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. 23 October 5-11, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump challenges House India's stature

on impeachment vote
Washington: House Speaker
Nancy Pelosi did not rule out a
vote by the full chamber on its
rising on
world stage:
impeachment inquiry into
President Trump ̶ but she
restated her belief on Friday that
none is required for it to move
ahead.
Pelosi, D‑Calif., said on a trip to
Atlanta that she was unmoved by
calls from the White House for a
full vote. Trump said earlier in the
PM Modi
day that he would send a letter to Kashmir’s intractable challenge had
the Speaker, which was expected
to demand action by the full to be met: EAM Jaishankar
House.
"We may decide to do it, but it Pelosi says she's unmoved even as the President openly asked
China and Ukraine to probe Biden. (Photo courtesy AP)
has nothing to do with the presi‑
dent saying what he's saying," chairmen tasked with guiding the Mick Mulvaney seeking pertinent
Pelosi told reporters. inquiry issued subpoenas to act‑ do cuments. T hey pointed to
Later on Friday, top House ing White House Chief of Staf f Continued on page 4

Shanti Fund celebrates AIA Deepavali has

new attractions
Gandhi@150, honors 4 this time

PM Modi was felicitated at an event organized by the Gujarat unit of

the BJP in Ahmedabad. He revealed there that Trump agreed to a
round of the Howdy, Modi! stadium after the speeches at his request
without considering security protocol. (Photo IANS)
Ahmedabad/Washington: India's Their attending the Howdy, Modi
stature is rising on the world stage event was very special," he said.
AIA‑NY President Harish Thakkar
and a glimpse of the respect the "T he fact that India always
New York: While welcoming one country has globally was seen dur‑ believes in taking everyone along
and all to the Deepavali festival ing the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in has also been noted," Modi said.
this Sunday at South Street Houston, Prime Minister Narendra "Respect for India is increasing all
Seaport in Manhattan, AIA‑NY Modi said on Wednesday. over. One can experience the
President Harish Thakkar revealed The world can see that India is at change," he added.
Hauppauge, NY: Shanti Fund cel‑ Violence Award for their contri‑ to The South Asian Times some of the forefront of several positive A large poster of Modi and US
ebrated the 150th birth anniver‑ butions to community while the new attractions he has intro‑ changes taking place at the world President Donald Trump was put
sary of Mahatma Gandhi at the maintaining the Gandhian phi‑ duced, such as Vegan Expo in asso‑ stage, he said, during an event up on stage.
Suffolk County Executive losophy and ethics. Posing in ciation with World Vegan Vision, a organized by BJP's state unit to "The strength and the value of
Building here on October 2. Four Continued on page 4 felicitate him for his speech at the Indian passport has increased. The
prominent people were honored Continued on page 4
UN General Assembly. world sees those holding Indian
at the well‑attended event with SEE DETAILED STORY
SEE AIA DEEPAVALI SPECIAL "At the Houston prog ram, passport with respect," Modi said.
Mahatma Gandhi Peace & Non‑ ON PAGE 25‑26.
SECTION̶PAGES 13‑23. Republicans and Democrats spoke. Continued on page 4

AIA DIWALI SPECIAL 13-26 SHANTI FUND 25 IMMIGRATION 35 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 38 excellence in journalism
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY October 5-11, 2019 3

Mingling with the pro‑Modi crowd at UN rally

Special to York or Connecticut as evidenced of the participants to the city.
The South Asian Times in the number of people who came Slog ans such as “Mo di hai to
from the Garden State. mumkin hai” were raised frequent‑
United Nations: As the leaders of A frail looking Arvind Sant came ly. Pro‑Modi banners abounded.
India and Pakistan addressed the from Staten Island. He said, “How Some other demonstrat ing
74th UN General Assembly last can we keep quiet if they groups had other agenda.
week, tens of thousands of demon‑ (Pakistan) keep on bothering us? Ravi Mahey, 50, and a group rep‑
strators gathered nearby shouting Itʼs in their own interest that they resenting Begampura Cultural
slogans for and against them. should leave us alone. Legally we Society and International Bahujan
T here was also a third set of have already solved the problem Organization (NRI wing) were
demonstrators who demanded (of Kashmir), but as for the ground seeking a temple for Ravidas, a
independence for the Jammu‑ reality, maybe not yet.” Manu saint revered by Dalits in India.
Kashmir region. Patel, 75, belongs to the India Mahey alleged that a Ravidas tem‑
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Business Association in Edison, NJ. ple in Delhi was razed by the Mopi
in his statesman‑like address, “Pakistan has been indulging in government.
focused on such subjects as peace ethnic cleansing of its minorities,” A group of Khalistanis cried for
and harmony, as well as climate he said. “Iʼm confident he (Modi) freedom from India.
change and environment. His will set right the situation not only There was a huge pro‑Pakistan
Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan Many of the rallyists spoken to believed PM Modi in Kashmir, but the entire country.” rally. But there was also a group
will set everything right in India. A follower of of the Hare condemning the Imran Khan gov‑
hig hlig hted “the plig ht” of
Kashmiris after Indian clampdown. pointed out that PM Modi also would pass by after the UN Krishna movement was chanting ernment for its “atrocities” in
Milling among the pro‑Modi spoke about Vasud haiva address. along with his colleagues. He said Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir. There
crowd, estimated to be 5,000, was Kutumbakam and Sarve Bhavantu Many others too were hopeful of a leader like Modi would be able to were others who blasted
community leader Animesh Sukhinaha (ʻThe world is one fami‑ seeing their beloved leader, as the establish a Hindu state in India but Islamabad on various counts.
Goenka, who was jubilant over the lyʼ, and ʻMay all be happyʼ). crowd would break into chants of clarified that such a state would All the protests and demonstra‑
speech. “Modi ji is an embodiment Naipal Sing h, 60, a New Modi, Modi! Modi, however, did not discriminate against minorities tions kept the police on tenter‑
of peace. He stresses Sabka Saath Jerseyan, was patiently waiting for not make in an appearance. as Hinduism is the most tolerant hooks and the UN area wore the
Sabka Vikaas (all‑round progress the PM to appear at the rally Modi has a greater fan following re ligion. Some 40 buses were look of a war zone for at least half
by taking everybody along).” He because somebody told him he in New Jersey than in nearby New pressed into service to ferry many a day last Friday.

In reversal for Asian-Americans, Judge Tulsi Gabbard meets

upholds Harvard's race-conscious admissions PM Modi in New York
Boston, MA: Harvard University discriminated against a white stu‑ cantsʼ personalit ies; Asian
does not discriminate against dent. Americans consistently ranked
Asian American students through That case made it up to the U.S. lower on that metric and were The first
its use of race‑conscious admis‑ Supreme Court, where UT‑Austinʼs therefore denied admission, the Hindu
American
sions, a federal judge ruled in a policy was upheld in 2016. Legal group alleged, despite their higher
running for
decision re leased on Tuesday. scholars say the case ag ainst test scores and grades.
President,
Writing that the university's sys‑ Harvard could wind up there as Lawyers for Harvard agreed that
Tulsi Gabbard
tem "passes constitutional muster," well, and if it does, it will be decid‑ the university considers race when feels a natural
Allison D. Burroughs, a evaluating applications, but affinity for
U.S. district judge, disag reed on how. PM Modi and
added that the court Admissions officers took the India.
"will not dismantle a stand to explain that having a
very fine admissions racially diverse class benefits
prog ram … sole ly all students at Harvard and is New York: Presidential hopeful sions with Iran.” Though she could
because it could do bet‑ crucial to helping the univer‑ Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met w ith not attend the sensational ʻHowdy,
ter." sity meet its educat ional Indiaʼs Prime Minister Narendra Modi!ʼ event in Houston because of
The verdict closes the goals. T hey said Asian Modi here last Friday before he her presidential campaign obliga‑
first chapter in a case American applicants do not flew back to India. tions, Gabbard released a video
that was filed against get penalized, but that black Gabbard we lcomed Prime message welcoming the Prime
Harvard in 2014. and Hispanic students do Minister Modi to the United States Minister Narendra Modi to the
T he university was sued by ed by a much more conservative sometimes get a “tip” when admis‑ and they had a discussion on a United States. She also released an
Students for Fair Admissions, a bench. A new ruling could have sions of ficers are awarding an wide range of issues, highlighting ad campaign in print and TV to
membership organization that says serious implications for how and overall score for applicants. the importance of the long‑stand‑ that ef fect. Gabbard is the first
Harvardʼs admissions policies dis‑ whether colleges can consider a Much of the testimony during ing relationship the United States Hindu elected to US congress and
criminate against Asian American studentʼs race when making deci‑ the trial came from two expert shares with India. In a statement has been close to Prime Minister
applicants. T he organizationʼs sions about whom to admit. economists ̶ one for each side ̶ she released, she said, “We dis‑ Modi, who had sent her gifts on
founder is Edward Blum, the same Students for Fair Admissions had who produced statistical analyses cussed the situation in Kashmir, her wedding in 2015 and she
activist who was behind the case argued that Harvard penalizes of Harvardʼs admissions data. civil rights, empowering women attended both his previous diaspo‑
that claimed the University of Asian American students when T his decision is like ly to be and addressing poverty, as well as ra outreach events in New York
Texas at Austinʼs admissions policy they award points based on appli‑ appealed. the concern about escalating ten‑ and San Jose.
 4 October 5-11, 2019 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

India's stature rising on world terrorism”. ingness to accommodate congressional

Indian Embassy stage: PM Modi

Continued from page 1
“The choice as this Government came
back to power was clear. Either we had
requests for testimony or documents.
"The lawyers think they've never seen

celebrates 150th "The fact that the US President came to more of past policies and the prospect any thing so unfair," Trump said.
the Indian event and stayed there for of further radicalization. Or we had a "They've never seen anything so unjust.
such a long t ime was g reat. After decisive change in the landscape and a I've been president now for almost
Birth Anniversary of speeches, when I requested him, he
came for a round of stadium without
change of direction towards de‑radical‑
ization.
three years, and I've been going
through this for almost three years. It's

Mahatma Gandhi considering security protocol. I thank

him and all those who organized the
“The economic costs of the status quo
were visible in the absence of entrepre‑
almost become, like, a part of my day."
Trump has gone back and forth about
event," Modi said. neurship and shortage of job opportuni‑ what he may or may not release from
"In a way, the world is looking at ties. The social costs were even starker: w ithin the administrat ion on the
India with great eagerness. The world in discrimination against women, in Ukraine affair, and he wasn't clear on
was curious about India, a huge coun‑ lack of protection for juveniles, in the Friday about whether he might stop
try with a vibrant democracy and it is refusal to apply affirmative action and cooperating short of a full House vote.
hopeful that India's participation will in denial of the right to information, That issue faced its first test not long
be most significant whenever there are education and work. after Pe losi spoke, when House
opportunities to bring about global “All this added up to security costs as Demo crat ic chairman announced
changes," he said. the resulting disaf fection‑fed sepa‑ they're requesting documents from
India has the capacity to take the ratism and fueled a neighborʼs terror‑ Vice President Pence about his dealings
world together due to our ideals, behav‑ ism. At a broader level, these realities with the government of Ukraine.
iour and culture, he said. also contradicted our commitment that Investigators want to know about the
He said during his US visit, Mahatma no region, no community and no faith role Pence may have played in commu‑
Gandhi was given "real tribute" by would be left behind. nicating Trump's desires to Ukrainian
world leaders at the United Nations. “The legislative changes made this leaders that its government launch
Meanwhile, Indiaʼs External Af fairs summer put India and the entire region investigations that might help Trump in
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar presents a
Minister S. Jaishankar has said that the on the road to long‑term peace. That is the 2020 election.
half‑bust statue of Mahatma Gandhi to Speaker
Nancy Pelosi as Ambassador Harsh V. looks on, revocation of special status of Kashmir the reality today in the making. And
during the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's was part of India pitting long‑term this is the India that will navigate the Shanti Fund celebrates
150th Birth Anniversary. thinking over short‑term calculations, world which I have described just now,” Gandhi@150, honors 4
which involved deep structural changes Jaishankar said. Continued from page 1
Washington: As part of the celebrations to mark the
and ambitious socio‑economic initia‑ front of the Gandhi statue are Shanti
150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the
Indian Embassy here organized a commemorative tives and what were presumed to be Trump challenges House on Fundʼs Arvind Vora and Bakul Matalia
event at the Library of Congress on October 2. A intractable challenges had to be impeachment vote w ith Chie f Guest Consul General
addressed, “not ducked”. Continued from page 1 Sandeep Chakravorty and honorees
one‑day exhibition on the life and teachings of
Addressing the Center for Strategic statements Trump made at a press con‑ Kamlesh Mehta, Dr. Kirit Gosalia, Rajesh
Mahatma Gand hi was he ld at the Library of
and International Studies think tank, on ference earlier this week saying he Jain and Supdt. Kishore Kuncham.
Congress.
the topic, “Preparing for a Dif ferent "always cooperate[s]." (Photo: Parveen Chopra)
The exhibition was followed by an event where the
Era”, he said: “Preparing for a more "The White House has refused to
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy
Pelosi, was the Guest of Honor. compet it ive and complex era w ill engage with̶or even respond to̶mul‑ AIA Deepavali has new
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Speaker require a dif ferent mindset. For a tiple requests for documents from our attractions this time
nation like India, this would be in addi‑ Committees on a voluntary basis. After Continued from page 1
Pelosi addressed the gathering. Jaishankar spoke
tion to the changes induced by its climb nearly a month of stonewalling, it Fashion Show featuring traditional
about the influence of the Mahatma on India's inde‑
up the global power hierarchy. appears clear that the President has Indian clothes, and Dandiya on the
pendence struggle and how his ideas had been the
“In this world, what were presumed chosen the path of defiance, obstruc‑ main stage. The young and young at
key factor in bringing about social change in India.
to be intractable challenges will have to t ion, and cover‑up," Inte lligence heart can look forward to Amar
He also spoke about the various flagship programs
be addressed, not ducked. An example Committee Chairman Adam Schif f, D‑ Sandhu, ʻAmericaʼs very own Urban
of the government of India and how they were based
to point is that of the recent changes in Calif.; Foreign Af fairs Committee Desi Star with Global Hitsʼ, and Nach
on the ideals of the Mahatma.
the Indian State of Jammu and Chairman Eliot Enge l, D‑N.Y.; and Inferno intercollegiate competition.
Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar and
Kashmir.” Oversight and Government Reform T he regular fixtures like Ramayan
Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla offered floral
On Pakistanʼs stand on Kashmir, he Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, enactment will be there. And the day‑
tributes at the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of
said that for many years, “India sought D‑Md., said in a joint statement. long festivities will culminate in a
the Embassy. Jaishankar briefly interacted with
a solution while Pakistan was comfort‑ Reporters asked Trump earlier in the crescendo of fireworks lighting up the
members of the Indian community at the event.
able with continuing with cross‑border day at the White House about his will‑ New York sky.

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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY October 5-11, 2019 5

Dhoni plays in his 1st UNGA: Indiaʼs young diplomatic

tournament at NJ golf club brigade is leading from the front
New York: Another of Indiaʼs
bright young diplomats, Vidisha
Maitra, was deployed to counter
Pakistan PM Imran Khanʼs rant
at the UN General Assembly,
when India exercised its “right of
reply” on Friday. Vidisha, an IFS
officer from the 2009 batch who
recently joined the UN mission,
said “PM Khanʼs threat of
unleashing nuclear devastation
qualifies as brinksmanship, not
statesmanship.”
By now an accomplished golfer, star cricketer MS Dhoni together She continued, “Rarely has the
with local member Rajiv Sharma finished 2nd in the members General Assembly w itnessed
tournament of Metuchen Golf Club. He has committed to such misuse, rather abuse, of an
playing every year in the tournament. opportunity to reflect. Words Indian diplomat Vidisha Maitra gave a fitting reply
matter in diplomacy. Invocation to Imran Khanʼs ʻhate speechʼ at UNGA.
Metuchen, NY: The Metuchen Golf in their flight category.
and Country Club based in While in New Jersey, Dhoni was of phrases such as “pogrom”, defender of Osama bin Laden?” charge against Shah Mehmood
Metuchen, NJ, has announced that able to play in a few surrounding “bloodbath”, “racial superiority”, From Enam Gambhir, who Qureshiʼs alleg at ions at the
the legendary cricketer Mahendra golf courses but maintained that “pick up the gun” and “fight to delivered a statesmanlike per‑ UNHRC earlier this month, say‑
Singh Dhoni, who has been made an “Metuchen is the best”. Dhoni has the end” reflect a medieval mind‑ formance in 2017 to Vimarsh ing,
honorary member of the club, been away from cricket since Indiaʼs set and not a 21st century Aryan, the young Kashmiri diplo‑ “This is an ill‑disguised ef fort
recently played in his 1st major World Cup ended in a semi‑final vision.” Maitra conquered social mat who countered Pakistani to advance its territorial ambi‑
tournament of member champi‑ defeat against New Zealand earlier media on Saturday with her ref‑ allegations at the UNHRC earlier tions. We are not surprised at
onship. He has committed himself this summer. He served with the erence to Imran as “Imran Khan this month to Maitra, MEA has Pakistanʼs hysterical statements
to play each year in this tourna‑ Indian Army for a while, and has Niazi”, an instant reference to Lt successfully showcased Indiaʼs with false, fabricated narratives
ment. He has also expressed his now moved his focus to playing golf Gen AAK Niazi who had surren‑ diversity and the mettle of its aimed to politicize and polarize
desire of visiting the club for in the USA. The Metuchen Golf and dered to Indian Army in Dhaka in young diplomats. this forum.”
Member guest tournament to be Country Club made Dhoni an hon‑ 1971. In 2017, Enam, who read out On Saturday Maitra hit out:
held in June ʻ2020. orary member, where he played his Maitra asked: “Can Pakistan Indiaʼs right of reply after then “T his is a country that has
The former captain of the Indian first tournament on September 13. PM confirm that it is home to Pak PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi shrunk the size of its minority
cricket team, World Cup winner and Dhoni was introduced to the club by 130 UN designated terrorists accused India of numerous community from 23% in 1947 to
recipient of the Padma Bhushan his friend Rajiv Sharma three years and 25 terrorist entities listed by crimes, first described the neigh‑ 3% to day and has subjected
award, Dhoni has of late become ago. Dhoni's future has been the the UN? Will Pakistan deny that boring country as “terroristan”. Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyas,
quite an accomplished golfer. subject of intense speculation, with FATF has put the country on “In its short history, Pakistan has Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Sindhis
Together with local member Rajiv former India captain Sunil Gavaskar notice for its violations of more become a geography synony‑ and Balochis to draconian blas‑
Sharma, he played five matches in suggesting that he should retire on than 20 of the 27 key parame‑ mous with terror. Pakistan is phemy laws, systemic persecu‑
the tournament and they won four his own terms and not be pushed ters? And would PM Imran Khan now Terroristan.” tion, blatant abuse and forced
of their five matches, finishing 2nd out by management. deny...that he was an open Vimarsh Aryan led the Indian conversions”.

