity of choices, Shradhas husband had to take up the H1-B offer leaving Shradha no choice but to trade her L2 status for H4 (dependent status where the spouse is not allowed to work). Shradha recalls, At the time of the status change, I got a call from one of the companies I applied to. They offered me a job but when I explained my situation they refused to sponsor my H1B on the ruse, we are a small company and cannot afford you. With options closing, she turned to academics though aware that this route will cost her lots of money. All my friends and family here are either working or have green cards. They often ask me what I am doing these days. It hurts to reply, I am a homemaker. I could not sit back home and do nothing. So I took business management courses from UC Berkeley for a year and then enrolled for a two year masters in communications program, said Shradha who already has a masters degree in communications from India. She calls H4 a parasite visa. Parasite because you practically live on another person. You only get the deriving benefits. I was not prepared to be a parasite! claims Shradha. Being unable to work makes America seem like a golden cage. Even though you live in a land of opportunities, most of them are beyond your reach. Like a bird in a cage, you are allowed to stay in the US but cannot do anything more than that. The consequences of such circumstances are often tragic, she added. Shradha intends to change her H4 status to F1 in the hope that she will get to work on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for a year without having to find a sponsor for H1. It makes no sense to spend so much money to get another masters degree when you already have one. And converting to F1 visa and working on OPT is my only chance to prove that I too am competent enough to get a job.

hen 27 year old Sunayana Kannur got her passport stamped with H4 visa, her heart throbbed with excitement. She wasted no time and packed her bags to be with her husband who works in an IT company here in the US. She left India to start her new life. Sunayana, who had a masters degree from India and work experience of over two years, met her husband in college when both were roughly the same stage in their engineering careers. A few years later her husband got a job in a reputed IT company in the US and was granted H1B visa. Knowing fully well the consequences of being on H4, she left her decent paying job as an assistant professor in a college in India. Traditionally women are thought to sacrifice their education, successful careers for their husbands. It is something we happily do. I put my husbands career in front of my own, she said. Unlike many H1B wives, I knew what I was getting into. I knew beforehand that I will not be able to work on H4. I have had people say why you came to US if you had an established career in India. I would say which culture or law in the world says you can choose either your husband or your career. And as per law staying separate means either you are divorced or live separately. For all that, Sunayana did not know the emotional trauma that comes with H4. Within months of her settling down in a strange new land, she found herself in a void. Initially everything was fun - beautiful relationship, new country, new people, however as days went by, boredom crept in. Suddenly from a workaholic lifestyle you are dealing with nothingness.

adding, We discussed putting together a database of H4 wives especially in the IT background who are sitting at home doing nothing. If all the available human resources are put to work, it will only help the country as more income equals a better lifestyle, which in turn equals more spending here in the States. Like most other qualified wives on H4, Sunayana too is asking for a chance to compete in the race. We are not asking for a job or favor. All we are asking is the permit to work. Give us a chance to compete with others. Getting a job or not is completely on our merit, asserts Sunayana.

AND YOU THOUGHT ONLY WOMEN WERE TRAPPED IN THE H4 GOLDEN CAGE
Rajus story
Six years ago, Raju (name changed to protect his identity) left his high paying sales and marketing job at a leading telecom company in India so that his wife, Sapna, who was on H1B visa, could continue pursuing her career. Not knowing the gravity of the situation, Raju left for the US, leaving behind his extensive career spanning 15 years. We didnt want to be separated after marriage and since US is the land of opportunities I thought I will not have trouble finding a job here. And as opposed to her quitting, I decided to come on an H4 dependent visa, recollects Raju. We thought we would be able to find a sponsor for my H1B. But I guess I assumed a lot, said Raju who describes himself as a hardworking and a very sociable guy. Raju surrendered his social life and confined himself to the four walls of his apartment. After coming here, Id sit at home staring at walls doing nothing. Initially, I could not even drive on my own because to apply for a driving license you need to bring your spouse along. As a man, it was killing me to not be the breadwinner and support my wife and instead depend on her for petty expenses, he said describing the void in his life. This sudden void led Raju to alcohol for consolation. Suddenly alcohol became my best friend. Alcohol was not the only bad thing that happened to me; I even tried to commit suicide multiple times. I hurt myself very badly during one of these attempts and had to be hospitalized. My wife had to put up with all the pressure and torture. And after two such suicide attempts and living a life full of stress, tension and unhappiness, Raju and his wife decided to return to India only to realize that there were bigger problems awaiting. I realized that sales and marketing is not one of the skilled worker categories. But I was able to find an employer in US who needed a strong sales professional for his IT Company. He wanted me to get trained on his IT products so that I could take over sales and marketing for his company in the US. So, in India, I changed my field and worked for him in his India office hoping that he would apply a work visa for me. Unfortunately, recession hit in 2008 and the company did not do well, said Raju. The recession had a rippling effect on Rajus job in Bangalore. Miseries haunted me even in India; I lost my job, my drinking problem worsened. I had a three year old child to whom I could not provide a decent upbringing. My wife finally decided to move back to US with my son to provide a better life to him. I came to my senses and was admitted for rehabilitation. I recovered a bit but I just couldnt bear the fact that I was jobless and living away from my family. The separation was killing me. My wife was like a single parent in the US managing everything by herself. Two years later, Raju came back to the US on H4 to save his marriage. Since then I have been sincerely trying every possible thing volunteering, trying for jobs, undergoing trainings and courses. Continues on page 16

Matters then took a turn for the worse. Trapped in a labyrinth of visa-related restrictions, she began to feel she had no purpose in life, insecurities gripped her. I started going through depression, loss of enthusiasm and self-esteem. You had nothing to look forward to, she said. I applied for jobs. Things go fine but when recruiters come to know of my H-4 status, all they would say is, we do not sponsor H1B, said Sunayana. In India usually an engineer marries another engineer, same as a doctor marrying a doctor. It is common. I am really happy for my husband but it hurts when you know both are equally qualified and only one of the two is considered as qualified enough for H1B visa. I am proud of my husbands achievements yet when I look at how his career has progressed, thats when it really hurts me. I cant help but think, when will I get to move forward with my career, too? she laments. She is pinning her hope on the long pending comprehensive immigration reform that will allow her to work while her husband is waiting in line for the green card. Recently in my husbands company they were looking for resources in certain domain and my husband, who interviewed the candidates, said to me, you are way more capable than them. If only you could work, she said,

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November 2-8, 2013

Continues from page 15

IMMiGRATiON

But as a man in his mid-thirties I am unable to support my wife and son. I have been fighting battles with my addiction; thoughts of suicide and depression still haunt me. I am holding up only for my wife and son. We have suffered due to this H4 curse for a long time, its not worth it. Financially also we are not able to save much due to only one person earning. This country may be a land of opportunities for others but for me its only been a nightmare. The thought of my future scares me. Realizing the harsh realities that haunted his American dream, Raju is now planning to move again. We are now planning to move to some other country that will respect individuals and provides work authorization. USA will lose skilled talent if they do not address this issue. Like us, there are many people who have realized the same problem and started migrating to other countries which provide opportunities to the skilled individual and their spouses.

TWO MOVIES, ONE MESSAGE

City in New Jersey, when she looked through the glass windows. I looked out the window, at the Manhattan skyline with the Hudson river whispering to it gently, for a fraction of an instant I lost concept of time. I felt I was on Marine Drive in Mumbai overlooking the jeweled skyline also called Queens necklace. In that moment I knew that I was neither here nor there - I was truly suspended between the two countries, two realities and two identities independent and dependent. In the movie, Damani talks about her purgatory of not being able to find a company ready to sponsor her H1B something employers are becoming increasingly reluctant to do leaving her jobless for over five years. The film was bolstered by testimonials, written mostly by H4 wives just like Damani, immigration experts and sympathetic citizens. Hearts Suspended also has an active Facebook fan page with over 500 likes and is currently used to spearhead a movement to push US lawmakers to pass immigration reforms.

By Jinal Shah

THE NOWHERE PEOPLE

Hearts Suspended: Losing who you were and losing who you could be A documentary depicting the plight of H1 dependent visa holders.

Independence, the very first thing I lost when I set foot in the land of the free, when they stamped me as a dependent spouse on my passport, claims Meghna Damani in the opening lines of her partly autobiographical documentary film Hearts Suspended. Produced in 2007, this short is an untold story of legal US immigrant spouses who are denied the basic human right to work, revealed through the filmmakers personal struggles: This film is a piece of my life that I hope will tell the story of the thousands of educated women like myself who come here every year as doctors, lawyers, architects, business professionals, artists, etc. and are forced to stay at home for an indefinite period of time. Many are abused, exploited or in just plain denial that they have lost the most precious years of their lives irrevocably, she stated. The film demystifies the H4 status, a somewhat paralyzing status acquired by thousands of women, including Damani, who come to the US alongside their husbands who come on H1 work visa. Damani has a masters degree in marketing from India and work experience of over two years as senior advertising professional in a reputed company in Mumbai. Post-marriage, she moved to the US on H4 visa only to be confined to the four walls. On her website, she mentions how the idea of the film germinated at the coffee shop below her apartment in Jersey

THE H1-H4 PURGAtORY

The H4 Curse, a feature lm written by Navneeta Khemka, Joe Barcelone and Shah Peerally.

hile domestic abuse both mental and physical -- is not a visa centric issue, its gravity is magnified in H1-B households since immigration immobility (to other visa) and financial dependency limits an H4 abuse victim from getting a divorce, alimony, or custody of children. Immigration laws render H4 spouses defenseless at the whims of their husbands, who have the power to change her status to an undocumented immigrant. Lot of people think H4 abuse victims qualify for Violence Against Womens Act (VAWA) benefits but this law is only for the wives of citizens or permanent residents. When VAWA was reauthorized in 2006, I lobbied for including the H4 category into the list of people who can apply under VAWA, said Shivali Shah, advocate for the rights of H4 visa holders. She added, Right now there is a regulation in VAWA that provides work authorization for battered H4 visa holders. However for the past 7 years USCIS has not issued regulations and therefore they are not accepting applications for EADs for battered h4 spouses. Another lesser known option is the U visa - where the victim is given EAD to stay and work in the United States. Though the U visa is an option, most H-4 women are reluctant to testify against their husbands for crimes committed against them. Only in the most extreme cases of abuse have I seen H-4 visa holders apply for the U visa. It is an option of last resort for most crime victims and that includes H4 visa holders.

DEFENSELESS IN LAW W

t a time when President Obama is pushing for comprehensive immigration reforms, a movie is in the making based on the plight of H1B wivesa rather invisible lot of immigrants without any identity of their own. Tagged as dependents, these usually qualified wives come to the land of dreams to lead a better life. Instead each one is forced to cook, do the dishes, drive kids to the park, do menial jobs so that there is, though negligible, cash inflow; she also pursues hobbies because she has nothing else to do. Her not being able to work leads to serious identity crisis, emotional trauma, erosion of

self-esteem and in some cases physical and mental abuse. Titled The H4 Curse, this hour long feature film is written by Navneeta Khemka, Joe Barcelone and Shah Peerally, who is also the producer. This film is for mainstream audience. Most of them are aware of the plight of immigrants especially the illegal immigrants, however very few know the agony of these spouses who come to the US, legally, abide by the law, yet are not given financial independence. Thus it is imperative to share the stories of these invisible people, say the films makers. Alma our protagonist has a masters degree from India but not allowed to work being on this visa. She cooks and cleans and only waits for her husband to return from work, who is always late. She is lonely and depressed to the extent that she needs doctors intervention for her psychological needs. Her family back in India is unable to relate to her problems and they are not of much help. She feels frustrated and helpless, says Shah. We take pride in America, the country of dreams which stands for freedom and support to women, whereas here the same country is involved in taking away the very basic right to earn from her. The country that needs the specialized work force for her growth is denying any identity to their families. Our endeavor is to bring this major issue to light, which is almost killing the dreams and lives of many. We hope to reach out to many people who can understand the agony and pain of this dependency, stated Shah who is actively fighting the cause by his films and an online petition to the US Senate to highlight the discriminating nature of the dependent visa. The movie, scheduled to release this month, also highlights the subjugation of the H1B workers. Almas husband Raj is a software engineer in a prominent firm, works late hours. This movie also touches upon the way people on H1 B are sometimes exploited by the citizens of this country knowingly or unknowingly. Because of the nature of the visa they are unable to reach their potential, said Shah. The film explores the emotional purgatories in a relationship strained due to the stifling game of immigration limbo. Two incomes become one; stains in the couples relationship; health issues due to unsettled life, loneliness and depression are few of the bi-products of this visa, which is beautifully expressed through this movie, added Shah.

IMMiGRATiON
While domestic abuse both mentally and physicallyis not a visa centric issue, its gravity is magnified in H1-B households since immigration immobility (to other visa) and financial dependency limits an H4 abuse victim from getting a divorce, alimony, or custody of children. Immigration laws make H4 spouses defenseless at the whims of their husbands, who have the power to change her status to an undocumented immigrant. Most of this cases go undocumented for the fear of stigma, being deported to the home country, or thinking about the trauma family has to face. But for those battered H4 visa holders who wish to fight the legal battle for justice have very few options. A lot of people think H4 abuse victims qualify for Violence Against Womens Act (VAWA) benefits however this law is only for the wives of citizens or permanent residents. When VAWA was reauthorized in 2006, I lobbied for including the H4 category into the list of people who can apply under VAWA, said Shivali Shah, advocate for rights of H4 visa holders. She added, Right now there is a regulation in VAWA that provides work authorization for battered h4 visa holders. However for the past 7 years USCIS has not issued regulations and therefore they are not accepting applications for EADs for battered h4 spouses. Another lesser known option is the U visa- where the victim is given EAD to stay and work in the United States. Though the U visa is an option, most H-4 women are reluctant to testify against their husbands for crimes committed against them. Only in the most extreme cases of abuse have I seen H-4 visa holders apply for the U visa. It is an option of last resort for most crime victims and that includes H-4 visa holders.

November 2-8, 2013

17

VERY FEW LEGAL OPTIONS FOR BATTERED H4 vISA hOLDERS

-----------------------This is not a legal advice -----------------------Some of the NGOs provided by The Indian Consulate :

AWAKE, Inc. Dr. Raman Kaul, President, ramankaul49@hotmail.com MANAVI Razia Meer, manavi@manavi.org Shamita Dasgupta, shamitadas@hotmail.com SAKHI for South Asian Women Tiloma Jayasinghe, Exec. Dir., contactus@sakhi.org SNEHA Jyoti Ramesh, President, sneha@sneha.org ASIAN WOMENS SAFETY NET Seema Singh, seema@ssinghlaw.com

18

November 2-8, 2013

INDIA

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Kevadia (Gujarat): Gujarat Chief Minister and the BJP's prime minister candidate Narendra Modi said that "we should not divide our heritage... India needs Sardar Patel's secularism ... not vote bank secularism." Modi was responding to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's earlier remarks that Sardar Patel was a Congressman. Speaking at an event after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani laid the foundation stone of the proposed 182metre-tall statue of Sardar Patel here, Modi attacked the prime minister over "delay" in permission for erecting gates of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. "To link Sardar Patel with any party will be a big injustice to him (Patel). That party (Congress) was a part of his life and both history and Modi cannot deny it," the BJP's prime ministerial candidate said. Hitting out at Congress accusations that he (Modi) was trying to usurp Sardar Patel's legacy, Modi said leaders such as Rana Pratap, Bhagat Singh and Shivaji were not from the BJP, but he respected them all.

India needs Patel's secularism: Modi

L.K. Advani laid the foundation stone of the proposed 182-metre-tall statue of Sardar Patel

After Modi said that he wished Sardar Patel had been India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh responded that the "Iron Man" had always been a Congressman, and secular too.

Ahmedabad: The prime minister and the BJP's prime ministerial candidate were locked in an ideological battle over Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with Narendra Modi wishing the "Iron Man" had been India's first prime minister and Manmohan Singh underlining that Patel was a Congress leader and secular to the core. Sharing the stage with the prime minister at a function here, Modi spoke first and said that India would have been better off if Patel had ruled the country after independence. "I wish Sardar Patel had become the first prime minister of India," Modi said at the inauguration of a museum dedicated to Sardar Patel. "This will remain our regret." "If Sardar Patel would have been our first prime minister, then the face and fate (tasveer aur taqdeer) of the country would have been completely different," Modi said. Modi's comments mirrored long-held views of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its affiliates which adore Sardar Patel but have no love for the socialist-minded Jawaharlal Nehru, who ruled India for 17 long years, from August 1947 until his death in May 1964. Sardar Patel died in 1950. Speaking soon after Modi, the prime minister, the chief guest on the occasion, recalled Patel's association with the Congress and his love for secular values. "I am proud and happy about the fact that I belong to a political party to which Sardar Patel was attached," he said, at a clear dig at Modi. He went on to point out that Sardar Patel was a "secular man" who always worked to strengthen the Congress. "Sardar Patel was totally secular. He believed in the unity of India. All his life he worked to strengthen the

PM, Modi share stage, battle over Sardar Patel

Narendra Modi wished 'Iron Man' had been India's first prime minister; Manmohan Singh underlined that Sardar Patel was a Congress leader

Congress. "It will not be wrong to say that he (Sardar Patel) has a great contribution in laying the foundation stone of the united India the world sees today. "Throughout his life, he worked to strengthen the Congress party," the prime minister added. The event here was organized by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Society. Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal and central Minister of State for Mines Dinsha Patel, who heads the society, were also present. Modi's remarks ignited sharp reactions from the Congress and the Communist Party of India-Maxist (CPI-M).

Lucknow: Terror suspect Meher Alam, accused of involvement in Patna serial blasts and who escaped from the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur city on late October 31. While police officials refused to comment on the high profile arrest, sources said he was picked up from the Sapt Kranti

Patna serial blasts suspect 're-arrested' in Kanpur

Express headed for Delhi. Alam, 25, was not only a terror suspect in the string of bombings that took place in Patna Sunday before Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was to address a rally, he is also suspected for the Bodhgaya blasts in July this year. Officials said following his rearrest, the terror accused was taken to New Delhi by NIA

EC serves notice on Rahul for ISI remark

sleuths. "I am not aware of the operation but the state police must have only provided logistical support at best," a senior official said. He escaped from a toilet in Bihar's Muzaffarpur while being brought here from Darbhanga district. Officials, however, were unwilling to confirm whether the terror suspect made good his escape.

