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. 38 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Supreme Court hands

Trump win on transgenders, 25 Opposition leaders
defeat on DACA
rally to oust Modi govt
Rahul, Mayawati depute party leaders; BJP slams opportunistic ʻkhichdiʼ

Washington: The U.S. Supreme service, while on DACA the lack

Court opted on Tuesday to stay
out of two high‑profile legal bat‑
tles involving transgender mili‑
tary service and DACA.
The courtʼs lack of action
means the Trump administration
can begin enforcing its restric‑
tion on transgender military
of action allows the program to
continue for at least another 10‑
12 months while the issue plays
out in the lower courts, NBC
news reproted. The DACA status
quo takes the leverage from
President Trump who wanted to
Opposition leaders at the rally on Jan 19 in Kolkata organized by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. (Pic: IANS)
Continued on page 4
Kolkata: The rough draft of a joint policy document, reported minister and JD(S) leader H D Deve
mahagathbandhan took shape at Indian Express. Gowda, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Chip‑based e‑passports Mamata Banerjeeʼs ʻUnited Indiaʼ

rally in Kolkata on January 19 as
25 political leaders from over 20
on way: PM tells NRIs political parties joined hands with
a shared agenda of taking on the
Modi urges Pravasis to help in building India; help BJP in the Lok Sabha elections.
They also agreed to take this part‑
is one tweet away, Sushma tells NRIs in distress nership forward with more such
rallies in other states and a con‑
crete action plan in the form of a
While agreeing to tackle the
question of their PM face after the
election results, leader after leader
targeted Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and the BJP over “rising
intolerance”, demonetization, GST
and alleged corruption in the
Rafale deal.
National Conference leader
Farooq Abdullah, former prime
of AAP, Andhra Pradesh CM
Chandrababu Naidu of TDP, SP
leader Akhilesh Yadav, RJDʼs
Tejashwi Yadav, and DMKʼs M K
Stalin were among those who not
only shared the stage with
Banerjee, but also touched upon
how they could take the
Opposition unity forward before
Continued on page 4

India's economy world's fastest

growing: IMF, World Bank
United Nations: Three internation‑ the IMF raised the growth forecast
al organizations have endorsed for 2019‑20 by 0.1 per cent to 7.5
India's growth story recognizing it per cent and the UN upped the
PM Modi with his Mauritius counterpart, Pravind Jugnauth, at the
as the world's fastest growing estimate for the current fiscal year
15th PBD meet in Varanasi on Jan 22. Minister of External Affairs
Sushma Swaraj & Governor of UP Ram Naik are also seen. (Photo PIB) major economy for this and the by 0.2 per cent and also for the
next three years and in two reports next fiscal year by 0.2 per cent to
Varanasi: Prime Minister passports to Indian citizens raised some of their earlier projec‑ 7.6 per cent. The World Bank earli‑
Narendra Modi said at the inau‑ under a centralized passport tions. er concurred with the IMF, putting
year at 7.3 per cent, while the UN's
gural ceremony of Pravasi system. "Our embassies and On Monday, the IMF report this fiscal year's growth rate at 7.3
report in New York pegged it
Bharatiya Divas 2019 here that Continued on page 4 released in Davos estimated India's per cent for India.
slightly higher at 7.4 per cent.
work is on to issue chip‑based e‑ (Related stories on page 3 & 12.) GDP growth rate for this fiscal From their previous projections, Continued on page 4

OP ED 14 INDIA FEATURES 15 IMMIGRATION 27 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

TheSouthAsianTimes.info Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 3

Vibrant Gujarat 2019: 28,360 MoUs Passport, visa processes

signed, to generate 21 lakh jobs being eased for NRIs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural session of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in
Gandhinagar on January 18, flanked by state CM Vijay Rupani and Governor O.P. Kohli. (Photo PIB)
Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay
Rupani Sunday said 28,360 Memorandums of
Understanding were signed during the Vibrant
Gujarat Global Summit 2019 and it was expected to
generate over 21 lakh jobs.
Rupani, however, did not specify the amount of
investment that would come into the state by way of
these MOUs, reports PTI.
Speaking at the concluding session of the 9th edi‑
tion of the 3‑day summit, Rupani said the event had
seen the realization of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's vision as "several big‑ticket investments were
placed and committed, which will bring in jobs."
"Gujarat has become the gateway to the world and it
has become an ideal platform for everyone. The sum‑
mit has also become a platform for social upliftment
rather than only for business and trade," he said.
He said Gujarat has become a preferred investment
destination after 2003 when Narendra Modi as the
state CM decided to organize the Vibrant Gujarat
Summit every two years.
Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel told the media that
out of total 28,360 MOUs signed, 21,889 were con‑
nected to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) sector.
At the event's inauguration function, held in the
presence of PM Modi, several captains of industry had
made announcements regarding projects they intend‑
ed to start in Gujarat.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman Mukesh
Ambani, Indiaʼs richest man, said the group has invest‑
ed close to ₹3 trillion in Gujarat and created and cat‑
alyzed more than a million livelihood opportunities
there.
“In comparison to the past decades, Reliance will
double this investment and employment numbers
over the next 10 years," Ambani said.
Billionaire Gautam Adani plans to invest Rs30,000
crore ($4.21 billion) in the worldʼs largest solar hybrid
park, in Khavda, Gujarat. The huge commitment was
part of the Rs 50,000 crore investment he announced
at the summit.
Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on Tuesday told overseas
Indians that his government is mak‑
ing efforts to ease the processes con‑
cerning their social security, pass‑
port, visa and PIO and OCI cards and
that work is on to issue chip‑
based e‑passports.
Inaugurating this yearʼs
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
(PBD), he said that the gov‑
ernmentʼs endeavor was
that overseas Indians
should stay “happy and
safe wherever they are”.
All Indian embassies and
consulates are being connected to
the Passport Seva Project worldwide,
Modi said, which will prepare a cen‑
tralized system connected to the
passport service for all of them.
The Prime Minister said that along
with passport, the rules related to
visa were being simplified. “With the
convenience of e‑visa, you are also
saving time and problems are also
getting reduced.
Modi also urged Indians or people
of Indian living abroad to contribute
to the building of a new India and
said that the changes that were com‑
ing in India were becoming new
opportunities. “In this changing
India, you can play a big role in R&D
and innovation. “The government is
also trying to bring Indian start‑ups
and NRI mentors together on one
platform. Defense manufacturing can
also be an important sector for you.”
Modi urged NRIs to motivate at
least five families around them to
come to India. “Your efforts will play
an important role in enhancing
tourism in the country.”
He said that in the last four years,
India had taken a major step
towards achieving its natural
position in the world.
Stating that today India led
the world in many fields, he
said the International Solar
Alliance was one such
example. “It is also part of
our goal of preparing
solutions to Indiaʼs problems,
that can also solve the problems of
other countries. We are working with
the application of local solution,
global application.”
Modi added: “In the last four‑and‑a‑
half years, more than two lakh
Indians stranded in crisis situations
abroad have been helped by the gov‑
ernment and its efforts.”
Modiʼs Mauritius counterpart
Pravind Jugnauth, the chief guest at
the event, commended Indiaʼs efforts
in reaching out to the diaspora.
Earlier, External Af fairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj welcomed the gather‑
ing. Organized by the External
Af fairs Ministry and the Uttar
Pradesh government, the Indian dias‑
pora conclave this year had over
5,000 delegates registered.
This yearʼs theme of the conven‑
tion was “Role of Indian diaspora in
building a new India”.

Kamala Harris announces run for President

By Arul Louis
New York: Kamala Harris, a US Senator of
Indian descent, announced on Monday that
she is running for President in the 2020
elections branding herself a "fighter" for the
American people. As the daughter of an
Indian mother and an African‑Jamaican
father, she claims both heritages and chose
to declare her candidacy on the Martin
Luther King Day, honoring the slain African‑
American civil rig hts leader who was
inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's message of
'satyagraha'.
She made the announcement on a national
TV program and simultaneously released a
campaign video on social media with a call
to "fight for American values".
"The American public wants a fighter and
Indian‑American Senator Kamala Harris.
(Photo courtesy AFP)
they want someone that's going to fight like
heck for them and not fight based on self‑
interest and I'm prepared to do that," she
said.
Harris was elected to the Senate in 2016
becoming the first person of Indian‑
American descent elected to the Senate and
the second woman of African‑American
descent.
Harris w ill have to first w in the
Democratic Party nomination next year bat‑
tling several candidates, including Tulsi
Gabbard, the first Hindu e lected to
Congress, Senator Elizabeth Warren and for‑
mer Housing Secretary Julian Castro.
A lawyer, Harris was elected California
State Attorney‑General before coming to the
Senate.
Her role in law enforcement has drawn
criticism from some in the Democratic Party
and the New York Times published a scorch‑
ing op‑ed denouncing her as "often being on
the wrong side of history" because of her
tough anti‑crime policies and not progres‑
sive enough on criminal justice reform.
But that could also be a plus for her,
strengthening her credentials as more of a
centrist who could appeal to a broader voter
base while also advancing a progressive
agenda.
Harris is campaigning on universal health‑
care, providing government health insur‑
ance for all and large tax cuts for the middle
class. She is an advocate for immigrant
rights and a campaigner protecting women's
rights.
Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a
cancer researcher from Chennai and her
father, Donald Harris, is a Stanford
University economics professor.
 4 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

25 Opposition leaders rally
New Yorker Ruchi Sand weds Neeraj to oust Modi govt
Continued from page 1
the Lok Sabha elections. The
Congress was represented by
Mallikarjun Kharge, who read out
Sonia Gandhiʼs message of support.
Mayawati deputed a BSP leader to
attend. Also present on the stage were
NCP leader Sharad Pawar, Karnataka
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of
JD(S), Patidar leader Hardik Patel, BJP
rebels Arun Shourie and Yashwant
Sinha, and Shatrughan Sinha.
The mammoth gathering at the
Brigade Parade Ground spilled over to
the streets of Kolkata, with Trinamool
sources estimating that 20 lakh peo‑
ple attended the event. On stage, lead‑
ers from different parts of the coun‑
Another grand Rajasthani wedding took place in Jaipur try gave speeches in, besides Bengali,
on January 22 where New Yorker Ruchi wedded Neeraj. Tamil, Hindi and English, with simul‑
Seen in the photo the couple with (from left) Sneha Jain, taneous translations in Bengali.
Meeta Sand, Shradha Jain, Nimmi Mehta, Kamlesh Mehta, “This gathbandhan (alliance) has
Sanjay Jain and Rajeev Sand.
been formed to save the people of the
nation and give them justice.
Everyone has to come together for
government programs”.
Speaking at the rally,
Kumaraswamyʼs father Deve Gowda
said, “Time is short. The question is,
how will we come together? What
will be our policy and programs? I
appeal to leaders here to form a small
group to draw up a manifesto and a
policy document. At the same time,
senior leaders should sort out the
seat‑sharing issue. We have to send
out the message to the people that
coalition governments can be stable
and can work for development.”
M K Stalin, who recently caused a
flutter in the Opposition ranks when
he proposed Rahul Gandhiʼs name for
PM, said, “Prime Minister Narendra
Modi is afraid of a few people, includ‑
ing Mamata Banerjee.” Akhilesh
Yadav said the message of unity
would “travel from Kolkata to every
corner of the country”. Chandrababu
Naidu termed Modi “a publicity Prime
Minister” and said the nation needs a
new PM who can perform.
Kejriwal alleged that the BJP has
liberals. Last Friday the court signaled
it would not take up a court fight over
DACA, the Obama‑era program that
has allowed 700,000 children of ille‑
gal immigrants to remain in the US.
The Supreme Court did grant the
Trump administration's request to
enforce its transgender ban.
Chip‑based e‑passports
on way: PM tells NRIs
Continued from page 1
consulates are being connected to the
Passport Seva Project worldwide," he
said. "This will prepare a centralized
system connected to the passport
service for all of you." He added that
work was on to simplify the process
of issuing visas to those with PIO or
OCI cards. External Affairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj praised NRIs for con‑
tinuing “to be partners in the
progress of our motherland”.
Reiterating that her government
stood firmly behind the Indians in dis‑
tress overseas, she told the Indian
diaspora that help was "just one tweet

India‑set short the sake of the nation. Whichever

party is powerful in a certain state
done in five years “what Pakistan
could not do to India in 70 years.
away."

India's economy world's fastest

around menstruation
gets Oscar nod
Los Angeles: "Period. End of
Sentence", an India set film on
the taboos around menstruation
and featuring the real 'Pad Man',
has made it to the Oscar nomina‑
tion, it was announced here on
Tuesday. The film has made it to
the top five nominees of the
Documentary Short Subject cate‑
gory. The film is executive pro‑
duced by Guneet Monga and is
co‑produced by Monga's Sikhya
Entertainment, which has backed
films like "The Lunchbox" and
"Masaan".
Ecstatic about making the cut,
Monga told IANS over phone:
"We made it... It is beyond every‑
thing we thought."
should be allowed and strongly sup‑
ported to fight the BJP there. One city Supreme Court hands growing: IMF, World Bank
or state is not important but the coun‑ Trump win on transgenders, Continued from page 1
defeat on DACA
try is very important. The BJP govern‑ On the Indian side, the Central
ment is past crossed its expiry date. Continued from page 1 Statistics Office (CSO) put the current
We all have to fight together to use the issue to get his border wall. fiscal year's growth at 7.2 per cent
The film is about women in The cases that were not acted on and the Reserve Bank at 7.4 per cent.
ensure that they are defeated,”
India fighting against the deeply could come back next term. The In contrast for the world as a whole,
declared Mamata Banerjee at the
rooted stigma of menstruation Trump administration had hoped to the three organizations painted a less
rally, adding that similar rallies would
and delving upon the work of get a quick ruling from the high court optimistic picture. Gita Gopinath, pre‑
be held in Amaravati (Andhra
real life 'Pad Man' Arunachalam supporting its end to DACA, which senting her first outlook report as
Pradesh), Delhi and Kashmir.
Muruganathan. allows children of illegal immigrants IMF's chief economist, said in Davos,
The rally also stressed on the
Directed by award‑winning to remain in the country. By either "The global expansion is weakening
importance of regional parties and
Iranian‑American filmmaker explicitly turning the cases away or and at a rate that is somewhat faster
called for immediate seat‑sharing
Rayka Zehtabchi, the film is cre‑ delaying a decision on whether to than expected." The IMF's World
talks like in Uttar Pradesh. The lead‑
ated by The Pad Project, an grant review, the court assured that Economic Outlook estimated the glob‑
ers also alleged that the Centre was
organisation established by an the questions will not be heard during al growth for last year to be 3.7 per
trying to undermine the rights of
inspired group of students at the its current term that ends in late June, cent and forecast it to go down to 3.5
state governments and misusing con‑
Oakwood School in Los Angeles because the docket is now full. per cent this year and go up to 3.6
stitutional agencies to “hound”
and their teacher, Melissa Berton. Following the bruising confirmation next year. The UN's World Economic
regional party leaders.
The 26‑minute film follows hearing for Brett Kavanaugh, the jus‑ Situation and Prospects 2019 esti‑
Kumaraswamy, whose government in
girls and women in Hapur in tices this term have generally avoided mated the global economy to have
Karnataka recently suffered a minor
northern India and their experi‑ taking on socially divisive issues that expanded by 3.1 per cent last year
scare over allegations of horse‑trad‑
ence with the installation of a would end in votes with the five con‑ and forecast it to slow to 3 per cent
ing, alleged that the BJP is “trying to
pad machine in their village. servatives lined up against the four for this year and the next.
buy the state legislature and is foiling

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 5

Holding medical camp in Gujarat Akshaya Patra Foundation awarded

an eye‑opener: Bipin Patel prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize
By The SATimes Team the villagers and establish
credibility, local leaders New Delhi: On January 16, the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2016.”
New York: Holding a medical were honored at the camp.” esteemed Gandhi Peace Prize was The award is an annual prize but
camp in an impoverished Bipin Patelʼs son Amit conferred upon Akshaya Patra for no winner had been conferred the
part of Gujarat opened Indian and daughter Payal were their contribution in providing honor since 2014. The announce‑
American businessman Bipin also there by his side this mid‑day meals to millions of school ment of the award on January 16th
Patelʼs eyes to the utter lack time. Moved by the experi‑ children in India. The International encompassed 2015‑2018. The
of awareness about health ence, the siblings have Gandhi Peace Prize, named after award was instituted in 1995 dur‑
matters there. This was the floated ʻHealth Reach Indiaʼ Mahatma Gandhi, is awarded by ing the commemoration of the
4th free Medical Camp he to further their fatherʼs ini‑ the Government of India to individ‑ 125th birth anniversary of
organized on December 23 tiative. uals and institutions for their con‑ Mahatma Gandhi. It carries an
in Ghog hamba in Said Amit, who works in tribution towards social, political award of Rs.1 crore along with a
New Jersey businessman Bipin Patel (2nd from and economic transformation citation and plaque.
Panchmahal district, some right on the dais) at the medical camp. his fatherʼs business, “What
100 miles south of we saw there was that so through non‑violence and other Previous winners of the Gandhi
Ahmedabad. many villagers have no Gandhian methods. Peace Prize include Nelson
that he holds in his native state
Speaking to The South Asian every year around his birthday. avenue to get simple medical care The jury under the chairmanship Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Vaclav
of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Havel, Ramakrishna Mission, and
Times after his return, he said, A pharmacy was also set up on for conditions like skin problems
“Many patients who came to us site to provide patients with more and joint pain, something we take and comprising of Justice Ranjan other venerable individuals and
had g iven up hope, not even than 50 types of medicine along for granted.” He has decided to Gogoi, the Chief Justice of India; organizations.
knowing what they were suf fer‑ with additional supplements that make the medical camp bigger Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker of Lok Extending humble gratitude,
ing from or where to go to seek a were prescribed. Refreshments and better next year. Sabha; Mallikarjuna Kharge, oppo‑ Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman of
cure. They were not only exam‑ were provided to all. While more Added Payal, an attorney, sition leader (Indian National The Akshaya Patra Foundation
ined and diagnosed but also prop‑ than 300 eye glasses were given, “Getting involved in the camp was Congress party) in Lok Sabha; and said, “Thank you Prime Minister
erly treated by our team of 35 70 cataract surgeries were per‑ a humbling experience. Seeing the L.K. Advani, Member of Parliament Modiji for the Gandhi Peace Prize.
unitedly announced the award. Your constant patronage for
doctors and nurses.” formed at hospitals in Ahmedabad immediate impact our initiative
The team that Patel took along and Vadodara afterwards with all made on these villagersʼ lives Prime Minister Modi applauded Akshaya Patraʼs mission from
from Ahmedabad included physi‑ expenses paid by Patel. reminds us that there is always the dedicated work of Akshaya beginning days as Chief Minister of
Patra in saying, “The Akshaya Patra Gujarat and as Prime Minister has
cians, cardiologists, orthopedics, Patel said preparation for the more that we can do in the world
ophthalmologists, pediatricians, camp beg an three months in to help. Foundationʼs determined efforts been a big strength.”
gynecologists and cancer special‑ advance: “Awareness was created It was gratifying to take part in ensure nutritious meals for many. Today the organization feeds
ists. In all they treated 1,350 peo‑ by contacting ASHA workers who a cause that brings awareness of Their outstanding work has also 1.76 million school children daily
ple. Patel, based in New Jersey, coordinated bringing patents to the need for better access to ensured more children go to in 14,702 schools across 12
foots the entire bill for the camp the camp. To instil trust among healthcare in India.” school. I congratulate them for the states.

