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INDIA 12 EKAL FOR VILLAGE UPLIFTMENT 18 DIPLOMACY 20 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 11-17, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY May 11-17, 2019 3
US to propose hike in
H-1B application fee
Washington, DC: The Trump administration for new visas for skilled foreign workers.
is proposing a hike in the H‑1B visa applica‑ In FY 2020, the Department's budget
tion fee to increase funding for the expan‑ includes $160 million to continue our
sion of an apprentice programme, which expansion of apprenticeship programmes,
trains American youths in technology related along with a proposal to increase H‑1B fee
activities, Labour Secretary Alexander Acosta revenues to fund additional apprenticeship
told US lawmakers. activities, Acosta said in his testimony on
Testifying before a Congressional commit‑ May 2 before the Senate Appropriations
tee on annual budget of the Department of Committee Subcommittee on Labour, Health
Labour for the fiscal year 2020 beginning and Human Services, Education and Related
October 1, 2019, Acosta, however, did not Agencies.
give details of the proposed increase in H‑1B Acosta told lawmakers that last year the
filing fee and as to which categories of appli‑ Department of Labour had launched the
A record 5000 visitors who availed of the ʻAround the World Embassy Tourʼ May 4th to
cants it would be enforced on. first‑ever sector‑based apprenticeship grant
experience a glimpse of ʻIncredible Indiaʼ at the Embassy of India, Washington DC were
But given past experience, the Indian IT funding opportunity to invest $150 million
regaled with a bouquet of dance & music; Henna hand paintings; traditional Indian
companies, which account for a large num‑ to expand apprenticeships in those in‑
attire; yoga and meditation; exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi@150; and Indian chai.
ber of H‑1B applications, are likely to face demand industry sectors most often filled by
the additional financial burden because of individuals on H‑1B visas, such as informa‑
for Asian American Pacific new ads, Cricket Crashes and Commercial
Breaks, capture the emotions of Indians root‑
agent – a rather meta take on commercial
breaks told through… a commercial.
ing for Team India while living in the U.S. However, Jinisha Patel, the real‑life State
Islander Heritage Month Cricket is an extremely popular global sport
but has yet to gain the same popularity in the
Farm agent is here to help in whatever way is
needed. In Commercial Breaks, she gets why
Philadelphia: Comcast on May 1st launched Strategy for Comcast. “We celebrate Asian U.S. For fans, each cricket season comes with cricket fan Ankur canʼt talk on the phone
a specially curated content collection of American identity and are proud to provide a reminder that being a fan of the sport in the when the game is on and in Cricket Crashes,
Asian American shows, movies, music and a platform for diverse cultures to be U.S. can sometimes be challenging. The newly Jinisha recognizes how the first cricket sea‑
podcasts in celebration of Asian American embraced and heard via the Asian American launched State Farm spots, led by Admerasia son away from home can be tough and helps
and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The Film and TV On Demand destination that is and fluent360, touch upon that unique him get back to the game after a cricket
2,500 hours of content is accessible to all available year‑round on X1.” insight – the longing to find your fandom in a crash.
Xfinity X1 customers across platforms and All month customers can access entertain‑ place where few are interested in a sport you “Cricket has a massive fanbase among the
includes hit K‑Drama series, “The Fiery ment from popular Korean, Indian, and like – something rarely expressed in either Asian Indian community, and itʼs a terrific
Priest”; box office hit, “Lost in Thailand”; Japanese networks such as KOCOWA, Eros mainstream or multicultural advertising with opportunity for us to convey our core mes‑
and a new series of interviews with popular Now and TV JAPAN; music videos from humor and empathy. Both ads feature Jinisha saging of empathy and connect with our
South Korean boy band NCT 127. Xfinity X1 Music Choice; Stingray Music videos, Patel, a real‑life State Farm agent who under‑ Asian Indian customers,” said Justin
customers can go right to what they want to karaoke content and concerts; TVK‑Pop; stands Asian Indiansʼ love for cricket and that Reckamp, Marketing Manager, State Farm.
watch by saying “Asian American” into their podcasts like “They Call Us Bruce” from you canʼt miss a single second of the match, “We are always looking for exceptional
voice remote. iHeartRadio where hosts Jeff Yang and Phil especially when India is batting. insights that make the viewer break into a
According to a 2017 study from Nielsen, Yu have unfiltered conversations about Cricket Crashes, the 30s spot, brings to life smile each time they watch the commercial.
engagement for a range of shows with Asian what's happening in Asian America; and spe‑ a distinctive yet familiar story of Ankur, a We wanted people to feel like they can easily
American characters and plotlines was high‑ cialty movie and TV collections dedicated to cricket fan who misses watching cricket with see themselves in those situations. Thatʼs how
er among both Asian Americans and the Anime – one of the most popular genres his friends in India. The ad hilariously plays people truly relate to a brand,” said Yashica
general population compared to each seg‑ according to Anime News Network, the up his predicament of being a cricket fan in Dutt, Associate Creative Director, Admerasia.
mentʼs norms, indicating that these shows Association of Japanese Animations (AJA). the U.S., where everyone seems to watch “What makes these spots compelling and
resonate with not only Asian American Customers will be able to enjoy English‑ either baseball or basketball, especially com‑ keeps them on point is that when it comes to
viewers, but non‑ Asian viewers as well. language content as well as in‑language pared to India where cricket is practically a casting, acting, and the script, we made sure
“With this content collection, we hope to content in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, religion. Served with a healthy side of nostal‑ we portrayed our audience in relatable ways,
showcase the contributions of Asian Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Hindi in the home gia, this spot takes the viewer on Ankurʼs never stereotypically. Last year we accom‑
American talent that enrich the TV, movie, on X1 and on XfinityTV.com. Select pro‑ journey of searching for fans who love cricket plished this and we just wanted to make sure
and music experience for all,” said Rebecca gramming is available on‑the‑go via the as much him. we continued with that ef fort.” said Jose
Simpson, Executive Director of International Xfinity Stream app and on Xfinity Flex. Commercial Breaks focuses on an intense Suaste, Executive Creative Director, flu‑
yet completely relatable aspect of being a ent360.
4 May 11-17, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
guarantor of global peace & stability followers)," it said. According to the report, Modi had over
43 million followers on Facebook, about 47 million follow‑
ers on Twitter and more than 20 million followers on
Dear Mr Editor, Open letter to The Economist demean the prestige and work ethics of
Instagram. Congress party President Rahul Gandhi has accu‑
The Economist, London these major Indian publications.
tion of Modi being un‑democratic and
mulated 12 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and
India under Modi has emerged as a
A
intolerant to criticism. These are relative Twitter, the report said.
propos the op‑ed published by strong country which will not get bullied
your publication titled “Under terms and contextual in nature, but I will any longer. Doklam is one example.
