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Vol.11 No. 44 March 9-15, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Eros rings Opening Bell at the NYSE for premiere of Metro Park series
New York: Eros Now, the cutting‑edge digi‑
tal over‑the‑top (OTT) South Asian enter‑ Prem Parameswaran, President - North America of
tainment platform owned by Eros Eros International, joined by Omi Vaidya, who stars in
International Plc (NYSE:EROS) (“Eros”), a
Global Indian Entertainment Company, Metro Park, rang the bell and screened two episodes of
announced the release of its latest original
digital series, Metro Park, on March 3. A
the original series for the media.
light‑hearted comedy, Metro Park revolves
around a Gujarati family based in suburban
New Jersey. To celebrate the launch of the
series, Prem Parameswaran, Group CFO
and President of Eros ‑ North America, and
Omi Vaidya, one of the stars of Metro Park,
rang The Opening Bell at the New York
Stock Exchange on March 1.
Deep‑rooted Indian cultural habits are the
catalyst for this situational comedy and the
nine‑part series engrosses audiences while
making them laugh. The story begins with
Kannan and Kinjal, a young couple, moving
out of their small apartment in NYC to New
Jersey to stay closer to Kinjal's sister Payal,
and her husband Kalpesh. New Jersey is
home to many Indian families and this (Kalpesh), Purbi Joshi (Payal), Omi Vaidya perfect blend of Indian characters and Videos, Television Programming, etc, Eros
series highlights their day‑to‑day life in a (Kannan) and Veg a Timot ia (Kinjal). impeccable comedy." Now caters to 128 million registered users
way that is sure to make audiences laugh. Pitobash Tripathy will feature as an assis‑ All episodes of Metro Park are available and 13 million paying subscribers world‑
With Indian values at its core, this come‑ tant in Kalpeshʼs convenience store. exclusively on Eros Now. wide. Eros International Plc is a Global
dy highlights different quirky Indian char‑ Commenting on the announcement of the Eros Now (www.erosnow.com) is Eros Indian Entertainment company that
acters, cultural dif ferences, modern rela‑ show, Ridhima Lulla, Chief Content Officer, International Plcʼs On‑Demand South Asian acquires, co‑produces and distributes
tionships and age gaps. The show promises Eros Group said, "We at Eros Now believe Entertainment Video Service accessible Indian films across all available formats
to build an instant connection with Indian in presenting content that is relevant and worldwide to viewers across internet such as cinema, TV and digital new media.
audiences globally. The well‑defined char‑ will create an instant connection with audi‑ enabled devices including mobile, web and It became the first Indian media company
acters are expertly played by Ranvir Shorey ences across the globe. Metro Park is the TV. With 11,000+ Movie titles, Music to list on NYSE.
runs in last over thriller among those whose names were men‑
tioned in the dossier India handed over to
The US Trade Representativeʼs Office
(USTR) said that the preferences will end in
60 days after the notification to the
Nagpur: A brilliant century by skipper Virat almost till the end, scoring 116 runs off 120 Pakistan last week, Minister of State for
Kohli and a disciplined bowling ef fort saw balls with 10 boundaries studding his patient Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said. Congress and the Indian government.
India defeat Australia by eight runs in the innings. Vijay scored 46 of f 41 deliveries However, the move is being dubbed by The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
second ODI here re on Tuesday. India now before being run out. Indian officials as an eyewash as in the sources said the government will continue
have a 2‑0 lead in the five‑match series. The Australian chase was off to a promis‑ past too, Pakistan had taken several top to talk to the US during the 60‑day period.
Chasing a target of 251 runs, the visitors ing start with Aaron Finch and Usman terror chiefs under observation, but the They said that efforts were being made to
were dismissed for 242 runs in 49.3 overs. Khawaja putting together an 83‑run opening terror organizations continued to grow and find a reasonable package and said the
Asked to bat first, the hosts were bowled partnership. The visitors, however, lost their carry out attacks across borders. On sever‑ problem was not systemic.
out for 250 runs in 48.2 overs. Despite way after that as they lost wickets at regular al occasions, under‑pressure Pakistan took The Commerce Secretary also said the US
Kohli's century and a disciplined innings intervals. Left‑arm wrist spinner Kuldeep terror operators into preventive custody. went ahead with the withdrawal of benefits
from Vijay Shankar, most Indian batsmen Yadav was the most successful among the Jamat‑ud‑Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed was despite the Indian government working out
failed to rise to the occasion. Indian bowlers with figures of 3/54 in his 10 put under house arrest, while 26/11 mas‑ on an “extensive, reasonable, meaningful
Coming in to bat after Rohit Sharma was overs. Shankar and Jarprit Bumrah claimed termind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was also in package which covered almost all the US
dismissed in the very first over, Kohli batted two wickets each. preventive custody, but India claims that concerns”. “Of course there were some
this is not enough and Pakistan needs to additional requests beyond that, which
Pak Finance Secretary warns of take some real action against them.
Meanwhile, amid fears that recent India‑
Pakistan tensions could put paid to the
could not be accepted at this time,” he said.
I
an Indian delegation to Islamabad on fledged war,” the letter read.
He said that the country had to proceed am a proud Hindu born in India and
March 28 to discuss the draft agreement. “There is no place for violence, extrem‑
against the banned outfits in the light of now I am a world citi‑
ism and terrorism in a civilized world. This
FATF recommendations. He expressed appre‑ zen. I am grateful to
hensions that Pakistan might face economic Indian philosophy for
Trump ending $5.6 B epidemic has to be uprooted through con‑
sanctions if the FATF recommendations were teaching me how to try
preferential trade crete and time‑bound actions.
ignored and not implemented. T he to live in harmony with program for India “We reiterate that children never create
Continued from page 1 wars but are the worst sufferers.
International Cooperation Review Group the world. India has been
tune of $190 million on a trade $5.6 bil‑ Therefore, we appeal to the two Prime
(ICRG) of the FATF that reviewed Pakistanʼs a spiritual teacher for the
lion. So, the benefits both in an absolute Ministers, faith institutions, media, youth
action plan in recent meetings was not satis‑ world and I am hoping we can find a solu‑
sense, and as a percentage of the trade and the citizens of both India and Pakistan
fied with the progress on milestones set for tion to our conflicts with love and com‑
involved, are very minimal and moderate.” to work towards the restoration of peace in
January 2019. This was despite improve‑ munication. I will have chai any time with
US President Donald Trump on Monday the region with utmost urgency,” the letter
ments in the anti‑money laundering and com‑ anybody rather than talk of war.
announced that he was ending Indiaʼs stated.
bating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) Please join me in sending positive energy
trade concessions under the GSP program The Nobel laureates who signed the
regime and integrated database for currency in this world.