HindiUSA plays key role at

Hindi day held at NY Consulate
Special to
The South Asian Times

New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

has urged Hindi enthusiasts to encourage
the widespread use of the language in their
adopted lands. Modi sent this message,
which was read out, on the occasion of
Vishwa Hindi Diwas (World Hindi Day)
held at the Consulate General of India here.
The aim of the government is to promote
Hindi and help the language organizations,
the prime minister said in his message.
Students of HindiUSA, a New Jersey‑
based organization involved in the promo‑
tion of the language in America, and chil‑
dren learning under the guidance of consul
official Dr. Dayashankar Vidyalankar, recit‑
ed poems and narrated stories – which
drew widespread applause. Consul General
Sandeep Chakravorty ‑‑ whose wife Taruna
Chakravorty formally inaugurated the
event on January 12 by lighting the tradi‑
tional lamp ‑‑ felicitated the students and
children with certificates and books. The
consul general praised the efforts of the lit‑
erary community in the US for propagating
the language. Deputy Consul General
Shatrughna Sinha commended the creativi‑
ty and sensitivity shown in the poetsʼ work.
Noted poets from the tristate region recited
their work. Among them were Ashok Singh,
Ashok Vyas, Vijay Mehta, Susham Bedi,
Swadesh Rana (all from New York), Anoop
Bhargava, Sandeep Vyas (from New
Jersey), Manish Srivastava and Sunayana
Children felicitated with
books and certificates
Kachroo (from Massachusetts).
Raj Mittal, a co‑founder of HindiUSA,
were among the speakers. Mittal, who is
vice president and treasurer of HindiUSA
and based in Monroe, NJ, later spoke to
The South Asian Times. “We conduct an
annual Hindi Mahotsav (celebration) in the
third week of May highlighting the efforts
of the organization, as well as celebrating
our culture and conducting various compe‑
titions – all to promote and propagate the
language,” he said.
The Pemberton, NJ‑based nonprofit body
has many schools across the US – in New
Jersey alone there are 16. Every Friday, a
two‑hour class is conducted in Hindi, which
has been recognized as an important for‑
eign language in New Jersey schools.
HindiUSA has a total of 3,500 students,
whose numbers are growing, according to
Mittal. About 500 volunteers help the
organization, which was formed in New
Jersey in 2001 mainly by Devendra Singh
and his wife.
6 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 TRISTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF

THE INDIA CENTER ACCUSES

MEETUP OF IDENTITY THEFT
“
We Work is a $17 billion dollar
corporation based in Manhattan
that owns MeetUp.com.
MeetUp.com is a social media com‑
pany like FaceBook, LinkedIn, where Telangana
subscribers can open an account and American
post information they want, except Telugu
Association
that MeetUp charges a fee from peo‑ If you go to MeetUp.com and search for Indian
Culture and Society ‑ which is the name given partnered with
ple who want to use their platform. In
by them to The India Centerʼs original site ‑‑ Community
2012 The India Center opened an
you will land on https://www.meetup.com FoodBank of
account with MeetUp to build a plat‑ New
/THEINDIACENTER/The India Center located
form for the Indian community. We on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is a non‑profit Jersey(CFBNJ)
then posted the MeetUp account logo that promotes traditional Indian arts. to fight hunger
on their we bsite which receives and poverty in
$10,000 per month in advertising, the we felt were the companyʼs unfair Trade New Jersey by
Google Adwords Grant. Practices, WeWork went ahead and sold organizing a
With the help of Adwords and hard The India Center site along with the name, charity event
work of our volunteers, we increased the photographs, and events list even though on January 5th.
number of members from zero to almost the Trademark and Copyright belong to
2,000, making it one of the largest Indian The India Center ‑ to one Jatinder Kumar.
Groups on MeetUp. They changed the name of their second
Since MeetUp allows three sites per site called Born Free Arts which had
account The India Center set up sites for almost 3000 members to International
International Arts and for Founders in Friends in New York and the photographs
order to increase membership. In 2017 and sold it to somebody named Dan.
MeetUp shut down one of our accounts The India Center filed a suit in 2018
claiming that it violated their rules. We against MeetUp in small claims court for
requested MeetUp to hand over the list of the monies related to all fees, labor etc
almost 2,500 members for which we had that the organization had put in to build
invested the labor of our members and our sites which had been
almost $600,000 in Adwords spending to Soon after, the company changed the
sold by them.
Zee Studios ramps up in‑house
build the community. MeetUp refused name of the original site to "Indian
arguing they did not give out emails of Culture and Society in New York" and
productions for 2019
E
members to the host to prevent spam‑ replaced the original photograph of an ven as Zee Studios prepares for the focus is on creating interesting, innovative,
ming. While renewing our subscription, Indian dancer to a lotus but continued to release of its much‑anticipated mag‑ diverse content across genres and lan‑
we again asked MeetUp to give the list of use the name, photographs and events num opus Manikarnika – T he guages. These in‑house productions will
almost 2,000 members in T he India posted originally by The India Center as Queen of Jhansi on January 25th, 2019, also allow us to own 100% of the IPs. We
Center site and another 3000 in Born their own.
,,
the studio has been busy signing writers look forward to an exciting year ahead.”
Free Arts but they again refused. and directorial talent. Zee Studios has In the next six months, the studio will
When The India Center decided not to ‑‑Veena Shetty,
signed Abhishek Sharma, Bosco Martis, also release Kesari and Good News both
renew its membership because of what Founder of The India Center
Sajid Samji and Shree Narayan Singh on produced by Dharma Productions and
board for a mixed bouquet of films ranging Sunny Deolʼs directorial Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
from real‑life inspired drama, quirky introducing his son, Karan Deol.
romantic comedy, family entertainer to a The studio also recently announced the
Overseas Indian higher dance film. All the films are in dif ferent
stages of development currently, and cast‑
launch of its independent digital content
studio, Zee Studios Originals that will pro‑

education conclave at IIT ing will begin shortly.

Speaking on the in‑house productions,
duce a robust bouquet of premium, original
content and create new IPs for all digital

Gandhinagar in Feb
Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios said, “We platforms globally. Ashima Avasthi, from
had a good run with Dhadak and Parmanu BBC Studios, has been appointed to head

I
IT Gandhinagar is hosting an Overseas
Indian Conclave on Higher Education
on Fe b 22‑23, 2019 at IIT
Gandhinagar. The Conclave will celebrate
IITGNʼs overseas supporters and brain‑
storm on ways to engage more widely
and deeply with overseas Indians and
global professionals who are keen to
advance Indiaʼs educational stature on
the global stage.
The Conclave will feature intellectually
st imulat ing discussions on various
aspects of overseas Indian contributions
in 2018 and are gearing up for our line‑up the digital content studio. With over 20
ness, finance, technology, healthcare, hos‑
for 2019. So far, we have been co‑produc‑ years of experience in the media and enter‑
pitality, transportation, retail and whole‑
ing all our films with partners; while we tainment industry, Avasthi has worked
sale trade, arts, etc. will be attending the
will continue to partner with select produc‑ across diverse genres and regions with
Conclave. Additional information about
tion houses and directors, we want to chal‑ some of the most respected brands like
the Conclave is available online at
lenge ourselves creatively and back proj‑ MTV and Turner International. The digital
events.iitgn.ac.in/2019/overseas‑con‑
ects from an early development stage. The slate will be announced soon.
clave/
The Institute invites nominations from
overseas Indians for the Conclave and
will provide complimentary local hospi‑ NY Consulate introduces
tality, transportation and on‑campus
accommodation to all participants. online helpline PRAMIT
IIT Gandhinagar Director, Prof Sudhir

to Indian higher education. Heritage vis‑
its of Ahmedabad, Indiaʼs only UNESCO
World Heritage City, and Lothal, a
Harappan‑era site, as well as tours of
IITGNʼs labs, research centers, and physi‑
cal facilities, are also planned.
NRIs, returned NRIs, PIOs, and overseas
professionals from various backgrounds
and professions, such as education, busi‑
Jain said: "Over the years, IITGN has ben‑
efitted immensely from the support of
several overseas Indians who are excited
by its innovative programs and keen to
contribute to educational development
back home. We look forward to exploring
innovative ways to engage with overseas
Indians in advancing higher education in
the country."
C
onsulate General of India, New
York has introduced a new dash‑
board‑based query system
"PRAMIT (Helpline)."
Any query re lated to the Consulate
whether it is Consular or commercial is to
be submitted directly on the website
(www.indiainnewyork.gov.in). The appli‑
cant can also track the status of their query
from there and it would help them serve
you better and in an expedited manner.
Applicants residing in the jurisdiction of
CGI, New York are requested to submit
their queries using PRAMIT (Helpline).
How to use it? It very easy to use (only 4
step process). Click on the PRAMIT icon on
the website, select area of query, fill the
query form and submit the form.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Raja Krishnamoorthi appointed
to US intelligence panel
Washington, DC: Democratic law‑
maker Raja Krishnamoorthi has
been appointed as a member of a
Congressional committee on intel‑
ligence, becoming the first South
Asian to serve in the powerful
body tasked to strengthen U.S.ʼs
national security. Speaker of the
US House of Representat ives,
Nancy Pe losi, appointed
Mr.Krishnamoorthi, 45, to the
panel. Mr. Krishnamoorthi from
Illinois, Cong resswoman Val
Demings of Florida, Sean Patrick
Maloney of New York and Peter
Welch of Vermont are the four
new Demo crat ic members of
House Permanent Se lect
Committee on Intelligence for the Raja Krishnamoorthi (Image : chicagotribune.com)
116th Congress.
"Members of Congress take a
solemn oath to protect the American peo‑ Adam Schif f, will restore the long tradi‑
ple and support and de fend the tion of bipartisanship and integrity of this
Constitution," said Pelosi in a statement. critical committee," she said.
"Our new Members of the Intelligence
Committee bring exceptional judgment, Indian‑American Congresswoman Pramila
expertise, and determination to our mis‑ Jayapal to the House Education and Labor
sion to honor that oath and, guided by the Committee.
Gabbard apologizes for
past LGBTQ statements
Honolulu: Presidential candidate U.S.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Thursday
responded to criticism about her
past work advocating against gay
rights by apologizing in a video. The
nearly four‑minute‑long clip, which
was shot in her Washington, D.C.
backyard, shows Gabbard standing
in the snow saying that her views
have changed significantly since she
made statements that were hurtful
to LGBTQ people. The Democratic
congresswoman from Hawaii has
apologized for such statements
before. But she has come under
renewed criticism since she
announced during a CNN interview
last week that she would run for
president. Gabbard, 37, campaigned
against same‑sex marriage with the
group Alliance for Traditional
Marriage and Values when she was a
state representative in her 20s.
Gabbard's father, who is now a state
senator and was a Honolulu City
Councilman, founded the organiza‑
tion to lobby against same‑sex mar‑
riage. Gabbard explained in the video
that she grew up in a socially conser‑
strong, principled leadership of Chairman
Early this week, Pelosi had appointed
(PTI)
vative household and was raised to
believe that marriage should be
between a man and a woman. But
she said she has since formed her
own opinions from her life experi‑
ences.
"When we deny LGBTQ people the
basic rights that exist for every
American, we are denying their
humanity ̶ denying that they are
equal. We are also creating a danger‑
ous environment that breeds dis‑
crimination and violence," she said.
Gabbard added she knows LGBTQ
people still face discrimination and
fear their rights will be taken away
"by people who hold views like I
used to." In 2011, as she prepared to
run for Congress the first time,
Gabbard said she changed her views
on gay marriage after deploying to
Iraq and Kuwait with the Hawaii
National Guard.She said serving in
the Middle East showed her that for‑
mer positions were rooted in the
mistaken idea that it's the govern‑
ment's role to "define and enforce
our personal morality."
(Source: The Associated Press)
NATIONAL Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 7
Trump picks 3 Indian-
Americans for key US posts
Washington, DC: US President Donald and the development and management of
Trump has nominated three influential the department's nuclear technology infra‑
Indian‑Americans, including a nuclear structure. Previously, Baranwal served as
expert, to important administration posi‑ director of the Technology Development
tions. Rita Baranwal was nominated for the and Application at Westinghouse and was
post of Assistant Secretary of Energy a manager in Materials Technology at
(Nuclear Energy), Aditya Bamzai for the Bechtel Bettis, where she led research and
member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties development in nuclear fuel materials for
Oversight Board and Bimal Patel as the US naval reactors.
assistant secretary of Treasury. A Yale graduate, Bamzai teaches and
The nomination of Baranwal, Bamzai, writes about civil procedure, administra‑
and Pate l was sent to the Senate on tive law, federal courts, national security
Wednesday. law, and computer crime.
So far, Trump has nominated or appoint‑ He has earlier served as a law clerk to
ed more than three dozen Indian‑ Justice Antonin Scalia of the US Supreme
Americans in key positions. Court and to Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the
Nikki Haley, the first cabinet ranking US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Indian‑American and Raj Shah, the first Before entering the academy, Bamzai
Indian‑American deputy Press Secretary, served as an attorney‑adviser in the Office
have left the Trump administration. of legal counsel of the US Department of
Baranwal holds the post of Director, Justice, and as an appellate attorney in
Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in both private practice and for the National
Nuclear (GAIN) initiative. If confirmed by Security Division of the justice depart‑
the Senate, she will be heading the power‑ ment.
ful Office of Nuclear Energy. Patel currently serves as deputy assis‑
She will also be responsible for the tant secretary of the Treasury for the
department's nuclear technology research Financial Stability Oversight Council.
Rosa Parks award for
Gurinder Singh Khalsa
Washington, DC: An Indian‑
American Sikh philanthropist and
entrepreneur, Gurinder Singh
Khalsa, has been presented the pres‑
tigious Rosa Park Trailblazer award
for his campaign to persuade US
authorities to change their policy
towards Sikh headgear.
In 2007, Singh was not allowed to
board an airplane because of his tur‑
ban. After that, he took the issue all
the way to the US Congress, com‑
pelling Transportation and Security
Administration (TSA) to change its
headgear policy towards the Sikh Gurinder Singh Khalsa was presented the Rosa Park Trailblazer award
for his campaign which led US authorities to change headgear policy
community. Sikhs can now wear
towards Sikhs. (Image courtesy: sikh24.com)
their turban through airport security
in the US. "I was stopped from board‑ without the support of a community. munity leaders. "Sometimes those
ing the flight because I refused to I dedicate this award to more than who bravely protest for civil rights
remove my turban. I took this stand 67,000 individuals from all walks of are stereotyped as somehow threat‑
for all those who believe in religious life across America, and to one of the ening figures ‑ perhaps simply
liberty and freedom of faith," Singh, largest Sikh advocacy groups, Sikh because of the raw courage required
who also heads the Indiana‑based Coalition. Without their countless to fight for justice. But in the person‑
Sikhs Political Af fairs Committee, ef forts change in the TSA Turban alities of both Gurinder and Rosa, we
said. Singh dedicated the award to policy would not exist," he said. The see the great power of quiet resolve,"
his community. "This award is not award ceremony was attended by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill
about me. Change does not exist top State officials and eminent com‑ said. (PTI)
 8 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Sikh community offers USIBC hosts welcome reception for

free meals to shutdown
affected workers
Houston: The Sikh community in
San Antonio, Texas, offered free
meals to US government employees
affected by the ongoing shutdown
that has left thousands without pay
in the country.
The partial government shut‑
down, which entered the fourth
week, has left more than 800,000
federal government workers out of
work across key departments.
Federal employees, who have
been forced to work without pay or
have been furloughed during the
partial government shutdown, were
offered freshly prepared vegetarian
meals for three days from January
11. The Sikh community workers
prepared the Gurdwara menu
which comprised lentils, vegetables,
Navneet Chugh is new
new Indian envoy to US
Washington, DC: The United
States‑India Business Council (USI‑
Welcome remarks
by Nisha Biswal,
BC) hosted a welcome reception in President, U.S.‑
rice and tortillas. "Workers and
honor of Harsh Vardhan Shringla, India Business
families affected by the shutdown
Ambassador of India to the United Council at the
are invited to Sikh Centre all week‑ USIBC's reception
States on Jan 15. Congressmen,
end for free meals starting today," on January 15.
senior US government officials,
the Center posted on its Facebook Thomas J.
representatives of U.S. companies,
on Friday. The idea soon drew sev‑
industry associations and a cross‑
Donohue, CEO and
eral volunteers who offered to President of U.S.
section of the media were present
come and cook to feed the people. Chamber of
at the event.
"Sikh Community is there to sup‑ Commerce (center)
In his remarks, Ambassador and the new envoy
port the federal employees who did
Shringla spoke about the remark‑ Harsh Vardhan
not receive their paychecks. Also,
able transformation that India‑US. Shringla
the Sikh Community appreciates
relations have undergone in recent
their services and believes in giving
years. He emphasized that this India‑U.S. trade relationship held a meeting with Thomas J.
gratitude to those men and women
transformation has been charac‑ reached new heights in 2017 with Donohue, CEO, and President of
for doing a wonderful service for
terized by a growing convergence bilateral trade reaching $126 bil‑ U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along
the nation," Balwinder Dhillon,
of strategic and commercial inter‑ lion. He noted with satisfaction with Ms. Nisha Biswal, President of
President of the Sikh Center of San
ests. He also highlighted the multi‑ that this upward trend continued the USIBC.
Antonio, said. "The least we could
faceted cooperation between India in 2018 marked by new develop‑ Formed in 1975, the USIBC has
do is support them with a hot meal
and the U.S. in a wide range of sec‑ ments such as purchases of petro‑ a membership of over 300 compa‑
for the next three days," he said.
tors, including trade and economic leum, LNG and civilian aircraft nies. Its aim is to engage the pri‑
cooperation, security and defence from the U.S. He expressed confi‑ vate sectors of both countries to
ties, energy, and science and tech‑
nology.
dence that this remarkable growth
would continue in 2019 and be‑
enhance investment flows and
serve a direct link between busi‑

Pratham USA president Ambassador Shringla stated that yond. Ambassador Shringla also ness and Government leaders.

Los Angeles: Pratham USA has an‑
nounced the appointment of
Navneet Chugh as president of the
Pratham Los Angeles chapter, ef‑
fective January 1.
Chugh took over from Raj Dha‑
mi, who led the chapter over the
past six years and, through his
tireless efforts, increased revenue
by over 250%. Raj will continue to
serve on the board and take part
in chapter activities and commit‑
tees. A respected figure in the
community, Navneet Chugh is the
founder and managing partner of
Chugh, LLP, which provides legal
and accounting services at 15 of‑
fices around the world. Navneet
also founded TiE SoCal and SABA
North America. He serves on the
board of HAB Bank, Dhandho
Navneet Chugh
Holdings and India Journal and is
a member of USIBC and YPO.
Navneet has served on the
Pratham USA national board since
2015 and has been indispensable
in furthering Prathamʼs mission.
Indian American Impact Fund
announces first 2019 endorsement
Washington, DC: The Indian Ameri‑
can Impact Fund (“Impact Fund”)
has endorsed Raj Shukla for Mayor
of Madison, Wisconsin. Raj began
his career in community and eco‑
nomic development, attracting pri‑
vate investment and jobs to some of
the poorest neighborhoods in Wis‑
consin. Today, Raj runs a statewide
water policy agency and chairs the
Sustainable Madison Committee
which is helping Madison become
the first Wisconsin city to use 100%
renewable energy. He is running for
Mayor of Madison to make it a city
that works for all its residents.
“We are proud to kick off the
2019 election season by endorsing
Raj Shukla for Mayor,” said Deepak
Raj, co‑founder of Impact and chair
of the Impact Fund. “He is a strong,
experienced, and visionary leader
who will be a terrific mayor ‑‑ and
when elected, we believe he will be
the first Indian American mayor of
one of Americaʼs 100 largest cities.”
“As the Indian American communi‑
ty grows its political power, itʼs im‑
portant that we remember elections
donʼt just happen in even years,”
added Raj Goyle, co‑founder of Im‑
pact and a former member of the
Kansas House of Representatives.
“State and local elections like these
have a direct and profound impact
on Americans from coast to coast ‑‑
which is why itʼs so important for
our community to get involved and
stay engaged.”
“I am proud to have earned the
support of the Indian American Im‑
pact Fund. The values I learned from
our community have shaped my life
and this campaign,” said Raj Shukla.
“We will create a more equitable,
sustainable, vibrant Madison by em‑
bracing the simple idea that ties In‑
dian Americans together: shared
dreams can overcome any differ‑
ences.” A political action committee,
Impact Fund endorses candidates
based on their viability and commit‑
ment to advocating for the values of
the Indian American community.