Prof Panagariya Keynote at Mattoo Center for India Studies gala

Stony Brook, NY: Over 200 people gathered President for Advancement, organized a get
on September 21 at Leonardʼs Palazzo in together in Manhattan for India Studies
Great Neck, NY, to celebrate 22 years of alumni. This year, Sanskrit is again being
accomplishments of the Mattoo Center for taught after a hiatus. The Center is also mak‑
India Studies at Stony Brook University. ing its impact far beyond the campus, with
Professor Arvind Panagariya, former study abroad programs, invited expert cours‑
Chairman of Nit i Aayog and Jagdish es, collaborative research projects and joint‑
Bhagwati Professor of Indian Political ly sponsored seminars in India.
Economy at Columbia University, delivered A highlight of the evening was the recogni‑
the Keynote address. Giving a capsule histo‑ tion of the arrival of the renowned authority
ry of Indiaʼs economic reforms, he declared on Indian philosophy, Professor Arindam
that India is expected to become a seven tril‑ Chakrabarti as the inaugural Nirmal K. and
lion dollar economy, the worldʼs third Augustina Mattoo Chair in Classical Indic
largest, before 2030. Humanities. Prof. Chakrabartiʼs inaugural
Stony Brookʼs Interim Provost, Dr. address, “Pain, Poetry, and Practice of
Ming hua Zhang, thanked the Indian Philosophy,” has been published by the
American community for their unwavering Center. Prof. Chakrabarti and the Center are
support, which has enabled the Center to spearheading a two‑day celebration of the
Dignitaries at the Stony Brook Mattoo Center Gala, (from left): A.J. Nagaraj, Prof.
become “an academic success, a community 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Aravind Panagariya, Interim Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Nicole Sampson,
asset, and an international resource on On October 2nd, Professor Tridip Suhrud,
Interim Provost Minghua Zhang, Mattoo Chair Professor Arindam Chakrabarti, Dr
India.” Dr. Nicole Sampson, Interim Dean of former director of the Sabarmati Ashram
Nirmal Mattoo, and Director of the Center Prof. S.N. Sridhar.
the College of Arts and Sciences, praised the was scheduled to deliver a lecture “What do
Center as an “incubator of creative work, resources for the study of India. guished scholars and artists, publications we celebrate when we celebrate Gandhi?”
scholarship, and teaching, in fundamental Professor S.N. Sridhar, founding Director of and outreach programs, and student scholar‑ and on October 3rd lead a panel discussion
liberal arts as well as medicine, technology the Center, remarked that the Center has ships, the Center has emerged as one of most on “True and False Civilization.”
and business.” succeeded in mainstreaming India in the uni‑ high profile India Studies programs in the The Gala featured elegant Bharatanatyam
Welcoming the guests, philanthropist Dr. versity curriculum and showcased Indiaʼs country. In March, through the Dr. Krishna and fusion dances by Sophia Salingaros and
Nirmal K. Mattoo noted that the Centerʼs contributions to world civilization and Gujavarty Seminar on Leadership and was ably compered by Urvashi Kaul of
remarkable growth and expansion over the Indian Americansʼ role in American society. Values, the University hosted Preet Bharara, Columbia University.
past two decades is a model of the Indian With 33 India‑related courses taught the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern For details, contact Professor S.N. Sridhar
American communityʼs partnership with a annually, impactful faculty research, confer‑ District of New York, to an overflow audi‑ at (631) 327‑1318, s.srid har@
public university to create expertise and ences, exhibits, lecture series by distin‑ ence. In May, Mr. A.J. Nagaraj, Assistant Vice‑ stonybrook.edu.
 6 October 5-11, 2019 LOCAL GOVERNMENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NYC offers advice to Mayor de Blasio announces launch of

immigrants ahead of Neighborhood Organizing Census Committees
M
ayor Bill de Blasio announced We must encourage one another to fill their local NOCC by visiting NYC Census
Trump’s ‘public charge’ rule on Sept 25 the launch of New out the census and ensure we get an 2020ʼs website: nyc.gov/census. NOCC

N
York City Neighborhood accurate count.” “Engaging New Yorkers volunteers will primarily engage in four
ew York City officials and advocates are reaching
Organizing Census Committees (NOCCs), through NOCCs is a highly effective way organizing tactics: teach‑ins, phone bank‑
out to immigrant communities to provide infor‑
the cornerstone of NYC Census 2020ʼs to ensure City‑wide participation in the ing, “text‑banking,” and community can‑
mation about the Trump administrationʼs pend‑
Field Program. The NOCCs program Census,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy vassing. “Our team is leading a multi‑
ing “public charge” rule. The policy, which could poten‑
seeks to recruit 2,500 volunteer Census Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. pronged, campaign‑style strategy in coor‑
tially take effect Oct. 15, seeks to make it harder for
Ambassadors citywide to engage in local “Combined with our $19 million invest‑ dination with a broad range of stakehold‑
some immigrants to get their residency permit or a visa
census‑related outreach, with the ulti‑ ment to support community‑based cen‑ ers to proactively engage New Yorkers
if they receive social benefits or are likely to do so in the
mate goal of significantly increasing New sus education and organizing, NYC from all walks of life. We know that when
future. Immigration lawyers argue that the confusion
York Cityʼs self‑response rate in the 2020 Census 2020 is maximizing all of the our communities organize, thereʼs noth‑
caused by the rule represents a greater risk than the rule
Census. Cityʼs resources to engage as many peo‑ ing that can stop us. Thatʼs why weʼre
itself. Dan Smulian, from the Catholic Charitiesʼ Legal
“Successful campaigns come from the ple as possible in this critically important empowering everyday New Yorkers to
Services Department, advises taking confidential advice.
grassroots. Thatʼs why weʼre taking to count, especially from those within com‑ act as trusted voices in their own commu‑
He added that it is very important to get “the right guid‑
the streets to ensure all New Yorkers get munities that historically have not nities and help organize their neighbor‑
ance, as, in many cases, fear drives people to abandon
counted next year,” said Mayor de Blasio. engaged in the past.” Interested New hoods for a full 2020 count,” said NYC
programs that by definition would have no real impact
“Everyone in this city has a role to play. Yorkers can sign up to volunteer and join Census 2020 Director Julie Menin.
on their immigration case in the future.”

T
Recently, several organizations ̶ including El Diario,
own of Huntington offi‑
the Mayorʼs Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), Catholic
Charities, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC),
cials, family and friends
of Lloyd Frazier, gath‑
Huntington dedicates street for
ʻHotel McDonaldʼsʼ good samaritan
the Hispanic Federation, the Legal Aid Society, NYLAG,
ered Sept 21 to name
the New York State Office for New Americans and
Highland Court in Huntington
Univisión 41 ̶ hosted an information hotline to offer
after the late owner of ʻHotel
advice about the rule. The phone bank initiative took Lloyd Frazier
McDonaldʼsʼ on Chambers
approximately 1,000 calls from concerned immigrants
Street in Manhattan, who pro‑
had provided
over six hours. Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner for the safe haven and
vided a safe haven and
Mayorʼs Office for Immigrant Affairs, warned that New 700,000 free
700,000 free meals to 9/11
York City will continue challenging “this assault to the meals to Ground
Ground Zero rescue and
health and wellbeing of communities” on all possible Zero workers.
recovery workers. Officials, family
grounds. “We are working to train the cityʼs residents to
Supervisor Chad A. and friends
make the best decisions without necessarily renouncing
Lupinacci served as master of attended the
the benefits they are entitled to. Eligibility for public pro‑
ceremonies. T he Town of street
grams has not changed,” she insisted. “New York City
Huntington was also repre‑ dedication
strongly opposes this wrongful rule and its threat to pre‑
sented by a few ceremony.
vent families to have access to food, health and other
Councilmembers. New York
social aids,” she added. Those with questions about the
State Assemblymen Andrew owner of the McDonald's wiches and the Frazier family Town of Huntington resident,
“public charge” rule can contact the city‑funded
Raia and Steve Stern also located at 729 Route 110 in brought coffee and donuts for lost his battle with 9/11‑relat‑
ActionNYC hotline at 800‑354‑0365 and say
attended the ceremony. Me lville, contributed the ceremony. ed lung cancer on January 17,
“public charge.”
Lloydʼs son Steven Frazier, McDonaldʼs breakfast sand‑ Lloyd Frazier, a life long 2006 at the age of 53.

TRISTATE

Memorable 5th annual picnic of Friends of MP NYNJ

F
riends of MP NYNJ had its 5th annual cloth. There was a game for kids called ʻBest
picnic on Sept 21 in Pennington, NJ. out of Wasteʼ to make decorative things. Plants
Around 300 members attended, hailing were given as token gifts to elder citizens. A
from 5 North‑East states in the USA. And all scavenger hunt revolving around Narmada
these have roots in different cities and towns river was organized to promote knowledge of
of Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh. The teams were named after
It was excellent sunny weather, beautiful famous women from MP: Sumitra, Ahilya, Lata,
park surrounding and participants from all age Sushma, Aryama, Manikarnika. Even the
groups had an amazing time. Highlight of MP housie (tambola) game was made around
are its food delicacies. The morning ʻIndore ka famous spots in MP. Toddlers, young kids,
Sarafaʼ was Pohe, Jalebi, Garadu; followed by teenagers, and adults all had games and cre‑
sumptuous tasty lunch of Puri, Shrikhand, ative activities to indulge in. A team of volun‑
Aamras. Lunch was served by volunteers of teers led by families of Jitendra Muchhal, Raj
Friends of MP wearing the Malwi Pagdi. Bansal, Rajesh Mittal, Pankaj Gupta, Sandeep
Midday was chilled Jaljeera, Guddi ke Baal, Jain, Anupam Sarwaikar, Anjani Mittal worked
Baraf Gola. Some of the highlights of the Picnic hard over many months for planning and exe‑
this year were: To preserve the environment, cution of the picnic. For more info visit
FMP ladies team made table covers of reusable www.friendsofMPNYNJ.com More than 300 members enjoyed bonhomie over stateʼs special delicacies
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL October 5-11, 2019 7

ʻCan we have the territory of Kashmir without its people?ʼ

Washington DC: Delivering the Kashmir without the people of Art icle 370 but 100 percent
inaugural Rajiv Gandhi Lecture Kashmir?” he asked. “If the people “against us” now, Aiyar said. On the
here, Congress party leader Mani of Kashmir are with us, as the gov‑ foreign policy front, Rajiv became
Shankar Aiyar offered a blistering ernment is claiming, then why donʼt the first prime minister after Nehru
critique of policies of Narendra you let them out, and put up to visit Pakistan, and it paved the
Modiʼs government and the overall posters saying ʻModi zindabad! way for better relations and open‑
direction India is currently moving Amit Shah zindabad!ʼ” ing bilateral talks, Aiyar said.
toward. The former cabinet minis‑ And in Assam, the government is Rajiv loved quoting Buddhaʼs
ter spoke about the lasting impact implementing a controversial citi‑ words often: “The only victory is
of the various policies and initia‑ zenship rule that critics say will rob the one where there are no victors,”
tives introduced by Rajiv Gandhi, millions of Muslims of Indian citi‑ and he cited these words even at a
who served as prime minister of zenship. In contrast, Aiyar high‑ UN address, the Congress leader
India from 1984 to 1989. lig hted many of Rajivʼs policy said. “If you donʼt trust Pakistan,
The Rajiv Gandhi Lecture was achievements, both domestically you are putting yourself on the
organized by the Washington, DC and on foreign affairs front, includ‑ path of a nuclear bomb,” Aiyar said.
chapter of the Indian Overseas ing his rappro chement w ith Another legacy of Rajiv, accord‑
Congress USA on September 17 as Pakistan and China, and signing of ing to him, was the lowering of the
part of a series to commemorate peace treat ies w ith re be ls in voting age to 18 years, which made
the 75th birth anniversary of Punjab, Assam, Mizoram and Sri Indiaʼs youth part of the decision‑
Indiaʼs sixth prime minister. Lanka, making process.
Aiyar, a former IFS of ficer and He said Rajiv Gandhiʼs reconcilia‑ IOC USA President Mohinder
contemporary of Rajiv at Doon tory measures was instrumental in Singh Gilzian and Vice Chairman
School, offered an insiderʼs view on ending the insurgency in Punjab. George Abraham spoke on the
a many challenges Gandhi tackled The then PM visited Punjab within o ccasion. T he org anizat ionʼs
during his premiership. He con‑ four months of the anti‑Sikh riots Chairman Sam Pitroda addressed
trasted his leadership with that of and appointed Arjun Singh as gov‑ the gathering from Chicago via
Modi. ernor to hold talks and enter into a Skype. Other speakers included the
Delivering the inaugural Rajiv Gandhi Lecture in Washington DC, Aiyar was especially critical of peace accord. This should serve as newly appointed president of the
Mani Shankar Aiyar offered a blistering critique of Modiʼs the Modi regimeʼs Kashmir policy a lesson to negotiate peace with DC Chapter Johnson Myalil and
policies and related how. Rajiv Gandhiʼs statesmanship and its treatment of the minorities. Kashmiris, 25 percent of whom chapter committee members Ashok
achieved peace inside and outside India. “Can we have the territory of were “with us” before revocation of Batra and Rohit Tripathi.

Ajay Bhutoria holds President of India Shri Ramnath

Kovind addressed Mahatma
Gandhiʼs 150th Birth

fundraiser for Joe Biden

Anniversary organized by
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, New
Delhi. Seen in the photo, Dr. Ajit
Freemont, CA: Tech execu‑ Gupta of Delhi and Mr. Karamjit
Singh Dhaliwal, founding
tive, community leader,
president of Malwa Brothers
and philanthropist Ajay
Association, New York,
Bhutoria and his w ife
felicitating the President by
Vinita Bhutoria hosted Dr. presenting him the Ahimsa
Jill Biden last Saturday Vishwa Bharti memento.
here for a fundraiser for Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti is found‑
Joe Bidenʼs 2020 election ed by world renowned Jain
campaign. T he former Acharya Shri Lokesh Muni ji
Second Lady spoke at (second from right).
length about her husbandʼs
campaign and life long
work as a public servant.
“There is massive South
Asian support for Vice‑
Former Second Lady Dr Jill Biden with Ajya Bhutoria
(extreme right) and his family at the fundraiser. Devdutt Pattanaik decodes Indian
President Joe Biden across the nation,” took center stage, thanking the donors
said Ajay Bhutoria, National Finance and told the story about her faith and mythology on Radio Mirchi USA
Committee, Joe Biden for President 2020. overcoming the passing of her son, Beau
Dr. Biden was introduced by the hostsʼ Biden. She related how on the campaign
By SATimes Team
nine‑year‑old son, Yash: “I think Joe Biden trail people have urged her to convince
New York: Mythology is often categorized as a
was a great 47th Vice President of the Joe Biden to run for president, especially
passé and an uncool subject. The younger
United States, but I believe that he would during such a tumultuous time in the
Indians in India or abroad consume a large
be an even greater 46th President of the countryʼs history.
amount of content on a regular basis, but
United States!” The frontrunnerʼs wife expressed grati‑
mythological content is definitely not their go
“Joe Biden is running for President to tude for the donors, calling on them to
to choice. The Devdutt Pattanaik Show on
help restore the soul of this great nation – share their support with their friends and
Radio Mirchi, and now available on Radio
to rebuild the backbone of the United community, as she also expressed what Devdutt Pattanaik makes mythology
Mirchi USA, takes it from there and is geared
States – to unify the country. Bidenʼs she felt was important in a leader for the cool for the younger set.
to make mythology the buzz word for young
administration will be one of inclusivity, country.
listeners. Pattanaik, author of over 50 pub‑ name in the space of decoding mythology and
freedom of re lig ion, tolerance, and “You want them to hear what the presi‑
lished books on the subject such as Devlok, making the content consumer‑friendly. Within
respect,” said Ajay Bhutoria at the event. dent has to say, a president that we can be
Sita, Gita, Jaya, is here to make mythology the format of storytelling, Pattanaik, manages
“And today, we have what many have proud of, a president who brings people
more relatable, af fable and cooler for the to grip the audience by sharing
called Joe Bidenʼs ʻbiggest political asset,ʼ together̶instead of tearing families
younger audiences. The show is crafted remarkable facts about Indian mythology,
Dr. Jill Biden. A professor, mother, grand‑ apart,” added Biden. “A president who
around issues & subjects that apply to our and not shying away from hitherto taboo sub‑
mother, proud military mom, and commu‑ believes that our best days are ahead of
daily lives by integrating startling and interest‑ jects like LGBTQ and Indian mythology. Look
nity activist, Dr. Biden is a shining ray of us. That's my husband, Joe Biden. And
ing stories from mythology to address them. at some other topics of his podcasts: Radha
hope amidst the great challenges facing that's the future I want. And I think that's
The master storyteller, Devdutt Pattanaik, has and Krishna are relationship goals, Buddhism
America today.” the future you want too. And that's why
revolutionized the way we look at mythology goes viral, Did the Mahabharat era have inter‑
After his remarks, the frontrunnerʼs wife we're all here today.”
today. He is the top‑of‑the‑mind quintessential net and wifi?
 8 October 5-11, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Tributes pour in for NY gala and benefit concert usher

Houston's 'trailblazing'
in 25th anniversary of Pratham
Sikh Deputy New York: Pratham, one of India's
largest and most successful educa‑
tion‑focused charitable organiza‑
tions, celebrated on September
14, its 25th anniversary with a
gala and benefit concert that
raised $4 million.
Cipriani was the venue for din‑
ner and an intimate Sufi Music
concert with A.R. Rahman. Said
Rahul Mahajan, president of the
NY Tri‑State Chapter, “It is so
heartening to see the Tri‑State
Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, shot dead during a traffic stop, had been community come together to sup‑
granted permission to wear a turban and beard while on patrol. port Pratham. Their generosity
Houston: Tributes poured in for media. Houston Mayor Sylvester has enabled us to achieve our
Sandeep Dhaliwal, the first Sikh Turner said Dhaliwal was a "bold fundraising goal and help Pratham
Deputy in Texas's Harris County, and groundbreaking law enforce‑ expand its literacy and learning
Pratham CEO Dr. Rukmini Banerji introducing twins
who was killed in a kind of ambush ment officer because he sought and programs to hundreds of more
and athletes Anjali and Anchal Purabiya, graduates
while on duty. received permission to patrol while communities.” of Prathamʼs Second Chance program.
Dhaliwal, 42, was shot dead by wearing a turban and beard. He was Pratham USA Chairman Deepak
the suspect, Robert Solis, 47, on a walking lesson in tolerance and Raj echoed the sentiment: "What Banerji was joined on stage by social workers, and engineers.
Friday during a traf fic stop in the understanding. Pratham has accomplished over twin sisters Anjali and Anchal In his two‑hour concert, A.R.
county's Cypress area. Solis is The Sikh American Legal Defence the last quarter‑century is remark‑ Purabiya, both g raduates of Rahman showcased popular Sufi
arrested and charged with capital and Education Fund (SALDEF) able. We look forward to trans‑ Prathamʼs Second Chance pro‑ film compositions, rearranged ver‑
murder. called Dhaliwal a "trailblazer for the forming many more lives in the g ram, which assists female sions of the masters of Qawwali
Dhaliwal joined the force 10 years Sikh community" years ahead." dropouts in attaining their second‑ and culturally inspired collabora‑
ago, and became a national figure Dhaliwal began his career in law Re flected Pratham CEO Dr. ary school certificates. The two tions. “Our long‑time dream of
after convincing the Harris County enforcement out of a desire to serve Rukmini Banerji, “With our efforts competitive athletes spoke about performing Sufi music for human
Sherif f's Department to allow him after then‑Sherif f Adrian Garcia over 25 years, over 95% of kids Prathamʼs role in continue their causes came true with this won‑
to wear the articles of his Sikh faith reached out to strengthen the are in school.” In the next phase, education and pursuing their derful opportunity with Pratham,”
while on patrol. department's relationship with the she said, the organization will shift dreams of one day competing in he tweeted during the evening.
Department of ficers shared pho‑ Sikh community after deputies from helping children who have the Olympics. Among prominent attendees
tographs and videos of a "communi‑ botched a domestic violence call at fallen behind to investing in them The attendees were shown a cel‑ were Consul General of India
ty‑led" candlelight vigil held on a Sikh family's home. early so they can “make the leap ebratory video featuring some of Sandeep Chakravorty, Mayor of
Saturday to honor the Deputy, the He was also very active at his gur‑ forward,” with a broader goal of the first children to attend a Hoboken Ravi Bhalla, and Chintu
BBC reported. Many residents also dwara, which held a special ceremo‑ increasing community involve‑ Pratham program in the slums of and Chirag Pate l of Amneal
shared tributes to him on social ny after he became a Deputy. ment in education. Mumbai. Today they are teachers, Pharmaceuticals.