accusing New Delhi of not providing appeal included Malala Yousafzai, Leyma
declaration arrangements. ‑Tirlok Malik
Washington “equitable and reasonable Gbowee, Shirin Ebadi, Tawakkol Karman,
It expressed concern over Pakistani author‑ Ayurveda lifestyle speaker,
access” to its markets. Muhammad Yunus, José Ramos‑Horta,
itiesʼ inability to demonstrate why they con‑ motivational guide, Emmy Award
Trump, who is on a mission to expand Edvard Ingjald Moser and May‑Britt Mose
sidered eight proscribed entities to be low nominated filmmaker in NYC
market access abroad and end US trade among others.
risk as opposed to the high‑risk view of the
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE March 9-15, 2019 5
IN BRIEF
T
he Association of Indians in renowned DJ. Everybody enjoyed a lot almost three years." (Source: mycentraljersey.com)
America, NY Chapter (AIA‑NY) and complimented the organization Before WINGS, Waishampayan spent near‑
organized its first Valentine and the young team of Anuj, Atul & ly 30 years on Wall Street. Primarily in the
Dinner & Dance Event under its recent‑
ly launched “Desi Next” at Leonardʼs
Rajeev for arranging such a fun‑filled
event, which was a huge success.
investment banking field, her last venture
took her to the offices of
JOB OPENING
Palazzo in Long Island on March 1st to “AIA NY Chapter has been striving PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Her educa‑ Looking for a Cashier / Tech in
promote networking within young hard to bring programs focused on tion also includes a bachelor and masters in
chemistry, which allowed her to both men‑
a well established Pharmacy
adults while having fun‑filled evening. young families and their children with
Over 50 young couples attended the a view to attract the younger genera‑ tor and work as a professor at the university (40 years) in Rego Park, NY.
event and had a great time. Everybody tion. We have been trying to continue level. Prior to creating WINGS for Growth, Contact :
was introduced with each other to to expand and strengthen youth devel‑ she also dedicated her energy to serve as
encourage conversation between them opment programs and activities and the Chair for the Maharashtra Foundation – Pharmacist‑In‑Charge
and get to know each other while have been working towards energizing a global non‑profit organization that seeks Phone ‑ 248‑910‑0932;
enjoying the fun valentine games, cou‑ our youth while understanding their to enhance the quality of lives of the under‑
Email ‑
ples photo booth, sit down dinner and concerns,” said Gobind Munjal, the privileged.
dancing on the vibrant tunes of president of AIA NY Chapter. The signature WINGS program comprises parkcitydrugs@gmail.com
6 March 9-15, 2019 TRISTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
IN BRIEF
Calif. Cub Scout Aryan Tolani earns Reihan Salam named president
Arrow of Light medal
of The Manhattan Institute
T
Aryan Tolani was presented
the Arrow of Light medal at a he Manhattan Institute, a conserva‑
ceremony on Feb 24 by Mayor t ive think tank, named former
Tara Campbell, City of Yorba National Review executive editor
Linda, CA. This is the highest Reihan Salam as its next president in an
award in Cub Scouts, leading announcement Jan. 20.
to the kid becoming a Boy The Brooklyn, New York‑born Salam is
Scout. Said Aryan, son of the son of Bangladeshi American immi‑
Prince Organization CEO Sunil grants. He will succeed the outgoing presi‑
Tolani, "I want to earn the dent, Lawrence J. Mone, who has been
coveted Eagle Scout rank and with the Institute for 37 years.
help others and our
Salam was characterized as “literary
communities to clean up
Brooklynʼs favorite conservative,” in a
parks, build bike racks. But
seeing news of school 2014 profile in New York magazine. Last
shootings, want to help in year, Salam released "Melting Pot or Civil Reihan Salam
preparing to thwart shooters." War? A Son of Immigrants Makes the Case
Against Open Borders,” in which he con‑ vative thinkers and policymakers,” said
cluded that current U.S. immigration poli‑ The Manhattan Institute chairman Paul
cy is creating a permanent underclass. Singer.
Brooklyn to get a new ice‑cream “When youʼre looking at folks who are “This is a critical moment for New York
struggling, folks who are lower income, a and for the whole country. Iʼm excited for
shop devoted to flavors of India very large proportion of them are first or the Institute and for the future,” he said.
P
second generation,” wrote Salam, whose Salam is also a National Review Institute
ooja Bavishi had to be told three Philadelphia–style base, Bavishi went all‑in
father is an accountant and mother a dieti‑ Policy Fellow, a contributing editor at The
times that she should open her in May 2015, selling ice‑creams influ‑
cian. Atlantic and National Af fairs, and, in
own ice‑cream business. First by enced by her Indian‑American upbringing
Salam ̶ who has served as the execu‑ 2017, was named a Young Global Leader
her own parents, who ran a textile busi‑ at the cityʼs various food markets, under
tive director of the National Review since of the World Economic Forum. He also co‑
ness for most of her life. Then by her the Malai Ice Cream banner. After success
2014 ̶ has also taken several progres‑ authored the book “Grand New Party,”
friends, who fell for a ginger and star at markets and in the wholesale realm,
sive views: he supports gay marriage, the with Ross Douthat, which envisioned how
anise ice‑cream, she made for Bavishi finally opened a permanent shop
decriminalization of certain drugs, and Republicans could take back their party.
Friendsgiving a few years ago. And finally, on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, March
legalizing prostitution. “Iʼm enormously grateful to the selec‑
by one of her business‑school professors 2. To start, the shop will showcase 12 of
“I am delighted that Reihan Salam will tion committee and MIʼs board for entrust‑
at NYU. “Iʼd been talking about it as a far‑ the 23 flavors Bavishi has developed over
be our new president. Reihan is a New ing me with such an important job,” said
of f dream,” Bavishi says. “I didnʼt trust the last 4 years. Some, like Turkish coffee,
Yorker born‑and‑bred, a product of the Salam. “I know not only that ideas matter,
myself at that point.” But after taking Penn masala chai, salted brown butter pecan,
cityʼs public schools, a brilliant communi‑ in other words, but also that MIʼs ideas
Stateʼs three‑day crash course in all things toasted nutmeg, and sea salt vanilla will be
cator, and already a leader among conser‑ can change lives for the better.”
ice‑cream and perfecting an eggless, accessible to most ice‑cream lovers.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL March 9-15, 2019 7
Indian professionals,
students get majority
UK visas in 2018
London: Skilled professionals and students at 99,723 visas but marking only a 13 per‑
from India received a majority of UK visas in cent hike.