Poll-bound states could boost BJP in 2014: Survey

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is projected to win between 187 and 195 seats in the Lok Sabha polls on the back of gains from four pollbound states, while the United Progressive Alliance tally could slip to between 134 and 142 seats, a survey says. The CNN-IBN, The Week prepoll survey conducted in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi, all of which go to the polls this year, said the results could cause a spike in the total tally of the NDA. Mizoram, where assembly polls will also be held later this year, was not included in the survey's ambit. The survey, conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) in the national capital, found that the BJP may trounce the Congress in four direct contest states in the Lok Sabha polls also. "NDA (National Democratic Alliance) tally projected to rise between 187 and 195 Lok Sabha seats just by gains in four states, whereas UPA (United Progressive Alliance) tally projected to slip to between 134 and 142 Lok Sabha seats, just by losses in four states," a release said. The survey said the Congress was projected to lose 28 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats that it won in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi in the 2009 general elections while the BJP was projected to add 27 seats to the 30 it won in the four states in 2009.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party for causing communal flare-ups

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his speeches last week in which he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for causing communal flare-ups and noted that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was contacting Muzaffarnagar riot victims. The commission, in its notice, said Gandhi's election speeches in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh last week were prima facie "violative" of the model code of conduct and asked him to reply by Monday why action should not be taken against

him. The notice was issued on the BJP's complaints to the commission. In a release, EC said it viewed CDs of Gandhi's speeches in Rajasthan's Churu Oct 23 and Madhya Pradesh's Indore Oct 24 and had detailed deliberations on the issue. The notice has been sent to Gandhi through a special messenger. Gandhi is the lead campaigner of the Congress in the assembly polls to five states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, in November-December. He is also seen as the party's prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

INDIA

November 2-8, 2013

19

New Delhi: Spiritual guru Asaram told the Supreme Court he was being projected as a dracula who drank children's blood, but the apex court declined to restrain media - both print and visual from carrying news reports about his conduct. The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice P. Sathasivam said that it cannot ask media not to report on an information they get from police or other sources after Asaram's counsel told the bench that the spiritual guru was being projected as a dracula. The court told Asaram's counsel he had other remedies and the apex court was not the only destination as it was told that media was reporting that the spiritual guru's wife and daughter were supplying him girls. Counsel told the court that he was not seeking to restrain the

I am being projected as Countdown for India's Mars mission begins dracula: Asaram
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): The final countdown for India's ambitious Rs.430-crore Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) will begin from November 3, while the full launch rehearsal will be on Thursday, a top official of the Indian space agency said. "The countdown for the Mars Orbiter Mission will begin Sunday at 6.08 a.m," K. Radhakrishnan, chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), told reporters. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C25) rocket carrying the MOM will blast off at 2.38 p.m Nov 5 from here around 80 km from Chennai. The launch rehearsal of the rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C25) began on October 31 and lasted over eight hours. According to PSLV-C25 mission director P. Kunhikrishnan, during the launch rehearsal, except for pressing the ignition button, every other activity related to the rocket launch will be carried out. Radhakrishnan reiterated that India is not in the space race with
The moon lander might be ready and qualified by 2016

Spiritual guru Asaram

entire media, but only two news channels which were regularly carrying slanderous reports about Asaram.

any other nation. Queried about India's second mission to the moon, he said the space agency is awaiting funds clearance from the government to develop a lander, and a rover is being developed. The moon lander might be ready and qualified by 2016, he said. He said the moon mission will be on India's heavier rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). After two successful GSLV missions, ISRO will be

confident of going ahead with the moon mission on its heavier rocket, Radhakrishnan said. Radhakrishnan said ISRO would fly GSLV rockets prior to the moon mission. According to him, the next GSLV mission with GSAT-14 satellite is slated for this December. In July, ISRO called off its GSLV mission prior to the launch, due to some fuel leakage. The notable aspect of the mission is that the rocket is fitted with an ISRO-developed cryogenic engine.

Hyderabad: Volvo, manufacturers of thousands of buses running on Indian roads, said the blaze that charred to death 45 passengers on the BangaloreHyderabad bus, might not have been caused by a fuel tank explosion, forcing authorities to look at other angles. Volvo India's spokesperson said the fuel tank in the bus was not made of metal but roto-molded plastic, which rarely explodes under pressure. Unlike metal fuel tanks, which get compressed and explode due to built up pressure, the plastic fuel tank only cracks, spilling the fuel but not causing a massive explosion, a company spokesperson said. "We have not heard of a fuel tank burst causing fire in any of our buses as of now. We need to probe fur-

Andhra accident: Volvo says fuel tank explosion unlikely

The bus carrying 50 passengers from Bangalore went up in flames and only seven people came out alive from the inferno

ther into the cause of the Mahbubnagar fire. Two officials are at it already," the spokesperson was quoted as saying. The bus carrying 50 passengers from Bangalore went up in flames and only seven people came out alive from the inferno. Authorities retrieved the bodies and shipped them to a hospital in

Hyderabad for DNA tests. Volvo, which has been manufacturing buses in the country for the past 10 years, said they have come across only three cases of buses going up in flames in India, and none of the fires were caused by fuel tank explosion. The company's buses are manufactured in a factory near Bangalore.

Mumbai: The Sensex, the benchmark index of Indian stock markets, hit a record closing high of 21,034 points helped by strong buying support from foreign funds. The 30-scrip S&P Sensex of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) closed 104.96 points or 0.50 percent higher at 21,033.97 points. This is the highest closing level of the benchmark index. The previous highest closing level of the Sensex was 21,004 points registered Nov 5, 2010. The Sensex is also just 0.8 percent away from its record high of 21,206.77 points on Jan 10, 2008. It touched a high of 21,086.59 points in intra-day trading. The Indian stock markets rallied for the second consecutive day after the Reserve Bank of India hiked the repo rate by 25 basis points along expected lines and cut Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate to ease liquidity. Interest rate-sensitive banking stocks have rallied following the RBI move. The wider 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also rose sharply for the second consecutive day. The Nifty closed 0.50 percent or 30.80 points higher at 6,251.70 points. There was a strong buying support from the foreign funds. Foreign investors were the net buyers for the 18th session in a row. There was good buying support in health-

Sensex hits record closing of 21,034 points

There was a strong buying support from the foreign funds

care, FMCG, technology, power and realty stocks. The BSE healthcare index rose 1.19 percent. FMCG index advanced 1.12 percent and power index rallied 0.51 percent. Bharti Airtel surged 5.23 percent to Rs.359.05 after reporting higher margins. Other prominent Sensex gainers were: Dr Reddys Lab, up 3.87 percent at Rs.2522.65; Hindalco Inds, up 2.77 percent at Rs.113.25; ICICI Bank, 2.23 percent at Rs.1099.45; and BHEL, up 2.09 percent at Rs.139.15. Thirteen of the 30 Sensex scrips closed in the red. Wipro, down 2.17 percent at Rs.475.85; SSLT, down 1.29 percent at Rs.198.20; HDFC Bank, down 0.95 percent at Rs.679.85 and SBI, down 0.94 percent at Rs.1721 were among the major Sensex losers.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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Onus on Indian Americans to project Diwali better

A multi-faceted festival
iwali, or Deepawali, gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (or diyas) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians. Diwali, celebrated in October or November each year, originated as a harvest festival that marked the last harvest of the year before winter. India was an agricultural society where people would seek the divine blessing of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, as they closed their accounting books and prayed for success at the outset of a new financial year. Today, this practice extends to businesses all over the Indian subcontinent, which mark the day after Diwali as the first day of the new financial year. Indians celebrate with family gatherings, glittering clay lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, bonfires, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship to Lakshmi. Some believe that Lakshmi wanders the Earth looking for homes where she will be welcomed. People open their doors and windows and light lamps to invite Lakshmi in. Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live: In North India they celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. South India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. In western India the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world. In all interpretations, one common thread rings truethe festival marks the victory of good over evil. Non-Hindu communities have other reasons for celebrating the holiday: In Jainism, it marks the nir-

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne performing Diwali puja on October 30 in Toronto.

t is the most important Indian festival, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, over a billion of them in India and an estimated 3 million in the United States. But do most Americans even know what Diwali is all about? Many Indian Americans say no, and theyre working to change that, but not with educational billboards or A Charlie Brown Diwali special on network television. Instead, theyre encouraging fellow community members to be a little more open about their celebrations -- to tell friends, colleagues and their childrens teachers that Diwali is a big deal particularly in Hinduism, the worlds third largest religion. Someday its my hope that youll say, `Its Diwali, and the boss will say, `Oh, OK, youll take the day off, said Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation. Thats progress -- the feeling that as a Hindu, you dont have to explain. Dr. Rasik Shah, a pediatric lung specialist in New York City, said he used to be a little shy about taking Diwali off. But over time, he said, I have been a little more bold, a little more vocal. We have to say what we want, said Shah. This is my holiday. For starters, we can tell fellow Americans that its the celebration of the Hindu New Year, not all that different from Judaisms Rosh Hashanah, with equal parts of Hanukkahs festival of lights and Fourth of July sparklers thrown in. On a deeper level, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, as it draws on the legends of each religion. One of the most popular commemorates the return of Hinduisms Lord Rama from banishment. According to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama destroys a 10-headed demon. As he returns home, villagers lay out

lamps to light his way. The name Diwali means row of lights. Most of India, where 80 percent of its 1.2 billion people are Hindu, is off for Diwali. Families pray at Hindu temples, and deliver their best dishes to friends. At Diwali parties, theres dancing, variety shows and fireworks. In the United States, the celebrations are more subdued, given the relatively small Indian population and and the stringent laws on fireworks except when community organizes them in parks with permission. Part of the problem may be that non-Hindus havent bothered to learn, but its also Hindus themselves who need to better publicse Diwlai. To that end, we may praise Mindy Kaling, who starred as Kelly Kapoor, a Hindu employee on NBCs hit series The Office. An episode called Diwali, written by Kaling, centers on the bosss clueless attempts to get his employees to appreciate Indian culture. The episode, which first aired in 2006, represents perhaps one of the brightest spotlight ever shone on Diwali in America. The White House first celebrated the holiday in 2003, and President Obama in 2009 became the first U.S. president to attend the festivities. He sent a message that Americans of all faiths are being acknowledged. This year, US lawmakers joined Indian-Americans for the first ever Diwali celebrations on Capitol Hill after the US Congress passed resolutions honoring the Indian festival of lights and celebrating the strong relationship between the US and India. Tuesday evening's festivities on Capitol Hill were marked by about 25 lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, joining in the lighting of traditional 'diyas' or lamps amidst chanting of Vedic mantras by a Hindu priest.

vana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. In Sikhism it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru was freed from imprisonment. On the first day of Diwali, housewives consider it auspicious to spring clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils. On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps or diyas and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand. This is the main day of the festival when families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities. This is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives

visit with gifts and best wishes for the season. The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. At this time, old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The books are worshipped in a special ceremony and participants are encouraged to remove anger, hate, and jealousy from their lives. The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva, and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity in many ways, and the festival of 'Dhanteras' ('dhan' = wealth; 'teras' = 13th) is celebrated two days before the festival of lights.

Why Diwali at Times Square

eeta Bhasin, of ASB Communications, who conceptualized Diwali at Times Square which debuted this year, explains te genesis of the idea to project the festival at the crossroads of the world. We all know that Diwali is something more than simple bursting of firecrackers. It is day of Thanksgiving, a New Year's Day as well as the day goodness triumphs over evil. Whatever your own interpretation is, there is no denying that it is day of celebration, a day for meeting family and a day to eat good food. For all of us who were still old enough to celebrate Diwali in India, there is a nostalgia for the bright lights, loud firecrackers, wonderful food and incredible hubbub that punctuates this day. But in the USA, it is simply another day for all of us. Though celebrated by over a sixth of humanity, Diwali is practically unknown to the US. Well, at least it was till September 22 of this year when Diwali At Times Square happened.

A day long festival with wonderful events, bright clothes, brilliant rhythms, capped by a pulse pounding concert, it turned one of the best known locations in the world into a slice of India. Visited by an estimated half plus million people, this path finding event has ensured that Diwali will no longer remain only in the hearts and memories of the Indian Diaspora. Bhasin, President, Event Guru, the company that organized the event, added, "I moved to India over 35 years ago and remember being awed by Times Square. I told myself that I will do something here one day. Owning a multicultural agency, I realize that most people still do not know the wonderful diversity of India, its languages, religions, its customs. I wanted to correct this lacuna and provide mainstream marketers with a vehicle to reach the affluent Asian Indian community". Well, it definitely looks like the annual event is well on its way to accomplishing this goal.

23

(1) Lakshman cuts the nose of Srupanakha, which angers her brother Ravan, triggering the war. (2) Jatayu tries in vain to free Sita from Ravans clutches. Paitning by Raja Ravi Varma (18481906), circa, 1895. (3) Effigy of Ravan being put to fire fizzles with bursting crackers at Dusehra-Diwali mela in Manchester, England, 2006.

Ramayan in art and culture

or North Indians particularly, Diwali is associated with the return of victorious Ram after vanquishing Ravana and liberating Sita. And the celebrations that ensue in his kingdom, Ayodhya. Ram is an ideal man and king, and his noble story is told in Ramayan, which has pervaded Indian life and ethos more than the other Indian epic, Mahabharat. Like the Mahbhrat, Ramayan is not just a story: it presents the teachings of ancient Hindu sages in narrative allegory, interspersing philosophical and devotional elements. The characters Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Bharata, Hanuman and Ravana are all fundamental to the cultural consciousness of India, Nepal, and many South-East Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. Ramayan and episodes from the epic story which every child in India knows by heart have taken various forms in art and culture, dance and drama, down the ages, from Bikaner to Bali. Here are some striking images as we follow the story from the stone age to comics and even a sci-fi version.

A very elaborate Garuda in a contemporary Balinese production performed in Singapore.

An image from the series, Ramayan 3392AD, a futuristic, sci-fi adventure.

24

It is the light of the universal consciousness that shines through these enlightened souls.

While the external source of light dispels physical darkness, its the inner light that dispels the darkness of ignorance (avidya) and illusion (maya).

ver wondered what is the secret behind the Buddhas peaceful visage in meditation, the compassionate eyes of Mother Teresa, the expression of rapturous bliss on the face of Chaitanya Prabhu, the glorious persona of a Mahavira meditating in solitary splendor, the light of forgiveness on the face of Jesus hanging on the cross, or the beatific smile of Krishna playing the flute? It is the light of the universal consciousness that shines through these enlightened souls that is immediately apparent even to the naked eye. It is the benevolent, omnipresent treasure trove of inner light that is within all of us, but accessed by only a few through immense sadhana over innumerable lifetimes. The light of spirituality that envelops their body, mind and spirit, extends to their immediate environment, and then to the entire universe. As I lived up to the highest light I had, higher and higher light came to me. said Peace Pilgrim, American peace activist. The very word enlightened implies that one has the light, and it is within. The Bible says, Take heed that the light in you should not become darkness. Lead me from Darkness to Light (Tamso ma jyotirgamaya) goes an immortal prayer from the Upanishads. In the beginning, God said let there be light says the first passage of Genesis. Light has always been associated with things positive, a dispeller of internal and external darkness. Diwali, the popular Indian festival of lights, is marked by lighting innumerable lamps in every household symbolic of banishing the demons of darkness from within and without. While the external source of light dispels physical darkness, its the inner light that dispels the darkness of ignorance (avidya) and illusion (maya). The light within thus lights the flame of enlightenment in mortals, the ultimate goal of a soul incarnated on earth. Depending on mans allegiance to different symbols, this light is variously referred to as the Light of God, the Light of Christ, the Christ/Krishna Consciousness, Universal Consciousness or just the Inner Light. In Vedanta, the inner light is looked upon as the Brahman itself, the eternal

atma jyoti that lights the soul in all its seven sheaths and incarnations, and indeed, the very universe itself Deepam jyothi Parabrahma, deepam jyothi Sadashiva The Light is the essence of humanity. In mere mortals, the inner light manifests in the form of positive emotions like love, compassion, peace and joy. We experience these bursts of positive emotions intermittently along the rollercoaster ride of life. Among yogis, the Light is a steady, eternal flame which illumines each and every act and moment of their lives. In a yogi, all differentiations of I and you and he vanish. In the light of such knowledge, there is no room for baser emotions like selfishness, hatred, envy. This inner light is not merely metaphoric; it seems to be a reality in an altered state of consciousness. There are innumerable instances of people who have had near-death or out-of-body experiences, talking of a core or tunnel of divine light that they are irresistibly drawn to. More often than not, most tend to be transformed into peaceful and contented individuals after exposure to this benevolent light, and (literally) back on earth, tend to experience calmness, peace and contentment in their lives. Its as if the cosmic plan has been revealed to them in this light, causing the present lifetime to fade into insignificance before its expanse and grandeur. During meditation too, one often has glimpses of this inner light. Behind closed eyes, one doesnt encounter absolute darkness as is to be expected, but can observe dancing images and flashing lights. How can this be possible, when the physical eyes are closed to an outer source of light? There has to be an inner source, which reveals the treasures that lie beyond the body and its five senses. If spirituality is the inner search for happiness and fulfillment, then it can only be gained by seeking this inner light. This potential energy is within all of us. Tired of the inertia of lifetimes, it is waiting for the first gaze of the seeker to be trained upon it, to transform into glorious kinetic energy and bubble forth into the consciousness to change the course of the soul.

LEAD, KINDlY LIGHT

Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home,-Lead thou me on! Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene,--one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou Shouldst lead me on: I loved to choose and see my path, but now Lead thou me on! I loved the garish days, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: remember not past years. So long thy power hath blessed me, sure it still Will lead me on; Oer moor and fen, oer crag and torrent, till The night is gone; And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
- John Henry Newman

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The splendorous
The 26th Deepavali, under AIA - NY President Sunil Modi, here on October 6 also saw participation by more diverse groups of people. The multifaceted fair is always held in early October much before DiwaDJ Rekha and AIA made history by breaking the li when the weather Guinness world record for the largest coordi- is genial for an outnated bhangra dance party door event. New York: The crowds have Besides other colorful cultural been growing over the years at events, the biggest highlight of the Association of Indians in the daylong celebration of Indian Americas annual Deepavali festival was: DJ Rekha and AIA mela at South Street Seaport in collaborating to make history Manhattan. by breaking the Guinness world

Deepavali in New York

record for the largest coordinated bhangra dance party. Then, Pankhuri, of the popular Star India Plus serial, Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara, stole the hearts of the crowd. She and Omi Vaidya, of 3 Idiots fame, came together to conduct Main Bhi Star auditions. Beautiful traditional dances were perfromed on the main stage at Pier 16 while contemporary Bollywood dances rocked the stage near Water Street. Food stalls and Meena Bazaar, selling traditional clothing and trinkets, were a big draw. The evening concluded with magnificent fireworks on the East River watched by millions of New Yorkers over the fiver borougs.

The fiery conclusion over East River of the Deepavali event.

