The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.12 No. 3 May 18-24, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 18-24, 2019
 The South Asian Times
e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.12 No. 3 May 18-24, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump denies, but US readying President Trump

military plan to counter Iran threat
Washington: President Donald
Trump dismissed a New York
threatens to slap
Times report about US top securi‑
ty officials reviewing a plan to
send as many as 120,000 troops
to the Middle East to counter
more tariffs on
Iran.
"I think it's fake news, okay?
Now, would I do that? Absolutely.
But we have not planned for
Chinese imports
that," Xinhua quoted Trump as
saying to reporters at the White
House.
"Hopefully we're not going to
have to plan for that. And if we US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting his Russian
did that, we'd send a hell of a lot counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Sochi, Russia Tuesday, said that
more troops than that," he added. US does not want war with Iran. (Photo courtesy EPA)
The New York Times reported plan to the Trump administra‑ East should Iran attack American
on Monday that acting Defense tion's senior security officials forces or accelerate work on
Secretary Patrick Shanahan had which envisions sending up to nuclear weapons. The updated
presented an updated military 120,000 troops to the Middle Continued on page 4

The President has planned to dole out aid

BJP decries to farmers hit by Chinese retaliation, but
Ravi Bhooplapur honored by
anti-Modi stories American consumers will find items such as
SUNY Old Westbury Foundation in foreign media as TV sets, electronics and appliances becoming
more expensive with an extended trade war.
election nears end
Washington: President Donald enact an identical increase in the
New Delhi: The BJP has slammed
Trump said that he is prepared to US import duties applied since last
American newsmagazine Time,
impose tarif fs on virtually all year to $200 billion worth of
which fea‑
Chinese imports to the US as the Chinese products.
tured Prime
trade war between the world's two Asked about the latest move
Minister
largest economies intensified. from Beijing, Trump said he wasn't
Narendra
"We have the right to do another concerned about the impact on the
Modi on the
$325 billion at 25 per cent in addi‑ US economy.
cover of its
tional tariffs. That is a tremendous "I love the position we're in.
internation‑
amount of money that would come There can be some retaliation, but
al edition
into our country. I have not made it can't be very, very substantial,
dated May
that decision yet," Efe news quoted by comparison. And out of the bil‑
20 with the
Trump as saying to reporters while lions of dollars that we're taking
headline "India's Divider in Chief".
we lcoming Hung arian Prime in, a small portion of that will be
"The author (Aatish Taseer) is a
Minister Viktor Orban to the going to our farmers because
Pakistani citizen who calls Modiji a
White House on Monday. China will be retaliating, probably,
divider and Rahul Gandhi tweets
At the SUNY Old Westbury College Foundationʼs annual Trump's comments came hours to a certain extent, against our
about it. What can we expect from
Leadership Awards Dinner on May 7 in Woodbury, NY, after China increased from 10 per farmers," he said.
Pakistan?" BJP spokesperson
Ravishankar Bhooplapur, President of Xavier University School cent to 25 per cent the tarif fs it Trump said he was planning a
of Medicine and humanitarian par excellence, received the Sambit Patra told reporters here.
levied last year on $60 billion $15 billion aid package for US
Leadership Award from Dr. Calvin O. Butts III and Dr. Bhupi Aatish Taseer is a British‑born
worth of US imports. farmers hurt by Chinese tariffs.
Patel, President and Trustee respectively of SUNY Old Westbury. writer‑journalist and the son of
Beijing was retaliat ing for Chinese and US trade negotiators
See detailed report on page 15. Indian journalist Tavleen Singh
Continued on page 4 Trump's decision last week to Continued on page 4

SUBCONTINENT 21 SPORTS 24 LIFESTYLE 26 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

 4 May 18-24, 2019
Federal Front can take Cong
support to form govt: TRS
Hyderabad: A day after DMK chief
M K Stalin extended an invitation
to Telangana CM K Chandrashekar
Rao to join UPA, a TRS spokesper‑
son on Tuesday said Federal Front
was open to taking Congress sup‑
port in case it fell short of num‑
bers to form a government at the
Centre but insisted that the Front
would not cede the driverʼs seat in
such a situation.
TRS spokesperson Abid Rasool
Khan told TOI that he was certain
that the Front would come to
of fice on its own at the Centre.
“However, if it falls short of num‑
bers and Congress voluntarily
of fers to lend support, the Front
Letter to
the Editor
Take your
protest to
TIME magazine
M
essage for Indian
media: I assume you
have read the article in
TIME Mag azine portray ing
Narendra Modi as ʻDivider‑in‑
Chiefʼ. This is just to belittle
India. A biased person has writ‑
ten all wrong things, just to pull
down the image and high status
of our home country and its
prime minister.
I suggest many of our Indian
apex organizations/Editors of
Indian publications should seek
time from TIME editors to con‑
vey our protest for giving space
to attack India's PM
Prof S. Sitaraman
New York 11769
Chairman and Co-Founder
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partners will take a decision on it.
Congress will not emerge as a key
player on May 23 and once the
results are announced, its partners
will desert it and join the Federal
Front,” he said.
In his meeting with Stalin in
Chennai on Monday, Rao had
urged him to join the Federal
Front while explaining the need
for such a political conglomera‑
tion which is devoid of Congress
and BJP. However, the TRS
spokespersonʼs statement on
Tuesday is a slight departure from
the partyʼs earlier position that it
will not do any business with
Congress. In the same breath,
WhatsApp was breached,
tells users to update
A
cybersecurity breach in
Facebook's messaging app
W hatsApp le ft users
unknowingly vul‑
nerable to mali‑
cious spyware
installed on their
smartphones,
WhatsApp admit‑
ted Monday.
The security vul‑
nerability af fects
both iPhone and
Android devices,
and W hatsApp is
urging users to update their apps
as soon as possible. WhatsApp,
which is used by over 1.5 billion
people, confirmed the vulnerabili‑
ty in a statement, but didn't name
the perpetrator. “W hatsApp
encourages people to upgrade to
Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra
P : 516.710.0508
parveen.chopra@gmail.com
Associate Editor
Hiral Dholakia-Dave
hiral@thesouthasiantimes.info
Contributing Editors:Shaker Nelanuthala,
Prof. Shivaji Sengupta, Surekha Vijh
(Washington, DC), Suchitra Srinivas (New
Jersey), Melvin Durai, Dr Prem Kumar
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New Delhi Bureau
Meenakshi Iyer
Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TURN PAGE
Khan emphasized that the Federal
Front will “not do any business
with BJP
Sources said KCR intends to
meet Karnataka chief minister and
JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy in
the next few days in Bengaluru.
This would be the second interac‑
tion between the two. KCR had
earlier this month spoken to
Kumaraswamy over the phone
purportedly over river water shar‑
ing between Karnataka and
Telangana, sparking speculation
over the Telangana chief minister
wanting to open a channel of com‑
munication with Congress, which
is an ally of JD(S) in Karnataka.
the latest version of our app, as
well as keep their mobile operat‑
ing system up to date, to protect
against potential
targeted exploits
designed to com‑
promise informa‑
t ion stored on
mobile devices,”
the company said
in a statement.
“We are con‑
stantly working
alongside industry
partners to pro‑
vide the latest security enhance‑
ments to help protect our users.”
Facebook issued a security advi‑
sory confirming the vulnerability
on Monday that outlines which
versions of W hatsApp where
affected.
Jaipur Bureau
Prakash Bhandari
Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Photographs
Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info
President Trump series of sanctions, designations
threatens to slap more
tariffs on Chinese
imports
and military threats, following
Washington's year‑long cam‑
paign against Iran after US exit
Continued from page 3
met last week in Washington,
but they adjourned without an
from the landmark Iran nuclear
deal in May last year.
In response, Iranian President
agreement and no further talks Hassan Rouhani announced on
are scheduled. Wednesday Tehran's withdraw‑
T he g loomy outlook for al from complying with the
resolving the trade conflict restrictions of the Iran nuclear
spurred a steep drop Monday deal on the country's enriched
on the New York Sto ck uranium reserves and heavy
Exchange, where the Dow Jones water supplies. Tensions have
Industrial Average plunged 617 risen after sabotage attacks on
points. four oil tankers off the coast of
Trump, however, said he was the UAE with fingers pointing to
still hopeful about achieving a Iran.
deal and revealed that he
planned to meet face‑to‑face BJP decries anti‑Modi
w ith Chinese President Xi stories in foreign media
Jinping at the June 28‑29 G20 as election nears end
summit in Osaka, Japan. Continued from page 3
In 2018, the US imported and late Pakistani politician and
nearly $540 billion worth of businessman Salmaan Taseer.
Chinese products, while its His write up compares
exports to China totaled $120
billion. Trump blamed Beijing
Jawaharlal Nehru's idea of secu‑
larism with the prevailing social
"stress" under Modi, who
for the impasse in the trade
negotiations.
The "sticking point" in the
"demonstrated no desire to fos‑
ter brotherly feelings between
talks has been Beijing's resist‑
ance to the idea of enshrining in
Hindus and Muslims". The arti‑
cle also recalls the 2002
Chinese law measures about Gujarat riots that claimed many
respecting the intellectual prop‑ lives. Early this month, The
erty of US firms operating in Economist of London published
China, White House chief eco‑ another anti‑Modi op‑ed titled
nomic adviser Larry Kudlow “Under Narendra Modi, Indiaʼs
said Sunday. ruling party poses a threat to
democracy”. Incensed by the
Trump denies, but US article, BJP supporter Jagdish
readying military plan Sewhani of New York penned an
open letter (published in the
to counter Iran threat
last issue of The South Asian
Continued from page 3
Times) to The Economist, refut‑
plan, which does not call for a
ing its assertions, and arguing
land invasion of Iran, was
why “A strong India under PM
ordered by hardliners led by
Modi is a guarantor of global
National Security Adviser John
peace & stability”.
Bolton, reported the paper, cit‑
Even some liberal commenta‑
ing anonymous sources.
tors and journalists in India are
Over the recent weeks,
agreeing that this kind of nega‑
Washington has ratcheted up
tive coverage of Modi is a
pressure against Tehran with a
hatchet job.
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY May 18-24, 2019 5

Shiv Chopra from Long Island wins

Hicksville High School on Long
Island. He is currently doing his
summer internship at Hughes, the
world's leading provider of broad‑
band satellite services, products,

ESPN Esports championship and network solutions headquar‑

By The SATimes Team
Hicksville, NY: A team from
Georgia Institute of Technology,
including Indian American Shiv
Chopra, has won the Hearthstone
Collegiate Championship, in the
first‑ever ESPN Collegiate Esports
Championship that concluded in
Houston on Saturday.
Shiv and his teammates, Tyler
Hiu and Sean Joplin, also claimed
$9,000 each in scholarship money
along with the trophy. They swept
of f Minnesota team 3‑0 in the
final match that was livstreamed
on ESPN3, Twitch.tv, and other
platforms.
Shiv Chopra told T he South
Asian Times that they brought to
Houston the decks only for the
semifinal ag ainst Ro chester
Institute of Technology (RIT ),
which too they won 3‑0 (in a best
of 5 games format). But those
decks as the commentators also
said were not goo d enoug h
ag ainst Minnesota, making
Georgia Tech the underdogs. But
Shiv said, “We studied Minnesotaʼs
all previous games and realized
that our only chance was if we
tered in Germantown, MD.
A gaming enthusiast since child‑
hood, Shiv has regularly played
Hearthstone (an online digital col‑
lectible card game) for the past
four years.
Some 400 college teams from
the US and Canada participated in
the Hearthstone championship
qualifiers starting in March this
year and the semi‑finals and
championship match was on live
LAN (lo cal area network) in
Houston, produced and staged by
ESPN Events. The ESPN Esports
championship was held over the
May 10‑12 weekend at the George
R. Brown Convention Center in
Houston as part of the 3‑day
Shiv Chopra is a gaming enthusiast, and (above) with his Georgia Comicpalooza, an annual multi‑
Tech teammates Tyler Hiu and Sean Joplin he won the genre popular culture convention.
championship match against odds.
Esports are becoming increasingly
could anticipate what they will has been accepted to simultane‑ popular with the younger popula‑
bring to play, and it worked, yet it ously start his masters program. tion and now ESPN has lent it
felt like a miracle.” Shiv has just He immigrated to America 11 prest ige even while
passed his 3rd year computer years ago w ith his journalist parents may still scold their wards
engineering with high GPA at father (who is now editor of this for wasting time playing video
Georgia Tech, Atlanta, where he paper) and g raduated from games.

Trump hosts
VIGILS AND SOLIDARITY IN DC FOR second Iftar dinner
VICTIMS OF SRI LANKA ATTACKS at White House
Washington: President Donald Trump has
By Surekha Vijh Maharagama Dhammasiri, hosted his second annual iftar dinner at the
The South Asian Times Chie f Pre late of the White House and said it's "been a very
Washington Budd hist rough time" for Muslims around the world.
Washington DC: Sri Lankan Temple; Imam Hammad The dinner, which breaks the daily fast of
American community in the Ahmad, of the American Ramadan for Muslims around the world, on
greater Washington area is contin‑ Fazl Mosque; and Ray Monday night was attended by ambassa‑
uing to raise funds and have can‑ Vickery, of the U.S.‑India dors and members of the diplomatic corps
dlelight vigils for the victims of the Friendship Council. representing Muslim‑majority nations,
Easter Sunday terror attacks in the T he Budd hist Vihar reports ABC News.
island nation which killed over 250 Society in Washington DC The President recognized recent attacks
people including from America and cancelled their biggest festi‑ on places of prayer, specifically noting the
India. Other communities too are val, Vaisak, on May 5 to mosque attacks in New Zealand, the attacks
Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and David Schwikert and on Christians in Sri Lanka, and the syna‑
holding meetings in solidarity. hold a memorial vigil in the
friends from the Sri Lankan Embassy at the interfaith vigil on
U.S. government and civil society National Cathedral instead. gogue attacks in Pittsburgh and California.
Capitol Hill may 10 for Sri Lankan victims. (Photo Twitter)
friends of Sri Lanka gathered at the Students of many D C, “In their blessed memory we resolve to
Capitol on May 11 to express sorrow and U.S.‑India Friendship Council. Virginia and Maryland universities, includ‑ defeat the evils of terrorism and religious
solidarity with the people of the subconti‑ “We, all of us, stand with Sri Lanka in this ing Georgetown and George Washington, persecution so that all people can worship
nental country. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi dark time,” said Jason Isaacson, AJCʼs Chief and the Sri Lankan Student Association without fear, pray without danger, and live
(D‑IL) and David Schweikert (R‑AZ) were Policy and Political Af fairs Of ficer. “We hosted candlelight vigils last month to by the faith that flows from their heart,”
joined by Principal Deputy Assistant assure Sri Lanka of our ongoing friendship, remember the lives lost in Sri Lanka. Suicide Trump said.Trump's speech emphasized
Secretary of State Tom Vajda and interfaith our solidarity, and our support.” bombers struck churches and hotels in Sri world peace. "We thank God that America is
leaders in addressing the vigil, organized by Also addressing the vigil were the Chargé Lanka on Easter Sunday in a highly coordi‑ a place founded on beliefs that citizens of
the American Jewish Committeeʼs Asia dʼaffaires of the Sri Lankan Embassy, Sarath nated attack targeting Christians and for‑ all faiths can live together in safety and live
Pacific Institute (API) in partnership with the Dissanayake; Jay Kansara, of the Hindu‑ eigners that left this island nation reeling. together in freedom."
Hindu American Foundation, the Interfaith American Foundation;; Rev. Dr. Christopher Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist He ended his address with a Muslim bless‑
Council of Metropolitan Washington, the L. Zacharias, of the Interfaith Council of nation, but itʼs also home to significant ing: "Wish all the people around the world
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Metropolitan Washington; Ven. Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities Ramadan Kareem."
 6 May 18-24, 2019 TRISTATE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Music prodigy Lydian feted by New Jersey Tamil Sangam

By Suchitra Srinivas
The South Asian Times
New Jersey: A child prodigy musi‑
cian, composer, winning the title
of ʻT he Worldʼs Bestʼ and the
grand prize of $1 million ‑‑ none
of this has gone to Lydian
Nadhaswaramʼs head. T he 12‑
year‑old walks around just as nor‑
mal as he can be, smiling, playful
and respectful to anyone next to
him. Yet, his deep penetrative eyes
tell you a lot about the depth of
his talents. Lydian is the worldʼs
best player of the western instru‑
ment piano and interestingly hails
from the East.
Lydian was in New Jersey
recently at a meet‑and‑g reet
org anized by the New Jersey
Tamil Sangam where he stole the
hearts of the proud Indians by his
down‑to‑earth conversation on his
musical journey.
Children in the audience queued
up to question him and he made
the evening lively and touching
Dr. Sundaram Planisamy,
founder President of New Jersey
Tamil Sangam, honoring Lydian
Nadhaswaram who has won
CBSʼs ʻWorldʼs Bestʼ title
and grand prize of $1 M.
with his honest answers such as:
practice makes all the difference.
But you know what Lydian has
achieved is not just because he
practiced to be a musical genius.
At the meet‑and‑greet event, (from left) Sathish Varshan (Dad),
Lydian Nadhaswaram, sister Amruthavarshini,
and mother Jhansi Sathish.
Born and brought up in Chennai Lydian took to the piano and in no
in India, Lydianʼs musical journey time, he grabbed the worldʼs atten‑
began early. His father, a well‑ tion by playing Beethoven, Mozart,
known music director Sathish Chopin and Liszt.
Varshan, had a deep love for music His recent w inning of ʻT he
and nurtured his talent. Lydian Worldʼs Bestʼ title at CBS and the
was popular even as a two‑year‑ $1M grand prize was the proudest
old playing the percussion instru‑ moment for him. Lydian beat par‑
ments to perfection. ticipants from over 150 countries
Inspired by his dad and elder in the talent show and for the final
sister, Amruthavarshini Sathish, event he stunned all by playing
two medleys at the speed of 325
beats per minute.
Just not piano, Lydian can play
12 instruments including the clas‑
sical percussion instruments tabla
and mridangam. While he is under
training to perfect his music skills
with various world fame teachers,
his quest for self‑growth through
self‑learning makes him different.
He is a homeschooler, an anom‑
aly in a tradit ional city like
Chennai. He has a one‑pointed
focus on music in his life. The chil‑
dren in the audience were startled
when he told them he never
watches TV, movies or plays video
games.
Lydianʼs elder sister is a brilliant
opera singer, pianist and plays the
flute. He credits her with being
more talented than him. At the
meet‑and‑greet, the father‑daugh‑
ter duo presented a beautiful
vocal piece that wowed the audi‑
ence. It was tough to conclude
who is the real genius in the
family.