Narendra Modi, Indiaʼs ruling point to you how Modi, who was denied Today, when India talks, the world listens
US‑Iran tensions rise ahead of anniversary of
party poses a threat to democracy.” visa by Washington, went on as PM to with attention and acts. Look at the nuclear deal pullout
As a person of Indian origin living in develop Indiaʼs strongest‑ever relation‑ standing of Pakistan, the nerve center of Continued from page 1
New York for the past several years, I ship with the United States. This is pri‑ terrorism. Itʼs because of Modi govern‑ Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria wound down. Sunday
have closely followed the political, eco‑ marily because he strongly believes this mentʼs diplomatic efforts that Pakistan is nightʼs statement from national security adviser John Bolton
nomic and social developments in India. is in the best interest of India, America, so globally isolated today. Not even after said the USS Abraham Lincoln, other ships in the carrierʼs
The progress made by India in the last and the world. I am sure you must be Osama bin Laden was raided. Before strike group and a bomber wing would deploy to the
five years under Prime Minister aware of Nixon‑Indira Gandhi relation‑ Modi came to power, look back at the Mideast. Bolton blamed “a number of troubling and escalato‑
Narendra Modi is unparallel and historic. ship and how then India drifted into the global opinion towards Chinaʼs One Belt ry indications and warnings,” without elaborating.
Your op‑ed is fiction, rather than based Soviet camp, not very democratic by any One Road. Itʼs India, under him, which “The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian
on facts. Besides, I believe that by writ‑ means. took the lead in telling the world about regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack,
ing such a fictitious article and asking If anything Narendra Modi is intoler‑ the predatory economics of China. whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or
people of India to vote against Modi, is ant to it is corruption and terrorism. Modiʼs guiding principle is regular Iranian forces,” Bolton said. In Iran, the semi‑official
direct interference in Indiaʼs election. I You can count articles critical of Sonia “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is ISNA news agency on Monday quoted an anonymous official
demand that The Economic tender an Gandhi – the most powerful leader of one family) as reflected in his steps on as saying that Rouhani planned a broadcast address
apology and reveal under whose influ‑ India during the 10 years of UPA regime climate change, solar alliance, Wednesday and may discuss the “counteractions” Tehran
ence it has done so. ‑‑ in major Indian publications on your International Yoga Day or free satellites will take over Americaʼs withdrawal from the nuclear deal. It
Letʼs talk facts now. fingertips or at the most list them on a to third‑world countries. India has said Iranian officials have informed their European counter‑
As per the latest figures from all major page. But I can show you numerous news merged as a major donor – both in terms parts ̶ with whom Iran has been trying to salvage the
international financial institutions articles, op‑eds and television shows in of financial and technical know‑how. agreement ̶ of the planned speech.
including the IMF and the World Bank, major Indian media outlets critical of the I am amazed at the last two paragraphs
India under PM Modi has emerged as the policies and views of Prime Minister of your op‑ed. India, under the 10 years Mahatma Gandhi should be honored with
worldʼs fastest growing economy. Not Narendra Modi. of UPA rule, were bitter suf ferers of a Congressional Gold Medal: Maloney
denying that India has a long way to go Let me bring your attention also to two corrupt and inefficient government and Continued from page 1
to achieve a high level of living for the senior leaders of BJP – Yashwant Sinha you are favoring that group. Your bias is recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal. “Already Nelson
common people, Modi has laid a strong and Shatrughan Sinha – who for the last reflected even in the way you have put Mandela and Martin Luther King have received the Medal.
foundation in terms of various social five years have openly talked against Congress with capital C and BJP in small Itʼs only right that the inspirational leader for both of them
security measures, providing health Modi and his policies, and even joined letters. You are not an Indian publica‑ was Mahatma Gandhi and so he should receive this award,”
insurance programs to a significantly the platforms of opposition leaders. Still, tion, so what is your interest in asking Ms. Maloney said. Ms. Maloney, who spearheaded efforts to
large segment of the population, making they were never dismissed or expelled people of India to vote against BJP. You have the US Postal Service issue the first Diwali Stamp,
basic necessities like electricity, housing, from the party. Would you call that intol‑ very well know that the BJP is coming to urged members of the Indian‑American community to reach
af fordable food, banking and internet erance? power. So you are asking Indians to at out to the Congress members and friends across the nation
accessible to all. Moreover, if an online publication like least vote for a coalition government, to co‑sponsor the legislation to honor Gandhi with the
I wish before publishing this one‑sided The Wire with limited resources can run which will definitely result in a weaker Congressional medal. The medal will “honor his leadership”
op‑ed you looked at the annual Ease of an open campaign against Prime India. But the world needs a strong India. and his gift to the world of inspiring with his principles of
Doing Business report of the World Minister Modi, nothing stops other In 2019, itʼs only Prime Minister non‑violence. Paying homage to the memory and teachings
Bank. Can you name one single country Indian publications from doing so. India, Narendra Modi who can lead a strong of Lord Mahavir, she said she was not aware that one of
of the size of India that has climbed the dear editor, has a free and vibrant press. India. And people of India have already Mahavirʼs most important message is ʻLive and let live.ʼ
rankings of Ease of Doing Business as Your article tries to say that major publi‑ made up their mind. You will see the “This slogan is one of the most famous quotes in America,”
much as India has done in the last five cations like The Time of India, The results on May 23. They will not be influ‑
she said. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Sandeep
years? And what about the FDI billions Hindustan Times, India Today and NDTV enced by your blatant interference in
Chakravorty said Gandhi himself was deeply influenced by
that India has attracted under Modi. are scared of Prime Minister Modi. You Indian elections.
the work and principle of civil disobedience of American
Letʼs talk about freedom of the press are wrong. They are publishing what Jagdish Sewhani
poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau, emulating it in
and the baseless and slanderous allega‑ they believe in. You are simply trying to New York
his life.
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE May 11-17, 2019 5
CJBO hosts inaugural networking event New York gets its first
South Brunswick, NJ: Local busi‑
Kathak festival
ness entrepreneurs and mentors New York: New York Kathak Festival of Kathak dance today during the
met for their first networking presented its first festival at the Ailey Kathak Festival weekend. Well done to
event of business organization Studios and Ailey Citigroup Theater all the panelists who grounded us in
in Central Jersey ‑ Central from April 19‑21. The first of its kind, the living tradition, gender, and the
Jersey Business Organization, the classical dance event was attended idea of the divine. Inspiring conversa‑
LLC – CJBO on May 2nd at by over 750 ‑ a confluence of artists tion.”