PM Modi unveils unique Gandhi Inder Singh had become Indian

museum project in Houston diaspora institution in California
Houston: On September 22 when PM
Narendra Modi and President Trump said By Dr. Thomas Abraham the Global Organization of People of Indian
ʻHowdy!ʼ to the Indian diaspora in Houston, a GOPIO Chairman Origin (GOPIO) in 2004 and served as its
Chairman from 2009 to 2016. Later he

I
Porbandar born man set a unique stage to
introduce America to Mahatma Gandhiʼs lega‑ t was in 1981, 5 year after I founded became the Executive Trustee of GOPIO
cy and impact. Federation of Indian Americans (FIA) in Foundation till his death. A major contribution
PM Modi unveiled a plaque proclaiming the New York that I learnt about Inder Singh of Inder in Southern California is launching
who organized an India Indian Heritage Foundation that
groundbreaking of Eternal Gandhi Museum
Houston, which will be one of the worldʼs first Independence Day celebration in TRIBUTE has been honoring academic
Los Angeles area. I called him up excellence and achievements of
digital multimedia museums, and the only
and shared our successful experi‑ Indian American youth since
one of its kind in the US. This unique new des‑
PM Modi being greeted by Atul Kothari, ence of bringing all Indian com‑ 1987.
tination will keep the flame of Gandhiʼs legacy brain behind the museum. munity groups in the New York Inder was passionate about
and impact alive by presenting key historical
Special Projectsʼ at the Aditya Birla group. area under one umbrella of FIA honoring the forgotten Ghadar
events associated with Gandhiʼs life and a
In 2006, Kothari visited the Gandhi Smriti and suggested him to do so too. heroes. He sensitized the Indian
variety of interactive experiences inspired by
in Delhi. “That is where I came to know about He immediately changed his government to organize a sympo‑
Gandhian thought.
the multimedia exhibition called the Eternal groupʼs name to FIA Southern sium on Ghadar heroesʼ contribu‑
At the ceremony, the PM Modi said, "The
Gandhi,” he said. “It was exactly what I had in California. Since then, I worked tion to the countryʼs freedom
Eternal Gandhi museum will be a prized cul‑
mind for a museum in the US.” with him very closely and brought Inder Singh struggle and was instrumental in
tural landmark in Houston. I have been asso‑
“Parekh readily agreed to donate the con‑ him into the National Federation if the government deciding to reno‑
ciated with this effort for a while. It will sure‑
ly make Gandhi Ji's thoughts popular among tent of one of their two traveling exhibitions. Indian American Associations (NFIA) and vate and establish a Ghadar Center as a muse‑
the youth." With that our project started rolling,” Kothari organized a successful national convention in um in San Francisco. A Republican, Inder Singh
T he museum is the brainchild of Atul said. 1986 in LA. In 1988, Inder Singh came to DC also co‑founded the Asian & Pacific American
Kothari, who established T he Mahatma Kothari aims to complete by 2021 the to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Republicans Coalition, which became a char‑
Gandhi Library in Houston with his friends in museum of about 10,000 square feet to Committee against massive military aid to tered organ of the California Republican Party
2002. They organize events to encourage the house the Eternal Gandhi exhibits. The Board Pakistan. In 1989, when NFIA did the first in the 1990s. Inder Singh became an Indian
spread of Gandhian philosophy. But Kothari of Trustees of Mahatma Gandhi Library has Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in diaspora institution in Southern California and
dreamed of a museum that would appeal to already committed $1.1 million for the proj‑ New York, Inder was NFIA President and was a all pan‑Indian community events there were
Indian Americans and to Americans in gener‑ ect, raised a total of $1.4 million and looks great team player and travelled to Canada to held under his leadership. It is a great loss for
al. Then he received support from Bharat forward to generous donations and support reach out to our community and bring them to GOPIO, Indian community in the USA and the
Parekh, the president of ʻEternal Gandhi and to complete the project. the convention. He took over as President of Indian diaspora. May his soul rest in peace.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS October 5-11, 2019 9

Trump hits out at Pelosi & Schiff over impeachment inquiry

Washington: Calling the impeach‑ work with "shifty Schiff and Pelosi ricated my words (with Zelensky)
ment inquiry a "hoax", President and all of them... because... I had a and read them to Congress as
Donald Trump lashed out at House great call with the President of though they were said by me."
Speaker Nancy Pe losi and Ukraine." Trump asked Zelensky Schif f ''s spokesperson, Patrick
Intelligence Committee Chairman on the phone to cooperate with his Boland, confirmed that the
Adam Schif f over the ongoing personal attorney Rudy Giuliani whistleblower had contacted the
probe. and Attorney General William Barr Intelligence committee "for guid‑
"This is a hoax," Xinhua quoted to investigate a Ukrainian gas ance on how to report possible
Trump as saying during the joint company that might be related to wrongdoing within the jurisdiction
press conference with Finnish Biden, the former vice president, of the intelligence community,"
President Sauli Niinisto at the and his son, Hunter Biden, accord‑ according to the Times report. The
White House on Wednesday. "This ing to a rough transcript of the spokesperson insisted that Schif f
is the greatest hoax." call released Sept. 25 by the White didn't get the whistleblower com‑
T he impeachment inquiry, House. plaint in advance.
announced by House Speaker Holding in his hands a copy of a House Oversight and Reform
Nancy Pelosi on September 24, New York Times report on Committee Chairman Elijah
stemmed from a whistleblower Wednesday saying Schif f got an Cummings has also planned a sub‑
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Intelligence Committee Chairman
complaint alleging that Trump had early account of the whistleblow‑ poena for the W hite House,
Adam Schiff addressing the press on Wednesday.
pressured Ukrainian President er's accusations, Trump said at the request ing Ukraine‑re lated
Volodymyr Zelensky during a July Committee Chairman Adam Schiff stonewall the investigations cur‑ press conference that it was a records.
25 phone call to investigate Joe held a press conference earlier on rently being undertaken by six "scandal" that Schif f knew the T he three committees have
Biden, Democratic presidential Wednesday, at which Pelosi said House committees "will be consid‑ whistleblower complaint before it already subpoenaed Secretary of
candidate for the 2020 election, her chamber had "no choice but to ered further evidence of obstruc‑ was filed. "I'd go a step further ‑‑ I State Mike Pompeo, and Giuliani,
as well as issues related to alleged go forward" with the impeachment tion of justice." Trump said the think he probably helped write it. who the whistleblower complaint
Russian interference in the 2016 proceedings. impeachment inquiry was "a OK? That's what the word is," he claimed was a central figure in the
election. Schif f, for his part, said the fraudulent crime on the American added. Trump wrote in an earlier administration's dealings with
Pelosi and House Intelligence W hite House's attempt to people." He added that he would tweet that Schiff "completely fab‑ Ukraine.

Bernie Sanders has Biden and Sandersʼ woes mean

heart procedure, off- upswing for Warren
campaign for a while
Washington: Bernie Sandersʼ Sanders have been splitting the
health issue, and Joe Biden get‑ support of the partyʼs le ft ist
ting dragged into the Ukraine activists. In the RealClearPolitics
scandal, means that Senator average, Biden is at 26% national‑
Washington: Sen. Elizabeth Warren is likely to ben‑ ly ̶ while Warren and Sanders
Bernie Sanders is efit and may end up being the added together get 41%.
recovering from an Democratic nominee for presi‑ If Sanders either finds it neces‑
emergency heart pro‑ dent. sary to end his bid or continues it
cedure to treat a Already, the last few weeks have with his heart problems overshad‑
blocked artery and seen Warren moving upward in owing his future, even his most
has canceled his the polls and Biden moving slight‑ loyal voters will have to look else‑
events “until further ly downward. It has been said that where – enter Elizabeth Warren.
notice,” his presiden‑ Biden is running as the key mod‑ And the RealClearPolitics average
tial campaign erate in the race and has benefit‑ Senator Elizabeth Warren, puts them at 16.7% of the
announced ted from the fact that Warren and running for President Democratic electorate.
Wednesday.
During a campaign
appearance in Las
Vegas on Tuesday
Resolution introduced in US Senate
to commemorate Gandhi 150
evening, the 78‑year‑
old Vermont senator
Presidential hopeful
began experiencing Senator Bernie Sanders
chest pains; video Washington: Coinciding with the by continuing to encourage and sup‑
showed Sanders resting against afternoon to thank supporters 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma port all of those seeking to be free,"
a lectern at one point and asking for wishing him well and say he Gandhi, US lawmakers on he said. "As we honor his towering
for a chair to sit down, saying, was “feeling good.” Then he Wednesday introduced bipartisan legacy as a champion of human
“Itʼs been a long day.” turned the topic to healthcare: resolutions in the Congress to com‑ rights and democracy, we also draw
“Following medical evaluation “None of us know when a med‑ memorate the memory and legacy of inspiration to face our own chal‑
and testing he was found to have ical emergency might affect us. the apostle of peace. lenges today all around the world,”
a blockage in one artery, and And no one should fear going In the Senate, it was introduced by Menendez said. Meng said Gandhi
two stents were successfully bankrupt if it occurs. Medicare Senators Ted Cruz and Robert was a monumental civil rights and
inserted,” senior campaign advi‑ for All!” Menendez, while in the House it was spiritual leader who demonstrated
sor Jeff Weaver said in a state‑ The news about the introduced by Rep Grace Meng. The that peaceful protests can bring
ment. “Sen. Sanders is convers‑ Independent senator, a top Senate resolution recognizes change. "We honor his legacy with a
ing and in good spirits. He will Democratic candidate with a Gandhi's decades‑long struggle for resolution that calls on all to recog‑
be resting up over the next few devoted following, sent a jolt Indian independence from Great Americans to observe it. nize his important contributions to
days,” the statement said. through the political world on Britain, and his pioneering of non‑ "Gandhi's unwavering commitment the world," she said. "Our own civil
In addition to canceling at Wednesday morning. Any per‑ violent protest as a means of politi‑ to peaceful dissent inspired count‑ rights heroes, like Dr Martin Luther
least 10 appearances scheduled sistent questions about health cal change which helped to liberate less others not just in India but King, were influenced by Gandhi's
for Las Vegas and California and longevity could have ramifi‑ millions of Indians, and inspiring around the world," Cruz said. work and it is critical that we strive
through Friday, the campaign cations not just for Sandersʼ peaceful activists around the world, "His life, sacrifices, and legacy con‑ each day to change the world in a
postponed a planned $1.3‑mil‑ campaign, but also all the including Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. tinue to be a light around the world, peaceful manner. I urge all
lion television ad buy in Iowa. Democratic front‑runner Joe The resolution supports the ideals calling attention to the tyranny and Americans to join me in marking
Sanders tweeted Wednesday Biden and President Trump. and goals of the International Day of injustice that dictators seek to con‑ International Day of Non‑Violence,"
Non‑Violence and calls on all duct in darkness. Let us honor him Meng said.
 10 October 5-11, 2019 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Modi proposes 'Einstein Challenge' as tribute to Gandhi

New Delhi: In a tribute to Mahatma Bapu!" In the piece titled, 'Why Salt Laws, which placed a new tax
Gandhi on his 150th birth anniver‑ India and the world need Gandhi', on Indian salt, had become a bur‑
sary, Prime Minister Narendra he wrote: "In Gandhi, we have the den. Through the Dandi March in
Modi has penned an op‑ed piece in best teacher to guide us. From unit‑ 1930, Gandhi challenged the Salt
T he New York Times, calling ing those who believe in humanity Laws. A small lump of natural salt
Gandhi as the "best teacher" and to furthering sustainable develop‑ from the Arabian Sea shore led to
proposed an "Einstein Challenge". ment and ensuring economic self‑ the historic civil disobedience
Enumerating his government's reliance, Gandhi offers solutions to movement."
work in the field of sanitation, every problem." "There have been many mass
eliminating poverty and renewable "We in India are doing our bit. movements in the world, many
energy, Modi invited thinkers, India is among the fastest when it strands of the freedom struggle
entrepreneurs and tech leaders to comes to eliminating poverty. Our even in India, but what sets apart
be at the forefront of spreading sanitation efforts have drawn glob‑ the Gandhian struggle and those
Gandhi's ideas through innovation, al attention. India is also taking the inspired by him is the wide‑scale
as part of the "Einstein Challenge". lead in harnessing renewable public participation. He never held
We know Albert Einstein's resources through efforts like the administrative or elected office. He
famous words on Gand hi: International Solar Alliance, which was never tempted by power.
"Generations to come will scarce Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on has broug ht together several "For him, independence was not
believe that such a one as this ever his 150th birth anniversary at the Parliament House, in New Delhi. nations to leverage solar energy an absence of external rule. He saw
in flesh and blood walked upon this
(Photo: IANS) for a sustainable future. We want a deep link between political inde‑
earth." Gandhi's ideas through innovation. summed up in his favourite hymn, to do even more, with the world pendence and personal empower‑
"How do we ensure the ideals of "Let us work shoulder to shoul‑ 'Vaishnava Jana To', which said and for the world." ment. He envisioned a world where
Gandhi are remembered by future der to make our world prosperous that a true human is one who feels Referring to the Dandi March, he every citizen has dignity and pros‑
generations? I invite thinkers, and free from hate, violence and the pain of others, removes misery wrote: "...Who else could have cre‑ perity. W hen the world spoke
entrepreneurs and tech leaders to suffering. That is when we will ful‑ and is never arrogant," Modi said. ated a mass agitation through a about rights, Gandhi emphasized
be at the forefront of spreading fil Mahatma Gand hi's dream, "The world bows to you, beloved pinch of salt! During colonial rule, duties," Modi wrote in the piece.

MP honey‑trap case: Economist Surjit Bhalla named Executive Director for IMF
New Delhi: The Indian government has appointed Monetary Fund for a period of three years from the

Upset Kamal Nath economist Surjit S Bhalla as the executive director of

the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a period of
three years.
date of assumption of the charge of the post or until
further orders whichever is earlier," a government
order said.

shuffles police brass An Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)

order said that Bhalla would hold the position for
three years from the date of assuming the charge.
The key post of Executive Director at the multilater‑
al agency had fallen vacant after the death of Dr Subir
Gokarn in July this year.
"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has Bhalla was earlier a key member of the
approved the appointment of Dr Surjit S Bhalla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory
Economist, as Executive Director (India), International Council.

Going to UN for Kashmir was

blunder: Shah targets Cong
New Delhi: Holding the Congress
party squarely responsible for the
present‑day Kashmir dispute, Home
Minister Amit Shah has slammed the
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath.
critics for questioning the Narendra
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh gov‑ ferred, four IGPs were promoted to Modi government's August 5 move
ernment made top level changes in the rank of Additional DGPs. A post to abrogate Article 370 that granted
the police department and reconsti‑ of officer on special duty (OSD) has special status to Jammu and
tuted ‑‑ third time in 10 days ‑‑ the been created to retain Additional Kashmir.
special investigation team (SIT) DGP Shailesh Kumar Singh. Blaming first Prime Minister
probing the honey‑trap scandal. Chief Minister Kamal Nath repri‑ Jawaharlal Nehru for the crisis, Shah
Rajendra Kumar, the 1985 batch manded the top police officers for said going to the UN for the Kashmir
IPS officer, has been made special their public squabbling over the issue was a blunder. He said, Article
DG (cyber crime) and new chief of honey‑trap case probe. The Chief 370 went on for years due to wrong
the three‑member SIT. Additional Minister said the state had already promotion.
DGP Milind Kanaskar and Mrs earned a bad name due to the Home Minister Amit Shah
"First of all, going to UN for
Ruchivardhan Mishra, senior super‑ Vyapam scam. Kashmir was a blunder. And second‑ tory has been moulded to hide the raise voice for the children and fami‑
intendent of police Indore, will be Meanwhile, the police produced ly, the selection of the charter was truth. "It is because the people writ‑ ly of these 40,000 plus people who
the other members of the SIT. Shweta Vijay Jain and Shweta wrong. Instead of choosing charter ing the history were the ones who were killed?"
Sanjeev Shami, who had earlier Swapnil Jain and Barkha Soni in an 35, the government should have had created problems in Kashmir", Stressing that Kashmir will return
replaced Srinivas Verma as SIT Indore court on Tuesday. The court opted for charter 51," the BJP presi‑ he said, adding: "Kashmir was, is and to normalcy "very soon", he counted
chief, has been moved to the police remanded them to the police cus‑ dent said in a packed auditorium. He will always remain an integral part the ills of Article 370 like caste dis‑
headquarters as additional DGP tody till October 14. was speaking at an event organized of India. We don't need to mention it crimination, prevalent child marriage
(selection and recruitment) with Aarti Dayal, the other accused, by Indraprasth Vishwa Samvad again." and much more.
additional charge of anti‑Naxal said Shweta Vijay was the master‑ Kendra here. While he congratulated PM Modi Allaying fears that scrapping the
operations. mind in blackmailing Harbhajan Elaborating further on his claims, for axing Article 370, he reminded Article would not harm the
Purshottam Sharma, who was in Singh, the municipal engineer from Shah said: "Charter 35 made it a con‑ the Congress of the alleged atrocities 'Kashmiriyat (Kashmiri‑ness)' of the
news for controversial statements Indore who lodged a complaint flict between two nations, while char‑ committed under its rule in Kashmir. state, Shah reasoned: "If it is so then,
against DGP V.K. Singh, has been against the honey trap racket. Aarti ter 51 would have helped us put the "At least 41,800 people have been why is Gujarati culture alive without
made the director (public prosecu‑ told the police Shweta Vijay had case of a foreign nation occupying killed by terrorism in Kashmir to 370, why is garba still alive in
tion). asked her to demand Rs 3 crore our land." date. I ask those people who raise Gujarat, why is Durga Pooja alive in
While 15 IPS officers were trans‑ from Singh. He also alleged that Kashmir's his‑ questions of human rights... will you West Bengal?"
TheSouthAsianTimes.info COMMENT October 5-11, 2019 11

Mahatma Gandhi – The game changer of Indiaʼs history

By Ashok Mahajan world.” This call for peaceful
Gandhi said, “In a interaction with the people is the

A
lbert Einstein while pay‑ gentle way, you can fundamental philosophy of
ing tributes to Mahatma shake the world.” This Rotary and its Peace initiatives
Gandhi said, “Generations call for peaceful inter‐ around the world and the peace
to come will scarce believe that action with the people scholars who get trained in the
such a one as this ever in flesh is the fundamental concept of peace spread the mes‑
and blood walked upon this sage and help to resolve con‑
philosophy of Rotary
earth.” People who have had the flicts.
and its peace initiatives While celebrating the life of
opportunity to interact with
Gandhi remember his words –
around the world. A the great man on his 150th
“Be the change you want to see tribute on the 150th Anniversary, Rotarians who take
in this world.” birth anniversary of the up great challenges in shaping
When Gandhi spoke to the mil‑ Father of the Nation. the community should remember
lions of his fellow freedom fight‑ his words, “First they ignore you,
ers in India, he said, “I am asking ment as a working and living people, empower them to change This probably became the motto, then they laugh at you, then they
you to believe, not in my ability center for citizens who wished to their country into a free nation Service Above Self, of Rotary fight you, then you win.”
to make change, but in yours.” serve the community. Following and to drive out the occupying International. Rotary believes
These words stirred up the pas‑ Gandhiʼs ideals, leaders of Rotary forces. The Satyagraha move‑ that people, who are crazy The writer (www.
sion to struggle for freedom in during in the 30ʼs and 40ʼs set a ment stands out as a powerful enough to think they can change ashokmahajan.in) is
the hearts of the rich and poor goal to develop the next genera‑ weapon and ultimately this con‑ the world, are the ones who do. Director, Rotary
alike throughout the country and tion of citizens. Rotaryʼs leaders cept of non‑violence brought These words were inspired by
people did not mind bearing the asked each one of the members freedom. Gandhi and Rotarians have near‑
International (2007‐09);
brutal attacks of the British sol‑ to add their voice and their input Rotary in many ways has been ly eradicated polio from the face and Trustee, The Rotary
diers. Gandhiʼs vision of freedom in shaping the organization, doing constant research in find‑ of the world. Foundation (2009‐13).
was democracy, which begins not much like the collective wisdom ing out what are the best pro‑ Gandhi lives through his work
with the government or with the which went into shaping the grams to suit the needs of the and mission in every village and
political parties or with any one Constitution of India which community in different parts of city in India and has inspired
politician, but within each one of imbibed the values of Gandhi. the world. The setting up of The many famous world leaders to
us. Gandhi went to several parts of Rotary Foundation proved to be adopt his philosophy. Rotary
This is the same belief that India making people part of the the ideal way to connect to the lives in over 120 countries and is
Rotary International has with its freedom movement. He spent donors and those who needed touching the lives of millions of
1.2 million members worldwide. years of listening, learning and help. people to make this world a bet‑
Rotary evolved during the same experimenting to design the Gandhi taught us to put the ter place. Gandhi said, “In a gen‑
period of Indiaʼs freedom move‑ most effective way to inspire the needs of others above our own. tle way, you can shake the
 12 October 5-11, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Imran claims dismantling militant camps, warns on Kashmir ‘bloodbath’

Special to
The South Asian Times
India hits back at
New York: Pakistani Prime
Minister Imran Khan claims his
country has taken measures to
Imranʼs 'hate speech'
I
dismantle all the militant camps, ndia has hit back at Pakistan mindset and not a 21st Century
but New Delhi has not come for‑ Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision". "While Pakistan has ven‑
ward to hold talks on the Kashmir UNGA address, say ing his tured to upstream terrorism and
issue. speech bordered on crudeness downstream hate speech there,
“I feel that the world should real‑ and while Islamabad has "ven‑ India is going ahead with main‑
ize this is a serious situation devel‑ tured to upstream terrorism and streaming deve lopment in
oping,” he told a predominantly downstream hate speech, New Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistani gathering at the Asia De lhi was going ahead w ith "Citizens of India do not need
Society here on September 26. mainstreaming development in anyone else to speak on their
“This is just the beginning – the Jammu and Kashmir". Using behalf, least of all those who
Pak PM Imran Khan at an Asia Society event
fact is that 8 million people are strong words, Vidisha Maitra, have built an industry of terror‑
with its CEO Josette Sheeran.
under siege for almost 52 days.” First Secretary Ministry of ism from the ideology of hate,"
Khan feared “bloodbath” when‑ government has done is, boxed He castigated the “racist ideolo‑ External Af fairs, exercising she added.
ever the curfew in the Indian part itself in by taking this step. I donʼt gy” and slammed the notion that India's right of reply to Khan's Maitra added that Khan's
of Kashmir was lifted. According think they had really thought “India is the land of Hindus.” speech, said: "Rarely has the "threat of unleashing nuclear
to him, there would be “repercus‑ about what they did. What is hap‑ “Eight million people are under General Assembly witnessed devastation qualifies as brinks‑
sions” that could go farther than pening there now is a catastro‑ the o ccupat ion of 900,000 such misuse, rather abuse, of an manship, not statesmanship".
Kashmir. The cricketer‑turned‑ phe.” Despite his claims and poli‑ troops,” Khan said, referring to the opportunity to reflect." She said "For someone who was once a
politician, who was in town for the cies that donʼt discourage militan‑ people in Kashmir. “In Assam 1.9 the choice of Khan's words to cricketer and believed in the gen‑
74th UN General Assembly ses‑ cy in his country, Imran noted he million people have now become attack India, like "pog rom", tleman's game, today's speech
sion, focused much of his hour‑ has high respect for such leaders stateless.” According to him, the "bloodbath", "racial superiority", bordered on crudeness of the
long speech on Kashmir. as Gandhi, Mandela and Jinnah. future of Kashmir should be decid‑ "pick up the gun" and "fight to variety that is reminiscent of the
“I have spoken to leaders. I have Though Khan had earlier raised ed by the people there in accor‑ the end", reflected a "medieval guns of Darra Adam Khel."
made them understand,” he noted. the possibility of war, he now said dance with the UN resolutions.
“They might not be moving right that “we should do everything to Khan, however, made no mention the Lahore Declaration, both of cerning both countries should be
now, but I feel that what the Modi avoid war.” of either the Simla Agreement or which emphasize that issues con‑ resolved only bilaterally.

