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Vol.11 No. 50 April 20-26, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Campaigning ends
rebuilt by the time Paris hosts
the Summer Olympics in 2024
A massive fire on Monday rav‑
aged the 850‑year‑old Gothic
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE April 20-26, 2019 5
S
Times Square, the crossroads of the everal senior US lawmakers greeted Sikhs on the occasion of
world, as members of the communi‑ Vaisakhi and lauded the community's contributions in the economic
ty tied turbans to thousands of New development of America. "Today is a historically significant day for
Yorkers and tourists in an annual our Sikh neighbors across Texas," Senator John Cornyn tweeted, as Sikhs
fixture aimed at spreading aware‑ and Indian Americans celebrated Vaisakhi across the country. The top
ness about the Sikh identity. Republican Senator from Texas is Co‑Chair of the Senate Indian Caucus.
Sikh organization ''The Sikhs of "On this joyous spiritual day for members of the Sikh community, I wish
New York'' organized the annual American Sikhs a very happy Vaisakhi," said Senator Marco Rubio.
Turban Day on Saturday in associa‑ "Sikhs have been an integral part of America's fabric for 125+ years.
tion with the Consulate General of Sikhs wear turbans as a pledge to uphold equality and justice," said
India in New York. T his year's Congressman Adriano Espaillat. "We join our Sikh American neighbors in
Turban Day also marked the 550th celebrating Vaisakhi, one of the most historically significant days for Sikhs
birth anniversary of Guru Nanak
Turbans were tied to thousands of New Yorkers aimed
all over the world!" he said. "On Vaisakhi, I am incredibly proud of the Sikh
at spreading awareness about Sikh identity
Dev and the festival of Baisakhi. community and its tenets of equality, truth in speech, justice, and compas‑
Deputy Consul General of India in ambiance and the crowd is fantas‑ gion and identity. sion in New York''s 13th Congressional District and NYC. Wishing all of our
New York Shatrughna Sinha said tic," Sinha said, sporting a blue tur‑ Sikhs of New York co‑founder Sikh American neighbors, friends, families, and colleagues a joyous
the Consulate is commemorating ban as he took part in the commem‑ Chanpreet Singh said in the seven Vaisakhi," he said.
the 550th birth anniversary of Guru oration. "There is no better way years that Turban Day has been
Nanak with Gurubani recital pro‑ than this to raise awareness about organized in the city, there has seven years since the day started the years. "We have people coming
grams. As part of the commemora‑ Sikhism as well as propagating the increasingly been awareness about being organized in the city. from California, Canada, Europe and
tion of Guru Nanak's 550th birth message of universal brotherhood Sikhism, not just through people Technically, by tying one turban some from India, especially plan‑
anniversary as well as to mark and humanity of Guru Nanak Dev who are getting turbans tied but by we are educating 200 people who ning their trip to the US around
Baisakhi, this year the Consulate Ji," he told PTI. the thousands others on social are following it on social media," Turban Day," he said. This year, the
associated with The Sikhs of NY on Turban Day was started in 2013 media following the event. Singh said, adding that the number organization also honored Sikh per‑
Turban Day, Sinha said. at Baruch College to promote and He said more than 38,000 tur‑ of volunteers signing up for the sonnel serving in the US Army and
"This is a great environment and educate people about the Sikh reli‑ bans have been tied in the past event has increased multifold over Navy.
IN BRIEF
R
otary Club of Hicksville present. jain is Demo crat ic District Leader for Dr Neeta Jain receiving the award
South (RCHS) held another Rizwan Qureshi, a high ranking Assembly District 25 Part B in Queens, which
charity event for the year, executive of HAB Bank, was thanked includes Flushing, Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest, tributions of each recipient to her respective
the Undergarment Distribution for his generous accommodation of and Hillside Avenue. community.
Project, at the HAB Bank Premises, the event. Kamlesh Mehta congratu‑ Diana Zhgenti, Consul General of Georgia, The evening opened with introductory state‑
in Hicksville, Long Island, NY under lated all the women in RCHS for presided over the award ceremonies, which ments made by the President of the Society,
the leadership of RCHSʼs current their leadership role in the project. were held on March 14 at Kalayaan Hall, on Consul General of Georgia, Diana Zhgenti, and
President, Roopam Bhambri Maini Guest Speaker Lonnie Sherman, a the premises of the Consulate General of by the Treasurer of the Society, the Consul
and the Project Leader, Anu Gulati. fellow Rotarian from Ronkonkoma Philippines. The host of the evening was Claro General of Poland, Maciej Golubiewski.
Past District Governor, Kamlesh Rotary Club delivered his encourag‑ Cristobal, Consul General of the Republic of the Commissioner Cecile Noel of the Mayor's
Mehta, members, Rekha Gupta. ing words. He was also one of the Philippines. office to End Domestic and Gender Based
Nilima Madan, Quddus Mohammed, recipients of the Undergarments on The Society honored the commitment of Violence, Director Brooke Knobel from the U.S.
Aleya Hussain Jung, Tahira Sharif, behalf of General Needs ‑ an NGO women throughout many immigrant communi‑ State Department Office of Foreign Missions,
Mohinder Miglani, President‑Elect, Serving Our Honorable Homeless ties in New York City and acknowledged its and the Minister of Women's Affairs in Algeria
Mukesh Modi among others were Veterans with Dignity. vibrancy, diversity, accomplishments, and con‑ attended the event.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY April 20-26, 2019 7
IN BRIEF
I
Award in the entertainment catego‑ The Peabody Awards Board of
ry, has once again earned a nomi‑ Jurors April 9 announced the 60 ndian Overseas Congress, spoke at length on the subject
nation in the same category. nominees that, said Peabody, “repre‑ USA inaugurated three new of the ongoing election and
Minhaj has received the nomina‑ sent the most compelling and chapters at New Jersey in how NRIs can help Congress
tion for his Netflix show, “Patriot empowering stories” released in its continuing efforts to aug‑ Party to win the elections. The
Act with Hasan Minhaj.” The former broadcasting and digital media dur‑ ment support to the Congress President congratulated all the
“Daily Show” correspondent took to ing 2018. Peabody Award winners Party, which is contesting the new appointees.
Twitter to share the news. and nominees will be celebrated at a Lok Sabha elections that start‑ In expressing great satisfac‑
“Honored to be nominated with the red‑carpet event May 18 at Cipriani ed on April 11 and will last tion and confidence in these
incredible staff at @patriotact for a Peabody Wall Street in New York. until May 19, 2019. appointments, Mohinder Singh
The meeting was attended by Gilzian emphasized the need to
George Abraham Vice work diligently with the NRIs
to play NYIFF
General from New York along important at this time to exer‑
with other ranking officers of cise their respective vote wise‑
T
the IOC, USA. Over 120 partic‑ ly. The failings and shortcom‑
he New York Indian Film Festival has ipants were present. ings of the Modi government
announced three of the films it will show‑ Pradeep Kumar Samala was were already well known in
case during its annual week‑long event in installed as IOC, USA National India and leaders like Rahul
May. The festival, which will take place May 7‑12 Vice President with responsi‑ Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and
at the Village East Cinemas in Manhattan, will bilities of overseeing the work Navjot Sidhu were constantly
screen “Sir,” “Photograph” and “The Last Color” of the Congress party support‑ on the attack.