Ember Restaurant in South and Kathak aficionados coming togeth‑ Eminent artists contributed to the
Brunswick, NJ. CJBO is the er as a community to learn, share, and festival, including Pandit Divyang
first‑ever business organization connect. The New York Kathak Festival Vakil, Dr. Pallabi Chakravorty, Dr.
to bring all types of business is a registered nonprofit run by a team Purnima Shah. Dr. Sitara Thobani, and
owners under one roof for net‑ of 10 young professionals. “The NYKF many others. Consul General Sandeep
working, coaching, mentoring, organizing team is mostly millennial Chakravorty and Air India supported
education and other business women who live and work in the New the event. The concert lineup included
ideas and exchanges on an York + New Jersey area. The festival is 50 dancers and 10 musicians from all
ongoing basis which was estab‑ CJBO held networking evening in collaboration with our passion in addition to our careers,” over the world. Prashant Shah, an
lished in December 2018 by Princeton Visionary Lions Club said Meenakshi Lala, on behalf of the Indian dancer now based in New York
local business entrepreneurs festival. closed his showcase of traditional and
and mentors. to local businesses on a regular ness owners who dream to be Anisha Muni, also on the festival contemporary Kathak to a standing
The networking evening was basis. Under the leadership of entrepreneurs. The event was team said, “We created this event with ovation. Shivangi Dake Robert traveled
attended by some renowned and three successful business entre‑ collaborated and supported by the intention of using art to bring the the furthest̶all the way from
successful business owners and preneurs and founders – Hitesh Princeton Visionary Lions Club – community together and create a plat‑ Singapore̶and was electric. The
some new and young business Patel, Mahendra Z. Patel and PVLC which was established in form for Kathak to blossom in New weekend was closed with a finale by
owners which was very well Pinakin Pathak and organization 2018, and now at more than 50 York City. Weʼre on a mission to make the festivalʼs guest of honor, legend
received and applauded by coordinator Dr. Tushar Patel, members to commit their serv‑ Kathak a household name.” The festival Pandit Birju Maharaj and his foremost
many who attended the event. CJBOʼs inaugural networking ice to the community. created space for performance, teach‑ disciple, Saswati Sen. Speaking about
Event coordinator Dr. Tushar evening had a presentation by For further information on ing, and discussion. Raoul Bhavnani of the eventʼs organizers, Sen said, “What
Pate l we lcomed everyone & we ll‑known Attorney‑at‑law membership, sponsorship or the India Center Foundation, co‑spon‑ the seniors couldnʼt do, these children
gave a presentation on CJBOʼs Prag at i Parikh Dubal on additional information on CJBO sored panel discussions on critical con‑ have done: bringing everyone together
goals & objectives and promised “Business Basics” which was can be found on the organiza‑ versations relevant to Kathak dance. for Kathak.”
to provide networking opportu‑ very informative and eye opener tion website at He said, “An honor to co‑host an expert The FIA is a community partner of
nities & support and mentorship session for young and new busi‑ www.cjbousa.com. panel on the present, past, and future the New York Kathak Festival.
6 May 11-17, 2019 TRISTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Manjul Bhargava,
Akshay Venkatesh
named Royal Society
2019 Fellows
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS May 11-17, 2019 11
MAHA KUMBH
Over 62% voting in 5th‑phase
Lok Sabha elections
63.64% voter turnout
recorded in Rajasthan
Jaipur: Rajasthan recorded 63.64 pc voting on Monday in the second
round of polling in the state for 12 seats, an official said.
OF DEMOCRACY Highest 73.93 per cent polling was recorded in Sri Ganganagar, fol‑
lowed by Jaipur at 68.19 per cent, and Alwar and Churu both recorded a
New Delhi: Over 62 per cent vot‑ poll percentage of 66.21 per cent.
ers exercised their franchise on Among the other constituencies, Sikar saw 64.42 per cent voter
Monday in the fifth phase of Lok turnout, Nagaur 61.67 per cent, Jaipur Rural 63.65 per cent, Bikaner
Sabha elections in 51 constituen‑ 60.19 per cent, Dausa 61.66 per cent, Jhunjhunu 61.70 per cent,
cies, with voting percentage mar‑ Bharatpur 58.12 per cent and Karauli‑Dholpur 54.51 per cent.
ginally higher than 61.75 per cent Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded the arrest
recorded in 2014 parliamentary of Sikar Congress candidate Subhash Maharia.
elections. People queue up to cast their votes during the fifth phase at a Two Union Ministers including Arjunram Meghwal and Rajyawardhan
The constituencies were spread polling station in Nagaur, Rajasthan. (Photo: Shaukat Ahmed/IANS) Singh Rathore had cast their votes in the second phase of election for
across seven states. T he fifth Bikaner and Jaipur Rural seats, respectively.
phase was the smallest of seven‑ go up further once all the votes In Jharkhand, where polling was
phase elections to elect a new Lok cast are accounted for. held for four seats, 63.72 per cent pared to 71.9 per cent in 2014. 2014. Saxena said 26 states and
Sabha. In seven seats in West Bengal, electorate had cast their vote by 5 Polling was completed in Union Territories have completed
T he polling percentage was polling percentage was 73.97 per p.m. The polling percentage in Anantnag parliamentary seat on their election with the conclusion
higher compared to 2014 in Hindi cent compared to 81.37 per cent these seats was 63.85 per cent in Monday after a three‑phase elec‑ of fifth phase.
heartland of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh in 2014. 2014. tion. The two districts ‑ Shopian T he polling percentage was
and Rajasthan. In Uttar Pradesh where 14 seats In Madhya Pradesh, the seven and Pulwama ‑ where polling was 69.50 per cent for the first phase,
"The overall polling percentage went to polls on Monday, 57.33 seats that went to the polls on held on Monday, registered 2.88 69.44 in second, 68.40 in third
was 62.56 per cent in 2019 com‑ per cent voters had cast their bal‑ Monsday, recorded a polling per‑ per cent and 2.14 per cent polling and 65.51 in the fourth phase.
pared to 61.75 per cent in 2014," lot by 6 p.m. The polling percent‑ centage of 62.60 per cent com‑ until 6 p.m. He said in the five phases of
Deputy Election Commissioner age was 56.92 per cent in 2014. pared to 57.86 per cent in 2014. The overall polling percentage elections completed until Monday,
Sandeep Saxena told reporters In five seats of Bihar, the voter In Ladakh const ituency of in Anantnag is 8.76 per cent over six crore additional votes
here. turnout was 57.86 per cent com‑ Jammu and Kashmir, polling was which is far less compared to have been cast compared to the
He said the figure is expected to pared to 55.69 per cent in 2014. 63.76 per cent by 5 p.m com‑ 28.45 per cent reg istered in last general election.