After UNGA setback, Pak invites Manmohan Singh

Khan removes UN official for Kartarpur inauguration
Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Manmohan Singh. He is held in
Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi high esteem and represents the
said that Pakistan would invite Sikh community.
former Indian Prime Minister and "On behalf of the Pakistan gov‑
senior Cong ress leader ernment, I extend our invite to
Manmohan Singh for the inaugu‑ him. We shall invite him in writing
ration of the Kartarpur Corridor too," Qureshi said.
on November 9. The corridor will allow pilgrims
Qureshi said the Imran Khan‑led to trave l from the Dera Baba
government has decided to hold Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur dis‑
the inauguration ceremony in a trict to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in
big way. "We are making big Kartarpur in Pakistan. It will be
preparations for it," he said. thrown open on November 9 to
"We have decided to invite for‑ mark the 550th birth anniversary Former Indian PM
mer Indian Prime Minister celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev. Manmohan Singh.
Pakistanʼs Permanent Representative at the UN, Maleeha Lodhi.

United Nations: Pakistan's

Prime Minister Imran Khan has
campaign at the UN and Khan's
intense diplomatic activity, only Abdullah Abdullah claims victory
abruptly removed his country's three countries, China, Malaysia
Permanent Representative
Maleeha Lodhi after failing to
and Turkey, joined Pakistan in
raising the Kashmir issue ‑ in Afghan prez race
make headway in his Kashmir which meant they did not have Kabul: Afg hanistan's Chie f He said there was still a long
campaign at the General any influence on the other 189 Execut ive Abdullah Abdullah process before the poll pane l
Assembly's high‑level meeting. countries in the 193‑member claimed victory in the presidential would announce the final result,
Pakistani media reported that UN. Lodhi survived a major election even as the of ficial vote after assessing all election‑related
she will be replaced by Munir snafu in 2017 when she held count was still under way. fraud and rigging complaints.
Akram, who had done a stint as up a picture of an injured "We have got the most votes in T he vot ing to e lect new the
the permanent representative. Palestinian girl in the General the election," Abdullah, President Afghan President was held amid
Akram was involved in an Assembly claiming that she was Ashraf Ghani's main rival, told violence and Taliban threats.
alleged domestic violence inci‑ a Kashmiri and the hoax was reporters in the Afghan capital. The preliminary results of the
dent in 2002 just as Pakistan exposed. She tweeted after "In the current situation, the polls will not be known till October
was taking its place on Security announcement of her removal, elections will not go to a second 19, with the final count expected
Council as an elected member "I had planned to move on after round and we will form a new gov‑ to be announced on November 7.
and the US asked his country to UNGA following a successful ernment," he said, according to Efe T his was the fourth t ime
lift his diplomatic immunity so visit by the PM." Akram was news. However, the Independent Afghans went to the polls to elect a
he could be prosecuted. Permanent Representative from Election Commission said no can‑ President since 2001, when the
But he managed to stay on till 2002 to 2008 and has been the Afghanistan's Chief Executive didate had the right to announce US‑led coalition ousted a Taliban
2008. Despite Maleeha Lodhi's foreign secretary. Abdullah Abdullah. election results or claim victory. regime.
October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 13

“AIA Deepavali, the biggest Diwali event in the

Harish world outside India happens right here in New York
Thakkar City. Celebrating the Festival of Lights every year for
President the last three decades has inspired Diwali festivals
Association of Indians galore all across USA, from the White House down
in America‐ NY to your neighborhood community hall.”
 October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 14

AIA DEEPAVALI
By Parveen Chopra

New York: As Harish Thakkar,

President of the Association of

Lighting up New York

Indians in America (AIA – New
York) got ready to welcome tens
of thousands people to their 32nd
Deepavali festival on October 6 in
NYC, he took time out from the
hectic preparatory activities for
the mega event to give an inter‑ New Attractions
view to The South Asian Times.
As we all know by now, AIAʼs
at AIA Deepavali
flagship event is held on the first festival
Sunday of October when the
8 Vegan Expo: For the first
weather is a bit com fortable for
time, AIA is collaborating with
an outdoors event in South Street
World Vegan Vision for the
Seaport in Manhattan. Deepavali is
Vegan Expo ‑‑ which will com‑
now a New York calendar event
prise Vegan food tasting and
that is a draw for the Indian and
cooking demos. Veganism is a
American communities as well as
healthy, new trend, Harish
tourists.
Thakkar says, that is worth fol‑
AlA Deepavali is aimed to foster
lowing and promoting.
increased understanding and
8 Fashion show: Another first
appreciation of India's rich and
under President Harish
diverse culture. Every year digni‑
Thakkar, a fashion show will
taries, lawmakers and corpora‑
light up the stage. Around 12‑
tions participate in the festivi‑
15 models will sashay down
ties. There are stage shows with
wearing traditional Indian
star performers, corporate booths,
clothes at the show organized
a colorful street fair in the side
by Sarashiva womenʼs clothing
lanes where crowds throng ethnic
boutique of Hicksville.
eats, Indian clothes and trinkets.
8 Naach Inferno: To keep the
The daylong event climaxes in
younger generations of Indian
spectacular live fireworks from a
AIA‑Deepavaliʼs entertainment quotient is kept high, year after year. Americans engaged in Indian
barge on the East River ‑ the 20
culture and heritage, AIA holds
minute show is enjoyed by people Corporate Fair, Shopping Bonanza, this hi‑octane national intercol‑
all over in the five boroughs of Delicious Food stalls, and Raffle legiate dance competition that
New York. For many Indians here prizes including 3 iPads and 2 free will feature 8 groups and is sure
who can't light fireworks at their air tickets to India. Freebies to be a big draw for the youths.
doorstep like they do back home, include free coffee by McDonaldʼs. 8 Dandiya: Bollywood and
this show more than makes up for Thakkar says about 60 stalls classical dances are passe at
that. have been taken, and this time the AIA Deepavali stage, now get
So what is new, you ask Harish variety of food offered will be ready for Dandiya on the main
Thakkar, sitting in Panera munch‑ amazing. stage, the clack‑clacking Gujarat
ing on veggie sandwiches (A fol‑ Talking of the new things he is origin dance that has become a
lower of BAPS Swaminarayan bringing to the table for AIA, rage among all Indian commu‑
Sanstha, he is a strict vegetarian)? Thakkar refers to the AIA nities. Of Gujarati heritage,
He has lots of new attractions, he Deepavali Benefit Gala held early Harish Thakkar should know.
promises. in September where parents of
Harish Thakkar said that the achievers and achieving young‑ The dignitaries Thakkar is
Harish Thakkar (extreme right) enjoying the fireworks show
biggest dhoom will be created this sters were honored too, starting a expecting to Deepavaliʼs main
last year with Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty,
time by Amar Sandhu, ʻAmericaʼs new tradition and giving a new slo‑ stage include Senator Cory Booker,
2017‑18 AIA‑NY President Gobind Munjal and others
very own Urban Desi Star with gan: Family Pride: Spreading the Congresswoman Grace Meng, NYC
Global Hitsʼ. And Sandhu is one of light. In effect saying that family To mark Mahatma Gandhiʼs the Nation on an easel in the main Comptroller Scott Stringer, the
the gigs in the rich entertainment ties are a strength of the Indian 150th Birth Anniversary, AIA will event area, which dignitaries can NYC Police Commissioner, and
package with items such as Yoga community. put up a big cutout of the Father of garland. Continued on next page
Band for the mega show, which
may also feature Bollywood celebs
and Bollywood style dance per‑
formances.
Under new features he has intro‑
duced this time, Thakkar lists
Vegan Expo, a Fashion Show and
Dandiya.
Women can have free mehndi.
For the kids there is face painting
and a free crafts area as well as a
video arcade. A performer on stilts
will keep them amused.
The Ramayan performance of
about 20 minutes is a fixture of
AIA Deepavali. This time there will
also be a Ram Darbar.
Visitors are expected to make a
beeline for the Health kiosk, As President, Harish Thakkar is supported by the AIA‑NY Executive Committee and vast army of members.
 October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 15

HARISH
THAKKAR
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As Diwali is intertwined with the story of Lord Rama,

a 20‑minute Ramayan enactment is an AIA Deepavali fixture.

maybe even Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Being a tech entrepreneur him‑
self, Thakkar is also renegotiat‑
ing the big running contracts
with vendors (the biggest being
for supply of tents) to cut costs
and have a healthy budget. (So he
can have cash in hand when
going to his second year as
President!)
The best thing about this Diwali
fair is that admission is free.
Except for the VIP area for about
150 invited guests who are

T
offered dinner around the time of he Association of Indians in Diwali. The festival of lights
the fireworks around 7.15 pm. America (AIA) would like to (Diwali) is a manifestation of the
The variety of cuisines and food this time at the
For many years, AlA Deepavali thank the tristate communi‑ Indian culture that brings the
street fair is expected to be amazing.
fireworks were sponsored by Air ty for making AlA‑NY chapter's community together and creates
India, India's national carrier. Chinese and Hispanic. This fulfils ment agencies, schools, universi‑ annual Deepavali festival one of uniformity, signifies the enlighten‑
Now new players – CheapOair their central motto: ʻCultural ties, public institutions and cor‑ the most prominent and well‑ ment of hearts, brightens our
and Qatar Airways have come Diversity, Social Harmonyʼ. porations. AIA has partnered known celebrations. It is our smiles, and embodies our compas‑
forward to sponsor the fireworks. AIA‑Deepavali needs no testi‑ with prestigious institutions such pleasure to have you all there on sion. The festival is symbolic for
Other big sponsors fo Deepavali monials. Yet, Thakkar points out as Rubin Museum, and Museum October 6 celebrating with us, one light taking over and banishing
include McDonaldʼs, New York that their Deepavali festival being of Natural History to hold Diwali of the most famous Indian festi‑ any darkness and ignorance.
Life, Navika and HAB Bank. showcased for the last 32 years celebrations. It has also organ‑ vals. Diwali is celebrated with joy,
With its pioneering efforts, AIA at the same venue, and at the ized Childrenʼs Deepavali at sev‑ People from all over have come splendor, happiness and enthusi‑
has brought Indian culture, food same time in a year (first Sunday eral libraries in Queens, and celebrated Diwali at South St. asm by people all over the world.
and dance to the general public of October) has become a cata‑ Connecticut and Westchester. Seaport for the past 3 decades, An average of 100,000 people
in the tristate area. AIAʼs lyst for Diwali's widespread exhibiting unity and together‑ come every year to celebrate with
Deepavali festival attracts not acknowledgement in the White For more details please contact ness. The event has manifested us, hope to see you there! Success
only the Indian American com‑ House, NY City Hall, Gracie Harish Thakkar at into an experience, which not only is a team effort, and that includes
munity but also Americans, Mansion, Times Square, govern‑ [email protected]. the Indian community enjoys but my executive community, past
one that the city's diverse popula‑ presidents, and sponsors. I'm
tion has come to appreciate. thankful to CheapOair and Qatar
Diwali is a festival that brings airways for continuing to sponsor
families together, enlightens souls fireworks, as well as the other
and brightens your lives. The sponsors, McDonalds, Air lndia,
Indian culture is filled with pre‑ PepsiCo, New York Life, State bank
cious wisdom and countless of India, India Abroad, The South
insights that help our world every Asian Times, News India Times
day. India's heritage is a tapestry and DesiTalk, TV Asia, ITV, Jus
of many mini‑cultures, religions Punjabi,Indian Express, and
and beliefs. AlA mirrors this Indian Panorama, among others...
essence of India with its diversity. Diwali has come a long way in
It is devoted to enhancing the New York City, and has become a
nation. Therefore, AlA members rite of passage. So, to each one of
have been working tirelessly for you, we (AlA) wish you and your
months, this festival is a result of family a very happy, safe, healthy,
our great dedication and commit‑ and joyous Diwali.
ment to the community. I am With thanks,
greatly appreciative that you are Harish Thakkar
Harish Thakkar has been involved with AIA‑NY for the past 14 years and well‑equipped to stage the with us to celebrate India and President, AIA ‑ NY Chapter
mega show of the Indian community in the tristate area.
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 October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 17

HARISH THAKKAR
Leading to Serve
the Community
Harish Thakkar taking oath of office as AIA ‑ NY President from
Deputy Consul General of India in New York Shatrughna Sinha
at the consulate in April this year.

Harish Thakkar, seen with wife Anita and daughter Heeta, is Community Outreach officer for BAPS ‑NY.

H
arish Thakkar who is an IT profit organizations like the American and Indian American
professional, has been American Cancer Society, Queens organizations. To name a couple,
New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer honored Harish Thakkar at
involved in the service of Public Library, Big Brothers Big Harish Thakkar was presented a
the Asian American and Pacific Islander event in June 2017.
the South Asian community for Sisters of NYC, etc and helps with proclamation commending his
many years. He is currently the their Health Fair and other BAPS community work by the New York
President of Association of Indians activities. Harish has also been the City Council at City Hall in
in America, NY Chapter ‑ which Vice President of Lohana Samaj of November 2016 at their annual
conducts the Deepavali festival @ tri‑state, where he did a lot of Diwali celebration in the presence
South Street Seaport for the tri‑ Indian community projects. of lawmakers. Next year, he was
state area (NY, NJ & CT) besides all Currently, he is working on the honored by New York City
other AIA activities during the project creating a healthy lifestyle Comptroller Scott Stringer at the
year. Harish is involved with AIA for children to make healthy choic‑ Asian American and Pacific
since last 14 years. He also helps es in the school lunch queue and Islander event in June 2017.
out with spreading the awareness as they enter their adult lives. Harish Thakkar lives in New
of Diwali in New York Public There are thousands of children in Hyde Park, Long Island, with his
Schools and has been hosting the NYC schools who are vegetarian family. Anita Thakkar has been
Childrenʼs Diwali celebration at the and are facing this food restriction helping him organize Diwali at
Queens Public Libraries for the as they have no vegetarian choice. public schools and their very tal‑
last 6 years. Eating vegetarian food is a healthy ented daughter Heeta Thakkar is
Harish is also a Community choice which is a widely known in the 8th grade.
Outreach officer for BAPS fact. Harish is of Gujarati heritage, but
Swaminarayan Sanstha‑ NY and For his leading positions in com‑ had lived in Pune before coming to
helps with conducting their annual munity affairs and service, he has the US about 20 years ago to study Council Member Barry Grodenchik presented a proclamation to
Walkathon for the benefit of non‑ earned many laurels from at Stony Brook university. Harish Thakkar at the City Hall Diwali event in November 2016.

A proud
Indian, Harish At the India
Thakkar is of Day Parade
Gujarati in NYC in
heritage and 2015, seen
admires the with Grand
transformative Marshal actor
work Prime Arjun Rampal
Minister and star
Narendra Modi cricketer
has been Virendra
doing for the Sehwag.
motherland.
 October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 18

AIA honored 5 high caliber

individuals at Deepavali gala
Woodbury, NY: The Association
of Indians in America (AIA) held
its Annual Benefit Gala on
September 7 here to prepare for
its flagship 32nd Deepavali festi‑
val slated for October 6 at South
Street Seaport in Manhattan.
Supporters came from Long
Island, Manhattan, Queens and
Westchester area to the classy
Crest Hollow Country Club.
Attendees included Deputy
Consul General of India,
Shatrughna Sinha, past presi‑
dents of AIA, and community
leaders.
President Harish Thakkar high‑
lighted AIA‑NY chapterʼs
Deepavali festival that attracts
Kanubhai Patel, Chairman of Amneal Pharmaceuticals India,
thousands ‑‑ including Indians, Smt Chanchal Devi Shah, mother of CEO of Navika Group Naveen
was honored by AIA President Harish Thakkar. Kanubhai was
Americans, Chinese and Hispanic Shah (standing behind her), was honored with Family Pride award.
accompanied by his wife and son Chintu Patel,
‑‑ and culminates in a spectacular Presenting the plaque is Dr Samin Sharma.
and introduced by Kamlesh Mehta.
fireworks show. With its pioneer‑
ing efforts, AIA has brought
Indian culture, food and dance to
the general public in the tristate
area.
Honorees of the evening were
high caliber individuals. Kamlesh
Mehta, Chairman of The South
Asian Times, introduced
Kanubhai Patel, Chairman of
Amneal Pharmaceuticals India
Pvt. Ltd., who was honored as a
great entrepreneur and whose
sons Chintu and Chirag Patel
have turned Amneal in USA into
the fifth largest generics compa‑
ny. Dr Samin Sharma, Chair of
AIA Board, introduced honoree
Dr Annapoorna Kini, professor of Deputy Consul General of India Shatrughna Sinha honoring Deputy Consul General of India Shatrughna Sinha honoring
cardiology, Mount Sinai school of Dr Annapoorna Kini Prof. of cardiology, Mount Sinai school Dr. Tarun Wasil, who was introduced by Dr Sunil Mehra,
Medicine. She is very well of Medicine, New York a professional colleague.
accomplished Interventional car‑ was a new generation profession‑
diologist and runs the safest and al ‑ Vaishali Deshmukh, Doctor of
busiest cardiac cath lab in the Pharmacy, who has worked at
country. CVS for last 20 years in high
Third honoree Dr Tarun Wasil, positions. This year CVS picked
an eminent Hematologist & her for Paragon Award, one of
Oncologist was introduced by Dr only six in the whole USA among
Sunil Mehra, a professional col‑ 10K Pharmacists and the only
league. Dr Wasil greatly is one in Northeast USA. She is
admired by his patients, nurses greatly admired by her col‑
and colleagues for his critical leagues, coworkers at all levels
knowledge, expertise, simplicity and managerial staff.
and sincerity in his practice of The evening program started
Medicine. He is affiliated to with Thali dance by young
Northwell system and continues dancer, Dr. Neela Zareen. It was
to serve the community. very much liked by the audience.
Smt Chanchal Devi Shah, moth‑ including of Deputy CG, Mr.
er of Naveen Shah, CEO of Navika Shatrughna Sinha.
Group, was honored with Family The program was supported by
Pride award on behalf of the the benefactor Dr Nirmal and
Shah family for guidance and Tina Matoo, Patrons Asmita and
nurturing the entire family. She Arun Bhatia, Dr Neeta and
was joined by other golden ladies Pramod Jain, Kanak and Prabha Vaishali Deshmukh holds the plaque of honor. To her right are her mother Gitanjali Anand and father
for the photo op. Also honored Golia, and Vimal and Divya Goyal. Dr. Satish Anand. Also seen in the picture are her husband Amit Deshmukh, and other members of the family.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info AIA DIWALI SPECIAL October 5-11, 2019
 October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 20

Thakkar couple take

Diwali to schoolkids
Believing in ‘catch them young’, Anita and Harish Thakkar have been spreading
the awareness of Diwali in New York Public Schools by hosting the Children’s
Diwali celebrations at Queens Public Libraries for the last many years.
Anita Thakkar leading the Diwali celebration at a school.