throughout the week, followed by Q&As with ers from the southern Indian George Abraham, Harbachan
their respective directors. “We are proud to share states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Singh, Krishna C Reddy,
a wonderful collection of new films from India,” Pradesh and Telangana. Sravanth Poreddy, Ramesh
festival director Aseem Chhabra wrote in a state‑ Samala is a prominent commu‑ Chandra, Rajender Dichpally,
ment. “This selection of exceptional titles show‑ nity leader involved in several Gurmit Singh Gill, Charan
cases the beauty, power and glory of film story‑ non‑ profit organizations. Singh Prempura, Leela Merat,
A still from the movie 'Photograph'
telling at its best. Our audience will be excited by Rajeshwar Reddy Gangasani Ravi Chopra, John Joseph,
the protagonists and fall in love with their jour‑ op a surprising and heartwarming connection. was installed as the President Malini Shah, Davendra Vora,
neys.ʼ The festival will open May 7 with Rohena The festival will close with Vikas Khannaʼs “The of the Telangana Chapter who Amir Rasheed, Jose George, and
Geraʼs “Sir.” The critically acclaimed film, which Last Color,” which follows nine‑year tightrope is a past president of a promi‑ several other leaders also
premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last May, walker Chhoti and her friend Noor as they strug‑ nent Telugu association and spoke on the failings of the
follows a wealthy Indian man who falls in love gle to survive on the streets of the ancient city of Pavan Kumar Darisi was Modi government and why
with his widowed servant. Banaras, India. While Chhoti works to up enough installed as the President of the Rahul Gandhi was the most
"Photograph,” directed by Ritesh Batra, will money to attend school, Noor suffers from a strict Andhra Pradesh Chapter, who outstanding leader to be able
serve as a Centrepiece screening May 10. Batraʼs family life that forces abstinence and disallows was a Congress Party Lok to take India and its people
film, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival, her from attending festivities. Sabha candidate from Ongole, out of misery and give the peo‑
is set in Mumbai as a struggling street photogra‑ The Indo‑American Arts Council will reveal the Andhra Pradesh in 2014. In ple of India back the glory and
pher has a stranger pose as his fiancee after his full lineup in the coming days. In the meantime, addition, Leela Maret was the forefront position in the
grandmother pressures him to marry. Despite tickets to the festival can be purchased at installed as the President of the comity of nations it once
their vastly different upbringings, the two devel‑ http://www.iaac.us (Source: variety.com) Kerala Chapter. IOC leaders enjoyed.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA April 20-26, 2019 9
T
his week I just completed Cong ress, in December 2018, end, I was sweating bullets, as they Standard Deductions route, as and experiencing lighter wallet,
doing my tax return. I am passed the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”: say in America! My friendly tax‑ compared to 56 million last year. I reading in the newspapers that the
thankful the government that this was the biggest tax cuts software “gently” suggested I am one of them. tax break benefitted those who
did not take it all! I have been for the middle class ever! It sound‑ might try filing separately. You see, A year ago I had written these make more than $500,000 a year
doing my own taxes since the mid‑ ed great that married couples as a single filer my wife fell into a words in this column: by far, I am left wondering about
1990s using commercially pro‑ would be able to take $24,000 of lesser tax bracket than we would The Tax Reform was supposed to the same middle class and the
duced computer software. Almost Standard Deductions for joint fil‑ be as joint filers. I followed its benefit the middle class and the working poor.
every year until 2017 Returns, I ers, and $12,000 for single filers, advice, and saved ourselves a cou‑ working poor when President Who is President Trump working
have been getting some money compared to $6,350 for single fil‑ ple of thousand dollars. Trump was candidate Trump. The for?
back. This year I am having to pay. ers, and $12,300 for married cou‑ Yet, tax experts have always same people he called on during
Filing jointly with my wife (as I ples filing jointly. However, the advised people to file jointly. I the election campaign (which, fun‑ Shivaji Sengupta is Professor of
have done each year), I had to pay Standard Deductions having been remember George W. Bush com‑ nily enough, included himself!) are English and Vice President for
back a larger amount than when doubled, we would not be allowed plaining when certain tax laws in the ones who are now calling the Academic Affairs at Boricua
we tried filing separately. I have most of the itemized deductions the early 2000s were going to shots. I remember in a debate with College in NYC.
MAHA KUMBH
EC bars Yogi, Maya, Azam, Maneka
'You have woken up
to take action'
New Delhi: The Supreme Court woken up to take action. It seems
on Tuesday said it was content the EC has got its power back."
with the Election Commission The CJI's repartee came on the
(EC) act ion ag ainst Bahujan poll panel's admission before the
Samajwadi Party (BSP) chie f top court on Monday that it was
Mayawati, Uttar Pradesh Chief almost "powerless" when it came
Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union to taking punit ive measures
OF DEMOCRACY Minister Maneka Gandhi and against political leaders.
New Delhi: After Bahujan Samaj Samajwadi Party (SP) leader The apex court also refused to
Samajwadi Party leader Mohammed Azam Khan and Azam Khan for their controver‑ consider Mayawati's plea against
Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, sial statements violating the the EC gag order on her. The BSP
the Election Commission (EC) on Khan reportedly told a rally in for 72 hours from 6 a.m. on model code of conduct. chief 's counsel Dushyant Dave
Monday barred Union Minister Rampur on Sunday: "It took you Tuesday. W hen senior advo cate C.A. contended that she was unable to
Maneka Gandhi and Samajwadi 17 years to identify the real face In a separate order, it also Sundaram, appearing for the EC, conduct important election meet‑
Party leader Mohammed Azam of these people, but I got to know barred Gandhi from holding any told the court that it had acted ings because of the order and
Khan from campaigning in the Lok it in 17 days that they wear khaki public meetings, processions, ral‑ against leaders violating the that she had been deprived of any
Sabha elections for 48 houres and underwear." lies, road shows and interviews, model code of conduct, the Bench remedy in the matter in view of
72 hours, respectively. The EC reprimanded Khan say‑ public utterance in media related headed by Chief Justice Ranjan the top court's observation on the
While Gandhi was barred for ing his "indecent", "derogatory and to the elections for 48 hours. Gogoi quipped: "So, you have EC order.
asking Muslims in Pilibhit, her totally uncalled for" statement vio‑ T he EC had earlier barred
constituency, to vote for her if lated the model code of conduct Mayawati and Adityanath from only for the SP‑BSP‑RLD alliance T he poll pane l also asked
they wanted jobs, Khan was and banned him from holding any campaigning in the Lok Sabha candidates, the Chief Minister had Adityanath to explain his remark
banned for making objectionable public meetings, processions, ral‑ elections for 48 hours and 72 said if the Cong ress, the calling the Indian Union Muslim
remarks against actor‑turned‑ lies, road shows and interviews or hours, respectively. Samajwadi Party and the BSP had League (IUML) a "virus" and say‑
politician Jaya Prada, his BJP public utterances in media in con‑ While the BSP leader had urged faith in Ali, "we have faith in ing the Congress was infected with
opponent in Rampur. nection with the ongoing elections the Muslim community to vote Bajrangbali". this "green virus".
MAHA KUMBH
Star campaigner Lalu's
absence felt in elections
ards saying: "Lalu ji we miss you, we "Tejashwi is articulate, attracts "People are missing Lalu's punchy
need you" and shouted slogans like crowds but party workers and sup‑ one‑liners de livered in bucolic
"Laluji, we are with you." porters' eyes and ears are still style..."
RJD leaders say that party sup‑ searching their leader Lalu Prasad," Apart from his family, party and
porters have made it clear that they a senior RJD leader, who did not allies, Lalu Prasad's absence has
remain loyal to the RJD chief, cur‑ want to be identified, said. also disappointed those who not be
rently behind the bars in Ranchi An ef fective communicator, Lalu his voters but still love to listen his
after being convicted in the fodder Prasad was popular for his rustic famous one liners.
OF DEMOCRACY scam cases. style, evinced by his use of Bhojpuri "Lalu Prasad's unique way of
Sensing the effect of Lalu Prasad's dialect. "Lalu Prasad's witty repar‑ using popular local idioms to target
Patna: His son and heir apparent physical absence, his wife and for‑ tee and rustic mannerisms were his rivals used to make him differ‑
Tejashwi Yadav is trying his best mer Chief Minister Rabri Devi is main source of attraction during his ent from other leaders," Irshadul
and so is his wife Rabri Devi, but the herself trying to bridge the gap by election meetings. This time, all this Haque, editor of a Hindi news web‑
absence of Rashtriya Janata Dal vigorously campaigning in support is missing, resulting in dull cam‑ site here, said.
chief ‑ and star campaigner ‑ Lalu of party candidates as well as the paigning. Tejashwi is no match for Political watchers recalled that it
Prasad is being earnestly felt by the Grand Alliance, remaining active on him... he has to learn a lot and also was Lalu Prasad, who had aggres‑ Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
leader Tejashwi Yadav
party as the 2019 Lok Sabha polls social media and frequently inter‑ lacks experience," another RJD sively taken on Prime Minister
addressing a press conference
are underway. acting with media and making state‑ leader said. Narendra Modi in the 2015 Bihar
in Patna. (Photo: IANS)
This could be seen at Tejashwi ments. Senior RJD leader and former Assembly polls and score points
Yadav's e lection meeting in Tejashwi Yadav has emerged as Union Minister Raghuvansh Prasad over him with his banter. gy and even manages and monitors
Khagaria parliamentary constituen‑ the most sought‑after campaigner Singh, who is contesting from It is common perception that Lalu the campaign from his hospital
cy on Saturday, over a dozen RJD for the party and the alliance but Vaishali, admits that Lalu Prasad's Prasad that still controls his party, room despite being in custody and
supporters, mostly youth, held plac‑ cannot measure up to his father yet. absence matters for the party. decides the Grand Alliance's strate‑ it appears to be true to some extent.
