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. 17 August 24-30, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

FIA's 39th India Day Parade boasted 47 marching groups,

Trump tells Imran 34 floats and 44 booths. Celebrities included NBA boss Adam Silver.

to tone down
anti-India rhetoric Suniel Shetty pulls
tens of thousands to
I-Day parade in NYC
After PM Modi conveyed to President Trump that extreme
rhetoric and incitement to anti‑India violence by Pakistan leaders
was not conducive to peace, the latter called Pakistanʼs PM.
Washington/New Delhi:
President Donald Trump has Isolated diplomatically,
asked Pakistan Prime Minister Pakistan to now try to
Imran Khan to "moderate rheto‑ raise Kashmir issue at ICJ
ric" with India over Kashmir, as
he underlined the need of exer‑ President Trump to
cising "restraint" by both sides meet PM Modi in France
and avoid escalat ion of the
"tough" situation in the region.
at G7 this weekend
Trump on Monday spoke sepa‑ came as Prime Minister Modi
rate ly to Prime Minister during his telephonic conversa‑
Narendra Modi and his Pakistani tion with the US president con‑
veyed that "extreme rhetoric and
Bollywood superstar and Parade Grand Marshal Suniel Shetty, riding the FIA float,
counterpart Khan in his bid to got goose pimples seeing the enthusiasm and size of the milling crowds.
ease fresh Indo‑Pak tensions incitement" to anti‑India violence
after India revoked the special by certain leaders in the region By SATimes Team Avenue last Sunday to celebrate cessfully for 39 years by the
status of Jammu and Kashmir. was not conducive to peace. After Indiaʼs 73rd Independence Day Federation of Indian Associations –
Trump's suggestion to Khan Continued on page 4 New York: Tens of thousands of and enthusiastically witnessed the NY/NJ/CT. Bollywood stars are a
people g athered on Madison India Day Parade, organized suc‑ Continued on page 16

Chandrayaan‑2 moved into lunar Republicans retreat on gun control

orbit, to land on moon on Sept 7 laws after Trump's reversal
Chennai: Indiaʼs second moon mis‑ maneuver, which took nearly 29 Washington: Senate Homeland Manchin (D‑W.Va.) and a national
sion, Chandrayaan‑2, on Tuesday minutes. Security Chairman Ron Johnson is "red flag" bill are both unlikely to
successfully entered the lunar “For 30 minutes, our heart was cast ing major doubt on the pass. He was open to GOP Sen.
orbit in a significant milestone. almost stopped,” said Isro prospects of significant gun regu‑ Lindsey Grahamʼs bill that would
The lander (Vikram), along with Chairman K Sivan, adding that lations passing this fall, the latest establish a red flag grant program,
a rover (Pragyan), is expected to “tension has now only increased, sign that the ef fort to pass new but said the Senate would need to
touch down on September 7 at not reduced”. Prime Minister firearm laws is starting to falter, “attach to those grants very strict
1.55 am. Narendra Modi, in a tweet, con‑ reports Politico. guide lines in terms of due
Chandrayaan‑2's 384,000‑km gratulated the Isro team over this The Wisconsin Republican said process.” “I really donʼt see the
journey started on July 22 after Sriharikota, near Chennai. After 28 “important step in the landmark that a background checks measure dynamic having really changed
the GSLV MkIII‑M1 vehicle lifted days, Isro successfully completed journey to the moon”. A higher‑ based on the bill written by Sens. there much,” Johnson said of an
of f from Isro's spaceport at the lunar orbit insertion (LOI) Continued on page 4 Pat Toomey (R‑Pa.) and Joe Continued on page 4

OP ED 14 BOLLYWOOD 18 BOOKS 26 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

TheSouthAsianTimes.info August 24-30, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY August 24-30, 2019 3

CM Reddy cites US partnership to add to AP’s growth

Washington, DC: The US‑India have an opportunity to usher in He said that his Government
Business Council (USIBC) and the an era of inclusive growth, rapid and USIBC can prepare a roadmap
Atlant ic Council's South Asia development and strategic leader‑ to achieve investment and trade
Center held an exclusive business ship for Andhra Pradesh. targets especially in the areas of
roundtable discussion in Speaking at the business round‑ agriculture and food security,
Washington, D.C with YS Jagan table, CM Reddy "complimented healthcare, education, infrastruc‑
Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of the USIBC for working with the ture and manufacturing.
Andhra Pradesh, on August 16. Government of India to identify The state under his dynamic
This exclusive business round‑ the '5 big ideas' that will catalyze leadership will provide stability
table in collaborat ion w ith the US‑India Economic and predictability, political will,
Georgetown University focused on Partnership and welcomed the transparent policies, strategic
opportunities to strengthen con‑ USIBC to work w ith his direction and governance, which
nectivity between United States Government to also identify '5 big will attract investments and capi‑
and Andhra Pradesh and laid the ideas' to catalyze the US ‑ Andhra tal to the state of Andhra Pradesh
foundation for investment and Pradesh Economic Partnership". Speaking to global investors,
trade opportunities between the "Andhra Pradesh is poised to Chief Minister Reddy laid his
two. Ambassador of India to the catalyze investments, capital and emphasis on delivery of corrup‑
US Harsh V. Shringla set the con‑ partnerships owing to robust tion free governance, bringing
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy speaking at the
text for the engaging discussions infrastructure for connectivity, transparency in procurement and
business roundtable in Washington during his visit to the US.
and introduced the Chief Minister enabling policies, integration with contract management and provid‑
and his vision to an audience com‑ Leading companies were upbeat impressive mandate for unlocking g lobal value chains, shift ing ing investor‑friendly experience
prising leading business houses, on Andhra Pradesh's promise of the expansive growth potential of demog raphic dividend and a through one‑stop handholding of
educational institutions and think rapid economic g rowth and his state. With a strong mandate ready work force," the Chie f investors across the implementa‑
tanks. appreciated the Chief Minister's from his people, CM Reddy will Minister added. tion lifecycle.

Meera Gandhi and her Elected officials celebrate signing of

Foundation supported Religious Attire Bill by Gov. Cuomo
NYC Parade
Richmond Hill, NY: New York
Assemblyman David I. Weprin,
Senator John C. Liu, many other
Assembly and Council members,
District Leaders Dr. Neeta Jain &
Gurdip Singh Narula, Hersh Parekh
from Gov Cuomoʼs office, and com‑
munity members from across
Queens g athered at the Sikh
Cultural Society gurdwara here
over a week ago to celebrate the
signing of the historic Religious
Garb Bill by Governor Andrew M.
Cuomo, which prohibits employ‑
ment discrimination based on reli‑ Assemblyman David I. Weprin & Senator John C. Liu stand
with Sikh Coalitionʼs Nikki Singh, District Leaders
gious attire, clothing, or facial hair.
Dr. Neeta Jain & Gurdip Singh Narula.
T he new law takes e f fect on
Meera Gandhi hosted Rishi & Neetu Kapoor, Suniel and
October 9th, 2019. case of Kevin Harrington, a Sikh across the state about the value of
Mana Shetty, Nikhil Gandhi and Navika Kumar at her house
The legislation adds language to subway operator for the MTA, who diversity in professional spaces,”
on the eve of Indiaʼs Independence Day.
the Human Rights Law clarifying was initially ordered to remove his said Sikh Coalition Policy and
New York: T he Giving Back Times Now DGM International that the wearing of any attire, turban and wear an MTA uniform Advocacy Manager Nikki Singh.
Foundation, helmed by TV host and Marketing Ajay Kulkarni. clothing, or facial hair in accor‑ hat and then a turban affixed with "I congratulate Assemblyman
author Meera Gandhi, was one of Ms Gandhi says, “Itʼs such an dance with the requirements of an MTA logo. New Yorkers can Weprin and Senator Liu for having
the supporters of the 39th India honor to be a part of the India Day oneʼs religion is protected unless now rest assured that they will not the bill successfully passed. My
Day Parade in NYC this Sunday. Parade and we are proud to support an employer demonstrates inabili‑ have to choose between their job own ideolog y is based on the
Meera also joined hands with the this demonstration of Indian pride ty to reasonably accommodate the and religious obligations. notion that everyone has the right
Times Group of India to host an inti‑ amongst the diaspora. The size of person's religious practice without “Today we celebrate a great vic‑ to express themselves freely with‑
mate dinner party last week at her the parade and the high profile of undue hardship on the conduct of tory against hate and discrimina‑ out any sorts of discrimination,”
historic townhome in Manhattan, the participants shows just how far its business. It was first introduced tion. Finally in a state as diverse as said District Leader Dr. Neeta Jain.
which was attended by the paradeʼs we have come as a community.” by Weprin in 2011 and has passed ours, people of faith no longer Said District Leader Gurdip Singh
Grand Marshal Suniel Shetty. Guests Wearing a lehnga by Heritage the Assembly each year since have to choose between their reli‑ Narula. “I was once a victim of a
included actors Rishi Kapoor, his India Fashions, Meera joined 2013. The bill was sponsored by g ion and their jobs,” said hate crime and unfortunately this
wife Neetu Singh, Times Now Shivshankar, Kulkarni along with Senator Liu in the Senate where it Assemblyman Weprin. happens to often. But this bill is a
Managing Editor Navika Kumar and actress Hina Khan aboard the Times finally passsed. The bill was initial‑ “With this bill, New York has start and we now have protections
chief editor Rahul Shivshankar and Now float at the parade. ly proposed in response to the sent a clear message to employers in the workplace.”
 4 August 24-30, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump tells Imran foreign minister Shah Mehmood

Trump is considering payroll to tone down

anti‑India rhetoric
Qureshi told ARY News TV.

Chandrayaan‑2 moved into

Continued from page 1
tax cut to boost economy his 30‑minute conversation with
Modi, Trump held a telephonic con‑
lunar orbit, to land on
moon on Sept 7
Washington: President Donald with a White House officialʼs President Klaus Iohannis, versation with Khan, the second in Continued from page 1
Trump on Tuesday said he was statement to CNBC on Monday Trump floated a number of less than a week. Trump spoke with than‑expected approach velocity
“thinking about” cutting pay‑ evening: “More tax cuts for the possible ways to stimulate the Khan to discuss "the need to reduce would have bounced of f the space‑
roll taxes, less than a day after American people are certainly economy. He slammed the tensions and moderate rhetoric with craft into deep space, while a slow
the White House denied that a on the table, but cutting pay‑ Federal Reserve for raising India over the situation in Jammu approach would have led to the
payroll tax cut was under con‑ roll taxes is not something interest rates and called for a and Kashmir," the White House said moon's gravity to pull Chandrayaan‑
sideration. under consideration at this full percentage‑point cut in in a readout of the call. 2 and crash it on the lunar surface.
“Payroll tax is something we time.” rates “over a period of time.” Continuing with his tirade against The approach velocity had to be
think about, and a lot of people The president has pushed He also discussed multiple India over the Kashmir issue, Khan just right and the altitude over the
would like to see that, and that back strongly on reports that proposals to reduce taxes, on Sunday had called the Indian gov‑ moon rather precise. “Even a small
very much affects the workers investors fear an economic including a payroll tax cut and ernment "fascist" and "supremacist", error would have led to complete
of our country,” Trump told recession may be on the hori‑ indexing capital‑gains taxes to alleging that it poses a threat to failure of the mission,” said Sivan.
reporters at the White House. zon. In a tweet Monday, he inflation. Pakistan as well as to the minorities
Trump went on to say that he accused Democrats of “trying If Trump attempts to pass a in India. Republicans retreat on gun
has “been thinking about pay‑ to ʻwillʼ the Economy to be bad payroll tax cut through He also said the world must also control laws after Trump's
roll taxes for a long time” ̶ for purposes of the 2020 Congress, heʼs almost certain seriously consider the safety and reversal
and he cautioned that “whether Election.” He added, “We are to face strong opposition from security of India's nuclear arsenal as Continued from page 1
or not we do something now, very far from a recession.” Democrats. The 6.2% tax helps it impacts not just the region but the ef fort to strengthen background
itʼs not being done because of But in his nearly exchange to fund social welfare pro‑ world. checks during gun sales, which gen‑
recession.” with the press, ahead of a grams that Democrats have During the conversation with Khan, erally polls at around 90 percent.
His remarks were at odds meeting with Romanian vowed to protect. Trump "reaffirmed the need to avoid “There are a lot of downsides to pass‑
escalation of the situation, and urged ing more legislation that doesnʼt do
anything positive,” Johnson added.
Letter to the Editor Chidambaram goes missing after
restraint" on both sides, the White
House said. President Trump has repeatedly

I court refuses anticipatory bail Trump on Tuesday said he would emphasized there are already strong
had the pleasure of meeting you at
be meeting PM Modi over the week‑ background checks on the books, an
Grego Ayur Massage the other day
New Delhi: With senior Congress leader and former Finance end at the G7 in France, and he apparent reversal from his drive to
in new Hyde Park. On a recent visit
Minister P. Chidambaram continuing to remain missing after would do his best to bring down ten‑ push his party on tightening back‑
there, I picked up a copy of The South
the Delhi High Court refused to grant him protection from sions in the subcontinent. ground checks.
Asian times and I wanted to tell you
arrest in the INX Media case, the CBI late on Tuesday night Meanwhile, Pakistan on Tuesday Senate Minority Leader Chuck
how much I enjoyed reading the
pasted a notice on his gate asking him to appear before the said it w ill approach the Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi
entire newspaper. As the managing
investigation officer "within two hours". Earlier, a six‑member International Court of Justice (ICJ) assailed Trump for the turnabout,
editor you should be proud that an
team of CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on over the Kashmir issue. The decision with Schumer calling it “heartbreak‑
American born person finds your
Tuesday arrived at his Jor Bagh residence one after the other, comes days after a rare closed‑door ing.” T hey are pushing Senate
news paper so interesting.
but could not meet him as he was not at home. The notice consultations on Kashmir by the UN Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to
First of all, the layout of the newspa‑
pasted at Chidambaram house read, "Whereas it appears that Security Council which ended with‑ take up the House‑passed universal
per makes it very easy to read and fol‑
you are acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the out any outcome or statement from background checks bill, which lacks
low the articles. I also found it refresh‑
cases noted below which I am now investigating under chap‑ the powerful 15‑nation UN organ, GOP support in the Senate.
ing to see the South Asian interest
ter XII of the CrPc, you are hereby directed to attend before dealing a huge snub to Islamabad Meanwhile, Trumpʼs reversal keeps
groups and their perspective on the
me within two hours of the receipt for the purpose of the and its all‑weather ally China to solidifying, "A lot of the people that
American government. Not only that,
investigation of the case." internationalize the issue. put me where I am, are strong believ‑
you cover national news, economic
Chidambaram is likely to seek protection from arrest from An overwhelming majority in the ers in the Second Amendment, and I
and global news as well as lifestyle
the Supreme Court Wednesday morning. The CBI is investi‑ UN Security Council stressed am also. And we have to be very
and Sci‑Tech.
gating Chidambaram in the INX Media case, which it had reg‑ Kashmir is a bilateral matter between careful about that. You know, they
Thank you for publishing this terrif‑
istered on May 15, 2017 alleging irregularities in the FIPB New Delhi and Islamabad. call it the slippery slope. All of a sud‑
ic product and I will definitely look
clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas “An in‑principle decision has been den everything gets taken away,"
forward to reading it on a regular
funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as Finance taken to take the issue of Kashmir to Trump told reporters. "We're not
basis. ‑Gail Douglas
Minister the International Court of Justice," going to let that happen."

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY August 24-30, 2019 5

New Jersey speller wins 2019 ICCR president Dr. Vinay

South Asian Spelling Bee Sahasrabuddhe on US visit
Washington: An Indian‑American 14 years of age and was held in five
Washington, D.C: Dr. Vinay
teenager from New Jersey won the regional centers across the US,
2019 South Asian Spelling Bee, after including New Jersey, Washington,
Sahasrabuddhe, President,
Indian Council for Cultural
Dwells on PM
correctly spelling the word "flipe" to D.C., Dallas, the San Francisco Bay
earn the national title and $3,000 Area, and Charlotte. Over 600
Relations, visited Atlanta and
Washington D.C. from August
Modi's vision
grand prize. spellers from these centers partici‑
By correctly spelling the word that pated from which 15 finalists took
8‑12. In Washington D.C., Dr. for new India
Sahasrabuddhe delivered
means to strip off by or as if by peel‑ the stage at the finals.
remarks on the topic Shringla in Washington D.C.
ing, Navneeth Murali bested
"Prospects and challenges for with members of the US admin‑
Hephzibah Sujoe, 13, of Fort Worth, Jaideep Janakiram, Head of North
America, Sony Entertainment an emerging New India" at a istration, Congress, academia
Texas; Pranav Nandakumar, 13, of
Television‑Asia, Navneeth Murali well‑attended event held on and think‑tanks.
Austin, Texas; and Vayun Krishna,
(national champion), and Rahul August 12 at the prestigious Dr. Sahasrabuddhe's engage‑
12, of Sunnyvale, California, who all
Walia, founder of the South think‑tank, Hudson Institute. ments in Atlanta included a
tied for the runner‑up position.
Asian Spelling Bee During his address, he dwelt on meeting with US Congressman
The bee was open to children up to
the vision of Prime Minister John Lewis and the unveiling of
a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at
American Airlines appoints Priya Aiyar as senior vice president
Narendra Modi, following a
renewed mandate in the 2019 the Consulate General of India,
elections, for a New India char‑ Atlanta.
New York: American Americanʼs Legal Af fairs strategic perspective, integrity, He also paid homage to the
acterized by 'politics of per‑
Airlines Group team and its legal strate‑ energy, unique experience, passion statue of Mahatma Gandhi at
formance'; good governance
announced on Aug 5th gies. This includes the for the law, and demonstrated abili‑ the Martin Luther King Jr.
and development as drivers of
that they have hired companyʼs corporate gov‑ ty to build and inspire teams make National Historic Park. During
democracy and tools of social
Indian‑American, Priya ernance, securities, and her the perfect person to lead our his meeting with Congressman
integration; cooperative feder‑
Aiyar to serve as the corporate finance, busi‑ legal strategy and team over the Lewis, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe
alism; women empowerment
Senior Vice President ness and commercial, liti‑ coming years. We remain focused applauded the latter's efforts to
and welfare measures for the
and General Counsel. gation, competition and on evolving our culture and attract‑ introduce the 'Lewis Bill' in the
disadvantaged sections of
Aiyar, a former Obama antitrust, compliance, pri‑ ing the best and brightest to US Congress which is an initia‑
society.
administration of ficial, vacy, environmental, American and, in both respects, we tive to celebrate the legacies of
Priya Aiyar He also touched upon the
succeeds Paul Jones, employment, and intellec‑ could not have found a better per‑ Mahatma Gandhi and Martin
recent decision of the govern‑
who retired from American earlier tual property legal issues and work. son.” “We are enormously proud of Luther King. He also interacted
ment of India to reorganize the
this year. Aiyar holds a Juris Doctor “We are thrilled to welcome Priya what Paul and our terrific legal with prominent representatives
state of Jammu & Kashmir.
from Yale Law School, a masterʼs to American Airlines,” said Steve team have accomplished,” contin‑ from the field of art and culture
Separately, Dr. Vinay
degree from the University of Johnson, Americanʼs Executive Vice ued Johnson. “Iʼm looking forward in an event hosted by Swati
Sahasrabuddhe attended a
Oxford, and a bachelorʼs degree President of Corporate Af fairs. to working with Priya to build on Kulkarni, Consul General of
round table interaction hosted
from Harvard University. “Priya is an outstanding lawyer and that American work and take us to India in Atlanta.
by Ambassador Harsh Vardhan
Aiyarʼs role will be the lead of the an extraordinary intellect, and her the next level.”

