The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.10 No. 16 August 19-25, 2017 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
 The South Asian Times
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.10 No. 16 August 19-25, 2017 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

A 100-page
Special I-Day issue.

In his powerful
Independence Day
address from the
Red Fort, PM
Narendra Modi gave
a clarion call to free
India of casteism,

PM MODI LAYS OUT communalism,

terrorism and
corruption &

VISION OF A 'NEW INDIA'

vowed to drive the
country with
greater speed on
the development
highway.

India marks 71st IDay Trump calls up Modi to greet New Delhi: India is capable of
fighting any security threat on
"borders, space or cyberspace",

with patriotic fervor him on Independence Day
New Delhi: India on Tuesday cele
brated its 71st Independence Day
peacefully, with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi giving a powerful
speech from the ramparts of the
Red Fort.
Millions poured out of their
homes to take part in events big
and small all across the country
with main functions being organ
ized in state capitals..
From tricolour marks on cheeks
to flag designs printed on T
shirts, from tricolor caps to suits,
the Indian flag could be seen
everywhere. Despite persistent
tensions, border guards of India
and Pakistan exchanged sweets
along the International Border in
Punjab. RSS chief Mohan
Bhagwat's unfurling the Indian
tricolur at a governmentaided
school in Kerala's capital
Thiruvananthapuram even after
being told by authorities that
Continued on page 6
New Delhi/Washington: US
President Donald Trump on the
eve of Indias Independence Day
on August 15, called up Prime
Minister Narendra Modi to greet
himy. Modi shared this informa
tion through a tweet. Appreciate
the warm felicitations from
@POTUS, who called this evening
to convey Independence Day
greetings. Thank you
@realDonaldTrump.
President Trump and PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
said, as he urged militants in
Kashmir to shun violence and
(Photo: PTI)
let love resolve the dragging
problem.
Addressing the nation on
India's 71st Independence Day,
Modi also called for a "New
India" free of casteism, com
munalism, terrorism and cor
ruption. And he warned those
indulging in mob violence that
have agreed to enhance peace
attacks in the name of "aastha"
and stability in the IndoPacific
(faith) won't be allowed. In a
region by establishing a new two
56minute speech, his fourth
Continued on page 6
Continued on page 6

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017

F
rom the ramparts of Red Fort,
on behalf of our 125 crore
countrymen, I bow and pay
respects to all those men and
women who have sacriced their
lives, who have undergone
immense sufferings and made sac
rices for the independence, glory
and pride of the country.
We now have ve years before
we reach the 75th year of our
independence. Our united resolve,
strength and determination to
work hard remembering the mem
ory of our great patriots will help
us to build an India of their
dreams by 2022. Therefore, we
have to take the country forward
with a pledge to build a New India.
January 1, 2018 will not be an
ordinary day those born in this
century will start turning 18. For
these people, this is a decisive year
of their lives. They are going to be
the creator of the destiny (Bhagya
Vidhata) of our nation in the 21st
century.
...We have to leave this 'Chalta
Hai' attitude. We have to think of
'Badal Sakta Hai' this attitude will
help us as a nation.
Be it LeftWingExtremism, be it
Sense of caring & sharing should be renewed: Kovind
I I am confident
t is crucial to understand that
this dream for a free India was
rooted in our ordinary villages,
in the wellbeing of our poor and
underprivileged, and in the all
round development of our coun
try. For this we owe so much to
the countless freedom ghters
who made g reat sacrices to
bring us here.
From the earliest days of our
freedom strugg le, we were
blessed with a galaxy of revolu
tionary leaders who guided our
country.
We need to draw inspiration
from such brave freedom ghters,
many of whom sacriced even
their lives for the country. We
need to invoke the same spirit
today in the task of nation build
ing. The stress on the moral basis
of policy and action, belief in
unity and discipline, faith in a syn
thesis of heritage and science, and
promotion of the rule of law and
of education all of it was located
in a partnership between citizen
and government.
That is how our nation has been
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
INDIA CAN FIGHT ANY
SECURITY CHALLENGE: MODI
Be it our coast
line or our
borders, the space
or the cyberspace,
India is capable of
ensuring its own
security and
strong enough
to ward off any
threats against
the country,
stresses PM
Narendra Modi in
his Independence
Day speech.
Excerpts...
terrorism, be it inltrators, be it
the elements fomenting trouble
inside our country the uniformed
forces of our country have made
extreme sacrices. And when the
surgical strike was carried out,
then the world had to acknowl
edge Indias capability and
strength.
...Those who have looted the
nation and looted the poor are not
able to sleep peacefully today. Due
President Ram Nath Kovind at the At Home function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 15. (Photo: PIB)
built by a partnership between
citizen and government, between
individual and society, between a
family and the wider community.
Neighbours and others living in
the village looked after guests,
and took charge of dif ferent
P M & P R E S I D E N T M E S S A G E August 19-25, 2016
PM Narendra Modi interacting with schoolchildren after addressing the nation on August 15.(Photo: PIB)
to this, the condence of the hard
working and honest person is
increasing. An honest man now
feels that his honesty matters.
Today, we are celebrating a festi
val of honesty and there is no
place for dishonesty. This gives us
new hope. The country has many
states and a Central Government.
GST has shown the spirit of coop
erative federalism and has given
competitive cooperative federal
arrangements. Contribut ions
came from many families. One
family would send foodgrains for
the wedding, another would send
vegetables, a third would arrive
with some other item.
There was a sense of caring and
ism a new strength. The success of
GST can be attributed to the hard
work that has been put in to make
it a success.
...Be it Hawala, or any inputs
related to terrorism, the global
community is supporting us with
critical information. We have
joined hands with other nations in
the combined ght against terror
ism. I extend my heartfelt greet
ings to all those countries who are
of sharing, and of interdepend
ence. If you helped your neigh
bours in their times of need, they
instinctively helped you in turn.
Today, in big cities we may not
even know our neig hbours.
Whether in cities or villages, it is
5
standing in solidarity with us and
acknowledge our prowess.
Lokmanya Tilak Ji had said
Swaraj is my birthrig ht. In
Independent India our Mantra
should be Good Governance is my
birthrig ht. Suraja or Goo d
Governance should be our collec
tive responsibility.
Sometimes in the name of faith,
some people due to lack of
Continued on page 6
that a strong
partnership
between citizens
and the
government will
allow us to meet
the goals of New
India, says
President in his
speech on the eve
of Independence
Day. Excerpts...
important to renew that sense of
caring and sharing. This will make
us a gentler and happier society
and he lp us understand each
other with greater empathy.
This spirit of empathy and of
Continued on page 6
 6 August 19-25, 2017
One American
among 14 dead
in Spain attack
Washington: US Secretary of State
Rex Tillerson confirmed that at
least one American was killed in
the terrorist attacks in Spain's
Catalonia region that left at least
14 people dead and more than 100
injured. Tillerson on Friday said the
US citizen died in Thursday after
noon's van attack in Barcelona,
where the driver plowed into
dozens of pedestrians on that
northeastern city's Las Ramblas
boulevard, Efe news reported.
He added authorities were still
trying to determine whether there
were other American victims.
A separate vehicle attack and
stabbing occurred in the nearby
seaside town of Cambrils early
Friday, leaving one woman dead
and several others wounded.
Bannon quits as Trump's
chief strategist
Washington: Steve Bannon,
President Trump's embattled chief
strategist, has
departed the White
House after a tur
bulent seven
month tenure, the
media reported.
Bannon's exit, the latest in a
string of highprofile West Wing
shakeups, came as critics have
accused Trump of channeling him
when he equated white suprema
cists and neoNazis with the left
wing protesters who opposed them
during last week's violent clashes in
Charlottesville, Virginia, reports
The New York Times. "White House
Chief of Staff John Kelly and Steve
Bannon have mutually agreed today
(Friday) would be Steve's last day,"
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White
House press secretary, said in a
statement on Friday.
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PM Modi lays out vision
of a 'New India'
Continued from page 3
from the Red Fort, Modi touched
upon many topics including securi
ty, demonetization and black money
and vowed to lead India "with a
greater speed". Modi said India
wanted to restore the glory of
Kashmir, a "paradise" on Earth.
Taking a jibe at "a handful of sepa
ratists", he said they were adopting
new tactics to keep the pot boiling.
"But I am absolutely clear about
how to fight this battle. Neither
brickbats nor bullets can solve the
problem. The problem will be
solved by embracing every
Kashmiri." Unlike the last year,
Modi made no reference to
Pakistan or the border conflict with
China. But he said India wasn't
alone in its battle against terror and
had the active support of many
countries who shared intelligence
inputs. Referring to his war against
black money and efforts to make
India corruptionfree, he said:
"Today, after three years, I want to
tell the countrymen proudly that we
have confiscated black money
worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore, the cul
prits would be brought to book and
forced to surrender.
"The hidden black money has
been brought into the formal econ
omy," he said, adding about Rs 3
lakh crore had been brought into
the banking system after demoneti
zation. Income Tax, have now been
forced to do so." On new Goods and
Services Tax, he said this was
brought and implemented in a short
span of time, stunning the world.
He expressed support to the
women battling the practice of
Triple Talaq. Modi said a new hope
had replaced hopelessness in the
country, forcing people to give up
"this 'chalta hai' attitude" and think
of "badal sakta hai".
India marks 71st IDay
with patriotic fervor
Continued from page 3
Associate Editors:
Hiral Dholakia-Dave
Contributing Editors: Meenakshi Iyer,
Nilima Madan, Melvin Durai,
Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Ashok Vyas,
Dr Akshat Jain, Ashok Ojha
West Coast Correspondent
Pooja Jain,
Pooja@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
New Delhi Bureau
Meenakshi Iyer
Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
political personalities are not the US would continue to be a reli very much alive in India. There are
allowed to do so triggered a row. able and longterm supplier of ener so many people and organisations
Days after over 60 children died gy to India, a readout of the phone that work quietly and diligently for
in a Gorakhpur hospital, Uttar call said. the poor and the disadvantaged.
Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi "The leaders resolved to enhance We should also work with unity
Adityanath termed the tragedy an
"eyeopener" and sought to blame it
peace and stability across the Indo
Pacific region by establishing a new
and purpose to ensure that the ben
ets of government policies reach
on encephalitis. twoby two ministerial dialogue all sections of society. For this, the
In neighboring Bihar, Chief that will elevate their strategic con partnership between citizens and
Minister Nitish Kumar pledged to sultations," the White House said. government remains essential.
provide good governance and not to As the leaders of two of the When we speak of a New India,
compromise with corruption. In world's largest and fastestgrowing what do we mean? There are some
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief major economies, Trump and Modi obvious parameters like a house
Minister Mehbooba Mufti asked the looked forward to the Global for every family, power on demand,
young to give up guns and stones Entrepreneurship Summit in India better roads and telecom, a modern
and also vowed to fight for the this November. Ivanka Trump is railway network, rapid and sus
state's special Constitutional status. expected to lead the US summit del tained growth.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar egation. "Prime Minister Modi And yet there is more. New India
Parrikar ordered a crackdown on thanked President Trump for his must include that integral humanist
rave parties and latenight music strong leadership uniting the world component that is in our DNA, and
events in remote areas of his state. against the North Korean menace," which has dened our country and
Beyond India, the day was also the White House statement added. our civilisation. New India must be
celebrated by Indians living abroad. a society rushing towards the
Even the Indian cricket team got India can fight any future, but also a compassionate
into the act at its hotel in Colombo. security challenge: Modi society.
Indians in countries like the US, Continued from page 5 I am condent that a strong part
China, Australia, Japan, Singapore, patience end up destroying the nership between citizens and the
Egypt, Israel and South Africa cele social fabric. The country is gov government will allow us to meet
brated the day with hoisting of the
national flag and singing of patriot
erned by peace, harmony and unity. the goals of New India.
Your immense patience and
The poison of casteism and commu
ic songs. nalism can never benet the coun understanding in the days following
In USA, Ambassador Navtej Sarna try. This is the land of Gandhi and demonetisation and your whole
led the function at the Indian Buddha, we have to move forward hearted support in the battle
Embassy in Washington DC, read taking everyone along. This is a against corruption and black
ing out Indian Presidents address part of our countrys culture and money reected a responsible and
to the nation. Indias Permanent tradition. We have to successfully enlightened society.
Mission to the UN and the Indian carry it forward, and that is why in Today, the world is looking at
Consulate in New York also held the name of faith, violence cannot India with admiration. Our country
wellattended events. Consul be allowed. Demonetization fol is seen as a responsible global citi
General Sandeep Chakravorty was lowed this move. We have achieved zen, a growing economy, and a solu
invited by NASDAQ to ring the several milestones through demon tion provider to various internation
opening bell on August 16. etization. The hidden black money al challenges such as climate
has been brought into the formal change, disasters, conicts, humani
Trump calls up Modi economy. tarian crises, radicalism and terror
to greet him on Let all of us march together with ism. The Tokyo Olympics of 2020
Independence Day the dream of a building an India of offer another opportunity for us to
Continued from page 3 grandeur and majesty as we wait raise our standing in the worlds
bytwo ministerial dialogue, which for the 75th year of independence eyes. Over the coming three years,
would elevate their strategic con after completing 70 years of we should absorb ourselves in this
sultations, the White House said on Independence in the next ve years. national mission. Our India is at the
Tuesday. During his phone call to door of great achievements. In a
Modi, Trump welcomed the first Sense of caring & sharing few years, we will become a fully lit
ever shipment of American crude should be renewed: Kovind erate society. We must set the bar
oil to India, which will begin this Continued from page 5 higher, and aim to become a fully
month from Texas. He pledged that social service and volunteerism is educated society.
Jaipur (India) Bureau IANS Newswire Services
Prakash Bhandari IANS Washington Bureau
Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Arun Kumar
arun.kumar@ians,in
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 10 August 19-25, 2017 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Asserting that there would be He talked about

New Delhi: India is capable of
ghting any security threat on
"borders, space or cyberspace",
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
said, as he urged militants in
Kashmir to shun violence and let
love resolve the dragging prob
lem. Addressing the nation on
India's 71st Independence Day,
Mo di also called for a "New
no let up in India's ght against the seizure of bena
terrorism, the Prime Minister mi properties worth
called upon militants to shun the over Rs 800 crore.
gun and join the mainstream. "Around 4.5 lakh peo
"We time and again call terror ple have now
ists to join the mainstream Narendra Modi
where you have every right and addressing the nation
where there is every arrange on the occasion of
ment to put forward your point 71st Independence Day
of view throug h demo crat ic from the ramparts of
Red Fort. (Photo: PIB)
ways."
Unlike the last year, Mo di
made no reference to Pakistan
or the border conict w ith
China. But he said India wasn't
alone in its battle against terror
and had the active support of
many countries who shared
intelligence inputs. Proud to stand
He saluted all the uniformed
forces who have "showed valour
with people of
and strength in India's ght
against "LeftWingExtremism,
India: US
terrorism, inltrators". Washington/New Delhi: The US

India" free of casteism, commu
nalism, terrorism and corrup
t ion. And he warned those
indulging in mob violence that
attacks in the name of "aastha"
INDIA WANTS
Referring to his war against greeted India on its
black money and efforts to make Independence Day and said
India corruptionfree, he said: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's
"Today, after three years, I want ambitious vision for IndiaUS ties
to tell the countrymen proudly holds great promise for advanc

(faith) won't be allowed.
In a 56minute speech, his
fourth from the Red Fort, Modi
touched upon many topics
TO RESTORE
that we have conscated black ing their shared interests in the
money worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore, 21st century.
the culprits would be brought to In a statement released by his
book and forced to surrender. ofce, US Secretary of State Rex

including security, demonetiza
tion and black money and vowed
to lead India "with a greater
speed".
GLORY OF
"The hidden black money has Tillerson said: "On behalf of the
been brought into the formal government of the US, best wish
economy," he said, adding about es to the people of India as they
Rs 3 lakh crore had been celebrate their independence day

Mo di said India wanted to
restore the glory of Kashmir, a
"paradise" on Earth.
Taking a jibe at "a handful of
separatists", he said they were
adopting new tactics to keep the
pot boiling.
"But I am absolute ly clear
about how to ght this battle.
Neither brickbats nor bullets can
solve the problem. The problem
will be solved by embracing
every Kashmiri."
brought into the banking system
after demonetization.
The Prime Minister said over
Rs 1.75 lakh crore deposited in
banks after note ban was under
the scanner.
The number of new taxpayers
ling income tax returns from
April 1 to August 5 was 56 lakh,
up from 22 lakh in the same
period last year. "T his is the
result of our ght against black
money."
KASHMIR: MODI
come forward and are trying to
trade the right path after accept
ing their mistakes. One lakh peo
ple, who had neither heard of
Income Tax nor paid Income
Tax, have now been forced to do
so."
On new Goods and Services
Tax, he said this was brought
and implemented in a short span
of time, stunning the world.
He expressed support to the
women battling the practice of
Triple Talaq. Modi said a new
hope had replaced hopelessness
in the country, forcing people to
give up "this 'chalta hai' attitude"
and think of "badal sakta hai".
and continue the journey we
began together 70 years ago.
"The US is proud to stand with
the people of India, the world's
largest democracy, in the cause
for freedom and prosperity
around the globe. "PM Modi's
ambitious vision for the USIndia
relationship holds great promise
for advancing our shared inter
ests in the 21st century, and we
look forward to the many years
of friendship before us."

PATRIOTIC SPIRIT AT
New Delhi: With huge pride and love for the
nation, thousands of Indians attended the
Independence Day ceremony here at the his
torical Red Fort to celebrate the country's
freedom. From ags painted on cheeks to
ag design printed tshirts, from Tricolour
caps to suits, the message of the Indian ag
sacrice, peace and prosperity could be felt
in every direction.
Over 3,000 girls from government schools
of Delhi clad in saffron, white and green
formed a replica of the national ag.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade
reached the Lahore Gate where he was
received by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley,
Minister of State for Defence Subhash
Bhamre and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra.
Wearing a beige half sleeved kurta, tight t
white pyjamas and a red and saffron turban,
the Prime Minister kept up with the spirit of
the crowd.
His entry lled the audience with immense
enthusiasm with children standing on their
toes to catch a g limpse of their Prime
Minister. The General Ofcer Commanding,
De lhi Area, then conducted the Prime
Minister to the saluting base where a com
bined InterServices and Police Guard pre
sented the general salute to him. Thereafter,
he strode to inspect the Guard of Honour.
The Guard of Honour contingent consisted
of one ofcer and 24 men each from the
Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.
The unfurling of the national ag from the
ramparts of the Red Fort synchronised with
the resonant sound of the ceremonial 21 Gun
Salute red by the gunners of the elite 2281
Field Regiment. The Army band played the
National Anthem.
In his address, the Prime Minister touched
upon various topics including demonetisa
tion, black money and corruption and prom
ised to take India ahead "with greater speed". Over 3,000 girls from government schools of Delhi clad in saffron, white and green
The crowd welcomed his speech with roars formed a replica of the national flag. (Photo: IANS)
of approval even though there was a techni
sion, sitting at home," 34yearold Jasmine ple's reaction that he was quite engaging,"
cal hitch in a section of the ground. A woman
Jhaveri told IANS. Emily Stacy told IANS after the event. Her
from Mumbai said she was impressed by the
Students from Government Boys Secondary friend Laura Knight appreciated the pro
security arrangements but complained about
School had the same complaint. Two girls gramme and said she was impressed by the
the sound system.
from London were among those who failed band. "The sound of trumpets and drums was
"Everything was awesome but the audio
to understand the speech owing to the lan great. I was expecting it to be very traditional
quality was very poor. I could've heard the
guage barrier. "We couldn't understand his but it was similar to the kind we have heard
speech properly if I was watching it on televi
speech but could clearly make out by peo in our country," Knight said.

Social media
flooded with
greetings
New Delhi: Social media was
ooded with greetings and
congratulatory messages on
the occasion of the country's
71st Independence Day, with
Google celebrating the day
with a beautiful doodle.
The Google doodle design
shows the Parliament House
and the Ashoka Chakra,
anked by two peacocks, in
the colors of the Indian
national ag.
The three colors saffron,
white and green of the
Indian ag were visible
everywhere on various social
media platforms like
Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram. Facebook showed
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in the list of topics that
have recently become popu
lar in its "trending" column
with Independence Day as
one of the most relevant top
ics being discussed.
People uploaded pictures
with ags in their hands,
printed on their clothes or
painted on their faces.
Women paired up their suits
and 'dupattas' to make a
replica of the national ag.
People also shared congrat
ulatory messages, greeting
cards, and very artistic GIFs
(graphics interchange format)
on WhatsApp.
Celebrities also came up on
the various platforms to con
vey their messages on the
occasion. Many of them
uploaded their own pictures
wearing the tricolor or hold
ing the Indian ag.
Sports celebrities who used
social media on the occasion
included Virender Sehwag,
Saina Nehwal, Dipa Karmakar
and Gautam Gambhir.
Bollywood celebrities like
Priyanka Chopra, Aditi Rao
Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha,
Priyanka Chopra, Purab
Kohli, Preity Zinta, Shraddha
Kapoor and Varun Dhawan,
Anil Kapoor, Karishma
Kapoor also posted their
greetings.
12 August 19-25, 2017 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info
INDIA CELEBRATES 71ST
INDEPENDENCE DAY PEACEFULLY
New Delhi: India celebrated its not to compromise with corrup
71st Independence Day peace tion.
fully, with millions pouring out In Srinag ar, Jammu and
of their homes to take part in Kashmir Chie f Minister
events big and small all across Mehbooba Muft i asked the
the country. young to g ive up guns and
A shutdown called by sepa stones and also vowed to ght
rat ists af fected life in the for the state's special
Kashmir Valley and in some
parts of the northeast.
Constitutional status. Goa Chief
Minister Manohar Parrikar
Beyond India, the day was also
ce lebrated by Indians living
ordered a crackdown on rave
parties and latenight music
abroad. Even the Indian cricket
team got into the act at its hotel
events in remote areas of his
state. West Beng al Chie f
in Colombo. Minister Mamata Banerjee
Amid clear weather, thousands unfurled the tricolor and over
thronged the Red Fort to listen saw a colorful parade at the arte
to Modi. Similar scenes were rial Indira Gandhi Sarani.
seen in almost all major venue In Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief
across the country. Minister Naveen Patnaik sud
Home Minister Rajnath Singh hoisting the tricolor
From tricolor marks on cheeks denly felt unwell while address
in New Delhi. (Photo: PIB)
to ag designs printed on T ing the gathering. Aides later
shirts, from tricolor caps to suits, Bhagwat's unfurling the Indian died in a Gorakhpur hospital, said he was ne.
the Indian ag could be seen tricolor at a governmentaided Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Independence Day celebra
everywhere. school in Kerala's capital Yog i Adityanath termed the tions were also reported from
Despite persistent tensions, Thiruvananthapuram even after tragedy an "eyeopener" and Hyderabad, Shimla,
border guards of India and being told by authorities that sought to blame it on encephali Thiruvananthapuram, Dehradun,
Pakistan exchanged sweets political personalities are not tis. In neighboring Bihar, Chief Chandig arh, Gurug ram,
along the International Border in allowed to do so triggered a row. Minister Nitish Kumar pledged Gurdaspur, Aizwal and other
Punjab. RSS chie f Mohan Days after over 60 children to provide good governance and state capitals and major cities.
I-DAY HUMAN FORMATIONS IN DELHI Sonia calls for ghting
HAD A RUSSIAN CONNECTION communal forces
New Delhi: When thousands of people were the applause of audience. Anjali's instructor,
waiting for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Pushpa Ratnam, 53, a physical education super
Independence Day address at the Chhatrasal visor of the Delhi government, has been training
Stadium here, suddenly a huge colorful message students on how to display messages for
"Namaskar" appeared in the stands an artistic Independence Day and Republic Day for the last
formation by 1,143 school girls, seated opposite 19 years. Ratnam told IANS that the technique
to where Kejriwal was to speak. Sitting close to was taught to her by another instructor, and
each other, some girls held 25cm square red went on to trace its origin to Russia.
cloth pieces each, while others displayed yellow "During the Asian Games in 1982, Russians
ones in a sequence to form the message came to India and they taught the technique to a
"Namaskar" in red Hindi alphabets against a yel few instructors then. One of the instructors, who
low background. The message was not less than has since retired, taught me when I joined,"
10 metre long and spread across the rows of the Ratnam said. The retired instructor, who was
stands. also around, told IANS: "Basically, it's a Russian
As an overwhelmed crowd clapped and appre drill that they taught a few of us when they
ciated the children's effort, little did it realize came here." They then travelled across the coun
that the message in Hindi had a strong Russian try to teach it to different people, he added.
connection. As the celebrations came to an end, Anjali and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and vice
Sporting a new white shirt and skirt gifted her friends once again lifted the cloth pieces to president Rahul Gandhi during the
by the government to all the 1,143 girls 12 form a huge "Thanks", their last message for the Independence Day celebration at party
headquarters. (Photo: IANS)
yearold Anjali was one of the girls behind the day, before lining up for the bus and heading
'Namaskar' formation. back to their school. New Delhi: Congress President Sonia
Anjali, an eighth grader, told IANS that Gandhi stressed the need for speaking in
she had been practicing for the event for unison against separatism and terrorism
a fortnight. She showed a 25cm square as well as divisive and communal forces
yellow piece of cloth held on both sides and to unite to protect India's fundamental
with sticks, which was her tool for the values. In her message on the 71st
day. Independence Day, she greeted people on
During the course of the hourlong pro the occasion and said: "My prayer to God is
gram, the girls also formed other words, that the country keeps making progress
including "Vande Mataram", "Award and all of us always have pride as its citi
Ceremony", "CM Speech" and "Jai Hind", zens." The Congress chief unfurled the
and, of course, the national tricolor all Tricolour at the All India Congress
with the same small colored pieces of Committee headquarters here, where party
cloth. Vice President Rahul Gandhi and senior
They raised and dropped their hands in Children hold the national flag on the 71st leaders including Manmohan Singh, A.K.
unison while holding the cloth pieces, Independence Day celebration at Congress party Antony, Sheila Dikshit and Motilal Vora
making the messages come alive amid headquarters. (Photo: IANS) were present.
 14 August 19-25, 2017 In Frames

United in I-Day colors

With huge pride and love for the nation, millions attended the Independence Day celebrations
across the country. From flags painted on cheeks to flag design printed t-shirts, from tricolor caps
to suits, the message of sacrifice, peace and prosperity could be felt in every direction . . .
(Photos: IANS/PIB)

Prime Minister Narendra

Modi unfurling the tricolor at
the ramparts of Red Fort.

Celebrations underway at Manekshaw

Parade Grounds in Bengaluru.

Independence Day celebrations underway at a madarsa

in Allahabad. The Uttar Pradesh government had
instructed the authorities to videograph the celebrations.

Artistes performing at the

Attari-Wagha border in Punjab.

A girl gets her face painted

in tricolor in Chennai.