2018, according to the latest statistics China held on to the tourist visa lead, with
revealed by the Home Office on Thursday. 56,095 or 11 percent more visitor visas
Indian professionals, including doctors granted to Chinese nationals last year com‑
and software engineers, have dominated pared to an increase of 43,771, or 10 per‑
Britain's Tier‑2 skilled visa category for cent, for Indian nationals.
some time, accounting for 54 percent of all "Chinese and Indian nationals together
such visas granted in 2018. accounted for just under half, 48 percent, of
In the latest analysis, the Home Office said all visitor visas granted," the Home Of fice
that Indian nationals marked the largest said.
increase in the grant of Tier 2 visas, up by 6 Last year, British Prime Minister Theresa
percent at 3,023 more visas compared to May had pledged that Brexit would level the
the previous year. playing field for migrant workers coming to
The analysis also noted a hike in the num‑ work in the UK, with EU migrant workers no
ber of student visas granted to Indians last longer being able to "jump the queue" ahead
year, up 35 percent to hit 19,505, with of those from countries like India under her
Chinese students dominating that segment government's post‑Brexit immigration plans.
W
ar is not a cricket match Pakistan cricket team at the forth‑ issue in an Indian general election,
and a remarkably daring coming World Cup. not even the 1999 elections, which
cross‑LoC air strike This is not the first time that the a Atal Bihari Vajpayee‑led BJP won
should not be reduced to a political BJP has attempted to equate the in the immediate aftermath of the
spectacle. But we are in election party and its leadership with the Kargil war triumph. A warlike
season which might explain the credo of Hindu nationalism. A simi‑ atmosphere does unify the nation
well‑choreographed celebratory lar stratagem was also used when and create a sense of national pur‑
note struck in the aftermath of the Modi spearheaded the BJPʼs con‑ pose. In north India, especially
pre‑emptive, non‑military strike on troversial 2002 Gujarat campaign. Uttar Pradesh, where there are
the Balakot terror camp in The burning to death of kar sewaks more raw and enduring wounds of
Pakistan. in a train compartment in Godhra a bloodied partition, any political
As the collective conscience of a had been the trigger for revenge consolidation over firm action
nation craves for avenging the bru‑ attacks. The identification of the against Pakistan could give the rul‑
tal killing of 40 CRPF soldiers in train saboteurs, not just with local ing party a decisive boost.
The implicit message is that a vote against the BJP is no longer just a
Pulwama, the dominant national Muslims but with neighboring However, an escalating conflict
vote against Narendra Modi but also a vote for anti‑national forces.
mood leads one to ask: Have Pakistan, aroused sub‑nationalistic between nuclear neighbors is a
Pulwama and Pakistan become the strikes, the BJPʼs political man‑ environment in which anyone who passions under the guise of highly risky proposition, and for all
core narrative that will influence agers are seeking to shape the elec‑ questions the government is imme‑ Gujarati pride or asmita. The ensu‑ the josh (energy) a film like Uri
voter behaviour in the 2019 gener‑ tion around the more emotive diately branded an anti‑national. ing fury ensured a two‑third major‑ might generate in a cinema,
al elections? theme of muscular nationalism and Then be it the glaring intelli‑ ity victory for the BJP in the elec‑ ground realities demand a more
In the week leading up to Modiʼs strongman image as a gence lapses in Pulwama, the lack tions that followed. cautious approach.
Pulwama, battle lines were drawn leader who has shown the political of direction in Kashmir and ad hoc Will this model of the 2002 elec‑ In the real world, long‑term
in more predictable terms. While will to teach the enemy a lesson. Pakistan policy, the government tions now be replicated on a strategic goals must not be con‑
the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) The implicit message is that a vote has sought to cover up its failings national scale in the 2019 elec‑ fused with temporary election
leadership spoke of a majboot against the BJP is no longer just a under the guise of the need for a tions? By drawing a link between advantage: news channels can look
sarkar (strong government) versus vote against Modi but also a vote unified national response to a Kashmiri Muslims, Pakistan‑based for Television Rating Points, a
a maha‑milawat (hotchpotch) coali‑ for anti‑national forces. snowballing crisis. jihadi groups like the Jaish‑e‑ responsible government canʼt take
tion, the opposition was focused on With a jingoistic television media T he frenzied response has Mohammed and their patrons in a war for votes approach to nation‑
the alleged failed promises of the rooting for war and a large army of stretched to ludicrous extremes at the Pakistani army, a scary narra‑ al security.
Modi government, from jobs to cheerleaders on social media as times with even the patriotism of tive is being woven of a nation at (Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior
agrarian distress. staunch allies, there has been a cricketing legends like Sunil risk from internal and external ene‑ journalist and author. The article
Now, in the aftermath of the air concerted campaign to create an Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar mies. appeared in The Hindustan Times)
C
onsidering that previous articulate its claims to be a party group of voters.
governments had backed of nationalists and doers as the In its present smug, celebrato‑
away from a military polling days approach. ry mood, the BJP may even tone
response to terrorist provoca‑ The opposition, therefore, is in down some of its strident criti‑
tions from Pakistan ‑‑ notably in a bind. It now realizes that the cism of the Congress's first fami‑
November, 2008, when a issues of unemployment, agrari‑ ly as Modi has been doing dur‑
Lashkar‑e‑Taiba suicide squad an distress, low investments or ing virtually all his speeches,
attacked Mumbai ‑‑ the raid by Rafale, which constituted its including the one on the inaugu‑
Indian jets on a Jaish‑e‑ main talking points, w ill no ration of the war memorial in
Muhammed terror camp in longer make the kind of impact Delhi.
Pakistan has shown that India which they earlier did as the For the scion of the first family,
has dropped its policy of strate‑ country basks in the sunshine of Rahul Gandhi, the challenge has
gic restraint. military glory and diplomatic become much bigger than what
Since the change has taken success. he may have envisaged when the
place under the Prime Minister's The gains for Indian diplomacy Congress won three assembly
leadership, it has reinforced are evident from the way that elections and the other national
Narendra Modi's macho creden‑ the international community, opposition parties won a series
tials. including Pakistan's close of by‑elections in Uttar Pradesh
T he political fallout of this friends like China and Saudi and Bihar.
image is immense. At one stroke, Arabia, leant heavily on So, even if it is "Advantage
it has relegated to the back‑ Islamabad to ensure that the mil‑ Modi" at present, the results are
ground all the domestic issues itary situation did not go out of far from being sealed and deliv‑
which were impeding the (BJP) hand. As for the BJP, it no longer ered in the BJP's favor.
political advancement of the has any need to look for an emo‑ T he touchstone will be the
Bharatiya Janata Party. tive issue like the Ram temple to crowds which Modi and Rahul
No one expressed this jubilant boost its electoral position as the will attract at their election ral‑
moo d better than B.S. Even if it is "Advantage Modi" at present, the results are far from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh lies. Modi's will undoubtedly be
being sealed and delivered in the BJP's favor. (RSS) was doing on its behalf a bigger, as they usually are, but it
Yeddyurappa, the BJP's leader in
Karnataka, who said that the lat‑ the party to win 22 of the 28 he has been quoted out of con‑ few months ago. Nor does the is from Rahul's meetings that
est surgical strike (there was a parliamentary seats in the state. text after being told not to use BJP have to introduce quotas for inferences can be drawn about
limited one in 2016) will enable Although he has since said that the military's achievement for targeted groups over and above the way the wind is blowing.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
14 March 9-15, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info
S
Former Director,
Indian Intelligence Pakistan was given all the credit by the US‑ adly, the series intended casualties and no attack on the
Bureau led West, the Pak army‑ISI combine of events fol‑ military establishment.
planned to replicate the Afghan Jehad in lowing the Feb The Pakistanʼs immediate retaliation
T
he successful Kashmir by sending in Mujahideen from 14 terror attack in Kashmir point to the fact therefore came as a surprise and put paid to
strike made by across the border and subduing the that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is prov‑ Modiʼs pre‑election entertainment package
a dozen Kashmiris to the call of Jehad through its ing to be far more dangerous to the country for the country.