Glen Rock community Marketing guru Jagdish

celebrates Holi 2019
New Jersey: The Glen Rock
Indian Community (GRIC)
hosted its 4th annual Holi
event on May 4th at the
Lower Faber Fie ld in Glen
Rock NJ. Nearly 400 Glen
Rockers joined in the fun to
celebrate with their families,
friends and neighbors in the
event sponsored by Pooja
Goyal (HGI group) and Ani
Messikian (Coldwell Banker
Realty). Officer Matt Stanislao
(GRPD), Bryon Torseillo and
Sanjiv Ohri (GR BOE mem‑
bers) and Aarti Keibreich (GR
Councilperson) were also in
attendance.
The smiling, colorful faces
at the event were a testament
to how much fun the event
was, that included family‑
friendly activities like face
painting, tug of war and the
kidʼs all‑time favorite color
run. Guests feasted on the tra‑
More than 400 people attended the funfilled event
ditional Indian savory snacks
and desserts.
In addition to having fun,
the Holi eventʼs intent is to
ce le brate the fest ivalʼs
essence of spreading the uni‑
versal values of love, inclusion
and equality. Since its incep‑
tion, the GRIC Holi has grown
to be a town‑wide celebration
where all community mem‑
bers are invited to join in the
fun. The eventʼs growing pop‑
ularity is a reflection of the
values of friendship, diversity,
and inclusion that are the
hallmarks of Glen Rockʼs com‑
munity.
Sheth gets Emory’s
prestigious Jefferson Award
Atlanta: Lauded for local, regional
and international contributions, mar‑
keting professor Jagdish Sheth has
published more than 350 papers and
books while continuously working to
inspire and support others.
T his yearʼs T homas Je f ferson
Award winner is more accustomed to
giving than receiving. Professor
Jagdish Sheth, the Charles H.
Kellstadt Chair in Marketing, is the
2019 winner of an award that honors
a faculty or staf f member who has
Prof Jagdish Sheth
significantly enriched the intellectual
and civic life of the Emory communi‑ unlock the potential of others.”
ty. Sheth has combined intelligent Helping others find that potential is
inquiry, entrepreneurship and philan‑ a passion of Shethʼs and has fuelled
thropic zeal to build a career that his research and teaching. Erika
includes publishing more than 350 James, the John H. Harland Dean of
research papers and books in various Goizueta Business School, and seven
areas of marketing, including con‑ others across campus detailed the
sumer behavior and marketing for breath of Shethʼs work and activities
emerging markets. In addition, he in a six‑page nomination letter. The
serves on the boards of the impact was not lost on the judges, all
Community Foundation of Greater of whom are prior award winners.

Golf champ Malini Rudra
honored by Nassau County
Malini Rudra, a senior at Syosset High School received a
citation from the County Executive Laura Curran on May
9th as a continued celebration of Asian American
Heritage Month. The awards were presented to Asian
Americans whose contributions and efforts have been
instrumental in the progression of Nassau County. At the
ceremony Farrah Mozawalla the Executive of Asian
American Affairs said, “Through your hard work, you
have inspired many others to follow in your footsteps and
have become a trailblazer for the community.”
Atlanta and the World Affairs Council
of Atlanta, and he has been active
advising international governments
and policy makers including the U.S.
Department of Transportation and
the government of Singapore.
For Sheth, who has won a number
of honors, the Jefferson Award holds
particular meaning.
“T his award is really special
because it is selected by a committee
of university‑wide peers,” says Sheth.
“Also, it is special because the
Jef ferson Award reinforces the mis‑
sion of an academic, which is to
“Anything that is unprecedented
always feels like another major mile‑
stone in lifeʼs journey,” notes Sheth,
who turned 80 last year. “It means
that the business school is an integral
part of the university. It also means
that the ʻOne Emoryʼ vision of the
new leadership is successfully imple‑
mented with respect to diverse facul‑
ty talent and expertise. Most impor‑
tantly, this award will pave the way
for others to be recognized for their
talent and dedication to Emory and
scholarship.”
(Source: news.emory.edu)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL May 18-24, 2019 7

Judge Amit Mehta puts

fight for Trump financial
records on fast‑track
Washington, DC: Amit Mehta, an Indian‑
American judge, will fast‑track a decision
on President Donald Trump's bid to
quash a subpoena for financial records
from his accounting firm, saying he will
decide the full case after a hearing on
May 14.
Amit Mehta of the District Court for the
District of Columbia, made his announce‑
ment on Thursday in a brief notice after
receiving first round of written argu‑
ments in the case, reports T he
Washington Post.
The lawsuit was brought April 22 by
Trump and several of his businesses
against House Oversight Committee
Chairman Elijah E. Cummings and the
President's accounting firm, Mazars USA.
"The sole question before the court ‑ Is
the House Oversig ht Committee's
issuance of a subpoena to Mazars USA
LLP for financial records of President
Donald Trump and various associated
entities a valid exercise of legislative
power? ‑ is fully briefed, and the court
can discern no benefit from an additional
round of legal arguments," Amit Mehta
said. Amit Mehta, appointed by former
President Barack Obama in 2014, gave
all sides until May 13 to file any further
comments.
Cummings's panel last month subpoe‑
naed Mazars seeking documents to cor‑
roborate testimony of the President's for‑
mer lawyer Michael Cohen, who said at a
Amit Mehta, appointed by former
President Barack Obama in 2014,
gave all sides until May 13 to file any
further comments. (Image : heavy.com)
congressional hearing that Trump inten‑
tionally mis‑reported the value of his
assets for personal gain.
T he House Financial Services and
Intelligence Committees are also investi‑
gating the President's finances and have
delivered subpoenas to Deutsche Bank,
Capitol One and other major banks.
Trump, his businesses, and three of his
children ‑‑ Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric ‑‑
are suing to stop the subpoenas to the
banks.
In suing the House as well as his banks
and Mazars, Trump's lawyers argued the
President's past personal dealings were
irrelevant to the legislative branch's fun‑
damental duty of writing bills.
T he House Ways and Means
Committee has requested six years of the
President's personal and business tax
returns. (IANS)

Harvard economist Raj Chetty

named Carnegie Fellow for 2019
Washington, DC: Indian American economist MacArthur "genius grant" Fellowship and the
Raj Chetty has been named by the Carnegie John Bates Clark medal, given to an econo‑
Corporation as one of 32 Andrew Carnegie mist under 40 whose work is judged to have
Fe llows for 2019. Chetty serves as the made the most significant contribution to the
William A. Ackman professor of public eco‑ field. The Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program
nomics at Harvard. For receiv‑ is a continuation of the corpo‑
ing the so‑called “Brainy rationʼs 100‑plus‑year history
Award,” Chetty will receive a of promoting the advancement
grant of up to $200,000, mak‑ and diffusion of knowledge and
ing it possible for him to understanding by supporting
devote significant time to the work of a host of institu‑
research, writing and publish‑ tions, causes, organizations,
ing in the humanities and and individual scholars.
social sciences. Each year as part of the nom‑
“Iʼm delighted and honored inating process, the heads of
to have been chosen as a Raj Chetty more than 600 institutions,
recipient of the Carnegie fel‑ (Image : news.harvard.edu) representing universities, think
lowship,” Chetty told the tanks, publishers, and nonprofit
Harvard Gazette. “I intend to use the fellow‑ organizations nationwide, are invited to nomi‑
ship to dedicate more time to our teamʼs work nate up to two individuals each for the fellow‑
on restoring the American dream at [the ships.
research policy institute] Opportunity For 2019, the corporation received a total
Insights, focusing specifically on how we can of 273 nominations. Each underwent a pre‑
improve childrenʼs opportunities in communi‑ liminary anonymous evaluation by national
ties that currently offer limited prospects for experts in the relevant fields. The top propos‑
upward income mobility.” Chettyʼs scholarship als were then forwarded to the members of
has been widely cited in the media and in con‑ the jury for review and the final selection of
gressional testimony, combining empirical the class of 2019.
evidence and economic theory to shape effec‑ The award is for a period of up to two years
tive public policy. He has received numerous and its anticipated result is a book or major
awards for his research, including a study.
 8 May 18-24, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

GM fires Kappanna who exposed ATA launches Telugu

Volkswagen emissions fraud
London: Indian‑American
Hemanth Kappanna, whose
research he lped expose
Volkswagen's conspiracy to lie
about its diesel cars emissions,
has been sacked by General
Motors (GM) ‑‑ his current
employer with a one‑way ticket to
India.
According to a New York Times
report, Kappanna "was one of
about 4,000 GM workers laid off
in what the company called a
strategic transformation."
"In 2013, he was part of a small
team of engineering students in
West Virginia whose research
he lped expose Volkswagen's
decade‑long conspiracy to lie
about its diesel cars' emissions,"
the report added.
Dubbed as the "diesel dupe," the
US Environmental Protect ion
Agency (EPA) in 2015 found that
many Volkswagen cars being sold
in America had a "cheating soft‑
ware" in diesel engines that could
Hemanth Kappanna
detect when they were being test‑
ed, changing the performance
accordingly to improve results.
T he German carmaker has
already paid $23 billion to resolve
criminal charges and lawsuits in
the US. Kappanna joined GM in
2014 after finishing his doctorate.
While studying at West Virginia
University, the "director of his
program asked him to complete a
g rant applicat ion from the
International Council on Clean
Transportation."
The council wanted to test the
emissions of German diesel cars
sold in America.
Kappanna's proposal helped the
university win a modest $70,000
grant. Kappanna, with two other
graduate students – Marc Besch
from Sw itzerland and Arvind
Thiruvengadam from India – per‑
formed the research into
Volkswagen diesel cars.
Based on their research, the US
regulators began an investigation
and "forced Volkswagen to con‑
fess that it had installed the cheat‑
ing software in 11 million diesel
cars worldwide, including almost
600,000 in the US."
GM said that Kappanna's dis‑
missal "was not related to any
emissions compliance concerns or
related issues." (IANS)
matrimony service
North Carolina:
ATAMatrimony.com, an initiative of
American Telugu Association (ATA)
to help Telugu & Indian community
within US & India to find their per‑
fect life partner was launched on
May 4th during ATA Board meeting
in Raleigh, NC. ATA Matrimony site
exclusively maintained & adminis‑
tered by ATA. ATA Matrimonial
services are free to ATA members.
Also, non‑members can avail these
services by becoming ATA
Matrimonial member.
AT Matrimonial website provides
a platform to a lot of bride and
grooms to find a perfect match.
There are different sectors like reg‑
istration, partner, search, etc. So,
the bride and groom can get their
interest for find their partner. Bride
and groom can directly search
partner according to their required
criteria. Access to this site is by
approval process at various levels
by ATA Matrimony Admin Team.
ATA Matrimony process for ATA
members includes: Register for
ATA Membership at ataworld.org
(ignore if you are already ATA
member); Get your ATA
Membership number from ATA
Membership committee; Register
your profile at ATAMatrimomy.com
; mention your ATA membership
number & provide reference name
from ATA Leadership individual
(example: Regional coordinator,
Committee chair, Board member)
from your location during profile
registration; You will receive an
email about your registration con‑
firmation from ATA‑Matrimony
@ataworld.org; ATA Matrimony
Admin Team will verify your pro‑
file, your pictures and ATA
Membership; ATA Matrimony
Admin Team will activate your reg‑
istration; You will receive an email
confirmation about your profile
activation from ATA‑Matrimony
@ataworld.org; At this point you
can search by yourself and find
matching.
Email ATA‑Matrimony for any
information or questions.

Over $600,000 raised for teen Sadhguru to lead spiritual discourse during
struck by car in hate crime AAPIʼs 37th annual convention in Atlanta
Washington, DC: More than
$600,000 has been raised for the
treatment of a 13‑year‑old Indian‑
American hate crime victim who
remains in coma after being
struck down intentionally in April
by a motorist who thought she
was a Muslim. T he GoFundMe
page, created to he lp seventh
grader Dhriti Narayan's family
cover the medical costs, had raised
more than $600,000. The target
was $500,000. On April 23, Dhriti
and other members of her family
were crossing a road in Sunnyvale,
California. Suddenly a motorist
struck them down intentionally.
The family was targeted because
the motorist, Isaiah Peoples,
thought they were Muslim.
Seven others, including Dhriti's
father Rajesh Narayan and her
nine‑year‑old brother Prakhar
were injured in the incident.
Dhriti is currently in coma fol‑
lowing severe trauma and head
injuries.
The fundraiser on the site reads:
"While our hearts and prayer go to
Dhriti for her speedy recovery but
Dhriti Narayan is
fighting for her life
a huge medical bill and potential
rehab costs are expected for her
recovery.
"We, friends of Dhriti's family,
who were touched by her and her
family's caring and helpful nature,
are actively working with family
members and other friends along
with appropriate organizations
and organizing this fund‑raising
campaign to support the family at
this difficult time."
Peoples was arraigned in Santa
Clara County Superior Court in
San Jose on May 3. He was
charged on eig ht counts of
attempted murder. His next hear‑
ing will be on May 16.
Atlanta, GA: Understanding the
inherent humanity that unites all
nations, religions and cultures,
Sadhguru is recognized for his pio‑
neering ef forts to nurture global
harmony, Dr. Naresh Parikh,
President of American association
of Physicians of Indian Origin
(AAPI), said, while announcing spiri‑
tual discourse led by Sadhguru dur‑
ing AAPIʼs 37th Convention in New
York. T he 37th Annual AAPI
Convention & Scientific Assembly
will be held from July 3rd to July
7th, 2019 at Omni Atlanta at CNN
Center and Georgia World Congress
Center. Expected to have a record
attendance of more than 2,000 del‑
egates including physicians, acade‑
micians, researchers and medical
students, “the annual convention
offers extensive academic presenta‑
tions, recognition of achievements
and achievers, and professional net‑
working at the alumni and evening
social events,” Dr. Parikh added.
“Having Sadhguru at the
Convention with his unique ability
to make the ancient yogic sciences
relevant to contemporary minds,
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
and act as a bridge to the deeper
dimensions of life, will make the
convention and the delegates from
across the nation richer, in so many
ways,” said Dr. Sreeni Gangasani,
Chairman of the Convention. “His
approach does not ascribe to any
belief system, but of fers methods
for self‑transformation that are
both proven and powerful,” Dr.
Gangasani added.
Named one of India's 50 most
influential people, Sadhguru is a
realized Yogi and mystic who works
tirelessly towards the physical,
mental, and spiritual wellbeing of
all. Sadhguruʼs work has deeply
touched the lives of millions world‑
wide through his transformational
programs.
"We need to create a culture of
Health in society, instead of invest‑
ing in just healthcare,” Sadhguru
says. “What we call feeling healthy,
is not just the absence of disease,
but having a sense of wholeness
within us. If we feel like a complete
being in our body, mind and spirit,
that is when we are truly healthy."
An author, poet and international‑
ly renowned speaker, Sadhguruʼs
wit and piercing logic provoke and
broaden our thoughts and percep‑
tion of life. Sadhguru has been an
influential voice at major global
forums including the United
Nations, World Economic Forum,
the UK House of Lords, TED among
many others.
Just as he has stated, “Your suc‑
cess in this world essentially
depends on how well you can har‑
ness the prowess of this body and
this mind,” Sadhguru believes in
dedicating his life for the service of
humanity. He established Isha
Foundation, a non‑profit organiza‑
tion supported by over three million
volunteers worldwide.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Hinduja brothers take back Indian Christian hosts iftar
top spot in annual rich list for 800 Muslim workers
London: The billionaire Hinduja brothers
have been named as the wealthiest people
in the UK for a third time, according to the
Sunday Times Rich List.
Sri and Gopi Hinduja saw their fortune
increase by 1.356 billion pounds ($1.7 bil‑
lion) in the last year to 22 billion pounds,
the BBC quoted the list as saying.
The Hinduja Group, a family business,
was founded in Mumbai in 1914, and now
it has interests around the world including
in oil and gas, banking, IT and property.
British citizens Sri, 83, and Gopi, 79, who
are based in London, are two of the four
brothers controlling the empire. The two
moved to London in 1979 to develop the
export business.
The third brother Prakash manages the
group's finances in Geneva, Switzerland
while the youngest, Ashok, oversees the
Indian interests.
Among the properties they own is the Old
War Office in Whitehall, which they plan to
reopen as a luxury hotel.
The two brothers topped the newspaper
list in 2014 and in 2017.
The list, which estimates the 1,000 rich‑
est people in the UK, is based on identifi‑
Dhruv Patel gets top Owner of Malayalam TV station
job at London charity in UAE flees amid losses
London: The City Bridge Trust Committee,
the largest independent grant giver of the
City of London Corporation, has elected
Dhruv Patel its first Indian‑origin chair‑
man.
Dhruv Patel, 35, who founded the City
Hindus Network in London's financial dis‑
trict and has been an elected member of
the City of London Corporation since
2013, replaces Alison Gowman after her
full three‑year term, the Corporation said
on Thursday.
The City Bridge Trust Committee is the
funding arm of the City of London
Corporation's charity, Bridge House
Estates, making charity grants of 20 mil‑
lion pounds a year to tackle disadvan‑
taged communities across the British capi‑
tal. "It is a great privilege to be in the
leadership role of one of the UK's most
important supporters of civil society.
Together we will continue to help give all
London's communities the opportunity to
thrive, and give young people, in particu‑
lar, the best possible start in life," said
Patel. "I am humbled to have been elected
by the City Bridge Trust Committee to
serve as its Chairman, and I will strive to
do the best job that I can to tackle the
inequality which should not exist in
London," the businessman added. The City
Bridge Trust has awarded around 8,000
grants totaling over 400 million pound
since it began in 1995. It helps achieve
the City Corporation's aim of changing the
lives of hundreds of thousands of
Londoners, the City of London
Corporation said.
"I feel sure that Dhruv will do an excel‑
DIASPORA
British citizens Sri, 83, (left) and Gopi, 79,
have topped the list twice before
(Image courtesy: times.co.uk)
able wealth including land, property, other
assets such as art, and shares in companies,
according to the Sunday Times.
It does not include the amount contained
in people's bank accounts. (IANS)
Dhruv Patel, founder of City Hindus
Network is also an elected member of
City of London Corporation since 2013
(Image courtesy: hindustantimes.com)
lent job of leading the Committee, which
works hard to deliver our strategy to help
create a capital city in which everyone can
thrive," said Alison Gowman, who now
becomes Deputy Chair of the City Bridge
Trust Committee.
Dhruv Patel was awarded an OBE last
year for his voluntary services with the
Hindu community and interfaith work as
the founder of City Hindus Network, a
non‑profit group seeking to promote vol‑
unteering and charitable opportunities,
mentoring and networking, education and
philosophy among Hindu professionals in
the city of London. The City of London
Corporation is the governing body of the
financial heart of London, known as the
Square Mile. (PTI)
Dubai: An Indian Christian businessman,
who built a mosque for Muslim workers in
the UAE, is serving iftar meals to nearly 800
workers during the ongoing month of
Ramzan. Saji Cheriyan, 49, who hails from
Kerala's Kayamkulam, built the mosque last
year for Muslim workers living in a worker
accommodation that he rented out to 53
companies in Fujairah.
He built the Mariam Umm Eisa (Mary, the
Mother of Jesus) mosque after he saw work‑
ers spending their earnings on taking taxis
to go to the nearest mosque to offer prayers
during the holy month. Ramzan this year
began on May 7.
Cheriyan, who landed in the UAE in 2003
with just a few hundred dirhams, hosts iftar
for about 800 people including workers and
other senior employees of various compa‑
nies at an air‑conditioned convention center
in the same complex, the Gulf News report‑
ed. "The mosque opened on the 17th night
of Ramadan last year. So, I could offer iftar
to the worshippers only for the remaining
days. From this year, I would be doing it
every day," he was quoted as saying by the
newspaper. The iftar meal includes dates,
fresh fruits, snacks, juice, water and biryani.
"I have made arrangements to offer differ‑
Dubai: The Indian owner of a Dubai‑based
Malayalam TV station has fled the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) as he struggled to keep
it afloat amid mounting losses, leaving
unpaid employees in limbo, the media
reported.
Launched around two years ago, Channel
D had two live shows daily. A senior staffer
at Channel D told the Gulf News on Monday:
"We were not paid for months but in the
hope of a turnaround, the dozen‑o dd
staffers lumbered on. Nobody expected the
end to come so soon."
The TV station's of fice remains shut but
the channel is still on air.
"They are running repeats of old shows.
Indian Embassy in UAE urges
expats to report salary delay
Abu Dhabi: The Indian Embassy in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) has urged
Indian expats to report any delay in pay‑
ment of salary by their employers.
In a public notice shared on Twitter on
Wednesday, it urged Indians to report to
any such instance to the Embassy in Abu
Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.
Amid growing cases of duping and visa
frauds, the Embassy also cautioned Indian
job seekers in the UAE not to come on visi‑
tor visas.
The jobseekers must authenticate their
employment of fers and permits before
arriving in the country, it added.
T he Embassy also shared videos of
Indians who fe ll victim to fraudulent
May 18-24, 2019 9
Saji Cheriyan built the mosque
for Muslim workers
ent types of biryani so that they don't get
bored eating the same dish every iftar," he
said.
Abdul Qayum, a 63‑year‑old Pakistani bus
driver, who had iftar on Wednesday, appre‑
ciated Cheriyan's efforts. "The world needs
people like him. If there are no people like
him, the world will end. We are praying for
him. Allah will bless him."
The mosque in the East Ville Real Estate
complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area can
accommodate 250 worshippers at a time.
Facilities for another 700 to pray in the
interlocked courtyard of the mosque, which
will be shaded by the time it opens, have
also been arranged. (PTI)
But even that is likely to stop when their
contract with Etisalat expires this month
end," he said.
A cameraman, who claims the company
owes him seven months salary, said he was
repeatedly assured that their dues would be
settled.
Fingerprint door access control of staffers
was deactivated in March while telephone
lines were disconnected a month earlier.
"These were obvious red flags but we did‑
n't suspect anything amiss because we trust‑
ed the owner," said another employee.
The channel also had a unit in Kochi,
Kerala, but that too has been reportedly shut
down. (IANS)
Amid growing cases
of duping and visa
frauds, the Embassy
also cautioned Indian
job seekers not to
come on visitor visas.
recruitment agents. According to informa‑
tion from the Embassy's Twitter handle,
Vikram Kumar from Pali, Rajasthan, was
duped by an illeg al agent from
Mumbai. (IANS)
 10 May 18-24, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

