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The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.11 No. 29 November 17-23, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

DIWALI AT WHITE HOUSE


All 4 Indian-American members
of Congress re-elected

Raja Krishnamoorthi Pramila Jayapal Ro Khanna Ami Bera


President Trump lighting the ceremonial diya at the
New York: All the four Indian‑ Raja Krishnamoorthi, who repre‑ elected were Pramila Jayapal from Diwali event attended by top Indian American officials in
American Democrat members of sents a constituency near Chicago Washington State, and Ro Khanna his administration and Ambassador Sarna.
the House of Representatives in Illinois, won about 66 % of the and Ami Bera from California.
were comfortably re‑elected in votes to defeat his Indian‑ Together with the only Senator
Tuesday's election and a member
of the community won the
Attorney General's position in
Wisconsin state.
American challenger J.D.
Diganvker of the Republican
Party.
The other House candidates re‑
of Indian descent, Kamala Harris,
Continued on page 4
FOR DETAILS, SEE PAGE 7.
Donald Trump
NJ Guv Murphy hosts Sri Lanka's
top court stays
extols close
Diwali celebration dissolution of
Parliament
ties to India
Colombo: Sri Lanka's Supreme Appoints Neomi Rao to
Court on Tuesday stayed until
December 7 the dissolution of
seat vacated by Kavanaugh
Parliament by the President, granti‑ Washington DC: The annual cele‑ Shah, Neal Patel, Manisha Singh,
ng interim relief to political parties bration of Diwali at the White Uttam Dhillon and Ajit Pai.
that had urged the apex court to House was he ld a wee k later At the ceremony Trump also
junk Maithripala Sirisena's decision. because the festival of lights fell a announced that he had nominated
A three judge bench headed by day after the mid‑term elections Neomi Rao, current administrator
Chief Justice Nalin Perera heard and President Donald Trump had of the Of fice of Information and
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy celebrating with the Indian petitions filed by several political to make a trip to Europe soon Regulatory Affairs, to fill the seat
community: in attendance were state Attorney General Gurbir parties on Monday and Tuesday after. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Grewal, Indian Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, & Hoboken challenging Sirisena's dissolution of Finally, on November 13, D.C. Circuit, vacated by now
Mayor Ravinder Bhalla. (Photo : Mohammed Jaffer/SnapsIndia) Parliament. The case was fixed for President Trump took part in the Supreme Court Just ice Brett
Princeton, NJ: New Jersey open the people's house to the argument in early December, Xinhua lighting of the ceremonial diya to Kavanaugh. She thanked him for
Governor Phil Murphy held a rich and diverse celebrations news agency reported. ce le brate Diwali from the the honor.
special Diwali celebration at representative of New Jersey, Meanwhile, the Gazette notifica‑ Rooseve lt Room of the W hite India's Ambassador Navtej Sarna
Drumthwacket, the Governor's like Diwali,” he said. “Itʼs been a tion convening Parliament on House that was crowded by top was present at the ceremony.
Mansion in Princeton, NJ on long eig ht years since November 14 will stand active, Indian‑Americans of ficials in his Turning to him, Trump said,
November 8. Drumthwacket was lit w ith which means Parliament could be administration. T hey included "We love your country. And I
“Tammy and I are pleased to Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4 Seema Verma, Neil Chatterjee, Raj Continued on page 4

INTERFAITH 15 FESTIVAL 16 LIFESTYLE 25 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism


TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 17-23, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY November 17-23, 2018 3

Thomas 1st Indian American Michelle Obama's


elected to State Senate
By SATimes
memoir is an instant hit
Team Washington: A new memoir Michelle administered the
titled "Becoming" by Michelle IVF shots herself while her
Elmont, NY: Kevin Obama was out Tuesday, in husband was away serving in
Thomas, who immigrated which the former First Lady state She also said of her dis‑
from India to the US at revealed her family life, some comfort of being a hyper
age 10, has upset victory thoughts about her husband's accomplished woman only
over Republican incum‑ successor Donald Trump, as recognized through her con‑
bent Kemp Hannon for well as the various challenges nection to a powerful man,
New York Stateʼs District in her personal life. and deep frustration of being
6 Senate seat. The book is already No. 1 misunderstood and labelled
T homas is the first on Amazon, Xinhua reported. as an "angry black woman."
Indian American to be Her comments about Trump "I hate when people who
e lected to the state include accusations that his are in the public eye ‑‑ and
Senate and told media "birther" conspiracy put her even seek the public eye ‑‑
that he wants to be a NYS Senator‑elect Kevin Thomas was honored by Consul family in danger and that she want to step back and say,
good role model to young
General Sandeep Chakravorty at a Diwali event at the
Consulate on Nov 9. Indian Ambassador to the UN Syed "stopped even trying to smile" at Trump's 'Well, I'm not a role model. I don't want that
members of his communi‑ inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20, 2017. "I responsibility.'" she explained in an inter‑
Akbaruddin is on the left.
ty who want to serve by had to share my vulnerability and also learn view with Oprah Winfrey why she revealed
entering politics. also the fact that his opponent took his to love dif ferently," she wrote about some such details of her private life in the new
Thomas lives in Levittown, and his dis‑ victory for granted, plus District 6 has bumps during her marriage with Barack book.
trict includes Hempstead, Uniondale, East now the highest population of minority Obama, including a period she felt frustra‑ "Too late. You are. Young people are look‑
Meadow and Bethpage. Long Island has voters on the island. tions over being "a working full‑time mother ing at you. And I don't want young people to
been a Republican bastion, but this time Thomas, 34, is an Attorney who special‑ with a half‑time spouse." look at me here and now and think: Well,
Democrats won six of the 9 Senate seats izes in legal services for low‑income peo‑ The couple once attended marriage coun‑ she never had it rough, she never had chal‑
here. ple. He is also an Appointee of the U.S. selling and Michelle miscarried before giv‑ lenges, she never had fears." said Michelle
Thomas ascribes his narrow win to the Commission on Civil Rights to the NYS ing birth to her two daughters through in who signed a joint book deal with Barack for
political climate in the country with Advisory Committee, which has civil vitro fertilization, according to excerpts of a reported $65 million deal soon after they
Donald Trump in the White House and rights oversight in the state. the book revealed by local media reports. left the White House last year.

AMAZON TO INVEST Health Insurance Expo on


$5 BN FOR NEW HQS
IN NYC, VIRGINIA
Nov 20 in Flushing
Flushing, NY: The Charles B. Wang
Seattle, WA: Amazon on Tuesday announced it will invest Community Health Center is collaborat‑
$5 billion to build two new headquarters in New York City ing with Queens Library and Flushing
and Arlington, Virginia. BID to hold a Health Insurance
The move will create more than 50,000 jobs across the Resource Expo on Nov 20 at the
new headquarters locations, the Seattle based company said Flushing Library. It is free and open to
in a statement. the public. The event will help communi‑
"These two locations will allow us to attract world‑class ty members, small business owners, and
talent that will help us to continue inventing for customers those over the age of 65 better under‑
for years to come," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of stand their health insurance options; eli‑
Amazon. gibility for Medicaid, Medicare, the
"The team did a great job selecting these sites, and we Essential Plan, Child Health Plus,
look forward to becoming an even bigger part of these com‑ Qualified Health Plans; and government
munities," he added. subsidies and tax credits that can help Charles B. Wang Community Health Center held a
The new Washington, D.C. metro headquarters in reduce the cost of health insurance. press conference to announce the Health Insurance Resource Expo.
Arlington will be located in National Landing, and the NYC “Health insurance can provide you and income or immigration status.” “The expo include Charles B. Wang Health
headquarters will be located in the Long Island City neigh‑ your family regular, affordable health best way to access quality care is Center, Queens Legal Services, Catholic
borhood of Queens. care to live a healthy and active life, so through health insurance coverage. The Migration Services, Asian Americans for
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York heralded the you can spend time doing things you open enrollment period for the NY State Equality, GetCovered NYC, NYC
good news, "We have attracted one of the largest, most love,” said NYC Department of Health of Health marketplace has started. Itʼs Department of Health, NYC Department
competitive economic development investments in US and Mental Hygiene Assistant time to take charge of your health and of Social Services, South Asian Council
history." Commissioner Mina Chang. “The City is enroll in a health insurance plan that for Social Services, Affinity Health Plan,
With more than 610,000 employees worldwide, including committed to helping every New Yorker will protect you and your family,” said Emblem Health, Empire Blue Cross Blue
over 250,000 in North America, Amazon ranks No. 1 on explore their options and find out if they Executive Vice President and COO Betty Shield, Fidelis Care, Healthfirst,
American Customer Satisfaction Index and also No. 1 on qualify for health insurance or other Cheng at the Charles B. Wang Center. Metroplus, United Healthcare, and
LinkedIn's "US Top Companies" list. services, regardless of your familyʼs Organizations participating in the WellCare.
4 November 17-23, 2018 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Donald Trump extols The Diwali celebration included over 150

US hate crimes soared close ties to India community leaders and members of the
Continued from page 1 South Asian community, including several
have great, great respect, as you know, for elected of ficials, as well as New Jersey
your Prime Minister Modi. "The United States Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Indian

17% last year: FBI has deep ties to the nation of India and I am
grateful for my friendship with Prime
Minister Modi."
Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty.
Drumthwacket was adorned with tradition‑
al Indian decor and food from several regions
Washington: Hate crimes reported to the FBI anti‑Hispanic bias. Trump added, "India is the world's largest of India, and also included a henna artist for
soared about 17 percent across the United In addition to the 7,106 single‑bias incidents democracy. And the relationship between our guests. The Governor ended the evening by
States in 2017 compared to the previous year, reported last year, there were also 69 multiple‑ two countries can act as a bulwark for free‑ lighting sparklers with the community.
showed an FBI report released Tuesday. bias hate crimes reported. dom, prosperity and peace." Said Governor Murphy, “Diwali is also very
A total of 7,175 hate crime incidents were About 5,000 of the hate crimes reported "We are very close and I think closer than symbolic of what we're trying to do in the
reported to the Uniform Crime Reporting were categorized as crimes against persons, ever before," Trump said, and Sarna agreed, state. This Administration is committed to
(UCR) Program in 2017, up from 6,121 in such as intimidation or assault. About 3,000 saying, "Absolutely, sir." celebrating our stateʼs incredible diversity as
2016, said the UCR Program's annual Hate were considered crimes against property, such "I think that we are looking at one of the we continue to work toward a fairer, more
Crime Statistics report. as vandalism, robbery, or burglary. best times we have ever had for the India‑US inclusive New Jersey.”
It's the third year in a row the FBI has Some hate crime incidents are classified as relationship," Sarna said, adding that the
reported an increase in hate crimes. The num‑ both crimes against persons and crimes Indian‑American community is a "plus plus Sri Lanka's top court stays
ber of hate crimes in 2016 rose about five per‑ against property, the report noted. for both India and for the United States." dissolution of Parliament
cent from 2015. The report, Hate Crime Statistics 2017, Trump complimented Indian trade negotia‑ Continued from page 1
The 2017 incidents encompass 8,437 total includes hate crime information for last year, tors as "the best" and said trade talks convened on Wednesday, according to
of fenses, meaning some involved multiple broken down by location, of fenders, bias between the two countries were moving Colombo Telegraph.
criminal charges. types, and victims. along. "We are trying very hard to make bet‑ The political turmoil escalated in the island
According to the report, the most common The number of law enforcement agencies ter trade deals with India," he said. nation when Sirisena dissolved Parliament last
bias categories in single‑bias incidents were reporting hate crimes also increased with Friday and called for a snap parliamentary
race/ethnicity/ancestry (59.6 percent), reli‑ about 1,000 additional agencies contributing All 4 Indian‑American members election on January 5, over two weeks after
gion (20.6 percent), and sexual orientation data across the country, the FBI noted. of Congress re‑elected sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
(15.8 percent). Reporting hate crime data to the UCR Continued from page 1 and replacing him with former strongman
Of crimes motivated by race, ancestry or eth‑ Program allows the public, researchers, com‑ they make up what they themselves jokingly Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena then immediately
nicity, about 48.8 percent were motivated by munity leaders, and local government to raise call "The Samosa Caucus." Harris who won formed a caretaker government, a move which
hatred against African Americans, 17.5 per‑ awareness of the issue and gain a more accu‑ from California in 2016 did not face a re‑ Wickremesinghe's United National Party
cent stemmed from bias against whites, and rate picture of hate crimes, said the FBI on its election as she has a six‑year term. She is in a (UNP) called illegal.
10.9 percent were classified as anti‑Latino or website. long list of Democratic leaders mulling a run The President's sudden move to dissolve
for the White House in 20120. Parliament came one and a half years ahead of
None of the other Indian Americans run‑ the scheduled parliamentary polls.

UK announces draft ning for Congress made it.


Democrat Josh Kaul was elected Attorney
Sirisena said his decision to dissolve
Parliament and call for a snap election was to
avoid violence from erupting on the streets of

agreement with EU on Brexit


General of Wisconsin in a tight race, although
his victory is likely to be challenged by his the country and on the floor of the House.
Republican rival. He will be the second The parties which filed petitions challenging
London: Negotiatiors from the UK and the morning, May told her team that only a small Indian‑American Attorney General. The first the President's move included the UNP, the
European Union have formulated a draft Brexit number of matters remained to be negotiated is Gurbir Grewal, a turban‑wearing Sikh, in main opposition Tamil National Alliance, the
agreement, the of fice of Prime Minister in the talks with Brussels. New Jersey where Attorneys General are not Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the Tamil
Theresa May said Tuesday. The thorniest problem in the dialogue, avoid‑ elected but appointed by the Governor. Progressive Alliance and the All Ceylon
A special Cabinet meeting has been set for ing the need for customs checks and an accom‑ Also, six Indian‑American Democrats were Makkal Congress.
Wednesday to "consider the draft agreement panying "hard border" between the UK elected to State legislatures for the first time. After the Supreme Court's order, the JVP
the negotiating teams have reached in province of Northern Ireland and the Republic parliamentarians met Speaker Karu Jayasuriya
Brussels, and to decide on next steps," No. 10 of Ireland, has now been resolved, Irish public NJ Guv Murphy hosts and urged him to convene Parliament as soon
Downing Street said. broadcaster RTE reported Tuesday, though Diwali celebration as possible.
The prime minister will seek the approval of noting that the text remained subject to modi‑ Continued from page 1 Wickremesinghe told his parliamentarians
her Cabinet before finalizing the pact with fication. But the Irish government said divyas and bright colors to wish the Indian that he was ready to show his parliamentary
London's 27 EU partners. Tuesday that there are still "matters outstand‑ and South Asian community a Happy Diwali majority at any time. He also told them to "get
During the weekly Cabinet meeting Tuesday ing" in the EU‑UK talks. and Saal Mubarak.” ready" to attend Parliament on Wednesday.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE November 17-23, 2018 5

Will take feedback on ending work Nearly 2,400 Indians


permits for H‑4 visa holders: US in US jails for crossing
Washington: The Trump administra‑ revoke the H‑4 visas. force approximately 1,00,000 pre‑
tion has assured lawmakers and the
American corporate sector that the
"The public will be given an oppor‑
tunity to provide feedback during a
dominantly high‑skilled women to
abandon their professional careers.
border illegally: Report
public would get an opportunity to notice and comment period on any "This will harm the wellbeing of
respond to its proposal of revoking proposed revisions to regulations pro‑ these women and their families and Washington, DC: Nearly 2,400 Facility, 245 at the Federal
work authorization to H‑4 spouse viding employment authorization to have negative consequences for Indians are imprisoned in Correctional Institution
visas after they raised their concerns certain H‑4 non‑immigrants," L American communities where they American jails for illegally Victorville, and 115 at
over the move, which will impact Francis Cissna, USCIS director, wrote live and work," they had said. crossing the US border to Washington State's Tacoma
thousands of Indians. to senators Kamala Harris and Kirsten In another letter dated July 23 and seek asylum in the country, ICE Processing Center.
H‑4 visas are issued only to very Gillibrand in a letter dated October addressed to the DHS, as many as 34 according to the latest figures. "Most of the detainees at the
close or immediate family members of 16, which was posted on the organisa‑ US legislators had expressed concern These detainees, a signifi‑ federal facilities are asking for
the H‑1B visa holders. It includes the tion's website this month. that revoking work authorization to cant number of whom are asylum claiming that they 'ex‑
employee's spouse and children less The two lawmakers had urged not H‑4 visas would "create significant from Punjab, are seeking asy‑ perienced violence or perse‑
than 21 years of age. to revoke work authorization to H‑4 uncertainty and financial hardship for lum, claiming that they "expe‑ cution' in their home coun‑
T he Department of Homeland visas. many highly skilled professionals who rienced violence or persecu‑ try," NAPA president Satnam S
Security (DHS) had said that the US However, the letter makes no com‑ are vital to US economy". tion" in India. Chahal told PTI. "This is a
Citizenship and Immigration Services mitment on the fate of the decision to A group of top corporate leaders As many as 2,382 Indians matter of serious concern that
(USCIS) will come out with a new pro‑ revoke the work authorization to H‑4 had expressed similar concerns to the are lodged in 86 jails in the thousands of Indians, with an
posal by January 2019 under which it visas, except for saying that the DHS DHS in a letter dated August 22. US, according to the informa‑ overwhelming majority of
is mulling to remove from its regula‑ is committed to safeguarding the "Other countries allow these valu‑ tion obtained by the North them being from Punjab, are
tions certain H‑4 spouses of H‑1B integrity of the immigration system able professionals to work, so revok‑ American Punjabi Association languishing in jails in the US,"
non‑immigrants as a class of aliens and protecting the wages and job ing their US work authorization will (NAPA) through Freedom of he said. Chahal who has been
eligible for employment authoriza‑ opportunities for US workers. likely cause high‑skilled immigrants Information Act. working in the field for past
tion. The new rules could impact up In a letter dated September 26 and to take their skills to competitors out‑ According to figures as of several years alleged that
to 70,000 H‑4 Visa holders who have addressed to Homeland Security side the US," stated the letter, which October 10, a total of 377 there is a nexus of human
work permits. Secretary Kirstjen Nielson, Harris and among others was signed by Chuck Indian nationals are detained traffickers and officials in
The USCIS has recently written near Gillibrand had said the administra‑ Robbins, CEO of Cisco Systems; Roger at California's Adelanto Punjab, who encourage young
identical letters to top US lawmakers tion's proposal to revoke the employ‑ K Newport from AK Steel Corporation; Immigration and Customs Punjabis to leave their homes
and leaders of the corporate sector ment authorization of certain H‑4 Doug Parker of American Airlines and Enforcement (ICE) Processing to illegally enter the US and
who had raised concern over the dependent spouses of non‑immigrant Stephen Squeri of American Express. Center, 269 at Imperial charge Rs. 35‑50 lakhs from
Trump administration's proposal to H‑1B workers would permanently (PTI) Regional Adult Detention each individual. (PTI)