Tripura CM slams
Prasar Bharati
for censoring
speech
Agartala: Tripura Chief
Minister Manik Sarkar con
demned the censorship of his
Independence Day speech by
national broadcaster Prasar
Bharati and termed it an
"undemocratic, autocratic and
intolerant step".
The opposition Congress has
also slammed the move to cen
sor the Chief Minister's speech,
while the BJP, which is eyeing
to grab power in Tripura in the
next assembly elections, has
supported Prasar Bharati's
move.
An ofcial statement from
the Chief Minister's Ofce said
that All India Radio (AIR) and
Doordarshan Kendra (DDK),
Agartala, recorded Sarkar's
speech on August 12 to broad
cast and telecast it on August
15.
"On August 14 evening
Assistant Director of
Programmes (Policy) Sanjiv
Dosajh of AIR, New Delhi, and
Prasar Bharati's Head of Ofce
(New Delhi) U.K. Sahoo in sepa
rate communications to the
Chief Minister's Ofce said
that with the existing contents
the speech could not be tele
cast and broadcast by AIR and
DDK, Agartala," the statement
said.
"The AIR and Prasar Bharati
ofcials had suggested reshap
ing the content of the Chief
Minister's speech making it
suitable to the solemnity of the
occasion and sentiments of the
people of India at large. The
Chief Minister refused to make
any change of his speech," the
statement added.
Sarkar, a Communist Party of
IndiaMarxist (CPIM) polit
buro member who has been
the Chief Minister of Tripura
for 19 years, has in previous
years delivered the
Independence Day speeches
through the AIR and DDK,
Agartala. The Left Front has
urged the people to organize
protest rallies against Prasar
Bharati's "most undemocratic
and authoritarian decision".
16 August 19-25, 2017
PUNJAB CHIEF MINISTER
ANNOUNCES SOPS ON I-DAY
Chandigarh: With a byelection to
the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat
looming large, Punjab Chie f
Minister Amarinder Sing h
announced various schemes and
incentives for holistic develop
ment of border areas in
Gurdaspur and Pathankot dis
tricts.
He made the announcements in
his speech after unfurling the
Tricolor during the statelevel
71st Independence Day celebra
tions function in Gurdaspur.
The projects announced includ
ed those relating to health and
education infrastructure, besides
new cards under Mahatma Gandhi
Nat ional Rural Employment
Guarantee Act scheme.
"In all, 67,000 MGNREGA cards
will be issued to beneciaries in
Gurdaspur and 30,000 in
Pathankot," Amarinder Singh said.
The Gurdaspur seat fell vacant
in April after veteran actor and sit
ting BJP MP Vinod Khanna died
due to cancer. The resultant by
election to the Lok Sabha seat is
likely to be announced any time
CUSTOMARY INDIA-CHINA BORDER
MEET NOT HELD THIS I-DAY
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing bor
der row, customary Border
Personnel Meetings held between
India and China every
Independence Day were not held
this time.
According to informed sources,
the meetings could not be held as
the PLA ofcials did not respond
to communicat ions from the
Indian Army.
These meetings are held at ve
points Daulat Beg Oldie in
northern Ladakh, Kibithoo in
Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul in
Ladakh, BumLa near Tawang in
Arunachal Pradesh and NathuLa
in Sikkim.
The meetings are held on the
national days of both countries.
Maharashtra celebrates 71st I-Day with patriotic fervor
Mumbai: Maharashtra celebrated
the 71st Independence Day with
patriotic fervor, though the cele
brations on Tuesday were partly
marred due to sudden heavy rains
that lashed parts of the state,
including Mumbai and coastal
Konkan.
Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis unfurled the national tri
color at his residence and near
Mantralaya and took the salute,
INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh inspects guard of honor
during Independence Day parade at Gurudaspur. (Photo: IANS)
soon by the Election Commission. crore. As many as Rs 84 crore had
The seat will witness a tough ght been set aside for providing toilets
between the Bharatiya Janata and water connections to all rural
Party and Punjab's ruling households in the district, he
Congress. added.
The Chief Minister announced a He announced Rs 2.5 crore for
stateoftheart new bus stand at the upgradation of infrastructure
Gurdaspur, which will cost Rs 20 of police stations in Gurdaspur,
Border Security Force personnel and Pakistani Rangers perform the retreat ceremony
at AttariWagha border. (Photo: IANS)
while his ministerial colleagues Western Railway and the Konkan
attended aghoisting ceremonies Railway.
in various districts across the state. Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Mahadeshwar hoisted the tricolor
Governor C.V. Rao this year spent at the BMC headquarters in the
the day in Chennai where he was presence of Municipal
scheduled to take part in various I Commissioner Ajoy Mehta and
Day functions, a Raj Bhavan ofcial other top ofcials and employees.
said. Solemn aghoisting func On the occasion, the Mayor inau
tions were organized at the gurated a special mural gifted by
Bombay High Court, and head Argentina to adorn the entrance of
quarters of the Central Railway, the Humboldt Penguins enclosure.
Batala and Pathankot.
Other schemes and incentives
for Gurdaspur included comple
tion of water supply and sewerage
works at a cost of Rs 7.50 crore,
release of Rs 18 crore for develop
mental projects in Dera Baba
Nanak and other areas of
Gurdaspur.
He also announced allocation of
Rs 44.02 crore to upgrade health
infrastructure and Rs 118 crore
for school infrastructure in
Gurdaspur.
Another Rs 45 crore has been
allocated for disbursement under
the oldage pension scheme, and
Rs 7 crore for 'Ashirwad' scheme.
The Chief Minister announced
construct ion of a new Sainik
School in Dalla Gorian village in
Gurdaspur district.
Besides a Rs 67 crore outlay for
facelift of Pathankot and another
Rs 42 crore for facelift of Batala,
the Chief Minister announced set
ting up of a Pepsico bottling plant
at Pathankot, where link roads
would be repaired at a cost of Rs
55 crore.
Acting ConsulGeneral of
Argentina Alejandra Zothner
Meyer, Deputy ConsulGeneral
Andrea Alba Gonzalez and
renowned mural artist Pablo
Ramirez Arnol were present on the
occasion. There were colourful I
Day functions organised by the
armed forces stationed in Mumbai,
various airlines and the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
International Airport.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath hoists the flag in
Lucknow. (Photo: IANS)
Every incident
an eyeopener,
says UP CM
Lucknow: Calling every incident an
eyeopener, Uttar Pradesh Chief
Minister Yogi Adityanath sought
to blame the deaths of over 60
children in Gorakhpur on
encephalitis.
In his maiden Independence Day
speech after assuming ofce, the
Chief Minister, after unfurling the
national ag at the Vidhan Sabha
building, said that every incident
was an eyeopener to realise that it
should not be repeated.
In an obvious reference to the
tragedy, widely blamed on lack of
oxygen at the staterun hospital,
Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh
was a big state and deaths were
taking place due to diseases like
encephalitis. Such vectorborne
diseases, he said, could be tackled
with the Swacch Bharat mission
"in which every citizen should par
ticipate".
He also urged the young to do
their bit to weed out corruption.
The Chief Minister said his gov
ernment was working towards
providing 1.52 crore uniforms to
students, had started Ram Katha in
Ayodhya, was developing Mathura
and promised to provide more
jobs to youngsters.
More than 60 children have died
in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister's
constituency, after the hospital
where they were warded reported
ly ran out of oxygen. But ofcials
have been citing different reasons
at different times for the deaths.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
WEST BENGAL CELEBRATES
COLORFUL INDEPENDENCE DAY
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee unfurled the tricolor and inspected a
colorful parade here as the state joined the
nation in celebrating the 71st Independence
Day.
The main function at the arterial Indira
Gandhi Sarani (erstwhile Red Road) was attend
ed by Banerjee, her ministers, senior bureau
crats and members of the diplomatic corps.
Banerjee hoisted the nat ional ag and
inspected a guard of honor given by the state
and city police.
Various w ings of the police and NCC
(National Cadet Corps) members also partici
pated in a parade as a hovering helicopter
showered petals.
Folk dance troupes from dif ferent districts
including Cooch Behar, South 24 Parganas and
Birbhum depicted the diverse culture of the
country with colorful performances.
A dance troupe from Cooch Behar performed
the traditional Bairati dance while a group
from South 24 Pargana district's Sundarban
region depicted the life of shermen and the
local custom of worshiping the 'Bonbibi', the
guardian spirit of the forests venerated by both
the Hindu and the Muslim residents.
The folk dancer of Birbhum graced the occa
sion by performing Chhau dance, a folk dance
form that is acclaimed internationally.
Government departments, including
Information and Cultural Af fairs as also
Forests, brought out colorful tableaux high
lighting their achievements and important
social issues. There were tableaux depicting the
state's rich cultural heritage and various
RAJASTHAN CELEBRATES I-DAY
Jaipur: Rajasthan ce lebrated the 71st
Independence Day with traditional enthusiasm
and fervour throughout the state.
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje unfurled the
national ag at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium
here and highlighted the policies of her govern
ment in a speech.
The Chief Minister said: "Various steps are
being taken to improve infrastructure in the
state including road network."
She said steps were being taken to boost
investment in the state, Raje said. "We organized
Resurgent Rajasthan in 2015... which was very
positive."
"We have taken various steps for setting up of
a renerycumpetrochemical complex in the
state. We also plan to enter into a joint venture
in this regard soon," Raje said.
"We are providing skill development facilities
to the youth in a big way," Raje said while
addressing a large gathering of city residents,
school children and others here.
"We organised the Festival of Education few
days back to improve education in the state, like
wise we are taking various steps to generate
employment...," she added.
She said the Information Technology infra
structure in Rajasthan was also being strength
ened. Every village was being made ITenabled,
she added. She also talked about Jal
Swavlamban Abhiyan in her speech and said that
it has helped the state from both drought as well
as oods. Water harvesting and conservation
works were being implemented under the pro
gram to prevent drought in Rajasthan villages
I-DAY IN STATES
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
hoists the national flag at Red Road in Kolkata.
(Photo: IANS)
schemes undertaken by the government, cen
tral among them being Banerjee's pet project
Kanyashree aimed at checking child marriage
in Bengal.
Another tableau that caught the eye was that
of the upcoming FIFA Under17 World Cup,
ment has adopted a zero tolerance policy
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje
hoists the tricolor at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
(Photo: Ravi Shankar Vyas/IANS)
by carrying out watershedwise water budgeting
for permanent solution.
She urged people to undertake the "Clean and
Green Rajasthan" campaign. Raje also honored
police and government ofcers on the occasion.
August 19-25, 2016 17
starting on October 6, that is being hosted by
India.
As many as 52 budding footballers from the
state displayed soccer skills under the guidance
of former internat ional player Manas
Bhattacharya.
Banerjee awarded the Chief Minister's Police
medal for outstanding service to ADG & IGP
CID Dr Rajesh Kumar, Bid hannag ar CP
Gyanwant Singh and Kolkata Police Additional
CP III Supratim Sarkar, and other ofcers.
After the Trinamool came to power in 2011,
Banerjee started the ritual of the Independence
Day parade at the Indira Gandhi Sarani. The
Independence Day was celebrated with equal
vigour and enthusiasm in schools, colleges and
government institutions across the state.
The south Bengal frontier of the Border
Security Force (BSF) observed the joyous occa
sion at their frontier headquarters on Lord
Sinha Road here.
Inspector General of south Bengal frontier
P.S.R. Anjaneyulu unfurled the national ag
while a special guard of BSF troopers gave the
national salute to the tricolour and sang the
national anthem.
Taking oath to secure the border areas of the
country, the frontier force also organised the
Independence Day celebrations at various BSF
establishments including the International
Check post (ICP) of Petrapole on the India
Bangladesh border where a large number of
people from both sides gathered to witness the
ceremony. The BSF troopers also handed over
fruits and sweets to border guards of
Bangladesh as a gesture of mutual respect.
Assam celebrates 71st
Independence Day
Guwahati: Independence Day celebrations took
place across Assam amid the devastating oods
that have claimed 20 lives in the past few days
and affected over 30 lakh people in 25 districts
of the state. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
unfurled the tricolour at the Veterinary College
ground at Khanapara here, while his cabinet
colleagues and senior ofcials hoisted the tri
colour at celebration venues in dif ferent dis
tricts. Sonowal reiterated the state govern
ment's commitment towards ensuring equal
development of all the tribes and communities
of Assam. The Chief Minister said his govern
against corruption which has led to transparen
cy in functioning of the government machinery.
"Our government has been going all out
against corruption and as a result lot of scams
have been unearthed. The effort has reduced
corruption in the government machinery and
increased transparency," he said. Sonowal also
said that his administration was committed to
implement the Assam Accord. "While our gov
ernment had already organised tripartite talks
between the Centre, state and the All Assam
Students' Union for timely implementation of
the Assam Accord, the government has also
been working active ly to seal the Indo
Bangladesh border.
"Steps have been taken to update the
National Register of Citizens (NRC) so that we
can detect and deport the illegal foreigners liv
ing in the state," he added.
 18 August 19-25, 2017
World leaders
Canadian PM greets greet India
Indians on I Day
T
-
oday, we join the people of India and members
of the Indo-Canadian community to celebrate
Indias 71st Independence Day. Our two countries
share much in common, including our commitment
to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, and are
linked by similar institutions and forms of govern-
ment. Above all, the success of Canada and India
demonstrate that we both prosper not in spite of
our diversity, but because of it.
We enjoy a special relationship one that we
are committed to strengthening. I recently met with
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Leaders
Summit. I look forward to continuing to collaborate
with him on global issues, including peace and se-
curity, health, climate change, and gender equality.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Con-
federation, I invite Canadians to reflect on the
countless contributions Indo-Canadians make to our
Justin Trudeau national fabric. Canada is a stronger and more pros-
perous country because of them. On behalf of the
Prime Minister Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish a happy
of Canada Independence Day to all those celebrating.
MESSAGES
Message from
Amb. Syed Akbaruddin
for The South Asian Times
T he 70th anniversary of our Independence Day is an important mile-
stone in our collective quest for a developed, just and inclusive soci-
ety as a key member of the international community. Our journey since
Independence is a vivid example of how even the most diverse, multi-cul-
tural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society can experience sustained
peace and all-round progress through its unwavering faith in democracy
and the rule of law.
While we can be justifiably proud of our achievements in numerous
fields, the Independence Day is also the time to reflect upon unfinished
goals and emerging challenges. It is also an occasion to reaffirm our
commitment for an India in which even the most vulnerable is empow-
ered to lead a fulfilling life.
In an increasingly globalized world, the common goals of peace, se-
curity and sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. The
new challenges and complex threats cutting across boundaries demand
dialogue and multilateralism. That India has been fully conscious of this
reality is amply reflected in its active and expanding role at the United
Nations over the years.
I take this opportunity to extend my warm greetings for the Indepen-
dence Day to all the readers of The South Asian Times.
Ambassador
Syed Akbaruddin
Permanent
Representative
of India to the
UN, New York
New Delhi: A host of foreign leaders, including Israeli prime minister
and the Emir of Qatar, extended Independence Day greetings to India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to acknowledge the greet-
ings and express gratitude.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who shares great personal rapport
with PM Modi, said: Best wishes to my friend @narendramodi and all the
people of India on the occasion of Indias 71st Independence Day!
In response to greetings from Qatar, Modi said on Twitter: Thanked
His Highness Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his
congratulatory phone call this evening on our Independence Day.
Neighboring countries Afghanistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka too extend-
ed greetings to India on the occasion.
Ashraf Ghani @ashrafghani : I would like to congratulate PM. @nar-
endramodi & the great people of India on their Independence Day. Our
friendship ll always remain firm.
In his response, Modi said, Thank you my friend, President @ashraf-
ghani for the wishes on Indias Independence Day. Sri Lankan President
Maithripala Sirisena tweeted, Wishing our close friend and neighbour India
a very happy #IndependenceDayIndia @narendramodi. Modi responded,
Thank you President @MaithripalaS for the Independence Day greetings.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay posted on Twitter: Wish-
ing my Indian friends a Happy Independence Day. May the friendship be-
tween India and Bhutan continue to grow from strength to strength.
Responding to him, Modi wrote, Appreciate the Independence Day
wishes, PRIME MINISTER @tsheringtobgay.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
20 August 19-25, 2017 MESSAGES TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
CONSUL GENERAL
Sandeep Chakravorty
A
mbassador Sandeep Chakra-
vorty joined as Consul Gen-
eral in the Indian Consulate
in New York days before the Indepen-
dence Day celebrations. The 1996 IFS
officer was earlier Indian Ambassador
to Peru and has replaced Riva Gangu-
ly Das as Consul General in one of the
busiest Indian diplomatic missions
overseas. Chakravorty, 47, was Indias
Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka
before being appointed as Ambassa-
dor to Peru and Bolivia. In the Min-
istry of External Affairs of India, he
served on several desks and division.
Amb. Chakravorty gave an exclusive
interview to The South Asian Times
on the eve of Indias 71st Indepen-
dence Day, outlining his priorities as
Consul General. Excerpts:
The South Asian Times: What does
Indias 71st Independence Day
mean to you personally, born a
good 24 years after 1947?
Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty:
India is an old civilization but a
young country. I was born in 1968
and throughout my childhood and
youth, I have seen the transforma-
tion of India very closely and today I
find it much more easy to represent
India abroad than perhaps it was 21
years ago when I joined the Indian
Foreign Service (IFS). Today, there
is worldwide recognition of the suc-
CG hoists tricolor at the Consulate
Over 200 people including
prominent members of the Indian
community and local dignitaries
attended the ceremony.
22 August 19-25, 2017
Implementing
Consulate at your
Doorstep program
cess of India and Indian diplomats have
a fine story to tell.
In which areas India has made good
progress, and in which areas we have
miles to go still?
Amb. Chakravorty: In the 70 years of in-
dependence, India has much to feel proud
about after we were left devastated by the
British colonial rule in 1947. Today India
is recognized world over for many things
including our IT prowess, our success
against poverty, our democratic institu-
tions and our moderate, calm and assur-
ing voice in international affairs. Indias
civilizational ethos is widely recognized
through the manifestations of our soft
power be it Indian cinema, yoga or Indian
cuisine. There are not many countries in
the world like India and this is something
we should all be proud of.
Each Consul General posted here
tries to leave a personal stamp on the
consulate. Which priorities you
have set for yourself?
Amb. Chakravorty: My aim would be to
make the Consulate a friendly place for
the Indian community so that they do
not approach us through intermediaries.
I also propose to work closely with the
community to see that their contribu-
tion to the India-US relationship is not
only enhanced but also recognized. I be-
lieve that in my Consulates jurisdiction
there is tremendous scope of working
with members of the community so that
they have a sense of involvement with
not only the Consulate but with India
through the activities of the Consulate.
How do you deal with visa-passport
agents mushrooming
Iconic monuments in New
York City and State were lit
up on the occasion with the
colors of the Indian flag.
INTERVIEW
By Parveen Chopra
Amb. Chakravorty: We would not like
anyone to intermediate between the Con-
sulate and the community for consular
services. Our endeavor is to make the
Consulate accessible to all. Accordingly,
we propose to energetically implement
the Consulate at your Doorstep program
so that any hesitancy on the part of the
members of the Community to approach
the Consulate can be removed. Our motto
is Consulate is your Friend.
President Trump so far has been
friendly to India. How do you see
India-US relations under him while
Narendra Modi is PM over there?
Amb. Chakravorty: India-US relations
are on an upward trajectory, the best
example of which was the recent visit of
Prime Minister Modi to Washington.
Which of your earlier diplomatic
postings you enjoyed the best? While
in Peru, did you visit Machu Picchu,
considered a very spiritual place?
Amb. Chakravorty: Each diplomatic post
has its own charm and I have enjoyed all The new Consul General in New York, Sandeep
of them in their own unique ways. Not Chakravorty unfurled the tricolor at the Consulate
only did I visit Machu Picchu but I also on August 15 morning and read out the President
organized the celebration of Internation- Ram Nath Kovinds Address to the Nation
al Day of Yoga 2017 at the sacred and delivered on the eve of the Independence Day.
historical place. Yes, I do believe that Ma-
chu Picchu is a spiritual place and has its which I believe is one of the most - if not the most impor-
own special energy. tant - bilateral relationship in todays world.
Your message for the Indian Tell us a bit about your wife and twin
community here... daughters have they joined you here?
Amb. Chakravorty: My message to Amb. Chakravorty: My family is with me here in New
the Indian community is that they are York and they are enjoying their stay here. My wife is
uniquely placed in the United States for about to complete her Ph.D in contemporary Spanish lit-
not only their own self-development and erature from Delhi University and by profession she is a
progress but also to contribute to the de- Spanish teacher. My daughters are in grade 10 and look-
velopment of the India-US relationship, ing forward for school to start in New York.
New York: On the occasion of the 70th
anniversary of Indias Independence Day,
Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty un-
furled the tricolor at the Consulate prem-
ises on August 15 morning. He read out
Presidents Address to the Nation deliv-
ered on the eve of the Independence Day.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan presented patri-
otic songs and poetry recitation. Over 200
people including prominent members of
the Indian community and local dignitar-
ies attended the ceremony.
At the initiative of local Indian com-
munity organizations, iconic monuments
in New York and surrounding areas were
lit up on the occasion with the colors of
the Indian flag. These included the Empire
State Building, Niagara Falls among others.
The Consulate, in association with various
Indian business, professional and commu-
nity organizations, is organizing a series
of events this year to celebrate India@70.
 24 August 19-25, 2017 I-Day in USA

NASDAQ honors India

8 year in a row
th By Nilima Madan

as the fastest growing major economy

New York: On August 16, 2017,
NASDAQ, the premier US stock ex-
change, welcomed the new Consul
General of India, Ambassador Sand-
eep Chakravorty, and leaders of the
Indian community to ring the open-
ing bell to celebrate the 70th anni-
versary of Indias Independence, this
honoring India 8th year in a row.
NASDAQ Vice President Joseph
Brantuk said in his opening remarks
that NASDAQ has a continuing pres-
ence in India, which is on its way
to becoming a global powerhouse.
NASDAQ lists five companies with
a strong presence in India with a
combined market cap of over 40
billion dollars. These companies in-
clude Makemytrip.com, Videocon
and Cognizant Technology Solutions
(CTS). CTS is a member of the NAS-
DAQ 100 Index, a prestigious and
widely followed indices in the world.
Also, the Indian Energy Exchange,
Indias first power exchange for the
trading of electricity regulated by
the Central Electricity Regulatory
Commission, uses NASDAQ as one
of their primary contractors for the
exchanges trading technology.
Ambassador Sandeep Chakra-
vorty, when invited to the podium,
said India was an ancient civilization
but a young country. A nation of 1.3
billion people with 65% under the
age of 35 years, India has emerged
in the world. Indias GDP growth rate
this year was expected to be more than
7%t. India is a bright spot of growth and
stability in the global economy and is
expected to remain so in the long run,
the ambassador said. He added that on
almost every index of economic perfor-
mance such as competitiveness, innova-
tion, ease of doing business, logistics
attractiveness as an investment destina-
tion, consumer confidence and business
optimism, Indias ranking is constantly
improving.
Amb. Chakravorty went on to reit-
erate that Indias progress will not only
ensure the well-being of one sixth of hu-
manity, but it would also provide a new
engine of global prosperity and anchor of Consul General of India, Sandeep Chakravorty,
stability in the world. US-India relation- accompanied by leaders of the Indian community,
ship is a strong partnership that touches rang the NASDAQ opening bell August 16 to cele-
almost all areas of human endeavor. In- brate the 70th anniversary of Indias Independence.
dia considers America as an important
partner in its flagship programs such as
Make in India, Digital India and Startup Consul General of India, Sandeep Chakravorty, accompanied by leaders of the
India for bringing about inclusive social Indian community, rang the NASDAQ opening bell August 16 to
and economic changes in India. Lastly he celebrate the 70th anniversary of Indias Independence.
said that, the most important is the finan-
cial sector, which is the growth engine
and prosperity indicator in both coun-
tries and since India began liberalizing, it
has grown steadily and Indian companies
have generated value.
Present at the ringing the bell cer-
emony among others were Mrs. Param-
ita Tripathi, Deputy Consul General,
FIA Chairman Ramesh Patel, Dr Sudhir
Parekh, Kamlesh Mehta of The South (From left) Kamlesh Mehta, Chairman of The South
Asian Times, CEO of Cinemaya Media Asian Times, Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty,
Group Sunil Hali, AIA President Gobind OFBJP General Secretary Nilima Madan and AIA-NY
Munjal, Dr Nimisha Shukla, Air India Re- President Gobind Munjal at the NASDAQ ceremony.
gional Manager Vandana Sharma, and
OFBJP General Secretary Nilima Madan.

Indian Embassy Flag-hoisting at Indian Mission to UN

celebrates I-Day
New York: Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, un-
furled the national flag on the morning of August 15 and conveyed the Message of the President
of India. Members of Indian community and friends of India participated in the event. Noted
singer Kailash Kher was also present. The children sang Maitreem Bhajata, a Sanskrit prayer
for universal peace, friendship and prosperity, which was rendered by legendary classical vocal-
ist M.S. Subbulakshmi at the United Nations in 1966.

Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin,

Permanent Representative of
Navtej Sarna, Ambassador of India to the US, reading out India to the UN, addressing the
President of Indias I-Day address to the nation. gathering on August 15.

Washington, DC: Indias 71st Independence Day was celebrated in Wash-

ington DC with a flag-hoisting ceremony on the morning of August 15 at the
Amb. Syed Akbaruddin and
Embassy Residence. The ceremony was attended by members of the Indian
singer Kailash Kher at the event.
community in large numbers. Shri Navtej Sarna, Ambassador of India, unfurled
the tricolor and read out Honble Indian Presidents address to the nation. Pa-
triotic songs were rendered by school-children.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017

HappyHappy
Happy Diwali
Republic
Independence DayDay
of India
 26 August 19-25, 2017 INDIA DAY PARADE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

OVER 40,000 CELEBRATE INDIAS

I-DAY ON OAK TREE ROAD
IBA hosts 13th annual New Jersey India Day Parade

Edison, NJ: Blessed with beautiful

weather, Indian Americans
throughout New Jersey turned out
for the 13th Annual New Jersey
India Day Parade, hosted by the
Indian Business Asso ciat ion.
Ofcial estimates place the crowd
size well over 40,000. The parade,
which ce le brated Indias 71st
Independence Day, included
Bollywood star Riteish Deshmukh
as Grand Marshall.
We had an amazing turnout,
largest in the history of this event,
said Dhiren Amin, President of the
Association. Hundreds of volun IBA members with Grand Marshall Riteish Deshmukh
teers worked around the clock to
organize this event. I am really
proud of our team, he added.
Present for the festivities were
Ambassador Phil Murphy and IBA members addressed the crowd
Lieutenant Governor Kim
Guadagno, both candidates for Governor, Over 100 organizations participated in the
along with their respective running mates. festivities. The Air India and JFK Hospital
Also in attendance were several elected of oats particularly drew the attention of the
cials from both parties, including legislators, audience. Local Officials
Chandrakant Patel, Chairman for the spoke at the
freeholders, and mayors. Edison Mayor Tom
event
Lankey administered the Oath of Ofce to organization thanked its sponsors. Our
IBA Vice President Mahesh Bhagia, who has sponsors are generous and supportive of the
been appointed as Special Assistant to the community. They should be commended.
Mayor for Edison Township. It was a his A cultural program featuring local artists
toric moment said Manher Shah, who is a followed the parade. T he parade runs
trustee for IBA. through Oak Tree Road, from Edison to
The parade featured 19 oats, 2 marching Woodbridge. It is the only parade that runs
bands, and a number of walking groups. through two towns.

INDIAS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED

AT ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK
Atlantic City: South Jersey
Indian Association organized the
8th Annual India Day Parade on
August 12th from Taj Mahal
Casino to Kennedy Plaza here. A
funlled carnival atmosphere
was planned with rich highlights
depicting our cultural heritage,
diversity, dance, music, and
food. The parade was held from
3 6PM followed by mela at
Brighton Park (Behind
Claridges).
Though there were showers
earlier in the day, the weather
cleared up just in time for the
Parade.
The event featured oats trav
The parade displayed rich cultural heritage of India Several leading community leaders attended the event (Images : TV ASIA Facebook page)
eling from the Showboat Hotel
down to Kennedy Plaza. Along dren throughout the event. olly Romesh Ruthnaswamy, special promote the resort. city Saturday to see the parade
with six oats, there were food wood music played, and one adviser and one of the founders Ruthnaswamy said visitors from travel down the Boardwalk.
tastings, clothing and jewelry on person dressed up as Spider of SJIA, said the event was a cel New York, Pennsylvania, (News source:
sale and performances by chil Man to entertain the children. ebration of culture and a way to Delaware and more were in the Pressofatlanticcity.com)

Floral Park, NY: The 2nd India
day Parade organized by Floral
Park Bellerose Indian
Merchants Association was a
grand success. It was celebrated
with a lot of fervor and enthusi
asm. The parade organized on
August 12th commenced from
263rd Street and Hillside Avenue
and ended at 235th street and
Hillside. Thousands participated
in the parade which was led by
NYPD contingent including
mounted police on horses fol
lowed by Fire Marshalls contin
gent and re trucks.
Bollywood actresses Tanushree
Dutta (Aashiq Banaya Aapne and
Dhol fame) and Mahima
Chaudhry (Pardes and Dhadkan
fame) were Grand Marshals.
They said it was a matter of pride
that Indians abroad too celebrate
Indias Independence Day with
fervor. They were also seen rais
ing slogans of Jai Hind!
More than 30 organizations
including 6 oats and an
American Band marched in the
parade. It was almost a mile long.
Post parade there was a cultural
Mela in Padavan Preller eld on
235th street. Cultural perform
ances included traditional dances
from various parts of India as
well as patriotic and Bollywood
songs.
There were 17+ booths both
non food and food sponsored by
several local businesses. There
were kiddie rides, clown and face
painting activity. Elected ofcials
IACFNJ TO CELEBRATE INDIAS 71ST
INDEPENDENCE DAY ON AUG 26TH
New Jersey: IndoAmerican
Cultural Foundation of Central
Jersey (IACFNJ), a nonprot
organization in central jersey will
celebrate Indias 71st
Independence Day on Saturday,
August 26th from 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. at Shree Swaminarayan
Temple (old YMCA), 329 Culver
Road, South Brunswick.
Approximately 300 to 400 people
are expected to attend this fun
lled patriotic event which is free
and open to all public.
After last seven years grand
success and overwhelming com
28 August 19-25, 2017
THOUSANDS ATTEND FLORAL
PARK INDIAN I-DAY PARADE
from Nassau and Queens coun
ties congratulated the people and
organizers on 71st Independence
Day celebration. It was a very
successful event attended by
thousands and exhibited a great
sense of pride and love for India.
Besides national anthems from
US and India one could hear the
loud chanting of " Jai Hind and
Bharat Mata ki Jai. "
The community celebrated
the day with zeal and
nationalistic fervor
munity support, the organizers
and executive committee of
IACFNJ once again are getting
ready to organize 2017 patriotic
celebration of Indias
Independence Day event with fun
lled entertainment and cultural
activities, dance performances,
traditional Indian dances, patriot
ic dances, childrens activities, DJ,
live music and authentic Indian
food sampling which will be open
to all at an outdoor location of the
temple grounds. The program
will include singing of the
American and Indian Anthems fol
TRISTATE I-DAY
lowed by the local and state pub
lic ofcials and dignitarys
addresses to the attendees and
fun lled patriotic dances from
the young and talented kids from
the local dance groups.
The live DJ and music will be
provided by DJ Darshan of North
Brunswick. The authentic Indian
food sampling will be provided to
all participants at end of the pro
gram. The henna tattoos, face
paintings and other kids activities
will be the attractions for this
community event. Many young
high school students will provide
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Grand Marshals,
actresses
Tanushree Dutta
and Mahima
Chaudhry flanked
by parade
organizers
Hemant Shah
(Secretary),
Subhash Kapadia
(President) and
Kirpall Singh
(Chairman).
(Photo:
www.eventzter.
com)
The Indo
American
Press Club
(IAPC) took
part in the
Floral Park
India Day
Parade.
their community volunteer servic this year. South Brunswick is eth
es during this event. The volun nically diverse township with pop
teer participants will be awarded ulation of south Asians especially
with certicate of volunteerism. Indians with more than 23%
IACFNJs dedicated Executive according to the latest census.
Committee under the leadership The community people from the
of President Dr. Tushar Patel, surrounding towns of North
Chairman Hitesh Patel, Vice Brunswick, East Brunswick,
Presidents Mahesh Patel and Franklin, Somerset, Monroe,
Deven Patel, Secretary Mac Shah Princeton, PrincetonJunction and
and Treasurer Rajesh Patel and West Windsor will attend this
entire executive committee and event.
trustees and their committee
members are getting ready and For Further information on this
working very hard to bring this celebration and future events visit
event a grand success once again www.IACFNJ.org