As US edges to 'constitutional crisis', Trump,

Democrats weigh impeachment impact
News Analysis by Arul Louis
New York: As the US edges to a constitutional
crisis with the Democratic‑controlled House
of Representatives unleashing a multi‑
pronged attack on President Donald Trump
and his officials and him launching a counter‑
offensive, both sides are working on the polit‑
ical calculus of impeachment.
"We are now in a constitutional crisis", the
chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry
Nadler, declared on Wednesday as the stand‑
off with Trump intensified.
If a full‑blown constitutional crisis develops,
the Democrats may impeach Trump ‑ a move
that a large section of the party base
demands but the leadership is cautious about.
However, Trump himself may be trying to
precipitate an impeachment if he sees elec‑
toral gain. He told a rally of his supporters in
Florida: "They want to do investigations
instead of investments. I think it drives us
right on to victory in 2020."
He may think that an impeachment ‑ or con‑
tinuing investigations ‑ that could drag on
while the election campaigns get underway
would rally his base and help him play the
martyr while Democrats are mired in an elec‑
toral debate over him at the expense of poli‑
cies.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has said she is
against impeachment, saw through this ploy.
She said last week that because Trump wants
to "solidify his base" regardless of the cost to
the nation, he "is goading us to impeach him,
that's what he's doing every single day. He's
just taunting, taunting, taunting because he
knows it would be divisive".
Setting the stage for a constitutional crisis,
Jerry Nadler's committee voted to hold
Attorney General William Barr in contempt
for refusing to give it the full report of the
inquiry into the Russian interference in 2016
elections.
Trump retaliated by exercising his execu‑
tive privilege to withhold it from the panel.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that Trump “is goading us to impeach him
to solidify his base because he knows it would be divisive".
The full House is expected to follow‑up the
committee vote to hold him in contempt.
Theoretically, the House may have the power
to arrest Barr if it votes to declare him in con‑
tempt, although it is unlikely to go that far.
The House under Republican control in
2012 he ld former President Obama's
Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt for
refusing to hand over information about a
sting operation against the illicit gun trade
that went awry and came to be known as ʻFast
and Furiousʼ scandal. But it amounted to just
a slap on the wrist.
Trump's exercise of his executive power
against the release of the full inquiry report
could precipitate a constitutional crisis
because the House ‑‑ should it vote so ‑‑
would be holding Barr in contempt for com‑
plying with a presidential order.
On the other hand, the concept of executive
privilege is itse lf controversial and
Democrats, who are already questioning it,
could ultimately take the matter to courts. It
is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution
but has been exercised in the past as an
extension of the powers of the president and
the separation of the executive and legislative
branches of government.
The inquiry into Russian meddling conduct‑
ed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller found
that neither Trump nor his campaign had col‑
luded with Russians during the 2016 election,
disappointing many Democrats who had
expected the probe to confirm their claims
and help unseat the President.
The version of the report that was released
by Barr had portions blacked out as they
related to testimony that is legally secret,
ongoing investigations or innocent third par‑
ties.
But the Democrats clamor for it in entirety
hoping to find leads for further investigations
or to enable them to take up the charge of
obstruction of justice against Trump ‑‑ an
impeachable of fence ‑‑ on which Mueller
refused to neither clear Trump nor charge
him with it.
Opening another front, House Intelligence
Committee Chairman Adam Schif f issued a
subpoena to the Justice Department demand‑
ing the unredacted version of the report.
Yet another House panel, the Way and
Means Committee that deals with tax matters,
is embroiled in a standoff after requesting the
Treasury Department for Trump's recent tax
records. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin
has refused to comply and the Committee
chair Richard Neal has said he will decide on
Thursday whether to go to court to compel
him.
Unlike all recent presidents Trump has
refused to publish his tax returns saying they
were under audit.
Democrats want to examine the tax records
to see if there are any irregularities they can
pursue.
T he House Inte lligence and Financial
Services Committees have demanded Trump's
tax records from two banks, but Trump has
gone to court to try to block them from com‑
plying.
The New York Times has published infor‑
mation from his tax returns for the decade
1984 to 1995 that show he had run up losses
totaling $1.17 billion and did not pay taxes
for eight years.
Puncturing his image of being the master of
the art of the deal, the Times said that "in
multiple years, he appears to have lost more
money than nearly any other individual tax‑
payer".
Trump, however, defended his record in
tweets claiming it was "a sport" by real estate
developers to show losses for taxes purposes
by using tax shelters.
The Democratic Party‑controlled New York
state Senate voted on a work around on
Wednesday to make state tax returns that
contain information in the federal tax forms
available to some Congressional committees.
The House Judiciary Committee has also
demanded documents from former Trump
White House lawyer Don McGahn and asked
him to testify before it. He has refused to give
them the papers, paving the way for another
confrontation.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Committee of
the Senate controlled by his own party has
ordered Trump's son, Donald Jr., to appear
before it. It is likely seeking information
about his talks with Russians that is men‑
tioned in the Mueller report.

Dems, Biden camp respond to Giuliani’s canceled Ukraine trip

Washington: Joe Biden's cam‑
paign has of fered its first
response after President Trump's
personal attorney Rudy Giuliani
said he would not make a trip to
Ukraine to urge the country to
investigate the Democratic presi‑
dential candidate.
"It's g reat to see all these
strong progressive voices stand
up to this attempt at a blatantly
political smear which in and of
itself reflects the urgent need for
change and to restore the soul of
the country," a Biden campaign
of ficial told CNN. Friday, Sen.
Elizabeth Warren and former
Rep. Beto O'Rourke were among
the 2020 Democratic contenders
to express concern about
Giuliani's efforts, reported CNN.
"I just think it is highly unethi‑
Giuliani's proposed trip to
Ukraine was "so very troubling,
very disappointing, and yet not a
total surprise, g iven this
President's behavior and the pat‑
tern that he'd already set."
Demo crat ic lawmakers on
Capitol Hill also chimed in with
criticism of the proposed trip.
"It's stunning that the Trump
administration is going down the
same tragic path they did in
2016. Here you have the
President's lawyer seeking help
from a foreign government again
Trumpʼs personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani had planned to meet with to influence a presidential elec‑
Ukraineʼs president‑elect to encourage him to restart an tion. It's just appalling," House
investigation into a Ukrainian company linked to Joe Biden's son.
Intelligence Committee Chairman
cal for the President's personal the upcoming presidential elec‑ Adam Schiff said Friday.
lawyer to go meet with officials tion," Warren said in Kermit, "And his defense that he's not
from foreign government to see West Virg inia. In New seeking a foreign government's
if they can influence somehow Hampshire, O'Rourke said help in the election, just an inves‑
tigation ‑‑ yes, it's an investiga‑
tion designed to affect one of the
candidates they fear the most. I
think it's reprehensible."
Giuliani revealed his intention
to travel to Ukraine on behalf of
his client in a Thursday interview
with The New York Times, but by
Friday night, that plan was can‑
celed.
Giuliani planned to meet with
the country's president‑elect to
encourage him to pursue two
matters of interest to Trump:
restarting an investigation into a
Ukrainian company linked to
Biden's son, and looking into
whether Ukrainians worked with
Democrats to prompt the FBI
investigation into Trump's for‑
mer campaign chairman, Paul
Manafort.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
10 mn signatures urging
Trump impeachment
delivered to Congress
Washington: Two House
Demo crats last wee k joined
activists at the US Capitol who pre‑
sented Congress with signatures of
10 million people calling on law‑
makers to begin impeachment pro‑
ceedings against President Donald
Trump. "We are holding in our
hands 10 million reasons for being
here today," progressive congress‑
man Al Green said, as he and first‑
term congresswoman Rashida
Tlaib held up a flash drive.
Dozens of cardboard boxes fea‑
turing the signatures, gathered on
petitions from groups such as
MoveOn and the annual Women's
March, were delivered to Tlaib,
who has introduced legislation
that would direct the House
Judiciary Committee to begin pro‑
ceedings to investigate whether
Trump has committed impeach‑
able offenses.
"In the face of this time, this
remarkably dark time in our coun‑
try, this to me is a moment of
light," she said. Trump has pro‑
claimed he was fully exonerated by
special counsel Robert Mueller's
House Democrats Al Green and Rashida Tlaib hold a computer flash
drive bearing petitions with the names of 10 million people who are
calling on Congress to begin impeachment proceedings against
President Trump (Photo courtesy AFP)
recently re leased report on
Russian election interference.
But some Democrats argue that
the document lays out multiple
occasions in which the president
may have obstructed just ice,
including Senator Elizabeth
Warren, a 2020 presidential candi‑
US AFFAIRS May 18-24, 2019 11
Actress, others plead
guilty in college
admissions scandal
New York: American actress
Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty on
Monday for paying bribes to help
her daughter gain admission to a
prestigious university, avoiding
what was sure to be a well‑publi‑
cized trial and probably also dodg‑
ing jail time.
T he former "Desperate
Housewives" star was the latest
celebrity brought down by the
wide‑ranging college bribery scan‑
dal that's snared a slew of wealthy
American parents. American actress
In a tearful appearance before Felicity Huffman
federal judge Indira Talwani in that includes CEOs and partners at
Boston, Huf fman pled guilty to major law firms ‑‑ 10 have already
pay ing $15,000 to boost her pled guilty, including five parents.
daughter's SAT college entrance Another 10 parents have said
exam score. The crime is punish‑ they will also plead guilty in the
able by up to 20 years in prison scandal that saw some of the
and a fine of as much as $250,000, accused pay as much as $400,000
but by admitting guilt Huf fman to get their children into their cho‑
will likely avoid those penalties. sen college.
date who has called for impeach‑
Federal prosecutors have recom‑ The ringleader behind the scam,
ment proceedings.
mended a sentence of a year's pro‑ William "Rick" Singer, who authori‑
Other senior Democrats includ‑
bation and a $20,000 fine, though ties say was paid about $25 mil‑
ing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
the judge can modify the penalty if lion dollars to bribe coaches and
have cautioned against such a
she pleases. university administrators, has
move, stressing it could deeply
Among the 50 people charged in pleaded guilty and is cooperating
divide the nation of about 325 mil‑
the admissions scandal ‑‑ a group with authorities.
lion people.
 12 May 18-24, 2019 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Author of Time article Pakistani,

maligning Modi's image: BJP
New Delhi: The BJP has slammed American
news magazine Time, which featured Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on the cover of its
international edition dated May 20 with
the headline "India's Divider in Chief ", by
saying the author of the article was a
Pakistani national and that the neighbour‑
ing country's only agenda was to malign
Modi's image.
"The author (Aatish Taseer) is a Pakistani
citizen who calls Modiji a divider and Rahul
Gandhi tweets about it. W hat can we
expect from Pakistan?" BJP spokesperson
Sambit Patra told reporters here.
Aatish Taseer is a British‑born writer‑
journalist and the son of Indian journalist
Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician
and businessman Salmaan Taseer.
Patra said Pakistan's only agenda was to
malign the image of Modi at any cost, as he
has conducted two surgical strikes in the
neighbouring country.
"Pakistan can not touch a hair of the
Indian Army or Modi and that's why it is
trying to malign the Prime Minister's
image by writing such articles," Patra said,
The cover of Time news magazine.
adding that Modi was a unifier, not a
divider. The headline in the cover reads
"India's Divider in Chief " and carries a por‑
trait of the Prime Minister. A secondary
headline on the cover reads "Modi the
Reformer." The title "India's Divider in
Chief " pertains to the cover story in the
‘Divider in-chief' title to
Modi is right: Kamal Nath
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister
Kamal Nath on Monday said that the title
ʻDivider in‑chief given to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi by Times magazine was
right and feels that the publisher was in
fact kind to him.
Talking to IANS, Kamal Nath said: "What
did Modi not divide? He has divided the
RBI (Reserve Bank of India), CBI (Central
Bureau of Invest ig at ion), CAG
(Comptroller and Auditor General of
India), Judiciary and the Elect ion
Commission.
magazine, written by Taseer, with the head‑
line "Can the World's Largest Democracy
Endure Another Five Years of a Modi
Government?" The write up compares for‑
mer Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's
idea of secularism with the prevailing
"The title given to him by the Time mag‑
azine is absolutely correct. I say they
were in fact very kind to Modi."
Modi, without naming Kamal Nath, had
attacked him for the anti‑Sikh riots that
followed the assassination of then Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
To this, the Chief Minister replied: "In
the last 34 years, no one accused me,
nobody filed an FIR. None of the commis‑
sions called me guilty. But the Prime
Minister is now accusing me. This is the
limit."
social "stress" under Modi, who "demon‑
strated no desire to foster brotherly feel‑
ings between Hindus and Muslims," as per
the article.
The article also recalls the 2002 Gujarat
riots that claimed many lives.

Jet CFO, Deputy CEO

Amit Agarwal quits
New Delhi: Grounded Jet Airways contin‑
MODI PLAYING POLITICS ON
ues to lose its senior executives dashing
hopes of the airline's revival.
The latest to quit the company is its
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Deputy
ALWAR RAPE: RAJASTHAN CM
Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok can now be registered in Superintendent of
Chief Executive (CEO) Amit Agarwal. The
Gehlot on Monday accused Prime Minister Police office (for) the first time in India.
exit comes days after the airline's top
Narendra Modi of playing politics on the "Also, Case Of ficers equal to the rank of
executive Gaurang Shetty, considered
Alwar gang‑rape and using the issue as a Deputy SP will be deployed all across the
close to founder Naresh Goyal, resigned
political tool to draw mileage in the Lok state to ensure quick action in crime against
from the board of directors.
Sabha elections. women," he added.
In a regulatory filing, Jet Airways on
Speaking to the media at his residence, he Asked if Mayawati can withdraw her sup‑
Tuesday said that Amit Agarwal had
said Modi had been targeting the Rajasthan port to the Congress in Rajasthan, he said:
resigned from the services of the compa‑
Chief Minister in one way or the other wher‑ "Mayawati is the leader of a Dalit party and
ny with effect from May 13, 2019 due to
ever he goes be it Jodhpur, Madhya Pradesh, her anger on this incident is quite natural.
personal reasons.
Uttar Pradesh or Udaipur. She has clearly said that she will think on
Run out of cash, Jet Airways suspended
He said Modi lacked complete information withdrawing her support but has not with‑
its operations on April 17. Subsequent to
about the Alwar crime. "It is unfortunate that drawn it yet and she will definitely continue
this, hundreds of employees have left the
he used the incident elections. supporting the Congress.
carrier to join rival companies. Its aircraft
"Our police department was quick to act on "We will continue getting the support of
are also being gradually de‑registered.
this issue. Disciplinary action was taken the BSP in future," he added.
These events have added to the growing
against all derelict of ficials and all the Earlier, Modi had in one of his election ral‑
uncertainty about airline's revival.
accused have been arrested," he said. lies slammed the Congress‑led Rajasthan gov‑
Lenders of Jet Airways led by SBI are
"Now, I am planning to make Rajasthan ernment for allegedly suppressing the Alwar
currently in the process of selling the air‑
Police a role model in India. Rape complaints gang‑rape case. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
line to recover their dues of over Rs 8,400
crore. Private equity firm TPG Capital,
Indigo Partners, National Investment and
Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Etihad
Airways had been shortlisted to submit
70 injured as Kashmir erupts against minor's rape
their bids after they gave their EoIs. Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley erupted in girl in Bandipora on May 9. he sustained a critical injury. The accused,
On May 10 ‑‑ the last date for submit‑ anger on Monday against the rape of a The incident occurred when Muslims Tahir Mir, has been arrested.
ting the binding bids ‑‑ only Etihad gave three‑year‑old minor, with 74 people were breaking their daily fast during the Former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah
its offer and that too in the eleventh hour. injured in widespread clashes between the ongoing holy month of Ramadan. and Mehbooba Mufti, separatist leaders as
The other two bids for the airline were security forces and protesters. Forty‑seven security personnel were well as a number of social, religious and
unsolicited. Markets and educational institutions injured in Jammu and Kashmir's political groups expressed shock over the
Faced with salary delays and uncertain‑ were shut and most transport went off the Baramulla district when stone pelting incident.
ty over revival of the airline, thousand of roads as protests broke out in all 10 dis‑ mobs went on the rampage. Mehbooba Mufti has said that the guilty
Jet Airways employees, especially pilots tricts of the Valley with those taking to the An of ficial statement said an Assistant of such a heinous crime should be stoned
and engineers, have left the company to streets seeking death for the young man, Commander of the Sashastra Seema Bal to death by invoking the Muslim Sharia
join rival carriers. Tahir Ahmed Mir, who allegedly raped the (SSB) was hit on the head by a stone and laws.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA ELECTIONS May 18-24, 2019 13

BJP government holds on

MAHA KUMBH

to its approval ratings

OF DEMOCRACY
New Delhi: With Lok Sabha polls
coming to an end with the last
phase of voting on May 19, the
satisfaction level of the people
with the ruling Bharatiya Janata
Party remains high as most of
the respondents in CVOTER‑IANS
tracker cont inue to g ive a
thumbs up to the ruling dispen‑
sation.
In a month‑to‑month compari‑
son, the net satisfaction rating
for the government remained
almost unchanged between April
satisfied with the current BJP
government and 25.33 percent
said there were happy to some
extent. Another 27.37 per cent
said they were not satisfied with
the government at all. The net
approval rating on this day was
43.76.
A month ago on April 9, 45.57
per cent respondents had said
they were very much satisfied
with the current government
with overall approval rating of
44.54. T he month showed
intense campaign by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and an
The respondents in CVOTER‑IANS tracker continue to give a equally charged pitch was made
thumbs up to the ruling dispensation. by the opposition to challenge
the government. The numbers
9 and May 9 during which voting May 12. show that the government has
was held for five of the seven In a sample of 11,250 on May been able to hold its popularity
phases of Lok Sabha polls. Voting 9, 45.60 per cent respondents among the voters during the cru‑
for the sixth phase were held on said that they were very much cial phases of the poll process.
Among the states, voters in
Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Bihar and
Gujarat remained most satisfied
with the performance of the BJP
government while those in
Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil
Nadu and Punjab remained least
satisfied. The trend among the
states has also remained
unchanged from the start of the
poll process towards the end.
On January 1, only 36.35 per
cent respondents had said they
were most satisfied with the per‑
formance of the BJP government
which had an overall approval
rating of 32.15. T here was a
spike in the approval rating to
over 60 in the first wee k of
March after the Balakot air strike
before it started coming down in
mid‑March to settle in the mid‑
40s throughout May.