MAHA KUMBH
GET READY FOR MODI AGAIN:
Shah to Mamata
chosen by the people becomes the the Bengal government. Ghosh had
Prime Minister. It does not matter resigned last year.
if you accept this or not," Shah said The BJP chief also said that the
at an election rally in Ghatal parlia‑ attendance at his rally despite the
mentary constituency. "Be pre‑ hindrance and intimidation by
pared for another five years as Trinamool Congress supporters
Modi is going to become the Prime and the state administration, clear‑
OF DEMOCRACY Minister once again," he said amid ly showed that Ghosh will achieve
massive cheers and chants of a resounding victory in the con‑
Ghatal (West Bengal): Ridiculing "Modi‑Modi" by the BJP supporters stituency.
West Beng al Chie f Minister present at the rally. "People told me the rally will not
Mamata Banerjee's claim that she Responding to the Prime be successful in Ghatal as Mamata
does not consider Narendra Modi Minister's allegation of not receiv‑ and her party are stopping people
as the Prime Minister, BJP ing his calls, Banerjee had on from coming here. I told them,
President Amit Shah on Tuesday Monday said she refused a meet‑ even if there are just 25 people, I
said she should rather prepare her‑ ing with Narendra Modi over the will still go to rally for our sister
self for another five years as Modi Cyclone Fani impact as she does Bharat i Ghosh. She is facing
BJP chief Amit Shah addresses a public
is set to return at the helm follow‑ not consider him the country's rally in Belda, West Bengal. (Photo: IANS) Mamatadi's wrath as she refused
ing the Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister. to obey her illegal orders," he said.
"Mamatadi (Banerjee) has recent‑ "I do not consider him the coun‑ care of the cyclone damage by our‑ of ficer Bharati Ghosh, who once Reiterating his party's stand on
ly said that she does not consider try's Prime Minister. Hence I did se lves. We do not need the shared a cordial relationship with infiltrators, Shah said after the BJP
Modiji the Prime Minister. Tell me, not sit for the meeting. I do not Centre's he lp ahead of polls," Banerjee before they had a falling government comes back to power
Mamatadi, do you have faith in the want to be seen with him on the Banerjee said. out, Shah said Banerjee is angry it will implement the NRC across
country's Constitution or not? "The same platform. I will speak to the Hailing the BJP's Ghatal Lok with Ghosh because she refused to the country and will throw out
Constitution states that whoever is next Prime Minister. We can take Sabha candidate and former IPS follow the illegal orders issued by every single infiltrator from here.
A D
kshay Kumar, who said he has Canadian
esigned as a mystery thriller,
citizenship, was questioned on social
"Blank" is the drama of a suicide
Actor Akshay media about winning the National Award.
bomber who is on a mission.
Kumar has However, filmmaker Rahul Dholakia supported
Debutant Karan Kapadia plays Hanif, the
Canadian the actor and said that "foreign nationals can
citizenship. suicide bomber who is connected with a
get National Awards".
"dead man's switch". This "DMS" is a com‑
Several social media users including National
plicated bomb attached to his chest and is
award‑winning film editor and writer Apurva
connected with his heartbeat. The moment
Asrani questioned Akshay on being a National
he ceases to exist, or in other words, when
Award‑winner.
his heart stops beating, the switch would
Asrani tweeted: "Are Canadian citizens eligible
activate 24 other devices that are remotely
for India's National Awards? The year (2016)
controlled. Thus creating a mayhem in the
Akshay Kumar won 'Best Actor', we were
city.
expecting Manoj Bajpayee to win for
The premise is definitely intriguing.
'Aligarh'. If the jury/ministry has made an
Narrated in a non‑linear manner, the film
error in Kumar's case, will there be a
opens on a dramatic note. The plot unfolds Debutant Karan Kapadia plays
revote."
with the suicide bomber landing in hospital a suicide bomber in the film.
However following the rulebook of
and into the police's clutches, only to be
the Directorate of Film Festivals, the the investigating Anti‑Terrorism
rescued soon by his brethren
REVIEW
organization that presents the National Squad (ATS) Of ficer Siddhu
to check, what did he reveal to
Film Awards, under the section of eligi‑ Dewan (Sunny Deol), who is torn
the police. This by mid‑point,
bility of a candidate it reads: "Film pro‑ between his work and personal turmoil.
you wonder, is a waste of ener‑
fessionals and technicians of foreign This sub‑plot is half‑baked. With nearly
gy for a dispensable soul. But that does not
origin can also be considered for equal footage, in terms of drama and action,
stop you from wondering what's next? The
awards." Sunny Deol, with his charismatic overload,
writing is well‑researched, gives you a fair
Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, who has overshadows Karan. But there is no denying
flavor of the subject. The action‑packed sec‑
also been part of the jury of the that Karan has put his heart and soul into
ond half is fast‑paced and exciting. But at
National Film Awards earlier, took to the character he portrays. He is convincing
the same time it leaves you realizing that
Twitter to clarify the matter. and does a brilliant job of essaying the
this is a far‑fetched war against terrorism.
Sharing a screenshot of the rule‑ unassuming Hanif. He also displays his flair
It is far‑fetched because the denouement
book, he wrote: "Clarification on for action, with natural ease.
is totally unconvincing as the crux of the
National Award ‑‑ foreign nationals Visually, the look and feel of the film is
drama hinges on a plot which appears bor‑
can get National Awards. Itʼs legal, simply realistic. Cinematographer R.Dee's
rowed from B‑grade potboilers of the
legit and by the books have been on camera work is definitely noteworthy.
1980s. It plays to the masses with the good
the jury (not for this one) and so The unwarranted song, post end credits,
against the evil theme.
found out from an official Manoj picturized on Akshay Kumar, is like over‑
Also, while this is the story of the suicide
Srivastava who sent me this." egging the pudding.
bomber, the canvas appears to be that of
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD May 11-17, 2019 17
A
picture is worth a thousand words Pictures in print were the best way to com‑
and you never forget a picture you municate as well as convey to prospective
saw was the rule for and logic for film audiences.
promoting Indian films. Illiteracy has The best thing about designing a film's
always been a problem and the best way to release publicity, which included trailers
grab attention has always been through a and street publicity was that original photo‑
graphic. Nowhere has this been more rele‑ graphs from the film were used in them. A
vant than with the promotion of a film. film's trailer was made from the footage
A film registered itself on its prospective shot for the film.
audience better with attractive visuals. WhatsApp, Twitter, email messages have
That is why we had posters, on walls as now replaced this home delivery of promo‑
well as on poles. We had, what was called tion through fliers and loudspeakers. There
six‑sheeters: they accounted for six stan‑ is YouTube and other mediums besides the
dard 30"x40" wall posters pasted together. dedicated website set up by filmmakers for
Anybody who studied Commerce as part their films. Wall posters were another
of college syllabus in those days knew what mode of promotion but now the big banner
were the traditional, well entrenched ways films avoid that. As it were, some cities
of advertising, be it cigarettes (most publi‑ banned this defacing of city walls long ago.
cized product in those days) or films. Delhi was the first to impose this ban.
There was no All India Radio nor Trailers, which are called promos now,
Doordarshan. The films were promoted are not always made by the ones who made
city, town and village wise as and when the film. Some portions are shot especially
needed to. There was no national platform for this purpose and, often, have nothing to
to promote any product, let alone films. do with the content of the film!
The approach to publicizing films was Actors Ananya Pandey, Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria promoting The latest way to promote a film is
standard, simple be it a small film or big. their upcoming film ʻStudent of the Year 2ʼ. through popular TV shows like "Tarak
Yet, far more effective than it is today when Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma", "The Kapil
crores are spent on promotion. done nationally. Posters in two main sizes through visual exposure as well as word of Sharma Show" and such. The problem still
While all the publicity was done at the were splashed on the railway stations at all mouth. Today, if a superstar is passing on is that nothing comes across about the
local level, advertizing on the cross country popular routes. The idea in those days was the road, a person may not pause to look at essence of the film! The stars end up being
railway routes was the only way this was to let a film's promotion grow slowly him. But, those were the days when people promoted, not their films.
C
hina's retreat from providing the most from Islamist terror. Yet own risks. It has an Islamist terror prob‑
international protection for Jaish‑ Islamabad ‑ or specifically its military lem in the Uighar region and beyond, and
e‑Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood overlord ‑ was willing to pay the price to its support to JeM and Azhar was not buy‑
Azhar and its patron Islamabad, marks a keep its army of proxies. For the world, ing it goodwill with them. As its One Road,
milestone in the political and diplomatic that was too high a price. Pakistan's One Belt initiative advances, Beijing will
war on terror with potential reverbera‑ strategic doctrine that its nuclear weapons have to ensure the safety of its multi‑bil‑
tions beyond the subcontinent. provided immunity against Indian retalia‑ lion‑dollar investments along it, while
For a decade, Azhar was cast as the tion against its war by terror was tested in ensuring that pan‑Islamist terror does not
touchstone of Pakistan‑China friendship the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in ply the road.
and flag‑bearer in a proxy war on India. February that killed more than 40 Central Already, China has faced terror attacks
That finally ended on Wednesday when Perhaps if China has had a true Reserve Police Force personnel. in Pakistan, where its workers and
change of heart, it could move While that attack itself stung the world, resources have been targeted and even its
Beijing wilted under growing international
Islamabad away from the proxy war.
pressure and revulsion towards terrorism the Indian air retaliation against terror consulate in Karachi attacked last year.
and agreed to the Security Council sanc‑ by India in 1996. Work on it has been camps and Pakistan's counter attack in Under these circumstances, it had to
tions committee branding him the terror‑ stuck on the most basic issue ‑ defining which an Indian plane was downed come out openly against all forms of ter‑
ist he is. terrorism, with some making a false dis‑ showed the international community how rorism if it were to credibly protect its
Totally isolating them, none of the other tinction between "freedom‑fighters" and fragile the situation is. investments elsewhere and even itself.
191 other members of the UN ‑ including terrorists. It escapes them that the mark China had reluctantly gone along with a This was the moment for it.
some who advocate "your‑terrorist‑is‑my‑ of terrorism is the method ‑‑ wanton Security Council press statement con‑ Even afar in Sri Lanka, where it has bil‑
freedom‑fighter" policy in other cases ‑ killing of civilians including children ‑‑ and demning the Pulwama attack, which was lions invested and loaned, China saw
had joined Pakistan and China in backing not the ideology. short of a formal resolution, and it was Islamist terrorism's potential to disrupt
Azhar. Arriving on a consensus on the conven‑ expected that it might relent on Azhar. But the island's stability with consequences
India's Permanent Representative Syed tion is the challenge before Sri Lanka's it vetoed in March for the fourth time his for it.
Akbaruddin said that India's persistent Permanent Representative Rohan Perera listing as a terrorist by the sanctions com‑ And no doubt, the Sri Lanka suicide
"subterranean" diplomacy helped achieve who heads the UN's working group on mittee that deals with al Qaeda, the bomb massacres about a fortnight ago
this. e liminat ing internat ional terrorism. Islamic State and their affiliates. added to international community's pres‑
Now the next milestone in the political China's turnabout, despite its words of That re‑energised the US, Britain and sure on China.
and diplomatic war on terror ‑ it is still sympathy for Islamabad, may force France to pursue the option of having the Perhaps if China has had a true change
only that, and not an all‑out war ‑ will be a Pakistan to take a long‑overdue inward Security Council itself declare him a ter‑ of heart, it could move Islamabad away
global one if that consensus against ter‑ look at its policy of classifying terrorists rorist under sanctions of financial freeze from the proxy war. Then in a post‑elec‑
rorism can be extended to the as bad and good ‑ those creating mayhem and travel ban. They circulated a US draft tion India there may be an opportunity for
Comprehensive Convent ion on within the country and those in India. resolut ion and lobbied hard, w ith a fresh start having met New Delhi's prime
International Terrorism that was proposed That schizophrenic policy has taken a Washington declaring it will utilise all condition of abandoning terrorism.
I
ndia is being acclaimed If the election had been held
around the world for uphold‑ under PR and if the voting had
ing democracy by conducting been similar, the BJP would have
the largest general election ever been well short of a majority,
held. But this election once again with about 170 seats and the
raises two questions. How demo‑ Congress would have had a more
cratic is Indiaʼs democracy? And, respectable total of nearly 110
is parliamentary democracy right seats. The BSP would have found
for India? itself with 23 MPs. These figures
It is often suggested that presi‑ show that under PR there is much
dential democracy would be more chance of every voterʼs vote
preferable to parliamentary getting him or her representation
democracy in India, that a presi‑ in Parliament.
dent would be able to deliver I believe PR elections resulting
development more efficiently in coalitions would be the most
than a prime minister. democratic way for a country as
Certainly a president elected by diverse as India to choose govern‑
the people is far freer to act than ments, rather than first‑past‑the‑
a prime minister because he is post elections, which might lead
not answerable to the Parliament, again to one‑party domination.
and doesnʼt have to restrict his However, I doubt whether politi‑
choice of ministers to members of The best outcome for India would be first‑past‑the‑post elections leading to a two‑party democracy. cians can exercise the discipline
parliament (MPs). But a president and are willing to make the nec‑
is less of a democrat than a prime Bihari Vajpayee, who had to hold number of votes each party wins. than the Bharatiya Janata Party essary sacrifices of personal
minister because so much power a jumbo coalition together. In other words, a party winning (BJP). The party Modi led won interests and ambitions for multi‑
is concentrated in his hands. It can certainly be argued that 30% of the votes gets approxi‑ 282 seats with just 31% of the party coalitions to work. So
That is dangerous and not nec‑ India would be more democratic mately 30% of the seats in votes. maybe the best outcome for India
essary. Itʼs often forgotten that if its MPs, now elected by being Parliament. The results of the This is the lowest percentage of after all, would be first‑past‑the‑
two prime ministers whose pow‑ first‑past‑the‑post in their con‑ 2014 election demonstrate how votes ever to win an absolute post elections leading to a two‑
ers were particularly limited by stituencies, were elected by pro‑ undemocratic the first‑past‑the‑ majority in Parliament. The party democracy. That would
the constraints of parliamentary portional representation (PR). post voting proved to be. We have Congressʼ performance wasnʼt as require the Congress to revive
democracy were the most suc‑ There are different forms of PR come to believe that a popular miserable as its tally of seats, 44, and the BJP to temper its ambi‑
cessful economic reformers ̶ PV but the basic principle is that wave swept Narendra Modi into suggests. Its vote share was tion.
Narasimha Rao, who headed a seats in Parliament are allocated Parliament, whereas, in fact, most 19.3%. Third came the Bahujan (The article appeared in The
minority government, and Atal to parties in proportion to the Indians voted for parties other Samaj Party (BSP) with 4.2% of Hindustan Times)
20 May 11-17, 2019 DIPLOMACY TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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26 May 11-17, 2019 FEATURE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
T
he quest ion of whether nat ions that were former nious coalition‑building amongst
Asian Americans qualify as European colonies and nations students of color at Cornell and
people of color has become that have suf fered from Western transnational anti‑imperialist soli‑
increasingly pertinent, especially policies of interference and mili‑ darity across the world.
after The Cornell Daily Sun pub‑ tary operations. Erasing our post‑ We are not competing to be rec‑
lished an article about admissions colonial histories re lieves the ognized as equally oppressed
statistics for the class of 2023, British, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch because Asians are not affected by
stating, “Nearly 55 percent of this and many others from the horrors the school‑to‑prison pipeline and
yearʼs admitted students are ʻstu‑ they inflicted upon our ancestors, mass incarceration, police brutali‑
dents of colorʼ ̶ underrepresent‑ as well as the bloody revolutions ty and active genocide in the ways
ed minorities or Asian Americans and freedom fighters that fought that black, Latinos and indigenous
̶ a new record for Cornell.” to demand and realize liberation communities here are.
So then, are Asian Americans precluded from it. Disaggregated implications about an equivalency and sovereignty from Europeʼs However, not experiencing these
people of color? Itʼs complicated. data when looking at the socioeco‑ of experiences of oppression ̶ economic exploitation of their should not then allow for drawing
United States v. Bhagat Singh nomic backgrounds and documen‑ the acronym BIPOC serves as a resources and people, white colo‑ a conclusion that Asian Americans
Thind (1923) was a case in which tat ion statuses of Laot ians, strategic and useful tool to, “undo nizersʼ multifaceted attempts at must be white‑aligned. Quite the
the Supreme Court unanimously Cambodians, Vietnamese, and Native invisibility, anti‑Blackness, permanent socio‑cultural hegemo‑ contrary.
decided that the Indian Sikh man Bangladeshis reveal structural dismantle white supremacy and ny, and the disenfranchisement
who identified as a “high caste inequities that are hidden when advance racial justice.” We are, that has resulted in many Asian (Courtesy : The Cornell Daily Sun)
aryan, of full Indian blood,” was Chinese, Korean, Japanese and
racially ineligible for naturalized Indian data is incorporated into
citizenship in the US. Associate statistics on “Asians” as a demo‑
Justice George Sutherland said graphic population as a whole.
that authorities on the subject of South Asians whose ancestors are
race were in disagreement over of indentured servitude migration
which people were included in the patterns (like Indo‑Trinidadians
scient ific de finit ion of the and Indo‑Guyanese), when immi‑
Caucasian race, so he instead grating to the U.S., largely lack the
chose to re ly on the common presupposed privileges that many
understanding of race rather than Indians immigrating directly from
the scientific understanding of the subcontinent benefit from.
race. Concurrently and subse‑ When left unacknowledged or dis‑
quently were the advents of calls missed, we erase the first genera‑
to action for the government to tion, low income and undocument‑
address the “Ye llow Peril,” ed Asians who struggle to feel that
Japanese internment during World they can call the U.S. their home.
War II, and fear of the “Hindoo Prudently, the model minority
Invasion.” myth was cultivated to preserve
Asian Americans in the 1960s white supremacy, and through
joined the fight for ethnic studies racial triangulation drives a wedge
departments and for courses in between Asians and other minori‑
higher education to teach them ties. The consequences are pro‑
about themselves through a lens found ‑‑ delegitimizing the experi‑
that was not anthropological or ences of racism and institutional
militaristic, but through focusing oppression that Asian Americans
on the history of people of differ‑ face while also producing new
ent minority ethnicity in the U.S. issues within our communities,
The combined determination of like underreporting cases of men‑
the Lat in American Student tal health issues and illnesses,
Organization, the Black Student domestic violence, and most preva‑
Union, the Intercollegiate Chinese lently, rampant colorism and anti‑
for Social Action, the Mexican Blackness.
American Student Confederation The recent admissions debates
and later the Asian American at Harvard and with New York City
Polit ical Alliance g alvanized specialized high schools show that
California and the rest of the Asian communities are diverse and
nation with the first student strike. not uniform in their polit ical
Groups like the Asian American beliefs ̶ presuming their inclina‑
Polit ical Alliance and Asian tions is ultimately unproductive.