Children’s Diwali at Queens

Public Library, Bellerose
The celebration was sponsored by AIA, organized by Anita Thakkar
and presided by Ranju Batra in Nov 2011

T
he room was decorated and festival. This was followed by Ganesh ents were all equally happy and
the kids had a wonderful time. stuti and Devistuti dance. T he asked to have this Diwali celebration
It was quite a success with the Bollywood dances were performed, continue every year. Anita Thakkar
room completely packed with more followed by Akshay Parmar (8 yrs) encouraged all kids to perform and
than 63 kids, all enjoying the Diwali playing the Mrudanga/dhol and participate in next Diwali celebration
program which started with the Brandon performing martial arts. in larger numbers to make it bigger
lighting of Diyas. Many small kids After that the kids had a chance to and better.
came forward to talk what they paint paper diyas and small clay This event was presided by Ranju
knew about Diwali and the story of diyas with dif ferent colors, which Batra (AIA President), Nina Sahani
Lord Ram and how Diwali came to be they took home. Kids kept pouring in (AIA Childrenʼs Activity coordinator),
celebrated. as the program continued. Indu Gajwani (AIA Cultural Chair)
AIA‑NY Chair Ranju Batra AIA also gave out packets of and Harish Thakkar (then AIA Vice
explained the importance of Diwali snacks and gifts to all kids. The par‑ President).

AIA-NY made Diwali stamp dream come true

T
he US Postal Service com‑ cards and letters as they make and multiple congressional resolu‑
memorated the joyous their journey through the mail‑ tions.
Hindu festival of Diwali by stream." "While this journey may have
dedicat ing the Diwali Forever It was the culmination of long taken years, the Postal Service
stamp on October 5, 2016. held dream of many in the Indian has issued a Diwali stamp that
The first‑day‑of‑issue dedication community since other major reli‑ will continue to resonate forever,"
ceremony took place at the gious and cultural holidays such as said Ranju Batra at the dedication
Consulate General of India in New Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah ceremony. "Now for the first time
York. An est imated 100,000 and Eid already had commemora‑ there is a stamp that celebrates
stamps got pre‑sold at the outset tive stamps. T he Diwali stamp Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists
through the efforts of the commu‑ project was spearheaded by Ranju as Americans forever. Our heartfelt
nity, making it the highest selling Batra starting with her AlA‑NY thanks to all those who have sup‑
USPS stamp. President term in 2011‑12. She ported this stamp."
"The Postal Service is honored to continued to toil on for years, The Diwali stamp design is a pho‑
issue this Forever stamp that cele‑ receiving help from many quarters. tograph featuring a traditional
brates the Festival of Diwali," said The project succeeded after rounds diya. Perhaps inspired by the USPS
Pritha Mehra, USPS Vice President, of advocacy, including thousands Diwali stamp, Canada Post also
Mail Entry and Payment of petition signatures, meetings issued a Diwali stamp in 2017 The Diwali stamp project was spearheaded by Ranju Batra (extreme
Technolog y. "We hope these with Prime Minister Narendra and United Nations last year to right) during her AIA‑NY president term in 2011‑12. She is seen here at
stamps will light up millions of Modi, appeals to President Obama, coincide with the festival of lights. the function to release the stamp at Indian consulate in October 2016.
 October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 21

INDIAN HERITAGE, AMERICAN COMMITMENT

AIA MISSION Presidents – George W. Bush, Barack tively addressing the issues of discrim‑ 8 Combating AIDS: In 2005, Project
Obama and Donald Trump. ination in recognition and licensing of India partnered with Gujarat AIDS and
The Association of Indians in America Ananya book: Published to celebrate the Indian physicians. Awareness and Prevention (GAP), an
(AIA) is the oldest national association of 50th anniversary of India's independence, 8 Voter registration drives. NGO based in Ahmedabad to help peo‑
Asian Indians in America. this collection of 40 essays by scholars ple affected with HIV/AIDS in parts of
AIA is the grassroots national organiza‑ from both East and West provides an
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Gujarat. A long‑time commitment, AIA
tion of Asian immigrants in United States, enriching glimpse of Indian history, cul‑ 8 Project India: During years 1979‑ has channeled over $15 million worth
fostered on the democratic principle of ture, and society over six millennia. 2000, Project India channeled over $ of direct assistance and equipment to
“one member one vote”. With chapters 15 million of funds ‑ in cash and in projects and relief work in India.
and membership spread across America, NYC CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS kind for relief work for victims of com‑ 8 Patient Care: AIA and Brooklyn
AIA represents the hopes and aspirations 1987: Annual Deepavali Festival in NYC munal riots in 184, after Bhopal gas Hospital have been sponsoring visits
of those immigrants who are united by started at South Street Seaport, which is tragedy the same year, etc. Also, of medical experts from Brooklyn
their common bond of Indian Heritage enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of peo‑ helped raise funds to help the victims Medical Center and have organized
and American Commitment. ple of tristate area. of the earthquake in Maharashtra in several "AIDS Patients Clinical
AIA OBJECTIVES 2005 – New York City recognizes 1993. Examination Camps".
Diwali as an official Holiday
1. To promote the welfare of Asian The first White
So, alternate street parking in the city is
Indians in the US and to address issues of House Diwali
suspended.
integration with mainstream America. was celebrated
2016– Official USPS Diwali stamp
2. To promote the image of India in the at the behest
unveiled of AIA in 2003
US by showing its rich culture and tradi‑ Resolution introduced in the House of
tions through various events.
when George
Representatives advising USPS to issue a W. Bush was
3. To encourage and facilitate the partic‑ stamp commemorating Diwali. President. On
ipation of AIA members and others in the
development and progress of India ACTIVISM the occasion,
1,000 com‑
through charitable, cultural and educa‑ 8 Reclassification of Immigrants from memorative
tional activities and to facilitate communi‑ South Asian Countries as Asians silver coins
cation and co‑operation among the people Pacific American. were issued.
of Indian Heritage worldwide. 8 Minority Status to Asian Indian
HISTORICAL MILESTONES Immigrants in 1970ʼs.
8 Separate enumeration of Asian Indians
AIA - NY HAS BEEN GROWING WITH THE
OF AIA
1967 – Founded
for the first time in US census as an
independent category in 1980.
EFFORTS OF ALL THE PAST PRESIDENTS
It was founded on August 20, 1967 after 8 Representation before Congressional
the United States Congress passed the committees to testify for family reuni‑
Immigration Act during 1965‑66, repeal‑ fication provision in the immigration
ing the Asian Exclusion Act of 1917. The bill.
Constitution was adopted in 1970. AlA 8 Political awareness program urging
obtains IRS exempt status in 1973. Indians to unite into two groups.
1973 ‑ Honor Banquets started to (Indians for Democrats and Indians for
honor both distinguished Americans and Republicans.)
Asian Indians who have fostered better 8 Forcing Senator Daniel Patrick
understanding between the people of US Moynihan walk back his derogatory
and India. Honorees have included 4 remarks about India made in a
Nobel Laureates. Playboy interview in 1977 after then
1993 – Sushruta and Charaka Awards AIA President Manoranjan Dutta wrote
Instituted in 1993 to recognize and to the New York Democrat.
honor people of Indian origin in the field 8 Represented at federal, state and local
of Medicine and Health Care. levels of governments, in cases of bias
2003 – White House celebrates Diwali or discrimination against the Asian
AIA facilitates the first celebration of Indians.
Diwali at the White House fort eh first 8 Represented on Foreign Medical
time. The tradition has continued by three Graduates Committee of AMA, effec‑

Honor Banquets were started in 1973 to honor both distinguished Americans and Asian
Indians who have fostered better understanding between the people of US and India.
Honorees included famous composer Zubin Mehta in 1979 and 4 Nobel Laureates.
 October 5‐11, 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info 22

Project India-Philanthropic arm of AIA

I
n October of 1978, AIAʼs India has contributed over women to take control of their own
Council of Asian Indian Social $100,000 to GAP Organization, to health, thereby improving the fami‑
Scientists was constituted to fully fund the Rural Outreach lyʼs wellbeing.
support social causes in India, with Program, focused on prevention of Mission: Bringing comprehensive
focus on public health, through the HIV/AIDS through education and healthcare to rural/tribal villages,
use of medical knowledge and tech‑ awareness. Program has touched with focus on women and children.
nology. During years 1979‑2000, lives of over 600 patients, who Goal: Make women aware of their
Project India channeled over $ 15 would not survive without AIAʼs rights & responsibilities for their
million of funds ‑ in cash and in financial contribution, work of the reproductive and sexual health;
kind. The funds have helped vari‑ GAP volunteers, assisted by the Empower women through educa‑
ous Relief Projects, such as: Medical experts from the Brooklyn tion, counseling and quality of
8 Bhopal gas tragedy Hospital. maternity care; Teach adolescents
8 Communal riots in Delhi Project India, in partnership with to become responsible adults, in
8 Refugee assistance in GAP (Gujarat Aids Awareness and areas of hygiene, nutrition, sexual
Bangladesh and Uganda Prevention Unit) holds an impor‑ behavior and reproductive health.
8 Help to flood victims in Asmita Bhatia and Divya Shah have nurtured Project tant place in the area of reproduc‑ Aim is to achieve: 0% new infec‑
Bengal India from the beginning. tive/sexual health and HIV/AIDS, tion of HIV; 0% Stigma and
8 Educational Grants to Awareness and Prevention (GAP), Health (PATH) Center. It has with its specific programs, quality Discrimination, and 100% of
Educational Institutions based in Ahmedabad, founded in received state and national recog‑ of service, advocacy for greater improved quality of life.
1989 and recognized as the pio‑ nition for its pioneering work in gender equality, access to care, Medical Consultation Camps:
2005: Gujarat Project neer organization in the field of comprehensive HIV/AIDS care. reduce stigma and build on the Since 2006, Annual trip by the
A 2002 report by the UN predict‑ HIV/AIDS. GAP is a lead NGO ‑ a Thanks to help from many local community partnership. physicians from the Brooklyn
ed 20 million to 25 million AIDS resource center for information, friends of the Organization and Project India serves the needs of Hospital Center. This was for early
cases in India by 2010 ‑ more than advocacy and counseling. believers of the cause, AIA has over 2,000 families across 80 vil‑ diagnosis, holistic treatment and
any other country in the world. In 2006, AIA proudly partnered expanded the Project activities to lages along the border of Gujarat continued care. Overall 39 camps
Alarmed, in late 2005, AIA made with The Brooklyn Hospital Center reach 20 villages within 100 km of and Rajasthan. We are pleased that were held with an attendance of
a commitment to support a (TBHC), well known for its Ahmedabad, where there is no information and counseling has 1,255 including 400 women and
renowned NGO called Gujarat AIDS Programs for AIDS Treatment and medical assistance. AIAʼs Project empowered girls and young about 500 boys and girls.

Vignettes from AIA AIA Deepavali

Deepavali 2018 2019 Sponsors
TheSouthAsianTimes.info AIA DIWALI SPECIAL October 5-11, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info AIA DIWALI SPECIAL October 5-11, 2019

International
In
nternational
l Ahimsa Foundation
Fou
undation Inc.
.
Wishes
Wishe
es a H
Happy
appy Diwali
Diwali to
to All
All
&

Heartiest
Heartiest Congratulations
Congratulations to
to AIA
AIA President
President Mr. Harish
Mr. H Thakkar
arish T hakkar and His
and H Team
is T eam

Dr.
Dr. Neeta
Neeta Jain
Jain Ph.
Ph. D.
D.

President & Founder

President Founder of
of IAF
IAF

D emocr
c atic D
Democratic istrictt Leader
District Leader
er NYS
NYS Assembly
Assembly D istrictt 25
District 25 Part
Part B Queens
Queens

Em ail: [email protected]
Email: [email protected] fb
fb:: IAFNYUSA
IAFNYUSA
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SHANTI FUND October 5-11, 2019 25

Shanti Fund honors 4

By Parveen Chopra

Hauppauge, NY: For 25 years,

Long Island based Shanti Fund
has been quietly promoting

at Gandhi 150 celebration

Mahatma Gandhiʼs ideals of peace
and non‑violence, but recently it
came into the limelight. None
other than Prime Minister
Narendra Modi remotely inaugu‑
rated Gandhi Peace Garden at a
UN event on September 24 in
Inauguration of Gandhi Peace Garden in Long Island is highlighted
New York. A unique way to
remember the Mahatma on his
150th birth anniversary, the
Garden is a collaboration of
Shanti Fund, the Indian Consulate
in New York, and SUNY Old
Westbury, which has dedicated a
50‑acre plot of land on its cam‑
pus. 150 trees from all 50 US
states have been planted and
have been adopted by members
of the community.
A brief video about the Gandhi
Peace Garden was shown as
Shanti Fund celebrated Gandhi
150 on October 2 at the Suffolk
County Executive Building in
Hauppauge, in its foyer where a
statue of the Mahatma stands.
In attendance were over 150
guests including NYS Singing Happy Birthday to Gandhi ji (from left) Soh Young Lee, Arvind Vora, Consul General Sandeep Ila Vora welcoming Consul
Assemblyman Andrew Raia, Town Chakravorty, Rajesh Jain, Dr. Kirit Gosalia, Bakul Matalia (on the mike), Kamlesh Mehta, General Sandeep Chakravorty
Dr Kishore Kuncham and NYS Assemblyman Andrew Raia. with khadi garland.
of Huntington Supervisor Chad
Lupinacci, Consul General of India
Amb. Sandeep Chakravorty as
Chief Guest and many prominent
members of the Indian communi‑
ty.
Gandhiʼs favorite bhajans
ʻVaishanav jan tau tene kahiye je
pir parai jane reʼ and ʻRaghupati
Raghav Raja Ramʼ were sung by
Indian and Korean singers. Ms.
Soh Young Lee, Founder of
Multicultural Council of NY, with
pianist Ann Zalkind and tenor
Kunsu Kim performed several
songs. Goodman Youth Band
under the leadership of Mr. Justin
Jin enlivened the evening with
“You Are My Sunshine”,
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” A founder of Shanti Fund, Surinder Rametra,
Dr. Neelam Bhalodkar presenting Shanti Shanti Fundʼs Bakul Matalia presenting the
and “Beautiful Sunday” numbers. felicitating honoree Kamlesh Mehta by
Fund plaque to honor Dr. Kirit Gosalia. MAHATMA book to honoree Rajesh Jain.
Life and message of Mahatma presenting him MAHATMA book.
Gandhi was shared by the schol‑ non‑possessiveness, and multi‑ because for him truth was some‑ the solutions to humanityʼs prob‑ watchign Richard Attenboroughʼs
ars and honorees at the event. plicity of points of view, which are thing evolving and to be experi‑ lems." He feels that the world will multi‑Academy award winning
The four men honored with the main pillars of Jain philoso‑ mented with even if he appeared be much better off if only each film ʻGandhiʼ can be a good intro‑
Mahatma Gandhi Peace & Non‑ phy. He imbibed these principles inconsistent at times. one of us can live even one day duction. Ambassador Sandeep
Violence Award for their contri‑ after he came in contact with Jain referred to Prime Minister emulating the Mahatmaʼs day. He Chakravorty, who has a very
butions to community while Shrimad Rajchandra, a saintly Narendra Modiʼs op‑ed on Oct 2 also suggested to those not famil‑
maintaining the Gandhian philos‑ in The New York Times, which iar with this apostle of peace, that
Continued on page 26
Jain scholar.
ophy and ethics were: Honoree Dr Kishore Kuncham, said that Mahatma Gandhi "had
Dr. Kirit Gosalia of Phoenix, educationist, in his speech said the unique ability to become a
Rajesh Jain of Kolkata, Dr. Kishore that Gandhi not only won India bridge between some of the great‑
Kuncham, Superintendent of freedom through nonviolent est contradictions in human soci‑
Freeport Public Schools, NY, and means, but also his example has ety." Needless to say, he could be
Publisher of The South Asian influenced multitudes and led to a bridge to diversity and differ‑
Times Kamlesh C. Mehta. other successful social changes ences.
Honoree Dr. Kirit Gosalia, a using the means of non‑violence. Kamlesh Mehta was recognized
retired medical doctor and Jain Among Gandhiʼs many admirers by Shanti Fund for high ethics in
scholar, explained the secret how and followers have been Albert his various publications. He
Mohandas Karamchand became Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., served local Government as
Mahatma Gandhi and was suc‑ Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Director of Nassau County Office
cessful in organizing the vast Lama. of Business and Economic
country of India for civil disobedi‑ Honoree Rajesh Jain, who is an Development for 5 years and has
ence movements with peaceful interfaith activist, international been the Rotary International
means against the might of the speaker and corporate trainer, District Governor 2015‑16. In his
British empire. said that Gandhiʼs autobiography ex tempore speech, Mehta said,
This is because Gandhi came to is titled ʻMy Experiments with "Google may have all the answers
live the principles of non‑violence, Truthʼ, not my truth or THE Truth, but Gandhiji's messages has all A view of the audience with Gandhi Photo Exhibit in the background.
 26 October 5-11, 2019 SHANTI FUND TheSouthAsianTimes.info

CG Sandeep Chakravorty released a Shanti

Congratulating honoree Kamlesh Mehta (3rd from right) are (from left) Swami Param Anand, Fund publication, "Handbook of India's 1951
Rajesh Jain, Nimmi Mehta, Jack Poola, Ashok Vyas, Sushma and Haridas Kotahwala. Gandhi Post Cards" by Maulik Thakkar.