6th phase of Lok Modi a big hit among

Sabha elections
sees 63.3% turnout
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi with Delhi Congress
President Sheila Dikshit after casting their votes in
New Delhi on May 12, 2019. (Photo: Bidesh Manna/IANS)
New Delhi: The sixth phase of Lok Sabha elec‑
tions, covering 59 seats across seven states,
saw a voter turnout of 63.3 per cent which
was less than 65.67 per cent recorded in
2014 for the same seats, the Election
Commission said on Sunday.
The voter turnout was higher in Bihar and
Madhya Pradesh and almost the same in
Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. Delhi recorded
a voter turnout of 59.8 per cent which is less
than the 65.1 per cent in 2014.
"The overall polling percentage was 63.3
per cent for seats that went to the polls in the
sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections. It was
65.57 per cent in 2014," Senior Deputy
Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.
He said the poll percentage is expected to
go up further as final figures come from vari‑
ous states.
The sixth phase was the penultimate phase
of Lok Sabha elections and voting took place
for 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, all 10 in
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind
Kejriwal after casting
his vote.
Haryana, eight each in West Bengal, Bihar
and Madhya Pradesh, four in Jharkhand and
all seven seats in Delhi.
T he polling percentage was 62.91 in
Haryana (71.86 in 2014), 65.17 in Jharkhand
(65.43 in 2014), 79.93 in West Bengal (84.98
in 2014), 60.06 in Madhya Pradesh (56.8 in
2014), 59.38 in Bihar (57.25 in 2014) and
54.12 in Uttar Pradesh (54.53 in 2014).
Sinha said that with completion of sixth
phase of polling, 28 states and union territo‑
ries have completed their polling.
He said the polling percentage for the first
five phases was 69.5 per cent, 69.44 per cent,
68.40 per cent, 65.5 per cent and 64.16 per
cent, respectively and the overall percentage
was 67. 40 per cent which is 1.33 percentage
points over the 66.07 per cent in 2014.
He also said that a distinct aspect of the
election was that polling percentage of
women, at 67.44, almost caught up with men
(67.5 per cent).
first-time voters in Delhi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi seemed quite popular among
first‑time voters in Delhi as most of
them hailed his foreign policies,
nationalism and reforms in education,
besides his "love for the youth".
Among the capital's new voters
IANS spoke to, the Prime Minister
was no less than a hero.
First‑time voters Dinesh and Sanjay
voted for Modi due to the way foreign
countries have started "respecting"
India. "We have voted looking at the
respect India is getting in foreign
countries. Modi has travelled to sever‑
The first‑time voters in Sadar Bazar,
al countries and he has brought invest‑ New Delhi. (Photo: IANS/ECI)
ment, which will start yielding results
in coming days," said the residents of Motilal "My parents always say hard work is the key.
Nehru Marg. Without studying or doing hard work if people
For 21‑year‑old Akarti, no politician loves the cry there is no job, it's their issue. The govern‑
youth as much as Modi. "Where in the world do ment will only let the hardworking people in
you see a Prime Minister addressing the stu‑ the system. Look how much hard work Modi is
dents before the board examinations? Modi is doing at this age. He is an icon. We should learn
the one. No politician can love the youth as from him and support him," said the resident of
much as he does. He takes out time from his Bhajanpura.
busy schedule to talk to students, to meet them However, there were also a few who said
so that he can address their issues," said the B. "blind faith" in any political party can be "scary".
Com student living in Burari. "You don't hire a person without checking his
Priyanshu Rai, a first‑time voter from Mayur or her background or just because he or she is
Vihar, was impressed with the Modi govern‑ from a certain city, community, religion or
ment as it focused on skill development. "I voted caste. The blind faith in one party or man can
on the issue of education and development. The be scary. At least look at the track record," said
(central) government is not just focusing on 19‑year‑old Vaibhav.
education but skills as well. They have prepared For 12th pass Varun, lack of jobs were an
the ground for students to develop skills. I have issue. "I have two siblings. I am the youngest.
voted for Modi," said the 21‑year‑old B. Tech My father is the only earning member in the
student. house. Both my siblings graduated three‑four
On being asked if unemployment is not an years ago. They are preparing for government
issue for him, 22‑year‑old Naman Gupta said jobs. If there were jobs, my father could have
jobs were available, but "those lacking skills will got some help. I am voting for change this time,"
not get it and cry about it". said the resident of Shahdara.
 14 May 18-24, 2019 INDIA ELECTIONS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

MAHA KUMBH
OF DEMOCRACY
New Delhi: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's interview to News
Nation may have already caused
enough embarrassment to the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sup‑
porters, but the fact‑checking web‑
site Alt News now suggests the PM
had prior knowledge of questions
to be asked.
Alt News Co‑founder Prat ik
Sinha created a thread on Twitter
that suggested that the interview
was scripted.
MODI'S MEDIA INTERVIEW
TRIGGERS NEW QUESTIONS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"PM Modi is asked to recite a
recent poetry of his in the
@NewsNationTV intvw. He asks for
HIS file, which is duly handed over,
and he starts fiddling with a bunch
of papers. The paper on which
there's a printed copy of a poetry
also has a printed question on the
top," Sinha posted on Twitter.
The post was accompanied by an
image that showed part of that
question ‑‑ I want to know from
poet Narendra Modi if he's written
anything in the past five years? ‑‑
as well as the poem.
"The part of question that is visi‑
ble in the papers he ld by PM
@narendramodi matches word‑to‑
word to the question asked by the
anchor Deepak Chaurasia," Sinha
said. He also posted a "slowed
down" version of the video (sans
audio) in which the Prime Minister
flips through the papers present in
his file.
Sinha's "thread" was retweeted
thousands of t imes as people
found new fodder for fun in the
interview, which earlier drew a lot
of criticism for what is now com‑
monly referred to as Modi's "cloud
theory" on the Balakot air strike.
Modi was trolled on Twitter for
his remarks that he had asked the
Air Force to carry out Balakot air
strike on Fe bruary 26 in bad
weather as his "raw wisdom" said a
cloud blanket would he lp the
Indian fig hter planes escape
Pakistani radars.
The prime Minister also came
under attack for claims of using
digital camera, email in 1987‑88.
"An interview clouded by radar
claims, email claims, digital pho‑
tography claims. Now this ‑‑ evi‑
dence that the interviewee already
had the questions given to him,"
former Jammu and Kashmir Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.

BJP to win over 23 seats in Vadra posts Paraguay

Bengal: Amit Shah
Joynagar (West Bengal): Taking a
jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee over cancellation
of one of his rallies in the state, BJP
President Amit Shah on Tuesday said
the state's voters have decided to
send more than 23 BJP MPs to the
Lok Sabha irrespective of whether
the state government allows them to
hold meetings. Shah also dared
Banerjee to arrest him for chanting
"Jai Shri Ram", a week after three
persons were arrested in the West
Midnapore district for allegedly
chanting the slogan while her con‑
voy was passing through the area.
"I am supposed to go to three
places today (Monday). I have come
BJP chief Amit Shah addresses
a public rally in Joynagar, West
Bengal. (Photo: IANS)
here at Joynagar and the permission
for (my) second rally has been can‑
celled because Mamata didi fears
that her nephew would lose his reign
if the BJP workers get united.
"People have already decided to
defeat Trinammol Congress in the
flag in place of
Lok Sabha elections, irrespective of
whether you allow us to talk or hold
Tricolor, gets trolled
meetings, or deny us to talk or
organise rallies," he said addressing
a public meeting here.
The people of Bengal have made
up their mind to "give more than 23
Lok Sabha seats to the BJP", he said.
Shah's scheduled rally in Baruipur
on Monday was cancelled as the
state government allegedly denied
permission to it.
"Mamata didi often says Jai Shri
Ram cannot be chanted. I am chanti‑
ng Jai Shri Ram from this stage in
the Joynagar constituency and going
to Kolkata from here. If you have
courage, arrest me," Shah said.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with her husband
Robert Vadra arrive to cast their vote in New Delhi's Lodhi

Pitroda must apologize for Estate. (Photo: Amlan Paliwal/IANS)

New Delhi: In an embarrassing butt of jokes on social media,

anti‑Sikh riots remark: Rahul goof‑up, Cong ress leader

Khanna/Hoshiarpur (Punjab):
Congress leader Sam Pitroda must
apologize to the nation for his
remarks in connection with the anti‑
Sikh riots of 1984 and those guilty of
the riots should be punished, party
President Rahul Gandhi said on
Monday. He reiterated that Pitroda's
"Hua toh hua" (it just happened)
remark on the tragic events was
"shameful". "What Sam Pitroda said
on the 1984 riots was wrong. I called
him and have told him to apologize. I
have told him it has to be a public
apology," he said at an election rally
in Khanna town. At the same time, he
said those responsible for the riots
should and will be punished. The
Congress chief was accompanied by
Congress party President
Rahul Gandhi.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder
Singh at the rally in Khanna, which is
known for the largest grain market
in Asia as it gets millions of tonnes of
produce from Punjab's agricultural
fields. The 1984 anti‑Sikh riots have
been a sensitive issue for people of
Punjab, mainly the Sikhs, and is like‑
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's hus‑
band Robert Vadra used the
remained for over four hours
on his Twitter page.
Soon after the goof‑up, Vadra
ly to damage the Congress' prospects
flag of Paraguay instead of the was mercilessly trolled on
in the state that will go to the polls in
Tricolor to spread awareness social media, following which
the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls
about the Lok Sabha elections he deleted the tweet.
on Sunday.
on so cial media, invit ing A user said, "Robert Vadra
Pitroda, the Indian Oversees
ridicule from netizens. Declared Himself A Paraguayan
Congress chief, had brushed off the
"Our rig ht our strength!! Citizen On 12th May, 2019".
1984 anti‑Sikh riots by saying, "it
Everyone must step out n Another sarcastically asked,
just happened" and later apologised,
vote...we need all support, to "Voted for BJP right?"
saying that what he had said was
create a combined future for Though Vadra posted a cor‑
"completely twisted and taken out of
our loved ones, n for a secular, rect caption on his Facebook
context because my Hindi isn't
safe productive future of our page, he however failed to
good."At the rally in support of can‑
country," Vadra tweeted with a check the of fending flag while
didates Amar Singh from Fategarh
joined hands emoji, the Indian posting it on Twitter.
Sahib, Raj Kumar Chabbewal from
Parliament and a Paraguayan Hours later he deleted the
Hoshiarpur and Santokh Singh
flag, along with a photo of his tweet and posted the screen‑
Chaudhary from Jalandhar, Gandhi
inked finger after casting his shot of his Facebook post which
said these elections were an ideologi‑
vote. had the Indian flag in the cap‑
cal fight between false promises and
The tweet, which became the tion.
realistic commitments.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Bhooplapur honored for leadership
by SUNY Old Westbury Foundation
Woodbury, NY: The SUNY Old
Westbury College Foundation
held their annual Leadership
Awards Dinner on May 7 at the
Crest Hollow Country Club here.
The elegant event was attended
by over 600 prominent people.
The goal of the Leadership
Awards was to recognize a select
few individuals who have com‑
mitted themselves to leadership
work and helping others. The
awards, as per the college foun‑
dation, “honor distinguished area
citizens and College alumni who
enrich our community in distinc‑
tive ways ̶ economically, scien‑
tifically, culturally, intellectually
and socially ̶ and whose
efforts, taken together, are help‑
ing to transform the Long Island
Region.”
Ravishankar Bhooplapur,
President of Xavier University
School of Medicine (XUSOM),
was awarded the Leadership
Ravishankar Bhooplapur:
Humanitarian par excellence
P
resident of Xavier University
School of Medicine
(XUSOM), Ravishankar
Bhooplapur has many feathers in his
cap. A very active Rotarian for four
decades, he served as Governor of
Rotary Dist 7250 in 2009-10. For his
commitment to humanitarian work
worldwide, the Rotary Foundation
has given him its highest “Service
above Self” award. He is a Hall of
Fame Member at the Rotary
Foundation. Currently he serves on
the Rotary Investment Committee to
manage and advice for $1 billion in
foundation donations.
Bhooplapur is a board member of
numerous charities, hospitals, and
businesses. He travel at his own cost
to many countries for humanitarian
COMMUNITY May 18-24, 2019 15
Jaya and Ravishankar Bhooplapur with Nassau County
Executive Laura Curran at the event.
Ravishankar Bhooplapur, President of Xavier University School
of Medicine (XUSOM), addresses the audience
at the Leadership Awards Dinner.
Award by SUNY Old Westbury in efforts globally. He was present‑
recognition of his lifelong dedica‑ ed the award by Dr. Calvin O.
tion to leadership and his tireless Butts III, President of SUNY Old
commitment to humanitarian Westbury, and Dr. Bhupi Patel,
SUNY Old Westbury Trustee.
Bhooplapur, a prominent
Lionel Chitty, Rotarian, graciously accepted the
President of award and addressed the audi‑
the Alumni ence on what being honored with
Association at this award meant to him.
SUNY Old The other two honorees were
Westbury, was Dr. Laura Anker, a distinguished
also honored service professor at SUNY Old
with Westbury, and Lionel Chitty,
Leadership President of the Alumni
Award at the Association at SUNY Old
May 7 event. Westbury.
He is seen with The SUNY Old Westbury Ravishankar Bhooplapur with XUSOM Chancellor Dr JG Bhat.
Ronald Terenzi, College Foundation also offered
Trustee of a special Salute to College his college an excellent place for Westbury College Foundation in
President Dr. Calvin O. Butts III students to receive a high quality order to help it continue to pro‑
SUNY Old
for his work to continuously cre‑ education. vide scholarships to students and
Westbury
ate an excellent atmosphere at All of the proceeds from the to support academic enrichment
Foundation.
SUNY Old Westbury and to make event went to the SUNY Old programs.
Xavier in top 10 Caribbean
medical schools list
R
avishankar ʻRaviʼ
projects. He is the founder of the Bhooplapur took
“Gift of Life, India” and has been over as President of
instrumental in saving over 1500 Xavier University School of
children’s lives by providing heart Medicine (XUSOM), Aruba in universities accredited by
surgery to children under the age of 2008 and within a decade has both CAAM‑HP and ACCM. It
15. He has actively lobbied in United transformed it to become one is registered with NCFMEA
States Senate and House for the of the Top 10 Caribbean and WFME. They have recent‑
advancement of India for the past Medical Schools in 2019, as ly achieved a 100% First Time
two decades. He was recognized by listed by MoneyInc.com! For pass rate on the USMLE Step 1
the US Congress and presented an the accomplishment, Ravi, of exam. They also offer scholar‑
award by Congressman Gary course, likes to thank their ships to well qualified stu‑
Ackerman for his outstanding con- hard working faculty mem‑ dents and have recently
tributions to local & international bers and staff. announced special scholar‑
humanitarian causes. With admissions office in ships for Sikh heritage stu‑
In 2012, Ravi was awarded the Woodbury, NY, XUSOM is dents to celebrate the 550th
prestigious “Ellis Island Medal of chartered by the government birth anniversary of Guru
Honor,” which honors recipients for of Aruba with authorization Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of
professional contributions to by the Ministry of Education Sikhism.
America and their immigrant of Aruba.
heritage. XUSOM is one of the few Website: XUSOM.com
 16 May 18-24, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

'Student of the Year 2':

Trite but breezy

The film
starring
actors Tiger
Shroff and
Tara Sutaria
lacks
chutzpah.
A still from the movie ʻStanley ka Dabbaʼ.

ʻChildren's films
ignored in Bollywoodʼ
G L
angs of Wasseypur" fame screen‑
play writer Zeishan Quadri, who
has made his debut as a writer‑
director on the digital platform with the
web series "Bhoot Purva", says writing a
fantasy story keeping children in mind is a
tough task, and perhaps that is a reason
why children's films is an ignored genre in
Bollywood.
The story of the show revolves around a
youngster and his friendship with a ghost,
and how the world of the ghost is inter‑
twined with the reality of Purva, the cen‑
tral character.
It has been garnering children's interest
as well. Asked why the Hindi entertain‑
'O WOMANIYA': BOLLYWOOD
ment industry does not provide more con‑
tent for children, Quadri said: "I think chil‑
dren's films are an ignored genre because
for the last few decades, we have stopped
providing content for them. Their parents
are taking them to watch mainstream
masala films and that is why the new gen‑
eration would rather watch a Salman
Khan film than a children's film.
"Making content for children which is
commercially viable is also a task. We still
love watching 'Mr. India'. But we are not
making such films where the reality and
fantasy meet in one narration. Children
films are also good family entertainment...
we just need to package them well."
By Troy Ribeiro
et's not talk what is novel or original
in this film. Let's not talk intelligent
stuff too. If you are fine with this,
then let's proceed. Needless to say, ʻSOTY2ʼ
is a fluffy, well‑packaged rehash, inspired
from various films of its genre.
A predictable underdog story moves at a
rapid pace. The narrative focuses on Rohan
(Tiger Shroff ) a student of the LS (low soci‑
ety) Pishorilal Chamandas College, who
dreams of getting into St Teresa's college
because his childhood sweetheart, the awe‑
struck Mridula (Tara Sutaria) has taken
admission there.
While he has been accepted with open
arms into this prestigious college, there are
undercurrents of hostility between him and
the other students of the college namely;
Manav (Aditya Seal) and Shreya (Ananya
REVIEW
he delivers his standard chops along with
his flamboyant moves, with ease. Equally
impressive is Aditya as Manav. But both by
no stretch of imagination appear to be col‑
lege students.
Tara as the sweet and ambitious Mridula
aka Mia, and Ananya as the perky and
spoilt brat Shreya, debut with this film.
Both are cute and capable actors.
Samir Soni fills in Rishi Kapoor's boots as
the Principal of St Teresa's. With his car‑
toonish demeanor who is always screeching
on the microphone or getting stumped for
words, he is such a let‑down.
The songs are well choreographed and
they mesh into the narrative seamlessly.
Hollywood actor Will Smith's uncalled for
appearance does not up the number, "Yeh
jawaani hai diwani".

FILMS DOUBLE UP WOMAN POWER Panday), children of a school trustee and

their friends.
Overall, mounted on a lavish scale and
with a lazily drafted screenplay, the film

B
ollywood, hitherto fueled by its The film is naturally Tiger's canvas and lacks chutzpah.
favorite ingredient ‑hypermasculini‑
ty and machismo ‑ seems to be
changing as filmmakers are taking a step
forward by doubling up woman power in
Acting guru Roshan Taneja
dead, 'students' pay tributes
movies and going beyond the usual formula
of a boy fighting baddies to save women.