Palki Yatra held as part of Guru Poornima fete

New York: The Shirdi Sai Baba
temple, situated on Robinson
Street in the Flushing section of
Queens in New York City organ‑
ized Guru Poornima celebrations.
The event, highlight of which
was a Palki Yatra, ended on a
successful note. This was the
ninth time that the temple organ‑
ized Guru Poornima celebrations
since the house of worship was
formally inaugurated in 2010.
T he weeklong celebrations,
held last month, began on July
14. It culminated on July 20 ̶
the day the Palki Yatra (palan‑ Devotees took part with religious fervor in the Palki Yatra
quin procession) was conducted. This year an interfaith group was also part of the procession (Photo credit: A.L. Shunmugam)
Among the features of the cele‑ Dashami Day, or Dasara cut short on the advice of local Marathi, Te lugu, Kannada, town, now situated in
brations were Dattatreya Moola (Dusshehra), is also considered police who had opined that the Malayalam, Tamil and Punjabi. Maharashtra. That Chavadi Utsav
Mantra Havan, Sahasranaama equally important as Sai Baba severe heat could pose problems Each group wore its special eth‑ was aesthetically re‑created by a
Archana, Satyanarayana Vrata left his human form on that day. to children and aged devotees. nic dress and walked as specific group of devotees, who drew
Katha, Hanuman Abhishe ka Last year (2018) marked the cen‑ Yet the fervor exhibited by all the segments in the procession. special appreciation by onlook‑
Pooja, Swarna Pushparchana, tenary of Sai Baba leaving his devotees was as usual. Another important feature, as ers that included Americans at
Guru Paduka Pooja, Sai Baba physical body. The temple ensured that plenty was evident in the centenary cel‑ large.
Maha Abhisheka and Sri Lakshmi A total of 1,100 devotees of water bottles were available. ebrations, was the appearance of Also this year, an interfaith
Kubera Pooja. Nitya Annadaana attended the ce le brat ions Volunteers distributed snacks, Sai Baba and his close associates. group was part of the procession.
(distribut ion of free foo d throughout the week with at cool drinks, paper towels and Sai Baba, when he was in his Programs, in which regional
prasadam on a daily basis) was least 300 taking part in the other useful items throughout physical form, used to take part subcultures were exhibited, were
held as usual during the celebra‑ palanquin procession. Devotees the two‑hour procession. No in the Chavadi Utsav in which he held shortly before the tastefully
tions. de fied the searing heat that untoward incident was reported used to walk to Chavdi (a public decorated palanquin was taken
Though the celebrations were touched 100 degrees Fahrenheit. by the volunteers and temple square in an Indian village at the out of the temple.
held throughout the week, the Those who carried the palanquin of ficials who walked along the time) from his Dwarakamayi (a The temple, whose premises
actual Guru Poornima was wore traditional clothes and procession route. dilapidated mosque that used to were formally inaugurated more
observed on July 15 this year. walked barefoot. A special feature in this yearʼs be the base of the Shirdi saint). than nine years ago, has been in
This is the most important day The procession, which started Palki Yatra was the formation of Dwarakamayi is now known as existence for nearly three
on the Sai Baba calendar. Vijaya late than the specified time, was linguist ic g roups such as Samadhi Mandir in that temple decades.
 6 August 24-30, 2019 LOCAL GOVERNMENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Mayor de Blasio, Chancellor Carranza County Executive

announce easier, more transparent Curran announces book
school admissions process club for young readers
Mineola, NY: Nassau
New York: Mayor Bill de Blasio and educators that they want a simpler, This is a shorter process that County Executive Laura
Schools Chance llor Richard A. more transparent, and more acces‑ requires less paperwork. Rather Curran announced the
Carranza announced on August sible system of school choice, and than having to complete a second launch of her book club for
15th a shorter, easier, and more today weʼre taking a step forward,” application and wait weeks̶often young readers, “Lauraʼs
transparent process for students said Schools Chancellor Richard A. into May or June̶for a second Book Club.” The book club
applying to enter middle and high Carranza. “T his common‑sense decision or offer, families will com‑ will include monthly book
school for the 2020‑21 school year. change will make a real difference plete one process, receive one offer, suggestions for young
Now, there will only be one applica‑ for families across the five bor‑ and receive any additional of fers adults and children.
tion round and deadline for families oughs, and improve our middle and based on waitlist position. County Executive Curran
to keep track of. All admissions high school choice process for years Families will now have one admis‑ will announce her book
processes will have one round, from to come.” sions system at all grade levels, pick of the month on her
3‑K to high school. Students will be The DOE is eliminating the sec‑ with the changes to the middle and Lauraʼs Book Club selection for
Facebook, Twitter and
placed on a waitlist for each school ond application rounds for middle high school process making it more August is Turtles All The Way Down
Instagram.
by John Green.
listed higher on their application and high school. The main round similar to the elementary school “My mission is for
than the school to which they are application process and timeline admissions process. Lauraʼs Book Club to encourage possible in the months of July
offered admission, informed of their will remain the same, with middle T here will be a robust set of young people to disconnect from and August. Each participant of
spot on the waitlist, and immediate‑ and high school applications open‑ resources available to schools and technology, step away from the the library tool receives a map to
ly offered admission off these wait‑ ing in October with a December families to ensure educators and screens and enjoy a book,” said track their progress and can earn
lists as seats become available. deadline. Students will receive their families have information about the Nassau County Executive Laura prizes along the way.
“Parents have enough on their of fer in March. Families can still changes being implemented, and Curran. “I also hope this pro‑ Public libraries offer free mem‑
plate̶tangling with bureaucracy to appeal for travel, safety, or medical the DOE will engage families once gram encourages residents to bership to residents which comes
get their child into school shouldnʼt hardships; if families have any hard‑ school is back in session. Schools visit their public libraries and with services such as book and
add to the load,” said Mayor de ship, they will be able to access in‑ will have resources to support fami‑ take advantage of the free servic‑ video rentals, workshops and
Blasio. “We are changing the middle person support at Family Welcome lies, and Family Welcome Center es they offer beyond book seminars, access to online
and high school application Centers, rather than wait to partici‑ staf f will be fully trained in these rentals.” research databases and even dis‑
processes so families donʼt have to pate in a second process. new processes to help guide and County Executive Curran is counted admission tickets to
go through the gauntlet just to get a By knowing their waitlist position, support families. The DOE will also also participating in the 2019 museums and attractions across
placement. There will be one appli‑ families have a better understand‑ share information at middle and Nassau County Library Tour. The New York. For more information
cation round and one deadline to ing of their chances of getting into a high school fairs this fall, and program encourages residents to on the Nassau County Library
make everyoneʼs lives easier.” preferred school option in the event update the website and family‑fac‑ visit as many of the 57 library Tour visit: https://tour.nassauli‑
“Weʼve heard from families and that seats become available. ing materials. branches in Nassau County as brary.org/

Stamford City
proclaims India NYPD fires officer for
Day to commemorate
Indian independence chokehold death of Eric Garner insisted, though, they couldn't
New York: Stamford Mayor David Martin New York: After five years of
proclaimed August 17th as India Day to investigations and protests, take action until criminal inves‑
commemorate Indian Independence New York City's police commis‑ tigations were complete. A state
when Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal sioner on Monday fired an offi‑ grand jury declined to indict
Nehru raised the Indian flag at the Red cer involved in the 2014 choke‑ Pantaleo in 2014. Federal
Fort on August 15, 1947. The city joined hold death of an unarmed black authorities, however, kept a
hands w ith the Indian Diaspora in man whose dying cries of "I civil rights investigation open
Connecticut for a celebration organized can't breathe" fueled a national for five years before announc‑
by the Connecticut Chapter of Global debate over race and police use ing last month they wouldn't
Organization of People of Indian Origin of force. bring charges.
(GOP IO‑CT ) by hoist ing American, Police Commissioner James Pantaleo's lawyer has insisted
Indian and Connecticut flags at the O'Neill's announced at a midday the of ficer used a reasonable
Government Center in Stamford. In his news conference that he had amount of force and didn't
proclamation, Mayor Martin said that fired Of ficer Daniel Pantaleo, mean to hurt Garner.
the Indian Independence was marked who is white, based on a recent New York City's mayor has
largely by non‑violent resistance and recommendation of a depart‑ declined to say whether he
civil disobedience and the Independence ment disciplinary judge. He said believes Garner should lose his
it was clear that Pantaleo "can Daniel Pantaleo (left). Eric Garnerʼs cries of ʻI canʼt breatheʼ job but has been promising "jus‑
day is celebrated by the Indian Diaspora
no longer effectively serve as a
fueled national outrage against police force (Image : nypost.com) tice" to the slain man's family.
worldwide. The proclamation further
noted that Stamford city will honor the New York City police officer." O'Neill has been deliberating Eric Garner. The recordings led Garner's death came at a time
Indian community which is an integral "None of us can take back our on whether to accept a discipli‑ to years of protests and calls by of a growing public outcry over
part of the cityʼs diversity, success, and decisions," O'Neill said, "espe‑ nary judge's recommendation to black activists and liberal politi‑ police killings of unarmed black
great future. Mayor Martin was present cially when they lead to the fire Officer Daniel Pantaleo for cians for Pantaleo to lose his men that sparked the national
at the flag hoisting ceremony on August death of another human being." using a banned chokehold on job. City of ficials had long Black Lives Matter movement.
17th. Indian Consul Vipul Mesariya rep‑
resented the government of India at the
ce le brat ion. Connect icut Attorney
General WilliamTong also graced the
occasion. Following the flag hoisting, an
India Festival with dances and music
including kite flying was held at the Mill
River Park from noon to 5 p.m. Indian
food, clothes and artifacts were sold at
variousbooths.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL August 24-30, 2019 7

Veggie Fest 2019 draws 45000 people

Illinois: It was Sunday night, Veggie
Fest 2019 was closing, and no one
wanted to go home. The weather
cooperated. Parking went smoothly.
The food was over the top, and
everyone was saying this was the
best Veggie Fest ever.
T he two‑day festival opened
August 10 morning with words
from local dignitaries, among them
Mayors Chris Pecak and Phil Suess,
of Lisle and Wheaton respectively.
Dan Hebread, president of the
DuPage County Forest Preserve
welcomed Veggie Fest to its new
location, and event coordinator, Wisconsin with their three‑ and over the world to make Veggie Fest our body, mind, and emotions. He County Health Department, talked
Jonathan Kruger said: “There were five‑year olds, said they had never a success. Their enthusiasm is con‑ continued this theme on Sunday, about the power of plant‑based
tens of thousands of people spread seen so many activities offered for tagious, and their loving service speaking about meditation and giv‑ foods to create and sustain our
out all over this beautiful park, and kids at any other public event. They accounts for the peaceful atmos‑ ing detailed meditation instructions, health and wellbeing.
it never felt crowded. Iʼm still walk‑ added, “There was so much love in phere everyone comments on. after which the audience had a After listening to several speak‑
ing around saying, ʻWow!ʼ” that tent. It was amazing.” T he Veggie Fest boasted an chance to try it for themselves. ers, a young mother commented, “I
This is the first year for Veggie The huge international food court impressive roster of speakers. John Salley, four‑time NBA cham‑ never realized there was so much
Fest at Danada South Park, Navistar went full tilt all weekend. You can Kicking of f on Saturday was pion and former member of Chicago scientific research done on plant‑
Drive in Lisle, IL ‑‑ a new venue with check it out at www.veggiefestchica‑ Saraswati Sukumar, Ph.D., professor Bulls basketball team, spoke pas‑ based eating. There are going to be
much more room than any of the go.com/food‑court/, but to appreci‑ of oncology and pathology at the sionately about why he adopted a some changes in my house.”
previous locations. More room, as ate what it really was like, you had Johns Hopkins University School of plant‑based diet. Kenny Duggal, MD, Several favorites were back doing
we all know, means more of every‑ to be there. A couple of recent addi‑ Medicine, who talked about her ABPMR, assistant professor at Rush demos: Chicagoʼs premier raw food
thing. The 4000‑foot kidsʼ tent had tions included four styles of vegan research on preventing breast can‑ University Medical Center, attracted restauranteur, Karyn Calabrese;
been packed since opening, and lots omelets (without eggs) and the ris‑ cer using natural foods and herbs. a crowd with his talk: “Eat Green, cookbook author Elle Jaf fe; Marla
of little people were walking around ing star of the vegan burger scene, Noted spiritual leader Sant Get Lean.” Rose of Chicagoʼs Vegan Mania; and
with their faces painted. A separate the Beyond Burger. South Indian Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, head of Both Neal Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C., vegan gourmet chefs, Acooba Scott
area for toddlers and a special dosas were back, and if youʼve Science of Spirituality, chief sponsor George Washington University and Chef Ramses Bravo. Natureʼs
learn‑to‑meditate tent just for par‑ never had one, you missed out on of Veggie Fest, gave the keynotes School of Medicine and president of Path Organics, one of the biggest
ents and kids were also part of the something great. By the way, the both days on meditation for healthy the Physicians Committee for names in organic food and a Veggie
childrenʼs program this year. lines moved quickly. A thousand living. On Saturday, he said we need Responsible Medicine, and Terry Fest favorite, of fered cooking tips
One couple, who drove from volunteers come from countries all to heal our spirit if we are to heal Mason, M.D.,COO of the Cook and free samples.

Tulsi Gabbard takes two

weeks off from campaign
Kashmiri Pandit diaspora meet in Houston
Houston: Celebrating the abrogation of
to join military duty Article 370 that gave special status to
Washington, DC: First Hindu member of the US Jammu and Kashmir, the Global Kashmiri
Congress and Democratic Presidential aspirant Tulsi Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) organized a meet‑
Gabbard is taking two weeks off from the election ing of the community members in Houston
campaign. The elections are in 2020. And Gabbard with the head of BJP's Foreign Af fairs
has announced that she will leave the campaign for 2 Department, Vijay Chauthaiwale.
weeks of training in Indonesia that involves counter‑ All the heads of Kashmiri Pandits' com‑
terrorism too. munity organizations from India and com‑
Gabbard said that she knows she isnʼt expected to munity members from Australia, the UK,
leave the campaign at the moment and she under‑ Germany, Singapore, India and the US con‑
stands how amazed the people are. But she says she nected with the meeting via teleconference
loves her country and wants to serve the country in on August 18.
Addressing the gathering, Chauthaiwale Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of BJP's Foreign Affairs department
every way including a soldier. So she wants to go to
(seated) took part in the celebration
the joint training mission in Indonesia. Gabbard said said that he could feel the joy, positive
she is, in fact, looking forward to joining her col‑ vibrations and excitement in the communi‑ Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and his concrete steps are taken immediately," he
leagues in learning how to combat terrorism and dis‑ ty following the recent transformational team had shown," he said. Surinder Kaul, said. On behalf of the local community,
aster response. changes in India. international coordinator of GKPD, said: "It Veena Ambardar thanked Narendra Modi
This isnʼt the first time Gabbard is taking time off "The abrogation of Article 370 was a his‑ was time to celebrate the power and diver‑ and his team. Ambardar said: "In addition
for training. She was a part of active service in 2017 toric moment... It was the result of the sity of our great nation." He said the GKPD to paving the way for major infrastructural
too. She also served in the Hawaii Army National strong ideological commitment, will to exe‑ focuses on challenging the separatist nar‑ developments in Kashmir, the move has
Guard in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. She served a second cute, emotional involvement, strategic rative at the United Nations. "The commu‑ also instilled a ray of hope in the Kashmiri
deployment in Kuwait in 2008 and 2009. She worked implementation and focussed techniques nity faces challenges in terms of cultural, Pandit community that they will be able to
with the Kuwaiti Army. to execute the strategy that our visionary religious and social extermination unless reclaim their homeland."
 8 August 24-30, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

USCIS may court disaster with H‑1B Ro Khanna joins Pak

visa registration system: Forbes Congressional Caucus Washington, DC: Indian‑American
Washington DC: Business and edu‑ such as the Compete America cations after a petitioner (the Congressman Ro Khanna has
cation groups warn that USCIS Coalition, the BSA | The Software employer) registers electronically joined the Congressional Pakistan
may court disaster if the agency Alliance and the Semiconductor for a beneficiary (the potential H‑ Caucus and said he would contin‑
implements a new electronic sys‑ Industry Association. 1B employee) and after the agency ue to pursue the American objec‑
tem for H‑1B petitions without An H‑1B petition (or visa) is gen‑ selects that beneficiary in the H‑ tives of a strong US‑India relation‑
suf ficient testing and input from erally the only path to the 1B lottery. ship, as well as peace and stability
employers, reports Forbes maga‑ American Dream for international “To be eligible to file a petition in the region. The two‑term
zine. T he registration system, students and those educated for a beneficiary who may be Democratic Congressman repre‑
based on a regulation finalized in abroad seeking jobs and careers in counted against the H‑1B regular senting Silicon Valley is the first
Ro Khanna
January, is expected to be used in the U.S. that require a bachelorʼs cap or the H‑1B advanced degree Indian‑American lawmaker to join
April 2020 for the FY 2021 H‑1B degree or higher. For employers, exemption for a particular fiscal the Congressional Pakistan ers, including India and Pakistan,
cap season. an H‑1B visa is often the only year, registration must be proper‑ Caucus, which is co‑chaired by to stabilize Afghanistan so that the
“We urge USCIS to engage in practical way to hire a foreign ly submitted,” according to the Congresswoman Sheila Jackson US can withdraw troops. I will con‑
extensive beta testing of the sys‑ national to work long‑term in regulation. “A petitioner may file Lee (Democratic) and tinue to pursue the American
tem, with maximum participation America in technology, finance an H‑1B cap‑subject petition on Congressman Jim Banks objectives of a strong US‑India
and feedback from a wide range of and other fields. behalf of a registered beneficiary (Republican). Both Lee and relationship and peace and stabili‑
interested stakeholders, before the The new regulation established a only after the petitioner's registra‑ Khanna (42) are also members of ty in the region," he said in
system is required for use to new process for submitting H‑1B tion for that beneficiary has been the Congressional Caucus on India response to a question.
ensure a smooth transition to the petitions and conducting the H‑1B selected for that fiscal year. USCIS and Indian‑Americans, which is the It was in May this year that Lee
new electronic registration system visa lottery. Due to a large number will notify the petitioner of the largest country‑specific caucus in and Banks announced the forma‑
and minimize the risk of disrup‑ of H‑1B applications submitted in selection of the petitioner's regis‑ the House of Representatives. tion of Congressional Pakistan
tions,” wrote 15 organizations in excess of the 65,000‑annual limit tered beneficiaries.” Khanna, who in the last two years Caucus for the current Congress.
an August 16, 2019, joint letter. (and the 20,000 advance degree The regulation also notes, “A has made a mark in the House of Lee is a founding member of the
“Meaning ful considerat ion of exemption from the limit) for new petitioner must electronically sub‑ Representatives on foreign policy Caucus.
stakeholder recommendations and H‑1B petitions, the lottery has mit a separate registration to file a and national security issues, joined Pakistani Ambassador to the US
engagement in system testing is been used for the past several petition for each beneficiary it the Pakistani Caucus after the visit Asad M Khan thanked Khanna for
necessary to ensure that the regis‑ years to select which cases USCIS seeks to register, and each benefi‑ of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran joining the Pakistani Caucus.
tration system works as intended.” will adjudicate. ciary must be named. A petitioner Khan to the US last month. "I am a "Had a wonderful meeting with
The organizations expressing In past years, starting April 1st – may only submit one registration proud member of the US‑India Congressman Ro Khanna. We dis‑
concern about the proposed H‑1B 6 months before the start of the per beneficiary in any fiscal year. Caucus and have supported legis‑ cussed the Prime Minister's (Imran
registration system include the next fiscal year – employers have If a petitioner submits more than lation condemning the terrorist Khan) recent visit to the US and
American Immigration Lawyers sent to USCIS completed applica‑ one registration per beneficiary in bombing in Kashmir and promot‑ ways to promote Pakistan‑US rela‑
Association, the U.S. Chamber of tions, along with supporting mate‑ the same fiscal year, all registra‑ ing stronger defense ties between tions. Congressman Khanna took a
Commerce, the American Council rials, to apply for H‑1B petitions. tions filed by that petitioner relat‑ the US and India," Khanna told keen interest in promoting peace
on Education, FWD.us and a vari‑ T he regulat ion changes that ing to that beneficiary for that fis‑ PTI. in South Asia. Thanked him for
ety of technology trade associa‑ process substantially. Employers cal year w ill be considered "At the same time, I believe it's joining the Pakistan Caucus," Khan
tions and other organizations, will now send in completed appli‑ invalid.” critical to engage all regional play‑ wrote on Twitter.

Multifaith Eid al Adha celebrated at Islamic Center of LI

By The SATimes Team

Westbury, NY: T he Interfaith

Institute (IFI) of Islamic Center of
Long Island celebrated their first
Interfaith Eid al Adah in a unique
way by hosting a Multi Ethnic
International Food Festival. The
communities which brought their
traditional food for the feast hailed
from India (including Kerala and
Gujarat), Pakistan and Kashmir, People from diverse faith communities enjoyed the
Multi Ethnic International Food Festival feast. A section of the attendees with organizers in the front row.
Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran,
Israel, Italy, and Puerto Rico. was explained as a celebration pilgrimage taken every year by 3 history of Makkah and Kaaba. Khan, founder of the Islamic Center,
Over 250 people from diverse about sacrifice and submission to million devout Muslims to Makkah. Another IFI trustee Sister Sahar welcomed the gathering and Dr.
faith communities came together on Godʼs will and command. This Eid Mohammed Sohail Nabi, an IFI Hussain detailed the Hajj Unni Mooppan, ICLI trustees, was
August 18 for the Eid al Adah, which follows the completion of the Hajj trustee, gave a presentation on the Pilgrimage. Dr. Faroque Ahmed the master of ceremonies.