Beijing/Melbourne: Soaked in patri
otism, hundreds of Indians abroad
marked the country's 71st
Independence Day with the tricolor
uttering high and the national
anthem reverberating at Indian mis
sions across the world.
Indians in countries like the US,
China, Australia, Japan, Singapore,
Egypt, Israel and South Africa cele
brated the day with hoisting of the
national ag and singing of patriot
ic songs.
A large number of Indian expats
attended the Independence Day cel
ebrations at the embassy in Beijing
with Indian envoy Vijay Gokhale
reading the address of President
Ram Nath Kovind. He met the
Indian diaspora at a reception held
in the embassy.
In Australia, Prime Minister
Malcolm Turnbull extended his
wishes by calling it a day that com
memorates "the achievement of sov
ereignty and freedom for the
worlds largest democracy."
Turnbull said it is an occasion to
take pride in Indias progress over
seven decades of independence, and
to share hopes for its future.
He said the ties between the two
countries have become stronger
and that the governments are work
ing closely to support shared inter
ests in a stable and prosperous
Indo Pacic region.
Canberra based Indian High com
mission as well as consulates in
Melbourne, Sydney and other cities
also held ag hoisting ceremonies
attended by a several members of
Indian communities.
Several Indian community organi
zations are also holding dinners and
special events to acknowledge the
occasion. On Saturday, Bollywood
actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan,
who was a special guest of the
Indian Film festival of Melbourne
(IFFM) this year, unfurled the tricol
or to celebrate the day.
Indians in Japan also celebrated
the 71st Independence Day with
great enthusiasm. A gathering of
about 600 people, including the
growing Indian community in
Tokyo, celebrated the day. Indian
Ambassador to Japan Sujan R
Chinoy unfurled the national ag,
which was followed by the singing
of the National Anthem.
Students of Indian International
School in Japan (IISJ), Tokyo and
Global Indian International School
(GIIS) sang patriotic songs. The pro
gram was followed by refreshments.
30 August 19-25, 2017
A mile long walk from Victoria Square to the Consulate in Birmingham, UK
71st Independence Day celebrations by CGI Sydney at Pier One on 15 August 2017
An Incredible India photo contest
organized by the Indian embassy in
Japan in association with India
Tourism Ofce and Air India was
launched to mark the celebrations.
In Singapore, Indian High
Commissioner to Singapore Jawed
Ashraf along with 700 Indians cele
brated the Independence Day.
Students from Indian schools in
Singapore sang patriotic songs and
performed cultural dances at the
High Commission.
In the UK, hundreds of members
of the Indian diaspora took part in
the rstever Freedom Run to mark
the Independence Day with the one
mile journey beginning from the
historic Parliament Square.
The celebration was attended by
members of Indian community in
Egypt as well some Egyptian friends
of India and students of language
from The Maulana Azad Centre for
Indian Culture (MACIC).
Indias Independence Day was cel
ebrated across South Africa with
gatherings in all major cities.
Large numbers of expatriates and
locals of all communities watched
the hoisting of the ag at the Indian
missions in Pretoria, Durban, Cape
Town and Johannesburg before
hearing the message from President
Kovind. The special relationship
between South Africa and India was
highlighted by an unprecedented
lighting up of several Gandhian her
itage sites in the colors of the
Indian ag on the eve of the
DIASPORA I DAY TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Congressman Billy Long retweet
ed the tweet of Israe li Prime
Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) in
which he greeted Modi on the occa
sion of Independence Day.
"Today we celebrate 70 years of
independence for India! Happy,"
tweeted Congressman Pete Olson.
"Beautiful celebration of Indias
Independence at State House.
Delicious food and great music. So
lucky to live in a state that values
diversity!" tweeted Congressman
David Cicilline from Rhode Island
along with pictures after he attend
ed an Independence Day event with
IndianAmericans at the State
House. "Big crowd for India Day
Parade in Edison and Woodbridge,"
tweeted Congressman Frank
Pallone after he attended the India
Day parade in New Jersey which
was attended by hundreds of
IndianAmericans. Congressman
Ruben J Kihuen said he had won
derful time ce lebrating Indias
Independence Day with friends of
India.
"Our Indian neighbors have con
tributed so much to Nevada
Congressional District Four," he
tweeted along with pictures.
"Celebrating Indian Independence
Day with" Indian American
Independence Day. Independence Day of India in Coalition of Texas, said
Patriotic Indians chanted slogans Henderson over the weekend!" Congressman Lloyd Doggett.
praising their motherland before tweeted Congresswoman Jacky "US and India show that diversity
the Indian ag was hoisted at the Rosen from Las Vegas, Nevada. is a strength, not detriment, to
premises of the Indian Embassy in "Happy Independence Day to our vibrant democracies," he added.
Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate ally and partner India.
Congresswoman Grace Meng wrote
in Dubai. In the US, Indian Congratulations to the largest that it was great to march in the
Americans celebrated the event by democracy from the oldest democ India Day parade down Hillside
unfurling the national ag and hold racy," said Congressman Ted Poe. Avenue in Queens, New York. (PTI)
ing cultural extravaganza.
Americans joined Indians and
people of Indianorigin in variPresident Trump recognizes
ous cities by rendering Indias
national anthem, cultural per
formances and short speeches
Naperville's India Day
on IndiaUS re lationship.
Despite heavy downpour, a
celebration with letter
large number of Indian Washington: In recognition of the 70th anniversary of India's Independence,
Americans turned up an ofcial letter from President Donald Trump will be presented Sunday at
for the traditional Naperville's India Day Grand Celebration.
aghoisting cere The letter reads, in part, "Thanks to the irreplaceable contributions of Hindu and
mony at the ofcial Indian Americans, the future of our valued partnership has never looked brighter, and we
residence of continue to foster even greater cooperation for future generations," according to a news
I n d i a s release.
Ambassador to The celebration, hosted by the Indian Community Outreach Organization and sponsored by
the US Navtej the Republican Hindu Coalition, is one of the largest IndianAmerican festivals in the United
Sarna who States. The day is aimed at embracing and preserving the heritage and contributions of Indian
unfurled the tri Americans and encouraging them to help America grow, according to the release.
color. A brief cul The event will feature food, oats, fashion, reworks, shopping, and classical and modern
tural program Indian dance. Popular Bollywood stars will headline the show. Admission is free.
involving rendi Also scheduled to attend are Gov. Bruce Rauner and British politician Nigel Farage, for
tion of patriotic mer leader of the rightwing UK Independence Party, according to the release.
songs by school chil Republican Hindu Coalition Chairman Shalli Kumar said this celebration has the
dren in the US was potential to be the most successful one yet.
also organized to mark "This will be the most spectacular year in the history of this celebration,"
the occasion. Several US Kumar said in a statement. "We expect more than 20,000 members of our
lawmakers joined Indian community, family, and friends. And we salute (Aurorabased Q1
Americans in celebrating the Technologies Inc. CEO) Krishna Bansal and the Indian
Independence Day. Community Outreach Organization for the rich tradi
"Ce lebrated the 70th tion it has created."
(Source: Daily Herald)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 32 August 19-25, 2017 TRISTATE COMMUNITY

Nassau County
celebrates India Day
Mineola, NY: On a beautiful morning of August 15, the

Town of Oyster
Theodore Roosevelt Building, Nassau County Executive Of-
fice, celebrated Indias Independence Day. The program was
organized by Indian American Forum (IAF), IDPUSA and IALI.
The ceremonial chamber was decorated with India colors. Mr
Steve Labriola welcomed everyone on behalf of Nassau County
Executive Edward P Mangano. Emcee Sunita Manjrekar wel-
comed the audience. Bobby Kumar Kalotee introduced retired Indian veterans and dignitaries. India
Bay I-Day
Day Awards were presented to Dr Bhavani Srinivasan, Jyoti Bhatia Gupta, Subhash Kapadia, Dr Azad
Anand, Peter and Dorothy Bheddah, and Subedar Ajit Singh Subhanpur. Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson
of IAF, stressed the importance of such programs to celebrate Indian heritage and culture in USA.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (4th from right)

with Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Satbir Singh Bedi, Veer Mukhi,
Wioleta Dusza, Bina Sabapathy, Dr Rajinder Singh Uppal, Amy
Singh, Gobind Munjal, Mohinder Singh Taneja and Indu Jaiswal.

Prominent community members and honorees posing in front of the Nassau
County Executive Office building as the county celebrated India Day on August 15.
Hicksville, NY: Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino hosted India Day Celebra-
tions at the Hicksville Community Center on August 9. The flag ceremony was fol-
lowed by presentation of India Day Awards, a cultural program and dinner. The four
honorees were: Satbir Singh Bedi, Veer Mukhi, Wioleta Dusza, and Bina Sabapathy.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 34 August 19-25, 2017 VISION TheSouthAsianTimes.info

TRUE INDEPENDENCE MEANS

l By Anil K. Rajvanshi
A HOLISTIC INDIA
these youngsters are the future of
our county and we should educate
and inspire them to do better.
At the time when we are celebrat
ing 75 years of the Quit India
movement and 70 years of inde
pendent India we should perhaps
give a new slogan for Quit India:
Banish from India poverty, hunger,
hatred and violence. Freedom from

M
y father went to jail in the
1942 Quit India move
ment. He was interned for
2.5 years in Delhi and Lucknow
jails and was released in 1946.
I often used to ask him whether
he and hundreds and thousands of
Indians like him who sacriced
their lives for India's independence
ever thought that it will become
such a chaotic and corrupt country
and whether his sacrice was in
vain? We started with such a high
moral ground in 1947 and where
have we brought our country to?
He used to fumble with the answer
and was clueless about it.
This is the same question I still
ask myself when giving lectures to
youngsters in innumerable univer
sities, IITs and other colleges. Yet
these will be true independence for
our country. How do we achieve
this? Not by slogans or posters or
Twitter! But by solid hard work for
changing India from the bottom up.
Poverty can be reduced drastical
ly by creating wealth from the land.
When 55 per cent of India's popu
lation is dependent on farming, it is
important that we focus very
intense ly on agriculture and
improving the lot of farmers. Some
of the poorest in the rural popula
tion are farmers. By giving them
proper incentives and regulating
the mandis so that the middlemen
give them good prices for their pro
duce, the government can really
help the farmers increase their
income and create wealth for the
country. Our survival depends on
True independence will be when we all work together to produce a sustainable and holistic India.
eating food and not nuts and bolts from the lack of resources and increased wealth because of excel
or software! A proper farming poli hence the desire to control them. lent farming, this tendency of con
cy and its implementation can be T hese tendencies exist in all trol and hatred can be further
the real game changer for the coun humans but when the resources get reduced and checked.
try and can be the biggest industry. diminished, because of overpopula At the same time there has to be
With increased food availability tion or for other reasons, then the a very conscious ef fort to teach
and wealth of the farmers, the desire to control and horde them good moral science and value sys
issues of hunger can also be miti becomes strong. This leads to inse tem in schools. A complete over
gated. India has the dubious dis curity and ultimately to violence. haul of the schooling system, which
tinction of having onethird of its The control is practised in the is at present based on passing
population malnourished. A coun name of religion, caste, belief or examinations, is required. It should
try which has a massive space pro anything which allows a group of be more focused on imparting
gramme but cannot take care of its people to indulge in violence. valuebased education together
millions of malnourished citizens is Spirituality can reduce insecurity with skill development. True inde
really a matter of shame for all of and help us in becoming tolerant to pendence will be when we all work
us and needs introspection. Hatred others' points of view and hence together to produce a sustainable
and violence are linked and come less violent. With the country's and holistic India.

Surgical strikes put
India in different league
No country questioned Indias surgical strike against terrorist launchpads in Pakistan last year a first after the
independence and India has succeeded in telling the world about the need to uproot the menace of terrorism.
By SAT Team
T he entire world could have raised
many questions and pointed fingers
at India for the surgical strike on Septem-
ber 29 last year. But, according to Naren-
dra Modi, not a single country questioned
Indias surgical strike against the terrorist
launchpads in Pakistan last year.
During the Kargil conflict in 1999, In-
dia did not cross the Line of Control (LoC).
If it has behaved differently this time, the
reason is that Pakistans reputation has
nosedived in the last decade and a half.
From being an international migraine,
as former US Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright called it, to a country which keeps
snakes in its backyard, as another Secre-
tary of State Hillary Clinton said, Pakistan
has been steadily undermining its own
position as a respectable member of the
world community.
Indias image, on the other hand, has
been on the rise. It is also being widely
recognized that India has been facing a re-
lentless Pakistani effort to destabilize it via
the targeting of parliament in December
2001 by jehadis to decimate the countrys
top political leadership, to a commando-
style terrorist operation in Mumbai in
November 2008, and then to the recent
succession of attacks on military camps in
Pathankot, Uri and elsewhere.
Few in the world will doubt, therefore,
that Indias patience has been exhausted.
Moreover, it is being recognized that Paki-
Infiltration has come down by 45 percent after
surgical strikes, says Ministry of Home Affairs.
stan is keeping the Kashmir issue alive only
to muddy the waters considering that Prime
Minister Narendra Modi traveled the extra
mile in search of a solution, as his flying
visit to Lahore last December showed.
India can therefore be fairly confident
that its military response to the constant
Pakistani provocations will be seen as an
unavoidable riposte to a neighbor which
has been resorting to unremitting terror
for more than a decade.
In authorizing the surgical strikes by the
Indian Army on the terror camps across the
LoC, Modi can be said to have found the an-
swer to eliminate the snakes which Paki-
stan harbours in its backyard for biting India.
If the earlier fears of a nuclear confronta-
tion have abated this time, the explanation
lies in Indias decision to designate such
strikes as one-time operations whenever
Pakistan carries out a terrorist attack.
Given this assurance of restraint, Pakistan
will be hard put to try and expand the the-
ater of war. At the same time, a prompt Indi-
an response to an act of jehadi mayhem will
carry a stamp of legitimacy of a kind which
Israeli reactions to Palestinian terrorism do.
But there is a difference. While the Is-
raeli acts unfortunately tend to hurt civil-
ians as well, the precise Indian operations
against the launch pads of the Pakistani
terrorists and their backers along the LoC
will kill only the snakes.
There is little doubt that if India can con-
tinue to act with such precision, the Paki-
stani backers of the jehadis -- the army and
the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) -- will
be at a loss about the efficacy of their next
anarchic attempt like sending fidayeens or
suicide squads into an Indian metropolis.
It goes without saying that Modis im-
Achievements
age will be burnished beyond measure by
his success in finding the right answer to
Pakistani intransigence and belligerence,
not to mention its foolishness in testing
the worlds patience by joining the ISIS as
a terror Frankenstein.
As for Modi, it is not only that he will be
virtually beyond challenge in the political
field in the foreseeable future in the same
way that Indira Gandhi was hailed as God-
dess Durga by Atal Behari Vajpayee after
the liberation of Bangladesh; his decisive-
ness will also be an object of admiration.
The accolades for him will be all the
greater because, first, he tried to reach out
to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
by visiting him at his home in Lahore at
short notice without standing on ceremony.
And, secondly, by calling for a war
against poverty by both the countries even
August 19-25, 2017 35
DGMO Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh
addresses a press conference
after surgical strikes, in New
Delhi. (Photos: IANS)
after the Uri tragedy.
In doing so, Modi displayed a maturity
which hardliners in the saffron brother-
hood did not show because of their sole
emphasis on an outright confrontation.
The result is Modis emergence as a
larger-than-life figure, who can ensure the
BJPs political hegemony over the next 15-
20 years as historian Ramachandra Guha
has predicted. The sharp military response
to Pakistani pinpricks is not only a message
to Indias hostile neighbor but also to Islam-
abads all-weather friend, China, which will
know that its occasional incursions into In-
dian territory may not go unchallenged.
Infiltration
down by 45%
after surgical
strike: MHA
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home
Affairs revealed that after surgical
strikes across the Line of Control
(LoC) in September 2016, infiltra-
tion has reduced by 45 per cent.
The MHA also claimed that more
militants were killed in a period
from 2014 to 2017 as compared
to 2011 to 2013. This has been
disclosed by the MHA in its report
titled Key Initiatives-2017.
According to the MHA report, four
years from 2014 have seen higher
killings of militants on the LoC.
From 2011 to 2-013, 239 militants
were killed while as from 2014 to
2017, 368 militants were killed on
the LoC, the report reads.
As per the figures, 606 militants
were killed in six years since 2011.
A source in the Army said that
over a 100 odd militants are still
ready to sneak into this side.
 36 August 19-25, 2017 Economic reforms

India fastest growing

economy, needs bolder
reforms Under Narendra Modi, economic growth is projected to remain
strong and India will remain the fastest growing G20 economy
but the government needs to consolidate on the gains it has
By SAT Team
made so far and act upon areas on which it has missed out.

W ith taking tough and bold economic

decisions like demonetization that
have hit hard on corruption and bringing
in friendly investment policies, Prime Min-
ister Narendra Modi has shown to the world
how serious he is when it comes to making
India a great economy. The acceleration of
structural reforms in the Indian economy is
bringing a new growth impetus.
Growth remains strong. Private con-
sumption has been buoyant, boosted by
the increase in public wages and pensions
and by higher agricultural and rural in-
comes. The costs of the withdrawal of high
denomination notes - demonetization - in
November 2016 are wearing off, says a
latest report from the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD -- an intergovernmental economic
body with 35 member countries.
The increase in public wages and pen-
sions will support consumption. Private in-
vestment will recover gradually as excess
capacity diminishes, and the landmark
Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other
measures to improve the ease of doing
business are being implemented, it added.
The governments abolition of the For-
eign Investment Promotion Board, which
reviewed foreign investment programmes,
should also promote FDI inflows.
Exports have also picked up, driven by
strong demand from Asia and the euro area.
Higher oil prices and gold imports, cou-
pled with a decline in remittances inflows,
are reflected in some deterioration in the
current account deficit. However, say ex-
perts, the deficit remains well below its
longer-term average. FDI net inflows have
been rising steadily since 2014 and are
fully financing the current account deficit.
Modi-led government is opening a new
era of structural reforms and many states
have already modernized regulations and
administrative procedures while some are
experimenting with reforms of land acqui-
sition and labor regulations.
The Indian stock markets seem to be on a
steroid-infused dream run. Both the National
The Bombay Stock Exchange
has breached the 32,000
mark for the first time.
Stock Exchanges Nifty-50 and the Bombay
Stock Exchanges Sensex have surged to re-
cord highs almost every day in the last few
weeks. The former crossed the 10,000-mark
for the first time since its inception two
decades ago while the latter breached the
32,000 mark, a lifetime high in itself.
Both of these indices, which represent
50 and 30 of Indias largest companies, re-
spectively, are generally seen as the refer-
ential guide on the countrys business senti-
ment and economic activity. On the external
front, global investors have regained their
faith in the Indian growth story. Foreign di-
rect investment hit an all-time high of $60.1
billion in the last financial year.
On the other hand, foreign portfolio in-
vestors (FPIs) have also recently become
bullish on the Indian market. Net FPI inflow,
which had been Rs 48,411 crore (more than
$7.5 billion) in 2016-17, has already ex-
ceeded Rs 1 lakh crore ($15 billion) in the
current financial year from April 1.
The faith imposed by foreign investors
in the Indian economy has been due to its
strong fundamentals and future growth
prospects. Inflation has been consistently
falling from a high of 12 per cent in 2013
to as low as 2.18 per cent in May 2017.
The fiscal deficit has also narrowed to 3.5
per cent of the GDP in 2016-17 from a high
of 6.6 per cent in 2009-10.
The government has also announced
the launch of its second exchange-traded
fund (ETF), Bharat 22, which will comprise
22 stocks including those of central public
sector enterprises (CPSEs), public sector
banks and its holdings under the Specified
Undertaking of Unit Trust of India (SUUTI).
According to Finance minister Arun Jait-
ley, the ETF will have a diversified portfolio
of companies from six sectors with a 20% cap
on each sector and a 15% cap on each stock.
While selecting each of these sectors,
we have kept in mind sectoral reforms which
have had direct impact on the valuation of
these shares... We believe that this ETF will
be a fairly successful one, Jaitley said.
The government has set a stiff target of
Rs 72,500 crore for disinvestment in 2017-
18 and has so far garnered Rs 9,300 crore.
According to the government, ETFs are
a successful experiment globally with as-
sets under management of $4 trillion. Over
four years, the assets are expected to touch
$7 trillion as sovereign and pension funds
have started preferring the ETF mode.
In this regime, the trade openness has
increased, partly driven by a competitive
service sector. The current account deficit
has also been contained at 0.6 per cent.
This puts the countrys balance sheet in a
comfortable zone. With a stable rupee and
low oil prices, the situation cannot desta-
bilize any time soon. All these factors have
made India an attractive foreign destination
compared to other emerging economies.
India has become the fastest-growing
economy in the world. The next logical
steps are to make this trend sustainable
and to ensure that the benefits of this
growth percolate down to the lowest rungs
of the income hierarchy.
The Modi government, in the last three
years, has attempted to undertake policy
initiatives along similar lines. The consistent
efforts to improve ease-of-doing-business
With Arun Jaitley as Finance Minister, Modi government has set a
big target of Rs 72,500 crore for disinvestment in 2017-18
and has so far garnered Rs 9,300 crore. (Photos: IANS)
across the country is a case in point. The pa-
rameters of doing business include regulato-
ry and infrastructural indicators that create
a conducive environment for business activi-
ties and reduce bureaucratic interference.
Moving forward, the government needs
to consolidate on the gains it has made until
now on improving competitiveness and act
upon areas on which it has missed out.
The problem of NPAs, thus, needs to be
the first item on the agenda, which seems to
be the case considering the free hand RBI was
recently given to resolve the issue. The issue
of bad loans has severely impacted lending
operations to businesses, thus impacting
the overall competitiveness of the economy.
Further, invigorating the nations com-
petitiveness in the long run calls for some
bold moves on the part of the government.
In the Indian scenario where region-
al disparities are widespread, policy on
competitiveness cannot be decided at the
national level. The governments role in
enhancing Bihars competitiveness, for in-
stance, will be in stark contrast to the pol-
icy interventions needed in Maharashtra.
Therefore, an apex body (as part of NITI
Aayog) devoted to enhancing the overall
competitiveness of each state is necessary to
stimulate productivity and competitiveness
across India. It would work as a principal
planning body of competitiveness in India
and would be responsible for the socio-eco-
nomic development of each state operating
in consonance with other state departments
as well as the central government.
Competitive regions will beget a competi-
tive economy. The more competitive the econ-
omy, the longer it can sustain its booming
growth and bring about universal prosperity.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 38
GST: Great instrument
to help poor move
up the ladder
Understanding Goods & Services Tax, Indias most important tax reform till date.
A short and crisp video unveiled by then
President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the
launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
in the majestic Central Hall of Parliament
captured the clear objective behind Indias
most important tax reform till date. Unlike
what economists and other commentators
have been telling us as to how the GST would
push the countrys Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) and make life easier for the trade and
industry, the launch film showed a much
broader aspect of the modern taxation that
GST was launched on July 12, 2017. (Graphic courtesy gstgov.co.in)
has the countrys people, especially those
economically less privileged, at its core.
In his inspirational speech at midnight
of June 30, minutes before the roll out,
PM Modi referred to GST as a life chang-
ing instrument for the poor, particularly
in eastern Uttar Pradesh, other eastern
states and the North East. Even as they are
blessed with rich natural resources, these
states have not been able to fully exploit
the same for their development.
On face of it, one might ask, how is GST
going to bring great benefits to the poor of
the country, or is it that the same old trickle
down theory is supposed to play a role, via
trade and industry. To an extent, it could be
so, but the very character of the GST would
ensure in realizing what the Prime Minister
said before the countrys most distinguished
audience. The countrys mature polity and
cooperative federalism has finally delivered
a system, which is people-centric and not
necessarily manufacturer centric.
Unlike the excise or other levies, the GST
that subsumes seven Central and eight state
August 19-25, 2017
taxes, is not source or manufacturer based
but a destination or consumer centric. In
plain and simple language, the states which
have more consumers would stand to gain
immensely in terms of tax buoyancy that
would then be channelled in the welfare
schemes for the people and overall economic
development of the states. Surely, states of
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal
and North East, which did not have much of a
manufacturing base and were losing on reve-
nue would stand to gain while the developed
and manufacturing hubs would be compen-
sated at least for five years of the GST launch.
More the consumers, higher is the tax collec-
tion in a state; though the consumers need to
be economically empowered!
The growth impetus to these states
which could not keep pace with the states
like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu or
Karnataka in manufacturing, would come
from trade which in turn would generate
huge resources for ploughing back into de-
velopment efforts. Such a vibrancy would
then lead to interest of investors, both do-
mestic and global, into manufacturing and
related service sectors, opening vistas for
job creation for millions of people.
GST is a system that ends the imbalances
in the countrys trade. It also boosts the ex-
ports of the country. This system not only
provides impetus to already developed states
but also provides the opportunity to the
backward states to develop. Our states are
enriched with natural resources look at Bi-
har, eastern UP, West Bengal, the north east,
Odisha. They are all brimming with natural
resources. When they will get a single tax re-
ECONOMY
gime I can see clearly that whatever deficien-
cy is there those will be removed and this
art of the country will move ahead. All the
states of India will get equal opportunity for
development, the PM put the context right.
Besides, the one nation-one tax from
Ganga Nagar to Itanagar in the words of
Shri Modi, would surely make life easier for
the industry, trade and common person in dif-
ferent ways, encouraging honest way for the
economic transactions. This is why, the GST
has been dubbed as Good and Simple Tax
that would bring in a new governance culture.
Both the PM and the President gave full
credit to political parties and governments
at the Centre and the states in making the
GST a reality. This is not a Sidhi (realiza-
tion) of one government or a party; it is a
fruit of common efforts, the Prime Minister
said. The President, who had himself played
a pivotal role in the progressive journey of
the GST as Finance Minister in the previous
government, had some apt words:
The new era in taxation.... is the result
of a broad consensus arrived at between
the Centre and States. This consensus took
not only time but also effort to build. The
effort came from persons across the politi-
cal spectrum who set aside narrow parti-
san considerations and put the nations
interests first. It is a tribute to the maturity
and wisdom of Indias democracy.
One of the principal advantages of the
new tax regime would be doing away with
the cascading effect resulting from tax on
tax. Through a robust IT infrastructure, the
system of input credit ensures that it gets
passed and adjusted against the tax liabili-
By Prakash Chawla
ties. This would only help the consumers.
The prices of goods and services will come
down. In the earlier system, the credit for
excise duty, service tax, VAT and other indi-
rect taxes did not get passed to the last ven-
dor. But, in the GST, such credit goes to the
supplier at the last stage of the value chain
which then gets transferred to the consum-
ers, said noted tax expert Shri Brij Bhushan.
Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley too
has been impressing upon the industry to
pass on any gains which accrue following
the GST roll out. He hoped that the govern-
ment may not have to use the powers vested
in it through the Anti-Profiteering Authority
to ensure that the benefits get passed on to
the common citizens. While even the then
President Shri Mukherjee said that there
could be disruptions in the initial stage,
such a thing would be constructive disrup-
tion. Once we are through the teething trou-
bles and initial period of adjustment, GST
would prove to be a people-centric measure,
capable of transforming lives.
Prakash Chawla is a senior journalist
and commentator based in India.
He mostly writes on political-economy
and global economic issues.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 40 August 19-25, 2017 COMMUNITY COMMENTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

INDIA TODAY & TOMORROW

IN THE RUN UP TO INDIAS 71ST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS, TO GET
A PERSPECTIVE ON HOW FAR INDIA HAS COME IN ITS MARCH OF PROGRESS
AND PROSPERITY, WE ASKED A WIDE RANGE OF INDIAN AMERICAN
COMMUNITY LEADERS TO WEIGH IN ON THEIR NATIVE LAND'S ACHIEVEMENTS
AND PRESSING PROBLEMS. THE FOLLOWING PAGES CARRY THEIR COMMENTS.
RAJA change?
Krishnamoorthi: Over the past
KRISHNAMOORTHI two decades, India has become a
Member of Congress symbol of democracy and freedom
in the region and the world. Indias

F
irstterm Congressman Raja
Krishnamoorthi represents
Illinoiss District 8. He was
born in 1973 in a Tamil family in
New Delhi, India. His family moved
to America when he was three
months old. An alumni of
Princeton and Harvard, the
Democrat is now on the
Committee on Education and the
Workforce as well the Committee
on Oversight and Government
Reform. On the eve of Indias
Independence Day, he gave an
exclusive interview to the South
Asian Times. Excerpts:
The South Asian Times: Are you
proud of the progress India has
made since independence? In
which areas you think much still
needs to be done: poverty allevia
tion, rural development, skilling
young people, population con
trol? Can Modi government suc
cessfully tackle pressing prob
lems?
Congressman Raja
Krishnamoorthi: Im immensely
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi called on PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi early this month.
proud to see how far India has
come in the 70 years since win
ning independence. Some 26 years
after economic liberalization in
1991, Indias historic economic
growth has paid immense benets
and continues to do so.
Now home to the largest middle
class in the world, I think India
will have the resources and
expertise to surmount future chal
lenges it faces.
Which are the biggest problems
facing India today Kashmir
unrest abetted by Pakistan; stand
off with China on border dispute;
Naxal violence in eastern India;
persistent poverty in pockets;
diversity and secularism under
attack as some
argue ?
Krishnamoorthi: India still faces
many of the same challenges as
other countries, from maintaining
its security and continuing its eco
nomic growth to addressing
income inequality. While India has
its own unique issues to address,
the country is positioned to rise to
the occasion as it has done so
many times before.
Do you feel Indias image abroad
has undergone a change for the
better in the past two decades and
what has contributed to that
vibrant culture, along with its
embrace of fair elections, freedom
of the press, and economic liberal
ization have signicantly elevated
its prole in the world.
How do you see IndiaUS relations
under President Trump here and
PM Modi in India?
Krishnamoorthi: While I may dis
agree with the President on some
issues, I believe that he is as dedi
cated to strengthening USIndia
relations as President Obama and
President Bush were. PM Modi is a
ready partner in India for enhanc
ing the relationship as well.
What can NRIs do to pitch in for
fully developing India? Or is it that
whatever we can do is a drop in
the ocean?
Krishnamoorthi: IndianAmerican
engagement in American politics
is critical to the partnership for
both nations and can form a vital
bridge for expanding commercial
ties and deepening cooperation
between the two countries.

JACK
RAVI BATRA POOLA
Eminent Attorney Textile businessman

A T
t the stroke of the midnight hour 70 years
ago on August 15, India awoke to freedom
with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru leading India
towards her destiny.
It took the collapse of the Berlin Wall followed by
the Soviet Union, for India to shake free of her misafl
iation and realign with the United States slowly, until
PM Narendra Modi, who launched a Hugbased relationship
from tarmac to the White House such that it is a family
reunion. As Ralph Kramden, of the Honeymooners Show, might've
said: How sweet it is!
Thanks to Shalabh "Shalli" Kumar, we went from Gandhiloving Barack Obama to Abki Bar
Trump Sarkar. Well, I'd settle for American First for all of us, for the recent events in
Charlottesville, VA, with white supremacists, are both shameful and political corruption; none able to charge on credit cards most of purchases but the poor of India can't do much. The limit on
of which permits America to be great again. Indian Americans don't need a handout; we are
loyal Americans, and when America wins, all of us win.
So, when America and the American dream are the very epitome of the human journey,
it gives me great pleasure to note that by embracing in full measure the Western val
ues of capital markets and personal freedoms, India will soon have a "special rela
tionship" with the United States as we have with Great Britain. So, on behalf of
Ranju, who got the Diwali Stamp issued last year with lots of support, espe
cially Carolyn Maloney, and I wish India Happy Independence Day
and look forward to continue to work with Indias capable rep
resentatives: Amb. Sarna; PR Akbaruddin and the
newest arrival, Amb. Sandeep Chakravorty as
CG in New York! Jai Hind!
he progress in India economically is impres
sive, it has grown very fast in the past few years.
The IT sector has grown very much with the out
sourcing from USA and Europe providing the growth in
economy as well as knowledge. Indian immigrants have
always been considered skilled and hard working by other
other countries; this has been proven in the past decade again
and again.
The Modi government is trying hard to fast track development, but
some of the methods being followed such as the dramatically sudden
abolishment of the 1000 rupee notes has created tremendous problems for the
poor. Even when I was visiting India in February, I found no shops can accept Rs 2000 notes as they
don't have enough cash on hand. The super rich have taken all notes replacing the black money. I was
withdrawal of cash from ones own account is terrible. You could not exchange old notes if you are
an NRI with any passport other than Indian. Which brings up the question what purpose does
OCI card serve?
However, the growth in Indias food service sector, health elds and education is very impres
sive. Though every auto company is selling in India, the highways are not appropriately
improved to suit the growth in number of cars. Trafc jams in all cities are a night
mare. NRI have been investing highly in the past few years, but they face tremen
dous problems in red tape of governments. The rules and regulations keep
changing often and suddenly. As for bilateral relationship between
India and USA, it has grown steadily with US companies trading
with India providing more opportunity for Indian citi
zens to get better employment and
lifestyle.
 42 August 19-25, 2017 COMMUNITY COMMENTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

INDIA TODAY & TOMORROW

INDIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADERS WEIGH IN ON THEIR
NATIVE LAND'S ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRESSING PROBLEMS.