Some films that are yet to release this
year or later such as “Good News", "Saand
Ki Aankh" and "Bala", showcase not just one
but two female leads.
Bhushan Kumar, head honcho of T‑Series,
who is bank‑rolling female lead films
including movies like "De De Pyaar De",
"Bharat" and "Pati Patni Aur Woh", told
IANS: "Women are playing important roles
across all walks of life. As a result, what is
happening in the outside world will sooner
or later find its way to mirror itself in
films."
"De De Pyaar De" stars Tabu along with
Rakul Preet Singh; "Bharat" stars Katrina
Kaif and Disha Patani; "Pati Patni Aur Woh"
will have Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya
Panday; "Saand Ki Aankh" has Bhumi
Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu; and "Good
News" has Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kiara
Advani.
"Today's writers are writing stories that
talk about issues that they see around
them. Whether we like it or not, we cannot
escape the presence and influence of
A still from the upcoming
movie ʻSaand ki Aankhʼ.
women in any domain. Writers are writing
about contemporary characters irrespective
of their gender. There is no escaping that.
"Today, the industry is infused with writ‑
ers who are bringing new thinking and
fresh ideas and perspectives to the stories
they bring on board. It's not to say that
women will not be playing glamorous char‑
acters anymore in films, but as I see it,
glamor will not necessarily be the only hall‑
mark of a character essayed by an actress
in our movies," Kumar added.
R
oshan Taneja, the man behind the
treasure trove of talent in
Bollywood including the likes of
Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya
Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Shatrughan
Sinha, is dead at 87. His students paid
emotional tributes.
"My father passed away in his sleep on
Friday (May 10) at home after prolonged
illness," the acting guru's son Rohit Taneja
said. Roshan Taneja was diagnosed with
pancreatic cancer in February this year. He Roshan Taneja was known to many as
the 'pioneer of method acting' in India.
is survived by his wife Mithika and sons
Rohit and Rahul. the 1960s, first at the Film and Television
Roshan Taneja's passion for acting took Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and later at
him to New York at The Neighborhood his private school in Mumbai, the Roshan
Playhouse School of the Theatre to train Taneja School of Acting.
under the famous Sanford Meisner & Shabana paid condolences, and tweeted:
Sydney Pollack, who went on to become an "He was my Guru at FTII and the only per‑
Academy Award winning director. son whose feet I touched. I was privileged
Known to many as the 'pioneer of to be trained in acting by him."
method acting' in India, Roshan Taneja Among Bollywood's younger talent,
was held in high regard in the Hindi film Abhishek Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor
industry. He had been training talent since have trained under the master actor.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Bollywood, Hollywood to woo
movie buffs during World Cup
I
ndia's love for cricket may not eclipse
its love for films after all in the forth‑
coming World Cup season. While
Bollywood's slate includes Salman Khan's
"Bharat", Shahid Kapoor's "Kabir Singh"
and Sonam Kapoor's "The Zoya Factor",
Hollywood buffs have a heady mix of
franchise entertainers to look forward to.
The World Cup begins on May 30, and
will end on July 14 in England.
Bollywood has lined up supernatural
horror film "Khamoshi", starring
Tamannaah Bhatia, for May 31, which is
also when "Godzilla II: King Of The
Monsters" will release.
The much‑awaited "Bharat" is Salman's
Eid treat for his fans. Directed by Ali
Abbas Zafar and co‑starring Katrina Kaif,
the movie will release on June 5.
Salman knows India's heart beats for
cricket, and he ensured he made use of
the finale of the T20 cricket league
Indian Premier League (IPL) fever to be
on a show with Katrina and Sunil Grover
to promote his film, which will release in
the midst of the World Cup.
"It is important to be part of all the
major shows and events to ensure a wide
reach for the film. 'Bharat' being one of
the biggest films of this year, promoting
our film on India's biggest cricket league
Taking baby steps to
merge healing with
work: Irrfan Khan
A
cclaimed actor Irrfan
Khan, who has is back
on the sets to shoot for
"Angrezi Medium" after being
diagnosed with neuroen‑
docrine tumor, says he is tak‑
ing baby steps to merge heal‑
ing with work.
Irrfan released a statement
addressing to his "friends in
the media" and said the "last
few months have been on a
road to recovery a period to
heal to fight the fatigue and
face the reel and real world".
"I am aware of your concern
and request to talk to you,
share my journey, but I am
fathoming it myself inhaling
and internalising, taking baby
steps to merge my healing with
work and trying to experiment
the amalgamation of both," he
added.
The 52‑year‑old star says he
is deeply touched by the wishes and
prayers.
"I truly respect the way you respected
my journey giving me time and space to
heal. Thank you for your patience and
the warmth and the love all through this
overwhelming journey."
"I feel an urge to share with you some‑
thing. I live my life in widening rings
which spread over earth and sky. I may
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
Actor Salman Khan‑starrer ʻBharatʼ
is set for a June 5 release.
is essential. Salman hopes to get maxi‑
mum eyeballs with the show," producers
Atul Agnihotri and Bhushan Kumar said
in a joint statement.
"The World Cup will not have any
adverse impact on business. India is a
cricket loving nation, but it also loves
Bollywood. Cricket is still not a (source
of) family entertainment, but films are
the only source of family entertainment.
Considering it's the holiday season, we
see films will do better business than last
year,” said Mohan Umrotkar, CEO,
Carnival Cinemas.
"Recent past trends suggest that if con‑
Actor Irrfan Khan is shooting in
Udaipur for ʻAngrezi Mediumʼ.
not ever complete the last one, but that
is what I will try. I circle around God's
primordial tower, and I circle ten thou‑
sand years long; And I still don't know if
I'm a falcon, a storm, or an unfinished
song ‑ Rilke."
It was in March last year that the ver‑
satile actor had announced his diagnosis
and said that he was going abroad for
treatment. He returned to India in
February this year.
May 18-24, 2019 17
Hollywood doesn't high‑
light people of color: Davis
O
scar‑winning actress Viola Davis says it is
because of fear that Hollywood refrains from
giving projects about people of color the
tent is good, people come out in numbers
importance they
to watch their favorite stars. With a line‑ Oscar‑
deserve.
up like 'Bharat', 'Kabir Singh' and 'Toy winning
At an Inclusion
Story 4', we don't see the World Cup hav‑ actress
Summit in Los
ing any impact on business," Umrotkar Viola Davis.
Angeles, Davis spoke
added. In distributor Rajesh Thadani's
about the impor‑
opinion, some impact may be seen on the
tance of taking a
movie business.
firm stance about
"But if the content of these films is
fostering inclusive
good, they will not have any issue, except
content, reports vari‑
a slight dip on the days when India is
ety.com.
playing," Thadani said.
Asked why execu‑
An interesting Bollywood release would
tives and casting
be "The Zoya Factor", as its plot hinges
agents in Hollywood
on a girl who turns out to be a lucky
still refrain from giv‑
charm for the Indian team during a
ing projects about
World Cup. The movie, featuring Sonam
people of colour the
and Dulquer Salmaan, will hit the screens
same attention as
on June 14.
those toplined by
After that, the Bollywood box office
non‑person of color,
awaits: "99 Songs" (June 21), Shahid's
Davis said: "Fear".
rugged avatar in "Kabir Singh" (June 21),
The "Widows" actress echoed the sentiments of many
Ayushmann Khurrana‑starrer and
participants throughout the day, which was that the
Anubhav Sinha‑directed "Article 15"
"people in power" were the ones who needed to make
(June 28), Karan Johar's production
the change. "They're not being asked those hard‑hitting
"Drive" (June 28), starring Sushant Singh
questions," Davis said.
Rajput and Jacqueline Fernandez, and
Davis explained how she doesn't believe inclusion rid‑
"Jabariya Jodi" (July 12) featuring
ers are an entirely adequate solution to the diversity
Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra
problem in the industry.
once again. The Hollywood calendar is
"I do not want to be a part of any piece of paper that
enticing with franchise films.
has to force people to see me."
Neeed money y
forr groceries
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images :5(7 ILULÄ[Z
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Department of
Social Services
 18 May 18-24, 2019 COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

International Ahimsa Foundation echoes a message

of non‑violence on Mahavir & Gandhi anniversaries
New York: International Ahimsa Foundation
USA celebrated on May 5 Non‑Violence “A
Message of Lord Mahavir” on his 2618th birth
anniversary and commemorated the 150th
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The event at the Indian Consulate here was
graced by distinguished special guests includ‑
ing Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Guest
Speaker Professor Lawrence A. Babb of
Amherst College, Assemblyman David Weprin,
NYS Senators John Liu and Kevin Thomas and
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.
Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty said
Over 200 guests attended the event from the
Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by the work
Indian American community, foreign press, so‑
a Jain, Founder of and principle of civil disobedience of US philo
and diplomatic missions and consulates from Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Dr Neet Cong resswoman Malo ney
n, Consul general Sandeep Chakravorty pher Thoreau while
International Ahimsa Foundatio d the
Italy, Bangladesh, Japan, Georgia and
and other guests at the lamp lighting of
the event. emphasized how Gandhi in turn influence
Indonesia. civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Rep Maloney who introduced a bill in the US
House of Representatives to posthumously work and principle of civil disobedience of nity. She is Democratic District Leader for UN Toshiya Hoshino, and CG of Italy in NY,
present the Congressional Gold Medal to American philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Assembly District 25 Part B in Queens and has Giampiero Biagioli. The guests were enter‑
Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of his promo‑ “Our freedom fighters were also deeply influ‑ won accolades for her tireless work in the tained by cultural performances by
tion of nonviolence, said Gandhi was “transfor‑ enced by the American independence move‑ South Asian community. Manglastak Rhythm Dance Academy, Ghoomar
mational in so many ways” and an inspiration ment and the Constitution,” he added. Samanis Malay Pragyaji and Niti Pragyaji of by Rhythm Dance Academy and Raghupati
to all Americans and people across the world. Dr. Neeta Jain, President and Founder of Jain Vishwa Bharati of North America conduct‑ Raghav Raja Ram (Gandhiʼs prayer song) by
She said Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther International Ahimsa Foundation (IAF), gave ed Shanti Ki Preksha (Peace Meditation) chants United Nations International School. Hon.
King Jr both attributed their philosophy of non‑ welcome remarks and reiterated in our time along with the guests. Judge Deborah Taylor of The Honorable
violence and their leadership to Gandhi and the importance of non‑violence and teachings Consul General Chakravorty, along with Dr. Society of the Inner Temple presented a video
both are already recipients of the of Lord Mahavir and Mahatma Gandhi and Jain and IAF Vice President Dr. Raj Bhayani commentary on Gandhi.
Congressional Gold Medal. related how the Foundation was formed in honored the dignitaries – NYS elected officials The evening began with special Jain vegetar‑
Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty said 2012 to spread the message of non‑violence and diplomats including CG of Bangladesh ian reception and concluded with Jain vegetari‑
Gandhi himself was deeply influenced by the and peace from Jain principles to the commu‑ Sadia Faizunnesa, Deputy PR of Japan to the an dinner and desserts
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 18-24, 2019
20 May 18-24, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Opposition's continuing handicap - no leader

By Amulya Ganguli when it was felt that he was moving close
to the BJP. But that phase is apparently

W
ith Bharat iya Janata Party
(BJP) leader Ram Madhav now
saying that his party will get a
majority of its own in the Lok Sabha and
not fall short of the requisite number as
he had said earlier, the opposition will
probably have to redouble its unity
efforts.
Madhav's earlier comment had appar‑
ently galvanized the opposition parties to
try yet again to come together. First off
the block was Telangana chief minister K.
Chandrashekhar Rao, who spoke to his
counterparts in Kerala and Karnataka,
Pinarayi Vijayan and H.D. Kumaraswamy
to sound them on his ideas of forming a
non‑BJP, non‑Congress front.
However, he now seems to have
become softer towards the Congress, pre‑
sumably because both Kumaraswamy
and Stalin have told him that they have
earlier supported Rahul Gandhi's claim to
be the prime minister.
In any event, Rao himself may have
realized that since he raised the issue of a
forming a non‑BJP, non‑Congress federal
front w ith Mamata Banerjee a few
months ago, it is not possible to keep the
Congress out of the equation, especially if
it gets 100‑odd seats, more than any
other non‑BJP party.
After Rao's endeavors, And hra
Pradesh's N. Chandrababu Naidu has
entered the fray with praise for Mamata
It is the belief among the opposition parties that the BJP may get the
first chance to form a government so they are ready to give letters of
support for an alternative government.
Banerjee as a Bengal tigress. What is
obvious from these smoke signals is the
realization that the non‑BJP parties have
a chance if they can get their act together
because the BJP, in their view, is faltering.
However, they are also scared that if
they do not move quickly, then the BJP
may use its status as the largest party in
the House ‑ which is a certainty ‑ to form
a government by wooing allies from out‑
side the Nat ional Demo crat ic Front
(NDA).
The ever‑active grapevine of Lutyens
Delhi has it that Odisha chief minister
Naveen Patnaik tops the list of such
potential allies followed by YS Jagan
Mohan Reddy of the YSR Congress Party
in Andhra Pradesh, who is on record for
saying that he will support the BJP in a
"hung" Parliament if it promises granting
special status to his state ‑ the issue on
which Naidu quit the NDA.
Ironically, Rao's name was also men‑
tioned in this context some time ago
over.
However, it is the belief among the
opposition parties that the BJP may get
the first chance to form a government,
which has persuaded them to consider
writ ing to the President, Ramnath
Kovind, that they are ready to give letters
of support for an alternative government.
While the Telangana chief minister
wants someone from the south to be the
PM ‑ is Rao thinking of himself ‑ Naidu
seemingly has a preference for Mamata
Banerjee although he has been equally
friendly with Rahul Gandhi.
The West Bengal chief minister herself
is believed to nurture such ambitions if
only at the behest of her party men who
want a Bengali prime minister.
However, her major dif ficulty at the
moment is the challenge which she faces
from the BJP in West Bengal which
appears to have replaced the Left and the
Congress as the Trinamool Congress's
main adversary in the state.
Mayawati has also thrown her hat in
the ring by saying that if she gets a
chance to be the prime minister, she will
stand for the parliamentary elections
which she is not contesting at present.
The khichdi image, therefore, remains
valid about the opposition, confirming
Arun Jaitley's fear of "chaos" overtaking
the country if the opposition comes to
power.

Are Indian tariffs really high as Trump thinks?

By Amit Kapoor and wines; about 75 per cent on services, generic drugs and
automobiles; 50 per cent on refined petroleum products,

T
he Trump‑driven trade
war does not seem to
relent. In the latest devel‑
opment, the US has raised tariffs
on $200 billion worth of Chinese
imports to 25 per cent, up from
10 per cent imposed last year.
China, on its part, has threatened
to retaliate. India has never been
far from the skirmish.
In fact, just a few days ago, US
Commerce Secretary Wilbur
Ross accused India of following
restrictive trade policies that cre‑
ate significant market access bar‑
riers for foreign companies. The
evidence of this claim, according
to him, lay in the fact that the US
was India's biggest export mar‑
ket, accounting for a fifth of its
total exports, while India was
only the 13th largest market for
American exports.
India has been called out
numerous times by the Trump
administration before for its tar‑
iffs and duties on imports. In
October last year, Trump himself
dubbed India the �tariff king'.
In March, he even expressed his
intent of ending the favorable
treatment that India enjoyed
under the Generalized System of
Preferences (GSP), which allows
mango juice and so on. However,
India is not alone in doing so
and, in fact, it is also not close to
the highest tariffs charged by
other countries in the global
economy. As per the World Tariff
Policies 2018 published by WTO,
the highest tariff charged by
some of the major economies
are: 736 per cent by Japan, 807
per cent by South Korea, 350 per
cent by the US, 163 per cent by
Australia and 150 per cent by
India. Merely looking at the high‑
est tariff rate provides only a
limited view to the country's tar‑
iff structure. A better representa‑
tion that takes into account all
imported goods can be obtained
by assessing the average tariff
and trade‑weighted tariff of the
Narendra Modi with President Donald Trump.
(Photo: White House/IANS) country. India's average tariffs at
13.8 per cent turn out to be
many products from developing trade deficit that the US has with higher than most major trading
countries like India to enter the India to the tune of $24.2 billion economies like China (9.8 per
US duty‑free. in 2018. The question, thus, cent) and US (3.4 per cent).
Although the decision to remains whether there is any The Trump administration also
revoke the GSP has been post‑ truth to the claims of Trump and needs to understand that trade
poned until after the new govern‑ Ross with respect to India's tariff imbalances are rarely a result of
ment comes into power in India, structure. policy rather than competitive
the trade war is beginning to There is no second opinion and comparative advantage. The
impact the country more directly. about the fact that India imposes bulk of Indian exports to the US
The fact that has particularly high duties on many items of comprise goods like gems and
irked Trump is the substantial import ‑ 150 per cent on whiskey jewelry, textiles and apparel, IT
where India possesses a compar‑
ative advantage of labor cost.
The US, on the other hand,
finds similar advantage in export
of high‑end manufactured goods
like aircraft, medical devices,
patented drugs and so on as it
has a comparative advantage in
their production. Tariffs have
evidently played little role in
defining such a trade portfolio.
The US is also an exporter of cap‑
ital to India in the form of for‑
eign direct and portfolio invest‑
ment. These provide huge
returns to investors back in the
US.
That being said, India must
also make sure it reduces import
duties and tariffs wherever it
possible. In the automobile sec‑
tor, for instance, Indian auto
makers need not be protected
with 60‑75 per cent import
duties.
The bilateral trade between the
two countries has grown over
six‑fold in the last two decades
from $20 billion in 2000 to
$126 billion in 2017. A contin‑
ued growth of this trade relation‑
ship will be a big win‑win for the
largest economy in the world and
the fastest‑growing one.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
After a decade of peace, Paradise bleeds again
By Sonia Dandona
Hirdaramani
A
life long New Yorker, I
moved to Sri Lanka in
2008, when it was in the
midst of a brutal and seemingly
never‑ending civil war. I quickly
became accustomed to carrying my
passport and stopping at check‑
points every few miles, where army
of ficers would point their rifles
into my car, checking for anything
suspicious. I internalized the fear
that a bus next to me could possi‑
bly explode with a bomb ̶ a com‑
mon tactic employed by the mili‑
tant organization, LTTE, in those
days ̶ only sometimes caving and
naively requesting that my driver
avoid buses, a futile request on
crowded Sri Lankan roads. My hus‑
band worked in the capital, at
Colomboʼs World Trade Center; the
eerie similarity in name with NYCʼs
World Trade Center used to haunt
me.
It is still hard for me to reconcile
the peaceful nature of this predom‑
inantly Buddhist country with its
violent history, because I really did
not live through it for very long.
Within a year of moving, the civil
war was suddenly over. The emo‑
tional scars remain for those who
did live through it, but the physical
reminders of the war were gone ̶
no more checkpoints and no more
rifles.
Slowly, Sri Lanka began to be
unearthed as the hidden gem that
it was. Instead of having to implore
friends to visit me, Sri Lanka was
appearing on all sorts of travel hot
lists, including T he New York
Times, Condé Nast Traveler and
Lonely Planet. Sri Lanka was final‑
ly having its long overdue moment
and tourists were pouring in.
Pristine beaches, breathtaking
safaris, lush tea country, cultural
and religious treasures ̶ so many
experiences, all wrapped into one
small teardrop‑shaped island.
After 10 years of this fanfare, we
are back to the tears. Tears shed
for more than 250 innocent lives
lost due to terrorism, again. It
could have been me and my family
at those brunches ̶ those were
hotels that we frequented ̶ or any
of my Christian friends at those
churches. Back are the security
checkpoints, back are the guns and
back are the curfews. Imagine, for
an American, to be told that you
cannot leave the house until cur‑
fews have been lifted. I could not
access Facebook or WhatsApp, my
primary methods of communica‑
tion with my loved ones. The limi‑
tations on personal freedoms have
been a lot to digest, but something
I accept, considering the intent.
My childrenʼs school will remain
closed indefinitely. Answering my
sonsʼ questions has been one of the
SUBCONTINENT May 18-24, 2019 21
Outpouring
of an
American of
Indian origin
living in
Colombo
during the Sonia Dandona Hirdaramani,
horrific Easter 2002 graduate, continues to
be involved with Columbia
Sunday through her roles as member of
the Young Advisory Council for
attacks in the College, Class Agent
International Vice‑Chair,
Sri Lanka. Regional ARC Chair and
Class Correspondent.
hardest parts for me. My first expe‑
rience with terrorism was when I
was a Columbia College senior; I
distinctly remember being in my
Broadway dorm room when my
parents called me, completely dis‑
traught. I rushed to the common
room to watch the news with my
floormates, all of us huddled
around the screen watching the
towers fall. All of it seemed surreal
and incomprehensible to me at the
age of 20. My children are, unfor‑
tunately, having to grapple with it
at the tender ages of 5 and 7.
They have, until this point, only
seen the seemingly happy co‑exist‑
ing of faiths. In my home, when
one accounts for my household
staff, we have all four of the major
religions of Sri Lanka living happi‑
ly under one roof, my own little
melting pot.
Speaking of melting pots, I have
never been prouder to be an
American citizen. Since the attacks
first unfolded, our American
Embassy has been available to all
of those directly af fected and to
those of us simply seeking infor‑
mation. News alerts have been
informative, accurate and consis‑
tent; everyone I meet seems to
want to know what the American
alert level is. We hope that the FBI
and other American agencies here
helping with the investigation will
be able to assist in finding the per‑
petrators of these heinous attacks
so we can begin to rebuild ... again.
Sri Lanka is bleeding, but if it can
emerge after 30 years of war, it
will most certainly rise again, safer
and stronger. America, the country
of my birth, did after 9‑11, as did
India, the country of my familyʼs
origin, after 26/11 [the 2008
Mumbai attacks]. Once the dust
settles and the path to reconcilia‑
tion recommences, I invite all of
you to visit our beautiful paradise
island, the country that has my
heart.
Reprinted with permission from
Columbia College Today.
 22 May 18-24, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Militants attack hotel in Balochistan province