Indian student gets a year in jail

for damaging college computers
Washington, DC: An Indian student Tuesday. mand causing the computer's on‑
was sentenced to 12 months in prison, Pleading guilty, Akuthota admitted board capacitors to rapidly charge and
to be followed by one year of super‑ that on February 14 he inserted a then discharge repeatedly, thereby
vised release, for intentionally damag‑ "USB Killer" device into 66 computers, overloading and physically destroying
ing computer equipment of a college as well as numerous computer moni‑ the USB port and electrical system.
in New York. tors and computer‑enhanced podiums, Akuthota is a citizen of India and
Vishwanath Akuthota, 27, of Albany owned by the College of St Rose in was residing in the United States on a
was also ordered to pay $ 58,471 as Albany. student visa. He has been in custody
restitution charge, United States The device, when inserted into a since his arrest in North Carolina on
Attorney Grant C Jaquith said on computer's USB port, sends a com‑ February 22. Vishwanath Akuthota
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL August 24-30, 2019 9

World Hindu Councilʼs

STARTALK Hindi Program pays 3‑day conference
ʻThreads 2019ʼ
tributes to common men of India in Boston
Boston, MA: The World Hindu Council of
America has announced that it will hold a three‑
day conference here from November 1‑3, 2019.
The purpose of the event is two‑fold: exploring
and chronicling the contributions of Hindus to
America and, paying tribute to the largesse of
America and its warm embrace of Hindus.
WHCʼs conference ʻThreads 2019: Share,
Appreciate and Engage‑To Shape a Collective
Futureʼ will bring together a community that is
maturing and making its mark every day in
America. Speakers who are leaders, scholars
and leading lights in various aspects of life ‑ phi‑
The instructors of the STARTALK Hindi Program at the event lanthropy, science, arts, technology,media, busi‑
Franklin Township, NJ: Last week forty‑five introduce Hindi and the Indian culture at she said. “These stories presented local ness, medicine and academia – will narrate their
Middle and High school students, dressed an early stage for students who are born issues, such as global warming and preser‑ story so each thread can be picked up and
in colorful Indian attire, arrived at Franklin and growing up on the USA. Most of our vation of natural resources, in global con‑ woven into a fabric that tells the larger tale of
High School auditorium to showcase their students come from Indian‑American fami‑ texts. It made Hindi learning at our pro‑ the impact of Hindus on American society.
Hindi skills learned at Sangam‑Franklin lies. However, we have also reached out to gram very meaningful.” Conference Convener Dr.Jai Bansal said, “The
STARTALK Hindi Program, a three‑week non‑Indian families for allowing their chil‑ Ojha said, “The curricula of our program aim is also to look forward. We are bringing
intensive summer Hindi learning program, dren to learn Hindi and Indian culture,” he was developed with rich cultural content. together people in one place so they can meet
and received certificates of completion. said. We integrated our daily learning plans with and engage in a way that ideas for a roadmap
“I am reminded of my own cultural origin “We are very proud to host this program varieties of cultural activities including folk for the community, on how to keep gainfully
and heritage,” said Jigna Rao, Director, at Franklin High School,” said Principal dances and skits that students enjoyed per‑ contributing to America will emerge.”
Center for Continuing Studies, Division of Frank Chmiel, who attended the event as forming on stage. A day‑long field trip was Attendees will be treated to a wealth of details
Life long Learning, Mercer County the Guest of Honor. “Sangam‑Franklin organized to take students on a guided trip which will inform, empower and nurture. The
Community College, who attended the event STARTALK Hindi program has added diver‑ to nearby Colonial Park, where a park conference will cover a broad range of topics:
as the chief guest and sat through the hour‑ sity in our community. We feel that this authority named Surina Rashid briefed Science and Technology, Arts and Literature,
long cultural performance by students. “It is program should continue in the future,” he them on the highlights of the park includ‑ Holistic Living, Education, Medicine, Industry
heartening to see young students speak said. ing its Rose Garden and the Fragrance‑ and Commerce, Public Service and Advocacy,
Hindi as they performed theatrical activities “We introduced varieties of interesting Perennial garden. After spending two hours Service and Philanthropy. There will also be
on stage,” she said while distributing certifi‑ stories from India under the theme of in the natural surroundings we headed to a lightning talks on unique ideas, projects and
cates of completion to all students. ʻStorytellingʼ for our learners, most of them community center, Bharat Sevashram, poster presentations. The three‑day conference
The federally funded program was organ‑ Middle and High School students. These where two guest speakers Mamta Tripathi welcomes people from all disciplines, denomina‑
ized by Hindi Sangam Foundation, a New stories connected learners with the accom‑ and Sanjana Tatke spoke about their experi‑ tions, and cultures who seek a deeper under‑
Jersey‑based non‑profit institution in col‑ plishments of ordinary people of India,” ences. Sangam‑Franklin STARTALK Hindi standing of the Hindu‑American narrative.
laboration with Franklin Township Board of said Sanjyot Tatke, lead coordinator of the Prog ram was launched on July 22 at Registration is open at www.threads2019.org.
Education. “This is our fourth year conduct‑ program. “The characters in the stories, Franklin High School in Somerset, NJ. It The World Hindu Council of America is an inde‑
ing STARTALK program at this venue,” said such as Dashrath Manjhi, the Mountain ended on August 8th, the fifteenth day pendent, nonprofit and volunteer‑based charity
Ashok Ojha, director of the program and Man and Jadav Payeng, the Forest Man, when the students presented on stage their organization serving the needs of the Hindu
president of the foundation. “Our goal is to proved to be very inspiring for students,” Hindi skills. community in the US since 1970.

DIASPORA

Indians world over celebrate

Independence Day
Beijing/ Canberra: T housands of relations as in 2020 both the coun‑ powerful test imony of peace ful
Indians across the world on Thursday tries are all set to celebrate the 70th protest, the vision, and devotion of
proudly ce le brated India's 73rd year of the establishment of diplomat‑ the ''Great Soul'', Gandhi, and the
Independence Day with the tricolor ic relations between them. modern emergence of a proud and
fluttering hig h and the nat ional A number of hig h‑leve l visits, free nation," he said in a statement.
anthem reverberating at Indian mis‑ including Chinese President Xi "On that first Independence Day, in
sions abroad. Jinping's tour to India later this year, August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru called
Indians in China, Australia, and between the two nations, are planned, for the people of India to take up their
many other countries marked the day he said. ''tryst with destiny'' and share the
with hoisting of the national flag and In Australia, a large number of great adventure of a new age. He
singing of patriotic songs. Indian expatriates attended the flag spoke of a new star of freedom rising,
In Beijing, people took part in the hoist ing ceremonies he ld at the new hope and a long‑cherished vision
Independence Day celebrations held Indian High Commission in Canberra coming into being," he added.
at the Indian Embassy. and consulate buildings in Melbourne, In Canberra, High Commissioner
India's Ambassador to China Vikram Sydney, and Perth. AM Gondane unfurled the flag in
Misri hoisted the tricolor at the India Extending his best wishes to the presence of a large crowd in a chilly
House and read out President Ram Indian diaspora on the occasion, morning, while in Perth, a cultural
Nath Kovind's address to the nation. Australian Prime Minister Scott prog ram was org anized by the
A large number of Indians were Morrison said the community was "a ''Sanskriti Seniors Group'' where the
present on the occasion. rich and vibrant part of modern, mul‑ diaspora sang patriotic songs.
Addressing the members of the ticultural Australia." Dantu Charandasi, the Consul
Indian diaspora, Misri said this year "To all who hold this day dear, it is a General in Perth, and Raj Kumar, the
India and China are embarking on an reminder of the promise of freedom Consul General in Me lbourne, The tricolor unfurled at the Indian Embassy
important phase of their bilateral and the strength of hope. It recalls the unfurled the tricolor. in Warsaw, Poland
 10 August 24-30, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Danish PM: Trump's idea of US tests new missile

buying Greenland is 'absurd' after withdrawing
Greenland: Greenland is not for
sale and President Donald Trump's from INF Treaty
idea of buy ing the semi‑
autonomous Danish territory in Washington: The US tested a lier this month”.
the Arctic from Denmark is "an new ground‑based cruise missile The collapse of the INF Treaty,
absurd discussion," Denmark's which can hit a target after more which was signed by the Soviet
prime minister has said. than 500 km of flights weeks Union and the United States in
Mette Frederiksen, who was vis‑ after withdrawing from the 1987, has triggered the fear that
iting the world's largest island to Intermediate‑Range Nuclear a new round of arms race is
meet Premier Kim Kielsen, told Forces (INF) Treaty banning such looming, many analysts say.
reporters: "Greenland is not systems, the Pentagon said on Last year, Washington said
Danish. Greenland is Greenlandic. I Monday in a statement. that it would withdraw from the
persistently hope that this is not The test took place at 2.30 pm Intermediate‑range Nuclear
something that is seriously meant." at San Nicolas Island, California, Forces Treaty (INF) while accus‑
Frederiksen said Sunday that the the Xinhua news agency report‑ ing Russia of failing to comply
Arctic, with resources that Russia ed. with it.
and others could exploit for com‑ President Trump called the idea of buying Greenland interesting, According to the statement, Within the next few weeks, the
mercial gain, "is becoming increas‑ but it's not a priority of his administration. “The missile exited its ground United States is expected to test
ingly important to the entire world mobile launcher and accurately a ground‑launched cruise mis‑
coastal regions. "Strategically it's interesting and impacted its target after more sile, and in November, the
community."
Even there, conditions are far we'd be interested, but we'll talk to than 500 km of flight”. Pentagon will aim to test an
Retreating ice could uncover
from ideal due to the long winter them a little bit. It's not No. 1 on “Data collected and lessons intermediate‑range ballistic mis‑
potential oil and mineral resources
with frozen ports, 24‑hour dark‑ the burner, I can tell you that," the learned from this test will inform sile. Both would be tests of con‑
in Greenland which, if successfully
ness and temperatures regularly president said. the Department of Defenseʼs ventional weapons – and not
tapped, could dramatically change
dropping below minus 30 degrees It wouldn't be the first time an development of future interme‑ nuclear.
the island's fortunes. However, no
Centigrade in the northern parts. American leader has tried to buy diate‑range capabilities,” it said. President Trump has said that
oil has yet been found in
Trump is expected to visit the world's largest island. In 1946, US Secretary of Defense Mark he would like to see a “next‑gen‑
Greenlandic waters, and 80 per‑
Denmark Sept. 2‑3 as part of a trip the U.S. proposed to pay Denmark Esper said, “The US will fully eration” arms control deal with
cent of the island is covered by an
to Europe. $100 million to buy Greenland develop ground‑launched con‑ Russia and China to cover all
ice sheet that is up to 3 kilometers
Trump said Sunday that he is after flirting with the idea of swap‑ ventional missiles after with‑ types of nuclear weapons, some‑
(1.9 miles) thick, which means
interested in the idea, but it's not a ping land in Alaska for strategic drawing from the INF Treaty ear‑ thing Beijing has so far rejected.
exploration is only possible in
priority of his administration. parts of the Arctic island.

Release of Iranian oil US urged to attach conditions

tanker unfortunate: to Israel economic aid
Pompeo Washington: Democratic
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who
Washington: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called recently got barred from entering
the release of an Iranian oil tanker "unfortunate", as the ship Israel, has urged the US government to
which was detained by Gibraltar in July on suspicion of set conditions on economic and mili‑
transporting oil to Syria, was on its way to Greece after leav‑ tary aid to the country until it guaran‑
ing port in the British territory. tees the rights of the Palestinians.
"It's very unfortunate that that ship was released," Pompeo "We give Israel more than $3 billion
told Fox News on Monday. in aid every year, based on it being an
Data from ship‑tracking service MarineTraffic showed that important ally in the region and the
the oil tanker, which has changed its name from Grace 1 to only democracy in the Middle East," Efe
Adrian Darya‑1, set sail shortly before midnight on Sunday news quoted Omar as saying at a news
towards international waters and was heading for the Greek conference on Monday in St Paul,
port of Kalamata. Gibraltar authorities freed the Adrian Minnesota. She was barred from enter‑
Darya‑1 on August 15 after receiving assurances from Iran ing Israel along with her colleague
that it would not discharge its cargo in Syria. Rashida Tlaib last week. Muslim Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib (D‑MI) and Ilhan Omar (D‑MN)
"Denying a visit to duly elected mem‑ held a press conference to discuss travel restrictions to Palestine
The next day, the US Justice Department filed a request to
bers of Congress is not consistent with and Israel on August 19. (Photo courtesy Reuters)
detain the ship on the grounds that it had links to Iran''s
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which it has des‑ being an ally," she said. Omar and Tlaib, the latter who is of allow Tlaib to make a trip to visit her
ignated a terrorist group. "And denying millions of people free‑ Palestinian descent, US President grandmother, who lives in the occupied
But Gibraltar in a statement on Sunday said it could not dom of movement or expression or Donald Trump urged the Netanyahu West Bank, for humanitarian reasons,
comply with the request because the IRGC was not viewed as self‑determination is not consistent government to do so in an unprece‑ though the lawmaker was barred from
a terrorist organization by the EU, which the British territory with being a democracy." dented gesture. Both Tlaib and Omar, making any comments critical of Israel
is currently part of, the BBC reported. Omar demanded that the govern‑ the nationʼs first two Muslim‑American or promoting BDS during the trip.
In his interview on Monday, Pompeo claimed that if Iran ment of Israe li Prime Minister women in Congress, support the non‑ But Tlaib rejected those terms.
was successful in making profits by selling the oil from the Benjamin Netanyahu "stop the expan‑ violent Boycott, Divestment, and Tlaib and Omar, together with
tanker, Tehran's elite forces will "have more money, more sion of settlements on Palestinian land Sanctions (BDS) movement against Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and Ayanna
wealth, more resources to continue their terror campaign, to and ensure full rights for Palestinians if Israel, which is highly controversial in Pressley, have formed a group of pro‑
continue their assassination campaign in Europe". we are to give them aid". She was refer‑ the US, prompting all kinds of attacks gressive freshmen members of
A US State Department official told the media on Monday ring to the military aid package for from conservative and liberal pro‑ Congress known as "The Squad". In
that Washington has expressed its "strong position" to Greek Israel of $38 billion over 10 years, Israel activists and Zionist sympathiz‑ July, President Trump accused them of
authorities and all ports in the Mediterranean. which was approved by Congress in ers.Israel acceded to Trump's request hating the US and Israel and told them
The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Monday warned against 2018 and is scheduled to run until and barred the two legislators from to return to the places they came from,
any attempt by the US to seize the Iranian oil tanker. 2028. entering the country. even though three of the four were
Israel blocked an of ficial visit by However, it later announced it would born on US soil.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS August 24-30, 2019 11

Hillary slams Trump for sharing Barr sacks prisons director

'debunked study' that Google tilted after Epsteinʼs suicide
votes in her favor Washington DC: Attorney
General William Barr
rounding Epsteinʼs death,
will "get to the bottom of
Washington: Hillary Clinton announced the appoint‑ what happened." Barr also
blasted President Trump for ment of a new director for said “there will be
tweeting about what she the Bureau of Prisons on accountability” for those
described as a "debunked study" Monday, a week after who did not do their jobs
that suggests "millions" of voters accused child sex traffick‑ properly. The Justice
in 2016 were manipulated in her er Jeffrey Epstein was Department announced
favor by Google. found dead in his federal last Tuesday that the war‑
The latest war of words prison cellin New York. den in charge of the New
between the 2016 presidential Epstein, whoʼd been York City prison was reas‑
rivals kicked off when Trump arrested and charged in Jeffrey Epstein, the signed to a regional office
tweeted an unverified claim: already convicted sex
July and was being held pending the outcome of
offender and jet‑
"Report Just Out! Google manipu‑ in the Metropolitan the ongoing investiga‑
setting financier
lated from the 2.6 million to 16 Correctional Center while tions.
million votes for Hillary Clinton awaiting a trial scheduled to begin Many questions remain about why
Hillary Clinton blasted President Trump
in 2016 election! This was put sometime next summer, hanged him‑ Epstein was reportedly taken off sui‑
out by a Clinton supporter, not a Washington Post describing the "The debunked study you're self in what New York City medical cide watch despite allegedly being
Trump Supporter! Google should report as an incomplete picture. referring to was based on 21 examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson said found nearly unconscious on his cell
be sued. My victory was even big‑ "This is one claim from one undecided voters," Clinton told was a suicide. Numerous glaring prob‑ floor with marks on his neck in July
ger than thought!" person that, as far as I can tell, the president in a tweet. "For lems at the prison were revealed in the and why such a high‑profile prisoner
Trump's tweet was seemingly hasnʼt been peer‑reviewed or context that's about half the wake of Epsteinʼs death. wasnʼt being closely monitored.
in reference to claims by Robert replicated. On its surface, itʼs number of people associated Barr said last week that he was Epstein, the already convicted sex
Epstein, of the American Institute dubious, as is the methodology with your campaign who have “appalled” to learn of Epsteinʼs appar‑ offender and jet‑setting financier, was
for Behavioral Research and underlying it. Itʼs the sort of been indicted." ent suicide and revealed the Justice alleged to have “sexually exploited and
Technology, that the tech giant thing that people in positions of Judicial Watch, which was Department was “learning of serious abused dozens of minor girls” at his
used what he described as the authority – such as, say, a senator tagged in the president's tweet, irregularities at this facility that are homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach,
“Search Engine Manipulation or a president – might be cau‑ told Fox News in a statement deeply concerning and demand a thor‑ Florida, among other locations,
Effect” to sway at least 2.6 mil‑ tious about spreading," the news‑ they considered the shoutout to ough investigation.” between 2002 and 2005 and perhaps
lion votes toward Clinton. paper's Philip Bump wrote on be "encouragement that Judicial He promised that Justice beyond. Prosecutors claimed Epstein
However, many have criticized Monday. Watch investigate this issue as Department Inspector General Michael “enticed and recruited” minor girls to
Epstein's allegation, made at a Clinton expressed similar part of our Election Integrity Horowitz and the FBI, who are both “engage in sex acts with him” and built
Senate hearing in June, with The doubts. Project." investigating the circumstances sur‑ a “vast network of underage victims.”
 12 August 24-30, 2019 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump urges Modi, Imran to reduce tensions

Washington/New Delhi: US
President Donald Trump has
urged his "two good friends",
Kashmir an internal matter:
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of
India and Pakistan's Imran Khan, US Defense Secretary
to work towards reducing ten‑ New Delhi: The US has now reaf‑ Sources say that Mark Esper
sions over Kashmir. He also firmed its position that Kashmir agreed with India's stand and reit‑
advised Pakistan to "moderate remains a bilateral issue. Today, erated Washington's position that
rhetoric with India" over Kashmir. Union Defense Minister Rajnath Kashmir is a bilateral issue.
In a tweet, Trump said though Singh held a telephonic conversa‑ Both sides also discussed deep‑
Kashmir was a "tough situation", tion with his US counterpart Mark ening of defence ties under the
he had "good conversations" with Esper. In an introductory call, the Major Defense Partner Framework
both the leaders. two had a conversation on Article (MDP). The conversation came a
"Spoke to my two good friends, 370 and Jammu and Kashmir. day after Prime Minister Narendra
Prime Minister Modi of India, and Rajnath Singh told the US Defense Modi talked with US President
Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan, Secretary that Kashmir is an inter‑ Donald Trump about regional
regarding trade, strategic partner‑ nal matter and a sovereign issue. security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with
ships and, most importantly, for
US President Donald Trump. (File Photo: IANS/PIB)
India and Pakistan to work According to a White House added. Later, Trump called up
towards reducing tensions in issue. Prime Minister Khan has eschewing cross‑border terrorism readout of the conversat ion, Khan. Pakistan Foreign Minister
Kashmir. A tough situation, but been regularly taking to Twitter to without exception, the Indian Trump spoke with Modi to discuss Shah Mehmoo d Qureshi said
good conversations," he tweeted. attack Modi, calling him a fascist Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regional developments and the Trump made a call to Khan after
Trump first called up Modi earli‑ and racist. He has also alleged said in a statment. US‑India strategic partnership. his talk with Modi on the prevail‑
er on Monday during which they that Modi was turning India into a Modi reiterated India's commit‑ The President also conveyed the ing situation in Kashmir.
held a 30‑minute talk. Hindu supremacist country, and ment to cooperate with anyone importance of reducing tensions T he US has reaf firmed that
Modi conveyed that "extreme that Muslims in the country were who followed this path, in fighting between India and Pakistan and there was no change in its
rhetoric and incitement to anti‑ being disenfranchised and "RSS poverty, illiteracy and disease. maintaining peace in the region. Kashmir policy, that it is a bilater‑
India violence by certain leaders goons were on the rampage". The conversation comes days T he two leaders further dis‑ al issue between India and
in the region was not conducive to During the call, the Indian after the UN Security Council cussed strengthening of US‑India Pakistan.
peace", in a re ference to the leader also highlighted the impor‑ backed India in its efforts to bring economic ties through increased Modi also said that he appreciat‑
Pakistani leadership spewing anti‑ tance of creating an environment in development in Kashmir after trade, and looked forward to ed remaining in regular touch
India venom over the Kashmir free from terror and violence and revoking its special status. meeting again soon, the readout with the US President.