Padmashree‑awardee doctor freed on record $7 million bond

Houston: An Indian‑American doctor charged
in one of US' biggest healthcare fraud cases‑‑
involving a conspiracy worth a whopping
$464 million‑‑ was freed on a record $7 mil‑
lion bond.
Rajendra Bothra, a Padmashri‑awardee, was
charged along with five other physicians in
the alleged fraud, which, the US government,
said fueled the opioid epidemic.
US District Judge Stephen Murphy granted
the bond for him despite the government's
concern that the doctor has hidden money
that could bankroll an escape to India.
Bothra, of Bloomfield Hills, who will be re‑
leased on home confinement and tracked by
a GPS tether, must identify all assets under
penalty of perjury, Detroit News reported.
Being the lead defendant in one of the
largest healthcare fraud cases in the US histo‑
ry, he must liquidate a $8.5 million retire‑
ment account to cover the bond, a process
that could take three days, it reported.
His wife and daughter, will surrender their
Rajendra Bothra was charged with five other
physicians in an alleged fraud which the
government said fueled opioid epidemic
passports against concerns that the family
might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July.
Bothra has investments and many siblings
in India. He is one of the most high‑profile In‑
dian‑American Republican Party activists and
fundraisers. In the 1980s and early 1990s,
he hosted major fundraisers for former presi‑
dent George HW Bush and other senior Re‑
publican lawmakers.
Apart from his professional achievements
in the field of medicine in the United States,
Bothra has been active in working for the
poor and sick in India.
For about eight weeks each year, Bothra
leaves his general surgery practice in Warren
and travels to India at his own expenses to
work with Indian organisations to increase
awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco
and alcohol addiction.
He holds regular lecture tours in India to
educate professionals and lay audiences on
health issues. Bothra has worked with the
Nargis Dutt Foundation to produce two docu‑
mentaries, one on AIDS and another on to‑
bacco abuse.
The Indian government also praised him
for being instrumental in gifting sophisticat‑
ed American medical equipment to hospitals
in India and assisting in the rebuilding of
hospitals of Maharashtra's Latur after a se‑
vere earthquake.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have been unable
to pinpoint Bothra's net worth, which could
be as high as $35 million.
Assistant US Attorney Brandy McMillion
noted that Bothra owns a real‑estate compa‑
ny that owns 22 properties across Metro De‑
troit, including $2.8 million worth of condo‑
miniums and commercial buildings in down‑
town Royal Oak.
Prosecutors are trying to identify whether
the properties were purchased with proceeds
from the alleged criminal activity.
US Attorney Matthew Schneider attended
the brief court hearing on Tuesday and said
his team of prosecutors will meet and decide
whether to appeal the bond.
Bothra, jailed since last month when he was
charged alongside five others, is accused of
fueling the nation's opioid epidemic, cheating
Medicare and subjecting patients to needless,
painful back injections. (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
UAE expat groups miss
deadline for new
immigration proposals
Abu Dhabi: Many Indian expatriate groups
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have
missed the deadline to suggest changes to
New Delhi's new draft Immigration Act, the
media reported.
T he new draft bill w ill replace the
Immigration Act of 1983.
The Indian government had invited public
feedback for the new draft law that propos‑
es mandatory registration of Indians going
abroad for work; sett ing up of an
Emigration Management Authority to
ensure the welfare and protection of emi‑
grants; and strict regulations and penalties
to prevent illegal recruitment, exploitation,
and human trafficking.
AK Beeran Kutty, President of the Kerala
Social Centre (KSC), told The Khaleej Times
that he came to know about the draft bill
just three days before the deadline which
was Jan 20.
"The (Indian) government should have
circulated it through official channels and
diplomatic missions. None of us even knew
about the tweet put out by the Ministry of
External Affairs seeking comments. I think
New UK immigration
system to benefit
Indians: British officials
New Delhi: Britain's post‑Brexit pro‑
posed new skills‑based immigration sys‑
tem that will remove the cap on skilled
worker visas will benefit Indians, a team
of British government of ficials empha‑
sized during discussions with of ficials
of the Indian government on
Wednesday.
The discussions signaled a new phase
of cooperation and acted as a forum to
discuss opportunities to strengthen the
bilateral relationship, according to a
statement issued by the British High
Commission here.
In the talks with the Indian of ficials,
the British team emphasized that the
new skills‑based immigration system
of fers a significant opportunity to
Indian nationals, particularly skilled
workers and students.
It was also pointed out that the cur‑
rent British visa system already pro‑
vides a good service for India, with
almost one in five of all British visas
granted to Indian nationals.
"The UK government wants to encour‑
age skilled workers to come to live and
work in the UK and has proposed to
abolish the cap on its new skilled visa
route when the new system comes into
ef fect in 2021," the High Commission
statement said.
"These proposals mean that there
would be no limit on the number of
DIASPORA Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 9
we lost an opportunity to study the draft
bill carefully and raise our concerns," Kutty
said.
India Social and Cultural Centre (ISCC)
President Ramesh Panicker echoed similar
concerns, saying: "Not everybody is on
Twitter. An important draft bill like this
should have been made public through offi‑
cial channels. We got the circular from the
embassy just two days ago. Though I have
circulated it among our members, there
wasn't enough time.
"I hope the government will postpone the
deadline and allot more time for the diaspo‑
ra to give their feedback," he told The
Khaleej Times.
Panicker added that he would raise the
issue at the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas,
which began in Varanasi on January 21.
Bindu Suresh Chettur, a lawyer based in
Dubai, said she hoped the government
would extend the deadline. "It is an impor‑
tant bill that affects the diaspora and hence
expat organizations should have the chance
to get involved."
(IANS)
skilled people, such as engineers, doc‑
tors and IT professionals, who can come
to live and work in the UK," it stated,
adding that this will allow people from
across the world to come to the UK for
work or to study and to visit.
In comments following Wednesday's
talks, British Immigration Minister
Caroline Nokes said her country already
issues more skilled worker visas to
Indian nationals than to the rest of the
world combined.
"Under the new system, operating
from 2021, we will always be open to
the brightest and best from India, who
wish to come to live and work in the
UK," Nokes said.
Stating that the migration partnership
between Britain and India is a priority
for his country, Brit ish Hig h
Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith
said that India is the first country, out‑
side of the European Union, that
London is consulting on its new migra‑
tion policy. "These talks are central to
developing closer bilateral cooperation,
with policies promoting skilled work
and international students playing a
major role in new UK proposals,"
Asquith said.
"We'll also be continuing our discus‑
sions on handling Indian nationals who
are in the UK illegally."
(IANS)
 10 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019
To end shutdown, Trump offer on immigrants doesn't budge Democrats
Washington: Thirty‑one days into
the partial government shutdown,
Demo crats and Republicans
appeared no closer to ending the
impasse than when it began, with
President Donald Trump lashing
out at his opponents after they
dismissed a plan he'd billed as a
compromise, reports AP.
Trump on Sunday branded
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a
"radical" and said she was acting
"irrationally." The president also
tried to fend off criticism from the
right, as conservatives accused
him of embracing "amnesty" for
immigrants in the country illegal‑
ly. Trump offered on Saturday to
temporarily extend protections
for young immigrants brought to
the country illegally as children
and those fleeing disaster zones in
exchange for $5.7 billion for his
border wall. But Democrats said
the three‑year proposal didn't go
nearly far enough.
"No, Amnesty is not a part of my
Pelosi stalls his State Mueller disputes report Trump told
of Union, Trump Cohen to lie to Congress on Moscow deal
yanks her plane
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is butting heads
with the President. (Photo IANS)
Washington: President Trump
last Thursday canceled a military
plane for an overseas trip House
Speaker Nancy Pelosi was set to
leave on same day, saying it was
inappropriate during the govern‑
ment shutdown.
Trumpʼs move serves as his
response to the letter Pelosi sent
him one day earlier, effectively
postponing his State of the
Union (SOTU) address slated for
January 29 over security con‑
cerns during government shut‑
down. In his letter, Trump invited
Pelosi to fly commercial into a
war zone.
Informing her that he had
scrubbed her military plane to
Afghanistan, Brussels, and Egypt,
Trump said it was her preroga‑
tive if she wants to fly commer‑
cial. As his letter was making TV
news headlines, an Air Force
President Trump sticks to his wall first demand,
and Democrats stick to open government first demand.
of fer," Trump tweeted Sunday,
noting that he'd of fered tempo‑
bus could be seen parked outside
her offices, which was to have
taken the delegation to the
plane.
About 24 hours earlier, Pelosi
sent Trump a letter suggesting
that SOTU be delayed until he
reopens the government or that
he deliver it in a letter or from
the Oval Office.
As House speaker, Pelosi gets
to decide when and if POTUS
delivers address to the joint ses‑
sion of Congress. on January 29,
at which, TV political pundits
reported, a good‑ish chunk of
time would. She rejected a sug‑
gestion she was denying Trump
his platform. “Iʼm saying letʼs get
a date when the government is
open. Letʼs pay the employees,”
she said, adding, “Maybe he
thinks itʼs OK not to pay people
who do work. I donʼt.”
US AFFAIRS
rary, three‑year extensions ‑ not
permanent relief. But he added:
Washington: President Donald
Trump of fered a rare show of
gratitude for Robert Mueller on
Saturday, praising the special
counsel after his office disputed
aspects of a BuzzFeed News
report as furor over the story con‑
tinued to play out across the
media.
“It was a total phony story, and I
appreciate the special counsel
coming out with a statement last
night,” Trump told reporters,
reports Politico.
“I think it was very appropriate
that they did so. I very much
appreciate that,” said the presi‑
dent, who frequently assails the
work of the special counse l's
Russia investigation and his team
of federal prosecutors.
According to the BuzzFeed
Christie says Trump hired 'riffraff' in new book
Washington: Chris Christie, the
former Republican New Jersey
governor who served on President
Trump's transition team, says in
his new book that the Trump
administration hired "rif fraf f "
instead of experienced strategists.
"Donald so urgently needed the
right people around him and a
solid structure in place," Christie
wrote in "Let Me Finish," accord‑
ing to an excerpt obtained by
Axios.
“Far too often, heʼs found him‑
self saddled with the riffraff."
Christie criticized several of
Trump's ex‑secretaries and advis‑
ers, including "future federal
felon" Michael Flynn, who was the
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
"Amnesty will be used only on a
much bigger deal, whether on
immigration or something else."
With hundreds of thousands of
federal workers set to face anoth‑
er federal pay period without pay‑
checks, the issue passed to the
Senate, where Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell has agreed to
bring Trump's proposal to the
floor this week. Democrats say
there's little chance the measure
will reach the 60‑vote threshold
usually required to advance legis‑
lation in the Senate.
One key Republican, Sen. James
Lankford of Oklahoma, said that
he and other lawmakers had been
encouraging the White House to
put an of fer on the table ‑ any
offer ‑ to get both sides talking.
"Get something out there the
president can say, 'I can support
this,' and it has elements from
both sides, put it on the table,
then open it up for de bate,"
Lankford said on ABC's "T his
News story published late
T hursday evening, Trump
instructed his longtime personal
attorney, Michael Cohen, to lie to
Congress about negotiations to
build a Trump Tower in Moscow,
citing two federal law enforce‑
ment officials involved in an
investigation of the matter.
But in an unprecedented
response to the report late Friday,
Mueller spokesman Peter Carr
said that “BuzzFeedʼs description
of specific statements to the
Special Counselʼs Office, and char‑
acterization of documents and
testimony obtained by this office,
reg arding Michae l Cohenʼs
Congressional testimony are not
accurate.”
BuzzFeed editor in chief Ben
Smith defended his reportersʼ
president's first national security
adviser, and "greedy and inexperi‑
Week."
Vice President Mike Pence said
on "Fox News Sunday" that Trump
had "set the table for a deal that
will address the crisis on our bor‑
der, secure our border and give us
a pathway" to reopen the govern‑
ment.
Democrats, however, continue
to say that they will not negotiate
with Trump until he ends the
shutdown, the longest in
American history.
As news media reported the out‑
line of Trump's proposal ahead of
his Saturday speech, Pelosi and
other Democrats made clear the
president's plan was a non‑starter
‑ a quick reaction Trump took
issue with Sunday.
"Nancy Pelosi and some of the
Democrats turned down my offer
yesterday before I even got up to
speak. They don't see crime &
drugs, they only see 2020," he
said in first of a flurry of morning
tweets.
work and responded to Carr in a
tweet Friday, writing online: “We
stand by our reporting and the
sources who informed it, and we
urge the Special Counsel to make
clear what he's disputing.”
BuzzFeed News spokesman
Matt Mittenthal repeated the out‑
let's defense of the story Saturday
afternoon, telling reporters: “As
weʼve re‑confirmed our reporting,
weʼve seen no indication that any
specific aspect of our story is
inaccurate. We remain confident
in what weʼve reported, and will
share more as we are able.”
T he president on Saturday
blasted the BuzzFeed News report
as “a disgrace to our country” and
“a disgrace to journalism,” and
criticized broader media coverage
of the story.
enced" Scott Pruitt, who was the
administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency.
Trump has "too few" Kellyanne
Conways and Steven Mnuchins
and a "boatload of Se bast ian
Gorkas," Christie wrote.
Christie was fired after Election
Day as chief of Trump's transition
team. Christie in previously pub‑
lished excerpts of his memoir
slammed associates of Trump as
"amateurs," "weaklings" and
"unconvicted felons."
He also reportedly claims that
White House senior adviser Jared
Kushner enacted a "hit job"
against him as revenge for prose‑
cuting Kushner's father years ago.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 11

Faith groups, others help federal workers hit by shutdown

New York: The month‑long shut
down now has some federal work‑
ers turning to their communities
and food banks for help.
In Atlanta on a recent Sunday,
the Rev. Wilbur Purvis asked how
many members of his congrega‑
tion were af fected by the partial
government shutdown. Several
raised their hands.
So, the pastor of Destiny World
Church in Austell prayed for them,
but something in his heart told
him to do more. A few days later,
he handed out $500 checks to five
people.
St. Mary's Food Bank donated food packets for the employees of Former President George W. Bush brought pizzas for his
Around metro Atlanta, churches
Phoenix Indian Medical Center who are federal workers. security detail during the shutdown.
and faith‑based organizations are
stepping up to help Georgians he lp provide support to fur‑ chain Stop & Shop is donating hundred on Long Island. Suf folk association.
affected by the shutdown. loughed and unpaid federal work‑ $10,000 to Island Harvest and and Nassau social services officials Sunil Tolani, CEO of the Prince
Recently, 25 people stood in the ers and contractors in the state. Long Island Cares Inc., which also said they were speeding up the Organization, a hospitality compa‑
pulpit of New Birth Missionary In the New York tristate area operates a food bank, officials said. process of getting food and other ny based in Los Angeles, reports
Baptist Church as Senior Pastor there were a wide‑range of events American Portfolio, a financial assistance to af fected federal that a number of the companyʼs
Jamal H. Bryant walked down the one weekend where neighbors services firm in Ronkonkoma, has employees. properties have made accommoda‑
line giving them money donated were attempting to help neighbors. donated $25,000 to Long Island Hotels across the country are tions for government workers. At
by fellow members. Baking away in the back of the Cares to assist government also of fering help to furloughed the Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Antioch Baptist Church North is Montclair Bread Company is the employees af fected by the shut‑ government workers. Waxahachie in Texas, the hotel has
using its longstanding relationship only way owner Rachel Wyman down, said Paule T. Pachter, CEO of The Hotel Association of New of fered free cancellations to gov‑
with the Atlanta Community Food knows how to help with the partial Long Island Cares. T he York City has announced it will ernment employees whose branch‑
Bank to help impacted federal government shutdown. Connecticut‑based Coast Guard provide free hotel rooms to fur‑ es are not currently af fected, but
workers. “We decided to give cof fee and Foundat ion nonprofit said loughed federal workers who need may be in the future. ”We will also
The Georgia Power Foundation bread and sandwiches to anyone T hursday it had collected to travel to New York City for per‑ call to offer breakfasts and a one‑
recently announced a $50,000 working without pay whoʼs been $250,000 for distribution to fur‑ sonal emergencies during the shut‑ night stay for families,” said Kenzie
donation to St. Vincent de Paul furloughed,” Wyman said. loughed Coast Guard members and down, according to Vijay Shore, general manager of the
Georgia, a faith‑based nonprofit, to On Long Island, the supermarket their families, including several Dandapani, president/CEO of the property.
 12 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Sushma Swaraj praises Pravasis for their efforts

Varanasi: India is a land of limit‑

Congress never had will

less opportunities and Pravasi
Bharatiyas are and will continue
to be partners in the progress of

to end corruption: Modi

our motherland, External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj said
while she inaugurated the Youth
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas here.
Swaraj emphasized that shared
identity and shared commonness
are the key features which "bind
us together and will grow mani‑
fold in years to come".
The Minister said that the story
of Pravasi Bharatiya is a tale of
courage, determination and char‑
acter and cited the examples of
Goog le CEO, Sunder Pichai,
Microsoft COO Satya Nadella,
IMF Chie f Economist Gita
Gopinath to name a few.
The 15th Edition of Pravasi
Bharatiya Diwas got of f to a
g rand start at Deendayal
Hastakala Sankul in Varanasi in
the presence of Union Minister of
State and in‑charge of Overseas
Indian Affairs General V. K. Singh
(Retd.) along with the Guests of
Honor Member of Parliament of
Norway Himanshu Gulati, and
MP from New Zealand Kanwaljit
Singh Bakshi. Union Minister of
State Informat ion and
Broadcasting and Sports and
Youth Af fairs, Colone l
Rajyavardhan Rathore, who was
also present on the occasion,
spoke about the unique and bind‑
ing force of Indian identity and
said Pravasi Bharatiya communi‑
ty is India's best ambassador.
Lauding the role of NRIs in pre‑
serving their cultural values,
Rathore also urged them to join
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Uttar Pradesh Chief
Minister Yogi Adityanath lights the lamp to inaugurate "Youth
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019" in Varanasi. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
in the building of a "New India".
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh,
Yog i Adityanath said Uttar
Pradesh looks up to the diaspora
community for its valued contri‑
bution.
Recalling his parent's journey
from India to Norway 40 years
ago, Himanshu Gulat i said:
"Natural resource are our biggest
assets and youth must imbibe the
values of Mahatma Gandhi: Be
the change you want to see."
Guest of Honor, MP from New
Zealand, Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi
said agriculture and horticulture
are key areas in which India and
New Zealand can collaborate.
He put up a request for dual
citizenship and nomination of
NRIs to Rajya Sabha for active
part icipat ion in polit ics and
urged people to take pride in
their culture and heritage. The
theme for this year Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas is 'Role of Indian
Diaspora in building New India'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
w ill formally inaugurate the
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conven‑
t ion on Tuesday, w ith Prime
Minister of Mauritius, Pravind
Kumar Jugnauth being the Chief
Guest. The valedictory address
and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Awards w ill be g iven by
President Ram Nath Kovind to
select overseas Indians for their
significant contributions in India
and abroad.
After the convention, partici‑
pants will visit Prayagraj for
Kumbh Me la on January 24.
They will then proceed to Delhi
on January 25 to witness the
Republic Day Parade at Rajpath.
Varanasi: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi said on Tuesday
that successive Congress govern‑
ments since Independence never
had the will nor intention to end
corruption, but his government
has done it in the last four‑and‑a‑
half years.
Without naming Rajiv Gandhi,
Modi said that a former Prime
Minister had famously said that
of the 100 rupees that the
Central government doles out for
public welfare, only 15 rupees
reach the beneficiaries with the
rest 85 per cent leaked through
corruption.
"It was an admission of a fact,
of a system that the party which
ruled for so long had given to the
country. But even during its later
rule of 10‑15 years, the party
never tried to stop this pilferage.
The middle class taxpayer sin‑
cerely kept paying taxes and the
loot of 85 per cent continued,"
Modi said at Pravasi Bharatiya
Diwas.
"Now I will tell you the present
situation. Using technology, we
have completely ended this 85
per cent pilferage. If we had not
changed the system, the loot
would have continued. This could
have been done earlier, but there
was no intent, no will," he added.
Modi said in the last 4.5 years,
his government has disbursed
5.78 lakh crore rupees or 80 bil‑
lion dollars under various
schemes through direct benefit
transfer to the beneficiaries' bank
accounts.
He said if the old system had
been allowed to continues, 4.91
lakh crore rupees would have
leaked through corruption.
Modi said his government iden‑
tified and cleaned 7 crore fake
beneficiaries who existed only on
paper.
"Our government is now work‑
ing to ensure that in every wel‑
fare scheme, money is transferred
directly to the bank account of
the beneficiary," he said.
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
addresses at the
inauguration of
15th Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas
in Varanasi.
(Photo:
IANS/MEA)

BJP calls EVM row

Union Minister for Communications &
Information Technology Ravi Shankar
Prasad. (File Photo: IANS)
Congress sponsored
New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday alleged
that the EVM hackathon in London where
a US‑based self‑claimed cyber expert said
the 2014 Lok Sabha elections were rigged
and that EVMs can be hacked was a "con‑
spiracy" sponsored by the Congress to
defame the country's election process.
Speaking to the media here, Union
Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned
Congress leader Kapil Sibal's presence at
the event on Monday where the expert,
Syed Shuja, made the sensational claim.
"What was Sibal doing there? We would
like to know in what capacity was he pres‑
ent at the event. I believe he was there on
behalf of the Congress party.
"The entire event was a Congress spon‑
sored conspiracy. They have started mak‑
ing excuses for their definite defeat in the
coming Lok Sabha polls," he added, asking
Congress President Rahul Gandhi that
how many more "stunts" the Congress is
going to perform ahead of the elections.
Terming it false and deliberate agenda,
Prasad said it was an insult to the Indian
voters from abroad.
"The Congress is trying to defame the
2014 mandate and the Elect ion
Commission. The Congress did not say
anything when it won the three states.
"EVMs have been in use for the last 20
years. For 10 years when Congress was in
power, EVM was fine, when Mayawati
won, it was fine, when Akhilesh won, then
it was fine, when Mamata won in Bengal,
then it was fine... but when the BJP won
then the EVM is rigged. This is shameful,"
he said.
Prasad said there could not be any logic
to say that EVMs can be tampered with.
"It's a design to compromise the sanctity
of India's election process which is recog‑
nised worldwide for its electoral reforms.
The party which ruled the country for 58
years is designing to attack at this
esteemed institution."
"In 2014, the UPA was in power, not us.
Where is the logic in accusing us of hack‑
ing the EVMs when we were not even in
power," he asked.
In 2017, the Election Commission had
organised an open challenge for three
days for all political parties to prove it but
no one except left parties appeared.
"Where was Shuja then," he asked.
When asked about a probe into the mat‑
ter, Prasad said the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) would pre fer "exposing" the
Congress.
He also rubbished hacker Shuja's claims
that BJP leader Gopinath Munde was
"murdered" because he knew the "truth of
the EVMs.
He said the doctor who had conducted
the autopsy on Munde has clearly said
that Munde died in a car accident in Delhi.
Prasad also alleged that the organiser of
the event contributed to National Herald
and has proximity with Rahul Gandhi.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 13

Amit Shah mocks 'mahagathbandhan'

Malda (West Bengal): Dismissing
the January 19 rally of opposi‑
tion leaders in Kolkata as a "gath‑
bandhan" (alliance) of power‑
seekers and those only interested
in serving their own interests,
BJP President Amit Shah on
Tuesday said these people only
want to give the country a "maj‑
boor" (helpless) government so
that they can "indulge in corrup‑
tion", which is not possible under
the "mazboot" (strong) govern‑
ment of Narendra Modi.
"All these leaders of the 'maha‑
gathbandhan' (grand alliance)
want a loose and helpless gov‑
ernment in the country, so that
they can indulge in corruption. In
contrast, we want a strong gov‑
ernment, which can teach a les‑
son to Pakistan," Shah said at a
BJP rally in this north Bengal
town, launching the party's Lok
Sabha poll campaign in the state.
Shah asked the crowd whether
they want a "majboor" govern‑
ment or a "mazboot" govern‑
ment. As the crowd rooted for a
only chants of "Modi, Modi".
"W hat w ill they do for the
country? The sole agenda of the
alliance is to remove Modi.
"We say remove poverty, cor‑
ruption, unemployment, illitera‑
cy, they only say remove Modi.
To eradicate these ills, you (the
people) have to ensure Modi
returns to power, because this
weak alliance of leaders won't be
able to deliver," he said.
Targeting West Bengal Chief
Minister Mamata Banerjee, who
had organised the mega rally of
anti‑BJP opposition parties at the
Brig ade Parade Ground on
Saturday, Shah said: "Mamata Di,
even if you gather 25 leaders,
and they hold each others' hands
BJP chief Amit Shah addressing a party rally in Malda, West Bengal. on the stage, Narendra Modi
(Photo: IANS/BJP)
can't be removed. Hundred crore
strong government, Shah said: alliance of power‑seekers and Indians are standing rock solid
"Who can give a strong govern‑ those only interested in serving behind Modi."
ment? Only (Prime Minister) their own interests." Shah also mocked at the prime
Narendra Modi can give a strong He said not even once at the ministerial ambitions of the vari‑
government, and none else." rally did one hear shouts of ous opposition leaders present at
Rubbishing talks of "gathband‑ "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" or "Vande the Brigade Parade Ground rally.
han", Shah said: "It is only an Mataram", instead there were "There were 23 leaders on the
dais, nine of them are prime min‑
isterial aspirants. Nine PM candi‑
dates on one stage! There is a big
queue," he said, tongue in cheek.
He said in contrast the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)‑led
National Democratic Alliance
(NDA) has only one leader.
"We have only one leader. The
entire NDA stands rock solid
under the leadership of Narendra
Modi," he said.
Countering Banerjee, who had
questioned Modi's performance
since he came to power in 2014,
Shah said: "I have come to reply.
He has g iven 129 we lfare
schemes to the people."
Infusing drama, Shah asked the
crowd whether they want to read
the full list of the schemes.
To a resounding "yes", Shah
started reading the list, but
stopped after the people started
clapping wildly. "I have read only
13 of the schemes and you have
already started applauding. So
you now know how much he
(Modi) has done."