Islamabad: At least five people
lost their lives in a terror attack
targeting a five‑star hote l in Gwadar hotel attack bid to
Pakistan's port city of Gwadar in
Balochistan province, the Army's damage economy: Imran
P
media wing said as it announced
akistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan termed the attack on a
the conclusion of its clearance
five‑star hotel in the port city of Gwadar in Balochistan
operation of the establishment.
province as a bid to "sabotage prosperity" in the area. "Such
Four hotel employees ‑‑ three
attempts especially in Balochistan are an ef fort to sabotage our
staffers and a security guard ‑‑ as
economic projects and prosperity. We shall not allow these agen‑
we ll as a Navy soldier were
das to succeed. Pakistani nation and its security forces shall defeat
killed, while six people, including
them all," Khan said in a statement issued by his office.
two Army captains, two Navy sol‑
diers and two hotel employees
armed forces. Army and Navy The terror group said that the
were injured as gunmen stormed The hotel sits on a hilltop overlooking the
officers then proceeded to evacu‑ hote l ‑‑ the centrepiece of a
the Pearl Continental hotel on Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea.
ate residents of the hotel and the multi‑billion dollar Chinese proj‑
May 11, the Inter‑Services Public
which all three terrorists were and the terrorists went to the staff. ect ‑‑ was selected in order to tar‑
Relations (ISPR) said in a state‑
killed, Dawn online reported. staircase leading to upper Authorities said the terrorists get Chinese and other investors.
ment.
According to authorities, the floors", the ISPR said, adding that had made the CCTV cameras dys‑ The hotel sits on a hilltop over‑
The attack was claimed by the
gunmen attacked the hotel in the armed men "kept firing indis‑ functional and planted IEDs at all looking the Gwadar port on the
outlawed Balochistan Liberation
Gwadar with the intention of tak‑ criminately" and killed four hotel entry points leading to the fourth Arabian Sea, which is being
Army and the clearance opera‑
ing hostages, but they were chal‑ employees. floor. But the security forces developed by China as part of the
tion at the hotel continued until
lenged by the hotel's security According to the ISPR, the gun‑ "made special entry points to get China‑Pakistan Economic
late at night.
guards. men were barricaded in a corri‑ into fourth floor, shot down all Corridor, a network of roads, rail
T he Army announced that
Staff raised the alarm "denying dor on the fourth floor by the terrorists and cleared planted lines and pipelines between the
security forces had completed
them entry into the main hall swift arrival of the Pakistani IEDs". two countries.
the operation at the hotel in

Ex-journalist, cultural adviser ‘End terror or we stop

shot dead in Afghanistan
Kabul: A former journalist and cultural
adviser to the lower house of
Parliament has been shot dead by
unknown gunmen in Kabul, just days
after she shared on social media that
her life was in danger.
Mena Mangal made her name as a
presenter on the Pashto‑language chan‑
nel Tolo TV, Afghanistan's largest pri‑
vate broadcaster, and later with local
TV networks such as LEMAR TV,
Shamshad News and Ariana TV.
She came under attack in Kart‑e‑Naw
area in Kabul's PD8 in broad daylight
on May 11, the Ministry of Interior
Affairs said in a statement.
The police have started an investiga‑
tion into the incident, Ministry's
spokesman Nasrat Rahimi was cited as
saying by Tolo News.
The attack prompted an outpouring
of grief and anger from women's rights
activists, directed at "authorities who
had left her unprotected in the face of
threats". "This woman had already
shared that her life was in danger; why
did nothing happen? We need answers,"
said Afghan human rights lawyer and
women's rights campaigner Wazhma
Mena Mangal was a former
TV presenter.
Frogh. Mangal had shared her fears in a
Facebook post on May 3. She said she
was being sent threatening messages
but declared that a "strong woman was‑
n't afraid of death" and that she loved
her country.
Mangal was also an advocate of
women's rights to education and work
and had recently become a cultural
adviser to the lower chamber of
Afghanistan's Parliament.
our share of water’
New Delhi: If Pakistan continues to support
cross‑border terrorism, India will have no option
but to take the "hard" decision of stopping its
share of water of three common rivers, Water
Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has said, in a
warning to the neighboring country.
He said India is starting a study and a Detailed
Project Report (DPR) of all the three rivers over
which it has complete right under the Indus
Water Treaty and has taken up two projects on
these. Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty gov‑
erning six common rivers, India has the complete
right over the waters of three rivers ‑ Ravi, Beas
and Sutlej, while Pakistan has the right over
Indiaʼs Water Resources
water of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The treaty was intended to "increase brother‑
hood, love and affection" between the two coun‑ do so, he replied: "Of the six (common) rivers,
tries and India, "as a big brother, is giving water" our right is on three rivers... Our water is going
to Pakistan, Gadkari said. to Pakistan. First, we have taken up two projects.
"Now nothing is there. In place of love and We are going to stop our share water to
af fection, we are getting bombs and they are Pakistan. We are (also) starting making study,
attacking innocent people of India. So this is the research, DPR of all the three rivers going to
time, if they don't want to stop terrorism and Pakistan."
supporting terrorist organizations, then we don't He went on to add: "We are giving them
have any option but to stop water which is going (Pakistan) an opportunity. They should stop sup‑
to Pakistan," the senior minister said. porting terrorist organizations. If they stop sup‑
"We are going to stop our share of water to porting terrorist organizations, we don't have
Pakistan... This is the appropriate time (for end‑ any problem. But if they continue supporting ter‑
ing support to terror), otherwise they will have rorism and terrorist organizations, then we don't
to face the music," he asserted. Asked if it was have any option. We have to take hard step to
just an empty threat or India was really going to stop water which is going to Pakistan."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL May 18-24, 2019 23

Amid rising tension in Gulf, 2 UN chief warns of

Saudi oil tankers sabotaged global threat from fleeing
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia said that two
of its oil tankers came under
attack off the coast of the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), shortly after
the latter said four of its vessels
had been sabotaged amid rising
tensions in the Gulf.
Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al‑
Falih said that the two Saudi oil
tankers were sabotaged of f the
coast of Fujairah. One of the two
vesse ls was on its way to be
loaded with Saudi crude oil from
the port of Ras Tanura, to be deliv‑
ered to customers in the US, state‑
run Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
reported.
The news agency didn't mention
casualties or oil spills, but said
there had been "significant dam‑
age to the structures of the two
vessels" in attacks it described as
"posing a threat to the security of
global oil supplies". The Saudi
Minister called on the internation‑
al community to protect maritime
navigation and oil tanker security
to prevent "adverse consequences"
for energy markets and the global
economy.
The report followed a statement
by the UAE government that four
commercial cargo ships were "sab‑
Saudi Arabiaʼs Energy Minister Khalid Al‑Falih.
otaged" off its eastern coast. The
attack took place near to UAE ter‑
ritorial waters in the Gulf of
Oman, east of the Emirate of
Fujairah, said the country's
Ministry of Foreign Af fairs and
International Cooperation.
The UAE Ministry said authori‑
ties were working with local and
international bodies to investigate
the incident, which it described as
a "dangerous development". It said
there were no injuries or deaths.
The incident came amid rising
tensions in the Gulf as the US
tightened sanctions on Iran's
crude exports. Washington has
also been increasing its military
assets in the Middle East in the
face of what it regards as new
threats from Tehran.
Fujairah is located close to the
Strait of Hormuz, a strategically
important waterway that connects
the Persian Gulf to the Arabian
Sea.
T he accusations of sabotage
came less than 24 hours after the
UAE government denied reports
alleging that seven oil tankers
were involved in an explosion in
the port of Fujairah on May 12.
IS foreign fighters
United Nations: UN
Secretary‑General Antonio
Guterres has warned of a
major global threat from
foreign fighters fleeing the
defeated Islamic State (IS)
terrorist organization and
declared stopping them
should be a high global pri‑
ority. "They, as well as those
they inspire, represent a
Many IS fighters are looking for safe
major transnational threat", haven to regroup.
he said at the launch of the
UN Countering Terrorist Travel them are returning home or relo‑
Programme (CTTP). "Detecting cating to other trouble spots or
and disrupting these terrorists safe haven, he added.
and other high‑risk criminals "It is apparent that that these
prior to them carrying out an terrorist who lost territory else‑
attack is a high priority for the where are looking for new pres‑
international community". He sure points to ignite", Sri Lanka's
warned, "Many are well trained Permanent Representative Rohan
and could carry out future terror‑ Perera, whose nation was attacked
ist attacks. Others hope to radical‑ by Islamist terrorists last month
ize and recruit new followers to on Easter, said.
their cause". Two years ago the Two affiliates of IS has claimed
UN estimated that over 40,000 responsibility for the Easter sui‑
foreign terrorists from more than cide bombings in his country and
110 countries may have traveled it is investigating IS links to two
to Syria and Iraq to join terrorist local groups, National Thowheed
groups, he said. With the fall of Jamath and Jamath Millate
the territories held by IS, many of Ibrahim, he said.

May's Brexit talks Israel announces Golan Heights

with Labour grave
mistake: Ex-Minister settlement in Trump's honor
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister
London: UK Prime
Benjamin Netanyahu announced
Minister T heresa
the establishment of a new Jewish
May's Brexit talks
settlement in the occupied Syrian
with the opposition
territory of Golan Heights, honor‑
Labour Party were a
ing US President Donald Trump.
"g rave mistake",
In March, Trump had of ficially
according to a for‑
recognized Israel's annexation of
mer minister.
the Golan Heights, a part of Syria
"Even if Labour do
that has been under Israeli mili‑
a deal, break bread
tary occupation since the Six‑Day
w ith the Prime
War of 1967.
Minister and
"I promised that we would
announce that both
establish a community named
parties have reached
after President Donald Trump. I
an agreement, it can British Prime Minister Theresa May. would like to inform you that we
only ever end in
have already selected a site on the
tears," the BBC quoted former government.
Golan Heights where this new
De fense Secretary Gavin "His goal, and he has made no
community will be established
Williamson, who was sacked by secret of it, is to bring about a
and we have started the process,"
May earlier this month, as say‑ general election," he added.
Netanyahu said at the beginning
ing. Williamson was sacked fol‑ Williamson's remark comes
of the weekly Cabinet meeting via
lowing an inquiry into a leak as May is hoping to reach a Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
a Twitter post.
from a top‑leve l Nat ional cross‑party consensus on her
He said he was going to ask will be completed soon with the ed the Israeli annexation of the
Security Council meeting. He withdrawal agreement after
President Reuven Rivlin for an transfer of the of ficial residence Golan Heights, considering it as
has "strenuously" denied leak‑ failing to get it throug h
extension of the period to form a of the Ambassador David "null and void and without inter‑
ing the information. Parliament three times.
coalition after winning April's Friedman. national legal effect".
"The Labour Party does not The UK had been due to leave
general e lect ions, Efe news Trump's recognition of Israeli Even before Trump's recogni‑
exist to help the Conservative the European Union on March
reported. sovereignty over the Golan has tion of Israeli annexation of the
Party. Jeremy Corbyn will do all 29, but the deadline was
In addition, he said that Israel been controversial since the UN Golan Heights, his support for
he can to divide, disrupt and pushed to October 31 after
w ill commemorate the first Security Council on December 17, Netanyahu was seen as connected
frustrate the Conservatives in Parliament was unable to agree
anniversary of the opening of the 1981, unanimously adopted to the US administration's Middle
the hope of bringing down the a way forward.
US Embassy in Jerusalem, which Resolution No. 497, which reject‑ East peace plan.
 24 May 18-24, 2019 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Millionaires
Trade row: Trump, Xi fleeing India
in larger
likely to meet next month numbers: Report
Washington: US President Hours after Liu le ft New Delhi: All the chest thumping over a big
Donald Trump and his Washington, Trump leap forward in the ease of doing business index
Chinese counterpart Xi announced that he had and the tag of the world's fastest growing econo‑
Jinping are likely to meet in ordered US Trade my in the world may not be of much worth, as a
Japan next month during Representat ive Robert new report suggests that Indians who have the
the G20 economic summit Lighthizer to draw up plans to means to quit the country are doing so and in
amid rising trade tensions extend tariffs to an additional increasing numbers.
between the world's two $300 million worth of Chinese India saw the third highest outflow of wealthy
largest economies, a senior imports. individuals last year. Nearly 5,000 millionaires,
White House of ficial has Kudlow said Sunday that or high‑net‑worth individuals (HNWIs), left the
said. while there were "no concrete, country, which is 2 per cent of the total number
There is a "strong possi‑ definite plans" for the resump‑ of HNWIs in India, says the Global Wealth
bility" that the two presi‑ t ion of discussions, the Migration Review (GWMR) 2019 by AfrAsia
dents will hold talks on the Chinese have invited Mnuchin Bank and research firm New World Wealth.
sidelines of the conference and Lighthizer to Beijing. The net outflow of HNWIs that India saw in
in Osaka, Efe news quoted "T he talks will continue," 2018, was even faster than the UK, which is in
White House chief econom‑ Kudlow told Fox's Chris the middle of a political turmoil owing to Brexit.
ic advisor Larry Kudlow as Wallace. "I will say this: There For the migrating millionaires, the US and
saying during a TV pro‑ is a G20 meet ing in Japan Australia topped the list of the most sought after
gram on Fox News. toward the end of June next country destinations.
Negotiators failed last month and the chances that Nevertheless, India's total wealth is set to grow
week to reach an agree‑ President Trump and at a handsome rate in the next 10 years. The
ment to end the trade war President Xi will get together GWMR notes that India will outperform the UK
Negotiators failed last week to reach an agreement to end the
that began in 2018 with trade war that began in 2018. at that meet ing are pretty and Germany in terms of wealth generation to
Trump's decision to impose good." become the fourth largest wealth market in the
a 10 percent tarif f on $200 Premier Liu He, the leader of deeply regrets that it will have The Trump administration world by 2028.
billion worth of goods from the delegation that traveled to take necessary countermea‑ increased the tarif fs because Among the cities which will drive this growth
China, which retaliated with from Beijing to Washington for sures," the Chinese govern‑ Beijing was resisting the idea in the next 10 years are Delhi, Bangalore and
levies on $60 billion worth of the two‑day round. ment said in a statement after of enshrining in Chinese law Hyderabad. Delhi would do so on the back of its
US products. At 12.01 am last Friday, the higher tariffs took effect. some of the concessions well‑diversified economy and strength in a num‑
"T here were constructive between the first and second Though both sides spoke of Beijing has of fered, such as ber of key sectors, Bangalore on its prowess in
conversations," US Treasury sessions of those talks, the US their readiness to continue the measures to respect the intel‑ the fields of IT and R&D, and Hyderabad on the
Secretary Steve Mnuchin told raised the tarif fs on af fected negot iat ions, Mnuchin lectual property of US firms base of its being the "Pharmaceutical Capital of
reporters last Friday as his bid Chinese imports from 10 per acknowledged Friday that no operating in China, the White India" and its many special economic zones, the
farewe ll to Chinese Vice cent to 25 per cent. "China further talks were scheduled. House adviser said. report said.

CHANDA KOCHHAR Deveshwar transformed ITC into

APPEARS BEFORE ED a diversified conglomerate
FOR QUESTIONING Obituary
New Delhi: Former ICICI Bank
chief Chanda Kochhar on Monday
appeared before the Enforcement
Directorate (ED) for questioning in
connection with the Videocon loan
case.
Last week, the financial probe
agency summoned Kochhar to
record her statement after she
failed to appear on May 5.
The case is related to the alleged
irregularities and corrupt practices
in the sanction of a Rs 1,875 crore
loan disbursed by ICICI Bank to
the Videocon Group during 2009
and 2011. The ED got clues about
an illegal transaction running to
crores of rupees routed to
NuPower.
In March, the ED had conducted
a series of searches at the resi‑
dence and of fice premises of the
Kochhars as part of its investiga‑
tions and also questioned Chanda
and her husband Deepak Kochhar
along with Videocon Group pro‑
moter Venugopal Dhoot.
Allegedly, Dhoot had invested in
the Deepak Kochhar company,
Former ICICI Bank chief
Chanda Kochhar.
NuPower Renewables Ltd through
his firm Supreme Energy as quid‑
pro‑quo for loans cleared by the
ICICI Bank under Chanda Kochhar.
Out of the Rs 40,000 crore loan
to the Videocon group, Rs 3,250
crore was given by ICICI Bank and
a large portion of the loan by ICICI
was unpaid at the end of 2017.
The bank proceeded to declare the
Rs 2,810 crore of unpaid loan as
non‑performing asset.
Kolkata/New Delhi: Yogesh
Chander Deveshwar, whose goal
was creating "Indian brands", suc‑
cessfully transformed ITC Ltd
from being predominantly a ciga‑
rette‑maker into a diversified con‑
glomerate.
Recognised around the world
for creating an exemplary Indian
enterprise, Deveshwar, as ITC
Chairman for over two decades,
led the company into a range of
new businesses which took it to
new highs. During his tenure as
Executive Chairman, the compa‑
ny's revenues and profit before
tax, along with returns to share‑
holders, rose manifold.
Today, ITC is not only known for
its leading cigarette brands ‑
Classic, India Kings, and Gold
Flake ‑ but also for its Sunfeast
range of cookies and biscuits, the
Bingo! snacks and Aashirvaad sta‑
ples and ready meals.
Born in Lahore in Fe bruary
1947, Deveshwar joined ITC in
1968 after studying at the Indian
Institute of Technology, Delhi, and
the Harvard Business School, and
had a meteoric rise that saw him
Yogesh Chander Deveshwar.
being appointed as a Director on
its Board in 1984. He rose to
become the Chief Executive and
Chairman of the Board in 1996.
While every ITC Chairman since
the late 1960s had explored ways
and means to diversify the compa‑
ny from its tobacco business port‑
folio, it was Deveshwar who ulti‑
mately made it happen.
Business rationalization and the
diversification into the non‑ciga‑
rette FMCG sector as well as infor‑
mation technology was not with‑
out its share of problems and
challenges. Brit ish American
Tobacco or BAT, which had a sub‑
stantial share‑holding in ITC,
wanted the Indian company to
stick to the tobacco business and
looked at taking over majority
control in ITC to realise its vision.
Deveshwar was credited for suc‑
cessfully keeping Brit ish
American Tobacco Company
(BAT) from taking larger control
of the company with the help of
Life Insurance Corporation of
India. Deveshwar had a brief stint
with Air India. He led the national
carrier as its chairman and man‑
aging director between 1991 and
1994. In its stellar journey under
Deveshwar, ITC has to day
emerged as one of India's fastest
growing FMCG companies, the
country's largest paperboards and
packaging business, a globally
acknowledged agri‑business, and
a leading hotel chain in India.
The company's wholly‑owned
subsidiary, ITC Infotech India Ltd,
is also a player of promise in the
IT sector.
With his high stature in the cor‑
porate world, Deveshwar became
a role model to many entrepre‑
neurs and industrialists.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS May 18-24, 2019 25