Chidambaram faces Chhota Rajan gets 8 years jail

arrest, HC denies bail for attack on hotelier
New Delhi: W hile
denying anticipatory Mumbai: A special MCOCA court Rajan, who was deported from
bail to P. here on Tuesday sentenced mafia Indonesia in October 2015, is cur‑
Chidambaram, the don Rajendra Nikhalje alias Chhota rently incarcerated in Delhi's Tihar
De lhi High Court Rajan and five others to eight Jail. T he other accused are
observed the former years rigorous imprisonment after Talvinder Singh, Selvin Daniel,
Finance Minister was convicting them for attempting to Nityanand Nayak, Dilip Upadhyay
the "key conspirator" murder a city hotelier in 2012. and Rohit T hangappan Joseph
in the INX media case. Special Judge A. T. Wankhede, alias Satish Kalia.
"Facts of the case who earlier in the day found the The case dates back to October
prima facie reveal that six guilty on various counts of the 2012 when hotelier B.R. Shetty
the petitioner is the Maharashtra Control of Organised was attacked in Andheri.
kingpin, the key con‑ Crime Act and the Indian Penal T he Mumbai Police's Ant i‑
spirator in this case," Code including attempt to murder Extortion Cell, which investigated
it said. "The facts per‑ and criminal conspiracy, also the case, contended that Chhota
suade me to decline Congress leader P. Chidambaram. slapped a fine of Rs 5 lakh on each Rajan had ordered his sharpshoot‑ Mafia don Rajendra Nikhalje
pre‑arrest bail to the convict. er Kalia to kill Shetty. alias Chhota Rajan.
petitioner, while refraining to com‑ opposed Chidambaram's bail plea,
ment on merits of the case," said saying custodial interrogation of
Justice Sunil Gaur. the former finance minister was
"It is a classic case of money laun‑ necessary as he was evasive and
dering. The twin factors, which have had given false information during
Pak commando behind capture
weighed to deny pre‑arrest bail to questioning.
the petitioner are gravity of offence Chidambaram is on interim pro‑
and evasive replies of the petitioner tection from arrest by the Delhi
of Abhinandan killed
to questions put to him while he High Court. The ED and the CBI are New Delhi: A Pakistani commando facilitate more infiltrators into facilitate infiltration.
was under protective cover," the probing how his son Karti who was behind the capture of India. In photos re leased by Sources said that Khan used to
order said. Chidambaram managed clearance Commander Abhinandan Pakistan after Abhinandan's cap‑ mobilize well‑trained militants of
On January 25, the Delhi High from the Foreign Investment Varthaman when his IAF jet ture on February 27, the bearded Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM) outfit at
Court had reserved its order on Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2007 crashed in Pakistani territory in Khan can be seen behind the IAF a forward post as part of
Chidambaram's bail plea in the case when his father was the Finance February this year, and had report‑ officer. Abhinandan was captured Pakistan's plan to keep terrorism
being probed by the Enforcement Minister. edly tortured the IAF pilot, has after his MiG 21 was shot down by alive in Kashmir.
Directorate (ED) and the Central Karti was arrested on February been killed in firing by Indian Pakistani forces when he went On August 17, India retaliated
Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 28, 2018 by the CBI for allegedly forces along the Line of Control. chasing after a Pakistani jet in the fiercely to Pakistan launching a
On March 11, the high court accepting money to facilitate the According to reports, Ahmed aftermath of the Balakot air strike. mortar fire attack on Indian forces
allowed the CBI to file additional FIPB clearance to INX Media. He Khan, a subedar with the Pakistan It is reported that Ahmed Khan in the Krishna Ghati sector in
documents on record to support its was later granted bail. His chartered Army's Special Service Group, was used to facilitate infiltration in the Poonch. Pakistan was firing mortar
case against Chidambaram in the accountant S. Bhaskararaman was killed by the Indian Army in Nowshera, Sundarbani and Pallan shells to allow infiltrators to enter
case. also arrested and released on bail Nakyal sector of the LoC on Wala sectors. He was specially India. Khan was killed in the
The investigating agencies had later. August 17 when he was trying to roped in by the Pakistani army to return fire by India.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA NEWS August 24-30, 2019 13

Modi to visit France, UAE, Bahrain IMA slams 'mala

New Delhi: India will seek to reinvig‑
orate its relations with three coun‑
tries that backed India openly over
the Kashmir issue ‑‑ France, UAE and
fide' Lancet article
Bahrain, with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi visiting the three this
week.
on Kashmir
France, which has backed India in New Delhi: The Indian Medical affairs, the IMA, on behalf of the
the UN Security Council over its Association (IMA) has condemned country's medical fraternity, now
moves to bring in development into an editorial in The Lancet raising withdrew "the esteem" they had
Kashmir through changing its status, concerns on the "health, safety for the medical journal.
is to be the first stop in the Prime and freedom of the Kashmiri peo‑ T he editorial, terming the
Minister's visit. ple" following the the govern‑ Kashmir decision a "controversial
Modi also spoke with US President ment's measure to scrap Article move", noted that it had fanned
PM Narendra Modi with Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering at
Donald Trump over phone on 370, terming it "interference" in tension with Pakistan and led to a
Simtokha Dzong Monastery in Bhutan. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
Monday, days after the UNSC backed India's internal affairs. severe lockdown, which "raises
India during the closed‑door session Modi will also meet French Prime The UAE, which shares close bonds Terming the editorial "Fear and serious concerns for the health,
on Kashmir on Friday. T he US, Minister Edouard Charles Philippe. with India, had on August 6 said that Uncertainty around Kashmir's safety, and freedoms of the
France and Russia were for India's Modi and Macron are expected to the Indian government's decision to future" a "breach of propriety" in Kashmiri people".
stand on Kashmir. focus on strengthening of their abrogate Article 370 that gave spe‑ commenting on a political issue, It also alleged "gross human
Modi will pay a two‑day of ficial defence partnership, including cial status to Jammu and Kashmir the IMA's President Santanu Sen rights violations by state security
visit to France from August 22 dur‑ future defence acquisitions, progress was an internal matter of India and Secretary General R.V. forces and armed groups", as
ing which he will hold talks with on setting up of the Jaitapur nuclear aimed at improving efficiency. Ashokan, in a letter to Lancet's reported by UN High
French President Emmanuel Macron power plant, and their priorities in During his visit, Modi would meet Editor‑in‑Chief Richard Horton on Commissioner for Human Rights,
with defence cooperation, nuclear the Indo‑Pacific, Secretary, Economic the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Monday, questioned the "credibili‑ as well as "excessive force against
energy, maritime cooperation and Relations, T.S. Tirumurti said. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al ty" and "malafide intention" civilians" as in the "use of pellet‑
counter‑terrorism high on the agen‑ Counter‑terror cooperation, cyber Nahyan, to discuss bilateral, regional behind it. firing shotguns has led to 1253
da. security, the International Solar and international matters of mutual They also said following this people being blinded between
India's purchase of 36 Rafale fight‑ Alliance, and joint development proj‑ interest. "unsolicited intrusion" into Indian 2016 and 2018".
er jets for around Rs 60,000 crore ects are also on the table for discus‑ The Prime Minister would pay a
has been concluded and the first of sion. state visit to Bahrain from August
the jets is to arrive in India this year.
From France, the Prime Minister
From France, Modi will visit the
UAE that has openly backed India
24‑25 in the first ever Prime
Ministerial visit to the Gulf monar‑ Notice to Center on Shah
Faesal's detention
will proceed for bilateral visits to the over its Kashmir move. He is to also chy. Last week, the Bahrain govern‑
UAE and Bahrain, and will return to go on a state visit to Bahrain, where ment had cracked down on a protest
the French city of Biarritz on August the administration cracked down on carried out by Pakistanis and some
New Delhi: As former bureaucrat
25 for G7 Summit where India has Pakistanis holding an anti‑India Bangladeshis over the Indian govern‑
Shah Faesal knocked at the door
been invited as a partner country. demonstration last week over ment's decision to revoke Jammu
of the Delhi High Court against his
During his bilateral visit to France, Kashmir. and Kashmir's special status.
recent detention at the airport, a
Division Bench of the court, head‑

FIR sought against Shehla ed by Justice Manmohan, issued

notice to the Center seeking its
response.

Rashid for spreading fake news The court posted the matter for
hearing on September 9.
The petition, filed by Faesal's
New Delhi: Supreme Court advocate friend, also sought the former
Alakh Alok Srivastava, here on bureaucrat's release and contend‑
Monday, wrote a letter to Delhi ed that he was "illegally picked
Police Commissioner Amulya up" from the airport while on way
Patnaik to immediately register an to Harvard University in the
Former bureaucrat
FIR against Jawaharlal Nehru United States. He was going there
Shah Faesal.
University's Ph.D scholar and J&K‑ to complete his fellowship.
based politician Shehla Rashid for "The circumstances of his illegal Faesal, who quit the Indian
"deliberately" spreading fake news custody from the Delhi airport Administrative Service in January
with the intention to incite violence point to unlawful and illegal to form the Jammu and Kashmir
and malign the army's image. detention, which ef fective ly Peoples' Movement (JKPM), has
Confirming receipt of the lawyer's amounts to abduction," the plea been posting tweets and Facebook
complaint, the police said it was said. content highly critical of abroga‑
being studied before any action After his illegal detention in the tion of Article 370 that gave spe‑
against Rashid, who was JNU intervening night of August 14‑ cial status to J&K, and split the
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union Vice President 15, Faesal was "illegally whisked state into two Union Territories.
Student's Union vice‑president in
Shehla Rashid addresses a press conference. (File Photo: IANS)
2015‑16 and is associated with the away to Kashmir against his wish‑ On August 12, he had triggered
political party named the J&K house at night, picking up boys, ran‑ by the "accused are absolutely false, es. No transit remand was sought controversy with his tweet that
Peoples Movement. sacking houses, deliberately spilling baseless and concocted, which is evi‑ in Delhi before taking him to there would be "no Eid till the last
The complaint against Rashid has rations on the floor, mixing oil with dent from the fact that she has not Srinagar," it said. bit of insult is avenged and
been forwarded to special cell of the rice, etc". Rashid claimed she got to produced any voice recording of the The bureaucrat‑turned‑politi‑ undone" over what he termed as
Delhi Police. No FIR had been filed know about it from the people com‑ alleged torture or name, date, time cian, who has been highly critical the "illegal annexation" of
till now, Delhi Police sources said. ing from Kashmir. or any other specific information of the government moves on Kashmir.
Of ficers in the special cell were "In Shopian, 4 men were called about the aforesaid alleged inci‑ Kashmir, was last week stopped Just before that he had tweeted:
"examining" the complaint and a into the Army camp and "interrogat‑ dent". from leaving the country and sent "There is no Eid. Kashmiris across
decision on it would be taken soon, ed" (tortured). A mic was kept close He also mentioned a statement of to Srinagar, an official said. the world are mourning the illegal
they said. to them so that the entire area could the army that said: "Allegations lev‑ According to an immigration annexation of their land. There
In his letter, the advocate men‑ hear them scream, and be terror‑ elled by Shehla Rashid are baseless official, Faesal was stopped at the shall be no Eid till everything that
tioned some of the tweets posted by ized. This created an environment of and rejected. Such unverified and Indira Gandhi International has been stolen and snatched
Rashid on her Twitter handle fear in the entire area," Rashid fake news are spread by inimical Airport and sent back to Srinagar since 1947 is returned back."
@Shehla_Rashid in which she had tweeted. elements and organisations to incite on another flight and detained His comments have invited
claimed, "Armed forces are entering Srivastava has said the allegations unsuspecting population". there. strong criticism on social media.
 14 August 24-30, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

By Ashok Malik

ulminating in the “informal, Kashmir fallout: 3 strands of Indiaʼs

C closed‑door meeting” of the

diplomatic challenge
United Nat ions Security
Council on August 16, the past two
weeks have been revealing. They
have made apparent three dif fer‑
ent strands to the diplomatic chal‑ 2020 is another story. the contours of the Kashmir issue,
lenge India faces following the Predictably, the Narendra Modi testing international response, and
bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir government has been condemned getting tacit endorsement from a
and the removal of Article 370. In by a familiar assortment of New cross‑section of countries – includ‑
some senses, this is the biggest York/London‑based know‑alls, ing in the Arab world – China real‑
such challenge created by a fringe left activists, Pakistani state izes India has made a significant
domestic event since the Pokhran agents masquerading as aggrieved advance. As an international cause,
II nuclear tests. Many of the lead neutrals, and freelance self‑deter‑ Kashmir is becoming yesterdayʼs
actors are the same. However, minists representing nothing but news.
Indiaʼs leverage in the internation‑ their bylines. Despite this, New Even so, Chinaʼs principal con‑
al system is much greater than in Delhi is determined to stick to its cern is not Kashmir – it is Ladakh.
1998. timelines and not be rushed. As a standalone Union Territory,
The first challenge is the civil lib‑ T he second strand relates to fully under Union government
erties debate. Seen dispassionately, Kashmir per se – the historical dis‑ administration, Ladakh will get the
it represents a pressing dilemma pute between India and Pakistan. attention it has long deserved. This
for demo crat ic governance – As is obvious, Kashmir is now less could have profound implications.
between lockdown conditions that of a priority for the global system Apart from Pakistan, Kashmir is being kept on the table by two self‑ In the coming decade, if India
ensure peace, and a relaxing of than it once was. Pakistan desper‑ appointed third umpires – China and the United Kingdom. acts strategically in Ladakh and
such conditions that makes space ately wants it to stay alive. Yet, for builds appropriate capacities,
for incitement and violence. There most major powers, there is little were aligned at the Security ritorial state manipulation. some of the Chinese investments
is no easy “sweet spot” or “right to gain by either wasting political Council meeting and outmanoeu‑ The final strand relates to China. and assumptions (as described
moment”. capital in pressuring India on the vred only by the strident support It has been extraordinarily hostile, above) could be at risk.
A graded easing of administra‑ Kashmir issue, or in promoting a India received from France and the even talking of “human rights vio‑ As shrewd realists, quite unlike
tive arrangements in the Valley quasi‑independent, inevitably United States, and some smaller lations” for probably the first time their intellectual auxiliaries in the
has begun and schools and offices Islamist territory at the intersec‑ countries. On its part, Russia took in diplomatic memory. This, while West, the Chinese understand
are due to re‑open. With the tion of South and Central Asia. a careful middle path. Hong Kong is in turmoil and India is playing for the long term.
advent of the apple harvesting sea‑ That may have been a Cold War What explains the UKʼs conduct? Xinjiang is crowding its concentra‑ They are alarmed not by todayʼs
son in a few wee ks, polit ical fantasy; today it is a nightmare. There are two factors. For a start, tion camps. China would want realities – but tomorrowʼs possibili‑
activism is, in any case, likely to Apart from Pakistan, Kashmir is the Pakistani‑origin communityʼs Kashmir to continue to simmer as ties.
decline. If the government can being kept on the table by two self‑ role and influence in British elec‑ this is an inexpensive mechanism
maintain stability till then, it would appointed third umpires – China toral politics has made London by which India is kept bogged (The article appeared in the
have passed a milestone. Summer and the United Kingdom. They extremely vulnerable to extra‑ter‑ down by Pakistan. In reimagining Hindustan Times)

Kashmir: Will BBC once again lift veil of secrecy?

By Saeed Naqvi ries? After all, 72 men and women shirt and trouser, whipped out a
were killed in the violence. Since revolver. He shouted above the din.

I
t is just as well that the BBC has the BBC radio was the only credible "I shall finish him of f." Then he
decided to expand its shortwave media which covered Kashmir, waved his revolver at the howling,
radio service in Kashmir to beat Tully would be mobbed because he screaming mob. "Move back."
the communications blackout. This was too well known. Satish, his He dragged me by the sleeves to
is not the first time the BBC has deputy, would turn up with his the exit. "Now you can go, and do
played this role ‑ and for good rea‑ fancy recorder but he would proj‑ not be seen here." He was Feroz
son. Because the supine, main‑ ect himse lf as "German radio" from the Jammu and Kashmir
stream media in L.K. Advani's which the agitated Kashmiris had Liberation Front (JKLF). This was
words crawls when it is asked to no interest in. the Front's signal that it was not
bend. I sought protection joining the anti‑India.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi funeral as Satish's sidekick. My The story now has taken a much
had touched on the reasons for this appearances on Doordarshan were more blistering turn. The BBC's
spine lessness in his very first on issues unrelated to Kashmir. But credibility will grow astronomically
speech in Parliament in May, 2014. Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal with IGP the agitated processionists put two unless strings are pulled at its head
Although he did not mention the Kashmir Swayam Prakash Pani and Director Information and and two together and, not only did office in London with the following
Public Relations Syed Sehrish Asgar in Srinagar. they identify me, they turned upon message: "Look, you have turned
media, he traced the general obse‑
quiousness to 1,200 years of "ghu‑ this media, both electronic and is to expand its short wave radio to me with unspeakable fury. They your face away from the
lami" or subjugation. Moghuls can‑ print, which dominates the Indian beat the blackout in what is now had recognized me from my Palestinian story under pressure of
not be blamed for warts on the mindscape. Mark Twain had put his "undisputedly" India. Here is yet Doordarshan appearances. I had the Jewish lobby. Why can't you
media's face because in their peri‑ finger on the nerve. "There are only another irony. The BBC has always incurred their wrath because in a turn your face away from this one?
od there was no media to speak of. two forces that carry light to all had credibility in a state where a BBC radio interview I had pointed BBC will have to ponder. The Arab
Yes, one great editor of a paper corners of the globe ‑ the sun in the balanced, fearless Indian media my finger of suspicion for the mur‑ audience has been neutralized by
called Urdu Akhbar, was tied to a heavens and the Associated Press would have gone miles to win der of Mirwaiz at various groups in Israeli stratagem, Saudi money and
cannon by the British and blown to down here." hearts and minds. the valley but not on Indian agen‑ the western media. But is the BBC
smithereens for his critical writ‑ It is this western "ghulami", W hen the senior Mirwaiz cies. "You are a sarkari chamcha" prepared to forgo the steady, reli‑
ings. The Editor, Molvi Mohammad which tempers our nationalism. To Mohammad Farooq, the present they jeered at me. able clientele in Pakistan?
Baqar was the son of the greatest wear the badge of nationalism, the Mirwaiz's father, was assassinated The mob multiplied in geometri‑ The only balm on the wounded
stylist in Urdu literature, formula is simple: heap hatred on in 1990, I accompanied BBC's cal progression. Soon I had thou‑ Kashmiri psyche will be to shut up
Mohammad Hussain Azad. Pakistan and work assiduously to Satish Jacob, to cover the Mirwaiz's sands, arms raised, about to assault the screaming jingoist anchors con‑
The media, as we know it today, have your progeny parked perma‑ funeral at the Idgah. Why did Mark me in unison. It was a frenzied, trolling the multiple channels.
was a gift of the British. The impe‑ nently in the US. Tully the Bureau Chief himself not lynch mob. Just then a short man Open the valley to a balanced, inde‑
rial DNA is indelibly embedded in What the BBC is proposing now cover the most important of sto‑ with light eyes, wearing a blue pendent media.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info COMMUNITY August 24-30, 2019 15

India Day celebrated at Nassau

County legislative chambers
Mineola, NY: The office of Nassau and honor your culture, and at Honorees included Jasbir Jay
County Executive Laura Curran these trying times in our nation, Singh, President of IDPUSA that
Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. we really have to celebrate our organized the India Day parade in
Birnbaum (D‑Great Neck), he diversity and get to know one Hicksville earlier this month, Dr
Nassau County Of fice of Asian another even better,” Legislator Tarun Wasil and Mohinder Kumar
American Affairs, Indian‑American Birnbaum said. Verma (of Kunal Jewe lers).
community leaders and organiza‑ The program included remarks Attendees included Champak
tions such as Indian American by Indian American Forum Parikh, and Members of Indian
Forum, IDPUSA and IALI celebrat‑ Chairperson Indu Jaiswal, IALI Veterans Association. Town of
ed the 73rd anniversary of Indiaʼs President Lalit Aery, Asian North Hempstead Supervisor Judi
independence with a flag‑raising American Af fairs Director Farrah Bosworth, Nassau County
ceremony in the Ceremonial Mozawalla. Geeta Setia, Dr. Rajpal Comptroller Jack Schnirman and
Chamber of the T heo dore Chopra, Jyoti Gupta, and Anjali Nassau Legislator Debra Mulé (D‑
Jasbir Jay Singh, President of IDPUSA that organized the India Day
Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Purohit sang patriot ic Indian Freeport) were among dignitaries
parade in Hicksville earlier this month, was recognized for his leadership.
Building on Aug 15. “I recognize songs. who graced the ceremony

Legislator
Ellen W.
Birnbaum
led the
Indian flag
raising
ceremony.