Court nod for Doval

defamation suit against
14 die as ships with
Jairam, Caravan Indian crew catch
New Delhi: A De lhi
court on Tuesday took
fire off Russia
cognizance of a
Moscow: At least 14 people have been The Indian embassy in Moscow was in
defamation complaint
killed in a fire that broke out on two touch with the agencies in Russia to get
filed by Nat ional
Tanzanian‑flagged ships, both carrying more information and extend whatever
Security Advisor (NSA)
Indian crew, near the Kerch Strait that help that may be necessary, the External
Ajit Doval's son Vivek
separates Crimea and Russia, Crimea Affairs Ministry said in Delhi.
Doval ag ainst
Prime Minister Sergei Aksyonov said. The Severe weather conditions prevented
Cong ress leader
victims have not been identified yet. rescue ships from bringing victims to the
Jairam Ramesh, T he
Preliminary information said the fire shore for medical treatment, RT News
Caravan magazine and
erupted on Monday night due to the fail‑ reported. Both vesse ls were fly ing
an author for publish‑
ure of a pump being used to transfer fuel Tanzanian flags. One of them was a lique‑
ing a defamatory arti‑
between the two vessels ‑‑ Candy and fied natural gas carrier and another one
cle against him.
Maestro ‑‑ in violation of security regula‑ was a tanker.
Addit ional Chie f
tions, Russian state news agency TASS Maritime traffic was not affected by the
M e t r o p o l i t a n
reported. incident and navigation through the
Mag istrate Samar
The two ships had a total of 32 crew Kerch Strait is still open, the Director of
Vishal listed the mat‑
members ‑‑ Turkish and Indian nationals. the Crimean Sea Ports said.
ter for January 30 for
The news agency said Candy had a crew Authorities in the Crimean city of Kerch
recording the state‑
of 17 ‑‑ eight Indian nationals and nine said they were ready to receive the vic‑
ment of complainant Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.
Turks while the Maestro carried seven tims.
Vivek Doval and two
Indians, seven Turks and an intern from The crew members were sailing in "neu‑
witnesses. "The article as well as press conferences
Libya. tral waters" in the Black Sea when the
Vivek Doval has alleged that the article have unrestricted access through the
"... We currently have information about incident occurred, reports said.
intended to harm his reputation and busi‑ Internet across the globe including New
14 dead sailors... Other sailors have not The Kerch Strait is a focus of tension
ness and these were punishable under the Delhi," the complaint said.
been delivered to hospitals yet," Aksyonov between Russia and Ukraine. In
Indian Penal Code. Vivek Doval also told the court that the
was quoted as saying by TASS. November, Russian border guards seized
The magazine claimed that Vivek Doval statements made by the accused were far
A spokesman from Russia's Federal three Ukrainian naval vessels near the
was running a hedge fund in the Cayman from the truth.
Agency for Maritime and River Transport narrow channel, which links the Black Sea
Islands. "To the contrary, the insinuations have
said that 12 people had been rescued and with the Sea of Azov.
Vivek Doval told the court that through been so made by the accused persons, in
there were no chances of finding any The strait holds strategic importance
calculated insinuations and innuendos active connivance with each other, with
more survivors. for both sides. It is an important econom‑
raised by way of published articles and the concrete knowledge that imputation
"The fire on ships continues... It will not ic lifeline for Ukraine that allows ships
press conferences, the accused had raised will harm the reputation of the com‑
be extinguished until all the gas burns leaving the port city of Mariupol to access
unfounded and base less alleg at ions plainant and the Doval family," said the
out," the spokesman said. the Black Sea.
against him and have caused irreparable complaint filed by Vivek Doval.
Of ficials said that Russian rescuers It is also the the closest point of access
damage to his reputation and goodwill He said that the accused made no effort
were trying to reach sailors who jumped for Russia to Crimea, a peninsula Moscow
that he had earned for himself over years to verify any of the imputations, which
into the waters to avoid the fire. annexed in 2014.
of hard work. itself reflected their mala fide intent.
14 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019
Why India needs another 10 years of Modi
A
sserting that the days of
"khichdi politics" are over,
Union Minister Hardeep
Singh Puri, says that the proposed
mahagathbandhan is an "alliance
of opportunists".
The results of the 2014 general
elections heralded a "paradigmatic
shift" in India's politics and eco‑
nomic governance, he claims.
"There is widespread acknowl‑
edgment among India's citizens
that the days of khichdi politics are
over, and the proposed 'mahagath‑
bandhan' or a grand coalition is
nothing more than an alliance of
opportunists," he writes in the
Introduction of his upcoming book,
"Delusional Politics".
He bases his claims against coali‑
tion politics on two reasons: first,
corruption, economic mismanage‑
ment and lethargy in international
af fairs during the Congress‑led
UPA II, according to him, brought
India to a standstill.
The second reason, says Puri,
who has had a distinguished four‑
decade career in diplomacy span‑
ning both the bilateral and the mul‑
tilateral arenas, is that the
Congress party, which played a piv‑
The dangers of politicizing caste‑based quota
By Ananda Majumdar
T
he governments decision
to implement 10 per cent
quota in jobs and educa‑
tional institutions in the general
category has the two‑fold pur‑
pose of playing up to the Sangh
Parivar's upper caste constituen‑
cy and, more importantly, hold‑
ing off the prospect of organized
violence that an upper caste‑led
agitation could possibly trigger.
The anti‑Mandal protests fol‑
lowing the V.P. Singh govern‑
ments decision to implement the
Mandal Commission report on
reservat ion to the Other
Backward Classes in government
jobs and educational institutions
provide a telling background of
how violent and tragic such an
agitation could become.
The Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) has obviously been think‑
ing ahead in implementing these
reservat ions. T he Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sang h (RSS),
which provides the ideological
leadership to the saffron family,
has been against caste‑based
reservations, insisting that eco‑
nomic criteria should instead be
the basis for this.
Four years and more into the
tenure of a right‑wing govern‑
ment where the BJP government
Hardeep Singh Puri is Union Minister of State (Independent Charge ‑
Ministry of Housing/Urban Affairs) and former Ambassador to UN.
otal role in ensuring India's free‑
dom, has been reduced to a "fief‑
dom, headed by the Gandhi family".
"India was crying out for a sec‑
ond independence. The results in
May 2014 and the state assembly
elections over the past four years
only proved this point," Puri writes
in the book which will be launched
later this month at the Jaipur
Literature Festival. It is being pub‑
lished by Penguin Random House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
did not need the support of
allies ‑ troublesome or benign ‑
to stay on in power, failure to
counter the so‑called Left liberal
discourse on af firmative action
with a version of its own would
have appeared to be reneging on
a promise. Following the recent
losses in Mad hya Pradesh,
Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, RSS
chief Mohan Bhagwat helpfully
reminded the Modi government
that what they were witnessing
was an upper caste backlash.
Of course, it is a problematic
premise to consider only the
economic criteria as the basis
for reservations in India. A per‑
functory Google search of the
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
OP-ED
India.
He says India's Grand Old Party
is faced with "serious existential
questions".
Puri also dismisses the sugges‑
tion that Congress' victory in three
Hindi heartland states in
December, 2018 removed this exis‑
tential threat to the Congress.
"In all three states, the BJP was
the incumbent, and yet, in two of
these states, the Congress barely
number of Dalit youth who have
been attacked and sometimes
grievously wounded for no more
than sport ing a moustache
would show what they are up
against.
Two Dalit boys were attacked
in their homes because they
were felicitated by then Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh
Yadav for cracking the joint
entrance examination for admis‑
sion into the Indian Institute of
Technology.
A Dalit g room had to be
accompanied by over 300
policemen because he wanted to
ride a horse to his wedding
venue ‑ something that the
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
managed to scrape through. In
Madhya Pradesh, for instance, the
BJP was the incumbent for fifteen
years, and still managed to receive
a slightly higher vote share (41 per
cent) than the Congress (40.9 per
cent).
"In fact, the Congress by itself did
not even reach the halfway mark,
and needed the support of the BSP
to form a government. The sugges‑
tion therefore that the phoenix has
risen from the ashes could still be
premature," he argues.
Puri, who has previously
authored "Perilous Interventions:
T he Security Council and the
Politics of Chaos", heaps praise on
the achievements of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi‑led NDA govern‑
ment at the centre, counting on
programs such as the Swachh
Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojna,
among others, to conclude that he
has "no qualms in predicting that
these measures will hold the BJP in
good stead going into the general
election in 2019".
Quoting Cambridge historian
Angus Maddison, Puri notes that
upper caste residents of his
Uttar Pradesh village had object‑
ed to. These are stray cases that
have been reported and repre‑
sent the proverbial tip of the ice‑
berg of the debilitating disad‑
vantages that people from the
lower castes routinely face in
trying to rise above their condi‑
tion.
Intro ducing quota for the
upper castes based on economic
criteria could, meanwhile, open
up new fronts against the BJP
even as it tries to close off new
ones. As the BJP tries to expand
its base, from being the one that
aimed to come to power on its
own steam, it is now the one
that has to be beaten. While it
might have the upper hand in
having state power at its dispos‑
al to present its case better, it is
also easily the target of criticism
from political opponents ‑ some‑
thing that Modi himself excelled
at when attacking from the out‑
side but now finds that the shoe
is on the other foot.
He would have realized that
fighting allegations is a bit like
firefighting because you don't
know where a fire will start out
but once it is there, you will have
to rush out and douse it. That
can sap your strength. Then, the
nature of ring‑fencing oneself
-Hardeep Singh Puri
India's contribution to global out‑
put stood at 27 per cent in 1700,
and regrets that the figure came
down to 3 per cent by 1950, and is
at approximate ly 13 per cent
today.
He argues that imperialism, fol‑
lowed by "sixty‑odd years of
Congress rule" never allowed India
to become one of world's leading
economies.
Puri, who held ambassadorial
posts in London (1999‑2002),
Brazil (2006‑08), and was India's
Permanent Representative to the
UN in both Geneva (2002‑05) and
New York (2009‑13), claims that
under Modi, india is poised to
become a $5 trillion economy by
2025, and a $10 trillion economy
by 2030.
"This increase in GDP, along with
substantial increase in per capita
income, requires stability at the
very top of the decision‑making
system. India needs another ten
years of PM Modi to reattain its
pre‑colonial economic strength. It
is well on its way to regaining its
rightful place in the universe," he
contends.
against allegations can get a lit‑
tle boring and predictive ‑ as has
happened now with the repeti‑
t ive attacks on the Nehru‑
Gandhis, which has lost its nov‑
elty in the age of 24x7 television
coverage.
The intent to introduce quota
for the general category based
on economic criteria is unlikely
to end friction because there will
always be a counter move. The
pro‑upper caste move might
he lp the BJP get traction in
states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan ‑
states in the Hindi belt where
caste politics plays a big hand.
But this can never be a one‑way
street. It has been countered in
Uttar Pradesh by the Samajwadi
Party‑Bahujan Samaj Party
alliance.
T he current move is also a
political one and regardless of
the way the vote on the
Const itut ion (124th
Amendment) Bill, 2019 has gone
in the Lok Sabha, it contains
within it the seeds of social dis‑
cord. It would require a great
deal of tact on the part of the
government and top BJP leaders
to keep the matter from boiling
over, a challenge no doubt as it
comes so close to the Lok Sabha
polls.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info FEATURE Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 15

7 fashion designers pay

ode to 'Make In India'
Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Fashion designers embroidery. Shah presented Chitravali,
Anju Modi, Gaurang Shah, Namrata
Joshipura, Payal Jain, Rahul Mishra and
featuring kalamkari inspired by Ajanta
paintings on Kanjeevaram weaves.
Gujarat reaches out to Africa
Rajesh Pratap Singh got together to show‑ Joshipura picked contemporary silhou‑
case their interpretation of 'Make in India' ettes with traditional brocades for the
theme at the ninth edition of the Vibrant show, while Jainʼs white Blanc collection
Gujarat Global Summit 2019 here. Fashion had tone‑on‑tone usage of chikankari,
Design Council of India (FDCI), which has applique, mirror‑work, resham embroi‑
been a frontrunner in taking forward dery, mokaish, zardozi and glass beading
Prime Minister Narendra Modiʼs ʻMake in on silk jamdani, chanderi, katrua and
Indiaʼ vision, organized an event showcas‑ khinkhab. Mishra showcased traditional
ing the Indian craft and textile at the sum‑ chikankari from Lucknow in his collection
mit last Saturday on the banks of the “Charbagh”. Khadi from Gujarat and
Sabarmati. Rajasthan mixed with ikat was presented
In her collection titled “Raas Leela”, Anju by Pratap Singh. Shyamal & Bhumika
Modi showcased Banarasi brocade and curated “Vayanti”, a couture collection
matka silk along with techniques like gold incorporating exquisite brocade from
foil print, gota patti work and zardozi Gujarat for the show.
In a bid to boost
India‑Africa
trade ties, the
ninth edition of
Showcasing the the Vibrant
Indian crafts Gujarat Global
and textiles Investment
at the ninth Summit 2019
edition celebrate Africa
of the Vibrant Day on January
Gujarat Global 19 with dancers
Summit 2019. from Gujarat and
Africa.

At peace in the madding crowd

Taking a dip at the holy Kumbh
By Saket Suman
Prayagraj, UP: It is the largest spir‑
itual, cultural and religious congre‑
gation of its kind and attracts
crores of devotees from India and
abroad at the Sangam ‑ the conflu‑
ence of the Ganga and Yamuna
rivers and the mythical Saraswati.
The historic city of Prayagraj,
which was recently renamed from
Allahabad, is witnessing the coming
together of saints, seers and devo‑
tees in numbers that can blind the
human eye.
Everywhere in the city, from its
by‑lanes to the bathing ghats, all
one can see is devout believers
headed in one direction. Upon
arriving in the city, the first sights
are those of folks arriving from the
rural regions of the country. Their
sheer belief in the faith they prac‑
tise resonates from their eyes like
vapour arising from a snow‑clad
mountain in the morning sky,
lulling the environment of the city
in a spiritual mood.
As you walk down the road that
leads to the Sangam, you will
encounter thousands of people,
wearing different costumes, talking
in different languages and chanting
prayers as they walk. The city has
itself been decorated to welcome
the visitors.
Paintings, depicting scenes from
ancient Indian scriptures, adorn the
walls along the roads and the
underpasses. And then there are
elements of the great Indian circus
that evoke curiosity among the visi‑
tors. Jaadugars displaying their
myriad tricks, astrologers predict‑
ing the future to a gathering and
medicine sellers attracting cus‑
tomers by enthusiastically speaking
into their microphones, are the
sights that keep one company in
the long walk to the river bank.
As the river makes its appearance
in the distant horizon, numerous
sadhus and mystics, in their myriad
avatars, are seen in their respective
tents. They have all gathered at the
banks of the river and these holy
men display their unusual practices
in full glory. Seated at one of the
tents near the pontoon bridges that
lead the visitors to Sangam, for
example, is a holy man showing off
his nearly three‑metre long mous‑
tache, which he claims to have
grown over a decade. Dozens of
devotees throng his tent. Some seek
photographs and selfies.
Barely a few steps away from him
is "Selfie Baba", clad in a spiritual
attire and equipped with a selfie
stick attached to a smartphone. His
appearance, in his own words, sig‑
nifies the meeting of mythology
and technology.
Along the way to the Sangam, take the holy dip. before. The picture is more clear,
several temples make their appear‑ It's a sight worth seeing ‑ and an the sounds more vibrant, and the
ances, with a distinct 'bhajan' play‑ experience worth living. All ten‑ mind so peaceful: call it the impact
ing in each of them. The visitors are sions that inflict the human mind of the churlish chidings of the win‑
offered 'prasad' at several of them, seem to lose their relevance the ter's wind or a divine force at play
before they finally reach the desti‑ moment one goes full‑body‑down but there is surely something
nation. The very sight of Sangam is under the holy water, which, extraordinary that the devout
refreshing; its water clean, for a according to the legends, opens the undergo after the holy dip.
change, and despite the huge doors to heaven. The icy‑cold water The chants of "Har Har Mahadev"
crowd, it somehow seems to accom‑ sends jitters through the nerves but and "Har Har Gange" resonate in
modate all. For safety, personnel its impact is felt only for a few sec‑ the air as one steps out and offers a
have been deployed on the bathing onds. By the time one rises out, prayer to the Sun god.
ghats and ropes demarcating the both the sensation of the chilly win‑ It is worth noting that the holy
bathing areas can be seen. The ter and the cold water is gone. dip is symbolical of a new begin‑
water level in most permissible Opening one's eyes after the holy ning: the devotees seek forgiveness
areas is mild and there is a rope for dip introduces one to a world for their errors and make a fresh
visitors to hold on to while they slightly different than the one start after it.
 16 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019
Kangana refuses
to bow down to
Karni Sena
A
ctress Kangana Ranaut is determined
to fight against the Shri Rajput Karni
Sena, who have threatened protests if
the film is not screened for the outfit before
theatrical release. The actress says if they
don't stop harassing her, she will "destroy
them".
According to reports, the Maharashtra
wing of the Karni Sena protested against the
film alleging that the period drama "alludes
to Rani Laxmibai's relationship with a British
officer". The outfit ‑‑ which led a long protest
against "Padmaavat" in 2017 ‑‑ also claimed
that the film shows the queen dancing to a
special number, saying that it is against tra‑
dition. They asked the makers of the film to
show them the movie before its release.
"Four historians have certified
'Manikarnika...'. We have got censor certifi‑
cate as well. Karni Sena has been conveyed
this but they are continuing to harass me,"
Kangana said in a statement.
"If they don't stop then they should know I
am also a Rajput and I will destroy each one
of them," added the actress, who has directed
the film along with Krish. Produced by Zee
Studios in association with Kamal Jain and
Nishant Pitti, the movie will release on
January 25.
'Why Cheat India', fails to convey
a strong social message
G
reat films are conversation starters
and game changers; mediocre ones
are like dull lectures, one‑sided.
This one is the latter and not at a very good
college.
Director Soumik Sen's "Why Cheat India",
subtly exposes the appalling underbelly of
the education system in our country.
The narrative begins circa 1998.
Satyendra Dubey aka Sattu (Snigdhadeep
Chatterjee) is a studious boy from Jaunpur,
Uttar Pradesh, who studies in Kota, the hub
of coaching classes for competitive exams.
On successfully clearing his exams, he is
abound by offers, mostly by dubious people
running coaching classes.
Soon, he gets lured by the smooth opera‑
tor Rakesh Singh aka Rocky (Emraan
Hashmi), a con‑man who runs a flourishing
business that allows education scams to
flourish in the country.
REVIEW
Emraan Hashmi plays the classic anti‑hero Rakesh Singh to the hilt.
BOLLYWOOD
We are not opposing
'Manikarnika...':
Karni Sena
Shri Rajput Karni Sena has claimed the
outfit is not involved in the protests
against Kangana Ranaut's "Manikarnika:
The Queen of Jhansi". Denying reports
about the outfit opposing the period
drama, its national spokesperson and
ex‑major Dr Himanshu said Shri Rajput
Karni Sena's name is being used for
vested interests.
"We are not opposing 'Manikarnika:
The Queen of Jhansi' till we don't have
anything substantial from the family,
region or the community," Himanshu
said. "These people, I believe, are using
the name of Karni Sena for their own
vested interests and they are bringing
disrepute to Karni Sena and to the his‑
torical characters."
"First and foremost, we should be clear
which Karni Sena (has protested).
Anybody who pops up and says 'I am
Karni Sena', cannot be Karni Sena," he
added.
Part of the genius of the film, is that it
unfolds at a deliberate pace. While the first
half is engaging, it manages to build a solid
set‑up, the second half indulges in a
romance angle. Despite deviating from the
flow, the plot does not lose focus. In fact,
playing safe, the film is careful to keep a
distance from controversies and to some
degree is truthful to the subject (One of the
first slide of the narrative states that the
film is a hybrid of facts and fiction).
Emraan Hashmi plays the classic anti‑
hero Rakesh Singh to the hilt. He is a
charmer and is sincere in his performance
despite being a rotter, bounder and an
opportunist.
Overall, with its moderate production val‑
ues the film manages to keep you engaged
for most of its run time. But considering its
strong social message it is supposed to con‑
vey, the film fails to leave an impact.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Majority of society in a time
warp: Nawazuddin Siddiqui
A
ctor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who stars
as Saadat Haasan Manto in "Manto" ‑‑
an Indian film that is not getting
released in Pakistan ‑‑ says society continues
to remain stubborn in its reluctance to accept
the bitter truth.
As the film has not got the green light for
release, writers, activists and journalists got
together last week to protest in different
cities of Pakistan. While "Manto" director
Nandita Das has expressed gratitude to the
supporters, Nawazuddin told IANS: "The
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiquiʼs ʻMantoʼ
has not been released in Pakistan.
majority of the society has not grown up intel‑
lectually to embrace the truth. That is why we Divya Dutta, Paresh Rawal and Rishi Kapoor.
are still living in the same society and stuck in "Manto" travelled to several international
time... That is why what Saadat Hassan Manto film festivals like Cannes and Toronto, but did
faced in his time is still the reality. The prob‑ not fare well at the Indian box office.
lems are still existing and his story is still rele‑ "Initially, when the film released in India,
vant." "Yes, like the way there were few liber‑ since we did not get a good number of screens
al‑minded people ‑‑ writers, authors and intel‑ and audience reach, I was upset. Later when
lectuals stood by him ‑‑ in the present time, a the film released digitally and the response
few people have also stood by the film. But all
of us are really in the minority, you know," he
started pouring in, I was glad that the film got
a great shelf life on Netflix, and we did a good
added. Isnʼt it quite a pessimistic thought? job. We gained confidence," said the actor,
The actor promptly responded: "No, no, who is determined to be part of such stories in
don't get me wrong. I want to add that those future. "Few stories are so compelling that
few liberal‑minded people are the reason why when a filmmaker is ready to tell the unadul‑
the world is still a nice place to live in. They terated version of it on the big screen, as an
are the hope that drives all of us to work with actor you feel excited to do such a film. Of
conviction and stand strong for the truth. course, ʻMantoʼ was one of such project and I
"Otherwise people will just look for an oppor‑ will be doing such films in coming days," said
tunity to kill each other." The film "Manto", a Nawazuddin, who will next be seen in
biopic on Manto, released in India in "Thackeray" as late Shiv Sena supremo
September last year. It features Rasika Dugal, Balasaheb Thackeray.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
India's first cinema museum -- a Why should I not be offended by
glimpse into 105-year film history Ramcharan Teja’s latest film?
P
rime Minister
Narendra Modi
inaugurated the
National Museum of
Indian Cinema (NMIC) in
Mumbai at a 19th centu‑
ry heritage bungalow
standing cheek by jowl
with an ultra‑modern
building in the countrys
film capital.
Modi went around the
entire state‑of‑the‑art
NMIC complex, catching a
glimpse of the absorbing
journey of Indian cinema,
PM Narendra Modi at the National Museum of
covering more than a cen‑
Indian Cinema in Mumbai.
tury of filmmaking, the
most popular medium of storytelling, with the Dadasaheb Phalke. There are also film sets,
help of visuals, graphics, memorablia, interac‑
tive exhibits and multimedia expositions. Set
up at a cost of Rs 140 crore, the NMIC will
help viewers understand the glorious history
of Indian films and help film students, film‑
makers, fans and critics learn and understand
about cinema as a medium of artistic expres‑
sion in the country and globally.
The museum displays a collection of rare
artefacts like vintage cameras, projectors, old
and new editing and recording equipments,
costumes, photographs and other materials
since the dawn of Indian cinema in 1913 with cinema and its journey from the silent era to
the first full‑length feature film "Raja
Harischandra" made by the legendary
Dhundiraj Govind Phadke, known as
When Gulshan Devaiah
felt he knew nothing
A
ctor Gulshan Devaiah, who signed
his upcoming film "Mard Ko Dar
Nahi Hota" following knee recon‑
structive surgery, says he trained for
months altogether for the part, but on set,
he felt he knew "nothing" until he gave his
first shot.
Vasan Bala's "Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota"
will see Gulshan in the role of a martial arts
expert. The role required him to get himself
prepared mentally and physically for chal‑
lenging action scenes. Before signing the
film, Gulshan went through knee recon‑
structive surgery on his right leg and was
advised complete rest for upto one year.
However, the film's interesting script and
his producer and director's faith in him led
Gulshan to agree to the project film despite
the risks.
Even though he underwent proper physi‑
cal training to prep for the role, until the
last moment he was totally unsure of every‑
thing, but he didn't express it to anyone.
Gulshan said in a statement to IANS: "My
progress through the training was not very
good. I was struggling physically and men‑
tally and it showed when Eric (the fight
choreographer) first showed up in India to
check us out. Abi and Radhika (Abhimanyu
Dassani and Radhika Madan) were terrific
and I just sucked so bad despite two
months of training and I think Prateek (our
trainer) was a bit disappointed in me.
"Nobody said anything to me out of kind‑
ness I guess, but I knew I had to figure this
BOLLYWOOD
props, film tapes, sound tracks, trailers, trans‑
parencies, and a rich collection of film‑related
literature and memorablia depicting Indian
film history in a chronological order.
Designed by the National Council of Science
Museums, it was first envisaged in 1997, and
set up in the 19th century heritage bungalow,
Gulshan Mahal and in another adjacent mod‑
ern five‑storied building, spread across
12,000 sq metres, in the heart of south
Mumbai. The museum comprises more than
three dozen interactive galleries devoted to
talkies, black‑and‑white to color, from the cel‑
luloid films era to digital technology and a
children's activity gallery.
Actor Gulshan Devaiah has starred in films
like ʻHunterrrʼ and ʻA death in the Gunjʼ.
out." Remembering the first day of shoot‑
ing, Gulshan said: "After months of training
and preparation, I felt I knew nothing. I was
blank. I didn't know what the hell I was
going to do. I didn't say this to anyone."
By Subhash K Jha
T
he latest Ramcharan Teja
starrer in Telugu, "Vinaya
Vidheya Rama" (VVR) is a
deeply offensive film on every
possible level. It insults the female
sex by lewdly objectifying the
heroine Kiara Advani. It also
insults the audiencesʼ basic intelli‑
gence by taking the most outra‑
geous liberties with time and
space. To give an early indication
of the filmʼs topographical tyran‑
ny, in one sequence, the filmʼs
super‑duper‑hero Rama crashes
out of an airportʼs check‑in lounge, jumps
on a speeding train‑top from Gujarat which
takes him to Bihar to save his brother.
As a Bihari, my biggest grouse against
"Vinaya Vidheya Rama" is in the way Bihar
and Biharis are shown as scruffy, sleazy,
murderous bandits and outlaws. For years,
filmmakers and actors in the South have
complained about the way Hindi cinema
depicts South Indians in a stereotypical
ʻLungi Danceʼ avatar. In fact in the NTR
biopic that opened this week, NTR
(Balakrishna) is seen haranguing Mrs Indira
Gandhi for referring to South Indians as
ʻMadrasis'. I wonder what NTR would have
to say about Ramcharan Tejaʼs licentious
lies regarding Bihar and Biharis. Raja Bhai,
played by Vivek Oberoi, is shown to bully
the Bihar Chief Minister, Mahesh
Manjrekar, into perpetrating the worst
havoc imaginable. The tyranny gets acutely
unbearable when Raja Babu kidnaps the
AS KIDS, WE WERE KEPT
AWAY FROM GLAMOR OF
FILMMAKING: AAMIR KHAN
A
ctor Aamir Khan, son of late film‑
maker Tahir Hussain, says during
his childhood days, he and his sib‑
lings were kept away from the glitz and
glamor of showbiz. Aamir got emotional
about his father on Zee Cafe's chat‑show
"Starry Nights 2. Oh!", read a statement.
He said: "We kids were pretty much kept
away from the glamor of filmmaking. We
rarely went to shoots. The only films we
Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 17
Actor Ramcharan Teja in a still from
ʻVinaya Vidheya Ramaʼ.
Election Commissioner and makes him
dance in public wearing ghungroos
(anklets) on his feet to humiliate him.
I really didn't get that one. Why would a
dance in ghungroos be such an act of humil‑
iation for a decent man whose nose the vil‑
lain wants to rub in the ground? There are
so many renowned much respected Kathak
and Bharat Natyam dancers in India. Kamal
Haasan and Birju Maharaja are names that
come to mind.
My quibble with the filmʼs crass conflicts
are with its ʻBiharʼ connections.
Why are Biharis considered to be so thick‑
skinned as to silently accept being por‑
trayed as the worst scum of the earth? Isnʼt
that the image that chauvinistic political
parties in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh
favor in order to put migrants from UP and
Bihar in place, namely back to their home
states? And now, depicting Biharis as
lumpen elements is taken to the next level.
would get to watch were the films that my
father and uncle (Nasir Hussain) made.
"We were also exposed to the actual
filmmaking side of it. Whenever a writer
and a director came to pitch a story to my
father, I would sit in the corner and listen
to the story." Aamir was a part of the chat
show with his cousin sister Nuzhat Khan.
They revealed secrets from their child‑
hood.
Actor Aamir
Khan was
last seen in
ʻThugs of
Hindostanʼ.
 18 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 INDIA FEATURES TheSouthAsianTimes.info