Community canvasses for a Diwali stamp

A push for declaring Diwali holiday in New York schools
New York: While Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst), along with several elected officials and community members are demanding that the Department of Education designate the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh holiday of Diwali as an official day off for public school students, the US Postal Service has long been requested for issuance of a Diwali postage stamp. Earlier in July over 1,300 letter petitions, in addition to 40,000 signatures in an online campaign, were presented to US Postal Service by influential lawmakers and community leaders on Capitol Hill. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney was joined by Ami Bera, the only serving Indian-American in the current Congress, and the Indian American couple from New York, Ravi and Ranju Batra (who led the petition campaign, in presenting these Diwali postage stamp petitions to the Deputy Postmaster General. Todays meeting with the Deputy Postmaster General is another important step on the road to a Diwali stamp, said Maloney who has been instrumental in gathering about 40 lawmakers in writing a joint Congressional letter to the Citizens Stamps Advisory Committee on the need to issue a postage stamp commemorating Diwali. It is on behalf of the Postmaster General, the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) is tasked with evaluating the merits of all stamp proposals. Though the committee can only advise the Postmaster General, its advice is always adhered to by the US Postal Service. A Diwali stamp has been long overdue, said Bera, hoping that with hundreds of people writing letters and thousands signing online petitions, the USPS would finally take a call on it and move forward. Almost all the major religions and communities in the US have a postage stamp and it makes sense to issue one for Diwali too.

New York: Besides AIA-NYs Deepavali mela, which has become a regular feature in the New York calendar, the Indian festival of festivals also debuted at the crossroads of the world Times Square. The cultural and entertainment extravaganza called Diwali at Times Square was organized on September 22 by Event Guru, and conceptualized and executed by ASB Communications. It enthralled thousands with a magnificent array of cultural events ranging from Lavani folk dance of Maharashtra to Bhangra, with the aim to promote Indian culture, heritage and diversity. The finale, the Light Up Times Square concert featured a soul stirring performance from the versatile and mellifluous

When Diwali debuted at Times Square

Shankar Mahadevan. The presence of two generations of the legendary Kapoor family of Bollywood added even more buzz and excitement. The youthful heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor, was seen on stage together with his equally famous parents, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism of Maharashtra, Chhagan Bhujbal said, We want foreign tourists to come to Maharashtra, explore its rich cultural heritage and UNESCO world heritage sites like Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves. Complimenting ASB Communications and Event Guru, Shankar Mahadevan said, Congratulations for pulling this off. To do this at Times Square was close to impossible. God bless. I came to the USA over 36 years ago and I still remember being awed by Times Square when I first saw it. I told myself even at that time that I will showcase the diversity and richness of India at this location. I am so thankful to all those who came here today, said Neeta Bhasin, President, ASB Communications, the conceptualizer of the event.

Ravi and Ranju Batra, Congress members Ami Bera and Carolyn Maloney presenting petitions supporting a commemorative Diwali Stamp to Deputy Postmaster General in Washington DC this past July.

Ranbir Kapoor woos the crowds

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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Diwali celebrated at Rutgers University Campus

New Jersey: Diwali, the last day of the year in the Hindu calendar, is an opportunity for reflection and growth. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Campus Fellowships organized special Diwali celebrations at college campuses across the country to encourage thousands of college students to reflect on how they could spend the upcoming year living up to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharajs life motto: In the joy of others lies our own. On October 24, Rutgers University was host to a Diwali campus celebration organized by the BAPS Campus Fellowship in New Brunswick, NJ. Food, candles, and colorful Indian outfits transformed Livingston Student Centers Hall into the site of an authentic Hindu celebration. Students were welcomed to the celebration in a traditional Hindu manner, as volunteers tied sacred threads (called nadachadi) on their right wrists, as a symbol of each souls bond with God. This beautiful display of Hindu culture attracted a diverse audience, including individuals for whom this was the first experience of a Hindu festival. The Diwali campus celebration not only allowed college students to experience a traditional Diwali celebration, but it gave them the opportunity to get personally involved. In between classes, extracurricular activities, and exams, college students took the time to prepare Diwali decorations and food for the annakut, a traditional offering of food to God on the Hindu New Year. Pooja Patel, a freshman majoring in Biology, who had the opportunity to be involved in these preparations, said, Diwali was something my parents celebrated and were really excited for, but that didnt have the same significance for me. Being a part of this celebration really gave me a greater sense of pride in my culture. The celebrations universal message of selflessness, viewed through Pramukh Swami Maharajs life, similarly resonated with students. This message found expression in video presentations, devotional songs, and speeches by college students and insightful remarks by BAPS Swamis who graced the event. Expounding the events theme, Pramukh Swami aerospace engineering said, The Swamis speech, showed me the value of sharing, the value of caring. I am proud that my Hindu faith has a very practical set of teachings that should guide my life. Darshana Patel, a senior majoring in Finance said, I am impressed by how Pramukh Swami Maharajs has lived a life that truly exemplifies in the joy of others lies our own. I am inspired to live this principle. Yogi Patel, a sophomore majoring in Accounting, who took an active part in organizing the event said, It was great seeing so many students around campus get together for a Diwali celebration. I enjoyed the event. I thank everyone especially the Swamis for coming over to guide and bless us."

Chaitanyamurtidas Swami addresses the students

BAPS Swami inaugurating the celebration event

Maharajs motto, In the Joy of others lies our own, Pujya Chaitanyamurtidas Swami said, We all want to be happy and being happy is very important in life. If you are happy, you are moti-

vated, you work hard and success follows. However, equally important is to give joy to others and that will bring greater and everlasting joy to us. Shail Amin, a junior majoring in

Students listen in rapt attention

Students being served delicious Diwali feast

New York: The Nartanrang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Medley Entertainment held their 2nd annual Navratri celebrations at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Garden City, Long Islandon Friday & Saturday, October 18th & 19th, 2013. The two day event attracted nearly 350 people who came to revel in the new and classic melodies by Medley Entertainment's talented Ritesh Rathod, as well as mingle and dance with old and new friends. This was the second year that the Navratri event was held at Nassau County's Mitchel Field, making it one of the first garba/raas celebrations to be held at a county venue on Long Island. The crowd was revved up by the six piece orchestra, and enjoyed themselves while dancing to traditional garba, raas, and the ever-popular "Sanedo."

Nartanrang & Medley Entertainment celebrate 2nd Navratri on Long Island

Aarti in progress

Revelers enjoying Garba

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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Childrens Diwali celebrated at BAPS Mandirs across North America

Edison, NJ: BAPS Mandirs across North America organized a unique event to showcase the fun aspects of Diwali. Family and friends gathered at the Mandir to celebrate the Festival of Lights with a distinct focus on youngsters. At the BAPS Childrens Diwali Celebration the traditional rituals were combined with patient explanations and fun-filled games to engage the younger audience. Carnival games were set up to illustrate traditions and teachings from the epic story of Diwali. Families participated in events ranging from rock climbing, representing the climbing of a mountain, to making small oil lamps which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. As children raced from station to station many parents reminisced about their own fond childhood memories of Diwali. Vipul Patel, a resident of North Brunswick, NJ, mentioned that when he was young, Diwali was an exciting time and he was glad to see his kids able to relive those moments today in their own unique way through the BAPS Childrens Diwali

Celebration. The organizers were keenly aware that transmitting traditions from one generation to the next was important to many families in attendance. The inspirer of the festival, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, had given his blessing that families should work together to celebrate Diwali. This message was on display as older children guided their younger friends from station to station. The entire event was created by the older children who had volunteered their time for the younger children. With their insights, modern touches were seamlessly incorporated within the event. Traditional Indian snacks and candy were complemented with ice cream and ancient stories were explained using puppets and videos. Over 5,000 children at over 40 mandirs participated in Childrens Diwali Celebrations and gained deeper understanding and appreciation of Diwali and its traditions. Several Mandirs will organize the Childrens Diwali in the month of November.

Diwali celebration set for Saturday at Alameda County Fairgrounds

Pleasanton,CA: One of the Indian-American community's most significant holidays will be celebrated Saturday at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, where thousands of revelers are expected. They will observe Diwali, a five-day festival that mixes the euphoria of New Year's Day festivities with an emphasis on social justice, said Yogi Chugh, an Indian-American community leader living in Fremont. "It really is about putting the past year behind you and looking forward to good things ahead," he said. "But it's all in the context of good prevailing over evil." Bay Area cities, including Cupertino and Hayward, held Diwali festivities earlier this month, and another celebration was scheduled for Friday in Sunnyvale. The Pleasanton celebration, featuring music, children's entertainment and several other attractions, will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., said Ritu Maheshwari, a festival co-organizer. Last year, about 10,000 people attended the inaugural festival and a similar-size crowd is expected this time at the fairgrounds, Maheshwari said. Traditional food and drink will be available, as well as booths offering arts and crafts and animal rides. A parade will begin at 5 p.m. Bollywood pop singer Harjeet Mehndi will perform live in a concert beginning at 7 p.m. The evening will culminate in a fireworks show, starting at 8:30 p.m. The celebration is co-sponsored by the Fremont Hindu Temple and the Federation of Indo-Americans of Northern California, a Fremont-based cultural organization.

Celebrating India's festival of lights

Annual event at Balboa Park to feature hundreds of lamps
San Diego: The sixth annual Diwali Celebration or Festival of Lights will light up Balboa Park on Saturday, Oct. 26. More than 300 people from various Indian states will participate in the event, organized and presented by the San Diego Indian American Society, the Committee for the Arts of the Indian Subcontinent, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Mingei International Museum and Indian Associations. The event will feature hundreds of lamps, large and small, representing the many regions and faiths in India. Fifty-four large lamps in the Organ Pavilion will be lighted at 6:15 p.m. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the cultural heritage of 12 Indian states will be presented on the Prado with dances and music. The $5 fee includes admission to the San Diego Museum of Art and the Mingei International Museum, where henna painting will be held in the rotunda. The admission is good from 3:30 to 6 p.m. A program will be held on the Organ Pavilion stage starting at 6 p.m., with special guest interim San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. Earlier in the day, San Diego schools Superintendent Cindy Marten will speak at the cultural presentation at 3:30 p.m. In addition to the lamp lighting, dance and music, there will be many vendors selling Indian food and art and crafts.

The Greater Atlanta Punjabi Society (GAPS) hosted a Diwali Party on Oct 25th and Kiran Agnihotri received GAPS Annual award from Consul General Kumar for her long standing contributions to the organization as Executive Vice-President of the organization. From Left - Vir Nanda, CG Ajit Kumar, Kiran Agnihotri and Avtar Singh. (Photo via Facebook post. Photo credit - Dale Saini)

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Creating awareness about Diwali in America

By Suhag Shukla

he Diwali season is upon us -- five days of food, festivity, fireworks, friends, family and worship. For Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world these sacred days are not only a time of celebration and consumption (thanks to Diwali sales that make Black Friday look like window shopping), but one of reflection. For the past decade, my colleagues at the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and I have worked towards generating awareness of Diwali. From working on Congressional resolutions recognizing the significance of Diwali, both in the House and Senate, to explaining Diwali in our FAQ; from promoting a National Teach Diwali in School Day to displaying online Diwali greetings from HAFs friends in interfaith, public policy, and academia, we have sought to educate Americans at large about one of the Hindu communitys significant holidays as well as raise the profile of the Hindu American community. All of this has been fulfilling, yet I realized that while I know and understand why we celebrate,

what I feel Ive lost along the way is how to celebrate. As a child of immigrants raised in an extended family with parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles, often times under one roof, we celebrated Diwali as our family had for generations back home -- albeit with a few modifications to accommodate life in America. What never mattered, however, was what day of the week the holidays fell. Under my grandmothers watchful eye, the house was cleaned and decorated, friends and family visited and invited, alms given, and each of the five days commemorated with a specific puja, special prayers, and of course, festival foods -- everything on the appropriate day, even if it wasnt until after we returned from school and my parents from work. But time, distance from family, and the frenetic pace of modern life have taken their toll. In my home, my husband, two sons, and I certainly celebrate Diwali, but at best, on the surface. We clean our home and perform a Lakshmi puja on the first day, light up the house with diyas on Diwali, and phone friends and family the day after Diwali to wish them a happy new year.

But beyond that, this week will resemble most other weeks with a few special religious observances sandwiched between work, meetings, swimming, tennis, and football practice, homework, and tabla lessons. And then it dawned on me. Part of the reason my Diwali, or any other Indian festival for that matter, felt half-full is that while Ive celebrated to some extent, a generic, ritualfocused Diwali, Ive never noted or incorporated the specifics of my familys traditions. This a-ha moment resulted in a call Suhag Shukla handing Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) Hindu American to my father and be began Foundations Friend of the Community award for his dedication to preparing a list for me promoting the Hindu ideals of understanding, tolerance, and pluralism. -- one that I am certain will be appreciated by my siblings, families less fortunate than ours on The conversation with my father cousins, and generations to come the first day of Diwali; that on the reminded me that while the reli-- with details of what prayers our second day we ate homemade rice gious and spiritual aspects of Difamily recited, what foods we tradi- pudding and pakoras with friends wali are central to any observance, tionally prepared, and who we spe- and family and remembered the it is the connections made over cially invited or remembered. While selflessness of Lord Hanuman; and food and face-time that make tanIm still waiting for the list, my that year in and year out, he and my gible Gods greatest gifts -- that is father reminded me that my grand- mother invited his sisters families the capacity to love and serve othmother made it a point to donate a over for dinner on the day after Di- ers, and to recognize the Divine in years worth of pantry staples to wali to kindle familial bonds. us and all that surrounds us.

Suhag Shukla, Esq, is the Executive Director of Hindu American Foundation. A version of this article was first published on the Huffington Post.

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One festival, different strokes

Our readers describe their personal take on Diwali celebrations in India and in the US.

Diwali turning synthetic, impersonal

By Kashyap Parekh hen I was little in India, Diwali celebrations were more traditional, yet personal to families and may extend to friends. Bursting crackers till our ears turned numb, gorging on grandmas special desi ghee-dipped sweets, reciting aartis in front of Goddess Lakshmi till we felt assured wed expressed our gratitude, getting dressed in traditional attire, filling up pockets with candies collected from neighbors after a careful strategy drawn along with friends, drawing up intricate rangoli patterns till the guests felt truly welcomed, lighting up the home with candles and diyas till every single corner reflected light and love and the atmosphere was redolent with celebration, preparing lavish dinners for friends and families. But all this was long ago Last year, almost 22 years after I left the country to chase the American dream, I went to India for the first time during Diwali. While Mumbai was lit the same way as it used to be at the time when I was there, the celebrations have undergone major changes - some subtle and some drastic. The first thing I associate Diwali is with the lighting of the earthen diyas, which is now replaced, in most houses by remote operated LED candles. Among other subtle changes include Acrylic Rangolis replacing the colorful sand powder, readymade sweets and snacks, packed in fancy boxes, substituting for homemade sweets and snacks. Although these are subtle changes, it takes away the personal touch from Diwali celebrations. Diwali shopping for us meant scanning Crawford market or Manish market for the best lantern, and trendy colorful fairy lights. Today Diwali has become an excuse for shopping things that have nothing to do with the festival. In desperation to wipe out competition, shop windows scream Diwali sale even if refrigerators, television sets and washing machines have absolutely nothing to do with the festival of lights. The deals get juicer as Diwali comes closer. What was once rendered as a time for prayer, and a time to celebrate new beginnings, has now turned into a time for garish shopping extravaganza. Family time has now become crass commercial festival time during which shop owners and merchants tout festival bargains urging the customers to splurge. The simple joy of going to a neighbors, cousins or friends house to wish Diwali was swapped by sending Hallmark or Archies greeting cards, gestures were traded by

Having said that, America too has its share of commercial Diwali - gala dinners, and melas driven solely by commercial purposes, especially in big cities like New York, gambling night, and many even club it with Halloween. However, at a larger level being away from the home country we tend to drift more towards our religion, our culture.

Changing face of Diwali in the US

By Gobind Munjal hen I came to the US in the early 19801, we used to celebrate Diwali only at home with family gettogether and doing Laxmi Puja, exchange sweets, eat, enjoy and play cards. Today Diwali has become a big celebration and part of the Indian culture, tradition and its rich heritage here. A large number of Indian organizations are doing a great job in spreading awareness by organizing Diwali celebrations of their own ranging from Diwali Mela to fancy gala dinners and getting media attention. During my presidency of India Association of Long Island (IALI) in 2011, Diwali was organized with great pomp and show by inviting local dignitaries, Congressmen and Senators to promote better understanding between the US and India. Through the efforts of the Indian community, Diwali has now been officially recognized and celebrated in the White House, City Halls, State Capitol, Town Halls and County offices. As a part of the Association of Indians in America (AIANY) executive committee and chairman of the Souvenir Brochure Committee, I took an active role in arranging this years 26th Diwali Celebrations at South Street Seaport in Manhattan on Oct 6, where over 100,000 people from all walks of life came and enjoyed the splendor and glory of Indian culture, arts and crafts as well as classical/folk dances and Bollywood beats and a taste of Indian ethnic foods. The program concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks next only to Macys 4th of July fireworks. We at AIA are also working on having a special stamp issued by the U.S. Post Office to recognize Diwali as a major component of the changing and emerging cultural and spiritual landscape of the U.S. Diwali this year expended its reach and was celebrated for the first time at Times Square in Manhattan. This year Diwali is on Nov 3. It is heartwarming to see that the spirit of Diwali is such that all Indians irrespective of their diverse backgrounds and religions, come together and celebrate this joyous occasion by decorating their homes, fireworks display, playing cards Teen Patti and offering gifts and mithai. Happy Deepavali.

words which were still personal. Now a days e greetings, forwarded whats app messages, writing on each others Facebook walls or best updating a status message - Happy Diwali to all my Facebook friends does the job of wishing near and dear ones. While in the homes of the urban elite, ceremonial gambling continue to flourish, a certain section of this population along with the families in the rising middle class are combining Diwali with a little get-away. Another big change that has come in festivities is to do with the firecrackers. I recall how for years I looked forward to the time when makeshift cracker shops would take over every empty corner in my neighborhood selling small, big, short, tall boxes of appealing psychedelic colors. Most of them carried images of Durgas powerful persona or Lakshmis calm presence, some, those of little girls and boys, and a few others that of the Taj Mahal. Today these images are replaced by half-clad Katrina Kaifs, Vidya Balans, and Kareena Kapoors, a gimmick to resuscitate the dying cracker industry. However, one good thing that has happened is that the raucous affair, marked by a cacophony of firecrackers on the streets, has evidently gone low in the recent past. Ironically, it is the Indians living away from India who often extend themselves to celebrate the festival in a semblance of its original avatar with lavish poojas and warm gettogethers with friends and family. Celebrations are often pushed to weekends when near and dear once can meet. Many even continue the tradition of Chopda Poojan (worshiping the traditional account books) in their homes or temples. Our typical Diwali celebrations include early pooja (either in a temple or at home) in the morning followed by a home made sumptuous meal in the afternoon and attending get-togethers in the evenings. Couple of years back we - me, my wife and my kids watched a play that depicted the story of Lord Ram, this helped a great deal in answering questions of the little inquisitive minds as to why we celebrate Diwali.