Participants celebrating with an impromptu dance.

 16 August 24-30, 2019 NYC INDIA DAY PARADE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Suniel Shetty pulls

FIA holds 39th successful

tens of thousands to
I‑Day parade in NYC
Continued from page 1
constant factor in attracting the
thongs to what is called the largest
such I‑Day event outside India.
This year that role went to Suniel
Shetty, veteran of the Indian film
industry and an entrepreneur. ʻBad
India Day Parade in NYC
Manʼ Gulshan Grover, actresses
Hina Khan and Nargis Fakhri gave
added star power. International
celebrity this year was NBA com‑
missioner. Two NBA players –
Julius Randle and Dikembe
Mutombo ‑‑ were also there to
inspire the youths.
Marching in the parade were 47
marching groups including bands,
34 well‑decorated floats highlight‑
ing the diversity of the Indian
American community as well as
Indiaʼs g rowth story and 44
booths. The parade route down
Madison Avenue stretched from
38th to 24th street.
Ankur Vaidya, member of FIA
Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty
board, estimates the number of FIA President Alok Kumar. Grand Marshal Suniel Shetty, and FIAʼs Vice President Saurin Parikh
people at the parade at 100,000. NBA chief Adam Silver and Dr. Sudhir Parikh waiving to crowds. honoring TV and film actress Hina Khan.
Official figures of crowd size from
city authorities are still awaited, he
told The South Asian Times. In
keeping with the parade theme of
“Support Our Troops, Salute Our
Troops”, members of the Indian
and American armed forces were
present in 17 of the 34 floats, he
said.
FIA President Alok Kumar com‑
mended the diversity of the Indian
community displayed at the
parade, and said it was not FIAʼs
parade but belongs to everyone
who loves the Motherland and the
tiranga. He also reported that
Suniel Shetty had goosepimples
from the patriotic vibes all around.
The parade culminated in a per‑
Marchers with the FIA banner.
formance area, which saw 25
items performed during the 4‑hour said at the event that his goal is to previous years will be invited. The
cultural program. expand the partnership between parade festivities were telecast on
FIA held the post‑parade Gala FIA and the Consulate. Fox 5, Republic TV and Times
Banquet Reception on Monday At FIA Chairman Ramesh Patel has Now. FIA should be appreciated for
Royal Albertʼs Palace in Fords, NJ, announced that the landmark 40th organizing the annual parade, a
which was attended by some 650 parade next year will be celebrat‑ mammoth project by any standard,
people. Indiaʼs Consul General in ed in a grand manner and all the that takes almost a year to pre‑
New York Sandeep Chakravorty living grand marshals from the pare.

Alok Kumar, Hina Khan, Suniel Shetty and Gulshan Grover

watching the parade pass by.

A group from NYPD Desi Society marched in the parade. Women doing Lezim, a folk dance form of Maharashtra.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NYC INDIA DAY PARADE August 24-30, 2019 17

The South Asian Times Chairman Kamlesh Mehta & Jay Jasbir Singh,
The float of International Ahimsa Foundation, founded by Dr Neeta Jain to spread Mahatma Gandhiʼs President of IDPUSA, presenting a Proclamation from New York State
message of non‑violence and peace from Jain principles. Senator Kevin Thomas for FIA to Grand Marshal Suniel Shetty.

Global Kashmir Pandit

Diaspora group marching
with placards thanking
PM Modi for Article 370
abrogation.

FIA Chairman Ramesh

Patel and President
Alok Kumar presented
Suniel Shetty a plaque
in appreciation at the
post‑parade gala.
Air India's float at the parade.

This scintillating dance item was part of the

entertainment program. (Photos Paresh Gandhi/FIA)

Grover praised for being a good

man off‑screen at book launch
Special to The South Asian played the Indian flag colors that evening. Grover thanked all for appreciating the
Times “I was excited to see it turn into the book and urged NRIs to work hard and
Tricolor of India,” Shetty said. have faith in God.
New York: Last Saturday speakers at the Actor Anupam Kher said at the book “Then the fragrance you spread about
unveiling of “Bad Man” book on Bollywood launch, “We have had very talented villains India here in America will reach the coun‑
villain Gulshan Grover praised him for such as Amjad Khan, Prem Chopra, Pran try,” he added.
being a very “good man” in real life and Gulshan Grover. Not a spot on their Suniel Shetty, speaking separately to
Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty personal character.” Praising NRIs, he com‑ journalists later, said he has helped set up
said he was impressed by the bookʼs con‑ mented, “Indians outside India are better an online platform, ftctalent.com, to
tents. Referring to the India Day Parade, he than Indians in India.” encourage actors from anywhere in the
lauded FIA for choosing the motto of Actor Rishi Kapoor, who has been conva‑ world to enter Bollywood.
“Support our Troops, Salute our Troops.” lescing in New York from a bout of cancer, “It is unbelievable that NBA chief Adam
FIA had organized the book launch and unveiled Groverʼs autobiography, written Silver is gracing the parade,” he said,
the pre‑parade news conference with both with Roshmila Bhattacharya, a veteran adding that Indians should show interest in
Grover and Grand Marshal Suniel Shetty. journalist, that has a Foreword by film‑ sports other than cricket. "Be Indian and be
The iconic Empire State Building dis‑ maker Mahesh Bhatt. a proud Indian, and excel in every field.”
 18 August 24-30, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Don't yell: Priyanka hits 'Mission Mangal': Ordinary film

back at angry Pakistani girl about an extraordinary feat
P
riyanka Chopra hit back at a
Pakistani girl who called her a "hyp‑
ocrite" for tweeting in favor of the
Indian Army despite being a United Nations
Goodwill Ambassador, and the girl, faced
with widespread social media flak, has sub‑
sequently come out to claim the actresses
was making her seem like the "bad guy".
At an incident in Los Angeles, Priyanka
told the girl: "I have many, many friends
from Pakistan and I am from India. War is
not something I'm really fond of but I am
patriotic, so I'm sorry if I hurt sentiments of
people who do love me and have loved me.
But I think that all of us have a, sort of, mid‑
dle ground that we all have to walk. Just like
you probably do as well. The way that you
came at me right now... girl, don't yell. We're
all here for love." The star cast of ʻMission Mangalʼ.
Priyanka's comment came as a retort to
the Pakistani girl's accusation that the
By Vinayak Chakravorty the first chance to get away to NASA.
Actress and UN Goodwill Spacecraft anatomy designer Neha Siddiqui

N
actress is a "hypocrite", who was "encourag‑
Ambassador Priyanka Chopra. otably, for a film that narrates a (Kirti Kulhari) is fighting social ostracism
ing nuclear war against Pakistan."
national achievement, "Mission owing to her minority status. The naviga‑
The girl had questioned the Priyanka's quently came out on social media to reveal
Mangal" is lower on the jingoism tion expert Krittika Agarwal (Taapsee
role as a United Nations Goodwill ambassa‑ her name as Ayesha Malik. She also shot out
quotient than many of Akshay's past odes Pannu) must tend to her armyman hus‑
dor over the actress's controversial tweet several tweets blaming Priyanka for the fact
to the nation. Of course, there is a line by band. Varsha Pillai (Nithya Menen), the
congratulating the Indian Air Force for their that she was being projected as the "bad
our hero advocating why Make In India satellite designer, battles her mother‑in‑
attack on Jaish‑e‑Mohammed terror camp at guy" now.
matter in ISRO's scheme of things, but the law's taunts at home.
Balakot in Pakistan earlier this year. "Hi, I'm the girl that "yelled" at Priyanka
idea is kept to a minimum. Director Jagan Too much footage is allotted to each of
Soon, there was widespread criticism on Chopra. It was hard listening to her say, "we
Shakti maintains pace through most of the these sub‑stories, which distracts from
social media against the Pakistani girl. "That should be neighbors and love each other" ‑
first half, as the story begins at a point what the film was essentially supposed to
Pakistani girl who jumped @priyankachopra swing that advice over to your PM. Both
where an ambitious ISRO project goes be a gripping drama of an overwhelming
was very disrespectful!... i was supposed to India and Pakistan were in danger. And
kaput. Rakesh Dhawan (Akshay Kumar), a achievement. ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission
be the next one to ask a question but she instead she tweeted out in favor for nuclear
maverick genius scientist who was in (MOM) was accomplished in record time,
ruined it for all," tweeted a user present at war," wrote the girl, on her official twitter
charge of the project, takes blame, using minimal funds and skeletal infra‑
the do. Following such flak, the girl subse‑ account, @Spishaa.
although it was project director Tara structure. The gravity of such an achieve‑
Shinde (Vidya Balan) who was actually at ment never really comes across.
fault. Following the failure, Rakesh is To their credit, Jagan Shakti and his co‑
'Most Handsome Man' title not shunted to a project no one believes will
ever take off ‑‑ in a country that was still
writers have managed to keep the narrative
lucid despite the fact that they were deal‑

an achievement for Hrithik struggling at that point to send a rocket to

moon, Rakesh is asked to head India's mis‑
ing with a storyline that is heavily techni‑
cal. The cinematography and special effects
are functional, though a lot of the melodra‑
sion to Mars.
That build‑up portion of the script inter‑ ma could have been edited. For Akshay
twines personal lives of Tara and her team Kumar, this is a very different nationalist
Actor Hrithik
with the account of the mission itself. So, hero. For a change, he is only a catalyst to
Roshan was
Eka Gandhi, the propulsion control expert the epic achievement. Despite enjoying
last seen in
the movie (Sonakshi Sinha), starts off as a youngster maximum footage, Akshay is actually let‑
ʻSuper 30ʼ. who hates most things Indian and looks for ting the female protagonists push the plot.

B‑Town has fond

memories of Vidya Sinha
B
ollywood celebrities took to social
media to express sorrow and shock at Vidya
the demise of actress Vidya Sinha on Sinha was
August 15. She was 71 and passed away after a major
respiratory failure. Sinha was known for her figure in
Bollywood

A
roles in seventies middle‑of‑the‑road hits
ctor Hrithik Roshan probably "I'm thankful for this title although on in the
such as "Rajnigandha", Chhoti Si Baat", and
scores 10 on 10 in the looks the face of it, it's not really an achieve‑ 1970s‑
"Pati Patni Aur Woh". Jaaved Jaaferi remem‑ 1980s.
department, and it seems like a ment.
bered Vidya Sinha as "an actress who was tal‑
US‑based agency has also noticed it. The According to me, if there's anything
ented, beautiful and dignified, and who we all
"Kaabil" actor, popular as 'Greek God' one should aspire for and value the most
loved in the 70's", adding that she "passes on from others". Rituparna also added that
among his admirers, has been reportedly in this world, it's their character.
to her next journey" Vidya "exuded unusual grace" and that she
named the 'Most Handsome Man in the "A good character will always make
"RIP Vidya Sinha Ji. You were the epitome considered herself "privileged to work with
World' by the agency. He is thankful for you look more attractive," he said in an
of grace and dignity on and off the screen," her as a daughter in ʻTere Ane Se'," which is
the title, though it's not really an achieve‑ interview with hindustantimes.com.
wrote filmmaker Sanjay Gupta. yet to be released. Bengali superstar
ment for him. On the work front, he is looking for‑
Actress Rituparna Sengupta was "deeply Prosenjit wteeted his favorite picks among
The secret behind his good looks? ward to the release of "War", which will
saddened by the demise of our beloved Vidya Sinha's films. "You will be always
"Well, it's broccoli. Just kidding," bring him and his fan and actor Tiger
actress Vidya Sinha", adding that her "sweet‑ remembered specially for ʻRajnigandha',
Hrithik said in an interview. Shroff on the big screen together.
est voice and unusual beauty made her apart ʻChhoti Si Baat', ʻMukti'," he wrote on Twitter.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD August 24-30, 2019 19

Meet Hollywood's master of blood, gore, kills & chills

A
lexandre Aja's love for horror made ing to save her father from an alligator‑
him dive deep into the genre and infested house amid a hurricane.
Director
create hits like "The Hills Have "Crawl" chronicles the struggle of a swim‑
Alexandre
Eyes", "Piranha 3D" and "Mirrors". The film‑ mer Haley Keller (played by Kaya
Aja says he
maker says he initially thought that he wants to Scodelario) as she tries to save herself and
would get over the genre, but is glad that spread chills her father (Barry Pepper) from alligators
his obsession with the genre is intact. and thrills. amidst a Florida hurricane. The horror
The director says he just wants to keep thriller will open in India on August 23. The
growing, and spread chills and thrills. movie will be distributed in India by
"I have been watching horror movies Viacom18 Motion Pictures. It is written by
since I was a young kid. I loved them and I Michael Rasmussen and Shawn Rasmussen,
thought that at some point by making and produced by Craig Flores, Sam Raimi
them, I will, kind of, get used to them and and Aja. The story is simple, and that is
not be in it anymore, but I am still into it," what drew Aja in.
Aja told IANS in an exclusive sit‑down inter‑ "I wanted people to have a wide, scary
view. and intense suspense film experience. I
Aja feels it is a great time for horror as a remember when I got the script for the first
genre. "Today, there are so many opportuni‑ time, what got me in and made me fall in
ties. These movies are so successful in the‑ love with the story was the log line. The
atres and I think it is very important to see simple idea of this young woman who has
them on big screen. It is very important to pense with music. He got his break in 2003 Eyes", "Mirrors", "Piranha 3D" and "Horns". to go and save her dad during hurricane
feel on the big screen," he pointed out. with "Haute Tension" ("High Tension") ‑‑ He will be back with a disaster horror category five in Florida in a place infested
Aja's cinema is known for blood, gore, which turned out to be his ticket to movie "Crawl". Aja has returned to water to with alligators ‑‑That was all I needed," he
wince‑worthy kills and for building sus‑ Hollywood, where he made "The Hills Have narrate a suspenseful tale of a daughter try‑ said.

WHAT NEXT? I fly to other countries just to catch

films: Anurag Kashyap
Filmmaker's dilemma F
ilmmaker Anurag Kashyap
says he has done stupid things
for movies, and likes to fly all
around the world just to catch a
By Vinod Mirani show of his favorite project.

W
"I have done stupid things for
ith the kind of films
movies. I wanted to see 'Mesrine Part
that unspool every
1: Killer Instinct' and I was trying to
week, one can con‑
figure out where I could catch the
clude that there is a dearth of not
film. So, I googled every city in the
only ideas but also direction! A
world where 'Mesrine' was playing.
varied kind of films are being
At times, I fly to other countries to
made. Each filmmaker trying to
watch films. So, when 'Mesrine Part
come out with something differ‑
II' was releasing, both parts of the
ent. This includes all ‑ big as well Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.
film were playing back‑to‑back at
as medium‑range producers. The Anurag, opening up about his influ‑
Curzon Soho in London, and I flew to
idea seems to be taking a shot in ences in the IMDb Original "The
London to catch the film! The film‑
the dark. It is all about taking Insider's Watchlist".
maker revealed "House Of Cards"
chances. What would he recommend for
changed his perception about digital
Some producers are falling upcoming filmmakers? "Watch
series.
back on period costume dramas, Actor Akshay Kumar has become a torchbearer of the films Vittorio De Sica's 'Bicycle Thieves'.
"'House of Cards' changed the way I
which work out very costly and that convert real‑life stories into reel life sagas. The film is historical, political and it
saw shows. Suddenly, shows became
not every director's cup of tea. has much irony to it. It is a film
cinema to me. There was a voice to it.
This genre was avoided for a long Most writers who script stories films while a few others only
The others on my list are 'True through which you understand a
time mainly because of these two like "Piku" or "Vicky Donor", or made horror movies. The main‑
Detective' and 'Delhi Crime'," said country, a time, a space," he said.
reasons, capability and cost. Yet, directors who make films like stay for most makers, however,
we have had period films like
"Bajirao Mastani" and
"Dangal", "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag"
and "Neerja", have always had
was romance and family socials.
Action movies were not in vogue Khayyam: Music maestro of classical allure
"Padmaavat", "Manikarnika" and this problem: What next? They in the mainstream cinema till New Delhi: When living legend Lata His classical flair prompted the leg‑
"Kesari". usually have nothing that match‑ mid‑1970 and action, in a meas‑ Mangeshkar tweeted to describe endary Meena Kumari to approach
Each week, a new kind of film is es the earlier success. No maker ured amount, was a part of regu‑ music maestro Khayyam's demise as Khayyam to score music for her
dropped in the market. For seemed to have a worthy succes‑ lar movies. the "end of an era", she said it all. album, "I Write, I Recite", where she
instance, last week we had sor. So, they go back to usual Now, the genres of family Not surprisingly, the first film that sang her own poetry.
"Khandaani Shafakhana", a film claptrap and come a cropper. socials, horror and mythology comes to mind when you talk But Khayyam was equally effective
discussing sexual problems for Akshay Kumar has become a have been taken away by televi‑ Khayyam is "Umrao Jaan", Muzaffar scoring simpler tunes that compli‑
those who can make sense of the torchbearer of the films that con‑ sion serials. Action films are Ali's lavish costume drama of 1981, mented the poetry of Sahir Ludhianvi
title! For one, sex and problems vert real‑life stories into reel life accepted only coming from a which won the composer a National in "Kabhi Kabhie" and "Trishul", or
related to it are not generally dis‑ sagas. He has been greatly suc‑ couple of stars. There is little Award for Best Music Direction. Gulzar in "Thodisi Bewafaii". These
cussed in India. Delhi and sur‑ cessful in his endeavors. His choice left for filmmakers. Ghazals, thumris, dadras and other films were musical hits.
rounding areas do have such clin‑ image of being a thoroughbred The limited choice is between genres of Hindustani classical music Khayyam was a genius with a large
ics but that does not make the nationalist probably adds to the romance, action and comedy, were Khayyam's forte. In an era when heart, which genius became evident in
subject acceptable all over. acceptability of his films. His with few writers and makers to orchestra pop reigned, Khayyam was 2016 when composer and his singer‑
One may have thought if Vicky instincts and beliefs seem to be justify the last named. While what many in Bollywood referred to wife Jagjit Kaur established the
Donor could work, why not take paying up so far. ideas are borrowed from foreign as an artiste of refined expertise. He Khayyam‑Jagjit Kaur KPG Charitable
it a step further? An odd subject It is believed that there are only films (which includes this year's revelled composing songs in these Trust, in the memory of their son, the
like "Vicky Donor" or "Piku", very seven basic storylines in this National Award winner, intrinsically Indian genres for films late actor Pradeep who passed away
personal to people, does work. world. Films were made accord‑ "Andhadhun"), and films from such as "Anjuman" (1986), "Razia six years ago. The couple gave away
But they need to be woven into a ingly. There was a time when South languages are being Sultan" (1983), "Bazaar" (1982), "Dil‑ all their earnings to the cause of
plausible story and dealt with a some makers stuck to making sought once again for remakes e‑Nadaan" (1982), and "Noorie" upcoming artistes and technicians of
fair amount of humor. religion‑based or mythological by a few. (1979). the film industry.
 20 August 24-30, 2019 INDIA FEATURES TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Advancing interdependence and

common ground on India Day
By Frank Islam will need buy in and support from across the tance of the freedom of the free press, not to
country and the citizenry. bury it

I
n his first speech after winning the election A first step should be to "find our spiritual As one nation, India would be a role model
for his second term, Prime Minister common ground". That step can be initiated by and exemplar for other democracies to emulate.
Narendra Modi proclaimed that "we have to recognizing that spirit is the invisible force that Everyone must play a role in establishing
win ''sabka vishwas'' (everyoneʼs trust)." What brings us together regardless of our caste, race, India as one nation. Each citizen should engage
will be required to win that trust is establishing religion, region or political predisposition. The in small acts of kindness by reaching out to
a true state of interdependence. goal in discovering that common ground should those less fortunate and to the downtrodden by
Interdependence can be achieved by creating a be to create one nation under God. That nation extending a helping hand and a hand up.
country in which there is a shared understand‑ would be an interdependent one and its God Some people can make special contributions.
ing of the value of each citizen and a reliance would be ecumenical and non‑denominational. Religious leaders should promote interfaith dia‑
on one another to eliminate discrimination, Its God would be welcoming to all. logue. They should bring people together fol‑
hostility, and prejudice and to provide equality As one nation, India would celebrate and lowers of different persuasions for meaningful
and opportunity for all. All citizens must be embrace the richness of religious diversity conversations. They should promote a dialogue
active participants in shaping the future of As one nation, India would be inclusive and of understanding and a shared sense of commu‑
India. They must be equal partners in Indiaʼs accepting unity over division and hope over nity with other faiths. They should call the fact
inclusive economic mobility and in Indiaʼs fear As one nation, India would elevate citizen‑ that attack on one faith is attack on all faiths.
shared prosperity. Independence Day is the per‑ ship above angry and mindless partisanship Political leaders should promote a framework
fect day to highlight the importance of and and bring people together to pursue the com‑ of unity and civility. Civic and community lead‑
advance the concept of interdependence. This mon good ers should promote collaboration in problem‑
can be accomplished by promoting the need for As one nation, India would be the place solving. They should toil together their creeds
a unified India on this national holiday. known for sharing and caring as opposed to to plant the seeds for doing good deeds. There
All its citizens must be made equal
T he need for doing this is critical. partners in Indiaʼs inclusive economic blaming and shaming is no better day on which to resume our jour‑
Unfortunately, in the period since the Prime mobility and in shared prosperity. As one nation, India would emphasize build‑ ney than Independence Day. There is no better
Minister called for winning "trust" in his speech, ing bridges instead of constructing boundaries way to make that journey than to chart a course
some Indians have engaged in actions destroy‑ conditions that must be addressed as well. To and barriers As one nation, India would ensure to interdependence. By reaching that destina‑
ing it. Sadly, the heinous crimes at the begin‑ name just a few: sexual violence and subjuga‑ that all its people are literate and equipped with tion, India will establish itself as the beacon of
ning of Modi's second term are nothing new. tion of females continues; the caste system still the skills to succeed in the 21st century hope for democracy worldwide. By realizing
There were several lynchings and numerous exists; and, the problematic conditions of those As one nation, India would extend lifelines that potential, India will bring a new dawn for
attacks on Muslims during his first term. in the weaker sections persist. instead of drawing battle lines democracy in this 21st century.
Modi did not speak out vigorously then. He By speaking out, Prime Minister Modi can As one nation, India would be a land of big Frank F. Islam is an Indian‑American entre‑
must do so now to demonstrate the essential bring the country together to confront the mat‑ dreams, small treasures, brave people, kind preneur, civic and thought leader based in
leadership that will be required to create a state ters that are hardening Indiaʼ's democratic deeds, and tender mercies Washington DC. The views expressed are
of interdependence. There are other serious arteries. He cannot do that alone, however. He As one nation, India would ensure the impor‑ personal.