A BSF jawan and a Bangladesh Border Guard trooper at the Beating Retreat. Soldiers of India and Bangladesh line up to lower the flags at Akhaura, Tripura.

The Beating Retreat at an Indo-Bangladesh border outpost

matches the spectacle of the western frontier...high kicks et al
By Sandipan Chatterjee
Chest thrust forward like a sol‑
dier, his small feet synchronizing
with the beats of the military
band, the youngster marches
towards the Indian jawans stand‑
ing in attention. He then proceeds
to give a crisp salute to the troop‑
ers before turning and marching
back. And as if on cue, a Border
Security Force (BSF) trooper lets
out a deep‑throated military com‑
mand to signal the start of the
official ceremony.
Welcome to Akhaura, the
Wagah of the East on the Indo‑
Bangladesh border. Itʼs time for
the Beating Retreat, a ceremony
as spectacular and colourful as
the more popular event at the bor‑
der check post in Punjab along
the Indo‑Pakistan border. A tad
toned down than the chest‑thump‑
ing pantomime at Wagah, for
hereʼs a ceremony between two
friendly countries.
The ceremony at Akhaura, just
five km from Tripura capital
Agartala, was launched in 2017
under the tourism ministryʼs
Swadesh Darshan scheme, and
draws a fair share of visitors every
day. Most of the visitors are from
Agartala. Some are from other
states, mostly West Bengal. They
are drawn by history, the Partition
of 1947 when people with identi‑
cal cultures and heritage were
separated by a contentious bor‑
der. Geeta Mukherjee, a visitor
from Calcutta, was overwhelmed
by the ceremony. It was an emo‑
tional trip for Pushpa Das who
has ancestral roots in Bangladesh
and connected to many people
there. On the Bangladeshi side too
there were many with relatives in
India. After the flags were lowered
by the BSF and the Border Guards
Bangladesh, people from both
countries are allowed to meet at a
Visitors from India and Bangladesh meet at the Akhaura check
designated area.
post on the Indo‑Bangladesh border in Tripura.
Source: Outlook magazine

E An Apsara in politics
ven in her original avatar as a man,
Apsara Reddy never fought shy of
her sexual identity. As Ajay Reddy
and the features editor of a Chennai‑based
English daily she would use the womenʼs
washroom.
“She had no compunction in disclosing
that she was a woman trapped in a manʼs
body and was yearning to break free. And
she informed everyone openly before going
to Bangkok for her sex change operation,”
recalls a colleague.
On returning as Apsara Reddy, she
switched to politics and joined the Tamil
Nadu BJP before migrating to the AIADMK.
The Congress though gave her the much‑
needed political recognition when Rahul
Gandhi appointed her as the all‑India gen‑
eral secretary of the Mahila Congress̶the
first time a transgender has held a national
position of a major political party.
Apsara, 35, however, refuses to agree
that Rahulʼs gesture was merely symbolic
and aimed at giving the space for transgen‑
ders in his party. “I think he rewarded me
more for my capabilities and his quest for
women empowerment. There is no
tokenism here,” she says.
It also had a lot to do with the inclusive
nature of the Congress, she adds. But
Apsaraʼs first real break as a politician
Congress appoints a transgender in a top position in its women’s wing, a first in India.
strict instructions on how to stay two feet
away from her, cover my mouth while talk‑
ing to her and also touch her feet, I did not
follow any of them. We actually had a casu‑
al chat and Amma welcomed me warmly
and she was very unlike the distant, stern
leader that she had been portrayed as,”
Apsara says.
She addressed public meetings, cam‑
paigning for the AIADMK for the 2016
assembly elections and surprised the lead‑
ers with her speeches in fluent Tamil. After
Jayalalithaʼs death she was briefly with the
Sasikala faction, appearing on TV channels
in support of Chinnamma, jailed in
February 2017.
“I was beholden to Sasikala since it was
through her I met Jayalalitha and joined
the AIADMK. Even when I campaigned in
RK Nagar byelection in December, 2017 I
campaigned only by uttering her name.
Apsara Reddy, all‑India general secretary of the Mahila Congress,
When EPS also turned against Sasikala and
with party president Rahul Gandhi
TTV was keen only to promote himself, I
came in the AIADMK when former chief party during a public meeting in October kept away from the AIADMK or any of its
minister Jayalalitha admitted her in the 2015. “Though her minions had given me factions,” Apsara explains.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Electoral winds in key Indian states
By Saeed Naqvi
T
he BJP in Kerala may have boosted
its saf fron image on the Sabrimala
issue but is unlikely to gain much
electoral advantage in 2019. That has been
the pattern for decades: it has zero conver‑
sion rate even though it has a vote share of
10 percent there. It would certainly like to
weaken, harm, destroy the CPI‑M. Towards
this end it has to direct its cadres to quietly
help the Congress. But in this instance it is
not inclined to augment Congress numbers
in New Delhi.
K. Karunakaran, as the Kerala Congress
maestro, had mastered the art of playing
"footsy" under the table with the RSS. In
1989, he went one better. Holding the BJP
with one hand, he gripped the Muslim
Leagueʼs hand with the other.
In Uttar Pradesh, BJPʼs stunning victory
for Lok Sabha in 2014 had not been with
wide margins. Based on this fact a formula
was suggested. The Samajwadi Party (SP),
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Rashtriya Lok
Dal (RLD) and the Congress would be given
tickets for seats wherever they came second
in 2014.
By this formula the BSP, SP, Congress and
RLD would be entitled to 34, 31, 5 and 2
seats give or take a few. That Congress per‑
formance in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
and Chhattisgarh entitles it to more seats in
UP is now purely theoretical because the
BSP, SP (and possibly RLD) deal has been
sealed and delivered. By announcing its
No Rahul at Kolkata rally is like ‘Hamlet’
without the Prince of Denmark
By Amulya Ganguli
M
amata Banerjee's mega rally in
Kolkata had one notable absentee.
Although many in the Who's Who
of opposition stalwarts graced the occasion,
Rahul Gandhi was conspicuous by his
absence.
And hra Pradesh Chie f Minister
Chandrababu Naidu was present along with
the DMK's M.K. Stalin who had recently pro‑
posed the Congress president's name for
PM but his hero was nowhere to be seen.
Rahulʼs place was taken by the Congress's
Mallikarjun Kharge. But the void was palpa‑
ble. It was like staging "Hamlet" without the
Prince of Denmark.
True, Mayawati was also absent. But she
has recently been following a temperamen‑
tal line of her own, abruptly breaking of f
t ies w ith the Cong ress in MP and
Chhattisgarh, and seemingly dictating the
terms for her alliance with the SPʼs Akhilesh
Yadav in UP. Given her background of
alliances with the BJP, there is always the
fear that if she does not have her way, she
may cross over to the other side.
In Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
is acquiring the reputation of being a fence‑
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
OP-ED
intent ion to contest all 80 seats, the
Congress is helping nobody except possibly
the BJP.
The Congress cannot have forgotten the
panic which gripped it when all assessments
indicated the party might be a cypher in UP
in 2014. Week after week, Sonia Gandhiʼs
side‑kick in Rae Bareli and Amethi, Kishori
Lal Sharma, twiddled his thumbs waiting in
vain for Priyanka Gandhiʼs promised visita‑
tions. To look after the two family fiefdoms
was the therapy assigned to her. But she
would not show up. Only the fear of her
mother and brother losing in their citadels
spurred her to action and she did help keep
her family in Parliament.
To play spoilsport in UP now will diminish
The elbowing out of others by the SP and
the BSP in UP, and the exclusion of Rahul
Gandhi from the Kolkata rally have
shown national opposition will fail to
offer one‑to‑one fights against the BJP
for each Lok Sabha seat.
sitter par excellence. But Mayawati and
Patnaikʼs absence will lend substance to the
BJP's charge about the gathbandhans being
no more than a messy khichdi or a motley
combine.
Rahul, a far more effective and aggressive
speaker than in the past, who would have
While SP‑BSP have
agreed on seat
sharing, by announcing
its intention to contest
all 80 Lok Sabha seats,
the Congress is
helping nobody
except possibly the BJP.
Congress. There is so much else to play for.
Look, how hamhanded the BJP is on the
Citizenship Bill in Assam. Here is a chance
for Rahul Gandhi to try recover party turf in
the North East. It is generally believed that
the Congress lost the brilliant organization
man, Himanta Biswa Sarma, to the BJP by
treating him high handedly when Sarma
came to consult the Congress President.
Apparently, the duration of the meeting was
spent with Rahul feeding biscuits to his dog.
There are limits to Hindu consolidation
that can be affected by targeting minorities.
The party's hands were more or less forced
when Prime Minister V.P. Singh dusted up
the Mandal committee report providing
reservation to OBCs. That was the context
undoubtedly been a major attraction at the
show. Also because the Congress still car‑
ries the aura of a national party unlike any
of the other participants even if, for all prac‑
tical purposes, the gradn old party has
become something of a regional outfit at
present. However, it is because the
Congress has succeeded in picking itself up
from the floor after its 2014 drubbing that
the party has become the primary target of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism at
virtually all his rallies while the BJP is no
longer insisting on ushering in a Congress‑
mukt (free) India. Arguably, the Left parties
might have decided to attend the rally if
Rahul and Sonia Gandhi were present.
It is not impossible that Mamata
Banerjee's objective in staging the rally was
more to project herself than to act as a cata‑
lyst for forming a grand alliance of anti‑BJP
parties.
Her claim that the regional parties would
be the BJP's main opponent in the forth‑
coming general election was possibly a
metaphor for her own ambitions about
which her acolytes have been more vocal
than she herself.
But it is precisely this kind of a self‑serv‑
ing agenda which will play into the BJP's
Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 19
of L.K. Advaniʼs Rath Yatra and the move‑
ment to build the Ram Temple. The rest is
familiar history.
The RSS and its creatures like the BJP
have never quite accepted the centuries old
caste pyramid being exposed to western
notions of democracy, upward mobility,
social justice. Communalism, therefore, does
not only feed on imagined or real historical
wrongs alone. It is, in effect, also a strategy
to keep the caste pyramid from keeling
over. In Assam and the North East, the fault
line is not caste but Beng alis versus
Assamese and plainsmen versus the tribes.
The situation is custom made for construc‑
tive intervention by the Congress.
In West Bengal the Congress presents a
confused picture. A small section is willing
to go along with Mamata Banerjee. Of the
44 Congress MLAs, eight have crossed over
to Trinamool Congress. At her rally in
Kolkata, Mamata pointedly invited Sonia
Gandhi, ignoring Rahul Gandhi. The upshot
is that the Congress will send a senior
leader to the rally.
In other words the party will remain on
talking terms with Mamata without letting
her dictate the terms of endearment. So CPI‑
M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury's
insistence to hold the Congress hand in
Kolkata must await clarity. Also, the
Congress is fighting the CPI‑M tooth and
nail in Kerala. Should that also not require
some clarity?
Saeed Naqvi is a senior commentator on
political and diplomatic affairs
hands and raise the specter of opportunism
being the guiding force of the national
opposition.
The tensions in U.P. over seat‑sharing
have already led to the dissipation of some
of the euphoria generated by the electoral
successes of the Congress and other parties
over the BJP in recent weeks. Instead of
consolidating those gains, the elbowing out
of others by the SP and the BSP in UP, and
the exclusion of the Congress president
from the Kolkata rally, have shown that it
will be a miracle if the national opposition
can offer a one‑against‑one fight against the
BJP in each Lok Sabha constituency.
For all the brave words uttered in Kolkata,
the term ʻkhichdiʼ (mishmash) will remain
uppermost in popular perception unless
each and every leader in the opposition
camp, big and small, realizes that a credible
show of unity is the only road to success.
They will have to realize that the Modi gov‑
ernment's dif ficulties on multiple fronts ‑
economic, social and even bureaucratic ‑
give the opposition a unique opportunity to
forge ahead. The chance should not be reck‑
lessly squandered by the flaunting of inflat‑
ed egos.
Amulya Ganguli is a political analyst.
 20 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Afghan Taliban rule out talks Guterres expresses

with US in Pakistan doubt in enabling
India-Pak dialogue
Ex‑Afghan warlord United Nations: Secretary‑

Afghan
Hekmatyar to General Antonio Guterres has
expressed doubts about his
Taliban ef ficacy in enabling talks
spokesperson
Zabiullah
contest between India and Pakistan
but said he hoped that given
Mujahid.
presidential polls their importance they would

G
enter into a meaningful dia‑
ulbudin Hekmatyar, a former Afghan logue.
warlord and leader of the Hezb‑e‑Islami "I have been of fering my
political party, registered with the good offices in relation to the
country's Election Commission to contest the dialogue between the two
Kabul: T he Afg han Taliban re jected July 20 presidential election. Hekmatyar is countries that until now had
Pakistani media reports of possible talks with the US in believed to be responsible for killing of tens of UNSG Antonio Guterres
no condition of success," he
Islamabad and reiterated their refusal to deal directly with thousands of civilians in Kabul during the had earlier offered his
said at a news conference
the Afghan government. The news of possible talks between 1990s civil war and was nicknamed the ʻgood officesʼ to facilitate a
while answering a question
the militants and Washington emerged following the visit of "Butcher of Kabul". dialogue between India
about his possible role in
US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Talking to the media after registering his and Pakistan.
such negotiations.
Zalmay Khalilzad, to Islamabad. name, He kmatyar said that he was an "The importance of both of 1972 between then Prime
Refuting the media reports, Taliban spokesperson "Independent candidate" and wanted the the Indian and Pakistan is Minister Indira Gandhi and
Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement that the group will not Election Commission to ensure free and fair such in international af fairs Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was
hold any talks with the US in Pakistan, Efe news reported. He elections that could facilitate the voters to (that) I hope that the two then Pakistan's President, all
rejected the reports as rumors. choose their franchise in favour of their countries w ill be able to disputes between the neigh‑
The Pakistan media reported that a meeting between the favourite candidates freely. An anti‑government engage in a meaningful dia‑ bors have to be settled bilat‑
Afghan Taliban and Khalilzad could be possible following his warlord, whose forces had fought against the logue." erally.
discussions with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign government and the US‑led forces in India has firmly rejected Guterres as we ll as his
Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other officials. Afghanistan for about 15 years, inked a peace any role for the UN or other predecessors and US
The US says that any settlement in Afghanistan must be deal with the government in 2016 and returned outside parties in bilateral Presidents have offered their
between the government in Kabul and the Taliban. The to Kabul in May 2017. He kmatyar told relations with its neighbor. "good of fices" to facilitate a
Taliban, however, have so far refused to deal directly with reporters that he wanted durable peace and New Delhi maintains that dialogue but these have been
the Afghan government, which they consider as "illegiti‑ security in Afghanistan. under the Simla Agreement rejected by India.
mate".