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9 day Diwali event in Trinidad & Tobago

Port-of-Spain: The first Hindu chaplain of the US army, Capt. Pratima Dharma will be the chief guest at the 27th Divali Nagar, the annual exposition of Indo-Trinidadian culture held on the occasion of Diwali, that will be held Oct 24-Nov 1 in the borough of Chaguanas in Trinidad and Tobago. President of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) Deokienanan Sharma said the nine-day affair would promote Indian art, music, religion, culture and songs reflecting the Indian diaspora since its arrival from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India in 1845. "This year's presentation will offer a show never seen before, and we expect over 100,000 people to attend not only from Trinidad and Tobago, but the rest of the Caribbean, the US, Canada, Europe and India," Sharma said. "Divali Nagar, since its inception, continues to capture the national imagination for its unique presentation and adaptation," he added. This year's theme is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Krishna, who espoused the universal message of truth, peace and non-violence in the Bhagvad Gita which is now recognised as the most cherished and precious gift of India's heritage and its quintessential philosophy and ethics, he said. President of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, will attend the Nagar on Oct 27, while Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar will be the featured speaker on the closing night Nov 1. Among some of the nation's top Indian entertainers, who will be performing, are Petrotrin Boodoosingh Tassa Group, Jameer Hosein, Malick United Tassa Group and the BMobile Shiva Shakti Dance Group. Sharma pointed out that over the years, Divali Nagar has appealed to all sections of the Caribbean nation with everyone being able to share the vast and deep cultural heritage of the Indian diaspora. Admission is free to the public, he added.

88 % Kerala diaspora in Middle East: Survey

Thiruvananthapuram: Of the 1.63 million Kerala diaspora, 88 percent lives in the Middle East countries, according to a Kerala government survey released Wednesday. K.C.Joseph, minister for diaspora, said it is the only complete survey on diaspora. He said: "There are 1,625,653 NRI Keralites, of whom 1,426,853 are working, including 1,325,527 males and 99,326 females." The maximum number of Keralites, around 573,289, live in the UAE. Also, approximately 450,229 live in the Saudi Arabia. In the US, there are 78,357 Keralites, while in Europe there are 52,887, in Canada 9,629, and in the African continent there are 6,863 Keralites. Incidentally, it was the central government that ordered an-all India survey on the diaspora and the Kerala government joined in with a separate list of questionnaire, to find out the basic information about Kerala diaspora from every Kerala household. More than 9,000 enumerators, supervised by 2,500 officials, called at each household in the state. "Our brief to the officials was no question on finances should be asked. We felt that if we included such questions, then many would not have given correct information. Our only purpose was to find out the actual numbers of our people abroad," said Joseph. The survey showed that five million people in the state are dependent on the diaspora.

Crowd gathered at Trafalgar Square to celebrate Diwali

Street in Singapore all decorated in preparation for Diwali festivities.

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Personalized, innovative gifts this Diwali

New Delhi: People are trying to become more innovative this Diwali while gifting relatives and contacts with more personalized stuff. And e-commerce is playing a pivotal role in this. Quirky lamps, paintings, handcrafted utility accessories are the choices, Asheesh Mediratta, chief executive officer of Fashioandyou.com, said. "Fashionandyou.com has been running with festive sales and special loots along with a Diwali campaign going live from Oct 15. There has been a considerable increase in the traffic and transactions coming from hand-held devices for Fashionandyou," he said. The festive price points range between Rs.799 and Rs.3,999. "People are opting for purchasing gifts online as it is a convenience at the click of a mouse. It also saves time and effort in customizing stationery items and gifts. More and Kochhar, founder of Printvenue.com, said. "People, high on festive fervor are logging on to shop for various products like electronics, home decorations, apparel and jewelery. We have seen an increase by over 50 percent in sales on account of this upcoming festive season," Amit Maheshwari, vice president, fashion of Snapdeal.com, said. Vipul Jain, chief executive officer and promoter of House of Technologies, an IT and electronic mall in Delhi, said the change is quite significant. There is a craze for microwaves, LCD/LED, cell phones, laptops and smart household products. "With the consumers getting more tech savvy, the trend in Diwali gifting is more towards gadgets and gizmos," he said. "Gifts such as laptops, tablets, microwave, beauty accessories and gadgets (hair dryer etc), mobile phones, other accessories such as headphone, stylish pen drives, smart keypads, watches, ePens, glares and corporate diaries are in fashion." Most of the business houses are preferring gifting options between Rs.2,000 and Rs.5,000. "Personalized cakes, sweet boxes, diyas, home dcor items and clothing are a few to mention that are going to make perfect gifts for many companies," said Nitin Gupta, chief executive officer, Attero, an end-to-end electronics asset management company. On a different note, in Teleperformance, India subsidiary of the $3.03 billion US management firm, corporate gifting is being done differently. Just ahead of Diwali, employees visit schools supported by them in Gurgaon, Indore and Jaipur, and share tokens of affection (sweets, books, stationery, woolens) and warmth with the students.

With the consumers getting more tech savvy, the trend in Diwali gifting is more towards gadgets and gizmos

more people are wanting to customize their personalized accessories. "The gifts that are in vogue are

pens, cardholders, mobile cases. Corporate houses are gifting pen drives, pens, cardholders to employees this season," Saurabh

Make Diwali parties fun with drinking games

New Delhi: Who said Diwali house parties have to be all about card games and socializing? Give your party a fun makeover with drinking games - try the 'Snakes and Shots' or the 'Cross and Shots' - 'adult' versions of your favorite childhood board games and more, which can leave you with a different high this festive season. There's a Basket Shot game, a Truth or Shot, Beer Pong or a Drinking Roulette, Drinking Chess, Drinking Basketball, et al in the market to add a fun twist to your idea of a party. So, if the snake 'bites' you in a session of Snakes and Shots, you're supposed to gulp down a shot - that's how it really works! "Plain drinking is boring," says Sanuj Birla of capital-based Amsterdam Kitchen and Bar, which arranges drinking games for groups of people on requests. "Board games with alcohol are fun, they bring out the child in you. And since they are to do with shots, they give you an instant high," Birla said. In the capital, various pubs offer a chance to play drinking games on request. While the Warehouse Caf is popular for its Drinking Roulette, there's also the Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill which has options galore. Khush Soni, also popular as DJ Khushi, believes the vibe and energy during such games are great fun. However, from a restaurant owner's point of view, the owner of Fat Ninja and managing partner of Pangaea says the management must know where to draw the line. cy as people prefer partying in familiar environments where they have the freedom to do what they like, play the music they want and the party can go on till whatever time the host likes and, of course, one can also control the budget. "As the frequency of such parties increased, people started looking for innovative ways to entertain their guests and that's where drinking games have come in... they make parties more fun, act as a great icebreaker and ensure you go back home with hilariously crazy memories," Shruti Singh, founder of IpartyWild, which has launched a range of drinking board games, told IANS. Trippy Dice, Queen Bee, Ultimate DareDevils, Kings Circle and Film-o-Holic are some of the innovations her company has come up with, and she is happy that they are selling well. What makes them fun is the fact that they aren't merely about drinking! "Drinking games are not just about alcohol, but about the experience you have while playing them. These games are designed to challenge your endurance, speed, thinking capacity in drunken stage and skills of observation, recollection, quick thinking and aim; yet the rules are simple so that people can familiarize them immediately and jump right in," Singh said. But hold on, if you're a non-drinker, fret not! Whoever said you couldn't enjoy the games with plain lemonade? That way, no one feels left out. Get set for the parties!

Board games with alcohol are fun, they bring out the child in you

For several reasons, youngsters make the most of such games at home with friends and they may be played anywhere. Remember "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" and the confessions drinking game in the train? "Going out is so expensive! And the drinks are exorbitant with the taxes. It is better to have a party at home and let ourselves loose with enjoyable games and gulping down as much as we can without worrying about the bill. Besides, house parties during Diwali

time are better than going out," said Shreya Kumar, a 29-year-old marketing professional. The online space is especially flooded with options of drinking games to choose from, and youngsters as young as 18 (despite not being of legal drinking age) are lapping them up for as less as Rs.500 to Rs.1,000. "In India, house parties have been becoming more popular and increasing in frequen-

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

Please Vote Row "B" Tuesday, Nov 5th, 2013

Provides 2,700 jobs with the project- and more than $11 billion in benefits to the local economy.

A true friend of the Indian community

n his four successful years as Nassau County Executive, Ed Mangano has proven himself as a true friend of the Indian community by supporting it wholeheartedly in times of their need. He was seen frequently attending their various events organized by social-religious-charitable and regional organizations throughout the county. For the first time, he also opened the doors of the County administration to Indian Americans. Hon. Mangano points out, We have more South Asians leading our departments than any other administration, who help make Nassau county a better place to live, work and raise a family in. To top it all, Hon. Mangano initiated the India Day Celebrations at the Nassau County Executive Building in Mineola four years ago (and each time the dome of the prestigious

Roosevelt Theodore Building was lit with Indian tri-colors). He also supported to start the India Day Parade in Long Island at Hicksville, helped instantly to reopen the Plainview Gurdwara, and is now working aggressively to provide a dedicated cricket playground, and a building for India Community Center. Says Mangano, Some of my closest friends are of South Asian descent and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship for the past 20 years and since taking office we have built even better relationships and even more support from the South Asian community, which shares our values and our fiscal policies. In turn, over two score leaders of Indian community organizations came together recently to endorsed him to lead the county for another four years and to pledge their support.

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47

Of bonhomie, lights and laughter Diwali 2013 for Indians

Depreciating Rupee wont dampen their spirits, nor would the rising ination. Walk into crowded bazaars, shopping malls and the reality will defy the claims made by business news reports this Diwali in India. The South Asian Times spoke to some Deepavali revelers looking forward to make the most of the festivities this year, most importantly with near and dear ones!

D D
iwali brings a happy feelingand lights our heartRangolis bring colors in our life. Everything about Diwali takes us back to our traditions howsoever we are modern. Diwali does kind of reveal the traditional side of ours. I think Indian are never bothered by the economy when it comes to celebrating festivals. It is something I strongly believe. So everyone, despite the inflation, is on a buying spree. Well this year I plan to try my hand on cooking some sweets. My sons, Arnav and Ayaan are busy preparing and decorating Forts complete with paperdolls of Shivaji and his soldiers, a popular practice in Maharashtra as a part of Diwali decorations in housing societies, and diya makingthanks to the schools where they are also educated about noise pollution. They dont insist much on the crackers now. We have several gettogethers lined up for Diwali. It is fun how festivals bring you closer. Old friends are meeting up and then a family get together for Bhai Dooj. This is the only occasion where we buy for ourselves as well as for others. Shopping for others has altogether a different charm. We did celebrate Diwali during our stay in Chicago for few years as we didnt want to miss India much. We did make sweets and did light some diyas but of course we were doing that just to keep ourselves happy. We did miss India a lot... the noise..the lightsthe happy facesthe madness of Diwali that we witness and now again experience here.

Swapna Gadikar,
Executive Search Consultant, Pune

eepavali , as we all know it is the most important Hindu festival which is a blend of traditional and religious values . It holds a very special meaning in our country for various reasons for example goddess of wealth, Lakshmi is worshiped, Lord Rama returned victoriously from exile of 14 years and moreover for me being a Jain its all the more special as Lord Mahavira attained "moksha" (liberation). Diwali being my most favorite festival, I always look forward to it because of the lights, liveliness and positivity in the air everywhere since everyone meets their loved ones and bring in the celebration bestowing blessings, gifts, sweets etc . I enjoy each and everything about Diwali but I love the fact that everyone has holidays and long vacation, be it kids or adults and so in this "super busy and fast life" this festival makes sure to give that much needed break and brings all together under one roof to celebrate. Youth like us enjoy Diwali house parties, kids enjoy the school holidays, crackers etc and girls like me enjoy shopping during Diwali sale ( lol ).. and senior citizens enjoy performing puja. I love socializing and decorating house in Diwali the most! This year when I have been out and about in the cities of Mumbai and Vadodara (Gujarat), I as usual observed the high spirits in people and looking at the rising standards of living, I see each home decorated in different ways and patterns with variety of lights. I see a lot of different varieties of lights in the market this year ..out of which my favorite is the "rain drop lights and the neon led lights." The economy or dollar rate ( lol) - stable or unstable, hasnt stopped people from enjoying Diwali! For me this year is exceptionally special in terms of festive mood and preparations because having a family business of tours and travels and owning the company - Swiss Explorers - me , my brother and Dad are constantly back and forth to Switzerland and globetrotting elsewhere which makes it

iwali has been my favorite festival since childhood. As a child, I looked forward to receiving boxes of chocolates from relatives and dad's friends. I and my sister would eagerly wait for the guests to leave so that we could pounce on the chocolates. Whoever grabbed them first would get the bigger share! I also loved looking at the rows of houses-all lit up with candles, diyas and lights. Today, being a mother of a toddler, I am obviously off my fetish for chocolates but the lit-up candles and diyas still bring me a lot of joy. My son and I paint our own diyas. We decorate the house with flowers and make a Rangoli with colors. Pooja begins in the evening after which I let my son light off one or two crackers. Diwali days are a lot quieter and the smoke is much less than our childhood days. The children are more aware of burning less crackers due to pollution and for the sake of stray animals. But the spirits continue to be high...there is celebration in the air...and light and happiness all around...

Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya Lead me from darkness to light! ith so many Goddesses and Gods in everyday life, there is a festival just about every week in all parts of India. However, Diwali is celebrated with fervor and gaiety by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness, light up their lives and bring in the New Year. To us the festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. Cultural celebrations are a way to stay in touch with family and friends and to broaden ones scope of the diverse world in which we live. This is the most special Diwali for both of us as its our first post-wedding Diwali! Also, post-wedding, this is our first visit to Gujarat (after 10 months) so enjoying our homestay! This Diwali, we have planned a family get-together near Ahmedabad in a resort. We enjoy the social fabric of our culture during Diwali! The warmth and togetherness that we enjoy! Especially for people like me working quite far from hometown, it is a homecoming festival! This year, as the consumer goods and gold prices are skyrocketing and also Rupee has considerably depreciated over last couple of months, the public sentiment is calling for a change! India needs a change! 2014 will tell us the answer!

Roohi Saluja,
Noida very difficult for us to spend Diwali together every year. But this year we made sure we are together so I plan on buying a lot of lights and decorating my house lavishly with lights, diyas etc and make it a "Light house ( hehehehe )." And my brother and I plan a family dinner at home with all the relatives and one day for friends to have a traditional Diwali house party. Any Diwali where I have been around friends and family has been a very special Diwali but the most special Diwali would be in the year when I would have "my prince / my man / my husband" with me (which is yet to come). Diwali holds no meaning for me without my friends and my loved ones around me. Wishing everyone a safe and happiest Diwali and a prosperous New Year!

Kaushal & Aanal Chhaya

Bangalore-based couple

Priya Shah,
Entrepreneur, Vadodara, Gujarat

Compiled by:
Hiral Dholakia-Dave

48

Mumbai / New Delhi: Rising inflation, fewer employment avenues and dwindling earnings seem to have taken a toll on the spending capacity of middle and lower income families in India, with a sizeable among them slashing their festive budget by a staggering 40 per cent this Diwali, says a survey. Over 72 percent respondents from middle and lower middle income families would be forced to slash their Diwali expenditure by 40 percent and on an average spend nearly 25 percent of their monthly salary on Diwali, according to a survey conducted by industry body Assocham. Revision in interest rates by banks have also sent most Indians EMIs (equated monthly instalments) soaring, thereby eroding their monetary power, it added.

Middle class slashes Diwali budget by 40%

Rising inflation, fewer employment avenues and dwindling earnings seem to have taken a toll on the spending capacity of middle and lower income families in India, with a sizeable among them slashing their festive budget by a staggering 40 per cent this Diwali, says a survey. Even gold, the much sought after item during the festive season, is in the range of Rs 30,000 per 10 gm compared to Rs 22,000 last Diwali, Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said. However, the high income group remains unaffected from the rupee fall and double digit food inflation, the survey said. Out of the 72 percent respondents, 57 per cent said they will buy only on sale or discounts, whereas 12 per cent will buy fewer gifts and the rest 2 per cent will buy a group gift. However, only a small portion of them feel that festivals are the time to splurge, even as discounts remain the biggest attraction for most buyers. Besides, 76 percent of the respondents said their monthly grocery bills had jumped to about Rs 7,000 as against Rs 4,000 in the last 12 months. Prices of vegetables and bakery products have also risen in the last few months. Obviously, this will affect the Diwali celebrations, the survey said. The survey, which was conducted over the last two months in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh and Dehradun, saw Delhi-NCR topping the chart in curtailment of festive budget. It was followed by Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai, respectively.

Revision in interest rates by banks have also sent most Indians EMIs soaring

In the midst of this gloom, high hopes have been placed on the newly appointed governor of the Reserve Bank of India

ts going to be another gloomy Diwali for India Inc. Two years ago, in the inaugural CEOSpeak survey, a majority of industry leaders expected the economy to grow at 7-8%. Today, many would jump with joy if that were the 201314 rate. 51.1% of those surveyed this year described industry sentiment as resigned, with barely 20% saying there would be any economic upturn this financial year. Indias macro-economic well-being had been under serious pressure for a few years. 2013 has, in many ways, been worse than 2012. There was panic when the rupee crossed Rs. 68 to the dollar in September. High interest rates (to combat high inflation) have sapped

Bleak Diwali for India Inc

investment and the widening fiscal deficit has industry crying for cuts in government expenditure. But lets be realistic, this is an election year. And to rub salt into these wounds, the World Bank revised Indias GDP growth down to 4.7% this week from 6.1% in April. What is bad news for employees, only 4.3% of respondents expect to give better bonuses than last year. Over 20% said bonuses would be lower, or worse, there would be no bonuses. And what factors do these CEOs attribute the current economic slowdown to 72.3% squarely blamed the failure of governance. One part of the government presses the accelerator, the other presses the brakes. Some functionaries seem to be out to destroy the business community. A lot of people are working at

cross-purposes, said Mukul Kasliwal, chairman, MW Corp. Close to one-tenth attributed it to economic uncertainty worldwide. The global economy has been in the midst of a prolonged slowdown, whereas the domestic economy has been affected by slow responses to problems, said Naina Lal Kidwai, president, FICCI. In the midst of this gloom, high hopes have been placed on the newly appointed governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Rajan. Famed for predicting the 2008 global recession, Rajan has taken over at a very difficult stage, with the economy at one of its weakest points in a decade. He seems to have gotten a thumbs-up from industry heads, with 61.7% saying he will be better than D Subbarao, his predecessor. According to Suresh, ordinary crackers are manufactured in local factories, however, phooljhadi (sparklers), chakri (quern), rocket, anar and other fireworks are imported from other cities such as Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior. Well, Kishangarh and Bharatpur of Rajasthan also supply produce. However, 80% of our consumption is imported from Shivkashi.