T
of good: a force of tolerance and of the connections here. I have been
he internet and entrepre‑
assimilation. Half of Fortune 500 to Silicon Valley a lot and saw the
neurship together is a fer‑
companies were started by immi‑ power of the Indian community
tile ground for grand
grants or their kids. So you cannot there. Incidentally we have just
visions: Amazon, Uber, Airbnb…
say that we are a problem, rather launched the Indian community in
and now Homeis. Founded just
we are part of the solution. Bay Area.
over two years ago in New York
Where do Indian communities We already have 10,000 people
and Tel Aviv by a couple of Israeli
figure in Homeis? on the platform. The South Asian
internet entrepreneurs, Homeis at
Ran Harnevo: On a personal level, I Times is the first one to break the
first glance seems to have
travelled in India for more than news that we exist.
immense potential. It is building a
one year, in 2000‑1, and 2005‑6. Mind you, our website is only the
platform for local foreign‑born
Iʼve been everywhere from Kerala beginning, download the app and
communities (Indians in the Bay
to Kashmir. I am an immigrant there you will find how good we
Area, Chinese in NY, etc), and is
myself, having moved to the US in are. On the Homeis App you can
empowering immigrants by help‑ Homeis Co‑founder and CEO Ran Harnevo told The South
2008. At Homeis we first tested find friends because people tell
ing them to organize information Asian Times, “We want to empower immigrants, to legitimize them. I
want Indian Americans to feel comfortable that they are Americans the product with the Israeli com‑ their stories, about their journeys,
as a community, consume dedicat‑
and they are Indians, that there is nothing wrong about it.” munity ‑‑ you will be surprised to where they are from – Chennai,
ed services, and help them find
know how many Israelis move in Mumbai and so on, and where they
friends, love, legitimacy in their out much marketing – it is growing their ideas and difficulties, and so here. And did you know 10 per live today.
journey, and a sense of belonging. organically with word‑of‑mouth the idea of something like Homeis cent of the startups in New York Tell us about Varsha Ahir, head
While local culture networks have publicity. has been in my mind for a long of the Indian community at
always existed, Homeisʼ mission is The South Asian Times is the Homeis?
to use technology and innovation
to turn these invisible groups into
first publication to break the news
to the public about Homeis. We
Varsha Ahir Ran Harnevo: We are a company
of immigrants and all of our
visible communities. scored an exclusive interview with Homeis Leader of the Indian community employees are immigrants. It was
V
Homeis started with $4M seed Homeis Co‑founder and CEO Ran arsha Ahir moved to America a year ago and clear to me that I needed Indians
capital and is already empowering Harnevo. He is an immigrant him‑ had earlier lived in England as a student for to build the Indian community. An
seven communities of Indians, self having moved from Israel to two years. As a member of the Indian diaspora, Israeli cannot lead and build the
French and Israelis across the US. NYC 11 years ago and sees Homeis she is all too familiar with the overwhelming feel‑ Indian community, there is the
Homeis for Indians in the as a personal mission. ings one experiences when relocating to a for‑ language, culture and so many
Tristate area is live, with over Excerpts from the interview: eign land: cultural shocks, social isolation, things. Varsha Ahir came here
10,000 people already using it in
homesickness ‑ feelings which seem to stem a year ago from New Delhi.
NY, NJ and Long Island. Itʼs the The South Asian Times: How did from human natureʼs need for a sense of She is our Indian community
first dedicated digital Indian com‑you conceive Homeis and how it belonging. Therefore, it comes as no surprise leader, and we have interns,
munity. Homeis also went live for came to be? that the best way to overcome these feelings an artist who came from
the community in Bay Area, CA on Homeis Co‑founder and CEO Ran is to fulfill that need to belong somewhere; Chennai and another writer
April 15, and attracted a 1,000 Harnevo: It is my second company. to be a part of a community. Varshaʼs expe‑ who is from Tamil Nadu.
users in no time. My first startup was 5Min Media, rience not only allows her to empathize with other Indians whoʼve The idea of Homeis is to gather all
Homeis is making strides with‑ an online video syndication plat‑ emigrated to the US, but it also drives her to build a thriving, sup‑ the community together in one
form. It was portive community in which such individuals can feel welcome. place to make it easy to create a
acquired by AOL set of information that everybody
in 2010 for are by Israelis. So we successfully can share. So we invite lawyers,
$65M. As its time. Then Verizon acquired AOL launched the community of Israelis doctors and CPAs and small busi‑
President I built it and I needed to move on. in New York, reaching more than nesses to share their knowledge.
to become Meanwhile immigration had 50% of them in New York ‑‑ or We have a job section, where you
Number 2, only become the strongest topic world‑ rather tristate, from New Jersey to can offer or look for jobs. And we
behind YouTube. wide ‑‑ lot of people were against Long Island. are working to develop a dating
We had offices all it. So I decided to put my knowl‑ Then I knew that we had to go Continued on page 27
around the US edge in the internet and technolo‑
and all around gy to good use and create a plat‑
the world. form for the immigrant communi‑
Everywhere I ties. I really believe that your com‑
went I saw so munity is your way to assimilate,
many Indians and to gain power, to fall in love, find
Chinese and friends, and to create a future for
Israelis and so on yourself regardless of where you
doing great come from. So we started Homeis
things, and fell in with my partners in less than three
love with the years ago. We raised $4 million
emotion of immi‑ from very good partners like Smart
gration. I started Capital that has invested in Twitter
to talk to people and Four Square and Tumbler, and
At Homeis all employees are Homeis is where you go to find the best biryani in town, or where to
to understand some notable American investors
immigrants like Varsha Ahir. go to play cricket or find a doctor who can speak Hindi.
16 April 20-26, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info
G Q
lobal make‑up icon Bobbi uantico" star
Brown, who found global Priyanka
fame by following her Chopra Jonas
passion to make women look and actress Mindy
beautiful in a natural way, finds Kaling, who has Indian
the idea of her life story finding a roots, will team up for a
way to the silver screen over‑ new film, based around
whelming. a big fat Indian wed‑
"That would be overwhelming," ding.
Brown told IANS when asked Universal Pictures is
about the idea of a film based on developing the film
her life. after winning an auc‑
Whom would you like to bring tion for a pitch by
your life alive on the big screen? Kaling, Priyanka and
"Maybe Meryl Streep from Dan Goor, reports vari‑
Global make‑up icon Bobbi Brown and Indian actress Madhuri Dixit.
Hollywood or Madhuri Dixit from ety.com.
Actress Mindy Kaling will be
Kaling, who will write
Bollywood," she added. soak it all up. I'm looking forward "The make‑up looks in the coun‑ cowriting the screenplay.
At the moment, Brown is happy the screenplay with
to seeing all of the sights, eating try range from the over the top to
to dive into the myriad hues of Goor, is attached to star along‑ Greek Wedding". It is likely to
delicious food and meeting new traditional to a cleaner, more
Indian culture. She is excited side Priyanka and will poten‑ revolve around the culture
people," Brown said. modern look. I love the diverse
about her maiden trip to the coun‑ tially direct the film. Kaling will clashes at a big wedding in
"I'm really looking forward to mix of looks and trends. Most
try for the debut edition of the produce under her Kaling India. "Two women with a pas‑
eating at Bombay Canteen. My importantly, everyone in India
India Makeup Show. Curated by International, Priyanka for sion for telling good stories, just
friend Floyd Cardoz owns the always looks so beaut iful.