Mirage 2000 jets of agents and acolytes. Jamaat‑e‑Islami outfits than its long standing enemy Pakistan can The joy and jingoism unleashed by sec‑
the Indian Air Force like Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtarane ever be. While Pakistanʼs asymmetrical war tions of the Indian media, claiming the
on Feb 26 to take out the biggest training Millat were made to take orders from the on India through terror in Kashmir contin‑ deaths of 300 JeM terrorists, including JeM
camp of Jaish‑e‑Mohammed at Balakot in Pak‑based Lashkar‑e‑Toiba chief Maulana ues after the 1971 war, the damages are chiefʼs brother, Azhar Masood, however got
the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Hafiz Sayeed. The Hurriyat totally convert‑ limited to the state, while Modiʼs mis‑gover‑ subdued within a few hours when interna‑
Pakistan, within days of the terror attack ed into a Pak proxy. The network of Pak nance and mis‑handling of events before tional media pointed out that the fighter jets
on the CRPF at Pulwama speaks as much of agents within the administration and out‑ and after the dreaded attack almost plunged had merely bombed a deserted JeM hideout.
the decisiveness of the Modi regime on the side, including those who took shelter the country into war with Pakistan last Besides a few trees and an injured villager
national security front as of all that obvi‑ under the umbrella of politics was con‑ week. there was no other casualties.
ously went into that action by way of stantly expanded to create an atmosphere Modiʼs extensive smiles
defense preparedness, functional consoli‑ of alienation and public unrest. at public functions fol‑
dation of India's intelligence set‑up and a Also, JeM, which was an old collaborator lowing the Indian air
comprehensive diplomatic reach out to the of Al Qaeda‑Taliban combine was utilized strikes soon turned into
world by Prime Minister Modi himself. for raising fidayeen or suicide bombers. stony silence after the
India has retained the moral high ground The attack on the CRPF convoy at Pulwama capture of the IAF pilot,
in going after a set of dangerous terrorists was the doing of a Jaish Fidayeen who used Abhinanadan Varthaman,
condemned even by the UN Security a car bomb with over 60 kg of RDX mix. and shooting down of
Council. Pakistan had consistently project‑ The act owned by JeM was a manifestation one of its jets in a retalia‑
ed them as 'non‑ state' actors on its soil but of the new level of escalation of terror tory action by the
had remained totally complicit with them caused by the Pak army after it had discov‑ Pakistanis.
for reasons known to the entire world. The ered that stone pelting and grenade lob‑ Since the Pulwama
event gives a new turn to Indiaʼs relations bing on security camps by its agents in attacks, Modiʼs every
with Pakistan leaving little scope for New Kashmir was bringing it diminishing action and word is prov‑
Delhi to shift from its firm stand against returns. ing to be detrimental to
cross‑border terrorism. PM Modi, unlike his predecessors, took a peace, whereas his coun‑
India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale hard line towards Pakistan once he discov‑ terpart in Pakistan, Imran
disclosed credible intelligence about JeM ered ‑‑ after extending the hand of friend‑ Khan is making all the
training fidayeen for attempting further ship to then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ‑‑ right moves, by not only
suicide terror attacks in India and that, in that in Pakistan the civilian government saying no to war, but also
the face of this imminent danger, a pre‑ was a mere fig leaf for its army and that substantiating it with the
emptive strike had become absolutely nec‑ the Pak army‑ISI combine was determined release of the captured
essary. He called the action at Balakot a to use terrorism as the instrument of state Indian pilot. As a result of
'preemptive non‑military strike targeting policy to get hold of Kashmir. The punitive the contrasting leader‑
militants and not the people or the State of surgical strike on terror launch pads car‑ ship, the situation at the
Pakistan'. The forthright statement of India ried out by Indian troops across the LOC moment in both the
Indian defense analysts are claiming that the threat of
has helped to give the right message to the within days of Uri attack was in glaring countries, seeming ly
nuclear flash point does not work for Pakistan any more. But
world about India's bona fide in respond‑ contrast to the supine response of the gov‑ poised on the precipice
even a full‑scale conventional war will devastate the two
ing to a grave threat to its national securi‑ ernment of the day to the deadly LeT spon‑ countries economically, not to speak of the human cost. of war, is starkly differ‑
ty. The note of understanding struck by sored Mumbai attack of 2008. ent. As if to echo the
major powers like the US, UK, France, In the current geo‑political context, A shoddily edited video tape, surfacing well‑established belief that leadership mat‑
Australia, Russia and even China on the Pakistan is left with no option but to sue less than an hour after the terror attack in ters, a large section of Pakistanis stand with
Balakot operation vindicates India's policy for peace ‑‑ its sabre rattling by way of Pulwama, supposedly released by JeM stak‑ their leader in echoing demands for peace,
against terrorism. sending some F‑16s to unsuccessfully ing claim to the attack, and a past shared while most Indians are echoing the senti‑
For decades now, Pakistan's deep state attempt to bomb a military establishment history with Pakistan, triggered the Indian ments of their prime minister, in favor of
had been unabashedly pursuing a 'proxy on our side of LOC a day after the Balakot air attack on Pakistan territory on February war, subdued only after the pilotʼs capture.
war' against India in the name of Kashmir, strike, has not taken it anywhere. 26, despite the Pakistan PM Imran Khan While he was riding high on the soldiers
using faith‑based terrorism to avenge the Meanwhile, India's war machine should claiming that they had no hand in it. In an of the Indian Air Force and with war cries
ignominious defeat of 1972 it had suffered remain in full swing to take on any military address to the nation, he stated that both raging, it was widely believed that Modi had
in the Bangladesh war. adventure of Pakistan ‑‑ the threat of the countries had suf fered from terror the 2019 elections in his pocket, But the
It first instigated militant separatism in nuclear flash point does not work for attacks and need to look for a joint solution. capture of the Indian pilot brought the
Kashmir ‑‑ throug h the slog ans of Pakistan any more. Pakistan, however, is Though he asked for a report on the attack, focus back to the damages of war and sane
Plebiscite and Azadi and also sponsored likely to step up its aggressiveness in the Indian government sent one only after voices on both sides of the border are pray‑
the armed 'Khalistan' movement in Punjab Kashmir and it would be quite in order for launching its air strikes beyond the LOC and ing for peace. Now for Mr Modi winning re‑
but could not derail the overpowering dem‑ India to take to an approach of 'offence is after Pakistanʼs retaliation the next day. election, let us wait for the Lok Sabha elec‑
ocratic processes there. It was in the 1990s the best defence' along the LOC. From the incidents in the last few days, it tions likely within the next 3‑4 months.