New Delhi/Indore: Pricing in fireworks industry is a lot dependent on petrochemical industry. Thus, because of a surge in petro prices, cost of fireworks and crackers has appreciated as well. Sales and trading in rural areas are dependent on finance; however, bad crops owing to incessant rains have led to poor sales this year. The whole nation is engulfed in soaring inflation; the effect can be seen in crackers and fireworks industry. Fireworks sector churns 60%70% returns during the festivities of Diwali. However, the business that flourishes during Diwali season is running low this year because of a nation-wide inflation.

Inflation dampens crackers and fireworks sales

On one hand fireworks business retail is witnessing inflation higher by 15%20%, on the other hand sales in the sector have declined greatly by 40%. The lower than expected produce of kharif crops in Madhya Pradesh has caused decline in sales in small market. Along with Indore, 80% supply in Madhya Pradesh comes from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu. Factories based in Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Kishangarh and Bharatpur produce to account 20% of the supply. Commenting in relation to the issue, Indore based wholesale dealer and chairman of Wholesale Fireworks Association of Indore, Kailash Balchandani said that more than half of the business is mined during the festive season of Dushehra and Diwali. Indore is prime wholesale market of Madhya Pradesh. Traders purchase from Indores wholesale market to supply in retail markets of Jhabua, Sendhva, Khandva, Khargaon, Ujjain, Ratlam, Devas and Dhar. However, low sales have been registered in the retail markets this year. A trader who on an average used to purchase fireworks and crackers worth Rs 50,000 has this year bought stock worth Rs 30,000 only. Although the inventory is piled up there are no buyers in the market. Usually, by this time, every year, over 50% of our stock is sold already.

Suresh Servani, a trader, threw some light on the issue by way of explaining that as the fireworks industry to a great extent is dependent on petrochemicals, thus as petrochemicals have grown expensive it has affected prices of fireworks.

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After Holi, it's Diwali for Vrindavan widows

Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh): Thousands of widows of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh will, for the first time, celebrate Diwali this year. These women will light diyas and firecrackers too, breaking free of superstition and oppressive tradition. The widows, a large number of them from West Bengal, were leading a miserable life until the NGO Sulabh International intervened, on the directive of the Supreme Court, to provide them security and improve their living standards. Many of the widows, abandoned by their families and subject to taboos, often also considered inauspicious, have eked out a bare existence for years, singing songs at the innumerable temples of Vrindavan and living off alms. Sulabh chief and social reformer Bindeshwar Pathak said: "The idea is to kindle a ray of happiness in their twilight years through celebrations which will continue for three days in Vrindavan." until Nov 3. Thousands of earthen lamps (diyas) have been arranged and are being painted by the widows themselves. For the first time, they will light candles or diyas. The widows will also get an opportunity to burst firecrackers and "phuljadis". A grand feast will follow the cultural programmes, Sulabh International workers said. Only recently, some widows from Vrindavan were flown to Kolkata to join the Durga Puja festivities in that city, at pandals put up by various charity organizations. Early this year, the Vrindavan widows had an opportunity to participate in Holi revelries for the first time in many years. In places like Varanasi and Vrindavan, hundreds of widows lead an isolated life to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. Living in small rooms in narrow alleys, they spend most of their time praying and looking for food, in the absence of family support.

In places like Varanasi and Vrindavan, hundreds of widows lead an isolated life to attain moksha or liberation

Diwali celebrations for the widows have been organized at the century-old widow

shelter "Meerasahabhagni Ashram". The festivities will begin Oct 31, and continue

Indian Diwali bling regains favor, Chinese out

The novelty, this Diwali, is the illuminating rangoli made on a cardboard

Gold, silver jump on Diwali buying

New Delhi: Gold and silver prices climbed in the national capital on Saturday on frantic buying by stockists and jewelry fabricators for the approaching Diwali festival amid firm global cues. Gold prices gained Rs 170 to Rs 32,570 per ten gram, while silver spurted Rs 450 to Rs 49,900 per kg on increased offtake by jewelers and industrial units. Bullion merchant said frantic buying by stockists and jewellery fabricators to meet upcoming festivals like Dhanteras and Diwali mainly led to rise in precious metal. A firm global trend on speculation that the US Fed might maintain stimulus to boost economic growth also supported the sentiment, they said. Gold in New York, which normally sets price trend on the domestic front, rose by 0.2 per cent to USD 1,352.50 an ounce, the highest since September 20. On the domestic front, gold 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity climbed Rs 170 each to Rs 32,570 and Rs 32,370 per ten gram, respectively, while sovereign held steady at Rs 25,300 per piece of eight gram. Silver ready rose Rs 450 to Rs 49,900 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 50 to Rs 49,700 per kg. Silver coins, however, remained flat at Rs 88,000 for buying and Rs 89,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

Diwali Bazaar to stay exclusive to Delhi

Lucknow: After celebrating Diwali in the shadow of the dragon for years, people in the city are opting for traditional Indian handicraft to celebrate the festival of light. Though products made in China are attractive and affordable, they have failed to woo customers this year. "From traditional idols to readymade rangolis and from designer candles to colorful kandeels, it is the Indian handicraft which are recording higher sales rather than Chinese items. People are purchasing desi craft for the festival because of new designs and better quality," said Sunita Keswani, storeowner in Janpath market. Another shopkeeper, Rajkumar said, "This season, Chinese decorative items are gathering dust while Indian ones are flying off the shelves. The interest in the festive products from China, which have ruled the city markets for years, has receded." "The decorative items from China do not give the real and ethnic feeling of the festival," said Garima Mishra

who picked up a crystal tea light holder. Among other unique items available to decorate the house are diamond-studded diyas. Starting from Rs 250, the lamps surrounded by diamond-studded image of Lakshmi and Ganesh are a big hit. Bandanwars, a patterned string meant to adorn the doorway, in the form of jewelry are also popular. This pearl bandanwar has stone studded images of various deities along with symbols of Om and Swastik. "We are left with only two pieces of bandhanwar. Even people are purchasing such stuff as token gifts for their family and friends," said Keswani. The novelty, this Diwali, is the illuminating rangoli made on a cardboard. Decorated with artificial studs, the battery operated rangoli is available in many colourful designs and different sizes. "Most of the people do not know the procedure of making rangolis. Readymade illuminated rangoli is pretty and hassle-free. Since it has long life, it can be re-used for several years," said Keswani.

The Blind Relief Association's Diwali Bazaar

New Delhi: The Blind Relief Association's Diwali Bazaar, being held here for nearly 30 years, gets overwhelming response from craftsmen as well as patrons every time, but the organisers say they do not have any plans to take it to other cities. The week-long event will put up as many as 200 stalls - a few given free and others being charged - displaying items from candles, paper bags, women's wear, to decor and gift items and vegetarian dishes. "The amount spent on the items and advertisement is recovered and we also make a profit. But we don't have any plans of organising a similar bazaar in other cities," K.C. Pande, the honorary executive secretary of the association, said. Out of the 200 stalls, one is dedicated to the association, an NGO. "Rest of the space we have rented out to designers, crafts persons and small entrepreneurs who are largely

Delhi-based. Others are from Kolkata and Mumbai. This is an event to generate resources for the association," said Pande. "We have charged approximately Rs.55,000, including service tax, for a 100 sq ft stall for seven days. We give free space to NGOs working in the field of disabilities," he added. The earnings from Diwali Bazaar are used to finance the association's services like education, vocational training and rehabilitation for blind people.Products like candles, carry bags, notepads and file covers are made by people trained or employed by the association. Nandkishor Patidar, one of the blind participants, said he started working on his items 10 months ago. "I work eight hours a day. So far I have helped in making different kinds of bottle bags and notepads," said Patidar, who was surrounded by strings and colorful papers.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

52

Slowdown blues don't hit Diwali bonuses

Chennai: Notwithstanding the economic slowdown, several old economy companies have retained Diwali bonuses to their employees at last year's levels. Textile mills and garment exporters have even increased payouts due to better performance this year. Export units have seen a robust improvement in sales on the back of a weak rupee and better demand. "Exporters were benefited by the appreciation in the dollar. There are no major issues (in bonus payments) this year," said M Chandran, district secretary, CITU, Tirupur. Garment units in Tirupur have given 1-4% higher bonus on an average this Diwali to workers. While bonus settlement has been reached in about 50% of the units in the knitwear town, the remaining ones are expected to conclude agreebonus payments, said V Reghurajan, secretary, legal, Southern India Mills' Association, which has about 350 member mills in Tamil Nadu. "The (textile) industry is in better shape compared to last year," officials said. Samsung India is offering Diwali bonus to all its employees, both blue and white collar. This is in addition to the year-end performance bonus. Companies pay over and above the maximum as ex-gratia. Most companies, however, no longer follow the practice of paying incentives during festivals for white-collar jobs. Managements try to engage employees using non-monetary methods like team outings, gifts and sweets at most new economy firms, said Nishchae Suri, partner at consultancy firm KPMG.

ments in the next two days, Chandran said. Companies are giving 8-30% bonus in Tirupur. The statutory minimum is 8.33%, while the maximum is 20%.

With the industry emerging out of one of the worst slowdowns, textile mills are also offering higher bonus this year. About 80% of textile mills have reached agreement on

Students encouraged to Sweet tooth for Bollywood youngsters this Diwali go eco-friendly
New Delhi: How will you celebrate Diwali? It's time for sweet sins, said celebrities like Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor who plan to gorge on traditional sweets like 'ladoos', 'rasmalai' and 'gujiya'. The celebrities share fond memories of Diwali and how they will celebrate the festival of lights this year. This is what they have to say: Parineeti Chopra ("Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", "Ishaqzaade" and "Shuddh Desi Romance"): I would like to indulge in 'ladoos'. I will be on the set! I will celebrate with "Daawat-eIshq" team. My favourite memory was bursting crackers with the whole family. Vaani Kapoor ("Shuddh Desi Romance"): I indulge in sweets. I love Indian sweets especially 'gujiya', 'kulfi' and 'rasmalai'. I will be in Mumbai and celebrate with friends. Probably a house party. My childhood Diwali celebrations were the best. As terrible as I feel now for the environment, I used to love bursting crackers with all my cousins, play cards with my dad and his friends as a kid. But now, I have sobered down when it comes to celebrating Diwali. No more crackers. Ayushmann Khurrana ("Vicky Donor" and "Nautanki Saala"): I love

New Delhi: Schools across the city are encouraging students to stay away from crackers and celebrate Diwlai in an eco-friendly way. As part of the drive, the kids of pre-school, Executive Babies, Kharghar, celebrated an eco-friendly Diwali where instead of crackers, the kids were asked to draw Rangolis with flower petals. "We don't say that the festive spirit should be dampened, but we should keep the festive proceedings safe and eco-friendly," said principal Rachel Alexander. "If children are convinced not to burst crackers, Diwali will definitely take a new course. So it is them who should be made aware about the harms of noise and air pollution," said Shobha Murthy, founder of NGO Aarambh, Turbhe. The task of spreading awareness in school has been entrusted to the student councils. Also, special assemblies and distribution of circulars among

student's will help them celebrate Diwali minus the crackers. "We will hold an assembly that explains the importance of celebrating Diwali without pollution," said principal of North Point School Sudha Menon. Teachers are also making use of aids like puppets to make students understand the effects crackers can have on environment. Even students from Institute for Technology and Management, Kharghar, will visit various schools and make a power point presentation on the safe ways of celebrating the festival. "A team of 25 students will hold interactive sessions with students on alternate ways of celebrating Diwali. It will be accompanied by a PPT highlighting the conditions in which crackers are made. This project has been undertaken by the eco club," said assistant professor of marketing Prachi Gupta.

Indian sweets, and since Diwali ensures enough supply of them, I indulge! I will try and be with my family in Chandigarh, Punjab. When I turned 18, my dad asked me to distribute Diwali gifts, that made me drive around with friends in and around Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. Since then, it was one thing I looked forward to. Saqib Saleem ("Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge", "Mere Dad Ki Maruti" and "Bombay Talkies"): I'm a hardcore foodie. But Diwali is the time to go crazy on the sweets. My Diwali plan is to call my friends over, have a great evening and play some cards. One memory that still is fresh in my mind is that I would wait for my dad to come back from work and then would light diyas around our house. Ranveer Singh ("Band Baaja Baaraat", "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl" and "Lootera"): I will be promoting my next film 'Ramleela' which releases Nov 15. Our annual family dinner at my nani's (grandmother's) house, where the entire family would get together and celebrate, is one of my childhood memories I cherish. There was the cheer of festivities and the warmth of kinship in the air. I could never get enough of mithais (sweets).

Fire cracker sales dip in metros

New Delhi: Sales of fire crackers in the country's metros have declined by around 25 percent this season due to a campaign launched by over 150 schools, a survey has said. As part of the survey, conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) between Oct 1 and 30, over a thousand children were interviewed in over 150 schools in cities like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Kolkata. "Many schoolchildren have decided to stay away from bursting crackers and instead indulge in a smokefree and safe Diwali this year influenced by anticracker campaigns launched by their schools," said D.S. Rawat, secretary general of Assocham. "Though, there has been a general rise of 10-15 percent in cracker prices, the decline in their demand is being majorly attributed to

growing awareness amid children," added Rawat. The survey said various activities were carried out in schools to educate and explain to the children the ill-effects of bursting fire crackers on their health as well as the environment. "Majority of the schools have conducted 'oath ceremonies' wherein students in their morning assembly prayers have vowed not to add to the growing levels of pollution around them with crackers," said the survey. Assocham also interacted with around 200 traders, and retail and wholesale fire cracker dealers in the same cities who blamed the steep rise in the cost of fire crackers as the primary reason behind the dull business. Illegal imports of fire crackers from China are further hurting the profit margins of the traders. The domestic fire cracker industry is estimated to be worth over Rs.1,500 crore, said the commerce chamber.

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ew York Tamil Sangam (NYTS) celebrated Diwali in a spectacular fashion in New York City. The Hindu Temple Society Auditorium, Flushing was full to its capacity with enthusiastic community members and music lovers. The Secretary of NYTS D Vijaykumar welcomed the audience with wishing them Happy Diwali on behalf of NYTS and shared the huge success of the event with the President of NYTS, Dr. M N Krishnan and all its Executive Committee Members to put harmonious efforts which resulted in the mega attendance. The event on October 26 was attended by over 600 people, also featured a Musical Extravaganza by Chennai Vijay TV fame Super Singers and Tamil music lovers latest heart throbs Nikil Mathew, Sai Charan, Dhanyasree, Pragathi and Yazhini who captivated the audience with their impeccable and enthralling performance from the start till end. Many times the audience went crazy with the melodious performance by young talented Tamil singers. The singers won the hearts of the audience which was evident as the crowd remained glued to their seats enjoying until the very last song of the musical extravaganza by the Super Singers. The musical program was specially organized to mark gala celebrations of NYTS Diwali 2013. Ganesh Kirupa, the Music Director of Isai Thenndral, the famous orchestra group in Chennai accompanied by Vijay and Rajesh on Keyboards and Nagarajan on tabla mesmerized the crowd for more than four hours. With a very limited orchestral accompaniment of only four, Ganesh did a marvelous job in absorbing the audience. Vijay is also an upcoming music director who scored music for the yet to be released new Tamil Movie, Vendru Vaa directed by Selva with Jeevan as hero. Rajesh fingers were simply dancing on the keyboard and tossing up superb melodies. Sukanya Krishnan, WPIX Channel 11 morning news anchor and four- time Emmy Award Winner graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Krishnan in her speech stressed the need to make our kids the American Born Confident (ABC) kids. NYTS honored Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, a prominent businessman, the publisher of The South Asian Times and Director, Nassau County Office of Business and Economic Development with the Life Time Achievement Award for his leadership and contributions to community at large in Long island and also thanked him for his continuous support to NYTS. Past President Mrs Kanchana Poola presented the Ponnaadai (a traditional Tamil Nadu way of honoring with a silk shawl) and plaque to Mr. Mehta.

New York Tamil Sangam celebrates Deepavali 2013

Musical Extravaganza and Award Function mark the event
NYTS also honored Dr. Chitoor Govindaraj, Mr. Karthik Dama, Mr. Jack Poola and Mr. C. Shanmugam with Ponnaadai and provided each one of them with an Appreciation Award for supporting NYTS in all of their endeavors. Ms. Sukanya Krishnan and all honorees released a colorful NYTS Deepavali souvenir to mark the occasion. NYTS held the competition for NY Melody Star Singer. Three finalists Shruthi Chandrasekar, Nithya Viswanathan and Laurn Joseph selected from the audition held earlier in the month participated. Laurn Joseph, the winner as judged by the Super Singers Sai Charan, Pragathi and Ganesh Kiupa and Vijay from the band was crowned as the NY Melody Star Singer. NYTS also honored the Super Singers and the Orchestral Troupe in the same fashion with Ponnaadai and awarded the following titles to them. Ganesh Kirupa: Mellisai Thendral; Nikil Mathew: Thirai Isai Vendhan; Sai Charan: Thirai Isai Ilavarasan; Dhanyasree: Then Isai Kuyil; Pragathi: Nightingale of North America; and Yazhlini: Thirai Isai Ilavarasi. The Musical Extravaganza came to an end with award ceremony to the Super Singers.

(left) For his generous contributions to NYTS Mr Jagadeesan Poola was honored by D Vijay Kumar and Albert Chelladurai. (right) Kamlesh Mehta, receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from Past President Mrs Kanchana Poola, others in photo are Sukanya Krishnan and D Vijay Kumar.

Talented team of young Singers, Vijay TV Super Singers performed at NYTS Diwali.

Kamlesh Mehta Director, Nassau County Business & Economic Development presenting a Citation on behalf of County Executive Ed Mangano to Secretary D. Vijayakumar. NYTS Board members also seen on the stage.

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akshmi Puja is an important ritual during Diwali. There were numerous queries on how to do Lakshmi Puja at home? There is no straightforward answer to this question as the ritual varies from region to region. But here is a simple guide to perform Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. In 2013, Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on November 3. First and foremost step is to clean the house. Through the puja we are inviting Goddess Lakshmi to our house and she likes everything to be neat and clean. In some communities, even the broom is worshipped on the Lakshmi Puja day. This symbolically represents the need for cleanliness. Three forms of Shakti Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Durga Lord Ganesh and Lord Kubera are worshipped on the day. No puja is performed without paying customary tributes to Lord Ganesha. Lord Kubera, represents wealth, and he is the treasurer of Gods. In homes, usually the locker or safe in which gold and cash is kept symbolically represents the seat of Kubera.

Invoking the Goddess of wealth - Lakshmi Puja L

Lakshmi Puja process

First decide on a place to per form the puja. Spread a clean cloth and create a bed of rice. A Kalash (pot) is placed on the bed of rice. Fill about 75% of the Kalash with water. Put a betel nut, flower, a clean coin, and some rice in the Kalash. Now arrange mango leaves around the opening of the Kalash. Place a Thaali (a small plain plate) on the Kalash. On the Thaali, draw a lotus with turmeric powder and place the idol or small photograph of Goddess Lakshmi.

