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Follow us on Vol.6 No. 40 February 1-7, 2014 60 Cents New York Edition 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
Follow us on Vol.6 No. 40 February 1-7, 2014 60 Cents New York Edition TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Indian American to be named Microsoft's next CEO
Pageantry, military might display mark Indias 65th Republic Day
At Microsoft, Satya Nadella would become the highest ranking India-born executive in the US, along with Pepsicos Indra Nooyi.
Washington: Hyderabad-born Satya Nadella, in charge of Microsoft's enterprise and cloud businesses, is said to be the software giant's pick as CEO. When the announcement comes next week of Nadella succeeding Steve Ballmer, he would become one of the highest-ranking India-born executives in the US, along with PepsiCo Inc. CEO Indra Nooyi. Nadella, who has been with Microsoft for 22 years, moved from Bing to run Microsoft's $19 billion Server and Tools Business. He helped bring some of Microsoft's most popular server and developer tools, to the cloud, called Azure. He also helped bring Microsoft Office to the cloud, Office 365, one of the companys fastest growing products ever. Nadella did his engineering degree in electronics and communication from Manipal University before moving to the US.
Indias aerial, naval and land combat capabilities were on proud display at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi which was live-streamed for the first time by Doordarshan.
See pages 5-49.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife during At Home` reception hosted by the President on Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi Jan 26.
New Delhi: 26th January is the other most memorable date besides 15th August in Indias history. But its celebration is more colorful. As always, the 65th Republic Day was celebrated across the country and abroad with flag hoisting ceremonies, military parades, cultural extravaganzas and pledges to work for a better India. In New Delhi, India's powerful military punch and rich cultural heritage were showcased at the main Republic Day parade, with chief guest and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe keenly watching the 90-minute event on Rajpath even as President Pranab Mukherjee took the salute of the marching contingents. Among the
proud highlights was display of India's first indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, and main battle tank Arjun MK-II, 'Astra' and 'Helina' missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicle-'Nishant'. A flypast by the Advanced Light Helicopter 'Dhruv' of the Army Aviation Corps drew loud cheers from the spectators. Mumbai witnessed a dazzling Republic Day celebration, with a colorful parade at a new location - the picturesque Marine Drive. The Indian community in the US celebrated Republic Day with Ambassador S. Jaishankar unfurling the national flag at the Indian embassy in Washington. Similar Continued on page 8
Modis India vision 25
Changing Congress 49
Obamas State of Union 56
Spiritual Awareness 60
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February 1-7, 2014
February 1-7, 2014
Pomp and pageantry mark
65th Republic Day

In New Delhi, India's powerful military punch and rich cultural heritage were showcased at the main Republic Day parade, with chief guest and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe keenly watching the 90-minute event on Rajpath boulevard in the heart of the city.
It was the coldest Republic Day in a decade at 9.9 degrees Celsius in New Delhi
Armed forces personnel during Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi
New Delhi: Pomp, pageantry and patriotic fervor were in the air as the 65th Republic Day was celebrated across the country with flag hoisting ceremonies, military parades, cultural extravaganzas and pledges to work for a better India. The celebrations were peaceful barring a minor bomb blast triggered by militants near the residence of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. It was the coldest Republic Day in a decade at 9.9 degrees Celsius, forcing commoners and dignitaries alike to swathe themselves in layers of protective clothing. For Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it was his 10th and probably last Republic Day parade in office as he has announced that he would step down after the general elections. The day passed off peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir amid heightened security measures. Governor N.N. Vohra hoisted the national flag in Jammu while Rural Development Minister Ali Muhammad Sagar did the same in Srinagar. A strike called by separatists, however, affected life in the Kashmir Valley. India's commercial capital Mumbai witnessed a dazzling Republic Day celebration, with a colorful parade at a new location -- the picturesque Marine Drive. In Kolkata, West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan unfurled the tricolor and took the salute at a colourful march-past by security forces and students. The simmering tensions over the Telangana issue did nothing to dampen the Republic Day spirit in Andhra Pradesh. Besides the official
New Delhi: In a first, national broadcaster Doordarshan broadcast on internet High Definition live streaming of the Republic Day Parade in the capital, fetching over 13,000 views. The crystal clear picture quality of the parade arrived on computers, laptops and mobile phones, barely a few seconds behind the actual proceedings. It was a welcome development for those who were unable to watch the colorful parade on their television screens. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting helped spread the word about the direct broadcast through its tweets that provided a
Doordarshan live-streams Parade

direct link to the YouTube channel. In another first, the hearing impaired were able to follow the Republic Day proceedings with a running commentary in sign language alongside the visuals on three channels - DD News, DD Bharati and DD Urdu. Ankit, a hearing impaired teen, expressed his happiness at being able to understand what was being shown. The hearing and speech impaired had demanded sign language commentary on all six channels of Doordarshan, that also include DD National, DD India and DD Sports. However, the ministry did not accede to the request. said the government was committed to the welfare of the diaspora. Braving bone-biting cold, people celebrated Republic Day across Himachal Pradesh. The main attraction in Shimla was a 13-member band of reformed prisoners from two jails -in Kanda near Shimla and Nahan. Bihar Governor D.Y. Patil hoisting the tricolor in Patna, lauding the state government for combating corruption and crime. After unfurling the national flag at Cuttack, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik asked people to remain wedded to secular values. Both in Jharkhand and Orissa, people defied Maoist orders to boycott the Republic Day celebrations. In Ranchi, Jharkahnd Chief Minister Hemant Soren hoisted the flag. Six frontline separatist outfits based in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations. But people in Assam -- and elsewhere -- took part in large numbers in the Republic Day celebrations. In Shillong, Meghalaya Governor K.K. Paul urged militants to talk to the government. Here too thousands defied militant threats and participated in Republic Day celebrations.
functions, all political parties marked the day in their own way. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal used the occasion in Ludhiana to demand a redrafting of the constitution, saying the powers of the states had been eroded over the years by successive central governments. Also in Punjab, Border Security Force (BSF) officers and troopers offered sweets to the Pakistan Rangers at the Attari-Wagah border near Amritsar and at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district. In Haryana, the main function was held at Gurgaon, adjoining New Delhi, where Governor Jagannath Pahadia hoisted the national flag. In Karnataka, Governor H.R. Bharadwaj hoisted the tricolor and inspected an impressive parade in capital Bangalore. Republic Day was celebrated across Tamil Nadu, with Governor K. Rosaiah presiding over the main event at the Marina beach in Chennai. Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in Rajasthan. Governor Margaret Alva unfurled the national flag in Jaipur here and witnessed a parade and colorful cultural shows. In Kerala, Governor Nikhil Kumar
New Delhi: Calling for a stable government after the Lok Sabha elections this year, President Pranab Mukherjee said a "fractured government" could be catastrophic and "populist anarchy" cannot be a substitute for governance. Is his address to the nation, President "Elections do not give Pranab Mukherjee said the youth can any person the licence transform villages and cities to 21st century standards to flirt with illusions. Those who seek the cy and weakens foundations of the trust of voters must promise only state. Terming 2014 as "precipice what is possible. Government is moment" in the country's history, not a charity shop," the president he said people must rediscover the said in his customary address to sense of national purpose and pathe nation on the eve of Republic triotism. Day. The president's concern for the "Populist anarchy cannot be a country's political future was evisubstitute for governance," he dent in the sentiments expressed. elaborated. "False promises lead "This year, we will witness the to disillusionment, which gives 16th general election to our Lok birth to rage, and that rage has one Sabha. A fractured government, legitimate target: those in power." hostage to whimsical opporThe president did not name any tunists, is always an unhappy individual or party but his allusion eventuality. In 2014, it could be to the week's political storm in the catastrophic. Each one of us is a capital, during which Delhi Chief voter; each one of us has a deep Minister Arvind Kejriwal responsibility; we cannot let India pompously declared "I'm an anar- down. It is time for introspection chist", was not lost on anyone. and action," the president said. "The aspirational young Indian He said the youth can transform will not forgive a betrayal of her villages and cities to 21st century future. Those in office must elim- standards. "Give them a chance inate the trust deficit between and you will marvel at the India them and the people. Those in pol- they can create. This chance will itics should understand that every not come if India does not get a election comes with a warning stable government," the president sign: perform, or perish," the pres- said. ident said in carefully chosen He said communal forces and words in his address. terrorists will still seek to destabiThe president said corruption lize the country but they will nevwas a cancer that erodes democra- er win.
Populist anarchy no substitute for governance: President
February 1-7, 2014
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Pageantry, military might display mark Indias 65th... Continued from page 1 flag hoisting ceremonies were held at India's Permanent Mission to the UN and the consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston. Indian envoys read out President Mukherjee's R-Day address to the nation, in which he has called for a stable government after the elections this year, saying a "fractured government" could be catastrophic and "populist anarchy" cannot be a substitute for governance. President Barack Obama greeted the India warmly, saying: "Our partnership has always been guided by our shared values and interests."
Super Bowl comes to Tristate Obama open to middle ground with GOP on immigration reform
Washington: President Obama sought Friday to accelerate momentum toward an overhaul of immigration laws, signaling that he is open to a middle-ground agreement with Republicans that a growing number of lawmakers and advocates think could achieve a far-reaching deal this year. Obama suggested in a pair of interviews that the ideological gap is narrowing between the parties, a day after House GOP leaders said they would pursue changes that would allow illegal immigrants to remain in the country legally. The president indicated that there is flexibility in a longtime White House demand that any deal must include a special path to citizenship for the nations 11 million undocumented immigrants. The plan House Speaker John A. Boehner outlined Thursday is moving in the direction of the principles that I have laid out, Obama said Friday in an online video chat. There are still some differences. Obviously, the devil is in the details, but it is my firm belief that we can get immigration reform done this year. In another interview with CNN that aired Friday, Obama said that if Boehner were to pursue a plan that ended the deportation of most illegal immigrants and allowed them to pursue citizenship under existing channels, Im not sure how wide the divide ends up being with Democratic proposals.
This Super Bowl matches up the No. 1 defense (Seattle Seahawks) vs. the No. 1 offense (Denver Broncos).
New York: It is exciting time for New York and New Jersey as NFL Super Bowl XLVIII, the nation's loudest sporting event, comes to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, with kickoff scheduled for 6:25 pm EST on Sunday, February 2. Watch it on FOX.
This will be the first Super Bowl to be played outdoors in a cold weather environment, the first to be played outdoors on artificial turf since Super Bowl X at the Miami Orange Bowl, and the first in which two states (New York and New Jersey) will share hosting duties.
Pawar, Digvijaya among 37 elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Congress' Digvijaya Singh and former union ministers Kumari Selja and Murli Deora were among 37 candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha Friday after the deadline for withdrawing nominations in the biennial elections to the upper house ended. Polling will be held Feb 7, as scheduled, for the remaining 18 seats across four states - Andhra Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Odisha. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Pawar, former union minister Murli Deora (Congress) and two industrialists were among seven candidates elected unopposed from Maharashtra. The others include Hussain Dalwai (Congress), industrialist Rajkumar Dhoot (Shiv Sena), leading criminal lawyer Majeed Memon (NCP), Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athawale and Pune industrialist Sanjay Kakade (independent). It is the maiden foray in the upper house for Pawar, who had decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections henceforth. BJP Delhi unit chief Vijay Goel was elected to the upper house from Rajasthan, while Kumari Selja (Congress) and Ram Kumar (Indian National Lok Dal) were elected without contest from Haryana.
Cleaners clearing away snow from in front of a billboard looking spooky in New York. Snow storms and sub-zero temperatures not only lashed East Coast last week but also some southern states, creating nightmarish traffic snarls in cities like Atlanta.
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February 1-7, 2014
Zest and national pride among youth on R-Day

New Delhi: At 9.9 degrees Celsius, it was the coldest Republic Day in a decade. But, the feverish enthusiasm among the thousands of spectators, coupled with a feeling of national pride, made the 65th Republic Day celebrations on Rajpath a zestful affair for the young and old alike. Not deterred by the fog which enveloped the city in the morning, thousands of people, many of them youngsters and even small children, flocked to the Rajpath boulevard in the heart of the national capital early in morning to ensure they gabbed a good seat to watch the Republic Day parade. Cheering loudly as the first bleak rays of the sun peeked through the fog around 9.15 a.m., the spectators wrapped in pullovers and overcoats and with their heads covered with woollen caps and mufflers were heard thanking the "sun god" for paying a visit. Most of the youth an IANS correspondent spoke to at Rajpath said they felt a surge of national pride at witnessing the event live and asserted that it should be continued and valued. "I have especially come here from Chandigarh to watch the Republic Day parade. This is the first time I am going to watch it, and I am extremely excited," 17year-old Simer Singh said. "It is an honor to be a part of the celebrations, even while being a spectator. The celebrations should continue every year," the student added. Like Simer, many other
India's military might on display that was witnessed by a large number of people from all walks of life at Rajpath in New Delhi
New Delhi: With an image showing the motorcycle display, similar to the ones performed at the Republic Day Parade, Google doodle celebrated India's 65th Republic Day. On Jan 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution came into force and the country celebrated its first Republic Day then. The Google doodle, in the col-
Google doodle celebrates India's 65th Republic Day

ors of the Indian flag - orange, white and green - is not an animated one, but when clicked takes the viewers to the search result page with news and information on Republic Day. year. Despite it being an old tradition, there is something exciting about the Republic Day. It gives us a chance to appreciate the hard work put in by our soldiers," Komal Haldua, a 16-year-old stu-
youngsters were seen revelling in the celebrations and applauding enthusiastically as every marching contingent and colorful tableau passed by. "You get to experience it once a
dent from Mayur Vihar, said. Though this was Haldua's first live experience of the parade, she said she makes it a point to watch it on the television every year. Appreciating the vibrant tableaux, 10-year-old Sugam Aggarwal said that waking up early in the morning on a Sunday for a change in order to go to watch the parade was not a "task". "I woke up at 5 a.m. today to be at the venue on time. I loved the state tableaux as you learn a lot about the different places in our country, its culture and folk art," Aggarwal said. "It is a great feeling to be here," he added. Pledging to come to watch the parade every year if the circumstances permit, Epsa Diya Bhatia jumped and clapped excitedly, watching the flypast and aerobatic
maneuverings of the Indian Air Force jets as they roared overhead to bring the 90-minute proceedings to a close. "It was amazing. Until today, I had seen the parade on the television. It feels so different to be here and be a part of it," the 11-year-old gushed. For some, this year's Republic Day parade was a "childhood dream come true". "I have only dreamt of watching the celebrations live, but somehow it never materialised. Thanks to my nephews, I finally got to enjoy it along with others," said homemaker Rishu Gupta, 25. However, she added that next time she will ensure that they reach well ahead of time to grab "strategically placed" seats in the front rows to ensure the best view of the parade.
Beating Retreat makes welcome break with martial tradition

New Delhi: The Beating Retreat ceremony here that brought the curtain down on the annual Republic Day celebrations marked a welcome break with tradition, making it more of a concert that the public could relate to rather than a strictly military affair. For starters, the chief guest on the occasion, President Pranab Mukherjee, arrived in state in an open six-horse carriage rather than in a limousine, waving to the crowds at Vijay Chowk at the foot of Raisina Hill, where the Rashtrapati Bhawan presidential palace lies. With such a spectacle being witnessed after two decades, the crowd enthusiastically waved back. Then, there was the music - with 18 of the 21 tunes played during the hour-long show being composed by Indians. Ten of these featured for the first time, four by the Indian Army ("Jahan Daal Daal Pe Sone ki Chidiya", "Swarnim Desh", "Blessing of the God" and "Dhruv") and six by the combined bands of the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force ("Skylord", "Brave Warriors", "Stride", "The Western Seas", "Rejoice in Raisina" and
The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi and (inset) an illuminated Raisina Hill
"Fidos"). And, many of these compositions interspersed slow marches with quick marches and the tempo often changing to the rock n' roll, jive and side-stepping -- this gave the ceremony the distinct feel of a concert. Then, there were two echoes, not one as in the past - the first a spirited version of
"Raghupati raghav Raja Ram" on the flute during "Rejoice in Raisina" from the belfry of South Block and, of course, the bells from the belfry of the North Block opposite during "Abide With Me", Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn without which no Beating Retreat ceremony is complete. "Abide With Me" and "Saare Jahan Se
Aacha" were the only two tunes that bucked the trend, the first for obvious reason and the other for what it says of the unity of India. As the massed bands marched up Raisina Hill at the conclusion of the ceremony and the strains of "Saare Jahan Se Aacha" hung in the cold air, tens of thousands of bulbs strung on Rashtrapati Bhawan, the North and South Blocks and the Parliament House complex came alight, bathing the area with an effervescence that will stay etched in the memory for a long, long time. What is truly remarkable about the Beating Retreat ceremony is not just the setting - the huge Vijay Chowk square from where the grand Rajpath boulevard takes off to end at the India Gate war memorial to the unknown soldier - it's the multitasking required of the 1,000-odd bandsmen who make the music. Not only do their uniforms have to be immaculate, their instruments have to be finely tuned and they have to be adept at performing a variety of routines ranging from boxes to circles to wheels and spokes and even a Swastika.
February 1-7, 2014
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VERvE AND vIBRANCY

On a day when national broadcaster Doordarshan showed for the rst time live streaming of the 65th Republic Day parade in high definition on Internet and Google celebrated Republic Day with a doodle on its India homepage, celebrations on the ground were mesmerizing and unforgettable. Here is a glimpse through still photographs.
(1) President Pranab Mukherjee and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on way to attend Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi. (2) Indias military might on display at Rajpath in New Delhi. (3) A Republic Day tableau from Karnataka at Rajpath in New Delhi. (4) Armed forces personnel celebrate Republic Day at Indo-Pak Wagha border near Amritsar. (5) President Pranab Mukherjee with tableaux artists at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. (6) School children perform during a cultural programme in Amritsar
February 1-7, 2014
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Iyenger, Balan, Yuvraj among Padma awardees

A husband-wife duo - both professors at the University of Chicago and an Indian-born American physician-writer Siddhartha Mukherjee were among 127 Padma awardees this year. Of the total 127 Padma awardees, 27 are women and 10 are foreigners, NRIs and PIOs.
(In order): Noted scientist R.A. Mashelkar, yoga expert BKS Iyenger, actor Vidya Balan and cricketer Yuvraj Singh
New Delhi: Noted scientist R.A. Mashelkar, yoga expert B.K.S. Iyenger, actors Kamal Haasan and Vidya Balan, tennis player Leander Paes, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and former chief justice of India, the late J.S. Verma were conferred the Padma awards on the eve of the 65th Republic Day. While Mashelkar and Iyengar were the two named for Padma Vibhushan, 24 eminent people including Verma, Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Haasan, writers Anita Desai and Ruskin Bond, badminton player P. Gopichand and Paes got the Padma Bhushan. The 101 conferred the
Padma Shri include Vidya Balan and Paresh Rawal, cricketers Yuvraj and Anjum Chopra, Odisha sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, and fashion designer Wendell Rodricks. Padma Awards - the country's highest civilian awards, are conferred to eminent people for their contribution in the field of social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service. The awards will be presented by President Pranab Mukherjee at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan around March/April.
Of the total 127 Padma Awardees, 27 are women and ten are foreigners, NRIs and PIOs. Verma, who headed a government committee set up in the wake of the Dec 16, 2012 Delhi gang rape to frame a tough law for crime against women, has been awarded Padma Bhushan posthumously in the public affairs category. Bhandari is a former apex court judge who now represents India in the International Court of Justice. Others who have been conferred Padma Bhushan include artist Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana and
ghatam performer T.H. Vinayakram. Padmanabham Balram, Madappa Mahadevappa, Thirumalachari Ramasami, Vinod Prakash Sharma, Radhakrishnan Koppillil, and (late) Anumolu Ramakrishna have been conferred Padma Bhushan for science and engineering. Padma Bhushan for literature and education has been conferred on Mrityunjay Athreya, Anita Desai, Dhirubhai Thakar, Vairamuthu Ramasamy Thevar and Ruskin Bond, Anisuzzaman (Bangladesh), Lloyd I. Rudolph and Susanne H. Rudolph (both US) jointly. While Neelam Kler got Padma
Bhushan for medicine, Vijayendra Nath Kaul got the award in the civil service category. Kler is a senior consultant in the neonatology department in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here, as well as president of the National Neonatology Forum. The Padma Shri awardees also include Paresh Rawal, cricketers Anjum Chopra and Yuvraj Singh, kabaddi player Sunil Dabas for Kabbadi, squash player Dipika Rebecca Pallikal, H. Boniface Prabhu (wheelchair tennis), mountaineers Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu and Mamta Sodha and former bureaucrat Praveen Talha.
Washington: A husband-wife duo - both professors at the University of Chicago - who were named for India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, in the foreigners category said they were "grateful for the honor". Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, the William Benton distinguished service professor emerita, and Lloyd I. Rudolph, professor emeritus of political science at the university, were named for the prestigious award by the government of India Saturday. "We are grateful for the honor awarded to us. The 11 years we have lived in India, most of them with our family, doing research and writing have been a deeply rewarding experience," Lloyd Rudolph was quoted as saying in a statement. The Rudolphs joined the university's department of political science in 1964. Susanne Rudolph studies comparative politics with special interest in the political economy and political sociology of South Asia. She has co-authored eight books with her
US professors grateful for Padma award
Susanne Hoeber Rudolph, the William Benton distinguished service professor emerita, and Lloyd I. Rudolph, professor emeritus of political science at University of Chicago
husband, Lloyd Rudolph, including "Postmodern Gandhi and Other Essays" in 2006. Lloyd Rudolph served as chair of the committee on international relations and the Master of Arts program in social sciences and as chair of concentrations in political science, public policy, international studies and South Asian studies.
New Delhi: A pilot who rescued 80 passengers before his helicopter crashed in the inclement weather in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district and a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, who fought with militants on the Line of Control are the winners of India's second highest peace-time gallantary award, the Kirti Chakra. Darryl Castelino from Mumbai was the captain of a Mi-17 V 5 helicopter in Uttarkashi when it went down. A resident of Rupendehi district in Nepal, Naib Subedar Bhupal Singh Chhantel Magar of 5/5 Gorkha Rifles was awarded the Kirti Chakra for "displaying exceptional brav-
Indian Air Force pilot, Army jawan win Kirti Chakra

Three other helicopter pilots, including Castellino's copilot, Flt Lt K Praveen have won Shaurya Chakras. Seven Army men have also won Shaurya Chakras too. Among them is Lieutenant Colonel Bikramjit Singh. the second-in-command of 16 Cavalry has been awarded "Shaurya Chakra" (Posthumous) for his "speedy, tactically sound actions, courageous and bold leadership in the face of mortal danger and for acting swiftly without waiting for a weapon or protective gear, acting well beyond the call of duty, in the highest traditions of the Indian Army in Counter Terrorist Operations in Samba (J&K)."
Darryl Castelino was the captain of a helicopter in Uttarkashi when it went down while on way to save trapped tourists
ery, raw courage and junior leadership beyond the call of duty, in successful counter infiltration operations" along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.
February 1-7, 2014
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Barring a minor bomb blast triggered by militants in Manipur, pomp, pageantry and patriotic fervor were in the air as the 65th Republic Day was celebrated across the country with flag hoisting ceremonies, military parades, cultural extravaganzas and pledges to work for a better India.
Cultural shows grip Rajasthan Peaceful Republic Day in Kashmir
Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva inspects Guard of Honor at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur
Republic Day parade underway at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar
Jaipur: Rajasthan celebrated the Republic Day with enthusiasm. Governor Margaret Alva unfurled the tricolor here and witnessed a parade and colorful cultural shows. Alva took the salute and inspected a guard of honor from marching contingents of the security forces amid cheers and applause from thousands of spectators. Personnel from the
Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, police, Home Guards and the National Cadet Corps as well as school students took part in the parade. Later, the students and artists performed folk dances and sang patriotic songs. Earlier, on the eve of the Republic Day, Raje appealed to people to help make Rajasthan a progressive and prosperous state.
Jammu/Srinagar: Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir amid heightened security measures. The main flag hoisting and parade were held at the Maulana Azad Stadium in the winter capital Jammu. Governor N.N. Vohra hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the parade in which contingents of army, paramilitary
forces, police and school students took part. Vohra appealed the people to vote in large numbers in the forthcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Security had been mounted throughout Srinagar, where private and public transport remained suspended because of a separatistcalled shutdown.
Karnataka Governor HR Bharadwaj hoists the tricolor during the 65th Republic Day parade in Bengaluru
Colorful parade dazzles Mumbai West Bengal wins best tableau award
A Republic Day tableau from West Bengal during Republic Day parade rehearsals at Rajpath in New Delhi A Republic Day tableau at Marine Drive in Mumbai
Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed a dazzling Republic Day celebration, with a colourful parade at the picturesque Marine Drive. Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the parade in south Mumbai along the Arabian Sea promenade. Present on the occasion were Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, his cabinet colleagues as well as Bollywood actor Salman Khan. This is the first time the parade has been held at Marine Drive. The traditional venue was Shivaji
Park in central Mumbai. The parade saw around 25 tableaux put up by government departments and ministries highlighting achievements as well as vintage cars and a cycle rally that were cheered by people from both sides of the Marine Drive. The crowds were thrilled as the army, navy and air force jointly put up demonstrations and daring display of their capabilities. There were also cultural shows including traditional Maharashtrian dances and other aspects depicting the state's rich culture and heritage.
New Delhi: West Bengal has won the best tableau award at this year's Republic Day Parade while Tamil Nadu and Assam came in second and third. Showcasing the spirit of "Purulia Chhau", the ministry of defense adjudged the West Bengal tableau the best of the total of 18 tableaux that rolled down Rajpath. "Embodying the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal, 'Purulia Chhau', a mask dance performed in certain areas of the state has a distinctive character of its own and has received international acclaim in recent years for its vigour and perfection," a statement by the West
Bengal government said. Meanwhile, the Sikh Light Infantry was adjudged the best marching contingent amongst the three services while the CRPF won the top spot amongst the paramilitary forces.
Bengaluru: Pomp and pageantry marked the 65th Republic Day celebrations in Karnataka, with Governor H.R. Bharadwaj hoisting the tricolor and inspecting an impressive parade here. On a sunny day, an air force helicopter showered rose petals at the podium at the Field Marshal Manekshaw ground in the city center where the governor, Chief Minister Siddarmaiah and others were seated. After unfurling the flag, Bhardwaj inspected the parade of the armed forces and others including the police, National Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides, and hundreds of school children. About 5,000 people, including children, at the venue cheered the military personnel and other participants. Theme-based events were staged through music, songs and dances as a tribute to martyrs and armed forces.
Pomp, pageantry mark R-Day in Karnataka
Chinese troops greet Indian soldiers

Gangtok: A Chinese army delegation wished Indian troops on the occasion of the 65th Republic Day at a meeting with their Indian counterparts at Nathu La near Gangtok, Sikkim. The seven-member People's Liberation Army delegation led by an officer equivalent to a brigadier took part in the special Border Personnel Meeting between the two nations. The meeting was followed by a cultural programme presented by both sides. Indian Army personnel under Trishakti Corps and its mountain divisions at the India-China border and nearby areas celebrated the day with enthusiasm and fervor.
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New York: Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay hosted a reception to celebrate the 65th Republic Day of India on January 26. The reception was attended by over 200 people comprising representatives from the Indian American community, Consuls General and other dignitaries, including Senator Swati Dandekar from Iowa, Ms Patty Judge, former Lt. Governor of Iowa, Assemblymen, Upendra Chivkula and Raj Mukherjee from New Jersey, and Assemblyman David Weprin from New York State, New York City Councilmen Daniel Dromm and Paul Vallone. The Consul General read out excerpts from the address of the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, on the eve of the Republic Day. In his remarks, Amb. Mulay commended the Indian-American com-
RDay celebrated at Indian Mission to the UN

Dy. Permanent Representative of India to the UN Balwant Singh Bishnoi, Sen. Swati Dandekar from Iowa and Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay cutting the celebratory cake.
munity for its contribution to the India-US relations. He also addressed the issues faced by the community and appealed to them to work closely with the Consulate to sort out their difficulties. He informed the audience about the plans of the
Consulate to hold two flagship programs, Media India 2014, and Stateby-State India during 2014. The programme concluded with poetry recital by Poet Laureate Ramya Ramana, followed by cake cutting and snacks/refreshments.
Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Asoke Kumar Mukerji, addressing the audience.
Consul General of New York Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay addressing the audience.
By Ashok Ojha
Display of unity at R Day celebration in New Jersey
Edison, NJ: In a rare display of unity, New Jersey based Indian community joined public officials to celebrate Republic Day at Royal Alberts Palace in Fords, NJ. The celebration began with a parade attended by hundreds of men, women and children, many holding Indias Tricolor and chanting slogans Bharat A colorful parade was organized in Fords, NJ to mark Indias Mata ki Jai and Vande 65th Republic Day. Photo: Gunjesh Desai. Mataram. The parade moved around the huge statue of Indias first Home ciety. Atma Singh said that about 400 people of various Minister, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The parade culminated in the Tricolor flag hoisting faiths and political inclinations attended the event. Tosession inside a hall in the presence of community day, we are not gathered to discuss politics. We are here leaders including NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivuku- to remind our next generation that we belong to our la, Edison Councilman Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad, entre- great Indian heritage, he said. Assemblyman preneurs Atma Singh, Bharat Rana, Anil Patel, Popat Chivukula complimented the audience for their enthuPatel, Albert Jasani, Dr. Mukund Patel and Mahesh siastic response for celebrating national festivals of InChitnis. People sang the national anthems of India and dia, such as Republic day and Independence Day, adding, Such events remind us of our strong presence the US. We are all very proud of our heritage as people of in the United States. Edison Councilman Dr. SudhanIndian origin, said Atma Singh, who spearheaded the shu Prasad appealed to Indian Americans living in Edicelebration. I reached out to people urging that we son Township to remain conscious about their rights should project a strong face as Indians in American so- and continue to progress in all walks of life including
New York: The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations celebrated the Republic Day of India with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji, in the presence of the officials and their families of the Mission and Indian nationals working in the UN. The Permanent Representative read out salient excerpts from the Presidents address to the nation. In his speech, Amb. Mukerji highlighted that India would actively participate in the work of the United Nations during the coming year based on national objectives and priorities. He said that the early reform of the UN Security Council continues to be a priority for India. The maintenance of international peace and security is a necessary external environment for Indias developmental objectives. India has contributed significant resources to maintaining international peace and security. These include providing thousands of Indian UN peacekeepers who have upheld the glorious traditions of the Indian Army while fulfilling their mandate in the face of unprecedented challenges. politics, business and academics. In an emotionally charged speech Col Veerendra Tavathia, reminded the audience about the valuable role played by the soldiers of Indian Army who were ready to sacrifice their lives protecting the nations borders. Speaking on behalf of senior citizens of Central New Jersey, Popat Patel said that the goal of celebrating Republic Day was to create awareness about the message of brotherhood and friendship. We
India has contributed significantly in financial and intellectual resources to the specialized agencies and funds of the United Nations engaged in socio-economic developmental work. This year India would seek reelection to the Human Rights Council. India would give priority to the implementation of the mandate agreed to by the international community in the Rio+20 Summit on Sustainable Developmental Goals, and make this work an integral part of the post-2015 Development Agenda, which will be adopted at the 2015 Summit marking the 70th anniversary of the UN next year. Earlier, on 23rd January, a Republic Day reception was also hosted at the Indian Mission premises, attended by more than 400 members of diplomatic corps based at the UN. President of the 68th UN General Assembly Ambassador John Ashe, graced the evening reception as Chief Guest. Senior officials of the United Nations, eminent members of the Indian fraternity at UN, along with several Permanent Representatives of member states accredited to the UN, and members from the media, also joined the reception. support harmony among all people and the welfare for everyone. The speeches were followed by young children performing a variety of cultural items. They were guided by Varsha Naik of Navrang Dance Academy. Representatives of various cultural and social organizations, such as Anil Patel of Indian Cultural Society, Veeru Patel, Mahesh Patel and Mukesh Kashiwala also spoke on the occasion.
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Happy Republic Day
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Washington, DC: The Indian community in the US celebrated India's 65th Republic Day with Ambassador S. Jaishankar unfurling the national flag at a colorful function at the Indian embassy here on a bright and sunny but chilly day. After hoisting the flag in front of the embassy overlooking a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Jaishankar read out President Pranab Mukherjee's address to the nation. About 200 members of the community joined the celebrations including singing of the national anthem and a short cultural program. In his message of "congratulations and best wishes" in "the warm spirit of friendship and partnership" President Barack Obama has said: "Our partnership has always been guided by our shared values and interests." Describing India as a country on the move, US Secretary of State John Kerry said, "The real magic of India lies as much in its promising future as it does in its rich heritage." Similar flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the Indian consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston. With India's premier film awards show coming to Tampa April 24-26, the Federation of Indian Associations of Tampa Bay chose 100 years of Indian cinema as its annual Republic Day celebration theme. Several hundred people attended the festivities at the center on Lynn Road in Carrollwood, which included sports competitions for children, food and vendor booths, a cooking competition and a flagraising ceremony with the singing of both the U.S. and Indian national anthems. The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), an advocacy group congratulated Indians living across the world, on the occasion of India's 65th Republic Day. IAMC chapters in Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, New Jersey and San Diego have organized festivities this week and the next, with elected officials and prominent members of the diaspora in attendance. Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was the keynote speaker at the Chicago event on January 26, while Mayor Hameeduddin (Teaneck, NJ) and Mayor Frank Gambatese (South Brunswick, NJ) will be the keynote speakers at the New Jersey event. The San Francisco Indian Consulates annual Republic Day celebration Jan. 26 was held this year for the first time at the India Com-
munity Center in Milpitas. On the occasion Indian Consul General N. Parthasarathi said that Indias growth rate has slowed down, but proclaimed that 2014 will be the year of resurgence. Shining India reached its heyday from 2007 to 2010, when growth rates often hovered near the double-digit mark. Since 2011, the economy has slowed down considerably as global markets replace the BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India and China with investments in Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey, known collectively as the MINTs. Quoting Indian President Pranab Mukherjees Republic Day speech, Parthasarathi noted that the slowdown would continue to challenge India for some time, but said it was not cause for despair. Parthasarathi noted the many trade missions by civic leaders over the past year and said that Indo-U.S investments were growing in both directions to reach a total of $10 billion. Rep. Ami Bera from Sacramento, California also addressed
the audience. Rep. Mike Honda said, Silicon Valley would not be Silicon Valley without its diaspora and the impact you have made. California State Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett also presented Parthasarathi with a commemoration on stage. The following day Jan. 27 the California State Senate honored several Indian American leaders who came to the floor during a full Senate session. I thank the Indo-American community in my district and throughout California for sharing the joy of this wonderful occasion with us. I am honored to represent one of the most dynamic and culturally diverse Senate districts in California, so it is my pleasure to celebrate India Republic Day today, said Corbett. The Indian flag was flown over the California State Capitol Jan. 27 in observance of Republic Day. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee also commemorated the occasion at City Hall by presenting Parthasarathi with a framed commemoration.
Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett Jan. 27 celebrated Indias R-Day by honoring several prominent Indian Americans in a special ceremony on the floor of the California State Senate in Sacramento, Calif. Corbett (left) is seen here presenting a proclamation to San Francisco Indian Consul General N. Parthasarathi (right).
Children present cultural program at R Day celebrations in Niles Township, Illinois
Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar paying floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on January 26 on the occasion of India's 65th Republic Day.
Mangano greets Indian community on R-day
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano greeted Indian Americans on the 65th Republic Day, appearing on ITV reporter Riti Bhalla's show. Watching a telecast of the RDay parade, Mangano expressed a wish to someday "watch the parade inNew Delhi in person.
The dome of Theodore Roosevelt Nassau County Legislative & Executive Building in Mineola, NY lit up with Indian Tri-colors.
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Indian Americans enrich USA and make their motherland proud

--Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay
US ties to India indispensable: Kerry's RDay message
New Delhi: Describing India as a country on the move, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that during his talks with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, both agreed to schedule highlevel dialogues and remain committed to the "indispensable" US-India partnership. Extending congratulations to India for Republic Day on behalf of President Obama and the people of US, Kerry said, "The real magic of India lies as much in its promising future as it does in its rich heritage." "What really binds our nations and our peoples together - is our shared commitment to a strong and vibrant democratic heritage. India's transition to democratic independence and emergence on the world stage was one of the great success stories of the 20th century. Today, it is an inspiration for so many young democracies," he said in his message. Kerry said when he spoke with Khurshid in Montreaux in Switzerland recently, "we agreed that both our peoples benefit when the world's largest and oldest democracies work closely together".
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The India story- Leading the Change

Indias position on the global stage as a vibrant democracy and an economic powerhouse is now a well-established fact.
ments from foreign investors across the globe. Opening up FDI in multi-brand retail has already seen some action with majors like Tesco and Wal-Mart planning to set up stores in India. Further, Indias decision to open up aviation, a key infrastructure sector, has already seen three big investment proposals over a few months. While Tata and Singapore Airlines are tying up for new services, Etihad has joined hands with Jet Airways even as low cost Air Asia begins new services for the Indian skies. The total value of domestic deals in India during the third quarter of 2013 was $ 1.31 billion, up from $ 1.29 billion during the corresponding period of 2012. While majors like British Petroleum have brought in the largest FDI in the energy sector, pharmacy majors and investments by Etihad in the JetEtihad deal, and the Japanese in the Industrial corridor are telling instances of inbound investments. The strength of a vibrant democracy coupled with a robust judiciary and regulatory framework has only added to the India story. A market that has grown consistently adding new consumers every day even as technology is helping spread the depth and width of the markets. Investors in India have to keep pace with the growing and varied demand, a market that challenges companies and investors almost on a daily basis. Overseas direct investment by Indian companies stood at $ 3.24 billion in July 2013, registering an increase of 89.5 per cent from $ 1.71 billion invested in June 2013, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The investments were made across 461 transactions: Reliance Communications, Apollo Tyres, Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Tata Communications, being the major investors. A recent report by the US India Business Council (USIBC) has stated that Indian investments in the country has reached $ 11 billion and has generated over 100,000 jobs there. Large investments in refineries, steel plants and transportation in African countries and other Asian economies has been the talking points in business circles. As India moved on in search of energy security, companies like government owned ONGC and private majors like Reliance Industries and the Essar group, to name a few, invested in new oil fields and gas discoveries. Steel majors like Jindal and Essar too made their mark. Bharti Airtel, India telecommunication major, made inroads into the African continent as it spread its services touching lives of Africans. Another case in point is TVS Motors that is planning to establish a two-wheeler assembly line in Uganda and launch two motorcycle models in the African nation. The Europe India Chamber of Commerce (EICC), a body that promotes bilateral trade
By Soma Banerjee ndias position on the global stage as a vibrant democracy and an economic powerhouse is now a well-established fact. The role of Asian economies over the past few years has only reinforced the strength and importance of India on the global centre-stage. China and India pushed demand even as large economies continued to shrink (read European nations) or just about find its feet like the US economy. Indian markets held on even as the economy battled against the global pressures of recession and showdown. Exports fell sharply in the first half and the rupee remained volatile as it fought hard to find its new level. The tide has turned and India is on a bounce back thanks to its resilient business houses, industrious entrepreneurs and innovative workforce who have fought hard showing their capacity to treat every challenge as a new opportunity. Indian growth had dipped to 5% in 2013, but green shoots are appearing to take the growth story on the recovery path in 2014. The government has shown conviction in its policies and has worked towards opening up the economy with greater liberalization in several areas that have now attracted invest-
India growth story intact; investors curious about elections

Davos: Indian leaders reiterated that the countrys growth story remains intact even as the rich and powerful at the World Economic Forum (WEF) here appeared to be curious about the outcome of upcoming polls. Most business leaders, including the likes of Tata Group chief Cyrus Mistry, were seen huddled with their global counterparts. Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma pitched the countrys growth story during an investment round table on India Jan 24. The second day of the WEF meet, where nearly 125 business and political leaders from India were participating, also witnessed deliberations revolving around the Middle East and climate change. Finance Minister P Chidambaram said that India could certainly return to 8 per cent growth rate if past mistakes are not repeated. In the last year and a half, we decided that we need to do more and be more decisiveThe results are there to see. Our economy has stabilized, Chidambaram said. Striking a positive note, Minister Sharma, after meeting global investors, said they have confidence in the Indian economy. Various measures initiated by the government to implement reforms and fast track the decision-making process and clearances to projects have helped build this confidence, he added. Reflecting the optimistic mood, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the next government
Indias Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Nikesh Arora of Google, Sunil Mittal of Bharti group at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
will have to take forward the process of fiscal consolidation to keep the economic momentum intact. He said that there is no need to ring alarm bells for the Indian economy as it was already growing at 5 per cent and the rate would improve further. Meanwhile, the emergence of Aam Aadmi Party and talks about next Lok Sabha elections seemed to be dominating the informal talks about India at this Swiss skiing resort town. While not many are willing to go on record with their take on Indias newest political
phenomenon Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP and its potential impact on the upcoming general elections, almost every foreign leader is quizzing their Indian counterparts about these issues. On the first day of WEF, The World is Flat famed economist Thomas Friedman said he was hugely optimistic about India even though the country is facing big challenges. "I still believe in India's huge human resource pool... India's pluralism and its ability to manage... Is a big lesson for whole world. At the end of the day, it is governance that matters."
between the European Union and India, has recorded Indian companies to have invested $ 56 billion across the continent during 2003-2012, of which EUR 29 billion ($ 38.47 billion) was invested through mergers and acquisition transactions. The report titled Indian Companies in the European Union: Reigniting Economic Growth also mentioned that Indian business houses employ 1.34 lakh professionals in Europe, including 40,000 new jobs generated by 511 green-field investments. Tata Group is the largest employer in Europe, which counts about 80,000 employees across its 19 companies there. India accounts for a substantial 47 per cent of the green-field investment and 63 per cent of the employment creation in the UK, according to the report. Investments in Asian economies by ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), Jubilant Oil and Gas, CenturyPly, Tata Motors, Essar Energy, RITES, Escorts, Sonalika Tractors, Zydus Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ranbaxy, Cadila Healthcare Ltd, Shree Balaji Enterprises, Shree Cements, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Cipla, Gati Shipping Ltd, TCI Seaways and Apollo bear testimony to Indias expanding business footprint. Indian conglomerate Aditya Birla Group is intending to invest around $ 1 billion to set up a chemical/fertiliser plant in the US even as it rakes in more than half of its $ 40 billion-turnover from overseas markets according to a report by IBEF. These numbers and statistics that find place in global dialogues go much beyond just official data. These are stories of how Indian business houses and investors have partnered their counterparts across the globe to reach out to new investors and consumers. Indias journey on the global stage is a story of emerging economies that are set to change the rules of the game in this century. The changing dynamics of the economic order that has made the world flat today will give an opportunity to show Indias strength as an economic and knowledge power even as it basks in its rich historical heritage. The author is a National Economics Editor at The Economic Times, India. Article courtesy Indian External Affairs Ministry.
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REACHING FOR THE SKIES Indias space technology at its best

By Pallava Bagla glorious 180 km into the atmosphere. Vikram Sarabhai, a legendary Indian physicist is credited as the father of the Indian space program who said `there are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the comity of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society. Living up to the ideals, ISRO today focuses on helping large sections of the Indian people get access to services supported through its nifty space technology and is considered a global leader in space based applications. Fishermen in many parts of India take the help of advisories facilitated by the space department that help them locate the best fishing zones in the high seas, Indias OceanSat satellite aids the poor fisher folk in this process. Indias forest zones are mapped using satellites and areas most vulnerable for deforestation are identified from the sky, hence in way helping in the conservation of wild biological resources. Indias weather monitoring satellites have helped save thousands of lives when a series of cyclones or hurricanes struck Indias coast by giving timely and accurate advance information on such disturbances. India is known as the IT capital of the world with a booming software industry and none of that would have been possible without the availability of communication satellites that could connect in real time Bangalore with Boston and all other such hubs. A flourishing domestic media ecosystem thrives and survives on satellite based linkages. Indias communication satellites have helped spawn more than 500 entertainment and private news television channels, in a way bolstering and supporting the worlds largest democracy with a population of 1.21 billion make the right decisions. The demand for space based transponders is so high that ISRO is unable to meet the requirements and is forced to hire space from foreign vendors. In July 2013, ISRO made a foray in yet another field of satellite applications satellite navigation. IRNSS-1A, the first satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System being developed by the country, was successfully launched by PSLV. When fully ready it will be complimentary to the American global positioning system that so many have become familiar with while using it on mobile devices. Not everything has been magical; ISRO is struggling to master the art of flying the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), Indias heavier rocket that suffered back-to-back failures in 2010. This rocket can hoist 2.5 ton class of communication satellites and its modified variant could well be the preferred rocket for launching Indians into space using Indian rockets from Indian soil.
little known fact, India today has end to end capabilities in space; the country builds and launches its own heavy duty rockets; designs and fabricates some of the most sophisticated satellites. In a singular achievement, Indias Mars Orbiter Mission or Mangalyaan, an unmanned satellite, is today racing to rendezvous with the Red planet, making India part of a select club of 6 that have dared to undertake the over 680 million kilometre journey. In 2009, Indias maiden mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-1 brought back the first clinching evidence of the presence of water on the parched lunar surface. In more down to earth missions, Indian satellites are also helping locate underground water aquifers for some of the poorest and marginal people of India. In a way, Indias space technology is helping everyone. With 10 satellites in orbit, India has the largest fleet of communication satellites in space among all countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Flying as many as a dozen remote sensing satellites, New Delhi controls the largest fleet of civilian eyes in the skies in the entire world with some birds that can see objects as small as a car from 800 km in the sky with other satellites that have day and night viewing capability and can image any part of the world. Till recently, the US Department of Agriculture was estimating crop yields on American farms using data sourced from Indias `ResourceSat satellite. India today invests just about $ 1 billion annually in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) which is the custodian of all space technology for the country. It was set up in 1969 and today employs about 16,000 people. India launches its rockets from the high-tech space port of Sriharikota near Chennai on the coast of Bay of Bengal. Some 40 rockets have been blasted off from the twin launch pads. Indias PSLV, a versatile workhorse rocket of ISRO has an enviable record of 24 consecutively successful launches. In its heaviest variant it weighs 320 tonnes at lift off or the about the same as the weight of a fully loaded 747 Boeing Jumbo jet, it stands about 44 meters high or as tall as a 15 storey building, it can carry 1.5 tons to a geo-synchronous transfer orbit and about 3 tons to a low earth orbit. On November 5, 2013 the same rocket successfully blasted off carrying Indias maiden mission to Mars. The PSLV launcher has been commercially used by Italians, Israelis and the French to hoist their own satellites. In all India has launched a total of about 35 foreign satellites from its soil. Despite huge leaps, Indias space program had humble beginnings as it literally started from inside the Saint Mary Magdalene Church in the fishing village of Thumba on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Kerala. The first rocket the country launched was half a century ago in 1963 when a small American made Nike Apache rocket zoomed into the evening sky reaching a
Interplanetary leap
Indias sojourn to the Red planet began on a balmy afternoon, when Indias PSLV lifted off, blazing a trail in the sky. The dreams of a billion plus people are riding on a small 1340 kg satellite which is now heading for Mars. A space mission which aims for Mars, yet has national pride written all over it and a deep desire by India to become the first Asian nation to orbit Mars. The ISRO prefers to call it the Mars Orbiter Mission. It is an unmanned satellite that has been conceived, designed and fabricated by Indian scientists. The cost of the entire maiden Indian Mars mission is about $ 70 million and about 500 scientists had toiled to fabricate it from scratch in a record breaking 15 months. A low cost mission no doubt. K Radhakrishnan, chairman of ISRO explains this Indian Mars mission is really a `technology demonstrator, essentially showcasing to the world that India can undertake `interplanetary leaps. Till date only Japan, China, Russia, USA and the European Space Agency have even attempted space travel to Mars, of these only the latter three have succeeded. Since 1960, some 51 missions have been launched, about a third of which have ended in disaster, the most recent being the Chinese failure in 2011. If India does make it to Mars, it would really only be the third individual nation in the world to have done it all on its own after USA and Russia. The European Space Agency has also reached Mars. So, is this a giant leap or a fool hardy step by a nation that still cant provide electricity to 400 million of its population and where 600 million people still defecate in the open? It all depends on which side of the divide you belong. But nobody doubts that the Mangalyaan is truly the cheapest interplanetary mission to be undertaken ever and now it may well pave the way for low cost access to Mars. India is already planning its second visit to the moon with Chandrayaan-2 which will possibly land on the lunar surface Indias own rover; a satellite to study the Sun, called Aditya is being built and ISRO is already eyeing a visit to a passing asteroid. While the Indian government is yet to clear a full- fledged human space flight program, it has sanctioned enough seed money so that Indian space technologists can master the technologies needed for orbiting an astronaut in space. As of now, the country has no plans of sending humans to the moon or to Mars. In an interesting recent development, the Indian and American space agencies are exploring the real possibility of jointly making a Radar satellite that would help study climate change and sea level rise. `We will not turn our backs to help India alleviate poverty and will fully help in the countrys development process, says ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan. Yet he asserts this Mars mission is a historical necessity, after having helped find water on the moon, looking for signatures of life on Mars is a natural progression. India is now demonstrating its capability to undertake inter-planetary travel with end-to-end technological prowess in space. The author is a globally recognized science writer and author of the book `Destination Moon: Indias Quest for Moon, Mars and beyond. (Article courtesy: Indian Ministry of External Affairs),
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Happy Republic Day
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Congress partys roadmap for future

Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, India's oldest political party gears up to the changed realities of modern India with a focus on inclusive power and progress to people.
he Congress party, which leads the ruling coalition, launched its advertisement campaign in run up to the General Elections. And the shift in focus is obvious. From the aam aadmi(common man) to inclusive power and progress to the people. The campaign carries the tagline main nahin, hum (its not me, its us). The commercial takes a cue from Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhis 17 January speech at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting, where he spoke against the personality-driven campaign of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The half-page advertisement in all major newspapers shows Gandhi in the center flanked by nine people from different communities and prominently features the slogan Har Haath Shakti, Har Haath Tarakki (power in every hand, progress to everyone). In a move to counter the campaign of the BJP and the AAP, the Congress advertisement says: No hand has a magic wand that can be waved to achieve progress. We have to form a great India together. Therefore, the Congresss aim is to give power to every hand so that everyone gets full opportunity for progress.
Aapke Haath initiative, which will ensure that benefits reach the people directly, on time and at their doorstep, while eliminating corruption and leakages. We believe that good governance, especially at the grassroots, is the prerequisite to ensure that our socio-economic policies achieve their desired objectives. Citizens Right to Grievance Redress Bill, introduced by the UPA government in Parliament, the implementation of the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission set up by the UPA government and implementing key e-governance initiatives would bring a qualitative change in governance. Firing Our Growth Engine We firmly believe that India stands at the threshold of great social advancement and economic prosperity. We hold an unwavering belief in the future of our country and we have not, and will not allow vested interests to undermine our growth story. We pledge to create a business environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship. We must position India favorably to both domestic and foreign investors. Infrastructure is the backbone of a strong nation and a strong economy. We are committed to the rapid development of public infrastructure such as roads, highways, ports, railways and electricity, on time. We will expedite the implementation of the industrial corridor projects and ensure full road connectivity to all rural habitations. We are taking broadband internet to every panchayat in India in order to connect and empower every Indian. We pledge to continue untiringly the fight against inflation, which affects the everyday life of Aam Aadmi. The path that we have chosen - increasing production of goods and services, improving productivity, containing wasteful expenditure, and fiscal prudence will in the medium term moderate inflation and bring relief to the common man. We have drafted and introduced a new law on Land Acquisition and Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R). The new law will address issues related to compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected parties in land acquisition. We will take all possible steps to ensure the timely enactment and implementation of this law as well as updation of land records. The prosperity of the Indian farmer is our foremost concern. We will offer a fair and remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) for critical farm products and support programs to increase productivity and profitability of agriculture, horticulture, livestock, aquaculture and other farm-related sectors. We believe that government must take initiatives that will create more incomes for farmers and create new opportunities for employment. One such initiative was the decision to allow foreign investment, besides domestic investment, in the retail sector. We also believe that Khadi, Micro, Small and Medium enterprises should be given all possible encouragement to generate more jobs. The revival and growth of the handloom industry should receive the highest priority.
Congress Partys new print advertisement featuring party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
Excerpts from the Partys vision statement for India A Leading Voice in a New Global Order We believe in a policy that is based on the principles of non-alignment, as enunciated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, yet creatively adapted to meet the needs of relationships between nations in a rapidly changing global scenario. We hold the firm belief that a peaceful, stable and economically vibrant South Asia should lie at the heart of our foreign policy. There is a need to reposition Indias leadership in South Asia. Any/Every dialogue must be based on the accepted principles of civilized behavior and when these principles are violated, India should not hesitate to take credible action. It is also imperative that concrete measures be taken to dismantle the infrastructure of terror operating in the South Asian region and the government of India must continue to impress upon the governments of the region on the need to work together for ensuring peace and harmony. We must advance Indias Look East Policy because it is an economic and strategic imperative for the whole country; especially for the North-Eastern states. An India Powered by Aspirations of Its Youth We renew our commitment to science, modern technology, inclusive innovation and jobcreating growth for the youth of India. We recognize the aspirations for advancement among our people, especially among the youth and middle-class, as a result of our policies and programs. We pledge to speak for both young middle class India and young deprived India. We will be responsive to the new aspirations of the youth and will offer credible policies and programs for them to create new opportunities, especially job creating programs.
We have always acknowledged the crucial role the youth of our nation plays in its development. We are a party that has a strong and proactive youth-driven cadre. We are fortunate as a nation to have such a young workforce. We will take all the steps to enable India reap this demographic dividend. We will create 10 million jobs every year and impart skills training to youth to take up these jobs. We have always recognized the critical importance of education, especially school education. The Party will urge the government to promote access to education for all, quality education, quality instruction by qualified teachers, and expansion and upgradation of the government school system. Party workers will be encouraged to play a proactive role to ensure that these objectives are achieved. Empowering Women as Stake Holders in Nation Building The Congress commitment to empowerment of women goes beyond the rhetoric and hyperbole. The Congress is the one party that has been led by many women (party) presidents and the only party that elected a woman Prime Minister, an iron lady, who led the nation in some of its most difficult times. It is in her memory that we re-dedicate our commitment towards ensuring equality for women and their empowerment. We are mindful of, and saddened by the atrocities that have recently rocked our collective conscience. We acknowledge the plight of women in matters concerning their safety and security. We will take measures such as the creation of helplines with a standard number 181 in all major towns and cities for prompt grievance redressal for women, exclusive transport facilities, and gender sensitivity classes for policemen and policewomen particularly in registering and investigating complaints made by women. We have always placed a high premium on the education of girls. Special scholarships that have been provided for girl children will be stepped up. We urge the State Governments to earmark 30% of all funds flowing into Panchayats and Nagarpalikas for the development of women
and children, and focus on the special needs of female agricultural labour and women cultivators. We remain committed to the cause of reservation of one-third of the seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas and to the enactment of laws broadening the definition of sexual atrocities, providing speedier justice, and enhanced punishment for aggravated sexual assault. We will take measures to enable increased participation of women at all levels within the government, including through reservations. A prescribed percentage of the total number police officers, inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables at every police station in the country must be women and, eventually, the proportion shall be not less than 30%. We believe that now is the time to establish a dedicated National Bank for Women to provide financial services to women in general and women SHGs in particular. We will ensure that women who are particularly vulnerable are provided a decent pension after the age of 60 years. Destitute, deserted and widowed women between 18-60 years of age will also be given a decent pension. We will ensure 30% reservation for women in line with the existing provision at every level of the Party. We will launch a political campaign at the national, state and district levels, to generate awareness about women-related legislations, schemes, programs and entitlements. War Against Corruption for Accountable Governance We will continue to lead the fight against corruption at all levels, especially in the bureaucracy and public life. We have already got the Lok Pal Bill passed in the Lok Sabha and have also undertaken a series of measures to fight corruption and improve transparency and accountability in the governance. We reaffirm our commitment to good governance and better delivery of services to the people. We are working towards a timely and effective implementation of the Aapka Paisa
February 1-7, 2014
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BJP & Modis vision for India

Energized by the anointment of Narendra Modi as the partys PM candidate, BJP has its eyes set on 272+ mission (Lok Sabha majority) in the upcoming election.
Extracted from BJPs official website
hri Narendra Modi has outlined his Vision for the India of tomorrow which resonates with the BJP's philosophy of "sab ka saath, sab ka vikas". The comprehensive vision laid out by Shri Modi builds on the heritage of India's rich social and cultural diversity, its tradition, the talent of our human resource and the aspirations of the youth and women. The concept of Brand India encapsulates all the sectors that have the potential to make India a global power. The five-Ts of Brand India are talent, trade, tradition, tourism and technology. The concept of Rainbow of India envisions seven key focus areas which will be the overarching theme of all initiatives to make India a developed nation. These themes are India's culture, agriculture, women, natural resources, youth power, democracy and knowledge. Finally, Shri Modi outlined an eight point key development model, with detailed initiatives on each, to put India back on high growth path and deliver good governance to the citizens. GOOD GOVERNANCE The BJPs definition of good governance is an administration where even the weakest and the most vulnerable sections of society have an equal stake in charting the countrys growth. Everything starts and progresses from this single idea. Today, the BJP is the only true merit-based democratic political party in India. In governance, the BJP is committed to the ideals of transparency, efficiency
and responsiveness. Time and again, the party has demonstrated its commitment towards these principles, wherever it has been voted to power. With the BJP at the helm, the Indian voters can look forward to a clean government, free of corruption and scandal; a leadership that hasnt reached on top on the basis of connections and cronyism, but on the basis of years of unrelenting work for the masses and a youthful leadership that is in sync with contemporary India. Our model of good governance ensures that even the tallest leaders and top bureaucrats are answerable to an ordinary citizen, hailing from any part of India. The government believes in operating in complete transparency, with every file and official record open for public scrutiny, except when these may endanger national security. The BJPs ascendancy is an antidote to whatever has troubled the Indian political system over the last six decades crony capitalism, feudalism, favoritism and archaic methods of governance. For us, governance is a mission that isnt complete without proactive involvement of the citizens of India. We strive to provide a clean and efficient government that invites proactive participation and involvement of citizens at every step. DEVELOPMENT PLAN Shri Narendra Modi's detailed eight point development plan covers vital areas of national debate and has concrete proposals for each. The eight focus areas are Strengthening the federal structure, agriculture re-
Modi is an iconic leader, literally, here as BJP President Rajnath Singh and Modi himself admire a model of the prime ministerial candidate.
forms, Urban development and infrastructure, Healthcare, Children and women's empowerment, inflation control, anti-corruption measures and education and job opportunities for youth. The specific action items in each of the focus areas are time bound with quantifiable goals and are intended to achieve outcomes both in the immediate term as well as the medium term. Implemented together, the development plan will put India back on high growth path, revive the economy, boost job growth and deliver good governance to the citizens. BRAND INDIA Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned the concept of Brand India to build an Indian narrative for the 21st century. Brand India comprises of 5Ts - Talent, Trade, Tradition, Tourism and Technology. Together, these 5Ts encapsulate all the strengths that, if harnessed fully, can propel India into leadership position in the community of nations. Talent is harnessing the vast human resources of India and reaping the demographic dividend. Trade is engaging with the world community in mutually beneficial trade. Tradition is being proud of India's civilizational heritage and building a brand around our unity in diversity. Tourism is harnessing the vast tourism potential of India. Technology is empowering the young of India to cement their reputation as technologically the best in the world.
Brand India is about building an India of Tomorrow we all can be proud of. NATION FIRST A firm belief in the ideal that a truly rich and diverse nation like India is optimally united when its people give precedence to their identity as Indians before everything else is what led to the birth of the BJP. The party's staunch commitment to this principle is what has ensured its unparalleled rise to becoming one of the largest, most representative political parties in India. The BJP believes in true National politics, where every Indian, irrespective of his caste, creed or religion is an Indian first. It doesnt believe in narrow politics of compartmentalization and division of socie-
ty. The party's agenda is to unite people on the basis of their love for the country. Primacy to this identity is what will once again chart the path for Indias re-emergence as a cultural and economic superpower. This should also be looked at in light of BJPs core commitment to its guiding philosophy of Integral Humanism, which considers all Indians as one united entity. Our leadership has walked this path for years and believes that it will ensure our precious energies arent wasted in petty differences. Keeping the interest of the nation above everything else is what will ensure a united and powerful India, wherein each one of its 1.25 billion citizens contributes in his or her unique way, and fulfils his or her unique dream.
February 1-7, 2014
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MY VISION OF INDIA
Written exclusively for The South Asian Times by Hardeep Puri, a retired diplomat who served till early last year as Indias Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. He recently joined the BJP.
By Hardeep Singh Puri growth. Accelerating growth of agriculture production is therefore necessary not only to achieve an overall GDP growth rate and meet the rising demand for food, but also to increase incomes of those dependent on agriculture and thereby ensure inclusiveness in our society. Equally the manufacturing sector which can generate jobs today contributes only 15.1% of our GDP. According to a recent study conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the share of manufacturing in India's GDP has declined to 15.1 per cent in 2013, the lowest in the past 10 years. Indias manufacturing sector is vital for its economic progress. India has both the human and natural resources required. If Indias manufacturing sector realizes its full potential, it could generate 25 percent of GDP in the next decade or so. The progress India has registered in developing the services sector is impressive. Continued emphasis on education, rigorous insistence and intensification of quality and upgrade of technologies will give us the cutting edge required for innovation, which along with our entrepreneurial skills can make us world leaders not only in IT but also other knowledge industries. With a renewal and strengthening of our agricultural sector and a new manufacturing policy and a vibrant services sector, India can be a leading economy in the world. As a professional diplomat, it has been an article of faith for me that we should be a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Ours is a voice of constructive moderation that seeks to build bridges between adversarial positions, is principle based and seeks to find effective solutions for the challenges which are global and need to be multilaterally addressed. We need to redouble our efforts to obtain our rightful place as a permanent member. We have the necessary assurances at the bilateral levels. We need to be a little less risk averse and push this issue to vote.
t the outset, I would like to wish the readers of The South Asian Times a very Happy 65th Republic Day. India is an old civilization but a young country. Our biggest achievement is that in the short span of our life as a modern nation, democracy has got deeply entrenched. India stands out in the community of nations for the remarkable social and economic transformation it has registered in the short span of six and a half decades. Indias success would not have been possible had it not adopted a Constitution that established India into a Sovereign Democratic Republic that secured for its citizens social economic and political Justice, Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality of status and opportunity and to promote among the all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation. India is not only the worlds largest democracy but one of the worlds fastest growing economies, the recent economic slowdown notwithstanding. It has been a great privilege for me to serve the Republic for 39 years as a civil servant. I joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1974. Presented with a choice of choosing a career again, in an entirely imaginary and unlikely scenario, I would have no hesitation but to opt to serve the Republic once again. My vision for India is of a mahan and surakshit Bharat: a strong, modern security infrastructure to tackle internal and external threats, the development and acquisition of hardware and software for the security infrastructure, a well-equipped and trained armed force with state-of-the-art weapons for the armed forces. On the economic front, my vision is anchored on the near, if not total, elimination of poverty with every Indian assured not only of the basic necessities of life but conditions which enable each and every citizen of India to live a life of dignity. With some effort, this can be achieved, in our life time. This will, however, require the pursuit of sound and effective economic policies. Unless the economy grows at 8 per cent or above for the next decade or so, it will not be possible for sufficient generation of employment. More than 60% Indians live in rural areas and yet the share of agriculture, the main economic activity in rural India came down to 14.1% of the GDP in 2011-12 from 22.3% in 2000-01. India is at a juncture where reforms are urgently required to achieve greater efficiency and productivity in agriculture for sustaining
I am often asked: Why did I join the BJP?

Amongst the two national parties, it has the most impressive position on issues relating to national security. Its approach to national security is anchored in a strong sense of nationalism. I had the privilege of chairing the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UN Security Council in 2011 and 2012. I find a natural resonance of the Committees work in the BJPs approach to national security. What India now needs is decisive political leadership which, in turn, will put the derailed economy back on track. The Bharatiya Janata Party is committed to navigate the Indian economy to new heights with innovative ideas. It has a clear vision for the sound and sustainable economic development ensuring faster growth. In the run up to the 2014 election, the BJP has presented to the nation a decisive and progressive leader, Shri Narendra Modi, its prime ministerial candidate who has demonstrated hands on experience in good governance. He is also committed to Indias stability, growth and economic well-being. Since 2002, a deliberate policy of vilification and a hate campaign were carried out against Shri Narendra Modi who has been the most closely scrutinised personality in any democracy. Allegations which were made against Shri Modi were part of a political conspiracy. Shri Modi now finally stands vindicated. It has been conclusively demonstrated that the allegations against him were based on fabrication of evidence and a litany of lies. He now stands ready to take on the 2014 challenge. Politically, he has emerged stronger in this adversity. Let me conclude by re-emphasizing the fundamental importance of Indias bilateral relations with the United States. Precisely because it is an extremely important and valued relationship, both the US and India need to make the extra effort to insulate it from the kind of aberrations it was subjected to most recently. Unless red lines are clearly delineated and respected, the management of the relationship will be adversely affected. India reacted to the Khobaragade affair with understandable and justified outrage. More sensitivity is called for in respecting the red lines on both sides.
What India now needs is decisive political leadership which, in turn, will put the derailed economy back on track. The BJP is committed to navigate the Indian economy to new heights with innovative ideas. In the run up to the 2014 election, the party has presented to the nation a decisive and progressive leader, Shri Narendra Modi, as its PM candidate. Amongst the two national parties, BJP has the most impressive position on issues relating to national security.
February 1-7, 2014
February 1-7, 2014
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By Pran Kurup
The Aam Aadmi Partys message is simple one based on integrity and probity in public life with zero-tolerance towards corruption, plus a focus on everyday issues such as water, electricity, public education and health and womens safety. AAPs believes in decentralization of power to the lowest governing unit - mohalla sabha in cities and gram sabha in villages. The intent is to empower the aam aadmi so the real power vests with the people.
In 40+ years the CBI has arrested only four people. The last among them - Laloo Yadav was released from jail in a couple of months! Over the years, the citizens democratic involvement has been reduced to a mere vote once every five years. In the interregnum, the citizen has no real role to play. Moreover, successive governments have repeatedly failed to provide even basics like clean water, electricity, education, and healthcare. All the powers are vested with the high commands of parties in power. Its refreshingly new politics has captured the imagination of Indians the world over. The AAP has proven by its success in the Delhi elections that you dont need black money to win elections. The party has demonstrated that its possible to win an election with direct transparent funding from the people. It has also periodically released its financial statements. For the Delhi elections, the party set a target of Rs 20 crore and stopped accepting donations once the milestone was reached With its victory in Delhi, the AAPs powerful message has already started to resonate with the Indians across the globe. Scores of people are quitting their jobs to work fulltime for AAP. Several NRIs have returned to India to join the party and work towards its success. On the policy front, the AAP is committed to Swaraj, which involves decentralization of power to the lowest governing unit - mohalla sabha in cities and gram sabha in villages. The intent is to empower the aam aadmi so the real power vests with the people of India. This, by itself, should curb corruption and usher in clean, accountable governance and policies that directly address the needs and concerns of the people. The AAP dreams of an India with significantly reduced corruption, poverty, and unemployment. It deeply believes in a secular government that works for the good of all communities and is committed to social equity, responsive governance, speedier justice, and more efficient police and courts. On the economic front, the party aspires for a better regulated and trust-inspiring environment for business. On the domestic front, it plans to provide affordable quality education and healthcare facilities for people, an environment where minorities dont feel threatened, an India with vastly improved infrastructure (roads, transportation, Internet, etc.) and greater safety and security for women. On the administrative front, the AAP has plans for a functional Lokpal at the center and a Lokayukta in each state, a government with greater transparency and accountability, and laws such as the right to reject and right to recall elected representatives. Clearly, this is a long and ambitious wishlist and might seem improbable. Mahatma Gandhi said, The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing is enough to solve the worlds problems. India clearly has big problems to solve but we have no shortage of capable and committed people. The shortening of the gap between what we do and what we are capable of doing is dependent on a stable, committed government with the political will to usher in significant changes. The 2014 elections could be the tipping point for significant changes in Indias political spectrum and the AAP could be at the forefront of this upheaval. As one more Republic Day goes by, its evident that India has come a long way but if recent developments are any indication, the years to come could witness some dramatic political changes.
REPUBLIC ON THE CUSP OF DrAMATIC CHANGE
he Indian republic has been a mystery to most people around the globe, especially westerners. How does a country with so much diversity - culture, language, class, caste, religion, food habits, customs, economic disparities, etc., manage to remain as one country for 66 years and continue to grow and thrive as the worlds largest democracy? Indias founding fathers captured this perfectly when they referred to Indias complex make-up as Unity in diversity. While things have been far from perfect, the very fact that we have remained a democracy is something every Indian can be proud of. On the positive side, the Right to Information (RTI) act passed in 2006 by the Indian parliament for which then social activist, Arvind Kejriwal, received the Ramon Magsaysay award, has empowered the citizens to seek and get information from the government. In recent times, the significant progress of communication technologies has ensured that information reaches every nook and corner of the country via mobile phones, TV channels, Internet, etc. Meanwhile, Indias young population, often referred to as our demographic dividend, has multiplied the spread of information through the use of social media, SMS, and other latest technologies. The hyperconnected world we live in has led to greater awareness among Indians fast growing population. People have access to data, information and news like never before. Not surprisingly, a whole host of scams have been exposed over the last few years. As a result, rather unknowingly, Indian politicians are slowly being made more accountable than ever before. Another positive trend in recent times is the rising aspirations of people, especially the youth. The exposure to the rest of the world, especially the West, has fueled the hopes and aspirations of the people. There is also a sense of impatience and frustration as was apparent during the anti-corruption movement, the anti-nuclear protests in Kudankulam, the Jal satyagraha, among others. People are now demanding solutions. They want their issues addressed and they want them addressed in a timely manner. A new India is emerging amidst the seeming chaos - an India unified by hope andaspirations that cuts across caste, gender, religion, language, and other divisive impediments that have stood in the way of Indias progress over the years. Despite these positive developments, there is still a long way to go. Our population of 1.2 billion people is likely to overtake China by 2025. There is a desperate need for better governance that can ensure all round improvements in infrastructure, education, health, poverty, illiteracy, womens safety, etc. Our judicial system takes years to deliver justice, and corruption is rampant at all levels. Pran Kurup is an entrepreneur and former President of the Silicon Valley Indian Professionals Association. He has been a volunteer for AAPs technology and media efforts since the partys inception.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the launch of AAPs membership drive in New Delhi on Jan.10, 2014. The party claims that close to 10 million people had become members by Jan 26.
In other words, there is concentration of power with a select few. This has led to rampant corruption, blatant nepotism, black money, criminals in politics, and the like. On the political front, the ruling Congress-led coalition has been mired in corruption scandals. The Congress party is shell-shocked since its colossal debacle in the recent assembly elections and appears to be in complete disarray. Over the years, the presence of both the Congress and the BJP has been shrinking across the country, while regional parties have been on the rise. In 2004, BJP sunk with India Shining. In 2009, Advani attacked Manmohan Singh for being weak. Neither strategy worked. But in 2014, the BJP surely has the anti-incumbency mood in its favor. It is in this context that the newest entrant into Indias political horizon, the Aam Aadmi Party, could play a very interesting role in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The AAP came to power in Delhi after the assembly elections in December last year.
something that is unheard of in Indian politics! Also, for the first time in Indian politics, the AAP has demonstrated that it is possible to nominate candidates through an open process. Its recent call for applicants to contest the Lok Sabha election has seen a phenomenal response. The AAP is slowly transforming Indian politics into an open field where anyone can aspire to contest elections and serve the country. With such fundamental changes, the AAP has won the admiration and support of particularly the youth and the middle class. It has also managed to spread its wings slowly but surely into the rural areas based on the response to its nationwide membership drive. The AAPs message is simple and straightforward one based on honesty, integrity and probity in public life with a zero-tolerance towards corruption, plus a focus on everyday issues such as water, electricity, public education and health and womens safety.
February 1-7, 2014
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Time to reflect, and pay a debt of honor

The recent Devyani episode, in time, will be good for closer and more mutually respectful relationship between the United States and India. That experience has forced both nations to pay attention: to details; mutuality of rights and obligations; avoid bad optics
By Ravi Batra ongratulations India for being a nation of laws, with a vibrant judiciary and a motivated electorate keeping democracy alive and robust. Like Tom Friedman of The New York Times, I too am a huge fan of India and Indians. India, despite its antiquity, is a young nation winning its tryst with destiny since Pandit Nehru's approaching "midnight hour." Just look at the Indian version of the Arab Spring, except that it is within the democratic process - democracy really works in India, just as in the United States. That India has issues and problems, well, welcome to the world of 193 countries - economic slowdown, growing environmental crisis, corruption in lieu of a proper tax structure capable of paying a living wage to public servants, and the list goes on. The recent Devyani episode, in time, will be good for closer and more mutually respectful relationship between the United States and India. That experience has forced both nations to pay attention: to details; mutuality of rights and obligations; avoid bad optics with security barrier-removal even as the security for US embassy was later enhanced while the Indian Embassy in Washington DC continues to be deprived of needed security; keep mutually respectful relations in the comity of nations by refusing to hurl an insult unless ready for war. It's worth remembering that sovereignty, in a nation of laws context, includes a presumption against extraterritoriality this, like the armed forces, is a ferocious watchdog of a nation's sovereignty. I'm troubled with attacks on USA Preet Bharara as I'm troubled by security barriers' removal; Preet Bharara remains a man of singular honor and principle, and indeed, correctly draws the line in the sand between legal and criminal. The real issue is that US labor laws are applied discriminatorily to Foreign Diplomatic Domestics Workers (FDDW). Which minimum wage worker gets full medical coverage (such that even a $150,000 hip replacement is paid for by the employer as India does)? A legal question arise after Devyani - can our State Department issue regulations changing US hours & wages laws when applied to FDDWs without violating the Equal Protection Clause? Federal law already permits waiters in restaurants, who earn tips, to be legally paid a mere $2.35 an hour so long as with tips their wages equal or exceed the actual minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. The bigger question deals with soil and sovereignty and how best to make the comity of nations adopt a single law. And the answer is - follow the soil and sovereignty: since FDDWs work on soil of their home country, even when abroad, let the wages & hours laws of that home-soil rule. Result, no more Devyanis, and happy comity of nations. Otherwise, we have the troubling scenario of US diplomats paying their FDDWs even less than Devyani paid hers - not a moral high ground. What is needed now is to get past the hiccup that was, and is, Devyani, and get back to the shared destiny that pulls United States and India - two nations under law destined to be in love, even as history bears witness from Christopher Columbus, Boston Tea Party and Lord Cornwallis did and make them soldiers of non-violence. While President Ronald Reagans Freedom Fighters used our arms to dispel the Soviet Afghan misadventure, Badshah Khan got his armed warriors to use non-violence to help cause Great Britain to leave the Subcontinent. As we exit Afghanistan in 2014, our strong Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and history-rich Secretary of State John Kerry need to jointly and severally embrace Frontier Gandhi - his achievements and sacrifices, and pay down the debt of honor he is still owed by all good people across the world, including, us. Badshah Khan also needs to be genuinely embraced as a pathway to getting the needed Security Agreement with Afghanistan, so as to allow peace to take hold and freedom to reign supreme for all religions Moslem, Hindu, Sikh, Christian and inter alia, Jewish. After all, President Hamid Karzai cannot but welcome Badshah Khan being honored by all nations as a role model for all time - especially by the United States - a beacon in human history. So, the heretofore pantheon of non-violence giants - Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela must be amended to include Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan aka Frontier Gandhi. Honest history will allow nothing less and a peaceful future for all will be achieved by respectfully paying our debts of honor. The author is a New York based eminent attorney.
Watching a new documentary Badshah Khan at the consulate, I realized that the pantheon of non-violence giants - Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela -- must also include Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan aka Frontier Gandhi.
causing bilateral inseparability. That said, I must add one more issue - a new issue - Frontier Gandhi. Thanks to Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay, a documentary was recently premiered at the Indian Consulate in New York directed by Canadian Teri McLuhan Frontier Gandhi, fondly known as Badshah Khan, and awarded the title of Fakhr-e Afghan by Afghanistan. After watching this amalgamated riveting piece of history, I remembered that I had a few months ago heard the name of Frontier Gandhi for the first time from a new author-friend, visiting the United States from the Subcontinent, who has spent a life seeking social justice for the powerless from feudal lords. This documentary, as all documentaries, carry the moral and editorial signature of its director-creator. But this film left me with a clear comprehension that people of goodwill, and who also had a desire to keep history honest, would willingly agree that much
remains owed to Badshah Khan for his singular leadership in not only his independent use of nonviolence to free India from colonial rule but even more importantly, attracting culturally-armed fighters to become a 100,000strong army of unarmed Red Shirts: red turban, red shirt, red pants. Red, so that even when Badshah Khans Red Shirted followers were shot and bled, the color red would cloak the injury just as non-violence cloaks the immorality and incivility of shooters, relying upon bad positive laws, to shoot unarmed protesters. The best example of bad positive laws are the Nuremberg Laws. Those who relied upon them to cause the Holocaust, paid the price as war criminals. That Badshah Khan was, and of, the North West Frontier, now straddling the unmanageable boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan, speaks to what no one has been able to do till present day: disarm its residents by any means, let alone voluntarily as he
R-Day Message from HAB Bank R-Day Message from Jagdish Sewhani
n behalf of HAB BANK, I would like to extend our Republic Day greetings to Indian American community in the tri-state area. As we celebrate India Republic Day this year, we can take pride in our achievements as a community despite the challenges that lie ahead. We have, in a short span of time, been able to establish ourselves as a community engaged at so many levels, culturally and economically, and determined to pursue our American dream of achieving success in our adopted homeland. HAB BANK, since its inception in 1983 as a New York State chartered bank, has played a vital role in nurturing communities through its network of branches in New York, New Jersey, and California. We are
proud to be the first bank in the US solely focused on meeting and serving the banking needs of South Asian community. We are honored to join in celebrating Indias Republic Day celebration and reaffirm our Banks commitment to South Asian community in the U.S. Saleem Iqbal President & CEO, HAB BANK, New York
n the occasion of the 65th Republic Day of India, I hereby extend my heartiest congratulation to all my countrymen. At the moment, India is at the watershed of history. The elections in India are to be held in the 3-4 months. Hence 2014 is of crucial importance to all Indians. The Indian electorate is going to decide as to who will be the next Prime Minister of India. All the poll predictions indicate that Shri Narendra Modi is going to be in the Prime Ministers seat in May 2014. Modis popularity graph has skyrocketed. He has emerged as the icon of a resurgent India. Wherever he goes, tens of thousands of Indians join his rallies. They love him, respect him and are eager to listen to him. He has
been invited by the European Union and UK. He is considered as a lion of India. Under his guidance, Gujarat has maintained double digit GDP growth. If he becomes Prime Minister of India, he would replicate the Gujarat model all over India. Jagdish Sewhani, Friends of Narendra Modi, NY
February 1-7, 2014
31
INDiA FiRST iS MODiS mESSAGE fOR 2014 NATiON BUiLDiNG

Narendra Modi is a proven leader who can guide the billion plus Indians in a positive direction who were misguided and misinformed for the last 66 years. India without Congress was the wish of Mahatma Gandhi. Modi as prime minister will make it happen in 2014, so the author exhorts Indians to vote BJP, and NRIs to support the partys PM candidate.
By Arish Sahani
ou must be thinking what an NRI or PIO has to do with Indian politics. My answer is: A lot. Dont forget how we gained our independence. It was because of Mahatma Gandhi and many other great leaders who were NRIs before jumping into the freedom struggle. My roots are Hindu, my race is Indian, I have Indian DNA and no one can deny or take it away. Even if all Hindus convert or adapt to other nations or religions. Human life is a great gift. Not many people realize and understand it, nor is it used properly. I was born a Hindu in a city called Rawalpindi before Indias partition and I still have memories of how we had to leave our motherland. But in present day Rawalpindi, I can say that it is like hell on earth for all converts. Our world is always changing; with age and with time you learn and understand more and more of the world. I think our life is part of daily politics on many fronts. The problem is, we Hindus never learn about this part of life at an early age. India is ruled by the Congress party (Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to be precise) for the last 60 plus years. An overwhelming majority of Indian population is Hindus but is ruled by appeasing Hindu converts to Islam and Christian for votes. Appeasing polices devised by the Congress leadership has made our nation of intellectuals and hard workers as a Third World country. The Hindus who left India and settled abroad are shining and helping their adopted nations with their success in creating wealth. The Congress party is running this great nation resorting to divide and rule policies inherited from the British. The media is under their control and business was under their control as permit raj. Only a few got educated as the education system was corrupt. Citizens were not made to feel loyal to the nation or be proud of the country or their cultural roots. The 21st century is the new information era. Today, one can have all the facts to make a good decision. As a PIO myself, I cant
Voting for any other party will be like voting indirectly for Congress. And the AAP victory recently has kept BJP out of power in Delhi. What is the difference between Congress and BJP? Congress is dynasty ruled. BJP is developmental and integrity ruled. Narendra Modi is a proven leader who can guide the billion plus Indians in a positive direction who were misguided and misinformed for the last 66 years. INDIA FIRST is the correct message that Modi and BJP have for the 2014 nation building. India without Congress was the wish of Mahatma Gandhi. All of those who honor the Mahatma should know that Modi will make it happen in 2014 with their help and yours. Lets all please vote 100% for BJP. The billion plus Hindus with no nation of their own should look for their future generations. They should understand that Congress governments pseudo secularism and appeasement policy towards minorities can and will make them bereft of a nation and homeland in future too.
Modi meets the local Gujarati Muslims frequently. This easy access given to them is among Gandhinagars well-kept secrets. In case Modi becomes PM, he will not continue the official minority policies the way its now. His icon is Swami Vivekanand. He admires Indira Gandhi. He was born at 11 a.m. on September 17, 1950. An astrologer who saw his kundli (astrological chart) said his rahu antardasha is considered good in politics. He is quite conservative and even old-fashioned. The Congress and Nehru-Gandhi dynasty called him Mout ka Soudagar. He turned it into Mat (Vote) ka Soudagar. He seems to be a modern day Bhakt Prahlad. To destroy Prahlad, his father poisoned him, threw him in fire, threw him in boiling oil and then threw him over the high cliff. But every time, Prahalad came out unharmed and more determined! At Modi, the Congress government at the Center threw all sorts of Law Courts-High and Low, unauthorized Banerjee Commission, accusations, false witnesses, media propaganda, world opinion in the form of missionaries and mullahs, human rights activists, Setalvads, Azamis, Sardesais, Ghoses, Dutts, Roys, et al. To no effect. A nation is built based on the character of See what columnist MJ Akbar said (Dec the leaders who govern you. 29 2013) in his article In Congress Mo(Jaisa Raja, Vaisi Praja). dis fight, can AAP come to rescue?: Has Look what happened to Arvind Kejriwal become the last hope of Iraq, Syria and Egypt Congress in its bitter struggle against all due to wrong leadNarendra Modi? Many Congress leadership. Modi is honest, ers no longer believe they can win hard working, and in 2014, but hope that Modi can cares for all Indians. still be stopped from becoming His message is simprime minister. See what Kiren ple - be a good Hindu, Bedi has said in a tweet. Let our a good Muslim, a vote be an investment for good Sikh, a good #India First. Vote for Buddhist and secure, stable, strong so on. India, which can withstand internal and external challenges!
WHY DO I SUPPORT NAREnDRA MODi?
Modi is a decision-maker. He will not send any decision to a Group of Ministers. Modi has no best friend. No one should have any doubt that if he becomes Prime Minister, he will turn New Delhi topsy-turvy. He will make bureaucrats work and be responsible. However, those who hate him will continue to hate him. Modi evokes extreme emotions among his fans and more so in his opponents.
This time our vote is for experience not experiment! For a vision, not television or illusion! For illustrious India First. I hope and pray that Indians in 2014 will invest their 5 hours on election day to vote for BJP and Mr. Modi to secure their 5 years of peace, prosperity and security. I hope all NRIs will invest $10 each in calls to India to make all their friends and relatives to go out and vote for BJP and Narendra Modi so they have a safe and secure India for future visits and meeting relatives. Jai Hind.
vote but I know at least 50-100 Indian citizens whom I can educate and inform about what is good for them and their family as well as my future generation. I have called, emailed and requested them to Vote for BJP and Mr. Narendra Modi.
BJPs Prime Ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi addressing the partys national council meeting in New Delhi on Jan 19, 2014.
The author is Vice President of Indian American Intellectuals Forum, New York.
February 1-7, 2014
34
VOX POPULI: STATE OF THE REPUBLIC
We want an able leader, not coalition politics
014 is bound to be a milestone year in Indian politics. The aware youth, who now make a significantly large vote bank, are restless, desperately seeking change from a system that has failed them on many occasions. The political
battle lines are drawn. Will India install BJPs popular leader and efficient administrator Narendra Modi as prime minister? Or will Congress party manage to cobble together a coalition under Rahul Gandhi, somewhat of a novice? How
will the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, fare in the long run? With all parties being closely watched, the pent up rage is waiting to be unleashed at the ballot box. A billion strong
nation has its own set of unique issues: inflation, red tapism, and corruption to sensitive relations with not-so-amicable neighbors Pakistan and China. But what matters the most to people in India today? Read on...
Surgical gastroenterologist, Indore
Siddharth Jain
Engineering entrepreneur, Ahmedabad
Kautilya Rawal
Chartered Accountant, Ahmedabad
Shitin Shah
Entrepreneur, Pune
he great thing about our country is that in spite of the rotten political system and decaying social fabric, the common man continues to struggle and fight for improvement. This never-say-die attitude deserves a salute apart from some of our institutions like the CAG, Supreme Court and the armed forces. The present political system and the VIP culture needs to end as does corruption. The key election issue this time would be and should be corruption and nepotism. Addressing this issue will take care of others like communalism, education and health. Post 2014 elections, the political class should be afraid of the aam aadmi. Message should hit home that the common Indian is no more a bechara, uneducated fool who considers the ministers and elected members their maibaap. They are public servants and they must behave so. I was always a big fan of Modi, but his compromise on corruption has left me confused. His close ties with Nitin Gadkari, B.S. Yeddyurappa, and his silence on the corrupt elements of BJP means he is no different from others. Abuse of power is equally bad, which is rampant in all states of India. Congress is as good as an aging dinosaur; Rahul Gandhi will only hasten its demise. AAP is doing a tremendous job. They may be doing something unconventional, but they have not lost their minds. They refuse to bow down before judges, before president. Likewise, each Indian should believe that he is his own master and is answerable to the idea of India, not authority chairs. AAP is liable to commit
Nilesh Kale
Archana Makwana
admire the strength and patience of our democracy and achievements of our scientists/army regardless of the obstacles. The one thing I dislike is the corruption that has seeped into our system. Post general elections this year I want a strong government that does not operate on the whims and fancy of their smaller Lok Sabha allies! Sometimes what is needed is a leader who has the independence to take a decision quickly, even if that decision is sub-optimal! With coalition politics the decision making is based on how to keep the allies happy (and yourself in power!) On Narendra Modi, Ill say, any leader who is strong, clean, can take initiative and lead from front is good. But even for BJP, unless they make a clean sweep in the election they too will be affected by their allies. Congress has been the ruling party the longest since independence and had many chances to show their willingness to change. People now want a change is what I feel. The AAP, I hope, eventually finds its feet although right now the party is taking a beating. They've got a fresh perspective on politics in India, forcing other parties to change. What they do in Delhi in coming months will be keenly watched.
mistakes, learn from them but at least they will be honest. A nave, honest person is much better than a seasoned corrupt person. As Krishna said in Mahabharat, you might be a Bheesham, or a Dhron or in fact Karan, you are doomed if you are on the side of Adharma.
ne sure thing that can be admired about India is that it has been a very active participant in technology adaptation. We may be unable to take the tech in an affordable way to every individual in every corner of the country, but the youth and they represents a large part of the population now are looking for adapting new processes and systems as well as adapting new technology. As I live in a mega city, Id like to change the basic civic discipline our citizens have. I dislike people who dont follow the basic rules and regulations as well as pay bribes to get their work done. I wish to see a country where our infrastructure is at par with that of developed nations. It will lead to more jobs and resources for millions. This time, the election issues will be corruption, empowerment of common man and better system and process in every structure of the government. If Modi becomes the prime minister, I feel it will be a positive and much needed change for our country. He has the vision for a developed India, where there will be inclusive growth and increase in local consumption and supply as well as encouragement for entrepreneurs. It is projected wrongly that if BJP comes to power, minorities will be affected. Fact is, even minorities will progress better when economy is growing. Congress party is tainted by scams and corruption under their rule. With no new leaders (Rahul Gandhi included) with long term vision of a developed India, it seems difficult for Congress to mend it ways. Our systems and process of governance are in a very stale state. Be it any party, it will be tough to govern and implement laws until there is a fundamental change and conviction for that change. AAP ruling Delhi now is mere hype.
Fashion designer and lawyer, Vadodara
ne thing I admire about India today is the awareness among the youth about the current political situation in the country and their interest in doing something about it. For instance when Anna Hazare started the campaign several of my friends, whom I had least expected, joined in. What Kejriwal has done is remarkable as well. But I dont support his working system. I want laws to be made stricter on crimes such as rapes and murders. As a lawyer I know how complicated our legal system is and how badly administered our local courts. A strong, stable and just judicial system is the need of the hour. The armed forces and the police should be paid high salaries and be well equipped so that they can serve the nation properly. I am a patriot and for me whoever is ready to serve the country in its true faith should be given the power to rule India. Id like to see India progress in the right direction. I want the new government to cut taxes and control corruption. A nation so powerful that neighbors like Pakistan and China cannot invade our territories. I have followed Narendra Modi for a long time now and from what I see he deserves to be the PM of India. He is a visionary, a true patriot and is passionate about this dedication to serve his country. Hell do wonders once he comes to power. What he has done for Gujarat is remarkable and I am sure he will turn India into a developing country at its best. I don't think the minorities need to be worried about anything, as far as they are good, its fine. Congress
ndia makes me proud to be a citizen of the worlds largest democracy. Democracy gives freedom of speech to everyone. Corruption is the biggest issue facing the country. We need strict implementation and clarity / transparency in all processes and systems. The issues for the upcoming general election will be stability, implementation of policies, and good business environment. I hope one single party gets clear majority because coalition politics has hindered our growth. Post election, I wish India becomes more powerful as an economy, and as a nation. Modi becoming prime minister will be good for the country. He changed Gujarat and brought international acclaim for the state. His same vision will bring significant changes to our country. Minorities too will flourish under his rule. Congress party will never mend its ways. It has been playing politics since independence on the basis of poverty, communalism and creating fake scarcity of essential products. And yes, Rahul Gandhi lacks vision for future of India. As for AAP, people did not expect its recent acts in Delhi.
party definitely can mend their ways provided they have that feeling to serve the nation, which I feel they lack. As for Rahul Gandhi, he clearly lacks vision, passion or even the patriotic feeling to serve his nation. His speeches are so plastic and scripted. The AAP lacks knowledge and experience in governance. I disapprove of their way of functioning. They should follow certain rules of being in the power. For instance, Kejriwal should accept the code of conduct of the Chief Minister post.
Interviews by Hiral Dholakia-Dave
February 1-7, 2014
36
VOX POPULI: STATE OF THE REPUBLIC

Indian Americans, particularly first generation, keep track of events in India. They are proud of the march of progress back home, but express concern about scams and corruption. Here they air their views about Narendra Modi's prospects for PM, Rahul Gandhis leadership qualities, and the new party, AAP.
NRIs concerned about Indian politics

Insurance broker, NY
Quddus Mohammed
President, Hyderabadi Cultural Association of New York, Rotary Club of Hicksville South
President, Association of Indians in America (NY)
Sunil Modi
Salil Zaveri
Jayesh Shah
President, AAPI
I
he Indian diaspora is proud of their motherland India and celebrate with pride the largest thriving democracy, with a multi-linguistic, multi-cultural society and rich history. It has a unique cultural charm and an appreciation of secular values. In economy, India came out solidly from its colonial past on the strength of its highly educated and skillful labor force. The double digit growth over the past several years has slowed due to inflation and policy flaws, leading to middle-class stagnation. What India urgently needs is a stable and pragmatic government at the center with a solid agenda to bring the economic growth back on track. To gain an bigger slice of global market share, India needs to continue to gradually deregulate its markets, implement aggressive tax reforms and consumption driven policies to create jobs locally. Indians will soon decide on the next PM. Regional parties will play a key role in the formation of the next government. The role of the dominant partner in the next government is extremely important for Indias future. Some say Narender Modi has done good work in Gujarat and so he is a strong candidate for PM, while others doubt that good to be more hype than reality. Congress party has a lot of strategic and policy thinking to work on. Rahul Gandhi lacks leadership and will require an extraordinary effort to win this election for his party. AAP is focused on domestic issues. But they lack experience in foreign policy and macro issues. Minorities fear Modi led government coming into power. Whether he will be good or bad for the country is hard to say, but at this point it is fair to say that his ascent may not be good for minorities. Internationally, Modi becoming PM may be damage the image of India given his entry ban in the past in the UK and USA. There is an urgent need for a makeover of the entire political system of India. Corruption remains the biggest block for economic growth.
ndia has the youngest population in the world with very vibrant diaspora who wants to give back -- that is really the strength of India today. What I wish changed in India? The answer is: corruption must end. After the upcoming elections, I hope India has a stable government instead of hung Parliament. I hope people give clear verdict to one party. On Narendra Modi as PM candidate, Id say, he is well liked by all, including minorities in Gujarat (the state where I was born and educated). In the last 15 years Gujarat has not seen any riots and all communities are living peacefully. He definitely has good track record in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is also very capable and probably has enough credentials to run the country but his Congress party faces anti-incumbency factor. On the other hand, AAP is an extremely young party; they have lot of issues to sort out. But the AAP phenomenon will overall help to keep all parties clean. AAP as a party has to work at grassroots level and prove themselves before we can value its contribution. On NRIs, they had played an important role during the freedom struggle, during the Emergency declared by Mrs Indira Gandhi and they will play a crucial role in 2014 elections too. NRIs, of course, play an important role in shaping the future of AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin).
President, Indian American Intellectuals Forum

oday as an Indian American I feel proud that Indias Mars Orbiter has catapulted India to become the first Asian nation and fourth in the world once it begins orbiting Mars this year. I watched 65th Republic Day parade in Delhi live on TV and felt exhilarated to note that India is emerging as a credible military power in the region. It gave me immense pleasure to know that India has developed indigenously built nuclear missiles, nuclear submarines, and other advanced military equipment. However, I am disgusted to remember the prophecy of Sir Winston Churchill that Power [in India] will go to the hands of rascals, rogues, and freebooters. All Indian leaders will be of low calibre and men of straw. They will have sweet tongues and silly hearts. They will fight amongst themselves for power and India will be lost in political squabbles. UPA-II Government led by its Chairman Sonia Gandhi has dashed my hopes to the ground. The government is being directed and guided by an inexperienced and incapable Rahul Gandhi. The Nehru-Gandhi dynasty has ruined Indias economy and brought the country to the precipice of disaster and doom. The Manmohan Singh government is riddled with scams, unbridled corruption and sycophancy. They have looted the country and made the life of a common man as a living hell. The 2014 general election is certain to throw the Nehru-Gandhi family in the dustbin of History. However, hope is around the corner. Narendra Modi, after being declared as the PM candidate by the BJP has emerged as a very powerful and dynamic leader in
Narain Kataria
The new government should also tackle the issues of protection of women against sexual crimes, sluggish judicial system, property and intellectual rights. On the social front the state should secure justice and equality to all its citizens and protect minorities. Growing income disparities is also a concern, though the phenomenon is not unique to India. Indias foreign policy should be tolerant, engaging and non-confrontational with focus on building relationships and improving cross border trade.
like the growth of India and its accomplishments. The economic liberalization made me proud. But in the last few years we saw political instability. The cancerous growth of corruption is hurting the economy and ruining democracy, already weakened by political instability. Selfish politicians are indulged in enriching themselves through blatantly corrupt practices. They are slowly undoing the achievements of the previous years. Narendra Modi stands a good chance to become the prime minister after May elections. He can provide the much needed change in politics and spur the economy. He can certainly work towards eliminating corruption. In Gujarat, Modi has given an efficient government and made people happier during the past 10 years. The AAP party is only muddling through the already confused political system. It has nothing to offer to relieve the ills of Indian system. In the present situation, Congress party has a dim chance of retaining power after the elections. Unfortunately, it has disappointed the people, dashing their aspirations. In particular, the second term of the Manmohan Singh government is a testimony to the party's dismal failure. In the 65-year-old Republic, literacy is only 65% leaving 300 million people who cannot read and write. Rahul Gandhi lacks leadership qualities, intellectual and political maturity and therefore cannot give the country an efficient government.
hat I admire most about India is the Indian people's ability to comprehend and support the world for technology. And what I dislike most and want changed is corruption there, which is out of control and needs to be stamped out. Post-Lok Sabha election, Id want to see education for everyone in India, so they can each earn and feed their own families. Also, time that caste system is stamped out. Based on Narendra Modis successful record in Gujarat, he will be good for the country as PM. But we are disappointed in his management of the 2002 riot in his state.
India. He is a consummate communicator; an embodiment of courage and valour. He is an icon of resurgent India. His popularity has soared sky high. Almost all the poll projections have declared Modi to be the first choice for the next prime minister of India. Tens of thousands of people attend his rallies. People love him, respect him and are eager to do anything at his bidding. The political plank on which he is fighting the election is India First. This has kindled the fire of patriotism in an average citizen. In the suffocating political atmosphere, people look to Modi as a saviour who can unify India and rid the country of corrupt politicians, fissiparous forces, fifth columnists, saboteurs, anti-national gangs, terror cells, and agent provocateurs who want to tear apart India into pieces. As for AAP, people have realized by now that it is infested with leftliberal Nehruvian Marxists. Maoists have been described by the Prime Minister of India as the greatest threat to Indias security. These proterrorists elements, Naxals and anarchists have a hidden agenda to balkanize India. A suspicion has crept into the minds of Indian electorate that this party could compromise Indias security to garner a few votes of radical Islamists.
Interviews by Parveen Chopra
February 1-7, 2014
February 1-7, 2014
38
By Ashook Ramsaran President of GOPIO International he Indian diaspora has come alive in the past 25 years since Indian organizations such as the National Federation of Indian Organizations (NFIA) and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) brought about awareness and inclusivity, and the Government of India started taking an active role in the diaspora. Some of the benefits to the Indian diaspora initiated by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), established in 2003, include: Increased awareness and sense of pride; appeal factor for the emotional connection; personal rewards of recognition by India and own peers overseas; build up of organizations, associations, media, etc in other countries; can easily appeal for support in cases of Indias causes, family and human rights abuse, distress and emergency; a feeling of togetherness, camaraderie and shared cultural values; outreach to all including the older legacy generations from previous migration; increasing population of new migrants from India from all sectors; newer migration among those from older generations, a re-migration phenomenon; increased travel to and from India; a sense of ease being under a larger umbrella of over 28 million and a motherland that has a shared interest. There is also more peaceful co-existence in multi-ethnic societies; more prominent positions in other countries: Professional, political, economic, me-
dia, academic, social; ease of assimilation and adaptation to new societies; contributing to own society and to Indias development; higher levels of achievement for children in the Indian diaspora; less feeling of isolation no matter how far away, how small and how long ago. Whereas the waves of immigrants prior to the 1960s were mostly unskilled labor, that changed with the change in immigration rules in various European, North American and Oceanic countries. Thus began the migration of the skilled categories, the professionals and the entrepreneurs. An increasing level of Indian emigration is taking place to countries with significant populations of non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs). These countries include the USA, Canada and Australia, as well as those where Indians continue to seek better livelihoods, advancement and business opportunities globally. It is evident that PIOs and NRIs born or domiciled in other countries feel inherently connected to India by the bonds of history, culture and heritage, and have added a special glitter to the resurgence of India. While many NRIs/PIOs have made remarkable achievements and settled in prominent positions in their adopted lands, and contributed significantly there, they have also collectively contributed to India's transformation of growth and development into a modern economy. Investments and remittance flow to India has steadily increased annually to $70 billion in 2012, which is highest in the world and the USA con-
Ashook Ramsaran was born in Guyana, a third generation of Indian indentured laborers who came to Guyana in 1853. A resident of New York, he collaborates with Indias Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs on Indian diaspora matters. He received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2011 at the hands of then President of India, Mrs Pratibha Patil .
tributing more than 50% of this figure due to economic prosperity of the Indians in the USA. These investments have nurtured and sustained increasing levels of financial transactions and economic development in call services, IT software, real estate construction, pharmaceutical, transportation, travel, tourism and hospitality, education, medical, insurance and infrastructure. In the industrialized countries, high skilled professionals and business NRIs and PIOs account for 85% of the investments and remittance flow, while in the Gulf countries unskilled/semi-skilled labor accounting for 15% of the remittance flow. As India becomes increasingly a major participant in the global economy, there are many more attractive growth and investments opportunities for NRI and PIO in sectors which can become more vibrant and responsive to the betterment of Indian society as
a whole. Primary among these are education at all levels, health care for poor and indigent, energy, clean water supply and infrastructure - while advancing the uplift of society especially at the lowest levels. More equitable education and opportunities among the lowest levels of society, as well as addressing the inherent problems of corruption and lack of transparency, can relieve enormous burdens and bring about more of an equitable share in the resurgent Indian prosperity. I would urge a more active role for Indian diaspora organizations for a bolder partnership of reciprocity as I proposed during my presentation on 9th January, 2014 at PBD2014 in New Delhi. Although the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and other ministers visit and meet with the Indian organizations abroad from time to time and at the regional and annual PBD events, I encourage more active engagement,
collaboration and responsiveness to NRI/PIO interests and concerns. This would encourage more sustained and increasing participation among NRIs and PIOs in India and its development. The constituency of the 28 million overseas Indians wants active engagement and quick resolutions to problems encountered such as: Improved consular services visas, passports, OCI cards, etc; GOPIO proposal for closer collaboration with MOIA and MEA for GOPIOs global outreach and feedback on issues of interest and concern among the global Indian community; NRI property rights and quick judicial intervention; implications of OIC Card scheme proposed (merger of OCI and PIO cards); more transparency, accountability, responsible leadership and succession in Indian organizations; inter-ethnic collaboration to avoid isolation of affluent and highly successful Indian immigrant groups in multi-ethnic societies. While active and robust engagement between India and the NRI/PIO population is paramount to continued and increasing interest and investment in Indias growth and development, there is need for reciprocity, understanding and responsiveness to NRI/PIO concerns and interests. These are necessary to nurture the partnership for sustained mutual benefits. While NRIs and PIOs take enormous pride in their Motherland and are actively involved in its growth and development, there is a consensus among NRIs and PIOs for India to address and correct its internal problems of corruption, inherent ills of society, lack of transparency and urgent need to uplift all segments of society for fairness and equity.
How spirituality shaped Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was the most famous NRI, a prodigal who returned. This book establishes that the weapons he used - truth and non-violence in the struggle for Indias independence, were part of his innate spirituality.
By M.R. Narayan Swamy
ore than 400 published biographies exist on Mahatma Gandhi, undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in modern history. But this work is different; it captures the spiritual side of a man who played probably the most important role in helping India to become a free nation. The weapons he used were unique: truth and non-violence. This, author Arvind Sharma says, was part of his innate spirituality. For Gandhi, morality and religion were synonymous. He made it amply clear that what he wanted to achieve was self-realization, "to see God face to face, to attain Moksha". His earliest influences came from Hindu lore. His parents were devout
worshippers of the god Vishnu. It was part of this influence that Gandhi learnt to repeat the name of Rama - a Vishnu 'avatar' -- to get rid of his fear of ghosts and spirits! But Gandhi was no Hindu fanatic. He respected all religions equally. The New Testament made a definite impression on him. Theosophy made a deeper impact. He battled for Muslims. He was a true religious pluralist. But "if he did not find Christianity perfect, neither did he find Hinduism to be so". It was his faith in spirituality that clearly gave him the courage to act the way he did on so many occasions, even when it looked as if he was treading a lonely path. Gandhi would say that the thread of life was in the hands of God. But
unlike most Hindus he did not believe in idols. At the same time, he worshipped the Bhagavad Gita calling it his "mother" in later life.
Even Nathuram Godse saw Gandhi as a saint - but a saint gone wrong and deserving to die. The book has one gaping hole.
There is surprisingly no reference to Paramahansa Yogananda, an iconic Indian saint whose "Autobiography of a Yogi" (published in 1946) is still considered a spiritual classic. Yogananda moved to the US in 1920 and for three decades preached Kriya Yoga and meditation to tens of thousands. On a short trip to India, he spent time with Gandhi at Wardha and taught the Mahatma and his aides Kriya Yoga. It was probably the only yoga Gandhi learnt. A selfrealized guru, Yogananda called Gandhi a saint. I am surprised how Sharma overlooked this important spiritual chapter in Gandhi's life in an otherwise informed book. M.R. Narayan Swamy is the Executive Editor of IANS.
February 1-7, 2014
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By S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India thriving and vibrant electoral democracy has been Indias distinct and durable identity, long before it asserted itself as an economic, nuclear or IT major. Founded by a great Constitution, it has been nurtured by parliament, judiciary, political parties, media and above all by the people of India, with some distinct contribution from the Election Commission of India. Despite doubts and fears from many quarters, founders of modern India adopted universal adult suffrage, thus reposing faith in the wisdom of the common Indian to elect his/her representative to the seat of power. Choice of electoral democracy was variously termed: a giant leap forward, a bold enterprise, an unparalleled adventure. When the independence came directly to the hands of ordinary people in the form of a vote, it was a period when 84% of Indians were illiterate, equal number in poverty living in an unequal society fractured by a caste-based hierarchical system. India has proved Nobel laureate Amartya Sens famous statement that a country does not become fit for democracy, it becomes fit through democracy. The Constitution created a fiercely independent Election Commission of India to carry the democracy forward. Over the past 63 years, the Election Commission has delivered 15 elections to the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament) and over 350 elections to State Legislative Assemblies, facilitating peaceful, orderly and democratic transfer of power. In India, the rise of leaders belonging to the marginalized sections of the society, farmers, women, and minorities to head national and state governments and to important positions has very much to do with the practice of electoral democracy. Increasing heterogeneity of parties and government formation through coalition reflect a bouquet of
With a regime change in the air in India, the Election Commission has a simple vision: Elections that are completely free of crime and abuse of money, based on a perfect electoral roll and with full participation of voters.' But they have a big task, considering there are 78 crore electors, which is more than the population of both North and South American continents taken together.
diverse aspirations. The statistics of todays Indian elections may be mind boggling, even if you look at them purely as numbers. There are around 780 million electors on the Electoral Roll of India, as on 1st of January, 2014, which is more than the population of both North and South American continents taken together or all the countries of Europe or of Africa combined. The last elections to the Indian Parliament held in 2009 can be described as the biggest humanly managed event in the world. It involved 714 million voters, 835 thousand polling stations, 1.18 million Electronic Voting Machines and 11 million personnel. It is not just the magnitude of Indian democracy in terms of geographical area or size of the electorate, but the anxiety to reach every single citizen. We even have a separate polling station for a lone voter in the Gir Forest in western India. India is perhaps the most diverse country of the world, be it geographical deserts, mountains, plains, forests, islands, coastal areas or in being multi-religious, multi-cultural, multilingual, multi-ethnic. Theres a need to meet the demands of this diversity. Equally difficult are the other challenges of fighting terrorism, security threats, adjusting to globalization and rising expectations of an information savvy growing middle class. Theres a responsibility on the Election Commission of India to deliver free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections, ensuring inclusiveness and participation. The management of elections in India is continually evolving. From separate ballot boxes for each candidate to the marking system, to EVMs (electronic voting machines) has been a long journey. EVMs are simple, friendly, costeffective and give faster and error free voting rolls out comprehensive community outreach and multi-media campaigns to bring all citizens, especially the youth, into electoral participation. In every election now, we carry out a scientific survey of Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior and Practices (KABP) of voters before launching voter awareness programmes in partnership with civil society and the media. This initiative has returned impressive dividends in terms of higher registration and turnout in each of the recent state elections including records in some states. In a historic measure, the Election Commission declared 25th January, its foundation day as the National Voters Day (NVD) from 2011 with the avowed purpose to increase enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones. More than 5.2 million newly eligible and registered youth were given their voter cards at more than half a million polling stations on the first National Voters Day, besides adding up about 17 million new voters to the roll. This has been billed as the largest exercise of empowerment of the youth on a single day, anywhere in the world. This is now an annual feature in India. Many other countries have shown interest to adopt the model. It does not require any explanation that aspiring democracies around the world look forward to sharing the knowledge, skills and expertise at ECIs disposal. Responding to increasing global demands, especially from AfroAsian nations, the Commission has started off the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM) that serves as a training and resource centre in the critical sector of elections and democratic processes for both national and international participants. In just two years of its existence, the institute has imparted training to election managers of over forty Afro Asian and Commonwealth countries, besides thousands of domestic master trainers. The Institute is now assisting representative democracy worldwide. With the type of constitutional mandate that the Commission has, it cannot afford to sit on its laurels. There are several reform proposals from the Commission, that aim at cleaning up the electoral process, so that the foundation can be laid for good governance and a corruption free polity. Some of these proposals deal with criminalisation of politics and regulation of campaign finance, internal democracy of political parties, etc. We have come to a stage in India when holding a free and fair election is no more news. In fact not holding one would be an exception. This is Indias promise to its own people and to the world. There shall be no let off in the fight against money power in elections. The other goal is to have every eligible Indian on our electoral rolls and every Indian voter to vote in the elections. The Commission has a simple vision: Elections that are completely free of crime and abuse of money, based on a perfect electoral roll and with full participation of voters.' Our progress on this road is sure and steady.
When the independence came directly to the hands of ordinary people in the form of a vote, 84% of Indians were illiterate, equal number in poverty living in an unequal society fractured by a caste-based hierarchical system. But India has proved Nobel laureate Amartya Sens famous statement that a country does not become fit for democracy, it becomes fit through democracy.
and counting and have been a game changer. A major challenge in our elections is how to ensure level playing field. The party in power has all the resources of the state at its command. Hence there is a need to create a code of conduct to be followed by all stakeholders, particularly the party in power. Model Code of Conduct is a unique compact evolved with the consensus of political parties in India and is a singular significant contribution by them to the cause of democracy. The Election Commission enforces it right from the day it announces any election schedule. MCC has no statutory backing and many of its provisions are not legally enforceable. Yet the compliance is immense. Public opinion is the moral sanction for its enforcement. Though ECI has quite effectively neutralized the challenges of muscle power and incumbency power, it is concerned that corruption and money power can pollute the electoral process and undermine its real potential. Elections have to be not only free and fair but also socially just and more participative. During our sixty years of democratic history, the voter turnout has remained around 55-60%. It is a good figure compared to the declining voter interest in several societies, but it is definitely far less than what we aspire to achieve. To make democracy truly inclusive, we have come up with a Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) wing that
Aspiring democracies around the world look forward to sharing the knowledge, skills and expertise at the disposal of Election Commission of India. ECs India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management has imparted training to election managers of over 40 Afro Asian and Commonwealth countries, and is now assisting representative democracy worldwide.
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DIPLOMACY
'Khobragade row:
This situation was avoidable'
n a speech on India-US relations at the Carnegie Endowment this week, Indian ambassador to the United States S. Jaishankar said conversations are underway to repair the avoidable damage done by the Khobragade affair to the India-US relationship, which both sides consider indispensable. For those of us who have devoted time and energy to building IndoUS ties, the last few weeks have been truly distressing, he told a Washington audience alluding to the worst diplomatic spat between the two countries over the Dec 12 arrest of an Indian diplomat. What I have encountered since my arrival is the sense that this situation should never have happened, said Jaishankar in his first public comments on US-India relations at the Carnegie Endowment, a leading US think tank. But since it did, we will now have to work through this problem. That is part of the conversations underway, he said.
The Devyani Khobragade issue does highlight there is the need for greater sensitivity, for better understanding and for stronger oversight of India-US ties, says Indian ambassador to the United States S. Jaishankar
But what the issue does highlight is the need for greater sensitivity, for better understanding and for stronger oversight of our ties, said Jaishankar. Asserting that the grand strategy underwriting our ties is fundamentally sound, the envoy said: It needs maintenance and from time to time, an upgrade. That puts the emphasis on detailing and problem solving. Building ties requires a degree of give and take that can test officialdoms, he said. Appreciating each others interests can be more difficult than we generally assume. Jaishankar suggested that the US has to overcome its inclination to view ties through the lens of alliance practices, while Indians perhaps have to indulge themselves less in compulsive ambiguity. Ironically, American complaints on that score usually come when it too is considering hedging, he said reminding his audience that contrary to what many seem to believe here, domestic politics is not just the prerogative of the United States. However, despite their differences, Jaishankar echoing President Barack Obama described the US as the indispensable partner to realise Indias key priorities. To realize Indias four key priorities energising the economy, raising our technology and management capabilities, securing the homeland, and ensuring a favourable balance of power the United States is the indispensable partner, he said. Secondly, these big Indian goals are not at odds with the interests of the US. In fact, these could even be
complementary, the envoy said. Noting that economy is now so central to our ties, Jaishankar said I would also like to make it very clear that Indias interests warrant supporting an early American recovery. Not enough credit has been given to the investments that Indian companies have made in the US since 2008, he said pointing to a recent study of 68 Indian companies which revealed that their collective investments in the US exceed $17 billion. A fair dialogue should also take into account Indian priorities and concerns, he said. A worrying sign is the tendency by some to demonise the business climate in India. This tactic could well end up being counterproductive, Jaishankar warned. While two sides could continue a public argument on trade and investment issues, Jaishankar said: on some issues, we need to find an acceptable compromise because the fact is that we are coming at it from different places.
1984 and 2002 riots: Comparison is galling

The person who served as home minister at the time of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 went on to become prime minister. Cases against those prominently identified have not moved. Even 30 years after the heinous crime, justice continues to evade the victims. The comparison with Gujarat 2002 is even more galling. During the last 11 years, thousands of prosecutions have been filed and hundreds of people sentenced. A cabinet minister stands indicted on charges of murder and is currently in prison
By Hardeep S. Puri en years is a long time in the life of a nation. More so, when the nation itself is only a little older than six and a half decades. It is long enough for voters to make considered assessments on performance, in terms of both what was promised and what was delivered. Equally, an hour and twenty minutes of prime time television provides a reasonable basis for lasting impressions. The interviewer, at his politest best, chose to allow his guest to do the talking. It was anything but a cross examination. A benign interview, the examinee was, however, consistent. No matter what the question, he insisted on being the perennial outsider wanting to reform the system and empower women. This needs to be applauded. Not said was why 10 years of unfettered and total influence on the government was not sufficient to get the reform required. Also not stated, how the next five years, in the unlikely event of a Congress/UPA victory, will substantially improve the prospects of reform and the empowerment of women. Cynics might argue that rampant corruption, scams and food inflation were not the only reasons why the Congress party was routed in the elections to the four state assemblies in December 2013. It may well be that in spite of seemingly impressive performances by the central and state governments where the Congress was in power, voter disillusionment may also have something to do with fatigue and anti-incumbency. Given the Congress party's humiliation, surely an attempt should have been made at the level of the sand Sikhs. What he did not mention and the interviewer did not point to the late Rajiv Gandhi's statement then that "When a giant tree falls, the earth below shakes". Also not mentioned was that the rampaging mobs that indulged in the orgy of looting and violence were led by prominent Congressmen subsequently identified. No effort was made by the police to disperse those who were on a killing spree. The person who served as home minister went on to become prime minister. Cases against those prominently identified have not moved and are unlikely to move during the remainder of UPA-2. Even 30 years after the heinous crime, justice continues to evade the victims. The comparison with Gujarat 2002 is even more galling. During the last 11 years, thousands of prosecutions have been filed and hundreds of people sentenced. A cabinet minister stands indicted on charges of murder and is currently in prison. The chief minister has had to face the most rigorous scrutiny and has been cleared at every stage, including by the Supreme Court appointed SIT. In retrospect, it is clear that the charges itself were based on fabrication of evidence and a litany of lies. (Hardeep S. Puri is a retired diplomat. The views expressed are personal.)
In an interview to Times Now, Rahul Gandhi admitted that some Congressmen were indeed involved in the anti-Sikh riots of 1984.
prime minister Jan 3 and the person likely to succeed him, in the unlikely event of electoral success, the Congress vice president, Jan 28 to set the record straight. Rahul Gandhi on Jan 28 said: "My position was that I report to the prime minister. Whatever I felt I had conversations with the prime minister. Whatever I felt about the issues I made it abundantly clear to the prime minister." This is untenable. If his views had been made known and presumably he was opposed to the ongoing and widespread corruption, why was nothing done? The vice president is, he stresses, against corruption per se. If action was not taken to take
matters to their logical conclusion against past chief ministers like Ashok Chavan (of Maharashtra) and serving ones like Virbhadra Singh (of Himachal Pradesh), perhaps it is because the Congress party does not listen to him. In so far as Lalu is concerned, the prepoll alliance will be with the party and not Lalu. Also, decision will be taken by seniors in the party. Two questions, is there an RJD without Lalu and who all are senior to the vice president within the party? On 1984, Gandhi admitted that Congressmen were indeed involved in the genocidal killings that took the lives of several thou-
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JAI HIND! JAI INDIA-AMERICA!

There was a time when Secretary of State John Foster Dulles summoned Vijayalakshmi Pandit, then Indian Ambassador, to tell her that non-alignment was a sin. Or when President Nixon called Indira Gandhi a bitch in conversation with Kissinger. Today, Obama administration is chock-a-block with Indian Americans.
Indian Americans who have made it to some of the highest administrative jobs in America. Three recent news items were heartwarming. One said that President Obama has nominated Dr Vivek Hallegere Murthy for the post of surgeon general. Dr. Murthy is the co-founder of Doctors for America, which began in 2008 as Doctors for Obama. Fair enough. Then on November 20 came the news that actor Kal Penn got a key post in the Presidents Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Then, 7 Indian-origin academics figured among Thinkers 50, described as the Oscars of management thinking. The earlier list somebody had sent me included: Raj Shah, administrator of USAID; Vinai Thummalapally, US ambassador to Belize; Vikram Singh, dy assistant secretary of defense for South and South East Asia; Subra Suresh, director of the National Science Foundation; Nisha Biswal, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia; Sri Srinivasan , Circuit Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ; Kiran Ahuja, executive director of the White House Initiative in conversation with his Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who himself was abusive of Indians. Who has directed the change? President Obama? If so, he deserves to be congratulated. Indian Americans have individually done very well indeed. They did so in the past too, when they were few and far between, but now they have risen in practically every aspect of life and are both respected and rewarded. We have made it especially in the fields of science and medicine. There is hardly any key American university that does not have a topranking Indian professor. India, it seems, is now coming into its own and the fact cannot be kept hidden. It is time to be proud of our fellow countrymen, even if they are American by citizenship. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat. Jai India-America. All that is now left is for one of them to get elected as the President of the United States of America. And why not? Havent two of them got elected as state governors and a third one in the race in another state? This article by the veteran journalist first appeared in the Free Press Journal. By M.V. Kamath
hen India became independent, it was to the US an unknown land of beggars with their bowls, sadhus, cows wandering in the streets and poverty everywhere. Then it became a country of hypocritical political moralists. Things began to change with the steady migration of young Indian scientists and technologists who went on to become US citizens. Now an amazing turn has taken place. Where are Indian Americans heading? How potently has their intrusion into the American administrative system changed events? It used to be said at one time that a third of NASA consisted of Indian Americans. Now just think of Nina Davuluri, crowned Miss America 2014 against a brigade of white competitors! True, she was subjected to a little teasing and petty damnation! But let that go. She is certainly the first woman of Indian descent to win a beauty crown in America. But what has surprised me is the list of
One of the high ranking Indian Americans in Obama administration, Puneet Talwar provides policy direction in international security, military operations and defense strategy.
on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Rachana Ruchi Bhowmik, deputy assistant to the President and deputy cabinet secretary to the White House Office of cabinet affairs; Shilpa Phadke, White House deputy director of cabinet affairs; Gautam Raghavan, associate director of public engagement at the White House. The list goes on and on. Last year Puneet Talwar was promoted as assistant secretary of state for political and military affairs. Talwar is to provide policy direction in
international security, security assistance, military operations, defense strategy and plans. What bigger honor can an Indian American expect in the US administration? I spent some 12 years in New York (at the UN) and in Washington (1955-58 and 1969-78) and remember Secretary of State John Foster Dulles summoning Vijayalakshmi Pandit, then Indian Ambassador to Washington, to tell her that nonalignment was a sin, or President Nixon calling Indira Gandhi a bitch
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Mumbai: Timeless Bollywood songs like 'Mera Rang De Basanti Chola', 'Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon', 'Mere Desh Ki Dharti' and 'Kar Chale Hum Fidaa Jaan-O-Tan Saathiyon' have still not found their parallel in the 100 years of cinema. We automatically think Manoj Kumar or Bajraj Sahni when it comes to patriotism, not the current crop of actors who have been ruling the Hindi film industry for the past two decades. So, what happened to our patriotic spirit? Was it the demand that dictated the supply of patriotic songs in the industry or was it the other way around? When we look at the industry in the '50s and the '60s, we'll find a host of songs dedicated to the theme of 'Mera Bharat Mahan', but something changed it all in the later decades. While there have been a few patriotic songs here and there, they don't even come close to eternal songs like 'Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada' from 'Purab Aur Paschim' (1970) or 'Kar Chale Hum Fidaa Jaan-O-Tan' from 'Haqeeqat' (1964). In fact, patriotic songs in Bollywood movies were a rage since the beginning. Even today we get teary-eyed when we listen to tunes like 'Ae Mere Pyare Watan' from 'Kabuliwala' or 'Apni Azadi Ko Hum' from Dilip Kumar-starrer 'Leader' (1964). Singers like Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar are best known for some of their timeless patriotic tunes. The Hindi film industry is constantly changing. We've had our Rang De Basantis and Chak De Indias in the recent past, but none succeeded in evoking patriotism in us the way Haqeeqat songs did. The treatment
is different. Today's patriotic tunes are not set in times where people are fighting for their freedom from the British Raj. However, back in the day, patriotic songs featured in movies that were weaved around the struggle for independence. Though 'Chak De India', title track from 'Chak De India', is all about glorifying one's love for the country and doing something to contribute to the nation's pride, the movie's heartbeat lies in hockey and a deeper issue women empowerment. One can even blame this changing trend to the fact that today's youth has many more things to relate to than their love for the country, while earlier the freedom struggle touched a nerve in everyone - man, woman and children. Nowadays, Bollywood is all about quirky lyrics, catchy tunes and sticky songs. The era of meaningful songs is now passe. We no longer have songs like 'Mere Desh Ki Dharti', what we have are 'Gandi Baat' and 'Lungi Dance'. However, it would be unfair to blame Bollywood for killing patriotic tunes, we share the blame too. After all, the industry only churns out stuff that is in demand!
Lata remembers Aye Mere Watan on its 51st anniversary

Mumbai: Melody queen Lata Mangeshakar says it is hard to believe that 51 years have passed since she sang Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon in front of prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963. Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo is completing 51 years. I really dont know how these many years passed away but it still reminds me of the sadness of that time I presented this song on January 27, 1963 in front of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru in the memory of those martyrs. Everybodys eyes were moist. The poignant song was written by poet Pradeepji and was composed by Ramchandraji. How can we forget our martyrs. I remember them every year and salute them, Lata Mangeshkar said. Lata Mangeshkar, 84, was felicitated by BJPs prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at a function here to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the song. Narendra Modi was the chief guest at the function being organised by Shahid Bharat Samiti and
Now, a remixed version of Vande Mataram

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi with Lata Mangeshkar at Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai.
Lodha Foundation. In a politically loaded speech playing to patriotic sentiments, BJPs prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi criticised the Congress-led governments policies on cross-border affairs and indigenous defence production. Modi demanded an able leadership that could live up to expectations of the Indian soldiers and
people. We respond to a smaller country [read Pakistan] with folded hands when the enemy behead our men. What a widow of our beheaded soldier wanted was her husbands head, not bringing him back to life, said Modi, recalling a cross-border incident that had strained the Indo-Pak relations and evoked nation-wide criticism of the UPA government.
New Delhi: If Vande Mataram were the anthem of the patriot in pre-Partition India, the lyrics are still strong enough to stir the youth today. Reviving the nationalist spirit that courses through this song feted by our freedom fighters, the musical band, '3 The People', has launched their own version of the Vande Mataram. The band is initiated by noted city-based deejay, Sameer Sandhu. Sameer, who is primarily responsible for the music production in this fusion band, 3 The People,
brought together the legendary singers, Padma Bhushan Pt. Rajan and Sajan Mishra for the rendition. "This song is not a remix of the original. So many people have rejigged Vande Mataram in their own way, but we have rendered it afresh," clarifies Sameer, For a more contemporary effect to the number, the band has exploited the musical instrument, Zitar, an electronic Sitar, played by band member Azeem Ahmed Alvi.
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Delhi, old and new, over the centuries has been the center of political action. Its various monuments bear testimony to India's multicultural fabric. With the capital again going through major changes of late, we train the spotlight on its glorious past.
Rajghat - Where the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was laid to rest
Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques.Urdu park nearby is where Abul Kalam Azad addressed a key meeting of Quit India Movement.
By Anil Mulchandani rowded and often chaotic Chandni Chowk, the backbone of Delhis commerce, is crammed with shops, bazaars, eateries and crumbling old buildings. Literally the Moonlit Square, Chandni Chowks main avenue was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, with a canal that reflected the moonlight. Today, it is difficult to picture an imperial cavalcade riding through Chandni Chowk with its throngs of cycle-rickshaws, carts, hawkers and pedestrians, and frequent traffic snarls, but this neighborhood still has some of Delhis most impressive monuments and religious places, iconic eateries and wellknown shops. During the independence movement Chandni Chowk was the meeting place of freedom fighters and it was here that Viceroy Lord Hardinges procession was attacked. More than 200 freedom fighters were hanged after the 1857 Mutiny. Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Azad, Mahadev Desai, C. Rajgopalachari and Hakeem Ajmal Khan were some of the leaders who addressed meetings in this Chowk. The biggest of them all was the public meeting at the Bhai Mati Das Chowk (Fountain) when about 30,000 people turned up to protest the Rowlatt Act as it had extended the emergency during World War I on March 30, 1919. Actually the crowd was strong as earlier in the day five people had been killed in police firing. The meeting was called at the behest of Mahatma Gandhi and Hakeem Ajmal Khan under the banner of the Delhi Satyagraha Committee. There was no more firing that day as police thought it better not to go against a mammoth crowd. In connection with the meetings, there were police atrocities and riots in the Ballimaran, Edward Park (now Subhash Park) and Jama Masjid areas. Chandni Chowk is best toured on foot, but for those who do not want to walk there are also cycle-rikshaws that can negotiate
the narrow lanes. Start your Chandni Chowk tour at the Red Fort, also called Lal Qilla, which is one of Delhis major landmarks. The great citadel was built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan but fell into dilapidation after the decline of the Mughal Empire in the late-18th century. Yet it stands as a testimony to the pomp and splendor of the Mughal period, with elaborate Mughal gardens, the halls for public and private audiences with traces of the fine inlaywork that once embellished their walls and ceilings, and domed palaces. The best maintained building in the fort is the Khas Mahal, with fine paintings and intricately carved walls. The Mumtaz Mahal now houses an Archaeological Museum with exhibits from the Mughal period including paintings. Also in the complex is Aurangzebs Moti Masjid, a marble mosque. The Red Fort was one of the epicenters of mutineers during the Revolt of 1857, also called Mutiny or the First Independence Struggle. The British Barracks were built here and the inmates of the fort were imprisoned. Following the World War II, army officers who had joined the Indian National
Army under Subhash Chandra Bose were court martialed at the Red Fort , including Colonel Prem Sahgal, Colonel Gurubaksh Singh Dhillon and Major General Shah Nawaz Khan. Barrack number B4 served as the trial room where eminent lawyers of the day like Jawaharlal Nehru, Bholabhai Desai and KN Katju defended the undertrials. These trials evoked public sympathy for the patriots and resulted in a loss of loyalty for the Raj among the armed forces which forced Army Chief Claude Auchinleck to commute the sentences of the three defendants in the first trial. The patriotic fervor sparked off by the protests against INA trials is often credited as being the final blow that broke the back of the Raj, forcing the Prime Minister to consider withdrawing for India. Today, two of those barracks have been turned into memorials of the INA. Red Fort is therefore the fitting place for the Republic Day Parade in January and the Independence Day Address by the Prime Minister from its imposing Lahore Gate every year. Across the road from the Red Fort, the Lal Mandir is a red stone Digambar Jain Temples with some detailed carvings on
The Parliament House
the facade. The temple is Delhis oldest Jain shrine, founded in the mid-17th century, and was heavily renovated in the 19th century. Though not as elaborately carved as the Jain temples in Rajasthan and Gujarat, it merits a visit for the gilded paintings in the antechamber. Sisganj Gurdwara is one of the most important Sikh shrines in Delhi. It marks the site of martyrdom of Teg Bahadur, the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus, who was beheaded by Aurangzeb in 1675 when he refused to convert to Islam. The Gurdwara was founded by Baghel Singh, a Sikh commander who attacked Delhi in 1783 and won a settlement with the Mughal Emperor, Azam Khan, which allowed him to build Sikh shrines at historical locations. Much of the impressive structure of the present day Gurdwara was built in the 1930s including the gilded domes. A short walk from the Gurdvara will bring you to the Sunehri Masjid named for its gilt (Sunheri) domes. From here, you can continue through Bazaar Guliyan, Kinari Bazaar and other markets with shops and stalls selling gold and silver trimming, garlands, turbans, clothing, gold ornaments, ittars and other perfumes, incense sticks, etc. You can end your tour at the Jama Masjid (also called Jami Masjid) which is one of Indias largest mosques, with towering minarets and massive marble domes. Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed Azad's tomb is located next to the Jama Masjid, and the Urdu Park nearby is where he addressed one of the key meetings of the 1942 Quit India Movement. From the mosque you can drive or take an autorikshaw to Rajghat which is the site of Mahatma Gandhis cremation with a black granite platform inscribed with his last words, He Ram! Cross the road to see the Gandhi National Memorial which houses memorabilia and pictures from the life of Mahatma Gandhi. This is one of the most visited memorials of Indias nationhood.
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A TRIBUTe TO GALLAnT SOLDIeRS

Travel writer Anil Mulchandani takes us on a historic tour of places that stand as mute reminders of great sacrices made by our heroic men in uniform.
n 1975, when I was a school-going boy, I visited the northeastern states of India with my parents. Among the memories of my visit are the statues of Subhash Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters that I saw in states like Manipur. The Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj was formed in 1942 during World War II with the support of the Japanese and Indian prisoners of war from Japan and South-East Asia. It also drew volunteers from people of Indian origin in South-East Asia. A unique feature of this movement was The Rani of Jhansi regiment, an all volunteer womens unit to fight the British occupiers. Led by Capt Lakshmi Swaminathan, it was one of the very few all-female combat regiments of the Second World War on any side with Indian expat women from SouthEast Asia joining in July 1943. Despite its small numerical strength and lack of heavy weapons, INA fought alongside Japanese troops, for complete independence of India against British colonial troops. While it met with some success and had an impact on the Sepoys loyalty in the British forces, it lost its footing after Rangoon was captured by the British in the Burma Campaign. At the conclusion of the war, the British government in India brought INA troops captured by them to trial, with the potential to impose death penalty, life imprisonment or a fine as punishment. Though the story of the INA and the Free India Legion was seen as so inflammatory that the British Government forbade the broadcast of their efforts the trials attracted national attention in India. From campaigns of noncooperation and nonviolent protests that dominated the Indian freedom movement from 1945, this led to violence and a series of riots on a large scale and defied communal barriers as the forces of the Congress and the Muslim League aligned together with flags of both flown at protests - probably the last campaign when both forces came together for a common cause. Slogans invoked Subhash Chandra Bose. There was also wavering support within the British Indian troops with strong INA sympathy within the sepoys. Officers ignored orders from the British heads of the armed forces and there were mutinies among the army and navy. The patriotic fury got large public support. While the Indian armed forces had suppressed the Quit India Movement, the nationalistic and political consciousness in the forces ascribed to the INA became a cause of worry for the British colonial power. The British Prime Minister accepted that one of the reasons to quit India was that the foundations of loyalty were shaken among the British Indian soldiers or sepoys because of the patriotic wave led by the INA movement. In this article, we explore some of the war memorials of North Eastern India..
NORTH EAST WAR MeMORIALS
INA WAR MUSeUM In MAnIPUR

Moirang is extremely significant in the history of Indian independence movement as the place where the Azad Hind version of the tricolor was raised on Indian soil for the first time in 1944. The importance of Moirang is commemorated by the Indian National Army Memorial Complex with its INA War Museum. The museum offers much information about INA and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and houses memorabilia of the INA activities in Manipur including arms and ammunition, bayonets and helmets, INA currency, decorations, letters to and from Bose and other leaders, among others. While visiting Moirang, you should also visit the historic Thangjing temple which is the spiritual home of the Meites and an important place for the Lal Haraoba Festival in April which is an important spring festival. Moirang is about 45km from Imphal, the capital of Manipur. Here, you will find the Commonwealth War Cemeteries on the outskirts of the town where the men who died during the Japanese invasions during WW-2 are buried.
WAR CeMeTeRY In GUWAHATI
WAR CeMeTeRY In NAGALAnD

When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today, this is the epithet at the Kohima War Cemetery in Nagaland. The Japanese advance into India was halted at Kohima in April 1944 and Garrison Hill, a long wooded spur on a high ridge west of the village, was the scene of perhaps the most bitter fighting of the whole Burma campaign when a small Commonwealth force held out against repeated attacks by a Japanese Division. The fiercest hand to hand fighting took place in the garden of the Deputy Commissioners bungalow, around the tennis court but the heaviest casualties on both sides occurred after relieving forces reached the Garrison and the Japanese were driven off the ridge, so re-opening the road to Imphal. The superbly tended World War II Cemetery has the graves of those who died fighting the Japanese during this fateful battle. We are told that the war memorial spreads over 10 acres and houses 1421 graves. There are annual ceremonies during April. No trace remains of the bungalow, which was destroyed in the fighting but white concrete lines mark and preserve permanently the historic tennis court. At the highest point in the cemetery stands the Kohima Cremation Memorial commemorating 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers whose remains were cremated in accordance with their faith. A number of regimental memorials have been erected on and near Garrison Hill. The Cathedral of Reconciliation was built here in the 1990s.
WORLD WAR II CeMeTeRY In DIGBOI
World War II Cemetery in Digboi, Assam
World War II Cemetery in Guwahati
Entrance of the Indian National Army Museum in Moirang
On the road to the Navgraha temple in Guwahati, you pass the cemetery built during the Second World War for burials from the several military hospitals posted in the area. Later, other graves were brought from different parts of the north-eastern states and the Bengal Duars. The site has about 486 Commonwealth graves, 35 Chinese and Japanese war graves and two non-war graves.
During the Second World War, Digboi, in the north-eastern corner of Assam was an important place on the road to the Burmese border it was therefore vital communication link and a military hospital was also established there. Digboi War Cemetery was started for burials from the hospital and at the end of the war contained 70 burials. Later, the Army Graves Service brought in further graves from burial grounds in other parts of Assam and neighboring states to this cemetery. The cemetery now contains 200 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.
War Cemetery in Kohima, Nagaland
Photos by Dinesh Shukla
February 1-7, 2014
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Indian National Congress: A time for introspection and action!

By George Abraham o adapt a line from Mark Twain: Reports of the death of the Indian National Congress Party are highly exaggerated! Yes, the over one hundred year old party is currently going through a difficult period in its great existence as it faces the upcoming Parliamentary election. A combination of factors contributes to such a quandary that include anti-incumbency sentiment; a host of corruption scandals; rising prices of consumer goods and services; and a restless electorate who are demanding efficient and effective governance. Amidst the clamor and hype, even the political pundits are quite unwilling to conduct an objective analysis of some of the great achievements of UPA I and UPA II governments, an administration headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh whose impeccable credentials and integrity is beyond reproach. The Right to Information Act (RTI) that exposed the behind-the-scenes deal-makings of the bureaucracy; the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act that provided jobs to millions; the National Food Security Bill that would assure a safety net for the nourishment of two thirds of the population, the India Rape law, a sweeping law to protect women against sexual violence; the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Treaty that legitimized India as a member of the Nuclear Club; and the Lokpal Bill that would deal with corruption in public places etc. were all landmark achievements on which the UPA could pride themselves. However, as Mr. Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister admitted, the UPA has failed to communicate its achievements to the people in the last four years. We also need to be cognizant of the fact that the UPA never had a comfortable majority even in Lok Sabha, and two of its biggest allies walked out. Despite such a predicament, it has successfully passed some sterling reforms such as liberalizing Foreign Investment in Multibrand retail and airlines; as well as the long delayed de-controlling of diesel prices. Power lines in India now connect 5.6 lakh villages and high speed broadband is being rolled out in 2.5 lakh panchayats. The Unique ID program will
A senior leader of the Overseas Indian National Congress (I) USA argues that the various achievements of the Manmohan Singh government have not been adequately communicated to the public. Admitting to flaws that have crept into the over a century old Congress party, he proposes some course correction.
give all Indian citizens a chance to access electronic banking and provide a valid proof of identity. In two years time, rural power, rural data connectivity and financial inclusion will indeed change the face of India as never before. Nevertheless, an increasingly educated and knowledgeable public demands even more. It is indeed their right to demand good governance and clean administration from those who have taken an oath to uphold the law and discharge their responsibility faithfully. Obviously, the party is compelled to look into recent elections and introspect to be more responsive to the common man. There is a widespread feeling that over the years, many in the leadership have drifted away from grassroots concerns as they began to enjoy the seats of power. The glory days of Seva Dal and the inculcating of values and principles of the party through study classes by its esteemed leaders, all seem to have disappeared from the scene. Therefore the question remains: what does the Congress Party need to do to regain the trust of the people? As the 2014 election is fast approaching, the most pressing issue for Congress party is to select clean candidates from diverse backgrounds, giving proper representation to young and the women. It is imperative for the party to deny tickets to those with criminal and financial irregularities in their backgrounds. Rahul Gandhi needs to take a firm and audible stand on this matter regardless of the fact that he may face criticism that could result in minor revolts in the party; even at the cost of losing some seats. As the party is indeed looking towards the future, it needs to identify and attract young leaders with good academic backgrounds, vision and knowledge. It is important to provide opportunity for these young leaders to bring their talents and excel in rebuilding the party at the grassroots level. The Party needs to quickly formulate a 10 point plan similar to the Contract with America, that the Republicans have put together in 1994 election for the House of Representatives. Considering that the Congress Party has been slow in impressing upon the electorate their numerous achievements, a simplified minimum plan would better communicate their aspirations and plans to the voting public. At the top of the agenda ought to be combating corruption at all levels of the Government. Now that Lokpal is passed into law, a quick implementation of those provisions needs to happen. One such example would be to carry out prosecutions of the accused under a more independent CBI Directorate on a fast track judicial process. It should result in swift adjudication of cases involving attachment Besides the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Treaty (signed between US and confiscation of President George Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) property acquired by that legitimized India as a member of the Nuclear Club, RTI corrupt means. The ma- Act, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the National Food Security Bill, the India Rape law, jor failure to combat and the Lokpal Bill are all landmark achievements on which corruption charges until the Congress-led government could pride itself. now has been the long and drawn out cases that could last several around 60% of its population depending directdecades, during which time, the person who ly or indirectly on agriculture. As agriculture has amassed wealth through corrupt means mostly depends on monsoons, a failure of rains could lead to droughts, low prices for their procould easily outlast any prosecutorial efforts. There is no doubt that the stability of the Cen- duces, and exploitation by middlemen. All of tral Government is key to providing effective these have led to a series of suicides of farmers governance with long-term planning. Howev- across the country. The party needs to refocus er, the rise of the regional parties and coalition efforts and utilize existing resources to pass politics are increasingly rendering the legisla- landmark legislation that provides substantial tive process a slow and painful operation. The help to those who are currently disenfranplatform ought to include a promise to enact chised. The party plank should also include a plan to legislation in a way that prevents the disruption of parliament, while ensuring that debates and revitalize the economy and create more jobs decision-making proceed uninterrupted. Any with various initiatives at the Central and the breach of conduct should carry hefty monetary State level. It goes without saying that a more penalties with suspension from the house for a robust foreign policy is required as well, creating strategic alliance with countries with shared stipulated period of time. Strengthening governance goes without say- values to protect Indias vital interests while ing. The party must continue to uphold demo- keeping unruly neighbors at bay. At the end of cratic and secular values, while ensuring that the day, which other party is more experienced weaker sections are given adequate considera- and equipped to provide better governance than tion in the upcoming election by allocating an the party that stands for democracy, secularism, adequate number of seats as well as providing fraternity, justice, liberty and equality for all. a forum for their voices. It is incumbent upon Congress policies have always been anchored the party to reassert the moral high ground on in a vision of an economically prosperous, sothese issues and take necessary actions to edu- cially just, politically united and culturally harcate and remove entrenched habits of discrim- monious India. The Congress party ought to listen to the man on the street and let the voters ination from all facets of life in the society. India is still a largely agrarian country with make that final judgment.
Flushing, NY: As in the previous years, The Hindu Temple Society Of North America is holding an Indian National Flag Hoisting Ceremony on February 1 to mark the 65th Republic Day of India. The event at Ganesh Temple in Flushing will also celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Day (marking Bapus death anniversary, January 30), Martin Luther King Day (which falls on Jan 20) and re-
Ganesh temple to hold flag hoisting Feb 1

member Nelson Mandela. The Flag Hoisting Ceremony (Dhvaj Vandan) at 3 p.m. will be followed by talks on Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela and a Cultural Program. The location is the Ganesh Temple Auditorium. The temple management, under President Dr Uma Mysorekar, welcomes all to attend.
he Government of India is offering scholarships under the International Cooperation Scheme of the Department of AYUSH Scholarship Scheme to the eligible foreign students for the academic year 2014-15. Students wishing to pursue courses in Traditional System of Medicine in India can apply for this scholarship. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will administer this scholarship. The details of the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme which covers
Consulate Notice: AYUSH Scholarship Scheme
courses in Traditional Systems of Medicine in India along with the names of the colleges, application forms, financial terms and condi-
tions, guidelines and checklist are available on the website http://www.iccrindia.net/ scholarshipschemes.html. The duly filled-in ICCR Scholarship Application Form as per Guidelines, along with the relevant enclosures should be submitted at the address given below: Vice Consul (Culture), Consulate General of India, 3 East, 64th Street, New York, NY-10065. The last date of receipt of application in the Consulate is February 7, 2014.
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February 1-7, 2014
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Obama critic Dinesh D'Souza pleads not guilty

He has been indicted for illegally financing Wendy Longs election campaign
New York: President Barack Obama's IndianAmerican filmmaker critic Dinesh D'Souza has pleaded not guilty to charges that he made illegal contributions to New York Republican senate hopeful Wendy Long in her 2012 campaign. Mumbai-born D'Souza, 52, whose documentary "2016: Obama's America" took a highly critical look at Obama during the 2012 presidential campaign, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted. Long, an old friend of D'Souza's from their days at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New Hampshire, will testify against him at trial, prosecutor Carrie Cohen told Judge Richard Berman at the "Roots of Obama's Rage" author's arraignment in a New York court Friday, New York Daily News reported. Long "informed the govof themselves and their spouses - and then D'Souza repaid them in cash a "one or two days later," Cohen said. Individual donations are supposed to be capped at $5,000. The two straw donors have given witness statements to federal agents and will also testify against D'Souza at trial, Cohen said, according to Daily News. D'Souza's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman said he wasn't challenging most of Cohen's facts - but he was challenging her conclusion that what his client did was criminal. "There was no 'quid pro quo' in this case," Brafman said, and the director "did not act with any corrupt or criminal intent whatsoever." "At worse, this was an act of misguided friendship by D'Souza," he said. D'Souza was released on $500,000 bond.
Richard Rossow named India chair of Washington think tank

Washington, DC: Richard Rossow has been named the Wadhwani Chair in USIndia Policy Studies at the Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), a leading Washington think tank. Rossow, who served the last two years as head of the South Asia practice at McLarty Associates and previously as director of operations at the US-India Business Council (USIBC) takes over from Karl "Rick" Inderfurth, former US assistant secretary of state for South Asia. Inderfurth will remain as a senior adviser at CSIS. "The US-India relationship is vital to both countries," said John Hamre, CSIS president and CEO. "But right now the relationship is at a crossroads. We need to refocus on ecoIndia relationship, CSIS said. Rossow has been a leader in private-sector efforts to increase market access, resolve investor disputes and discover new business opportunities in India since 1998. "There is a significant and growing opportunity to develop focused programs for the benefit of both nations," said Romesh Wadhwani, Symphony Technology Group CEO, who founded the Wadhwani Foundation. "Richard Rossow brings real-world experience, creative ideas, and a positive, pragmatic approach to reaching top policymakers in both countries. We are delighted he will be building on the strong foundation that Rick Inderfurth leaves behind," he said.
Filmmaker Dinesh DSouza
Richard Rossow will be Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies
ernment that Mr. D'Souza lied to her about the source of those donations," Cohen was quoted as saying. She said D'Souza had exceeded campaign contribution limits by giving her cash through two of his married friends. "One worked with him and the other lived with him," Cohen said. They each donated $10,000 to Long and behalf
nomics if we want this to become a truly strategic partnership for the twentyfirst century." The Wadhwani Chair, set up with the support of the Wadhwani Foundation, serves as an independent platform in Washington from which to assess major economic, political, and strategic issues in the US-
Fundraiser held for Swati Dandekars Congressional campaign Americans take to yoga with gusto,
A group of Indian Americans organized a fundraiser in New York for Swati Dandekar, who is making a run for US House of Representatives from Iowa this fall. Swati got elected to Iowa state assembly in 2002 and to Iowa senate in 2009. The fundraiser Jan 25 was organized by Harbachan Singh at his residence and Malini Shah. Swati is pictured sitting next to Consul General Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay and Iowas former Lt. Governor Patty Judge.
fuel a $27 bn industry

Washington, DC: From First Lady Michelle Obama to stressed-out executives to students to housewives, some 20 million people in America are practicing the ancient Indian art of yoga, fuelling a $27 billion industry. Michelle Obama, who turned a "fit and fabulous" 50 last Friday, told the Since 2002, yoga enthusiasts gather in People magazine that she's Times Square for a collective session on tweaked her workout rou- Summer solstice day. On June 21, 2013, more than 8,000 participated in the tine to do more yoga and all-day yoga fest. less cardio with an eye toward her 70s and 80s. Daily yoga is borrowed from 25 museums and prialso a key ingredient of "Let's vate collections in India and the US, Move!", a comprehensive initiative as also Europe.The Albuquerque Publaunched by the First Lady dedicated lic Schools (APS) system, the largest to solving the challenge of childhood such in New Mexico with about 90,000 students across 140 schools, obesity within a generation. Even Washington's iconic National plans to offer yoga to its students as a Cathedral, envisioned by the US Con- means of physical exercise right from gress in 1893 as a national spiritual the elementary school level. The 2012 "Yoga in America" study home, recently opened its 10-story Gothic worship area for tai chi, yoga released by San Francisco's Yoga and meditation as part of a week-long Journal indicates that some 20 million public program - "Seeing Deeper" - people, or 8.7 percent of US adults, according to a Washington Post re- practice yoga, compared to 15.8 milport. And Smithsonian's Arthur M. lion from a 2008 study, an increase of Sackler Gallery is holding what is de- 29 percent. Of current non-practitionscribed as the world's first exhibition ers, 44.4 percent of Americans call of yogic art to explore the mysteries themselves "aspirational yogis" - people who are interested in trying yoga. of yoga and its profound meanings. The growth in the yoga market is Through masterpieces of Indian sculpture and painting, "Yoga: The reflected in the growth of the Yoga Art of Transformation" explores its Journal magazine itself. Founded in rich diversity and historical transfor- 1975, it now has 10 international edimations with more than 130 objects tions.
Special envoy to Muslims Farah Pandith leaving for Harvard

Washington, DC: Indian-American Farah Pandith, the first-ever US special representative to Muslim communities, is leaving her position at the State Department to join the Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Appointed to the position in June 2009 by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Pandith "always places people above politics, and she has performed groundbreaking work," said Secretary of State John Kerry in a statement Thursday. Originally from Srinagar, Pandith will be joining the Institute of Politics as a resident fellow for the spring semester. She will lead fayat, will serve as the acting special representative until a permanent replacement is named. Describing Pandith as a "trailblazer and a visionary," Kerry said "It's in her DNA as a first-generation immigrant who achieved historic firsts for America, from changing the way our Embassies engage with Muslim communities in Europe to getting a Quran placed in the White House Library." She traveled to more than 80 countries and launched critically important youth programs, including Generation Change, Viral Peace, and the Hours Against Hate campaign, Kerry noted.
Farah Pandith to join Institute of Politics as resident fellow
weekly study groups on a range of topics. Pandith's deputy, Adnan Ki-
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
February 1-7, 2014
51
Spiritual poetry symposium to honor a saint-poet

Science of Spirituality center on Long Island held its annual Ruhani Mushaira to celebrate the poetry of Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj (19211989), a master of Surat Shabd Yoga.
pirituality is the soul of life's poetry. Not often does one come across an event where these two spirituality and poetry-are celebrated and relished together. For the past few years, the Science of Spirituality center in Amityville, NY, has been hosting a Spiritual Poetry Symposium, "Ruhani Mushaira". Ruhani Mushaira is a celebration of the poetry of Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj (19211989), a beacon of spirituality in the 20th century. An acclaimed mystic poet, master of "Surat Shabd Yoga", and spiritual teacher of "Sant Mat", he was conferred with the prestigious Urdu Academy Award for two of his Urdu poetry collections. His various works not only continue to kindle the spirit of oneness among fellow humans but also herald the message of spiritual unity that ties all creation and its various manifestations. Despite the inclement weather, the event on Saturday, January 25, at the Amityville SoS center was well attended by renowned Urdu poets, enthusiasts of Urdu poetry and those who follow mystic poetry. Ruhani Mushaira, more than anything, was a platform that seeded positive vibes towards cultural understanding, human love and spiritual oneness. There were references to undoing the impact of historic follies that plague many parts of the world and building on the universal love and spiritual unity that binds all. The audience was enthralled by poets in attendance Qaseem Bin Nasam Amrohvi (Sadarat-Presiding), Maulana Rehan Naqvi, Tarlok Singh, Jori Kohli (he conducted the mushaira) and Hasnain Raza. Amrohvi is an acclaimed poet from Pakistan. Maulana Naqvi, PhD is a scholar who is doing a specialized doctoral thesis on the poetry and spiritual mission of Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj. Tarlok Singh is a distinguished professor of Urdu from India. The evening also saw the launch of
Qaseem Bin Nasam Amrohvi, a famous Urdu poet from Pakistan, reading his poetry.
Hasnain Raza did sadarat (presiding) of the Rushani Mushaira, and Jori Kohli (left) conducted the event.
the soft-cover collection "Noor-eAqeedat" (Noor: Light, Splendor; Aqeedat: Faith), an anthology of select Urdu mystic poetry by Darshan Singh Maharaj. The book presents a powerhouse selection of the saints poetic gems in Urdu and Roman English. The spiritually charged evening had a heart-tugging message of universal love, peace and unity. The theme that underlined the whole event, and further accentuated the mystic message of oneness in God, was of tapping inside into the flame of love, living in loving remembrance, and passing through the ups and downs of life with a sense of equanimity. The core behind the teaching and poetry of Darshan Singh and Sant Mat is ethical living, selfless service and the practice of light and sound meditation. Celebration of Darshan Singh, his teachings and poetry, is an important initial step in ultimately practicing the principles of universal love, peace and unity. Ruhani Mushaira is proving to be a critical step to spread the message of love and in popularizing teachings and practices to attain oneness within and
Sant Darshan Singh Maharajs anthology of mystic poetry "Noor-e-Aqeedat" in Urdu and Roman script was launched.
Simrat Kaur reciting Sant Darshan Singhs poetry.
without. Science of Spirituality/Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission is a nonprofit, multi-faith organization that provides a forum for people to learn meditation, experience personal transformation, and bring about inner and outer peace and human unity. For more information about the Ruhani Mushaira, and other Science of Spirituality programming please call 516-901-6662; 631-822-7979 or soshindisatsangny@yahoo.com; www.sos.org.
Despite inclement weather the event was well attended on January 25.
Mineola: Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice has announced that she will run for Congress to replace nine-term incumbent Carolyn McCarthy (both Democrats). Rice said that if elected, she would
Nassau County District Attorney Kahtleen Rice (right) is seeking the seat of retiring Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy
Kathleen Rice running for Congressional seat from LI

continue McCarthy's work to reduce gun violence, and also focus on issues that include immigration reform, human sex trafficking and small-business aid. "I think my skill set and experience shows that I can address these issues and more, just as Carolyn has done," said Rice, who this month began her third four-year term as district attorney. McCarthy, 70, a Mineola Democ-
rat who represents the 4th Congressional District, joined Rice, 48, at a Westbury diner to endorse her candidacy, reported Newsday. McCarthy has been undergoing treatment for lung cancer for some time. Rice had in 2010 narrowly lost a Democratic primary for New York state attorney general. Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport), minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, has also jumped into the race.
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NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Kareena to dazzle at AAHOA convention

Atlanta: Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor will appear at the 2014 AAHOA Annual Convention and Trade Show slated for March 19-22 in Philadelphia. She will perform at the gala dinner on the closing night, March 22. Ms. Kapoor delivers versatile, instinctive, and powerful performances, so there is no one more accomplished to help us celebrate AAHOAs 25 years of accomplishments, said Pratik Patel, Vice Chairman of AAHOA and convention chairman. Kareena has received six Filmfare Awards in a range of film genres from romantic comedies to crime dramas. She has also participated in numerous stage shows and world music tours. A style icon for young women, she became the first Indian actress to launch her own line of clothing in collaboration with Globus in 2007. She was named Indias Most Beautiful Woman by People magazine in 2010 and was listed among the countrys most influential women last year by India Today. About 4,000 hotel owners and industry leaders are expected to attend as AAHOA marks its 25th anniversary with a full agenda of guest speakers, education sessions, panel discussions, and workshops.
A great honor, says Siddhartha Mukherjee on Padma Shri

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor
AAHOA has more than 12,500 members who together own more than 20,000 hotels which have a combined market value of almost $130 billion and which represent more than 40% of all U.S. hotels.
Physiotherapist gets 10 years jail for $11 mn Medicare fraud

Washington, DC: An Indian-American physiotherapist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay over $10 million in restitution for allegedly participating in a Medicare fraud scheme that totaled almost $11 million. Chiradeep Gupta, 39, was sentenced by US District Judge Denise Page Hood in the Eastern District of Michigan Friday, according to the Justice Department. In addition to his prison term, Gupta was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay more than $10 million in restitution, jointly and severally with his co-defendants. Gupta, who is also part-owner of All American, a Michigan home health care company, was found guilty Oct 26, 2012 on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and three substantive counts of money laundering. According to evidence presented at the trial, Gupta and his co-conspirators caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, a federal government healthcare scheme, through All American and Patient Choice, another home health care company, in the greater Detroit area.
Washington, DC: InUniversity. dian-born American New Delhi born physician, scientist and Mukherjee, 43, also writer Siddhartha works as staff physiMukherjee has decian at Columbia scribed the Padma Shri University Medical awarded to him on ReCenter in New York public Day as "a great City. honor" and said he was He has been the continuing his research Plummer Visiting on cancer and stem Professor at the Siddhartha cells and hoped to Mayo Clinic in Mukherjee make important contriRochester, the Joseph butions to their understanding. Garland lecturer at the Massachu"It is a great honor to be recog- setts Medical Society and an honnized by India in this manner," said orary visiting professor at Johns Mukherjee, best known for the Hopkins School of Medicine. 2010 book "The Emperor of All Mukherjee's book on cancer was Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" named one of the 100 most influfor which won a Pulitzer Prize and ential books written in English an award from The Guardian news- since 1923 by TIME and one of the paper of Britain. 100 best works of non-fiction by "I am continuing my research on The New York Times Magazine. cancer and stem cells and hope to A hematologist and oncologist, continue making important contri- Mukherjee is also known for his butions to medicine and human bi- work on the formation of blood and ology," said New York based the interactions between the microMukherjee, who is an assistant pro- environment (or "niche") and canfessor of medicine at Columbia cer cells.
Harvard, Wharton annual India Eight Indian-American owned firms in Forbes promising 100 meets to focus on economy
New York: Ahead of general elections, India's economy will the broader theme of the two top American universities -- Harvard and Wharton -- for their annual India conferences in the next few weeks. 'India, Turning the Page: Prospects & Paradoxes' is the theme of the Harvard India Conference on February 15 and 16, while 'India: Time to Reboot' is the theme of 18th Wharton India Economic Forum a week later on February 22. Wharton, which was in the middle of a controversy last year for its decision to first invite and then withdraw the invitation to BJP leader Narendra Modi to address the conference via video, has tried to keep its panel of speakers non-political. Harvard on the other hand has invited a galaxy of Indian politicians from almost all major political parties for its two-day conference. Prominent among these include BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi and CPI leader Sitaram Yechury. All three have been invited to participate in the panel discussion on 'Global implications of India's 2014 Elections', with Prasad delivering the key note address. Former Army Chief General (rtd) V K Singh, who is a member of the Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement, has been invited to deliver key note address on 'Leadership Lessons from the Indian Army.' Among other prominent speakers at the Harvard include Dr S Y Quraishi, former Election Commissioner and Pawan Munjal MD and CEO of the Hero Motocorp. Wharton India Economic Forum has invited Vikram Malhotra, chairman of the Americas McKinsey & Company, for key note address. Among other invited speakers are Dinesh Kanabar, Deputy CEO, KPMG India and Ravi Venkatesan, former chairman of Microsoft India. New York: Eight companies co-founded and headed by young Indian-American entrepreneurs are among Forbes magazine's America's 100 most promising privately-held high growth companies with under $250 million in annual revenues. "Rocketship growth isn't uncommon on our list," said the US business magazine. "In fact, it's what we look for. But to watch a management team crack open a ripe new market and hang on for dear life as top line explodes is still good fun." Topping the list of the eight Indian-American headed companies is WeddingWire, a Maryland-based technology company serving the over $100-billion wedding, corporate, and social events industry co-founded by Sonny Ganguly, in the 27th place. On the 52nd position is Pennsylvania-headquartered Prepay Nation, co-founded by Anurag Jain and Ajay Vikas Goyal, which helps "immigrants and expats transfer small amounts of money across international borders via mobile phones." Ranked 61 on the list is H Bloom, a flower delivery service for corporate subscriptions and one-time gifts, co-founded by Sonu Panda. Coming in on the 63rd spot is Gainsight, an IT firm cofounded by Sreedhar Peddineni and headed by Nick Mehta. It sells software that helps clients retain and upsell customers. On the 73rd spot is CourseHorse, co-founded and headed by Nihal Parthasarathi. It provides an online marketplace to find, compare and
enroll in local classes, including cooking, fitness, music and language courses. Ranked 85th on the list is New York-based PublicStuff, co-founded by Anupam Gupta and headed by Surya Yalamanchili. It runs an online forum for residents to report problems like potholes or broken playgrounds, to local governments. Seattle-based Mixpo, an IT software and services company, co-founded by Anupam Gupta, is 93rd. Occupying the 100th spot is PernixData, a San Jose, California-based IT software and services co-founded by Poojan Kumar and Satyam Vaghani. The overall list is topped by Fuhu, a California-based company that sells Nabi, an Android-based tablet for kids.
February 1-7, 2014
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INDIA
We're battle ready and going to win: Rahul
NDA may form government in 2014: survey

New Delhi: The BJP-led NDA could win up to 231 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and the Congress could slide to its worst ever electoral performance if elections were held in January, says a survey. The CNN-IBN CSDS election tracker said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would wrest 211-231 seats and the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) would win 107-127 seats if elections were held today. The survey predicts the BJP winning 192-210 seats and the Congress sliding to 92-108 seats. At present, the saffron party has 117 MPs and the Congress 204. It said the NDA would be within striking distance of forming the government. The survey's prediction said the Trinamool Congress, which rules West Bengal, was poised to bag 2028 seats in West Bengal. The AIADMK would win 15-23 seats in Tamil Nadu, Biju Janata Dal 10-16 seats in Odisha and the Samajwadi Party 8-14 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The survey said the Janata Dal-United is slated to get 7-13 seats in Bihar and the Aam Aadmi Party 6-12 seats in Delhi. It predicts a dismal performance by the Left parties and said they would win 15-23 seats. The YSR Congress is poised to win 11-19 seats, Bahujan Samaj Party 10-16 seats, Telugu Desam Party 9-15 seats, DMK 7-13 seats, Rashtriya Janata Dal 6-10 seats while both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the Janata Dal-Secular could bag four-eight seats. The survey said UPA vote share was slated to go down from 31.5 percent in the 2009 general elections to 28 percent (January 2014) while that of NDA would shoot up from 21.5 percent to 36 percent over the same period. The survey said BJP vote share could go up to 34 percent, a 15.2 percent jump since 2009 while the Congress vote share could decline to 27 percent from 28.6 percent. The survey said 34 percent of those surveyed pre-
Rahul Gandhi said Narendra Modi government abetted and pushed" the 2002 riots
New Delhi: Asserting that "we are battle ready and we are going to win", Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Monday said in his first television interview that he was not thirsting for power but was out to "change the system" that would open up opportunities for young people, empower women and make India a manufacturing hub of the world. He also said Modi government was "abetting and pushing" the 2002 riots. In an over one hour interview with Arnab Goswami, editor-in-chief of TIMES NOW news channel, Gandhi said he did not choose to be born a Gandhi but was a "serious politician" who stood for "opening up the system" and the election this time would be fought between those who want "deepening of democracy" and those
who stood for "concentration of power". He deflected pointed questions thrown at him regarding corruption by Congress party governments, whether in New Delhi or in the states, but said that "anyone who does any act of corruption will be punished". But he sidestepped questions on why the Congress failed to act against former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan or Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh who had been implicated in corrupt deals. Gandhi took potshots at Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, saying his government was "abetting and pushing" the 2002 riots and the BJP believes "in concentration of power in hands of one man".
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may wrest 211-231 seats and UPA 107-127 seats
ferred Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate and 15 percent wanted Rahul Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi had five percent ratings as prime ministerial candidate while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had three percent. "In a direct face-off between Modi and Rahul, 42 percent prefer the former and 25 percent the latter as PM (candidate). Forty-nine percent respondents across India say BJP's decision to name Modi as PM candidate was correct," the survey said. It said 22 percent respondents preferred senior BJP leader L.K. Advani as prime ministerial choice if Modi is not accepted as the coalition leader after the elections.
AAP, BJP demand SIT on 1984 riots

New Delhi/Muktsar: The AAP and BJP demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the 1984 antiSikh riots, after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said some Congress leaders were probably involved in these. Akali Dal patron Parkash Singh Badal, however, rejected the demand, saying there was "hardly any need". The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi said it will hold a cabinet meeting where it will decide the parameters of the SIT to probe the riots. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung and submitted the request for an SIT to probe the riots in which more than 3,000 people, mostly Sikhs, were killed in the capital in the aftermath of the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi. "Najeeb Jung has assured that Kejriwal's request would be considered and the prime minister will be informed," an official said. However, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who is the patron of the Akali Dal, rejected Kejriwal's demand for an SIT. Badal said in Muktsar district that there was "hardly any need for it (SIT probe) as several earlier high-level inquiries conducted on the matter have pointed towards the role of Congress leaders in this planned mass massacre of Sikhs"
Gay community to take fight forward on SC verdict

New Delhi: Activists of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community said they were not disappointed with the Supreme Court's refusal to review its judgment on section 377 as they had seen it coming. But they said they were now more focussed on taking the fight forward. "It wasn't something we weren't expecting, so we aren't disheartened. In fact, the real fight begins now when the LGBT community has to stand up for themselves, and continue fighting," gay-rights activist Shaleen Rakesh said. "Rather than dwelling on what the SC has said is of
Andhra Pradesh assembly rejects Telangana Bill

Hyderabad: The Seemandhra-dominated Andhra Pradesh assembly has rejected the AP Reorganization Bill, 2013. Amid pandemonium and with almost all the members having converged at the well of the House, speaker Nadendla Manohar put the resolution moved by chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy opposing the division of the state to voice vote and declared it as passed. The 294-member assembly has an effective strength of 279 members of which 160 are from the Seemandhra region, including the speaker and the chief minister. The bill will now be sent back to President Pranab Mukherjee after which it is slated to be tabled in Parliament in the first fortnight of February. TRS legislator K Taraka Rama Rao charged that the chief minister and speaker connived to get the voice vote passed. "However, this will have no bearing on the Telangana bill as the opinion of the state assembly was not binding on the Centre and the bill will still be passed by Parliament," he said.
The Supreme Court has dismissed plea to review homosexuality ruling
no use. What they have done is terrible, but I believe this is not the time for negative emotions, it is time to be together and proudly admit 'I love myself'," he added. The fight will continue," said Rajwant Singh, a gay
who admitted that the judgments leave a negative impression in the society about gay relationships that leads to social discrimination. Lawyer Harish Salve found the apex court dismissal of the review petition "unsurprising".
BUSINESS
February 1-7, 2014
55
India ranks lowest in US chamber's global IP index

Washington: India is ranked lowest in the US Chamber of Commerce's 2014 International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, a survey of 25 countries with diverse economies reflected in varying market size, level of development and geography. Similar to the inaugural index, India continued to score lowest, most notably in categories relating to patents, copyrights and international treaties in the second edition of the chamber's Global Intellectual Property Centre (GIPC) index. According to a chamber media release, out of every country having been documented in both the 2012 and 2014 GIPC Index, India finished last in both editions, as the country continues to allow for the deterioration of its IP climate. "Despite its declared competitive agenda to embrace 'Decade of Innovation', India is heading towards the wrong path to undermine all IP rights, stifling India's investment, international trade, and India's own innovative potential," the report said. "The continued use of compulsory licenses, patent revocations, and weak legislative and enforcement mechanisms raise serious concerns about India's commitment to promote innovation and protect creators," it said. The report evaluates 30 factors indicative of an IP environment that fosters growth, including protection and enforcement of patents, trademark, copyrights, trade secrets, and participation in relevant international treaties. Although none of the 25 countries surveyed received a perfect score of 30, the US received the highest score of 28.3, making it the global leader in protecting IP. However, the US came third after Britain and France in the enforcement category.
Satya Nadella likely to be next Microsoft CEO: Report

New Delhi: Senior Microsoft executive Satya Nadella would replace Steve Ballmer as Microsoft CEO, two media reports said, citing sources familiar with the processes of selecting the new leader at the Redmond-based company. Bloomberg reported that the Microsoft board was set to name Nadella, an Indian who was born in Hyderabad and who completed his engineering from Manipal University before heading to the US for higher studies, as the company's next CEO. The report also said that the board was discussing replacing Bill Gates as chairman. The Bloomberg report came several hours after Kara Swisher, who has a fairly reliable record of breaking stories, wrote on technology website Re/code that Microsoft has apparently finalized Nadella as the next CEO of the company. Swisher wrote that a formal announcement was expected within a week. While Bloomberg report indicated that Nadella was certain to be the next CEO, Re/code report hinted that he was among the three insiders shortlisted for the job and was the strongest candidate. "And, at this moment, those who have watched the process think that
Currently, Satya Nadella is the president of server & tools business at Microsoft. He landed his current assignment in 2011
insider Satya Nadella, who is currently leading its enterprise effort, is the likeliest internal candidate to prevail. That's due to a number of reasons, including his familiarity with the company, where he has spent much of his career, as well as a strong technical background and a varied work history at Microsoft," noted the report. "The two other insiders -- strategy head Tony Bates and Nokia leader and former Microsoft exec Stephen Elop -- seem further behind." Currently, Nadella is the president of server & tools business at Microsoft. He landed his current assignment in 2011. Before that
he was senior vice-president of R&D for the online services division and vice-president of the Microsoft business division. In total he has been with Microsoft for nearly 23 years and is considered a person who is familiar with the internal culture within the company, which has an incredibly complex corporate structure. Nadella's appointment as CEO is likely to have mixed reactions. He is considered a person who is familiar with the Microsoft's enterprise-focused products like MS Office, online services like Bing and cloud services like Azure.
SPORTS
New Zealand crush India, complete 4-0 series victory

second successive hundred to power the hosts to an imposing 303/5. Besides the tie in the third ODI in Auckland, India had suffered defeats in Napier and Hamilton (twice) and Friday's defeat continued their disastrous overseas performance as they had lost the ODI series against South Africa before coming here. India had lost 2-5 to New Zealand in a seven-match ODI series in 200203. The last time the Indians failed to win even a single match in New Zealand was in 1975-76 and 198081, losing 0-2 in both the two-match series. Put into bat, Taylor (102) shared a 152-run partnership with Kane Williamson (88), who scored his fifth consecutive half-century, for the third wicket to rescue New Zealand from a precarious 41/2 at one stage. Taylor's 106-ball innings was studded with 10 hits to the fence and one six, while Williamson blasted eight fours and one six in his 91ball innings here.
Dhoni 4th fastest to complete 8,000 ODI runs
Men in Blue slumped to their worst ODI series defeat in New Zealand
Wellington: A listless Indian cricket team slumped to its worst ODI series defeat in New Zealand, going down 0-4, after the Black Caps hammered them by 87 runs in the inconsequential fifth and final one-dayer. Going into the match trailing 0-3 in the five-match series, the famed India batting came a cropper once
again, bundled out for 216 in 49.4 overs by New Zealand, while chasing 304 at Westpac stadium. Virat Kohli's 82 was the only saving grace as the visitors failed to put up a fight against the Kiwi bowlers, led superbly by debutant Matt Henry (4/38). Earlier, Ross Taylor slammed his
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni
BCCI offered to play Pak: Ashraf

Karachi: Reinstated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohammad Zaka Ashraf has said that the Indian cricket board offered to play against Pakistan in a bilateral series at a neutral venue if PCB agrees to sign up to the ICC proposal by the Indian, Australian and the English cricket boards. Appointed in October 2011 as the chairman and then temporarily suspended in May 2013, Ashraf has recently been reinstated as PCB head in time to face one of the biggest challenges to the future of cricket - the draft ICC position paper which threatens to undermine the stature of most cricket playing nations.According to www.PakPassion.net, Ashraf said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offered to play Pakistan in a bilateral series at a neutral venue, which he regarded as a positive gesture, although he admitted that BCCI was willing to do it under the condition that PCB agreed to give their support to the proposal.
Wellington: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the fourth fastest batsman to complete 8,000 runs in one-day cricket during the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand. The 32-year-old reached the milestone in the 26th over of the match. Dhoni hit three fours in his 72ball 47 innings before falling to kane Williamson in the match. It is a commendable achievement by the wicketkeeper-bats-
man who comes in lower down the order. The three men ahead of him in the list are illustrious compatriots Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and West Indian legend Lara, all of whom batted in the top three. Dhoni has taken 214 innings to touch the landmark. India crumbled to an embarrassing 87-run defeat in the fifth and final ODI against the hosts New Zealand to crash to a 0-4 series loss.
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February 1-7, 2014
US AFFAIRS
Obama vows action with or without Congress

Washington: Frustrated over inaction by a divided Congress, President Barack Obama has vowed to make 2014 a year of action by moving forward on an ambitious agenda to address economic inequality with or without the legislature. "Let's make this a year of action," said a combative Obama wearing a blue suit and a light blue tie in his fifth State of the Union address to a joint session of the Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives. "That's what most Americans want -- for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations," said Obama in a 65-minute address from the House lectern with Republican House speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden seated on the speaker's dais behind him. "After four years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher", he said, but "inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled". "Our job is to reverse these trends," said Obama offering what he called "a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity working to reduce gun violence, saying: "I intend to keep trying, with or without Congress, to help stop more tragedies from visiting innocent Americans in our movie theaters, shopping malls, or schools like Sandy Hook." He also urged the Congress to work with him to rewrite the corporate tax code to close "wasteful, complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here" and instead "lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs right here at home". Obama called for more government support to rebuild the nation's infrastructure, but warned he was willing to go it alone. "I will act on my own to slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key projects, so we can get more construction workers on the job as fast as possible," he said.
Barack Obama during his fifth State of the Union address to a joint session of the Congress
into the middle class". "Some require Congressional action, and I'm eager to work with all of you," he told the legislators even as he made clear: "But America does not stand still - and neither will I." "So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do," Obama declared. He announced an executive order to raise the minimum wage for some government contract workers
to $10.10 per hour even as he asked the Congress to get on board with a Democratic proposal to raise the federal minimum to the same rate. Republicans largely oppose any federal increase, saying it will place a burden on employers. Obama also called on the Republicans to stop trying to undermine his 2010 signature health care reform law passed without Republican support, saying "the American people aren't interested in refighting old battles". Obama said he will continue
Obama vows to veto new sanctions against Iran

Washington: Declaring that "for the sake of our national security, we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed", President Barack Obama has reiterated that he would veto any new sanctions bill from the US Congress. International negotiations on preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon will be difficult and "they may not succeed", he acknowledged in his State of the Union address. "We are clear-eyed about Iran's support for terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, which threaten our allies," Obama said noting that "the mistrust between our nations cannot be wished away". "Sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity possible," he said. "But let me be clear: if this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it."
INTERNATIONAL
US blames Syria for delay in chemical weapons' removal
Afghanistan election campaign kicks off

Kabul: Afghanistan's election campaign kicked off, with 11 candidates vying to succeed President Hamid Karzai as the country enters an uncertain new era without the aid of Nato combat troops to fight the Taliban. A dispute between Kabul and Washington over whether a small force of US soldiers stays behind beyond 2014 is likely to dominate the twomonth campaign, which will culminate in Afghanistan's first-ever democratic transfer of power. Karzai has ruled the country since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, surviving assassination attempts and the treacherous currents of Afghan political life as billions of dollars of military and development aid poured into the country. He is barred from seeking a third term, leaving an open field to compete in the April 5 vote, which is likely to trigger a second-round run-off in late May between the two strongest candidates.
Ukraine PM, cabinet resign amid unrest

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is in the process to let Syria remove chemical weapons
Washington: The US blamed the Syrian government for slow progress in removing its stockpiled chemical weapons, urging Damascus to take "necessary steps" to expedite the process. State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki expressed "deep concern" about Syria's failure to move all of its chemical agents, as mandated by UN Security Council resolution 2118, to its port of Lattakia for being transported to a ship in the sea for destruction. "There should be no doubt that the responsibility for the lack of
progress and increasing costs rest solely with Syria," she told reporters. The executive council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, mandated to oversee the elimination of Syria' s chemical weapons, met as the most dangerous chemicals had failed to be shipped out of Syria by Dec 31, 2013, and another deadline looms for all other required chemicals to be removed by Feb 5. The whole process is set to be completed by June 30.
Kiev: Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and his cabinet resigned with the country's parliament scrapping draconian antiprotest moves in a bid to end a two-month standoff with demonstrators. The decision on the protests laws was made during a special parliamentary session Tuesday, shortly before Azarov offered to step down to ease tensions between protesters and the government. President Viktor Yanukovych accepted Prime Minister Azarov
and his cabinet's resignations. Azarov, 66, known as a loyal lieutenant of President Yanukovich, tendered his resignation as parliament met for an emergency session to work out a deal which could satisfy the opposition and end the unabated street protests. He offered to step down as prime minister to create "social and political compromise". The protests have spread across Ukraine in recent days, even to President Yanukovych's stronghold in the east.
February 1-7, 2014
Happy Republic Day
58
February 1-7, 2014
HUMOR
Humor with Melvin Durai
Dear Indian-American kids:
An open letter to Indian-American kids

each other with not-so-polite comparisons, youve been making comparisons that would do your parents proud: My word is bigger than your word. We know youre eager to please your parents. Youve already proven it. You didnt complain when your mom handed you that list of 10-syllable words or your dad shook his head vigorously and said, Only 10 syllables? You need to start giving her 12-syllable words shes in kindergarten now. Yes, youve already proven enough, so why not give some other kids a chance to win the National Spelling Bee? The other kids have also studied thousands of words, but when they reach the final round of the spelling bee and see you looking so confident as though youve been on ESPN hundreds of times they lose their cool. They say to themselves, Oh no, those kids are Indian-Americans. They must have been to spelling camp! Its like facing Rafael Nadal in the final of the French Open. Sure, you might win a few games but then you look across the net and see the seven-time champion pumping his fist and think to yourself, Well, at least I got this far. Thats what happened to Gifton Wright,
know youre busy with your school work and other important stuff, but theres something important Id like to say to you: Please stop winning the National Spelling Bee! Yes, you heard me right. Back away from the unabridged dictionary, tear up the list of 10-syllable words your mom printed out for you, delete the soundtrack of Akeelah and the Bee from your iPod. We know youre good at spelling. Youve already proven it. Youve won five consecutive National Spelling Bees and 10 of the last 14. If the Los Angeles Lakers merged with the Miami Heat, they wouldnt win as many titles as you. Youre so dominant that the Las Vegas oddsmakers have made you 2-1 favorites to win the next Spelling Bee, better odds than theyve set for Aishwarya Rai to get a tummy tuck. We know youre dedicated and disciplined. Youve already proven it. While other kids have been going to basketball camp or soccer camp in the summer, youve been going to spelling camp. While other kids are horsing around in the showers before dinner, embarrassing
the boy from Kingston, Jamaica, who finished fourth this year. We knew there would be a big celebration in Jamaica if he won but his valiant effort fell short, giving us the same newspaper headline in India as last year: Ho-hum. Another Indian-American wins the Spelling Bee. Even worse than that, we had to hear the same old joke again. Several people tweeted it, thinking they were being original: Snigdha Nandipati won the National Spelling Bee by spelling her own name! LOL! Someone put me on Comedy Central. But thats not why I want you to stop winning the National Spelling Bee. I want you to stop because youre putting too much pressure on all the Indian-American kids who dont want to spend half their
weekends studying words and the other half being tested on them. Take my 10-year-old daughter, Lekha, for example. Shes a good student who loves to read books and play the piano, but isnt that interested in spelling. Every year, when the National Spelling Bee is being televised the only time my wife ever asks if we have ESPN on our cable Lekha has to endure comments such as, If they can do it, so can you, Look how proud her parents look and Its my mistake I should have started spelling words to you when you were in my womb. So heres my request again: Please stop winning the National Spelling Bee! I know it wont be easy but with a little effort Im sure you can do it. See you at Geography Camp!
Laughter is the Best Medicine
by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
ASTROLOGY
February 1-7, 2014
59
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Stars Foretell: February 1-7, 2013

Aries: Senior colleagues cooperation brings success at professional front. If possible undertake the projects that would benefit the whole family. Hard work of previous days brings good fortune enabling to fulfil monetary promises. For some work takes a backseat, as you find comfort in the arms of love partner. A cheerful state of mind would allow enjoying the perfect health. Plan and enjoy a holiday, little hussle-bussle might be possible. It always is exciting to begin looking at homes for sale in your area. Sincere efforts would prove beneficial in whatever you do. TAURUS: Business partners would be enthusiastic about new plans & ventures. Good advice from family members will help in reducing mental tension/pressure. You succeed in making some extra cash on playing your cards well. Love partner would be extremely supportive and in a loving mood. Divine knowledge from a saintly person provides solace & comfort. Thinking of a holiday trip with difference could bring difference to your budget. Buying cheap property in the right location can provide you triple gain annually. You make changes in yourself rather than expecting others to do so. VIRGO: People engaged in tourism will have the energy to keep pace with fast taking events thus giving themselves an edge over others. Misunderstand ings with near ones in the family will get cleared. Improvement in finances makes it convenient in clearing long pending dues & bills. A special message from beloved/lover lifts spirits. A continuous positive thinking gets rewarded as you succeed in whatever you do in this week. Affordable luxury vacation will explore your desires. There might be a chance of acquiring a plot from your closed relative. Testing times bring-in-forth hidden talent. GEMINI: Female colleagues would help in completing pending work. Sudden good news in the evening will bring cheers for the entire family. Avoid overspending and investments in dubious financial schemes. A romantic week as you receive all praises from partner. Meditation and yoga prove beneficial for spiritual as well as physical gains. An enriching vacation full of fun is what you need. Investing in property business sounds very appealing. Friends timely help would save from the conspiracy hatched by enemies.
CANCER: A promising week for ambitious professionals to demonstrate technical skills & abilities. Your efforts bring success & happiness at family front. An auspicious week to invest money on items that would grow in value. You find pleasure and enjoy ecstasies of love in the arms of partner. A very healthy week when your cheerfulness gives the desired tonic and confidence. Travelling regularly might be injurious for your well being. Banks love to finance those, who invest in properties which are under development. A close friend will lend a helping hand in legal battle.
SCORPIO: You are likely to fail in achieving set targets due to wrong assessment of team members. You are likely to be benefited as family members positively respond. A very successful week as far as monetary position is concerned. Proposing might benefit, as chances of succeeding in love are high. With a positive outlook & confidence, you succeed in impressing people around you. A group of friends or your partner is looking forward for a vacation with you. A deal regarding residential property can start moving on its right path. You will be successful in resolving differences with opposite sexes. PISCES: Brace yourself to tackle professional problems by keeping spirits high. You would be the centre of attraction at a social gathering that you attend especially with family. Property dealings would materialize helping in bringing fabulous gains. Romantic opportunity comes your way as your sparkling sunshine smile injures a lively & tender heart. A pleasure trip gives the muchneeded tonic to health. Travelling overseas would be an experience full of spark that enlightens your imagination. Its time to make some property investments for your kids. It will be in your interest not to reveal personal & confidential secrets to anyone.
LEO: Politicians find a very smooth sailing as results go in your favour, thus immensely boosting confidence. You achieve success in personal work with the timely help & support provided by family members. Investment on long-term plans would pave the way for earning financial gains. You enjoy a lovely time as Cupid is on your side in this week. You are likely to maintain good health that would also give you success. Time to make your vacation a dream come true. A good deal on commercial property might occur. People feel the fragrance of your personality. SAGITTARIUS: This week you are likely to be criticised for atrocious handwriting at professional front. Parents and friends will do their best to keep you happy. Indications of earning financial profits through commissions, dividends or royalties. Search for a true romantic friend might end in this week. Mental alertness would enable to solve a tricky problem. A leisure trip will prove to be a premium time for you. Discussing property matters with parents can help for better innovations. Sticking to beliefs & faith would enable to turn the tide in your favour.
LIBRA: Betterment awaits people engaged in the field of graphic designing. Children would do their best to keep you happy. Successful execution of brilliant ideas would help in earning financial profits. Love companion will be eager to meet you in this week. Creative hobbies are likely to keep you relaxed. Perfect getaway time for you and your partner. You might deal in some ancestral property or any other parental property. There is no need for you to make special efforts to succeed a personal front.
AQUARIUS: The efforts of people aspiring to join interior designing course are likely to be handsomely rewarded. Encourage children to engage themselves in household activities in their spare time. Important people will be ready to finance anything that has a special class to it. Romance is likely to intensify through recreational activities & entertainment. Good time to divert attention to spirituality to enhance mental toughness. Your trip will be beneficiary for work but not for your personal life. Your friends and family will be of great support if you are trying for an office. Dont get surprised if you suffer for past actions.
CAPRICORN: Self-confidence would immensely help in achieving good results at professional front. A promising week to plan things for your progeny. All financial commitments & transactions need to be handled carefully. Blossoming love life brings happiness. A cheerful state of mind brings mental peace. You might get a chance for business trip, which will help you in new connections. Planning a property might explore new horizons for you and your family. You succeed in settling minor disputes without any problems.
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week

1st February, 2014 Ruled planet: Sun Ruled by no:1 Traits in you: Due to the positive effects of your ruling planet Sun, you will have the characteristics of a good human being. By nature, you are accountable, unique, courageous, committed, competitive, coordinated and intelligent. You should work on your negative personality traits such as selfishness, dependency and pessimism. Health this year: You may remain worried for the health of your spouse. Your will remain fit though it needs extra care. You should regularly visit to your doctor for checkups. Try to secure your parents health as they may suffer from frequent ailments throughout this year. Finance this year: This year may bring you huge financial benefits. You will enjoy the returns of your past investments. If you want to gain financial profits, you need to work hard. You may invest in various profitable businesses. Howt-ever, you should not start new partnerships or trust new friends. Career this year: You may get the chance to complete all your previous assignments and this will enhance your respect as a brilliant performer in your professional circuit. If you are into a profession that demands creativity, then you will be very successful this year as far as your career is concerned. Romance this year: If you are yet to be in a committed relationship, you may get into one this year. If you are already committed, then you may plan for marriage towards the end of the year. Lucky month: July, November and February 2nd February, 2014 Ruled planet: Moon Ruled by no: 2 Traits in you: As you are influenced by the Moon, you are confident, emotional, imaginative, simple, creative, courteous, and warm hearted. You can easily make friends because of your nature so you enjoy enormous respect amongst your friends. You should control your mood swings and you should not be lazy. Health this year: You will enjoy a normal health this year. However, you need to be in regular contact with your doctor to remain healthy. If you face some minor health issues, you should take prescribed medication without neglecting. Finance this year: You may go through a moderate financial condition this year. You past investments may not bring you expected results. You may get minimal return from your fixed savings and that would not make you secure financially. You should not lend money to anyone during this year as you may feel the requirement of money at any point of time. Career this year: You will be given more responsibility this year as you have proved yourself to be an efficient resource for your employer. You may expect a promotion or salary hike later this year. You should guide your ordinates to perform better and bring unexpected results for your organization. Romance this year: You may find yourself among the wedding bells if you are eligible. Your love life with your partner will flourish with the love, care, and support of your partner. Lucky month: October, December and March 3rd February, 2014 Ruled planet: Jupiter Ruled by no: 3 Traits in you: Being ruled by Jupiter, you are courteous, courageous, decisive, ambitious, disciplined, and realistic. You are gifted with high imagination power, optimism, and enthusiasm. However, behaving restless and dominating may hamper your characteristics at times. You need to work on your personality to make yourself better as an individual. Health this year: You will be going through a not so very good health this year around. You might need to take proper care of your health by frequently visiting your doctor for medical checkups. You need to adhere to the medications prescribed by the doctors for your betterment. Finance this year: You may be able to improve your financial conditions by find an extra source of income. You may go for new short term investments. You will be able to obtain luxury and happiness by spending money. Career this year: Your confidence will convert you into a winner. You will be capable enough to overcome any challenge you need to face. The chances of your promotion and transfer are high due to the organizational change. Romance this year: You may get engaged to your love this year. You will enjoy a great marital life with your beloved. You will find your partner supportive enough in every situation. You should try and maintain a better relationship with your partner to enjoy a better family life. Lucky month: October, December and March 4th February, 2014 Ruled planet: Uranus Ruled by no: 4 Traits in you: Your ruling planet Uranus blesses you with a charismatic character. You are able to impress anyone in your surroundings with your nature and attitude. You are generous, peace loving, disciplined, and creative in nature. Your hard work pays off every time and you get success as a result. Health this year: You would not remain satisfied as far your health is concerned as minor illness may disturb you throughout this year. To avoid these health issues, you need to take care of your health by taking healthy food and medicines at time. You may go for yoga and meditation. Finance this year: Financial gains will be plenty for you this year as your past investments would pay off. You may start few new business ventures. You may expand your business in foreign as well. Do not trust new people as they may prove untrustworthy. Do not lend a big amount of money. Career this year: Your efforts will bear results and you will be appreciated with awards and rewards towards the end of the year. You may get a promotion for your smart work and efficiency. Romance this year: If you are yet to be in a relationship, this year is the ideal time to find a partner. You will get ample support from your spouse in any critical decision you have to take. You should show your love to your partner as it strengthens your relationship. Lucky month: September, January and May 5th February, 2014 Ruled planet:Mercury Traits in you: You will go through minor health issues this year. You have to take regular advice from the doctor and practice healthy nutrition and diet to remain healthy. Meditation and yoga may help you in retaining a perfect health throughout the year. Health this year: Your new business alliances and partnerships will help you earn financial stability this year. You will receive all the pending payments and money you gave away as loans in the past. You should go for investing in real estates and share market. Finance this year: You need to focus on your profession and put your cent per cent effort to achieve your expected goals. You will be appreciated by your peers and seniors for your efficient output. You may be assigned extra responsibilities as you are very decisive and capable of performing wonders. Career this year: You need to focus on your profession and put your cent per cent effort to achieve your expected goals. You will be appreciated by your peers and seniors for your efficient output. You may be assigned extra responsibilities as you are very decisive and capable of performing wonders. Romance this year: You should avoid any kind of conflict with your beloved. Plan a long holiday with your spouse to make your relationship stronger. If you are unmarried, you should not get to a marital relationship this year as the movement of your stars is not favorable for marriage. Lucky month: October, December and February 6th February, 2014 Ruled planet: Venus Ruled by no: 6 Traits in you: As you are ruled by Venus, you are optimistic, modest, focused, punctual, reliable, and dependant. You are pretty interested in doing social work and charity. However, you should control your mood swings, impatience, and whim. Health this year: You need to focus on your health a little more as you may fall sick frequently this year. You should go for regular medical checkups to maintain a healthy life. Your parents may fall sick towards the end of the year and it will put you in immense pressure. Finance this year: You will get financial benefits if you have invested in past. For future financial gains, you may invest on real estate and stock market. You should study the market well before investing on anything. Do not be in a hurry to invest as it may go in loss. Career this year: As far as your professional life is concerned, you are expected to get a lot of opportunities throughout this year. However, you have to work hard and efficiently to convert those opportunities. Being a quick decision maker, you may have to decide on many critical matters in your professional circle. Romance this year: You will share a good relationship with your spouse. You may decide to turn your relationship into marriage if you are not married yet. However, you need to understand your beloved and provide the required emotional support for the betterment of your relationship. Lucky month: November, March and May 7th February, 2014 Ruled planet: Neptune Ruled by no: 7 Traits in you: By nature you are sober, courteous, unique, honest and courageous as you are ruled by the powerful planet Neptune. Your charming nature attracts people towards you. You love to face challenges and you fight them pretty well by executing perfection. You need to check for your impatience, rudeness, and frequent mood swings. Health this year: You may suffer some minor injuries due to vehicle accidents. However, it will not be critical. You may go through minor health issues during the initial months of the year. Moreover, you will enjoy a sound health throughout the year with proper medical checkups and medications. Finance this year: Your financial conditions will be very stagnant this year. As you will not earn much or spend much, you will lead a peaceful life in money matters. You may invest for future. Do not lend or borrow money from your friends or colleagues. Career this year: This year you will reach to the peak of your professional career and it will offer you huge financial benefits. This year will be pretty rewarding for female employees. You may get a better performance appraisal as well as salary hike as compared to your expectations. Romance this year: The emotional attachment with your spouse or partner may blossom this year with lot of love, care, and concern. If you are not married, then you may go for a romantic relationship. You will enjoy a very blissful time with your beloved. Lucky month: June, September and February
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February 1-7, 2014
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Peace of mind, heart & soul

beings have an ongoing fear of death. We are afraid of dying, and that fear is always nagging us, always keeping us from being peaceful. There are only a few people in the world who can go beyond these disturbances, who can rise above them and see life from a higher angle of vision. When we learn about the spiritual science, it gives us insight into true peace of mind. When we start to know about the spiritual way, we realize that death is just an illusion. We learn that our real existence is not this human body, but in reality we are the soul that inhabits this body. There is no doubt that our body will perish one day, but the soul gives the body life and never dies. It just changes its state. Just as we change our clothes, the soul changes one body and goes to another. The seat of the soul is located between and behind the two eyebrows. It is the place from which the soul leaves the body and enters the worlds within. Once we go into the worlds within, we see the divine Light of God. We see the inner sky, the stars, the moon, and the inner sun until we ultimately reach our true spiritual home and have union of our soul with God. Each of us is capable of enjoying this spiritual flight through the process of meditation. When we enter the worlds within, then the fear of death leaves us. We realize that we are not the body but are the soul, and the soul is immortal. Spirituality and meditation not only provides us with peace of mind, but it also gives us peace of heart is dancing with joy. It is filled to overflowing with the divine nectar of Gods love. There are no bounds to its ecstasy. Every so often our soul awakens to its true nature. The sweet voice of God calls us. It tries to awaken the soul, and we have an experience which is stirring, which changes our life. That experience could be the haunting music of the violins. It could be the verses of a poet that speak of God or the divinity we see in nature. It could also be the shock we experience when we lose a loved one and realize that this body is not our real home. It is when we understand that we are neither the body nor the mind that our soul yearns to go back to its True Home, and it knows no peace until it is again united with its Creator. We may gain peace of mind. We may gain peace of the heart. Peace of the soul, however, only comes when our soul merges with God. When we enter those states in which we experience peace within us, then that peace radiates from us to others. It goes from us to everyone else that we come in contact with. If you have peace in your heart, if you have peace of mind, if you have peace in your soul, then that peace is going to radiate from you to so many people, and you will become very effective in spreading joy and peace all around you. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is head of Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission / Science of Spirituality with international headquarters in Delhi, India. For more information contact www.sos.org.
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
any people want to take some time off from their day-to-day jobs so that they can take a vacation. They want to get away from the drudgery of their day-to-day life to relax and find some peace of mind. They wish to get away from the daily troubles and worries of life and experience happiness by being in a place where they can enjoy themselves. Most people, however, want to experience peace not only for a few fleeting moments, but for all times. There are three levels of peace that occur simultaneously. There is peace of mind, peace of heart, and peace of soul. Peace of mind is not only essential to our daily lives, but it is very helpful in our spiritual journey back to God. When we analyze what happens during the day, we know that there are countless occurrences that keep us from experiencing peace. When we review what we did all day long, we find that there were a lot of disturbances, whether we had problems at our jobs, in our families, or in any other activities. Underlying all other disturbances is the fact that most human
Spirituality and meditation not only provides us with peace of mind, but it also gives us peace of heart. Each human being needs love and each human being can give love. The spiritual path provides us with a means of lasting love and happiness because the love of God is beyond time and space.
heart. Each human being needs love and each human being can give love. The spiritual path provides us with a means of lasting love and happiness because the love of God is beyond time and space. The love that we get from our universal Father, which can be experienced through meditation on the inner Light and Sound, is not subject to change. Being receptive to divine love is like taking a dip in the ocean of intoxication. Our hearts are filled with peace. When we are loved by God and we really feel it, then our
Pearls of wisdom from Sant Rajinder Singhji's teachings Sant Mat ideal for modern seeker Lifes awakening moments
n each persons life a moment comes when we have a transcendent experience or a revelation in which we become aware that we have a higher purpose in this world. Suddenly, amidst the daily rituals of waking up, getting dressed, going to work, eating, and sleeping, we get a glimpse that there is something more to this life. That moment may come when we are a child. It may come to us while a teenager, or it may come in adult life. Some may have it when they are young adults, and some have it in their senior years of life. Whenever it comes, it leaves us transformed. Suddenly, we begin to question who we are, why we are here, where we go when we
S
die, and what our purpose in life is. Read about the life of any of the great saints and mystics and you will find some life-transforming experience that awakened their quest. Once these burning questions arise, there is no turning back. We are restless until we find the solution. Before our awakening, it is like we are sleeping. Our soul has been asleep for aeons. We started out in the lap of God but became lost in the attractions of the world. We have forgotten our true Home. We are in a state of slumber or forgetfulness that we are souls, a part of God. We think we are the mind and the body and have forgotten our true essence as soul, as a part of the Creator.
ant Mat, the Path of the Saints, reflects the core teachings of saints and mystics through the ages. People new to this path often say they are attracted by its simplicity, integrity, and effectiveness in fostering spiritual growth. Although Sant Mat was born centuries ago in India, it is in many ways ideal for the modern seeker. Followed under the guidance of a living spiritual Master, these teachings couple meditation on the inner Light and Sound with an inclusive, positive way of living. At the heart of Sant Mat are these simple principles: There is one God of all creation, though people worship the Lord by different names and through different practices.
While Sant Mat respects all faiths, it stresses that religion has two dimensionsouter and inner. Sant Mat focuses on the inner dimensionthe deep spiritual essence known as mysticism. Mysticism looks beyond rites, rituals, and scriptural knowledge and pursues spirituality as a matter of personal inner experience. Sant Mat expresses the deepest values of every great spiritual traditionlove for God, compassion for Gods creation, and a daily life grounded in ethical values. Sant Mats unique contribution is distilling these noble ideals into a simple, universal spiritual path and then providing the tools and techniques to make them a personal reality. Sant Mat does not demand
that we renounce our families or societies. Instead, we can pursue our spiritual goals while leading normal lives.
The need for a living master
competent teacher speeds our progress. It's a common sense principle of life: studying with one who has mastered the subject we wish to learn accelerates our learning. That's why seekers throughout history have turned to spiritual Masters. By virtue of their own inner awakening, these Masters awaken others. As much as we revere Masters of the past, Sant Mat stresses the importance of a living guide.
February 1-7, 2014
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