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info OP ED March 9-15, 2019 15
COUNTERPOINT
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
T
The actress says she loved the story.
he 'josh' for patriotic films is 'high' in otic films evolve, there is a greater influx of "And I love Rebel. She is the producer in
Bollywood. After the success of "Uri: stories themed on combating terrorism, cele‑ the film. She has made the movie for her‑
The Surgical Strike", Hindi movie buffs brating the country's glorious achievements self. It is her first leading role. And I thought of
can gear up to watch "Kesari", "Major", and talking about social issues. all these things like supporting her through it
"RAW", "Batla House", "Panipat", "Saare Army‑based films like "Border", "LOC Actress Priyanka Chopra
and playing a really funny character with an essays the role of a yoga
Jahaan Se Accha", "Mission Mangal", "'83" Kargil", "Lakshya" and "1971" have been cele‑ amazing cast." ambassador in the film.
and a biopic on Kargil war hero Vikram Batra, brated in the past.
among others. This March 21, the audience can look for‑
Amid the escalating tension between India
and Pakistan, netizens turned to past and
recent patriotic films to dig out memorable
ward to "Kesari", on the 1897 Battle of
Saragarhi in which 21 Sikhs of the 36th Sikh
Regiment (now the 4th Battalion of the Sikh
'Luka Chuppi': Strong
dialogues, the most recent being from "Uri:
The Surgical Strike", based on the surgical
strikes that India conducted on terror camps
Regiment) of British India, defended an army
post against more than 10,000 Afghan and
Orakzai tribesmen.
performances elevate this
in Pakistan in 2016.
The Indian Air Force's air strike on terror
camps in Pakistan, which was in retaliation to
There will also be a yet untitled biopic on
Kargil war hero Vikram Batra. It will front
actor Sidharth Malhotra.
light‑hearted entertainer
the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, led to A newly announced project is "Major", on By Troy Ribeiro
social media speculations that a "Surgical the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a REVIEW
S
Strike 2" could be made. National Security Guards (NSG) commando et in Mathura, Director Laxman
From wars to fighting social evils and who lost his life while fighting terrorists at Utekar's "Luka Chuppi" is a straight‑
telling heroic tales of sportsperson ‑‑ various the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai in 2008. laced, frothy rom‑com that panders
shades of patriotism have been depicted on There are heroic stories from the sports to the concept of a "live‑in‑relationship".
the big screen through a stream of films in field too. "'83", starred by Ranveer Singh, will You never know where the heart is going
recent times. The narrative shall continue narrate India's historic victory in the 1983 to lead, and often, it is to the most inappro‑
through 2019 and beyond. Cricket World Cup. A film on badminton star priate places. This is what happens when
As the treatment and subjects around patri‑ Saina Nehwal is in the works. Guddu Shukla (Kartik) the anchor of a local
cable channel, professes his love to Rashmi
(Kriti), the daughter of a local politician
Kangana defends her 'Pakistan Trivediji (Vinay), who is not commitment‑
phobic but a cautious young lady of today's
destruction' statement
generation.
She unabashedly tells him that she would
want to indulge in a "live‑in‑relationship" to
A
ctress Kangana Ranaut says her we were faced with that type of shocking test their compatibility, before committing
"Pakistan destruction" comment incident. It was possibly the most brutal to get married.
came naturally to and most inhuman in cen‑ How their relationship unspools to their
her after hearing about the turies, it will always be a respective families, forms the crux of the
Pulwama terror attack. In deep scar, wound in our tale. The writing by Rohan Shankar, rarely
her address at the India conscience." According to misses the rom‑com beat despite its pre‑
Today Conclave in New Kangana, she got "deeply dictable and meandering plot that drags. It
Delhi, the "Manikarnika: moved by brutality of the is not a wickedly humorous narrative, but
The Queen of Jhansi" action". "You cannot be yes the film has its moments of fun and
actress defended her con‑ such a victim of your own thrill, with situational and slap‑stick come‑
troversial remark against mind that at that moment dy. The dialogues are colloquial, witty and Actor Kartik Aaryan as Guddu
Shukla is charismatic and Kriti Sanon
Pakistan, stating it was an also, you are letting your laced with the right amount of funniness
as Rashmi is charming.
"instinctive sentiment" thought process take over that is relatable. What keeps you glued to
Following the attack, and be like, 'What is the the screen, are the unfaltering performanc‑ with convivial ease and flourish.
Kangana reportedly said best response to this? Let es by the abled cast in well‑etched charac‑ On the directorial front, some scenes were
"Pakistan ban is not the Actress Kangana Ranaut me think about it'. ters. not astutely crafted, especially the prologue,
was speaking at a conclave
solution, but Pakistan "It's okay to let your While Kartik as Guddu is charismatic and the denouement and the scenes with the
in New Delhi.
destruction is". When asked instinct take over," she Kriti as Rashmi is charming, their on‑screen nosy neighbour in Gwalior. They made the
about her statement at the conclave, she added. Kangana mentioned that "she even chemistry is perfunctory, nevertheless they film appear amateurish and lazily mounted.
said: "I think it was very sort of instinctive felt to go to the border and sort of snatch bring the right amount of energy and real‑ The sermonizing at the end too, appears
sentiment that we all felt that time when somebody's gun and do the deed." ism to their characters, playing their roles forced.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BOLLYWOOD March 9-15, 2019 17
I
n the times of Indo‑Pak ten‑ rumbustious ode to rowdyism
sion, several film celebrities and toxic masculinity, "Total
took to Twitter to share Dhamaal" are out to have fun, what is the
their feelings on social media. mythical Madhuri Dixit doing with them?
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur got She is as out of place here as a riff of gospel
emotional on listening to the music in a rave party. Not much of a choice,
updates of an Indian Air Force really since her comeback in 2007 was a
pilot who was held captive in bit of damper. The Yash Raj film about an
Pakistan and shared his own NRI returning to her roots and Indian clas‑
story of survival. sical dancing in "Aaja Nachle" was specially
He shared his emotional story designed for her. The film flopped and
about how his family suffered Madhuri hastily returned to her home in
during the Partition. He the US. But the itch to face the camera
revealed how his mother enact‑ never leaves a movie star, unless she is
ed dead to save his and his sis‑ Rajshri, Vyjanthimala or Suchitra Sen, the
terʼs life during the massacre on Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur spoke about how only three actresses I know who never
looked back once they retired. As far her movie career is concerned,
an India‑bound train. his family suffered during the Partition.
actress Madhuri Dixit seems to have
He tweeted, “I was born in Jaya Bachchan and Sridevi made a spec‑
hit a permanent roadblock.