Continued from page 25 of their grandchildren. So, for dedicated to promoting

our grandchildrenʼs sake we Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of
simple yet lucid style of speak‑ should mend our ways. With peace and non‑violence
ing in public, in his brief that he mentioned the steps in through education. In exis‑ Dr. Kusum
address called Mahatma the right direction taken by the tence for over 25 years, it is Sinha, Supt.
Gandhi the worldʼs first envi‑ Modi government such as ban the only such organization in of Garden
ronmentalist, who advised that on single plastic use and water the State of New York if not the City Schools,
we should take only as much conservation. entire North America. presenting
Shanti Fund
from the earth as we can give Shanti Fund founder Arvind Mr Vora told The South Asian
plaque to
back. The ambassador warned Vora conducted the eveningʼs Times that they had five major
honoree Dr.
that humanity may be digging program effortlessly, alternat‑ events in four days leading to Kishore
its own grave by polluting air ing speeches with songs by the Gandhiʼs 150th birth anniver‑ Kuncham.
and water and earth. But he Korean groups. sary, and he will share details
also said that homo sapiens are Shanti Fund is a not for profit of those with the readers of
the only species who can think volunteer‑run organization this paper in the next issue.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info AIA DIWALI SPECIAL October 5-11, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info AIA DIWALI SPECIAL October 5-11, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL October 5-11, 2019 29

Khashoggi murder happened ‘Let me take a selfie first’:

'under my watch': MBS El Salvador president before
Riyadh: Breaking his silence for the first
time over the murder of Saudi journalist his maiden UN speech
E
Jamal Khashogg i, Crown Prince
l Salvador President Nayib
Mohammed Bin Salman has said that he
Bukele surprised attendees
bears responsibility for the killing
of the United Nat ions
because it "happened under his watch".
General Assembly (UNGA) by
"It happened under my watch. I get all
clicking a selfie before his maiden
the responsibility, because it happened
speech.
under my watch," the Crown Prince, also
“If youʼll just bear with me a sec‑
known as MBS, told American public
ond,” he said, pulling out a phone,
broadcaster PBS, according to a preview
lifting it up to his grinning face
of a documentary to be aired on October
and snapping a photo, which he
1, ahead of the first anniversary of the
later posted on Twitter to his 1.1
journalist's death.
million followers, reported South
The Crown Prince, however, reiterated
China Morning Post.
that the incident happened without his
Saudi Crown Prince “Believe me, many more people
knowledge, Anadolu news agency report‑
Mohammed Bin Salman. will see that selfie when I share it
ed citing the broadcaster.
than will listen to this speech ‑ I
The documentary, "The Crown Prince of Agency (CIA) and some Western govern‑
hope I took a goo d one,” El
Saudi Arabia", examines the Saudi leader's ments said the Crown Prince ordered it,
Salvador President Nayib Bukele
rise, his rule and ties to the events sur‑ but Saudi of ficials said that he had no
said.
rounding Khashoggi's murder. role.
Quipping that the annual sum‑
Khashoggi ‑‑ a supporter‑turned‑critic of Asked by a correspondent from PBS'
mit of the worldʼs leaders could be
the Crown Prince and a Washington Post Frontline programme that how the killing
done by video conference, he
columnist ‑‑ was killed and reportedly dis‑ could take place without MBS knowing
added, “A couple of images on El Salvador President Nayib Bukele
membered in October 2018 by a team of about it, the Crown Prince said: "We have
Instagram can have more impact was sworn into office in June.
15 agents sent from Riyadh. His body has 20 million people. We have 3 million gov‑
than any speech delivered in this
not been found till now. ernment employees." partner and an ally, but also a friend,”
assembly.”
He was last seen entering the Saudi con‑ "And they can take one of your planes?" Bukele told reporters after that meeting.
He was sworn into office in June in the
sulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018 to the correspondent asked the Crown “Weʼre hoping that this meeting will
small Central American country of 6.6
obtain papers he needed to marry his Prince, referring to the 15‑person team only strengthen our relationship even
million people, tasked w ith turning
Turkish fiancee. His mysterious death said to have been behind Khashoggi's more, and I think it will because, you
around grinding poverty and rampant
piled scrutiny on Saudi Arabia, which killing and dismemberment that flew in know, President Trump is very nice and
gang violence that are sending thousands
released conflicting information regard‑ and out of Istanbul on jets owned by the cool, and Iʼm nice and cool, too. We both
fleeing to the United States.
ing his disappearance in the aftermath. Saudi government. "I have officials, minis‑ use Twitter a lot, so, you know, weʼll get
The former mayor of the capital, San
Saudi authorities have since blamed a ters to follow things, and they're responsi‑ along,” he had told reporters. (Hindustan
Salvador, is a prolific user of social media.
"rogue" operation for his murder and put ble. They have the authority to do that," Times)
“For us, the United States is not only a
11 men on trial. The Central Intelligence the Crown Prince replied.

Johnson denies wrongdoing over

US businesswoman link
London: UK Prime Minister Boris
Johnson said that there was "no
interest to declare" regarding links
No clarity about Brexit:
with US businesswoman Jennifer
Arcuri, who has been alleged to European Commission VP
receive favorable treatment due to
Riga: Only a month remains Dombrovskis said in an inter‑
her friendship with the former
until October 31, the date set view with Latvian public TV.
when he was the Mayor of London.
by British Prime Minister Boris H e n o t ed t h a t a l t h o u g h
The allegations, first reported in
Johnson for his country to Johnson does not want to ask
the Sunday Times on September
leave the European Union, but the EU to delay Brexit, the par‑
22, have claimed that Arcuri joined
it is not clear yet how and liament can force him to do it,
trade missions led by Johnson
when Brexit will happen, Xinhua reported.
when he was the Mayor and that
European Commission Vice H e e m ph a s i s ed t h a t " o n e
her company received several
President for the Euro and thing is clear ‑‑ Brexit without
thousand pounds in sponsorship
Social Dialogue Va l d i s a deal will be a negative sce‑
grants.
Dombrovskis said. nario first of all for Britain but
Asked during a BBC show if he
"Just one month is left, but also for the EU, therefore we
had declared any interest, Johnson
PM Boris Johnson says he is proud of everything there really is still no clarity," need to work to avoid it."
said "there was no interest to
declare", adding: "I was proud of he did as Mayor of London.
businesswoman, the BBC reported. not of ficially qualifying for them
every thing I did as Mayor of Johnson's reaction comes after it The reason for IOPC's involv‑ Arcuri, a technology entrepreneur, as a delegate.
London." was revealed that Johnson was ment was because the role of the is be lieved to have moved to The Sunday Times reported that
He also attacked the incumbent referred by the Greater London Mayor of London is also London's London seven years ago, when one of her businesses received
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, saying Authority (GLA) to the police police and crime commissioner. Johnson was Mayor. 10,000 pounds and 1,500 pounds
the Labour politician "could possi‑ watchdog, the Independent Office In Johnson's defense, Health She joined a number of trade in sponsorship money from a may‑
bly spend more time investing in for Police Conduct (IOPC) ‑‑ whose Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky missions led by him while in office, oral organization, as well as a
police officers than he is investing job is to oversee the conduct of the News that the Prime Minister did and it is understood she attended 15,000 pounds government grant
in press officers and peddling this Mayor and other members of the not have questions to answer events on two of these trips ‑ to for foreign entrepreneurs to build
kind of stuff". GLA. regarding alleged links with the US New York and Tel Aviv ‑ despite businesses in Britain.
 30 October 5-11, 2019 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

In NY, PM Modi made clean case

for investments in India
By Suchitra Srinivas

New York: Prime Minister

Innovations will fuel India
Narendra Modi made a clean
case for investments at the Third
to become $5 tn economy
Annual Bloomberg Global Chennai: Prime Minister tion, team work and technology.
Business Forum (GBF) held on 24 Narendra Modi has said the "During the US visit, I met
September at The Plaza hotel in foundation of the 21st century many heads of states, business
Manhattan. Addressing the whoʼs rests on the pillars of innova‑ leaders, innovators, investors. In
who of business leaders, Modi tion, team work and technology our discussions, there was one
asserted that Indiaʼs thirst for which would fue l India to common thread. It was opti‑
g rowth fue led by the rig ht become a $5 trillion economy. mism about New India," Modi
ecosystems is a huge promise for Speaking at the 56th said.
the investors. Convocation function of the He said the Indian community
Delivering the keynote address Indian Institute of Technology, has made a mark for itself world
at the business forum hosted by Madras (IITM), Modi said the over in science, technology and
former NYC Mayor Michael R. foundation of the 21st century innovation and many of them
Bloomberg, Modi argued that it rests on three pillars ‑ innova‑ were former IIT students.
was the right time for global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the third Annual Bloomberg
business leaders to turn their where, which he attributed to Disney Company Chairman and
Global Business Forum (GBF) in New York.
attention to India as a driver for reforms that his government has CEO Bob Iger, European Central
growth and stability. Well assist‑ address, the Prime Minister had and incentives and mentioned brought in over five years. He Bank Incoming President
ed by progressive reforms, the an open conversat ion w ith Indiaʼs water resource manage‑ underlined four D factors ‑‑ Christine Lagarde; Mahindra
Indian stage is all set to welcome Bloomberg in front of global ment ef forts in the form of Jal demo cracy, demog raphcis, Group Chairman Anand
the business acumen of the investor audience. He cited Jeevan mission. As well as ban on demand and decisiveness ‑‑ that Mahindra; Alphabet and Google
world to achieve its target of Indiaʼs commitment for clean single use plastic from Oct 2. are making India an attractive SVP and CFO Ruth Porat; The
becoming a $5 trillion economy, energy: growth cannot be at the Being the worldʼs third largest growth market. Blackstone Group Chairman and
he said, adding that the huge cost of nature and India respects coal reserve, the countryʼs A confident, composed and CEO Stephen Schwarzman; and
population was expected to fuel and reflects this thought in its reliance on the energy from coal clear‑headed prime minster, T he Goldman Sachs Group
the multiplication of every dollar growth policies. Global warming cannot be wiped out but India is speaking in Hindi, made a posi‑ Chairman and CEO David M.
invested. can be addressed we ll w ith looking at changing its mining tive impact on the forum attend‑ Solomon.
“Your desires and our dreams human behavior changes rather practices to make them environ‑ ed by over 50 Heads of State and The theme driving the forum,
match. Your technology and our than through policies alone, he ment friendly. Modi mentioned Delegations, and over 200 CEOs. “Instability,” came alive at the
talent can change the world. said. the huge infrastructure needs to Prominent speakers at the beginning of the plenary session
Your scale and our skill can Addressing questions raised by build new airports, roads, houses, forum included former US through a unique dance perform‑
speed up g lobal economic Bloomberg, the UN Secretary‑ hospitals, that calls for massive Presidents George W. Bush and ance choreographed by world‑
growth... If there is any gap, I will Generalʼs Special Envoy for investments. Bill Clinton, the Prime Minister of renowned MacArthur “Genius”
act as a bridge,” was the prime Climate Action, Modi said India Modi also pointed that India New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, Award‑winner Elizabeth Streb
ministerʼs promise. targets 450 GW from the renew‑ was rising in global FDI rankings JPMorgan Chase Chairman and that reflected uncertainty in the
After delivering the keynote able energy sources and policies at a time when FDI is falling else‑ CEO Jamie Dimon, the Walt global markets.

India's Q1 current account

deficit narrows to $14.3 billion
Mumbai: Lower crude oil prices,
along with higher earnings from
invisible trade such as services,
India's June quarter external
aided in narrowing India's current
account deficit to $14.3 billion in debt over $557 billion
Q1 of 2019‑20.
Mumbai: India's external debt in commercial borrowings, non‑
The Reserve Bank of India's data
for the quarter‑ended June 2019 resident deposits and short‑term
on India's Balance of Payments
rose to $557.4 billion, from trade credit. "The increase in
(BoP) showed that CAD narrowed
$543.3 billion during the previ‑ external de bt was also con‑
from $15.8 billion (2.3 per cent of
ous quarter and $513.1 billion tributed by valuation losses
GDP) in Q1 of 2018‑19 but was
in the year‑ago period. resulting from the depreciation
higher than $4.6 billion (0.7 per
According to the Reserve Bank of the US dollar against Indian
cent of GDP) in the preceding
of India's external debt statistics rupee and other major curren‑
quarter.
released with a lag of one quar‑ cies," the RBI said in a statement.
"The CAD contracted on a year‑
ter, the country's debt witnessed "The external debt to GDP ratio
on‑year (y‑o‑y) basis, primarily on
an increase of 2.6 per cent over remained at 19.8 per cent at
account of hig her invisible
by 7.3 per cent on a y‑o‑y basis, 6.2 per cent to $19.9 billion from its level at end‑March 2019, pri‑ end‑June 2019, the same as its
receipts at $31.9 billion as com‑
mainly on the back of a rise in net their level during a year ago peri‑ marily on account of an increase level at end‑March 2019."
pared with $29.9 billion a year
earnings from travel, financial od.
ago," the RBI said in its statement review as against a depletion of borrowings to India was higher by
services and telecommunications, According to the data, there was
on developments in India's Q1 $11.3 billion in Q1 of 2018‑19. $6.3 billion in Q1 of 2019‑20 as
computer and information servic‑ an accretion of $14 billion in for‑
BoP. In addit ion, net inflow on against an outflow of $1.5 billion
es," the statement said. eign exchange reserves (on BoP
"Net services receipts increased account of external commercial a year ago.
Similarly, remittances grew by basis) during the period under
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS October 5-11, 2019 31

Bradmanesque! Rohit has NBA Games will display

level not seen before in India
an average of 98.22 at home Kolkata:
Sacramento Kings and
W hen

New Delhi: Rohit Sharma turned a Indiana Pacers play in the

new leaf on Wednesday as he not first ever NBA India
only scored a century in his first Games in Mumbai, the
innings as a Test opener to put level of basketball on dis‑
India in the driver's seat at the play will leave fans in the
end of the opening day of the country "shocked" as they
first Test against South Africa, will be in for a treat, feels
but also equaled Don Bradman's NBA legend Jason
record of having a batting aver‑ Williams.
age of 98.22 at home. "I think the fans here
While Bradman had an average are in for a treat when NBA legend Jason Williams.
of 98.22 after 50 innings at home they see the Kings and
with 4322 runs in his kitty, Rohit the Pacers play," Williams told played the next day at NSCI in
has 884 runs after 15 innings IANS on Wednesday. "The fans Worli is open for the general pub‑
with the same average. have never seen a brand of bas‑ lic. Talking about the players in
Speaking at the end of the day's ketball that they are going to see Pacers' and Kings' rosters,
play, Rohit insisted that his plan here with these guys. The talent Williams, who donned the Kings'
was to trust his game and abili‑ level is so high, they are so fast shirt between 1998‑2001 as he
ties and that's what he was able and the way they jump. started off, said it's a big opportu‑
Rohit Sharma in action on Day 1 of the first Test between India and
to achieve as he remained South Africa, in Visakhapatnam. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS) Everything is like...maybe it will nity for them to impress the
unbeaten on 115 at stumps on put you guys in shock. Just Indian audience and turn them
the opening day. thereafter. becomes easier to score runs.
because you guys have never seen into their fans and develop a lik‑
"I wanted to take the opportuni‑ "I was very clear in my mind "This was my plan to tackle the
anything like this," said Williams, ing for the sport.
ty and that's why I made the man‑ what I wanted to do. The new ball new ball and then stick to what I "It's huge for the Pacers and the
a NBA champion with Miami Heat
agement aware of it. I am grateful will always do a bit in the initial had planned. Backing myself and
in 2006 and a Sacramento Kings Kings to come to India for the first
to them for providing me with overs ‑‑ whether it's red ball or my game was most important for
legend. Pacers and Kings will play time for the NBA in India, it's a
the opportunity and I am happy I white. me because it was all I had in my
two pre‑season games at the huge honor for those guys to
could score runs," Rohit told "I have played cricket in India mind," he added.
DOME, NSCI, SVP Stadium in come and play here. I mean bas‑
reporters. for a long time now and that's ICC acknow ledged Rohit's
Mumbai on Friday and Saturday. ketball is such a great sport. It's a
Talking about his batting plans why I was aware of the condi‑ superb knock and said: "The HIT‑
While the opening game on Friday beautiful game," said the 43‑year‑
in the initial overs, the 32‑year‑ tions and knew that once you get MAN is back with a bang. Rohit
is reserved for over 3,000 youth old former point guard known for
old said he wanted to see off the past the first 10 overs, it becomes Sharma gets his first Test ton as
under a Re liance Foundation his passes, crossover dribble
new ball and then cash in from dif ficult to get wickets. And it an opener!"
Junior Program, the one to be moves and alley‑oop plays.

Ex-Indian cricketers Kapil didn't need to resign as CAC chief: Vinod Rai
divided on opinion New Delhi: Cricket Advisory
Committee (CAC) chief Kapil Dev
might have resigned from his posi‑
Kapil Dev.

on Dhoni's future t ion but Committee

Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod
Rai has made it clear that Kapil
of

New Delhi: There seems to be a didn't need to tender a resignation

dif ference in opinion among for‑ as his appointment was specific to
mer cricketers on whether M.S. the selection of the head coach of
Dhoni should continue playing or the Indian team.
hang his boots. Ever since the cul‑ Speaking to IANS, Rai said that
mination of the 50‑overs World the letter given to the trio clearly Shantha Rangaswamy) it was said the Ethics Officer," he said.
Cup in England and Wales, specu‑ said that it was an appointment for that it was specific to that selec‑ The former Indian captain's deci‑
lations have been rife that Dhoni the selection of the head coach tion (appointment of head coach) sion to resign from the CAC comes
might have played his last game and not an annual one. only," he said. Asked if that meant after Ethics Officer D.K. Jain sent a
for the country. W hile he has "No, the resignat ion wasn't the conflict issue is a closed chap‑ notice to the panel with regards to
made himself unavailable, there is required because in the original ter, Rai refused to get into the mat‑ allegations of conflict of interest as
no official word on what exactly is appointment letter given to them ter. "Like I said before also, I would claimed by MPCA life member
MS Dhoni.
the plan of action. (Kapil, Anshuman Gaekwad and not like to prejudge the decision of Sanjeev Gupta.
Former Indian opening batsman (then), Virat (Kohli) or anyone else,
Gautam Gambhir, who is known to should have the courage to say so,
not mince his words when it that this player is not fitting into
comes to expressing his opinion, the scheme of things. It's time for
believes that the decision of retire‑ some of the youngsters to get
ment should be left on Dhoni. But groomed in the next four‑five
he doesn't see him playing the years, because ultimately it is not
2023 World Cup and thus, it is about Dhoni, it is about the coun‑
only fair that a young player is try.' Earlier, Suresh Raina said
given the opportunity. Dhoni has a lot to offer to Indian
"I feel that retirement is a very cricket and can prove to be a wor‑
individual decision. Till the time thy asset for the team in next
you want to play you are allowed year's World T20.
to play, but you do have to look at "He is still fit, still a terrific wick‑
the future as well. I do not see et‑keeper and still the greatest fin‑
Dhoni playing the next World isher in the game. Dhoni will be an
Cup," Gambhir said.. asset for India in the T20 World
"So whoever is the captain Cup," Raina told The Hindu.
 32 October 5-11, 2019 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Amitabh Bachchan humbled ʻBharat' is Bollywood's

by Dadasaheb Phalke honor biggest overseas
M
egastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is
being feted with the Dadasaheb
Phalke Award, is still feeling over‑
whelmed days after the Award was
grosser of 2019 so far
announced, and says he is "not worthy" of
the prestigious honor.
Amitabh took to his blog and poured his
heart out.
"The overwhelming love and appreciation
from the moment of the declaration of the
DPA (Dadasaheb Phalke Award) has been
most humbling...," he wrote.
He added: "I cannot deny the fact that it
lends me to a stage of embarrassment...
When you do consider yourself not worthy
of it at all... of perhaps a mistake made by
them that decided on it."
The cine icon said that such honors draw
constant glare of recognition.
"The attention it draws does put you in
the constant glare of recognition ‑‑ a condi‑
tion we as actors work assiduously for our The legendary actor will be the 50th
recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke award
entire lives ‑‑ and when it does come, make
all possible gadgetry to avoid it... Glares for extreme humility."
the eyes, dark tinted windows, guarded Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's high‑
movements to places of natural destination est honor given in the field of cinematic art.
and on," he added. Big B will be honored with the award for
Amitabh concluded by saying "for the inspiring generations with his diverse Salman Khan starrer 'Bharat' has minted $10.71 M outside India
moment though it is folded hands and work. alman Khan's Eid 2019 release ʻBharatʼ to‑back 14 centuries for Salman Khan," film

S is still unbeaten overseas, when it

comes to Bollywood offerings this year.
and trade expert Girish Johar said when
ʻBharatʼ cruised past Rs 100 crore mark in

Hasan Minhaj says he was The last quarter of 2019 is set to begin, but
the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial is the highest‑
grossing Hindi film abroad.
India.
ʻGully Boyʼ, India's official entry for the
92nd Academy Awards, is next on the list.

denied entry at Howdy, Modi! ʻBharatʼ, co‑starring Katrina Kaif, saw

Salman sporting different looks in a role that
Zoya Akhtar's film raked in $ 10.25 million.
Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the
ages from a young guy to an old man in the film was inspired by the lives of rapper
story. It has minted $ 10.71 million outside Naved Shaikh, popular by his stage name
India, according to Naezy, and rapper Divine (Vivian Fernandes).
"timesofindia.indiatimes.com." 'Joshʼ for Vicky Kaushal's ʻUri ‑ The
The film had also helped Salman add Surgical Strikeʼ has been high outside India
another feather to his cap. "It becomes back‑ too. The film has earned $ 7.46 million.
Hasan Minhaj
outside the
Howdy Modi
event venue. UP minister slams Sonakshi for
Ramayana ignorance
U
ttar Pradesh Minister
Sunil Bharala has