Mumbai Indians players with

the trophy after winning the
finals against Chennai Super
Kings in Hyderabad.
(Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)

Hyderabad: Lasith Malinga deliv‑

ered the killer blow as Mumbai
Indians (MI) defeated bitter rivals
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by one
run to lift a record fourth Indian
Premier League (IPL) title in a rip‑
roaring final at the Rajiv Gandhi
International Stadium here on
Sunday.
With two runs needed of f the
final delivery, Malinga executed a
slower yorker to perfection, trap‑
ping Shardul Thakur (2) right in
front to send his teammates, includ‑
ing skipper Rohit Sharma, into delir‑
ium as Shane Watson, whose
breathtaking 80 went in vain, sunk
in his seat in the Chennai dugout.
Chasing a modest 150 for victory,

Mumbai lift fourth IPL title

Watson, who was dropped on 56 by
Rahul Chahar, carried Chennai's
hopes with a belligerent 80 off 59
balls, his innings laced with eight
fours and four sixes.
But once he was run out in the
fourth ball of the final over, it was
Sri Lankan Malinga who showed his
class to snatch the crown from the
defending champions.
In the last five overs, Chennai
needed 62 of f 30 balls. Watson
then hit Malinga for a hat‑trick of
fours to trim the equation to 42 off
24 balls.
There was no stopping the veter‑
an Australian, who scored a hun‑
dred in the final to help Chennai
win the IPL last year, as he clob‑
bered Krunal Pandya for three
back‑to‑back sixes in the 18th over
which costed Mumbai 20 runs.
Defeats Chennai Super Kings in a nail‑biting finals with 1 run
Mumbai's best bowler Jasprit
Bumrah (2/14) then bowled a bril‑
liant penultimate over, sending
Bravo (15) back in the hut after the
latter gave Quinton de a simple
catch behind the stumps. However,
de Kock missed an easy gathering
to gift Chennai four byes in the last
ball of the over.
Earlier, Faf du Plessis (26) and
Watson gave Chennai a steady start
before Krunal got the former
stumped by de Kock by luring him
to come down the wicket.
With du Plessis gone for 26 of f
13, Watson and Suresh Raina (8)
shared a 37‑run stand for the sec‑
ond wicket as Chennai looked to be
cruising. Rohit then gave the ball to
Rahul Chahar (1/14) who started
Chennai's downfall by trapping
Raina (8) in front. Ambati Rayudu
(1) could not add much to the tally,
getting caught behind off Bumrah.
T he game‑changing moment
came in the 13th over when M.S.
Dhoni (2) was caught short of the
crease by Ishan Kishan, with replays
showing it to be a close call. Watson
and Bravo then joined hands for a
51‑run partnership for the fifth
wicket which was finally broken by
Bumrah. From there on, it was a
see‑saw battle which eventually saw
Mumbai continue their dominance
over Chennai in what was their
fourth final meeting.
Earlier, Deepak Chahar (3/26) and
Imran Tahir (2/23) starred with the
ball as CSK restricted MI to 149/8,
even as Kieron Pollard hit an
unbeaten cameo (41* off 25) down
the order.
Pollard, who was dropped on 25
by Suresh Raina, was the top‑scorer
for Mumbai as he hammered three
fours and three sixes. For Chennai,
Shardul Thakur also picked up two
wickets for 23 runs.
But Pollard hogged the limelight
for the wrong reasons in the last
over when as a mark of protest
against the umpire not calling a
wide in the previous delivery, he
walked across ‑‑ even leaving the
pitch ‑‑ to face the fourth ball before
Dwayne Bravo pulled out.
Opting to bat, Mumbai were off to
a flying start riding on de Kock's
power hitting.

MI win best mother's Dhoni's run‑out: Turning

day gift: Nita Ambani point in IPL 2019 final
New Delhi: Mumbai Indians Hyderabad: The Mumbai Indians (MI) who pulled it away towards
(MI) owner Nita Ambani is defeated the Chennai Super Kings the leg side for a sing le.
known to treat her players as (CSK) in one of the most dramatic Malinga collected the ball
part of the Ambani family and finals one could have seen in the and threw it on the bowler's
after a tense battle of over 52 Indian Premier League (IPL) history. end but Hardik failed to stop
days, the Indian Premier After posting 149/8, Mumbai suc‑ it. Sensing an opportunity to
League (IPL) was finally won cessfully defended the target to sneak another run, Dhoni
by the Mumbai outfit at the clinch their fourth IPL title, here on asked Watson for a double.
Rajiv Gandhi International Sunday. It was lanky Sri Lankan However, Ishan Kishan was
Stadium here. And the elated pacer Lasith Malinga who kept quick to collect the ball after
owner thanked son Akash nerves of steel and bowled a brilliant the overthrow and aimed a
Ambani for the best mother's final over as CSK fell short by just direct hit at the stumps
day gift after MI registered a one run. which saw Dhoni's bat to be
one‑run win over the Chennai However, the turning point of the judged to be on the line.
Super Kings to lift their fourth match came when CSK skipper MS The third umpire took his
title. Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani at
Dhoni was involved in a controversial time to make the decision as
IANS learnt that during the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in
run‑out. to whether a small part of
team cheer in the dressing Hyderabad. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)
With CSK chasing 150 which was a Dhoni's bat was over the
room after the game on Sunday night, back by his mother. This after Nita below par total considering the pitch, Chennai Super Kings' crease or not. Eventually he
Nita Ambani thanked son Akash for had taken it on herself to look after Mumbai bowlers turned the game skipper MS Dhoni. decided not to give the bene‑
gifting her a win in the final of the the team from 2010 and ensured that around by picking up the wickets of Faf du Plessis fit of doubt to the batsman and deemed the video
IPL. While the team is coached by an every player and support staff of the (26), Suresh Raina (8) and Ambati Rayudu (1) in footage conclusive enough to give Dhoni out.
array of stars w ith Mahe la franchise was looked after like one of quick succession. Dhoni walked in to bat with the After Dhoni's dismissal, the Yellow Brigade went
Jayawardene as head coach, Akash is their own. In fact, after the loss in score on 73/3 and the match hanging in balance. into deep waters. Though, Watson played a bril‑
known to ensure that the team man‑ their opening game against Delhi In the 13th over of the CSK inning bowled by liant 59‑ball 80‑run knock, he could need help his
agement and players get the best pos‑ Capitals, skipper Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, Dhoni was adjudged run out by side cross the line as CSK managed 148/7 in their
sible facilities after he was handed team was invited to the Ambani third umpire Nigel Llong. stipulated quota of 20 overs and handed the IPL
over the managerial reins two years household to de‑stress and bond. Pandya bowled a short one to Shane Watson, 2019 trophy to Mumbai Indians.
 26 May 18-24, 2019
Goa university to teach Americans among
astrology and vaastu courses most negative people
Goa university has become a rare education institution to offer higher education in Indic knowledge systems.
S
tudents will soon be able
to pursue higher education
programs of fered by Goa
University in ancient Indian
knowledge systems like vaastu
shastra (architectural design ) and
jyotish shastra (astrology), as also
take up study of the ancient
Indian languages of Sanskrit, Pali
and Prakrit.
T he courses are expected to
begin from the academic year
2019‑2020, making Goa universi‑
ty rare among varsities to of fer
higher education in Indic knowl‑
Encounter with ʻGodʼ may
bring long‑lasting health
A
personal encounter with the
“ultimate reality” or God̶
spontaneous or under the
influence of a psychedelic drug̶
can bring positive changes in psy‑
chological health even decades
after the initial experience, says an
interesting study.
In a survey of thousands of peo‑
ple who reported having experi‑
enced personal encounters with
God, researchers from Johns
Hopkins University report that
more than two‑thirds of self‑identi‑
fied atheists shed that label after
their encounter, regardless of
whether it was spontaneous or
while taking a psychedelic.
The findings, described in a paper
in the journal PLOS ONE, add to evi‑
dence that such deeply meaningful
US stores install cameras that guess people's shopping habits
T
wo US retailers are testing
cameras that could guess peo‑
ple's age, sex or mood to deter‑
mine their buying habits. Grocery
store chain Kroger is testing cameras
embedded in a price sign above
shelves in two stores on the outskirts
of Cincinnati and Seattle. Video
screens attached to the shelves can
play real‑time ads and show dis‑
counts to shoppers, Xinhua news
edge systems. On April 5,
Chancellor Mridula Sinha assent‑
ed to the formation of four schools
under the university, of which the
School of Sanskrit and Indic
knowledge systems is one. Under
the school, programmes will also
be offered in the ancient texts like
manuscriptology, and Vedic and
puranic knowledge, practices like
yoga and panchkarma, and classi‑
cal Indian philosophy, literature,
poetics, grammatics and computa‑
tional linguistics. The university
plans to offer a masters program
experiences may have healing prop‑
erties.
“Experiences that people describe
as encounters with God or a repre‑
sentative of God have been reported
for thousands of years, and they
likely form the basis of many of the
worldʼs re ligions,” said lead
researcher Roland Griffiths, profes‑
sor of psychiatry and behavioral sci‑
ences at Johns Hopkinsʼ School of
Medicine.
agency reported. The cameras guess
a shopper's age and gender, but the
information is anonymous and the
data is not being stored, Kroger said.
If the tests work out well, the compa‑
ny said it could expand it into other
locations.
Drugstore chain Walgreens
installed cooler doors with cameras
and sensors at six locations including
New York, San Francisco and
LIFESTYLE
in the new subjects and then
expand by of fering MPhil and
doctoral degrees in Sanskrit and
Indic knowledge systems.
T he late Goa chie f minister
Manohar Parrikar had first prom‑
ised to set up a Sanskrit
Mahavidyalaya to promote educa‑
tion in classical Indian languages
in his 2014 budget and repeated
the promise in the subsequent
budget speeches. “The Sanskrit
language and yoga have been pil‑
lars of Indian culture and educa‑
tion,” Parrikar had said.
“Although modern Western medi‑
cine doesnʼt typically consider ʻspir‑
itualʼ or ʻreligiousʼ experiences as
one of the tools in the arsenal
against sickness, our findings sug‑
gest that these encounters often
lead to improvements in mental
health,” he argued.
The researchers say a majority of
respondents attributed lasting posi‑
tive changes in their psychological
health̶life satisfaction, purpose
and meaning̶even decades after
their initial experience.
For the new study, the scientists
used data from 4,285 people world‑
wide who responded to online
advertisements to complete one of
two 50‑minute online surveys
about God encounter experiences.
‑IANS
Washington. Instead of using usual
clear glass doors that allow cus‑
tomers to see inside, the retailer put
video screens that display ads along
with the cooler's contents. This new
technology, which could help physical
stores to better compete with online
rivals like Amazon, has raised con‑
cerns over privacy as people may not
realize that they are being watched
while picking their groceries.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
on Earth: Survey
A
new survey has found
that Americans are
among the most nega‑
t ive people on the planet.
Gallupʼs latest update on the
worldʼs emotional
state reported
that 55 percent of
Americans said
they experienced
a lot of stress in
2018, one of the
highest rates out
of the 143 coun‑
tries polled and
we ll above the
global average of 35 percent.
The U.S. trailed only Greece (59
percent), the Philippines (58
percent) and Tanzania (57 per‑
cent) on the stress table and is
tied with Iran, Albania and Sri
Lanka at 55 percent. The poll
also reported that 45 percent of
Shun these 4 triggers to
limit smartphone addiction
R
esearchers have decoded
four common triggers for
the compulsive use of
smartphones which, if addressed,
can help shun the screen addic‑
tion. The four triggers for habitual
smartphone use are: During unoc‑
cupied moments, like waiting for a
friend to show up; before or during
tedious and repetitive tasks; when
in socially awkward situations and
when people anticipate getting a
message or notification.
"For a couple of years, I've been
looking at people's experiences
with smartphones and listening to
them talk about their frustration
with the way they engage with
their phones," said study co‑author
Alexis Hiniker, Assistant Professor
at the University of Washington's
Information School.
"But on the flip side, when we
ask people what they find mean‑
ingful about their phone use,
nobody says, ʻOh, nothingʼ.”
Researchers conducted in‑depth
interviews to learn why people
compulsively check our phones.
They found a series of triggers,
common across age groups, that
start and end habitual smartphone
use. The team also explored user‑
generated solutions to end unde‑
sirable phone use. These were:
Competing demands from the real
world, like meeting up with a
friend or needing to drive some‑
where; realizing they had been on
their phone for half an hour and
coming across content they'd
already seen. "This doesn't mean
Americans said they felt worried
a lot, and more than one in five
(22 percent) of Americans said
they fe lt ang ry a lot. And
according to Gallup, the econo‑
my's not the
problem, as the
survey found the
levels of negative
emot ions are
even higher than
during the Great
Recession.
"The answer to
whether money
truly buys happi‑
ness is st ill far from being
understoo d, but this report
gives global thinkers an idea of
who is living the best and worst
lives in the world," wrote Jon
Clifton, Gallup's global manag‑
ing partner in a preface to the
report.
that teens use their phones the
same way adults do. But I think
this compulsive itch to turn back
to your phone plays out the same
way across all these groups,"
Hiniker noted.
To the team, the finding pointed
to a more nuanced idea behind
people's relationships to their
phones.
"If the phone weren't valuable at
all, then sure, the lockout mecha‑
nism would work great. We could
just stop having phones, and the
problem would be solved," Hiniker
said. "But that's not really the
case".
Instead, the researchers saw that
participants found meaning in a
diverse set of experiences, particu‑
larly when apps let them connect
to the real world.
Hiniker recommends that next
wave smartphone designers shift
away from system‑wide lockout
mechanisms. Instead, apps should
let users be in control of their own
engagement and people should
decide whether an app is worth
their time.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION May 18-24, 2019 27

By Dev Banad Viswanath,

Esq. & Michael Phulwani, Esq.
The B2 Visa - The Pleasure
A
B‑2 visa is a temporary

Visitor’s Gateway to America!

non‑immigrant visitor
visa for pleasure or per‑
sonal needs. This visa is for indi‑
viduals who are coming to the
ent visa. Each dependent who

VISA
U.S. for tourism purposes. Some
qualifying tourism purposes will join the B‑2 visa holder to
include: the U.S. must apply separately

TALK
4 Vacation; for their own B‑2 visa.
4 Visiting family and friends; This is the appropriate visa for
4 Enrolling in a short recre‑ most, short term, visitors to the
ational course of study such United States for pleasure and it
as a two‑day cooking class; is a convenient way to come
4 Participating in a musical,
Am I Eligible quickly to the US. For more infor‑
sports, or similar event if not for a B‑1 Visa? mation to see whether the B‑2
being paid for participation; visitor visa is right for you or
In order to be eligible for a B‑2
4 Medical treatment; or your family or friends you should
visa an individual must meet the The steps of the application 2 nonimmigrants, spouse and
4 Tourism contact an experienced immigra‑
following criteria: process for a B‑2 visa vary children under the age of 21, are
Travel activities not allowed to tion attorney with consular expe‑
4 The visit must be for a legit‑ depending at which U.S. Embassy not allowed to obtain a depend‑
take part in on a B‑2 visa: rience.
imate visitor purpose; or Consulate you apply at. It is
4 Employment, whether paid
4 The trip must be for a spe‑ recommended that applicants
or unpaid; Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal Attorney of
cific limited period of time; NOT make firm travel plans to
4 Receive education which The Banad Law Offices PC in the United States,
4 You must be able to finan‑ visit the US until they have their
credits to a degree or diplo‑ and Banad Immigration in India for which
cially fund the trip and stay B‑2 Visitor Visa in hand after Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated as Of
ma;
on your own; interview and approval. Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan, Queens,
4 Arrive in the U.S. as a part
4 You can show proof that Under a B‑2 visa an individual Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is able to assist
of a crew of a ship or an air‑
you have a residence out‑ may stay in the U.S. between one clients with all facets of the immigration process,
craft;
side of the U.S. and you and six months, six months being including Employment Visas, Consular Visa
4 Work as a journalist, for‑
have an intention of return‑ the maximum. After the initial Assistance, Student Visas, Removal &
eign press, or other infor‑
ing at the end of the visit; period of stay ends, an extension Deportation, US Citizenship and Green Card
mation media;
and Applications based on Family or Employment.
4 Perform before a paying of stay may be granted for up to
4 You donʼt have any other Dev B. Viswanath can be reached at
audience; an additional six months. The
restrictions that would not Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
4 Manage a business located maximum total amount of time
allow you to be admitted in He will be in India from April 21 through
in the U.S; or permitted in B‑2 status on a sin‑ May 10 and able to meet people for
to the U.S. such as an arrest gle trip is one year, with limited
4 Permanent residence in personal consultations.
or previous visa violation. exceptions. Any dependents of B‑
the U.S.