Brothers Incorporated, founded Purple Pebble Pictures, Howard got the green light to their story
restaurant. And of course the Taj Anything can look and feel beauti‑
by Rahul Tuljapurkar and Ninad Klein for 3 Arts, alongside Goor. their way. So proud of this
Mahal," she added. ful on Indian skin." It was a hum‑
Shah, the two‑day show will come Heather Morris and Nina Anand incredible partnership with
T he make‑up art iste has ble beginning for Brown who
to Delhi on April 20. She looks at Aujla executive produce the Mindy Kaling and Goor! We are
expressed her desire to work with launched her career at depart‑
India as a "land of magic". project. Details of the pitch are about to show you what it
star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and ment store Bergdorf Goodman
"I wanted to visit India for such being kept under wraps other means to be modern, global,
feels "Indian beauty is confident, with just 10 lip shades in 1991,
a long time. I love the rich history than being described as "Crazy and Indian. See you at the cine‑
modern and diverse". Elaborating and went on to build a billion‑dol‑
and the culture and can't wait to Rich Asians" meets "My Big Fat ma," Priyanka tweeted.
her view, the 61‑year‑old said: lar empire.
I
n 1980, Saeed Akhtar Mirza had Ranautʼs comments
directed a film, "Albert Pinto Ko that her performance in Gully
Gussa Kyun Aata Hai?", based Boy was ʻmediocreʼ and that
on his own story. T he film, she finds it embarrassing to be
designed as a slice‑of‑life film, cre‑ compared to her.
ated ripples as a neo‑realism film, Alia told Bollywoo d
during the parallel cinema move‑ Hung ama, “I respect
ment and acquired a cult following. Kanganaʼs work a lot and I
Thirty‑nine years later, keeping respect her opinion. If she
the same middle‑class angst in fee ls a particular way she
mind and character names, writer‑ must have reason to feel that
director Soumitra Ranade tries to Actors Manav Kaul and Nandita Das way. I would rather remember
replicate this classic, in his own in a still from the movie how much she had praised me
style. Albert Pinto (Manav Kaul) is after watching ʻRaaziʼ. And Iʼd
projected as a sensitive and caring man till rest of the supporting cast is all perfunctory. just like to focus on my work.
one fine day, without any intimation to his Visually the film appears of f beat with Maybe she will appreciate me
family, he decides to go on a personal mission respect to the period it is set in. The screen‑ again if I work hard enough.”
to eliminate two prominent politi‑ play running on parallel tracks of In an earlier interview to
cians, who are the cause of his the current and the past, though Bollywood Life, Kangana had
grief.
Manav Kaul essays his character
REVIEW distinct, does appear forced. Also,
each scene looks like staged set‑
said that she finds compar‑
isons between herself and Alia
with panache delivering an unrestrained per‑ pieces, gummed together. embarrassing because she
formance. But his character simply does not While the film is mounted with moderate found Aliaʼs crit ically
gel. The fault lies purely on the writer‑direc‑ production values, the tone of its messages is acclaimed performance in
tor's design of the character and the cinemat‑ lost in its cinematic communication, simply Gully Boy ʻmediocreʼ. Actress Alia Bhatt said she would
ic liberties he takes. because of the treatment of the film. Only a Kangana said, “I am embar‑ like to focus on her work.
Manav is aptly supported by Nandita Das as few are adept at blurring the fine line rassed...What is there to beat
his love interest, Stella, who as a concerned between a slice‑of‑life and a satire. Overall, in Gully Boy performance ....same snap‑ me this embarrassment, please. Media
and loving girlfriend appears ef fortless. the film does establish its boundaries and ruf‑ py muh phat (loud‑mouthed) girl... has taken filmy kids love too far. Stop
Saurabh Shukla is complacent as the driver, fle feathers if you watch the film in the right Bollywoodʼs idea of a fiery girl, woman pampering mediocre work or else bar
transporting Albert from Mumbai to Goa. The spirit. empowerment and good acting, spare will never be raised”.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD April 20-26, 2019 17
T
Farhan Akhtar who has
he unexpected clamping‑down on the
released his first solo music
much‑debated biopic on Prime
album titled "Echoes", produced by
Minister Narendra Modi would affect
Grammy Award‑winning Italian pro‑
Vivek Oberoi much more than anyone else
ducer Tommaso Colliva, says such
associated with the film.
collaborations are fruitful for cre‑
And not only because Vivek is/was (letʼs
ativity.
face it, the Election Commission verdict has
Sharing his experience of working
killed the film) a producer on the project.
with an international producer who
Not even because it is said that Vivek
has worked with British band Muse
Oberoiʼs politically‑connected in‑laws have a
and Mary Chain among others,
big hand in concretizing the project.
Farhan said: "Working with
But mainly because Vivek's career as a
Tommaso was really amazing
leading man in Bollywood is all but over.
because his approach was quite dif‑
And not for the want of talent. Only oppor‑
ferent. He wanted to know the story
tunities. Some say Vivek paid a price for tak‑
Vivek Oberoi's career as a leading man behind each song, and what was my
ing on Salman Khan when the two warred in Bollywood is all but over. frame of mind when I was writing
over the dignity of a lady they both loved.
flaunted his new girlfriend like a trophy and them.
But if antagonizing Salman could finish off
spoke against the man who apparently ill‑ "The atmosphere was so conducive
careers then singer Arijit Singh would be on
treated her before Oberoi the Gallahad, gal‑ that as a singer‑songwriter I felt real‑
the streets.
loped into her life as savior. ly excited to work on it. He wanted
Vivek's failure is still a mystery to me. He
But I repeat, the Salman factor couldn't to do the production and sound fol‑
had more talent than many of today's sup‑
have killed Oberoi's career. Over the years, lowing those written words. It really
posed superstars. Yes, he was aggressive
he has not changed in his behavior, at least added value to the album. It was a
and flamboyant in his behavior. But no more Actor Farhan Akhtar has released his
to me. He is still confident, gracious and great learning experience." Asked if first solo music album, titled ʻEchoesʼ.
or less than Ranveer Singh. But I remember
polite. Marriage and fatherhood have made he would like to use the experience
Vivek as a warm, caring and committed
him a better human being. to contribute to the independent music sce‑ ent, but look, this is not my full‑time job."
human being and actor even after stardom.
Excellent voice, terrific command over nario in India, where Bollywood music Farhan took around three years to write
Vivek was seeing model Gurpreet Gill
Hindi and the ability to look convincing in mostly overshadows it, Farhan said: "We the 13 songs of the album "Echoes", which
when we first got to know one another. He
any role, today Vivek is keeping myself busy are doing a lot of stuff through our movies. was released recently. He went to Milan for
was an obedient, sincere dedicated
playing strong antagonists in Tamil and If you look at the recent example of 'Gully recording of the tracks.
boyfriend. I don't know why Vivek became
Telugu films. Now that the Modi biopic has Boy', we have encouraged musicians from The song titled "Why couldn't it be me"
so unpopular within the film industry in
been snubbed and sidelined, Vivek's one the underground scene. We often collabo‑ was the result of the horrifying terrorist
such a short time. One reason for his
hope of redemption and resurrection in rate with independent musicians. I would attack at the military school in Peshawar in
downslide was his high‑profile relationship
Bollywood has crashed. love to support and encourage young tal‑ 2014.
with Salman's former girlfriend. Vivek
B
ollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Tashkent Files", says searching
who was recently seen in for truth can, at time, cost life
ʻBazaarʼ, is currently as the powerful tend to sup‑
working on his home produc‑ press voices.
tion ʻJawani Janemanʼ and has "The Tashkent Files",
roped in Pooja Bediʼs daughter Alaia released recently, revolves
Furniturewala around the mysterious death
Alaia Furniturewala for the
will be seen in of former Prime Minister Lal
role of his onscreen daughter.
actor Saif Ali Bahadur Shastri in 1966, soon
Speaking about the young Khanʼs home
actor, Saif has said she is the after signing the Tashkent
production.
perfect choice for the role. Agreement between India and
Saif told Mid Day in an Pakistan to end the 1965 war.
interview, “She has all the "Ragini (Shweta's character)
qualities we were looking for starts the investigation into the
in the young lead, the Shastri's mysterious death
charm and energy to because she was looking for a
take the film to the scoop and wanted to prove
level that it herself to the organization. But National award‑winning actress Shweta Basu Prasad.
needs. We are deeper she delved into it, she
lucky to have felt determined to know the truth behind the The 28‑year‑old actress admitted that she
found our per‑ death. But eventually she realized truth‑ did not know much about Shastri's life
fect cast and Iʼm looking forward to her first Hindi film, Alaia had posted on seeking is highly costly in India," Shweta before getting on board for the film. "In
work with Alaia”. The film is likely to be Instagram, “Beyonnnnnd excited to final‑ said. school we really do not get to read much
the story of a father‑daughter duo. ly be able to share the news of my first According to her, the practice of "honest about him and that's why we do not know
According to reports, Saif plays a man in film! Honored, grateful and overjoyed to journalism has been suppressed by the pow‑ much. It's good that our generation is rais‑
his late 40s, who refuses to grow up be a part of #JawaaniJaaneman with erful. If some gets fearless, he/she disap‑ ing questions. Unless we question the narra‑
despite a teenage daughter. Announcing #SaifAliKhan!” pears and could eventually get killed". tive will not change."
18 April 20-26, 2019 LENS EYE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Congress President Rahul Gandhi, JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and Congress leader Tripura ˜princessʼ Pragya Deb Burman, Congress candidate from East Tripura
Siddaramaiah during the election campaign in Musuru on April 13. constituency, electioneering in North Tripura district on April 12.
Union
Minister and
BJP's Lok
Sabha
candidate
from Amethi,
Smriti Irani
performs
'havan' on
April 11 ahead
of filing her
nomination.
Images on social media abound claiming that fake fingers are being
News agency AFP found the matter serious enough to fact‑check it. A Facebook post shared hundreds used to subvert the process of voting in India. One of the people who
of times claimed the front page of Time magazine featured a cartoon of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, first tweeted about it (then deleted the tweet) blaming BJP for it is
to insinuate that he is pro‑Pakistan. A similar cartoon insinuates that PM Narendra Modi bribes the pro‑AAP Abhishek Mishra. Reverse sourcing reveals the picture is
media. But both times the image has been doctored from the original 2012 cartoon in LA Times about from Japan with the news: “PROSTHETIC FINGERS HELP REFORM FOR‑
corporate donations in US politics. MER YAKUZA (Japanese mafia) MEMBERS”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info OP-ED April 20-26, 2019 19
By Arul Louis
Assange personifies
O
nce hailed by the left as
the champion of trans‑
parency and reviled by
the rig ht as a leaker of state
secrets, Julian Assange is now
trapped between them having
contradictions of US politics
Tulsi Gabbard tweeted: "The arrest allegedly helping the former Army between politicians, public figures,
played a role in the rise of a right‑
wing president and in the spread of Julian Assange is meant to send inte lligence analyst Che lsea journalists and civil society con‑
of hidden information embarrass‑ a message to all Americans and Elizabeth Manning crack pass‑ tacts w ith diplomats as we ll
ing to the progressives. journalists: be quiet, behave, toe words to ultra‑secret computer American diplomats' views of
As the founder of WikiLeaks, the line. Or you will pay the price." networks that she used to get the Indian developments right down to
Assange, was among the first to A writer in the Columbia information for him. the micro‑level of happenings in
demonstrate the tremendous Journalism Review warned: "Going WikiLeaks and Assange became states.
power of the Internet and digital forward, journalists will need to be central to the alleg at ions of Assange's accomplice in the
technology to pierce the secrecy of vigilant. Assange's case is specific, Russian interference in the 2016 court filings in the US, Manning
governments and impact politics but the way the Just ice US elections and collusion with was court martialed on 22 charges
and society. Department responds to his arrest President Donald Trump that have including aiding the enemy and
The media fed of f WikiLeaks could have serious implications for dominated American politics since was sentenced in 2013 to 35 years
data dump that he facilitated, even all of us." then. Special Counse l Robert in a military prison. However, for‑
as it stayed a hands breadth away T he American Civil Liberties Mueller, who investigated the alle‑ mer President Barack Obama com‑
from legal complicity in obtaining Union also highlighted the threat gations, found that Russia had muted to seven years before he left
the classified information for to journalists. One of its project meddled in the polls through the office and freed how.
which others ‑ and now Assange ‑ directors, Ben Wizner, said: "Any leak of embarrassing material But she is back in prison after a
paid the price. prosecution by the US of Assange about the Democratic Party and judge last month ordered her held
Assange straddled the worlds of for WikiLeaks' publishing opera‑ Hillary Clinton, but he has indefinitely for refusing to testify
cyber activism and journalism as tions would be unprecedented and absolved Trump of involvement. before a court panel, known as a
unconstitutional, and would open So far, the US government has This makes Assange less of a grand jury, investigating Assange
WikiLeaks is viewed as a media
the door to criminal investigations
not charged him with espionage sympathetic character to the pro‑ and WikiLeaks.
platform of which he had been the
or aiding the enemy, which
publisher. of other news organizations." gressives and Democrats ‑ and the Now in British custody, Assange
could directly involve the
Now the media is torn by his So far, the US government has media ‑ because of Clinton's defeat. like other fugitives such as Nirav
journalistic aspects of the leaks.
arrest, whether to defend him or to not charged him with espionage or The WikiLeaks disclosures about Modi and Vijay Mallya, will try to
walk away, also has to calculate aiding the enemy, which could charged in a federal court near India, mostly from US diplomatic fight the extradition to the US or
the impact on the profession. directly involve the journalistic Washington with only "conspiracy cables going back several years, Sweden using the British judicial
Democratic Party Representative aspects of the leaks. He was to commit computer intrusion" for included material about contacts system.
I
t is true that there are no per‑ Congress has not marketed is this: good faith, the leadership selection
manent enemies or permanent Rahul from Wayanad may block phase would have been relatively
friends in politics. But this Congress candidates fleeing smooth. Numbers would have influ‑
Machiavellian law is clearly not towards the BJP which is aching to enced the outcome. But the manner
applicable when a coalition of par‑ open its account in Kerala. in which candidates have been
ties is in the midst of an existential Also, the intellectual pool around fielded by the Congress, particular‑
battle. No one can grudge the the Congress President appears to ly against Mayawati, ensures a
Congress partyʼs desire to revive, have been influenced by the pro‑ messy endgame.
but fighting the main enemy, in Modi media which has projected If the results are more or less
this case the BJP, and at the same 2019 as a Presidential contest. even, this would, for the BJP be an
time firing lethal rounds at allies This is not new. During the 2014 excellent election to lose. The Ram
has created bad blood among coali‑ elections, Arnab Goswami, as the Temple remains unbuilt. Kashmir
tion partners. oracle and arbiter of national des‑ and the Pakistan cauldrons are
Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav and tiny, was on the same trajectory. bubbling over. On each one of
Priyanka Gandhi has, in so many words, clarified her party's inten‑
Ajit Singh (BSP, SP, RLD) have spo‑ He attempted to lure Rahul Gandhi these issues, the B team of the BJP,
tion that it is preparing the ground for 2022.
ken out in unison: "There is no dif‑ into his parlor for a Modi‑Rahul namely the Congress, will simply
ference between the Congress and ground for 2022" ‑ the Assembly always wins. T he unnecessary debate. It did not work out because wilt. Pakistan Prime Minister
the BJP." T he other day elections. In other words, for the insertion of the Congress President Rahul Gandhi was dreaming Imran Khan was succinct: chances
"Gathbandhan" was in a huddle, Nehru‑Gandhi parivar, the 2019 in the battle has signaled the dreams of building the party brick of an Indo‑Pakistan dialogue are
counting the number of seats Lok Sabha elections are not a mat‑ party's antipathy towards the Left by brick, village Panchayat more likely in the event of Modi
where the Congress has entered ter of life and death. Will Narendra with which it had been in conversa‑ upwards, a high pyramid with a winning.
the fray "as a spoiler". In Modi return signal the end of tion for some co‑ordination in wide base. Much of this is highly specula‑
Saharanpur, Kheri, Badaun, Sant democracy, usher in fascism and West Bengal. In the space of a month, both tive. Should the BJP numbers fall
Kabir Nagar, Sitapur, Bijnor and so worse? The Congress is not taken The Wayanad episode came on Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi just enough to qualify it for the
on ‑ the Congress is helping not the in by such alarmist nonsense. the hee ls of the West Bengal have publicly backtracked. They largest single party status, Naveen
"gathbandhan" but the BJP. The Congress has not been able arrangement being spurned by the have both said separately that they Patnaik, K. Chandrashekar Rao,
Why is the Congress in this mode to properly market some of its Congress. The coincidence ampli‑ are preparing the ground, particu‑ Jaganmohan Reddy in Odisha,
of double containment? One does smart, double edged moves. fied Congress ambivalence, its larly in Uttar Pradesh, for 2022. Telengana and Andhra Pradesh
not have to look far for hints and Fielding Rahul from Wayanad in inability to decide whether it Partymen are thinking of 2024 Lok will be inclined to leap from their
guesses: Priyanka Gandhi has, in so Kerala has been criticized for the should strengthen the opposition Sabha elections. In striking this fence but only on their terms
many words, clarified her party's obvious reason: that Wayanad is a or weaken regional forces. It prob‑ posture, they miss the basic point. which will most certainly include a
intention. "We are preparing the seat from where the Congress ably feels that it looks relatively Election 2019 was supposed to change of leadership in the BJP.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
20 April 20-26, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Sotheby's sale
ning singer Beyonce Knowles has ing Ivy Park on a truly global
partnered with global sportswear scale with a proven, dynamic
giant Adidas, through which she leader," she added. Beyonce will
will relaunch her athleisure brand be a creative partner for the
New York: Flowers are one way
Ivy Park. brand, and also develop new sig‑
to measure particular moments
Beyonce launched the active‑ nature footwear and apparel. The
of our lives, and jewelry is anoth‑
wear brand in 2016 in collabora‑ partnership will result in the co‑
er, said historian‑author Carol
t ion w ith fashion retailer creation of exciting new products
Woolton who has curated 'In
Topshop. She later axed a part‑ ‑‑ from performance to lifestyle.
Bloom, an upcoming exhibition‑
nership with Topshop tycoon Eric Liedtke, Executive Board
cum‑sale tracing the floral motif
Philip Green following allegations brand, in a statement. Member ‑ Global Brands at
in jewels.
of sexual misconduct, bullying "Adidas has had tremendous Adidas, said: "Beyonce is an iconic
The Sotheby's public exhibition,
Silver Topped Gold Diamond and racial harassment. Now, she success in pushing creat ive creator but also a proven busi‑
scheduled to take place from May
and Demantoid Garnet Brooch is all set to relaunch the brand. boundaries. We share a philoso‑ ness leader, and together, we
3 to May 24, will celebrate the
19th Century, one of the "This is the partnership of a life‑ phy that puts creativity, growth have the ability to inspire change
history and evolution of the
flower motif in jewelry design, jewelry pieces to be exhibited time for me," said Beyonce, who and social responsibility at the and empower the next generation
from the 19th century to the
(Image courtesy: forbes.com) will remain the owner of the forefront of business. I look for‑ of creators."
present day. "Small wonder that Neha Dani, Eliane Fattal,
flowers are a recurring and sig‑
nificant theme in the oeuvre of
the jewelry designer, arguably
Fernando Jorge, Sabba, Jessica
McCormack and Irene Neuwirth.
The show will also feature
JUST 20‑MINUTE 'NATURE PILL'
the greatest leitmotif in the histo‑
ry of jewels, cropping up time
unique pieces commissioned
from Indian designer Bina CAN LOWER YOUR STRESS
and again studied from every Goenka, British artist Shaun New York: Taking just 20 minutes fit us," said lead author MaryCarol 20‑minute nature experience was
angle for inventiveness and bril‑ Leane and Japanese master out of your day to stroll or sit near Hunter from the varsity. enough to significantly reduce cor‑
liance of color to be reimagined craftswoman Gimel. nature will significantly lower your For the study, published in the tisol levels. And if you take in a little
in fresh forms to suit the prevail‑ "There is no design motif as stress hormone levels, a new study journal Frontiers in Psychology, the more nature experience ‑ 20 to 30
ing whims of fashion," Woolton, a enduring as the flower, and suggests. Healthcare practitioners research team involved 36 partici‑ minutes sitting or walking ‑ cortisol
leading international authority blooms of every species have can use this finding to prescribe pants. Over an eight‑week period, levels dropped at their greatest rate,
on jewelry, said in a statement. inspired designers for as long as 'nature pills' to have a real measura‑ they were asked to take a 'nature the researchers said. "Our study
Comprising 75 pieces, the col‑ we've had jewelry. The beautiful ble effect, according to researchers pill' for at least 10 minutes, three shows that for the greatest payoff,
lection will showcase vintage flo‑ examples (on view), both vintage from the University of Michigan. times a week. in terms of efficiently lowering lev‑
ral designs from distinguished and contemporary, trace the evo‑ "We know that spending time in Levels of cortisol ‑‑ a stress hor‑ els of the stress hormone cortisol,
houses like Tiffany & Co. and lution of the floral jewel over the nature reduces stress, but until now mone ‑‑ were measured from saliva you should spend 20 to 30 minutes
Cartier, among others, alongside past 150 years," Frank Everett it was unclear how much is enough, samples taken before and after tak‑ sitting or walking in a place that
pieces by contemporary design‑ from Sotheby's Luxury Division how often to do it, or even what ing the 'nature pill', once every two provides you with a sense of
ers Solange Azagury‑Partridge, said. kind of nature experience will bene‑ weeks. The data revealed that just a nature," Hunter noted.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SELF HELP April 20-26, 2019 25
P
iors that get rewards. big cortex allows us to anticipate
hilosophers often compare
Taming the relationship between future threats instead of just wait‑
the mind to a rider strug‑
your horse and rider is a challenge. ing until the threat is upon us.
gling to tame a horse (or
Sometimes your horse runs wild, Predators donʼt eat our babies
elephant or donkey). Itʼs tempting
but if you soothe it with sweet because we anticipate threats in
to think of anxiety as a wild horse.
rewards it might make things time to prevent them. But we end
But this analogy suggests an acri‑
worse. How can your big spaghetti up feeling threatened a lot.
monious relationship between
of neurons guide your inner mam‑ If you tamed your anxiety the
horse and rider. The horse resists
mal through a world full of snakes? way a gazelle does, you would
the riderʼs harsh control. The horse
You have to communicate with spend your day eating and repro‑
blames the rider and the rider
your inner mammal in a way that it ducing, and ignore threats until
blames the horse. You cannot tame
understands. This book shows you they were about to get you. The
your anxiety by pitting your horse
how. You will learn about the brain flaw in this strategy is obvious to
and rider against each other.
chemicals that motivate it, and the your big cortex. It is so skilled at
But you can tame the relationship
neural pathways that control these anticipating threats that it even
between your horse and rider. This
chemicals. You will discover your sees how todayʼs pleasures can
is the positive approach to anxiety.
power over these neural pathways cause tomorrowʼs threats. We
We humans have two brains. On
so you can guide your inner mam‑ humans build neural pathways that
the outside, we have a spaghetti of
mal from unhappy to happy chemi‑ anticipate future consequences
neurons that is unique to humans,
cals. To do this, you will have to instead of just focusing on immedi‑
but on the inside, we have the same
blaze a trail thatʼs not on your map. ate rewards and threats. These
core structures that all mammals
Sometimes thereʼs a cliff on your For example, a gazelle does not a gazelleʼs in some ways and differ‑ pathways shape our eating and
have in common (the amygdala,
path and your horseʼs agitation can always run when it sees a lion. It ent in others. They are similar to reproductive behavior, leav‑ ing us
hippocampus, thalamus, and so on,
save you. Other times, the agitation knows the difference between a those of other people in some ways with diets, grooming rituals and
collectively called the limbic sys‑
is just a bad carrot habit. You must lion on the prowl and a lion just but also unique. You have more PTA meetings that gazelles donʼt
tem). Your two brains must get
constantly interpret your horseʼs passing through. power over your neural pathways have. They shape our threat per‑
along in order to have a good quali‑
responses in order to choose your A gazelle would rather keep eat‑ when you understand them. You ceptions, motivating an endless
ty of life. Tame the relationship
best next step. The more you know ing than run from every potential can blaze new trails in your brain quest for “news.” But all that antici‑
between your verbal brain and your
about the mammal brain, the better threat signal. It needs to eat a lot of to enjoy more good feelings and pating doesnʼt relieve our sense of
mammalian operating system and
you can choose. grass to survive. On the other hand, relieve more bad feelings. threat. On the contrary. When we
you will enjoy the ride wherever
a little hunger is better than instant We humans often want to change succeed at taking action to relieve a
you go.
Here is a simple example.
TAME IN NATURE death. The gazelle brain is con‑ ourselves. A gazelle never feels the potential threat, our cortex skillful‑
stantly tak‑ ing in the evidence need to change. It just accepts its ly moves on to the next potential
Imagine a rider frantically flailing If you were a gazelle, your corti‑
available to its senses. Those senso‑ neurochemical responses without threat.
at a horse that refuses to budge. sol would be triggered by the smell
ry inputs flow down the neural judging them. Gazelles are not
Now imagine a steep cliff on the of a lion. That would motivate you
pathways it has. When inputs happy all the time the way you Loretta Breuning, PhD, is Founder
trail ahead. The rider doesnʼt see it to run, and escape would relieve
match past threats, electricity flows might think. Sometimes a gazelle of the Inner Mammal Institute,
because itʼs not on the trail map. your cortisol. If you were a gazelle,
to the “on” switch of its cortisol, sees its child get eaten alive. which offers resources that help
The horse sees it, so the pair will hunger would trigger your cortisol,
and the gazelle acts to relieve the Sometimes it drinks at a waterhole people rewire their mammalian
survive if the rider accepts the and finding food would relieve it. In
cortisol. When the inputs do not next to the predator that ate its brain chemistry to live happier,
horseʼs knowledge. Theyʼre in trou‑ nature, bad feelings are tamed by
match past threats, electricity child. But a gazelle does not dream healthier lives. As Professor
ble if the rider focuses only on the meeting needs and avoiding harm.
keeps flowing to the reward of eat‑ of disconnecting its internal alarm Emerita of Management at
map and ignores the horse. But a gazelle is never completely
ing grass. system. It honors the valuable sur‑ California State University, East
But sometimes the horse is safe from predator threat and
Your brain is constantly respond‑ vival information. It strives to turn Bay, her work has been featured in
wrong. Imagine a horse running hunger. Why doesnʼt it surge with
ing to the world with neural path‑ it off the way nature intended: by Forbes, Time, NPR, The Wall Street
wild after seeing a snake. Survival cortisol all the time? Because natu‑
ways built from your past experi‑ escaping threats and seeking Journal, Psychology Today, Menʼs
depends on the horse accepting ral selection built a brain that pro‑
ence. Your pathways are similar to rewards. Health, The Dr. Oz Show.
guidance from the rider. But the motes survival. Constant anxiety
rider must communicate in a way would not promote a gazelleʼs sur‑
that the horse understands instead vival. The brain built by natural
of just in words. selection is always analyzing the
Communication between the ver‑ situation and deciding when corti‑
bal brain and the animal brain is a sol would promote survival.
huge challenge. Letʼs say the rider A gazelle doesnʼt do its analyzing
offers a carrot to the agitated with words and abstractions. It
horse. Car‑ rots are like candy to a does it with neural pathways. The
horse. A big reward builds a big cortisol spurts of its youth built
connection in the mammal brain, pathways that turn on its cortisol
wiring it to seek more rewards in today. The happy‑chemical spurts
the ways that worked before. So, of its youth likewise built pathways
the next day, the horse acts fren‑ that turn on happy chemicals in
zied in the spot where it got the similar future circumstances.
carrot. The well‑meaning rider In each moment, a gazelle is
offers another carrot. A day later, it weighing its options with the path‑
takes two carrots to stop the frenzy. ways it has.
26 April 20-26, 2019 RELIGION TheSouthAsianTimes.info
A
new park that uses
gardens and land‑
scaping to tell sto‑
ries from Islam's holy text
has opened in Dubai, offer‑
ing locals and tourists a
day out with a religious
twist.
Quranic Park attracted
some 100,000 people in its
first week, of ficials say, Visitors are pictured taking a tour of the Cave of Miracles, part of Dubai's
feeding demand for reli‑ Quranic Park. There you can learn about miracles mentioned in the Quran,
gious attractions in the using 3D map and hologram displays
United Arab Emirates
where Abu Dhabi's Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque is a
top destination for visitors. A tourist is seen exploring the Cave of Miracles.
T he educational park,
which seeks to attract “My children had learned about tioned in the Quran, using 3D map
Muslims and non‑Muslims alike, these plants, and they had some and hologram displays.
features 12 gardens, a Cave of questions about the Quran and “It's a nice idea, right at the
Miracles, and a split lake symbol‑ the miracles,” said Emirati visitor heart of our Islamic religion,” said
izing Prophet Musa's parting of Omar al‑Kaabi. Anan al‑Hourani, another visitor
the Red Sea. Trees bearing grapes, “Praise God we got some who brought his daughters to the
figs, pomegranates, and olives dot answers,” he said, standing inside park on a sunny Saturday after‑
the park's 64 hectares, highlight‑ the greenhouse that holds some of noon. “At the same time, it's recre‑
ing the medical and scientific uses the plants. Visitors to the cave can ational, with the lovely gardens,
of plants mentioned in the Holy learn about the story of Prophet greenery, and trees,” he said.
Quran and Sunnah, the teachings Isa making a bird from clay and
of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). six other prophetic miracles men‑ Courtesy Reuters
The Cave of Miracles pictured from the outside.
A TALK
n individual who would like sion to enter the country of the individual who was allowed to passing through the U.S. It allows
to enter the United States individualʼs final destination. enter the U.S. as a transit alien with them to leave the airport and enjoy
usually must first obtain a It is also advisable that the appli‑ a C nonimmigrant visa. If a foreign their surroundings instead of being
visa, either a nonimmigrant visa or cant can show some proof of funds individual who is applying for a C forced to stay inside the airport. In
an immigrant visa. If an individual to leave the airport during a lay‑ to cover their time in the US, no visa has family and/or employees short, the Transit Visa can be a
is passing through the United over and enjoy their surroundings. matter the short duration. traveling with them, each person very good option for the traveler
States and does not want to spend A C visa is valid for a maximum An individual can apply for a C must apply for their own C visa. A who is just “passing through.”
their whole layover time inside of of 29 days but an individual must visa at their local U.S. embassy or
an airport, they may be eligible to leave the U.S. on their pre‑set consulate. All individuals between
obtain a C visa. A C‑1 visa, also departure flight or ship if it is the ages of 14 and 79 years of age Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
known as a transit visa, allows an shorter in time than the maximum must apply in person and must The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
individual who is passing through 29 days. The following documents schedule an appointment before and Banad Immigration in India for which
the United States to leave the air‑ are required when applying for a C visiting the U.S. embassy or con‑ Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
port and visit friend and/or family. Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
visa: sulate. Individuals under the age of
Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
A C‑2 visa allows a foreign individ‑ 8 Passport; 14 and over 80 may apply for a C
clients with all facets of the immigration process,
ual to travel to and from the United 8 Photographs; visa by mail. If an individual is
including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
Nations. A C‑3 visa allows govern‑ 8 Confirmation page of an DS‑ required to pay a fee for the visa it Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
ment officials who are traveling 160 with CEAC bar code, this form must be paid before their visa Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
through the U.S. to leave the air‑ must have been filled out online in interview. If the visa is approved, a Applications based on Family or Employment.
port and go visit friends or go advance; visa issuance fee may also be Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
sightseeing. A crewmember travel‑ 8 Proof that the individual is required. Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
ing through the U.S. to join a ship entering the U.S. only to pass A D visa older will not be allowed He will be in India from April 21 through
or an aircraft, that they will be through while in transit to a final to adjust status while in the U.S. May 10 and able to meet people for
employed on, may apply for a C‑ destination; Any foreign individual admitted to personal consultations.
1/D visa. This allows the crewmen 8 Proof of a ticket or document the United States while in transit
Living abroad feels like years. This is how I think people assimi‑ munity, then Asia and Australia. We are an
having two homes... late. We are just giving a product to build
something that existed, not building some‑
internet company, so we want to go every‑
where. And then we will create bridges
White House weighs
Continued from page 15
section, where people can find love, not in
a cheap way, but through deeper experi‑
thing that never existed. Two, lot of
research is there that claims the opposite,
between immigrant communities, integrat‑
ing, for example, different communities in
travel restrictions
ence.
There is so much content to be created,
that your community is your path to
assimilation. Because the community
New York to know each other, and Indian
communities globally to know each other.
for countries with
that will need a huge team and big
expense.
helps you to find your job, better schools
for your kids, to understand how you can
As experienced internet entrepreneurs,
we have a big vision. In the political kind
frequent visa overstays
Ran Harnevo: The beauty of it is, I make investments, to build a future. New of atmosphere that is being created Washington: The White House is weighing travel
believe that the community has a lot of York particularly is a city of communities, around the world, we want to empower restrictions for nationals of countries with high
content, say on recommending restau‑ and community is your shield and your immigrants, to legitimize them. I want rates of overstaying visas in the United States,
rants. We give you the tools, you down‑ path for you to become an American. We Indian Americans to feel very comfortable according to a Department of Homeland Security
load the app and see how easy it is. On the are not saying, ʻHey! come to Homeis and that they are Americans and they are of ficial. Some of the countries with the highest
app we have what is called lists. Lists are a donʼt go anywhere elseʼ. You should have Indians, that there is nothing wrong about rates of overstaying temporary visas are in Africa.
way for the community to create knowl‑ American friends, you should go to other it. Chad, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Eritrea, Liberia,
edge together. Looking for the best products. But Homeis is where Indians, for I never traveled in any country more Somalia, and South Sudan have among the highest
biryani? You will find 45 places to buy example, can connect with the Indian com‑ that I have done in India. I love Indian phi‑ overstay rates for short‑term tourist and business
biryani around tristate and 35 people cre‑ munity, to know where to go to play losophy. So it is no coincidence that we visas, although they send relatively small numbers
ated it together. cricket or how to find a doctor who speaks chose Indian community to experiment on of travelers to the U.S. each year. During a meeting
So are you saying that Homeis content is Hindi. You will see when you go to the in a big way. The fact remains that it is the in January 2018, President Donald Trump report‑
crowd‑sourced? app, people are speaking to each other biggest diaspora in the world. Personally I edly referred toHaiti and some African nations as
Ran Harnevo: Correct. What do we about their difficulties, they are support‑ find a lot of affinity between India and “shithole countries“ and questioned why their
immigrants do all the time, we recom‑ ing each other. Israel. You gained independence in 1947, nationals should be admitted to the U.S. The
mend to each other... go to this doctor, he After New York, which other Indian we became a nation in 1948. We are both prospective action, which was also confirmed by a
is good. Homeis is about trust. I trust an communities are you planning to build entrepreneurs at heart. We donʼt see any congressional staf fer, comes amid a leadership
Israeli recommendation fiercely as you next? block, we always find what you call shakeup among Trumpʼs top immigration staf f.
trust an Indian recommendation fiercely. Ran Harnevo: By the end of 2019, we jugaad. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen left
Not that we are better than the rest but are going to have Indian communities all If the app will remain free, what is your her post last week and three other officials recently
because we share the same culture, the over United States. The New York commu‑ revenue model? resigned or were pushed out. The departures clear
same land we came from, and same point nity is teaching us the nuances and needs Ran Harnevo: Homeisʼ main revenue the way for the White House to implement a range
of view. So the idea is to take all the rec‑ of an Indian community. Sure, Indian com‑ model is to implement financial technolo‑ of new enforcement measures ̶ including the
ommendations happening in the street munity is different from the Chinese or gies and let our users use it ‑ money trans‑ prospective travel clampdown.
and bring them into one place in a very French or the Israeli. But all are building fer, health insurance, home insurance, News of the prospective travel restrictions was
organized way. You have events in the spectacular success stories. There is a lot mortgage ‑ all will be in partnership with first reported Sunday in the Wall Street Journal.
Indian community… you can come and going on, but it is all very scattered, there tech companies which are building disrup‑ White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told the
publish that. You can give books for free are newspapers, websites, some organiza‑ tive fun‑tech services for immigrants. Our Journal that reducing overstays remains a priority
or your couch; in the app, everything is tions which are totally offline. There is product will always be free, and mainly on for the administration. The White House could
free. value in bringing the communities togeth‑ a mobile platform! issue a related presidential proclamation as soon as
Isnʼt there a danger of ghettoization, er and bring it to peopleʼs lives. I welcome the South Asian Times read‑ this week, a Homeland Security Department official
that you move only in your own communi‑ So, after New York and Bay Area, we will ers and their friends to download the told POLITICO. Trump has focused intensely during
ty and events? build Indian communities in LA, Houston, Homeis app from the AppStore and join his presidency on the flow of migrants at the south‑
Ran Harnevo: The answer is no, for two Dallas, Chicago and Maryland. After the Indian community in New York. west border, but devoted little attention to the hun‑
reasons. Immigrant communities have wiring up USA, we are going to go global ‑‑ Homeis is an app (AppStore) and also a dreds of thousands of migrants who overstay a visa
been here for decades if not hundreds of London, where there is a rich Indian com‑ website: homeis.com/ each year.
28 April 20-26, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info
F
rom childhood, our life is a
series of activities that occu‑ stillness that we have revelations. ness to reflect on how we can solve
py our time. Parents create a Scientists, musicians, artists, poets, our family problems or make life
schedule for their infants and tod‑ writers, philosophers, and inven‑ for our family better. If we are
dlers. As children, our life becomes tors often came up with master‑ involved in the arts, the stillness
a regiment of one activity after pieces by sitting in stillness. From can help us tap into our creativity.
another. In school, we rush about the stillness arose new ideas that If we learn the art of sitting in
to reach classes on our schedule. revolutionized the world. silence, even for our worldly work,
When we graduate, we take a job Similarly, stillness is where we we will be able to transfer that abil‑
and we have a list of tasks to do. It find our soul and God. God cannot ity to sitting in silence for medita‑
seems our whole life is occupied in be found by outer activity; God can tion. We will find we are less jumpy
one activity after another. Thus, only be found within. Meditation and restless. We can develop the
when we try to meditate, we find it requires stillness for attaining spir‑ ability to sit still for the longest
almost unnatural to sit still and still itual results. Our life is like a train possible time. We will be used to
our mind. rushing along tracks of busyness. stopping our mind, to let our soul
As a society we seem to value We are so used to being busy that When we sit in stillness it may look to others have its voice. When all is still, we
activity. The more we are seen it feels unnatural to stop our activi‑ as if we are not doing anything. Yet, in find the soulʼs voice is calling for us
doing, the better it looks. Few peo‑ ties to sit in silence. Yet to solve a to find God. If we are still, we can
stillness, we are doing the most important
ple value sitting in silence. We problem or create something new, hear the Voice of God, or the Music
think that if we sit still, we are not we need to take time from our busy activity in life̶finding our soul and God. of the Spheres, the Ce lestial
doing anything. We fear being schedule to tap into our inner Harmony, or the holy Word.
labeled as lazy or incompetent. resources. Similarly, to achieve self‑ God. Few people attain God in life. we can spend some time thinking We can balance our activities
However, each person needs to knowledge and God‑realization we Why? They do not know how to do about whether we are doing our with times in which we are still. In
take time from all their busy activi‑ need to learn to sit in stillness. nothing. If they would learn to sit work in the best possible manner this way we can improve our medi‑
ties and be still. When we sit in stillness it may and do nothing, they would find and if not, how to make improve‑ tations. By sitting still in meditation
Being still has many purposes. It look to others as if we are not everything. ments. We may come up with a we will find that we can be the
is in stillness that we come up with doing anything. Yet, in stillness we It may be good for each of us to new and better way of doing things most productive, because
creative ideas. It is in stillness that are doing the most important activ‑ set aside some time daily to prac‑ at work. If we run a household, we we can attain the state of finding
we solve a difficult problem. It is in ity in life̶finding our soul and tice sitting in stillness. At our jobs, can spend some time sitting in still‑ God.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 20-26, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 20-26, 2019