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation rapidly approaching 100,000 schools target

By Prakash Waghmare Gala is taking place on November 9 at the
majestic ʻGotham Hallʼ.

C
onsidering Ekal Vidyalaya At LA Gala, the keynote speaker is going to
Foundationʼs profound impact and be ʻEmily Churchʼ, Exec Dir of ʻXPrize
rapid growth at the grass‑root level, Foundationʼ with Bollywood heart‑throb
Indian PM Narendra Modi in 2017 gave Ekal Vivek Oberoi as the special guest. Bollywood
a unique goal of establishing 100,000 comedian ʻOmi Vaidyaʼ will be featured as
schools by 2022, which happens to be the will be fusion‑music concert by ʻNauzadʼ.
75th anniversary of Indiaʼs Independence. Ekal is a duly registered as a non‑profit
Ekal is poised to ring the ʻtarget‑bellʼ by 501(C) in USA and dispenses its assistance in
early 2020 itself. rural areas irrespective of recipientʼs reli‑
We already have 93,000 schools in the gion, creed, caste and region. Its overhead is
same number of villages that are grooming barley 10%.
2.55 million children & youths each year for Suresh Iyer, President of ʻEkal‑USAʼ, has
lifeʼs major challenges. Remarkably, more confirmed that, so far this year, Ekal has
than half of them are girls and quite a few of raised almost $5.5 Million. Attributing this
its alumni have gone on to become high‑cal‑ to thousands of devout donors and dedicated
iber teachers, District Of ficers, company volunteers, Suresh is confident that, with two
administrators and technocrats in their adult Galas, Ekal will once again cut through $10
life. Although rooted in Education, Ekal has million mark by the yearʼs end.
blossomed into healthcare, integrated village In 2017, Bajrang Bagra, CEO of ʻEkal
Ekal Abhiyan Trust was bestowed the Gandhi Peace Prize by the Govt of India this Abhiyan Trustʼ, initiated a special literacy
development and economic empowerment.
year. Seen at the ceremony are Ekal Abhiyanʼs Senior Trustee M.L. Jain,
Recently, UNESCO confirmed that, defying project for ʻtroubled spotsʼ in border region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind.
global trend, India is likely to meet 100% He has confirmed that almost 6,000 Ekal
child enrolment and school completion tar‑ equality. Ekal is the largest literacy move‑ ‑‑ in Houston, Washington DC & New York – schools are in operation in Jammu and
get set by them by in 2030. This is a conse‑ ment undertaken by the Indians and NRIs in and raised over $5 Million. This was in addi‑ Kashmir and that has resulted in establish‑
quential endorsement of Ekalʼs educational a dozen countries. tion to $6 Million it had already raised ing peace, tranquility, and life‑normalcy in
mission in rural and tribal areas of India. In last one year alone, Ekal has successful‑ through its annual fund‑raising concerts peopleʼs lives there.
This year, “Ekal Abhiyan Trustʼ (an umbrella ly added 20,000 schools. This meteoric rise across USA in 55 cities.
body for various of f‑shoots of Ekal) was has been partly due to high‑end “Future of This year, two Galas have been planned ‑ For details of ticket purchase, sponsorship
bestowed with “Gandhi Peace Prize” by the India” Galas has started hosting in various one in Los Angeles area and another in NYC. of Ekal galas this year, please go to
Govt of India for its contribution to educa‑ metropolitan areas since 2017. Last year, LA Gala is being hosted on September 14 at www.lagala.ekal.org OR
tion in remote areas, with gender and social between October 6‑13, it hosted three Galas ʻHyatt Regencyʼ (Long Beach, CA), and NYC www.nycgala.ekal.org.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT August 24-30, 2019 21

UNSC accepts India's effort for

normalcy in Kashmir: Envoy
United Nations: The UN Security Council in consultations, he said: "We are gratified masquerade national statements as the will
its informal consultation on Kashmir that the UNSC in its closed consultations of the international community, he was
acknowledged India's measures to bring appreciated these ef forts, acknowledged there to explain India's national position.
normalcy and development to the Union them, and indicated that this is the direc‑ Slamming Pakistan, which has been try‑
Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said tion that it would like the international ing to whip up passions over Kashmir, he
India's Permanent Representative Syed community to move. We are committed to said: "Of particular concern is that one state
Akbaruddin. gradually removing all the restrictions." is using terminology of jihad against and
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Referring to the objections of China and promoting violence in India, including by
Akbaruddin said India's "position was and Pakistan, he said: "Since the change is inter‑ their leaders. Violence is no solution to the
remains that matters pertaining to Article nal to India, it has not made any difference problems that all of us face. We are com‑
370 are entirely an internal matter of India. to our external orientation. India remains mitted to and consistent in our previous
These have no external ramifications. committed to ensure that the situation position that all issues between India and
"T he recent decision taken by the there remains calm and peaceful." Pakistan as well as India and any other
India's permanent representative
Government of India and our legislative The Council met for about an hour in a country will be resolved bilaterally, peace‑
to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin.
bodies are intended to ensure that good closed‑door consultation at the request of fully and in a manner that behoves normal
governance is promoted, socio‑economic Jammu and Kashmir announced a whole China. In the format of the informal consul‑ inter‑state relations between countries.
development is enhanced for our people in set of measures that the government is tation, it was held without public access. "We are saddened that terrorism is being
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," he said, undertaking to move towards normalcy," he Akbaruddin also said that after the end of fuelled, incendiary language and talk of
referring to the revocation of special status said, referring to the announcement by the closed consultations "we noted that two jihad is being mentioned by people who
for Kashmir and bifurcation of the state Chief Secretary B.V.R. Subrahmanyam that states that made national statements tried should know better. We stand ready to con‑
into the Union Territories of J&K and schools would be reopened, and that all to pass them off as the will of the interna‑ tinue our efforts towards peaceful resolu‑
Ladakh. restrictions would be eased soon. tional community". tion of all issues in an atmosphere free of
"You are aware that the Chief Secretary of Referring to the results of the closed door He said that since some were trying to terrorism and violence," he said.

63 KILLED IN KABUL Would be unwise to alienate India,

BLAST, IS OWNS turn to Pakistan as partner: US expert
RESPONSIBILITY A
mid an increased India‑Pak and thereafter, on the CFR website.
tension on Kashmir and an "There is little reason to believe
ongoing Afghan peace talks, that the military and intelligence
a top American foreign policy expert services, which continue to run
has cautioned the Trump Pakistan, will rein in the Taliban or
Administration against any strategic rule out terrorism," Hass said.
tilt towards Pakistan and moving "Equally, the US would be unwise
away from India. "The US would be to alienate India. Yes, India has a tra‑
unwise to turn to Pakistan as a dition of protectionist trade policies
strategic partner," Richard N Hass, and often frustrates US policymakers
president of the Council on Foreign with its reluctance to cooperate fully
Relations, wrote in an op‑ed last on strategic issues," he wrote.
week. "It is a natural partner to help bal‑
Pakistan sees a friendly govern‑ ance China. India has rejected partic‑
ment in Kabul as vital to its security ipation in China's Belt and Road
and competition with arch‑rival Initiative, whereas Pakistan, strug‑ Richard N Hass is the
India, he wrote in his op‑ed that was gling economically, has embraced it," president of Council
first published by Project Syndicate Hass said. (PTI) on Foreign Relations.

Bajwa to remain Pak Army Chief

Blast took place inside the Shahr‑e‑Dubai
wedding hall in Kabul.
for another three years
Islamabad: Pakistan Army Chief, India are at the lowest ebb and
Kabul: At least 63 people were in the August 17 attack, saying Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa's term the US is preparing to leave
killed and over 180 injured in a that they condemned incidents has been extended by three years Afghanistan, throwing open a new
suicide bombing at a packed which target women and chil‑ citing the "regional security envi‑ chapter in the region's geopolitics.
wedding hall here, reports said. dren. ronment". In terms of the internal political
The IS has claimed responsibili‑ Interior Ministry spokesman Even be fore the of ficial situation in Pakistan, Bajwa is said
ty for the attack, which has left Nusrat Rahimi said the blast, announcement, Bajwa's continua‑ to be in total command as he
many relatives of the couple that took place around 10.40 tion in office was seen as a fore‑ played a key role in getting Imran
getting married dead. pm was a suicide bombing, gone conclusion as in Pakistan, Khan e lected as the Prime
Citing an IS statement issued TOLO News reported. He also the army chief decides the dura‑ Minister.
in Arabic, Khaama Press report‑ expressed apprehensions that tion of his own term even though Apart from handling the inter‑
ed that the attack, "which tar‑ the number of casualties might the order for the extension of his nal situation in the country, Bajwa
geted a gathering of non‑believ‑ increase. term was signed by Prime is playing a direct role in driving
ers", was carried out by IS sui‑ Sources and witnesses said Minister Imran Khan. foreign policy. He was in the US
cide bomber Abu Asim Al‑ the Shahr‑e‑Dubai wedding hall, Bajwa, who became the Army with Imran Khan on the crucial
Pakistani. located in police district 6 chief on November 29, 2016, did visit last month and is said to be
Earlier, the Taliban, in a state‑ (PD6), was packed with guests not want to leave office at a time the key man for Washington in its Pakistan Army Chief, Gen
ment, rejected any involvement when the explosion occurred. when Islamabad's relations with plans to exit Afghanistan. Qamar Javed Bajwa.
 22 August 24-30, 2019 INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

100,000 hit streets as Zakir Naik in soup over

protests continue to roil HK racial speeches in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur: Controversial
Hong Kong: Over
Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who
100,000 people dressed
was granted permanent residency
in black took part in the
in Malaysia after he fled India on
pro‑democracy protests,
being charged with giving inflam‑
amid severe warnings
matory speeches, has been barred
from Beijing. Rains could‑
from holding religious talks in
n't dissuade people from
several Malaysian states.
filling the Victoria Park
Naik, who has been living in
then spilling out to occu‑
Malaysia for the last three years,
py major roads in all
is in the limelight for his remarks
direct ions, the BBC
against non‑Muslim minorities,
reported. A file photo of controversial
especially the Chinese and Hindus
T he protests were preacher Zakir Naik addressing
in Malaysia. Malaysia's former a press conference via Skype.
sparked by an extradition
police chief Rahim Noor has
bill, which has since been
urged the government to rescind called on the Malaysian Chinese
suspended by the Hong
his Permanent Resident (PR) sta‑ to "go back" first as they were the
Kong government.
tus and return him to India. "old guests" of the country.
Subway railway sta‑ Violent radicals block a passage at Hong Kong International Airport. "Prime Minister Mahathir "Later on, more people came
tions were forced to shut
Mohamad had commented that and Malaysia became fully
after getting clogged with pro‑ again." Activists and the police peaceful gatherings. Last week‑
the government will consider Muslim. Then you have the
testers heading to the rally. have clashed over the past 10 end, activists occupied the air‑
rescinding his PR status if it is Chinese coming, the Indian com‑
Though the authorities didn't weeks with the security forces port, leading to cancellation of
proven that he has committed ing, the British coming. They are
grant permission to organisers frequently firing tear gas and hundreds of flights. The turmoil
criminal offences," Noor was our new guests. "People call me a
Civil Rights Human Front for the rubber bullets, but this week‑ has plunged one of Asia's leading
quoted as saying. guest. So I said, before me, the
march, the sheer weight of num‑ end's rallies have been peaceful. financial centres into crisis.
In his racial comments, Naik Chinese were the guests. They
bers around the park meant that China, which has built up secu‑ Mass protests erupted in June
had said that Hindus in Malaysia aren't born here. If you want the
activists had to shift to streets. rity forces in nearby Shenzhen, over the Hong Kong govern‑
get "100 times more rights" than new guest to go first, (then) ask
However, the police had allowed has likened the protests to ter‑ ment's now‑shelved extradition
the Muslim minority gets in India, the old guests to go back…”
demonstration in Victoria Park. rorist activity. bill, the South China Morning
and yet they support the "Prime The Malaysian Prime Minister,
Wong, a protester, said, "We After increasingly violent clash‑ Post reported.
Minister of India and not the who has backed the Muslim schol‑
have been fighting for more than es in recent weeks, there's been a The administration dropped
Prime Minister of Malaysia". ar several times before, said the
two months, but there has been concerted effort to win back pub‑ the draft legislation on June 15
Despite facing calls for deporta‑ preacher has gone too far with his
no government response. We lic support for the democratic and city leader Carrie Lam later
tion by multiple parties, Naik recent racial comments.
could just come out again and reforms by focusing on larger declared it dead.

N Korea says it tested 'new UK PM to tell EU leaders

weapon' under Kim's guidance to renegotiate Brexit deal
London: British Prime
Minister Boris Johnson
will tell European Union
(EU) leaders that there
needs to be a new Brexit
deal when he makes his
first trip abroad as the
Prime Minister later this
week.
The UK will leave the
European Union (EU) on
October 31 with or with‑
out a deal, Johnson will
insist.
North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un guiding the test‑fire of a new weapon. Meanwhile, the Sunday
Times has printed leaked
Seoul/Pyongyang: North Korea said that it strong enough to discourage any forces government documents
has tested a "new weapon" under the guid‑ from daring to provoke us." The report warning of food, medi‑
ance of its leader, Kim Jong‑un, in the came a day after South Korea's military cine and fuel shortages
launch of two projectiles the previous day, said that the North fired two projectiles in a no‑deal scenario, the
the media reported. Kim "guided the test‑ presumed to be short‑range ballistic mis‑ BBC reported. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
fire of (a) new weapon again on August siles off its east coast. It said that they flew A source told the BBC
16", the state‑run Korean Central News around 230 km at a maximum altitude of that a former minister leaked the dossier to try blocking what needed to be done to get ready
Agency (KCNA) said. "The national defense 30 km. to influence discussions with EU leaders. to leave and the funds were not available".
scientists showed a perfect result in the Military experts say that the projectiles The documents say the cross‑government Michael Gove, who is responsible for over‑
test‑fire, too, and helped cement bigger bear outward similarities to the US' Army paper on preparations for a no‑deal Brexit, seeing the devolution consequences of Brexit,
confidence in this weapon system. Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), a sur‑ code‑named Operation Yellowhammer, reveals said in a tweet that Operation Yellowhammer
"It is our party's goal of defence building face‑to‑surface missile system. that the UK could face months of disruption at was "a worst case scenario".
to possess invincible military capabilities The recent firing came six days after its ports. It also states that plans to avoid a Johnson is expected to say Parliament can‑
no one dare provoke and to keep bolster‑ North Korea flew two projectiles believed hard border between Northern Ireland and the not and will not change the outcome of the
ing them," KCNA quoted Kim as saying. to be short‑range ballistic missiles, though Republic of Ireland are unlikely to prove sus‑ 2016 referendum and insist there must be a
"Everyone should remember that it is the the North said later it tested a "new tainable. new deal to replace May's withdrawal agree‑
party's core plan and fixed will for defence weapon". It also was the sixth such launch The Downing Street source told the BBC the ment ‑‑ defeated three times by the MPs ‑‑ if
building to possess such a powerful force since late July. leaked document "is from when ministers were the UK is to leave the EU with a deal.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS August 24-30, 2018 23

Trump defends China policy, Recession likely in

says US economy is world's best 12 months: Survey
Washington: President Donald
Trump has defended his strategy Mumbai: After Morgan Stanley, Bank of successive quarters. Warning signals are
versus China, on whose goods America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) has on also coming via other historic indicators
Washington has imposed heavy Monday on the basis of a survey of fund of recession: the bond yield curve, which
tarif fs as the two nat ions are managers said a recession is imminent. gets inverted before a recession. The
engaged in high‑stakes trade talks, One‑third of those surveyed by BofAML yield curve is now nearly similar to what
and he called the US economy "the expect recession in the next 12 months. was seen ahead of the 2008 financial
best in the world." Thirty‑four per cent Of the 224 fund‑ meltdown.
"Our economy is the best in the managers with $553 billion of assets Morgan Stanley earlier said if the
world, by far. Lowest unemploy‑ under management said recession was trade war escalated further with the US
ment ever within almost all cate‑ likely in a year. However, 64 per cent further raising tarif fs on all goods
gories," wrote Trump on his said it was unlikely. imported from China to 25 per cent, "we
Twitter account, the Efe news According to BofAML, this was the would see the global economy entering
reported. Trump has threatened to slap 10 per cent highest recession probability since recession in three quarters".
The US economy is "poised for big tariffs on an additional $300 billion worth October 2011. BofAML's report comes However, India is not close to a reces‑
of Chinese exports to the US. days after the investment firm Morgan sion but is witnessing a crippling slow‑
growth after trade deals are com‑
pleted. Import prices down," the president threat that intensified the trade war between Stanley said a recession was due in 9 down. Some sectors, like the automobile
added in the same tweet, going on to claim the two economic powerhouses, since the months if the US‑China trade tension industry, is dangerously close to a reces‑
that "China eating Tariffs. Helping targeted new tariffs would have meant that all China's escalated further. A recession is general‑ sion. India's economy has shrunk for
Farmers from big Tarif f money coming in. products would be subject to significant ly identified by decline in a country's three straight quarters and the growth
Great future for USA!" import duties when entering the US. gross domestic product (GDP) in two forecast is also not uplifting.
In another Twitter post, the President However, Trump later postponed the meas‑
alluded directly to his administration's policy ure, saying that the new tariffs would not go
toward the Asian giant, saying "We are doing into effect until December 15.
very well with China, and talking!" Analysts interpreted the postponement as
On August 1, Trump threatened to slap 10 an attempt by the administration to avoid
India's forex reserves
per cent tariffs on an additional $300 billion impacting US consumers, mainly during the
worth of Chinese exports to the US that are Christmas buying season, what appeared to
still not weighed down with the tariffs the US be a tacit acknowledgement that American
reach $430.57 billion
imposed previously. The new tarif fs were shoppers are the ones being asked to, in Mumbai: India's foreign exchange and India's reserve position with the
slated to go into ef fect on September 1, a effect, foot the bill for the tariffs. reserves increased by $1.62 billion dur‑ International Monetary Fund (IMF).
ing the week ended August 9, of ficial On a weekly basis, FCAs ‑ the largest