Saeed Khosa sworn in as new Sri Lanka wants to take back

Chief Justice of Pakistan all Tamil refugees from India
New Delhi: Sri Lanka wants to take back all Sri rest would like to go back, adding that he would
Lankan Tamil refugees who are now in India, soon be going to south India to meet them.
Islamabad: Justice Asif Saeed
country's High Commissioner to India Austin "We will tell them that we will look after
Khan Khosa, who was part of the
Fernando said. "With around 5,000 of these them," the High Commissioner said.
Supreme Court benches that dis‑
refugees having already returned, we now want "They need a roof over their head, they should
qualified former Prime Minister
to take the rest of them back to their original be safe, their children should get education," he
Nawaz Sharif from politics and
places," Fernando said while delivering a speech stated. "They must also get employment after
overturned the death penalty of a
on "Post 2015: Reconciliation Milestones in Sri returning." Asked whether Colombo has a dead‑
Christian woman jailed for blas‑
Lanka", organized by the Foreign line to take back these people, Fernando said
phemy, was sworn in as the 26th
Correspondents' Club. there is no time frame as such but "we would
Chief Justice of Pakistan.
According to Fernando, who took charge as like to take them at the earliest".
President Arif Alvi adminis‑
the new Sri Lankan High Commissioner in "There are many logistical problems as well,"
tered the oath to Khosa, 64, in a
November last year, there are around 100,000 he said. Stating that the Sri Lankan Deputy High
ceremony he ld at President
of these refugees who had come to India during Commissioner is in close touch with these peo‑
House in the capital, Geo News
the civil war in the Indian Ocean island nation ple, he said that Colombo and New Delhi need to
reported. He replaced Justice
that ended in 2009. have a serious dialogue on this issue. Fernando
Saqib Nisar.
He said that while some 20 to 30 per cent of also assured that immigration will not be a
Khosa's oath‑taking ceremony
these people would like to stay on in India, the problem for those who are returning.
was attended by Prime Minister
Imran Khan, top government and
military officials, Supreme Court
judges, senior lawyers and other
dignitaries. He is scheduled to Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa is regarded as
ret ire on December 21, the Pakistan's top expert on criminal law.
report said.
"I will do right to all manners of peo‑ Christian woman jailed for blasphemy.
ple, according to law, without fear or The ruling sparked days of violent
favor," said Khosa, who is known as protests by Muslim hardliners.
the "poetic justice" for his habit of cit‑ He was also among the judges who
ing works of literature in his judg‑ disqualified Sharif from politics for life
ments. He is regarded as Pakistan's after corruption allegations in 2017.
top expert on criminal law. Khosa said there were 1.9 million A Sri Lankan
Khosa was a member of the Supreme cases pending in the country's courts Tamil family in
Court panel that in 2018 overturned with just 3,000 judges to deal with Puducherry,
the death penalty of Asia Bibi, a them. India.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 21

Kim, Trump to meet for second ʻSaudi Crown Prince

summit in February
Washington: US President Donald
Trump will hold a second summit
with North Korean leader Kim
Jong‑un in late February as the
both sides seek to jump‑start denu‑
clearization talks that have made
little progress since their historic
first meeting in Singapore last year.
T he W hite House made the
announcement after Trump met
Kim Yong Chol, North Korea's lead
negotiator on nuclear talks, in the
Oval Office.
"The President looks forward to
meeting with Chairman Kim at a
place to be announced at a later
date," said W hite House Press
Secretary Sarah Sanders.
The nuclear talks have stalled
since Trump, Kim's June summit in
2018.
It was unclear whether Kim Yong
Chol and Trump discussed specific
terms related to the second sum‑
mit, but Vice President Mike Pence
made it clear earlier this week that
Washington was still waiting for
Pyongyang to take concrete steps
to denuclearize.
Kim Yong Chol had brought with
him a letter from Kim Jong‑un
meant for the US President, CNN
reported. It was not clear what the
must be 'dealt with'
to improve tiesʼ
Ankara: Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman has
become an obstacle in improv‑
ing the US‑Saudi ties and must
be "dealt with", US Senator
Lindsey Graham, a close ally of
President Donald Trump, said
here. The Republican lawmaker
said that ties between the two
sides cannot move forward
unless action was taken against Saudi Crown Prince
Bin Salman, who faced interna‑ Mohammed bin Salman
tional rebuke over his role in faces international rebuke
US President Donald Trump says he looks forward to talks over his role in the murder
the murder of his supporter‑
with North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un. of a journalist.
turned‑critic and Washington
Post contributor Jamal dissident Saudi journalist,
Summit likely to be held in Vietnam Khashoggi at the kingdom con‑ Turkish Yeni Safak newspaper
sulate in Turkey in October. reported. After weeks of pro‑
The second summit between US President Donald Trump and North
"The relationship between the viding conflicting accounts of
Korean leader Kim Jong‑un is expected to take place in Vietnam, with
US and Saudi Arabia cannot what happened to Khashoggi,
three candidate cities being under consideration, the US media
move forward until Crown the kingdom later said that he
reported. Citing Bloomberg, Xinhua reported that US administration
Prince Mohammed bin Salman was killed "accidentally" in a
of ficials are planning for the meeting to be held in Hanoi, the
is dealt with," Graham told fist fight at the consulate by
Vietnamese capital, but the coastal city of Da Nang and the southern
reporters in Ankara on "rogue" agents. However, it
metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City are also possible venues for the event.
Saturday, a day after discussing denied the ruling royal family's
letter contained. But it was expect‑ Korean leader's first summit ended issues related to Saudi Arabia involvement in the killing.
ed to lay the g roundwork for with a commitment from the latter with Turkish President Recep Eleven individuals had been
another summit, the report said. to "work towards complete denu‑ Tayyip Erdogan. charged by Saudi prosecutors
Trump said he was looking for‑ clearization of the Korean peninsu‑ He also said he will push for in the journalist's killing ‑‑ with
ward to the talks. la", but negotiations appear to have more US sanctions against five suspects facing the death
The US President and the North bogged down since then. those involved in the killing of penalty.

UK PM to skip Davos over Israel confirms attacking

Brexit uncertainty Iran forces in Syria
Jerusalem: Israel's military said it has started were targeting "the vicinity of the capital
hitting Iranian targets in Syria. Damascus".
London: British Prime Minister
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says its oper‑ The SOHR adds that Syria's air defenses
Theresa May will not attend this
ation is against the Quds Force ‑ an elite unit were firing their missiles to intercept them.
year's World Economic Forum in
of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, the BBC Witnesses in Damascus spoke of hearing
Davos, Switzerland, to focus on
reported. loud explosions in the night sky.
resolving the Brexit crisis follow‑
It provided no details. But there are reports Israel rarely admits carrying out attacks on
ing the House of Commons' over‑
of strikes around the Syrian capital Damascus. targets inside Syria.
whelming rejection of her plan
Syrian media say air defenses have repelled But in May 2018, Israel said it had struck
earlier this week.
"an Israeli aerial attack". Earlier, the IDF said it almost all of Iran's military infrastructure
The UK leader will remain in
had intercepted a rocket over the Golan there in its such biggest assault since the start
London next week to focus on
Heights. The IDF announced the start of its of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
"matters at home", a Downing
operation in a tweet. Those strikes came after rockets were fired
Street spokesperson told CNN.
T he UK‑based Syrian Observatory for at Israeli military positions in the Golan
The government will be repre‑
Human Rights (SOHR) says Israeli rockets Heights.
sented by "senior ministers", like‑
ly to be Chance llor Philip
Hammond and Business
Secretary Greg Clark, added the British PM Theresa May will be focusing
spokesperson. on ʻmatters at homeʼ. Witnesses in
The World Economic Forum is Damascus
scheduled to begin on January 22 and Britain is due to leave the European spoke of
will run till January 25. Union on March 29, currently without hearing loud
explosions in
The Downing Street announcement any arrangements in place for doing
the night sky.
came following a turbulent week for so. Experts warned that the UK's fail‑
May during which her Brexit plan was ure to secure a formal deal could lead
dismissed by the UK Parliament. Her to travel chaos, food shortages and a
government was later subjected to a catastrophic economic slump in the
no‑confidence vote which it survived British economy.
by a narrow margin. Now, May only has just 70 days to
May was expected to hold calls with work together with opposition parties,
EU leaders in the coming days. She as well as several competing factions
will publish a revised Brexit blueprint within her own Conservative party, to
before the Parliament debates it on secure a compromise Brexit deal that
January 29. can win a majority in the Parliament.
 22 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019
India's economy world's fastest growing
United Nations: Three interna‑
t ional org anizat ions have
endorsed India's growth story
recognising it as the world's
fastest growing major economy
for this and the next three years
and in two reports raised some of
their earlier projections.
On Monday, the International
Monetary Fund's (IMF) report
re leased in Davos est imated
India's gross domestic product
growth rate for this fiscal year at
7.3 per cent, while the UN's
report in New York pegged it
slighly higher at 7.4 per cent.
From their previous projec‑
tions, the IMF raised the growth
forecast for 2019‑20 by 0.1 per
cent to 7.5 per cent and the UN
upped the estimate for the cur‑
rent fiscal year by 0.2 per cent
and also for the next fiscal year
by 0.2 per cent to 7.6 per cent.
The World Bank last week ear‑
lier this month concurred with
the IMF, putting this fiscal year's
Etihad proposes hike in
stake to bail out Jet Airways
New Delhi: In a
fresh twist to the
ongoing Jet
Airways bailout
saga, lenders are
now mulling
over a fresh pro‑
posal.
With no reso‑
lution forthcom‑
ing last week
and a deadlock
persisting, Abu
Dhabi‑owned
Etihad has submitted an alter‑
nate proposal for a stake hike in
Jet Airways.
With the SEBI formula for pref‑
erential allotment seen as unre‑
alistic and unworkable, Etihad
has proposed a rights issue
worth US $500 million. Through
this mechanism Eithad proposes
to hike its stake to 49 per cent in
Jet Airways.
Etihad currently holds 24 per
cent in Jet Airways and the
rights issue by Etihad is expect‑
ed to be at around Rs 160 per
share. It is likely to infuse Rs
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated India's GDP growth
rate for this fiscal year at 7.3 per cent.
growth rate at 7.3 per cent.
On the Indian side, the Central
Statistics Of fice (CSO) put the
current fiscal year's growth at
7.2 per cent and the Reserve
2,170 crore by subscribing to
the rights issue. Other investors,
lenders may also subscribe to
the rights issue.
Jet Airways too reckons that
the rights issue is the right
instrumentality to negate the
need of open of fer by Eithad,
something that the UAE airline
was not willing to do.
Equally, Etihad was planning
the rights issue to negate the
need Of cash outflow to market.
Indian lenders are also expected
to convert part debt to equity at
Rs 1 per share.
BUSINESS
Bank at 7.4 per cent.
For 2020‑21, the IMF forecast
India's growth rate at 7.7, the UN
at 7.4 and the WB at 7.5 per
cent.
Jaitley to be back to present
Budget on Feb 1
New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley, who is in the US for a med‑
ical check up, will return home on
Friday, well ahead of the Budget
presentation on February 1, official
sources said.
"The Finance Minister is set to
return on the evening of January
25," said a senior of ficial. "The
interim budget will be presented by
him for sure," he said. He added
that the process for printing of
Budget documents began on
Monday. Jaitley, 66, left for the US
on January 13 for what was
believed to be a medical check‑up
relating to his kidney ailment. He
had undergone a renal transplant
surgery in May 2018. However,
Chinese economic growth tanks to three-decade low
Beijing: China's economy grew at its
slowest pace in almost three
decades last year, with the world's
second largest economy logging a
growth of 6.6 per cent in 2018.
After witnessing a sizzling double‑
digit growth for three decades, the
Chinese economy has been on a
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
In contrast for the world as a
whole, the three organisations
painted a less optimistic picture.
Gita Gopinath, presenting her
first outlook report as IMF's chief
economist, said in Davos, "The
global expansion is weakening
and at a rate that is somewhat
faster than expected."
T he IMF's World Economic
Outlook estimated the global
growth for last year to be 3.7 per
cent and forecast it to go down to
3.5 per cent this year and go up
to 3.6 next year.
T he UN's World Economic
Situation and Prospects 2019
estimated the global economy to
have expanded by 3.1 per cent
last year and forecast it to slow
to 3 per cent for this year and
the next.
T he World Bank's Global
Economic Prospects estimated
last year's growth at 3 percent
and forecast it to dip to 2.9 per
cent this year and to 2.8 per cent
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
there has been wide speculation
that he may not be able to return
early to present the interim budget,
which will be his last before the
downturn over the years as the
country deals with bad debts and a
decline in exports.
The bruising trade war with the
US seemed to have proved another
drag on the slowing Chinese econo‑
my.
China's National Bureau of
in the next two years.
T he UN's report said,
"Economic growth continues to
be underpinned by robust pri‑
vate consumption, a more expan‑
sionary fiscal stance and benefits
from previous reforms.
But it added, "Yet, a more
robust and sustained recovery of
private investment remains a
crucial challenge to uplifting
medium‑term growth."
It expressed some concern over
the size of the fiscal deficit in
India, and said medium‑term con‑
solidat ion plans have to be
undertaken.
"In India the size and composi‑
tion of public budgets have been
important in promoting growth,
prioritizing public investments in
infrastructure, subsidies and wel‑
fare payments, and the rural
economy," the report pointed
out. "This will prevent any reduc‑
tion of the fiscal deficit in the
near term."
general elections this year.
Jaitley had recently hinted that it
may not be a simple interim budget
or vote on account, which is gener‑
ally the tradition in an election
year. The full budget is presented
by the new government after the
elections.
"Ordinarily, there should be no
reason why we should move away
from that convention but there is a
larger interest of the economy that
always dictate what goes into that
interim budget," he said.
Informed sources said that the
government may roll out schemes
to help increase farmers' income,
reduce farm input costs and raise
credit flow to farmers.
Statistics (NBS) said the economic
growth of 6.6 per cent in 2018 was
above the official target of 6.5 per
cent.
Growth in the fourth quarter
came in at 6.4 per cent, down from
6.5 per cent seen in the third quar‑
ter, the NBS data showed.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 23

Dhoni gifts India maiden ODI series win Down Under

Melbourne: Former India skipper
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has once
again proved the critics wrong by
establishing himself as a master of
close finish when he belted an 87
not out to complete a hat trick of
half centuries to help the men‑in‑
blue clinch the third ODI by 7
wickets and a historic 2‑1 bilateral
series win over Australia at the
MCG here.
Criticised for a sluggish knock in
the first ODI, which India lost by
34 runs in Sydney, the Ranchi
stumper's half century in the sec‑
ond game in Adelaide was instru‑
mental in helping the tourists level
the series with a 6‑wicket verdict.
At the Me lbourne Cricket
Ground on Friday, the master chas‑
er jogged memories of his vintage
self when he anchored the 231‑
run chase with a defiant unbeaten
87 of f 114 balls, laced with six
hits to the fence.
Promoted to No.4, Dhoni first
raised a strong 54‑run third wicket
stand with skipper Virat Kohli (46)
and thereafter took India home
with an unbeaten 121‑run stand
with Kedar Jadhav (61 not out).
After the departure of the in‑
form opening duo of Rohit Sharma
(9) and Shikhar Dhawan (23) with
the Indian scoreboard ticking
59/2, Kohli and Dhoni laid the
foundation for the chase.
Fresh from a century in the sec‑
ond ODI at Adelaide, Kohli looked
set for another trademark chase
but after facing 62 balls and strik‑
ing three fours, the India captain
was caug ht behind of f Jhye
Mahendra Singh Dhoni in action.
Richardson. With India still need‑
ing 118 runs for a win, Dhoni car‑
ried on in the company of new
man Jadhav and the highlight of
their fourth wicket partnership
was stealing the odd singles and
converting them into twos.
Dhoni, who was dropped first
ball by Glenn Maxwell at backward
point, made the most of the life as
he battled cramps to eventually
get to a hat‑trick of half‑centuries
this series.
With the tourists needing 66 off
the last 10 overs, Dhoni and
Jadhav, who also got to a hard‑
working half‑century, ensured
there were no hiccups and went
about their business as usual to
eventually guide the team home.
Interestingly, Dhoni, who earned
the Man‑of‑the‑series award, also
completed 1000 ODI runs in
Australia.
Earlier, Australia's vulnerability
to quality leg‑spin was exposed by
Yuzvendra Chahal, who returned
with his second overseas fifer to
help India restrict the hosts for a
meagre 230. Playing his first
match of the series, Chahal
wreaked havoc in the Australian
line‑up, returning a career‑best
6/42 as the home batsmen seemed
to have no clue about playing the
leggie. After pacer Bhuvneshwar
Kumar got rid of the openers ‑‑
Aaron Finch (14) and Alex Carey
(5) ‑‑ and reduced the hosts to
27/2, Chahal ripped through the
Kohli is the best
one-day player: Taylor
Napier: Ahead of the five‑ODI
rubber against India, starting
here Wednesday, former New
Zealand skipper Ross Taylor
praised touring captain Virat
Kohli as the best 'one‑day play‑
er' while cautioning his side
against solely focussing on the
leader as the men‑in‑blue have
many more match winners.
While Kohli has enjoyed a
purple patch in the 50‑over for‑
mat in recent years, the Indian
opening duo of Rohit Sharma
and Shikhar Dhawan has also
been responsible for giving the
side a great start on most occa‑
sions, while the middle order
led by former skipper
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has dis‑
played their prowess while
chasing big totals in the just‑
concluded ODI series against
Australia.
Taylor, New Zealand's second
most prolific run‑scorer of all
time behind only Stephen
middle order, taking the crucial
w ickets of the in‑form Shaun
Marsh (39) and Usman Khawaja
(34) in his very first over.
T he legg ie then returned to
remove all‑rounder Marcus Stoinis
(10) before ending a stif f 45‑run
Fleming, pointed out that
focussing solely on Kohli may
backfire. "He's a sensational
player, the best one‑day player
going around, quite easily,"
Taylor told stuff.co.nz, as quot‑
ed by the ICC website.
"It's easy to get caught up in
him. (But) you've got two pretty
good openers at the top,
Sharma and Dhawan, before he
gets in."
Like Kohli, Taylor too has
been in stellar form, particularly
in ODIs. He finished 2018 as
New Zealand's most prolific
run‑scorer before starting the
new year with 281 runs from
three matches against Sri
Lanka.
After the opener in Napier,
both the sides will move to
Mount Maunganui for the sec‑
ond and third ODIs before play‑
ing the fourth ODI in Hamilton.
The fifth and final ODI will be
played in Wellington.
seventh wicket stand between top‑
scorer Peter Handscomb (58) and
Jhye Richardson (16).
His sixth victim was his opposite
number in the Aussie camp Adam
Zampa (3) even as Australia's
innings ended by the 49th over.