P
slammed Bollywood
opular Indian‑origin comedian you've been blacklisted',”
actor Sonakshi Sinha, who
Hasan Minhaj has confirmed that he Minhaj told Meyers.
was unable to answer a sim‑
was denied entry at the 'Howdy The comedian said he watched the event
ple question on 'Ramayana'
Modi' event in Houston, and said the organ‑ on his phone in the parking lot of NRG
during popular television
izers "honored" him while "blackballing" Stadium and saw many Indian‑Americans,
quiz show Kaun Banega
him. In an appearance on Late Night with including fellow comedians like Mindy
Crorepati last week. Bharala
Seth Meyers, Minhaj narrated how things Kaling and Aziz Ansari, being honored for
said, "In modern times, these
got “intense” when he tried to enter the their contribution to the field of arts. He
people are only after money.
venue Sept 22. "I was like I have to be there. said he found it ironic that his photograph
All they care about is earning
So, we submit our press credentials immedi‑ also popped up on the screen at the event as Sonakshi Sinha was trolled on social media
money and spending that
ately get an email back through saying, one of the achievers of the community. for not knowing Ramayana story
money on themselves. They
'We're out of space'. I was like, I've been to "They were honoring me for my comedy
have no knowledge of history and gods. Expressing his surprise at Sonakshi's
Indian weddings, you just walk in. You're while also blackmailing and blackballing me
They have no time for learning. Nothing lack of knowledge about the Indian epic,
out of space in a football stadium? Nah. and kicking me out for my comedy. It is the
can be sadder than this". the show's host actor Amitabh Bachchan
"So, I recheck with the organizers, 'Hey most Indian thing ever. They were like,
On the show to support a contestant later pointed out how strange it was as
guys, it's my community, you get it?' I want 'We're proud of you but we'll never say it to
from Rajasthan, Sonakshi was asked: she lives in a house called 'Ramayana', her
to be there. And they're like, 'We're out of your face,” Minhaj said as the audience
"According to Ramayana, Hanuman father's name is Shatrughan Sinha, whose
space but we'll discuss it.' I'm like 'okay.' roared with laughter.
fetched the 'Sanjeevani Booti' (herb) for three other brothers are called Ram,
And I'm like ʻI'm sorry for making fun of Minhaj had earlier faced a lot of heat on
whom?" Lakshman and Bharat, and her own broth‑
cricket. It's not a sport for farms, it's an social media for his episodes on the Lok
She apparently did not know the answer ers are named Luv and Kush.
international game that's taking over the Sabha election, the results of which saw
from the four options given ‑‑ Sugriva, The actor was also trolled on social
world. They are like, ʻNo, some of the com‑ Modi return for a second term with a
Lakshman, Sita and Rama, and finally media for not knowing the story of
ments you made about Prime Minister thumping majority, and the recent clamp‑
used a lifeline to answer the question. Ramayana.
Narendra Modi were not appreciated and down in Kashmir.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE October 5-11, 2019 33

Great to see people wanting McDonald's joins Beyond Meat

to be healthy: Sanjeev Kapoor bandwagon with Canada tests
P M
cDonaldʼs will test a new “plant,
opular chef Sanjeev Kapoor is lettuce and tomato” sandwich
happy to see more and more people using Beyond Meat patties in
wanting to be healthy. some restaurants in Canada next week,
"It is great to see more and more people, the company said last week, following
especially younger generation, wanting to major rivalsʼ bets on the plant‑based pro‑
be healthy. There are minor lifestyle tein mania in North America.
changes ‑ some lost treasures from our Shares of Beyond Meat jumped and
Indian culture, most scientific, that can McDonaldʼs stock was also up marginally.
enable everyone to be so much closer to The worldʼs largest burger chain joins
their health and fitness goals," said Kapoor. Tim Hortons, KFC and Dunkinʼ Brands in
Among the various projects he is current‑ adding products made with Beyond Meat
ly tied up with is one of Zomato's original patties to their menus.
shows. As consumers grow more concerned
"Who would have ever thought that one about health and the impact of industrial
day you would find Sanjeev Kapoor in the animal farming on climate change, the McDonaldʼs rival Burger King and
palm of your hands? Through the years, plant‑based market is expected to Impossible Foods teamed up in April
technology has made the world smaller, explode to an estimated $140 billion over for the U.S. rollout of a
and with ''Food & You'' on Zomato, I saw an the next decade, according to Barclays. plant‑based Whopper.
opportunity to contribute to general well‑ Beyond Meat, a pioneer of plant‑based
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
being of people of today. Everyone is in a meat substitutes, is competing with in Canada.
rush; ''Food &You'' is an attempt to make two‑minute native mobile concept in the McDonaldʼs has not yet indicated if it
Silicon Valley‑based Impossible Foods for
us healthy and happy through power of form of ''Food & You''." will launch a U.S. plant‑based burger, but
dominance of the market.
food," he shared. On the biggest myth around food, Kapoor there has been intense market specula‑
McDonaldʼs rival Burger King and
"The concept (of the show) is to extend said: "There are so many ‑ even around tion on which meatless burger maker
Impossible Foods teamed up in April for
an insurance with the least premium ‑ 2 something as simple as water. Unlike popu‑ McDonaldʼs could pick.
the U.S. rollout of a plant‑based Whopper.
minutes of a user's time and highest value ‑ lar belief, what if I told you 'paani peena McDonaldʼs has bucked this trend in
The Impossible Burger is also sold at fast
lifelong wealth of knowledge. While there nahi, khaana chahiye'. Most people gulp Germany, where it sells Nestleʼs
food chain White Castle and at Disney
are a lot of cookery and health shows, I had water down like their life depends on it. Incredible Burger ‑ marketed as the Big
theme parks.
been meaning to do a myth‑busting show Our life does depend on water, but it can Vegan ‑ in 1,500 stores for a lower price
“We wish McDonaldʼs similar success in
like this for a long time." only do the magic everyone talks about ‑ than it charges for its Hamburger Royal,
its 28‑unit test in Canada,” Impossible
"I was excited when the Zomato team be it on your skin, digestive system, and which is comparable to a U.S. Quarter
Foods stated. t. Spokeswoman Jessica
wanted me to work on health, rather than a even weight ‑ when consumed the right Pounder. In June, McDonaldʼs began sell‑
Appelgren told Reuters the Impossible
regular show and was excited by the verti‑ way, by the right amount and at the right ing the Big Vegan in several Israeli stores.
Burger has not yet been approved for sale
cal concept. That inspired us to shape a time."

Let your lips speak Now a device to regrow hair

L T
ipsticks are a here is good news for people day baseball cap. lates the skin with gentle, low‑fre‑
statement make‑ experiencing hair loss as “I think this will be a very practi‑ quency electric pulses, which coax
up item for most researchers have developed a cal solution to hair regeneration,” dormant follicles to reactivate hair
looks, but choosing the wearable device that harnesses said one of the researchers Xudong production. The devices do not
right lip color can be energy from the wearer and deliv‑ Wang, Professor at the University of cause hair follicles to sprout anew
daunting. You wouldnʼt ers gentle electric pulses to stimu‑ Wisconsin‑Madison in the US. in smooth skin. Instead they reacti‑
want your trusted bright late dormant hair follicles and In side‑by‑side tests on hairless vate hair‑producing structures that
red or favorite peachy regrow hair. mice, the devices stimulated hair have gone dormant.
pink to betray the occa‑ Because the devices are powered growth just as effectively as two That means they could be used as
sion it is being worn for. by the movement of the wearer, different compounds found in bald‑ an intervention for people in the
Here are some tips to they do not require a bulky battery ness medicines, said the study pub‑ early stages of pattern baldness, but
make the perfect pack or complicated electronics. lished in the journal ACS Nano. they would not bestow cascading
impression. In fact, they are so low‑profile Based on devices that gather energy tresses to someone who has been as
that they could be discreetly worn from a bodyʼs day‑to‑day motion, bald as a billiard ball for several
Nude shades underneath the crown of an every‑ the hair growth technology stimu‑ years.
at work
During the long work‑
ing hours, it is impor‑
tant to wear shades that
For thoughtful gifting
F
mood of a Sunday.
are not too loud and look profes‑ estivals are the time when Ganesha idols, wall hangings and own health benefits, especially
sional. A nude lip shade, there‑
Peaches at we strengthen new relation‑ frames representing him in various while drinking water. Lamps and
fore, looks elegant at office and ships and celebrate the old traditional and contemporary styles lightings define festivity and will
will boost your confidence. dinner table ones with the joy of gifting. But gift‑ – singing, traveling, playing flute or always be useful for decorating
ing can get overwhelming – starting dhol and even riding a bike are a homes. Antiques like wall clocks,
Pop it up with red Neither too bold, nor too sub‑
from what to give, how to give, rage as a home decor gift. gramophones, metal frames sym‑
tle, peach lip color can be the
Shades of red are the classic perfect lip shade for a family where to it buy from and will they A Buddha statue, on the other bolizing the Sun, a chariot, nature,
way to bring in the weekend and dinner. like it or not. But people say it is not hand, is a symbol of Lord Buddha's etc. add to the charm of any living
a bold red can make you a stun‑ the gift, but the thought that teachings, which keeps negative room and are gifts cherished by all.
ner when youʼre out clubbing. Shimmer the counts. Experts suggest some energies away from home. Gifting A water fountain represents a flow

Pick pink for wedding look thoughtful options gifting without

having to think a lot. To start with,
elegant kitchenware and cutlery
can be a good choice to let your
of money, happiness and positive
vibes. Gifting a desktop water foun‑
Sunday brunch Canʼt do without shimmer Ganesha is not only the most auspi‑ loved ones win over their guests. tain is like wishing for one's pros‑
when youʼre ready to shimmy. cious but also one of the most German silver glasses, colorful tea‑ perity and progress. These foun‑
Pink lipsticks can be an ideal Metallic shades work wonders graceful deities. It is believed that a sets are an affordable and trendy tains also look refreshing and add a
match for the relaxed, casual with your outfit at a wedding. Ganesha idol if gifted by someone, option. Copper pots, jars, and glass‑ happy feel to offices, homes and
works as a token of good luck. es are also a great gift with their work place.
34 October 5-11, 2019 ART AND LITERATURE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The making, unmaking, and more of Boris Johnson

By Vishnu Makhijani unwillingness to make choices which would
Book Review entail a degree of self‑sacrifice. Asked if he

I
t is almost two months that Boris Johnson would like A or B, he generally gives no clear
has been the Prime Minister of Britain. But Olympics were held in 2012. answer and tries to have both.
what was his career like in the initial years "It's all rubbish from start to finish ‑ but "He detracts our attention from his evasive‑
of politics and how did he rise in the well‑written rubbish," Johnson said of the ness by telling very enjoyable jokes, which
Conservative Party? These details have been book when the first edition was released. along with his Woosterish persona, have
penned down by a veteran journalist Andrew To put this in perspective, the book pro‑ made him one of the most popular perform‑
W Gimson in a book. vides some telling insights into the way ers of our times. But the jokes can often make
The book "Boris, The Making of the Prime Johnson's mind works. him seem to serious‑minded listeners as if he
Minister" (Simon and Schuster), first pub‑ "Boris found himself trapped in the role of a does not believe a word of what he is saying,"
lished in 2006, is outdated and has been upa‑ celebrity. Without ever holding a political Gimson writes. In fact, on the A&B aspect, the
dated. office of any significance, he had become author says that over the weekend before he
This is not to detract from Gimson's more famous than most Cabinet ministers, announced his line on Brexit, Johnson spent
paintstaking portrayal of Johnson's early but was also considered more irresponsible. time in the country and wrote two papers:
years, his first steps in politics, his rise in the There was a danger that he would turn into a One to Stay and the other to Leave, with the
Conservative Party to lead the Brexit cam‑ kind of national treasure, to be wheeled out former stating a stronger case.
paign, the "treachery" that dashed his hopes and laughed at on significant occasions, or Why then, did Johnson choose the Leave
of becoming the Prime Minister post the occasions which television producers regard‑ option? Because had the referendum resulted
Brexit vote and his bouncing back as the ed as significant. in a Stay verdict, so would have David
Foreign Secretary. "One of his weaknesses is an excessive Cameroon as the Prime Minister, putting paid
The updated version tracks Johnson's eight desire to be liked, and he will be hurt if he to his chances of rising to the top job.
years as Mayor of London from 2008 to doesn't come across as likeable in this book. Even so, the last chapter of this book is yet
2016, during which time the London Another flaw is his inability or obdurate to be written.

Indian Muslims On birth anniversary, Mahatma

divided on caste, class to ''return to life'' at UNESCO
& regional lines: Book
M
ahatma Gandhi is ''set States, youth and the interna‑ than 5 per cent of the compiled
to return to life'' in the tional community. 98 volumes," said Dr. Anantha

M
uslims in India form of a hologram at The Ahinsa Lecture is organ‑ Duraiappah, Director, UNESCO
have been play‑ UNESCO Paris to mark the ized to mark Mahatma's birth Mahatma Gandhi Institute of
ing their consti‑ International Day of Non anniversary. Education for Peace and
tutional role and are Violence 2019. The lifesize 3D According to plans, the holo‑ Sustainable Development.
focused on basic issues hologram will "address audi‑ gram would speak for 2 to 3 "A 3D hologram can bridge
of poverty, employment ence" to explain the Mahatma's minutes to set the tone for the this gap and the written word
generation and educa‑ philosophy in a life‑like audio panel discussion and would of the Mahatma can be experi‑
tion, according to a book visual medium. also take a QA session. enced.
released at the Faculty of The 3D hologram will feature "While Gandhi Ji was The hologram in color would
Arts Lounge, Aligarh in the Ahimsa Lecture delivered amongst the most pho‑ lip‑sync the words of the
Muslim University. by leading proponents of peace tographed people of his time Mahatma and body movement
The book, ''Siyasi and non‑violence for the bene‑ and the world has access to his incorporated that's associated
Muslims: A Story of fit of peace builders, policy photographs, filmed interviews with a speaker on stage,"
Political Islams in India'' makers, UNESCO Member and radio addresses, it is less Duraiappah said.
(Penguin India), is an
attempt to reach out to
those who are interested
in knowing about what's
called ''political Islam'' in
Your life now an open book,
Snowden says in memoir
India, according to its
author Hilal Ahmed,
Associate Professor at

C
the Centre for Study of
lose to two decades since
Developing Societies, New Delhi. marily from erstwhile Muslim‑
the 9/11 attacks, the sur‑
He said Muslim presence was dominated urban centers, like
veillance system built by
always considered a homoge‑ Hyderabad, Lucknow and Delhi,
the US spy agencies has become
neous entity in the public dis‑ new Muslim professionals
so sophisticated that they can
courses, but highly diversified belonging to lower middle class
access every single detail about
Muslim social life occupied neighborhoods in Metros and
you, irrespective of your loca‑
greater space. small towns were transcending
tion, whistleblower Edward
"Muslims are divided on the their economic status, Ahmed
Snowden says in his much‑await‑
basis of caste, class and regional said.
ed memoir "Permanent Record"
lines," said Ahmed. The caste, Ahmed said Muslim political
released this week.
class and gender were not only groups operated within the con‑
Snowden, who served as an
sociological indicators to offer a stitutional framework and their
officer of the CIA and worked as
context‑specific view of Muslim demands were made through the
a contractor for the National
backwardness, but also played a language of rights and the law.
Security Agency (NSA), rocked "No matter the place, no matter onage system ‑ from targeted
role in shaping the nature of They (Muslim political groups)
the world in 2013 after he the time, and no matter what you surveillance of individuals to
Muslim engagements with dif‑ highlight Muslim's contribution
revealed that the US was secretly do, your life has now become an mass surveillance ‑ took effect.
ferent forms of politics, he in nation‑building and focus on
building a way to collect the data open book," Snowden writes. The title of the book refers to the
added. the Muslim unity, Ahmed said,
of every person in the world, The 339‑page memoir pub‑ system of storing data perma‑
Unlike the Muslim elites of the but it was qualified in the sense
including phone calls, text mes‑ lished by Macmillan details how nently and the dangers associat‑
1960s and 1970s, who came pri‑ of self‑identification as minority.
sages and email. the change in the American espi‑ ed with it.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info IMMIGRATION October 5-11, 2019 35

By Suchitra Srinivas

W
hatʼs in store for you on the other
side of the globe? Green bucks, big
mansion, luxury cars and robots to
UNTOLD ROLE REVERSAL,
a challenge of immigration
wash, clean and do your chores, uninterrupted
water and power supply, clean roads, less
crowd in malls and shops ̶ yes, you can have
it all, but alongside comes an unexpected role
reversal challenge. There are new avatars and
untold adjustment stories of immigrants to the Asian immigrants, Harish too found himself in
US that go unnoticed.
“When I landed in the US, I was pregnant, I
Starting a new an IT career, which was a huge reversal and he
could not reconcile soon enough. The very
dreamt of walking on Wall Street dressed in the
best of formal clothes, entering a high‑rise
biweekly column pride of being an IIT‑MIT alumnus used to taunt
him. Of course, there are many like
office building. Little did I realize that I would
be called a ʻdependentʼ here for the next 10
that traces the Raghavendran, now in his seventies, who had
everything as planned ̶ degrees from
American universities, a dream job, family and
years and these thoughts would just remain in
my dreams forever. Me, a dependent on my lives of Indian loving, well‑groomed children and grand‑chil‑
dren. Sounds perfect? If you ask him, he may
husband? How can that be? I am well‑educated,
hold a degree from one of the top professional diaspora, disagree. “There was a big role reversal and
adjustment that I had to make at every stage.
colleges in India, and was employed before
coming here,” kept pondering Anita Rajan. Then capturing Something always made me feel lonely and
less‑wanted.” He accepts being jealous of the
came the answer, “You do not have the support
of the right syllables on the paper.”
They meant to say that instead of H1B, all she
their adjustment new, young immigrants who he believes have a
smooth sailing in their career path in the IT sec‑
had was H4 stamping on her visa. “Thatʼs not a
big deal, I can always apply for one,” she
struggles as tor.
The Indian immigrants mentioned above are
remained optimistic. Unfortunately, it took her
ten years to get work authorization. In the
well as true representation of thousands of real men
and women who experience both pleasant and
rude shocks of the role reversal challenge. Well,
meantime, she became a mother to two beauti‑
ful daughters and had to assume many roles in success stories. then why anyone would still stand in long
her home ̶mother, teacher, nanny, cook, driv‑ queues to acquire a US visa? Because this coun‑
er and maid ̶ all of which didnʼt generate any impact of ever‑rising insurance costs because of Bhavna, who had dreams of practicing as a doc‑ try has some magical allure. Sure, it thrusts a
income. After ten years, when she became eligi‑ getting traffic tickets for sundry violations. Still tor here. There are others like Janaki Sowmyan, role reversal challenge upon everyone but it
ble to work, she was not sure if she wanted to more compelling is the adjustment stories of who is in her mid‑thirties. She was termed ʻdull also prepares one to face it. And no one is ever
pursue her dream anymore. Questions haunted those in the medical profession. Landing with headʼ at the Chennai school where she studied. left with no role to play.
her, “Can I drive to work, can I fit into formal degrees from India that would have cost them a She began attending a computer programing
attire? Do I still remember what I did at work fortune to acquire, such women eventually class at a public library and suddenly felt inter‑ Suchitra Srinivas
ten years ago?” encounter bitter experiences in their lives. ested in the knowledge she had gained and is a
On the other hand, the story of Maheswari “Wow! When I boarded the flight as the newly‑ decided to get a degree that would land her a
journalist based
Jangannathan hailing from a remote village wed wife of a young medico in America ̶ the well‑paid job in the software industry. She now
at New Jersey.
near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu was quite dif‑ land with the most advancement in the medical nets a higher salary than that of her spouse
who holds a doctorate in biochemistry and She can be
ferent. As she entered this country with L4 visa, field ̶ I thought my life was going to be so
exciting. Though many said that I have to pur‑ works for a prestigious pharma lab! contacted at
she had the luxury of settling into worklife in
no time. However, having studied in a Tamil sue higher education to practice as a doctor, I These adjustments are not confined to suchitrasrini‐
medium school, coping with English conversa‑ never knew I had to start from scratch. The five women only. Here is the tale of a studious IIT vas0824
tions in the new clerical job proved a night‑ years of toil and the lakhs of rupees I spent in graduate who never enjoyed a childhood @gmail.com. Column first
mare, not to speak of her car driving travails. medical college was not valued one bit here. because he toiled day and night to move to the published in DTNext
Any time she heard the traffic carʼs siren, even Why should I start all over again, I asked myself US to study at MIT. All went as per plan but he
newspaper. Reproduction by
when at her office desk, she would feel butter‑ and settled for a non‑medical career. It was a found that his economic status and job satisfac‑
tion in the non‑IT sector was limited. Like other
special arrangement
flies in her stomach. She was petrified by the huge adjustment I made in my life,” said

EB-4 Visa: Religious Workers

By Michael Phulwani,
Esq. and Dev B.
Viswanath, Esq.