Lahore. My mother escaped massacre by Twitter. He had captioned it, “Last pic of tacular comeback in "Silsila" and "English
hiding me n my sister under her body in a our whole family together. I was 18. Left Vinglish", respectively. Dhamaal" to an imaginary comic rhythm is
train to India. Playing dead. Most people for London that night. Since then we have If only Madhuri Dixit were that lucky! like watching Deepika Padukone play the
were killed. One million people died in all lead our own lives away from home. After her failed attempt at a comeback in lead in "Gully Boy". It is not becoming for
Partition. 10 million refugees. On both Only to come together under the same roof "Aaja Nachle" she again made a comeback an actress of Madhuri's dignity and grace to
sides. India n Pakistan were created of the for our parents death. What forces in mod‑ in Abhishek Choubey's "Dedh Ishqiya". This be hopping and skipping in the Big Boyz
blood of one people.” ern India tear us apart yet a love that binds time the critics were happy and the audi‑ Burlesque Club.
He had once shared his family photo on us together?” ence was tantalized as her character had Surely there are far better vehicles for an
shades of lesbianism in it. actress of Madhuri's stature? Why must she
F
Marathi film, "Bucket List" which seemed after her role as "Chandramukhi" in Devdas.
ilmmaker Sanjay Leela inspired by Sridevi's "English Vinglish" and Otherwise if she insists on doing inane stuff
Bhansali will be launch‑ Vidya Balan's "Tumhari Sulu". "Bucket List" like "Total Dhamaal" the song "Maar daala"
ing a new talent was not the success it was meant to be. may acquire an entirely unforeseen rele‑
Meezaan with his yet‑untitled To see her prance in a trance in "Total vance.
upcoming production.
"Being an actor was not a
childhood dream but it was
Sanjay sir who not only gave
Spielberg to express
Netflix concerns at
me this dream but also believed
in me and made it real by
launching me," Meezaan said in
Oscars to Academy
a statement.
Bhansali has seen Meezaan
grow and has also been
F
involved personally in prepar‑ ilmmaker Steven Spielberg is
ing him for his entry into likely to take his criticism of
Bollywood. Netflix films at the Oscars to the
Prerna Singh, CEO at Bhansali Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Productions Pvt Ltd (BPPL), Sciences.
said: "When I saw Meezaan for Spielberg's Academy Award attention
the first time in the office, the is devoted to ensuring that the race
immediate thought that never sees another "Roma", a Netflix
crossed my mind was such a film backed by massive sums, that did‑
versatile face. In this exciting n't play by the same rules as its analog‑
phase of the industry, there studio competitors, reported
couldn't have been a better indiewire.com.
time but now to launch him. He feels Netflix should only compete
We have signed him for three for awards in the Emmy arena. As the
films and continue our aim at Academy Governor representing the
BPPL to give the industry more directors' branch, Spielberg is eager to
talent." support rule changes when it convenes
Meezaan has been an assis‑ for its annual post‑Oscar meeting.
tant director on Bhansaliʼs "Steven feels strongly about the dif‑
Bajirao Mastani and has trained ference between the streaming and the‑ Filmmaker Steven Spielberg feels
Meezaan Jafri was an assistant director on
in theater acting and atrical situation," said a spokesperson Netflix should only compete for awards
filmmaker Sanjay Bhansaliʼs ʻBajirao Mastaniʼ.
martial arts. for Amblin Entertainment. in the Emmy arena.
18 March 9-15, 2019 FEATURES TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose museum in Delhiʼs Red Fort salutes the iconic leader of the Indian National Army (INA)
who fought for an undivided and free India. The museum is housed in the very barracks where once
some of the soldiers were tried for treason by the British over 73 years ago.
TARGET: TRUMP
House Democratic leaders are planning to roll out a “slow-bleed strategy with lengthy public hearings and
scores of witnesses to pick apart Trump's finances and presidency,” according to Axios.
T
racing the rise of populist on it. ilies and the communities they live Sahgal unveiled her new
nationalism worldwide to "India's challenge in the years to in. novel "The Fate Of
the diminution of the com‑ come is not its democracy, which is Rajan, currently a University of Butterflies" at a function attended
munity at a time of heightened eco‑ probably the only way to keep a Chicago professor and one of by bibliophiles and several known
nomic worries, former RBI country with such varied communi‑ whose earlier works predicted the faces from the literary and politi‑
Governor Rag huram ties together, but 2008 global financial crisis, draws cal world, here on Wednesday.
Rajan says that liberal the need to India's parallel with China, both of The novel, Sahgal said, con‑
"open‑access" values strengthen state whom have large young migrant fronts the toxic dangers of "war,
Veteran author Nayantara Sahgal
are under threat in capacity and pri‑ populations "yet to be integrated religious polarization and authori‑
and the cover page of her new novel.
India from the Hindu vate sector inde‑ into solid new communities" who tarian charisma ‑‑ a dystopian
nationalist movement pendence." are ideal raw material for populist future that is already upon the was under a dictatorial regime. She
which taps into people's Given the pletho‑ nationalists' vision of a "cohesive world". It is published by Speaking said while Germans were told that
desire to anchor them‑ ra of languages, nationalist community". Tiger. In a conversation with Sanjoy Jews were a danger to them, the
selves to tradition in a re ligions, castes "The Hindu nationalist movement Roy at the Jaipur Literature Festival, majority community in India is being
context of rapid change. and ethnicit ies, tries to tap into such people's Sahgal said all her novels have been told that it is under threat from the
The local community India needs a sys‑ desire to anchor themselves in tra‑ stories of the times she has lived in country's Muslims. She said minis‑
is at the center of tem that allows dition. It exploits the sense among and how they contributed to the ters have spread this fear.
Rajan's latest book "The grievances to be the majority Hindu population that making of India. "But this novel is Remarking that she is a believing
Title page of book Third Hindu, Sahgal said she "absolutely
T hird Pillar: How expressed through they have bent over backwards to about the unmaking of India," she
Piller by Raghuram Rajan.
Markets and the State democratic protest appease minorities, especially said, pointing to the horrors of inno‑ rejects" the ideology of Hindutva.
Leave the Community Behind", pub‑ and dialogue, "rather than one that Muslims." cent people being lynched. "What's happening in the country
lished by HarperCollins India and bottles them up so that they "The committed Hindu majoritari‑ Sahgal, a member of the Nehru‑ has nothing to do with Hinduism,
released last week. It explores how explode later", he says. an leader," Rajan says, "are a seri‑ Gandhi family and one of the most but a political ideology that has
globalization and technological The "Third Pillar" is a philosophi‑ ous threat to a liberal tolerant inno‑ vocal critics of Indira Gandhi during nothing at all to do with religion,"
advancement have also produced a cal exploration of the imbalances vative India." the Emergency, alleged that India she said. ‑IANS
strong backlash of populist nation‑ between state, markets and local
alism. The community is the third communities, and Rajan writes that
pillar that has got left behind as the wrong choices could derail human
two other pillars ‑ the state and the economic progress at this critical
markets ‑ scaled up and expanded moment in history.
their powers at the expense of the Noting that the questions pop‑
former, Rajan says. ulist nationalists are raising are
"India, with its more pluralistic reasonable, the former Governor
and open‑access political system is says that re‑emergence of populist
better positioned for the communi‑ nationalism in the industrial West
ty to create more separat ion is based on economic worries.
between the state and the markets. The "primary source of worry"
Its weakest pillar is the state," he seems to be that moderately edu‑
writes. cated workers are rapidly losing or
"India also has a private sector at the risk of losing good "middle
that is still dependent on the state, class" employment, and this has
which makes it a feeble constraint grievous effects on them, their fam‑
26 March 9-15, 2019 HEALTH TheSouthAsianTimes.info
T
he hysteria unleashed on tion becomes ineffective, it will be
social media platforms after a good idea to come up with spe‑
Indian pilot Abhinandan
Varthaman's plane crashed in
Pakistani territory on February 27
Not War cific guidelines which should gov‑
ern the behavior and the acts done
on social media during important
moments of our national interest,"
is partly responsible for the sud‑
den shift in focus from fighting Duggal said.
cross‑border terrorism to bringing "We have in place something
the pilot back home, experts called Information Technology
believe. (Intermediaries guidelines) Rules,
The country erupted into joyous 2011 which often asks service
celebration following Varthaman's providers to inform people not to
release after spending over 60 do certain activities on their plat‑
hours in Pakistani captivity. form.
"Social media did help to build "But the IT Rules 2011 don't
pressure on Pakistan to quickly have teeth. I think there should be
release the pilot which is excellent. now a dedicated provision for
But the hectic activity on social legal consequences should you
media contributed to derailing the whatever they posted was avail‑ ground partly due to the hectic from both sides of the border," violate these provisions," Duggal
counter‑terror measures that the able for a global audience. activity on social media," he said, Roy told IANS, adding that some of noted.
government had initiated after the "Indian social media users did adding that a lot of what the main‑ that information circulated in Overall, he said, this episode can
Pulwama attack on February 14 not exercise the restraint that they stream media showed was some‑ social media might have been very be seen as a learning experience
that killed 40 CRPF troopers," were supposed to have in times how linked to content on social painful to the family of the Indian for social media users as this is the
Pavan Duggal, one of the like these. They were posting with‑ media. pilot who was captured in first time they were confronted
nation's top cyber law experts, out understanding their ramifica‑ Leading tech policy and media Pakistan. with a situation of this magnitude
told IANS. tions. The way they were circulat‑ consultant Prasanto K. Roy agreed "The impact of social media has and importance.
In a video circulated on social ing information, most of which with Duggal when he said that been overwhelmingly negative "Social media users should
media, the IAF pilot was shown as was fake, demonstrated that they much of the information that was during the period following India's become warriors for the country
demonstrating great courage in became victims of psychological moving fast in social media plat‑ air strike targeting terror camps in rather than impacting India's sov‑
withholding sensitive information, warfare controlled by foreign forms like Twitter and Facebook Pakistan on February 26," he ereign interest. At the same time,
including his whereabouts in powers," Duggal said. was neither genuine nor true. added. the government should also not be
India. However, social media users "Abhinandan was part of a "We have seen a flurry of fake So what happens when people influenced by the change in the
wasted no time in giving away that broader strategy, but that broader information and edited videos do not exercise self‑restraint in a course of social media discourses,"
information, without realizing that strategy receded into the back‑ being circulated on social media situation like the one India faced Duggal said.
IMMIGRATION COLUMN
By Dev Banad Viswanath, Esq.
& Michael Phulwani, Esq.
Section 212(a)(6)(e)
defines an alien smuggler
as “any person who knowingly has
encouraged, induced, assisted,
abetted, or aided” any other per‑
In order to request a waiver, an community in some way such as alien smuggling and are qualified
VISA
son to enter or try to enter the
United States unlawfully. It does individual must have a qualifying volunteer work or owning a busi‑ to file a waiver it is best for them
not matter if the individual enter‑ relative which is clearly defined ness that provides jobs to others. to hire an attorney.
TALK
ing the U.S. unlawfully is a family under the statute and regulations. Every waiver petition must Every waiver for alien smuggling
member of the alien smuggler or if In the application, an individual include supporting documents. is only one of a kind so an attor‑
it was done for monetary gain. will be required to show U.S. USCIS and immigration judges ney would be able to help an indi‑
Alien smuggling can result in a Immigration and Citizenship would like to see proof to support vidual gather the right documents,
ground of inadmissibility, a an immigration benefit such as a Services (USCIS) that they deserve what the individual tells them in prepare for an interview if needed,
ground of deportability, a bar to family based visa. To qualify for a a waiver for humanitarian purpos‑ their application. If an individual and guide them through the whole
good moral character, and if con‑ waiver of inadmissibility an indi‑ es, to keep family unity, or was found to have committed process.
victed of alien smuggling it would vidual must be a lawful permanent because it is in the public interest.
count as an aggravated felony. resident or must be applying for a For humanitarian purposes, USCIS
Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
Alien smuggling entails affirma‑ family‑based immigrant visa or will grant a waiver if an individual
The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
tive and knowing conduct. It has fiancé visa. A waiver of inadmissi‑ shows they will suffer serious and Banad Immigration in India for which
been found by courts that an indi‑ bility would not apply for any hardship if the application is Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
vidual must have made 1) an affir‑ other type of petition. Next, an denied. For family unity, USCIS Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
mative and 2) knowing act in individual can apply for a waiver if will grant a waiver if an individual Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
order to be found to have commit‑ the person they were trying to shows they have a spouse and/or clients with all facets of the immigration process,
ted alien smuggling. An individual bring to the U.S. was their spouse, children in the U.S., they are including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
who was involved in alien smug‑ parent, son, or daughter at the responsible for caring for their Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
gling may be eligible for a waiver time of entry. For a married indi‑ family, or if most of their family is Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
in the U.S. For public interest, Applications based on Family or Employment.
of inadmissibility in order to avoid vidual, they may apply for a waiv‑
USCIS will grant a waiver if an Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
removal or allow the individual to er even if they are no longer mar‑
Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
continue with their application for ried after the smuggling occurred. individual shows they benefit their
28 March 9-15, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Laughter is the Best Medicine charge your electric car overnight at home,
but if you have a long drive to work, you
may need to find another outlet, both for
your car and your frustration.
In India, electric cars are a long way from
By becoming common, but electric two‑wheel‑
Mahendra ers are rapidly catching on. According to the
Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles
Shah
(SMEV), only 1,200 electric cars were sold in
Mahendra Shah the entire country in fiscal 2017‑18, drop‑
is an architect ping from 2,000 the previous year. The aver‑
by education, age Indian is more likely to invest in skiing
entrepreneur by equipment than an electric car.
profession, In contrast, sales of electric two‑wheelers
artist and more than doubled from 23,000 units to
humorist, 54,800 over the same period. By the year
cartoonist and 2030, more than 2 million electric two‑
writer by hobby. wheelers are expected to be sold annually,
He has been which means that even your grandma will be
recording the driving one. And sheʼll be scolding your
plight of the g randpa for forgett ing to plug it in
immigrant overnight.
Indians for the Of course, 2030 is more than a decade
past many year away. But at least weʼll see lots of electric
in his cartoons. vehicles on the highway. And perhaps by
2040 or so, Iʼll be ready to buy one myself.
Hailing from
With my luck, electric cars will be consid‑
Gujarat, he
ered old technology by then. Newer cars will
lives in
be running on something else, perhaps low‑
Pittsburgh,
fat milk.
Pennsylvania.
The most popular car, of course, will be the
Chevrolet Cruze LT (lactose tolerant).
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY March 9-15, 2019 29
W
hen we swim in the crys‑ thick, sticky, and heavy, and it
tal clear, pure ocean of entraps us.
God, we can see the It is like quicksand. When you
reflection of our true self or soul. step into quicksand, it pulls down
There is no grime or dirt to your body deeper into the muddy
muddy it. We can see to the depth ground. It is a horrifying experi‑
of the ocean, undistracted by any‑ ence. When we swim in the pool of
thing that keeps our attention from the mind, this is what happens. The
the calm of the water. Its loving mud pulls us down and on our own,
waves lap against us. There are no we cannot get out. intoxication. It is not an annihilation with the ecstasy of swimming with love between our two eyebrows and
attractions to lead us away from our What has caused the pool to be of self, but an expansion of our self God. Our entire being, from the core dive in. With our mind still, we
peace. Instead of transitory pleas‑ muddy? The mind is filled with to be one with God and eternally of the soul, is ravished by Godʼs plunge into the soothing waters of
ures of the outer world, we enjoy desires that lead us into ego, lust, permeated with bliss and love that divine love and embrace. Who the divine Beloved and are in pure
the eternal bliss of God. There is no anger, attachment, and greed. When knows no end. would want to tear oneself away ecstasy.
ill effect from having too much love. our pool is filled with the mind, we When we swim with God, we do from an ocean of incredible love? Through meditation, we plunge
When we swim in the ocean of God, become stuck. We are burdened not have any desires for the sensual No desires of the world can pull us into the heart of the ocean and are
we experience ecstasy. with more problems and our lives pleasures of the world, because the away from that bliss. We realize immersed in the ocean of love.
A blissful pool of divine water is are filled with stress. love of God is fulfilling. The bliss that everything and everyone in this Even when we are not meditating,
within all the time. We can dip into Rather than swimming with the that permeates the soul when we world is transitory. We know that we can be swimming in ecstasy.
it anytime. When we tap into this mind, we should swim with God. swim with God is thousands of one day we will pass away, or those How? We can keep our attention on
pool, we are free from worries. We When we swim with God, we are times greater than any worldly sat‑ we love will pass away. Only the the divine Beloved all hours of the
enter total relaxation. Its soothing satisfied. We fall in love with God isfaction. soul and God are permanent. When day and night. While driving, while
waters caress our being, washing and lose our ego. We are like those When we swim with God we are we lose our attachment for the tran‑ working with our hands or body,
away the tensions of the mind and who are so much in love that they filled with calm. We have no time or sitory world and attach ourselves to while cooking food, while eating,
body. When our soul is bathed, bliss forget themselves. We become so interest in judging others because God, we gain permanent happiness. while exercising, or doing any other
also permeates our mind and body. lost in God that we lose ourselves we are focused on being with our We realize that when we fall in love activities, we can remember God.
The mind is under control so it does and become one with God. divine Beloved. A verse by Sant with God, we are with a Beloved When we go to satsang, if we are
not disturb our tranquility at the It is said that a salt doll went into Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj says: who will be with us for eternity. receptive, we can let the waters of
level of the soul. the ocean to take a dip. As soon as it Those who are lost in divine We can swim with God anytime divine love flow into us. Swimming
The origin of the word ʻspaʼ stepped into the ocean, it dissolved intoxication, we want. God has sent the Master to with God fills us with love, and we
means taking of the waters; On a into the ocean and became one with Have no time to laugh at the con‑ teach us how to swim in bliss. We become the abode of nonviolence,
holiday people often like to go to a it. When we are immersed in God, dition of others. can do so by meditating. Meditation truthfulness, purity, humility, and
spa and swim in a pool or soak in a we are like that salt doll. We dive When we swim with God, we have is not just a mechanical process; it selfless service. By diving into the
hot tub to relax. We have our own into the ocean of God and become everything and are content. There is is diving into a pool of bliss. We pool of God we can swim eternally
internal spa fed by the waters of immersed in it, losing ourselves in nothing of this world that compares focus our attention into the pool of in bliss.
On an inner voyage
By Sant Rajinder unimaginable vistas more beauti‑ but was known to the disciples
Singh Ji Maharaj ful than anything ever seen in this through an oral tradition whereby
world? What if that vacation filled Masters passed on the trave l
A
vacation offers a chance to us with relaxation of our body, directions for this journey.
take a break from the mind, and spirit, and had the This experience is still available
stresses of daily living. We added benefit of putting us into today to all who want to under‑
usually seek places that are relax‑ the states of tremendous love, joy, take this incredible voyage. The
ing, enjoyable, and beautiful. Yet and bliss? What if we could tap way within is through meditation.
going on an outer vacation is into a restful peace that washed Meditation is the art of inverting
often stressful. We have to earn away our troubles and stayed with our attention from the world out‑
money for the trip; book tickets; us even when we returned from side to that within. Sightseeing in
undergo the rigors of trave l, the journey? What if we could the physical world may attract our
whether by road, train, bus, or air; take this trip anytime we wanted, senses with interesting and beau‑
find the right accommodations as many times as we wished, by tiful sights, sounds, smells, tastes,
and food service, and face unex‑ just closing our eyes? and feelings. Yet inner sightseeing
pected inclement weather. Often, This is not science fiction. This dazzles us.
we return from a vacation more journey is not imaginary. Many The inner voyage thrills our
exhausted than we had left. enlightened beings, saints, mys‑ soul with bliss, love, and joy that
What if we could experience a tics, and spiritual masters have far surpass any sensory delights
vacation that did not cost any‑ taken this inner voyage. Through experienced in this physical
thing and in which we could the ages, the spiritual journey was world.
instantly travel to and experience largely a mystery to the masses (For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info March 9-15, 2019