Malaysia Masters: Saina ITʼS PATRIOTS VS RAMS

loses to Marin
Kuala Lumpur: India's campaign
in the Malaysia Masters 2019
ended after London Olympics
bronze medalist Saina Nehwal
went down in straight games 16‑
21, 13‑21 to reigning Olympic
champion Carolina Marin of
Spain, in the women's singles
semi‑finals here.
The Indian started on an aggres‑
sive note, racing to a 5‑2 lead
before the World No.6 Spaniard
bounced back taking six points on
the trot to overturn the lead and
race to 11‑9 at the breather of the
first game.
Coming back, Marin continued
her dominance despite Saina man‑
aging to square the scores at 14‑
14 but from there on, the Spanish
southpaw went on to po cket
seven of the nine points and
clinch the game 21‑16.
Marin continued her aggressive
play in the second game, and
thanks to Saina's unforced errors,
the Rio gold medallist raced to a
Saina Nehwal.
11‑6 lead at the halfway mark.
After the break, Marin looked in
no mood of slowing down and fur‑
ther stretched her lead to 18‑11
before sealing the game and the
match 21‑13 in her favour in 40
minutes. With the Hyderabadi
shuttler's loss, the Indian cam‑
paign at the first Super 500 event
of the season has come to an end.
Earlier on Friday, former World
No.1 Kidambi Srikanth crashed
out of the men's singles quarter‑
finals after losing 23‑21, 16‑21,
17‑21 to South Korean Son Wan
Ho.
FOR SUPER BOWL
ON FEB 3
Atlanta: Super Bowl LIII on
February 3 in Atlanta will
feature the New England
Patriots and the Los
Angeles Rams. Both teams
won overtime thrillers on
Championship Sunday. The
Rams started the day with
a 26‑23 win over the Saints
and the Patriots finished
of f the day with a 37‑31
win over Kansas City
Chiefs.
Tom Brady helped New England
Patriots advanced to Patriots advance to their third
their third consecutive consecutive Super Bowl.
Super Bowl and fourth in
the past five seasons with a win LIII will take place at Mercedes‑
over the Chiefs. Tom Brady proved Benz Stadium in Atlanta, home of
on Sunday why he is still the best the Falcons. This will be the third
quarterback in the NFL. He engi‑ Super Bowl played in Atlanta.
neered one big drive after another Kickoff time on Feb 3 is 6:30 p.m.
in the 4th quarter, and his game ET. It will be televised by CBS and
winning drive in OT is what sepa‑ streamed on CBSSports.com and on
rates him from the rest. Super Bowl the CBS Sports App.
 24 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019
Nobel laureate Ramakrishnan keynote at JLF
By Prakash Bhandari
Jaipur: Nobe l laureate Venki
Ramakrishnan will de liver the
keynote address in the Jaipur
Literature Festival (JLF) beginning
here from January 24.
Ramakrishnan who will also be in
the session Gene Machine and the
Culture of Science during the festi‑
val which will focus on his scientif‑
ic voyage, and the human side of
science, including blunders, egos,
competition and collaboration. A
British‑American structural biolo‑
gist of Indian origin, Ramakrishnan
is also currently the President of
the Royal Society. His recent book,
ʻGene Machine: T he Race to
Decipher the Secrets of the
Ribosomeʼ is about the quest to
understand the enigmatic molecule,
the ribosome, that is described as
the ʻgreatest literary show on
Earthʼ.
The annual festival this year will
be back with a diverse mix of the
worldʼs greatest writers, thinkers,
humanitarians, politicians, busi‑
ness leaders, sports‑persons and
entertainers who will converge to
By Aroonim Bhuyan
W
ith Xi Jinping being
named President of
China for life, a new
book explores whether a new doc‑
trine called "Xi‑ism" has been
etched into Communist political
theory.
In "Inside the Mind of Xi
Jinping", author Francois Bougon
tries to explain that Xi‑ism is "per‑
haps something similar to Maoism
‑ that sinified version of Marxism‑
Leninism ‑ that once appealed to
so many Western youths".
Bougon, an economics corre‑
spondent at French daily Le
Monde who also served as the
Beijing correspondent of Agence
France‑Presse, points out that Xi,
ranked as the most powerful and
influential person in the world by
Forbes magazine in 2018, has
achieved the incredible feat of
having his name inscribed in the
constitution of the Communist
Party of China (CPC).
Xi's magic formula that China
must have total faith in its own
brand of socialism, blended mean‑
ingfully with Chinese tradition,
was adopted by the 19th Congress
of the CPC in 2017 as "Xi Jinping
T houg ht on So cialism w ith
Chinese Characteristics for a New
Era".
With this, Xi has put himself at
the same level as Mao Zedong, the
founding father of the People's
Republic of China, given that for‑
mer Chinese President Deng
Xiaoping's theory was adopted by
the 15th Congress in 1997, well
after his death.
Nobel laureate Venki
Ramakrishnan: the 2019 edition
of Jaipur Literature Festival has a
special emphasis on science,
genetics, astronomy and astro‑
physics, Artificial Intelligence
(AI), and what the future holds
for the planet.
champion the freedom to express
and engage in thoughtful debate
on an array of topics. The 2019
edition has a special emphasis on
science, genetics, astronomy and
astrophysics, Artificial Intelligence
(AI), and what the future holds for
Is Xi‑ism the new doctrine of Communism
Inside the Mind of Xi Jinping
By Francois Bougon;
Westland Publications;
Pages: 181
"Xi, then, has been given 'linxiu'
status, a term which means
'leader' in Chinese, but which up
until that point had been reserved
for Mao and Deng," Bougon writes.
The French journalist, who is an
expert on Asian issues, refers to
Xi's use of the term "Chinese solu‑
tion" (Zhongguo fang'an) in his
speech at the 95th anniversary of
the CPC in July 2016 in which he
said: "T he whole party must
remember that what we are build‑
ing is 'Socialiam with Chinese
characteristics', not some other‑
ism. History has not ended, nor
can it possibly end. "To judge
'Socialism with Chinese character‑
istics' we must look to fact, and to
BOOKS
the planet.
In a riveting session, scientist,
social entrepreneur, and storyteller
Sharad Paul will speak on how to
take charge of our health by under‑
standing the connection between
our evolutionary past and our
future well‑being. Presenting a
compelling blend of medical mys‑
teries, patient stories, and science.
Another session Who We Are and
How We Got Here chaired will be
chaired by writer and journalist
Tony Joseph. He will bring together
two of the most highly regarded
paleoanthropologists and geneti‑
cists Daniel Lieberman and David
Reich. The DNA is the essence of
our being, influencing who we are
and that we pass on to our chil‑
dren. While Reich tells the story of
W ho We Are and How We Got
the judgment of the Chinese peo‑
ple, and not to the subjective and
groundless conclusions of biased
people. The (Party) and Chinese
people have every confidence in
their ability to provide a Chinese
solution to aid the search for a
better social system for humanity."
Xi basically meant that China
has a solution for the world with
the Western democratic model
running out of steam.
Bougon writes that Europe is
facing dif ficulties, worn out by
Britain's exit from the European
Union, "and has no plan".
"Inequalities are rising in the
rich world and the 'losers' of glob‑
alisation are ready to vote for par‑
ties that promise a strong state,"
he states.
"In the United States, the elec‑
t ion of Donald Trump caused
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Here, Lieberman speaks of The
Story of the Human Body :
Evolution, Health, and Disease.
Together, they discuss how all liv‑
ing populations today are a mix of
our ancient predecessors and often
carry a genetic component from
archaic humans.
In a fascinating and engrossing
session, Mapping the Heavens,
introduced by Veena Venugopal,
renowned astrophysicist and
Professor at Yale Priyamvada
Natarajan will give an insight into
the nature of our universe.
She will take us in her character‑
istic and charismatic way on a tour
of the ʻgreatest hitsʼ of cosmologi‑
cal discoveries over the past centu‑
ry.
Poet and novelist Priya Sarukkai
Chabria and author and civil ser‑
vant Sadhna Shanker will be in con‑
versation with independent inter‑
national publishing consultant Jaya
Bhattacharji Rose in Post Human:
Sci‑fi Readings to engage in some
prophetic and rational crystal‑gaz‑
ing by two prominent women writ‑
ers whose speculative fiction hur‑
tles us into the future millennia.
widespread astonishment and
showed how unpredictable democ‑
racy can be."In the chapter
"Culture Wars", Bougon refers to
Xi's obsession with controlling the
media and his calling of a meeting
on "the work of reporting" during
the 1989 Tiananmen Square crisis
when he was holding a govern‑
ment post in the southern
province of Fujian, some 1,000 km
away from Beijing.
"Reporters must feel the pulse of
their time, recognize the role of
the news, understand that they are
the spokespersons of the Party
and the people," the book quotes
Xi as saying in that meeting.
"Their main task is to reflect and
guide public opinion."
Bougon writes that Xi did not
see k wealth but was always
attracted by power.
Speaking of imagination, experts
suggest that by 2062, we will have
built machines as intelligent as us.
Professor of Data Journalism
Meredith Broussard and Professor
of Artificial Inte lligence Toby
Walsh will get into an intriguing
conversation on this topic with
poet and literary journalist
Anupama Raju.
In The Future is Now, the trio will
discuss whether we are sleepwalk‑
ing into the AI future, how it will
evolve and the choices we need to
make to ensure that we remain in
control of our own narrative. While
Broussard is the author of Artificial
Unintelligence: How Computers
Misunderstand the World, Walsh
has penned 2062: The World that
AI Made and Android Dreams: The
Past, Present and Future of
Artificial Intelligence, among oth‑
ers.
Noted writer‑historian and co‑
director of JLF William Dalrymple
is not able to attend the event as he
will be joining a family af fair fol‑
lowing the death of his father Sir
Hew Fleetwood Hamilton‑
Dalrymple.
"According to the statements of
a former acquaintance, gathered
by the American Embassy (in
Beijing) between 2007 and 2009,
Xi was always 'particularly ambi‑
tious' and 'never lost track of his
goal' which was to reach the high‑
est echelons," the book brings to
lig ht. It also re fers to late
Singapore Prime Minister Lee
Kuan Yew's impression of the
Chinese President that he is in
Nelson Mandela's class of people.
"A person with enormous emo‑
tional stability who does not allow
his personal misfortunes or suffer‑
ings to af fect his judgment," Lee
was quoted as saying after a meet‑
ing with Xi in 2007.
A riveting biography, "Inside the
Mind of Xi Jinping" delves deep
into the mindset of the Chinese
President.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info HEALTH Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 25

ʻCivilizational crisis if Anti‑inflammatory drugs may

humans continue to
consume red meatʼ
Philadelphia: A new report says
our civilization is in crisis if people
donʼt start cutting back on eating
red meat. The report comes with a
diet that would protect our health
and planet.
An international panel of experts
called for a transformation in the
way we eat and their plan is
designed to save lives and the
world we live in. Americans cur‑
rently consume more than six
times the recommendation for red
meat, even though cattle are one of
the biggest culprits in producing
greenhouse gas.
“Our goal is to define a pathway
whereby we can feed 10 billion
people who will inhabit the earth
by 2050,” said Dr. Walter Willett, a
professor at the Harvard School of
Public Health.
Scientists say civilization is in
crisis, but our diet can be the solu‑
tion. A new report suggests a radi‑
cal change in the way we eat is
needed, starting with strict limits
on red meat. “It corresponds to
roughly one fairly good‑size ham‑
burger per week,” Dr. Willett said.
“Or if you like a big juicy steak,
once a month.” Dr. Willett is part of
a team of scientists reporting for
the Lancet Health Journal.
The diet overhaul proposal is
designed to protect future genera‑
tions ̶ and the planet ̶ by pro‑
moting better health.
It says by the year 2050, global
consumption of red meat and
sugar should be cut in half, and
that people should eat twice as
many nuts, fruits, vegetables, and
legumes.
The guidelines cut dairy to one
serving a day, and fish to two serv‑
ings per week. For some cultures,
the recommendations would over‑
turn generations of tradition.
“I welcome them because theyʼre
important in recognizing the links
between the health of our popula‑
tions and health of the planet,”
said Alan Dangour, a professor at
the Londo School of Hygiene and
Tropical Medicine. “But they may
indeed be quite difficult to roll out
across the world.”
Scientists say it will be worth the
sacrifice, saving the environment
and preventing 11 million prema‑
ture deaths each year. The report
addresses two issues: health and
the environment. The health of
people ̶ billions are hungry or
malnourished ̶ and 2 billion are
overweight or obese.
(Source: cbslocal.com)
put you at heart attack risk
New York: If you have been hit by
the winter cold and are thinking
about taking medicines that
relieve your aches, pains, and con‑ (Image courtesy:
gestion, be careful. Those may also health.harvard.edu)
put your heart at risk, the
American Heart Association has
warned.
A study has shown that both
decongestants and non‑steroidal
anti‑inflammatories (NSAIDs),
found in many cold medicines,
were listed as medications that
could increase blood pressure.
People who used NSAIDs while
sick were more than three times as
likely to have a heart attack within
a week compared with the same
time period about a year earlier associate director of preventive average at the time of their heart
when participants were neither cardiology at the Johns Hopkins attacks and many had cardiovascu‑
sick nor taking an NSAID. Univerity's Ciccarone Center in lar risk factors, such as diabetes
"People with uncontrolled high Baltimore. and high blood pressure.
blood pressure or heart disease The biggest concerns are for People who are sick should use
should avoid taking oral deconges‑ people who have had a heart both classes of medications ‑‑
tants. And for the general popula‑ attack or stroke, or have heart fail‑ decongestants and NSAIDs ‑‑ judi‑
tion or someone with low cardio‑ ure or uncontrolled high blood ciously and understand the poten‑
vascular risk, they should use pressure, Michos said, in the paper tial side effects.
them with the guidance of a health published in the Journal of In addition, decongestants
care provider," said Sondra Infectious Diseases. should not be taken longer than
DePalma, from the University of Importantly, healthy people seven days before consulting with
Pittsburgh in the US. might also be at risk. a healthcare provider, DePalma
Decongestants like pseu‑ For the study, researchers looked said.
doephedrine or phenylephrine con‑ at nearly 10,000 people with res‑ One should also rest and drink
strict blood vessels. They allow piratory infections who were hos‑ plenty of fluids if symptoms are
less fluid into your sinuses, "which pitalized for heart attacks. mild or moderate, DePalma noted.
dries you up", said Erin Michos, Participants were 72 years old on (IANS)

Bullying may trigger binge Here comes 'stair snacking'

eating, smoking: Study to improve heart health
Adelaide: Those who have suf‑
fered bullying or sexual abuse at
some point in life were three
times more likely to be binge
eaters compared to those who
had never experienced these
forms of abuse, said a study. The
findings, led by University of
Adelaide researchers, revealed
that the victims generally led a
lower quality of life similar to
those living with chronic condi‑
tions like heart disease, diabetes,
depression or severe anxiety.
The study was published in the
BMC Public Health journal.
The researchers said that these people
were four times more likely to use antide‑
pressants and smoking dependence was
twice the rate compared to those who faced
no major instances of bullying
"If a doctor finds a patient with multiple
harmful behaviors ‑‑ like smoking depend‑
ence and binge eating ‑‑ who is depressed
and has a lower quality of life, they should
consider exploring whether these patients
were victims of bullying and/or sexual
abuse," said David Gonzalez‑Chica from the
varsity. "Identifying survivors of both forms
of abuse is important to provide support
and reduce more severe mental and physi‑
cal consequences, such as suicide,"
(Image courtesy: odishatv.in)
Gonzalez‑Chica added. For the study, the
team investigated around 3,000 Australians
who were made to take part in face‑to‑face
interviews. The questions were self‑labeling
in nature designed to measure the age of
onset and duration of bullying and sexual
assault and their outcomes during home
interviews. While 60‑70 percent of these
forms of abuse occurred in childhood or
adolescence, they were associated with
worse outcomes later in life. The study also
revealed that if someone had two or more
adverse outcomes (smoking dependence,
binge eating, antidepressant use, and a
lower quality of life) the probability they
had suffered bullying and/or sexual abuse
ranged between 60‑85 percent. (ANI)
Toronto: For people
who find it difficult
to take out extra
time for physical
activity after a hectic
schedule, exercise
just got simpler and
harder to avoid.
Researchers have
shown that a few
minutes of stair
climbing called the
'stair snacking'
approach, at short
intervals between
work, can improve (Image courtesy: hindustantimes.com)
cardiovascular
health. The study showed that virtually ing (SIT) are effective when performed as a
anyone can improve their fitness, any‑ single session, requiring a total time com‑
where and any time throughout the day. mitment of 10 minutes or so.
"The findings make it even easier for peo‑ "Vigorously climbing a few flights of
ple to incorporate 'exercise snacks' into stairs on your coffee or bathroom break
their day," says Martin Gibala, a professor during the day seems to be enough to
at McMaster University in Canada. boost fitness in people who are otherwise
"Those who work in office towers or live sedentary," said Jonathan Little, assistant
in apartment buildings can vigorously professor at the University of British
climb a few flights of stairs in the morning, Columbia in Canada.
at lunch, and in the evening and know they In addition to being more fit, the stair
are getting an effective workout." climbers were also stronger compared to
The latest study has challenged previous their sedentary counterparts and generat‑
studies which had shown that brief bouts ed more power during a maximal cycling
of vigorous exercise or sprint interval train‑ test. (IANS)
26 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 SELF HELP TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Adjustable height work desks

Three ways to stand more are expensive still but some

offices are offering these.

and sit less for health sake

M
ost people know by now that
too much sitting is bad for your
health. Indeed, regularly spend‑
ing long hours off oneʼs feet is associated
with a higher risk of dementia, certain
cancers, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis,
weight gain and more.
To stand more and sit less, consider the
following tips.
8 Change it up: Ideally, your work
environment is one that gives you oppor‑
tunities to be active. If your work is large‑
ly sedentary, consider requesting a sit‑to‑
stand convertible desk or workstation. As
more HR departments recognize their
potential to improve employee health,
this may be an easy sell.
8 Try new things: Take stock of your
favorite hobbies. Are they largely con‑
ducted while seated? If so, add new activ‑
ities to the mix that will get you up and
walking around. From bird watching to
ballroom dancing, there are plenty of
hobbies to try that will have you off the
couch and on your feet.
8 Set a timer: Set a timer that reminds
you throughout the day to stand up.
There are many free apps available that
will do this for you, even offering simple
exercises or stretches you can do to
make the most of your break.

Tips to embrace a What every frequent

keto-friendly diet flier should know
A
t any given time, up to 5,000 aircraft

I
t seems that everyone these days has a are in American skies. Ten million
friend following a “keto‑friendly” diet ‑‑ passenger flights took place in 2016.
a low‑carb eating plan designed to The “Golden Age” of air travel may feel like
make the body burn fat more efficiently. itʼs long gone in a time of heightened securi‑
Developed years ago to control diabetes ty and since the advent of mass affordable
and then later to treat epilepsy in chil‑ flight, but experts say that consumers can
dren, different versions of the keto diet expect flying to be more comfortable and
have gained traction as effective weight convenient in the coming years ‑‑ even when
loss plans, according to The Harvard T.H. youʼre riding coach.
Chan School of Public Health. “To survive and thrive, airlines are focused air travel more accessible to those with spe‑
“One thing all keto diets have in com‑ on product innovations and comfort cial needs. Recent advances include aisle‑size
mon is that they restrict carbohydrates in upgrades to ensure repeat business from wheelchairs, seat‑armrests that can be
favor of healthy fats in an effort to customers,” says Jennifer Coutts Clay, who raised, extra grab bars and handrails, in‑
achieve nutritional ketosis ‑‑ the state in has over 40 years of experience in the oper‑ flight literature in braille, special meals for
which your body burns fat instead of glu‑ ational management and marketing of air‑ an increased range of dietary restrictions,
cose,” explains registered dietitian, lines, including time with British Airways privacy curtains for use around lavatory
Courtney McCormick. and Pan Am. She is the author of “Jetliner doors and baby‑changing facilities.
ounces per day on the South Beach Diet
The experts at the South Beach Diet are Cabins: Evolution and Innovation,” a new 8 Improved experience: Flights are get‑
Keto‑Friendly plan,” says McCormick.
now taking a safe, effective approach to eBook app featuring a historical record and ting longer and more crowded. In response,
“Plus, water keeps you fuller longer, pre‑
keto by offering a keto‑friendly plan, and futuristic look at the commercial flying expe‑ airlines are aiming to tackle the problems of
vents overeating before meals and may
are providing helpful tips to get started. rience, with over 6,000 images and inter‑ stressed‑out passengers, with more person‑
boost metabolism if itʼs ice cold.”
1. Count net carbs: A keto‑friendly diet views with airline experts. alization, humanization and options for how
4. Variety is key: Following a keto diet
is based around the idea of net carbs. Are you a frequent flier? Clay says these time can be used onboard, including oppor‑
could put you at risk for deficiencies in
Limit yourself to no more than 50 grams trends may be headed your way: tunities to move around the aircraft.
micronutrients, including selenium, mag‑
of net carbs daily. While this isnʼt consid‑ 8 Better seating: Ergonomically con‑ 8 Luxury amenities: In first‑class cabins
nesium, phosphorus and vitamins B and C.
ered a strict keto diet, it follows the keto structed seat‑frames, climate‑controlled seat‑ of the “gold‑standard” airlines, the luxury‑
To compensate, take a multivitamin and
plan for those looking for assistance with cover fabrics and lumbar‑supporting con‑ level accommodations, amenities and in‑
stay away from eating the exact same
getting started. To calculate this number, toured seat‑foam inserts are just a few of the flight service standards keep getting better.
thing each day. Mix it up with an array of
take your total grams of fiber and grams cabin upgrades being made to ensure more Passengers can rely on concierge‑type sup‑
lean proteins, healthy fats and a daily
of sugar alcohols consumed and subtract comfortable travel. port to handle personal arrangements
serving of non‑starchy veggies. Pay atten‑
that from your total grams of carbohy‑ 8 Mood lighting: Passengers are given before, during and after flights, and there is
tion to changes in your health like hair
drates. The resulting number should be more freedom to control their immediate limo service for ground transfers to and
loss, vision changes, aches, pains or weak‑
within the 40 to 50 net carb range. surroundings through lighting. Thanks to from airports. In the future, passengers
ness. Simple blood tests can reveal levels
2. No beans, legumes or fruits: To keep developments in LED technology, many air‑ might be able to expect onboard salon‑style
of vitamins and minerals.
your overall daily net carbs within a cer‑ lines are phasing out cold‑looking lighting spas and even gyms if they are willing to pay
5. Plan special occasions: Carbs are
tain range, even good carbs like beans, installations to feature a rainbow range of a premium. More about the air travel experi‑
king at special meals and holidays.
legumes and those in most fruits are off‑ colors customized to suit the time of day, the ence is available by downloading Clay's app
Communicating your needs with family
limits except for occasional indulgences. specific area of the aircraft or to simulate at jetlinercabins.com. The website also
and friends beforehand can help you
Stick to non‑starchy veggies only, like the soothing gradual process of sunrise and offers free videos where users can explore
avoid peer pressure and garner support
leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, mush‑ sunset. everything from new developments in plane
for your efforts. Offer to bring a keto‑
rooms and zucchini. 8 Connectivity: In‑flight entertainment, cabins to behind‑the‑scenes glimpses into
friendly dish so youʼll be sure to have
3. Water is essential: Your fiber intake streaming content options and connectivity how cabin maintenance is performed in the
something to eat.
is reduced on a keto‑friendly diet with the are expanding as onboard Wi‑Fi becomes modern age.
When following a keto or keto‑friendly
elimination of whole grains, beans and faster and cheaper. In‑seat power supplies “Preparing jetliners to accommodate air‑
eating plan, do so in the safest, healthiest
legumes. For digestive health and to ward will keep mobile devices running during line passengers is both an art and a science,”
way possible. Consult your doctor and
off constipation, itʼs important that you long flights, giving passengers opportunities she says. “As passenger expectations evolve
consider following a plan supported by
drink sufficient amounts of water. to work, keep in touch with those on the and grow, you can expect significant
trusted weight loss and healthy lifestyle
“We recommend drinking at least 64 ground and more. improvements in cabin comfort and hospital‑
experts.
8 More accessibility: Airlines are making ity standards." (StatePoint)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 27

Victims of Human Trafficking,

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

T
he T nonimmigrant visa was
created by Congress to help
provide temporary immi‑
gration relief to victims of human
trafficking. It was part of the
Victims of Trafficking and
T Nonimmigrant Visa
VISA
and unmarried children who are
Violence Protection Act. The visa is
under the age of 21.
granted for up to four years to vic‑
The T nonimmigrant visa is ini‑

tims who have helped law enforce‑
ment in an investigation of prose‑
cution of human trafficking.
Certain qualifying family members
of trafficking victims may also be
granted a T visa. T nonimmigrant
visa holders are allowed to work
and receive certain federal and
state benefits and services. They
may also be able to adjust their
status and become lawful perma‑
nent residents.
Human trafficking is a modern
day form of slavery, where traf‑
fickers force individuals to per‑
form services or provide labor
without any or very little compen‑
sation and keep them under very
limited and often restrictive cir‑
cumstances. Traffickers usually
prey on vulnerable individuals
such as those who are poor or
from vulnerable rungs of society.
There are two main forms of traf‑
ficking: sex trafficking and labor
trafficking. Sex trafficking is when
someone uses force, fraud, or coer‑
cion to cause a commercial sex act
with an adult or causes a minor to
commit a commercial sex act. A
commercial sex act can be prosti‑
TALK
tution, pornography, or any sexual
acts done in exchange for money,
drugs, shelter, food, or clothes.
Labor trafficking is when someone
uses force, fraud, or coercion for
the purpose of involuntary servi‑
tude or slavery.
Who may be eligible for T non‑
immigrant status?
q If an individual was a victim
of either sex trafficking or labor
trafficking;
q If the individual is in the
United States, American Samoa,
the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, or at
any port of entry as a result of the
trafficking;
q If the individual fulfills any
reasonable requests from a law
enforcement agency to help in the
investigation or prosecution of
human trafficking, this does not
apply to individuals under the age
of 18 or individuals who have
physical or psychological trauma;
q If the individual is able to
show that they would suffer
extreme hardship if they were
removed from the United States;
and
q The individual is in all other
ways admissible to the United
States, if they are not admissible
then they may be allowed to apply
for a waiver.
Any information about the appli‑
cant or their application is kept
strictly confidential and is protect‑
ed by law. The Department of
Homeland Security may only share
the applicantʼs information in very
limited circumstances. Applicants
who are under the age of 21 may
also apply for their spouse, chil‑
tially granted for four years but in
some situations the visa holder
may extend their status. T nonim‑
migrant visa holders may apply for
lawful permanent resident status
after three years in T nonimmi‑
grant status or once the investiga‑
tion or prosecution of the traffick‑
ing is over, whichever happens
first. Congress allows 5,000 T non‑
immigrant visas to be granted
every year, but this limit does not
apply to family derivative visas.
dren, parents, and unmarried sib‑ Once the cap is reached, applicants
lings who are under the age of 18. are placed on a waiting list and
Applicants who are over the age of then given first priority the follow‑
21 may also apply for their spouse ing year.
Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
and Banad Immigration in India for which
Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
clients with all facets of the immigration process,
including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
Applications based on Family or Employment.
Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.