Important items needed for Lakshmi Puja

Kalash Mango leaves Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi Milk, curd, honey, ghee Puffed rice Usual puja Sweets Coriander seeds Cumin seeds And other daily puja items

Place some coins on the Thaali. On the right of Kalash, place the idol of Lord Ganesha. If you need, you can also place the idols of Saraswathi and your favorite deities. Create a peaceful and calm atmosphere. The best way is to close the eyes and meditate on om. Take some water and sprinkle on all puja items to purify them. Do puja with haldi, kumkum and flowers on the Kalash. Light a lamp. Now take some flower and rice in the hands and close the

eyes and meditate on Goddess Lakshmi. You are now invoking Goddess Lakshmi. If you know mantras, recite them. Otherwise just simply meditate on Goddess Lakshmi. Here is a simple Sanskrit mantra dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Namosthesthu Maha Maye, Shree padee, sura poojithe, Shanka, Chakra, Gadha hasthe, Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe Now sprinkle the flowers and rice on the idol of Goddess Lakshmi. Take out the idol of Goddess

Lakshmi and place it on a Thaali. Clean the idol with water, then with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar. Then clean the idol again with water. Place the idol back on the Kalash. Now offer garlands made of marigolds or leaves of bel tree, sandalwood paste, kumkum and other daily puja items including lighting incense and agarbattis. Now make offerings of coconut, fruits, sweets, betel nuts and betel leaves. Next make offerings of Batasha sweets, puffed rice, coriander and cumin seeds. Lastly, perform a silent Arati for Goddess Lakshmi. And meditate on Goddess Lakshmi. Take some of the prasad (that will stay for long period of time) and place it at the place where o r n a ments and cash is usually kept. Business people also worship the account books on this day along with Goddess Lakshmi. This is only a guideline. You can show flexibility in the puja process. Some of the items needed might not be readily available. But you can keep the house and surrounding clean. Finally, if you cant perform the puja, wherever you are simply mediate on Goddess Lakshmi.

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HAPPY DIWALI

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Diwali is the time to decorate your home to give it a festive look. There are many ideas that can help you enhance interior and exterior of your house this festival.
Decorative diyas and candles

ecorative candles and diyas are main features of Diwali. Place candles in your living room, on the exterior wall. If there is a garden in your house, decorate your yard with diyas and candles make sure that they do not harm plants. Put diyas on the wall of garden and you can hang candle holders in the garden; it gives an illusion of hanging lights. Diyas and candles come in artistic designs. Light up your home with aromatic candles. A glass bowl with floating candles and diyas in it looks aesthetic.

Flower decoration

lowers make your home fragrant and beautiful. Flowers are great to decorate your home. Take some flowers and make a garland of it. Decorate this garland on stair railings, stair handles and at the house entrance. Attach string lights with this floral garland. Put rose flowers in a glass bowl filled with water and place it at dining table or living room table. Take an exclusive flower vase, arrange it with aromatic flowers, and make it a centerpiece of house. Not to forget while choosing flowers for decoration that

the lotus is considered auspicious in Indian culture.

Diwali rangoli

Step-by-Step Puja process

First clean the Puja room and then bathe each deity (Lakshmi and Ganesh) first with water, then with panchamitra/or rose water, followed by water once more. Now put deepak (lamp) in front of the deities - as the tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Make a panchamitra with five ingredients of milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), sugar and honey. With Basil leaves. Place a little sweets, snacks and fruits as prasad. Make offerings of flowers, abir (red colour), sindoor (vermillion), haldi (turmeric), and light incense sticks and lamps filled with ghee. Now make offerings of fruit, sweet meat (mithai), salty snacks (mathis, ghathia, namakpare) and offer dakshina (token money), which could be given to the poor. In the end offer paan (betel leaves), cloves. Now pray to the deities to seek their blessings. Ganesh Puja: Ganesh Puja is a must for Diwali Puja. Lord Ganesha is to be worshipped in all pujas before any other god or goddess. Laxmi Puja: Place lotus and other flowers at her feet as an offering. A silver coin is placed in front of the goddess during the puja. Now perform Aarti with flowers in hand. After Diwali Puja have the prasad and go out to burst crackers.

angoli is the art of drawing images and figures on floor with chalk, colourful sawdust and flour grain to welcome goddess Lakshmi. The common rangoli themes for Diwali are holy symbols like mangal kalash, goddess Laxmis footsteps at house entrance, Om, swastik, lighted Deepak, shree etc. To enhance the beauty of your rangoli, place a lighted diya at the centre of the rangoli. You can also use flower petals and leaves to enhance the beauty of the rangoli.

Decorative lights

ou can adorn your home with decorative lights; decorate exterior walls with string lights. If you have a garden, decorate it with decorative lights; deck up big trees with string lights. Pillars can be decorated

with flowers and light strings. This Diwali, you can adorn your living room with a chandelier.

Diwali Delicacies
Whats Diwali without savoring a little sweet? Celebrate Diwali with the recipe that define this festival of lights
RecipeMoong dal Halwa
Ingredients: Split green gram skinless (dhuli moong dal); soaked and ground to a coarse paste 1 cup; Ghee 1 cup; Gram flour (besan) 1 tablespoon; Milk: 11/2 cups; Saffron (kesar) for garnish; Sugar 1 cup; Khoya/mawa 3/4 cup; Green cardamom powder a pinch; Almonds cut into slivers 10-12; Chandi ka varq 1 sheet Method : Heat ghee in a non-stick pan. Add gram flour and mix well. Add moong dal, lower heat and mix well. Saut, stirring continuously,

till golden brown or for 20-25 minutes.Heat cup milk in a non-stick pan. Add generous pinch of saffron and mix well for 1 minute. Switch off heat.Heat sugar and 1 cup water in another non-stick pan. Cook till sugar dissolves completely. Add saffron milk to moong dal and mix well. Add remaining milk and keep stirring.Add khoya in saffron milk pan, mix and heat for 2

minutes.Add khoya to moong dal mixture alongwith cardamom powder, some almond slivers and sugar syrup. Mix well, cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring once a while.Remove lid, mix once. Switch off heat and transfer in a serving dish. Serve hot garnished with chandi ka varq, saffron and remaining almond slivers.

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Even though Diwali has made a slow disappearance from Hindi movies over the years, festivities continue to rule the small screen

Aamir to throw grand party this Diwali

uperstar Aamir Khan is set to throw a grand party this Diwali on November 3. The party will reportedly be held at the Dhoom 3

stars new residence on Carter Road in Bandra, Mumbai. Just like last years party to celebrate the festival of lights, this year too the invitations have been sent out to Bollywoods A-listers including his Peekay costar Anushka Sharma, Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan and 3 Idiots director Rajkumar Hirani. However, a source close to the 48-year-old actor said, "Salman is on the guest list he may not be able to make it because of his hectic shooting schedule." Last year the Talaash actors son Azad Rao Khan was reportedly introduced to the film fraternity at the party. "2013 has been a very busy year for Aamir, who usually never takes up more than a film per year. But this year his schedule was a hectic one, thanks to P.K and Dhoom 3. What better occasion to let your hair down than Diwali? the source added.

iwali used to find space in Hindi movies once in a while, if not frequently, in the form of a theme, scene, song or a reference point. Even though Diwali has made a slow disappearance from Hindi movies over the years, festivities continue to rule the television. Heres a look at how Bollywood celebrates Diwali. An upbeat song with lots Westernized rhythm and harmony, Happy Diwali in movie Home Delivery (2005) has a catchy tune that celebrates the spirit of Diwali. The song is picturized on kids and will instantly connect with joyous children. Karan Johar's 2001 hit movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham had a scene on Diwali, which was used to show how times changed for the Raichand family. The film opens with a scene,

in which, characters played by Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan perform a Diwali puja. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham has been sung by melody queen Lata Mangeshkar. A Diwali song, which has strong Indian classical elements, it is picturised on Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and the entire star cast of the film. Lavish sets, opulent costume and great music makes Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham all the more special. In Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya (2001), Ayee Hai Diwali is a lighthearted number, based on the playful banter of husband and wife. With lots of crackers and fireworks, the song literally lights-up the screen. In Aditya Chopra's Mohabbetein (2000) Diwali signified a union of three characters played by Uday Chopra, Jugal

Hansraj and Jimmy Shergill with their beloved, played by Shamita Shetty, Kim Sharma and Preeti Jhangiani respectively A popular Dilwali song Pairon Mein Bandhan Hai celebrates the spirit of love and harmony on Diwali. Check out the dhol beats, which make it all the more peppy and exciting. A perfect song to celebrate the festival. In Haqeeqat (1964), Aaye Hai Abke Saal Diwali opens on a somber note, portraying the plight of soldiers away from their families during festive season, safeguarding their nation. The song is not only slow paced but also has lots of pathos. In Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962) the song Lakhon Tare Aasma Mein Magar, is sung by evergreen Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar and is picturized on Manoj Kumar and Mala Contd. on page no. 60...

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Contd. from page 58... Sinha. The song is not only meaningful but carries a lot of depth as it focuses on human suffering juxtaposed with festival of lights. Crooned by Mukesh, Ek Wom Bhi Diwali Thi in Nazrana (1961) dwells upon the dark

side of the festive spirit, where not everyone is happy and in celebratory mode. The song offers some soul searching, instead of burning fire-crackers and sharing sweets. A Mohammad Rafi number pasteurized on Johny Walker, Kaise Diwali Manaye in Paigham (1959) is a humorous song, evo-

cating the plight of the poor and impoverished during the festival of lights, for whom, each festival is alike. Songs on Diwali had also become quite popular. For the 1943 film, Kismat, Amirbai sang Ghar Ghar Mein Diwali Hai.., Shamshad Begum sang Aai Re Aai Re

Diwali.. for the 1949 film Seesh Mahal. Even though Diwali has made a slow disappearance from Hindi movies over the years, festivities continue to rule the television. On the small screen, the festive fervor continues to dominate during such times, as that is the requirement on television.

Sanjay Dutt to celebrate Diwali in jail

anjay Dutt will spend this years Diwali in Yerawada Central Prison. He will return from furlough on October 30, confirmed the jail officials. After being imprisoned for 137 days at Yerawada prison, the incarcerated actor was released from jail on furlough for 14 days on October 1. It is learnt that due to some disease, blood clots have formed in Dutts legs, for which he is expected to undergo medical

treatment. The first day of Diwali festival begins on Thursday and Dutt will have to return to jail on Wednesday itself. In July, Dutt had appealed for 30-day parole on medical grounds which can be later extended to 90 days. He was granted 14-day furlough that was later extended to another 14 days that will end on October 30.

'Krrish 3' to lighten up Diwali

owered by a range of spectacular special effects and extravagant action sequences a la Hollywood, Krrish 3 is a visual treat that looks both promising and tempting Hrithik Roshan as superhero in Krrish 3 promises double bonanza for the movie buffs when it comes out Friday, two days before Diwali. According to sources, the Rs 100-Rs 150 crore film will see a wide release and hit about 3,500 screens. Red Chillies VFX, a subdivision of Shahrukhs motion picture production banner Red Chillies Entertainment, worked on the special effects worth Rs 26 crore for Krrish 3.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

HAPPY DIWALI

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November 2-8, 2013

INTERNATIONAL

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

What did Obama know about US spying abroad?

Washington: Amid a brewing controversy over reports that the US was spying abroad, questions are being raised about what did President Barack Obama know and when did he find out? Obama himself declined comment on when he first became aware of the National Security Agency's surveillance of 35 foreign leaders. Citing the classified nature of the information, Obama said in an interview that he wouldn't comment on the Wall Street Journal's reporting that he didn't know about NSA's surveillance of foreign leaders including German chancellor Angela Merkel until earlier this year. "I'm not confirming a bunch of assumptions that have been made in the press," Obama told Fusion, the ABC News and Univision cable channel that launched. "But what I have said is that the national security operations generally, have one purpose, and that is to make sure the American people are safe and that I'm making good decisions, and I'm the final user of all the intelligence that they gather." Obama's comments came as Dianne Feinstein, Democratic chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that the president and her panel were not aware of the full scale of NSA's spying on foreign leaders. Feinstein also said in a statement that the White House had told her that such data collection "will not continue." "It is my understanding that President Obama was not aware Chancellor Merkel's communications were being collected since 2002. That is a big problem," she said. But White House press secretary Jay Carney declined Monday to confirm the Journal report and merely repeated the White House line that Merkel was not being monitored now and would not be in the future-without saying whether she had been targeted in the past. But Peter King, former Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said he "can't believe that the President wouldn't have known" more details on the extent of the NSA's surveillance programs. "He certainly should have known and if he didn't," the told CNN." "I think that's almost more of a serious issue that something like that at that level would be conducted without him

Post-Angela Merkel episode, Barack Obama may ban spying on heads of allied states

knowing it." King, who currently heads the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, suggested a significant failure within the administration if the President held negotiations with top foreign leaders without knowl-

edge of the surveillance of their private phone calls. But King defended the NSA programme, again urging the President to stop "apologizing" for the surveillance. He also declined to support stopping the collection intelligence on US allies.

UK PM threatens to act against US spymaster defends spying on world leaders press over leaks
London: British Prime Minister David Cameron has threatened unspecified action over the Guardian newspaper's remarkable disclosures of American intelligence material, saying officials would find it tough to stand back if the media don't show enough restraint over what they publish. Although Britain has no First Amendment-like protection guaranteeing freedom of the press from official interference, governments have generally relied on informal lobbying to keep sensitive national security stories out of the papers. Cameron told lawmakers today that his government is trying to talk to media outlets about "how damaging some of these things can be. " But he said that if the outlets "don't demonstrate some social responsibility it would be very difficult for government to stand back and not to act." Washington: America's top spymaster offered "the Casablanca defence" for the US spying on world leaders, including its close allies, saying everyone did it and trying to determine foreign leaders' intentions was a "fundamental given". "Some of this reminds me a lot of the movie Casablanca, 'My God there is gambling going on around here.' It's the same thing I think," Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said at a House intelligence panel hearing. The reference to the 1942 American romantic drama film set in a gambling den in the Moroccan city came at a hearing "About Spying on Our Allies" in response to a query from the panel's Republican chairman Mike Rogers. Trying to determine the intentions of foreign leaders -- by getting close to them or getting their communications -- is a "fundamental given" among intelligence services, and one of the first things he learned in his 50-year intelligence career, Clapper said. The hearing came amid a brewing controversy over reports that US National Security Agency has been listening in to the conversations of 35 foreign leaders including German chancellor Angela Merkel for years. Asked by Rogers if he believes US allies conducted espionage activities against US leaders, he said, "Absolutely." Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden's revelations about US intelligence-gathering activities have been "extremely damaging," Clapper said. But the activities themselves have been lawful, and "rigorous oversight" has been effective, he added. "We do not spy on anyone except for valid foreign intelligence purposes and we only work within the law. Now, to be sure, on occasion, we've made mistakes -- some quite significant," Clapper acknowledged. NSA director Gen. Keith Alexander himself denied that the US collected telephone and e-mail records directly from European citizens, calling reports based on leaks by Snowden "completely false." "To be perfectly clear, this is not information that we collected on European citizens. It represents information that we, and our NATO allies, have collected in defense of our countries and in support of military operations," he said. He said European intelligence services collected phone records in war zones and other areas outside their borders and shared them with the NSA.

British Prime Minister David Cameron

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper

Cairo: Egypt's Interior Ministry said a key figure in the Muslim Brotherhood has been arrested after months on the run. The ministry said Essam elErian, the deputy leader of the Brotherhood's political arm, the Freedom and Justice party, was apprehended in the early hours on Wednesday in an apartment in an eastern Cairo suburb. El-Erian is one of the few senior Islamist figures still on the run.

Egypt arrests deputy leader of Muslim Brotherhood

The media-savvy el-Erian was among the group's more moderate figures but turned hard-line and went into hiding after the July 3 coup that ousted President Mohammed Morsi, who hails from the same group. Egypt's new, military-backed authorities have cracked down on the group, arresting hundreds of Brotherhood figures and putting top leaders on trial on charges of inciting violence and murder.

Berlin: The German parliament will hold a special session in November on alleged US spying that included monitoring of mobile phone communications of Chancellor Angela Merkel, the chancellor's party said. Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats have agreed to hold the special session Nov 18 to address the possible US spying on the mobile phone communications of the German chancellor, Xinhua reported. There have been calls for a special parliamentary investigative committee on the spying accusations, with some deputies demanding to summon whistleblower Edward Snowden to act as a witness. Germany's Justice Minister Sabine LeutheusserSchnarrenberger told local media Monday that the German Federal Prosecutor's Office will have to consider the possibility of interrogating Snowden as a witness if suspicions on the spying prove correct and a case is opened.Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor, provided classified documents with evidence of the alleged spying scandal. The German government has voiced its anger at possible US intelligence's tapping of Merkel's phone, saying it would be "a serious breach of trust" if confirmed.

Germany to hold special session on US spying

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HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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November 2-8, 2013

LENS EYE

INTO THE UNDERBELLY OF BOMBAY

Text and photos by Varun Sohal

ust as I stepped out of the car, the stench hit me. For one brought up in a privileged household, the sheer smell of the Nehru Nagar slums was overbearing. I tried to fight the nausea but knew it was only going to get worse as I got deeper and deeper into the slum in Vile Parle area near the Bombay airport. Water running down the streets, the toilets overflowing and feces littering the area it was enough to make the strongest of people sick to their stomach. At first I was hesitant to enter the slums. From what I had read in Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, the slum was a dangerous and hostile place, not to be taken lightly in any sense. But what I ended up witnessing was in complete contrast to what I had read. Never in my life have I met a more hospitable and generous people. For a person who has grown up surrounded by the greed of Dubai, the slums were a completely different world. Amid the poverty there was laughter, love, friendship, hope and determination.

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This man in the photo I clicked probably has a dream, but no one to share it with. He probably has a story to tell, but no one to tell it to. He is devoted to a task that would be menial to most, but critical to a few. The man in the photo is a dhobi at Dhobi Ghat, one of many who have forsaken their dreams and ambitions and subjugated themselves to a life of servitude in the megalopolis now called Mumbai. This man toils in the blistering sun for 18 hours a day to make sure Mumbaikars have clean clothes to wear and clean towels to dry themselves with. Dressed in rags handed down by a kind man, this man knows he can never afford the Armani shirt or the Levis jeans he washes every day.

ust as I had entered the blighted area, a young boy greeted me. I do not remember his name but what I will never forget was the boys fascination with my camera. My camera seemed like an alien device to the boy and even though he slept with an empty stomach, his hunger to learn more about the camera still lingers in the depths of my memory.

The narrow lanes and bylanes give way to the sea. And finally I can breathe.

Graduating this year from a Dubai high school, Varun Sohal, 16, plans to pursue studies in film making and design in New York.