HERITAGE
Unseasonal rain damages
No "large" structural damage to
Hyderabad's iconic Charminar
Hyderabad: Konark Sun Temple after cyclone: ASI
Charminar, the sym‑ Puri: A team of senior officials from
bol of Hyderabad, the Archaeological Survey of India
has suffered damage (ASI) on Friday reported no "large"
as a piece of lime structural damage to the Konark Sun
stucco work on one Temple in the cyclone‑ravaged
of its minarets fell Odisha, and that it would open to the
down following public in "2‑3 days".
unseasonal rains. On request of the state govern‑
A portion of the ment, the ASI was sent to assess the
stucco work quantum of structural damages to
detached from the the Jagannath Temple in Puri and
granite slab on the the Sun Temple in Konark in wake of
minaret facing Mecca Cyclone 'Fani'.
Masjid side and fell "The team observed that by and
off late on large, there is no structural damage
Wednesday, sending to the monument. There is some dis‑
panic among the peo‑ location in the scaffolding provided
ple around the mon‑ for chemical cleaning at upper level
ument. which is being set right. The ASI sent a team to assess the quantum of structural
Police cordoned off "More than 200 trees have been damages to the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the
the area where the damaged which are being cleared. Sun Temple in Konark in the wake of Cyclone 'Fani'.
debris fell. A large The electric and illumination system
number of onlookers Director General Usha Sharma, Archaeologist of ASI Bhubaneswar
including internet access has gone
gathered near the accompanied by a team of senior Circle inspected the monuments and
out of order, restoration of which
monument. of ficials, is assessing the damages "found no major damage to the
will take some time," the ASI said in
The Archaeological caused to the heritage temples by structure of the temple".
a statement.
Survey of India (ASI) Charminar was built in 1591 by the cyclone. The state government had sought
It also said that the heritage tem‑
had undertaken restoration work Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the The ASI is also visiting Jagannath direction to the ASI for deputing a
ple will be opened to the public in
on the monument sometime back. fifth king of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Temple at Puri to assess the damage. high level team to assess damage
next 2‑3 days. "The monument will
While the incidents of lime plasters The 428‑year‑old edifice, stands It will suggest restoration exercise and implement remedial measures
be restored to normal within about a
peeling off are not new, the latest at a staggering 160 feet from needed for the monuments and the ahead of important cultural event of
fortnight."
damage raised new concerns about ground level. It has four minarets surrounding areas. Rath Yatra in Puri, which is slated
The Union Culture Ministry on
the safety of the iconic structure. after which it is named. Earlier, the Superintending for July 4.
Friday said in a tweet that ASI
28 May 18-24, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

Talented chicken can

teach us a lot
I
f youʼve been on
the Internet a lot
late ly, youʼre
probably familiar
with Jokgu the chick‑
en. Jokgu is a musi‑
cian and as close to
being a celebrity as a
chicken can get.
Jokgu is the Taylor
Swift of chickens,
except that Jokgu
BEST does not sing about
It was her owners who trained her to peck
ex‑boyfriends.
RATE Jokguʼs talent isnʼt in singing – itʼs in play‑
ing the piano or keyboard. Jokgu recently
at the keyboard in a deliberate pattern, play‑
ing the notes of “America the Beautiful.”
FOR appeared on the show Americaʼs Got Talent
and amazed everyone by playing the tune of
“It took about two weeks to get her to this
level through clicker training,” Shannon
INDIA “America the Beautiful” on a keyboard.
Members of the audience just couldnʼt believe
Myers, co‑owner of the coop, told Huffington
Post. “Just about 10 minutes to get her to
AND their eyes. Was it really possible for a chicken
to have more musical talent than half the
peck the keys initially.”
Clicker training is a method of training ani‑

PAKISTAN audience?
It turns out that it is indeed possible, as
mals through positive reinforcement. After
performing a task, the animals hear a click
long as chickens are given an opportunity to and then receive a reward, such as a morsel of
learn music at an early age. Jokgu, a two‑year‑ food.
New York Head Quarter old chicken of the Buff Brahma Bantam breed, “Because you can click faster than give a
422‑S Broadway lives in a Maryland coop that is well‑stocked reward, they immediately associate the click
with toy musical instruments, such as a key‑ with the wanted behavior which then leads to
HICKSVILLE
board, drums and xylophone. Some of the reward,” Myers said.
NY 11801 chickens in the coop have even formed a This is exactly how my wife trained me to
band. Tour dates will be announced soon. do the laundry. Every time I put clothes in the
516‑827‑1010 Perhaps theyʼll even make a trip to India, like washing machine, she made a clicking sound
Justin Bieber did recently. and handed me a reward: the TV remote.
Jokgu, in case youʼre wondering, didnʼt Jokgu is obviously a talented chicken, but I
learn to play “America the Beautiful” all by canʼt help feeling a little sorry for her.
herself, although she did come up with a tune Perhaps I misread her body language on
called “America the Wormful.” Americaʼs Got Talent, but I donʼt think she
really wants to be a celebrity. I donʼt think she
wants to pose for selfies with all her fans. I
Laughter is the Best Medicine donʼt think she wants to learn how to write
autographs. And most of all, I donʼt think she
wants to go on a concert tour.
Chickens, in general, do not like to travel,
whether itʼs in the cargo hold of a plane or on
a tour bus. Theyʼre especially leery about per‑
forming at venues that serve food. Imagine
By Mahendra being on stage, trying your best to entertain
Shah everyone with your musical talent, and some
rude person in the audience is eating fried
chicken. Itʼs just not right.
Mahendra Shah is
Whatever she does with her career, Jokgu
an architect by
should serve as an inspiration to everyone. If
education,
a chicken can play a musical instrument, what
entrepreneur by
excuse do humans have for not even trying?
profession, artist
Jokgu shows that not only are we failing to
and humorist,
maximize our own abilities, weʼre also failing
cartoonist and
to harness the abilities of the animals around
writer by hobby. He
us. Take my dog, Legacy, for example. What
has been recording does she do at night? She sleeps. What does
the plight of the she do in the morning? She sleeps. What does
immigrant Indians she do in the afternoon? She sleeps.
for the Imagine if I could teach her to play a musi‑
past many year in cal instrument or two. Instead of sleeping all
his cartoons. Hailing day, she could entertain me.
from Gujarat, he But even if a musical instrument is too
lives in Pittsburgh, much for Legacy to learn, surely I could get
Pennsylvania. her to master the washing machine. It would
be a great service to our family – as long as
my wife doesnʼt reward Legacy with the TV
remote.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY May 18-24, 2019 29

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

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

MAY 18‑24, 2019

Aries: Your belief in yourself will help
you overcome all competition on the
academic front. Search for a groom or
bride may soon end, as you find a suitable
match for the eligible. Earning big bucks
needs prompt action from your side. A job
change may help you in starting with a
clean slate. Your desire to come back in
shape may motivate you to turn your atten‑
tion towards personal fitness.
Taurus: Those forced to live away
from family may encounter initial
hardships, but will get used to it
soon. An outdoor activity is likely undertak‑
en for fitness may give you a chance for
sweating out. Backlog may need to be
cleared, if you want peace to reign once
again in a government job. Moodiness of
lover may thwart your romantic aspira‑
tions.
Gemini: A new partnership is likely to
be forged, but test the waters before
you venture into unknown territory.
You will hold your own in the competitive
environment on the academic front. Expect
full support from close associates in a new
venture.
A fruit and juice diet may help in bringing
the system in line. Spouse may blow hot
and cold, so bear with it!
Cancer: Arrival of relations may
turn out to be a welcome change
from your dull and dreary daily
routine. Turning your ideas into action at
work is possible and will be appreciated
too. A windfall is in the scheme of things
and dest ined to make you rich soon.
Remaining cut off from someone does not
augur well for you. It is time you offered an
olive branch to those you dislike.
Leo: Students preparing for competi‑
tions will need to shift into top gear.
Those working hard to get back in
shape are likely to succeed. Markets offer a
fifty‑fifty chance of making it big to those
playing the stocks. Donʼt tackle tasks in a
half‑hearted manner, as this may lead to
confrontation and unnecessary heartburns.
A favourable change is in the offing on the
domestic front.
Virgo: Someone may need emotional
support, but may be reluctant to con‑
vey this to you. Social networking
will help you interact with people you have
not seen in a long time. Your present job
may keep you engrossed, as you endeavour
to give your best. Your decision to put
money in a safe investment will prove to be
right, considering the prevailing financial
conditions.
Libra: Your tendency to overreach
yourself may get you into all sorts
of problems at work. You may need
to clear the obstructions on the career path
to better your prospects of promotion.
Quick recovery for those ailing is foreseen.
There is good chance of getting a loaned
amount back. A relaxing time at home is
foreseen for some, but may get disturbed
with the arrival of guests.
Scorpio: Homemakers will need to
tighten the purse strings. Gaining an
upper hand in a situation will be
important and you wonʼt even have to
break a sweat for it! Marketing and busi‑
ness development personnel will find the
week favourable. Chances of winning the
heart of the one you love look bright. An
alternative to your staple diet will prove
immensely beneficial.
Sagittarius: Builders and property
dealers may find the horizon bright‑
ening up, despite some immediate
hurdles. Those wishing to study abroad are
likely to overcome all financial difficulties.
Health supplements may have unforeseen
side effects. Spending time with people of
your generation is indicated and will be lots
of fun. Deft handling will help in diffusing
an explosive situation.
Capricorn: Donʼt repose too much faith
on someone close on the financial
front, as you can be let down. Good
focus and concentration may lead you to suc‑
cess on the academic front. Things may not be
hunky dory on the romantic front. Praise on
the professional front is likely to prove a balm
for your ego and self‑esteem. Irregular routine
may af fect your health adversely, so bring
some discipline in your life.
Aquarius: Expect distinct improve‑
ment in love matters that were
unfavourable up till now. A much
awaited cheque or an important document
may be received. Your way with words is
likely to put your ideas across most suc‑
cinctly while negotiating a deal. Keep a
happy outlook by thinking posit ive
thoughts. Fierce competition on the aca‑
demic front may unsettle you, but you are
likely to measure up to it.
Pisces: Financial situation remains sat‑
isfactory and home front, too, appears
warm and cosy. You will enjoy good
health by sticking to routine and leading an
active life. On the academic front, make
efforts to stand above the rest in areas of your
expertise. You will succeed in impressing
lover. You may be hard put to convince some‑
one at work, so handle the matter with tact.

18 May, 2019 its peak. The organization that

Influenced by number 9 and
the planet Mars, you are ener‑
getic, courageous, aggressive,
systematic and highly sentimen‑
tal person. You possess great per‑
sonality and confidence, and have
a strong command over your
work, but you loose many good
opportunities due to your erratic
and quarrelsome nature.
This is going to be an extraordi‑
nary year for you, which would
promise you financial growth
and prosperity. This is also going
to be a rewarding period for
workingwomen. Your income
would rise, but you would also
spend more than necessary on
luxuries and other comforts.
Romance and new alliances look
likely for the unattached. Your
seniors and co‑workers are likely
to give you anxious moments at
times. Health of your spouse
would cause concern and anxiety.
T he months of October,
December, March and August will
be highly significant.
19 May, 2019
Governed by number 1, and the
Sun, you are original, active,
responsible and a trustworthy
individual. You are highly talent‑
ed and skillful, but you need to
control your tendency to domi‑
nate, overspend and behave
destructive at times.
This year your self‑confidence
would be high and you would
make financial deals, which
would bring your extra cash. New
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
alliances and partnerships for
some. Speculation would prove to
be rewarding and long‑term
investment is recommended.
Long pending leg al disputes
would be sorted out bringing
relief to your mind. Blessing from
a saintly person would provide
solace and mental comfort. Stay
away from strangers and avoid
spending on others. Health needs
extra care. T he months of
September, January and May
would prove to be result orient‑
ed.
20 May, 2019
Ruled by number 2 and the
Moon. You are highly trustwor‑
thy, emotional, simple, friendly
and warm‑hearted person. You
do not mince words and are
straightforward in your speech
and action, but you need to check
your tendency to behave intro‑
vert, reckless and spendthrift at
times.
This year your stars are in an
extremely favorable position,
bringing you happiness and pros‑
perity. You would also make
some major changes on the home
front. You would be a good host
and you would spend lavishly on
the entertainment of others.
Your beloved would be a major
source of happiness and pleas‑
ure. Overall your health would be
fine but it will be important to
take necessary precaut ions.
Pilgrimage or distant journey
would be high on your agenda.
The months of August, November
and April will prove to be signifi‑
cant.
21 May, 2019
Governed by number 3 and the
planet Jupiter, you are imagina‑
tive, ambitious, dignified, jovial,
cheerful and highly optimistic
person. You search for meaning
and purpose in life and you often
find this through your work. You
are friendly and helpful, but you
need to control your tendency to
behave jealous, extravagant and
dominating at times.
This year some major decisions
would be taken. You would be
highly energized and ready to
put extra efforts to achieve your
career goals. Your excessive ener‑
gy and tremendous drive would
bring you remarkable financial
benefits. Property disputes or
legal matters which have been
bothering your mind would settle
amicably towards the middle of
the year. Spouse would remain
cooperative and shower love and
af fection upon you. Children
would be a major source of hap‑
piness. The months of November,
February and July will be highly
important and eventful.
22 May, 2019
Dominated by number 4 and
the planet Uranus, you are active,
jovial, reliable, methodical and
systematic person. You are sharp
and intelligent and you easily
find solutions to difficult situa‑
tions. You are optimistic and
skillful, but you need to check
your tendency to behave moody,
vindictive and extravagant at
times.
This year few brilliant opportu‑
nities would come your way but
you need to act swiftly to grab
them before others. Financial
gains would accrue from invest‑
ments and even speculation. New
sources of income would gener‑
ate, but partnerships should be
avoided. A vacation to an exotic
location seems likely later this
year. Your health would remain
good but health of a family mem‑
ber would cause anxiety and con‑
cern. If you're unattached, the
chances to meet someone special
and enter into a committed rela‑
tionship seems quite strong. The
months of November, February
and June will be highly signifi‑
cant.
23 May, 2019
Ruled by number 5 and the
planet Mercury. You are practi‑
cal, sensitive, friendly, diplomatic
and quick in taking decisions.
You are honest and have a highly
developed conscience, but you
need to check your tendency to
behave restless, nervous and
moody at times.
This year your self‑confidence
and determination would be at
you work for would undergo
major administrative changes
and the chances of your promo‑
tion or transfer would be strong.
Your income would be from at
least two sources. Your finances
would improve towards the mid‑
dle of the year bringing prosperi‑
ty and happiness at domestic
level. Your emotional partner
would be a major support. Health
of a sibling might need extra
attent ion. T he months of
October, December and April
seem to be eventful.
24 May, 2019
Influenced by number 6 and
the planet Venus. You are inde‑
pendent, ambitious, charming
and love peace and harmony. You
are a person of your words and
others can depend on you com‑
pletely. You are dedicated and
sincere, but you need to check
your tendency to behave moody,
spendthrift and careless at times.
This year you would put your
best e f forts and accomplish
many odd jobs, but your employ‑
er would be under extreme stress
and not fully acknowledge your
contribut ions. Your income
would rise, but you would also
spend more on luxuries making it
extremely difficult for you to
plan any savings. Your love rela‑
tionship would suffer because of
your hect ic work schedule.
Property disputes would settle
amicably. T he months of
September, February and July
will be highly important.
 30 May 18-24, 2019
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji
Maharaj
I
f we were to look down upon this physi‑
cal world from a high vantage point, we
would find the light of billions of souls
shimmering throughout the world. Like a
foaming sea, they move about from one life
to another, from one form of living thing to
another. All the souls, when seen in their
true perspective, are the same. They are all
a part of God's consciousness; they are all
Light, and they all have an innate bliss.
But if we look at the condition of our
world, we are appalled and shocked by the
suffering and pain each form of life is
undergoing. We find strife and dissension
throughout the world. We find countries at
war. Many nations are embroiled in inter‑
nal conflicts. We see religious groups at
odds with each other. Community strife is
widespread. Even within families we find
discord and disharmony. We find human
beings killing various forms of life, includ‑
ing other human beings.
We wonder how there can be so much
pain and turmoil caused by people who
have within them the same divinity of God.
This seeming "fragmentation" of God into
so many souls was meant to bring an
increase in the Lord's happiness.
Just as a couple bear children to increase
their mutual love and joy, so did God bring
about the creation of so many souls, so
many children. Yet the result is far from
what was intended. We who are moving
packets of bliss and all‑consciousness are
aware of great pain and torment.
If we could return to our true state and
realize we are soul, we would find lasting
peace and ecstasy. If we could tap deeply
within ourselves, penetrating beyond the
outer form of this physical body and mind,
we would find a wellspring of eternal peace
and happiness. We would discover the
secret of unity underlying this Universe.
Honoring saints and
founders of all religions
through meditation
The various religious and spiritual tradi‑
tions have more commonalities than differ‑
ences. The common core of each is the
same. They believe in a higher power,
although called by different names, which
created all of us. They also believe that we
have a spiritual core within us created by
the higher Power. They also speak of tap‑
ping into this spiritual side of ourselves
through prayer, meditation, or inversion to
uncover our Source. While language, termi‑
nology, and customs differ, at the heart of
all are practices that connect our true
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
PEACE, HARMONY AND
HUMAN UNITY
essence, the soul, with the higher Power.
Saints, Masters, spiritual teachers, and
enlightened beings, such as Buddha, Jesus
Christ, Mahavira, Moses, Krishna, Rama,
Guru Nanak, Kabir, Maulana Rumi,
St.Teresa of Avila, Mira Bai, Hazur Baba
and many others came to help connect
people of their times with the divine within
them. To understand the role of saints and
MEDITATION IS A PRACTICAL METHOD IN WHICH
WE CAN DISCOVER OUR TRUE SELF AS SOUL AND
ACHIEVE SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS BY
REUNITING OUR SOUL WITH THE HIGHER POWER.
IT IS A WAY TO DISCOVER OUR TRUE PURPOSE IN
LIFE AND TO REACH THE GOAL OF ENLIGHTEN‑
MENT IN THIS LIFETIME. IN THIS WAY, WE CAN
UNCOVER WHO WE REALLY ARE BAND CAN TRULY
SAY THAT WE KNOW OURSELVES.
Masters, there is a story about a lion cub
that became lost from its mother. A mother
sheep found the lion cub frightened and
alone in the wilderness. Out of compassion,
the sheep took the cub and raised her as
her very own. The cub grew up with the
other sheep and began acting like them.
Crying, “Baaah, baaah,” it even began to
believe it was also a sheep.
One day, a lion came by and thought it
strange to hear this young lion baaahing
like a sheep.
The lion asked, “Why are you making
sounds like you are a sheep?” The young
lion said, “Because I am a sheep.”
The lion said, “Come with me.” It brought
the young lion to a pool of water. “Look
down into the still pool,” said the lion.
When the young lion looked down, it
jumped back startled to see a lionʼs face
staring back at it.”
“See! You are a lion,” the older lion told
him. “That is who you really are.”
We are in the same predicament as the
lion. We think we are the body and the
(Image courtesy: stockphotos.ro)
mind. We do not realize that we are soul.
We are not sheep; we are lions̶true sons
and daughters of the Divine. The stillness
of meditation is the reflecting pool in
which we can see who we really are. When
our body and mind are still,
we can see our own true self as soul.
Meditation is a practical method in which
we can discover our true self as soul and
achieve spiritual consciousness by reunit‑
ing our soul with the higher Power. It is a
way to discover our true purpose in life
and to reach the goal of enlightenment in
this lifetime. In this way, we can uncover
who we really are and can truly say that we
know ourselves.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Enlightened living
There is a quotation by the great Greek
philosopher, Socrates. He said, “Our
prayers should be for blessings in general,
for God knows best what is good for us.”
This quote coincides with the prayer to
God to give us whatever is good for us.
Time and again, whenever we demand
something from God that is continually
denied to us, it is usually because we are
asking for something that is not good for
us ultimately.
There have been many instances in
which people prayed to God for something,
and God did not grant their wish. Later
they came to learn that receiving the wish
would not have been a good thing after all.
Will a mother allow the child to have poi‑
son? The child may cry for it and throw a
tantrum, but if it is poison, the mother will
not grant it. Instead the mother will give
the child what is best for him or her. The
child may not realize it at the time, but as
the child grows and learns, the child is
grateful for all the things the mother
denied him or her that were ultimately not
good.
Many people are anxious about making
choices. The way to be sure we make the
right choices about what to pray for is to
pray that God gives us what is best for us.
God makes no mistake. Rather than pray
for something that may or may not be the
best for us, let us pray for Godʼs will for us.
If we relax and rest in Godʼs will, we will
find that everything works out for the best
in the long run. Meditation is a process of
relaxing in Godʼs will. Meditation provides
a time when we can let go of all clutching
and praying for this thing and that. It is a
time in which we sit in a state of stillness
and surrender to Godʼs will. It is a chance
to let go of all our wants and desires. We
merely sit in a receptive mood and ask God
to grant what is best for us. We will find
that God will give us much more than we
had expected.That is the secret to enlight‑
ened living.
Through meditation, we will find the
treasure of spiritual pearls to enlightened
living that will bring us peace, happiness,
and bliss. God wants us to live in eternal
peace and bliss in the spiritual realm.
The essence of religion
Saints from every religion teach the same
truth. They help us find the common ele‑
ments in each. They have love and respect
for other great saints and the world's reli‑
gions. They recognize that they are teach‑
ing the same Truth.
Although outer languages, cultures, cus‑
toms, and the way of dressing and greeting
may differ from country to country, the
essence of religions is the same: there is
one God, we are children of one Creator,
and our purpose is to know ourselves,
know God, and love all.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 18-24, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 18-24, 2019