Americans for Action and publica‑ Best articulated by Hasan Minhaj
tions like I Wor Kuen, Wei Min She in an episode on affirmative action
and Gidra all further exemplify the in Netflixʼs the Patriot Act, pro‑
contributions of Asian Americans gressive Asian Americans readily
in the civil rights movement at recognize the reasons behind and
large. necessity of affirmative action, in
But what about Asiansʼ access to addition to refusing to be used by
white privilege? The murder of the conservative and pro‑white
Vincent Chin due to the ignorant lawyer Edward Blum.
homogenization of all East Asian From writing this, we are not
people, the rise of the Dotbusters seeking to equate Asian American
and the targeting of South Asian, struggles to those of other people
Arab, Muslim and Sikh immigrants of color nor necessarily do we feel
post the Sept. 11 attacks demon‑ that we are people of color
strate that Asian Americans were because of the development of and
TheSouthAsianTimes.info COLUMNS May 11-17, 2019 27
T
positively on gap years and fre‑ which has helped students A gap year can help students
raditionally, students have
quently g ive students the raise anywhere from a few adequately prepare for college
transitioned directly from
opportunity to defer enrollment thousand to twenty thousand by increasing their confidence,
high school into their first
for one year to pursue this dollars. rediscovering a love for learning,
year of undergraduate. While
opportunity. One option is to Learn more: https://think‑ and gaining invaluable life les‑
some students follow this path
attend a gap year program, like ingbeyondborders.org/ sons and skills.
and excel, other students might
the ones listed below, that give
have trouble adjusting. Moving
to a new environment, taking
students a structured and trans‑ Outward Bound
formational experience.
classes, and studying for exams ‑ Outward Bound aims to
all without having their parents
monitoring their behavior and
NOLS change lives through chal‑
lenges and discoveries.
technical skills, and risk manage‑
grades. Some students are just NOLS is an immersive gap year ment and judgment. Scholarships Participants in the program have
not ready to go to jump right into program that allows students to make this gap year program pos‑ the chance to explore the wilder‑
college, and that is okay. explore every corner of the sible for every student. ness or cities through 30‑ to 85‑
Many are now taking a gap world, from India to Alaska to Learn more: www.nols.edu day expeditions that give stu‑
year between high school and Mexico. NOLS teaches lessons in dents real‑world, hands‑on expe‑
college to gain life experiences to leadership and confidence, with Thinking Beyond riences. Many people have found
better prepare for university.
Students can use the gap years to
the chance to earn college credit
through courses like backpack‑
Borders that Outward Bound pushes
them both mentally and physical‑
travel, volunteer, or further their ing, canoeing, whitewater kayak‑ As a global leader in gap year ly, allow ing them to achieve
Kristen Moon is an
knowledge in a particular sub‑ ing, wilderness medicine, and prog rams, T hinking Beyond things they never thought possi‑
independent college
ject. more. The non‑profit outdoor Borders is an expert in of fering ble before joining the program.
counselor and founder
Gap years have started to gain education school aims to teach culturally enriching experiences. Students can also receive
of MoonPrep.com.
in popularity within the last few environmental ethics, outdoor They provide students with the between 3 and 18 credits,
IMMIGRATION
I
f a foreign individual would
like to come to the U.S. for
Business Traveler
some sort of short business
activity they will most likely have
to apply for a B‑1 visa. A B‑1 visa
is a temporary non‑immigrant
business visa. This visa is for for‑
VISA
an additional six months. The 1 visas granted; those numbers Any dependents of B‑1 nonim‑
eign individuals who are coming maximum total amount of time include boarder crossing cards. migrants, spouse and children
to the U.S for business purposes. permitted in B‑1 status on a sin‑ From the year 2014 to 2018 under the age of 21, are not
TALK
BUT NOT TO WORK. Some quali‑ gle trip is one year. An individual there has been a steady decrease allowed to obtain a dependent
fying business purposes include: is not required to have a return in the number of B‑1 visas that visa.
ticket when they come to the U.S. are granted. This may be con‑ Each dependent who will join
8 Settling an estate, but they should have evidence nected to the stricter compliance the B‑1 visa holder to the U.S.
8 Negotiating a contract, valid visa in an expired passport with them to show that they have with immigration rules and regu‑ must apply separately for a B‑2
8 Taking part in short‑term to a new passport. The foreign a reason to leave go back home lations under the Trump visitor visa and must follow the
training, or individual will need to carry both at the end of their stay. One of Administration. rules of that visa.
8 Consulting with business their old passport with the valid the requirements needed for an
associates visa and their new passport or individual to be granted a B‑1 Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
apply for a new visa to be includ‑ visa is to show that they will be The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
Foreign individuals entering ed in the new passport. here for a specific amount of and Banad Immigration in India for which
the U.S. under a B‑1 visa may not Under a B‑1 visa a foreign indi‑ time and they plan on returning Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
do any productive work or vidual may stay in the U.S. to their foreign home. A B‑1 visa Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
accept paid or unpaid work. The between one and six months, six is a temporary visa and therefore Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
B‑1 visa status does not give an months being the maximum. an individual cannot stay in the clients with all facets of the immigration process,
individual permission to manage However, most B1 visa appli‑ including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
U.S. for an infinite amount of
a business or start a new busi‑ Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
cants will get 3 months of time.
ness. When planning to travel to Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
authorized entry. The rationale is From the year 2014 there has
the U.S. with a B‑1 visa, the for‑ Applications based on Family or Employment.
that there is really no need for a been decrease in the number of Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
eign individual must make sure person to be in the US for more B‑1 visas that were granted. Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
they have a valid passport as than months on a non‑working According to the Department of He will be in India from April 21 through
well. If their passport is expired business trip. After the initial State (DOS) in 2014 there were May 10 and able to meet people for
and it contains a valid visa in it a period of stay ends, an extension 44,880 B‑1 visas granted and in personal consultations.
U.S. Embassy will not transfer a of stay may be granted for up to 2018 there were only 38,705 B‑
28 May 11-17, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info
This article has been selected and reprinted from Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajʼs book, Spiritual Pearls for
Enlightened Living, an inspirational collection of stories from the worldʼs great wisdom traditions.
O
nce upon a time, there was result was that the man came in, How can we end our bondage?
a man who lived alone. He caught him, and had him arrested. We need to let go and be free. When
kept his money in a special We too are like the thief in the we can let go of our desires for
jar so that no one could steal it. One story. Desires cause us to be caught impermanent gains, we can be free.
day, while the man was out farming with our hand in the jar. Desires Then, our soul can experience the
his land, a thief broke into his keep us bound to this world. It is love and beauty that God has to
house. Looking for something to only by letting go of the things of offer. True happiness comes when
steal, he came across a heavy stone this world that we can be free. We we connect with the source of joy
jar. He could barely jiggle it to hear need to stop clutching for whatever them. For example, if we want a big Similarly, we may want to buy a within us̶our soul and God. To do
the coins inside. He could not lift binds us as prisoners of our desires house, we have to work longer computer to keep up with the latest so, we must turn our attention from
the jar. So the man stuck his hand in so we can enjoy true freedom. We hours to pay for its mortgage. Then technology. We then find ourselves the worldly enticements and listen
the jar to take out the money. His need to stop clutching and let go. we need to fill it up with more and working harder to buy all the right to our soul. Beautiful melodies of
hand fit perfectly into the jar. Then we will find the joy of free‑ more furniture. That will take more software and equipment to make it God are playing within us all the
The man grabbed as much money dom. time to work to pay for it, shop to work. Soon we realize that we are time. Light and love are shining
as he could, holding it in his fist. But What kind of joy did the thief buy it, and then to clean and repair not happy with a simple computer. within us. By turning our attention
when he tried to pull out his hand, it have in his pursuit of the money? everything. Before we know it, the We want to upgrade to a faster and from the world, we are releasing
would not come out. He tried his Instead he ended up a prisoner in house that was supposed to bring more elaborate computer. Next, we our hold on the coins that keep our
hardest to pull out his hand, but the the jail. We too are like prisoners in us pleasure has made us a slave to find the computer that was sup‑ hand stuck in the jar. By letting go,
fist made his hand wider. While the jail of this physical world. We it. We no longer have time for our posed to save us time is taking up we are gaining eternal freedom.
holding the money, he could not get spend all our time going after family, our children, or pursuits that all our time. We end up spending By sitting in meditation, free from
it through the neck of the jar. He let things that will not give us happi‑ will give us more fulfillment. We hours learning to use the computer. all worldly desires and attachments,
go of the money and his hand was ness. Whatever material gains we spend all our time going after We spend hours exploring the we can let go and find ourselves
freed to come out of the jar. But he have in the world can lead us to things that may not give us true and Internet. The e‑mail system that free to soar back to God.
was intent upon having the money, more bondage if we are attached to lasting happiness. was supposed to make communica‑ (For more visit www.sos.org)
T
rue friends are those who
stand by you always. They ular scripture said that whoever “Why are you so sad?” asked his the king over there?” kind of friend should we look for
will sacrifice themselves hears the scriptures will receive daughter when she saw him. T he minister replied, “I am then? To be truly awakened spiri‑
for you, and are people on whom spiritual liberation and enlighten‑ The ministered explained the already bound! How can I free tually, we should seek the friend‑
you can always rely. True friends ment. Month after month, the situation to her, “The scriptures him?” ship of the Lord.
listen to your problems and share king listened to the scriptures say that whoever reads them will The girl asked, “Your Majesty, We have only a set number of
your burdens. Truly, if we have read by the minister. However, he be liberated. However, I know w ill you kindly unbind my breaths to reunite our soul with
even one real friend in life, we are did not attain liberation. that the king is not liberated, nor father?” God. Let us do everything possi‑
lucky. One day, the king sat down and am I liberated. Therefore, tomor‑ The king replied, “Foolish girl, ble to attain that goal. The best
If we think about our childhood thought, “Here I am̶listening to row, I will be put to death.” donʼt you see that I am bound? way to reach the Lord is through
friends, how many are still with these scriptures every day, and I The daughter was wise and had How can a bound man unbind meditation, sweet remembrance,
us now? Have we parted ways am not yet spiritually liberated. an idea. “Do not worry,” she said. another?” and selfless service. These activi‑
already? Perhaps they have The scriptures say that whoever “Tomorrow I will speak to the That is all she wanted to hear ties safeguard us from being
moved away, or we have lost con‑ listens to these holy writings will king.” On the following day, the and said, “T hen how can you pulled away by distractions of the
tact with them. Let us consider receive salvation once and for all, ministerʼs daughter asked for an expect my father, who is not free world. If we do these things, then
our close friends today. Can we but I have not.” audience with the king. himself, to liberate you spiritual‑ we will be ready at the time of our
imagine that they, too, will one Therefore, the king called the “Why have you come?” he ques‑ ly?” T he king himse lf had death. Having mastered the art of
day be parted from us just as minister and said, “Look here. I tioned her. answered the dilemma in which rising above body‑consciousness
those friends from our childhood have heard these scriptures so She told him, “I have come to he had placed the minister. With (by meditating daily on the inner
are gone? Even if we have one many times and have not attained reply to the question that you that understanding, the king Light and Sound of God) , we will
close friend, or even a few, they liberation. I will give you one have asked of my father. But to do spared the life of the minister. know what awaits us in the
can only be with us up to our last more chance to read these scrip‑ this, you and I must go together At the time of death, we all Beyond.
breath, or their last breath. They tures to me from end to end. If I to the wilderness.” The king was depart by ourselves. No friends of Befriending God makes our
can only remain with us in this am not liberated after that, you perplexed, but agreed to go along this world can help us. They can spirit soar. Waves of divine love
life and cannot help us in the will be put to death.” Trembling in with her plan. The girl then sent sit by our bedside and hold our make our soul rise to the eye‑
moment of our greatest need̶ his shoes, the minister began the for her father. She brought along hand, but they can neither protect focus where we see tremendous
the time of death. task of re‑reading the scriptures two ropes and when they reached us from death nor accompany us. Light. Is there any love or friend‑
In this connection, there is an to the king. By the sixth day he the wilderness she tied the king Knowing this, we still put our ship of the world that can bring
interesting story from the Hindu was nearing the end of the scrip‑ to one tree and her father to reliance on people of this world. us to the eye‑focus and make us
scriptures. There was a learned tures, and the king was not satis‑ another tree. Both were then Looking back at the friendships rise above physical body‑con‑
pundit who was the personal min‑ fied. Fearing that on the seventh bound, hand and foot. The king we have had in our lives, how sciousness? Only the love of the
ister of King Prikshat. Each day day he would be put to death, the was wondering what all this many of them led us closer to Lord can make us wide awake̶
the minister would read out the minister sat down in his home meant when the g irl asked, God, and how many of them have not only in this world, but wide
scriptures to the king. The partic‑ and started to cry. “Father, can you kindly unbind taken us away from God? What awake into the Beyond.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 11-17, 2019
Plan the