RASHMEE SHARMA
Founder, Roshni Media Group
s a proud Indian I have been a great spokesper

JERRY KOHLI
A son of India and take pride in every progress our
country has made since Independence. Needless to
say, India has progressed impressively in the last three
CEO, AW Mobile decades for the world to notice and acclaim.
Yet, rising population is the prime cause of daily struggle for an
ur country became independ average Indian. Indias population is growing so rapidly that it is neu

O ent 70 year ago. Our Indian

brethren for many generations
scaried a lot to get the Independence.
Before WE are citizens of any country, we
are human being and we have some responsi
bility towards our SOUL.
On this Independence Day, we should be FREE
from all the worries of life. That only comes when
we have 100% unconditional faith in God. (This is the
ONLY purpose of our life.
We should be FREE from our bad habits, like anger, lust, attachment, greed
and EGO.
We need to free our soul form the cycle of life and death through MEDITA
TION! If every person does meditation in this world, there will be love and
peace all over.
I pray to Almighty and my Spiritual Master Sant Rajinder Singh ji
Maharaj to give us the strength to become a TRUE HUMAN
BEING so we could do all the good things in our life by cele
brating Independence Day.... Every day!
JAI HIND
tralizing gains from economic growth. According to census data the
countrys population has grown four times since independence from 36
crore to 132 crore. If the country doesnt take strict measures to curb popula
tion, its likely to impair development in all areas. People alter the environment
through such activities as urbanization, industrialization, deforestation, construction of
dams and irrigation channels, and use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. New negative effects are occurring.
Environmental degradation lowers economic status, which in turn contributes to poverty.
Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi has managed to create much excitement and a promise to change the country
when he took over in 2014. Since than I have been following a lot of initiatives which mean well of course; like
Swachh Bharat and overseas business friendly India. Its painful to see how three years later we are still looking
for some concrete changes in India.
I strongly believe that poverty remains one of the greatest causes of concern in India. Which is because of
unbelievable population which continues to grow and hinders the countrys economy. Yet, to some extent
Indias image is constantly changing for better but its not because of PM Modi. Its also because of
many NRIs who have started to focus mainstream and help build US economy.
On IndoUS relations, I am very optimistic to see stronger ties between both countries because
of Modi and President Trump bonding well and Modis recent visit to USA. As for what we
NRIs can do, even a drop in the ocean makes a difference. As a founder of Roshni
Media Group I have always held the mission to promote South Asian Awareness
Globally and found means to promote and reward inspirational role mod
els from all walks of life. I think we all should look at ourselves as
an ambassador representing our country and make
every effort to make us proud of India.

W
e as a secular Country should be
very proud of what we have
achieved in 70 years of
Independent India. It is easy to look back
and criticize what has happened, and is
happening, with regards to Law & Order
in India, sometime I do get sad but then
again every home has a problem, for in
hindsight we all have a perfect 6/6 vision.
India has to do more for its citizens and
uphold its Constitution.
India has made great progress in
Literacy, Poverty Alleviation, Selfsuf
ciency in foodgrains through the Green
Revolution of early 1960s, eradication of
deadly diseases like small pox, plague and
polio. India of the 21st Century should
also be proud of giving the Outsourcing
Business with Software Delivery Model
at its core to the world which revolution
ized the BPO industry.
The advances in Space Technology is
worth mentioning also. India has sent
Mangalyaan or the Mars Orbiter Mission.
It became only the 4th country to reach
Mars after the Soviet space program,
NASA and the European Space Agency.
India now is also the leading low cost
country to launch satellites into space
through its space agency ISRO.
Since 1991, Indias image abroad has
undergone a change from an old sluggish
economy to the fastest growing economy
in the world. In medical care, threat on two sides China on the Eastern
the 25 years overcoming reli Frontier and Pakistan in the West.
since liberal gious discord Relations with both have been fraught
ization start between com over border disputes. China sees the stay
ed India munities and of the Dalai Lama in India as a threat to
today has bridging the Tibet and keeps needling India on
$391 billion richpoor gap Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh in particu
in foreign and fullling lar. Dokalam being a recent ash point
exchange the vision of with China.
reserves as of the forefathers Politics is dirty. Pakistan supports the
July 2017. of a SOCIALIST unrest in Kashmir through various covert
Companies SECULAR DEMO activities. Wars have been fought over the
from across the CRATIC REPUBLIC. border dispute with both the countries but
world want to invest Safety of women is a the disputes are nowhere close to settle
in India. Modi gov ADAM RIZVI burning issue facing ment. Modi government is handling the
ernment realized this India. There are many situation rmly on both the fronts and
President/CEO,
and has given a big cases reported of hopefully the use of diplomacy and rm
Classy Travel & Tours
push through Make women disrespected, ness by New Delhi would lead to an amica
in India program, and has very able of raped, illtreated. We as a society need to ble solution.
cers like my friend Amitabh Kant heading take steps where we Cherish, Honour and We as NRIs can also do our bit to see
it. Apple is manufacturing the iPhone SE Respect the Life Giver through providing our country of birth make progress and
now in India. Lockheed Martin has signed equal opportunities for her to study and stand tall amidst the league of nations. I
an agreement with the TATAs to produce work and not discriminate visvis a male hope we can be more involved in commu
F16s in India. So yes, the image of India is child and most importantly Appreciate nity programs or selfhelp groups in India
changing as a friendly place to do busi and Encourage her in her endeavors which work in areas of education and
ness. Also a huge young population rather than dele and rape her for each poverty alleviation, disease detection,
exposed to the world and latest trends one of us has a Mother may be a daughter safety for women, education of the girl
through mobiles is a very attractive target and a Sister at home. child. I wish each one of us here in the
segment for companies across the world. PM Modi rightly said, Instead of asking United States would make a contribution
But much work needs to be still done on our daughters, we should ask our sons, to make sure Jhanda Uncha Rahe
several fronts. India faces challenges both where they are going and when will they Hamara. Jai Hind!!!
internal and external. Internal challenges return home.
are safety of women, poverty alleviation, On the external front, India faces a www.theindiaObserver.com
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 46 August 19-25, 2017 Vox Populi

I AM SHE AND I
DESERVE FREEDOM
India is free but its women are still shackled by outmoded societal norms
and oppression by men. Remember what Hillary Clinton said around the
time of the Nirbhaya rape in 2013, India will rise or fall with its women.
By Karishma Asoodani
The day we Indians stop categorizing us is still struggling to attain true indepen-
ourselves and start treating everyone as dence. Either the government or the society

A series of events marked the long
struggle of Indias Independence. The
struggle was not just about driving out the
British who ruled, but also about challeng-
ing old norms and grappling with existing
customs and beliefs. Today as we celebrate
70 years of Independence, the second
struggle of fighting deep-rooted prejudic-
es and unfounded beliefs has not come to
an end. Women are still fighting for free-
dom and equality. They still demand op-
portunity and respect.
India has definitely developed a lot and
is a major player globally. But be it the in-
famous Nirbhaya rape case that re-instilled
fear among us, or the Varnika Kundu stalk-
ing case in Chandigarh early this month,
which sent a chill down our spine, India is
taken back by the curtailed freedom it has
forced on the Durgas of India.
India deserves to do better than this.
Like Hillary Clinton said around the time
of the 2013 Nirbhaya rape, India will rise
or fall with its women.
On behalf of The South Asian
Times, I spoke to a few young
women of India, who shared
their take on being liberal
this Independence Day.
human, the day we demand equality and
not reservations, the day all political par-
ties stand by the nation, the day our head
is held high despite all odds.... then we
would be independent.
ity. That to practice it we have to let others
live out their freedom too. Freedom to me
While the most sought after definition
for freedom would be - the power to act
and speak as one wants, unfortunately
that is not what is followed in India. While
I am told to be my own voice and reach for
the stars, I am also asked to be submissive
and discreet. Freedom is something that
I cannot relate to living in this country.
I am afraid at all times that my actions
or words may offend or hurt someone,
some people. In what world, if I may ask,
would this country finally wake up from
its slumber to embrace the true mean-
ing of freedom? Independent India is 70
years old and yet we retain something as
demeaning as IPCs Article 377, criminal-
izing gay sex. The day we are allowed to
make our own choice and live life on our
terms, then only Id consider that this
country has obtained freedom. We are liv-
ing in a kind of monarchy. The only differ-
ence is that instead of a king or queen, we
submit to a culture so outmoded that it
breaks the very voice of the country.
comes in between. The social obligations and
hocus-pocus rules and regulations do not let
us enjoy our freedom. India is a beautiful
motherland, but as nation it is failing in its pri-
mary goal of giving its citizens freedom and
independence. Maybe if we as citizens start-
ed focusing more on betterment rather than
competition, we would advance immensely.
As misunderstood and abused as the
term is perceived and practiced to be, I
believe freedom comes with responsibil-
is definitely not jingoism. It is to be free in
heart, mind and soul.
Freedom to me means something I
can do without the pressure of a hundred
eyes or a zillion stares. In India in theory
we live free, but circumstances do not al-
low us to be free. Yes, there is freedom
of speech but how many of us get the
opportunity to practice it? As a woman
Im still being looked at askance if I ride
my bike at 11 in the night. Im still being
judged on what I wear. India became free
70 years ago, but I still feel were a long
way from gender freedom, religion free-
dom and from the freedom which would
allow us to live our lives the way we want
to and not how our traditions or customs
want us to.
According to me, independence in India Karishma is Mumbai based
is over rated. Think about it. Our forefathers
fought against the mighty British for years
journalist and she interviewed
before we finally managed to get indepen- young women - students and
dence. However, 70 years later, each one of professionals.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 48 August 19-25, 2017
of his region with India only after faced
with a tribal invasion from Pakistan whose
new military was planning to take Kashmir
by force. By the time Hari Singh signed the
Instrument of Accession with India, it was
late and a part of the Himalayan territory
already came under Pakistani control.
The government of Prime Minister Jawa-
harlal Nehru, following a ceasefire, took the
Kashmir matter to the nascent United Na-
tions, where it is continually raked up by
Pakistan, though the Simla Agreement in
the early 1970s sought a solution to the is-
sue through a bilateral dialogue. So the 750
km ceasefire line, which acts as the de facto
Special to The South Asian Times border between the subcontinental neigh-
bors, thus became a perpetual headache.
HISTORY
tion and the garibi hatao (abolish pover-
ty) slogan contributed little to the nation.
The Janata Party experiment was a short-
lived affair. It led to several coalition govern-
ments that ended mostly fighting among
Many positives: Creation of Bangladesh, acquiring
nuclear power, flourishing democracy, development
pace picking up. A few negatives: 1962 war with
China, the Emergency, corruption scandals.
coalition partners. An exception was the
Narasimha Rao government, which launched
a bold economic liberalization program un-
der Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, who
later became the prime minister himself.
an Indian airbase was attacked. Another
suicide attack hit an army camp leaving
19 soldiers dead. Faced with public anger,
Modi sent in his Army to strike terrorists
inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India
is now being pro-active for the first time,
causing a huge shift in its defense policy.
Modis demonetization and the introduc-
tion of long-pending GST tax regime should
help the country. The formers effects are

From midnight moment

to Modi momentum
S outh Asian nations India and Pakistan
are celebrating their 70th birth anni-
versaries amid great fanfare and the lead-
ers vows that they would make tireless ef-
forts to take their nations to new heights.
Bangladesh was created following its lib-
eration from the clutches of their western
overlords in 1971. Sri Lanka is also cel-
ebrating its yearlong 70th formation year.
Britain was faced with a situation fol-
lowing World War II that there was no al-
ternative to giving independence to nations
in the subcontinent. Indian, considered the
crown jewel in the British Empire where
the sun never used to set, was about to be
split into twomay be three parts. The sub-
continent was a mosaic of ethnic, linguistic
and religious diversity. In reality, only half
of Indias territory was administered by the
British while the remainder was ruled by
nearly 600 royals. Some of the states like
Junagadh and Hyderabad enjoyed a great
degree of independence. The latter in fact
had its own currency unlike other principal-
ities over which British influence was more.
Churchill lost to Atlee in the British
prime ministerial race and the latter prom-
ised independence to the crown jewel. But
almost everybody wanted freedom: the
Hyderabad principality in particular and
to some extent Kashmir. Hari Singh, the
maharaja of the Himalayan region, first
wanted to be independent and as a buffer
state between the newly born nationsIn-
dia and Pakistan. He agreed to the merger
Approval rating for Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains high at three year
mark. He is on track to win another term easily. But he will be well advised to
ensure religious zealots do not upstage his governments avowed agenda
of development and welfare of all. (Image courtesy: myowncity.in)
Nehru, who later laid the foundation for The Rao regime was marred by a corruption largely unspecified while the results of a
heavy industry and major irrigation projects, scandal in which he had reportedly bought proper GST implementation include a pro-
described the twin nations as midnight chil- MPs to secure his position in parliament. jected 1% increase in GDP within a few
dren while taking his oath as prime minister. Atal Behari Vajpayee, the first BJP years. Modi has succeeded in bringing down
Thus August 14 and 15 in 1947 became the prime minister, completed his full term corruption levels. More importantly, he is
independence days of Pakistan and India. The and was known for consensus build- well advised to make sure that religious ex-
first in the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty remained ing. Under his leadership Indo-US bilat- tremists should not rein in the government
PM till his death in May 1964. He was instru-
mental in making India a sovereign, socialist,
secular and democratic republic. Nehru, who
was educated at Trinity College (Cambridge)
in England, had returned to India to start
legal practice. But he was soon attracted
by the independence movement, which ul-
timately made him the first prime minister.
The Constitution came into effect in
January 1950 and Nehru embarked upon an
ambitious program of economic, social and
political reforms. On the foreign policy front,
India became a founding member of the Non-
Alignment Movement. Though Nehru and his
Congress party won elections successively,
his failure in showing leadership quali-
ties during the brief 1962 war with China
proved to be a stigma in his political career
that haunted him till he breathed his last.
The term of Lal Bahadur Shastri as PM was
rather brief. He, however, showed courage
and leadership by waging a successful cam-
paign against Pakistani aggression in 1965.
Indira Gandhi exhibited high talent dur-
ing the 1971 Indo-Pak war that created Ban- The creation of Bangladesh in 1971 under Indira Gandhis leadership and
installing Mujibur Rahman as its first PM (seen together in this 1974
gladesh, but showed low political acumen in
file photo), will be counted as the biggest Indian win, and the
imposing the infamous state of emergency
stinging loss for its arch-foe, Pakistan. (HT File photo)
in the mid-1970s. Her bank nationaliza-
eral relationship blossomed; roads and agenda of development and welfare, and the
highways were constructed; the coun- administration should ensure peace and tol-
trys second nuclear device was explod- erance prevail across the country. The prime
ed and economic reforms strengthened. minister should not forget his promise of
The Manmohan Singh government did bringing back the billions in black money
reasonably well, especially in its first term. stashed abroad by the ultra-rich and corrupt.
Ties with America were further sought to be Analysts say that a second term for Modi
improved and a nuclear energy accord was is assured. As long as he sticks to his agenda,
reached, though it is often debated in recent Modi can stay at the helm longer. According
years about its benefit for India. Several to opinion polls, approval ratings of Modi
massive scandals hit the Singh government and his government at the 3-year mark stand
during his second innings, and Congress at a formidable 60-80%. This would make
party lost heavily in the 2014 election, ush- Modi the best prime minister of India dis-
ering in the Narendra Modi government. placing Indira Gandhi (who saw her popular-
The Modi government started off well. ity peak following Bangladesh creation) and
It invited leaders of Indias neighbors to Vajpayee (whose ratings soared after he won
the inauguration. The new prime minis- the Kargil confict). The time is good for Modi.
ter genuinely tried to make peace with all Indiansresidents as well as nonresi-
South Asian nations. Modi made a surprise dentsawait with bated breath whether
visit to Lahore the following year at the in- his regime will bring back the golden era of
vitation of Nawaz Sharif. Soon afterward, the Guptas, if not the mythical Ram Rajya.

l By Frank F. Islam
A
s India celebrates its 71st
Independence Day, it must
remember the sacrifices made
by leaders of the freedom move
ment. It was their vision, idealism,
commitment to democracy, secular
ism and pluralism that made India
an exceptional nation in the world.
India's commitment to secularism
and rule of law is unmatched and
unparalleled. But, unfortunately,
over the past several months, vio
lent acts carried out by some mem
bers of rightwing groups posing
themselves as cow vigilantes have
resulted in the death of more than
20 people.
Any type of violence that is
grounded in hatred, bigotry, harass
ment, misunderstanding and igno
rance does not represent the char
acter and conscience of a country
that has been a shining symbol of
democracy, diversity and secularism
around the globe. The violence and
polarization are contrary to the
nation's values. This type of intoler
SHARED VALUE AN IMPORTANT
LEVER FOR NEW INDIA 2022
l By Amit Kapoor
O
n the 75th anniversary of
the Quit India movement,
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi urged citizens to create a new
India by 2022 by freeing the coun
try from poverty, corruption, dirt,
terrorism, casteism, and commu
nalism. To fulfill this vision of a
new India, it's important that all
stakeholders come together and
support the governments efforts
on eradicating these evils.
To this effect, the role of the cor
porate sector is critical, and this
gets accentuated by the fact that
corporates hold significant sway on
quality resources in the form of
manpower, assets, technology et al.
Enterprises today need to think out
of the box and start to embed the
idea of social good as part of its
strategy. The idea is to move
beyond philanthropy, CSR invest
ments and making social good as
part of its business model.
Embedding social good as part of
your business model is the idea of
52 August 19-25, 2017
MODI'S CALL: NEED FOR
RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO
BUILD BRIDGES
Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin along with a delegation from the Dawoodi Bohra community with
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. (Photo: Courtesy, PMO)
ant and ugly behavior by some indi
viduals is against India's traditions
and commitment to communal
peace and harmony. It must be con
fronted both for the sake of the
good Hindu and Muslim citizens of
India and the distinctive and hon
ourable multihued reputation of
the state itself. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has spoken out
shared value that Professor
Michael Porter had as well talked
about at the NITI Transformation
Lecture Series recently.
Shared value is about creating a
winwin situation for the company
and the community. Shared value
should not be confused with phi
lanthropy or CSR. Shared value is
about business strategy wherein
the idea is to build scale and create
an impact. This assertion should
not be construed as a criticism for
philanthropy though a call for fur
ther action by corporates.
Individual philanthropy has been
part of India's culture since genera
tions but has had limited impact on
solving the problems at hand. What
the country needs today are scala
ble solutions that create opportuni
ties for livelihood for the popula
tion that is at the bottom of the
income pyramid.
One of the successful examples of
shared value has been Gujarat
Narmada Valley Fertilizer
Company's (GNFC) Neem Project.
One of the decisions made by the
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
OP-ED
against the spate of violence against
Muslims. He reminded the country
of his call of "Sabka Saath, Sabka
Vikas" (with everyone, for every
one). Some may think this call will
not be answered. I believe it will,
because many of India's greatest
leaders have in the past stressed
building community through collab
oration and cooperation.
Prime Minister after assuming
office in 2014 was the distribution
of neem coated urea fertilisers.
This has led to a systematic change
within the distribution chain for
urea wherein pilferage of urea is
not possible for other industrial
activity and as well has increased
the yields and productivity for the
farmers.
GNFC is an example of shared
value where the company created a
selfsustainable division for neem
oil through backward and forward
integration thereby generating
livelihood opportunities for
women, providing quality product
in the market at affordable price
points, thereby challenging the
adulterated neem based products
in the market. It created value for
the community and also helped the
company in better procurement of
neem oil for its urea coating. In
addition, GNFC as well created new
business opportunities for neem
based products by leveraging its
distribution network and brand
with the farmers.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
For example, consider the teach
ings of Pandit Madan Mohan
Malaviya, founder of the famous
Banaras Hindu University. He was a
visionary who saw the world not
though religious blinders but
through an expansive view of what
strong and inclusive faiths can do to
unite rather than divide us.
Religious leaders are in a unique
One of the successful examples of shared value has been
Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizer Company's (GNFC)
Neem Project. (Photo: http://gnfcneem.in)
Shared value initiatives such as
this make a sustainable impact on
the community and on poverty alle
viation, rather than one time phil
anthropic activity. It is important
that India Inc. plays a constructive
role in creating a new India and
looks at this as an opportunity and
start thinking in different aspects
of their business where they can
integrate with the community. It
could be forward linkage, back
ward linkage in the supply chain,
skill development for the larger
industry, better industrial relations
practices among others.
The other enterprises that have
created exceptional impact of simi
position to build bridges, to break
down the barriers, to promote dia
logue of understanding, and to
forge stronger bonds among differ
ent faiths. This can be accomplished
by bringing followers of different
persuasions to have open discus
sions on controversial topics or
issues of importance. These conver
sations can make and reinforce the
point that an attack on one religion
is an attack on all religions. When
we attack each other, it tears India's
harmonious fabric.
Political leaders have the respon
sibility to ensure that all laws are
fair and enforced uniformly. As
importantly, they can take affirma
tive actions to promote an atmos
phere of communal peace and har
mony. They need to develop a plan
of what can be done to strengthen
those bonds that bind all Indians as
one family. They need to promote
the voice for understanding, cooper
ation, and civility among faiths.
Citizen leaders must come from all
fields business, education, health
care, to name just a few. They can
lead by example, by sponsoring
events and investing in plans and
programmes that cut across and
eliminate racial, religious and socio
economic divides.
They can play a vital role in
defusing tensions and helping our
youth understand the need for col
laboration and communication.
They can play a pivotal role by pro
moting the unique benefits of unity
by articulating the idea that "We are
stronger together". And, together,
they can help shape a better future
for India.
lar nature are Mother Dairy,
Godrej, ITC, HUL et al. What we
need to learn from experiences of
these enterprises is that by embed
ding the principle of shared value
within the business models' corpo
rates can create winwin scenarios
for both the community and the
company itself.
If the enterprises start imbibing
these principles within their strate
gy it is certainly possible to achieve
the dream that Modi has. In short,
it is about improving the quality of
lives of the citizens of the country
wherein we can boast of an India
that is one of the most socially pro
gressive geographies in the world.
 54 August 19-25, 2017 THE PARTITION TheSouthAsianTimes.info

New Delhi: A collection of horric and emo

tional tales of the Partition of India with
over 4,300 witness interviews has gone
public for the rst time this week. A por
tion of the complete oral history interviews
has been released online on August 10
from Stanford University Library's Digital
Repository, USbased Guneeta Singh Bhalla, The archive contains more than 4,300 oral history interviews and over 30,000 digital documents & photographs. (Photos: The Brookings Institution)
founder of The 1947 Partition Archive, told
IANS.
Bhalla said the remaining collection,
deemed too delicate or sensitive for open
accessibility, would be available to
researchers and interested parties only by
visiting select university libraries in collab
oration with the project, including Ashoka
University, University of Delhi and Guru
Nanak Dev University in India; and Lahore
University of Management Sciences and
Habib University in Pakistan.
The archive contains more than 4,300
oral history interviews and over 30,000
digital documents and photographs, col
lected from 12 countries in 22 languages,
making it the largest oral history archive
on any topic in South Asia, said the founder
of The 1947 Partition Archive.
It is among one of the largest video based
oral history archives in the world. The end
goal is to record at least 10,000 oral histo
ry interviews from surviving witnesses.
"We are excited to be releasing this work
into the public domain so that it is accessi
ble to all, giving each of us an opportunity
to discover our rich history for ourselves,"
Bhalla, 37, was quoted in an ofcial state
ment as saying.
Stanford University librarian Michael
Keller said the project is tremendously
important as part of the historical record
and to make readily available for deeper
discovery and research.
The material is of particular interest to
Stanford as research efforts are underway
at the Center for South Asia and the Handa
Centre for Human Rights and International
Justice. According to Bhalla, this archive is
the world's rst and the largest attempt at
documenting the people's history and
memorialising partition.
A pilot adoption of the collection into the
three Indian university libraries is being
supported by Tata Trusts. "The 1947
Partition Archives of oral histories is of
particular interest in this 70th year of
India's Independence as time erases direct
testimonies, so vital in rsthand authentici
ty," Tata Trusts' arts and culture head
Deepika Sorabjee said.
Historian Priya Satia of Stanford
University said: "It's important because for
the last 70 years we have been telling the
story of Partition through the lens of high
political negotiations among gures like
Jinnah, Gandhi, Nehru, Mountbatten." "But
none of these political elites foresaw the
shape that the Partition would take.
 TheSouthAsianTimes.info OP-ED August 19-25, 2016 55

INDIA, A RISING CLIMATE

l By Anand Mahindra
ndia is moving to boost the
ACTION LEADER
But they have contributed less to it in India to shift from
than the industrialized West. Today, coal to solar.
India and China are leaders in the Heavy
effort to reduce industrial pollution.
Thanks to private and public ini
tiatives, India is on a mission and
perhaps ahead of the US to devel
op more renewable energy. India
has set an ambitious goal of receiv
ing 40% of its power from renew
able resources by 2030. This com Indias power minister directed that

I energy it gets from renew

able resources to 40 % by
2030, including an expan
sion of solar power, like the solar
panels sold at a New Delhi market.
Just days after announcing
Californias Global Climate Action
Summit next year, Gov. Jerry Brown
graciously invited me to participate
as a cochairman of the event. I
accepted this as recognition of not
just my companys commitment to
improving the global environment,
but Indias commitment as well.
India and China have been
accused of being the worlds top
polluters. Certainly, the two giants
of Asia, now emerging from their
deve loping status, have some
responsibility for global warming.
pares to California, which has com
mitted to a goal of 50% by 2030;
the US has not committed to a goal.
Out of a planned installation of
175 gigawatts of renewable power
capacity by 2022, India has, in the
last 5 years, added almost 30 GW
nearly as much solar capacity as
California, Massachusetts and New
Jersey combined. With 57 GW of
renewable power capacity, India is
set to become the thirdlargest solar
power market this year.
India has formed an alliance to
expand solar power production in
the developing world. The goal is to
provide electricity for all people by
promoting development of solar,
wind, biomass and hydropower
energy. There is a concerted effort
invest
ment in solar
and wind has helped drive down
costs of electricity.
For example, coalbased energy in
a few states in India is still priced at
12 cents per kilowatt hour. This
year, developers of solar farms in
India of fered to sell electricity to
the central power grid for 4 cents
per kilowatt hour. That is about
50% less than solar costs a year ago
and about 24% less than the aver
age price for energy generated by
coalred power plants.
The shift from fossil fuels has
been so much faster than predicted.
Although India is permitted to build
new coal plants, it has actually can
celed plans to build 14 GW of coal
red
p o w e r
plants. We
are unlikely to
double our coal pro
duction, as feared.
Indias auto industry is taking
note. Indias power minister direct
ed that all cars sold in the country
should be electric by 2030 no
other country has yet made such a
commitment. For companies like
Mahindra, it represents a way to
reinvent ourselves. Automobiles are
one of our agship businesses, and
we already have placed our bets on
electric vehicles in India (and chal
lenged Tesla to compete with us).
Mahindra Electric today boasts one
of the worlds largest eets of elec
all cars sold in the country should
be electric by 2030. Mahindra
Electric shows the way it already
boasts one of the worlds largest
fleets of electric cars.
tric cars. We are working closely
with the government of India on
new policies for electric vehicles
and setting up charging infrastruc
ture.
Surya, the sun god, is a gure that
looms large in Indian mythology,
and India is making a valiant effort
to reap his blessings.
Anand Mahindra is the chairman
of the diversied $19 billion
Mahindra Group based in Mumbai.
He will cochair Californias Global
Climate Action Summit in San
Francisco in September 2018.

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 56
A lawyer by profession, a Hindutva ideo-
logue by thinking, a dedicated BJP
worker by political affiliation and a Dalit
leader by caste Ram Nath Kovind is the
new President of India.
NDAs consensus candidate, former Bi-
har governor and an old BJP hand, Kovind
is Indias 14th President after sweeping the
election with nearly two-third of the votes in
an electoral college made of MPs and MLAs.
The NDA candidate, supported by 40
parties, defeated his rival, former Lok Sabha
Speaker Meira Kumar, who was backed by
the opposition, in what was dubbed a Dalit-
vs-Dalit contest, and called an ideological
battle by Meira Kumar.
After the result was declared on July
20, an emotional Kovind recalled his abject
poverty-ridden childhood in Uttar Pradeshs
Paraunkh village. Today, it rained in Delhi,
Meet the new President of India
Ram Nath Kovind
reminding me of the monsoon of my child-
hood. We had a kuccha house and its roof
couldnt stop water pouring into the room.
We, the siblings, stood against the wall and
waited for the rains to end. He thanked the
nation for showering enormous love on NDA
after his much-anticipated victory. He an-
nounced that he will represent all struggling
to make a living as the President of India.
Kovind, 71, the second Dalit president
after KR Narayanan, is also the first from
Indias most populous and politically sig-
nificant state Uttar Pradesh to come in the
countrys highest office. In the run up to
August 19-25, 2017
the election, Kovind managed to win over
parties like Nitish Kumars JD(U), Naveen
Patnaiks BJD and AIADMK, making the
Presidential election almost a one-sided
contest. It was also a stellar moment for
the BJP as it finally could elect its own
leader ever since its inception in 1980.
Before his name was announced by BJP
chief Amit Shah a month ago Kovind never
figured in speculations on possible NDA can-
didates. Kovinds candidature was also seen
as a part of the BJPs efforts to widen its sup-
port base ahead of the 2019 general elec-
tion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted
an old photo of Kovind and him to showcase
their long connection and expressed happi-
ness for the extensive support for Shri Ram
Nath Kovind ji among MPs & across various
states. Ina tweet, Modi wished President
Kovind a fruitful andinspiring tenure.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and
vice president Rahul congratulated him.
The President of India enjoys a unique
position as defender and protector of the
the PRESIDENT
Constitution, upholder of democratic tra-
ditions and as supreme commander of the
Indian Armed Forces, Sonia said.
The unassuming Dalit leader first stepped
into politics in 1994 when he was elected as a
Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh. He
served for two consecutive terms for 12 years
till March 2006. He represented India in the
United Nations in New York and addressed
UN General Assembly in October 2002.
During his parliamentary tenure, Ko-
vind emphasized on development of basic
infrastructure for education in rural areas
and helped in the construction of school
buildings in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
under MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local
Area Development) Scheme. He has served
as a member of several parliamentary com-
mittees, including the Parliamentary Com-
mittee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes/
Tribes, Parliamentary Committee on Social
Justice and Empowerment, among others.
Kovind served as a member of the
Board of Management of Dr. B.R Ambedkar
University, Lucknow. He was also a member
of the Board of Governors of IIM Kolkata.
Kovind belongs to the Dalit community
Koli and had worked extensively in Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar and also has the backing
of BJPs ideological parent, the RSS. A law-
yer by profession, Kovind had also been BJP
Scheduled Caste Morcha chief (1998-2002)
and President of the All-India Koli Samaj.
Kovind is known for his proximity with
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, but has also
been a hard core supporter of Prime Minister
Modis demonetization drive that eliminates
black money and corruption in the society.
He was enrolled as an advocate in 1971
with the Bar Council of Delhi. He became the
Advocate-on-Record of the Supreme Court in
1978 and practised in Delhi High Court and
Supreme Court for about 16 years till 1993.