SCI-TECH

Over‑emphasis on
tech‑based learning can
give negative outcomes
London: Use of technology over traditional meth‑
ods of teaching in classrooms for school children
may not always result in superior outcomes and
sometimes the return is "negative", a senior offi‑
cial from the Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on
Monday.
"We don't have systematic tools to track technol‑
ogy‑based learning, neither in England nor across
countries. We lack data on the evidence," Andreas
Schleicher, the Director of Education and Skills,
OECD, said at a press interaction during the
Education World Forum in London.
"It is believed that technological intensity will
raise the level of learning outcome. But it is seen
that sometimes a lot of emphasis on technology
can do more damage," Schleicher said replying to
an IANS query.
"We really do not have good understanding of
those relations," he added.
The official suggested that it's not really known
yet how children learn and the current trend of
emphasis on technology may to some extent be
misgiven.
"We lack data on how technology is used. It's not
enough to know how many computers are used.
But how technology is being deployed in class‑
rooms.
"How students learn... Probably neuroscience
will open insights into that more than technology
as such," he said.
"Using 21st century technology with 20th centu‑
ry pedagogy and 19th century school system, it
just doesn't add up".
Batting for the role of teachers as important
cogs in the machinery of school education, the
official dismissed the idea of their becoming irrel‑
evant with the use of technology, maintaining that
"learning is always a social and relational
process".
Education World Forum is one of the biggest
gatherings of Education Ministers and education
practitioners in the world. It is being held for the
last 16 years in the United Kingdom and is sup‑
ported by the Department of Education and the
British Council among many.
WhatsApp limits
forwarding worldwide to
fight hoaxes and rumors
It's hoping a strategy from India will
work in other countries.
New Delhi: WhatsApp limited for‑
warding in India as part of an
effort to curb hoaxes and rumors
that could lead to violence, and
now that policy is spreading. The
Facebook‑owned messaging serv‑
ice has announced that it's lower‑
ing the forwarding limit worldwide
from 20 people or groups to the
same five Indian users have dealt
with since July. The update apply‑
ing the limit will start to roll out that its services can play a role in
on January 21, starting with fostering misinformation.
Android users and reaching iOS As it stands, WhatsApp has to
later. walk a fine line between accounta‑
The chat platform hasn't said bility and privacy. Its end‑to‑end
whether or not its India move has encryption remains a key selling
proven effective. The reduced limit point, especially in countries
would slow the spread of rumors, where government surveillance is
but it wouldn't necessarily stop widespread. WhatsApp isn't about
them ‑‑ people could still spread to weaken that security to inspect
fake or doctored media. It's a step, the content of messages, so it's
though, and it represents a grow‑ limited in what it can do to
ing acknowledgment at Facebook address the messages themselves.
28 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

If retirement isnʼt for

you, retire from it
M
any people, especially
those in their late 50s
or older, count down
the days until retirement. Itʼs
their reward for several decades
of hard work, an opportunity to
do whatever they want – sleep
all morning, watch reruns of
“Law & Order,” take a nice hot
bath every other month.
Having no boss is like being
BEST released from prison: thereʼs so much free‑ study showed that almost 19 percent of
dom to enjoy. No more dreading Monday Americans aged 65 and older worked part‑
RATE mornings, no more dreaming of Friday time or full‑time in 2016 compared with 13
evenings. Itʼs just one lovely day after anoth‑ percent in 2000. About 40 percent of those
FOR er, as long as you donʼt overdose on Netflix.
But is retirement really as blissful as it
senior workers were once retired, according
to a survey by the RAND Corporation, a non‑
INDIA seems? For some people, it certainly is: they
absolutely love retirement and wouldnʼt
profit research firm.
While some retirees return to work because
AND exchange it for any job, not even Ambassador
to Jamaica. But for others, itʼs not quite what
they havenʼt saved enough money for retire‑
ment, financial concerns arenʼt usually the
PAKISTAN they had imagined. While they once looked
forward to retirement, theyʼre now looking
primary reason for unretirement. Because
people are living longer and in better health,
forward to unretirement. they donʼt want to just sit at home, watching
If they canʼt get their old jobs back, theyʼre birds and squirrels through the window and
New York Head Quarter eager to find new jobs, even if it means wak‑ waiting for the next “Breaking News” alert on
422‑S Broadway ing up at 6 a.m. again and getting reacquaint‑ CNN.
ed with the BIC razor. They want to resume working, especially if
HICKSVILLE
70‑year‑old man: “Ouch, that hurt!” they are able to work in jobs that arenʼt physi‑
NY 11801 Wife: “You cut yourself with the razor cally demanding. “You hear certain themes: A
sense of purpose. Using your brain,” Dr.
516‑827‑1010 again?”
Man: “Razor? I thought this was the tongue Nicole Maestas, an economist at Harvard
cleaner.” Medical School, told the Times. “And another
The New York Times recently reported that key component is social engagement.”
a growing number of Americans are “unretir‑ A sense of purpose is really important.
ing” – returning to the workforce after getting Many people are able to find a sense of pur‑
a taste of retirement. A Pew Research Center pose in retirement. Some help their children
by taking care of their grandchildren. For
many of them, this is the “tiring” part of “retir‑
Laughter is the Best Medicine ing.” For others, itʼs truly a joyful experience –
from start to finish. Theyʼre overjoyed when
their grandchildren arrive, and after a whole
day of running after the kids, theyʼre over‑
By joyed when they leave. Volunteering is anoth‑
er way that many retired people find a sense
Mahendra of purpose. But some discover that they miss
Shah the actual work they once did and want to
return to it, at least on a part‑time basis.
Mahendra Shah
Imagine being a doctor for 40 years, then
is an architect
hanging up your stethoscope and staying at
by education,
home. It can get boring pretty fast, even if you
entrepreneur by
spend your mornings watching re‑runs of
profession,
“Greyʼs Anatomy” and your afternoons diag‑
artist and
nosing your spouseʼs ailments.
humorist, car-
Retired doctor: “Honey, I think you have an
toonist and
iron deficiency. Look how misshapen your
writer by hobby. nails are.”
He has been Spouse: “Honey, I think you need new glass‑
recording the es. Thatʼs Roverʼs paw youʼre holding.”
plight of the Not everyone can go back to work, of
immigrant course. There are so many hurdles, including
Indians for the mandatory retirement in certain types of jobs,
past many year age discrimination, and health concerns. But
in his cartoons. itʼs something more people should consider. If
Hailing from you can be the leader of a country in your
Gujarat, he seventies, why canʼt you be a lawyer or librar‑
lives in ian or cashier?
Pittsburgh, Next time someone asks me if Iʼm looking
Pennsylvania. forward to retirement, Iʼm going to say,
“Nope, Iʼm looking forward to unretirement.”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 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; w.premastrologer.com

JANUARY 26‑FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Aries: You w ill be successful in
regaining your professional touch.
Invest ing in property business
sounds very appealing. Sharp observation
would help in staying ahead of others.
Those serving the nation in uniform are in
line for some recognition. Help will be
around on the domestic front when you
really need it. Health may need constant
monitoring. Flames of passion can fizzle
out as lover remains preoccupied!
Taurus: Seniors can have hig h
expectations from you regarding a
project; it is up to you to prove them
right. An outstanding cheque from client
may get delayed. A family youngster will
require your support and guidance to do
well academically. You manage to remain
in top physical condition simply by being
regular in daily workouts. Sheer thrill of
new sensations can extend your vacation.
Gemini: T his wee k, every thing
moves smoothly on the professional
front. Domestic front seems satis‑
factory. Those suf fering from bodily ail‑
ments can hope for a quick recovery.
Profitable deals will come your way and
can get the cash register ringing. Someone
you were in love with may enter your life
once again. Visit to a historical monument
or a pilgrimage site is likely for some.
Cancer: Donʼt repose too much
faith on those you have only casual
acquaintance with. Excellent health
will be ensured through self‑discipline.
Things remain a bit uncertain on the pro‑
fessional front.
You manage to steer clear of petty rivalries
at work. A friend or relative can touch a
sensitive nerve and get you all upset.
Those involved in a legal case can expect
to edge towards victory.
Leo: What you claim to be yours
may not be. You may feel the under‑
currents of a silent revolution brew‑
ing against you from someone close.
Differences will need to be sorted out with
lover urgently. Family front may witness
some ugly scenes over some pending bills.
Mental stress cannot be ruled out. Be pru‑
dent in giving frank opinion, as you are
liable to hurt someone.
Virgo: Some of you may have to
undertake an out of town journey,
which will be far from comfortable.
Those awaiting orders may feel a bit frus‑
trated by the tardy pace. Bouncing back
with a vengeance on the professional front
is indicated.
Prosperity is assured for those involved in
trade and business. Those feeling down
will recover with a medical help.
Libra: A celebration is on the cards
and may find you in the thick of
organizing a feast. Those interact‑
ing more than usual with others can
expect to develop good contacts. Students
can expect praise for their efforts on the
academic front. Donʼt allow the flames of
passion to die down, especially towards
the end of this week! Not being regular in
workouts may start showing on your body.
Scorpio: Your insightful suggestions
will give you an edge over others on
the professional front. Be patient in
case there are unforeseen delays at work‑
place. Chance meetings with your latest
crush could make you contemplative about
the future. Family contacts could open up
new avenues for business expansion.
Donʼt neglect your domestic and social
commitments.
Sagittarius: Going for soft options
on the career front is not advised at
this juncture. Your confidence
returns as you receive total support of the
one you love. You attain a bloom in health
on sharing happiness with others. Donʼt be
too carefree while playing the stocks; an
expert guidance will always be helpful.
Fine tuning with the colleagues will make
your job easy. A romantic relationship
grows stronger.
Capricorn: Love life appears to cool
down a bit. Try doing something
constructive for the people you
love. Unnecessary expenses need to be cut
down immediately.
Someone can challenge your authority at
work but you should calibrate your
responsibilities accordingly. Donʼt let prob‑
lems on the health front make you feel
lethargic; charge up yourself to face the
challenges.
Aquarius: Donʼt keep double stan‑
dards as this can affect your repu‑
tation adverse ly. T hose in the
media and advertising may find some good
opportunities coming their way. Someone
will be supporting enough to bail you out
from an adverse situation on the academic
front. Your belief in the one above will not
be enough to turn things in your favour,
own efforts will be required.
Pisces: Businesspersons may find
this week profitable, as they manage
to beat the competition. There is an
outside chance of romance knocking at
your door!
Appearance of a close competitor at work
can be a bit unsettling, handle it effective‑
ly. Resist the temptation to splurge. Stop
considering family commitments to be
burdensome.

January 26, 2019

Regulated by number 8, and
ordered by Saturn and Mercury,
spending on luxurious items will be
high on your cards. You are likely
to explore an altogether a different
field of Interior decorator. This new
avenue might force you to buy a
house which jolts your bank bal‑
ance a little bit. You try to catch up
all the facilities in it be it amaze‑
ment or amusement. Adoring beau‑
ty is in your soul. You will soon
take a trip across the country to
sign on new ventures which takes
you ahead of your rivalries. You
fate will gives you a long ride of
glory and success. Surely you will
attain your targets if work with full
consciousness. Donʼt try to be over
smart in front your lover. Think
again and again before committing
anything and once committed, be
stick to your words. Relish the
adventure of India and foreign
countries by taking a long holiday
tour.
Amid business will also be in
your mind and may be you will get
some new idea to implement. So
keep your eyes and ears open.
January, May and July are result
oriented time for you.
January 27, 2019
Ruled by number 9 and promis‑
ing planets are Mars and Mercury,
you may face back to back prob‑
lems but the potential in you takes
the centre stage and your reign
continues over hurdles. You are
likely to take early advantage of all
the options that comes to your way
to attain the obvious target i.e. suc‑
cess. You keep on doing the good
work and try to emulate it time and
again. Hunt to improve your sullen
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
behavior will show some sign of
prosperity. At times you lost in
pleasant thoughts which recharged
your battery. Messy matters may
put you in tensed bracket but
encouraging smiles from your
loved ones reassure you. Your
intent for your relatives is always
pure and transparent but you will
get nothing out of it except criti‑
cism. Your revolutionary act makes
you a good warrior. You act as a
backbone for the society. You are
simple and straightforward by
nature. October, December, April
and May will prove beneficial for
you.
January 28, 2019
Steered by number 1 the Sun and
at times overlooked by Mercury,
your forecasting nature will help
you find the right person even
among thousands of people. This
trait will always make your area
foe free. You have the timbers of
becoming hard punched entrepre‑
neur. But be liniment to your
employees as your trained outlook
may uncomfortable them. Current
year will promise to bring lot of
fete, respect and reward. You live in
the heart of your seniors. Where
there is will there is way is you pol‑
icy of doing work. You at times
obstinate your accomplishments
which may irritate people. Always
get the best is your motto in your
life so you always take care of all
aspects like even in spending you
try to purchase the best of all the
things.
This feature provides quality to
your life. Incredible time: July,
February, and April.
January 29, 2019
You come under the influence of
2 number and the moon planet and
the planet mercury also manipu‑
lates you. Your level of understand‑
ing and intellect makes you class
apart. The hunger for knowledge
inside you would become your
mentor and would show you the
way of success and would also help
you to attain something unachiev‑
able and implausible. Your undivid‑
ed dedication and strong determi‑
nation would sure make you the
center of attraction at professional
front. It would also facilitate you to
get promotion and increment. The
forthcoming year would allow you
to add so many feathers in your
cap. After a long series of ef forts
and struggle, a sure shot victory in
the matter of love and relationships
will be possible. Your unconven‑
tional thinking may become a rea‑
son of family dispute but you
would settle all the issues in your
favor sooner or later. Just try to
keep a tab on your fanatic nature.
A happy married life is waiting for
most of you singles. Slowly and
gradually, new doors and ways will
be opened for most of you. August,
December and March will be lucky
and joyful.
January 30, 2019
Number 3 and the Planet Jupiter
operate you and that makes you
fun loving, dedicated, decent and
reverent person. Your cooperative
and happy‑go‑lucky nature show‑
ers incredible energy and spirit to
people around you and work with
you. Your associates and colleagues
try to match up with your style of
working but fail to get success in it.
But the most important thing, you
must abide all the rules and regula‑
tions at your workplace so that
nobody can never have a chance to
pinpoint you at your flaws. Donʼt
indulge yourself into nasty office
politics and gossiping as it could
tarnish your image anytime. The
upcoming year is positive in terms
of profits in business tie ups and
joint ventures. Seems you would be
blessed with the lady luck. Your
partner or spouse would bestow his
or her love, care and money upon
you. Although you would try your
level best to fulfill all the expecta‑
tions of your family but still some‑
where down the line they would
give you a sense of dissatisfaction
with their increasing demands and
aspirations. Monetary gain form
stock market and real estate busi‑
ness would take a twist and would
end up in your favor at the end of
this year. November, January, April
and June would be crucial months
in decision making.
January 31, 2019
Carry forward by number 4,
Uranus and Mercury, fate plays a
major role in your life. Your luck
line in your hand is the treasure
which you have to encash wisely.
Your efforts would ignite hopes for
you to get promotions. You get
ample of opportunities to prove
your mettle at your work place and
will appreciate by all.
Circumstances will lead you to
spend time with your family and
with your livewire gestures you
lead the show. You might hit the
jackpot which improves your stabil‑
ity of your life. You are down to
earth person. Playing with hurdles
from your childhood makes you
tough personality not easy to domi‑
nate. People will like for what your
are by nature. They tend to follow
you. Time to abreast you with your
knowledge which unknowingly will
open many doors for you to go
places. If canʼt withstand with your
affair then wise decision is to quit
gently. Catchful months: November,
December, May and July.
February 1, 2019
Governed by number 1 and the
Sun. You are active, dynamic,
authoritative, brilliant and a talent‑
ed person. You always welcome
new ideas and thoughts, but you
need to check your tendency to
behave extravagant and stubborn
at times. The coming year brings
you many opportunities to fulfill
your dreams. A pleasure trip to an
exotic destination would be high on
your agenda. Also during this peri‑
od you will establish new contacts
and fruitful partnerships. Long
expected monetary benefits will
accrue.
Speculation and unexpected
gains will make your financial posi‑
tion much better than expected.
But despite all goodies, minor ten‑
sions and stress will always bother
you especially concerning health of
your parents and increase in
household expenditure. Your
spouse would be supportive to
your concerns and provide you
with love and af fection, but chil‑
dren might take advantage of your
generous behaviour and cause
some disappointment. August,
December and April seem to be sig‑
nificant.
 30 Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Never give up!
P
eople look at those
who are successful
and marvel at their
talents. We watch the all‑star
basketballs players win champi‑
onship titles and talk about
how gifted they are. We watch
great golfers win one tourna‑
By Sant Rajinder Singh
ment after another and think
Ji Maharaj they were born with a special
gift. We watch artists turn out
Sir Winston one masterpiece after another
and wish we were born with
Churchill, one such uck. We watch people who
are billionaires top the richest
of the great person in the world list and
wonder at their gift at business.
prime Little do we realize that anyone
ministers of who has attained anything in
life has put in a tremendous
England took amount of effort to get where
they are.
three years to In this connection, there is an
pass the eighth anecdote from the life of Sir
Winston Churchill, one of the
grade because great prime ministers of
England. It took him three
he had trouble years to pass the eighth grade
because he had trouble with
with English. English. One can imagine how
Years later he much difficulty one would have
to take three years to pass a
was invited by single grade.
Years later he was invited by
Oxford Oxford University to give the
commencement address to its
University to students. How ironic that the
give the com- boy who could not pass eighth
grade was now addressing the
mencement graduates of the most presti‑
gious university in the world.
address to its He arrived at the auditorium
students. How with his usual top hat and cigar
and walking with his cane. He
ironic that the stood at the podium. With great
pomp he set down the cane,
boy who could took off his top hat, and set it
on the lectern. He gazed out at
not pass eighth the waiting audience, who was
grade was now hanging on his every word. He
took the cigar out of his mouth,
addressing the and with great authority,
boomed into the microphone,
graduates of "Never give up." The audience
waited breathlessly for his next
the most words. He paused a few sec‑
prestigious onds and then leaned towards
the mike again and said, "Never
university in give up."
The audience was dead silent
the world. waiting for his next words. Sir
This Winston Churchill then put his
hat back on, took his cane, and
happened walked off the stage. That was
his entire commencement
because he speech.
The message he gave the
never gave audience that day was one that
up. applies to each of us. He knew
that he had reached his great
stature in life despite his strug‑
gle in school. He knew that his
success was not a gift but due
to hard work. What he was
telling the graduates was that
success was not a gift with
which one is born; success lies
in never giving up.
Few people see that the bas‑
ketball player who wins all the
championships is practicing on
the basketball hoop all day and
night, day after day, while oth‑
ers have to be forced by the
coach to even show up on time
for practice. Few see how the
championship golfer is practic‑
ing hitting thousands and thou‑
sands of balls and doing
tedious drills day after day,
year after year, to get to where
they are. Few see how many
hours the artist put in to per‑
fect his or her art. Few see how
many business losses and failed
attempts to make money the
billionaire had to go through
before he was successful.
Anyone who has achieved any‑
thing in life has done so by
being persistent and never giv‑
ing up.
If we wish to attain our goal
in the spiritual field, we must
never give up. We have a long
way to go from where we are
now to attain divine knowledge.
Although spiritual gifts are
within us, closer to us than the
veins in our body, we have to
perfect the technique of finding
them. Spiritual realization is so
close yet so far due to the
inability of us to still our mind,
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
quiet our thoughts, and stay
focused long enough to go
within. We are hindered by the
millions of distractions in the
world that keep pulling our
attention outside instead of let‑
ting us go within.
Meditation provides a way to
perfect our ability to stay
focused within to find inner
treasures. Through meditation,
we perfect our ability to
increase our concentration.
We learn patience and perse‑
verance. These two qualities
help us progress spiritually
within and will help us also
achieve success in the outer
world. It takes practice. We will
not achieve our goal if we give
up. We must never give up.
Each day, we are one day clos‑
er to achieving our goal. We
should not let our failure cause
us to give up. Sir Winston
Churchill could have given up
after failing eighth grade the
first time. But he stuck with it.
He could have given up after
failing eighth grade the second
time. But he did not give up. It
was on the third try that he
finally was promoted.
There is a simple technique
called Jyoti meditation, which
increases the ability to concen‑
trate and stay focused. To do
this, select a pose that is most
convenient in which you can sit
the longest. Close your eyes.
Your eyes should be relaxed as
they are when you go to sleep.
Focus your attention into the
middle of the field of darkness
lying in front of you. Your eyes
should be focused about ten to
twelve inches in front of you in
the horizontal plane. As you fix
your gaze, mentally repeat any
name of God with which you
feel comfortable. As you contin‑
ue to meditate, experience the
inner peace and bliss.
As you do this, you will daily
increase your ability to stay
focused. By practicing this each
day, you will find an increase in
your patience and persever‑
ance, which will become a habit
even in your endeavors in the
world. Thus, you will find
greater ability to persevere in
any worldly or spiritual goal
you have until you succeed.
Similarly, if we do not succeed
in meditation one day, we
should not give up and stop
meditating altogether. We
should sit again the following
time. If we do not succeed, we
should sit again. Day by day, we
will find that we will begin to
improve, until finally we will
achieve success.
In meditation, improvement is
measured in the ability to keep
our body and mind stilled and
to keep our gaze focused in the
field of darkness or light lying
in front of us.
We must continue to keep our
attention focused without any
intervening thoughts. We
should keep trying again and
again. We should never give up.
Then we will find that one day
we will achieve our goal.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info Jan 26-Feb 1, 2019