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TRAVEL

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Came the hunger pangs. I discovered a mighty boulder, and went on top. Beholding the natures best served on my platter which no money can buy, I had the most memorable lunch of my lifetime. We headed back to reach Gobindghat before dark. Here man has to follow the rules of nature and not his own. -Kulveen Narula

By Kulveen Narula
ith bags full of excitement, anxiety, anticipation and joy for discovering the unknown trail we arrived at the commencement point - Devbhoomi Rishikesh couple of years ago. The sun had set, we rushed to our hotel to check in and then immediately headed for the banks of the Holy Ganges where the evening aarti had started. the river was flowing with its full might towards the plains to impart its blessings to the people in various forms fertile plains, water for industry, etc. There is a massive idol of Shiva erected in the midst of the Ganga in Rishikesh which added to the tranquil environment created by the chants sung in praise of Ganga. Diyas were floated on the holy waters and a whiff of mist floated above the surface a truly breathtaking experience. The ascent to Hemkund Sahib starts from Rishikesh. We were advised to leave before dawn, so we started our journey early after offering our prayers at the local gurdwara. As we kept wending our way through the hills, nature started to reveal its multifarious beauty. It was August, monsoon time, so everything was fresh and lush green. All the elements came together-- the magnificent peaks kissing the skies, clouds hugging the lofty trees, the river streaking down from in between the peaks. But all in absolute harmony, the key to beauty and bliss. On the trail of the Ganga we moved upward, and saw many Prayags (confluence of two rivers). First is Devprayag, where Ganga gets its name. This confluence is the meeting point of Alaknanda that comes from Badrinath and Bhagirathi. Later we came upon KarnPrayag, VishnuPrayag, . The region after Piparkot is prone to landslides during rainy season and the local drivers are good at traversing it safely. In the late evening we reached our second major stop - Gobind Ghat, which is 30 km before Badrinath. We stayed at a decent guest house right on the banks of Alaknanda - and our room faced another confluence, of

Alaknanda and Hemganga. The gushing waters of the rivers were roaring, surging down, rolling over the big boulders on the way. Next morning, after taking the blessings of the Almighty from Gurdwara Gobind Ghat we started our 13 km trek on horsebacks to Gobind dham. The initial ascent was easy, but soon the weather started changing and the trail got steeper. One had to fully trust the horses and listen to their masters who are very well accustomed to each step of the pathway. The winding trek was dotted by dhabas that served lip smacking hot paranthas and Maggi noodles and of course the welcome hot cups of tea in the cold weather that keep the yearning burning to see more. We broke for tea at a shack at a beautiful location - right on the banks of the gurgling Hemganga that descends from the holy pools of Hemkund. Rain became heavy, cooling the weather even more, but we had to keep going so as to reach the destination by evening. Eventually we reached Gobind Dham fairly drenched. Hunting for lodging was another task. After checking couple of places, we opted for Hotel Kuber which had clean and spacious rooms. August the 17th was my husband Narinders birthday for which we had been planning for months. We had earlier planned to walk as much as we could, which while carrying weight in the high altitude is not easy. But we had started late, so horses were the best and the fastest option to reach Hemkund sahib. This trek was the steepest of all - for in a 6 km climb we had to reach 3,000 ft higher. The view got exceedingly amazing and breathtaking. One is surrounded by countless waterfalls, flowers, lofty mountains, naturally carved boulders

A couple of years before floods devastated the north Indian state, the author made a divine journey to Hemkund Sahib, Badri Vishal and Valley of Flowers.
- all reciting the poetry of nature. Every breath you take is pure air and you remember nothing but the creator who has blessed us with such beauty. As you approach the divine destination Hemkund Sahib you start hearing the distant holy chants as well as glimpses of a patch full of Brahm Kamal, a rare, special lotus which is considered heavenly. You are simply left awestruck. Then you behold Hemkund (literally, a pool of ice), which is pure, godly, astonishingly beautiful and surrounded by seven majestic peaks. You just want to absorb in as much as possible of the tranquility in a few hours as after 2 pm no one is allowed to stay back. Hemkund Sahib is dedicated to the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh. We soon rushed to take a holy dip in the tranquil waters as it is said that immediately after reaching and before letting your pulse go normal one should do the same, because after settling in the cold surroundings, it is difficult for the body. The holy dip was absolutely incredible experience relaxing, rejuvenating and it sets in a new spark inside you. Next, we went in for the darshan at the gurdwara, which is a blissful experience; and had khichdi (lentils and rice) and tea served as langar. The descent was more tricky and slippery. To keep balance on horseback was tough, so we decided to get down and walk. Walking was very slow because we were tired and oxygen thin in at that altitude. Finally after a three hour trek, we reached Gobind Ghat. I dragged myself to the gurdwara to thank God for letting me have the darshan of Hemkund. After popping painkillers, we had a peaceful sleep. Another exciting day lay

ahead. Carrying packed lunch and some juice we left for the Valley of Flowers - a World Heritage site. The valley is in full bloom from July to September every year. This is a vast expanse of an entire valley protected for its flora and fauna, where even cattle are not allowed to graze. Spreading across 87 sq km, its slopes are covered with blankets of alpine flowers, creepers, climbers, glaciers and River Pushpavati cutting across glaciers and surrounded by beautiful waterfalls. This is El Dorado! Wherever you look, there is a slope full of white flowers, then pink, red, purple and so on. You walk on a narrow pathway surrounded by these pristine colors of nature. Next morning we proceeded towards Badrinath or Badri Vishal (that's how it is known in Uttarakhand) . Horseback is the best transportation but this time we selected bigger and healthier of the species, to feel more stable and safer. Taking lots of pictures and videos en route, and following Hemganga, we reached Gobindghat at lunch time. While our empty stomachs were being refueled we came to know that the path to Badrinath was blocked due to a landslide, hence darshan was not possible and lots of groups had come back disappointed. But just when we were hiring a cab for Rishikesh, the news came that the road had been cleared. Thus by the grace of Almighty we The author, seen at Valley of Flowers, is comwere lucky or des- muncations consultant based in Ahmedabad.

tined to get the darshan. Badrinath, located on the banks of a gushing Alaknanda, is one of the prime Hindu shrines or 'dham' where Lord Vishnu did his penance under the badri tree. Outside the main shrine is the Mahalaxmi temple. Before darshan, devotees take holy dip in Taptkund, a hot water spring of temperature above 55 degrees Centigrade, another natural wonder in the biting cold surroundings. The bathing area has a separate section for women; the water is quite hot for the body to bear but is believed to have therapeutic values, so it attracts many suffering from ailments to come here. After the bath, we had a quick darshan of Lord Vishnu. A priest we met there spoke good English, thus able to brief foreign visitors. All our goals were accomplished and before dusk we drove to Joshimath. When it becomes dark roads are barricaded to block vehicles both for safety and to not disturb the wildlife with flashing headlights. After spending two nights in Joshimath and a day visit to Auli - a skiing destination - we headed back to Delhi. Memories of having beholden the best on earth bring a radiant smile on our face even today.

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SUBCONTINENT

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Washington: The US has reiterated to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that it is up to India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute and Washington continues to encourage dialogue between two countries. US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a tweet: "Out (sic) position has not changed. up to India and Pakistan, US continues to encourage dialogue between two countries." On October 22, despite a rebuff from India and the US, the Pakistani prime minister had sought to draw Washington into the Kashmir dispute ahead of his

Solve Kashmir dispute with India: US to Sharif

meeting with President Barack Obama. "Given its relationship with India, US has capacity to do more to help Pakistan-India resolve their disputes, including Kashmir," Sharif said in an address to the US Institute of Peace, a US Congress funded federal institution, on the eve of his meeting with Obama. "Pakistan appreciate the constrictive role US is playing between Pakistan and India," he said asking US to do more as he repeated the comments he had made two days ago in London on way to Washington.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with US President Barack Obama

US had rejected out of hand Sharif's call for Washington to get

involved to resolve the Kashmir issue even before Sharif landed in

Washington Sunday with a senior administration official saying that "On Kashmir, our policy has not changed an iota." While it encouraged a dialogue between the two countries, "the pace, scope, and character of India and Pakistan's dialogue on Kashmir is for those two countries to determine with each other," the official said repeating the oft-stated US stand. India too has rejected any third party intervention in Kashmir with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid making it clear that the matter can be discussed only under the 1972 Shimla Pact.

2,227 killed in US drone strikes in Pak: Minister

Islamabad: The Pakistani Senate was informed that a total of 2,227 people have so far been killed in 317 US drone attacks in the country since 2008. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan informed the upper house of parliament that those killed include 2,160 militants and 67 civilians. The statement came a day after a victim's family of Pakistan's tribal area of North Waziristan addressed a joint US congressional briefing in Washington on the drone strikes and its effects on the people. The head of the family, Rafiqur Rehman, a school teacher whose mother was killed in a US strike this year, urged the US to end the drone operations and help bring peace in the tribal areas through cooperative

3 percent of those killed were civilians, says the interior minister

efforts with Pakistan. Rafiqur Rehman's children, who were injured in a drone strike, also recounted their emotional experiences. The US lawmakers attending the briefing expressed their profound regrets over what had happened to the family and highlighted

the importance of transparency in drone operations. The interior minister, while giving details of terrorist attacks in the country in a written reply, told the Senate that 6,149 terrorists have been arrested by law enforcement agencies since 2002.

New York: Eyeing an upper hand in a baroque regional power game after the withdrawal of US troops next year, the Afghan government tried to work with the Pakistan Taliban with the "ultimate" goal of taking revenge on the Pakistani military , a media report said. The plan of the Afghan intelligence of trying to work with the al-Qaida allies was "disrupted" after United States Special Forces raided an Afghan convoy that was ushering a senior Pakistan Taliban militant Latif Mehsud to Kabul for secret talks last month. Mehsud is in custody but the "bungled attempt by the Afghan government to cultivate a shadowy alliance with Islamist militants escalated into the latest flash point in the troubled relationship

Afghanistan wooed Taliban to settle scores?

between Afghanistan and the US," the New York Times said in a report, according to new accounts by officials from both countries. The Afghan intelligence was seeking to work with the Tehrik-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP) in order to find a "trump card in a baroque regional power game" that will unfold once the American forces withdraw from the country. behind this plan was that the Afghans could "later gain an advantage" in negotiations with the Pakistani government by offering to back off their support for the militants . Aiding the Pakistan Taliban was an "opportunity to bring peace on our terms," the NYT report quoted one senior Afghan security official as saying.

D h a k a : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her rival Khaleda Zia discussed the possibility of a dialogue between ruling and opposition parties to end the stalemate over a caretaker government to overBangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (right) see elections, with opposition leader Khaleda Zia Xinhua reported. ernment, said a BNP official requesting The two leaders talked to each other over anonymity. Hasina, also the ruling phone for 37 minutes. It was the first direct Bangladesh Awami League (AL) party conversation between them since 2009. president, urged the BNP chief to withdraw Prime Minister Hasina invited Khaleda her call for a three-day strike from Sunday Zia, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party morning, the official added. BNP chief (BNP) chairperson, to Gono Bhaban, the accepted Hasina's invitation for holding former's official residence, Monday dialogue, but deferred the premier's proevening to discuss about the caretaker gov- posed date.

Hasina, Zia hold talks to end political impasse

'Pak films need to be shown in India'

Abu Dhabi: A shared culture and matching sensibility make India a promising destination for screening films from across the border, say Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, codirectors of highly acclaimed Pakistani film "Zinda Bhaag". Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah-starrer "Zinda Bhaag" is the first Pakistani movie to be sent for the Oscars in the last 50 years. In 2008, Shoaib Mansoor's "Khuda Kay Liye" was released commercially in India, making it the first Pakistani film to release across the border after 43 years. It was followed by Mehreen Jabbar's "Ramchand Pakistani". In 2011, Indian audiences were treated to Mansoor's "Bol".

A scene from Pakistani film 'Zinda Bhaag'

Now, the makers of "Zinda Bhaag" are hoping that the film, on illegal immigration, will be welcomed with open arms in India. "I really think Pakistani films need to be (regularly) shown in India. That needs to happen," Gaur, who is here with Nabi for the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF), said. "In terms of the distance, Delhi, Amritsar and Lahore are so close and yet people don't know about the every-

day lives of people across the border. So I think films like ours, which people can relate to and enjoy, need to be seen and shared," she added. "Zinda Bhaag" was showcased at a screening here at the ADFF. It was appreciated for its local Lahori flavor, punchy dialogues and natural acting and for showcasing an issue as sensitive as the clamor of the youth to settle in a foreign land by hook or by crook, in a light-hearted but covincing manner.

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HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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November 2-8, 2013

BUSINESS / SPORTS

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India invites American investment in aviation

Infosys pays $34 mn fine to settle US visa row

Bangalore: In what may be termed as the heaviest immigration fine slapped by the US government against an outsourcing firm, Indian IT bellwether Infosys Ltd agreed to pay $34 million (Rs.208 crore). The amount is the fine imposed on the firm to settle a visa row it was embroiled in over the last two years. "We have agreed to pay $34 million to resolve all allegations for which we have taken a reserve of $35 million, including attorney's fee," the $7.4-billion global software major said in a statement here. The settlement is related to Immigration-9 (I-9) paperwork errors in 2010-11. The company began correcting the errors before the probe began. Overseas firms sending employees to the US for onsite work for their clients have to complete the I-9 form to verify the identity and employment authorization of each employee coming to the US on a specific visa like H1-B. Infosys, however, maintained that there was no evidence that the I-9 paperwork violations allowed its employees to work beyond their visa authorization. "As reflected in the settlement, we deny and dispute any claim of systemic visa fraud, misuse of visas for competitive advantage, or immigration abuse. Those claims are untrue and are assertions that remain unproven," the statement noted.

Aviation Minister Ajit Singh at US-India Aviation Summit

Washington: With India's aviation sector poised "for breaking boundaries and scaling new heights", Indian Aviation Minister Ajit Singh invited American industries to invest in India taking advantage of "tremendous opportunities" offered by it. "With ever increasing scope for participation by private sector, we expect significant development in the years ahead," he said at the inaugural session of the three-day US-India Aviation Summit. "Friends, India is a land of emerging opportunities," Singh said. "Let's build partnerships to draw on these opportunities and drive the engine of India's growth." "Considering the growth prospects of air traffic, potential for large scale acquisition of aircrafts by the airlines and substantial investment projections, Indian civil aviation market offers tremendous opportunities for US industries to invest in India," he said. Rapidly expanding air transport network and opening up of the airport infrastructure to private sector participation have fulled the growth of the air traffic in India, Ajit Singh said. India is currently the 9th largest aviation market handling 121 million domestic and 41 million

international passengers with more than 85 international airlines operating to India and 5 Indian carriers connecting over 40 countries, he pointed out. Asserting that "over the past decade, civil aviation in India has been scripting a major success story" the minister noted that Indian government has brought in positive initiatives to attract foreign direct investment. One of the most important initiatives in this direction is to allow 49 percent Foreign Direct Investment by foreign airlines in Indian carriers, he said. Indian ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao hoped the summit will "discuss threadbare the opportunities for making the US India relationship in the civil aviation sector more robust and sustainable" keeping in mind the "win-win potential" of India-US "relationship while remaining adequately sensitive to each other's interests." The summit is intended to encourage a high-level dialogue on major issues relating to air traffic management and control in India, and to promote US technical solutions to support India's growing aviation market.

Asserting that the use of B-1 visas was for legitimate business purposes and not intended to circumvent the requirements of the H-1B programme, the company said only 0.02 percent of the days that its employees worked on US projects in 2012 were performed by B-1 visa holders. The US issues about 65,000 H-1B visas a year at $5,000 per employee, including $2,000 in filing and legal fee. The US departments of Justice and Homeland Security carried a joint investigation after the Eastern District court in Texas served a legal notice May 23, 2011 on the company, alleging misuse of B-1 visa norms by it in the past.

Washington: About 12 percent of spices brought to the United States are contaminated with those from Mexico and India found to be most contaminated, according to an analysis of spice imports by federal food authorities. The contaminants include insect parts, whole insects, rodent hairs and other things, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analysis cited by the New York Times. Nearly one-quarter of the spices, oils and food colourings used in

US spice imports from Sensex hits record India found contaminated closing of 21,034 pts
the US comes from India, according to the FDA. FDA commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg had intended to visit India in autumn and meet with spice industry officials to discuss the agency's concerns about spice safety, but the government shutdown delayed her plans, she was quoted as saying. Indian spice officials are offering incentives to get farmers to change some traditional harvest and handling practices that could lead to contamination, the US daily said. Mumbai: The Sensex, the benchmark index of Indian stock markets, hit a record closing high of 21,034 points helped by strong buying support from foreign funds. The 30-scrip S&P Sensex of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) closed 104.96 points or 0.50 percent higher at 21,033.97 points. This is the highest closing level of the benchmark index. The previous highest closing level of the Sensex was 21,004 points registered Nov 5, 2010. The Sensex is

also just 0.8 percent away from its record high of 21,206.77 points on Jan 10, 2008. It touched a high of 21,086.59 points in intra-day trading. The Indian stock markets rallied for the second consecutive day after the Reserve Bank of India hiked the repo rate by 25 basis points along expected lines and cut Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate to ease liquidity. Interest rate-sensitive banking stocks have rallied following the RBI move.

SPORTS

Nagpur: Virat Kohli (115 not out), Shikhar Dhawan (100) and Rohit Sharma (79) were at it again as India chased down another 350 plus score to level the sevenmatch ODI series against Australia 2-2 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. George Bailey (156) was once again the catalyst for Australia as the visitors scored an imposing 350 for six. India in reply scored 351 for four and won with three balls to spare.Kohli, Dhawan and Rohit were the key men as India chased down a record 360 target in the second ODI in Jaipur. The newfound opening partnership has given Rohit a new lease of life and he right-hander was once again amongst the runs. Dhawan though was the aggressor and the duo together added 176 runs for the first wicket. Rohit smacked three sixes in his 89-ball innings while Dhawan had 11 fours to his name. Kohli hit the ground running and looked in great

Kohli, Dhawan, Rohit win it again for India

Virat Kohli made 115 not out

touch. The Delhi batsman was instrumental in India's highest ODI chase and again proved to be the difference. India looked to be running away with the match but Dhawan's wicket changed all that.

Mumbai: The Indian cricket selectors ignored bowlers Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh for the two-match Test series against the West Indies beginning Nov 6. Pacers Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami have been included in the 15-man squad while Ravindra Jadeja has been rested owing to a shoulder strain. "Ravindra Jadeja has a shoulder strain. The physiotherapist of the Indian team has advised two

Zaheer ignored for West Indies series

weeks rest for him, after the end of the ODI series against Australia, as a precautionary measure," said a BCCI release. Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra, Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma.