Kerala Center honors five achievers at annual awards gala


New York: The Indian American cially when one is an immigrant with the New York area.
Kerala Cultural and Civic Center an accent. He further emphasized The awards were presented to five
(http://keralacenterny.com) honored the use of words for effective com‑ achievers this year. Award
five Indian American Malayalees for munication. Committee Chairman Dr. Thomas
their outstanding achievements in Another speaker, Dr. Abraham Abraham said, “The Kerala Center
their field of specialization or for George, Founder of Shanti Bhavan, a had honored over 150 outstanding
their service to the society at its 26th residential school for underprivi‑ Keralites in the last 25 years who
Annual Awards Banquet held on leged children in Tamil Nadu spoke went on to become successful
November 3rd at The Kerala Center about its success. achievers and contributors to the
Banquet Hall, Elmont, New York. The “The children from Shanti Bhavan society.” “We continue to add more
program with dignitaries, speakers, have graduated in flying colors and achievers in that list so as to make
and entertainment was held in full become highly successful in their our community aware of their contri‑
capacity attendance. profession after graduating from col‑ bution,” Dr. Abraham added. This
Award recipients with speakers and Kerala Center Board
The chief guest at the awards ban‑ leges and work for well‑known yearʼs honorees included two achiev‑
of Directors and Trustees
quet, Indiaʼs Deputy Consul General multinational companies,” said Dr. ers in corporate leadership; Bobby V.
in New York Shatrugna Sinha who contribution of the Kerala Center to India Studies, and Director of the Abraham. He also added that with Abraham, former Chairman of the
attend the program with his family, the Indian community and that he Center for India Studies at Stony the support of Sreedhar Menon and BOD and CEO of Paragon Trade
was introduced by Kerala Centerʼs has been working with all communi‑ Brook University, was introduced by Kerala Center Awardee Bobby Brands (Seattle, WA) and Jayasankar
Board Chairman Dr. Madhu ty groups for the welfare of the Kerala Center Founding Grand Abraham, he was able to put togeth‑ Nair, former CEO and currently
Bhaskaran. Deputy CG Sinha said, Indian community in the New York Patron Sreedhar Menon who said er a large endowment for Shanti Senior Advisor to Sabinsa
“The Keralites through their hard area. Another honored guest New that he had supported the Kerala Bhavan and for further education of Corporation (East Brunswick, NJ).
work have made a substantial contri‑ York Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Center all these years to provide a students graduating from Shanti Other recipients were: Malini Nair,
bution to India in education, health Solages complimented the Indian broader platform for the Kerala com‑ Bhavan school. the Owner and Director of
care and in foreign remittances.” community for their service in the munity. All awardees and speakers compli‑ Sowparnika Dance Academy in New
Devadasan Nair who is Consul for local community, especially in the Prof. Sridhar in his keynote mented Kerala Center founders, and Jersey for performing Arts; writer
Community Af fairs at the Indian Hempstead Town area. address noted the importance of lan‑ in particular E.M. Stephen, for their Chacko M. Chacko for Literature and
Consulate, who was an honored T he keynote speaker Dr. S.N. guage in communication to advance vision to start the Kerala Center as Community volunteer Joy Ittan for
guest the event, complimented the Sridhar, Professor of Linguistics and oneself in the American society espe‑ an Indian community institution in Community Service.
6 November 17-23, 2018 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Rudra Yaagam set for Yoga and Mantra


chanting classes

Saturday on Long Island were conducted by


Dr. Dayashankar
Vidyalankar,
New York: Eleven priests, with 11 havan Sthapanam and yaagam. teacher of Indian
kunds, are scheduled to perform a Rudra There will be Rudrabhishekam at 6:30pm culture and yoga
stationed at the
Yaagam on Saturday, November 17 at the and aart i at 8pm. “Shri Mrutyunjaya
Indian consulate
Asa Mai temple in Hicksville on Long Yaagam bestows health and prosperity,”
in New York,
Island, according to Keshav Bhattar, the Bhattar said. “It helps cure ailments, men‑ at BASIS
main organizer of the event. tal worries and increase the feeling of well‑ Independent
All members of the public are invited to being.” The venue is the temple located at School,
the event set to begin at 3pm on that day, 80 East Barclay Street, Hicksville, NY Manhattan from
and obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva, said 11801. For further information, please November 5 ‑ 9,
Bhattar, a longtime priest. The program contact Bhattar at 917‑562‑1254; ksev‑ 2018.
includes Maha Sankalpam and Kalash en_k@yahoo.com

IN BRIEF

Root for the women in blue Three‑fold increase in meditation


160 days of cricket continue on use for complementary health in US
T
he use of meditation as a comple‑ 4–17 years in the US also increased sig‑
Hotstar with ICC Women’s World T20 mentary health approach nificantly from 0.6% in 2012 to 5.4%

T
he 2018 International Cricket increased more than threefold (3.1 million) in 2017, this Survey indi‑
Council's Womenʼs World T20 gets from 4.1% in 2012 to 14.2% in 2017 in cates.
underway on November 9th on US, according to a report published on “Meditation” was defined by CDC as:
Hotstar. The sixth edition of the tourna‑ Centers for Disease Control and “The act of engaging in mental exercise
ment (and the second hosted by the West Prevention (CDC) website on November to reach a heightened level of spiritual
Indies) will feature eight cricket rich 8 quoting National Health Interview awareness or mindfulness. This report
nations divided into two groups. Group A Survey (NHIS). uses a composite measure based on
consists of England, South Africa, Sri This Survey points that in recent years, responses to three questions regarding
Lanka, the defending champion West the practice of meditation has become the use of 1) mantra meditation, includ‑
Indies and Bangladesh, while Group B is more mainstream. Women were more ing transcendental meditation, relax‑
home to India, Australia, New Zealand, likely to use meditation compared with ation response, and clinically standard‑
Pakistan and Ireland. men. ized meditation; 2) mindfulness medita‑
On November 11th, India, led by cap‑ Non‑Hispanic white adults were more tion, including vipassana, Zen Buddhist
tain Harmanpreet Kaur, will face rival likely to use meditation compared with meditation, mindfulness‑based stress
Pakistan in one of the many exciting ICC Cricket World Cup in May 2019. Hispanic and non‑Hispanic black adults. reduction, and mindfulness‑based cogni‑
matches set for group play. The top two “We are extremely proud to be the digi‑ The use of meditation was higher among tive therapy; and 3) spiritual meditation,
teams from each group will qualify in the tal streaming partner of the ICC Womenʼs adults aged 45–64. including centering prayer and contem‑
semi‑finals, and the tournament final will World T20 and to give our subscribers Use of meditation among children aged plative meditation.”
follow on November 24th at Sir Vivian the opportunity to root for the women in
blue,” said Ipsita Dasgupta, President of
IHCNJ to celebrate 20 years of
Richards Stadium. Hotstar, the official
digital streaming partner for ICC Hotstar International and Strategy at Star
Womenʼs World T20, will live stream all India. “Hotstarʼs cricket calendar this
the matches for the duration of the tour‑
nament.
year makes it the unquestioned, go‑to
streaming platform for cricket enthusi‑
service with Bollywood extravaganza
I
Hotstar has already broadcasted the asts in North America.” ndian Health Camp of New Jersey professionals and specialists to provide
Unimoni Asia Cup and the Paytm India vs. Hotstar has introduced an attractive, (IHCNJ), a nonprofit organization in free health screening and disease pre‑
West Indies Series as part of its 160 days annual subscription for $99.99, which New Jersey will celebrate its 20th vention education and awareness to
of live cricket this year. Aside from the will give consumers complete access to anniversary gala on Saturday, December South Asians in communities in New
ICC Womenʼs World T20, tournaments to the cricket calendar and entertainment 1, 2018, at Balaji Temple Auditorium in Jersey.
look forward to include the Paytm India library throughout the year. For monthly Bridgewater. The local and state govern‑ These services are provided to unin‑
vs. Australia Series in February 2019, the subscribers, a sports + entertainment ment officials, prominent business entre‑ sured/under‑insured individuals via
VIVO IPL in April 2019 and, finally, the pack is $19.99 a month. preneurs and community leaders and organizing health fairs at various loca‑
other invited dignitaries and media offi‑ tions in central and northern New Jersey
cials will attend the event along with every year for the past 20 years. IHCNJ
more than 700 people from various pro‑ has organized health fairs at Ved Mandir,
fessions and volunteers are expected to Balaji Temple, Swaminarayan Temples
attend this event. in Secaucus and Parsippany, Edison
The celebration will start with dinner Seniors, Durga Temple, Govinda Temple,
from 4 to 5:30 p.m., presentation and Ukranian Center and provided support
recognitions from 6 to 7 p.m. and to many other health fair activities,
Bollywood Musical Extravaganza with health education presentations, free
renowned Indian Idol finalist Omkar mammograms, pap smear test, colo‑rec‑
Deshpande and Vidya Shivling and tal and prostate cancer screening and
Panorama Entertainment orchestra from blood drives through American Red
India from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cross throughout the state.
IHCNJ was established in 1998 by ded‑ To date, the organization has provided
Seven students studying at Northeastern University Boston had lost their belong‑ icated volunteers which included physi‑ free health screening to more than
ings and important documents due to a fire accident in their building on October cians and some medical and non‑medical 10,000 individuals and detected more
27th, 2018. The Consulate helped them through the community in the aftermath professionals which grew over time to than 3,500 chronic diseases abnormali‑
of this accident and issued their new passports in lieu of the passports lost in the include dentists, mental health ties and intervene hundreds of life‑
fire. The students visited the Consulate and met with Shatrughna Sinha, Deputy providers, pharmacists, nurses, physical threatening conditions to reduce compli‑
Consul General & with K. Devadasan Nair, Consul (Community Affairs) therapists, dietitians and other allied cations and save lives.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL November 17-23, 2018 7

Indian‑American Republican.

4 Indian‑Americans re‑elected to In Washington State, Manka Dhingra and


Vandana Slatter were re‑elected for the State
Senate. Among others re‑elected at the State
level are Sabi Kumar in Tennessee and Ash

US House in midterm elections


Washington, DC: Four Indian‑American fight to their opponents and outraising them
Kalra (California) and Kumar Bharve from
Maryland. Juli Mathew won the Fort Bend
City Court at Law No 3 in Texas, K P George
won the race for Fort Bend County Judge in
Congressmen from the Democratic party in the fundraisers, could make it to the House Texas and Shalini Bahl‑Milne for the Amherst
were re‑e lected to the US House of of Representatives, which is equivalent to the Town Council District 4 in Massachusetts.
Representatives and more than a dozen oth‑ Lok Sabha in the Indian parliament. The emergence of a large number of young
ers won various other races across the coun‑ However, Indian‑Americans picked up more Indian‑Americans candidates reflects the
try in the highly polarised midterm elections seats in the State Assemblies. growing desire of this small ethnic communi‑
held Tuesday. In Wisconsin State, Democratic Josh Kaul ty comprising just one percent of the US pop‑
In the Eighth Congressional District of created history by becoming the first Indian‑ ulation of 32.57 crores.
Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi was re‑elected American to win the race for Attorney "It was a good night for Indian American
for the second term by a comfortable margin General by defeating incumbent Brad Schimel candidates. We re‑elected every incumbent,
of more than 30 percentage points. He defeat‑ of the Republican Party. including all four members of the US House of
ed his Indian‑American Republican opponent Democratic Nima Kulkarni defeated Joshua Representatives, and also elected at least six
JD Diganvker. Neubert from the GOP to make her maiden new state legislators, four of whom will be the
Three‑term lawmaker Dr. Ami Bera was re‑ entry into the Kentucky Assembly from State very first ever e lected to that of fice in
Raja Krishnamoorthi defeated Republican Kentucky, New York, Illinois, and Arizona,"
elected for a record fourth consecutive time District 40. A practicing and recognized
JD Diganvker by 30 percent points in the
from the Seventh Congressional District of lawyer, she owns Indus Law Firm specializing Gautam Raghavan from the "Impact" organi‑
Eighth Congressional District of Illinois
California. Unlike the previous three elec‑ in immigration, employment, and business zation told PTI after the election results were
tions, Dr. Bera did not have to wait for weeks Indian‑American woman lawmaker in the law. Amish Shah made his maiden entry into declared.
for recounting of votes. He defeated Andrew House of Representatives, defeated her GOP the Arizona Assembly from State Legislature "Perhaps our biggest win of the evening
Grant of the Republican party by a small five rival Craig Keller by a massive 66 percentage District 24. So did, Kevin Thomas from the was Josh Kaul winning his campaign for
percent margin. points. "The American people voted to put the New York Senate District 6 for the New York attorney general of Wisconsin, which makes
In the Silicon Valley, Indian‑American Ro Democrats back in control of the US House of State Assembly. him the only Indian American to serve in a
Khanna defeated Ron Cohen of the Representatives. Now, we are primed to Mujtaba Mohammed entered the North statewide office today," he said.
Republican party with a massive 44 percent‑ restore the balance of power between the Carolina State Senate from the Senate District However, none of the dozen other Indian
age point dif ference in the 17th branches of government and push back even 38. A former staff attorney at the Council for Americans running for the Congress could
Congressional District of California. more strongly against the Trump administra‑ Children's Rights and assistant public defend‑ win their races. "I know some may be disap‑
"Tonight was a great night for our cam‑ tion's deeply destructive policies. Our commu‑ er, Mohammed defeated Richard Rivette. pointed that we weren't able to elect any new
paign and for Democrats across the country. nities are sick and tired of the corruption and Incumbent Jay Chaudhuri, an accomplished Members of Congress, but each of them out‑
I'm grateful to the voters of #CA17 for giving injustice," Jayapal said in her victory speech entrepreneur, was re‑e lected to North performed prior challengers in their districts,"
me the opportunity to continue to represent in Seattle. Carolina Senate from the State Senate District he said. "It's also worth remembering that
you in Congress. This has been the honor of "With new and diverse voices joining our 15. Republican Niraj Atani, 27, registered his most Members of Congress ‑ including Ami
my life," Ro Khanna said. ranks, we are building a movement that truly third consecutive electoral victory from Ohio Bera, Ro Khanna, and Raja Krishnamoorthi ‑
"With Democrats in control of the House, represents the people of this country," she House 42nd District. He is the youngest lost their first campaigns, so we hope to see
we will push for economic and foreign policy said. None of the more than half a dozen new Indian‑American elected official in the US. He them on the ballot again in future years,"
populism," he said. Indian‑Americans candidates, many of whom also is the second Indian‑American state Raghavan, a former Obama Administration
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the only caught national attention by giving a tough elected official in Ohio history, and the first official, said in response to a question. (PTI)

Record number of Indian Americans Mona Das wins Washington


elected to statehouses across the country State Senate race
Washington, DC: Indian Americans Washington, DC: Businesswoman the Washington State Legislature
scored big victories in state legisla‑ Mona Das has become the second will increase to three. The other two
tures from coast to coast on Indian American woman elected to are Democratic Sen. Manka Dhingra
Tuesday, with six candidates from the Washington State Senate after and Rep. Vandana Slatter, also a
the community getting elected for Tuesdayʼs election. The Democrat Democrat. Dhingra, who was first
the first time and a number of defeated the incumbent Republican elected in a special election last year,
incumbents retaining their seats Joe Fain in a highly was re‑elected from
across the country. competitive race in the 37th district.
The incumbents elected include the 47th district by Slatter was re‑elect‑
Maryland Democrat Kumar Barve, 548 votes. ed from the 48th
the longest‑serving Indian American According to the district on Tuesday.
lawmaker in the nation and several official results post‑ It will be the first
Mujtaba Mohammed Ram Villivalam in Illinois
state senators and representatives. ed on the website of time in US history
won in North Carolina. (Images : chicago.suntimes.com)
Of the six newly elected lawmak‑ the state secretary that three Indian
ers, three were elected to state district with 73 percent of votes. His am incredibly grateful to the San of state, Das, a mort‑ American women
Senates and three to statehouses. Republican rival received just 23 José voters of Assembly District 27 gage business will be serving at a
T he new state senators are votes. Dhingra was re‑elected in for sending me back to owner, received state legislature at
Mujtaba Mohammed in North Washingtonʼs 45th senate district. Sacramento!” He tweeted on 27,303 votes (50.15 the same time. It
Mona Das defeated incumbent
Carolina (State Senate District 38), It was a great night for all the Wednesday. “Your support means percent). Fainʼs tally will the second time
Republican Joe Fain by 548
Ram Villivalam in Illinois (State Indian American incumbent state the world to me and I do not take was 26,755 votes
votes (Image : nwasianweekly.com) three Indian
Senate District 8) and Kevin Thomas legislators. this responsibility lightly. Back to (49.49 percent.) Americans will be
in New York State (Senate District Barve, who was first elected to the work!” In Tennessee, Sabi “Doc” “Itʼs official! I have the proud serving in a state legislature. From
6). With their victory, the number of Maryland House of Delegates in Kumar, a Republican, was easily re‑ honor of being Senator‑elect of the January 2011 to January 2015,
Indian American state senators will 1990, was re‑elected with more e lected to the state House of wonderful 47th district of WA State!” three Indian Americans had served
increase to six. The three others than 28,000 votes in Maryland. In Representatives in District 66 with Das wrote in a post on her Facebook in the Maryland House of Delegates:
serving in state senates are Manka California, Democrat Ash Kalra, the more than 72 percent votes. page on Saturday, after the Kumar Barve, Sam Arora and Aruna
Dhingra in the Washington state first Indian American to serve in the According to the pro‑Democratic Republican conceded on Friday Miller.
senate, Jay Chaudhuri in North state legislature, was re‑elected in Indian American Impact Fund, night. “I canʼt even begin to thank Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who was re‑
Carolina and Vin Gopal in New the 27th assembly district. Kalra, which endorsed a number of candi‑ the thousands of people who elected to US Congress from the
Jersey. Dhingra and Chaudhuri were who was first elected from the San dates, more than a hundred Indian stepped up to help on this journey.” stateʼs 7th congressional district, had
both re‑e lected on Tuesday. Jose‑area district in 2016, received Americans ran for various of fices With her victory, the number of served in the state Senate from
Chaudhuri retained the 15th senate more than 72 percent of the votes. “I this year. Indian American women serving in January 2015 to December 2016.
8 November 17-23, 2018 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Washington, DC: Tulsi Gabbard,

Tulsi Gabbard may run for US


the first Hindu lawmaker in the
US Congress, is considering to
run forthe American presidency
in 2020, according to sources

Presidency in 2020: Sources


close to her.
On Friday, at a Medtronic con‑
ference in Los Angeles an emi‑
nent Indian‑American, D.r Sampat
Shivang i, intro duced Tulsi
including a large number of the race for White House. And if Committee, Gabbard currently
Gabbard, 37, and said that she
Indian‑Americans, and volunteers elected in 2020, she could be the serves on powerful House Armed
could be the next president of the
to build an impressive campaign youngest ever andthe first woman Services Committee and House
United States in 2020. The brief
for her 2020 run. to be elected as the US president. Foreign Affairs Committee. She is
statement was marked by a stand‑
Given that Tulsi Gabbard is Last week Gabbard was elected also the Democratic Co‑Chair of
ing ovation, in the presence of the
highly popular among Indian‑ for the fourth term for the US the Congressional India Caucus.
four‑term Congresswoman from
Americans, a constituency she House of Representatives. "She has been a fresh voice in
Hawaii.
has nurtured from the very Notably, D.r Shivangi is a the Democratic Party, with her
Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat, who
beginning of her political carri‑ Republican and has been the support for US‑India relations,
addressed the gathering, howeve,r
er, it is but natural that her party's delegate for the past her opposition to the war in Iraq,
neither confirmed or denied that
team has quietly started several presidential conven‑ her opposition to arms sales to
she is running for president in
reaching out to this commu‑ tions. However, he had held Saudi Arabia and her more recent
2020.
nity, which is considered as fund raisers for Gabbard vigorous opposition to among the
A decision on this could be
the richest ethnic group when she ran for the rebels in Syria," D.r Shivangi said.
taken before Christmas, which
after the Jew ish‑ Congress for the first The 2020 presidential primary
might not necessarily result in a
Americans. And in many time in 2012. cycle is scheduled to kick off from
formal announcement as that
crit ical states, She was the the Iowa Caucuses on February 3,
could be delayed till the next
Indian‑Americans first US 2020, followed by the New
year, people familiar with her
can play an impor‑ lawmaker Hampshire Primary on February
thinking pro cess told news
tant role in her to take 11, Nevada caucus of February
agency PTI.
e l e c t o r a l Tulsi Gabbard her oath 15 and South Carolina on
However, it is said that she and
chances. If Tulsi o n February 22. Team Tulsi has been
her team have quietly been reach‑ candidate ever from a major polit‑
Gabbard declares her presidential Bhagwat Gita. A former vice chair‑ reaching out to people in these
ing out to prospective donors, ical party to announce to enter
bid she would be the first Hindu man of the Democratic National four States.

Indian‑American Indian ex‑Tesla employee


elected mayor of charged in $9.3 million fraud
California city New York: A 32‑year‑old Indian man, a
former employee at American electric
Parulekar, formerly of San Jose, orches‑
trated the embezzlement scheme at
payments to the SHW and that he was
not authorized to contravene this deci‑
car manufacturer Tesla, has been Tesla. At the time, Salil was an employee sion. Notwithstanding these facts, Salil
charged for allegedly stealing $ 9.3 mil‑ in the Global Supply Management group redirected a series of payments intended
lion from the company by falsifying at Tesla. He was responsible for oversee‑ for another supplier, Hota Industrial
financial documents to divert payments ing Tesla's relationship with certain sup‑ Manufacturing and caused them to be
from one supplier to another. pliers for various parts and services paid to the SHW.
Salil Parulekar has been charged with related to Tesla automobiles. The indictment alleges Salil caused the
nine counts of wire fraud and one count Salil allegedly used his role to initiate a diversion of payments by falsifying
of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, scheme wherein he diverted money invoices; creating fraudulent accounts
the maximum penalty for each count of owed to one Tesla supplier and caused it payable do cuments, such as bank
wire fraud is twenty years' imprison‑ to be paid to another supplier. In all, he account information and wire instruc‑
ment and a $250,000 fine. allegedly embezzled approximately $9.3 tions; and impersonating Hota employ‑
The maximum sentence for aggravat‑ million. According to the indictment, ees.Specifically, Salil allegedly stole the
ed identity theft is two years in prison Salil learned in January 2017 that Tesla identity of a Hota employee and by
and a $ 250,000 fine. had terminated its supplier relationship impersonating the employee, deceived
A federal grand jury issued an indict‑ w ith Schwabische Huttenwerke Tesla's Accounts Payable division into
ment against Salil Parulekar last week, Automotive GmbH (SHW). switching the bank account information
Harry Singh Sidhu would be the first Sikh mayor of
charging him with engaging in the At the time of the termination, the for Hota and SHW. Salil had studied
the city. (Image courtesy: patrika.com)
embezzlement scheme, US Attorney Alex SHW had only provided a limited num‑ Mechanical Eng ineering at the
Washington: Successful Indian American businessman Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation ber of sample products, specifically, University of Mumbai and earned his
Harry Singh Sidhu has been elected as mayor of Anaheim, (FBI) Special Agent in Charge John motor pumps, to Tesla. Masters in Industrial Engineering from
one of the largest cities in the state of California. Bennett said. According to the indict‑ Salil allegedly knew the termination North Carolina State University, accord‑
Harry Singh Sidhu, who served as a member of the ment, during 2016 and 2017, Salil meant that Tesla was withholding future ing to his LinkedIn profile.
Anaheim City Council for eight years from 2002 to 2012,

Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar


defeated Ashleigh Aitken in the November 6 mid‑term
elections. He would be the first Sikh mayor of the city.
"I am honored and thrilled to lead the charge in unify‑

to run for city treasurer


ing our city once again," said Sidhu after his electoral vic‑
tory. Born in India, Sidhu moved to the US along with his
parents in 1974 as a permanent resident and settled in
Philadelphia. Illinois: Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar, Kurt Summersʼ choice to not seek re‑ and loan capital to expand neighbor‑
Once sworn in, mayor‑elect Sidhu will be one of the few who had previously run for Illinois gov‑ election. “Iʼve decided to run because I hood businesses, finance af fordable
Sikh mayors in the US, which includes Mayor Ravinder ernor before dropping out of the race believe we are in a moment of incredible housing, fund new infrastructure and
Singh Bhalla of Hoboken and Mayor Preet Didbal of Yuba last year, now has his sights fixed on opportunity to make so much progres‑ re finance student loans to he lp
City. becoming the treasurer of Chicago, sive change for Chicagoans through the Chicagoans stay in the city while attract‑
"It is incredibly exciting to see Mr Sidhu, a Sikh, become according to reports. power of this of fice,” the Indian ing new ones,” the report said.
mayor of such a large and diverse city. I look forward to Pawar, the 47th Ward alderman, American candidate said in a statement, “I am running to be your next city
engaging with him on issues that impact Sikhs in announced Oct. 29 that he is seeking the according to an NBC Chicago report. treasurer to enact a bold progressive
Anaheim, and the larger Orange County region," said Jas treasurer post, which is up for election Should he win the election, Pawar, agenda to harness the power of 2.7 mil‑
Sajjan, Director of Public Policy for the National Sikh February 2019. His announcement noted as a liberal or progressive, said he lion Chicagoans and invest in our neigh‑
Campaign. comes on the heels of current Treasurer plans to launch a “peopleʼs public bank borhoods and each other,” he said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA November 17-23, 2018 9

Sikh farmer inducted


into Canadian
Agricultural Hall of Fame
Toronto: A Canadian Sikh
farmer, who is the coun‑
try's biggest cranberry
grower, has made history
with his induction into the
Canadian Agricultural Hall
of Fame. The British
Columbia‑based Peter
Dhillon is the first person
of a visible minority to join
the company of great
Canadians who have made
their mark in agriculture
and agro‑food business. Peter Dhillon (Imgae courtesy: millenniumpost.in)
Dhillon is also the cur‑
rent chairman of Ocean Spray ‑ a marketing bled because there are so many others who
cooperative of cranberry farmers in the US deserve this honor," he said.
and Canada. Ocean Spray sells its products in His father Rachpal Singh Dhillon came to
over 90 countries, with annual sales of over Canada in 1950 from Pandori village in
$2.5 billion. At Ocean Spray too Dhillon Hoshiarpur and became the first Indo‑
broke the glass ceiling to become its first Canadian to join the Royal Canadian
non‑white chairman in 2014. Mounted Police (RCMP) at the age of 19, ris‑
Dhillon, whose full name is Peter Povitar ing to the rank of Deputy Sheriff.
Dhillon, runs his cranberry farming opera‑ In 1981‑82, he took early retirement to get
tions under the name of Richberry Group of into cranberry farming full time.
Companies based in Richmond, British Peter Dhillon joined the family business in
Columbia. 1993 after finishing his law degree from the
Unveiling his portrait at the annual UK. Currently, he has over 2,000 acres, just
Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame induction behind the world's biggest cranberry farmers
ceremony in Toronto, Dhillon said he was in Massachusetts who own about 2,500
humbled to be inducted into the company of acres. His Richberry Group produced over 20
great Canadians. million pounds of cranberries last year.
"It is a great honor for me and I feel hum‑ (IANS)

Vatican’s Diwali message


wants Hindu-Christian bond
Vatican CIty: People of both faiths can culti‑ nity, with responsibility for one another,”
vate a culture of care and concern states Bishop Miguel Ayuso Guixot, secretary of the
Diwali message written to Hindus Christians council, said the message released Oct. 31 by
and Hindus are bound by their belief in the Vatican.
human dignity and share a responsibility to “A healthy awareness of our common
help those in need, said the secretary of the human condition and our moral duty toward
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue others inspires us to promote their cause by
in Vaticanʼs Diwali message this year. doing all that we can to alleviate their suffer‑
Members of both faiths have a “moral duty to ings, defend their rights and restore their dig‑
care for the vulnerable,” which is rooted in nity,” he said. Bishop Ayuso extended his best
the belief “that we are all Godʼs creatures and, wishes to the worldʼs 1.1 billion Hindus for
as a result, brothers and sisters, equal in dig‑ the feast of Diwali.

Telugu diaspora take the


plunge in Telangana polls
New Delhi: The Telugu diaspora has taken thinking and swift reaction to political
the big plunge in the key Assembly polls ‑ developments," said Mahesh Bigala, TRS NRI
less than five years after statehood ‑ and coordinator. Bigala who lives in the US, has
also in the run‑up to the mother of all elec‑ landed in Hyderabad and will be hitting the
tions in 2019. Ideologies may vary, but NRIs ground for the December 7 e lections.
are taking a stand and coming out of their Another group of NRIs are expected to land
cushy foreign homes to be part of the heat soon. "We will campaign for candidates in
and dust of campaigning. all 119 assembly constituencies," he told
Politically active Telugu biddas are airing TOI. Some 20‑30 of them will touchdown
their views on social media, publicizing soon and get down to serious business, he
activities of their party and demolishing said. From NRIs of a few countries in 2014,
rival claims. "NRIs did get involved in 2014 the number has swelled this time with
polls, but it's nothing compared to the expats from 32 nations getting involved in
excitement this time. It's all about quick Telangana elections.
10 November 17-23, 2018 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

What comes after the Mid‑Terms


Young voters and women overwhelming supported Democrats, flipping the House. The partyʼs
next endeavor should be to frontline a strong candidate who can take on Trump in 2020.
Op-Ed synagogue in Pennsylvania, car‑ es he is forced into, and then
By Shivaji Sengupta ried on by a dyed‑in‑wool Trump pumps his chest and declares him‑
supporter just days after the self a winner. He did the same in

A
t last the Elections are over Elections, will undoubtedly have this Elections, calling it “an incredi‑
– or are they? As of this an effect on the new Congress in ble, unbelievable victory” for the
writing, the US Senate and 2019. Also, there are 99 new Republicans and himself. Just
the Governorʼs elections in Florida women members in next yearʼs today, as I sit down to write this
are moving into machine‑recount, Congress, more than ever before. column, Five‑ Thirty‑Eight, a politi‑
with Republicans holding razor‑ With twenty‑odd seats still to be cal analysis site, is reporting
thin leads in both. The Senate seat decided, that number may well Trumpʼs popularity poll at 42%.
in Arizona (the one vacated by Jeff exceed a hundred. It is a fact that Nevertheless, those of us who
Flake, apparently hounded out by this year more women ran for are Democrats, need to be sober –
President Trump) has Democrat Democrats will end up with 231 US House seats when the remaining elected office than ever before and and cautious – during this so‑
Kirsten Sinema leading. results are declared. With the Arizona Senate seat declared Monday many more women came out to called victory march. I am hoping
And there are about 20‑odd for Kyrsten Sinema, Demʼs tally in the Senate has gone up to 47 vote. This Election was also sup‑ Nancy Pelosi means business
Congressional seats in limbo while GOP has 51 seats.. posed to be a referendum on when she says that the Democrats
around the country. ments leading to Russiaʼs alleged and women voters. I had expressed Donald Trump; Mid‑Terms usually wonʼt fitter away the gains by
Overall, however, the Elections meddling in the 2016 elections. anxiety about these constituents in are. The president himself, with needlessly trying to impeach the
are decided: Democrats won a The Republicans, in control of the my last Op Ed in this paper. There the characteristic flare of a mega‑ President, especially with the
majority in the House of Senate, will be able to confirm were about four million young vot‑ lomaniac, kept reminding the elec‑ Senate sporting Republican colors;
Representatives, while the Trumpʼs nominees, from Cabinet ers in this yearʼs Mid‑Term who torate that “I am not on the bal‑ that her party in the House will try
Republicans kept control of the positions to Supreme Court judges. had vowed last February to “vote‑ lot,…[but] Pretend that I am!” to maneuver some long overdue
Senate. What it means for us, the Experts have given this Mid‑Term out” candidates (mostly One would have thought that important Bills such as the infra‑
constituents, is that the Democrats Elections a split decision, which is Republican) supported by the Trump would be disappointed with structure and immigration. I hope
in 2019 will have the power to cre‑ somewhat better than the National Rifle Association. I am the results. But let us not forget, he they will not give Trump a dime to
ate new laws (though not without Democratsʼ performance in the pleased to note that the House lost is Donald Trump, the salesman build the Wall.
the consent of the Senate), they 2016 General Elections when they 15 of those Republican candidates who is forever optimistic about his Finally, I worry that two years
will have the first assay at the lost all three, both Houses of the rated “A” by the NRA. Still, much own chances. As the editorial in before 2020, the Elections were
Federal budget, and will be able to Congress and the presidency. work needs to be done since 138 The New York Times once not able to throw up a runaway
subpoena documents of import to However, a few of the important of the 436 members of Congress observed, Trump claims the impos‑ Democratic candidate for presi‑
the Affairs of State, such as the battleground issues have been still have solid NRA backing. The sible before going in for a new dent. That should be the
Presidentʼs tax papers or docu‑ decided apparently by the youth mass shooting of 11 people in a deal, accepts whatever compromis‑ Democratsʼ next endeavor.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.

Ex-Marine identified US wants India to step FLORIDA YOGA


SUDIO SHOOTER
as California bar up multilateral military SPOUTED
shooting suspect MISOGYNISTIC &
Thousand Oaks, CA: The perpetrator of the shooting inci‑
dent in the Borderline Bar and Grill in California's
ties in Indo‑Pacific RACIST VIEWS
Tallahassee, FL: Scott Beierle, the
Honolulu, Hawaii: The US wants India to top US defense official at the Indo‑
Thousand Oaks city was on man who killed two women at a
step up its multilateral military engage‑ Pacific Command here. The US move to
Thursday identified as Ian yoga studio here before appar‑
ments in the Indo‑Pacific region, even as rename its Pacific Command as the Indo‑
David Long. Ventura County ently killing himself, appeared to
it has offered bilateral combat exercises Pacific Command, one of its military the‑
Sheriff Geoff Dean con‑ have posted dozens of misogynis‑
to help “integrate” its M‑777 ultra‑light atre commands spread around the
firmed that the 28‑year‑old tic and racist videos and songs to
howitzers, Apache attack and Chinook globe, is to reflect the expanding con‑
was found dead in an office YouTube and SoundCloud before
heavy‑lift helicopters into the Indian nectivity between the Indian and Pacific
near the bar, CNN reported. the attack.
armed forces, reports The Times of Oceans. With Indiaʼs increasing military
"We believe he shot him‑ Tallahassee police identified
India. relevance for US as a hedge against
self," Dean said. A former Beierle, 40, as the shooter who
India of course is steadily cranking up China, Washington also believes the
US Marine Corps veteran shot many people inside Hot
the scope and complexity of the several converging bilateral security interests
Long used a Glock 21 .45‑ Yoga before turning the gun on
bilateral military exercises it holds with will result in a more secure Indo‑Pacific.
caliber handgun with an himself on Nov 2.
US every year, with the two also decid‑ Senior US officials contend China is try‑
extended magazine for the An account that appears to be
ing to hold their first mega tri‑Service ing to “subvert” the “free, open and
shooting. "We have no idea Ian David Long Beierle's posted several grainy,
amphibious wargames in the Bay of rules‑based order” in the region with its
what the motive was at this dimly lighted videos four years
Bengal next year. aggressive and expansionist behavior,
point," Dean said, adding that deputies were conducting ago, which show him discussing
But India remains reluctant to include backed by its “opaque” multibillion‑dol‑
searches at Long's house. According to investigators, his misogyny, as well as his racist
Australia in the top‑notch Malabar naval lar Belt and Road Initiative that can lead
Long drove to the bar on Wednesday night and shot a beliefs, including that interracial
exercise it conducts with the US and to “debt entrapment” like in the case of
security guard posted outside before entering, following couples stem from mental illness
Japan, while also being firmly opposed the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.
which, he first shot other security workers and bar and that women who are promis‑
to any talk of militarization of the fast Though India does not want to needless‑
employees before open firing into the crowd. cuous should be crucified.
developing “Quad” among these four ly antagonize China with a multilateral
At least 13 people were killed in the incident, includ‑ Videos uploaded to the account
countries. “India is a top priority for US, military construct in Indo‑Pacific, itʼs
ing Ventura County Sergeant Ron Helus, who Dean included titles like "The Rebirth
a major defence partner. We are for certainly upgrading its military ties with
labeled a hero. of My Misog ynism," "T he
multilateralism. The more India is in Australia and Japan as well as Asean
Long has had previous encounters with the police. Dangers of Diversity" and
that, the better. The US is encouraging countries like Singapore, Vietnam,
In April, officers were called to his house over a "Dreadlocks are the Black Man's
India to incorporate Australia and Japan Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and
disturbance Mullet."
more in its military engagements,” said a Thailand.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS November 17-23, 2018 11

Trump fires Jeff Sessions, Democrats might tie spending bill


seizes Russia probe to Mueller protection: Schumer
Washington: Senate Minority Leader send a letter to the chief ethics officer of
Charles Schumer said Sunday that the Justice Department asking for an opin‑
Democrats might tie their support for the ion on whether Whitaker should recuse
next spending bill to legislation that would himself from the investigation.
protect special counsel Robert Mueller – If Whitaker does not recuse, Schumer
although he stopped short of saying he said, Demo crats in both houses of
would be willing to risk a shutdown. Congress will "attempt to add to must‑pass
The New York Democrat said President legislation, in this case the spending bill,
Trump's choice of Matthew Whitaker to leg islat ion that would prevent Mr.
head the Justice Department could threat‑ W hitaker from interfering w ith the
en Mueller's investigation into Russian Mueller investigation."
election meddling and potential ties to the "State of the Union" host Jake Tapper
Trump campaign. Trump named Whitaker pointed out that Senate Majority Leader
as the interim attorney general after Jeff Mitch McConne ll, R‑Ky., indicated he
Sessions' ouster last week. wouldn't support legislation to protect
"T he appointment of Mr. W hitaker Mue ller. Tapper asked Schumer if
should concern every American – Democrats would risk a shutdown and
Democrat, Republican, liberal, conserva‑ refuse to sign a spending bill that didn't
tive – who believes in rule of law and jus‑ include protection for Mueller.
tice," Schumer said during an interview on "Look, I believe there will be enough of
CNN's "State of the Union." "He has already our Republican colleagues who will join us.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions was forced to resign; prejudged the Mueller situation. If he stays There's no reason we shouldn't add this
his chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, is now the acting AG. there, he will create a constitutional crisis and avoid a constitutional crisis," Schumer
by inhibiting Mueller or firing Mueller, so replied. If Republican support fails to
Washington: President Donald Trump probe into Russian interference in the Congress has to act." He said Democratic materialize, "we'll see what happens down
fired Attorney General Jef f Sessions a 2016 election and the possibility of col‑ leaders in the House and Senate plan to the road," he said.
day after midterms, wrestling back con‑ lusion between Trump's campaign and a
trol of the Russia probe by getting rid of foreign power. Whitaker could hold the
the man who supported it, and choosing AG's post for roughly 200 days because
the one who has said all negative things he has not been confirmed previously by
about the investigation. “At your request the Senate. But it is his job in the next
I am submitt ing my resignat ion," 100 days that would be crucial for
Sessions wrote in a letter to White House Trump.
chief of staff John Kelly last Wednesday." The acting AG has already openly criti‑
Trump had repeatedly criticized his top cized the breadth of Mueller's probe and
law enforcement official after he recused even mused on this chain of events in a
himself from the Russia investigation. 2017 interview with CNN. "I could see a
White House announced that Sessions scenario where Jeff Sessions is replaced,
would temporarily be replaced by his it would recess appointment and that
chief of staf f, Matthew Whitaker, who attorney general doesn't fire Bob
has slammed the Russia inquiry if not Mueller, but he just reduces his budget
like Trump's 160 times but enough to to so low that his investigations grinds to
make the President happy, the CNN almost a halt."
reported. Given W hitaker's past comments,
With the firing of Sessions, Trump Democrats immediately called on him to Even as President Trump is weakened a bit with the Democrats wresting the House in
appeared to get back operational control recuse himself from oversight of the the November 6 election, Mueller probe is said to be winding down and now under
of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Muller probe. renewed threat of shutting down.

Northern California wildfire most destructive in state history


Los Angeles: The wildfire that has been hectares (nearly 70,000 acres) northwest
raging through northern California since of Los Angeles.
Thursday, which has killed over 25 people Two bodies were found in the beach
so far, is considered to be the most town of Malibu, home to many Hollywood
destructive in the state's history, having ce le brit ies, thoug h the Los Ange les
destroyed more than 6,500 structures and Sheriff's Department said in a statement
engulfed nearly the entire city of Paradise, that authorities have not yet determined if
home to 26,000 people. the two people died because of the fire or
California emergency services of ficials for other reasons.
confirmed during a press conference on The Woolsey Fire has destroyed dozens
Saturday that the "Camp Fire" has of homes in Malibu, Calabasas and
destroyed 6,453 homes, 260 commercial Thousand Oaks.
structures and 40,500 hectares (100,000 More than 250,000 homes have been
acres), while firefighters have only man‑ evacuated throughout the state, including
aged to contain 20 per cent of the blaze. the homes of celebrities such as Lady
The heavy traffic caused by the evacua‑ Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Guillermo del Toro,
tions led many people to abandon their Cher, Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen, Roma
vehicles and flee by foot, which in turn Downey, Alyssa Milano, Rainn Wilson,
caused more traffic and created a chaotic Eddie McClintock and Melissa Etheridge.
situation. On Saturday, President Donald Trump
The Woolsy fire burns a home near Malibu Lake in Malibu, Calif.
The strong winds and the dry conditions blamed California authorities' "gross mis‑
in the area have led to a rapid expansion southwest of the blaze, leading authorities large w ild fires have hit southern management of the forests" for the scale
of the fire. The smoke has even reached to issue an air quality alert. California, the largest of which is the of the damages, threatening to withhold
San Francisco, some 280 km (174 mi) In addition to the "Camp Fire", two other "Woolsey Fire," having devastated 28,000 federal aid.
12 November 17-23, 2018 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

BJP will run campaign to Rajini says he did not dub


identify infiltrators: Shah BJP as 'dangerous'
Chennai: Superstar Rajinikanth on
New Delhi: The BJP said it whether the infiltrators
Tuesday said he has not described the BJP
w ill run a countryw ide should be sent back to their
as a dangerous party and it was for the
campaign to implement the countries or not."
people to decide whether it was such an
Nat ional Reg ister of Shah said the people have
organization.
Cit izens if the party is faith in the Modi govern‑
The actor who is on the margins of
voted back to power in ment and they would be
entering politics also wanted to know if
2019, adding the party will voting for him in 2019.
10 parties were ranged against one party,
identify and send back the "And once voted back to
then it showed who was strong.
infiltrators. power, we shall run a coun‑
Meeting the media a day after his
T he Bharat iya Janata trywide campaign to send
remarks on the Bharatiya Janata Party
Party said it should have a back the infiltrators," he
(BJP) were interpreted differently, the
"long and uninterrupted said, adding the party was
actor refused to give his personal opinion
rule" from panchayat to not bothered about vote‑
on whether the BJP was a "dangerous
Parliament, like the bank politics as national
party" as he had still not entered politics.
Congress had for over 30‑ security was a prime con‑
"I have not described BJP as a danger‑
35 years, to realize its goal cern for it.
ous party. I only said yesterday that if
of making India great and The BJP chief accused the
opposition parties are coming together
a world leader. Congress president of sym‑
BJP President Amit Shah. against BJP, then it (BJP) must be danger‑
"After the BJP came to pathising w ith urban Superstar Rajinikanth.
(Photo: IANS) ous to them. It is for the people to decide
power in 2014, we have Maoists and said, "BJP gov‑
who is dangerous. I will not give my views nation case whose demand for release
boosted the national security. We also imple‑ ernments have taken strong steps against the
because I have still not entered politics. It was now pending with the Tamil Nadu
mented the NRC in Assam and identified 40 Maoists. When Maharashtra government
is for the people to decide (about BJP). But Governor.
lakh infiltrators," BJP President Amit Shah arrested a few urban Maoists, the Congress
the fact that 10 parties are uniting against On Monday, when he was asked about
told the booth‑level workers of 230 assembly president and their leaders took their side
one party (BJP), then it shows who is it, he had countered: "Who? Which seven
constituencies of Madhya Pradesh through and opposed the step."
strong," he said. people. I don't know."
video conferencing. "The Congress and its leaders have soft
On Monday, when he was asked On Tuesday, Rajinikanth said, "Some
He said the Assam government identified corner for the urban Maoists. The Congress
whether the BJP was such a dangerous people are trying to create an illusion that
40 lakh people in the state who were unable should clear its stand on Maoists and urban
party that opposition parties were com‑ I do not know the issue. The question was
to prove their citizenship. However, correc‑ Maoists," he said.
bining against it, Rajinikanth had said: "If put to me abruptly and it was not clear.
tions are going on. He also attacked the Congress for describ‑
they (non‑BJP parties) have said it like This Rajinikanth is not a fool that he does
Attacking Cong ress President Rahul ing Maoists as revolutionaries and said that
this, then it must be definitely correct." not know about the seven convicts. I think
Gandhi, Shah said: "The Congress opposed the party and the government believe in rev‑
He also sought to correct an impression they have spent 27 years in jail and on
the NRC. They made it a human rights issue. olution when "we provide medicines to poor,
that he did not know anything about the humanitarian conditions they should be
The Congress and Rahul Gandhi should clear when we provide electricity, when we pro‑
seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassi‑ released."
their stand over the NRC and tell the nation vide good education system for children."

Binny Bansal Over 70% vote in Chhattisgarh's red corridor


resigns as Raipur: Defying Maoist threats, over 70 per
cent voted on Monday in 18 Maoist‑affected

Flipkart CEO Assembly constituencies of Chhattisgarh in


the first phase, marking the start of five‑
Bengaluru: Indian e‑tail major Flipkart state elections dubbed the 'semi‑final' before
Group's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) the Lok Sabha battle next year.
Binny Bansal resigned from the post on The Election Commission said the final fig‑
Tuesday, the company said in a state‑ ure would be higher as data was still being
ment. collated.
"Binny Bansal announced his resigna‑ "Over 70 per cent voters cast their vote...
tion as the CEO of Flipkart Group, effec‑ The final figure may touch the last election's
tive immediately," the city‑based Flipkart figure of 75 per cent as data is still being
and its parent American retail giant obtained," Senior Deputy Elect ion
Walmart said in a joint statement. Commissioner Umesh Sinha told the media
Bansal's decision to quit the e‑com‑ here.
merce company came after an independ‑ The Maoists, who had warned citizens
ent investigation by Flipkart and against taking part in the poll process, deto‑
Walmart into an allegation of "serious nated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
personal misconduct" against him in Katekalyan in Dantewada district, min‑
(Bansal), the statement said. utes before the voting began, narrowly miss‑
"He (Bansal) strongly denies the allega‑ ing a foot patrol of the Central Reserve
tion. Nevertheless, we (Flipkart and Voters queue up outside a polling booth during the 1st phase of Chhattisgarh
Police Force (CRPF).
Assembly Elections in Konta. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
Walmart) had a responsibility to ensure In a later gun battle with the rebels, two
the investigation was deliberate and thor‑ CRPF personnel were injured in Pamed in Kondag aon, Khairag arh, Dong arg arh, and the Communist Party of India.
ough," the companies said. Bijapur district. Security personnel also Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Bastar, Twelve of the 18 seats are reserved for
Kalyan Krishnamurthy will remain the found IEDs near a polling station in Bijapur Jagdalpur and Chitrakot. Scheduled Tribes (STs) and one is reserved
CEO of Flipkart, which will now include and in Sukma district. The BJP had lost 12 of these 18 seats in for Scheduled Castes (SC) category.
the Group's online fashion portals Myntra The militants have carried out multiple 2013. The second and final phase of polling in
and Jabong, continuing to operate as sep‑ attacks in the last few weeks, killing several The prominent faces in the first phase Chhattisgarh will be held on November 20.
arate platforms within the company's people including a BSF officer and a journal‑ include Chief Minister Raman Singh, pitted The vote count will take place on December
business, the statement said. ist. against Congress' Karuna Shukla in his 11.
In a mega deal in the country's e‑com‑ The constituencies which went to the polls home turf Rajnandgaon. In 2013, the Congress won 39 seats gar‑
merce space, Walmart in May bought 77 on Monday were Narayanpur, Dantewada, Also contesting is Mayawati's BSP, which nering 40.3 per cent of the vote share while
per cent equity stake in Flipkart for $16 Bijapur, Konta, Mohla‑Manpur, Antagarh, has aligned with the Chhattisgarh Janata the BJP won 49 seats with a 41.04 per cent
billion (Rs 116,256 crore). Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Congress of former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi vote share.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA November 17-23, 2018 13

Hundreds bid adieu to Ananth Kumar Congress rejects


Bengaluru: Hundreds of people,
including BJP patriarch L.K. Advani
Dassault's defense
and the party's National President New Delhi: Alleging a "fixed outlet, rubbishing Congress
Amit Shah, on Tuesday bid farewell match" between the Modi govern‑ President Rahul Gandhi's charges
to Ananth Kumar, as his mortal ment and Rafale maker Dassault of "lying" and asserting that the
remains were cremated at a state Aviation, the Congress on intergovernmental deal to buy 36
funeral with military honors here. Tuesday said the "blatant corrup‑ Rafales was "clean".
Kumar, 59, died on Monday at a tion" in the fighter jet deal cannot Trappier also said that the com‑
private hospital here due to multi‑ be hidden and demanded a Joint pany itself chose Anil Ambani as
ple organ failure. Parliamentary Committee (JPC) offset partner for the deal and
Even as the Army band sounded probe into it. clarified that it had 30 more such
the bugle to mark the last rites, a "The nation does not need doc‑ partners other than Reliance.
21‑gun salute was given to the body tored explanations but fair inves‑ Dubbing Trappier's interview as
while still in the glass casket draped tigation. A fixed match between "dictated" and "manufactured
in the Tricolor. the BJP government and Dassault lies", the Congress said the
BJP chief Amit Shah lays wreath on the mortal remains of and public relation stunts of "Rafale scam" cannot be sup‑
Kumar's younger brother Nand
Ananth Kumar, in Bengaluru. (Photo: IANS) (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi pressed.
Kumar lit the funeral pyre amid
chanting of Vedic hymns and loud islative council chairman Basavaraj public viewing. and (Dassault Aviation CEO) Eric "Mutual beneficiaries and co‑
cries of "Ananth Kumar amar rahe!" Horatti and Bharatiya Janata Party's Thousands of people, including Trappier can't hide the blatant accused's statements hold no
(long live Ananth Kumar). state leaders, including state unit Vice‑President M. Venkaiah Naidu, corruption," said Congress value. Beneficiaries and accused
Kumar's widow Tejeshwani, president B.S. Yeddyurappa were Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, spokesperson Randeep Singh can't be judge in their own case,"
daughters Aishwariya and Vijeta present on the solemn occasion. former Prime Minister and JD‑S Surjewala. His comments come in said Surjewala, daring the Modi
and other family members were In view of space constraints at the supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and oth‑ the wake of Trappier's remarks in government to submit itself for a
present at the Chamarajpet crema‑ old crematorium, several people, ers paid tributes to Kumar at the an interview to an Indian media JPC probe.
torium in the city's southwest sub‑ including party cadres and Kumar's venue.
urb. supporters were restrained from Kumar was Union Minister for
Advani, Shah, Home Minister entering the premises. Parliamentary Af fairs since 2016 SC to hear review petitions on Sabarimala
Rajnath Singh, Defense Minister Vehicular traffic was diverted and and Minister for Chemicals and
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided to go for open court
Nirmala Sitharaman and Union security stepped up at the venue to Fertilizers since 2014 when the
hearings of the nearly 50 petitions seeking a recall of its order permit‑
Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, prevent any untoward incident. BJP‑led NDA government was
ting women of all age groups to pray at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.
Piyush Goyal, Harsh Vardhan and The cortege in a flower‑bedecked formed under the leadership of
A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Rohinton Fali
Mahesh Sharma laid wreathes and military vehicle was brought in a Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nariman, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice
paid homage. procession for the last rites from Modi flew into the city on
Indu Malhotra decided to hear on January 22 the petitions seeking a
Karnataka Water Resources the National College grounds at Monday night and paid last respects
recall of the September 28 order. The apex court ruling has generated
Minister D.K. Shivakumar, state leg‑ Basavngudi where it was kept for to Kumar at his residence.
passions in Kerala, with traditionalists openly opposing the directive.
14 November 17-23, 2018 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

How will the new reality influence


Trumpʼs foreign policy?
By Ian Bremmer distinguish himself from Obama, trade dispute with China will likely
who counted the nuclear deal with continue well into next year, what‑

T
he votes have now been Iran among his signature achieve‑ ever tentative agreements Trump
counted in the first US ments, will be a recurring theme as and Chinaʼs President Xi Jinping
national election of the the 2020 election approaches. announce in the meantime. Trumpʼs
Donald Trump era and, as expected, Mexico is another country that desire to persuade voters in politi‑
the Democrats have seized majority Trump appears ever ready to criti‑ cally crucial manufacturing states
control of the House of cise. Replacement of the North that he can force major trade con‑
Representatives, significantly shift‑ American Free Trade Agreement cessions from China will be an
ing the political balance of power (NAFTA) with the new USMCA deal important one. And thereʼs close to
away from Trumpʼs party. The pres‑ with Canada and Mexico removes a Washington consensus that a
identʼs Republican Party expanded one obvious point of contention. harder line is needed against
its majority control of the US But the presidentʼs confidence that Beijing on a host of issues.
Senate, but the Democrats now illegal immigration provides a reli‑ China may well decide to wait
have real power for the first time in able boost with his support base Trump out. Kim Jong‑un has
two years. will keep the government of incom‑ already provided other govern‑
Where does president Trump go ing president Andres Manuel Lopez ments the best model for how to
from here? How will the new reality President Trump will respond to pressure and criticism with signature Obrador on edge. deflect Trumpʼs pressure over the
defiance, searching for foreign (as well as domestic policy) villains. North Korea is more likely to next two years: By smiling, offering
in Washington influence his foreign
policy? on the Democratic House majority President Trump will respond to escape Trumpʼs pressure. The presi‑ agreements in principle, stalling
First, Trump will face a height‑ to impeach the president. this pressure and criticism with sig‑ dent may issue warnings to force negotiations with the US, and trying
ened level of political pressure Democrats will likely wait until nature defiance, and his drive to Kim Jong‑un to offer concessions to wait until Trump is defeated in
from the opposition party. With Special Counsel Robert Mueller demonstrate continuing political that advance negotiations over 2020. But Trumpʼs political talents
their House majority, Democrats delivers a report on possible crimi‑ virility may lead him to search for denuclearisation, but just as Trump should not be underestimated, and
have new powers to investigate the nal conspiracy between the 2016 foreign (as well as domestic policy) believes Obama owns the US rela‑ many presidents, including Obama,
president, win access to White Trump presidential campaign and villains. The likeliest candidates for tionship with Iran, he knows that have recovered from midterm
House and personal Trump docu‑ the Russian government and the this role are Iran, Mexico, and he owns the effort to disarm North defeats to win re‑election, some‑
ments that may deeply embarrass possibility that Trump has obstruct‑ China, but heʼll remain combative Korea. Admission of failure is times easily. Itʼs a risky move. But
him, and force members of his ed justice during the investigation. even with traditional US allies in unlikely as Trump works to build a for any government in Trumpʼs tar‑
administration, perhaps even his But depending on what Mueller Europe and elsewhere. list of accomplishments he can get sites, there may not be a more
family, to testify under oath before finds, Democrats will have a hard Iran has proven a popular target carry into the next election. effective defensive strategy.
Congress on a wide variety of ques‑ time ignoring pressure to move for Trumpʼs aggressive approach to Finally, there are many reasons (The Op‑Ed appeared in The
tions. There will also be pressure toward impeaching the president. foreign policy. Trumpʼs desire to why the Trump administrationʼs Hindustan Times)

Parliament of World’s Religions: Why are Hindus unhappy?


By Makarand R Paranjape ty by promoting pluralism and peace‑mak‑ cern is about the insertion of radical anti‑
ing. Hindu fringe elements into the POWR

W
hy are many Hindus unhappy Considering PoWR 2018ʼs main theme which creates a hostile environment for
with the 2018 Parliament of was “The Promise of Inclusion and the Hindus.” The Hindu American Foundation
Worldʼs Religions (PoWR) held in Power of Love: Pursuing Global Executive Director, Suhag Shukla, too noted
Toronto, from November 1‑7? They are Understanding, Reconciliation, and Change”, how they themselves did not feel welcome
angry, I believe, because Hinduism has been one would have imagined that such Hindu at PoWR, certainly none of them was invited
marginalized there, even misrepresented. ideas would receive a sympathetic and as a speaker.
This is most unfortunate because many favorable hearing. But on the very first day, The PoWR was also blatantly anti‑
Hindus, including myself, sacrificed their during the opening ceremony, Hinduism American, going by several speakers and
Diwali week just to register their presence was conspicuous by its absence. Swami panels, often forgetting that Canada shared
at this Parliament. The PoWR is the largest The organizers of the 2018 Parliament Tyagananda, one of the keynote speakers, a similar legacy of settler imperialism, colo‑
and most prestigious interfaith gathering in may seriously introspect if not apologize was inexplicably never called on to speak. nization, and destruction of Native
the world; and the Toronto PoWR is espe‑ for their mistreatment of Hinduism. On the other hand, there was much India‑ American people.
cially significant because it marks the speakers, this panel addressed the question bashing by the Sikh speaker. It seems as if Swami Vivekananda had warned us about
125th anniversary of Swami Vivekanandaʼs of how multi‑religious scenarios in todayʼs “neo‑Khalistani” anti‑India groups have religious narrow‑mindedness 125 years
historic debut on the world stage in 1893 in global village may be a source of strength acquired considerable political clout in ago. But what was truly disappointing was
the inaugural Parliament in Chicago. rather than conflict. Canada. But why were they allowed to inject that the PoWR 2018 had allowed itself to
Swami Vivekananda had boldly spoken Several other sessions also echoed such their agenda of hate and prejudice in a be used by such forces. Swamiji wanted
out there against religious intolerance: feelings, including one on “Women and forum that was professedly dedicated to each religion to “Help and not Fight,” stand
“Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible Climate Change”. Canadaʼs leading writer promoting love, reconciliation, and under‑ for “Assimilation and not Destruction,” and
descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed and feminist, Margaret Atwood, the main standing. work for “Harmony and Peace and not
this beautiful earth. They have filled the speaker in this panel, said that unless faith There were also several panels full of Dissension.” The PoWR 2018 may have fall‑
earth with violence, drenched it often and communities pledge to save the earth, we Leftists and some Dalit activists too, who en short of this yardstick, but should
often with human blood, destroyed civiliza‑ are heading down a catastrophic precipice spewed anti‑Hindu polemics. I myself heard Hindus give up? Certainly not. They should
tion and sent whole nations to despair.” towards self‑destruction. BJP, RSS, and PM Narendra Modi prepare for the next PoWR well in advance.
Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, I had Evidently, the spread of fundamentalism denounced several times. While a differ‑ The organizers of the 2018 Parliament in
proposed a panel on “Pluralism and Peace‑ and terrorism also bear witness to the ence of opinion is welcome, especially as a the meanwhile may seriously introspect if
making in Contemporary Hinduism” at this ample abuse of religious identity. In con‑ prelude to dialogue, such political sledging not apologize for their mistreatment of
PoWR. With Swami Tyagananda, senior trast, Hindu traditions, in the depth of their was uncalled for in an inter‑religious gath‑ Hinduism.
monk of the Ramakrishna Mission and non‑exclusive philosophical stances and the ering. (Paranjape is Director, Indian Institute of
Hindu chaplain at Harvard and MIT, Dr. rich diversity of their spiritual movements, As an eminent local Canadian Hindu put it Advanced Study, Shimla. The op‑ed first
Anindita Balslev, and Mandar Apte as try to solve the problems of religious identi‑ in her complaint to the organizers, “My con‑ appeared in DNA, Mumbai.)

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERFAITH November 17-23, 2018 15

PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLDʼS RELIGIONS, TORONTO


T
wenty‑five years ago, the

5 Directives for a more Just,


Parliament of the Worldʼs
Religions (POWR) made an
audacious decision. It would offer
the world something it had never

Peaceful & Sustainable World


had̶a declaration expressing the
ethical commitments held in com‑
mon by the worldʼs religious, spir‑
itual, and cultural traditions. It
commissioned theologian Hans
Kung to write an initial draft. leaders from various traditions
After months of consultation by and regions.
Kung and the Parliamentʼs leaders In July 2018, the Parliamentʼs
with scholars and leaders from Trustees approved a final version
various traditions and regions, the of the expanded Global E thic
Parliamentʼs Trustees approved a whose fifth directive spells out a
final draft. The result, “Towards a commitment to a culture of
Global E thic (An Init ial 5. CARE FOR THE EARTH
Declaration),” calls for a change of Since July, over 200 people have
consciousness and expresses four endorsed the expanded Global
ethical directives elaborating a Ethic. Here are a few of the indi‑
commitment to a culture of viduals who have signed their
1. Respect for life names in support: Swami
2. Economic justice Agnivesh (Humanism, India),
3. Truth and compassion Diana Eck (Christianity, USA),
4. Womenʼs rights Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji ( Jainism,
From the start, the Global Ethic India), David Rosen ( Judaism,
was intended to be a living docu‑ worldʼs traditions. It noticed their Global Ethic with an ethical direc‑ To e laborate this directive, it Israel), Opinderjit Kaur Takhar
ment. Since 1993, the Parliament growing concern for the environ‑ tive elaborating this shared sense launched a months‑long, collabo‑ (Sikhism, UK) and Ahmad Abedi
has been pay ing attent ion to ment and made another auda‑ of responsibility to the well‑being rative process during which it Sarvestani (Islam, Iran).
shifts in agreement between the cious decision: to expand the of the planet and its ecosystems. again consulted with scholars and Source: POWR

From Langar, with Love


By Miriam Quezada their heads covered and their feet walked through the line, I received t ions, all while sitt ing on the
Mendez bare. This structure of communal rice, roti, lentils, garbanzo beans, ground as equal recipients of an
eating emphasizes that all people kidney beans, peas and potatoes, entire communityʼs dedication to

I
am pretty new to the interfaith are equal. The Sikh community in each in a sauce bursting with fla‑ making sure no one goes hungry
world. I grew up in a communi‑ Toronto provided Langar to atten‑ vor and spice that was at times too and everyone is respected.
ty that was predominantly one dees at the Parliament of World much for my weak palate
religion, and Iʼm a member of that Religions. Throughout the meal, volunteers Born in Mexico, Miriam Quezada
re ligion. I became involved in Today at lunch time, I, along with walked around, of fering us more Mendez is a graduate from Illinois
interfaith work last year when I other Parliament attendees, rice, more beans, more roti, and College, double major in
walked through the exhibit hall to more water.
Communication & Rhetorical
started my graduate program. All
Studies and International Studies
of that introduction is meant to where Langar was provided. I I wondered how Langar was
with a focus on gender and
explain that I had never heard of removed my shoes and walked to a funded. Finding volunteers to
human rights.
an amazing thing called…Langar! row of chairs where Sikh volun‑ spend so many hours preparing,
Lang ar technically means teers tied head scarves on every‑ transporting, and serving food was
“kitchen” but more generally refers one. The woman helping me took amazing in and of itself. But as a
to the free meals that are offered
every day at Sikh temples through‑
my head in her hands after the
scarf was tied and, in the sweetest,
current grad student living on stu‑
dent loans, I am also painfully
Ahimsa award for Swami Chidanand
out the world. The meals are vege‑ most loving voice, thanked me for aware that foo d costs money.
tarian so that everyone, regardless coming and told me to enjoy my Feeding thousands of conference
of dietary restrictions or religious meal. I then walked over to the attendees every day is not a cheap
traditions, can eat. Everyone eats food line where I was handed a endeavor. I soon learned that Sikhs
together, sitting on the floor with tray, a spoon, and a napkin. As I donate at least ten percent of their
income, referred to as dasvandh, to
the Sikh community. This was not
a new concept for me, as I know
many religious practices, including
my own, require some kind of
tithing or zakat. But seeing the
actual output of what those dona‑
tions produced was both impres‑
sive and humbling.
Now that Iʼve seen Langar in
action, I have a greater apprecia‑
tion of its role in blessing partici‑
pants with full stomachs and full Swami Chidanand Saraswati, head of Parmarth Niketan in
spirits. My favorite part of this Rishikesh, India, was conferred the Ahimsa Award by the Parliament
Parliament has been seeing people of Worldʼs Religions in Toronto on Nov 6 by Dr Robert P Sellers,
from so many different places and POWR Chair, and Dr Kirit Daftary, POWRʼs Jain Trustee. The award
so many dif ferent backgrounds sponsored by Jain communities around the world was presented to
The Sikh community of Toronto served Langar for almost 10,000
come together to share their love, Swamiji for contributing to strengthen the interfaith community
participants every day at lunch time for a week at the Parliament
their communities, and their tradi‑ and setting an example of peace and compassion in action.
of the Worldʼs Religions held in the Canadian city.
16 November 17-23, 2018 FESTIVAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

DIWALI CELEBRATED AT BAPS


TEMPLES IN LI & QUEENS
MELVILLE

T he BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir here celebrated the


Diwali Festival on November 7‑8, participated by over 4,000
Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens county residents. The celebrations
included the Annakut Thaal, containing over 800 vegetarian food
dishes, which were prepared by devotees and offered to the
Mandirʼs idols.
The celebration also included a Childrenʼs Fair and Kids Diwali
Celebration, which featured food, games, and age‑group based
activities for the youths.
Special guests who attended the Diwali Festival were Suffolk
Many elected officials and community leaders County Executive Steve Bellone, Huntington Town Supervisor
This year for Annakut, over 1,000 items of home‑ attended the celebration at the BAPS temple Chad Lupinacci, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine
made vegetarian foods were offered to the deities. in Flushing. Hart, and many more officials and community leaders. A repre‑
sentatives from Governor Andrew Cuomo's office issued a
FLUSHING Special guests who attended the
event were Pushpa Raj Bhattarai
make efforts in removing dark‑
ness in the forms of anger, envy,
Proclamation for the Diwali Festival from the Governor's office.

T he BAPS Shri Swaminarayan


Mandir in Flushing, NY, cele‑
brated the Diwali festival and
from the Nepal Consulate in NY,
State Assemblyman‑elect John Liu,
NYC Councilmen Paul Vallone,
greed, arrogance, and resentment.
Offering his prayers to Bhagwan
Swaminarayan, H.H. Mahant
The BAPS
temple in
Melville
Annakut on November 7‑8. Peter Coo, Edward Braustein, Swami Maharaj, guru and
exquisitely
The celebrations were open to Costa Constantinides, and President of BAPS, prayed for lit up for
all. Visitors participated in various Donovan Richards. devotees around the world for Diwali.
activities, offered prayers for new A glittering array of twinkles continued personal, and profes‑
beginnings and had the opportuni‑ filled the night as traditional can‑ sional growth in this new year. He
ty to taste in the delicious offer‑ dles were lit by devotees. The also reminded individuals and
ings of the Annakut (over 1000 ancient tradition of lighting can‑ families about the importance of
items of homemade vegetarian dles, or diyas, during Diwali sym‑ leading spirituality‑centric lives,
foods were offered to the bolizes the transition from dark‑ grounded in strong values and
deities.)_ ness to light. They invite us to increased attachment to God.

IALI hosts Diwali luncheon Indian Embassy celebrates Diwali


Washington, DC: A function to
celebrate Diwali was organized at
Embassy of India on November
11. A large number of guests
from communities, including
prominent representatives from
business, administration, profes‑
sionals, media, and other fields
attended the event.
Welcoming the guests,
Ambassador Navtej Sarna extend‑
ed his warm greetings to the Ambassador Navtej Sarna & guests in attendance at the celebration of
audience on the joyous occasion. Diwali at the Embassy of India in Washington DC on November 11.
The program included a speech the festive mood, a number of gram concluded with vote of
by Srimati Karuna, Director, devotional songs were sung by thanks by Dr. Satish Misra,
Gandhi Memorial Centre, on the Ms. Krishnapriya, a freshman at President of United Hindu Jain
significance of Diwali. To add to University of Maryland. The pro‑ Temples.
IALIʼs Womenʼs Forum organized the event.

Jericho, NY: The Womenʼs Forum songs followed by duets with


Mrs Taruna
of India Association of Long Amita Karwal and Jyoti Gupta. Chakravorty
Island (IALI) hosted a Diwali Many ladies then got up to (second from
Dhamaka Luncheon on 2nd dance. right), wife of
November at the Cotillian Womenʼs Forum chair Veena Consul General
restaurant here. Lamba in her welcome speech Sandeep
There were more than 150 said, “All our programs this year Chakravorty,
attendees who enjoyed mingling, have been successful under the and other ladies
greeting and wishing Happy leadership of President Gunjan at the lamp
Diwali to each other. The pro‑ Rastogi”. lighting
gram started with Anuradha Attendees enjoyed shopping ceremony at the
start of ʻDiwali
Khanna doing Ganesh Vandana for clothes by Meenu Kumar,
with Media
along with other ladies, followed bead jewelry made by Rekha
Friendsʼ event
by Rajasthani dances by Mehta and Diwali coins by at the Indian
Stephannie Lalithe Cosme. Next Jewels Galleria. Consulate in
was the melodious singing by Agewell was the grand sponsor New York on
Kulbhushan Sharma who sang and provided information on November 9.
some lively Shammi Kapoor Medicare.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info FESTIVAL November 17-23, 2018 17

Mathura
Amritsar

A
view of
spectacularly
i Temple
illuminated Golden inated Shri Krishna Janmabhoom
A view of the spectacularly illum on Nov 6.
Temple on the eve on the eve of Diwali in Mathura
of Diwali in
Amritsar on Bum La
Nov 6.

Ayodhya

Zi Ming and other officers


Colonel Prasenjit Kar, Colonel Yang
‑La in Arun achal Pradesh on Nov 7, 2018.
during Diwali celebrations at Bum
ple's Liberation Army (PLA) held
The Indian Army and the China's Peo
ting to commemorate joint
ceremonial border personnel mee
the Indian Army.
celebrations of Diwali organised by

Mumbai

Actress Neetu
Over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen oil lamps lit up simultaneously on both sides of
Chandra and BSE
Ram Ki Paidi ghats on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya on Nov 6. A new
MD and CEO Ashish
Guinness World Record was set here on the eve of Diwali, beating the earlier record
Chauhan during
set in Haryana in 2016, where at an event 1,50,009 diyas were lit.
the one‑hour long
Muhurat trading
DHAKA on Diwali at BSE in
Mumbai on Nov 7.

Ahmedabad
Allahabad

e lights up
A Hindu devote A People perform the ritual
lamp to ce lebrate
an oil view of the during Chopda pujan
Diwal in Dh a,
ak
Nov. 6. Madan Mohan (the term used in Gujarat for
Bangladesh, on Malviya Stadium Lakshmi puja) at Swaminarayan
illuminated with oil Mandir on the occasion of Diwali
lamps and fireworks here on Nov 7. (Photos: IANS)
in the sky on the
eve of Diwali on
Nov 6.
18 November 17-23, 2018 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

FROM
SOCIAL
MEDIA
WISHES TO
FANCY
DIWALI
PARTIES ‒
THIS IS
WHAT OUR
FAVORITE
BOLLYWOOD
STARS WERE
UP TO THIS
SEASON OF
LIGHTS, LOVE
AND
HAPPINESS.

Actress Sonali
Bendre, who is in
New York for cancer
treatment, took to
Instagram to share photos
of the simple yet sweet
Diwali Puja, which she did
shared a picture of her along with husband
Sister bonding! Karisma Kapoor
r respective children. Goldie Behl and son
with sister Kareena (left) and thei Ranveer.
She captioned it, ʻMamas and their babiesʼ.

Gauri looked like a royal couple.


erstar Shah Rukh Khan and wife
On their lavish Diwali bash, sup and dad.
were seen twining with their mom
Their children Suhana and AbRam

Actress Shilpa
Shetty and
businessman‑
husband Raj Actress
Kundra pose Anushka
together with Sharma and
son Viaan Raj cricketer‑
during their husband Virat Kohli
Diwali bash in shared a picture on
Mumbai. instagram
and captioned it,
“Happy Diwali
from our
home…”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD November 17-23, 2018 19

#MeToo: Nawazuddin, Bhushan ‘Group of people in


film industry
Kumar, Sajid Khan called out
conspiring against me’
F
ormer beauty queen liked to call himself "Nowaz".

B
and "Miss Lovely" Their interactions led them to
ollywood actor Govinda,
actress Niharika get closer as Niharika "found
who along with producer
Singh, buoyed by the him real" after the "superficial
Pahlaj Nihalani is facing
"belated foray" of the ʻfilmy' interactions" she had had
difficulties to release their
#MeToo movement in in the past years.
upcoming film "Rangeela Raja"
India, says she has faced Narrating an incident when
after the Central Board of Film
sexual, physical, emotional, she invited him for breakfast to
Certification (CBFC) refused to
verbal and economic her house, Niharika said: "When
certify the film and ordered 20
exploitation in the enter‑ I opened the door, he grabbed
cuts, says there is a group of peo‑
tainment industry at the me. I tried to push him away but
ple from the film fraternity con‑
hands of known names like he wouldn't let go. After a little
spiring against him.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, coercion, I finally gave in. I was‑
During a press conference,
Bhushan Kumar and Sajid n't sure what to make of this
Govinda told media, "It has been
Khan. relationship. He told me it was
happening for last nine years
"I decided to write this his dream to have a Miss India
where a group of people in the
piece to expand my own or an actress wife, just like
film industry is conspiring
understanding of what con‑ Paresh Rawal and Manoj
against me and not letting my
stitutes abuse, who we Bajpayee. She has called out
films to release on any good plat‑
choose to punish and whom Nawazuddin for being an "aspi‑
forms."
we are willing to forgive," rational, sexually repressed
"Either those films are not get‑
Niharika wrote in a an Indian man whose toxic male Actor Govinda is fighting to get
almost 3,500 word‑long note Former beauty queen Niharika Singh entitlement grew with his suc‑
ting a release or those films are
his film ʻRangeela Rajaʼ released.
articulating her #MeToo
with actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui. cess". In the end, she shared her
not getting good theatres and
screens. The recent example was ing in a different world," added
story. tryst with Sajid Khan, who has been
signing amount for the film. It con‑ "Fryday" which released a few the actor who worked with
The note was shared on Twitter named by multiple women for sexu‑
tained two 500 rupee notes. I got a weeks ago and even media gave Nihalani from his debut film
by journalist Sandhya Menon. al harassment.
text from him later that night ‑‑ ʻI it a good review. They took the "Ilzaam", "Shola Aur Shabnam"
Niharika said her big Bollywood "I met (him) a couple of times
would love to know you more. Let's film away from theatres," and "Aankhen"."
debut ran into roadblocks when Raj while he was dating an actress I
get together sometime.' I wrote Govinda said. The producer has moved to the
Kanwar, a filmmaker who had knew years ago, made a few predic‑
back saying ‑‑ ʻAbsolutely! Letʼs go "I stayed silent up till then, but Bombay High Court to seek jus‑
signed a 10‑film contract with her tions when a close friend of ours
on a double date. You bring your how could they just stop film of a tice against the decision of CBFC.
did not start work on his films nor was opening her second restaurant
wife. I'll bring my boyfriend.' He producer like Pahlaj Nihalani ji. Nihalani who was also present
did he allow her to work on any ‑ 'This place will shut down within a
never wrote to me again," said He is one of the respected film there at the press conference
other films that she was offered. year, mark my words.' To his
Niharika, who never got paid for the producers of the industry who lashed out on the current chair‑
Then she came across Bhushan actress girlfriend he said,'She won't
project. has introduced several film stars man of CBFC and said, Prasoon
Kumar of T‑Series. survive a day without me in
It was in 2009 that she signed the in Bollywood," he added. Joshi intentionally did not watch
"Bhushan Kumar called me to his Bollywood'. And, this one', looking
indie drama "Miss Lovely", starring "Our film industry was never the film on time to certify the
office to sign ʻA New Love Ishtory' at me straight,'will soon commit
Nawazuddin Siddiqui. She says he like this, and it seems we are liv‑ film.
where he gave me an envelope as a suicide.'

PRIYANKA, NICK GET 'Thugs of Hindostan':


MARRIAGE LICENSE AAMIR KHAN STEALS THE SHOW
A
straight‑laced fiction
mounted in a historical
set‑up, director Vijay
Krishna Acharya's "Thugs of
Hindostan" is a sprawling, ambi‑
tious 164‑minute epic action
adventure.
The story begins Circa 1795
when the British East India
Company tries to annex the
princely state of Ronakpur.
When negotiations fail, they
assassinate its ruler Mirza (Ronit
Roy) and his son Aslam. Mirza's
trusted Lieutenant Khudabaksh
Actress Priyanka Chopra with fiance Nick Jonas in Jodhpur. Azaad (Amitabh Bachchan) In the film, two legendary icons of the Indian screen – Amitabh

A
escapes from the British's bul‑ Bachchan and Aamir Khan – are pitted against each other.
head of their wedding, it The report further stated that
lets, taking along with him
was reported that the couple was planning to steals the show with his flamboy‑ some of his earlier films too.
Mirza's young daughter Zafira.
Bollywood actress bring the license with them to
Everything about this film is in ance. He is the pulsating heart of Luckily for him, his character
Priyanka Chopra and American India for their wedding in
capital letters preceded by arti‑ the narrative. He brings his char‑ stands out due to his sheer per‑
singer Nick Jonas have obtained December and then will eventu‑
cles; the story befitting the inter‑ acter to life with his energetic sonality. Katrina Kaif as Suraiya
a marriage license in the US. ally file the license in the US to
textual clash of the good against on‑screen presence, priceless the dancer, is fabulous. She
As per theblast.com, the cou‑ make the marriage official in
evil, the mounting on the mas‑ expressions on his visage, flaw‑ impresses us with her graceful
ple, who got engaged in August, both countries.
sive scale and casting of the less dancing and agility during and elegant dance moves, espe‑
visited the Beverly Hills Priyanka and Nick are report‑
leads. the action scenes. Amitabh cially in the song "Suraiya jaan".
Courthouse last week and filled edly getting married at
While the two legendary icons Bachchan as Khudabaksh, a loyal Overall, this film is worth a
out the paperwork to obtain the Rajasthan's Mehrangarh Fort in
of the Indian screen are pitted guard‑cum‑protector of Zafira, is watch for Aamir Khan's perform‑
license. December.
against each other, Aamir Khan a character we have seen in ance.
20 November 17-23, 2018 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Ranilʼs party to challenge Lankan ‘Asia Bibi can leave Pakistan


Parliament's dissolution only after court decision’
Islamabad: Pakistani Christian
Colombo: Sri Lanka's ousted woman Asia Bibi can leave the
Prime Minister Ranil Sirisena sets country only if the Supreme
Wickremesing he's party, the
United National Party (UNP), said
January 5 for Court rejects an appeal challeng‑
ing her acquittal in a blasphemy
it would file a case in the Supreme parliamentary polls case, the government said.

S
Court against the early dissolution ri Lankan President Bibi, a mother of five, was
of Parliament by President Maithripala Sirisena has released recently from a prison in
Maithripala Sirisena. signed a special gazette Multan, where she spent eight
UNP Parliamentarian Mangala notification dissolving parlia‑ years on death row. She was
Samaraweera told journalists that accused of insulting Prophet
ment and declaring January 5, Pakistani Christian woman Asia
the party would early next week 2019, as the date for a snap par‑ Muhammad in 2009 and a court Bibi was accused of insulting
file a challenge in the Supreme liamentary election. sentenced her to death in 2010. the Prophet in 2009.
Court, calling the President's deci‑ The President said that nomi‑ Foreign Ministry spokesperson
sion to dissolve Parliament "ille‑ Mohammad Faisal denied rumors court)," Faisal said.
nations for the parliamentary
gal", Xinhua news agency report‑ that Bibi had left the country He said Bibi was free to "travel
elections would be called from
ed. after the furore caused by her to wherever she wants" after the
November 19 to 26, reports
A group of UNP legislators met release. "There is no truth in court's decision on the review
Xinhua news agency.
Elections Commission Chairman reports of her leaving the country petition.
He further set January 17,
Mahinda Deshapriya and dis‑ ‑‑ it is fake news," Faisal told "No one will object to it. A free
2019 as the new date for the
cussed the dissolut ion of Dawn NewsTV. national can go wherever he or
new parliament to convene.
Parliament and urged him to take Her acquittal by the apex court she wants to. She is pretty much
Sirisena's move to dissolve the
steps to "save democracy". on October 31 triggered wide‑ with Pakistani authorities. The
Sri Lankan PM Ranil parliament comes one and a half
Meanwhile, the main opposition spread protests led by the hard‑ state of Pakistan is there to pro‑
Wickremesinghe was years ahead of the scheduled
Tamil National Alliance and the line Islamist party Tehreek‑e‑ tect her."
sacked on Oct 26. parliamentary polls.
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna will Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Bibi's family had asked for help
also be filing cases in the Supreme sons said. Sri Lanka has been fac‑ "Asia (Bibi) is at a safe place in and asylum for security reasons
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe
Court against the dissolution of ing political turmoil since October Pakistan. She is a free citizen from the UK, Canada, the US and
and appointed former President
Parliament, their party spokesper‑ 26 when the President sacked now. A writ is undergoing (in the Italy.
Mahinda Rajapaksa to the post.

Bangladesh parliamentary Taliban at Moscow talks:


election on December 23 INDIAʼS ROLE IN LINE
Dhaka: Bang ladesh's Chie f Elect ion
Commissioner KM Nurul Huda said that
through balloting in about 40,000 polling
stations. WITH ITS POLICY
the country's 11th parliamentary election The announcement came amid the new New Delhi: India said its partici‑
will be held on December 23. opposition alliance Jatiya Oikya Front's pation, albeit at a non‑of ficial
Huda made the announcement in a tele‑ repeated calls for the Election Commission leve l, at a meet ing on peace
vised speech to the nation, bdnews24.com to defer the election schedule. The ruling pro cess in Afg hanistan in
reported. Awami League, on the other hand, urged Moscow, where the Taliban are
According to the schedule, poll aspirants the poll body to stick to its plan. also in attendance, is in line with
will have to submit their nomination Huda urged all political parties to take New Delhi's policy towards the
papers by November 19. The last date for part in the e lect ion to cont inue strife‑torn South Asian nation.
w ithdraw ing candidature w ill be Bangladesh's "development ef forts and "T here are two‑three things
November 29. put democracy on a stronger footing". here," External Af fairs Ministry
Nearly 104.2 million people, including a "I believe the enthusiastic presence of spokesperson Raveesh Kumar
little more than 51.6 million women, are supporters prevents irregularities in an said at a media briefing here.
registered as voters. They will elect their election fiercely contested by all the politi‑ "One is that we fully support
300 representat ives to Parliament cal parties," he said. peace and reconciliation ef forts
in Afghanistan," Kumar said.
"(it is) to preserve unity and
plurality, to bring security, peace
and prosperity in the country.
Indiaʼs External Affairs Ministry spokesperson
"The third important priority,
Raveesh Kumar
which we have been repeatedly
emphasising, and which is India's consis‑ ing New Delhi at the talks in Moscow.
tent policy, is that India will support any This is the first time that India is sharing
ef fort which is Afghan‑led, Afghan‑owned the talks table with the Afghan Taliban on
and Afghan‑controlled and also with the issues of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
part icipat ion of the government of The Indian move comes after Russian
Afghanistan." President Vladimir Putin's visit to New
Stressing that India is doing nothing out Delhi last month for the annual bilateral
of compulsion, Kumar said: "Whatever summit with Prime Minister Narendra
effort is made which we feel will continue Modi.
the process, and which is consistent with New De lhi and Moscow have also
our policy on Afghanistan, I think we will resolved to launch joint development and
participate in that process". capacity building projects in Afghanistan.
Amar Sinha, former Secretary in the Russia sent invitations for what is called
External Af fairs Ministry who also served the Moscow Format talks to Afghanistan,
as India's Ambassador to Afghanistan, and India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China,
T.C.A. Rag havan, former Indian Hig h Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
Bangladesh's Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda. Commissioner to Pakistan, are represent‑ Uzbekistan, the US and the Afghan Taliban.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL November 17-23, 2018 21

World leaders commemorate Canadian intelligence


100 years since WWI Armistice received Khashoggi
Paris: Dozens of leaders from
around the globe converged in
tape: Justin Trudeau
Paris to attend a portentous cere‑ Paris: Canadian Prime
mony commemorating 100 years Minister Justin Trudeau
since the armistice that put an end has become the first
to the brutal conflict now known Western leader to acknowl‑
as World War I. edge that his country's
Some 70 heads of State and gov‑ intelligence received an
ernment were among the guests of audio recording of the
an event hosted by French killing of Saudi journalist
President Emmanuel Macron, who Jamal Khashoggi.
gave a solemn speech exalting the Turkish President Recep
millions of young men who were Tayyip Erdogan said last
tragically killed fighting in the week that he gave record‑
Great War and criticized what he ings "to Saudi Arabia, to
identified as the root of the global‑ America, to the Germans,
scale bloodbath, the ideology of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela the French, to the British, to
nationalism, reports Efe news. Merkel unveil First World War plaque at Armistice site . all of them", but there was
"Patriotism is the exact opposite criticism. Turkish President Recep Tayyip no independent confirma‑
of nat ionalism," Macron said. Before Macron's speech, the Erdogan, who all represent the tion from any country that
"Nationalism betrays it." world leaders walked side‑by‑side successor states to the Central they had received it.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau spoke at
"Old demons are resurfacing. under an unforgiving downpour Powers that ended up being Speaking at a press con‑ a press conference in Paris.
History sometimes threatens to towards the iconic Arc du defeated in the war (the German, ference in Paris, Trudeau
take its tragic course again and Triomphe at the end of the Austro‑Hungarian and Ottoman said Canadian intelligence had "I had a conversation with
compromise our hope of peace. Let Champs‑Élysées avenue while the empires). listened to the audio tape provid‑ Erdogan a couple of weeks ago,
us vow to prioritize peace over be lls of the French capital's Russian President Vladimir Putin ed by Turkish intelligence, but he and here in Paris we had brief
everything," the French leader churches tolled to mark the exact and Canadian Prime Minister had not done so, according to a exchanges and I thanked him for
added, in what appeared to be a time the 1918 ceasefire went into Justin Trudeau ‑ as well as leaders report in the Guardian. his strength in responding to the
reference to the surge of far‑right effect, the 11th hour of the 11th of former parts of the British "Canada's intelligence agencies Khashoggi situation."
nationalist parties and movements day of the 11th month. Empire such as Irish Taoiseach Leo have been working very closely Khashoggi's body is yet to be
across Europe and elsewhere in Attending dignitaries included Varadkar or Indian Vice President on this issue with Turkish intelli‑ found. It has been reported that
the world. the chancellor of Germany, Angela M. Venkaiah Naidu ‑ symbolized gence and Canada has been fully he was strangled, dismembered
US President Donald Trump Merke l, Austrian President the Allied or Entente coalition that briefed on what Turkey had to and his body dissolved in chemi‑
skipped the meet, inviting global Alexander Van Der Bellen and emerged victorious in the struggle. share," he said. cals.

No deal on UK's exit from Israel boosts security measures


bloc: EU's Brexit negotiator
Brussels: EU's chief
in Gaza amid tensions
negotiator for the Jerusalem: The Israeli authorities
UK's withdrawal t ig htened security measures
from the bloc said around the Gaza Strip following
there was still no clashes that killed an Army offi‑
agreement on a cial and wounded another,
Brexit deal. according to the Israeli military.
Michel Barnier The Gaza Health Ministry said
addressed EU for‑ an exchange of fire erupted on
eign ministers gath‑ Nov 11 when Israe li forces
ered in Brussels. claimed they were carrying out a
"Barnier explained military operat ion near the
that intense negoti‑ southern Gaza city of Khan
ating efforts contin‑ Younis, which resulted in the
ue but an agreement deaths of seven Palestinians aged
has not been between 19‑37 and left seven
reached yet," an EU others injured, Efe news report‑
statement cited by ed.
European Union's chief Brexit
Efe news said. "During IDF (Israeli Defence
negotiator Michel Barnier.
"Some key issues Forces) special forces' opera‑
remain under discussion, in par‑ plans, which would act as a kind t ional act ivity in Gaza, an
ticular, a solution to avoid a hard of insurance policy to ensure the exchange of fire broke out, dur‑
border between Ireland and border remains open even in the ing which an IDF of ficer was
Northern Ireland." event of a no‑deal Brexit. Remains of a building destroyed in Israeli airstrike
killed and an additional IDF offi‑ in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip.
Brexit negotiations between Brussels also proposed that cer was moderately injured," the
Brussels and London faltered Northern Ireland remain in regu‑ Israeli Army tweeted. Gaza at the Israeli territory, three ation.
over disagreements on exactly latory alignment with the A Hamas military commander of which were intercepted by the The escalation came just days
how to maintain a soft Irish bor‑ Republic of Ireland, an EU mem‑ was also killed in Israeli forces Iron Dome. after Qatar sent $15 million into
der once the UK leaves the bloc, ber state, after Brexit. operation, reports say. Hamas Meanwhile, Israe li Prime Gaza in an attempt to alleviate
which is scheduled to officially But May said such a deal could, identified the deceased military Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the humanitarian crisis in the
take place in March 2019. in effect, place a customs border commander as 37‑year‑old Nour who was in Paris along with coastal enclave and reduce ten‑
The EU has asked the UK gov‑ down the Irish Sea. Baraka of the Qassam Brigades, other world leaders to commem‑ sions along the Gaza border,
ernment of Prime Minister Ministers gathered in Brussels according to CNN. orate the centenary of the end of which has seen often violent
Theresa May to include a so‑ expressed their support for The IDF said that after the gun‑ World War I, cut short his visit to clashes between Israeli security
called Irish backstop in its Brexit Barnier in the discussions. fire, 17 missiles were fired from return to Israel to assess the situ‑ forces and Palestinian protesters.
22 November 17-23, 2018 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

GST a monumental MODI INAUGURATES


reform: Jaitley to Rajan INDIA'S FIRST INLAND
Mumbai: Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley termed the Goods and
PORT IN VARANASI
Services Tax as a 'monumental' Varanasi: Prime Minister event. The inland port at
reform, emphasizing that the Narendra Modi on Monday Varanasi is the first of a string
implementation of the indirect inaugurated the first multi‑ of inland waterways and termi‑
tax had impacted economic modal terminal built on the nals that the central govern‑
growth for only two quarters. river Ganga in Varanasi, his par‑ ment aims to develop.
T he GST was implemented liamentary constituency. National Waterway‑1 (Haldia‑
across the nat ion on July 1, Modi, along with Union Varanasi) is being developed
2017. The shift to a new taxation Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, with technical assistance and
regime, immediately after the also received India's first con‑ investment support from the
sho ck demonet izat ion of tainer vessel that sailed from World Bank, officials informed.
November 2016, had slowed the Kolkata on the newly‑developed The total estimated cost of the
pace of economic growth. inland waterway carrying cargo project is Rs 5,369.18 crore,
Jaitley contended that the belonging to food and bever‑ which will be equally shared
economy re bounded after a ages giant PepsiCo India. The between the Centre and the
decline in the first two quarters cargo had sailed from West World Bank. The Prime
after the GST came into force. Bengal on October 30. Minister is scheduled to unveil
His comments came a day after Modi was accompanied by several other projects in his
reports cited former Reserve Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister parliamentary constituency
bank of India Governor Yogi Adityanath during the later in the day.
Raghuram Rajan as saying that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
GST and demonetization slowed
India's economic growth at a economy. "...you will always have ket's liquidity requirements and
time when other economies were critics and cynics who will come drive economic growth.
expanding fast. up and say it slowed down According to the Minister, it is
Jaitley was speaking via video‑ India's growth," Jaitley said. important that the NPA (non‑per‑
conference at an event here to It's true that for two quarters forming asset) levels at banks
mark the 100th anniversary of after GST, growth got impacted are minimized and that the
the Union Bank of India called but in the subsequent quarters, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
the GST a monumental reform. the economy expanded by 7 per is showing results.
The Minister said that monu‑ cent, 7.7 per cent and 8.2 per He further said that it is only
mental reforms such as GST had cent, he said. through the banking sector that
a transient impact but were The Finance Minister said that lending can be provided to sec‑ PM Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
required in the larger interest of the banking system needed to be tors such as the MSMEs and and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurate India's
the country and to formalize the strengthened to meet the mar‑ NBFCs. first Multi‑Modal Terminal on river Ganga in Varanasi.

ALIBABA Mining baron Reddy jailed in Ponzi case


GENERATES RECORD Bengaluru: Karnataka's former Reddy's arrest comes a day
BJP Minister and mining baron after he drove to the CCB office
$31 BILLION IN Gali Janardhana Reddy was
arrested and jailed for allegedly
on Saturday evening in
response to its summons in the

SINGLES' DAY SALE shielding two accused persons


in a multi‑crore Ponzi scheme,
Ponzi case.
"Reddy has been lodged in
Shanghai: Chinese e‑commerce giant Alibaba a senior police official said. the city central jail. We will
announced generation of whopping $30.8 "Based on the evidences and apply for bail in the same court
billion in terms of Gross Merchandise Value statements, Reddy has been on Monday for his release," his
(GMV) during Singles' Day sale ‑‑ the 24‑ arrested and charged w ith lawyer Chandrashekar told
hour annual shopping event ‑‑ held on criminal conspiracy and under reporters here. Reddy was
November 11, beating the last year's record various other Sections of the quizzed on Saturday by CCB
of $25 billion. Around 180,000 brands had Indian Penal Co de (IPC)," officials led by Kumar, Deputy
participated in the sale on all retails plat‑ Additional Commissioner of Commissioner of Police S.
forms of the company. Police (Crime) Alok Kumar told Girish and Assistant
Apple, Xiaomi, Pampers were among the reporters here. Commissioner of Police
top brands that were sold to customers Later, Addit ional City Venkatesh Prasanna.
spread across 197 countries. Metropolitan Mag istrate Reddy, 51, a former BJP
The 10th edition of the Global Shopping Jagdish sent Reddy to a 14‑day Minister in the state (2008‑11),
Festival 11.11, which is also called 'Double judicial custody till November however, denied his involve‑
11' event as it falls on November 11, kicked 24 after the police produced ment in the case.
off on Saturday midnight providing huge him at the Magistrate's resi‑ "I have no role in the Ponzi
discounts on goods ranging from diapers to dence in the city. scheme. The police have no evi‑
mobile phones. The Central Crime Branch dence to prove my involvement
It started with a bang as products worth police took Reddy to state‑run in it. They (police) are mislead‑
$3 billion were sold in the first five minutes Victoria Hospital in the city for ing the media and the public,"
and the $10 billion figure was achieved in the mandatory medical check‑ said Reddy.
little over one hour. Karnataka's mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy being arrested
up before producing him at the In a Ponzi scheme, an invest‑
Alibaba Group Executive Chairman Jack in a multi‑crore Ponzi scheme, in Bengaluru. (Photo: IANS)
Magistrate's residence. ment firm fraudulently collects
Ma was present at the countdown gala here. The CCB charged Reddy with Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed during their interroga‑ huge money from depositors
Los Angeles, Tokyo, Frankfurt, were among shielding a man and his son, for alleged money laundering tion that Reddy had allegedly promising high interest rate
the global cities that saw orders being both accused in a Rs 954‑crore in violation of the Foreign bribed an ED official Rs 1 crore but uses it to pay heavy inter‑
placed for goods ranging from diapers to Ponzi scheme, from being Exchange Management Act for withholding the probe into est on deposits raised earlier
mobiles. invest ig ated by the (FEMA). "The accused duo have the Ponzi scam," said Kumar. from another set of investors.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS November 17-23, 2018 23

India defeat West Indies, whitewash series 3‑0


Chennai: A brilliant batting display style, Pant was dismissed in the
from Shikhar Dhawan (92) and 19th over.
Rishabh Pant (58) helped India New batsman Pandey then strug‑
edge past West Indies by six wick‑ gled at the crease but at the end,
ets in a last ball thriller in the final India managed to steal the game in
match of the Twenty20 the last ball.
International series here. Earlier, a good batting show
With this win, India completed a helped West Indies post a chal‑
whitewash in the three‑match lenging total of 181/3.
series. The visitors applied themselves
After two quick wickets, Dhawan perfectly and made sure they did
and Pant batted well and put India not loose wickets till the end which
on the brink of victory but Pant's saw middle‑order batsmen Darren
wicket in the penultimate over Bravo (43 not out) and Nicholas
changed the scenario of the match Pooran (53 not out) taking the
and the game went to the last over. charge towards the end, helping
Needing five runs in seven balls, their team to post a decent score.
Dhawan and Manish Pandey Opting to bat, openers Shai Hope
scored four runs in first three balls (24) and Shimron Hetmyer (26)
but then a dot ball and Dhawan's started the proceedings on a good
wicket made the match interesting Indian cricket team with the trophy in Chennai. (Photo: IANS) note, forging a 51‑run partnership
which could have been finished in six overs.
much earlier. Needing one run in 182, India started on a bad note, soon he was also dismissed by park to forge a 130‑run partner‑ But while trying to accelerate the
one ball, Manish, who seemed out losing opener Rohit Sharma (4) in Oshane Thomas in the sixth over. ship. In the process, the duo com‑ score, Hope was dismissed by
of sorts in the middle, somehow the third over. With the scoreboard reading pleted their respective half cen‑ Yuzvendra Chahal in the seventh
managed to steal a run to hand New batsman Lokesh Rahul (17) 45/2, Dhawan (92) and Pant (58) turies. over. After adding 11 more runs to
India a victory. then came in the middle and dis‑ took the charge and hammered the But just when it seemed India the total with Bravo, Hetmyer was
Chasing a challenging score of played some brilliant shots but Windies' bowlers all around the will finish of f the proceedings in also sent packing by Chahal.

Women's World T20: India Kohli lost control while making


post facile win over Pak 'leave India' comment: Anand
Kolkata: Virat Kohli 'lost control' of sidelines of Tata Steel Chess India
himself while making the 'leave 2018 meet he ld at the Indian
India' comment, feels legendary Council for Cultural Relations here.
five‑t ime former world chess Kohli had asked a fan to leave
champion Viswanathan Anand. the country if he did not like to
"I think he lost control. He got a watch Indian cricketers in action.
bit emotional and he just said the Kohli faced the backlash after his
first thing that came to his mind," reaction to a fan, who confessed
Anand told IANS on the sidelines his preference for English and
of Tata Steel Chess India 2018 Australian cricketers over Kohli's
meet held at the Indian Council for blue brigade.
Cultural Relations here. Kohli took to Twitter later to
Sounding not too pleased at the clarify his point and explained why
Seasoned batter Mithali Raj. manner in which Kohli replied to a he had made the "leave India" com‑
fan's question in the video and ment.
Providence (Guyana): Seasoned Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy drew immediate condemnation, "I guess trolling isn't for me
batter Mithali Raj cracked a half remained not out on 14 and 8 Anand said the 30‑year old bats‑ guys, I'll stick to getting trolled! I
century to guide India to a facile respectively. Courtesy the victo‑ man would be the first to acknowl‑ spoke about how "these Indians"
seven‑wicket win over arch‑rivals ry, India (with four points) now edge that he also has fans abroad was mentioned in the comment
Virat Kohli.
Pakistan in the ICC Women's have one foot in the semifinals and they don't have to leave their and that's all. I'm all for freedom of
World T20 here. from the five‑team Group B. countries. fans, and none of them have to choice. Keep it light guys and enjoy
Raj held fort from one end to Two teams each from the two "He must be the first to appreci‑ leave their country and come to the festive season. Love and peace
make short work of India's run groups qualify for the semifinals. ate that he probably has foreign India (laughs)," Anand said on the to all," Kohli had tweeted.
chase with a 47‑ball 56 which India never looked in trouble

WRESTLING: PUNIA FIRST INDIAN


she made with the help of seven with openers Raj and Smriti
fours in the Group B match Mand hana (26) finding the
which was marred by unprece‑ boundaries at regular intervals
dented docking of 10 penalty
runs on Pakistan.
Even before a ball being faced,
in their 73‑run partnership.
Mand hana fe ll to Bismah
Maroof with Omaima Sohail tak‑
TO BE RANKED WORLD NO.1
New Delhi: Bajrang Punia, who got a Budapest event. Punia was seeded
10 runs were on India's score‑ ing a crisp catch at deep square
silver medal in last months World No. 3, again a first for any Indian
board after Pakistan were leg. Jemimah Rodrigues (16) was
Championships at Budapest, is wrestler. "I am happy about the rank‑
docked five‑run penalty twice then caught and bowled by Nida
ranked No.1 in the world in his ing because it reflects India's overall
during their innings on account Dar in the 15th over but it hardly
weight category, according to the growth in wrestling. But the real cel‑
of their batswomen running on matter in the end. Earlier,
ranking chart released by the United ebration for me will be when I
the danger area of the pitch dur‑ Pakistan rode on half‑centuries
World Wrestling. Punia who com‑ become the Olympic champion,"
ing their innings. India had little from Bismah Maroof and Nida
petes in Freestyle 65 kilogram class, Punia said in a statement. The CWG
dif ficulty in gunning down the Dar to post 133/7. The Indians
thus became the first Indian to be and Asian Games gold medal winner,
modest target of 134 with six continued to struggle with their
ranked as the top wrestler by the who lost in the World Championship
balls to spare, reaching 137 for 3 fielding even as the Pakistanis
world body which, for the first time, final in the 65kg to Japanese Takuto
in 19 overs. Previous game cen‑ piled on the runs with some
introduced a seeding system in Otoguro, leads the chart with 96
turion and captain Harmanpreet superb strokeplay.
world championships during the points. Bajrang Punia.
24 November 17-23, 2018 RELIGION TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Iʼm not that kind of Christian


By Rev. Thomas W. Goodhue tion, which often requires us to stand
against lunatics in our own faith commu‑

N
early every person of faith is nity. When a troubled young man gunned
embarrassed sometimes by the down dozens of people at the gay‑friendly
behavior of someone who belongs Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, the most com‑
to their faith community. Sometimes this forting words I heard were spoken by
makes us reluctant to identify with our Sheikh Ibrahim Negm, an eminent Muslim
religious tradition at all. The poet scholar from Cairo University, at an
Kathleen Norris, a devout Presbyterian Interfaith Iftar at the Islamic Center of
who also is an “oblate” affiliated with a Long Island, “The victims in Orlando are
Catholic monastic community, was asked my brothers and sisters. The man who
once by an interviewer, “Are you a killed them is not my brother.”
Christian?” Norris sighed and replied that In much the same way, I believe that
“The problem is that so many people who Christians must say loud and clear that
say they are Christians are such jerks.” I “Christian” racists are not really Christian
know exactly what she means. And Iʼm at all. Christianity teaches me to “hate the
afraid that I act like a jerk sometimes sin but love the sinner,” but hating the sin
myself. means saying that the sinner has left the
Nearly every religion has its fanatics fold:
and bigots. In recent years, Americans Anyone who hates immigrants does not
have assumed that most terrorists were follow the God I know, the One who calls
Muslims, even if more people were killed us to “defend the widow, the orphan, and
by home‑grown terrorists who claimed to the immigrant among you.”
be Christian. In the last few weeks, those Anyone who hates Jews does not know
who think they belong to my tribe have the God of Jesus.
attempted to attack a black church in Anyone who hates Muslims does not
Kentucky and killed African Americans know my God.
randomly in a shopping center, mailed And as the First Letter of John in the
In the last few weeks, those who think they belong to my tribe have attempted to attack
more than a dozen bombs to Presidents New Testament says, “Anyone who says ʻI
a black church in Kentucky, mailed bombs to prominent Democrats, and slaughtered Jews
Clinton and Obama and other prominent love Godʼ and hates his brother is lying.”
in Pittsburgh for being pro‐immigrant. I am reminded of the First Letter of John in the
Democrats, and slaughtered Jews in Perhaps all people of faith are called,
New Testament reminds us, “Anyone who says ‘I love God’ and hates his brother is lying.”
Pittsburgh for being pro‑immigrant. whenever anyone attacks someone in the
Whenever anyone who calls them‑ name of their faith, to say, “No! Not in my
is certainly true but our tribe did too little promote understanding between Israelis
selves a Muslim commits any atrocity any‑ name, you donʼt.”
to oppose the Nazisʼ rise to power and we and Palestinians. Moments later, though,
where, Muslim leaders are expected to Excerpted from ʻMany Names for God:
bear responsibility for the centuries of somebody in the audience yelled at the
denounce terrorism̶even if their denun‑ How To Be a Good Neighbor in a Multi‑
anti‑Semitism that made the Holocaust Muslim teacher, “Why donʼt Muslims con‑
ciations receive little attention from non‑ Faith World.ʼ
possible̶as we do for how easy it is for demn terrorism?”
Muslims. But as Rev. Mark Lukens has neo‑Nazis to get their hands on guns Several Muslims present replied with
observed, “Why didnʼt anyone ask me to today. Many Christians also have a dis‑ remarkable patience and politeness that
disavow Timothy McVeigh?” McVeigh, the turbing tendency to accept the death of a they have done so repeatedly, only to
1995 Oklahoma City bomber, wasnʼt real‑ few innocent people when our nation is have their statements ignored. This led to
ly a Christian, of course, but neither was trying to kill a bad guy̶or the invasion of angry retorts from the audience if this
Osama bin Laden much of a Muslim. How countries that never attacked us. were true the listeners would have heard
many Christians did you hear repudiating Some members of my tribe fear that about them. See if you can follow the logic
any of these home‑grown “Christian” ter‑ Christians are being singled out for perse‑ here:
rorists this past month? cution around the world today, but in the “I said it, but you were not listening”
Both Jesus and Sigmund Freud suggest‑ nations where religious fanatics are the “I didnʼt hear it, so you must not have
ed that what annoys us most in other peo‑ most deadly, all minority communities are said it.”
ple is usually something we cannot accept at risk. Churches have been bombed in That evening I emailed 150 reporters
in ourselves. We complain about the Pakistan, for example, but so have the and editors the text of an extraordinary
speck in our neighborʼs eye, Jesus said, houses of worship of Hindus, Shia new declaration, issued by more than 100
when we have a log in our own. As the Muslims, Sunnis, Ismailis, and Muslim leaders, condemning terrorism as The Rev. Thomas W. Goodhue is a United
French say, "He who excuses himself, Ahmadiyyas. Sometimes even the past is a betrayal of Islam. Can you guess how Methodist clergyman. He has served
accuses himself.” not safe: the Taliban blew up ancient stat‑ many newspapers, magazines, and radio churches in Hawaii, Manhattan, and Long
I cannot expect others to repudiate ues of the Buddha in Afghanistan and a or television programs covered this Island and led the Long Island Council of
fanaticism in their tradition until I face 2000‑year‑old Jain temple was demol‑ fatwa? Not one. Churches for 17 years.
the offenses committed by members of ished in Lahore to build a subway line. Nonetheless, we have an obligation to You can reach him at
my tribe. Yes, Christians do suffer perse‑ Of course, just because you condemn keep working for peace and reconcilia‑ twgoodhue@gmail.com.
cution in some nations today, but our religious violence does
woes do not begin to equal the offenses of not mean anyone will
those who claimed to be following Jesus, listen. Most Muslims I
the Prince of Peace, and yet who slaugh‑ know are deeply frus‑
tered millions of Jews, Muslims, and many trated that they are
fellow Christians during the Crusades and asked to condemn ter‑
the Holocaust. And Protestants and rorism without anyone
Catholics killed each other with relish dur‑ noticing that they have
ing the 16th and 17th centuries, just as already done so many
they did more recently during “the times. Several years ago
Troubles” in Northern Ireland. I attended an interfaith
I learned during a trip to Ireland a year program at a local syna‑
before the Good Friday Peace Accords gogue where a pastor,
were signed that the most murderous imam, and rabbi from
Protestants and Catholics were often only the Holy Land did a
nominal members of any church. wonderful job of
Christians also like to point out that Adolf describing their
Hitler was a pagan, not a Christian, which admirable efforts to
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE November 17-23, 2018 25

Pediatricians strengthen Organic food prevents


stance against spanking kids cancer says a new study
P
eople who reg‑

T
he American Academy of ularly eat
Pediatrics has hardened its Several studies organic food
stance against spanking have found asso‑ are less likely to devel‑
ciations between op cancer than those
children as a form of parental dis‑
spanking and who don't, according
cipline. In a new policy statement,
aggressive child to a new study out of
published in the journal behavior, depres‑
Pediatrics, the pediatricians' France. A team of
sive symptoms in
group recommends that adults researchers studied
adolescence and
caring for children use "healthy less gray matter 68,946 adult volun‑
forms of discipline" ‑‑ such as pos‑ in children's teers from France who
itive reinforcement of appropriate brains provided information
behaviors, setting limits and set‑ (Image : on how often they ate
ting expectations ‑‑ and not use irishnews.com) organic food, drinks,
spanking, hitting, slapping, threat‑ and even dietary sup‑
ening, insulting, humiliating or plements. Participants were given a cer. The reason for the results might
shaming. score, based on how often they eat be because of other lifestyle or envi‑
The policy statement updates organic food ranging from "most of ronmental factors. The research also
guidance published in 1998 that make their own decisions in how them, change the subject ‑‑ and the time" to "never" or "I don't know." contradicts some data reported in a
recommended: "parents be they chose to raise their children." that's usually all they need and During two follow‑up appoint‑ previous study, the Million Women
encouraged and assisted in devel‑ The policy statement describes they can handle it," he said. ments, one in 2009 and another in Study, which linked organic food con‑
oping methods other than spank‑ corporal punishment as "noninju‑ For toddlers and preschoolers, 2016, the researchers then tracked sumption to a slight increase in the
ing in response to undesired rious, open‑handed hitting with Sege recommended using the cancer diagnoses, the most prevalent risk of breast cancer.
behavior." "In the 20 years since the intention of modifying child time‑out method, which involves being breast cancer. Other cancers A commentary by three nutrition
that policy was first published, behavior" and indicates that a child sitting quietly by him‑ or observed included prostate cancer, experts also published in JAMA
there's been a great deal of addi‑ spanking is considered a form of herself. For older children, Sege skin cancer, colorectal cancer, non‑ warns of some weaknesses in the
tional research, and we're now such physical punishment. The said, typically allowing the natu‑ Hodgkin lymphomas, and lym‑ French study, such as possible flaws
much stronger in saying that par‑ statement goes on to describe ral consequence of misbehavior phomas. in the questionnaire used to measure
ents should never hit their child how several studies have found play out can be effective. People who reported higher organ‑ organic food consumption. The
and never use verbal insults that associations between spanking "So if they run out in the street, ic food scores were less likely to be authors also stress data around the
would humiliate or shame the and aggressive child behavior, you don't want the natural conse‑ diagnosed with cancer than the rest link between organic food and can‑
child," said Dr. Robert Sege, first depressive symptoms in adoles‑ quence to be that they get run of the group. For example, those who cer remains unclear, and they urge
author of the policy statement cence and less gray matter in chil‑ over by a car. But a natural conse‑ consumed the most organic food the public to continue making
and a pediatrician at the Floating dren's brains, among other out‑ quence might be that they have to were 25 percent less likely to have dietary decisions based on current
Hospital for Children at Tufts comes. Sege said there are other hold your hand when they're in cancer, according to the research. recommendations.
Medical Center in Boston. forms of discipline that parents the street or they can't go out on That number grew to more than half "Concerns over pesticide risks
"This is much stronger than the can employ, no matter their their own past a busy street until when looking at cases of non‑ should not discourage intake of con‑
previous advice," he said. "The child's age. For instance, for chil‑ you've observed them always Hodgkin lymphoma. ventional fruits and vegetables, espe‑
new policy encourages pediatri‑ dren younger than 1 who might looking both ways," Sege said. In This research published in JAMA cially because organic produce is
cians to discuss the data about be misbehaving, "the best thing to other words, holding Mom's or Internal Medicine doesn't necessarily often expensive and inaccessible to
different kinds of discipline with do is just pick them up and move Dad's hand becomes the conse mean that organic food is reason many populations," the commentary
parents so, of course, they can them somewhere else, distract quence. (Source:cnn.com) people are less likely to develop can‑ states. (Source: usatoday.com)

Cycling, walking in nature may WEIGHING YOURSELF DAILY


improve your mental health MAY HELP WEIGHT LOSS
H
ave you been trying to lose weight? weighing patterns of 1,042 adults (78 percent

P
eople who commute – walking or You must hear this out. If the findings male, average age 47) and whether there were
cycling – through natural environ‑ of the latest study are to be believed, differences in weight change by these self‑
ments are more likely to develop bet‑ weighing yourself daily could prove fruitful. weighing patterns over 12 months. The partic‑
ter mental health than those who commute The findings, led by researchers from the ipants weighed themselves at home as they
less, according to a new study. Natural envi‑ University of Pittsburgh and the University of normally would, without interventions, guid‑
ronments included all public and private out‑ California in the United States, showed that ance or weight loss incentives from
door spaces that contain ʻgreenʼ and/or ʻblueʼ people who do not weigh themselves at all or researchers. The team identified several cate‑
natural elements such as street trees, forests, did rarely were less likely to lose weight than gories of self‑weighing adults, from those that
city parks, and natural parks/reserves and all those who weighed themselves often. weighed themselves daily or almost daily to
types of water bodies. People who weighed themselves six to seven adults who never used at‑home scales. People
“Mental health and physical inactivity are er mental health score compared to those times a week had a significant weight loss (1.7 who never weighed themselves or only
two of the main public health problems asso‑ who commuted through natural environ‑ percent) in 12 months. The scientists weighed once a week did not lose weight in
ciated with living in urban environments. ments less frequently. This association was revealed, monitoring your behavior or body the following year, the scientists noted.
Urban design could be a powerful tool to con‑ even stronger among people who reported weight may help
front these challenges and create healthier
cities. One way of doing so would be investing
active commuting, the team said.
“From previous experimental studies, we
increase one's
awareness of how Need an accountant / manager
in natural commuting routes for cycling and knew that physical activity in natural environ‑ changing behav‑ For Temple / Jain Center of America in Elmhurst, Queens NY.
walking,” said Mark Nieuwenhuijsen from the ments can reduce stress, improve mood and iors can affect Requirements: 100% vegetarian, detail oriented,
University of Barcelona. mental restoration when compared to the weight loss. The
Proficiency in QB, Good knowledge of payable, receivable,
For the study, published in the journal, equivalent activity in urban environments,” results will be
bank reconciliation, preparing and filing payroll taxes. We
Environment International, the research team said first author Wilma Zijlema from the var‑ presented at the
will train.
examined nearly 3,600 participants who sity. “Although this study is the first of its American Heart
Any 4 days a week plus
answered a questionnaire about their com‑ kind to our knowledge and, therefore, more Association's
Sunday is a must.
muting habits and their mental health. research will be needed, our data show that Scientific Sessions
Please reply with your resume to:
The findings showed that respondents com‑ commuting through these natural spaces 2018 in Chicago.
Anu Jain, jainanu2005@gmail.com &
muting through natural environments on a alone may also have a positive effect on men‑ The team exam‑
Kalpana Gandhi kalinuc@yahoo.com
daily basis had on average a 2.74 point high‑ tal health.” ined the self‑
26 November 17-23, 2018 SELF HELP TheSouthAsianTimes.info

8 questions to ask before going solar at home


W
ith a growing number long‑term. Sticking with national can even get a solar system
of homeowners look‑ companies can be a safer bet. installed at no cost to you.
ing to save money on 8 What financing options are 8 Are there tax incentives
power bills and help the environ‑ available? One size does not fit available? Your energy consult‑
ment, rooftops across America all so there should always be ant can help you identify what
are taking on a new look, as multiple options when it comes federal and state tax incentives
more homes are dotted with to financing. In some cases, you are available to you. Taking
solar panels. But itʼs important to can even get solar systems for advantage of tax breaks can help
ask the right questions before free. The key is researching make the upfront cost of solar
installing them on your home. options to find whatʼs best for installation more manageable.
“While there are tremendous you and your situation. If there 8 Which manufacturers do
benefits to solar energy, con‑ arenʼt financing options, that is a you use? Ensure the equipment
sumers should be sure they are sign that you should walk away manufacturer will be around
working with a qualified and find another solar provider. long enough to honor its war‑
provider, getting a quality prod‑ 8 How long will it take to ranties. Find out what brand of
uct thatʼs customizable and right begin realizing savings on my panels, inverter and batteries
for their home and situation,” energy bill? It depends on your youʼll receive and if there are
says Doug Robinson, CEO of market and the size and type of third‑party reviews or tests of
LGCY Power, a solar provider. system you get. Some consumers them to verify their quality.
“There are great resources out lowing questions: also do your research about the see an immediate savings and 8 How does maintenance
there such as SolarProviders.org 8 What are your credentials? companyʼs track record in satis‑ some see more long‑term sav‑ work? Find out how often your
that will walk you through the Learn whether youʼre working fying customers. ings. On average people can save system requires maintenance
process of determining what with a company with expertise in 8 Do you have a national about 30 percent on their energy and if it is covered by a warranty.
solar is right for you.” the field ‑‑ how long has it been presence? Local operations donʼt bill. There are ways to customize 8 What are the next steps?
To help make the right deci‑ in business and how many solar necessarily have the resources or a system that will accommodate What is the process from signing
sion, Robinson suggests asking installations has the company partnerships with solar panel the individual needs of most con‑ the agreement to installation?
your energy consultant the fol‑ performed to‑date? You should manufacturers to be successful sumers and in some cases, you How long does this take?

Keeping your health on track during Keeping your baby safe


the indulgent holiday season while sleeping
T B
ringing home a new baby is a big
he holiday season can be an
adjustment and can feel overwhelm‑
indulgent one, full of cookies,
ing for parents, particularly when it
candies, heavy meals and
comes to safety.
eggnog. While no one wants to rein in
While certain statistics can be alarming ‑‑
the fun during the merriest time of
there are approximately 3,600 sudden unex‑
year, there are simple ways to keep
pected infant deaths yearly in the U.S.,
your health on track during this
according to the most recent government
indulgent holiday season.
statistics ‑‑ parents can take comfort in
8 Stick to Routines. To the best of
knowing that following safe sleep practices
your ability during this hectic time of cation or wedging your baby between
can go a long way towards prevention, say
year, attempt to stick to routines that objects. Sharing a room (not a bed) may
experts.
promote wellness. Set a bedtime and decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50
The three commonly reported types of
honor it. Hit the gym. Meditate. Do percent, according to the CDC.
such infant deaths, according to the Centers
whatever it is that keeps you ground‑ 8 Never allow smoking near your baby, as
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
ed and feeling your best. And just one tablespoon of organic raw
are Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), this is a major SIDS risk factor.
8 Drink Up. Many people associate honey provides the right amount of sweet‑
accidental suffocation and strangulation in The right sleep products are an essential
dehydration with the warmer months. But ness and flavor for any dish or drink,
bed, and deaths from unknown causes. part of keeping your baby safe. Many
in winter weather it can be especially easy including year‑round staples like oatmeal,
Parents should understand the differences experts espouse the importance of choosing
to forget to stay well‑hydrated, especially yogurt, tea, and more. You can also con‑
between SIDS and suffocation ‑‑ and, more a firm, breathable crib mattress.
when youʼre indulging in alcoholic bever‑ sider giving a honey makeover to all your
importantly, to learn best safe sleep prac‑ Most conventional, waterproof mattresses
ages at all those holiday parties. favorite holiday recipes, including glazes
tices. are covered with impermeable skins that
Remember, water doesnʼt need to be the and sauces for meat and poultry, cocktail
While not every infant death is preventa‑ prevent air circulation and increase suffoca‑
only source of hydration you think about recipes, and of course baked treats.
ble, there are ways to lower risks, especially tion risk, whereas a breathable alternative
this season. Soups and purees made from 8 Make Substitutions. Other healthful
when it comes to suffocation while sleeping. allows a baby to breathe safely even if he or
hearty winter vegetables, as well as citrus substitutions you can make this holiday
8 Always place babies on their backs for she rolls over during sleep. For example, the
fruits do the trick, too, and their nutrition‑ season include topping pies with Greek
sleep, for both naps and night sleeping. A revolutionary design of the fully breathable
al properties can help keep you healthy in yogurt instead of cream, using apple
babyʼs gag reflex and anatomy will help pre‑ Newton Crib Mattress allows a baby to
winter. sauce in place of oil and nut flour instead
vent choking, as opposed to those babies breathe right through it. An independent,
8 Keep Things Organically Sweet. of white flour in baking, and serving veg‑
who sleep on their stomachs or sides. blind, scientific study demonstrated that a
Staying on track doesnʼt mean you canʼt etable mash as an alternative to mashed
8 Babies should always sleep on firm sur‑ baby gets 97 percent more air while breath‑
enjoy the sweetness of the season. potatoes.
faces, such as a mattress in a properly ing through a Newton mattress than on a
Instantly boost the flavor of your favorite 8 Be Mindful. The holiday party circuit
approved crib or bassinet, covered by a fit‑ traditional crib mattress.
meals with organic honey. One great can be dangerous when it comes to mak‑
ted sheet, not a blanket. This lowers risk of “As a pediatrician and mom, knowing that
option is Organic Honey In The Raw. ing nutritious choices. When you enter a
suffocation and SIDS. my baby was safely sleeping on a breathable
USDA Organic Certified and Non‑GMO party with a buffet set‑up, it can be tempt‑
8 Keep pillows and other soft objects out mattress gave me full peace of mind and
Project Verified, itʼs made from pure nec‑ ing to reach for the richest foods first.
of your babyʼs sleep area. Pillows, loose bed‑ brought all of us better sleep,” says Dr.
tar collected from exotic wildflowers Before indulging in the canapes and
ding and stuffed toys can raise suffocation Deena Blanchard, a New York‑based pediatri‑
found in the remote Caatinga region of Swedish meatballs, try filling up a plate
risks. cian and mother.
northeast Brazil. The hand‑harvested, sus‑ with crudité first. While youʼre doing so,
8 Donʼt sleep with your baby in the same While you canʼt protect your baby from
tainable honey is raw (never heated above get a good look at all the options avail‑
bed. A baby can sleep in your room, but not everything, itʼs important to lower the risks
117 degrees) and unfiltered, so it retains able. This way, youʼll be more likely to
in an adult bed or on a chair or couch. that you can, and creating a safe sleeping
the benefits of bee pollen. savor choice items youʼll truly enjoy.
Sharing a bed can risk strangulation, suffo‑ environment is a great start.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION November 17-23, 2018 27

Potential Changes to the Visa


By Dev Banad Viswanath, Esq.
& Michael Phulwani, Esq.

F
oreign nationals who are

Lottery of H‑1B Visas


applying for H‑1B visas may
see some changes in the near
future. The U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) is
looking to change the way the H‑1B at the moment, but providing a rea‑
visa lottery works. The lottery is
used to randomly select 85,000 VISA sonable amount of time is crucial
because employers will need
Among the changes,
the new lottery

TALK
petitions out of the whole pool of H‑ enough time to prepare all of the
1B applicants every year to deter‑ necessary documents. system would require
mine who will be granted an H‑1B Under the new lottery system, H‑ companies to elec-
visa. The lottery system was set 1B applicants who will be selected
fourth in 2014 when the number of system, the first round of visas in the lottery may no longer be tronically preregister.
H‑1B petitions exceeded the annual would be given to 65,000 appli‑ totally “random”. The Department Employers would
limit. Currently there are two cants randomly selected from the of Homeland Security is thinking
rounds in the lottery: (1) in the first entire pool of H‑1B applicants. about giving priority to H‑1B peti‑
need to first register their workers, then submit the
round 20,000 visas are randomly Then, in the second round 20,000 tioners who are the most skilled full H-1B petition once they are picked in the lottery.
chosen from a pool of applicants visas would be given to those appli‑ and are the highest paid. This
change can potentially effect small‑
The proposal is unlikely to effect the H-1B visa lottery
with advanced degrees, the cants with advanced degrees that
advanced degree applicants who did not get selected in the first er companies because they may not selection in April 2019.
were not chosen are then put into round. be able to pay high salaries such as
the pool of the second round appli‑ The new lottery system would those paid by larger companies. The
cants; (2) in the second round require companies to electronically allocation of H‑1B visas is consis‑ Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
65,000 visas are randomly chosen preregister. Employers would need tent with President Trumpʼs “Buy The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
from a pool of applicants with at to first register their workers, then American, Hire American” executive and Banad Immigration in India for which
least a bachelorʼs degree and the submit the full H‑1B petition once order, which was set forth to make Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
leftover advanced degree appli‑ they are picked in the lottery. sure that visas are given to the most Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
cants. The current lottery system Requiring preregistration may skilled workers at the highest salary Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
favors advanced degree applicants increase the number of applicants rates. clients with all facets of the immigration process,
more. in the lottery pool because preregis‑ The new lottery system is for now including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
only a proposal and it still has to go Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
The overall number of H‑1B appli‑ tration is a lot less work then sub‑
Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
cants has increased greatly over the mitting a full H‑1B petition. The though the rulemaking process in
Applications based on Family or Employment.
years and the chances of an appli‑ time given to H‑1B applicants to order to be finalized. It is unsure if
Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
cant being selected has decreased. submit their full petition after being this proposal will effect the H‑1B
Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
Under the proposed new lottery selected in the lottery is unknown visa lottery selection in April 2019.

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS
28 November 17-23, 2018 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

A rash of crimes by
animals gets us thinking
T
wo large sums of
public money
went missing in
Nigeria recently. In one
case, the official con‑
cerned said a MONKEY
had run off with the
cash and, in the other,
an official said that a
SNAKE took it. The pop‑
ulation was highly skep‑
BEST tical since large sums of
public money are not
RATE kept as bank notes so
the animals would have
FOR had to arrange bank
transfers, a bit of a chal‑
INDIA lenge for any tiny‑
brained creatures such as snakes, monkeys,
This lends credence to the theory that
some species (monkeys, dogs, dolphins, cats)
AND bacteria, nationalist politicians, newspaper
columnists, etc.
are actually smarter than humans but hide
the fact so that they don't have to pay tax,
PAKISTAN The officials probably chose such weak
excuses because there have been a rash of
wear clothes, work in offices, take out mort‑
gages, etc.
animal‑steals‑stuff stories in the news In 2012 a band of monkeys reportedly
recently. Consider what happened in learned to understand Indian train platform
New York Head Quarter Chonburi, Thailand, last month. A monkey announcements ‑‑ again something few
422‑S Broadway stole a smartphone. The phone‑owner's adults can do. They would wait for the echo‑
friend Mongkol Wisulokanon pressed video ing voice to make an announcement: "The
HICKSVILLE call, hoping to surprise the monkey into next train to arrive at Platform Seven will be
NY 11801 dropping the phone. But the monkey the 2.15 express", and they'd gather for
answered the video call. The ape then sent action.
516‑827‑1010 the "bye‑bye" emoji, which is a waving hand. As passengers emerged on to the platform
Mongkol recorded screenshots of the of Rajasthan's Chittorgarh station, the mon‑
exchange as proof. keys would grab people's bags, the wire
This is astonishing. Many adults couldn't service IANS reported. At the time, station
do such a thing without weeks of training by bosses offered a cash prize of $365 to any‑
small children. one who could think of a way of dealing
with the problem, but they ignored my sug‑

Laughter is the Best Medicine


gestion: Give them uniforms and call them
porters.
Another recent animal‑as‑thief story took
place in New Zealand in January this year.
Auckland resident Ed Williams got into trou‑
ble when his girlfriend found another
woman's underwear at his home. Ed swore
he knew nothing about it. They later discov‑
ered his cat Mo stealing clothes from neigh‑
bors. A colleague reading over my shoulder
liked the idea of blaming a cat for his love
affairs, but I told him that blaming the lip‑
stick on his collar on animals would just
make his terrible reputation worse.
But my favorite "it ate my money" story
happened in China a year ago. Qi Shengli, a
60‑year‑old farmer in Sichuan province,
opened his buried savings haul of 20,000
yuan (about $3,000) and found that white
ants had eaten most of it.
The bank refused to replace the money.
But an artist from Beijing bought the shred‑
ded remnants of money from the farmer as
"conceptual art"!
The ending of that true story leads me to
two conclusions. First, life is so weird that
there's really nothing like it. Second, the the‑
By Mahendra Shah ory that animals are actually smarter than
us is starting to sound seriously believable.
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and
Does your household pet, like mine, give you
writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many year secret pitying looks when it thinks you can't
in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. see it? I'm sure mine does.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY November 17-23, 2018 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874


By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com

NOVEMBER 17‑23, 2018


ARIES: Sometimes it is best to overlook CANCER: There are times that you LIBRA: Positive developments can be CAPRICORN: Workload may steadily
the shortcomings of others for a better wish would never end, but every‑ expected on the professional front. increase, if you donʼt tackle it in a
re lationship. You will do we ll to thing that begins must also end, so Donʼt miss out on details in your haste timely manner. Avoid interfering in
address some concerns of spouse or a family relax and be happy! Seeking expert guidance to meet the deadlines. Being too satisfied with other peopleʼs business. You will do well to
member on the family front. Your own for an on‑going project at work will be a step your performance will hamper your results in keep your distance from senior this week.
resolve will keep you fit and energetic. Those in the right direction. A decision on the pro‑ competitive exams. Donʼt take out your frus‑ Health and your own well‑being may make
playing the stocks are likely to hit the jack‑ fessional front may prove favourable to you. trations on someone who has your genuine you mentally tensed, but it will be without any
pot. Some investments in the past may Financially, you may experience a surge in concern in mind. Family discussions could get basis. Softening your stance on some domestic
mature to give handsome returns. You may your earnings. Bank balance remains in the volatile if you are not careful. Socially, you issue may not be the right course of action,
be especially chosen to head a committee or pink of health for some. A romantic evening remain popular. Accidental benefits are indi‑ but do take your call. Love life will be good.
some other governing body. out is foreseen. Health remains satisfactory. cated. You may be in a mood to splurge. Gains from unexpected sources are foreseen.
TAURUS: A matter you are finding it LEO: Getting resigned to fate may SCORPIO: Do not blindly follow the AQUARIUS: A youngster may upset
difficult to come to terms with may have its own benefits. You are set to footsteps of someone on the profes‑ you. Do not take it to heart and focus
make you suffer some more. Your sug‑ enjoy a family gathering this week. sional front. Someone you repose full on solutions. An opportunity to fur‑
gestions may be opposed on the professional Someone arriving from overseas can get you faith in is likely to leave you in the lurch. Fond ther your career may materialize, so take the
front and all your convincing may also not all excited. Your efforts on the professional memories of yesteryears may make you emo‑ initiative. Marriage talks prosper for the eligi‑
work. Someone you have an appointment front may not get immediate results, but tional and long for time gone by. Overriding ble in the family. You may feel cheated on the
with is likely to make you waste your time promise to be encouraging. Success is fore‑ concern for health may make you paranoid. monetary front by someone close, but it is
waiting. You may find it difficult to avoid an seen for those seeking an easy loan. Positive Someone from the opposite camp may show best not to make an issue of it. Accept the invi‑
embarrassing situation on the social front developments on the romantic front are interest in you. Do consider the opportunity to tation for an evening party to relax from a
that you have, more or less, brought upon envisaged. Delay is foreseen in a journey, but travel to another city. Someoneʼs overbearing hectic schedule. Some of you can pass through
yourself. Loss of money is foreseen. you will be able to make up the time. presence at home may annoy you. a tight financial situation. Health needs care.
GEMINI: You may find someone atti‑ VIRGO: You will be able to derive SAGITTARIUS: Time is favorable for PISCES: This week, a busy schedule
tude at work against your interests, much satisfaction from helping out earning, so put your best foot forward. faces you on the professional front.
but little you can do about it. Someone someone on the family front. An Money may no longer be a problem. You are likely to have a good time in
may take you to task for something not com‑ ancestral property is likely to be sold for a Find ways to work around obstacles that crop the company of your near and dear ones this
pleted on the academic front. Efforts made handsome amount. up. New commitments in business will have a weekend. A plan on the home front may get
on the social front may go unrecognised and You will get the opportunity you wanted on long term effect, so make your choices care‑ you all excited. Those longing for love are cer‑
frustrate you. You may be at risk of getting the professional front. Your popularity is set fully. tain to find it soon. You will be able to cut on
drawn into an argument at work and get to rise on the social front. Looking up some‑ You may be in a mood to splurge. A sense of time in travelling to a distant destination by
unnecessarily stressed. Fear of something one you have not met in years is possible this determination combined with diplomacy will taking a better route. A piece of good news
bad happening on the medical front can give week. Lover may be waiting for you to take ensure that you stay on schedule. Resist falling awaits some in the property market. Romantic
some sleepless nights. Financial health needs the initiative on the romantic front, so donʼt in addictive habits. Strict dietary control and relationships could go haywire if you do not
care. disappoint! exercise is the need of the hour. spend time with each other.

17th November, 2018 ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK issues of your family members. You
Traits in you: You are bestowed may end up spending a lot of money
with the characteristics such as ener‑ This may land you in financial crisis and marriage may happen for few. budget in the business. You should to settle down your legal issues. You
getic, realistic, dependable, hardwork‑ later in the year. The peace at your not go beyond your budget if you do might decide to buy property or vehi‑
ing, and highly disciplined. Your home may get ruined to financial cri‑ 20th November, 2018 not want to be in loss. Your past cles this year.
duties and responsibilities bear the sis and health issues. Though you Traits in you: As you are ruled by investments will earn you money this Career this year: You will be
most value than anything else in your may face a difficult time regarding to Moon, you are blessed with character‑ year and make you financially sound. rewarded for your work this year. You
life. However, you have to look after money earlier this year, you will find istics such as imaginative, smart, You may find the property or legal will gain enough professional recog‑
your nature of behaving stubborn and a solution or a new source of income trustworthy, generous and authorita‑ dispute settlement satisfactory. nition for your knowledge, skills, and
showing jealousy at wrong situations. later, which would solve your finan‑ tive person. Career this year: Being good at your efficiency. The ongoing projects may
Health this year: You will enjoy a cial problems. Health this year: You may go for a work, you get lot of appreciation and get a continuation.
sound health. However, you may suf‑ Career this year: You may bring pilgrimage to attain peace and mental respect from others. Your good work Romance this year: You will enjoy a
fere from minor backaches due to sit‑ huge changes in your professional life comfort. This year you will suf fer pays off with rewards. However, you better romantic alife as compared to
ting more time in work. this year. You may expect a transfer from various minor health issues and should not behave dominating and the last year. You will be understood
Finance this year: Though there will or promotion in the middle of this this will keep you disturbed. arrogant. You may find this year by your partner and get enough sup‑
be an improvement in your financial year. Those who are on a foreign trip Finance this year: This year will promising enough when growth is port in everything you do.
status this year, you will end up in the second half of the year will find bring you job security and financial concerned.
increasing your expenses as well. If the trip enjoyable and exciting. stability. You need to deal with your Romance this year: You may plan 23rd November, 2018
your decision of investing comes cor‑ Romance this year: You will be money carefully to avoid loss. Your an overseas trip with your beloved to Traits in you: Your ruling planet
rect, you may be benefited or else you enjoying a disturbed relationship with assumptions in taking hasty decisions spend quality time. Your relationship Mercury makes you an active, practi‑
may lose your money. Many of your your partner as you would not be able may cause financial loss to you. If you will grow more strong with lots of cal, sensible, systematic and highly
friend and relatives may visit you this to show required care and concern. If are a businessman, you may get into love and care. diplomatic person. You need to be a
year. They may bring you gifts in you are unmarried, you may decide to new contracts to enhance your busi‑ bit careful and remove stubbornness
form of money. remain so for at least two years. ness. If you get into any overseas ven‑ 22nd November, 2018 from your nature.
Career this year: You need to con‑ ture, you may be befitted financially Traits in you: By inborn characteris‑ Health this year: If you are a chron‑
centrate on projects that would bring 19th November, 2018 from it. tics, you are active, disciplined, and ic patient, you have to take extra care
long term gains rather than bothering Traits in you: Being ruled by the Career this year: Being an excellent efficient. You are the master of an for your health to avoid grievances in
about small projects. Some of you Sun and number 1, you are original, professional, you will be recognized appealing personality. You are highly future.
may get opportunities to get new authoritative, dignified, and deter‑ as a very efficient resource and peo‑ social and helpful. However, you Finance this year: You might sell
employments. mined. As you are sensitive for your ple may seek your advice and sup‑ should work on your nature of being your property in a good price, which
Romance this year: You may find relationships, your friends and family port. However, you have to avoid jealous, self‑centered, and destructive. would help you enhance your finan‑
this year romantic enough to make may consider you to be an asset in being selfish and moody. Health this year: You will be in good cial stance. You may schedule your
your year pleasing and happy. their lives. However, you need to take Romance this year: This year is the health throughout this year. To main‑ travel to maintain distant relation‑
care of your nature of spending perfect time for you to be in an emo‑ tain your ggod health, you need to ships and gain some financial sup‑
18th November, 2018 unnecessarily and your dominating tional relationship or you may get practice exercise or yoga. port. Some of you may get the oppor‑
Traits in you: Being under the influ‑ character. married. Finance this year: You will be finan‑ tunity to travel abroad for business
ence of Mars, you are blessed with Health this year: You will remain cially benefited from dif ferent purpose. You should avoid lending
dignity, sensitiveness, courage, confi‑ healthy throughout the year provided 21st November, 2018 sources of income. You will acquire and borrowing money to stay finan‑
dence and diplomacy. You are born you go for regular medical checkups. Traits in you: By your inborn new projects and that will improve cially stable.
simple and helpful. You need to work Finance this year: If you are a pro‑ nature, you are intellectual, distin‑ your financial condition. If you are Career this year: You love music
on your nature of becoming impa‑ fessional, you will be among financial guished, cheerful, kind and optimistic. travelling for business purpose, it will and literature and want to pursue
tient. benefits. Health this year: You need to take yield positive results for you and you your career in those fields. You will be
Health this year: You will take help Career this year: You may get excel‑ more care of your health to avoid will be successful in your business able to improve your confidence level
of spirituality later this year for the lent returns from your investments in future complicacy. trips this year. You may invest in buy‑ as you may find a lot of opportunities
betterment of your mental health. business and it may improve your Finance this year: Your business ing house or stocks. However, it is to be grabbed.
However, you will remain healthy standard of living by making you may earn you a lot of money if you recommended to have a good Romance this year: Some of you
physically. spend a more luxurious life. plan your budget intelligently. You research on the stock before you also may get your marriage fixed this
Finance this year: You should not Romance this year: You will find need to have a trustworthy plan in invest. You may feel restless due to year. Your romance life would get to
spend too much money to buy luxury. yourself in romantic peak this year place before you implement your the abrupt expenses for the health its peak.
30 November 17-23, 2018 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Peace, harmony and human unity


I
f we were to look down and God did not grant their
upon this physical world wish. Later they came to learn
from a high vantage point, that receiving the wish would
we would find the light of bil‑ not have been a good thing
lions of souls shimmering after all. Will a mother allow
throughout the world. Like a the child to have poison? The
foaming sea, they move about child may cry for it and throw a
from one life to another, from tantrum, but if it is poison, the
one form of living thing to mother will not grant it. Instead
another. All the souls, when the mother will give the child
seen in their true perspective, what is best for him or her. The
are the same. They are all a child may not realize it at the
part of God's consciousness; time, but as the child grows and
they are all Light, and they all learns, the child is grateful for
have an innate bliss. all the things the mother
By Sant Rajinder Singh
But if we look at the condition denied him or her that were
Ji Maharaj of our world, we are appalled ultimately not good.
and shocked by the suf fering Many people are anxious
The various and pain each form of life is
undergoing. We find strife and
about making choices. The way
to be sure we make the right
religious and dissension throug hout the
world. We find countries at war.
choices about what to pray for
is to pray that God gives us
spiritual Many nations are embroiled in
internal conflicts. We see reli‑ called by dif ferent names, down, it jumped back startled
what is best for us. God makes
no mistake. Rather than pray
traditions gious groups at odds with each
other. Community strife is
which created all of us. They
also believe that we have a spir‑
to see a lionʼs face staring back
at it.”
for something that may or may
not be the best for us, let us
have more widespread. Even within fami‑
lies we find discord and dishar‑
itual core within us created by
the higher Power. They also
“See! You are a lion,” the older
lion told him. “That is who you
pray for Godʼs will for us.
If we relax and rest in Godʼs
commonali- mony. We find human beings
killing various forms of life,
speak of tapping into this spiri‑
tual side of ourselves through
really are.”
We are in the same predica‑
will, we will find that every‑
thing works out for the best in
ties than including other human beings.
We wonder how there can be
prayer, meditation, or inversion
to uncover our Source. While
ment as the lion. We think we
are the body and the mind. We
the long run. Meditation is a
process of relaxing in Godʼs
differences. so much pain and turmoil
caused by people who have
language, terminology, and cus‑
toms dif fer, at the heart of all
do not realize that we are soul.
We are not sheep; we are
will. Meditation provides a time
when we can let go of all
The common within them the same divinity
of God. This seeming "fragmen‑
are practices that connect our
true essence, the soul, with the
lions̶true sons and daughters
of the Divine. The stillness of
clutching and praying for this
thing and that. It is a time in
core of each tation" of God into so many
souls was meant to bring an
higher Power.
Saints, Masters, spiritual
meditation is the reflecting
pool in which we can see who
which we sit in a state of still‑
ness and surrender to Godʼs
is the same. increase in the Lord's happi‑
ness.
teachers, and enlig htened
beings, such as Buddha, Jesus
we really are. When our body
and mind are still, we can see
will. It is a chance to let go of
all our wants and desires. We
They believe Just as a couple bear children
to increase their mutual love
Christ, Mahavira, Moses,
Krishna, Rama, Guru Nanak,
our own true self as soul.
Meditat ion is a pract ical
merely sit in a receptive mood
and ask God to grant what is
in a higher and joy, so did God bring about
the creation of so many souls,
Kabir, Maulana Rumi, St.Teresa
of Avila, Mira Bai, Hazur Baba
method in which we can discov‑
er our true self as soul and
best for us. We will find that
God will give us much more
power, so many children. Yet the result
is far from what was intended.
and many others came to help
connect people of their times
achieve spiritual consciousness
by reuniting our soul with the
than we had expected.That is
the secret to enlightened living.
although We who are moving packets of
bliss and all‑consciousness are
with the divine within them.
To understand the role of
higher Power. It is a way to dis‑
cover our true purpose in life
Through meditation, we will
find the treasure of spiritual
called by aware of great pain and tor‑
ment.
saints and Masters, there is a
story about a lion cub that
and to reach the goal of enlight‑
enment in this lifetime. In this
pearls to enlightened living
that will bring us peace, happi‑
different If we could return to our true
state and realize we are soul,
became lost from its mother. A
mother sheep found the lion
way, we can uncover who we
really are
ness, and bliss. God wants us to
live in eternal peace and bliss
names, we would find lasting peace
and ecstasy. If we could tap
cub frightened and alone in the
wilderness. Out of compassion,
and can truly say that we
know ourselves.
in the spiritual realm.

which deeply within ourselves, pene‑ the sheep took the cub and The essence of religion
trating beyond the outer form raised her as her very own. The Enlightened living
created all of this physical body and mind,
we would find a wellspring of
cub grew up with the other
sheep and began acting like There is a quotation by the
Saints from every religion
teach the same truth. They help
of us. They eternal peace and happiness.
We would discover the secret
them. Crying, “Baaah, baaah,” it
even began to believe it was
g reat Gree k philosopher,
Socrates. He said, “Our prayers
us find the common elements
in each. They have love and
also believe of unity underly ing this
Universe.
also a sheep.
One day, a lion came by and
should be for blessings in gen‑
eral, for God knows best what
respect for other great saints
and the world's religions. They
that we have Honoring saints and
thought it strange to hear this
young lion baaahing like a
is good for us.” This quote coin‑
cides with the prayer to God to
recognize that they are teach‑
ing the same Truth. Although
a spiritual founders of all sheep. give us whatever is good for us. outer languages, cultures, cus‑
religions through The lion asked, “Why are you Time and again, whenever we toms, and the way of dressing
core within meditation making sounds like you are a demand something from God and greeting may dif fer from
sheep?” The young lion said, that is continually denied to us, country to country, the essence
us created by The various religious and
spiritual traditions have more
“Because I am a sheep.”
T he lion said, “Come with
it is usually because we are ask‑
ing for something that is not
of religions is the same: there is
one God, we are children of one
the higher commonalit ies than dif fer‑
ences. T he common core of
me.” It brought the young lion
to a pool of water. “Look down
good for us ultimately.
T here have been many
Creator, and our purpose is to
know ourselves, know God, and
Power each is the same. They believe
in a higher power, although
into the still pool,” said the lion.
When the young lion looked
instances in which people
prayed to God for something,
love all.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 17-23, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info November 17-23, 2018

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