T VISA
is associated with the religious gious workers called the R‑1 sional who understands the
he EB‑4 visa is an employ‑ denomination in the U.S. Visa. While the two categories process of foreign national reli‑
ment‑based immigrant 4 Have been employed in one are related and similar, they are gious workers.
visa for special religious

TALK
of the above positions after the parallel and anyone or organiza‑ Any dependents of EB‑4 nonim‑
employees. Ministers/Priests and age of 14, either abroad or in the tion considering bringing reli‑ migrants, spouse and unmarried
non‑ministers in religious voca‑ U.S., for two continuous years gious workers to their religious children under the age of 21, will
tions and occupations may enter immediately before the filing of a institution or entities should need to apply for derivative fami‑
or adjust status in the U.S. to per‑ petition. Both the employing review them carefully with an ly visas once the principal appli‑
form religious work as a full‑time least two years immediately non‑profit religious organization experienced immigration profes‑ cant is approved.
compensated employee. There is before the filing of a petition. and the religious employee must
a cap of 5,000 employees who The religious denomination must provide supporting documents Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
may be issued a visa under the be a bona‑fide non‑profit reli‑ along with the proper forms. The Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC
EB‑4 category if they will be gious organization in the US. religious organization must pro‑ in the United States,
employed as a non‑minister – 4 Come to the U.S. to work in vide proof of tax‑exempt status and Banad Immigration in India for which
they include those within a reli‑ a full time, compensated position and proof of salaried or non‑ Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated
gious vocation or occupation as either salaried compensation. The reli‑ as Of Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan,
engaging in either a professional * A minister of that religious gious employee must provide Queens, Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is
or non‑professional role. There is denomination; proof of membership, documen‑ able to assist clients with all facets of the
no cap for those employed as a * A religious vocation or pro‑ tation showing that religious immigration process, including
minister. fession in a professional or non‑ Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
worker is qualified to perform
To qualify as a special immi‑ professional position Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
the duties of the proposed posi‑
grant religious employee, the for‑ 4 Employed for either a Citizenship and Green Card Applications
tion, and proof of previous reli‑
* Bona fide non‑profit religious based on Family or Employment. Dev B.
eign individual must: gious work.
organization in the U.S.; or Viswanath can be reached at
4 Have been a member of a There is a similar non‑immi‑ [email protected] and 718‑361‑5999.
religious denomination for at * Bona fide organization that grant category of visa for reli‑
 36 October 5-11, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

Why we should all be walking backwards for our health

W
ant to get ahead? Just mainland China fell into a lake and saw factories and bungee jump
back up. T he ancient drowned. He gave up the sport decks. Most importantly, watch out
Chinese tradit ion of entirely after that. for small Mexicans.
walking backwards for health is Q: Isn't walking backwards really In other news, a young lady
spreading like wildfire around the slow? named Justine Elizabeth wrote on
world. More than 20 countries A: No. A guy called Garret Doherty Facebook: 'Illiturate people are
have set up 'retro‑stepping' organi‑ in the UK ran a mile backwards in really making me mad.' You go,
zations, including India, Malaysia, less than seven minutes last month. girl. Smack them illiturates without
Argent ina, France, T he Most people couldn't run a mile for‑ mersi. New generation writers
Netherlands, etc. I heard this from wards in seven minutes, or in the often present us with puzzles. A
a reader who went to a walking case of my completely spherical girl called Lexa told internet read‑
backwards event in South Africa former boss, seven years. ers about a visit she had just had
and had a brilliant time except for Q: Is there anything bad about from a young man. 'All I can smell
when he fell over a small Mexican walking backwards? is his colon,' she lamented. I really
and broke his skull. 'A bit of brain A: Three things. First, you look REALLY hope this was a misprint
fell out, but not much,' he told me. silly. Second, observers always for 'cologne'.
'I still have plenty.' A: No, because you choose a path while the front parts of the body make the same joke, shouting: Talking of spelling, US presiden‑
I walk backwards myself from clear of those things. But you fre‑ and the head are very tender. Hee 'You're going the wrong way.' And tial candidate Mitt Romney was
time to time, and it DOES make quently hit phone‑starers. hee hee. third, if you see an incredibly cute mocked when his staff accidentally
your muscles feel pleasantly loose Q: Don't they see you coming? Q: Do you apologize to people person of the opposite sex, it's spelled America as Amercia. That's
and flexible. Here are the questions A: No. Phone‑starers are primi‑ you bump into? REALLY hard to stalk them. nothing compared to probably the
we backward walkers are always tive small‑brained beasts who A: Yes, but I don't mean it. Q: Do you miss stalking people? all time greatest political spelling
asked. meander through urban areas, Sometimes, I even manage not to A: yeah, but a guy's gotta make mistake. In 2010, a candidate for
Q: When you walk backwards, their gaze locked on to the phones laugh as I pick them up. some sacrifices to keep in shape. governor had his name misspelled
how do you see where you are they hold. Q: Do you ever get hurt yourself? Q: What advice would you give to on voting machines in black neigh‑
going? Q: Does it hurt when you crash A: Sure! From time to time we a beginner who has never done it borhoo ds in Chicago. Richard
A: You don't! That's the fun part. into them? backward‑walkers stroll of f clif fs before? Whitney was accidentally spelled
Q: Don't you crash into stuff like A: No. The back parts of your and die. This can really spoil your A: Avoid piers, cliff edges, ships, 'Rich Whitey'. Yeah, he probably
lampposts? body and your head are tough, day. A guy walking backwards in hospital surgical theatres, chain‑ lost a few votes.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN
New York Head Quarter
422‑S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801
By Mahendra Shah
516‑827‑1010
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession,
artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording
the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his
cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY October 5-11, 2019 37

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

OCTOBER 5‑11, 2019

Aries: You are likely to ace the com‑ Cancer: You will manage to find a Libra: Solid returns may be expect‑ Capricorn: On the romantic front, a
petition on the academic front by the workable solution to a professional ed in a real estate deal. You will feel stranger may have a mysterious
dint of your hard work. Your competi‑ problem and get the nod from high‑ nice spending time with people you attraction for you, but stars advice
tive spirit and diehard ambition keeps you er ups. You may long for a change, as daily were recently acquainted with this week. caution. Your life path gets clearer and
in top form. If you keep your timing right, it routine appears most unexciting, so start Your gift of the gab will need to be substan‑ more defined on the academic front. Assess
will be difficult to miss a good opportunity. planning on a vacation. Moodiness of lover tiated with ground work to impress higher the marketability of what you buy in bulk
The week appears enjoyable, as you get to may put paid to your romantic aspirations. ups. It is best to get a hint from spouse beforehand to prevent losses. Getting
spend it w ith friends and re lat ives. Read the market well before putting your before buying a gift, as he or she may have stressed out over an issue is a possibility
Promotion or raise in on the anvil for those money in it or you may burn your fingers. other ideas. towards end of this week. Developing con‑
serving with the government or with top You manage to stick to your exercise Focussing on your own self will benefit tacts with influential people is likely to ease
MNCs. regime, despite frequent interruptions. health and keep you fit. personal problems.
Taurus: Expect a few challenges on Leo: Those in the government serv‑ Scorpio: Your excellent contribution Aquarius: You are an outright extro‑
the academic front, but will be up to ice may look forward to a profitable to a project or an assignment can put vert and take immense pleasure in
it! A symptom may come as a warn‑ wee k. It is goo d to show of f to you in a special category at work. making people sit up and take note.
ing to you to avoid excesses. Falling in love friends, but donʼt loosen the purse strings You may not be able to recover the full T his trait comes in handy at work to
seems a distinct possibility for the lonely too much. Students can expect a little tough, amount in a transaction. Homemakers will impress higher ups! Regular workout with
hearts. A long journey proves comfortable. but satisfying week. Your efficiency at work take steps to make the home environment friends is likely to make exercising fun. Find
You will be able to give your best to a task is likely to get noticed. Convey your ideas cheerful. Taking a break from your hectic time to learn a new skill or hone your tal‑
at hand. clearly, if you want people to listen to you. schedule seems difficult, but you will need ents. Both businesspersons and the salaried
A delayed payment may finally be received. A major purchase is on the anvil, so go all to take time out. will find the week monetarily favourable.
A lot of work on the domestic front may out for it. Ill health poses no problems for Donʼt leave anything to chance, especially in You will manage to build up on savings by
impinge on your personal time. those pursuing their passion. exams or competition. becoming frugal in your spending.
Gemini: Your ideas are likely to click Virgo: A chance encounter with Sagittarius: Chance of settling down Pisces: Meeting friends is likely to be
towards mid of the week on the pro‑ someone influential is likely to solve in holy matrimony is possible for high on your agenda this week. Your
fessional front. Your emotional sup‑ your current problems. Remain the eligible. Time management will loving and caring nature will be
port and a sympathetic ear to someone dis‑ truthful, even if the situation goes against be essential at work. Engineers and archi‑ appreciated by one and all. Cheque or cash
tressed will prove a healing balm to him or your interests. Joining partner in another tects are likely to win a prestigious project. for an outstanding amount may be received
her. Those seeking employment are likely location is indicated and nearness will pro‑ Your professional competence is certain to soon. You will need to guide someone
to get a call soon. A product purchased vide a sense of fulfilment. Setting aside impress all and get you a lot of lucrative regarding a new job or task, so be prepared
recently will help to make life easier. Home some time for yourself will help achieve opportunities. Your busy schedule will keep for it. Much ef fort may go into preparing
remedies come in real handy in curing a mental calmness. Donʼt sit on the judge‑ you on your toes, but keep you fit! Desist for something important on the academic
minor ailment. You may attend a gathering ment seat, if you feel biased as you may from consuming exposed food and drinks front. This is not the week to experiment
towards the end of this week. wrong someone. to avoid misery. with a new dish.

October 5, 2019 institutions would enable you to

Ruled by number 5 and the planet ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK streamline your present projects.
Mercury. You are an imaginative, New job opportunities for those in
practical, honest, brilliant and simple. gathering and activities would be important govt. authorities in various and have strong likes and dislikes. service are quite imminent. Romance
Youʼre co‑operative and helpful per‑ beneficial in establishing new and departments will improve. Children You are fond of cleanliness and like to and new alliances look likely for the
son and enjoy enormous respect in long lasting ties. Property matters may cause some dissatisfaction, but devote special time to improve the unattached. Elders and children in the
your friendʼs circle, but you need to will materialize. Financially this year your spouse will provide you with surrounding where you reside, but family will demand a lot of your
check your tendency to behave jeal‑ might not bring results that you have lots of love and affection. The months you need to control your tendency to attention. Health of your spouse may
ous and stubborn at times. been dreaming for long. of October, January, March and June behave dictatorial, aggressive and cause concern and anxiety. Spiritual
New proposals and assignments Opportunities for a new job and will prove to be highly eventful. moody at times. gains for some later in the year.
would improve your income and assignments would be plenty but job Major changes in your career or August, November, January and May
prosperity. Although there would be a satisfaction seems unlikely. A sudden October 8, 2019 occupation seem evident. New money will be result oriented.
rise in expenses but increase in earn‑ influence of a person from the oppo‑ Influenced by number 8 and the making opportunities would be highly
ings would take care of your needs. site sex will give a new and interest‑ planet Saturn. You are authoritative, alluring. Though sudden gains and October 11, 2019
Your strong willpower and determi‑ ing twist to your life. Travelling will practical, systematic, friendly and losses are foreseen. Your monetary Influenced by number 2 and the
nation would see you emerge victori‑ be pleasurable and highly exciting. sober. You are smart and capable of position would improve in the long Moon, you are active, imaginative, sim‑
ous in whatever task you undertake. Friends would be helpful and sup‑ handling many important activities at run. Health, subordinates and legal ple, trustworthy and impressive. You
Travel would be undertaken quite fre‑ portive to your concerns. Some gains one time, but you need to check your matters might trouble you off and on, are fond of travelling to distant places
quently and would be important in through inheritance also seem high tendency to behave, impatient, spend‑ but improved living standard and new and learn more about different cultures
establishing new and important ties. on your cards. Pilgrimage or a distant thrift and jealous at times. and important relationships that you and people, but you need to check you
Difference of opinion with your fami‑ journey with the family for some. The This year the extra effort that you build during this period would be on tendency to behave moody and highly
ly members would bring some stress‑ months of August, September and might have to put in your work would the brighter side. Children expected to unpredictable at times.
ful moments at home. Certain losses March will prove to be highly result have tremendous positive ef fect on bring in some thrilling news later in This year promises good and unyield‑
due to overconfidence in others and oriented. your career and occupation. New the year. Distant journeys, maybe ing returns. Take extra precautions
speculation cannot be ruled out. source of income is likely to enhance overseas for some would be highly before making any major investments.
Children will win laurels in their October 7, 2019 your prosperity. You should invest in pleasurable and rewarding. T he Those involved in art, writing and other
respective fields and would be sup‑ Ruled by number 7 and the planet real estate and fixed deposits for long months of October, November, creative professions should expect
portive and understanding towards Neptune. You are intelligent, sensi‑ term gains. Frequent and fruitful February and June seem to be highly recognition and monetary benefits.
you. T he months of October, tive, adaptable, charming, independ‑ journeys are likely to keep you on the beneficial. Sudden help from an influential person
February and June would be highly ent and kind hearted. You enjoy a move. Children would do well in stud‑ will bring a major boost to your career
significant. good position and respect at your ies and make you feel proud. Later in October 10, 2019 and prosperity. Later in the year you
work place, but you need to control the year influence of a spiritual per‑ Governed by number 1 and the are likely to get involved in construc‑
October 6, 2019 your tendency towards extravagance, son would be a source of inspiration planet Sun, you are original, attrac‑ tion or designing activities for yourself
Ruled by number 6 and the planet recklessness and to dominate others. in your life. Health would definitely tive, warm hearted and philosophical or for others. Financially you would be
Venus. You are kind hearted, gener‑ This year you are going to do major need more attention, especially for in nature. You are admired by those in a much better state and you would
ous, simple, accommodating, love changes in your style of working. You those suf fering from asthma, bron‑ around you for your ability to take find your confidence and morale very
peace and harmony. You have a are also going to be more particular chitis and high blood pressure. The quick and courageous decisions, but high. Matrimonial alliances for some
strong memory and an ability to about your health and looks. Gains months of September, December and you need to check your tendency to around the yearend. Judicial matters
impress others with your intelligent from investment and speculation will April will prove to be significant. behave quarrelsome, impatient and might not bring in the desired results,
and witty conversation. but you need improve your financial positions. short‑tempered at times. This year therefore avoid getting involved in legal
to control your tendency to be extrav‑ Long pending legal matters will be October 9, 2019 you will gain from your ability to do complications. Children will be support‑
agant, reckless and moody at times. sorted out to your satisfaction. Ruled by number 9 and the planet smart business and you would also ive and bring in some happy and good
This year plenty of important func‑ Promotions or increments are likely Mars. You are energetic, dashing, build up excellent rapport with emi‑ news later in the year. September,
tion and religious ceremonies would to take place later in the year for courageous, enthusiastic and remark‑ nent people in public and private sec‑ December, April and July will especially
be performed in the family. Social some of you. Your rapport with the ably brilliant. You are highly cultured tor. Favours from banks and financial prove to be significant.
 38 October 5-11, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Peace, harmony and

human unity
to God for something, and God
did not grant their wish. Later
they came to learn that receiving
the wish would not have been a
good thing after all. Will a mother
By Sant Rajinder Singh allow the child to have poison?
Ji Maharaj The child may cry for it and
throw a tantrum, but if it is poi‑

I
f we were to look down upon son, the mother will not grant it.
this physical world from a high Instead the mother will give the
vantage point, we would find child what is best for him or her.
the light of billions of souls shim‑ The child may not realize it at the
mering throughout the world. time, but as the child grows and
Like a foaming sea, they move learns, the child is grateful for all
about from one life to another, the things the mother denied him
from one form of living thing to or her that were ultimately not
another. All the souls, when seen good.
in their true perspective, are the Many people are anxious about
same. They are all a part of God's making choices. The way to be
consciousness; they are all Light, sure we make the right choices
and they all have an innate bliss. about what to pray for is to pray
But if we look at the condition that God gives us what is best for
of our world, we are appalled and us. God makes no mistake. Rather
shocked by the suffering and pain than pray for something that may
each form of life is undergoing. or may not be the best for us, let
We find strife and dissension us pray for Godʼs will for us.
throughout the world. We find If we relax and rest in Godʼs
countries at war. Many nations will, we will find that everything
are embroiled in internal con‑ works out for the best in the long
flicts. We see religious groups at run. Meditation is a process of
odds with each other. Community relaxing in Godʼs will. Meditation
strife is widespread. Even within provides a time when we can let
families we find discord and go of all clutching and praying for
disharmony. We find human this thing and that. It is a time in
beings killing various forms of which we sit in a state of stillness
life, including other human (Image courtesy: stockphotos.ro) and surrender to Godʼs will. It is a
beings. chance to let go of all our wants
and desires.
We wonder how there can be so
much pain and turmoil caused by through from its mother. A mother sheep
found the lion cub frightened and
are. When our body and mind are
still, we can see our own true self We merely sit in a receptive
people who have within them the
same divinity of God. This seem‑
meditation alone in the wilderness. Out of
compassion, the sheep took the
as soul.
Meditation is a practical
mood and ask God to grant what
is best for us. We will find that
ing "fragmentation" of God into so The various religious and spiri‑ cub and raised her as her very method in which we can discover God will give us much more than
many souls was meant to bring an tual traditions have more com‑ own. The cub grew up with the our true self as soul and achieve we had expected.That is the
increase in the Lord's happiness. monalities than differences. The other sheep and began acting like spiritual consciousness by reunit‑ secret to enlightened living.
Just as a couple bear children to common core of each is the same. them. Crying, “Baaah, baaah,” it ing our soul with the higher Through meditation, we will
increase their mutual love and They believe in a higher power, even began to believe it was also Power. It is a way to discover our find the treasure of spiritual
joy, so did God bring about the although called by different a sheep. true purpose in life and to reach pearls to enlightened living that
creation of so many souls, so names, which created all of us. One day, a lion came by and the goal of enlightenment in this will bring us peace, happiness,
many children. Yet the result is They also believe that we have a thought it strange to hear this lifetime. In this way, we can and bliss. God wants us to live in
far from what was intended. We spiritual core within us created by young lion baaahing like a sheep. uncover who we really are and eternal peace and bliss in the
who are moving packets of bliss the higher Power. They also The lion asked, “Why are you can truly say that we know our‑ spiritual realm.
and all‑consciousness are aware speak of tapping into this spiritu‑ making sounds like you are a selves.
of great pain and torment. al side of ourselves through sheep?” The young lion said,
The essence of
If we could return to our true prayer, meditation, or inversion to “Because I am a sheep.”
Enlightened
state and realize we are soul, we uncover our Source. While lan‑
guage, terminology, and customs
The lion said, “Come with me.” It religion
would find lasting peace and
ecstasy. If we could tap deeply differ, at the heart of all are prac‑
brought the young lion to a pool
of water. “Look down into the still
living Saints from every religion teach
tices that connect our true There is a quotation by the the same truth. They help us find
within ourselves, penetrating pool,” said the lion. When the
essence, the soul, with the higher great Greek philosopher, Socrates. the common elements in each.
beyond the outer form of this young lion looked down, it
Power. He said, “Our prayers should be They have love and respect for
physical body and mind, we jumped back startled to see a
Saints, Masters, spiritual teach‑ for blessings in general, for God other great saints and the world's
would find a wellspring of eternal lionʼs face staring back at it.”
ers, and enlightened beings, such knows best what is good for us.” religions. They recognize that
peace and happiness. We would “See! You are a lion,” the older
as Buddha, Jesus Christ, This quote coincides with the they are teaching the same Truth.
discover the secret of unity lion told him. “That is who you
Mahavira, Moses, Krishna, Rama, prayer to God to give us whatever Although outer languages, cul‑
underlying this Universe. really are.”
Guru Nanak, Kabir, Maulana is good for us. tures, customs, and the way of
We are in the same predicament
Rumi, St.Teresa of Avila, Mira Bai, Time and again, whenever we dressing and greeting may differ
Honoring Hazur Baba and many others
as the lion. We think we are the
body and the mind. We do not demand something from God that from country to country, the
essence of religions is the same:
saints and came to help connect people of
their times with the divine within
realize that we are soul.
We are not sheep; we are
is continually denied to us, it is
usually because we are asking for there is one God, we are children
of one Creator, and our purpose is
founders of all them.
To understand the role of saints
lions̶true sons and daughters of
the Divine. The stillness of medi‑
something that is not good for us
ultimately. to know ourselves, know God, and

religions and Masters, there is a story

about a lion cub that became lost
tation is the reflecting pool in There have been many
instances in which people prayed
love all.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
which we can see who we really
TheSouthAsianTimes.info October 5-11, 2019

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