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HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

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November 2-8, 2013

HUMOR

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Funny Bone by Nury Vittachi

T HAPPENS TO ALL of us. You slip some cash in a pocket, forget all about it, and a year or two later you find $43 million that you'd completely forgotten about. Of course, the change I find in old pockets doesn't ALWAYS add up to $43 million. Sometimes it's more like 43 cents, but you can buy a lot of food for 43 cents, if you're not too snobbish to visit the pet food section. This thought was triggered by an LA Times report which said $43 million of mislaid public money was recently found by an accountant. The report didn't identify

Three of the biggest financial miscalculations ever

where the money had been, but I'll wager it was that little key pocket in the right trouser leg, the home of much ancient treasure and foodstuffs. I mentioned this to a colleague named Vicky who had just mislaid a biggish banknote. As I helped her search for it in the office, I got thinking about other examples of lost cash. Remember when H&R Block Inc., the tax accounting firm, lost $100 million because it couldn't do its tax accounting right? That's as ludicrous as, say, a police officer asking for a bribe. Wait. That happens every day in Asia. And remember when JP Morgan Chase

announced that its estimate of how much it lost in an unauthorized trades scandal was $4 billion off target? I'd love to overhear these guys' budget discussions with their wives. "Hi honey, I only spent about 20 bucks at the bar this evening. No, wait, it was four billion and 20." I asked a financial journalist friend to find the biggest accounting error ever. She said that German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble double-checked his country's accounts and found it was 55.5 billion euros richer than he'd thought. Wow. Fifty-five bill is a heck of a lot of money to stumble on. I mean, that's enough to buy a tiny, horrible bedsit in Hong Kong. I wonder if Schaeuble (who surely has more vowels in his name than should be legally allowed) has spent it all, or whether it's worth shooting off a begging letter? He found the cash in October 2011, and no one can get through 55.5 billion euros in two

years. Except my wife. And my daughter. And my other daughter. And all their friends. Okay, never mind. Vicky, desperately pawing through her handbag once more for the missing note, then said: "I went to the bank yesterday morning and got just a little bit of money out. Now it's all gone." That's when I knew it wasn't missing at all. There's NO WAY the Olympic-standard shoppers I hang out with could carry "a little bit of money" for one and a half days without spending it. I made her mentally go through all the places she'd visited in the past 24 hours and we quickly worked out where the cash had gone. It had followed the laws of physics to its inevitable home in the cash register of a shoe shop. "Okay," she admitted. "I spent it and forgot." I told her that it would sound better if she used professional language. "Just say you made an accounting error."

Laughter is the Best Medicine

by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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ASTROLOGY

November 2-8, 2013

75

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

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

Stars Foretell: November 2-8, 2013

ARIES: Travelling brings new overseas business opportunities. Take independent decisions and do not allow family members to decide: what to do or not. A new source of income will generate through influential contacts. Love and romantic encounter will keep you in a cheerful state. A very healthy week when your cheerfulness gives the desired tonic and confidence. Your official trip is must dont under estimate it; otherwise you will be in trouble. Preparations are must before you plan for a new house. Charity and helping those who approach you for help would benefit you. TAURUS: Auspicious week to start a new venture. Domestic scene will be somewhat unpredictable. Investment made in this week would enhance prosperity and financial security. Sudden romantic encounter is foreseen in this week. You are likely to maintain good health that would also give you success. Fly away with your dreams, new business horizons are ready to explore. Its time to make some property investments for your kids. Inviting your close friends to your party will benefit you in the long run. VIRGO: Dedication and sincerity at work will be of little value on failing to translate ideas into reality. Enjoying the company of close relatives will brighten your evening. A sudden inflow of funds will take care of your bills and immediate expenses. Romantic imagination occupies mind forcing to go out of the way to please partner. Mental alertness would enable to solve a tricky problem. Time to relax and enjoy your visit to a relatives place. It would be beneficial if you plan to buy a small property. You put mind to test by playing chess/crosswords or writing a story/poetry. CAPRICORN: Your artistic and creative ability would attract a lot of appreciation. Help from family members would take care of your needs. Investment concerning residence will be profitable. Chances of your love life turning into life-long bond are high on the card. Cutting down the number of parties and pleasure jaunts would help in keeping in good mood. Are you longing to go on a vacation then be ready for it? A good deal for your new property is ready to be made. You are likely to hear some compliments, which you were expected for long. GEMINI: Professional attitude at work brings success. Believe it or not someone in the family is watching you closely and considers you a role model. Avoid hasty investment. Your losses are certain if you dont look at investments from all possible angles. A promising week for romance when your innovation infuses a new spirit in it. A continuous positive thinking gets rewarded as you succeed in whatever you do in this week. A fun- filled holiday at an amusement and theme park with your family is there. Purchasing official accessories can lead to improve growth of your office. LIBRA: Hard work & dedication would win the trust of seniors at work. Shopping with family members will be highly pleasurable and exciting. Monetary position is likely to improve on recovering of delayed payments. Cupids arrows would make your heart flutter high. A cheerful state of mind brings mental peace. Journey to some famous historical place sounds exciting to your kids. Real estate is one thing on which you can rely on to invest. A promising week to follow issues that you have neglected earlier. AQUARIUS: A long pending decision gets finalized at professional front. You will enjoy the time spent with family members and friends. Financial hassles seem to get over as someone lends a timely helping hand. Exciting week as your long pending wait for affirmation is going to materialize. A beneficial week to work on things that will improve your health. Be ready to hang out with your friends. Buying overseas property will be beneficiary for you. Your choice of activities will not only keep you busy but also benefit you. CANCER: Seniors colleagues are likely to lend a helping hand. An important development at personal front brings jubilation for entire family. An improvement in financial position would enable to make important purchases. Partner brings immense romantic pleasure even if work pressure occupies your mind Creative hobbies are likely to keep you relaxed. An interesting cruise ship is next place for your vacation. Inheriting property from your relatives seems to be ahead. Friends find it very difficult to influence you with their views. SCORPIO: Mental clarity would remove past business confusions. You will be at the limelight in a social gathering provided you attend. Investment in antiques & jewellery brings monetary gains and improvement in financial position. You are likely to enjoy a pleasure trip that will rejuvenate your passions. Good time to divert attention to spirituality to enhance mental toughness. Romance is in full bloom, a journey full of pleasure is your crave. Looking to buy property, then go for commercial one. Charity & social work will attract you in this week. PISCES: Plans for new ventures get streamlined with the help of seniors. Your generous behaviour would enable to enjoy some lovely moments with family. High time to get rid from the tendency to live for the week and wasting too much time and money on entertainment. Enjoying the company of partner in a lively restaurant would bring immense romantic pleasure. Your confidence and energy will be high in this week. By travelling you will learn about new places, ultimately its a great deal for yourself. You can apply for your home loan. You receive an invaluable guidance from a spiritual leader.

LEO: You are likely to be criticised for atrocious handwriting at professional front. A happy time in the company of friends and relatives as they do many favours to you. You are likely to earn monetary profits through most unexpected sources. Romance rules heart & mind in this week. With a positive outlook & confidence, you succeed in impressing people around you. Breathtaking beautiful site scenes are your lovers desire. Your income can be doubled by renting your house or a part of your house. Perfect time to put innovative ideas to test. SAGITTARIUS: Travel undertaken for establishing new contacts and business expansion will be very fruitful. You will be the star of attraction of familys get-together. Long pending arrears and dues will finally be recovered. Romantic entanglement would add spice to your happiness. A pleasure trip gives the much-needed tonic to health. Its time to travel with innovative imagination. Good time to purchase a property. Construction work undertaken will finish to your satisfaction.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

2nd November, 2013 Traits in you:Your guiding planet Moon blesses you with unbelievable creativity, emotions, and simplicity. You are the master of a very sharp memory and an innovative mind. Though you are very trustworthy and dependable, you are pretty fickle-minded and shy. You should work on your nature to become more successful in your life. You may go through various positive changes in your personal and professional life. Health this year: You would not suffer from any health issues provided you take proper medication and go for periodic checkups. You may start practicing meditation and yoga to stay physically and spiritually sound. Finance this year: Your promotion may solve your financial crisis and help you become stable. If you have some previous property disputes, it will be solved according to your satisfaction and you will be highly benefited. Career this year: You will come across various lucrative opportunities to grow as a professional. This year you may get various new projects to work and prove your worth as an excellent resource. You may get a promotion as well Romance this year: You may get involved in a new romantic relationship though it will be for a short period of time. Lucky month: January, March, May and August 3rd November, 2013 Traits in you: As you are influenced by the planet Jupiter, you are full with energy and ambitions. By nature you are admirable, distinguished and intelligent. You are blessed with the capability of working hard and you possess an extra ordinary memory. Health this year: You will be going through various minor health issues throughout the year. It is advisable that you take your prescribed medicines regularly on time and see a doctor when necessary. Finance this year: Your financial status will be improved as you will get new job opportunities. You may invest on real estate business this year. Career this year: Your determination to overtake others makes you distinguished among your friends and colleagues. You should be careful about your behavior as you may let many brilliant opportunities go away because of your stubbornness. You might go through crucial times this year and you will be the only responsible person your situations. You need not lose your confidence on yourself as you are capable of doing anything. You need to grab every opportunity you get to prove yourself. You should go for the job of your interest area and you will definitely find success. Romance this year: You should create new contacts and revive old ones as this year is the best time to make romantic relationship stronger. You may convert your romantic relationship to marriage this year. You may carry on with your relationship if you are not prepared to marry this year. Lucky month: May, August, and September 4th November, 2013 Traits in you: Your dominating planet Uranus blesses you with emotions, imaginative power and creativity. As you love social life, you will be very much interested in making new friends and getting associated with different kinds of people. Though you are very supportive and honest, you are not able to win hearts in your surroundings because of your stubbornness. Health this year: You should concentrate on taking a good care of your health to avoid future health issues. You should spend some more time in sports and outdoor activities to remain fit and fine. Finance this year: You might get financial benefits from your paternal properties. Career this year: You may not get satisfaction from your job though you will be getting ample opportunities for new jobs throughout this year. You will be influenced by a person from an opposite gender and this may bring a huge change in your career. Romance this year: You may get engaged if you are in love. Lucky month: May, August, and September 5th November, 2013 Traits in you: Being ruled by Mercury, you are a very daring, honest, dynamic, humorous and determined person. As you are efficient in management, you can easily get every work easily done that has been assigned to you. You should work on the negative aspects of your characteristics to be in the good books of others. Health this year: To lead a social life, you may need to work hard and it may become hectic for you and cause some minor health issues. You may start playing outdoor games or visiting clubs on a regular basis to stay fit. You should get your medical checkup done regularly. Finance this year: You will be in gain throughout the year though you will be having minor spat with your colleagues and partners. You have to handle your property and investments with utmost care as they tend to be in very critical condition this year. Career this year: You are capable of taking high pressure jobs in which huge responsibilities are involved. You are very good in decision making and you make strong and quick decisions. Your confidence will reach new heights this year thanks to the projects and your partners. You should take expert advice from experience people to reach new heights in your career. Romance this year: You will be deeply involved with your romantic interest this year and may think to convert your relationship to marriage. Lucky month: January, March, June and October 6th November, 2013 Traits in you: Your ruling planet blesses you with generosity, practicability, energy, creativity and determination. You believe in living life each and every second by enjoying all the pleasure life has to offer. Among your positive characters, you will have something negatives, which will make you criticized by others. You should not show your stubbornness to people around you. Health this year: Your health will be absolutely fine this year. You may feel very tired if you do some physical work. So you need to go for regular jogging to enhance your stamina. Finance this year: You should treat your business, property matters, and financial issues on a priority basis. You need to be serious for your goals. That would result in your growth and prosperity. You may get very good chances for an overseas trip for business purpose or holiday during the last half of the year. Career this year: You need to take important decisions for your career as this year will prove to be crucial for your career. Romance this year: You will share a very good relationship with your spouse this year. Lucky month: February, May and September 7th November, 2013 Traits in you: As you are guided by Neptune, you will be responsible, loving, caring, creative, charming and a jolly person. You will become popular among your friends and colleagues due to the special talents you possess. You can groom your personality if you do not act jealous, stubborn and hypocrite. Health this year: You will be enjoying a sound health this year provided you go for proper medication. You need to get your medical checkup done on time. Finance this year: Despite of increase in financial status, you will be running short of funds because of your high standard of living. Career this year: Your current employment would make you feel the stability in your life this year as you will be satisfied with it. Romance this year: You will find your spouse to be helpful throughout the year in critical times. However, you need to take extra care of your partner to maintain a healthy romantic relationship. Some of you may tie knots this year. You may find you new romantic interests to carry on your relationship. Lucky month: March, June and October 8th November, 2013 Traits in you: Your ruling planet Saturn blesses you with energy, ambition, intelligence, determination. You are gentle and confident. You have a positive approach toward life and it makes you a winner in every respect. People will respect you and appreciate you for your daring character. You should work on your nature of being jealous and stubborn. Health this year: You may suffer from health related issues this year though it may not create severe grievances. Finance this year: You may travel foreign countries for business purpose later this year and this will earn you a lot of money. You may get ample opportunity to enhance your business. Career this year: You will enjoy luck this year as far as your career is concerned due to the movement of all planets is positive for you. You will be in a very good relationship with your employer. This year you will be able to increase your salary and lead a comfortable and luxurious life. Romance this year: Your romantic relationships will go strong and chances of marriage will increase. Lucky month: January, May, August and October

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November 2-8, 2013

SPIRITUAL AWARENESS

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

hat is the value of an ethical life? Although ethical life alone does not lead to drinking the divine Nectar of God, it is a steppingstone. Ethical life includes nonviolence, truthfulness, chastity, humility, and selfless service. It means living on a vegetarian diet in which we do not eat fish, fowl, meat, or eggs. It means raising our consciousness and not lowering our consciousness by using hallucinogenic or intoxicating drugs or alcohol. In each religion, the saints, Masters, prophets, and enlightened beings who have found God laid out the prerequisites for entry into Gods kingdom. Not one of them said we can find God by being violent. Not one of them said we could find God by being thieves, liars, and hypocrites. Not one of them said we could find God by being egotistic. Not one of them said we could find God by being selfish. It is true that saints came for the sinners and said that everyone has an equal opportunity to find God, but they would need to change their lives and develop ethical virtues. Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj has said, Every saint has a past and every sinner a future. He explained that the kingdom of God is open to saints and sinners alike. Whatever we did in the past, we still have a chance to alter our ways by developing ethical virtues so we can enter the kingdom of God. The saints shared their spiritual wealth no matter what someones past was but then they expected them to develop the ethical virtues if they truly wanted admittance to the home of the Lord. When people see we are nonviolent, they are inspired to also develop that virtue. For example, if in the workplace a co-worker calls us insulting names or even hits us, but instead of retaliating with violence we show them compassion and understanding, our action makes a statement to others. People will say, Look how kind they are, even when people are unkind to them. When they see that we act with love and kindness to all people,

others take notice of that. They see there is something special in the way we are behaving. When most people succumb to their baser nature and want to retaliate, violence becomes the norm. But when someone is responding nonviolently, it is so unusual that others notice it. They see that we remain calm, cool, and collected in the face of the day-to-day quarrels in which people are engaged and realize we have some special quality. This often leads them to ask us how we can be so calm in the face of other peoples violence. We can then take the opportunity to tell them that we are leading a life of meditation and ethical living which is resulting in inner spiritual experiences. We are able to explain to them the benefits of a

Develop ethical values to find God

ing a nonviolent way of life. Similarly, we can be a model of truthfulness. It has become all too common for people to be dishonest. Dishonesty takes many forms. Some people think their dishonesty is harmless, such as stealing from their boss or company at work, borrowing money from their friends or family on the pretense of paying it back but never paying it back, telling a small lie, or being deceitful. It is rare in this day and age to find someone who is truthful and honest. When people see someone being honest, it is so rare that others take notice of it. They say, Wow, look at that person who admitted to making a mistake, or who returned money they found that was not rightfully theirs. can we fear the judgment of other people, when God, the Source of all, knows what we have done and has forgiven us and requested us to do no more? Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj used to tell people that they are forgiven if they do no more. We are all human. We are bound to make mistakes. The key is that having made a mistake and acknowledging it, we make amends so that we do not repeat that mistake." If we are honest, we will earn the respect of others. Then, when we talk about the value of a spiritual life, others will see that we are leading such a life and they will be more inclined to want to do the same. Many are egotistical. They think too much of themselves.

Part two of the discourse 'Sharing the divine honey'

Ethical life includes nonviolence, truthfulness, chastity, humility, and selfless service.
nonviolent way of life in keeping our mind and emotions calm and explain how it has a beneficial effect on our health. We can talk about how we experience less tension resulting in less stressrelated ailments. We can talk about how such a way of life helps us get along better with people in our family, in our neighborhood, and at our jobs. We can explain that when we do not take revenge, the person who attacked us eventually comes around and befriends us. Such an example is powerful. One by one, others will see the benefit of leadThat person has guts! That person has strong morals and convictions! The result is that others respect the honest person and say, I wish I could have such bravery to own up to my mistakes. This alone may make others ask us how we have such moral fortitude. At that point we can explain what is giving us the strength to be honest. We can explain how we meditate and see the Light of God within. We can explain how we realize that God within knows whatever we do. If God sees everything, there is nowhere we can hide from God. Thus, how They boost themselves up at the expense of others. They brag about how great they are. They present themselves as being better than others. It is noticeable when someone is humble. When we see others who are realistic about themselves, accepting their talents as well as their faults in an honest way, it is noticeable. When we find that someone treats others with equality and respect, it is noticeable. In a world where there is so much bigotry and prejudice, it is refreshing to find someone who loves all people as equals. When

we see someone who gets along with many people, we, in turn, have great regard for such a person, and we want to find out his or her secret. We ask how is it that that person is accepted by people of all nationalities, religions, countries, or walks of life in such a positive way. When that person explains that through meditation he or she sees the Light of God shining in all people and sees all as one family of God, others are impressed. Others see that we have a life with less turmoil and more friends. They see that we are even-keeled and calm wherever we go and are not afraid to be with people who are different from us. They, too, want to lead a life with a wider range of tolerance and friendship, and they are inspired to be like us. We find many are selfish. Selfishness is rampant in all spheres of life. Why is it sensational when it is reported in the news that someone did something giving and selfless? It is such a rare quality that it often makes front page news. We hear of people who do not have a lot of money but give generously to others. We find people donating their time to help others. We read of people who donate a kidney to save someone elses life. Some people help the poor, the needy, and the downtrodden. These selfless acts have an effect because most people tend to think first of themselves. If people see we are giving and caring, they admire us. They see that we have a big heart. They see the joy we get from giving. They too want to partake of such joy. When they ask us how we can be so giving, we can point to our life of meditation in which we see that we are all part of one family of God. They will learn that we treat all as one family, and that we give because we consider all as brothers and sisters in the Lord. They realize that our giving comes from a place of love, in which we feel joy in helping others. The joy that we get from giving is contagious and others want to lead such a life as well. People see that by leading a vegetarian lifestyle we enjoy better health. They find that we have more energy and more stamina. They see that we are less afflicted with the diseases caused by eating meat. They see the vegetarian diet makes us calmer and more balanced. When they see the benefits we experience, they too may be inspired to adopt such a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. (To be continued....)

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

HAPPY DIWALI

November 2-8, 2013