Meet the new Vice President of India
M uppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu - the new
Vice President of India - is known for
his quick witted one-liners and wordplay.
Weeks before his nomination was an-
nounced by the Bharatiya Janata party, curi-
ous scribes at a party function in May asked
him if he was in the race to be the Rashtra-
pati or Uprashtrapati. In his characteristic
wordplay, Naidu said he was happy being
Ushapati - the husband of Usha, his wife.
With Venkaiah Naidu elected Vice
President, the three highest offices in
India are held by individuals who had
humble beginnings: Ram Nath Kovind
(President of India) and Narendra Modi
(Prime Minister) being the other two.
M. Venkaiah Naidu defeated former
West Bengal Governor and Mahatma Gan-
dhis grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the
opposition candidate, with a comfortable
margin in the vice presidential election.
He was sworn in as the 13th Vice
President of India on August 11. The oath
ceremony was held at the Durbar Hall of
Rashtrapati Bhavan and the new President,
Ram Nath Kovind, administered the oath of
office. He succeeds Mohammad Hamid An-
sari, whose term ended.
Welcoming Naidu as the new Vice Pres-
ident of India, PM Narendra Modi said,
People from a humble, rural background
today occupy the highest positions in India
and it shows maturity of Indian democracy
and the strength of Indias Constitution.
Naidu is the third vice-president from
Andhra Pradesh. The list includes Dr S.
Radhakrishnan and VV Giri, both of whom
VICE PRESIDENT August 19-25, 2017 57
M. VENKAIAH NAIDU
later became President.
Naidu, a BJP veteran and its best known
leader from southern India, entered the RSS
by accident. His links began in childhood
when he chanced upon a shakha while
playing. Within a few decades, he rose to
become the BJPs President and was consid-
ered close to Prime Minister Modi.
A key member of Prime Minister Modis
cabinet, the now 68-year-old cut his politi-
cal teeth during the Emergency of 1975-
77 when he went underground against the
government of Indira Gandhi and eventual-
ly got jailed. He remained underground un-
til his arrest, distributing anti-government
literature in educational institutions in
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, travelling
on a scooter along with a woman activist
on pillion in a bid not to arouse suspicion.
He was accused of disturbing a meeting of M. Venkaiah Naidu posing outside
Sanjay Gandhi and was handcuffed during Parliament building on New Delhi after
transit from one jail to the other. taking oath as Vice President on Aug 11.
Naidu hit the national scene when He is flanked by Union Ministers Ananth
he was one of the prominent opposition him as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha where Kumar and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. In
India Vice President is Chairman of Rajya
spokespersons along with S. Jaipal Reddy, the BJP has just got a majority of its own.
Sabha, the Upper House. (Photos: IANS)
who was then in Janata Party, during the Born on July 1, 1949 in Nellore district
campaign by N.T. Rama Rao after his dis- of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu was President of
missal as the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minis- the Students Union, V.R. College, Nellore. After the BJP was formed in 1980, he
ter by Indira Gandhi in the 1980s. In 1973-74, he was president of the Stu- became vice president of its youth wing.
Even though the BJP was on a weak dents Union of Andhra University Colleges. He was leader of the BJP Legislature Party
wicket in southern India, Naidu embraced it Naidu pursued law and was involved in the in Andhra Pradesh, state general secretary
tightly. An effective communicator steeped movement launched by Jayaprakash Nara- and state unit chief.
in RSS-BJP ideology, Naidu rose from the yan. He was President of the youth wing of Naidu was the BJP General Secretary
ranks to become the party President in the Janata Party in Andhra Pradesh from in 1993-2000 and its spokesperson in be-
2002. Naidu had three continuous terms in 1977 to 1980. After Emergency, he was tween. He has been a part of apex commit-
the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka from 1998 elected to the Andhra Pradesh assembly in tees of the party, including its parliamen-
to 2016, when he shifted to Rajasthan to get 1978 and was a legislator till 1985. tary board and Central Election Committee.
a fourth term. He was Rural Development
Minister during the first NDA government
led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his inspiration
along with senior party leader L.K. Advani.
With Modi scripting BJPs success in
2014, Naidu described him as the most
popular Indian leader, the most credible
political personality and among the top 10
leaders of the world. He is credited with
coining the acronym MODI - Making Of
Developed India, a BJP favorite. Naidu was
the Minister for Information and Broad-
casting, Urban Development and Housing
and Urban Poverty Alleviation of the Modi
government before he was nominated for
Vice Presidents post.
Naidu has been a troubleshooter for the
government as also one of its best commu-
nicator. Though he is from the South, he
learnt Hindi and addressed many rallies in
north India. He is an enthusiastic proponent
of Hindi as the national language. He has Even though the BJP was on a weak wicket in southern India till the end of 20th
friends across political parties. It will help century, Naidu embraced it tightly and rose to become party president.

hen Thomas
W Abraham arrived in
the US for higher
studies, the young
ster thought he would never be
able to cast his vote in Indian
elections. But he remained opti
mistic about exercising his fran
chise back home some day. His
strong wish has now been ful
lled.
Abraham, the Connecticut based
founder and chairman of Global
Organization of People of Indian
Origin (GOPIO), has always cham
pioned various causes of NRIs
and PIOs. He has continually
demanded that they be given
rights on a par with resident
Indians.
It is not just voting rights. It
should be equal rights. There are
16 million NRIs and of them 10
million can cast their ballots.
They should be allocated a few
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats,
Abraham told this writer just
before he left on an India visit.
The veteran expatriate has been
in the US for nearly 45 years, 38
of them on green card. Along
with voting rights, we should be
treated as if we are resident
Indians, he noted.
Rajeshwar Gangasani Reddy, a
native of the newest state of
Telangana, has been a US resident
for three decades. He was really
happy to have voting rights.
Though he had registered as a
voter in the runup to the last
general elections, Reddy could
not cast his ballot as he was
unable to travel to his constituen
cy because of a lastminute issue.
We want a fulledged dual cit ter their names and cast their
izenship. Look at Israel. The main
reason for abundant investments
from its expatriates is that, that
country allows other citizenships
also, said Reddy, who is based in
New Jersey. India should emulate
Israel in this respect.
This writer, who has mostly
58 August 19-25, 2017 DIASPORA
NRI VOTING WILL STRENGTHEN
BONDS WITH MOTHERLAND
Indians in America welcome step;
full dual citizenship will be still better
An Indian Election Commission delegation recently visited New York and held a meeting at the Consulate with the community to seek suggestions to
make sure that maximum number of NRIs take part in the poll process back home.
Special to The South Asian Times
worked outside his motherland in case of defense and diplomatic
his professional career, is excited ofcials, and asked the same
to cast his ballot for the second treatment for NRIs.
time in his life. UKbased Nagender Chindam,
Ten million out of the estimated the chairman of Pravasi Bharat
16 million NRIs, who hold Indian organization and his lawyer
passports, will soon be allowed to Urmila Surur approached the
exercise their franchise through Supreme Court seeking the same.
one of the three ways: proxy, e Chindam told the rediff.com news
postal balloting or casting votes portal that about 20,000 votes
at consulates/embassies and per constituency will be added to
other missions. An amendment to 543 Lok Sabha seats following
the act concerned is the only the voting decision. Such an addi
thing that stands in between NRIs tion will provide greater repre
and the 2019 general elections. sentation of people, particularly
Defense personnel and diplo NRIs, and strengthen the largest
matic staff stationed outside the democracy further. In 1989,
country have always been GOPIO demanded for the expatri
allowed postal balloting. In recent ates the right to vote at its rst
years, the government allowed it convention held in New York.
to ordinary expatriates who regis OFBJPUSA was also one of the
rst groups to ask for dual citi representing expatriate organiza
votes in person in India. As visit zenship and voting rights in
ing the motherland during elec 1999. Dinesh Agrawal, president
tions is not always possible and of that body, met with Prime
proves expensive, only up to Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee,
12,000 NRIs cast their ballots. who was visiting New York for
A public interest litigation led the UN session that year.
by Gulfbased expatriate Agarwals delegation submitted to
Shamsheer V P pointed out the the PM a memorandum in this
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
connection. Both PIO and OCI
cards in principle were agreed
upon by the Vajpayee govern
ment in 2002. The following year,
Agrawal recalled, Deputy Prime
Minister L K Advani launched a
process to amend the Peoples
Representation Act. As the
process was on, the Vajpayee gov
ernment lost the 2004 general
elections and the matter went
into cold storage.
As you know, OFBJP cherishes
its struggles and efforts that
brought fruition to this NRI cause;
nally our efforts had paid off,
current President of OFBJP
Krishna Reddy Anugula said in a
statement. An Election
Commission delegation late last
month visited New York and held
a meeting at the Consulate
General of India with 30 people
holders of other passports. That
tions and journalists. The two
member delegation is planning to
take help from student and com
munity bodies to propagate the
process. In the US, there are 4
million Indians origin people. Of
them at least a million are esti
mated to carry Indian passports.
Most of these one million Indians
arrived in their early 20s as stu
dents or professionals. There are
also more recent immigrants who
still hold on to their passports for
emotional reasons.
Talking about emotions, the
government and various political
parties should assume that NRIs
are as patriotic as resident
Indians. They too want to partici
pate in the election process of
their motherland while they also
observe the goingson in their
adopted lands. The Indian govern
ment earlier this month agreed to
proxy voting method. It should
also consider approving other
methods such as epostal ballot
ing and casting votes at Indian
representative ofces overseas.
And nally, the fulledged dual
citizenship should be accorded to
kind of citizenship structure will
ensure owning agriculture land
and holding Indian government
jobs, besides the voting right.
Such a step will strengthen politi
cal, cultural, commercial and
emotional bonds with the mother
land and adopted lands.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 60 August 19-25, 2017 travel

On a freedom trail
in Tamil Nadu
worn by Gandhiji when he was assassinated
by Nathuram Godse is among the prized
exhibits. The Museum contains a Visual Bi-
ography of Bapuji containing photos, paint-
ings, sculptures, manuscripts, quotations
and some of the selected photostat copies
By Anil Mulchandani
of many of the letters written by him, with
a curated collection of about 124 photo-
of Sri Lanka were imprisoned in the fort. This
fort was the site for the first attack by Indian
sepoys on the British on 10th July 1806, half
a century before the more famous 1857 Mu-
tiny. The sepoys of the Vellore garrison were
displeased with a recently introduced law
regulating the usage of Hindu caste marks
or beards. Full-scale rebellion broke out after
midnight on 10th July 1806. Fateh Hyder,
the second son of Tipu Sultan, imprisoned at
Vellore Fort, was crowned king by the muti-
neers. Though the rebellion was quelled and
over 100 captured sepoys were executed by
blasting them with canister shots, the laws
regulating Hindu religious marks was with-
drawn. The fort is now a museum. The tombs
of Bakshi Begum (died 1806), widow of Hy-
der Ali and Padshah Begum, Tipus wife &
sons, who died in 1834, are located nearby.

T amil Nadu was a hotbed of the Indian

Independence Movement from the time
of Puli Thevan who put up a resistance to
British rule in 1757. Since then there had
been rebellions by Polygars (Palaiyakkarars)
such as the Marudu brothers, Veerapandiya
Kattabomman, Oomathurai and Dheeran
Chinnamalai and the sepoys of Vellore. The
states many independence activists included
Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty, John Bruce
Norton, Eardley Norton, Sir T. Muthuswamy
Iyer, P. Rangaiah Naidu, G. Subramania Iyer,
Sir S. Subramania Iyer, C. Jambulingam Mu-
daliar, Salem Ramaswami Mudaliar, M. Veer-
araghavachariar and C. Karunakara Menon.
After Mahatma Gandhis visit, C. Rajagopal-
achari, K. Kamaraj and S. Sathyamurthy took
up the cause of Satyagraha, freedom strug-
gle through non-violent means.
Start your tour at Madurai, a city vis-
ited five times by Mahatma Gandhi. When
staying in the house of Sri Ramji Kalyanji
at 175 A West Masi Street on September
21, 1921, Mahatma Gandhi decided to
identify with the common man by wearing
the simple dress of a white dhoti. The Ma-
hatma wrote in Navajivan, the translation
of which was reproduced in The Hindu on
October 15, 1921: I do not want either my
co-workers or readers to adopt the loin-
cloth. But I do wish that they should thor-
oughly realise the meaning of the boycott
of foreign cloth and put forth their best ef-
fort to get it boycotted, and to get khadi
manufactured. I do wish that they may un-
derstand that swadeshi means everything.
One of the finest Gandhi memorial mu-
seums is housed in the historic Tamukkam
Palace of Madurais Nayak Dynasty, built
about 1670. The palace with about 13 acres
of land was gifted for the Gandhi Memorial
Museum. The Museum was inaugurated by
Jawaharlal Nehru on 15 April 1959. The
museum exhibits letters written by Mahat-
ma Gandhi to freedom fighters and Adolf
Hitler. A part of the blood-stained garment
graphs showing events from Gandhijis life,
from his childhood to his cremation. A set of
265 illustrations portray the story of Indias
The temple at rock fort in
Tiruchirappalli
independence movement.
Madurai is also the land of Sir S. Subra-
mania Iyer (1842-1924), one of the founding
members of the Indian National Congress.
Well known as Mani Iyer, Sir Subramania
Iyer also served as the Honorary President
of the All India Home Rule League estab-
lished by Annie Besant in Madurai in 1916.
The response to the League was quite com-
mendable. In 1919, the Satyagraha Sabha
was formed. Subhash Chandra Bose visited
in 1939. On the attainment of independence,
the national flag was hoisted on all the tow-
ers of the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
From Madurai travel toTiruchirappalli
where there were a number of strikes and
non-violent protests during the Indepen-
dence Movement, like the South Indian Rail-
way Strike in 1928. It was from here that
C. Rajagopalachari, inspired by the Dandi
March in 1930, led a Salt Satyagraha march
which had close to 150 volunteers on 13th
April 1930. The group proceeded for about
150 miles towards the east before culminat-
ing at Vedaranyam, a small coastal town.
By collecting salt directly from the sea the
marchers broke the salt law. As a part of the
march, Rajagopalachari created awareness
among the people by highlighting the im-
portance of khd as well as social issues like
caste discrimination. The campaign came to
an end on 28th April 1930 when the partici-
pants were arrested by the police. Its leader
Rajagopalachari was imprisoned for six
months. The march along with the ones at
Dandi and Dharasana drew worldwide atten-
tion to the Indian independence movement.
From here drive about five hours to the
Vellore Fort, a large 16th-century fort with a
fine temple, a church and a mosque. During
British rule, Tipu Sultans family and the king
Photos by Dinesh Shukla

One of the finest

Gandhi memorial
museums housed
in the historic
Tamukkam Palace
of Madurais
Nayak Dynasty
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017

70TH
 62
A walk through
World Heritage
By Anil Mulchandani
A hmedabad has recently acquired World
Heritage City status from UNESCO. With
a built heritage of over 600 years, the city
presents a rich architectural diversity from
the sultanate period, notably the Bhadra cit-
adel, numerous mosques and tombs, Hindu
and Jain temples of later periods and exqui-
sitely carved houses called havelis.
Equally interesting is its administrative
structure where citizens guilds managed
the city taking initiatives from repairs to
city walls by a citizens team in 1832 (when
the East India Company officials did not get
it done) to the building of great institutions
in the 1900s. The city had a citizens coun-
cil in the mid-1800s and its own munici-
pality from 1857 which got recognition by
statute in 1870. The citys business families
and leaders worked towards introducing
the underground drainage in the Khadia lo-
cality in 1890 when few other cities could
boast of such a sanitary system.
Another unique aspect of Ahmedabads
heritage is its sites associated with the inde-
pendence movement. The freedom struggle
was also supported by the citys industrial-
ists - the president of the Ahmedabad Mill
Owners Association, Ambalal Sarabhai,
renounced the Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal
awarded to him by the British government,
August 19-25, 2017
Cit y of Ahmedabad
and other influential industrialists and mer-
chants donated for the cause of independence.
Start your freedom trail at the Gandhi
Ashram, also called Sabarmati Ashram and
Harijan Ashram. It is a serene place with ma-
ture trees and a river view. Before starting
work, Mahatma Gandhi and the inmates of
the ashram offered prayers. Besides Bhajans,
discourses and readings from holy books
like the Gita, Quran and Bible occasionally
featured in the prayer schedule at this site.
Near the prayer area is the Hriday
Kunj, Gandhijis personal residence in the
Ashram. This house of Mahatma Gandhi
and his wife, Kasturba, has their simple
processions. In one room there is a spin-
ning wheel and working table, in others
are personal effects like a chinese toy of
three monkeys, coconut chopper, wooden
spoon, thali, chappals (slippers), stone
bowl, a tumbler he used in jail, an urn for
water, a shirt made by Gandhi for a
Harijan, dhoti, a bedsheet, handspun yarn,
yarn spun by Vinobaji, towel, bag, purse.
Near Gandhijis residence are the residen-
tial quarters of Vinoba
Bhave, whom Gandhi rated as a true Sa-
tyagrahi for his commitment to truth, from
1918 to 1921, and Madeliene Salde, a Brit-
ish Admirals daughter who left her home
in England to live and work under Mahatma
Gandhi inspired by his ideology. She devoted
her life to human development, the advance-
travel
The heritage places of Ahmedabad (Image courtesy: creativeyatra.com)
ment of Gandhis principles and the freedom
struggle in India. Gandhi gave her the name,
Mira, and she became like his daughter.
Among all the sites I have visited related to
the life of Gandhi from Porbandar to Rajkot,
Maharashtra to Delhi, I find the Hriday Kunj
by far the most moving experience.
The most elevated spot in the Ashram
is the guest house called Nandini just up
from the residence. The Udyog Mandir (in-
dustry temple) founded during a historic
mill workers strike was the centre for the
handloom, handmade paper mill and other
workshops that worked towards self-reli-
ance in the ashram. The Somnath Chatra-
laya was a commune for ashram inmates.
Nearby, we visited Manav Sadhana, an NGO
working for slum children education and a
sister organisation which sells handicrafts
produced by underprivileged women.
The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahlaya (me-
morial museum), designed in the 1960s by
Charles Correa, is an architectural landmark.
This memorial museum has three major gal-
leries one titled ``My life is my message ings. The old printing press is still housed in
offers information about Mahatma Gandhis
life and important incidents between 1918
and 1930 at the ashram, the second has
eight life-size paintings of Mahatma Gandhi,
and the third has one of the largest archi-
val collections about a single person in the
world with 35,000 books, more than 31,000
letters to and from the Mahatma, over 8000
manuscripts including articles written by
him, photographs and documents.
From the Gandhi Ashram, drive along
Ashram Road to the Gujarat Vidyapith,
founded by Mahatma Gandhi on October
18, 1920 to provide an alternative system
of education ( rather than the one designed
by the British to train Indians for their ser-
vices) which would lead to national recon-
struction and Hind Swaraj, the self-reliant
India of his dream. The first vice-chancel-
lor of the institute was Professor Gidwani.
After Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters
like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr Rajendra
Prasad and Morarji Desai were chancellors
of the Vidyapith. Acharya Kriplani, a school
teacher who joined the freedom struggle
and many of Mahatma Gandhis movements
at the Gandhi Ashram, also contributed by
teaching at the Gujarat Vidhyapith. Taught
by such eminent leaders, students of the
Gujarat Vidyapith were vociferous and ac-
tive during the freedom struggle specially
the Quit India movement of the 1940s. Next
to it is the campus of Navjivan Trust, which
published many of Mahatma Gandhis writ-
the building, which has a library-and-caf.
Continue on this road to Gujarat Col-
lege, a campus with imposing old build-
ings which was also a hub of the students
movement against the British rule in 1941-
2. A memorial stands in honour of martyr
Vir Kinarivala. Continuing on Ashram Road
you can see Kochrab Ashram, Gandhijis
residence and workplace when he first ar-
rived in Ahmedabad in 1915.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017

Opening Soon In
Richmond Hill, NY
 64
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Popularly known as Iron Man, Sardar
Patel was a practicing lawyer in Ahmed-
abad before he joined the freedom move-
ment on being inspired by Mahatma Gan-
dhi. His rst attempt was to ght for the
cause of peasants in Kheda, Bardoli and
other parts of Gujarat, who were asked to
pay heavy taxes to the British Government.
Patel, under the leadership of Gandhi Ji,
launched non-violent Civil Disobedience
Movement against the payment of raised
taxes. The Govern-ment tried to suppress
the revolt but unfortunately could not do
so. Finally, the taxes were suspended and
thereafter everyone addressed Patel as
Sardar. Further, he was also involved in
Salt Satyagraha in Nagpur and Quit India
Movement in1942. In 1931, he was elect-
ed as the President of Indian National Con-
gress. After independence he was appoint-
ed as the rst Home Minister and Deputy
Prime Minister of India. He had served the
country during the tenure but Gandhi Jis
death gave him a major heart attack and
he died on December 15, 1950.
Lokmanya Bal
Gangadhar Tilak
He is considered to be the Father of
Indian Unrest. He was a scholar of Indian
history, Sanskrit, mathematics, astronomy
August 19-25, 2017
and Hinduism. To impart teachings about
Indian culture and national ideals to In-
dias youth, Tilak, alongwith Agarkar and
Vishnu Shastry, founded the Deccan Educa-
tion Society. Soon after, Tilak started two
weeklies, Kesari andMarathi to highlight
plight of Indians under the British. He also
founded the celebrations of Ganapati Festi-
val and Shivaji Jayanti to bring people close
together and join the nationalist movement
against British. He launched Swadeshi Mov-
enment and believed that Swaraj is my
birth right and I shall have it. This slogan
inspired millions of Indians to join the free-
dom struggle. With the goal of Swaraj, he
also built Home Rule League.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
He was the political guru of Mahatma
Gandhi. It is said that Gokhale was one of
the rst Indians who completed gradua-
tion. Higher education made him under-
stand the importance of liberty, democracy
and parliamentary system. He wanted to
spread wide the knowledge he gained and
so moved on to teaching. In 1885, Gokhale
along with his Deccan Education Society
col-eagues founded the Fergusson College
in Pune. In the subsequent year he met a
great scholar and social reformer Mahadev
Govind Ranade. Highly inuenced by the
social works of Ranade, Gokhale called him
guru and started moving on the path of
social reforms. He founded the Servants of
India Society in 1905. Gokhale was active-
ly involved in the Morley-Minto reforms
of 1909 that gave Indians right to access
highest posts in the government.
Sarojini Naidu
She was born in 1879 in a family of
intellectuals, poets, philosophers and rev-
FREEDOM STRUGGLE
olutionaries. Receiving a scholarship, she discuss constitutional reforms was protest-
went to England at a young age for further ed by Lalaji because the commission had
studies. At the age of 21she got married no Indian members. The Britishers brutally
While enjoying the fruits of freedom, we should not
forget the great patriots who led Indias struggle
for independence from the British. And it was
not just Gandhi-Nehru-Bose, many others also
made great sacrifices to liberate India.
to Dr. Govindarajulu Naidu. In 1916, she lathicharged Lalaji during the protest and
met Mahatma Gandhi and was motivated because of severe head injuries he expired
to join the cause for freedom. She inspired on November 17, 1928.
women of India to awaken and re-estab- Mangal Pandey
lish self-esteem. To do so, she traveled
from state to state and city to city, cam- Born in a village in Ballia area of Uttar
paigning for womens rights. In 1925, she Pradesh, Mangal Pandey was introduced to
presided over the annual session of Indian Indian history as the rst freedom ghter
National Congress and later participated and martyr of 1857. At the age of 22, he
in the Civil Disobedience Movement. She joined the British East India Company as a
was arrested in 1942 during the Quit In- soldier in the 34th Regiment of Bengal Na-
dia Movement and was imprisoned for tive Infantry. He was a true freedom ghter
several months. After 1947, she became who gave a spark to the First War of Indias
the rst Indian woman to become the Gov- Independence. The British termed it as Sepoy
ernor of a large state, Uttar Pradesh. She
died in her ofce in March 1949.
Lala Lajpat Rai
Popularly known as Punjab Kesari or
Lion of Punjab, Lala Lajpat Rais political
career started in 1888 with the Indian Na-
tional Congress Session at Allahabad. At the
next yaars session in Bomay, he was linked
with two other leading freedom ghters:
Bipin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Ti-
lak. The trio came to be popularly known
Mutiny of 1857 as it was a mass revolt of In-
as Lal-Bal-Pal. Lalaji was actively involved
dian soldiers in the British Army. Mass revolt
in the struggle against partition of Bengal.
forced Pandey to attack his British sergeant
During the struggle he galvanized Indians
on the parade ground, besides wounding an
for a campaign of Swadeshi and was im-
adjutant. A native soldier stopped him from
prisoned for six months for creating tur-
killing them. The ofcer in charge ordered
moil. After his release in 1907, he went to
a Jamadaar to arrest Pandey but he refused
Britain in 1914 to explain the position of
to do so. Mangal tried to commit suicide to
light the ame of nationalism in the hearts of
millions of Indians but he failed to do so. He
was then captured and sentenced to death
on April 8, 1857 in Barrackpore.
Lal Bahadur Shastri
He was the second Prime Minister of
India. In 1921, Gandhi Ji launched Non Co-
operation Movement and gave a call to the
youth to ght for the noble cause of freedom.
India to the British government. During his
stay in Britain, the First World War broke
out, and he was unable to re-turn. So, he
went to USA for promoting the cause of In-
dias freedom struggle. There he founded
the India Home League Society of America.
He returned to India in1920 and formed
the Congress Independence Party in pro-
test against the Jalianwala Bagh Massacre
and Non Cooperation Movement. In 1928,
Simon Commission that came to India to

Shastri was highly inuenced by the
movement and joined the freedom strug-
gle at the age of 17. He was arrested at
one point and then released. He then
joined Kashi Vidya Peeth and earned the
degree of Shashtri. He then joined The
Servants of the People Society started
by Lala Lajpat Rai in 1921 with the aim
to train youth who ahd made a resolve
to dedicate their lives for the country. In
response to the call of Gandhiji, Shasrtri
actively participated in the Civil Disobe-
dience Movement, the Salt Stayagraha
and Quit India Movement for which he
was sent to jail many times. After 1947,
he was appointed as a minister in Uttar
Pradesh government, and in 1964 ele-
vated as Prime Minister of India. During
the1965 Indo-Pak war, Shastri played a
key role in maintaining internal security
of the country. He coined the slogan Jai
Jawan Jai Kisan to bring unity within the
country and nally led India to victory.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh
Sardar Bharat Singh was a national
hero who gave a great heft to the revolu-
tionary movement in India. As a student at
DAV School in Lahore he was highly dis-
turbed by the Jalianwala Bagh massacre.
His desire to drive the British out of India
became stronger and he joined the Non-
FREEDOM STRUGGLE
Cooperation Movement called by Gandhiji
in 1921. The incidence of Chauri-Chaura
in Gorakhpur made Bhagat Singh reso-
lute that freedom should be won through
armed revolution rather than non-vio-
lence. He then joined the National College
in Lahore, a center of revolutionary activi-
ties. To spread the message of revolution
in Punjab, Bhagat formed a union of revo-
lutionaries by the name Naujavan Bharat
Sabha and gave a call for mass mobiliza-
tion. In 1928, he went to Delhi to attend
a meeting of revolutionaries and came in
contact with Chandrashekhar Azad. With a
common aim to establish Republic in India
they both formed Hindustan Samajvadi
Prajatantra Sangha. There were protests
against the Simon Commissions visit to In-
dia and in this protest, Lala Lajpat Rai was
brutally lathicharged and he later died.
This added to the anger and discontent
of Bhagat Singh and he was determined to
kill the British ofcial and Deputy Inspec-
tor General Scott responsible for the death
of Lala Lajpat Rai. By mistake, he killed as-
sistant superintendent Saunders and ran
from Lahore to escape punishment. He
threw a bomb in the Central Legislative
Assembly on April 18,1929 and was sen-
tenced to death on March 23, 1931.
Chandrashekhar Azad
A fearless revolutionary and great free-
dom ghter, Chandrashekhar Azad was
born in 1906 in Jhabua district of Mad-
hya Pradesh. At the age of 14 he went
to Varanasi where he was taught to live
the austere life of a Brahamachari. While
there, he was highly inspired by the Non
Cooperation movement of Mahatma Gan-
dhi. He actively participated in the move-
ment for which he was sentenced to 15
lashes at the age of 15. With each stroke
of the whip he shouted Bharat Mata Ki
Jai. From then, he was honored and titled
as Azad by the locals. When the Non Co-
operation Movement was suspended due
to the Chauri-Chaura incidence, Azad
switched over to armed revolution and
formed Hindustan Socialist Republican
Association with other revolutionaries to
spread the message of total independence.
He actively participated in revolutionary
activities and was involved in Kakori Train
Robbery and the attempt to blow up the
Viceroys train in 1926. On 27th February
1931, Azad was betrayed by one of his as-
sociates who informed the British Police.
In Alfred Park, Allahabad, he was besieged
by the British police. He fought bravely for
quite some time but seeing no other way,
he shot himself and fullled his desire to
die a free man.
Sukhdev
Sukhdev Thapar was an Indian revo-
lutionary who sacriced his life for the
cause of Indias independence. Since
August 19-25, 2017 65
childhood, he had witnessed the brutal
behavior of British authorities on Indians
and grew up with a rm resolve and an
earnest desire to set India free from Brit-
ish dominion. Sukhdev was a member of
Hindustan Socialist Republican Associa-
tion and took active part in various revo-
lutionary activities. He, along with other
revolutionaries, founded the Naujawan
Bharat Sabha with the aim to awaken Indi-
an youth to fight for the freedom struggle.
As an active participant of Lahore Con-
spiracy Case in 1928 and Prison Hunger
Strike in 1929,Sukhdev shook the estab-
lished foundation of British Government.
On 1929, he along with his accomplice
Bhagat Singh and Shivram Rajguru, was
arrested for assassinating Deputy Super-
intendent Saunder in 1928, thus avenging
the death of Lajpat Rai. The three brave
revolutionaries were sentenced to death,
as per the verdict, on March 23, 1931 and
their bodies were secretly cremated on
the banks of River Sutlej.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a dis-
tinguished scholar, a great poet, a true
freedom ghter and independent Indias
rst Education Minister. He joined the
revolutionary movement under Aurbindo
Ghosh and Sri Shyam Sunder Chakravar-
thy. He also opened secret revolutionary
centers all over North India and in Bom-
bay. Azad convinced the Muslim revo-
lutionaries to ght for Indias freedom
rather than ghting for Muslim causes.
In 1912, he started a weekly journal to
propagate Indian nationalism and revo-
lutionary ideas based on Hindu-Muslim
unity. This weekly proved to be a threat
to the British Empire and so he was ex-
pelled from Calcutta in 1916 and was
released in 1920 after the First World
War. After his release he actively par-
ticipated in the Khilafat Movement, Non
Cooperation Movement and Salt Satya-
graha. He was imprisoned several times
but this could not stop him from con-
tinuing struggle for freedom. In1947,
Maulana Azad was appointed as the Min-
ister of Education in the cabinet of Jawa-
harlal Nehru. He served the country till
his death in 1958.
 66
70 Birthday:
Utmost Happiness?
The author offers an unvarnished view of what India has achieved in seven decades,
while also taking in Arundhati Roys new, overtly political novel about the country.
E very year, this time of the year, I am
asked to write, celebrating Indias in-
dependence anniversary. This year, the
70th, is special, specialized by yet another
decade she has completed. Newspapers are
flush with celebrations, with social, eco-
nomic, political and cultural analyses.
Where does mine fit in? How? Yes, I
am aware of the amazing progress India
has made, especially since the 1990s when
the market was opened up. After care-
fully planning its industry and economy
for half a century, with closed markets so
that her indigenous industries could thrive
and flourish, India announced to the world,
We are ready to compete! The result was
a booming Indian market open to the world,
its 320 million middle and upper class
equaling the size of the entire United States.
Gone were the Ambassador-Fiat-Standard
cars, which looked the same year after year,
because India did not import model up-
dates from the British and Italian automak-
ers as she made the Indian versions. Then
in the 90s, Indias Maruti teamed up with
Japans Suzuki and in time Honda, Hyundai,
Volkswagen and Fiat itself flooded the In-
dian market. Riches and wealth spread their
splendor everywhere: computers, smart
phones, flat screen TVs, you name it.
The nay-sayers, however, would pipe out:
Yes, but look at Indias poverty! India has the
largest undernourished and hungry popula-
tion in the world. According to a report by the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN,
August 19-25, 2017
th
there are 194.6 million undernourished peo-
ple in India, the highest in the world. Let that
fact digest when you distribute sweets on this
occasion, they say with sarcasm oozing out.
Almost 300 million of Indias population are
still illiterate, more than the population of In-
donesia. Only 21% have access to the internet,
as opposed to 67% average in other countries.
With about 800 million
people below the age of 35,
India has the largest young
population in the world,
but doesnt have the infra-
structure to sustain them.
Data by the Labor Bureau
shows that there was a de-
cline of 20,000 jobs across
eight labor intensive sec-
tors in the December quar-
ter of 2015. This jobless
growth, writes the editor of
an Indian newspaper, puts
a sour note on our praises
of the nations growth story
in light of Independence
Day. Should Indians cele-
brate that their country that
has survived a diversity of
caste, color and creed de-
spite forecasts in the 1940s
that it would split up and
return to a conglomeration
of princely states once the
British leave? (Pakistan last-
ed 25 years before it split
up). Or do they despair be-
cause inherent strains have
spawned secessionist move-
ments and other forms of
violence that have made
India one of the most lethal places on earth?
Of utmost unhappiness?
In this confusing milieu arrives Arund-
hati Roys The Ministry of Utmost Happi-
ness (2017). Yes, that Arundhati Roy, who
had become world famous almost overnight
with her first novel, The God of Small Things
(1997) that won the prestigious Man Booker
Prize. Even though the title of this new novel
is meant to be ironic, and the novels liter-
ally hundreds of characters and two distinct
protagonists take us for most confusing and
giddy ride through our vast mother country,
once I got through its 400 plus pages, it be-
came for me the most scintillating of experi-
ences. The novel is more about India than any
one person, in spite of the two protagonists,
a complicated plot, and complex themes.
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is
about two people: Anjum, a hijra, hermaph-
rodite who has both male and female geni-
tals but longs to be a mother; and Tilo, a
woman whose relationship with the world is
constantly on the edge of disintegration, but
not quite disintegrated - and, in that sense, is
always on the verge of hope. They meet each
other Anjum and Tilo over a baby whom
Tilo has found/stolen, and whom Anjum,
PERSPECTIVE
By Shivaji Sengupta
whose motherly instinct makes her long for Roy herself inscribes on one of the pages:
that baby that Tilo has found/stolen.
I must admit that as I had read God of
Small Things, and remembered its heady
You can change me anyway you like. I
am only a story.
I think there comes a time in a writers
emotional and sensual story-telling tap- life when innocence dies. The God of Small
estry, this novel struck me as notably dif- Things was about innocence; about how
ferent. Some people may as I did at the love transcends hate and brutality; how af-
beginning -resent its openly political stance fection and making love becomes the balm
and content. Even the two protagonists sto- of hurt minds. In the intervening twenty
ries are wrapped by, according to a reader years since Small Things, Roy has lost her
in Goodreads, exquisite and finely woven innocence. The novel she has given us here
blanket of politics. If the other novel is is a novel about India. She writes:
about the god of small things, this novel
may be called the politics of small things.
The small things are Delhis Hijras about
Normality in our part of the
whom, to the best of my knowledge, no ma- world is a bit like a boiled egg:
jor novelist has ever written; there are also
Indias Muslims, especially the ones from
its humdrum surface conceals
Gujarat and Kashmir, and Kerala Christians. at its heart a yolk of violence,
The Hijra community - an ancient tribe as
much like the modern LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, our memory of its past labours
Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) society in and our dread of its future
the United States (but without the latters
education and other wherewithal) as they manifestations, that lays down
are in the Duniya as Roy in her novel calls the rules for how a people as
the real world of the rest of India.
The stories are intricately told, without complex and diverse as we
any obvious sequence, interspersed with are, continue to coexist - con-
long, long digressions sometimes even in
a middle of an unfinished sentence like tinue to live together, tolerate
day dreams, except that the day dreams each other and, from time to
described is not of any character. Through-
out the novel I kept on asking myself, But time, murder one another.
is this Anjum or Tilo speaking? Or is it
As long as the centre holds,
the author herself? Eventually, I come to
terms with myself. It does not matter who as long as the yolk doesnt
its the thoughts that are important.
Anjum, the hermaphrodite, comes to
run, well be fine.
terms with her identity. She longs to have a
c**t, as Roy herself writes, the curse words, Utmost Happiness is about that yolk.
ferociously ironic, depicting her frustrated
longing to be a mother. In a much different The writer is Professor of
vein, Tilo, the other protagonist, an architec-
English and Vice President for
ture student from a Christian community in
Kerala sacrifices herself, through love for a Academic Affairs at Boricua
Kashmiri man, deep into the conflict in Kash- College in NYC and a cricket
mir. These characters are beautifully drawn,
enthusiast. He has lived in
surprising, brilliantly portrayed. Often, as I
read the novel, I lost track of what the nov- the US for almost 50 years.
els main story is about. Just as the narration
itself is scrambled, so is the story. There is no
story; the story is the writing. Lets just say
that this is a novel about small things, about
sectarian conflict; about lynching, inter-reli-
gious tensions, power struggles and abuses
of power. Its about politicians, the limits of
democracy and protest. Its about silence.
Perhaps this novel is about Kashmir?
As a student of literature, I must admit,
I had some problems about this novels
wearing its political agenda on its sleeve.
A political novel, I sagely tell myself, must
hold at its core, the fiction. It is the story
that must drive the politics; not the other
way around. But the very next moment, I
am put to shame by Arundhati Roy who,
I imagine, is looking at me, smiling. Yes,
professor, her lips forming the words. As
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017

Mumbai: In the NSCI Dome of
Mumbai, His Holiness Dalai Lama,
Swami Ramdev and Acharya Lokesh
Muni were welcomed on stage with a
grand applause by a large gathering
at the historic, mega interfaith gath-
ering. Called World Peace Conclave
, the event that mesmerized Mum-
bai was organized by Ahimsa Vishwa
Bharati, founded by Dr. Lokesh Muni,
on August 13 to celebrate Indias
71st Independence Day.
The religious leader gracing the
seminar titled Unity in Diversity -
Indian Heritage included the Vice
President of All India Muslim Per-
sonal Law Board, Maulana Dr. Kalbe
Sadiq, Chief Jathedar of Akal Takht
Giani Gurbachan Singh, Archbishop
Felix Machado, Jain Acharyas Kul-
chandra Suriji, Namramuniji and
Sadhvi Maynashriji. The dignitar-
ies who also spoke included Cen-
The Dalai Lama said that we
need to respect other faiths and
strive to see that everyone is
same son of God.
tral Ministers Shri Piyush Goyal, Dr.
Harsh Vardhan, Dr. Mahesh Sharma,
and Shri Purushottam Rupala.
The Dalai Lama in his address,
alluding to recent tension between
India and China, said the two should
work together. Buddhism brings
them together. He said violence and
terrorism carried out in the name of
religion is very sad. People need
to respect other faiths and strive
to see that everyone is same son
of God. He pointed out that reli-
gious conflicts are escalating not
only in the Middle East but also in
countries such as Myanmar and Sri
Lanka, where violent assaults tar-
geting Muslim minorities have been
reported. He said the danger of third
world war is haunting humanity.
Different religious traditions have
helped humanity over thousands of
years, giving immense inspiration to
millions of people, and will continue
to do that in future also. The Dalai
68 August 19-25, 2017 religion
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati
organize World Peace
Conclave by SATimes Team
Lama urged religious leaders around India and China should work together as
the world to invite religious extremists
and terrorists to interfaith meetings to
Buddhism brings them together. The Dalai Lama
persuade them to turn away from vio-
lence. Education can also play a key role Interfaith dialogue can establish world
in eradicating inter-religious conflict
as will coordination between science peace and harmony. - Acharya Lokesh Muni
and spirituality. He appreciated that Dr.
Lokesh Muni has an action plan for es-
tablishing world peace and harmony by Muslims should come forward to build Ram
bringing different religious leaders on
one platform.
Mandir in Ayodhya. Maulana Kalbe Sadiq
Dr. Lokesh Muni said that this semi-
nar was for the welfare of society and
nation. Currently, not only India but the
whole world including USA is faced with
violence and terrorism. In the name of
religion, caste and community, innocent
people are killed in counties like Syria,
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Bangla-
desh, France and Russia. Interfaith dia-
logue is the need of the hour as violence
and terrorism cannot solve any problem.
Violence gives rise to counter-violence.
Religion brings us together, it does not
create difference. There is no place for vi-
olence and hatred on the path of religion.
We can solve every problem through
dialogue. It is necessary that we respect
others existence and viewpoint as we re-
The Dalai Lama flanked by Acharya Lokesh and Baba Ramdev on the stage,
spect our own. There can be difference
with Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi seen behind.
of opinions but not difference in hearts.
Swami Ramdev said that Yoga is
symbol of unity and strength. It brings
internal and external peace. Yoga is a
great gift of India to the world. Indian
society is based on pluralist culture.
Unity in diversity is its unique feature.
When religious gurus, political lead-
ers and people from different walks of
life will give the message of peace and
harmony from one platform it will defi-
nitely create an impact.
Maulana Kalbe Sadiq said that Mus-
lims should come forward to build Ram
Mandir in Ayodhya. He said that even if
they win the case in court they should
give the land for building Ram Mandir
as it is a matter of faith.
Piyush Goyal said that people of dif- Delhi based Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati, founded by Acharya Lokesh Muni,
ferent religions and faiths live with har- brought together leaders of different faiths on one platform with one message:
mony and brotherhood in Indian states. peace and harmony through dialogue. The Acharya has announced starting
Diwali is celebrated by followers of all peace education establishments to serve future generations.
religions, as there is a festive atmosphere
on Eid and Christmas in the country. This
Indian culture can be promoted in the
world through religious gurus to estab-
lish world peace and harmony.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that dia-
logue is the only way to cut through
deep-rooted religious stereotypes and
prejudices that divide communities
across the world and sow seeds of con-
flict between nations and societies. Ex-
istence of different religions is natural,
and development of humanity and pros-
perity is possible due to divergent.
The event was also attended by Bol-
lywood star Vivek Oberoi, film direc-
tor Madhur Bhandarkar, World Boxing
Champion Vijendra Singh as well as in- The program at the National Sports Club of India Dome auditorium in Mumbai
dustrialists, educationists, social work- was attended by over 5000 people of all communities and covered by
ers and writers. national and international media extensively.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 70
Pathshala: The
Next Generation
of American Jains
L ike any other immigrant community,
we Jain Americans are trying our best
to sustain our identity and working hard to
ensure the next generation continues our
Jain values, traditions, and rich heritage.
Growing up in India is a bit different.
Jain youth by virtue of living in religious en-
vironment attain knowledge of Jain religion
and values from monks, elders, by visiting
temples, listening to sermons, reading Jain
literature, going on pilgrimage and through
several other avenues available to them.
Its a bit different in America. Compared
to India the environment for American Jains
is religiously dilute. Jains here are spread
too thinly to offer our youth a conducive Jain
environment necessary to sustain the Jain
way of life. Also, the accessible resources are
replaced by formidable barriers of distance,
culture, language and surroundings.
American Jain Youth
Culture & Jain Pathshala:
How do we bridge this gap? How do we
bring the community together and pass on
our values to our youth?
To answer several of these types of
questions, JAINA (Federaton of Jain Asso-
ciations in North America) Education Com-
mittee was instituted. The Education Com-
mittee with help from several volunteers
prepared and published a structured cur-
riculum and Pathshala programs primarily
based on American culture.
The word Pathshala literally which
means learning place, is traditionally used
to describe classes where you learn about
religion from gurus and teachers. In India,
the focus is primarily towards the memori-
zation of Sutras and rituals. An attempt is
made at American Pathshala to align and
encourage youth towards understanding
Jain principles and rituals. It is an exciting
reincarnation of this age-old institution.
The main goal of the Pathshalas is to
teach our kids based on current environ-
Jain children attend Central Jersey Pathshala
August 19-25, 2017
ment, the message of compassion and non-
violence in all aspects of life, encourage
vegetarianism and vegan way of life, use
environmental friendly product, and live
alcohol and drug free lifestyle. This stems
from a desire to practice compassion and
nonviolence as well as instill Jain values,
our rich culture and heritage.
The main function of the Education
Committee is to prepare and publish non-
sectarian Jain Educational material for chil-
dren, youth, and young Jain professionals
raised in North American cultural environ-
ment which should meet the above goal.
The religious material should be in
simple American English which will allow
them to effectively apply Jain principles
and practices in their everyday lives.
The Jain children have
grown up in American
culture where:
Both men and women are treated equal-
ly. Jain religious principles are not and should
not be male dominated principles. Several of
our rituals are male dominated rituals.
Proper explanation is needed with
reasons and must appeal to our common
sense. It is for WHY generation Jains.
No magic, blind faith, and super pow-
er help from heavenly gods (Devs) and
goddesses (Devis) by reciting Mantras are
accepted and hence self-efforts and self-
initiatives are valued.
Humanitarian services and environ-
mental protection activities take priority
over traditional temple/sthanak rituals.
All other religions and their cultures
which are positive in nature treated prop-
erly and equally respected (recent survey
shows that about 70% Jain children are
marrying Americans).
Form compassionate point of view.
Under the current environment, American
Jain youths understand that strict vegetar-
ian (Vegan) food is more compassionate
over any animal based foods such as milk,
EDUCATION
cheese, yogurt, butter, ice-cream, sweets,
ghee. All commercial dairy product con-
sumption involves significant violence
and killing of five sense (Panchendriya)
animals. Hence all YJA conventions serve
mostly vegan foods and use environmental
friendly paper plates and cups. No plas-
tics/foam plates and cups are used.
Also, some of the Jain ritual Sutras are
male dominated and indicative of the superi-
ority of our religion over any other religions.
Hence the committee has a very difficult
task to implement traditional rituals without
modifying these sutras and rituals. Very few
Jain Acharyas and scholars of India would
help us in the preparation of Jain ritual ma-
terial suitable for American culture.
Since our Pathshala material is pre-
pared for American children, the committee
has compromised few rituals and traditions
which are place, time, and cultural depen-
dent. However, under no circumstances,
the basic Jain principles which reflect uni-
versal truth have been compromised.
To date the committee has published 9
Pathshala books and 6 reference books for
our children, youths and professionals.
There are more than 25 committee mem-
bers performing various task of preparing,
printing and distributing the material. As
per our recent survey, there are about 4000
students ranging from elementary level
to college level, who attend Jain Pathshala
classes in their centers and use the Jaina
Education material. These Pathshalas have
about 400 teachers and supporting staff.
Pathshala Curriculum:
A comprehensive, grade wise curricu-
lum in simple English is presented in these
9 Pathshala and 6 reference books. These
uniform books available to all the pathsha-
las and are sold at extremely low prices.
These books are never copyrighted and the
soft copies (pdf files) are all freely avail-
able on the JAINA and Jain eLibrary web-
sites for easy downloads.
The JAINA Educational material covers
Washington DC Pathashala in progress
By Pravin K Shah
basic Jain philosophy such as fundamental
principles, the path of liberation; six univer-
sal substances; Nine Tattvas, theory of Kar-
ma, Anekantvad and Fourteen Gunsthanaks.
In conduct section students learn about
Panch Parmeshti; Jain Ascetics, Mahavrats
and Anuvrats, Bhavnas, Leshyas, Panchachar,
Jain ethics, humanitarian and Jivdaya servic-
es, environment protection, and Jain yoga.
In literature section, the students
learn about Jain Swetambar Agams and
commentary literature, Digambar shas-
tras, Jain history, life stories of various
Tirthankars, important Acharyas, and vir-
tuous shravaks/shravikas.
Students are also taught simple rituals
like going to the Temples in both Swetam-
ber and Digambar traditions, Pooja, Six
Avashykas, Paryushan and Das Laxana. The
sutra classes emphasize the meaning of su-
tra rather than blindly memorizing them.
The Educational material cover all tradi-
tions of Jainism. Swetamber, Digambar or
Sthanakvasi parents, all send their kids to
our unified pathshalas. Medium of instruc-
tion is always English but Gujarati and Hin-
di classes are offered as language studies.
Teachers from various Pathshalas keep
in touch to learn from each other to improve
the quality of teaching. In addition Path-
shala teachers hold a Teachers conference
during JAINA Conventions to share their ex-
periences and exchange project ideas.
With all the goodwill and togetherness
displayed at this gathering, these teachers
make no effort to hide their zeal to display
accomplishments of their students at the
main event for all the Pathshalas Jain
Academic Bowl (JAB) competition. Teams
from different Pathshalas are designated
as junior teams or senior teams and under-
go 3 to 4 rounds of elimination to win the
most coveted prize of Best Team.
The author is Jaina Education
Committee Chairperson)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017

S
ince the early days of the
freedom movement, Hindi cin-
ema has made several lms to
showcase the torment Indians faced
in the dark days of British rule. Later
Manoj Kumar captured many patri-
otic components in his lms. Films
like Shaheed, and later a not so criti-
cally acclaimed Kranti, depicted the
emotions attached with the freedom
struggle. In fact, Manoj Kumar who
also starred in lms is considered
a pioneer for acting in numerous
lms dedicated to patriotism such
as Purab Aur Paschim and Roti, Ka-
pada Aur Makaan. My all time fa-
vorite patriotic song is Aye Watan
Aye Watan (from Shaheed), Manoj
Kumar once said. He was named
Bharat in many of his lms and be-
came a symbol of patriotic lms and
for extolling virtues of Indian tradi-
tions and culture. In Upkar he buil
on Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shas-
tris slogan, Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.
But apart from the freedom strug-
gle, Indian silver screen has also de-
picted several battles India is ghting
against the social evils and iniquities
since the time it got independence
from the colonial rulers. Mother In-
dia, which was released in 1957,
and starred Nargis in the title role,
became an iconic movie that depicted
the growth and development of the
Indian woman as well as the struggle
of poor people against oppression.
Directed by Mehboob Khan, it was
Indias rst submission for the Acade-
my Award for Best Foreign Language
Film in 1958 and even got nominated
among the ve for the category.
Starting with Sha-
heed playing Bhagat
Singh, Manoj Kumar
became identified
with patriotic films,
and extolling virtues
of Indian culture.
72 August 19-25, 2017 BOLLYWOOD
Patriotism
by SATimes Team
on Celluloid
From films on the freedom struggle, and post-independence, fighting the
enemy within & without, Hindi films are also on track to depict the
pride Indians now take in the countrys accomplishments.
Indian directors kept the patriotic
theme alive in post-Independence wars
films like Border, LOC Kargil, Ab Tum-
hare Hawale Watan Saathiyo,Lakshya,
and Hum Dono. But one should not for-
get Chetan Anand directed Haqeeqat
(1964). It is perhaps one of the rst Hindi
war lms starring Balraj Sahni, Dharmen-
dra and Priya Rajvansh and had the 1962
Sino-Indian War as backdrop.
It was not easy to capture on film the
journey of Indian freedom struggle that
saw many people sacrificing their lives
and some icons or heroes who ignited
the ame of freedom in India. From Ma-
hatma Gandhi to Netaji Subhash Chandra
Bose, filmmakers portrayed their lives and
their struggles doing full justice to their
subjects. Films like Khelein Hum Jee Jaan
Sey, Bose The Forgotten Hero, Legend
of Bhagat Singh,Mangal Pandey, Sardar
come to mind.
Down the decades, the entire concept
of patriotism underwent a transforma-
tion in Bollywood offerings. Filmmakers
started to divert from the battles fought
for Independence from the British to the
Development is the goal now, and NRIs need to give back to
struggle independent India has faced at
their motherland, was the message of Swadesh.
different junctures. So, many lms fo-
cused on the enemy within or dealing making patriotic lms but with a twist. Films like told the story of instilling self-confidence in Indian
with a recalcitrant neighbor, Pakistan. Swadesh, Rang De Basanti, Wednesday, Roja, womens hockey team. The character of Bhuvan
Enter a wave of Sunny Doel movies Bombayare all patriotic lms but with differ- played by Aamir Khan in Lagaan and Kabir Khan
where the enemy is forces in Pakistan: ent messages. Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar, portrayed by Shah Rukh in Chak De India achieved
a period lm like the histrionics high Swadesh starred Shah Rulh Khan and depicted cult status. Aaamir Khan starrer Dangal is about
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, to Maa Tujhhe the inner battle of an NRI scientist who decides wrestling but about women empowerment.
Salaam and The Hero: Love Story of a to return to India after feeling that his country Lately, Akshay Kumar, though he plays a va-
Spy. He also essayed the role of free- needs his service more than the foreign land. The riety of roles, has also starred in some patriotic
dom ghter Chandrashekhar Azad in lm was a hit with the NRI community. Fighting theme films: Baby, Holiday, Rustom, and Airlift.
23rd March 1931: Sha-heed. courageously in the sports arena to be No. 1 is a Airlift is not about a struggle but achievement, of
From corruption to terrorism, the variation on the patriotic theme. Lagaan, set in evacuating 170,000 Indians stranded in because
silver screen in the 21st century took to the British period, featured cricket; Chak De India of the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein.
Post-independence,
Nargis in Mother
India symbolized the
undaunting spirit of
the nation, and fight
to remove the yoke
of social and eco-
nomic oppression.
Airlift, celebrating the evacuation of
over a hundred thousand Indians
stranded in a war-torn region, indi-
cated that time has now come to take
pride in Indias accomplishments.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 74 August 19-25, 2017
'Dahi Handi' celebrated
with nationalistic flavor
Mumbai: The birth of Lord Krishna
was rung in with religious fervor
and was followed by colorful 'Dahi
Handi' with a distinct national fla
vor by thousands of Govindas all
over Mumbai and other parts of
Maharashtra on the occasion of
Krishna Janmashtami.
With the bar on heights of human
pyramids relaxed by the Bombay
High Court, the celebrations were
organized with full gusto in
Mumbai, T hane, Navi Mumbai,
Palghar, Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur,
Nagpur and other major cities.
Groups of revelers or Govindas
as they are popularly known went
around various venues singing
"Govinda Ala Re, Ala, Zara Matki
Sambhal Brij Bala" to the accompa
niment of drums and music as huge
crowds of excited onlookers wel
comed them.
T he Govinda troupes quickly
moved onto centrestage and tried
For Uma Sharma, kathak is all about Lord Krishna
New Delhi: If dance is about inspi
ration, then for renowned Kathak
dancer Uma Sharma it has always
been Lord Krishna who continues
to motivate her. For the past 30
years, Sharma has been presenting
the "raas lee la" of Vrindavan
through dance.
"Kathak is 'katha kahe so kathak
kehlawa'; the dance form itself
speaks of the stories associated
with Lord Krishna. It's a narration
of a story, through gestures, and
suddenly one starts using footwork
movements to express the happi
ness," the 74yearold dancer told
IANS in an interview.
In 1973, Sharma became the
youngest dancer to have been hon
oured with the Padma Shri. In
2001, she was conferred the
Padma Bhushan for her contribu
tion towards enriching classical
dance. She was also bestowed with
the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
and also the Sahitya Kala Parishad
Award. Sharma has also been hon
oured with the "Srijan Manishi"
title by the Akhil Bhartiya Vikram
Parishad for her great contribution
to Kathak. Calling herself a tradi
tional dancer, Sharma recollected
how her inclination towards Lord
Krishna grew.
"I once saw M.S. Subbulakshmi
playing Meera and was fascinated
the way the character was in love
with the lord. I wanted to be a simi
lar kind of devotee. When I took
Kathak as my profession, I was
automatically inclined towards
themes, songs and poses associated
with Krishna," the dancer remem
their luck at the 'Dahi Handi', pot of
milk, butter and curds, hanging
high above the ground, between 30
40 feet.
Those successfully breaking the
'Dahi Handi' hanging barely within
reach of the precariously balanced
human pyramids, were rewarded
with grand prizes in cash and kind,
besides fame and glory.
Combining the spirit of 'Dahi
Handi' with the country's
Independence Day celebrations, the
revelers sported tattoos, face colors,
attires in the national tricolour,
while pots were decorated in the tri
color and other symbols of national
ism. In Mumbai, major pyramids
built over six to eight tiers were wit
nessed in Dadar, Ghatkopar,
Borivali, Jogeshwari and Mulund,
besides Thane and Navi Mumbai,
many patronized by local units of
major political parties.
A Dadar group managed to break
Dancer Uma Sharma.
(Photo: IANS)
bered. It was during the early days,
when Sharma started reading
poems of Surdas, Raidas and other
poets belonging to the 15th and
16th centuries who wrote on Lord
Krishna, that she found a sense of
belonging. Her discovery of love
for Krishna took a prominent shape
when she chose Kathak as her pro
fession.
Born in Dholpur, Rajasthan, in a
strict Brahmin family, Sharma
believes that her family atmos
phere has also been largely respon
sible for encouraging her devotion
towards Lord Krishna.
"My family has been an avid wor
shiper of Krishna. Janmashtami is a
big festival for us. Ever since my
childhood I have grown up (in an
environment) where loving Lord
Krishna has been encouraged,"
noted Sharma, who belongs to the
Jaipur gharana.
FESTIVALS TheSouthAsianTimes.info
the 'Dahi Handi' pot with an eight
tier pyramid, while a Thane allgirls
group succeeded with a sixtier
pyramid.
In Thane, the biggest prize money
on of fer was Rs 11 lakh and in
Ghatkopar the figure was Rs 25
lakh for the successful Govinda
troupe.
The Jai Jawan Mandal of Thane
attempted to build a ninetier pyra
mid, but before the top Govinda
could grab the pot, it came crashing
down like a pack of cards.
Allgirls Govinda groups in Dadar,
Goregaon and Vikhroli were a huge
attraction when they created six
tier pyramids, while an allgirls
group of Vile Parle managed to
reach and break the 'Dahi Handi'
pot, amidst deafening cheers and Govindas participate in DahiHandi festival in Mumbai. (Photo: IANS)
claps, making them among the first
to succeed in the city on Tuesday ed stringent security measures like the fall besides volunteers ready to
afternoon. As per government direc helmets, harnesses and body belts, rush them to waiting ambulances in
tives, all the organisers implement mattresses on the ground to soften case a pyramid collapsed.
Her devotion and love became her is teaching the younger genera She might be a devotee of
stronger with time as she often tion the older form of traditional Krishna but that does not stop her
used to visit Vrindavan for her dances. from incorporating other themes in
research on the "raas leela" theme. "Today's youth are not aware of her performances.
"Krishna came nearer to me as the stories associated with mythol "I am choreographing a number
the days passed by. And every year ogy, sagas or Lord Krishna. In my of ballets. I brought other poets
I merge raas leela with Kathak. I dance school I teach young stu into Kathak, whether it's Ghalib or
would bring up new aspects and dents how to bring out the emo Kaifi Azmi in Urdu, Tagore and
perform on Krishna as the theme," tions of love, relationship between Nazrul in Bengali, or other lan
she said. Krishna and Radha or his raas leela guages. I am already bringing in
Even though there have been with gopis. It is my attempt to carry sonnets of other languages to per
many changes in the presentation forward those stories through my form," she concluded.
of the Kathak dance, Sharma dance form," she said.
believes that she has been success
ful in creating her own genre in the
dance form and doesn't feel the Janmashtami gets
need to bring about much change.
"I don't feel any sort of chal
lenge; rather I am very
freedom flavor
much satisfied the way I Mathura:
represent Kathak. Janmashtami A view of spectacularly illuminated Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
What I keep looking celebrations this Temple in Mathura. (Photo: IANS)
for is dif ferent year had a distinct
aspects in the freedom flavor, with
Krishna theme some Sri Krishna idols
like going deep attired in colors of the
i n t o national flag and tricol
Mahabharata or "burfies" distributed
and narrating as prasad here.
the unheard Temples in Mathura and
s t o r i e s Vrindavan used the colors
t h r o u g h of the national flag for
movements... I decoration. Street light
have worked ing, banners and the
so much on the ubiquitous hoardings of
Krishna theme politicians greeting
that I am in it; pilgrims have fused
Krishna is now festival flavor with
within me and I am patriotic fervor.
in Krishna," the "The unique
dancer stated. Sharma feature this
however feels that the only year is
challenge that lies ahead of the impact of the boycott of Chinese decorative items in re
sponse to tension on our borders," said Acharya
Jaimini, a resident.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 76 August 19-25, 2017 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

India, China discuss PM Modi dividing the

border peace
Beijing/New Delhi: As a tense mili
tary standoff in Doklam entered the
third month, senior Indian and
Chinese army of ficers discussed
another border row, a day after
troops of the two countries scuffled
and threw stones at each other in
Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh sec
tor.
According to Army sources in
Delhi, a "prescheduled" Border
Personnel Meeting was held near
Chusul border area in Ladakh.
The sources said the meeting dis
cussed the incidents and issues to
ensure "strengthening of existing
mechanisms for maintaining peace
and tranquility" on the Line of
Actual Control (LAC) that divides
the cold Ladakh region between
India and China.
Troops of both sides had scuffled
near Pangong Lake in the western
sector of the India and China
boundary after Chinese troops tried
to cross the LAC in areas known as
Finger Four and Finger Five. The
standof f continued for more than
an hour, during which soldiers on
both sides were involved in stone
NO weapons were used in the skirmish.
pe lting, which led to injury to
troops on both sides, the sources
said. This is a one of its kind inci
dent where troops were involved in
a skirmish, though no weapons
were used. Later, a standard drill in
which banners are shown asking
the other side to go back to the
agreed point was held, and the
Chinese troops retreated.
Defense Minister Arun Jaitley and
Army of ficials in Delhi refused to
country: Rahul Gandhi
Bengaluru: Congress Vice
President Rahul Gandhi accused
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of
"dividing" the country by allowing
the BJP cadres to "beat up Dalits
and kill minorities".
"PM Modi has been busy divid
ing the country. He allows his
party people to beat up Dalits, kill
minorities and does not condemn
it," Gandhi said, addressing a gath
ering of party workers at a public
meeting here.
He attacked the Prime Minister
for not mentioning the Gorakhpur
deaths, rising unemployment and
The Congress vice president was
the Doklam standof f in his
addressing a gathering of party
Independence Day speech at the
workers in Bengaluru.
Red Fort. "The Prime Minister did
not tell you that the rate of unem budget, which he said, was why
ployment is the highest in eight the hospital could not buy oxygen
comment on the incident but did
years. He had promised two crore cylinders.
not deny it either.
jobs yearly. What is the Prime "Did anyone hear the Prime
"This is not a subject on which the
Minister doing about giving jobs Minister say that the Chinese
government normally makes a com
to youngsters?" Gandhi ques forces are sitting inside Bhutan?"
ment," the Defense Minister said in
tioned. "He did not tell you that On Jammu and Kashmir, Gandhi
Delhi. Chinese officials on the other
many babies died in Gorakhpur lamented that the Modi govern
hand said they were not aware of
due to his health policies," he said, ment had "destroyed in just one
the Ladakh incident, saying border
adding that medical facilities month" all the work done by the
troops always patrol on the Chinese
aren't available for the poor in previous Congressled govern
side along the LAC. Beijing also
India. He accused the Modi gov ment over 10 years to bring peace
asked New Delhi to abide by the
ernment of "cutting" the health to the region.
LAC.

Sushma announces
medical visas for
NIA widens net in Kashmir
Pakistanis
New Delhi: On the occasion of Independence Day,
the Ministry of External Affairs announced that
terror money trail
India will pro Srinagar/New Delhi: The NIA widened its
vide medical net in the Kashmir terror money trail and
visas to all bona conducted searches at a dozen locations in
fide Pakistan Jammu and Kashmir, including the houses
patients. of a prominent Kashmiri businessman and
In a tweet, a lawyer both said to be close to hardline
External Affairs separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Minister The fresh operation was a followup
Sushma Swaraj search by the National Investigation
said: "On the Agency (NIA) in the Kashmir terror fund
auspicious occa ing case that has already led to the arrest
sion of India's of eight separatist leaders for their alleged
Independence involvement in giving money received
day, we will from Pakistan to overground workers of
grant medical the Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkare
visa in all Taiba militant outfits to fuel unrest in the
bonafide cases valley.
pending with An NIA spokesperson said in New Delhi
that of ficials searched the premises
us." The searches were carried out to probe funding from Pakistan and militant groups
As ties belonging to the family, relatives and
External Affairs Minister
between the two Sushma Swaraj at Parliament aides of Zahoor Watali an influential scanner for nearly two months and was hard drives have been seized during the
Kashmiri businessman known to be called for repeated questioning at the searches," the NIA spokesman said in a
countries in New Delhi.
soured over var friends with Pakistani leaders and sepa agency's Delhi headquarters, was quizzed statement. "Some of the documents seized
ious issues, the ministry had announced in May ratists as well as mainstream politicians in afresh. The Srinagar house of lawyer relate to receipt of money from suspect
that only a letter of recommendation by Pakistan Kashmir. Mohammad Shafi Reshi, one of the closest foreign sources and distribution of money
Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz will enable a Former Pakistanadministered Kashmir aides of Geelani, was also searched so received to certain persons in (the)
Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India. Prime Minister Sultan Mehmoo d sparking protests by the Kashmir High Kashmir Valley."
However, on July 18, a patient from Pakistan Chaudhary had attended the marriage cer Court Bar Association in Srinagar. The investigating agency first conduct
administered Kashmir, seeking treatment in New emony of Watali's son at the business "The house belonging to Shafi Reshi and ed raids in Kashmir, Delhi, and Haryana in
Delhi for a liver tumor, was granted a visa. Swaraj man's residence in the posh Srinagar premises related to Watali were searched June in its search for evidences of sepa
said that he needed no recommendation from the neighborhood of Baagaat. His business and a lot of incriminating material, sus ratist leaders and businessmen receiving
Pakistan government for a medical visa because empire is reportedly spread in Delhi, pect financial records and propertyrelat funds from Hafiz Saeed, who heads
the territory is "an integral part of India". Mumbai, Chandigarh and Dubai. Sources ed documents and electronic devices Lashkar front JamaatudDawa charity
said Watali, who has been under the NIA including mobile phones, pen drives and and other Pakistanbased militant outfits.
 78 August 19-25, 2017 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

l By Shivaji Sengupta

A
mericans are awash with the
conversat ion on North
Koreas successful testing of
their first ICBM (Inter Continental
Ballistic Missile). These missiles
carry nuclear warheads across the
Pacific Ocean, onto the Western
Hemisphere, into the United States.
In other words, what was consid
ered impossible even a year ago
that North Korea did not yet have
nuclear deploying capacity is sud
denly a menace.
North Koreas Chairman of the
Workers Party, Kim Jong Un, holds
a position similar to the head of
state his late father used to hold.
And, like his father only worse is
his penchant for setting the world
ablaze with his rant. Time was
when the Western Hemisphere
used to taunt Kim senior as full of
sound and fury, signifying nothing.
While he could talk a good talk,
they said, he was a toothless tiger,
without wealth or weapon, propped
by Big Brother China on whom
North Korea depended for just
about everything.
Now, however, the younger Kims
North Korea is beginning to com
mand fear, if not respect. This Kims
bark is worse than his fathers
because of his potential to bite. The
nuclear weapons North Korea has
possessed for a while now were
never of ficial. Now, with the sud
den advent of the ICBMs, the
United States cannot ignore
Chairman Kim anymore. Things are
coming to a head. North Korea has
declared testing its ICBMs by shoot
ing the missiles over Japan, landing
North Korea, the United States
and Trumps foreign policy
Our president, Donald J. Trump, is caught between a screaming and
shrieking Kim Jong Un and a silent Xi of China.
is, had convinced millions of poor which, poor Trump took to mean
white Americans that China was yes. Upon returning to China, the
responsible for their joblessness, Chairman did absolutely nothing to
poverty and misery, along with the rein in their Korean neighbors. If
several presidents from George anything, Kim Jong Un became
Bush Senior to Barak Obama. Once even more belligerent.
he became president, said Donald J. Hitherto, past American presi
Trump, to all his simpleton sup dents seemed to have an unspoken
porters, he would level the playing agreement with China. Regardless
field with China completely. of how much each criticized the
Now, the Chinese are an ancient others politics and social mores,
civilization, wizened and wise. neither would take drastic stands
Bhabani Sen Gupta, the eminent regarding business. Trump threat
late Indian journalist, wrote in a ened to upset that applecart, and
book called Tibet Disappears, still thinks that the Chinese would
Never trust the Chinese. With their cooperate in matters with North
North Korea under Kim Jong Un has acquired nuclear capability, and
has been testing ICBMs. (Photo courtesy: chosun.com) inscrutable faces, and similarly Korea.
inscrutable mind, with immense So, our president, Donald J.
them within 40 miles of U.S. territo that to happen, we need China. confidence and endless patience in Trump, is caug ht between a
ry, Guam. America needs to do As a businessman, President their own practical wisdom, they screaming and shrieking Kim Jong
something. Donald Trump used to perceive can outwit and outsmart anybody Un and a silent Xi. Now the presi
The question is, what? China as a trades enemy. Having in the world. dent wants to exchange business
Whatever the U.S. does, seems wrested a thoroughly unequal and Donald Trump is finding out that privileges for keeping North Korea
like a dif ficult situation. It cannot thus unfair trade regulations with now. Like a sophomore school boy, quiet.
strike North Korea aerially without the U.S., ever since the days of he admitted how complex the The Chinese want Freeze for
physically and severely affecting its Richard Nixon, China now enjoys North Korean situation was after Freeze, the Americans should not
strong ally, South Korea. The best mammoth trade advantages in this being tutored by Chairman Xi of carry out military activities on the
the U.S. can hope for is that the country that the United States does China during the latters U.S. visit. Korean borders, and the North
North doesnt carry out their threat not in China. When Trump asked him for help should freeze (not eliminate) their
of testing their intercontinental bal Candidate Trump, the quintessen w ith the North Koreans, the nuclear weapons.
listic missiles near Guam. And for tial businessman that he thinks he Chairman said neither yes nor no, Neither side wants to budge.

US military leaders condemn Trump kicks up a storm, blaming 'both

racism after Charlottesville sides' for Charlottesville violence
Washington: In a rare weigh in on the issue, Washington: President Donald
move, top commanders tweeting as news of the Trump has again "blamed both
in the US military are violence unfolded on sides" for the deadly violence at a
speaking out in the Saturday. white supremacist rally over the
wake of the deadly "Events in wee kend in Charlottesville,
violence that erupted Charlottesville unac Virginia, that resulted in the death
at a white supremacist ceptable and musn't of a 32yearold woman.
rally in be tolerated In a show of defiance, Trump told
Charlottesville, @USNavy for reporters in Manhattan on Tuesday
VA, over the
Five US Joint Chiefss tatements ever stands that there were "two sides to a
are not directly addressing
weekend. Five against intoler story" just a day after he had belat
Trump's comments.
US Joint Chiefs ance & hatred," edly condemned racist hate groups
have issued public condemnations the post said. On Tuesday, for the mayhem at the "Unite the
On Tuesday at a press conference in Trump Tower in New York, the
of white supremacist groups in the Commandant of the US Marine Rig ht" rally in Virg inia, the
President again seemed to suggest moral equivalency between white
wake of the racial unrest. President Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller spoke Washington Post reported.
supremacists and protesters. He was standing with Steve Mnuchin, a
Trump expanded the controversy out, tweeting that there was "No "I think there is blame on both Jew, and Elaine Chao, Asian American. (Photo: YouTube)
Tuesday when he appeared to draw place for racial hatred or extrem sides. You had a group on one side
a moral equivalency between neo ism in @USMC. Our core values of that was bad. You had a group on sides" were to blame for the vio On Tuesday, the President defend
Nazis and counterprotesters. Honor, Courage, and Commitment the other side that was also very lence at the rally, saying he needed ed his 48hour delay in denouncing
The statements are not directly frame the way Marines live and violent. Nobody wants to say that. to "know the facts" before calling white supremacists, arguing that
addressing Trump's comments but act." On Wednesday, Chief of Staff I'll say it right now." out neoNazis and the Ku Klux he took his time because he didn't
are instead presented as a message of the Army Gen. Mark Milley post He equated the white suprema Klan. know the facts. Trump also made it
to the general public, their troops ed: "The Army doesn't tolerate cists on one side with the "altleft" His initial response to the vio clear that he believes that many of
and potential recruits. But the mes racism, extremism, or hatred in our on the other side and said that "alt lence was quickly panned by the participants in the rally were
sages are notable as US military ranks. It's against our Values and left" groups were "very, very vio Democrats and Republicans alike. taking part in a lawful demonstra
leaders traditionally uphold an everything we've stood for since lent" when they sought to confront He remained silent on Sunday. tion against the Charlottesville city
ironclad commitment to stay out of 1775." Followed a post from Air the white nationalist and neoNazi After mounting pressure, Trump council's decision to remove a stat
politics. Chief of Naval Operations Force Gen. Dave Goldfein and Chief g roups that had g athered in spoke on Monday and condemned ue of Confederate General Robert
Adm. John Richardson was the first of the National Guard Bureau Charlottesville. Trump also defend the white supremacists and neo E. Lee from a public square, the
member of the military brass to Joseph Lengyel. ed his initial response that "many Nazis at the heart of the violence. report said.
 80 August 19-25, 2017 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Varli Food Festival Victory 2017 adds Amit Jani to

Democratic Coordinated Campaign
returns with Master Newark: Victory 2017, the
coordinated campaign
County Director for the
South Asian American

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor between Murphy

Governor and the New Jersey
Democratic State Committee
for Caucus w ithin the New
Jersey Demo crat ic State
Committee.
New York, NY: A pioneer 2013. has announced the hiring of In 2016, he played a lead
in culinary events, Varli This years Varli Food two veteran state political ership role in South Asians
Singh brings the famous Festival will feature over operatives who will under for Hillary, which assisted
Varli Food Festival to New 40 Indian restaurants, take crucial roles between the Hillary for America cam
Jersey on September celebrities and chefs from now and Election Day. paign on outreach nationally
10th. The event will be around the world. Tasting Victory 2017 Director Iris to the South Asian communi
he ld outdoors at stations will showcase M. Delgado said that Justin Amit Jani ty and currently serves as
Martinsville Gardens in foo d demonstrat ions, Braz and Amit Jani have a national cochair of the suc
Bridgewater, New Jersey cooking techniques as joined the campaign effort. Braz will coor cessor organization South Asians for
from 4pm 9pm and we ll as foo d samples, dinate Victory 2017s work among the America.
hosted by celebrity chef w ine and desserts. states organized labor unions, while Jani Jani has also been a district representa
and entrepreneur, Sanjeev Masterche f Sanjeev will undertake electoral ef forts among tive for Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., in
Kapoor. Kapoor known for his New Jerseys growing Asian American and Long Branch, and was a legislative aide to
Im so excited to invite popular TV show Khana Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Cong resswoman Judy Chu and the
people to this years Varli Khazana w ill have his Justin and Amit both bring a wealth of Congressional Asian Pacific American
Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor will
Food Festival as its the own cooking station at firsthand organizing experience that can Caucus in Washington. He has also assist
have his own cooking station at
first time we are doing it the event. the event. Kapoor along not be matched, said Delgado. They are ed on campaigns in the 14th Legislative
outside. Its an honor to with Chef KN Vinod will trusted, they are tested, and they produce District for Senator Linda Greenstein and
host such renowned chefs and entrepre be judging the Varli Cook Off competition results. For the next 13 weeks, they will Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo and Daniel
neurs under our brand name, says Varli where chefs race against time to create the play critical roles in building the diverse Benson.
Singh, founder of the Varli brand who most delicious cuisine. coalition that Democrats will need to elect He is the cofounder and president of the
launched Varli Food Festival in 2011 with a The Varli Food Festival will also celebrate champions up and down the ballot. We are New Jersey Leadership Program, an organ
soldout event in New York City. She also the launch of Rickys Nationwide Food excited to have them aboard. ization that exposes South Asian youth to
introduced an exclusive kid only festival in Service Distribution. Amit Jani currently serves as a Hudson government and politics.

Upset Hindus seek Indian NGO featured in Netflix docuseries

New York: In 1997, an Indian

resignation & apology American businessman had a radical

idea about how to fight generational
poverty and founded a special school in

of Kelloggs CEO for India to make it happen. It's called

beef non-disclosure
New York: Upset Hindus are seeking resignation
and apology of multinational food company
Kelloggs CEO John A. Bryant for nondisclosure of
beef in some of its cereals and other products, and
immediate recall of all such items from the market.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in
Nevada said that it was shocking for Hindus to
learn that some of the cereals, etc., they had been
eating for years contained beef while there was no
mention of beef under the ingredients mentioned
on the boxes/packages.
Consumption of beef is highly conflicting to
Hindu beliefs. Cow, the seat of many deities, is
sacred and has long been venerated in Hinduism;
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of
Hinduism, points out.
According to a press release sent out by Zed a
response from Kellogg Consumer Af fairs for an
enquiry received on August 12 via email, however,
admittedgelatin derived from beef is found in
the following: All varieties of Kellogg's Frosted
PopTarts, All varieties of Kellogg's Frosted
MiniWheats cereal, All varieties of Kellogg's
Rice Krispies Treats cereal. Some of our foods
contain gelatin that is derived from either beef or
pork; which include: All Kellogg's fruit flavored
snacks, All Kellogg's Krave Treat Bars.
It was a very serious issue for the devotees and
would severely hurt their feelings when they
would come to know that they were unknowingly
eating beeflaced popular cereals and other
Kelloggs products, Rajan Zed noted. Kellogg's
Frosted MiniWheats cereal was reportedly intro
duced in 1969.
Shanti Bhavan, and it's the subject of a
new Netflix do cuseries called
Daughters of Destiny. The series, now
available for streaming on Netflix,
depicts how the unique educational
model of the residential school empow
ers five young women to break the
cycle of poverty. Directed by Academy
Award winning filmmaker Vanessa
Roth, and scored by Academy and Director of operations Ajit George meeting students
GrammyAward winning music com (Photo courtesy: Shanti Bhavan Children's Project)
poser A.R. Rahman, the docuseries aims
to capture the current schools success,
with hope of inspiring supporters to
donate to Shanti Bhavans 2017 capital
campaign to build a second school in
India.
Founded and led by the George fami Students of
ly, Shanti Bhavan caters exclusively to Shanti Bhavan
the needs of India's most disenfran
chised children and is the only pro
gram of its kind, offering 17 years of
rigorous academics, leadership devel
opment and professional guidance,
completely free of charge. According to family has seen tremendous success too will give back to others in need.
Ajit George, the schools director of with Shanti Bhavans unique model. Our goal now is to expand our reach, to
operations, $1,600 annually is spent Shanti Bhavan graduates have a 100% help as many children as possible,
caring for each child for their first 14 university acceptance rate, work at states George.
years, with an additional $3,200 annu companies such as Amazon, Deloitte To that end, Shanti Bhavan is current
ally for the three years of college. and Ernst & Young, and contribute 20 ly raising funds for a second school,
The poverty our children experience 50% of their salaries to their families which will begin construction in 2018.
is generational, passed on from parent and communities. If you give impover A fundraiser cochaired by Freida
to child for hundreds of years. It is also ished children the tools other kids have Pintoand doubling as a celebration
both social and financiala potent and and raise them in an environment that of Shanti Bhavans 20thanniversary
corrosive combination of discrimina is supportive and nurturingand that will take place at Manhattans Bowery
t ion and economic deprivat ion. is itself a model of civic engagement Hotel this November. Roth and Top
Breaking that cycle requires radical not only will they succeed, but when Chef host Padma Lakshmi will be the
intervention, says George. The George they have the ability to do so, but they guests of honor.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
82 August 19-25, 2017
Chicago: Veggie Fest 2017 on
August 1213 saw over 45,000
happy people enjoying the free
event held on the grounds of
Benedictine College in Lisle, in
metropolitan Chicago.
Those coming for the first time
were amazed at the quality of the
festival. A sample of the comments:
This was impressive the booths,
the music, the food, and the peo
ple... A fabulous food festival with
amazing choices. Informative talks
from meditation to health and
diet It was awesome loved the
food, loved the vendors, and loved
the speakers. . . This was my first
time attending Veggie Fest and I'm
in love! Thank you to all who made
it happen!
The lines of people signing up to
take the 14day Vegetarian
Challenge were continuous. From
there, people went to the How to
Be Vegetarian tent to learn the
basics of making healthy food
choices. The RUSH Medical
tent was busy too checking
blood pressure, sugar and
cholesterol numbers.
Dr. Terry Mason, head of the
Cook County Public Health System,
was at Veggie Fest again this year
to talk about the health benefits of
a plantbased diet, as was Dr. Kim
Williams, Sr., Professor of
Medicine and Cardiology at Rush
University Medical Center and
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Thousands come to
feast at
There were over a hundred
booths, food demos, health
talks and much more at the
Veggie Fest, now in its 12the
year in Chicago metro area.
lifestyle which leads to more
peaceful environment. He also
faculty at University of Chicago. talked about the importance of a
vegetarian diet as part of a suc
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj,
cessful meditation practice.
head of Science of Spirituality, host
Jonathan Kruger, festival coordi
sponsor of the event, spoke about
nator, said, "We're thrilled with the
vegetarianism as a compassionate
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
incred
ible turnout. Many of the people
who came are already vegetarian
or vegan, but I am impressed by
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj,
head of Science of Spirituality,
host sponsor of the event, was the
Keynote Speaker.
how open to change everyone is."
With a huge, expanded, interna
tional food court, health profes
sionals speaking on diet, lifestyle,
and environmental issues, engag
ing food demos (with free samples)
by restaurant owners, chefs, and
authors, an incredible children's
tent, live music from some of
Chicago's best bands, over 100
vendor booths to explore, terrif
ic sponsors including Whole
Foods and Nature's Path
Organics, and free admission and
free parking, Veggie Fest has
become the goto summer event in
the Chicagoland area.
www.VeggieFestChicago.org.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 84 August 19-25, 2017 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Google just bought an Donald Trump ends

Indianorigin professor's
health monitoring startup
San Francisco: Google has acquired
Senosis Health, a Seattlebased
health monitoring startup founded
by University of Washington
Professor Shwetak Patel, the media
reported.
The startup turns smartphones
into medical devices and collects
various health stats, The Verge
reported on Tuesday.
Using functions on a smartphone
including its accelerometer, micro
phone, flash and camera, the
Senosis apps can monitor lung
health and hemoglobin counts,
among other things, the report said.
For example, to measure the
hemoglobin, Senosis' app uses the
phone's flash to illuminate a user's
finger.
It marks the latest acquisition for
Samsung registers over 19 patents per day in US
Seoul: South Korean tech giant
Samsung Electronics Co regis
tered an average of 19 patents
per day in the US in the first
seven months of this year, indus
try data showed.
Citing the data by US online
Shwetak Patel
Patel, whose past startup ventures
have landed in the hands of compa
nies such as Belkin International
and Sears, according to
Geekwire.com which first reported
the acquisition on Sunday.
journal Quartz, Yonhap news
agency reported that a total of
4,143 patents were registered by
Samsung Electronics till August 1,
w ith a daily average of 19.5
patents.
Only IBM posted more patents
Patel, who founded the company
with four others, is a professor at
University of Washington's comput
er science and engineering faculty.
According to a biography at
University of Washington website,
Patel was a founder of Zensi, Inc., a
demand side energy monitoring
solutions provider, which was
acquired by Belkin, Inc in 2010.
He is also a cofounder of a low
power wireless sensor platform
company called SNUPI Technologies
and a consumer home sensing prod
uct called WallyHome.
WallyHome was acquired by
Sears in 2015.
A recipient of many awards, his
past work was also honoured by the
New York Times as a top technology
of the year in 2005. (IANS)
5,797 in total over the same
period.
Intel Corporation was placed
third with 2,064 registers, fol
lowed by Google Inc with 1,775
and Microsoft Corporation with
1,673.
manufacturing
council after CEOs quit
Washington: US President Donald
Trump said that he was disband
ing both the Manufacturing
Council and the Strategy and
Policy Forum, as business leaders
resigned from the council over his
remarks on Charlottesville vio
lence. "Rather than putting pres
sure on the business people of the
Manufacturing Council & Strategy
& Policy Forum, I am ending both.
Thank you all!" Trump tweeted on
Wednesday.
The decision was made after
eight members of the Intel CEO Brian Krzanich
Manufacturing Council resigned in is third executive to leave
the wake of Trump's remarks over Trump council
the Charlottesville violence on the (Image courtesy: cnbc.com)
weekend, which placed blame on Manufacturing Council, he will
both sides of the clash, Xinhua have more time to LOWER RIPOFF
news agency reported. DRUG PRICES!"
Ken Frazier, the CEO of pharma But Trump's attacks on Frazier
ceutical giant Merck, was the first didn't stop others from distancing
to exit the Manufacturing Council themselves from the council, as
on Monday, saying: "America's
leaders must honor our funda
top executives of Intel, Under
Armour, Alliance of American
mental values by clearly rejecting Manufacturing, AFLCIO, and
expressions of hatred, bigotry and Campbell Soup have also resigned
group supremacy." from the council.
Trump retaliated minutes later The Manufacturing council was
on twitter, saying "now that Ken an advisory pane l set up in
Frazier of Merck Pharma has January aimed at boosting jobs in
resigned from President's the manufacturing sector.

SUBCONTINENT

Nawaz Sharif challenges BeijingIslamabad

disqualification verdict
in top court
Islamabad: Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday filed an appeal in the
Supreme Court for review of the Panama
Papers verdict that led to his disqualification.
The landmark order had disqualified Sharif
for hiding his assets and UAE's Iqama (work
permit) on which he was to receive payment.
Advocate Khuwaja Haris on behalf of Sharif
filed three applications with the top court. In
his application the exPrime Minister request
ed the Supreme Court to review its judgement.
He submitted that he had not concealed the
documents in his nomination papers for the
2013 polls the reason for which the court
had disqualified him, terming him dishonest
and untrustworthy.
In the application, Sharif said that under
Article 188 of the Constitution, he cannot be
disqualified without a trial.
In the July 28 landmark verdict, the apex
court's fivejudge larger bench unanimously
disqualified Sharif due to his failure to dis
close his "unwithdrawn receivables, constitut
ing assets" in his nomination papers filed
ahead of the 2013 general elections. The
Nawaz Sharif (Image: pakistanpoint.com)
bench had also directed the Nat ional
Accountability Bureau to file cases against
Sharif, his sons Hassan Nawaz, Hussain
Nawaz, daughter Maryam Nawaz, soninlaw
Muhammad Safdar and then Finance Minister
Ishaq Dar.
friendship stronger than
steel: Chinese leader
Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday cele
brated its 71st Independence Day, with
Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang saying
the BeijingIslamabad friendship "is
stronger than steel and sweeter than
honey."
Wang, who attended the flag hoisting
ceremony at Islamabad's Convention
Centre, said China and Pakistan had
stood by each other in dif ficult times
and "this friendship will stand the test of
time and grow with coming genera
tions", Dawn reported.
The ceremony began with a 31gun
salute here, after a flag hoisting event by
President Mamnoon Hussain.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
and all three chiefs of the country's
armed services were present on the
occasion that marked the day when
Pakistan and India got freedom from
British colonial rule.
A 21gun salute was observed in the
provincial capitals and commemorative
ceremonies were held in all major cities,
the media reported.
Hussain said on the occasion: "Let us
join hands for development and pros
perity of the motherland by keeping
aside our dif ferences. Let us promote
love and harmony by overcoming hatred
and misgivings."
Army chief General Qamar Javed
Bajwa on Sunday midnight hoisted the
largest national flag in the history of
Pakistan at the PakistanIndia border at
Wagah. The 120x80 feet flag was hoist
ed on a 400feet pole.
He said: "We will execute each and
every terrorist in Pakistan."
And in an obvious reference to
Afghanistan and India, he said he want
ed "to tell our enemies, whether they are
in the in east or west," that Pakistani sol
diers would never bow to them.
Acknowledging Pakistan's "internal
and external challenges", he added: "Any
power that will aim to weaken Pakistan,
the Pakistan Army and all other institu
tions will foil their attempts."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 86 August 19-25, 2017
Guam threat: Trump
praises Kim Jongun
The move by N Korea has eased escalating tension
between the two countries.
Washington: US President Donald
Trump praised North Korean
leader Kim Jongun for appearing
to back down on his threat to
launch missiles towards the US
territory of Guam.
In an early morning tweet,
Trump said: "Kim Jongun of
North Korea made a very wise
and well reasoned decision. The
alternative would have been both
catastrophic and unacceptable!"
Trump appeared to be referring
to the North Korean leader's deci
sion to put a hold on launching
four missiles into the waters
around the Pacific island of
Israel cancels Al Jazeera
reporter's press credentials
Jerusalem: Israeli authorities have
cancelled the press credentials of
an Al Jazeera reporter, after he
said his journalism was part of the
Palestinian "resistance".
Communications Minister Ayoub
Kara approved the move as part of
his efforts to shut down the Qatari
owned cable news channe l in
Israel, reports The Jerusalem Post.
Elias Karam, a senior reporter at
Al Jazeera's Jerusalem bureau, said
in an interview to the Muslim
Brotherhood TV channel Dar Al
Iman in May 2016: "As a
Palestinian journalist who is in an
occupied area or a conflict area,
journalistic work is an integral part
of the resistance and of political
and educational action.
"A journalist fulfills his role in
the resistance through his pen,
voice or camera, because he is part
of this nation and is resisting in his
unique way," he added.
Karam has been asked to attend
a hearing, at which Israe l's
Government Press Organization
will make a final decision about his
Guam, as Pyongyang had previ
ously threatened, CNN reported.
Earlier this week, Kim praised
the North Korean military for cre
ating a "close and careful plan" to
launch missiles towards Guam.
However, he said he would
watch the "foolish and stupid con
duct of the Yankees" before decid
ing whether to order the test in a
move that was seen as leaving the
door open to diplomatic efforts.
The North Korean state media
reported that Kim had reviewed
the previously announced plan,
but had decided not to go ahead
with the proposal for now.
Al Jazeera declined to immediately comment on the move.
credentials.
The GPO said Karam's comments
call into question his ability to be a
professional journalist, represent
ing a foreign network, if he is tak
ing an active part in the conflict.
Al Jazeera declined to immediate
ly comment on the move.
Karam, 40, is an Israeli citizen
who resides in Nazareth, and has
had a GPO card as an Al Jazeera
INTERNATIONAL
US designates Hizbul
as terror outfit
Washington: In a diplomatic victory
for India, the US designated
Pakistanbased militant outfit
Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) as a
Foreign Terrorist Organization and
as a Specially Designated Global
Terrorist (SDGT) organization.
In an order, the US State
Department said the designation of
the HM as a terror organization
would deny it the resources it needs
to carry out terrorist attacks, its
assets in the US would be frozen,
and US citizens prohibited from
engaging with the group.
The US action comes a day after
US President Donald Trump spoke
on the phone with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and congratulated
him on the occasion of
Independence Day. During the talk,
both sides also decided to set up a
new 2by2 ministerial dialogue to
elevate their strategic consultations.
Trump and Modi also said they
look forward to the Global
Entrepreneurship Summit in India
this November, in which the US
President's daughter Ivanka Trump
is to lead the US delegation. The US
State Department move also comes
as the first ever shipment of
American crude oil to India is taking
place from Texas this month.
Trump, during his talk, also pledged
that the US would continue to be a
reliable, longterm supplier of ener
reporter since 2011, T he
Jerusalem Post reported.
Earlier this month, Kara
announced plans to close Al
Jazeera's Jerusalem office and stop
the channel from being broadcast
in Israel, on grounds of incitement.
Foreign journalists need to hold
GPO cards to enter official events
and to get in and out of the West
Bank and Gaza Strip.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.
gy. The terror tag on the outfit rorist attacks. Among other conse
would come as a blow to Pakistan, quences, all of HM's property and
whose top leaders have openly interests in property subject to US
described Hizbul commander jurisdiction are blocked, and US per
Burhan Wani, who was killed in a sons are generally prohibited from
gunfight last year, as a martyr. engaging in any transactions with
The US State Department state the group.
ment said: "The Department of State "Formed in 1989, HM is one of
has designated Hizbul Mujahideen the largest and oldest militant
also known as HizbulMujahideen, groups operating in Kashmir. Hizbul
also known as HM as a Foreign Mujahideen is led by Specially
Terrorist Organization under sec Designated Global Terrorist
tion 219 of the Immigration and Mohammad Yusuf Shah, also known
Nationality Act, and as a Specially as Syed Salahuddin. Hizbul
Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) Mujahideen has claimed responsi
under section 1(b) of Executive bility for several attacks, including
Order (E.O.) 13224. These designa the April 2014, explosives attack in
tions seek to deny HM the the state of Jammu and Kashmir,
resources it needs to carry out ter which injured 17 people.
37 die in clash between
inmates, police at
Venezuelan prison
Caracas: At least 37
people were killed and
14 law enforcement
personnel wounded
when armed inmates
resisted authorities'
attempt to impose
order at a prison in the
Venezuelan state of
Securitymen on guard outside the
Amazonas, officials
detention center in Amazonas state.
said. "The deaths
occurred during a seizure of the of the CDJA by a police task force.
Amazonas Judicial Detention The 37 inmates killed repre
Center (CDJA) in which 14 offi sented nearly 40 per cent of the
cials were also wounded," the jail's current population, the
Attorney General's Office said in source said.
a statement. Venezuela, with 166 people
Amazonas Governor Liborio behind bars for every 100,000
Guarulla, an opponent of residents, has the region's third
President Nicolas Maduro, smallest prison population, yet its
described the episode as a "mas penitentiary system is among the
sacre" caused by an Interior most violent.
Ministry team that tried to take As part of an effort to curb
the prison by force, Efe news prison violence, the government
reported. A source with firsthand has imposed a militarized admin
knowledge of the events said that istration in roughly half of
the trouble began during a search Venezuela's penal institutions.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 88 August 19-25, 2017 ART

On view at the 9-11 memorial in Manhattan are renderings of 13 city artists impacted by the apocalyptic event.

Transmuting a Tragedy
Compiled by Parveen Chopra Next month, on September 11, two beams of light will ascend from lower Manhattan into the night sky, marking the 16th anniver-
sary of the attacks on our country. Over the next few weeks, the New York City and the country will also honor those who were
killed, sharing stories of resilience, survival, and response. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is also hosting the exhibition Rendering the Unthinkable, the works
of 13 NYC artists who were deeply affected by what they witnessed on that fateful day in 2011. Like everyone they too struggled to make sense of the unfathomable destruction
and loss of innocent life they witnessed. Their renderings were selected to be part of the exhibition curated last year.

Gesture
Gesture is an almost 3,000-piece installation consisting of one painting for each person who died as a result of the 9/11 attacks. When installed, the paintings form a
grid of vibrant blocks that subtly shift from red to yellow, white, black, and pink. The installation is by Manju Shandler, a theater designer and mixed-media artist.

Ejay Weiss mixed ash from

Ground Zero with black
acrylic for this series of
paintings. His images
serve as a metaphor of
both the towers windows
and their footprints.
The paintings combine a

Tumbling
matrix of layered threads
of paint with the view
beyond the towers to

Woman
evoke the collapse of the
buildings and the void
created in the towers
absence.

9/11 Elegies Eric Fischl experienced the 9/11 attacks, including images of those who fell
or jumped from the Twin Towers, through the news media from his home
on eastern Long Island. Filled with grief, he created the sculpture Tumbling
Woman as a gesture of respect and compassion for those who had fallen
and with a heartfelt desire to bring people together after the tragedy.

World Trade
Todd Stones series of
paintings depict the
succession of events cen-

Center as
tered at the World Trade
Center on September
11, 2001 as seen from
his home and studio six

a Cloud
blocks north of the site.
Stones statement: Wit-
ness is my
elegy to what I saw the
day the world changed. I
said to myself, Im
making a song for the
people who died. And I
am going to make it as
beautiful a song
as I can.

I needed to make an artwork of the World Trade Center but understood it

couldnt be physical; too much steel and concrete had already been negotiated.

Witness
I wanted the work to exist out of time; it had to be both before and after
September 11th. Mostly, I wanted to see that blue, blue sky and in my heart Photos courtesy:
once again hear the voice of a cherished friend, if only as a distant echo. 911memorial.org
Artist statement by Christopher Saucedo who lost his brother in 9/11
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
 90 August 19-25, 2017 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

KOHLI MUST BE DELIGHTED

AT PANDYA'S SUCCESS
New Delhi: The Sri Lankan series,
on thought, is done and dusted once
India wrapped it up in Colombo,
winning the second Test to take a 2
0 lead. Not so, with young Hardik
Pandya pumping life into the third
and last Test at Pallekele with his
exciting allround showing.
India winning the series, their
eighth in a row and 30 at that, for
the first time overseas, was never in
doubt, looking at the overall
strength of the Sri Lankan side. All
won by big margins, the first one by
304 runs and the next two by an
innings.
If Sri Lanka's batting looked
pedantic, their bowling was pedes
trian. The home team seemed to
have lost their will to fight. They
will have to regroup if they have to
start winning at home.
The Sri Lankans have an opportu
nity to bounce back psychologically
by putting up a sterner fight in the
fivematch OneDay series starting
next week.
Ever since Kapil Dev left the inter
national cricket scene, the lament
has been that the Indian team does
n't have an allrounder of his class,
knowing fully well such stars do not
get on to a cricket field all that fre
quently.
India could only make do with
bowlers who wielded the bat to get
good runs, they all happen to be
spinners like Anil Kumble,
Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran
Ashwin who all have Test hundreds
to their name, the last two more
than one. In the allrounders catego
ry comes the wicketkeeper and
Wriddhiman Saha is fulfilling tha
batsman's role quite efficiently.
Now both the selectors and the
Indian team management think that
Pandya has the mettle to be the all
rounder they are looking for. After
his first three Tests, he appears to
be a batting allrounder who can
bend his back with the ball. He is
also a livewire in the field and that
completes his role.
It was Mahendra Singh Dhoni
who saw some spark in Pandya and
he must have clearly passed on his
impressions about the Gujarat
youngman to his successor Virat
Kohli for careful nursing.
Kohli, an unabashed admirer of
Dhoni, has taken the cue and is will
ing to invest time and effort in mak
ing Pandya a worthwhile allround
er. He is going out of his way to pro
mote him.
He made Pandya bat at number 8
behind Ashwin and Saha and bowl
him not as a third seamer but as a
fifth bowler after running through
his mainline exponents.
How does Pandya fit into the
Kohli's scheme of things? If the cap
tain wants a genuine fifth bowler he
had Ishant Sharma and
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and if he look
ing at a pure batsman he had Rohit
Sharma, all well experienced at Test
level. Kohli, however, was firm on
playing Pandya and he was clearly
the happiest man when the 23year Virat Kohli with the trophy after winning the third Test match against
old smashed his first fifty in the first Sri Lanka. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)
Test and a hundred in the third. He
made no secret of his delight for er formats. Such clean hitting in ing Kapil Dev. There are already
getting vindicated. Tests is not done or seen all too headlines hailing Pandya as the new
It is not Pandya's hundred but the often. There are no half measures Kapil Dev, unfair to the young man
way he got it proves Kohli's point. with him, he hits straight and clean, who has not watched the great stal
He got his hundred in the company connecting most of his shots with wart bat or bowl. Pandya was born
of the two Yadavs, Kuldeep, playing the middle of the bat. five months before Kapil ended his
only in his second Test, and last Stats always make hundreds that international cricket career in
man Umesh, both in the team as much more exciting, Pandya's com March 1994.
bowlers. ing in 86 balls and he smote seven As for his bowling, there is some
Pandya's hard hitting is all too sixes. Come to think of it, this is his thing unique about it. He looks like
wellknown, after his exploits in the first firstclass hundred, though taking wicket anytime, producing
IPL and the way he batted in the there were four other Indians an unplayable delivery with his
few matches he played in the short before him to do the same, includ quick pace and line.

India defeat Austria SaniaShuai advance

43 in hockey in Cincinnati Masters
Amstelveen (Netherlands): The Indian
hockey team rode on twin strikes from
Ramandeep Singh and Chinglensana Singh
Kanjugam to register a sensational 43 win
over Austria in their final encounter of the
Europe Tour here.
Ramandeep (25th minute, 32nd min) and
Chinglensana (37th min, 60th min) helped
India overcome Austria on Wednesday, and
end their tour with three wins and two
loses.
After two successive wins against World
No.4 The Netherlands, India made a steady
start against Austria. While they kept most
of the ball possession, penetrating into the
striking circle was hard to come by. In fact,
it was Austria who took an early lead
through Oliver Binder's goal in the 14th
minute to end the quarter 10.
India however, made amends in the sec
ond quarter when they won a penalty cor
ner (PC) in the 25th minute. A clever varia
tion saw comebackman Amit Rohidas pass
the ball to Ramandeep Singh who deflected
the ball into the circle to equalise the score
to 11.
The 10minute halftime break saw India
come back into the game as a stronger
team with better attack. They made better
circle penetrations and a brilliant break
through came in when Ramandeep scored
a rollicking field goal in the 32nd minute.
It was a reverse hit from the top of circle
which flew past the Austrian goalkeeper to
give India a 21 lead. India found another
chance to score when Mandeep Singh
helped win a PC through a stick check.
But the opportunity when amiss with the
ball hitting the cross bar. However, another
opportunity created by Mandeep again
was successfully converted by India vice
captain Chinglensana Singh in the 37th
minute through a superb variation by
dragflicker Varun Kumar.
Going into the final 15 minutes, India
had a comfortable 31 lead. But a deter
mined Austria put one past the India goal
keeper when they won a PC and Michael
Korpher converted it successfully in the
53rd minute to set up a close finish.
Though India had won a PC only minutes
before thanks to forward Gurjant Singh,
injector Manpreet Singh sent the ball
slightly wide. With a little over eight min
utes left, forward Lalit Upadhyay found a
great opportunity to score but failed to
beat the Austrian goalkeeper.
Austria then pushed India on the back
foot when they scored in the 55th minute
via Patrick Schmidt to equalise 33. It was
a tense final few minutes with India push
ing hard for a goal.
Ohio: Indian tennis ace Sania
Mirza and her Chinese partner
Peng Shuai advanced to the
quarterfinals of the Cincinnati
Masters following a straightset
victory in the women's doubles
clash here.
T he fourth seeded Indo
Chinese duo romped home with
a comfortable 75 64 win over
Germany's Julia Grges and
Ukraine's Olga Savchuk in a last
16 clash that lasted one and a
half hour.
Sania and Shuai were to face
Romanian combo of Irina
Camelia Begu and Raluca Olaru
for a place in the last four.
Meanwhile, India's Ramkumar
Ramanathan crashed out of the
tournament after going down to
American w ild card Jared
Donaldson in the second round Peng Shuai of China and Sania Mirza.
men's singles tie. Ramkumar lost (Xinhua/Zou Zheng/IANS)
46 62 46 to the No.60ranked
Donaldson on Wednesday. It was bles later on Thursday.
Ramkumar's second consecutive defeat Bopanna and Dodig face the team of
against the American, having lost to him in Colombia's Juan Sebastian Cabal and Italian
the second round of the French Open quali Fabio Fognini, who both are top25 singles
fier in 2015. players. Earlier, Leander Paes had suffered
Among others, Rohan Bopanna will be a first round exit with partner Alexander
seen in action in his second round match Zverev, losing a tight match to Spanish pair
with partner Ivan Dodig in the men's dou of Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez.
 sports August 19-25, 2017 91

Cricket finds a footing

in America, slowly By Shivaji Sengupta

With the growing population of South Asians and Caribbeans in the country, more
cricket is played here now, and in shorter formats of the game.
W hen I came to the USA almost 50
years ago, interest in cricket was min-
imal. Although Cricket USA has been around
since 1965, it was an insignificant organiza-
tion in those days. West Indian immigrants,
mainly from Guyana, and a few Indians and
Pakistanis could be seen playing cricket in
New Yorks Van Cortland Park, and on the
West Coast. For cricket enthusiasts like my-
self, even getting international cricket scores
in a timely manner was onerous. In 1969, I
remember having to go from Columbia Uni-
versity to Times Square newspaper stalls
and buying London Times just to know the
scores -- India was playing the Australians!
Set in the backdrop of the dark phase of
the 1975 Emergency, the film begins with
the horrific atrocities committed by the gov-
ernment of that period. Soon, the narrative
changes track to capture the travails of an
ordinary woman called Indu Sarkar.
Most Americans hadnt even heard of
cricket. Those who did thought of it as a
curious oddity: Isnt that something like
baseball, except that no one ever gets out,
and nothing ever happens? asked a profes-
sor at Columbia with quizzical amusement.
Yes, I had replied sarcastically, adding
that no wonder the Irish playwright George
Bernard Shaw had described the game as
22 fools in flannels wasting their time!
Wasting time or not, some of us subconti-
nentals clung to cricket, meeting periodically
at Columbias International Center to discuss
the rivalries of the Ashes (Australia vs England)
and India vs Pakistan. As the days wore on,
and with revised immigration laws of 1965,
more desis started arriving on these shores
and interest in cricket in this country grew at
least among the new South Asian population.
In 1969 there were less than 400,000
Indian Americans in this country. According
to the 2010 Census, that number has tripled
today. ICC (International Cricket Council)
began to take note. The TV moguls
in Britain and India began to beam the World
Cup in the 1990s to us, however, not all the
matches: only between India and Pakistan,
and the finals. Then, in the 1990s, Internet
arrived, connecting the whole world steadily.
Another factor has been the exponential
rise in the popularity of cricket in South Asia,
which made the Board of Control of Cricket
in India (BCCI) an immensely wealthy and
powerful organization. BCCI chiefs like Jag-
mohan Dalmia and Sharad Pawar played
leading roles in the ICC and began to pay
attention to cricket in America.
The increase in South Asian population,
together with the presence of many English-
speaking Caribbeans on the East and West
coasts, began to draw in other immigrants
from countries like Canada, Holland, Ireland
and Scotland, people who had been familiar
with cricket back home. USA Cricket Asso-
ciation, pretty dormant up to now, began
to stir. The years between 1995 and 2004
saw a flurry of cricket activities. The tradi-
tional US vs Canada cricket match, held an-
nually, began to attract renewed attention.
By 2006, an estimated 30,000 Americans
showed interest in and/or played cricket.
Several attempts were made to start na-
tionwide tournaments. Previously, cricket
had seriously declined in popularity when
the other game using a ball and a bat began
to be played: baseball. Many cricket histori-
ans explained this decline in terms of Amer-
ican culture. Americans, they said, were too
impatient with this imperial game -- a Test
Match taking as many as five days to com-
plete! Baseball would a take a maximum of
four to five hours, and that was considered
slow compared to Basketball, American
Football or Ice Hockey, each of which takes
one hour playing time in a match.
But I think, subliminally, cricket posed
serious objection for the Americans al-
though they do not realize it.
We are told that cricket used to be played
regularly by the British here in this coun-
try, in New York, Rhode Island and Massa-
chusetts during the 18th century. I submit
that as resistance to British rule began to
increase in the form of a revolution, and the
red-coats were ultimately overthrown, the
original 13 colonies of the United States be-
gan to draft their Constitution, and in the
form and structure of the government, they
consciously, deliberately bypassed the Brit-
ish system, and turned toward the French.
Now, sports usually reflect a nations
sociological and psychological mindset,
given the common theory that sports subli-
mate the human war-instinct. Most sports,
if not all, are about overcoming of territory
usually symbolized by the field on which it
is played, or a court or a table in the case
of table-tennis or snooker. Even in board
games such as Chinese Checkers and Ludo,
winning depends upon how you are able to
cover the opponents squares with your a bat and a ball, called Rounders, that may
own chips. In cricket, the 22-yard strip
represents the battle-ground, so to speak,
and the three wickets lined up at both ends
symbolize the castle, that which is to be
broken through. Two batsmen defend that
castle with their bats while bowlers run
in alternately from the opposite direction
to penetrate the bat and break the wick-
ets. The fielders present around the en-
tire ground symbolize soldiers defending
the territory. Their task is to prevent that
batter from hitting the ball and penetrate
their defense. Like baseball, the batters
can be run-out or caught out.
The bat is a blade of wood, about 38
inches long, and about 4.25 wide with
a handle attached to the blade. The ball,
made of solid cork, is round and weighs
5 ounces. The probability of batter con-
necting with the ball hurled to him is much
Teams from Trinidad and St Lucia playing a match in New Yorks Van
Cortlandt Park in 1948. After a recent renovation, 10 new cricket fields were
added, making it the largest site for cricket in the USA. (Photo courtesy AP)
higher than in baseball where the bat is
much slimmer (2.61 in diameter) than a
cricket bat. In baseball, as the great Yan-
kees catcher Yogi Berra said, You are try-
ing to hit a round ball with a round bat!
Not surprisingly, runs are scored in
the hundreds in cricket, while in baseball,
theyre scored literally in fractions!
These factors the shape of the bat, the
rules favoring the batsmen instead of the
pitcher, and the batters discretion as to not
to run after striking the ball, and ten outs as
opposed to three in baseball all contrib-
ute to the length of duration of the game.
My own theory is that those founding fa-
thers who took over from the British, and
eschewed their ways of government, also
subconsciously rejected cricket for symboli-
cally it reminded them of unfair British rule.
There was a game in France, also involving
have been a model for baseball, not cricket.
Then what is bringing cricket back in
the USA? Probably the shorter formats like
the 50-over game and T-20s. The United
States Cricket Association is now directly
under the administration of the ICC. They
appointed a Sri Lankan coach, Pubudu Das-
sanayake, under whom the USA won the
4th division international championship
beating Oman in the final, and thus getting
promoted to Division III. This team com-
prises immigrants from all over names
like Richard Staple, Gowkaran Roopnara-
ine, Mohammad Ghouse, Aditya Mishra,
Sushil Nadkarni and Steven Smith giving it
a truly multicultural ambiance.
Cricket may be here to stay. US crick-
et bodys ambition is to be among the 12
teams to play in the World Cups in 2018
(T-20) and in 2019 (ODI).

Sachin Tendulkar and Shane

Warne conceived All-Star Cricket
with retired international cricket-
ers, holding three T-20 matches
in New York, Chicago and Los
Angeles in 2015. (Photo courtesy:
pakistansuperleagues.com)
92 August 19-25, 2017 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

Why withdrawals from the

Bank of Dad need to hurt
T
he train was so
t ig htly packed
that when I
checked my current
account balance on
my phone, four people
breathed in sharply
and gave me sympa
thetic looks.
But then the girl left
of me started playing
Candy Crush and
BEST everyone's attention
shifted to her. With
RATE people and cameras
everywhere, there's no
FOR privacy any more. If
you need to adjust
INDIA your underpants or
unpick a wedgie you
(IMage courtesy: mentalfloss.com)

AND have to book a hotel room.

"I'd like to book a twinbed nosmoking
someone found celebratory music to play, a
diploma was zapped to his phone, and sud

PAKISTAN room for 30 seconds, please."

"Certainly sir. For a security deposit, we
denly it was a party. Someone filmed it for
the Internet, of course, and the result was
that his graduation was witnessed by mil
will require your credit card, house deeds
lions of people. Then came a news report on
and firstborn child."
New York Head Quarter techsavvy accountant David Goodwin, who
But stories of technology and humanity
used geek knowhow to get away with the
422S Broadway can create warm and fuzzy feelings, I learned
perfect crime 100 times in a row.
from two recent news reports.
HICKSVILLE He turned up at a busy, charityminded
At the end of May, a jampacked train on
NY 11801 church in Northern Ireland with his laptop
the way to a college in New York got stuck.
and offered to check the accounts. Since the
5168271010 Everyone was in a bad mood. One of the pas
sengers was student Jerich Alcantara,
members donating cash and the needy
spending it were highly trusting, he found it
dressed in university robes to receive his
easy to transfer big chunks of money to his
diploma. "I would like to thank you all for
own accounts.
coming to my graduation," he joked. "It
After two years stealing charity donations
means a lot to me."
from the church, he'd committed his 100th
The carriage full of strangers laughed,
crime and felt unstoppable.
But then the church had a guest speaker: A

Laughter is the Best Medicine reformed criminal.

Everything the man said hit Goodwin like a
thunderbolt from heaven.
Deeply moved, Goodwin spent the next few
hours creating spreadsheets showing exactly
how he had committed each of his 100
crimes, and then walked to the local police
station, where he opened his laptop and said:
"Look what I've done."
That story also produced a warm, fuzzy
feeling which evaporated when I saw the
next news report in my inbox.
Researchers say the amount of invisible,
intangible money being spent every day
(clicking to buy stuf f ) had overtaken the
amount of actual physical money being
spent every day. Coins and banknotes will
disappear, pundits say.
This is bad.
My main tool for impressing on my chil
dren the value of money is the
extreeeeeemely slooooooow way I count out
their pocket money every week, an expres
sion of agony on my face. Sometimes I actu
ally weep blood.
A quick click on a screen to transfer cash is
By Mahendra Shah not the same. It fails to convey the pain that
needs to be associated with money moving
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist away from Dad's pocket in any direction.
and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past I'm going to do all my financial stuff on the
many years in his cartoons. hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. train from now on. At least I get a bit of sym
pathy there.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017
94 August 19-25, 2017
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
ARIES: Colleagues and subordinates will lend
a helping hand enabling to com
plete the work on time. You
would be the center of attrac
tion at a social gathering that
you attend especially with fami
ly. Control your expenses and
avoid being too lavish in your spending. Your
flashing smile would work as the best anti
dote for romantic partners unhappiness.
Positive outlook impresses those around you
besides keeping you fit & fine. Fly away with
your dreams, new business horizons are
ready to explore.
LEO: You will be on the seventh heaven when
you receive recognition for your
achievements at work. Mis
understandings with near ones
in the family will get cleared.
Investment made in this week
would enhance prosperity & finan
cial security. Chances of your love life turning
into lifelong bond are high on the card.
Cutting down the number of parties & pleas
ure jaunts would help in keeping in good
mood. Discussing property matters with par
ents can help for better innovations. You share
happiness with close friends to double the joy.
SAGITTARIUS: Mental clarity gives a decisive
edge over all competitors at pro
fessional front. This week you
move with new excitement &
confidence as you receive sup
port from family & friends. Long
pending arrears & dues will finally
be recovered. Company of love partner would
inspire to take initiatives. You will have ample
time to do things to improve your health. An
interesting cruise ship is next place for your
vacation. Real estate is one thing on which
you can rely on to invest. You succeed in cast
ing aside bad habits and negative thinking.
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week
August 19th, 2017
Dominated by number 1 and the Sun. You are
smart, creative, intelligent, sensitive, and high
ly dignified person. You are a great admirer of
music and literature, but you need to control
your tendency to behave careless, jealous and
stubborn at times. This year you would put
your education, experience and skills to benefit
in your job. You would be interested more in
fame and glory than financial rewards. Howev
er your income would not be bad, and you
would also make some major investments.
Some thumping news can be expected from
your children towards the last quarter of the
year. New construction, renovation and social
izing will be major highlight this year. Overseas
trip also seems likely for some. Health however
will be a matter of concern. The months of
March, July, September and November will be
highly result oriented.
August 20th, 2017
Governed by number 2 and the Moon. You are
imaginative, honest, sensitive, emotional and
creative person. You willingly help those in dis
tress with cash and kind, but your tendency to
behave introvert and shy needs to be checked at
times. This year you would make new contacts,
which would help you in your line of work. You
would also receive unexpected advancements in
your career. You would do extremely well so
cially if you travel and get involved in clubs and
other social events. Your income would be
much better than the past few years. Your
beloved though possessive at time would be
helpful and supportive. Minor health ailments
ASTROLOGY
Stars Foretell: August 19-25, 2017
TAURUS: Your greatest gains will come
through your creative ideas at
professional front. Your efforts
bring success & happiness at
family front. Speculation cou
pled with some unexpected gains
improves financial health. Avoid
temper flair up especially in romance during
this week. A cheerful state of mind brings
mental peace. Enjoy your holiday with love of
your life. There might be a chance of acquir
ing a plot from your closed relative. Learning
and improving would help in making yourself
flawless.
VIRGO: Your creativity will amaze people
around you besides enhancing
career prospects. Children
would do their best to keep
you happy. An improvement in
financial position would enable
to make important purchases.
Exciting week as your long pending wait for
affirmation is going to materialize. A benefi
cial week to work on things that will improve
your health. Your boss may ask you for your
company to a friends party. Planning a prop
erty might explore new horizons for you &
your family.
CAPRICORN: Timely and swift action would
give an edge over others at profes
sional front. A promising week to
plan things for your progeny.
Monetary position is likely to
improve on recovering of
delayed payments. Love life brings
some memorable moments that you could
cherish rest of your life. Better to channelise
it in a positive direction. Of ficial journeys
prove to be more fruitful for you. Purchasing
of ficial accessories can lead to improve
growth of your office. Discussing future goals
with experienced persons benefit.
such as backache, stiff neck or body pains will
pose frequent problems. The month of January,
May, September and December will bring in the
desired result.
August 21st, 2017
Ruled by number 3 and the planet Jupiter. You
are energetic, ambitious, dignified, and kind
hearted person. You are a good listener and an
able administrator and you have an ability to
handle things perfectly even under pressure,
but you need to control your tendency to dom
inate and behave stubborn at times. This year
your employer would appreciate your confi
dence and enthusiasm. You would be able to ac
complish many tasks that you earlier thought as
impossible. Monetary benefits would accrue
from new contacts. Pleasure trips or friendly
gettogethers will be exciting and intellectually
stimulating. Family members will be supportive
and friends will be helpful. Minor domestic ten
sions and stress will bother you. Health needs
extra care therefore be careful of what you con
sume. The months of January, July, October and
December seem to bring desired results.
August 22nd, 2017
Influenced by number 4 and the planet Uranus.
You are active, practical, enthusiastic, coura
geous and highly philosophical person. You are
very proud of your traditions, culture and ritu
als. You are highly religious and possess a very
sharp mind, but you need to check your ten
dency to behave impatient and stubborn at
times. Your communication skills and charms
would impress those around you. Your income
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874;
Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899;
psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
GEMINI: Success is certain provided you work
as a team. Make sure you do
something exciting and differ
ent with people at home. Put
your extra money at a safer
place promising to return you on
time. You are likely to enjoy a pleas
ure trip that will rejuvenate your passions.
Good time to divert attention to spirituality to
enhance mental toughness. Romantic destina
tions seems appealing to you. You might deal
in some ancestral property or any other
parental property. Following the path of fair
ness & justice brings success in the long run.
LIBRA: New job opportunities for some will be
better than expected. You are
likely to be benefited as family
members positively respond.
You are likely to earn monetary
profits through most unexpected
sources. Enjoying the company of
partner in a lively restaurant would bring
immense romantic pleasure. Your confidence
and energy will be high in this week. Travel
plan with a colleague might lead to a new
relationship. Your friends and family will be of
great support if you are trying for an office.
You dont allow success going in your head.
AQUARIUS: Success in completing difficult
assignments brings a lot of lau
rels at work. You would prefer
to relax and enjoy the compa
ny of family members in the
evening. Explore new invest
ment opportunities that comes
your way, commit only after considering the
viability of the projects. Restrain yourself
from doing anything irresponsible otherwise
it would only ruin romantic bond. Charity
work undertaken will bring mental peace &
comfort. Traveling alone is about freedom,
but your family might be angry.
would improve, but your expenses would be er
ratic which would make it extremely difficult
for you to save. New romance for those unat
tached, but your work is likely to suffer if you
keep fantasizing about this special person. You
should not let anything interfere with your ca
reer objectives if you desire to achieve your
goals. Elders and children in the family will de
mand lot of your attention. Doctors and lawyers
can look forward to a remarkable year. The
months of February, May, July and September
will be significant.
August 23rd, 2017
Governed by number 5 and the planet Mercury.
You are intelligent, sharp, sensible, business ori
ented, dignified, original and dashing person.
People perceive you as a very warm and friend
ly person, but you need to check your tendency
to behave restless and impatient at times. Fi
nancially a very favorable period starts this
year, but you should avoid getting involved in
conflict with loved ones. You would make fi
nancial gains through sale of property, accrual
of rent, dividends or interests. This is also a
good time to invest in longterm investments
and speculations. Children would be a source of
immense happiness and win laurels in their
fields. Pilgrimage or a distant journey will be
high on your cards. The months of March, July
and December will be highly significant.
August 24th, 2017
Ruled by number 6 and the planet Venus. You
have a pleasant personality, sharp memory and
you are very fond of worldly pleasures. You are
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
CANCER: Unilateral decision at workplace
would invite the anger of col
leagues. You achieve success in
personal work with the timely
help & support provided by
family members. A new source
of income will generate through
influential contacts. Romantic entanglement
would add spice to your happiness. A pleas
ure trip gives the muchneeded tonic to
health. A deal regarding residential property
can start moving on its right path. You find it
very easy to put your feelings into words to
engage in an interesting conversation.
SCORPIO: At work you are likely to win
appreciation & awards for past
efforts. Parents and friends will
do their best to keep you
happy. A sudden inflow of
funds will take care of your bills
& immediate expenses. The pres
ence of love would make you feel life mean
ingful. A week when smile will perpetually be
on your face and strangers will seem familiar.
Small picnic organized by your company is
good to change your mood. Its time to make
some property investments for your kids. You
strive to make accolades a regular feature.
PISCES: Selfconfident would enable to convey
your point of view with ease a
workplace. Performing rituals/
auspicious ceremonies at home
prove high beneficial.
Investment in antiques & jewel
ry brings monetary gains and
improvement in financial position. Sharing
candyfloss and tof fees with lover/beloved
would bring unlimited joy. Meditation and
selfrealization prove beneficial. A fun filled
holiday at an amusement and theme park
with your family is there. It would be benefi
cial if you plan to buy a small property.
very methodical, emotional and helpful person.
You make your plans and stick to it, but you
need to control your tendency to behave moody,
timid and spendthrift at times. This year busi
nessmen would expand their ventures into new
and more profitable avenues. You would do ex
tremely well if you deal in real estate, but expect
some opposition to arise from partners. New ro
mance for some, so make the best of it. Medita
tion and Yoga should be practiced for spiritual
as well as physical gains. Some exhilarating
news from your children will bring happiness
later in the year. The months of February, May,
August and November will be highly eventful.
August 25th, 2017
Dominated by number 7 and the planet Nep
tune, you are highly creative, affectionate, trust
worthy, original, energetic and emotional per
son. You never run away from difficult task.
What might appear impossible to others would
look like a challenge to you. You have great tal
ents, but you need to control your tendency to
behave arrogant and dominating at times. This
coming period is good for starting new ven
tures. Projects that have been slow till now
would gain momentum. Disputes if any would
get sorted out and bring a sense of relief to your
mind. Romantic encounters with colleagues
might develop, though it would be very short
lived. Your competitive nature would make you
stay ahead of others and also make you popular
amongst your peers. Friends will be helpful but
demanding. The months of February, May, Sep
tember and November will prove to be
significant.
96 August 19-25, 2017 S p i r i t u a l A w a r e n e ss

Attain True Independence

- Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

India celebrates Independence Day on August 15. While in the world this holiday marks
the day a country declared itself a sovereign nation, independence also refers to the lib-
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji
Maharaj is an internationally eration and freedom of our soul. Just as one country may be a colony of another country,
recognized spiritual leader
and Master of Jyoti Meditation
our soul has been colonized and taken over by the coverings of our mind and body.
who affirms the transcendent
oneness at the heart of all
religions and mystic traditions, Most of us think of ourselves as a body and a mind; few realize that we have another
emphasizing ethical living
and meditation as building part that is our true essence, our soul. When our soul declares its own independence
blocks for achieving inner
from the bondage of the mind and body, it soars with exhilaration and freedom.
and outer peace. For more
info visit www.sos.org. Instead of being bound to the limitations of time and space of this earthly realm,
the soul experiences its unlimited nature as it experiences the bliss and
joy of regions of creation that exist beyond this realm.

Scientists of the soul, often referred to as saints, mystics, philosophers, or Masters,

have been exploring the regions beyond since recorded history. They came to the same
conclusions. We are more than the body and mind; we are the soul. The soul can travel
into spiritual realms and merge back in its source, the Oversoul, the Creator, or the
Divine. They have all achieved this realization by inverting their attention, whether it is
called prayer, inversion, or meditation. They tell us our true independence comes when
we sit in silence, close our eyes, direct our attention within, and experience the Divine.

The journey begins with our inner awareness or inner eye opening up to see inner
light and hear celestial music. Through further absorption in these, our soul transcends
awareness of the physical body to become aware of the inner realms, such as the astral,
causal, and supracausal regions, until it merges into a region of all spirit, the home of
the Divine. We then discover our soul, which is spirit, is the same essence as the
Creator, which is also spirit. The two merge back into one and we
experience limitless bliss, joy, and divine love.

When we celebrate the outer independence days in our respective countries, whether
it is August 15 in India, or on different dates in different countries, let us also strive to
achieve our spiritual independence. We can do so by meditating on the inner Light and
Sound which will lead our soul to recognize that we are more than the physical body
and intellect. We are soul, a part of the Divine, and our true nature is bliss, joy, and love.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA DAY SPECIAL August 19-25, 2017