GE engaged in 'bigger fraud

data showed. component of the forex reserves ‑ edged
According to the Reserve Bank of higher by $15.2 million to $398.739
India's weekly statistical supplement, billion. Besides the US dollar, FCAs con‑

than Enron': Whistleblower the overall forex reserves rose to

$430.57 billion from $428.95 billion
reported for the week ended August 2.
sist of 20‑30 per cent of the other
major global currencies.
The RBI's weekly data showed that
India's forex reserves comprise the value of the country's gold reserves
Investigator Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs), gold went up by $1.59 billion to $26.75 bil‑
Harry reserves, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) lion.
Markopolos
accused GE of
utilizing
many of the
same
Slowdown dogs auto sector,
accounting
tricks as overall retail sales down 6%
Enron did to
mislead the New Delhi: The general eco‑
investors. nomic slowdown, along with
t ig ht liquidity condit ions,
San Francisco: A whistleblower has accused To investigate GE's fraud, Markopolos team dragged overall retail sales of
General Electric (GE) of hiding massive losses went out and located the eight largest Long‑ the Indian automobile sector in
by engaging in a $38 billion accounting Term Care (LTC) insurance deals that GE is a July down by 6 per cent on a
fraud, which is "bigger than Enron". counterparty to, accounting for approximate‑ year‑on‑year basis.
In his report this week, investigator Harry ly 95 per cent or more of GE's exposure. According to data furnished
Markopolos accused GE of utilizing many of Either these eight insurance companies filed by the Federat ion of
the same accounting tricks as Enron did to false statutory financial statements with their Automobile Dealers
mislead the investors. regulators or GE's financial statements are Associations (FADA), overall
"In fact, GE's $38 billion in accounting fraud false, alleged the report. retail sales last month declined
amounts to over 40 per cent of GE's market The investigator said he got access to these to 16,54,535 units from
capitalisation, making it far more serious than eight insurers' statutory financial statements 17,59,219 units reported for units in July 2018.
either the Enron or WorldCom accounting filed with the relevant state insurance com‑ the corresponding month of previous fis‑ Similarly, July retail sales for the two‑
frauds," said the report. missions. cal. However, on the month‑on‑month wheeler category, fell by 5 per cent to
GE denied the charge saying the 175‑page The Enron scandal, revealed in 2001, led to basis, the overall retail sales grew higher 13,32,384 units from 14,03,382 units.
report contained false statements. the prosecution of several of its executives. by 5 per cent to 16,54,535 units from an "Consumer sent iment and overall
"GE will always take any allegation of finan‑ Enron's CEO, Jeff Skilling resigned on August off‑take of 15,81,141 units in June. The demand continued to be quite weak
cial misconduct seriously. But this is market 14, 2001. The company was downgraded to data also showed that retail sales of pas‑ across all segments and most geographies.
manipulation ‑ pure and simple," Lawrence junk status on November 28, 2001 and filed senger vehicles were lower by 11 per cent The July sales continue to be in the nega‑
Culp, Chairman and Chief executive Officer of for bankruptcy protection on December 2 on a Y‑o‑Y basis. Sales declined to tive zone YoY. Although some respite seen
GE said in a statement. that year. 2,43,183 units in July from 2,74,772 with growth in MoM numbers which was
"Mr. Markopolos' report contains false Markopolos is best known for his role as the units reported for the corresponding mainly due to revival of the monsoon
statements of fact and these claims could whistleblower, who warned the Securities and month of previous fiscal. On a Y‑o‑Y basis, bringing some positivity and also June
have been corrected, if he had checked them Exchange Commission (SEC), the US's top commercial vehicle retail sales during the having the 2nd lowest volume base this
with GE before publishing the report," said financial watchdog, about Madof f 's Ponzi month under review edged lower by 14 calendar year after February," FADA
the statement. scheme, the Guardian reported. per cent to 23,118 units from 26,815 President Ashish Harsharaj Kale said.
 24 August 24-30, 2019 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Indian men thrash Japan Sreesanth's ban to end in

to enter Test Event final August 2020: Ombudsman
New Delhi: Observing that Indian
Tokyo: After a 1‑2 loss against pacer S. Sreesanth has under‑
New Zealand in their second gone a ban for alleged spot‑fixing
match of the Olympic Test Event, for almost six years, Board of
the Indian men's hockey team Control for Cricket in India
booked their place in the final by (BCCI) Ombudsman, Justice
defeating Japan 6‑3 in their final (retd) D.K. Jain has ordered the
round‑robin clash held at the Oi restriction to end in August
Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. 2020.
Mandeep Singh (9', 29', 30'), "Sreesanth is already facing a
Nilakanta Sharma (3'), Nilam ban, for almost a period of six
Sanjeep Xess (7') and Gurjant years now, which bars him from
Singh (41') scored for India, while playing cricket or participating
Kentaro Fukuda (25'), Kenta in any event, with which the BCCI
Tanaka (36') and Kazuma Murata is, directly or indirectly, associat‑
(52') scored the goals for Japan. ed. S. Sreesanth.
Nilakanta got India of f to an "Even otherwise, for Mr.
excellent start through a field goal Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh in action. Sreesanth, who is now in his late Committee had commenced, will
in the third minute. The Indian thirties, his prime years as a meet the ends of justice," the
team put tremendous pressure on field goal in the ninth minute. shot on target, but the Japanese cricketer, particularly as a fast Ombudsman said in his August 7
the Japan defence as Gurjant took Japan tried to make inroads in the goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa bowler may already be over. order.
a shot on goal, but saw his shot last few minutes of the first quar‑ pulled off a brilliant save. "Bearing in mind, all these fac‑ The BCCI had banned
going wide of the post. ter as they won a penalty corner. Japan managed to open their tors, I am of the view that ban‑ Sreesanth for life in August 2013
However, a penalty corner was Gurinder Singh positioned himself account through a field goal by ning Sreesanth from participat‑ for his alleged involvement in the
awarded to India in the seventh brilliantly and defended the shot Kentaro Fukuda in the 25th ing in any kind of commercial spot‑fixing scandal that rocked
minute which was converted bril‑ on the goal line. India led 3‑0 at minute, but Mandeep scored two cricket or from associating with the 2013 Indian Premier League.
liantly by Nilam to help the team the end of the first quarter. field goals in quick succession to any activities of the BCCI or its On March 15, the Supreme
take a 2‑0 lead. India continued their attacking help India take a massive lead at affiliates, for a period of seven Court had quashed the BCCI dis‑
India cont inued to take the game in the second quarter with 5‑1. T he Indian vice‑captain years with effect from ciplinary committee's order that
aggressive approach and a few Jarmanpreet taking a shot on goal, scored just before the half‑time September 13, 2013, i.e. the date imposed a life ban on Sreesanth
minutes later, Mandeep found the but putting it wide of the post. whistle in the 29th and 30th min‑ from which the period of ban and directed the committee to
back of the net with an excellent Captain Harmanpreet Singh had a utes. imposed by the Disciplinary take action.

Smith returns to No.2 Archer's heart skipped a

in Test rankings
Dubai: Steve Smith, who followed up
his twin tons at Edgbaston with a
beat when ball hit Smith
London: England's Jofra Archer said left side of his neck and he col‑
92 at Lord's in the second Ashes that he did breath a sigh of relief lapsed immediately.
Test, has reclaimed the No.2 spot in when former Australia skipper Smith eventually managed to
the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen Steve Smith got up after being hit recover and walk off. While Archer
as per the latest updated rankings on the neck by a bouncer bowled by earned praise from many quarters
published by ICC on its website. the 24‑year‑old on Day 4 of the sec‑ for his impact on the match and
England pacer Jofra Archer has ond Ashes Test at Lord's. possibly the series, there were some
debuted at No.83 on the bowlers' Archer clarified that hurting the who chastised him for not showing
ranking. batsman was never the idea. "It is enough concern for Smith after the
Smith's 92 in the second Ashes never the plan. You are trying to get latter was on the ground.
Test took his runs tally to 378 in a wicket first. To see him go down, "After he got up he was moving
three innings at an impressive aver‑ everyone stopped and everyone's around and you breathe a sigh of
age of 126. Despite being banned heart skipped a beat," Archer said. relief. No one wants to see anyone
Jofra Archer.
for a year, he is only nine points Archer lighted up Lord's on his getting carried off on a stretcher,"
(Photo: Twitter/@JofraArcher)
behind table‑topper Virat Kohli, Test debut with some hostile fast Archer told BBC One before the
with Smith making up 19 points on
A rocket Jofra Archer bouncer
clattered Steve Smith down flat bowling. He took five wickets across their helmets and bodies. One of start of play on Day 5. "It was a
the Indian captain after his per‑ two innings and peppered the good challenge, a really good spell.
on his face. (Photo: IANS) those forced Smith to retire hurt on
formance at Lord's. Australia pacer Australian batsmen with short For me, I wouldn't like to see it end
Day 4 after the ball hit the prolific
Pat Cummins has strengthened his Bancroft (both down five) have lost deliveries that clattered against like that."
former Australian captain on the
hold on the Test Rankings for out. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain
bowlers, reaching career‑high rank‑ Dimuth Karunaratne, whose bril‑
ing points. Several Australians have liant 122 in the first Test helped his
made noteworthy strides in the bat‑ team claim a six‑wicket win over
ting rankings owing to their per‑ New Zealand, has broken into the
formances in the ongoing Ashes top 10, climbing four spots to No.8,
series. Travis Head climbed two the highest he has been in his
spots to No.18, while Marnus seven‑year Test career. Among
Labuschagne has jumped 16 spots bowlers, Archer, who returned
on the table to be No.82. Their match figures of 5/91 in his debut
English rivals, notably Ben Stokes Test at Lord's, has broken through
(six spots up to No.26), Jonny in the rankings to 83rd. Jack Leach,
Bairstow (seven spots up to No.30) who was playing only his sixth Test,
and Rory Burns (17 spots up to climbed eight spots to be No.40.
No.64) have made advances too. The left‑arm spinner, who made his
However, Australia's top‑order play‑ Test debut against New Zealand last
ers David Warner (down four), year, has already picked up 24
Usman Khawaja and Cameron wickets at an average of 24.16.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ADVERTISEMENT August 24-30, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE
 26 August 24-30, 2019 BOOKS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

New book applauds Ranjit Singhʼs polity, rule

By Vishnu Makhijani ruled with an iron hand and was

Maharajaʼs statue an absolute monarch, he was

T
he secularism of Maharaja known to be scrupulously fair,
Ranjit Singh (1780‑1839) never tyrannical and generous to
needs to be studied in the
current context for the manner in
vandalized in Lahore de feated foes,” the author
explained. But as another great

I
which he brought together a col‑ writer, Khushwant Singh, has sep‑
n a show of intoler‑
lection of warring misls (confed‑ arately recorded: “Ranjit Singhʼs
ance for religions
eracies) to create a Sikh Empire greatest oversight was his failure
other than Islam in
that stretched from the Khyber to train any one of his sons to take
Pakistan, two men
Pass in the west to western Tibet his place. When he died on the
allegedly vandalized a
in the east, and from Mithankot in evening of June 27, 1839, there
statue of Punjabʼs
the south to Kashmir in the north, was no one fit to step into his
ruler Raja Ranjit Singh
says US‑based poet, playwright shoes and guide the destinies of
placed near his grave
and commentator Sarbpreet Singh the State.”
in Shahi Qila, Lahore.
in a new book. “Ranjit Singh needs How is it that there was no one
Local
to be studied, ce lebrated and before or after Maharaja Ranjit
Superintendent of
humanized not just in Punjab but Singh? “The fiercely republican
Police told the Dawn
all over India. There are many nature of Sikhs in the 18th centu‑
newspaper that the
unique aspects of his court, most The book focuses on Ranjit ry precluded the rise of a ʻkingʼ. It
Singhʼs cosmopolitan Sikh court attackers were moti‑
notably his insistence on meritoc‑ was only Ranjit Singhʼs genius and
in Lahore. The author lauds the vated and vandalized
racy and pragmatic embrace of his mother‑in‑lawʼs foresight that
Maharaja for his insistence on the statue "on the
true secularism, which I feel are made his reign possible.
meritocracy and pragmatic basis of religious bias‑
very essential for India given “After his demise, a tragedy of
embrace of true secularism. es".
where we find ourselves today,” Shakespearean proportions played
Singh told IANS in an email inter‑ Singh some of his most notable out as every potential successor
view on his book, T he Came l victories, but never fully submit‑ encountered was from Sikhs who ent quickly as he started consoli‑ perished due to treachery or hap‑
Merchant of Philade lphia ted to him; the teenaged courtesan had consolidated into 12 misls, dating power and through a com‑ penstance. T he result was the
(Tranqebar). Bibi Moran, the love of Maharajaʼs who were constantly jockeying bination of alliances and military Empireʼs collapse, aided in no
Given the vastness of the sub‑ life; Josh Harlan, a Quaker from against each other, but would adventures, soon became the mas‑ small part by the perfidy of the
ject, the book focuses on Ranjit Philadelphia (who features in the unite in the face of an external ter of the entire Punjab. “One of British and their ability to find
Singhʼs cosmopolitan Sikh court in title) who became a trusted admin‑ threat. Ranjit Singh came from one the early master strokes of his willing courtiers who betrayed the
Lahore. Beg inning from the istrator but de fected to the of the smallest and weakest of the reign was a treaty with the East Empire for their personal benefit,”
repeated invasions of Nadir Shah Afghans, and many more such misls, the Shukerchakias. India Company, which enabled Sarbpreet explains.
to the innumerable skirmishes characters. What could the rise of “Aided in no small part by his him to secure his eastern border The Empire was under threat
between Afghan and Sikh misls to Maharaja Ranjit Singh be ascribed brilliant and visionary mother‑in‑ and continue expanding e lse‑ from the British, who were by then
the rise and consolidat ion of to? “After the collapse of the law, Sada Kaur, who was married where. Despite being unlettered, the undisputed masters of the
Ranjit Singhʼs Sukerchakias misl, Mug hal Empire, Punjab had into the once powerful Kahnayya Ranjit Singh was a shrewd leader, Indian subcontinent. All this laid
the book brings alive the descended into anarchy. T he misl, the young upstart was able who excelled at attracting the best the foundations for the first of the
Maharajaʼs tumultuous but ef fec‑ repeated incursion of Ahmed Shah to seize power and get himself talent, an attribute that played a two Anglo‑Sikh Wars and the sub‑
tive reign. Abdali further weakened the crowned the King of Lahore, which huge role in his success. His rule sequent annexation of Punjab by
One is intro duced to Akali Mughalsʼ hold over Punjab. had been the capital of Mughal was marked by peace in the terri‑ the East India Company.
Phoola Singh, who won Ranjit “T he only resistance Abdali Punjab. His genius became appar‑ tories he controlled. While he The wheel had come full circle.

Now, Marvel Superheroes in a book format

By Vishnu Makhijani and TV audiences," Saffel added.
Among the titles released are 'Avengers

Y
ou have read about them in comics ‑‑ Everybody Wants To Rule The World',
‑‑ that was the original genre. They 'Ant‑Man ‑ Natural Enemy', 'Black Panther'
then transformed to the stage, to and 'Thanos ‑‑ Death Sentence'.
the small screen, then to the big screen Saf fel said Titanʼs focus is entirely on
and soon the streaming platform. Now, adapting the comic book concepts.
read about your favorite Marve l This comes with challenges, though, as
Superhero in book format with the seven exemplified by 'Avengers: Infinity'. That
titles that have been released making comic book event had many threads that
waves worldwide and also in India, where fed into various Marvel comic book titles,
they recently debuted. "Yet we were tasked with producing a
What prompted the release of these novel that would be self‑contained and
books considering that some of the origi‑ entertaining. T hus the writer had to
nal comics date back to the mid‑1960s organize the material very carefully, at
and that all of the originals, barring times removing elements that weren't
Thanos, have been turned into hugely suc‑ essential to the core storyline, while
cessful movies? expanding or reorganizing facets to keep
"As with the novels Marvel themselves the narrative focused and dramatic" Saffel
published previously, the Titan releases explained.
are specifically based on the comic book "We've had a wonderful response. The
incarnations of the characters. In some books have been very well‑reviewed, and
cases, such as 'Captain Marvel: Liberation the readers have been enthusiastic. In
In some cases, such as 'Captain Marvel: Liberation Run', the authors have produced
Run', the authors have produced entirely entirely new stories set within the comic book canon. In others, as with 'X‑Men: many cases the novel has been a reader's
new stories set within the comic book The Dark Phoenix Saga', they've adapted seminal storylines. first introduction to the characters or
canon. In others, as with 'X‑Men: The Dark comic book storylines, while in other
Phoenix Saga', they've adapted seminal email interview. Because of their tremendous popularity, instances the readers have enjoyed the
storylines," Stephen W. Saf fel, Senior "Our goal is to entertain as many read‑ many of these characters and storylines new approach to familiar storylines,'
Acquisitions Editor at Titan Books, the ers as possible, so frequently we will have also led to films. Other novels will Saffel said, adding that there will be more
London‑based publisher, told IANS in an choose the most high‑profile characters. feature stories entirely new to the film novels down the line.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION August 24-30, 2019 27

By Michael Phulwani,
Esq. and Dev B.
Viswanath, Esq. The I‑212: Request for permission to
I reapply for admission after removal
f an individual was previously
removed or deported from the
United States based on sections
212(a)(9)(A), (9)(B), or or departure before filing the I‑ for admission is conditional upon tation or removal proceedings;
212(a)(9)(C) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (INA) they may
be allowed to re‑enter the U.S. by
VISA 212 request. One exception for
this rule is for foreign individualʼs
who entered the U.S. before April
the individualʼs departure from the
U.S. The Applicant must show
hardship to a qualifying relative or
Evidence of the individualʼs rela‑
tionship to any immediate rela‑
tives. If the relative is a U.S. citizen,

TALK
filing Form I‑212, Application for 1, 1997 because they are protect‑ employer. then proof of citizenship is
Permission to Reapply for ed by the Illegal Immigration When submitting the I‑212 waiv‑ required;
Admission After Deportation or Reform and Immigrant er request, supporting documents Statement describing the favor‑
Removal. Form I‑212 is a waiver individualʼs removal, circum‑ Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRI‑ should be included. Examples of able and unfavorable factors of the
request which allows foreign indi‑ stances surrounding their removal, RA). Under IIRIRA foreign individ‑ some supporting documents are: individualʼs case and why the
viduals to ask permission from the and the amount of time they were ualʼs who re‑entered the U.S. Copies of all the documents favorable factors outweigh the
U.S. government to apply for law‑ present in the U.S. unlawfully. before April 1, 1997 after their relating to the individualʼs depor‑ unfavorable factors.
ful re‑admission to the U.S. after Individualʼs may be barred from removal are not subject to the per‑
they have been deported or re‑entering the U.S. for five, ten, manent bar. Foreign individualʼs Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
removed. An individual is not twenty years, or indefinitely. The I‑ who have accrued unlawful pres‑ Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC
allowed to return to the U.S. until 212 waiver allows certain foreign ence before April 1, 1997 are also in the United States,
the I‑212 application is filed and exempt from the permanent bar. and Banad Immigration in India for which
individuals to ask permission to re‑
Individualʼs who are inadmissi‑ Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated
approved. While the application is apply for admission to the U.S.
ble under 212(a)(9)(A) or (9)(B) of as Of Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan,
being processed the individual before their period of inadmissibil‑
the INA who have an outstanding Queens, Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is
must remain outside of the U.S. ity has been reached. It can also be
able to assist clients with all facets of the
except for limited circumstances. requested in conjunction with a order of removal and are still in
immigration process, including
Individualʼs who had been waiver on form I‑601 for inadmis‑ the U.S., are allowed to file the I‑
Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
deported or removed have com‑ sibility. 212 Form before leaving the U.S.
Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
mitted an immigration violation Foreign individualʼs who are per‑ as long as they plan to apply for an Citizenship and Green Card Applications
and therefore not allowed to re‑ manently inadmissible under sec‑ immigrant visa abroad. USCIS has based on Family or Employment. Dev B.
enter the U.S. for a specific period tion 212(a)(9)(C) of the INA must a discretionary right to approve or Viswanath can be reached at
of time. The period of inadmissibil‑ wait until at least 10 years have deny the application and once [email protected] and 718‑361‑5999.
ity depends on the reason for the passed from their date of removal approved, permission to reapply

SCI-TECH
India sees dramatic rise in cyber Twitter slammed for
attacks post‑Kashmir decision? China‑backed ads
New Delhi: There has been a rise in cyber attacks on
Indian institutions after the abrogation of Article 370
and 35A and the country needs to be extra careful
against HK protesters
Hong Kong: Users on the which would have enabled
when it comes to the security of websites and critical
social bookmarking web‑ fugitives to be extradited
infrastructure, Russian cyber security firm Kaspersky
site Pinboard have from Hong Kong to main‑
said on Monday.
slammed China‑backed land China.
On Sunday, the official website of the Bihar
advertisements being run Though the bill has been
Education Department was hacked and "RootAyyildiz
on Twitter, attacking declared "dead" by the
Turkish Hacker" claimed responsibility for posting
Hong Kong protesters. city's top leader Carrie
messages praising Pakistan and Islam like "We Love
The ads try to portray the Lam, the civil campaign against it
Pakistan" on the website.
protests as "escalating violence" has since morphed into a broader
The hacked portal was later restored.
and call for "order to be restored," movement seeking to reverse a gen‑
"We have definitely seen an increase in the cyber
Engadget reported on Monday. eral decline in freedom and investi‑
attacks on India after the abrogation of Article 370 by messages that may suggest otherwise," said Sharma. "Every day I go out and see stuff gate police brutality. The "ads have
the Indian government. According to our Cyberthreat Last month, the Indian Computer Emergency with my own eyes, and then I go to highlighted alleged supporters of
World‑time Map, India is currently the 7th most Response Team (CERT‑In) informed the Parliament report it on Twitter and see promot‑ the Chinese 'motherland' and have
attacked country in the world," Saurabh Sharma, that over 24 websites of central ministries, depart‑ ed tweets saying the opposite of pointed out Hong Kong's economic
Senior Security Researcher, Global Research and ments and state governments were hacked till May. what I saw. Twitter is taking money troubles from earlier in the year,"
Analysis Team (GReAT) APAC, Kaspersky, told IANS. IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written from Chinese propaganda outfits the report said. Twitter was yet to
However, he added, it is difficult in the current situ‑ reply in the Lok Sabha that some of these attacks and running these promoted tweets issue a statement.
ation to understand if these are state‑sponsored were seen to be originating from a number of coun‑ against the top Hong Kong protest The Chinese government has
attacks. tries, including China and Pakistan. hashtags," Pinboard tweeted. been clamping down on those who
"We cannot confirm if it originated from Pakistan or "India needs to be more careful when it comes to Since June, Hong Kong has been voice dissent on Twitter, even
it's a group of cyber attackers targeting India while the security of their websites and critical infrastruc‑ rocked by a wave of protests though the service is blocked
taking advantage of the current situation and leaving ture," the Kaspersky executive cautioned. because of the extradition bill, beyond Hong Kong.
28 August 24-30, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

Money‑saving tips
that really work!
E
veryoneʼs offering money‑saving tips other.) He or she buys all sorts of luxury
these days, trying to help people sur‑ items with the credit card, whereas you use
vive the economic downturn. It does‑ it only for essential items, such as wool paja‑
nʼt take much to save a few bucks here and mas for the dog. It might be time to get a
there, even if youʼre already scrimping, even divorce̶from your credit card.
if you order the 3. Find vacations on the
“short” cappuc‑ Internet. Letʼs face it: itʼs
cino at Starbucks expensive to travel abroad
and have reduced your and, even if you can afford
cable TV package to only 380 it, do you really want to
channels. Anyone whoʼs spend half your vacation

BEST really serious about sav‑

ing money needs to fol‑
going throug h airport
security? T hankfully,

RATE low Melvinʼs canʼt‑miss

tips:
thereʼs an easy solution.
Just travel anywhere in the

FOR 1. Be more religious.

Yes, going to the tem‑
world̶Tahiti, Jamaica,
Hawaii̶by gazing at your

INDIA ple, gurudwara, mosque

or church can save you
Facebook friendsʼ vacation
pics. Put your face right

AND money. How? We ll,

many of these religious
against the computer screen
and youʼll almost feel your‑

PAKISTAN institutions of fer you

something you canʼt usually find
self there.
4. Cancel your gym membership. Does it
anywhere else: FREE FOOD! Entire meals are really make sense for you to spend two
served at many temples, gurudwaras and hours lifting weights, sweating profusely
New York Head Quarter mosques, while snacks are commonplace at and not getting paid for it? Instead, head to
churches. the airport or train station and get yourself
422‑S Broadway
Iʼm not suggesting, of course, that you go a job as a porter. Many companies, including
HICKSVILLE there just to eat. You can also get something UPS, Wal‑Mart and Sears, of fer “lifting
NY 11801 to drink. But if the minister asks if you want opportunities,” though it might be a good
to be “filled with the spirit,” itʼs probably not idea to stay away from shoplifting.
516‑827‑1010 a good idea to say, “No, thanks. Iʼm driving.” 5. Take the bus or train to work and do
2. Donʼt pay interest on your credit card. some reading. The first step is to buy a
If youʼre buried in credit card debt, it might monthly bus/train pass. The second step is
be time to look in the mirror and accept that to cancel your newspaper subscription. Why
thereʼs only one person to blame for the subscribe to the newspaper when you can
mess youʼre in: your spouse. (Or significant read it for free over someoneʼs shoulder?
6. Take advantage of telemarketers. If
you get lots of calls from telemarketers, you

Laughter is the Best Medicine need to do what I do: sell them stuf f. Itʼs
amazing how much you can sell if youʼre a
little forceful. Just ask Satwinder, the guy in
New Delhi who just bought 100 copies of
my novel Bala Takes the Plunge.
7. Do your own recycling. Donʼt throw out
By that fashion magazine̶pull out the glossy
Mahendra pages and use them to wrap small gifts.
Shah Donʼt throw out that worn boot̶fill it with
soil and grow a plant in it. Donʼt throw out
Mahendra Shah that old pair of underwear̶cut it into a
is an architect by fancy shape and use it as a doily.
education, 8. Donʼt play the lottery. Itʼs okay to buy a
entrepreneur by ticket now and then, but if youʼre plunking
profession, artist down 10 bucks a week, youʼre throwing
and humorist, your hard‑earned money away. Yes, people
cartoonist and do win the lottery, but you have a better
writer by hobby. chance of getting Justin Bieber to share nail‑
He has been polishing tips with you.
recording the 9. Think big. Donʼt buy a small bag of rice
plight of the when a big bag is more economical in the
immigrant long run. The best part is, once the bag is
Indians for the empty, you can recycle it. Just write “Gucci”
past many year on the side of it and use it for shopping.
in his cartoons. 10. Get to know your neighbors.
Hailing from Neighbors can save you a lot of money. In
Gujarat, he lives fact, if youʼre trying to buy a house, make
in Pittsburgh, sure you find one with a plumber living on
Pennsylvania. one side, an electrician on the other and a
carpenter across the street. Donʼt forget to
show them your appreciation with a special
gift, such as a nicely wrapped doily.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY August 24-30, 2019 29

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

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
[email protected]; w.premastrologer.com

AUGUST 24‑30, 2019

Aries: Investment in stocks & mutual Cancer: You are likely to establish Libra: Donʼt force your opinion on Capricorn: Love comes your way as
funds would help in earning profits. yourself a good manager on man‑ others in the family. Your invest‑ friendship turns into romance.
You are likely find comfort in the aging people and situation without ment on overseas plans might give Your confidence and energy will be
arms of romantic partner. Be ready to any problem. A promising week is fore‑ some impact on your bank balance. Be high this week. Destination with a great
travel with a challenge, new connections seen to plan things for your progeny. prepared to say no to people who expect deal is on your way, be ready for traveling.
will help you. Improvement in finances is certain. too much in financial matters. You need to Your investment plans are at full boom
Your partnerʼs desire for an apartment Partner brings immense romantic pleas‑ hold romantic emotions and shouldnʼt do and you might succeed in them. In the
might lead to its destination. You succeed ure even if work pressure occupies your anything making you repent later. Make company of friends you are likely to enjoy,
in maintaining a distance from affairs that mind Positive outlook impresses those the best use of your energy to enjoy a as many good things happen at a same
donʼt concern you at all. around you besides keeping you fit & fine. sound health. time.
Taurus: Channelizing energy for Leo: To gain something we have to Scorpio: Speculation coupled with Aquarius: Long‑term investment in
positive changes on health front lose something. This is the success some unexpected gains improves stocks & mutual funds will enable
would immensely benefit you. The of maintaining relationship. Take your financial health. Romance to earn profits. Sudden romantic
coming week would require some urgent your parents into confidence regarding rules heart & mind this week. Chances of encounter is foreseen this week. You need
& quick decisions to turn the tide in your your new projects and plans. Avoid over‑ recovering from physical illness are on the to relax and get involved in hobbies that
favor at professional front. Good time to spending on entertainment and luxuries. cards. Travel opportunities full of chal‑ you enjoy doing the most. You will be
get involved into activities that interests Love and romantic encounter will keep lenges are often the beginning of great highly benefited by making the fullest use
you. Make sure you do not overspend on you in a cheerful state. Health will be fine enterprises. Being too choosy in investing of communication skills and the ability to
household luxuries. Donʼt give into unnec‑ despite some mental pressures. plans can lose the property you are handle any pressurized situation.
essary demands of romantic partner. Virgo: Be careful with whom you looking for. Pisces: Make sure you donʼt get sen‑
Gemini: Crucial decisions regarding deal financially during this week. If Sagittarius: Avoid being volunteer timental on lover/beloveds com‑
job should be put of f for another possible, give the gift of time to to overspend otherwise you will ments. Your energy level will be
week. You need to remain calm & beloved/lover. have to come home empty pocket. high. The deals which you are looking for‑
tension‑free to enjoy a sound health. Take Avoid disclosing personal secrets even to Use your discretion power in love this ward might be delayed due to increase in
a trip, as there is some place waiting for your close relatives. Understand your week. Knowing your calories would enable property rates. Use your strong determi‑
you. It might be the right time to sale your body and at the same time avoid the food to keep yourself fit. If your family loves to nation & decision‑making trait to face
empty plot as property rates are at peak that does not go well with it to keep ail‑ travel, then put together some ideas to unusual & challenging situations with
this week. ments a bay. Make sure you keep team help you. Location is the key to any prop‑ ease at professional front. It would be in
You are likely to contemplate a new con‑ spirit going to achieve higher professional erty you purchase, so go through it very your interest if you avoid easily get friend‑
struction programme. goals. well. ly with others.

August 24, 2019 and peace. Be extra careful of your

Dominated by number 6 and the ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK jewe lry and expensive items.
planet Venus, you are attractive, Chances of overseas education for
emotional, intelligent, creative, ries and other living comforts. You new ideas and unconditional sup‑ fickle minded and restless at times. few students who are looking for a
trustworthy and very simple per‑ would change your perception of port on your projects. The months This coming year you would tend better career. The months of April,
son. Your farsightedness and your love this year, as you would tend to of June, October, January and April to be highly adventurous and July, September and November will
planning ability are your true be more secretive and keep many will be eventful. would be taking major risks, but be important.
assets, but you need to check your things to yourself only. Your rela‑ you should avoid making any hasty
tendencies to behave timid and tionship will lack the trust it nor‑ August 27, 2019 investment decisions otherwise August 30, 2019
moody at times. mally did, which might create prob‑ Influenced by number 9 and the losses are certain. Legal and tax Dominated by number 3 and the
This year you would see certain lems at times. Health would be planet Mars, you are active, coura‑ matters would trouble you. Some planet Jupiter. You are ambitious,
changes in your career that would matter of concern, and preventive geous, energetic, and enthusiastic unexpected dispute or litigation courageous, dignified, aggressive
oscillate your mood between medication should not be ignored person. Your impressive personali‑ might also arise around the later and friendly. You are independent
extreme happiness and some dis‑ at any cost. The months of June, ty and your command over your half of the year. Seek the best pro‑ by nature and thought and you
pleasure. No matter what you do, September, December and work do wonders for you, but you fessional advice available before avoid any interference in your
donʼt get into power struggle with February will be important. need to control your tendency to making any decisions. It would be a work, but you also become a sub‑
co‑workers and managers. Use tact behave timid and indecisive at rather interesting year for young‑ ject of immense criticism because
and diplomacy when handling diffi‑ August 26, 2019 times. sters. Exciting romance would lift of your tendency to behave stub‑
cult issues and try to work towards Ruled by number 8 and the plan‑ This promises to be a memorable their spirits and gifts and presents born and hot‑tempered at times.
a compromise. Businessmen would et Saturn, you are authoritative, year bringing you prosperity and are almost certain. Some care is This year gains from past invest‑
see their new plans and ventures practical, systematic, original, and good fortune. Your creative ideas needed towards your health. The ments will see your financial posi‑
getting executed. Frequent jour‑ highly disciplined person. You feel would flourish and you would be months of May, August, September tion improve. New alliances and
neys in‑between the year would very happy when you are close to highly appreciated for your efforts. and December will be important. projects would lift your confidence.
bring in pleasure and an opportuni‑ nature. You are very religious and You would gain importance Bold decisions would be essential
ty to establish new and important you take deep interest in spiritual‑ amongst your colleagues because August 29, 2019 at workplace. Despite minor dis‑
contacts. T he months of July, ism, but you need to check your of your improved skills and apti‑ Ruled by number 2 and the agreements at times with your sen‑
November and February will be tendency to behave moody, stub‑ tude. Participating in lectures and Moon, you are highly creative, iors and colleagues your profes‑
highly result oriented. born and lazy at times. seminars would bring you new practical, emotional, friendly, sim‑ sional graph would grow with suc‑
T his is going to be a highly growth opportunities. This seems ple and generous person. You enjoy cess and achievements.
August 25, 2019 rewarding period for women, as to be a good period for new ven‑ enormous respect at your work‑ Expenditure on the renovation or
Influenced by number 7 and the there seems to be a promise of a tures and alliances, but speculation place, but at the same time you beautification of the house or on
planet Neptune, you are ambitious, bright career prospect. You would needs to be done with extreme need to check your tendency to purchase of luxuries seems high
independent, sincere and an ener‑ also improve your income and sav‑ care. T he months of July, behave introvert, selfish and jeal‑ later in the year. Property related
getic person. You are highly enter‑ ings, provided you are ready to September, November and ous at times. matters need to be dealt with
prising and have an in‑built talent curb lavish expenses. This year February will be significant. This year will be highly beneficial extreme caution. Your spouse
to impress others, but you need to would also prove to be highly sig‑ for those who are willing to take would be supportive to your con‑
check your tendency to behave nificant for students wanting to go August 28, 2019 investment and business risks. cerns and provide you with love
moody, reckless and impatient at for higher education overseas, as Influenced by number 1 and the Speculation in property and stocks and af fection. Health definitely
times. they would manage to obtain Sun, you are energetic, practical, will bring in handsome results. This would require more attention,
This year your financial condition admission in their desired college/ dignified, brilliant and highly sensi‑ year will be highly significant for especially for those suffering from
would improve, as you would bene‑ university despite tough competi‑ tive person. You possess excellent working and professional women, chronic ailments. Some auspicious
fit from past investments. New tion. Middle of the year taking care communication skills and you take as they will prosper in their respec‑ ceremonies and functions are likely
business ventures would prove of your health would be important, advantage of the given opportuni‑ tive fields. New romance will be to be performed in the family. The
quite lucrative. Improved finances especially for expecting mothers. ties, but you need to check your exciting but short‑lived. Journey or months of August, November and
will make you spend more on luxu‑ An eminent person would provide tendency to behave spendthrift, pilgrimage will provide comfort March seem to be significant.
 30 August 24-30, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Ego - edging God out

of life. Empowering our soul
Ego is the mind’s means we free ourselves from
reliance on outer sources of pride
way of keeping to make us happy. Rather, we live
us from having in a state of eternal happiness
with the state of our soul, because
contact with our it is one with the Lord.
It is said that among the ascetics
spiritual nature. and monks, the last enemy they
must conquer is the ego. They may
Ego manifests give up desire for material posses‑
By Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj in many forms: sions, they may give up lust,
anger, greed and attachment. But
pride of wealth,
O
if they pride themselves on giving
ne of the subtlest and up these things, they are still
trickiest blockages to pride of caught in the net of ego. That is
overcome is ego. Ego is how ego imperceptibly rears its
the mindʼs way of keeping us from knowledge, pride ugly head. It is said by the mystics,
having contact with our spiritual
nature. Ego manifests in many
of beauty and “Where I am God is not. Where
God is I am not.” In Sikh scriptures
forms: pride of wealth, pride of (Image courtesy: desiseni.com) pride of power. it is written:
knowledge, pride of beauty and Where egoism exists, Thou are
pride of power. We may suffer looks to such a degree that we mentary school maybe obsolete takes understanding and a firm not experienced,
from the ego of wealth in which make others who are not as beau‑ today. Wealth can disappear with grip on the mind. If our attention Where Thou art, is not egoism.
we are proud of how much money tiful feel inferior. We can become the changes in the economy. is on the outer being, our person‑ You who are learned, expound in
we have or our expensive posses‑ an egoist when we talk too much Stocks and bonds may lose value ality, looks, mind, or possessions, your mind
sions. We may have ego of knowl‑ about ourselves or think too much or a serious illness may drain our then we are certainly not going to This inexpressible proposition.
edge in which we become proud of about ourselves. finances. be focusing on our soul. The soul (Adi Granth, Maru‑ki‑Var,M.1,
how much we know or the number Outer beauty fades with age. If The harm caused by ego is that is the source of all beauty, wisdom, p1092)
of educational degrees we have. we do not have the beauty of spir‑ it boosts up our mental and physi‑ and wealth, but we remain bereft If God and the soul are one,
We lack humility and think we are it, few will be attracted to our cal attributes, worldly positions of these gifts as long as we are there is no question of I and Thou.
the source of all knowledge and outer beauty as wrinkles appear and possessions while it negates filled with thoughts of our body Both are Thou. When we eliminate
look down on others who know on our face. Knowledge is also God, who is the true Giver of these and mind. ego‑‑‑‑ I‑ness is gone, and there is
less than we do. There is also the temporary, for it changes every gifts. It causes us to forget our Our soul is free of ego. Thus, it no separation between the soul
ego of beauty. We may flaunt our year. What we learnt in the ele‑ true self and God. Rooting out ego is free from fear of the vicissitudes and God.

TAKE AN INNER VOYAGE Yoga & meditation

T
here are many forms of yoga. Some forms of

A
yoga deal with controlling the bodily functions.
vacation offers a chance to take
In our body we have two currents. We have the
a break from the stresses of
motor currents and the sensory currents flowing
daily living. We usually seek
through our bodies. The motor currents keep us alive,
places that are relaxing, enjoyable, and
by controlling our involuntarily body functions, such
beautiful. Yet going on an outer vaca‑
as the growth of our nails and hair, our breathing, and
tion is often stressful. We have to earn
our blood circulation. In meditation on the inner
money for the trip; book tickets; under‑
Light and Sound, one does not practice the control of
go the rigors of travel, whether by
the motor currents for transcending the body. The
road, train, bus, or air; find the right
motor currents are allowed to go on by themselves so
accommodations and food service; and
that the process by which we survive in this world is
face unexpected inclement weather.
not tampered with. Instead, we withdraw the sensory
Often, we return from a vacation more
currents. The sensory currents give us sensation in
exhausted than we had left.
the body. It is the sensory currents which make us
What if we could experience a vaca‑
aware of the sense of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and
tion that did not cost anything and in
touch. If we withdraw our sensory currents from the
which we could instantly travel to and
outside world, and collect them at the eye‑focus, we
experience unimaginable vistas more
will be able to travel to the realms within.
beautiful than anything ever seen in
Meditation is, in reality, a process of concentration.
this world? What if that vacation filled
It is so simple and natural that it can be practiced by
us with relaxation of our body, mind,
a young child or the elderly, by a healthy person or
and spirit, and had the added benefit of
someone with a physical disability.
putting us into the states of tremen‑
Meditation does not require any asanas or difficult
dous love, joy and bliss? What if we
(Image courtesy: postures or any rigorous physical activity. It is a non‑
could tap into a restful peace that
pinterest.com) denominational technique that has been practiced by
washed away our troubles and stayed
people of all religions and faiths, cultures, and back‑
with us even when we returned from
the journey? What if we could take this Many enlightened beings, saints, mystics, and grounds, as a science. It is open to one and all, and
has been offered as a free gift by the spiritual
trip anytime we wanted, as many times spiritual masters have taken this inner voyage. Masters who have come throughout the ages. It is up
as we wished, by just closing our eyes?
to us whether we wish to merely read about the
This is not science fiction. This jour‑ Masters passed on the travel directions world may attract our senses with
realms beyond, or experience them. The saints tell us
ney is not imaginary. Many enlight‑ for this journey. This experience is interesting and beautiful sights,
that being made of matter, the physical body deterio‑
ened beings, saints, mystics, and spiri‑ still available today to all who want to sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings. Yet
rates, decays, and is finally destroyed. But our true
tual masters have taken this inner voy‑ undertake this incredible voyage. The inner sightseeing dazzles us. The inner
self, which is our spirit or soul, is eternal. It lives on
age. Through the ages, the spiritual way within is through meditation. voyage thrills our soul with bliss, love
and on. By connecting with our soul, we will have
journey was largely a mystery to the Meditation is the art of inverting our and joy that far surpass any sensory
access to the answers of what awaits us beyond.
masses, but was known to the disciples attention from the world outside to delights experienced in this physical
(www.sos.org)
through an oral tradition whereby that within. Sightseeing in the physical world.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info August 24-30, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info August 24-30, 2019

We’re expecting!

The only birth center in New Jersey on a hospital campus. Opening in September.
Women experiencing a low-risk pregnancy who are looking for more natural options for their birthing experience can
be cared for by our certified nurse-midwives. The new Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital
provides an alternative, home-like birthing option for women. With a separate street entrance and dedicated space, our
birthing suites resemble bedrooms and feature a queen-size bed, large spa-size tub, and shower, all in a relaxing décor.

From pregnancy through birth, our midwives will support you in the way you want to experience the birth of your child.
You may choose to move around freely, use birthing tools, immerse yourself in water for comfort, and get the support
you need to birth without medication.

To learn more or to make an appointment with a midwife, call 732.339.7879

or visit saintpetershcs.com/midwifery

Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen